The Illusion Horror and Con Podcast

🕯️ A KULT GM Guide – Episode 2: The Basics Continued | KULT: Divinity Lost. In this second episode of A KULT GM Guide, we build on the foundation for running KULT: Divinity Lost Rules as Written, focusing on what makes KULT GMing unique, plus insights from our own games. We finish the basic Player Moves with Keep it Together and See through the Illusion - including optional alternatives, a quick dive into the lore and background of the Illusion and plenty more. We break down the basics of when - and why - you should actually ask for Players to roll these Moves. We also discuss softer versus harder Moves, negotiation before rolling, and how to use consequences, opportunities, and bad spots to drive horror forward.Questions or need some more explanation? Let us know via our Form: ⁠https://forms.gle/Wgg8Cgh7MzcxQSQF6⁠ 🕯️ About the Series A KULT GM Guide is an ongoing series dedicated to practical, Rules as Written guidance for running KULT: Divinity Lost. The focus is on GM intent, pressure, narrative consequence, and consistent use of Moves to support horror-driven storytelling. Future episodes will cover: • Conflict, Combat and Action-driven Scenes • Investigation and investigative scenario structures • Advantages and Disadvantages • Running published scenarios and original Kult Stories • Using PC Dark Secrets, trauma, and emotions • Homebrewing Rules, Mechanics and Monsters • Death is only the beginning... ⚠️ Content Warning KULT: Divinity Lost explores mature themes, including trauma, abuse, religious horror, psychological distress, and existential dread. Viewer discretion is advised. Always use safety tools when running KULT at your table. 🎧 Credits Hosts: Gabe the Herald, Crystal and David Game: KULT: Divinity Lost Music: Cryo Chamber (licensed/used with permission) @cryochamberlabel and follow them on ⁠http://cryochamber.bandcamp.com⁠ Special Thanks: Helmgast AB and the Kult community 🔗 Connect and Links KULT Monthly Drops - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Iqk9t4ufsTuB0jhERW5zuq4qmOhdK-On⁠ KULTMas Scenario Drops - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D8Jr4-lRwJKDWgMgWkKSJyRnylsy7hmS?usp=sharing⁠ Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server: 💀 Discord – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d ⁠

🕯️ A KULT GM Guide – Episode 1: The Basics | Kult: Divinity LostIn this first episode of A KULT GM Guide, we lay the foundation for running KULT: Divinity Lost strictly Rules as Written, focusing on what truly makes KULT GMing unique. We introduce the core concept of The Conversation, explain how Player Moves and GM Moves interact, and clarify why intent and fiction always come before dice. We break down the Bare Basics of play, investigate how scenes are structured, and explore when - and why - you should actually ask for a roll. We focus on GM Moves not as a list to memorise, but as tools to apply, maintain, and release pressure. We also discuss softer versus harder Moves, negotiation before rolling, and how to use consequences, opportunities, and bad spots to drive horror forward.Questions or need some more explanation? Let us know via our Form: ⁠https://forms.gle/Wgg8Cgh7MzcxQSQF6⁠ 🕯️ About the Series A KULT GM Guide is an ongoing series dedicated to practical, Rules as Written guidance for running KULT: Divinity Lost. The focus is on GM intent, pressure, narrative consequence, and consistent use of Moves to support horror-driven storytelling. Future episodes will cover: • Conflict, Combat and Action-driven Scenes • Investigation and investigative scenario structures • Advantages and Disadvantages • Running published scenarios and original Kult Stories • Using PC Dark Secrets, trauma, and emotions • Homebrewing Rules, Mechanics and Monsters • Death is only the beginning... ⚠️ Content Warning KULT: Divinity Lost explores mature themes, including trauma, abuse, religious horror, psychological distress, and existential dread. Viewer discretion is advised. Always use safety tools when running KULT at your table. 🎧 Credits Hosts: Gabe the Herald, Crystal and David Game: KULT: Divinity Lost Music: Cryo Chamber (licensed/used with permission) @cryochamberlabel and follow them on ⁠http://cryochamber.bandcamp.com⁠ Special Thanks: Helmgast AB and the Kult community 🔗 Connect and Links KULT Monthly Drops - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Iqk9t4ufsTuB0jhERW5zuq4qmOhdK-On⁠ KULTMas Scenario Drops - ⁠https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D8Jr4-lRwJKDWgMgWkKSJyRnylsy7hmS?usp=sharing⁠ Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server: 💀 Discord – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d ⁠

Kult Topics A deep dive into using the Kult Divinity Lost System, advice for running games with sleepers and enlightened characters, and insights into the creation and philosophy behind the settings, monsters and scenarios.Guests: J.R. Fryer (he/him), Jacqueline "Jax Romana" Bryk (she/they/fae), Perry Clark (he/him), Petter Nallo (he/him), Gabriel (Gabe the Herald) he/him, moderated by Stephen Wall (he/him)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Horror in Non-Traditional Settings Beyond haunted houses and graveyards—explore how horror thrives in unexpected places: space stations, deserts, suburbs, or even cheerful festivals.Guests: Paul Baldowski (he/him), Matthew Sanderson (he/him), Kim Godwin (she/her), D Lauzon (she/they), Michael Petersen (he/him/they), moderated by Camille (they/them)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Ludonarrative Dissonance When game mechanics clash with story themes: dissecting how horror games can avoid—or intentionally use—mechanical tension to strengthen narrative immersion.Guests: Paul Baldowski (he/him), Paweł Kicman (he/him), Ferne Milton (she/her), Steph (she/her), moderated by David Wartmann (he/him)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Player-Driven Horror Discover techniques for giving players meaningful agency in shaping the story’s horror. From collaborative worldbuilding to emotional stakes, make your table the true architect of terror.Guests: Matthew Dawkins (he/him), D Lauzon (she/they), Gabriel (Gabe the Herald) (he/him), Gunilla Jonsson (she/her/they), moderated by Bear Winters (he/him)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Keynote and First-Time Horror GM Practical advice for new horror game masters—common pitfalls, effective tools, and lessons learned from experienced storytellers.Guests: Vince - Lorefall (he/him), David Whitworth (he/they), Stephen Koontz (he/him), John Hedge (he/him), moderated by The Con Organizers Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon📽️Twitch TV - https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror🎮KICK - https://kick.com/illusionhorrorTalk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d🩵 Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/🎲 dice.camp - https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror📘Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorrorWebsite: https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home

How to Develop a Scenario From concept to table-ready session—breaking down the process of writing compelling, playable horror scenarios that captivate and terrify.Guests: J.R. Fryer (he/him), Kim Godwin (she/her), Steve Anderson (he/him), D Lauzon (she/they), moderated by Rachel (she/her)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Horror in One-Shots vs Campaigns A conversation about pacing and tension: how to keep one-shots sharp and impactful while ensuring long-term campaigns sustain fear and engagement.Guests: T A Newman (he/him), Rachel, she/her, John Hedge (he/him), Gunilla Jonsson (she/her/they), Michael Petersen (he/him/they), moderated by David Whitworth (he/they)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠

Realistic Character Development How to breathe authenticity and depth into PCs and NPCs. Building believable reactions, emotional arcs, and character-driven dread.Guests: Alandra Hileman (she/her), Camille (they/them), Mav (they/them), Topher Burk (he/him), Sean (he/him), moderated by Bear Winters (he/him)Music: Cryo Chamber - Thanks for the incredible soundscapes https://cryochamber.bandcamp.comChannel Description: The Illusion Horror and Con is an online community of horror TTRPG enthusiasts.  We run two completely free online RPG conventions during the year: Spring Community Con and our main Illusion Horror Con during December. We plan to release both exclusive audio content and audio versions of APs, panels, interviews, and RPG guides on our YouTube channel. Tune in on Tuesdays for (mostly) weekly drops. 🔗 ConnectSubscribe for upcoming episodes and campaign resources:📺 YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theillusionhorrorandcon⁠📽️Twitch TV - ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/illusionhorror⁠🎮KICK - ⁠https://kick.com/illusionhorror⁠Talk with us on the Illusion Horror & Con Discord Server and Other Socials:💀 Discord / Threads – ⁠https://discord.com/invite/DVRqMD9k9d⁠🩵 Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/illusionhorror.bsky.social⁠📸 Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/illusionhorror/⁠🎲 dice.camp - ⁠https://dice.camp/@illusionhorror⁠📘Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/IllusionHorror⁠Website: ⁠https://www.theillusionhorrorcon.events/home⁠