In this episode of Epic Realms, we sit down with legendary author and game designer Bruce Nesmith to explore his incredible career spanning decades of storytelling. From his early days at TSR, crafting unforgettable adventures for Dungeons & Dragons in settings like Ravenloft and Spelljammer, to his influential work as a freelancer across the tabletop RPG industry, Bruce has helped shape the worlds we love.

We dive into his time at Bethesda, where he played key roles in iconic titles like Skyrim, Fallout, and Starfield. Now enjoying retirement, Bruce continues to share his imagination through original fantasy novels. This is an unforgettable conversation with a true titan of fantasy and gaming! ---------------------- Check out our Sponsor Factor75 - Chef made meals delivered to your door! Use my link to get 50% off and free shipping on your first Factor box! https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms Code: FACTORSE69608

Jim Zub is a powerhouse in the world of comics and storytelling. Known for his work on Dungeons & Dragons, Avengers, Conan the Barbarian, and creator-owned series like Skullkickers and Wayward, Jim blends action, humor, and heart in everything he writes. Join us as we dive into his creative career, his love for RPGs, and the stories behind some of your favorite characters and comics! https://www.jimzub.com/ Also check out our Sponsor at Factor75

ou can try it out today and get 50% off your first order plus free shipping with my code FACTORSE69608. That’s FACTORSE69608—check it out and support the show at the same time! https://strms.net/factor75_epic_realms

James L. Sutter is a co-creator of the Pathfinder and Starfinder RPGs. During his time at Paizo (2004–2017), he helped shape Pathfinder, launched Starfinder as Creative Director, and oversaw the Pathfinder Tales novel line.

He’s the author of the queer YA romances Darkhearts and The Ghost of Us, as well as the award-winning fantasy novels Death’s Heretic and The Redemption Engine. His work has appeared in Nightmare, F&SF, Escape Pod, and more. In addition to writing comics, essays, and tabletop content, he has contributed to video games and bestselling anthologies. In this episode we catch up with him where we left off, we also talk about sharing his voice in the writing world, his shift from writing fiction to writing YA (young adult) Romance stories. And how he has gotten to return to thing things he loved about roleplaying games.

Today's guest is an award-nominated game designer and writer with an impressive portfolio. They’ve worked with industry giants like Paizo and Green Ronin and contributed to renowned franchises such as Cyberpunk, Fallout, Star Trek, Dishonored, and more!

In this episode, we dive into their journey into the gaming world, how they broke into the industry, and their experiences crafting adventures. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of freelancing for some of the biggest names in tabletop games as well as talk about some of their works as an author.

New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne returns to Epic Realms to share updates on his latest projects, creative insights, and journey as a writer. We dive into his expansion across multiple genres, his experiences in publishing, and his independent imprint, Horned Lark Press.

Kevin also discusses Coyote Run, his upcoming collaboration with Lilith Saintcrow, and provides exciting updates on fan-favorite series, including Ink & Sigil, the Iron Druid Chronicles, and The Seven Kennings. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode is packed with must-hear details!

Don't miss this fantastic conversation with Kevin Hearne!

Carlos Cabrera is an ENNIE-winning game designer, writer, and voice actor with a passion for storytelling and world-building. As the founder of Something Clever Games, he has contributed to Pathfinder RPG, Dungeons & Dragons 5E, and numerous other TTRPG projects. He is the lead designer for the upcoming Welcome to Night Vale Roleplaying Game, bringing the surreal world of the beloved podcast to tabletop. In addition to game design, Carlos has worked as a voice actor and industry event contributor. Join us as we dive into his journey, insights, and what’s next for him in the world of gaming! Carlos Cabrera's Site https://somethingclevergames.com/ Welcome to Night Vale RPG link https://renegadegamestudios.com/welcome-to-night-vale-roleplaying-game/

B. Dave Walters is a celebrated storyteller, writer, and TTRPG personality, renowned for his work as a Dungeon Master on The Black Dice Society and his appearances in numerous other tabletop gaming shows. He is a writer for Dungeons & Dragons comics and worked on the Marvel’s Multiverse RPG, as well as a key creator behind the Kickstarter-backed Into The Motherlands RPG. A passionate advocate for representation and diversity, B. Dave captivates audiences with his dynamic characters, immersive storytelling, and vibrant worlds. Tune in to Epic Realms as we explore his creative journey and the art of storytelling!

Join us for an exciting episode of Epic Realms as we welcome back the talented Matt Forbeck, the mastermind behind the Marvel RPG! In this episode, host Nick dives deep into Matt's journey from the playtest phase to the successful launch of the Marvel multiverse game.

Discover how Matt and his team transformed the game based on player feedback, streamlined the mechanics, and created a system that feels authentically Marvel. We discuss the evolution of the game, the various expansions that have been released, and what players can expect from the upcoming Spider-Verse book.

Matt shares his experiences working with Marvel, his passion for Spider-Man, and the unique dynamic of collaborating with his son, Marty, on various projects. Plus, we touch on the importance of playtesting and how it shapes the final product.

Whether you're a seasoned RPG player or a Marvel fan, this episode is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss!