Hall of Blue Illumination

In this episode, our hosts consider how much knowledge players should have of the larger “meta” aspects of Tékumel’s setting.  Should referees discuss the deeper secrets of Tékumel at the outset?  Or, should they instead keep more esoteric matters to themselves, and reveal them over the course of play?

Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, the podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, our hosts discuss wargaming and its history with Tékumel.  We consider ways in which player characters can become involved with the legions, how to set up military-based campaigns, and issues referees should consider before surrendering […]

Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, the podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, our hosts plumb the depths of Tékumel’s underworlds.  How do underworlds differ from traditional dungeons?  How can a referee entice players into these perilous places? And what will brave adventurers find once they’re down there?  Answers to all these questions, and more.

In this episode, our hosts discuss an article written by Professor Barker that appeared in Dragon magazine #9. In his introduction, the Professor draws a distinction between the “game” and “real” (i.e., non-game) settings of Tékumel.  He then answers several questions regarding the world of Tékumel and the rules of Empire of the Petal Throne.

In this episode, our hosts discuss several subjects, including the origin of the podcast’s name, Victor’s new Tékumel campaign, and how to handle any incongruities that arise between your own material and that of the canonical setting.

Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, the podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, our hosts discuss Gary Con, answer a listener’s question regarding the use of Tékumel’s languages at Professor Barker’s gaming table, and talk with James about the latest issue of The Excellent Travelling Volume.  We finish […]

Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, a podcast dedicated to M.A.R. Barker’s world of Tékumel.  In this episode, our hosts discuss straightforward ways to begin running a campaign in Tékumel.  We end with commentary on the Five Hlimékluyal (Cohorts) of the Gods of Stability. Show Notes: [00:00:55] As Scott stated in Episode 7, Tékumel’s […]

Episode 9:  “Moving Off The Map” Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, a podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, our hosts discuss a variety of topics, including an upcoming EPT release, an interview Victor gave about Professor Barker’s invented languages, and how referees deal with players who move […]

Episode 8:  “Professor Barker’s Basement” Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, a podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, Victor regales us with colorful anecdotes about gaming with the renowned Professor himself. Victor also recaps his experiences gaming at Con of the North, and Scott is excited about John […]

Episode 7: “Empire of the Petal Throne, Part 2” Welcome to The Hall of Blue Illumination, a podcast dedicated to the world of M.A.R. Barker’s Tékumel.  In this episode, we continue our discussion of the rules system of Empire of the Petal Throne.  Our hosts wrap things up with some notes on the Tlokiriqáluyal, the […]