Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Recross the Paths

Can you have too much of a good thing? This week, Spence says the answer is probably "no" if you're talking about the most powerful flower ever printed. Spence guides us through 100 Black Lotuses, a wildly powerful, unique spin on cubes with an abundance of one card. We discuss breaking singleton to provide more accessible answers, finding balance in an incredibly powerful environment, how many Lotuses you should have in your deck, and much more.

100 Black Lotuses on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/about/100Lotus?view=primer

Spence on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/user/view/636af803a4cfe00f6bea44c4

Spence on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/poisoneddonut.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, the legendary Nick Floyd teaches us how to Fish! Nick is the designer of Forgetful Fish (Dandân), Rock Paper Scissors, and a wealth of other rule-bending Magic variants. There's a lot to explore, so make sure to check out the design doc (linked below) for more ways to play. We discuss building toward what's interesting, balancing discovery and refinement, how Nick has made his mark on Magic: the Gathering, and much more.

Nick's complete list of Variants and rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mazINq5xarND70aq3nB3CabDcHr_pM_KjokM6CaF5WY/edit?tab=t.0

Check out Nick's Magic and Dandân-related stories (Danecdotes) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJaAxbrIqymnT7sSEqHRsw

Nick's Variant-focused Discord channel: https://discord.gg/TMVcweYpEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Brandon graciously connects with me all the way from Scotland. Brandon is a writer, cube designer, event organizer, Old School and Premodern aficionado, and an avid enjoyer of old-bordered cube across the globe. We discuss cube being a "net-zero" environment, the value of loving insistence when building community, why you should take your cube on vacation, and much more.

Brandon is u/HD114 on Reddit

Check out more old-bordered cube on Reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/Oldbordercube/

Rocky Mountain Yeti Dominaria Cantos Cube on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/about/36gu8?view=primer

Faith Before Evidence: Navigating The Layers of Fun in Cube - https://rockymountainyeti.online/2026/05/09/faith-before-evidence-navigating-the-layers-of-fun-in-cube/

Read more of Brandon's articles at the Rocky Mountain Yetis page: https://rockymountainyeti.online/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

YOU FIGHT FOR HONOR, SOLDIER; FOR THE EMPIRE'S AND YOUR OWN! This week, Gabe guides us through Trenchfight, a white-leaning, de-desert-ed version of Weenies in the Desert where every card is 2 mana value or less. We discuss lessons learned from a cube that was doing a lot, the journey of totally transforming a cube, leaning into the community around you, and much more.

Trenchfight on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/about/Trenchfight

Gabe on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/user/view/e7f2b867-924a-4fe9-9837-829156d4e71a

Gabe is @softmaurice on Discord

Check out Gabe's band, Darling on Spotify - their new album Return on Investment is out now!: https://open.spotify.com/album/3ard6pWMOVsXr0R7MSWeOg?si=7WCtcyp9SEKjXhg54woxWw

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week Ryan Overturf and I wax poetic about all facets of cube design and enjoyment, ranging from Twoberts to Mundanity (a new project about everything not exciting in fantasy) to art philosophy. We discuss the joys and challenges of sharing your work, cube as a form of expression, how rest is part of the creative process, and much more.

Listen to more of Ryan on 180 MtG: https://open.spotify.com/show/0E9q00OVjvnOo4V26bOwom?si=270abd0592c4437b

Ryan on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5e88d0f7df3ffb7493f5655c

Ryan on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/ryanoverdrive.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Trae is our spirit guide through Spirit Guide! In this fascinating landless cube, every card can be exiled for one mana of its color. Welcome to the home of wild card draw, wilder plays, and enough probability to satisfy any statistician. We discuss the journey from a constructed format to a limited format, radical context shifts, how Ancestral Recall may not be good, and much more.

Spirit Guide on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/SpiritGuide?view=primer

Trae on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/6071aa5b00e3ff1066c31ca3

Trae is @trae__ on Discord

Trae's Discord server for funky formats (including Spirit Guide constructed):https://discord.gg/MnU5ypFQ5p

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week Max and Sakari share about their experiences in cube together. From designing a masters set, to curating surprise drafts, to hosting Motticon - a growing cube tournament in their home country of Finland - there's a lot to be encouraged by. We discuss pursuing a re-draftable environment, the value of working together, why you should include Park Map in your next cube project, and much more.

Learn more about Motticon: https://motticon.com/

The Motticon website also has links to the Discord where you can connect with Max about their tournament app!

Sakari's Mono Blue Cube: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/MonoUcube?view=primer

Max's Downward Spiral: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/downward-spiral?view=primer

Three delightful blog posts about designing Premodern Masters:

https://premodernmagic.com/blog/introducing-premodern-masters/

https://premodernmagic.com/blog/designing-premodern-masters/

https://premodernmagic.com/blog/premodern-masters-the-digital-and-physical-experience/

Premodern Masters: https://premodernmasters.com/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Jay Dragon joins me to talk about game design through the lens of The Magpie's Cube, a whimsical sticker cube that gives players license to create. Jay is the Lead Game Designer at Steve Jackson Games and the Editorial Director at Possum Creek Games. We discuss the power and potential of stickers, the joy of unraveling Magic's grammar, outsmarting games (and being okay with being outsmarted), and much more.

Support Jay on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/possumcreek

Possum Creek Games: https://possumcreekgames.com/

Jay's delightful article on The Magpie's Cube: https://possumcreek.medium.com/the-magpies-cube-54eac20f36fd

Jay on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5ee002664724960f538f6a5f

Jay on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/jdragsky.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Dan guides us through the wasteland of Mad Max Cube, a crushing desert environment that showcases the brutality of the Mad Max universe. There's precious little Blue, even less Green, and there's no deckbuilding! We discuss embracing your restrictions, drawing inspiration from possibly the worst format ever, how aesthetics shape design, and much more.

Mad Max Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/1t3q2?view=primer

Dan on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5ddebd342e9e9a18f63ae37e

Dan is @danconsiglio on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Ana welcomes us to The Vintage Cube Retirement Home (aka the Boomer Cube), a resting place for those cards that just can't cut it in the most contemporary Vintage environments. We explore the value of having a thesis, balancing powerful cards in a powerless environment, the joy of every draft being different, and much more.

The Vintage Cube Retirement Home on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/077a945b-f5b0-403c-8900-27bfda429257?view=primer

Ana on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/603c2eb15a1ef3103ba4feb7

Ana is @squiddlyinks on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Adam takes us on the nickel tour of The Bargain Bin. This project explores the value of building on a budget and what happens when you aggressively break singleton. We discuss cleanliness over complexity, vulnerability around sharing your ideas, intentionality in design and feedback, how cube is like Shrek, and much more.

The Bargain Bin on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/50Cent

Adam on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5f3c056c69d5fd104e8d8f17

Adam's articles on CoolStuffInc: https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/?tagged[]=adam%20melfa

Adam is @adam0013 on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

You're reading that correctly, this is the original Desert Cube! Andrew (Loxodon_Meyerarch) takes us on a tour of the rainless wasteland of Corince that inspired a whole subgenre of cube design. We discuss inspirations for this historic project, balancing flavor and gameplay, staying true to your own design goals, and much more.

A copy of The Desert Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/2mh?view=primer

The Desert Cube on CubeTutor (through the Wayback Machine): https://web.archive.org/web/20140626041326/https://www.cubetutor.com/cubeblog/10432

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com if you'd like to get in touch with Andrew (or with Kade about anything else!)

In this week's cube we're truly spoiled for choice! John guides us through Choose Your Own Adventure, a low-powered synergy cube without Forests in the land box. Will you dig into Burning Vengeance, a different key card, or will you attempt to embrace the green outliers? We explore designing from a web of connections, taking feedback from friends, giving drafters opportunities for ego investment, and much more.

Choose Your Own Adventure on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/choya?view=primer

John on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/2f020741-23b8-4811-8686-87f2ee6162cb

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Heather guides us through HeatherCube, a competitively-focused environment that celebrates 2015 Magic vibes. HeatherCube was featured at Shoebox and was selected by the top 8 contenders to be the final cube of the main event. We discuss 'quest' cards, fun vs. technical perfection, the value of data and stories, and much more.

HeatherCube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/HeatherCube?view=primer

Heather on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/644cc1af-7775-404e-9a57-7df99d067913

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Kyle (aka vacalicious on Reddit) showcases the "Share Your X" series on Reddit, an annual event-turned-resource he hosts where designers discuss their cube inclusions. We also talk about how his personal cube evolved from the childhood 'Box'. We explore cards you cast right before you lose, how design decisions have consequences, being willing to simply try new things, and much more.

The start of this year's Share Your X thread on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/mtgcube/comments/1qxh85m/announcing_the_2026_share_your_x_series/

Kyle is u/vacalicious on RedditKyle's F'ing Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/KylesFingCube?view=primer

If you want to follow Kyle's non-MtG projects, check out:

Beverage Dynamics: https://bevinfogroup.com/beverage-dynamics/

Stateways: https://bevinfogroup.com/stateways/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this conversation, Daisy guides us through the Early 2010s Nostalgia Cube. We unpack how Daisy uses timeline restrictions to foster creativity and we explore design of several of her time capsule projects. We discuss carving your cube from marble, creative uses for double-sided proxies, that rules can be good actually, and much more.

Daisy on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/7360e0e5-2e48-4f7d-a247-dea7eb539717

Early 2010s Nostalgia Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/2010s-nostalgia-cube?view=primer

Daisy on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dazeydukes.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this conversation, the incomparable aqua gives us a tour of aquaone powered, a heavily-customized powered cube that travels to cube events all over the country. There's a wealth of ideas to unpack as aqua gives us a peek into curating a not-quite-power-maxed environment that cultivates novel experiences. We discuss supporting artists and agents through alters, signatures, and proofs, the value of thinking like a "Johnny," not getting in your own way, and much more.

aquaone powered on CubeCobra (check out the alters and signatures!): https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/aquaone?board=mainboard&view=spoiler

aqua on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5d705aaf3a7f9b57c628da25

aqua on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/aquaone.bsky.social

aqua is @ambroseseattle on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this conversation, Nate (who likes frogs) guides us through Glory Tag Tournament XIV, a Nostalgia project that aims to bring a bygone era to new groups of players. This project helped reinvigorate Nate's enjoyment of MtG and there's a wealth of inspiration for other designers draw from it. We discuss the value of storytelling, encouraging table talk, not letting the past design your cube for you, and much more.

Glory Tag Tournament XIV on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/GTTXIV?view=primer

Glory Days on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/2n2tj?view=primer

Nate (natelikesfrogs) on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/60afe65f0d3264034277097f

Nate on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/natelikesfrogs.bsky.social

Nate is @natelikesfrogs on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Ben Weitz, Senior Game Designer at Wizards of the Coast, offers a masterful overview of his Monored Cube. Ben shares insight from his wealth of experience as a professional player and as a part of Magic's Play Design team and the Council of Colors. We discuss targeting your ideal play experience in design, making the fun thing the good thing, why Red just might be the best color for a mono-colored cube, and much more.

Monored Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/95e54429-d20a-43e8-accc-806f20890123?view=primer

Ben on CubeCobra (check out the Combo Cube too!): https://cubecobra.com/user/view/1d98d114-9f87-4158-a304-9f4ade8b1a7b

Ben is on X: https://x.com/bsweitz123

Ben is on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/bsweitz123.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

"I rather think that archives exist to keep things safe - but not secret." - Kevin Young

This week, Andrew takes us deep into The Archive, a charming showcase cube that includes at least three cards from (almost) every standard-release set since Magic's release. We discuss finding joy in the process of creating, using design packages to create cohesion, balancing the breadth of Magic's history, and much more.

The Archive on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/about/thearchive?view=primer

Andrew is mapodofu on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/61daeed3b5cfd810331ba930

Andrew on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/manaflare-mtg.bsky.social

Andrew is @aa099931 (MFlare) on Discord

Arena Gauntlet League: https://f2fleague.wordpress.com/

Explore Cogwork Librarian for your in-depth cube needs: https://coglib.sosk.watch/Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

"Cube is a community thing." This week, Yolo shares about his eponymous cube, yoloswagb0i's yoloswagcube, as well as the value of building and being part of a local cube group. We explore saying "yes" to more things, building community through consistency, drafting decks you're excited to play, and much more.

yoloswagb0i’s yoloswagcube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/yoloswagcube

Yolo is @yoloswagb0i on Discord

Here is the Rotisserie draft template we talk about: https://luckypaper.co/resources/formats/rotisserie/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this week's conversation, Maggie guides us through Twilight A.K.A The Cube Version of The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack, where we embrace nostalgia through sight, sound... and sometimes smell. This vibes-focused project aims to capture the feelings of a bygone era through card selection, aesthetics, and interactive speed. We explore how fundamentals are a foundation for freedom, the value of curio collecting, why you should 'just send it,' and much more.

Maggie on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/6dffa7e5-3eb0-4a3a-a3d1-4c96dbcfad31

Twilight on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TSGACUBE

Maggie is @elonbust215 on DiscordEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

All roads lead to cube! In this conversation, Gabor shares about the intersection of gaming, community, and organizing for causes larger than the game. We discuss the Etherium Landscape (a rich, technical Esper desert cube), the accessibility and infectiousness of 5-Alive, Gabor's work in organizing and coordination for a charity event, and much more.

• ​Gabor on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/3a3f38fc-79bd-460e-bbc3-5d2a1ed40fb3
• ​Etherium Landscape on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/etherium
• ​5-Alive Hub: https://moxfield.com/users/ahnkili
• ​Cube, Radical Play, and Organizing (Gabor's article for Upkeep): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bswhSD16UbYcrLdHtrSHQ2C2eOr6lvBzMI4TWxrOcok/edit?tab=t.0
• ​100 Ornithopters Charity Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/vTCCzUworQE?si=D4crYSY4XiZMxz-A
• ​Gabor is @ahnkili on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Mirror mirror on the wall, which cards do I want two of this draft? This week, water the weeds guides us through The Hall of Mirrors, a delightful cube where you get to duplicate two cards before games. We discuss championing deck identity beyond archetypes, accessibility options with aesthetic benefits, cube at the intersection of self-expression and empathy, and much more.

water the weeds on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5e1539106f5fe53d8982d111

The Hall of Mirrors on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/mirrors

@watertheweeds on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Members of the community share what they're most thankful for this year in their cube journey. Thank you so much for your contributions!

Recross the Paths will be taking a break during the month of December. More cube-shaped conversations to come in the new year!

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Madness? This is TEMPO! In this conversation, Joey unpacks Truly Maddening Tempo, a decision-rich cube where every card can be used for three mana or less. We discuss the value of a consistent playgroup, making and breaking design rules, finding inspiration in other cubes, and much more.

Truly Maddening Tempo on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/42387891-39c3-4eef-852f-17cb6ee7c52f

Joey on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/fe7890c6-d08d-49cf-b2af-6962270e6e2d

Joey is @joeynem on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

In this episode, Sam gives us an overview of both Too Long, Didn't Read, a cube where cards can't have more than five lines of text, and The Circle of Life, a cube where all of your creatures have emerge! We discuss Sam's experience at CubeCon, what he learned from feedback and what's next for his projects. We discuss considering feedback, balancing accessibility and complexity, leaning into what makes a cube unique, and much more.

TL;DR on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TLDR

The Circle of Life on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/EMRG

Sam is finmint on Discord

If you'd like to be part of CUBE GRATITUDE this year, follow the link below to upload a recording. You can also email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com. Submissions close soon!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsZ78VJIDazkuY8AZ4AKgsTVOKpwU_Ks3o4YpkkB0tui2cJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111921507938458899914

A busy schedule means a quick bonus episode. Bones and I (on very little sleep) reflect on an amazing trip to visit friends and play games.

Be part of Cube Gratitude! Send in an audio clip about what you're thankful for in the cube space.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsZ78VJIDazkuY8AZ4AKgsTVOKpwU_Ks3o4YpkkB0tui2cJw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=111921507938458899914

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, John (CrimsonYoshi) guides us through the curated chaos of Hackett Cube, a low-powered environment that celebrates a mad scientist approach to repurposing cards from yesterday and today. We also explore his insightful blog detailing a year away from the project and the changes that came from the reflection. We unpack not designing at the peaks of power, putting complexity budget where it belongs, keeping sight of your pet cards, and much more.

Hackett Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/sd4

Make sure to check out the Blog for the write-up! - https://cubecobra.com/cube/blog/blogpost/4a9f3e75-9b4d-4913-82fe-6bdfb762f8bf

John on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5fca9a3abada5f7f150c8b6c

John is .crimsonyoshi on Discord

Cube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Tom guides us through this deeply color-imbalanced, punishing environment where Black and Red rule and Bant offers power at a dangerous cost. This cube challenges players and design conventions in unexpected and delightful ways. We discuss building the best version of the experience you want, embracing what stands out about your project, not putting grapes in your ice cream, and much more.

Volcano Manor on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Volcanomanor

Untap T.O.: https://untap.ca/

Tom is ctide on Discord

Cube Gratitude 2025 - Follow the link below to share what you're thankful for in a special episode during the week of Thanksgiving: https://forms.gle/dFo3q1QoLxTRjm8j9

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Now we reach the grand finale,
Animale, carnivale.
Noises new to sea and land
Issue from the skillful band. (Ogden Nash)

In this conversation, Celaena guides us through The Menagerie: Critters and Creepers - a collection of fantastic beasts that defy cube conventions. This is also Celaena's first cube project! We discuss embracing the support of your community, not playing the idea of a cube, being gracious with yourself, and much more.

The Menagerie on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/themenagerie

Celaena on Moxfield: https://moxfield.com/users/CelaenaSword

Celaena on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/celaena.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, An helps answer the question "what's in a name?" Or perhaps, "what's a name in?" All 360 cards in the A(n) Cube feature An's name. We also explore her personal website where she documents different parts of her cube journey through writing. Join us as we explore thinking about thinking about cube, celebrating the joy of surprise, separating gameplay and analysis, and much more.

An's Website: ⁠https://anoddandanend.com/⁠

An is @recursiveacronym on Discord

A(n) Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/an

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Welcome to the Jam! On this episode, Dan shows off Hoopin, a basketball-flavored cube that has you fighting over the ball. Make sure you check out the Visual Spoiler on CubeCobra - it's a work of art! We explore going deep on a theme, balancing accessibility with aesthetics, what brings players back for a second draft, and much more.

Hoopin on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/hoopin

Dan on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dant.bsky.social

Dan is @brinkleysound on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

On this episode, Leland welcomes us into The An-Havva Inn, a medium-high-powered, graveyard-focused, bar cube. We explore the value of number crunching, how fixing impacts archetypes, and cherishing the Dermotaxis in your life.

Leland is the host of a monthly conversational Magic-focused podcast. Be sure to check out Wild Dogs on Spotify and YouTube!

The An-Havva Inn on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/anhavvainn

Wild Dogs on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VYrLLsN9eSm0uPzwWva2A?si=525d3957255045cf

Wild Dogs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildDogsPod

Leland is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilddogspod

... and on most socials @WildDogsPod

Email this show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Ben guides us through his gargantuan art project - a fully hand-drawn cube! Each card in bbsheps vintage cube was individually illustrated, painted, and cut out with a scalpel to prepare for the table. We discuss wrestling with perfectionism as an artist, evaluating legitimacy of proxies, putting part of yourself into things you care about, and much more.

bbsheps vintage on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/bbsheps?view=spoiler

Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbshepsmtg/

Ben on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/bbsheps.bsky.social

Ben is @bbsheps on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Dirk talks about turning trash into treasure with the Trash Bag Cube, a collaborative project built from the local bargain bin. We also unpack his journey from a tournament grinder to a cube designer and what he's learned along the way. We explore creating positive discomfort, playing Magic for the love of the game, and remembering that no cuber is an island... not even the Blue players.

Trash Bag Cube: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Thisistrash

Dirk on CubeCobra: https://www.cubecobra.com/user/view/62450f237dd4c3409e7c9fc9

Dirk on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/dirkjay.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Andy graciously shares his passion this week by introducing us to Lucky Paper's Cube Fellowship, an opportunity to support the community by equipping dedicated players to participate in grassroots cube events. We explore attempting to define the cube community, the necessity of intentionality in community- and relationship-building, the value and growth of small cube events, and much more.

Participate in the Fellowship: https://luckypaper.co/cube-fellowship/

Learn more about all of Andy's projects: https://luckypaper.co/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Heather guides us through a tour of fascinating projects, starting with Urza's Saga Cube where players begin with the namesake card in their pool. From an Ancient Tomb-centric Dan-Dan variant, to a land-rich and threat-light desert, to a Rochester Planechase draft, there's plenty to be inspired and encouraged by. We discuss constructed influence on cube design, hosting proxy Vintage events, building mean cubes, and much more.

Urza's Saga Cube: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/urzas-saga

Wurm-Wurm: https://moxfield.com/decks/smvNdMfWzUChpzYZ6dERTg

land-ho: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/land-ho

Pilotwings: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/pilotwings

datcard: https://www.cubecobra.com/cube/overview/datcard

Heather is _frostyyy on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Get a Clue! This week, Jake guides us through his mystery-inspired, blue-focused environment that centers around a Clue-creating emblem. He also talks about some of his work writing creative text for Wizards of the Coast. We discuss balancing flavor and mechanics, using every part of a design element, the value of Tamiyo in Magic fiction, and much more.

Jake on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/maelstrompulse.bsky.social

The Casebook of Tamiyo Planewalker on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TamiyosCasebook

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Chris shares some experiences from his local cube community that shape how he engages with the game. We unpack lessons he's learned on how you can support those around you wherever you fit in the group. We explore interrogating decisions, knowing when to ask for help, seeking inspiration outside the game, and much more.

Chris is iwasacashew on Discord

Though we don't talk about it much, The Dandy Cube is on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/thedandycube

If you're here in the show notes looking for info on the "Chipped Teacup" problem, I searched and couldn't find any evidence of this existing. If you have info I'd love to hear it - or if you're confident I made this up I'm happy to hear that too.

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Recross the Paths crosses the ocean for this week's chat! In this colorful conversation, J.Mul guides us through the Prismatic Desert, an all-gold desert cube. Together we explore embracing challenging experiences, learning valuable lessons in spite of outcomes, meeting your heroes, and much more.

Prismatic Desert on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/Prismatic%20Desert

J.Mul on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/ebcd59a1-7be5-48b8-bd7b-81567ae602db

J.Mul is J.Mul on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Derek guides us through Falls Cube, a beautiful medium-powered Eternal environment that has evolved over more than a decade. We discuss pivot archetypes, taking steps to welcome people into your cube, the joy and privilege of sharing cube with your family, and much more.

Falls Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/FallsCube

Derek on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5f37503435fe7a0fb68cdbf0

Derek is decarabas. on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Three heads are better than one! This week, the team behind the Chicago Cube shares their philosophy for the project and the value of working as a team. We explore the use of lighthouses in cube design, trusting your friends, a reasonable amount of trash talk, and much more.

The Chicago Cube on CubeCobra⁠https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/TheChicagoCube⁠

The Chicago Cube Discord (thanks Kyle!)https://discord.gg/jQDhXtJsXFThe Chicago Cube on Bskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thechicagocube.bsky.social The Chicago Cube YouTube Channelhttps://youtube.com/@thechicagocube?si=Y9jNq90q9Perh7nuEmail the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

There's no school like the Oldest School! Alex guides us through The Oldest School, a nostalgic retro-frame environment where Shivan Dragon and Serra Angel rule. We discuss recreating the feel of playground Magic, the power of Thawing Glaciers, creating the cube only you can create, and more.

The Oldest School on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/oldestschool

Alex on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/f667b1a3-6a8a-4dfe-9f3e-6967152aedbd

This American Life story that Alex references about comedian Gad Elmaleh: https://www.thisamericanlife.org/596/becoming-a-badger/act-one-5

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Saddle up for a wild ride through the Okk Corral! Jesse guides us through this bespoke (bespokke?) environment that celebrates everyone's favorite lumbering goblin. We discuss the importance of goals, giving players space to explore, depth behind the gimmicks, and more.

Showdown at the Okk Corral on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/OkkCorral

Jesse on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/6080f4704382111055b83c76

Jesse is no_bark on Discord

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, Brendan guides us through The Kuleshov Cube, a non-Red, enchantment- and graveyard-focused cube. We meander through discussing the Jace test, Crash Bandicoot, legibility, tentpole cards, package-based design, and more.

Brendan on bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/griselbrand.com

Brendan is haganbmj on Discord

The Kuleshov Cube on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/meaning

The Kuleshov Cube will be at Captiol Cube Championship 2025: https://capitolcube.org/

Further watching and listeningOriginal Kuleshov Effect Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gGl3LJ7vHc,Andy Gavin; Crash Bandicoot development blog:https://all-things-andy-gavin.com/2011/02/02/making-crash-bandicoot-part-1/,Andy Gavin; Ars Technica Interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSHj5UKSylk

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Pink Sleeves was all my joy,
Pink Sleeves was my delight.

This week, Stephen guides us through Pink Sleeves, the blog and the eponymous cube. We discuss atomic effects, a library of agency, how accessibility and simplicity aren't the same, and much more.

Pink Sleeves (the Blog): https://zoydraft.tumblr.com/

Pink Sleeves (the Cube) on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/pink

Stephen on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5dc1705c8540e621ac8255e0

Stephen on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/zoydraft.bsky.social

Untap T.O. (Toronto Cube Event): https://untap.ca/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

Recross the Paths is one year old! Kade takes a moment this week to celebrate how far the project has come.

For those curious, the first episode aired as a podcast on June 25th, 2024.

Regular interviews resume next week.

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week, my good friend Bones gives us a tour through the Sticker Cube, a wild project about building community through collaborative game design. We unpack the particulars of his version as well as the resources he's made available for you to create your own. We discuss managing mental load in complex projects, breaking singleton, lots of artists, and much more.

Sticker Cube Resources

Keyword Handout: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c7o9DJpegaEAfoUkdm1dpQXkcRU56sXl/edit

Sticker Printout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1keRZdGyc8qmkxyGwodHfkPmoNH5z5fnl/view

Reddit Post (with more details and resources): https://old.reddit.com/r/mtgcube/comments/1gqfhoq/draft_report_sticker_cube_draft_15_featuring_a/

Bones on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/5ea095db12bf071086e7c065

Bones on Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/goblingathering.bsky.social

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com

This week I'm joined by Noah, the Cube Dungeon Master. We wax poetic about Old-Frame formats like Old School as well as the Alternate History Powered Cube, his take on a Vintage environment without select design decisions from the last five years. We discuss the vibes-spreadsheet spectrum, Descartes, the Cube Dungeon, and much more.

Noah on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/user/view/611ab36a728d3c103ec765ef

Alternate History on CubeCobra: https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/althistoryvintage

Cube Dungeon: https://cubedungeon.com/

Cheese Cube (Charity Event): https://cubedungeon.com/cheese-cube/

Wak-Wak - Old School Decklists: https://www.wak-wak.se/

Email the show at recrossthepaths@gmail.com