Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-wayfarers-compendium Welcome to a world very much like our own, but with one key difference: in this world, folklore is rooted in stark reality. The Wayfarer's Compendium guides listeners through stories of strange events, close encounters, political conflicts, and tragic history, all set in a unique world that blends reality and mythology. John Kurnett 8c681e8e-3833-5883-8980-882606d1fd43 no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:36:02 +0000 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:03:45 +0000 http://kurnett.com https://img.transistor.fm/aJPyJNj0MHUImS3mrxVTq26Qr2OdWu0KPpkuQ7JTDdo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzIzNjAwLzE2MzI4/ODkwOTEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg http://kurnett.com episodic John Kurnett Welcome to a world very much like our own, but with one key difference: in this world, folklore is rooted in stark reality. The Wayfarer's Compendium guides listeners through stories of strange events, close encounters, political conflicts, and tragic history, all set in a unique world that blends reality and mythology. Welcome to a world very much like our own, but with one key difference: in this world, folklore is rooted in stark reality. John Kurnett No No 12 12 The Cursed Hill full 1908da09-eadc-4559-b7c8-87d03009dc5b https://share.transistor.fm/s/49a15dbb Amidst endless grassy plains in the mainland to the west of Celdrúin, where the Hwaet make their homes, a solitary hill with a dark history towers above the expanse.

]]> Amidst endless grassy plains in the mainland to the west of Celdrúin, where the Hwaet make their homes, a solitary hill with a dark history towers above the expanse.

]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:30:46 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1451 Amidst endless grassy plains in the mainland to the west of Celdrúin, where the Hwaet make their homes, a solitary hill with a dark history towers above the expanse.

]]> No [Bonus] Adventurer's Rest bonus 80ee3231-1be0-4972-b03e-b4a3ebacc97b https://share.transistor.fm/s/038a3f32 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 23:52:56 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1108 This episode is a side-project - a preview of a fantasy podcast to fall asleep to. This episode is a side-project - a preview of a fantasy podcast to fall asleep to. No 11 11 [Christmas Special] The Festival of Elftide full 953fb367-1946-4248-bfe3-9aabed9a9df5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f87b7f69 Every year on the winter solstice, a ritual is conducted at an ancient monument to ward off evil spirits. Although the denizens of Celdrúin enjoy feasts and celebrations from within the safety of their walls, travelers unfortunate enough to find themselves on the road during the solstice find themselves contending with more than just the freezing cold...

]]> Every year on the winter solstice, a ritual is conducted at an ancient monument to ward off evil spirits. Although the denizens of Celdrúin enjoy feasts and celebrations from within the safety of their walls, travelers unfortunate enough to find themselves on the road during the solstice find themselves contending with more than just the freezing cold...

]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2022 17:25:16 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1112 Every year on the winter solstice, a ritual is conducted at an ancient monument to ward off evil spirits. Although the denizens of Celdrúin enjoy feasts and celebrations from within the safety of their walls, travelers unfortunate enough to find themselves on the road during the solstice find themselves contending with more than just the freezing cold... Every year on the winter solstice, a ritual is conducted at an ancient monument to ward off evil spirits. Although the denizens of Celdrúin enjoy feasts and celebrations from within the safety of their walls, travelers unfortunate enough to find themselve No 10 10 Silver Sails full 86864e45-9650-4388-b86b-b755e8dced78 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f8765694 Sat, 12 Nov 2022 17:59:50 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1279 Tales of ghost ships abound throughout the coastal villages of southern Celdrúin. If you sailed along the archipelago to the island's south, you would likely hear myths of damned sailors ferrying the dead to the afterlife, while the northern isles in the chain tell equally impossible tails of elven ships. However, sometimes events transpire that lend a certain credibility to the legends - or at least muddy the waters, making it difficult to discern reality from fantasy. Tales of ghost ships abound throughout the coastal villages of southern Celdrúin. If you sailed along the archipelago to the island's south, you would likely hear myths of damned sailors ferrying the dead to the afterlife, while the northern isles in the No 9 9 The Ringfort full 583f9069-0bfd-4b71-8d97-9b6b3757f2a7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/acc74c25 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 03:54:19 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1292 In the eastern moors of Celdruin, an ancient, empty fortress stands atop an isolated hill. Every attempt to reclaim the fortress has ended in ruin. In the eastern moors of Celdruin, an ancient, empty fortress stands atop an isolated hill. Every attempt to reclaim the fortress has ended in ruin. No 8 8 Asmund's Saga full 54756a0f-2e71-45d7-b2cf-911c8ce86b0c https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d51e3f1 Across the lands of the Kjalti, itinerant seeresses offer their services to commoners and kings alike. Their prophecies cover the mundane as well as the extraordinary, from the next year's harvest to a monarch's demise.

]]> Across the lands of the Kjalti, itinerant seeresses offer their services to commoners and kings alike. Their prophecies cover the mundane as well as the extraordinary, from the next year's harvest to a monarch's demise.

]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2022 03:51:18 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1361 Across the lands of the Kjalti, itinerant seeresses offer their services to commoners and kings alike. Their prophecies cover the mundane as well as the extraordinary, from the next year's harvest to a monarch's demise. Across the lands of the Kjalti, itinerant seeresses offer their services to commoners and kings alike. Their prophecies cover the mundane as well as the extraordinary, from the next year's harvest to a monarch's demise. No 7 7 The Bridge and the Barrow full 3a419417-afb4-4056-9586-49f026def1f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6bb34c03 Across the river from the village of Ardben, an ancient crypt lays undisturbed. According to legend, the barrow is the home of a vicious and cruel fairy that preys upon travelers that unwittingly trespass upon his domain. It may only be superstition... but then again, who would be foolish enough to risk their life to discover out the truth?

]]> Across the river from the village of Ardben, an ancient crypt lays undisturbed. According to legend, the barrow is the home of a vicious and cruel fairy that preys upon travelers that unwittingly trespass upon his domain. It may only be superstition... but then again, who would be foolish enough to risk their life to discover out the truth?

]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2021 04:06:06 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1221 Across the river from the village of Ardben, an ancient crypt lays undisturbed. According to legend, the barrow is the home of a vicious and cruel fairy that preys upon travelers that unwittingly trespass upon his domain. It may only be superstition... but then again, who would be foolish enough to risk their life to discover out the truth? Across the river from the village of Ardben, an ancient crypt lays undisturbed. According to legend, the barrow is the home of a vicious and cruel fairy that preys upon travelers that unwittingly trespass upon his domain. It may only be superstition... bu No 6 6 Down By The River full 6874aa59-59c1-4124-978c-f44d62dc4f0d https://share.transistor.fm/s/5f35c23b Across the world, fairy tales have emerged to teach children and adults alike about the dangers inherent in large bodies of water. They often feature shapeshifting spirits, some taking the form of animals and other adopting the likeness of a human. Sometimes, however, folklore crosses from the realm of fantasy into reality - and sometimes the threat it poses is not quite what it seems.

]]> Across the world, fairy tales have emerged to teach children and adults alike about the dangers inherent in large bodies of water. They often feature shapeshifting spirits, some taking the form of animals and other adopting the likeness of a human. Sometimes, however, folklore crosses from the realm of fantasy into reality - and sometimes the threat it poses is not quite what it seems.

]]> Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:00:00 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1535 Across the world, fairy tales have emerged to teach children and adults alike about the dangers inherent in large bodies of water. They often feature shapeshifting spirits, some taking the form of animals and other adopting the likeness of a human. Sometimes, however, folklore crosses from the realm of fantasy into reality - and sometimes the threat it poses is not quite what it seems. Across the world, fairy tales have emerged to teach children and adults alike about the dangers inherent in large bodies of water. They often feature shapeshifting spirits, some taking the form of animals and other adopting the likeness of a human. Someti No 5 5 [Halloween Special] Crossing's Eve full 4506482d-5550-4960-9a6d-883088c3c53e https://share.transistor.fm/s/063a79b3 The end of fall marks a transition between the warmth of summer and the bleak chill of winter. The festival of Crossing's Eve marks that transition with revelry, ceremonies, and rituals. It's said that, on the night of the festival, the spirits of the deceased can cross back into the world of the living - even if only for one night.

]]> The end of fall marks a transition between the warmth of summer and the bleak chill of winter. The festival of Crossing's Eve marks that transition with revelry, ceremonies, and rituals. It's said that, on the night of the festival, the spirits of the deceased can cross back into the world of the living - even if only for one night.

]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1677 The end of fall marks a transition between the warmth of summer and the bleak chill of winter. The festival of Crossing's Eve marks that transition with revelry, ceremonies, and rituals. It's said that, on the night of the festival, the spirits of the deceased can cross back into the world of the living - even if only for one night. The end of fall marks a transition between the warmth of summer and the bleak chill of winter. The festival of Crossing's Eve marks that transition with revelry, ceremonies, and rituals. It's said that, on the night of the festival, the spirits of the dec No 4 4 The Lonely Hall full b8f028d6-bf1d-44b1-a0a8-8c022a1dc6a6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/17e54a6e The Kjalti believe that dying with an oath unfulfilled, a promise broken, or dishonor upon one's self has consequences. The dead may return to the land of the living as a revenant, cursed to wander the earth and serve penance for their actions.

]]> The Kjalti believe that dying with an oath unfulfilled, a promise broken, or dishonor upon one's self has consequences. The dead may return to the land of the living as a revenant, cursed to wander the earth and serve penance for their actions.

]]> Sun, 24 Oct 2021 17:23:00 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1534 The Kjalti believe that dying with an oath unfulfilled, a promise broken, or dishonor upon one's self has consequences. The dead may return to the land of the living as a revenant, cursed to wander the earth and serve penance for their actions. The Kjalti believe that dying with an oath unfulfilled, a promise broken, or dishonor upon one's self has consequences. The dead may return to the land of the living as a revenant, cursed to wander the earth and serve penance for their actions. No 3 3 The Road Less Travelled full e6f20362-f135-47aa-84f3-e40c74b21c8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/804b6b32 For most of humanity's history, wolves have been a constant. Just as their domesticated relatives have become a steadfast companion, the packs of wolves that roam the moors of Veldrün have been a persistent threat. In this chapter, we'll dive into the folklore surrounding the beasts with three stories of close encounters.

]]> For most of humanity's history, wolves have been a constant. Just as their domesticated relatives have become a steadfast companion, the packs of wolves that roam the moors of Veldrün have been a persistent threat. In this chapter, we'll dive into the folklore surrounding the beasts with three stories of close encounters.

]]> Sun, 10 Oct 2021 09:00:00 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1399 For most of humanity's history, wolves have been a constant. Just as their domesticated relatives have become a steadfast companion, the packs of wolves that roam the moors of Veldrün have been a persistent threat. In this chapter, we'll dive into the folklore surrounding the beasts with three stories of close encounters. For most of humanity's history, wolves have been a constant. Just as their domesticated relatives have become a steadfast companion, the packs of wolves that roam the moors of Veldrün have been a persistent threat. In this chapter, we'll dive into the fol No 2 2 North of the Rime full 8269b279-eb91-4e59-9fab-ace73683b863 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d44f686f The Rime - the sea to the north of the isle of Veldrün - is dangerous and unpredictable, even at the best of times. Many sailors and warriors have plied its waters in search of conquest, gold, and fame and, as these three stories show, many men have been lost to its depths.

]]> The Rime - the sea to the north of the isle of Veldrün - is dangerous and unpredictable, even at the best of times. Many sailors and warriors have plied its waters in search of conquest, gold, and fame and, as these three stories show, many men have been lost to its depths.

]]> Sun, 19 Sep 2021 20:11:23 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1418 The Rime - the sea to the north of the isle of Veldrün - is dangerous and unpredictable, even at the best of times. Many sailors and warriors have plied its waters in search of conquest, gold, and fame and, as these three stories show, many men have been lost to its depths. The Rime - the sea to the north of the isle of Veldrün - is dangerous and unpredictable, even at the best of times. Many sailors and warriors have plied its waters in search of conquest, gold, and fame and, as these three stories show, many men have been No 1 1 Rowan, Elder, and Yew full f4e8a35f-e17c-4a71-9bc6-25f14ed1ab9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ea93a08 Trees feature prominently in folklore. Some offer protection, others offer guidance, and still others are omens of danger and death. In this episode, we'll recount three stories that encapsulate the blessings and curses of a few notable trees: rowan, elder, and yew.

]]> Trees feature prominently in folklore. Some offer protection, others offer guidance, and still others are omens of danger and death. In this episode, we'll recount three stories that encapsulate the blessings and curses of a few notable trees: rowan, elder, and yew.

]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2021 02:26:41 +0000 John Kurnett John Kurnett 1149 Trees feature prominently in folklore. Some offer protection, others offer guidance, and still others are omens of danger and death. In this episode, we'll recount three stories that encapsulate the blessings and curses of a few notable trees: rowan, elder, and yew. Trees feature prominently in folklore. Some offer protection, others offer guidance, and still others are omens of danger and death. In this episode, we'll recount three stories that encapsulate the blessings and curses of a few notable trees: rowan, elde No