What is Old Gods of Appalachia?
Old Gods of Appalachia is a skin-creepingly haunting podcast that explores the myths and monsters of an alternate-world Appalachia‚ a mountainous stretch of lonely valleys in the eastern United States․ It offers listeners a family-sized serving of stories in every episode․
Old Gods of Appalachia Podcast
Old Gods of Appalachia is a horror anthology podcast․ The series covers a vast timeline from the 17th to the early 20th century․ It involves dark forests‚ witches‚ demons‚ and the unstoppable push of industrialization in the Appalachian region․
Podcast Premise and Setting
The podcast is set in an alternate version of early 1900s Appalachia‚ where ancient horrors are entombed beneath the mountains․ These horrors stir beneath the picks of miners digging deeper into the earth․ Old Gods of Appalachia explores the powers in these mountains and their effects on the human communities living nearby․ The show never flinches from the worst of humanity․ The podcast sits at the pinnacle of the classic spooky storytelling tradition․ It is elevated further by the immersive soundscape and music․ The language used is lyrical and hypnotic․ It blends folk tales with the region’s real history to create ghost stories․
Horror Elements and Themes
Old Gods of Appalachia is a legitimately scary horror podcast that is not for the faint of heart․ It incorporates Lovecraftian and folk horror themes‚ creating a sense of creeping familiarity through references to American pastimes and historical events․ Despite being a podcast‚ it maintains a high fear factor․ Dark‚ impenetrable forests‚ witches‚ demons‚ and the unstoppable march of industrialization all contribute to the show’s horror elements․ The podcast explores the dark side of humanity‚ using real-world events and Appalachian history to enhance the horror․ It mines extra meaning and pathos from studying its history closely․
Old Gods of Appalachia RPG
Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game is a tabletop RPG by Monte Cook Games․ It adapts the horror podcast into a spooky gaming experience‚ set in an alternate Appalachia․
Published by Monte Cook Games
Monte Cook Games publishes the Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game‚ bringing the podcast’s dark vision to the tabletop․ The game was a result of a successful Kickstarter campaign‚ showcasing the community’s enthusiasm․ Monte Cook Games is known for its Cypher System‚ which powers Old Gods of Appalachia․ The Cypher System prides itself on flexibility and a range of options․
The RPG dives deeper into the lore‚ offering players a chance to explore the world․ Supplements like “Dig Your Own Grave” expand the gaming experience․ The game offers a spooky and appropriately haunting world for players․
Cypher System Rules
The Old Gods of Appalachia RPG utilizes the Cypher System ruleset‚ known for its narrative focus and ease of play․ The system emphasizes player agency and creative problem-solving‚ fitting the setting’s themes․ The Cypher System prides itself on flexibility and a range of options for players․
It focuses on character abilities and skills‚ encouraging descriptive actions over rigid mechanics․ The Cypher System helps to create a flexible and immersive role-playing experience․ Game Masters focus on crafting engaging stories‚ rather than being bogged down by complex rules․ The system powers other RPGs such as Numenera‚ which shows its versatility․ The system is designed for flexibility․
Setting of the Game and Podcast
The game and podcast are set in an alternate Appalachia in the early 20th century․ It speaks of the powers in the mountains and their effects on the human communities living there․
Alternate Appalachia in the Early 1900s
The Old Gods of Appalachia setting is primarily during the early nineteen hundreds‚ with some episodes set later and some before․ It’s an alternate version of early 1900s Appalachia where the mountains entomb ancient horrors․ These horrors stir under the picks of miners digging ever deeper․ This timeline spans from the 17th to the early 20th century․ It’s a world of dark‚ impenetrable forests‚ witches‚ demons‚ and the unstoppable push of industrialization․ The setting focuses on the powers in these mountains and their interaction with human communities in them․ The setting is not for the faint of heart․
States Covered in the Setting
The setting of Old Gods of Appalachia covers six states in Appalachia‚ including Pennsylvania‚ Kentucky‚ North Carolina‚ Tennessee‚ Virginia‚ and West Virginia․ This selection covers most of the main states within the Appalachian cultural area․ However‚ it is worth noting that not every state that touches the Appalachian cultural area is included‚ as northern Georgia is notably missing․ The series focuses on the lore and stories within these specific states․ These states are the canvas upon which the dark and compelling narratives of the podcast and RPG are painted․ It is a regional approach that dives deep into the heart of Appalachia․
Key Elements of Old Gods of Appalachia
Key elements include Lovecraftian/folk horror themes‚ dark impenetrable forests‚ witches‚ demons‚ and the unstoppable push of industrialization․ It also gleans from reality and real-world events‚ specifically those based in Appalachia‚ to enhance its ghost stories․
Lovecraftian/Folk Horror Themes
Old Gods of Appalachia masterfully blends Lovecraftian cosmic horror with Appalachian folk horror‚ creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere․ The podcast and RPG delve into dark‚ impenetrable forests and explore themes of witches‚ demons‚ and ancient‚ malevolent entities․ The setting draws upon old folk tales specific to the Appalachian region to craft ghost stories with specificity․
The influence of Lovecraftian horror is evident in the presence of ancient‚ unknowable powers that predate humanity‚ while folk horror elements are woven through the superstitions and beliefs of the Appalachian people․ This synthesis results in a narrative that is both familiar and deeply unsettling‚ tapping into primal fears and cultural anxieties․
Influence of Appalachian History and Folklore
Old Gods of Appalachia is deeply rooted in the history and folklore of the Appalachian region‚ weaving real-world events and local legends into its narrative fabric․ The creators‚ Cam Collins and Steve Shell‚ demonstrate a clear understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage‚ drawing upon its unique traditions‚ superstitions‚ and historical struggles to create a compelling and authentic setting․
The stories incorporate elements of Appalachian folk tales‚ mining disasters‚ and the impact of industrialization on the region’s communities․ By grounding the horror in historical and cultural realities‚ Old Gods of Appalachia enhances the sense of unease and makes the narrative resonate with listeners and players․
Creators⁚ Cam Collins and Steve Shell
Old Gods of Appalachia is the brainchild of co-creators Steve Shell and Cam Collins‚ who have masterfully crafted a unique and haunting world steeped in Appalachian folklore and Lovecraftian horror․ Steve Shell‚ with his wonderfully evocative voice‚ serves as the writer and narrator‚ drawing listeners deep into the heart of the story․
Cam Collins and Steve Shell’s collaboration has resulted in a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences through its immersive soundscapes‚ lyrical language‚ and attention to detail․ Their deep understanding of the Appalachian region and its history shines through‚ creating a truly authentic and terrifying experience․
Reception and Reviews
Old Gods of Appalachia has garnered significant praise for its immersive storytelling‚ chilling atmosphere‚ and unique blend of Lovecraftian horror and Appalachian folklore‚ making it a standout in the horror podcasting community․
Podcast Reviews
Old Gods of Appalachia consistently receives high praise for its immersive sound design‚ captivating storytelling‚ and the exceptional vocal performance of Steve Shell‚ the writer and narrator․ Reviewers highlight the podcast’s ability to create a chilling and atmospheric experience that burrows deep within listeners․ Its unique blend of Lovecraftian horror‚ Appalachian folklore‚ and historical elements is lauded for its originality and depth․ The show’s strong characters and compelling narratives are also frequently commended․ Critics note the podcast’s ability to evoke a sense of creeping dread and maintain a high level of suspense throughout each episode․ The podcast is not for the faint of heart․
RPG Reviews
The Old Gods of Appalachia Roleplaying Game‚ published by Monte Cook Games‚ has garnered positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of the podcast’s unique atmosphere and themes․ Reviewers celebrate the game’s successful integration of the Cypher System‚ praising its flexibility and suitability for the setting’s blend of horror‚ mystery‚ and Appalachian folklore․ The game’s detailed setting information and evocative writing are also frequently highlighted‚ allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the dark and mysterious world of alternate Appalachia․ The product of a successful Kickstarter campaign‚ the game is applauded for capturing the essence of the source material․ Some reviewers mention that prior experience with the Cypher System is helpful․