The Cavern Today

TCT has now been around for twenty years – can you believe it? To commemorate the occasion, for our Autumn 2025 edition we have prepared a special celebratory podcast, featuring: A new skit featuring Dalken and… Dalken? Retrospective TCT Talk with Alhon, Dalken, J’nathus, Maurus, Mowog, and special guest Tyion, returning to the show for our anniversary Music: “Waiting for You” by Mateus Interview with Bogey Mystman of the Competitive Myst Online League Mowog’s Thought for the Pod This episode is dedicated to Suzanne “Essjay” Jedlicka, a former TCT staffer who recently passed away. TCT wouldn’t be what it is today without her, and we will remember her fondly. Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC and Tim Larkin.

Just in time for Mysterium 2025, we bring you our Summer 2025 edition, featuring: Cavern News with Dalken Starbyne TCT Talk with Esto, Maurus and Sh’aeri, with our thoughts on Myst 2020’s Rime update and more Music Piece: “Ascending the Void” by Sasha Strange Special report on the 2025 R.A.D. Contest TCT Talk addendum Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC and Tim Larkin.

For our Holiday 2024 edition, we’re pleased to bring you a milestone – our fiftieth regular episode of The Cavern Today! Join us as we close out 2024 with: Cavern News with Dalken Starbyne Skit A Year-In-Review TCT Talk with Alhon, Dalken, Esto, Maurus and Sh’aeri Music Piece: “Explorers’ Emporium Suite” produced by Semjay Interview with community Agebuilder Semjay Chapter IV of “Deep Dive with Esto Centura,” concluding the Preafter era Sh’aeri’s “That’s Just Me of Course” Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC, Arclife, Robyn Miller, Jack Wall and Tim Larkin. “Explorers’ Emporium Suite” produced using loops from Producer Planet.

“Endings and beginnings are within the Fissure…” Cyan’s Riven remake finally released earlier this year – and there’s a lot to discuss! So, for our Autumn 2024 edition, we’re bringing you our longest episode to date, featuring: Cavern News with Dalken Starbyne TCT Talk with Ankhangel, Esto and Maurus: Riven 2024 non-spoiler discussion, Mysterium 2024, and the future of the D’niverse Music Piece: “Abandoned Homestead” by Maurus Chapter III of our D’ni history series “Deep Dive with Esto Centura” TCT Talk Continued: Riven 2024 SPOILER discussion Background music courtesy LCC and Robyn Miller.

Happy Easter! For our Spring 2024 edition, we bring you: TCT Talk with Ankhangel, Dalken Starbyne, Esto Centura, Maurus, and Sh’aeri, covering Riven news & hype as well as a TCT year-in-review Chapter II of Deep Dive with Esto Centura, exploring the Preafter era Sh’aeri’s That’s Just Me Of Course, reflecting on 20 years in D’ni Musical Piece: “Rowena Forest” by Sasha Strange A Riven Sound Effect Mystery? Additional show notes: Note that our TCT Talk was recorded prior to the subtitle “New Discoveries of the Lost D’ni Empire” being removed from the promotional material for the Riven remake – this appears to no longer be part of the title. Our deepest apologies to the Video Game History Foundation for butchering the name of your organization multiple times – You guys are doing very important work helping to preserve art in a medium that often makes preservation very difficult! Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC, Robyn Miller & Tim Larkin.

30 years of Myst – and 20 years of Uru! The Cavern Today is proud to present a very special celebratory episode for our Autumn 2023 edition, featuring: Cavern News with Alhon Ankhangel Op-Ed Skit TCT Talk with Alhon, Ankhangel, Dalken, Esto, Maurus & Sh’aeri, featuring our interview with very special guests Rand & Robyn Miller Musical Piece: “Sara’Aou (Shores Of Naybree)” by Maurus The premiere of Deep Dive with Esto Centura Mysterium Retrospective with Dalken Starbyne TCT Mad Lib Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC, Tim Larkin, Robyn Miller and Jack Wall.

After visiting Cyan HQ as part of Mysterium 2023, we decided to record an impromptu addendum to Podcast 46, giving our immediate reactions to our experiences there. We set out intending to record about 10 minutes of audio we could append to the end of Podcast 46… and then went on recording for almost an hour. So instead, we are releasing this audio as a bonus episode. We hope you enjoy our impromptu deep dive into our visit to Cyan HQ! Please note this was hastily recorded in a hotel room after our Cyan visit, so the audio quality of this bonus episode is not to our usual standard. That being said, we hope you will bear with us, and enjoy our take on our visit to Cyan! Note: This episode contains minor spoilers for Riven – if you have not played the original game, listen at your own risk!

“Around the world and across the Ages…” The Cavern Today podcast has been bringing listeners news & views from the Myst fan community since 2005 – and now, for the first time, we’ve recorded a live, in-person podcast from Mysterium 2023 in Spokane! For this, our Summer 2023 edition, join Sh’aeri, Esto, Dalken and Maurus as we discuss: Our trials and tribulations getting to Mysterium The last time TCT members were at a Spokane Mysterium What we’ve loved about Mysterium so far Excitement for tomorrow’s trip to Cyan HQ Audience Q&A For the first time ever, you can also WATCH this episode, filmed live at the convention, at this link, courtesy of Mysterium! We want to give a HUGE shout-out to all the Mysterium staff for their help making this happen, and for their awesome job putting together the biggest Mysterium to date. You guys rock! We also want to extend a thank you to Justthinktink, who was a huge help to us, and made us awesome TCT-themed gear for the occasion. Thank you so much for your support – we love you!

For our Spring 2023 edition, we’re excited to bring you something a little different this time: our first LIVE episode, recorded live in The Cavern Today’s Hood in D’ni on May 5, 2023. Due to the “live” nature of this recording, the format for this episode will be a little different; a bit more like the streamlined talk-only format of Over the Fence. Join Maurus, Esto, Dalken, Bert and Sh’aeri, as we discuss: Cyan’s new Firmament Trailer Thoughts on the MOULa Q1 Update State of the Cavern TCT is coming to Mysterium 2023! Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC.

‘Tis the season to be jolly! For our Holiday 2022 edition, we’re closing out the year with: Cavern News with Dalken Starbyne Skit TCT Talk with Bert, Esto, J’nathus, Maurus, Narym & Sh’aeri: Riven remake announcement Myst merch we’d love to see Highgarden release The Cavern during the holiday season How has Myst & Uru influenced the way you play other games? What other worlds have you been exploring, and what is your GOTY? Cavern PSAs with Mowog Interview with Keith “Tweek” Lord Musical Piece: “Ages of Tweek Suite” by Sasha Strange Background music featured in this episode courtesy LCC, Arclife, Robyn Miller, and Barentity.

The Cavern Today is back with its first podcast in nearly a decade! For our Summer 2022 edition, we are pleased to bring you: Cavern News with Alhon and Narym Skit TCT Talk with Bert, Dalken, J’nathus and Maurus: Our interview with Doobes What has surprised us the most about the state of Uru in 2022? Myst VR Speculation about the future of Myst and Uru Mowog’s Thought for the Pod A tribute to Jeff Wise, and a reprise of his musical piece “Kerath’s Arch” Sh’aeri’s “That’s Just Me of Course” This podcast is dedicated to TCT staffer Jeff Wise and Frank “Stungthumbz” Whiting, who both passed away in 2020 – though you have linked to the perfect age, you’ll always be in our hearts. Starting with this episode, we have adjusted episode numbering to more accurately reflect the number of prior episodes of The Cavern Today. As this is the 43rd mainline release of “The Cavern Today,” this is now considered episode 43. Background music featured in this podcast by LCC and Tim Larkin. Additional Links:Guild of Messengers Event CalendarAges of DoobesGuild of WritersH’uru/OpenUru Github (to report bugs and file requests)Korman tutorialsOpenUru (Foundry and link to discord)

To Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Myst, The Cavern Today is proud to present this special podcast, featuring: Cavern News with Dalken Starbyne D’Lanor – “Stream of Unconsciousness” Special Retrospective TCT Talk Jeff Wise – “Gardens of Bandam” Return of the TCT Mad Lib This will be TCT’s final podcast for the time being – We will continue maintaining the website and its archives, but the production team will be taking an indefinite hiatus to focus on other projects. Thank you for your support over the years, and shorah! Background music featured in this podcast by Jack Wall, LCC, and Robyn Miller.

Our first podcast in over a year features: SkitTCT Talk:URU is Open SourceCyanWorlds.com EngineFan Run MO:ULa based server list“State of the URU” – our thoughts on Uru and the impact it’s had on us and on our greater gaming experiences / lives.Myst and Riven on iPadPlaying Uru on your tablet via Splashtop2The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s The Art of Video Games added Myst last yearMusical Piece: Jeff Wise, “The Way Things Are”Mowog Thought

TCT Talk:MOULagain- one year later.The hacker hoods and the related storyiRiven was recently released for iPhone.Myst in the Smithsonian Institution’s American Art Museum’s “The Art of Video Games” exhibit.All about Revelation: What worked, what didn’t . . .“Kuusisto” – Musical piece by MaurusMowog Thought

Our Podcast for the December 2010 holiday season features a TCT Talk, discussing: F.E.A.R. 3 and Call of Duty Black Ops are being shepherded by other developers NOT those who created the franchises. We’ve had Myst III and IV… Is the original developer necessary to carry the torch of a franchise?The future of PC gaming according to Ken LevineValve / Steam killing the PC gaming marketiRiven submitted to AppleOpen Source Kinect drivers releasedSpike Video Game Awards (VGAs), what games are you stoked about? …and, a musical piece by Jeff Wise.

This episode, we cover: GoG went down, but it’s BACK3DS Launch date confirmed, features downloadable Game Boy games.World of Warcraft – Patch 4.0.1 – Pre-CataclysmWing!?!?! Stop hacking!MineCraftBlack Mesa… Why hasn’t Valve snatched up this company and made this project official?Beyond Good & Evil HD Re-releaseMyst Movie finds a Partner (For real this time.)Microsoft wants to challenge Steam Link Also featuring: The Mowog Thought and a musical piece by Maurus, entitled ‘Ver Calidus’.

Our TCT Talk-centric fifth podcast discusses the following topics: “Bought The Cyan Complete Pack on Steam” Bevin.Sholek’s Temple LinkStarry Expanse Project https://www.starryexpanse.com/Cyan’s Stoneship announced LinkiRiven site launched LinkiMyst and iRiven on Android? Cyan says maybe LinkThe Manhole for iOSMedal of Honor LinkDuke Nukem Forever actually being prepared to be released? LinkVideo Games Live CD / DVD / Blu-ray October 19th Link

Our podcast for August 2010 features: TCT Talk Over the Fence:3D in TVs and GamesE3 Post ImpressionsiPhone 4 & iOS 4 Release ImpressionsBlizzard’s “Real ID”Starcraft IIMusical Piece: Tansunn – “Thanks for Dinner”Quick Mowog Thought on Steam & Conclusion

Join Jnathus, Mowog, Maurus, and Alhon for Episode 3 of The (new) Cavern Today! Show Notes: New TCT ForumWhat is OHBot, and what is he / it doing?SimiOTF – Cyan Phishing ScamOver the Fence – Magiquest Online is now openOver the Fence – J’nathus is playing Splinter Cell ConvictionOver the Fence – Orange Box becoming popular again due to successful Steam Sale?Over the Fence – E3 anticipationsOver the Fence – What are YOU playing?Over the Fence – iPhone4 / iOS4

Episode 2 of The Cavern Today, featuring: CAVCONSHOUTcastMusical piece from Jeff Wise: “Welcome Home”Griefing in URU?Artemesia (Dr. Celia Pearce)– Book: ‘Communities of Play: Emergent Cultures in Multiplayer Games and Virtual Worlds’– There.com closing– How you feel about Uru Live coming back again– Differences between Uru and There.comPortal 2Mowog Thought

In this relaunch of The Cavern Today podcast network, we bring you Episode 1: “Something old, Something New.” Featuring: TCT Talk returns Lullaby of the Seven Winds – Jeff Wise That’s Just Me Of Course Mowog Thought

Myst Movie finds a Production Partner?Australia asks its people about whether they want an R18+ classificationTOR pushed to 2011Star Trek Online coming soonVideo Games Live coming to TV, PBS, DVD and Blu-Ray in 2010.Games we’re looking forward to…Avatar: Technological importance.

Replayability of games. Is it always necessary?World of Warcraft: CataclysmWarcraft anniversary pageGuild Wars 2 Races trailer released!MORE Status ReportSee the center of our galaxy in the skies!

Unreal Engine 3 now freely availableSecret Anti-Piracy Treaty Turns ISPs into PiratesOnline Retailers boycotting Modern Warfare 2PC Modern Warfare 2’s – It’s much worse than you thoughtPC PiracyValve Exec Explains How To Compete With PiracyCliffy B loves BorderlandsBorderlands: best week one sales of any fresh IP in 2009Aussie game banner: Real-life issues more importantWhat are you looking forward to now?Nintendo releasing even bigger DSi LL in Japan

Nanny Group Outraged by Dante’s Inferno Achievement (https://www.gamepolitics.com/2009/10/22/nanny-group-outraged-dante%E2%80%99s-inferno-achievement)Advocacy Group’s Violent Game Disposal Drive Fails (https://ps3.gamespy.com/articles/103/1036582p1.html)Valve loses appeal against Left 4 Dead 2 Aussie ban (https://www.destructoid.com/valve-loses-appeal-against-left-4-dead-2-aussie-ban-152646.phtml)Modern Warfare 2 Footage Sparks Outrage In Australia (https://kotaku.com/5392963/modern-warfare-2-footage-sparks-outrage-in-australia)Australia Wants To Rate iPhone Apps, Mobile Phone Games (https://kotaku.com/5388227/australia-wants-to-rate-iphone-apps-mobile-phone-games)Games releasing this holiday season and why we want to play them.Torchlight (https://www.torchlightgame.com/)Win7 – impressions?

All about Magiquest OnlineAre Adventure Games Coming back in style?Monkey Island was recreated on the CryEngine 2 (https://www.loneclone.de/projects/monkey.htm)Vegemite you say? How about Bacon Jam? (https://www.topcultured.com/bacon-jam-its-bacon-you-can-spread)Australia gets the KindleGames releasing this holiday season and why we want to play them.Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2’s PC gamer woes (https://www.destructoid.com/mw2-not-delayed-on-pc-will-not-have-dedicated-servers-152335.phtml)Windows 7

Cyan Worlds and Gametap – A Perfect Match An interview with Gametap’s Trent Hershenson

We bring you a massive podcast this month – an interview with Rand Miller! We carry on with the next instalment of JOTC, CA Grey Wolf comes on the show to chat about the GoG, Toraneko shares more of her journal with us. We have news from the cavern and some fun segments as well please enjoy!