Episode 43 - Winning with the worst faction in Root - The Winter Tournament may be over, but one player's storyline will live forever. Sam and Kyle chat with legendary Root player WalrasLaw about his stunning success with the Corvid Conspiracy, his love for underdog factions, and his clash with our very own MSR. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam De Roest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and t...
May 05, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 46
Episode 42 - The Competitive Conversation Continues - The Semi-Finals of the Root Winter Tournament have ended and we’re headed for the endgame! Lily Gould and Guerric Samples return to the pod to discuss the evolving meta, the shifting win rates, and the current (and ever-changing) dynamics of the competitive Root scene. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tact...
Apr 28, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 45
Episode 41 - An Ironclad Strategy - The Marauders Expansion has landed (for most of you)! So let’s breakdown the big new legitimate threat the table; the dutiful delvers known as The Keepers In Iron. Once players solve their intricate puzzle of relic recovery, they can lead the Badgers to certain domination (Not a Domination victory, just, you know, winning) Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and ...
Apr 21, 2022•2 hr 14 min•Ep. 44
Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Support the show and hear bonus ROOTPARDY content, over at Good Time Society’s Patreon ! Find the crew on socials: @thejakemichels @SamDeRoest @kyle_acheson @goodtimesociety Find more from GOOD TIME SOCIETY...
Apr 14, 2022•1 min•Ep. 43
Episode 40 - Draughts - One Sunday evening, after Sam’s Round 3 victory in the Root Winter Tournament, the team gathered for a round of practice drafts! Once per map, twice per deck, the crew dealt random factions on the table and hashed out the strategies and synergies of pre-game picks. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest s...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 42
Episode 39 - Randomness and You - Root contains a number of randomly generated outcomes - from draft choices to battle dice to card draws. Understanding that randomness and calculating your odds is important for optimal decision making. In this confounding conversation, the crew tackles Randomly Generated Numbers and Logical Fallacies. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they ex...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 41
Episode 38 - Corvid Calculus - The VS Guides close out the Underworld expansion with a careful look at the greenest of factions; the Corvid Conspiracy. Though “easy” to thwart in the points department, players still need to counter the crows’ capability of creating favorable board-states. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest s...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 40
Episode 37 - Tactics and Tension - Fresh off their Round Two games in the Winter Tournament, the crew breaks down the mental mechanics of PLAYING Root versus TALKING Root. Whether it’s a high-pressure competitive setting, or a casual game with friends, finding the path to victory requires a healthy headspace. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and trade...
Mar 10, 2022•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 39
Episode 36 - Drowning the Duchy - The VS Guides resumes with an exploration of the Underworld’s uber-obtrusive Underground Duchy. Whether they’re smol, swol, or diggin holes, learn the intricacies of stopping this defensively powerful (glowing) red faction. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Supp...
Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 38
Episode 35 - The Root RPG Design Chat - Fresh off their caper with the cats of Tenwood, the crew returns to the RPG table with special guest Mark Truman, one of the lead designers of the Root Role Playing Game and CEO of Magpie Games! The team explores the rigors and rewards of creating a woodland sandbox true to the lore of Root. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 37
Episode 34 - WWM plays the Root RPG - Sit down by the fire, friend. I’ve concocted a wonderous tale for you. A fantastic mixture of curiosity and cunning, stirred with a splash intrigue, and topped with a dash of arson. The illustrious Becca Scott joins the crew for their first foray into the fables of the forest. This episode of Woodland War Machine is sponsored by Magpie Games . Creators and publishers of the ROOT ROLE PLAYING GAME ! AND! Subscribe to the Patreon for our Session Zero character...
Feb 17, 2022•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 36
Episode 33 - We Agreed Not To Buy - The VS Guide series continues with a deep dive into the easiest-to-interact-with faction: The Riverfolk Company! These river-riding retailers really need the cooperation of others at the table to get ahead - the crew breaks down when to buy (”never”...except, “sometimes”) and how to watch for an impending Otter-based victory. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, a...
Feb 10, 2022•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 35
Episode 32 - Gabbin’ with Guerric - The crew sits down with Root Winter Tournament organizer and content creator Guerric Samples for a hard-hitting, no-punches pulled, in-your-face confrontational interview. Topics tackled include the tourney so far, the future of Root, and his love for train-games! NOTE: Today’s Episode INCLUDES ROOTPARDY! Guerric’s performance couldn’t be hidden from the public. For other episodes of this hit trivia show critics are calling “incredibly specific”, Subscribe to ...
Feb 03, 2022•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 34
Episode 31 - Pro-Reptile Propaganda - “Why did we let Sam write this one?” Kyle asked. In this latest entry to the VS Guides, the crew discusses the delicate balance of allowing the Lizard Cult a presence in the Woodland...while stopping them from taking the win. AND! Subscribe to the Patreon for bonus ROOTPARDY content! Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tacti...
Jan 27, 2022•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 33
Episode 30 - Punitive Measures - The crew cracks open the many vulnerabilities of the woodland factions - the game elements that can shake the foundations of a player’s plan. Plus, Jake and Sam square off in the trial of the season: Fear of the Faithful V. Price of Failure, with Judge Kyle Acheson presiding. AND! Subscribe to the Patreon for bonus ROOTPARDY content (Episode 3 up now!) Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake...
Dec 23, 2021•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 32
Episode 29 - PUNCH 'EM - The lone wanderer of the woodland gets its due: We're learning how to stop that vicious little Vagabond from securing a victory. While "Punching" is the best advice, the crew explores all the intricacies of defending against this agile little agitator. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic war...
Dec 16, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 31
Episode 28 - T2: Judgement Say - The crew returns to the ever-present topic of Table Talkin'! Learn to navigate the roles and relationships amongst the players in the game - balancing heat, cutting through the BS, and employing the NED STARK MEMORIAL RULE OF MULTIPOLAR CONFLICT. AND! Subscribe to the Patreon for bonus ROOTPARDY content! Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they e...
Dec 09, 2021•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 30
Episode 27 - VS Woodland Alliance - The third installment of our VS Guide dives into the tactics for tackling the toasts on the table. Jake, Sam, and Kyle teach you how smother that sympathy and keep a watchful eye for those massive end game point swings. AND! Subscribe to the Patreon for bonus ROOTPARDY content! Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and t...
Dec 02, 2021•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 29
Episode 26 - Shoulda Been Episode 27 - Gather 'round denizens! The prophets of the Woodland have summoned you to this Fox Clearing in order to impart a list of GREAT WISDOMS upon your hearts and souls. BEHOLD: The 27 COMMANDMENTS of Root!* (*Game conditions may apply) Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 28
Episode 25 - Triggering Turmoil - The second installment of the VS Guides continues with a blueprint for bashing the birds. Jake, Sam and Kyle break down the many ways to trigger turmoil, consider the board state, and time your counters perfectly. This high-threat faction inspires some new brutal tactics, including one strategy Sam calls "Kick 'em while they're down Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoe...
Nov 11, 2021•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 27
Episode 24 - ADSET Breakdown - The crew breaks down the intricacies of the new ADVANCED SETUP: A collection of cards which replace the setup instructions on the back of faction boards. Along with the board updates, the ADSET mechanic is one of the few major balance changes to the game, and provides many new dynamics to the beginning rounds of Root! (Note: Signups for the Winter Tournament are now closed) Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board g...
Nov 04, 2021•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 26
Episode 23 - V.S. Guide 01 - In this first installment of WWM's new Versus Guides, the crew explores the dynamics of taking down a certain faction at the table. Today's target: The Marquise De Cat - though not generally considered a high-threat opponent, the Cats' area control and early game presence still makes them formidable opponent in the right hands. Learn how to take them down...without taking them out. And remember: DON'T STORM THE KEEP!* (*Conditions may apply) Woodland War Machine: the...
Oct 28, 2021•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 25
Episode 22 - Season 2 Premiere - We're back, baby! Sam, Kyle and Jake return from summer break refreshed and ready to talk Async games! Organizing a time to play is a major impediment to getting in the Root Reps - thankfully the glorious asynchronous mode of Root Digital is here to save the day. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the c...
Oct 21, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 24
Episode 21 - Season One Finale - Gather 'round ya'll, we're talking with Creator God...of the Woodland. The Crew sits down with the designer of Root, Cole Wehrle! They chat over a range of topics including asymmetrical game design, the future of Root, and maybe even a touch of Starcraft. Stick around towards the end for Cole's favorite Faction and Root Cards! Additionally, this episode marks the end of SEASON ONE - We'll be back in the Fall of 2021 with more Root content - come join the conversa...
Jul 22, 2021•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 23
Episode 20 - Card Rankings - Let's get opinionated! The WWM crew cracks open both the Standard Deck and Exiles & Partisans in order to RANK. ALL. THE. CARDS. Get ready for some heated debates, some cool persuasion, and more than a few hot takes. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Episode Link...
Jul 15, 2021•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 22
Episode 19 - Corvid Conspiracy - It's time to tear open the Crow playbook - flipping plots, talking to the table, and propping up some stooge so you can swoop in for the last minute victory. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Episode Links: [ Game 15 of 2021 SCPT Root Prelims ] [ Root: Winter Tou...
Jul 08, 2021•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 21
Episode 18 - Makin' Factions - Sam and Kyle sit down with Root Jam organizer and community member Bott_Bott for a cheerful chat on faction design, competitive competency, and the FINALISTS of Root Jam! Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Episode Links: [ B0tt_B0tt on twitch ][ And Youtube ] [ Dona...
Jul 01, 2021•42 min•Ep. 20
Episode 17 - Underground Duchy - It's Jank-Time, baby! The crew breaks down the battle bureaucracy behind those dangerous little diggers of the Woodland. We've got your swol mole, your smol mole, your bowl mole, your toll mole, your jello mold...wait...sorry, I haven't eaten. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warf...
Jun 24, 2021•2 hr 9 min•Ep. 19
Episode 16 - Tournaments and Stats - "HELLO!" Maker/Crafter/Gamer and Root Champion, Lily Gould joins the crew for a riotous rendition on tournament play, analyzing statistics, and loving the Lizard Cult. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the cutest strategic warfare game ever! Episode Links: [ Make Craft Game ] [ LilyG's Root Tournam...
Jun 17, 2021•56 min•Ep. 18
Episode 15 - Lizard Cult - Don those robes and plant those gardens - that's right, it's time to talk Lizards! This underdog faction needs a lot of love, and thankfully we adore these awkward little acolytes! The crew breaks down card priorities, garden maintenance, and the wonky faction matchups. Woodland War Machine: the podcast covering Leder Games' amazingly awesome asymmetric board game: ROOT! Join Jake Michels, Sam DeRoest, and Kyle Acheson as they explore the tactics and tradecraft of the ...
Jun 03, 2021•2 hr 8 min•Ep. 17
