Warda Aly Grauer & Drew Mierzejewski

This podcast really took me by surprise. I went into Warda intrigued by the premise and world, but was really surprised at how well they delivered on the "Game of Thrones / Downtown Abbey"vibe. This homebrew world exploring a society of all-Fey creatures, having its own rules, structure, hierarchy, politics, culture, and social norms, is easily one of the best examples of worldbuilding I've ever heard in an actual-play podcast, and the world is ever expanding, keeps growing bigger and more complex, and they involve the fans in adding into the creative process. For those that really enjoy a capitol "R" in "Roleplay", this podcast knocks it out of the park when an amazing GM, and wonderful actors who breathe life into fascinating characters who are fleshed out and have endlessly entertaining, endearing, and interesting relationships. Bravo to Aly & Drew, and keep the episodes coming!

This show is flat out awesome. Drawing on all the fun of etiquette, fashion, and class politics of Downton Abbey and adding to it the flair of fey, magic, and mechanica, the show has a fantastic original setting that feels like it has weight behind it.

The first major arc was pulled from a live stream, so the audio isn't as crisp in places as something recorded and edited with the luxury of multiple takes, etc, but it's still good, and the theme music is delightful.

The storytelling is superb. Things from seemingly unrelated adventures all weave back into the greater narrative, and even wildly unexpected character decisions are handled deftly. The entire cast is invested, enthusiastic, and puts in the effort to build the details of the world that take it to the next level.

This is absolutely one of my favorite shows.

Warda is unlike anything I’ve heard before. Its an excellent blend of socio-political intrigue, fantasy adventure, and a gorgeous fish man that’s too pure for this or any other world.
The setting Drew and Ally have come up with is rich, complex, intriguing, and immersive. Through several sagas with different players and characters spanning different times, they weave together a story that feels real and echoes, perhaps too well, actual events and situations in our real history. Its thought provoking and grabs you. I’ve rarely found a piece of fiction that got me as emotionally invested as quickly as Wards.