Dark Dice Podcast Episode Summary: "Remembering Wayne June"

Release Date: January 31, 2025
Host: Fool and Scholar Productions

Introduction

In the poignant episode titled "Remembering Wayne June," the hosts of Dark Dice, the horror-themed actual play podcast by Fool and Scholar Productions, pay tribute to their beloved game master, Wayne June. This episode serves as both a memorial and an acknowledgment of Wayne's profound impact on the Dark Dice community and the wider realm of horror storytelling.

Announcement of Wayne June’s Passing

The episode opens with a heartfelt announcement regarding the untimely passing of Wayne June, the charismatic voice behind their game master. The host begins by addressing the audience directly:

“Greetings citizens. Last night we learned that the voice of our game master, the one and only Wayne June, has passed on.”
— A, [00:00]

This somber news sets the tone for the episode, underscoring the significance of Wayne's role within the Dark Dice series.

Wayne June's Contributions to Dark Dice

The host elaborates on Wayne's contributions, highlighting their collaborative efforts on previous projects:

“Wayne was kind enough to reply to my email about working together many years ago, and while our plans for future projects will not come to pass, we feel fortunate to have worked with him on Liberty Vigilance.”
— A, [00:00]

Liberty Vigilance is recognized as a significant collaboration between the hosts and Wayne, showcasing the synergy that made their joint projects memorable for fans.

Personal Reflections and Inspirations

Delving deeper, the host shares a personal connection to Wayne's work, tracing back to their teenage years:

“I first learned of Wayne June as a teenager through his brilliant narrations in the many works of H.P. Lovecraft. He was my introduction to the Call of Cthulhu and many other stories and those largely inspired the tone of Dark Dice.”
— A, [00:00]

This reflection not only honors Wayne's talent but also illustrates the lasting influence of his storytelling on the host and, by extension, on Dark Dice's thematic development.

Impact on Dark Dice’s Future

The host addresses the implications of Wayne's passing on the podcast's future:

“We thought it would be important to share this news between episodes, as his voice will be very present for the remainder of the season, though unfortunately not as present in future stories as we'd planned.”
— A, [00:00]

This statement reassures listeners that while Wayne's direct involvement will diminish, his legacy will continue to resonate throughout the current season.

Wayne June’s Other Works

Acknowledging Wayne's extensive body of work, the host mentions his contributions to other media:

“You can hear more of his voice and works in the video game Darkest Dungeon and its sequel Darkest Dungeon 2 by Red Hook Games, as well as in more than a few audiobooks that are still available digitally and in rare instances, CD.”
— A, [00:00]

Darkest Dungeon and its sequel are highlighted as prime examples of Wayne June's exceptional narration skills, allowing fans to further appreciate his artistry beyond the Dark Dice series. Additionally, his presence in various audiobooks underscores his versatility and enduring appeal.

Closing Remembrance

The episode concludes with a solemn farewell, invoking a sentiment of eternal remembrance:

“May the Archon watch over.”
— A, [00:00]

This closing remark encapsulates the reverence and respect the hosts hold for Wayne June, serving as a final tribute to his lasting influence.

Conclusion

"Remembering Wayne June" is a heartfelt episode that not only mourns the loss of a cherished collaborator but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Wayne June's contributions to the Dark Dice podcast and the broader horror storytelling community. Through personal anecdotes, acknowledgments of his work, and reflections on his impact, the hosts ensure that Wayne's memory remains an integral part of Dark Dice's ongoing narrative.

For listeners and fans unable to attend the collaborative projects Wayne was involved in, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of his significance and the void his passing leaves within the Dark Dice family.

Note: Time stamps refer to the beginning of the spoken segment as the provided transcript starts at [00:00].