The Pixel People: NPCs & Us

"Got it memorized?" 

Axel's desire to be seen and remembered is a core part of his personality and a through line of his complex story arc. From hero to villain and back again, he'll do anything to maintain a prominent place in the memories of those whose lives he touches. 

Join my guest, Soy, and me for a conversation about Axel, the role he plays in the Kingdom Hearts series, his desire for attention, and attention as a critical need for everyone (and the way that has played out in our own lives). 

In today's panel episode, my guests and I explore how queerness is represented in games, both positively and negatively, discussing topics like bi and ace erasure along with closeting and the effect it has on a person, as well as a hopeful look toward the future. 

This year's Pride has been marked by both celebration and sorrow, and as the month winds up, it's never been clearer that now is a time for the entire queer community to protect, support, and validate each other, and lift each other's voices. 

Please note that challenges during this multi-person recording resulted in some audio quality issues. I’ve made every effort to balance volume and remove extra noise, but some issues still remain. That said, this conversation is important and it’s important to me that it be heard, despite those audio issues.

Connect with our guests!

When V encounters Kerry Eurodyne in his mess of a mansion, Kerry is a man who has lost his passion for life and for music and is operating on autopilot, giving into hedonism and letting his manager run nearly everything... with near disastrous results. Depending on V's actions, Kerry finds his passion again, which leads him down both dark paths and, potentially, into a bright new future. 

Join me and my guest, Pamela, also known as Honour and Steel, an artist, cosplayer, and virtual photographer, as we explore Kerry's story, the potential routes his relationship with V might take, and what a second chance at life can mean for both Kerry and us. 

When the bombs fell in 2077, Raul Tejada was living with his family on a ranch in rural Mexico. His journey from Mexico through Arizona and west to the Mojave was filled with loss, much of which he blames himself for, and he carries these losses, his self-blame, and his own internalized ageism wherever he travels—until he meets the Courier, who ultimately decides Raul's fate.

My guest, Arlo, a ghoul enthusiast, writer, tea blender, and lover of the tedium of inventory organization, and I take a deep dive into Raul's story and get to the root of his beliefs about his own abilities and the abilities of other older folks in the Wasteland. 

In Knights of the Old Republic II, the idea of the wise mentor is turned on its head in the character of Kreia. As she follows you through the game and responds to your actions, providing insights and her own outlook on the things you do and the effect you are having on the Star Wars universe, you must make some hard choices about what you know to be true and what she is telling you. 

My guest, Cypherial, a streamer, anime fan, and self-proclaimed internet clown, joins me to discuss both the validity and flaws in Kreia's way of thinking, the way in which she views everyone around her, and her ultimate actions.

https://twitter.com/LeagueofLore2Ship captains staying in the seaside town of Bilgewater fear becoming the next name on the list of the legendary Bloodharbor Ripper—a terrifying ghost of a harpooner who met his death when he was betrayed by his own captain and swallowed by an enormous jaull-fish. As time goes by and his form becomes more corporeal and he regains control of the list, however, he once again becomes master of his own fate... but doesn't steer away from his devastating purpose to seek vengeance on the captains of Bilgewater. 

At what point can dedication cross over into obsession? If a goal you hope to achieve is impossible, how else can your life be meaningful? Join artist, teacher, and fantasy RPG lover Dorian and me as we take a deep dive into Dark Souls' inspiring warrior, Solaire of Astora, his quest to find his sun, the elaborate storytelling devices Dark Souls turns on their heads, and the ways in which we ourselves can inspire others, often without even knowing we doing so. 

Since the release of the first Castlevania in 1986, the game has undergone numerous permutations—moving backwards and forwards in time, from Nintendo to Playstation and Xbox, and now to an animated series. The cast of characters, including the main character, changes as well, but two things have remained constant over the years... the castle itself, and the whip, the primary weapon your character yields. 

Each of these has in depth lore and backstory, more fleshed out and nuanced than that of even the main human and monster characters. 

Join Twitch streamer and artist (and my little brother!) Alan and I as we take a deep dive into the story behind Castlevania's whip and castle in this new—and different!—episode! 

Welcome to Season 2! 

Note: I do in fact know that it is 2021, not 1921. You'll see what I mean. 

When it comes to romanceable video game characters, Dr. Liara T'soni of the Mass Effect series is often at the top of the charts. Her compassion, strength, and serenity provide a moral compass for Shepard, which then trickles down to impact other characters' journeys as well. In addition to the literal connection she and other asari can form with other sentient species, Liara's gentle wisdom and guidance allows connections to be built throughout the series as the galaxy comes together to fight the Reaper threat. 

Join my guest, singer, actor, and streamer Fenwa Teryen and I as we discuss Liara, the multiple layers of connection present in her story—and connection through games in a more general sense in a special extended conversation. 

Memento mori... Remember that someday you will die. 

This concept is one of the foundations of Stoic philosophy, a reminder to make the most of the time we have on earth. In Red Dead Redemption II, the mysterious Strange Man, an easy-to-miss side character, sends John Marsden on a series of quests in which he must determine which way his honor lies, while commenting on the choices he had already made. 

CW: This episode contains mention and brief discussion of a character who takes their own life.

As the leader of The Railroad, Desdemona puts her trust in the Sole Survivor to help her carry out her mission... but her own code name points to the possibility of betrayal and murder. One of the key questions in Fallout 4 is which faction you will support, and which you will betray. My guest, Letitia, voice actor and ambassador for Bethesda UK, and I delve into the mysteries surrounding The Railroad's enigmatic leader, who she chooses to put her trust in, and what that means for the future of the Commonwealth. 

It's another panel episode! Today's panel of returning guests features N7 Legend, Red, Robots, Neunomer, and Jessica Star. We discuss several characters from a diverse selection of games including Mass Effect, Shin Megami Tensei, and Portal through the lenses of hope and courage, delving into the meaning of mythmaking and the role of legend in our lives. 

**Note: Since the recording of this episode, the guest identified here as Red prefers the name Riley, and uses she/they pronouns.

Connect with our guests! 

Today's show features a panel of returning guests, TrashKingNyx, KellyDanielle, Tooniversal, Mothman's Ranger, KDB, Suliore, and Viktor, discussing a common theme in our favorite games—transformation & redemption. As we discuss a diverse set of characters from games including Fallout 3, Horizon Zero Dawn, MediEvil, Knights of the Old Republic, Resident Evil, the Witcher, and BioShock, we explore the ideas behind transformation and redemption both on a grand scale and the smaller transformations that can still drive massive change in our lives. 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode does include mention of miscarriage, infant loss, and the holocaust. Please listen with care. 

Connect with our guests! 

What if you discovered your whole life was a lie? And worse yet, you believed you had discovered the truth—without realizing that all of that was based on another mistake as well? Would you be able to recover from that? Or would it rock you to the core of your being, sending you on a path of destruction? 

My guest, Xemnes, Twitch streamer and host of NightWolf Radio, and I take a look at these questions as we consider the complex story of Sephiroth, the main villain in Final Fantasy VII, the choices he makes, and the mistakes and miscommunications that lead to his evil actions. 

Sephiroth's wiki:

Loyalty is often thought of as a good quality, but at what point does loyalty become toxic? How can loyalty be used to control and manipulate?

My guest, Kelsi (aka KDB), and I explore these questions as we discuss the complex backstory of The Boss from Metal Gear Solid 3, the paths her life took, the choices she made, and how that plays out during your interactions with her throughout the game.

The Boss's wiki:

While the Mistress of Mystery's story begins in Fallout 4, Fallout 76 paints the full picture of Shannon Rivers and her attempt to become the beloved comic book and radio drama character she had brought to life before the Great War. The tale weaves in elements found in classic tragedies—betrayal, murder, and, of course, hubris—spinning them for a post-apocalyptic world. And even at its most grandiose, at the story's core is the deep and familiar sorrow of a parent's failure and a child's pain. 

For this episode, I'm joined by Alfie, a member of the creative team behind the Mistress of Mystery-themed machinima, "Into the Mystery," and board game creator. Join us for a close look at this flawed would-be superhero. 

Shannon's wiki:

Undertale is a deceptively complex game with surprisingly deep conversation about mental health, love, and support. Sans, the sarcastic skeleton sentry, can be your biggest support as you work your way through the underworld, filling you with determination at every step... or your most challenging enemy, depending on the way you play the game. 

Join my guest, Saber, and I as we discuss this hilarious, introspective game and the lessons Sans has to teach us through the dual lenses of depression and support. 

Sans's wiki:

Dragon Age presents a dark world, filled with death, destruction, and darkspawn. For many who have played the series, however, one particular character stands out as a bright, shining beacon, his innocence, naivete, and sharp wit bringing laughs and romance to the game. Even so, Alistair Theirin is no simple one-dimensional character; he has his flaws. While many of these are a product of the society he lives in and the way he was raised, they will deeply affect the outcome of his story, and yours, depending on your character's origin. 

In this episode, Jessica-Star of the United Wastelanders Network and the Fallout Feed and Dames Who Game podcasts joins me to take a close look at Alistair, his best moments ("Swooping is bad") and his flaws. 

Alistair's wiki:

What does it take to push back against the devastating decisions made by your own people—decisions that you took a part in, that your intellect helped to develop? Is it possible to atone for these past horrors? Mordin Solus, Mass Effect's very model of a scientist Salarian, grapples with these questions in regards to the genophage, a plague unleashed by the Salarians on the Krogan to reduce their birthrate to nearly zero. 

In this episode, my guest Sam (aka N7 Legend of the Mass Effect Lorecast) and I tackle these same questions, looking closely at Mordin's choices, his complicated story arc, and his ultimate redemption... because it had to be Mordin. Someone else might have gotten it wrong. Does Fyre cry during this episode? Spoiler alert - she sure does. 

Mordin's wiki:

**Note: Since the recording of this episode, my guest prefers to be known as TrashKingNyx, and uses they/them/he pronouns.

Charon, the prickly ghoul companion you first encounter in the 9th Circle bar in Underworld, Fallout 3's city of ghouls, claims that he is honor-bound to serve you once you purchase his "contract of employment" from his previous employer. But this raises a whole host of troubling questions—what are the limits of the contract? Can you truly have honor if your actions are not a choice? If there is no consent, what does this imply as to the nature of your relationship, even if you are playing as a "good" character? 

In this episode, my guest, Nyx, and I dig into these tough questions while also taking a close look at the possible characteristics of people who identify with Fallout's ghouls.

Charon's wiki:

What role does the art style and environment of a game play in our understanding of the game's story, our immersion into the world, and the way we relate to the characters we love so much? 

In this episode, I chat with Matt Young, an environment artist working in the gaming industry, about these important questions to gain a deeper appreciation for all the little details that make up the worlds in which we play, that are so often only noticed when they are wrong. 

Connect with Matt: 

**Note: Since the recording of this episode, my guest prefers the name Riley, and now uses she/they pronouns.

Stereotypes abound when it comes to autistic representation in media. Autistic people are often portrayed as cold people, geniuses without empathy. In Watch Dogs 2, Josh Sauchak ("Hawt Sauce") is an autistic hacker... who is portrayed as someone who, while perhaps sometimes socially awkward, genuinely loves and cares for his friends.

Join me and my guest, Riley, who is herself also autistic, as we look at the character of Josh and discuss both how he's portrayed and what it's like to live with autism. 

Josh's wiki:

What can you do when you're caught in a lose-lose situation? Or when you're given orders that feel are wrong? How do we handle guilt that eats away at us? What will it take to earn self-forgiveness? 

Craig Boone, Fallout: New Vegas's stoic sniper, has made some terrible choices in his young life, caught in brutal circumstances beyond his control. He grapples with the... well... fallout of these decisions as he travels with the Courier, trying to work through his guilt and regret to get to a place where he can live with himself. My guest, gamer and dad NVCourier, and I explore Boone's tragic story to see if he has even a chance of self-redemption. 

Boone's wiki:

Self-reliance is an excellent quality... until it's not. What is that line and where does it fall? What are the consequences of being overly self-reliant? How do you find a balance between an empathetic worldview and a utilitarian worldview?

In this episode, Chris Haden, pastor at Kindred UMC, a Methodist church for people who are seeking a meaningful relationship with existence, and I discuss these questions through the lens of Morrigan, the fiercely independent shapeshifting Witch of the Wilds from Dragon Age: Origins and Inquisition.

Morrigan's wiki:

What role does AI play in our lives currently... and what role is it likely to play in the future? Can humans use AI as it's depicted in video games, or is it more likely to be turned against us? 

Daniel Jackson, a photographer and filmmaker from Las Vegas, and I tackle these tricky questions as we take a closer look at The Outer Worlds' Autonomous Digital Astrogater... also known as ADA, the artificial intelligence that runs the Unreliable and plays a bigger role in the story than you might expect.

ADA's wiki:

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a somewhat overlooked game, with well-developed characters and incredibly complex storylines. In this episode, Mothman's Ranger, who describes himself as video-game obsessed and always interested in a story, lore, and mechanics deep dive into the games and universes he enjoys, joins me to discuss the complicated concepts and plot of the game, how it portrays classism and adversity, and the value of unconditional support. 

Edelgard's wiki:

What makes a person? Can a collection of artificial intelligences ever truly connect with or understand a single human mind... or vice versa? What happens when we put ourselves in the shoes of someone with a different way of thinking or set of experiences as us? 

In this episode, my guest Taylor, a streamer, husband, dad, and host of the Element Zero podcast, and I take a close look at the being known as Legion in Mass Effect 2 & 3, and tackle these tricky questions, which are raised over the course of Legion's story arc. 

Legion's wiki:

This week, I continue my conversation about storytelling with actor, musician, writer, filmmaker—and voice of Fallout 4's Hancock—Danny Shorago. In  part two, we dig into the art of voice acting and putting yourself into the mindset of the character while being given limited information, the use of irony and satire, and how our own individual stories impact the way we view the world.

If you missed it, be sure to go back and listen to part one!

Connect with Danny Shorago:

This week, we’re doing something a little bit different. Instead of discussing a specific character, I had the opportunity to speak with actor, musician, writer, and filmmaker Danny Shorago—who also happens to be the voice behind Hancock, the first character we discussed. 

We had a great conversation about the complex dynamics between performers and fans, the essential role storytelling plays in our lives, creating the conditions for magic, and so much more. The conversation was so good that we talked for longer than expected, so I’ve split it between two episodes so you can be sure to catch the whole thing. 

Enjoy part one, and be sure to return next week for part two! 

Connect with Danny Shorago: 

When we first encounter R.J. MacCready in Fallout 3, he's a foul-mouthed teenaged mayor of an underground town of children. Ten years later, in Fallout 4, he's a distraught young father, seeking a cure for his own child and grieving the loss of his wife. 

In this episode, Twitch streamer and content creator Kelly Danielle and I take a close look at MacCready, a character whose story spans two games, the effects of stress and trauma on a person's life and long-term decisions, and the hard choices that parenting sometimes requires. 

MacCready's wiki:

What makes a good leader? What does it look like when a werewolf has an existential crisis? 

Skyrim introduced many people to the complexities of the Elder Scrolls universe and a vast range of intriguing characters. While Kodlak Whitemane might seem a fairly minor NPC, as the Harbinger of the Companions, he commands the respect of all. Friend, podcaster, and streamer Eric Gold (Suliore) and I discuss Kodlak, the Companions, and what being a good leader means, both in the Tamriel and in our own universe. 

Kodlak's wiki: 

When presented with new information, how likely are you to change your mind? Have you ever been thrown completely unprepared into a starring opera role? 

Final Fantasy VI was a major milestone in gaming, a gem of narrative-driven play and complex, flawed, relatable characters. Join me as I chat with my friend Neunomer, a dad, streamer, occasional podcaster, and survivor of the console wars, about Celes, the Magitek Knight and former general, and the perils of poor communication as well as the joys of redemption and selflessness. 

CW: Discussion of suicide around the 50-minute mark.

Aria di Mezzo Carattere as performed by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

What role do our perceptions of people and events shape our experience? If a person takes a benevolent action to boost their own ego, does it make the action less benevolent? 

In this episode, I chat with the always-engaging Tooniversal, an imaginative, energetic, and creative Twitch broadcaster with comedic tendencies and a passion for building community. He and I explore these questions as they relate to Vivec, the powerful demigod of Morrowind., and what they look like in our lives and the world at large. 

Watch Toon on Twitch!

In this first episode of the Pixel People Podcast, I'm chatting with Viktor, a video game and history enthusiast who prefers to focus on games as a narrative format rather than a competition or challenge. We talk about John Hancock, Fallout 4's roguish ghoul mayor who reveals impressive depth of character as the story unfolds, and the ways in which we both relate to him on a number of different levels. 

John Hancock's wiki: 

Welcome to the Pixel People Podcast, where each episode a guest and I will have a conversation and go beyond the quests, digging deep into our favorite NPCs to learn more about them and ourselves! Hosted by FyreWriter.

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