This short overview episode is hosted by Josh, the creator of the Weeping Cedars universe. He explains that the universe has grown complex enough to warrant a dedicated orientation episode. The Weeping Cedars universe comprises three podcasts and a growing number of books. The core podcast, Weeping Cedars, is a three-season slow-burn show with documentary and local news episode formats. It covers both the history of the fictional Weeping Cedars location and hints at current terrible events within that world. The second podcast, Samite, is hosted by Michael Walling-Brier and centers on an early 1980s bulletin board computer system. Michael uncovers the records of a strange tight-knit community and pieces together a mystery with far-reaching implications. The third podcast, Rod of Amber, investigates the 2009 kidnapping and murder of Emily Carmichael, star of the fictional children's show Virtue Vista Valley. Rod of Amber focuses on whether police investigators missed major clues because a single confession and guilty plea closed the case prematurely. The first book in the universe is Shards of Amber, an 18-story horror collection that expands the Rod of Amber narrative in ways the character Alex never anticipated. The second book is Lightning Falls, a standalone novel releasing October 20th about Jenny Berger, a woman who returns to her small hometown in Wallowa County, Oregon following a traumatic experience. Despite returning to her birthplace, Jenny can remember little about Lightning Falls or the people who live there. Additional books are planned, including Welcome to Weeping Cedars, a novelization of the actual play podcast adventure that first introduced audiences to the universe. Another forthcoming title, Lightning Falls 1976, is described as a crime mystery set during the year of America's bicentennial. Josh directs listeners to the Weeping Cedars subreddit, which hosts hundreds of fans, extensive discussions, and a growing wiki. He also promotes the Patreon and points to weepingcedars.com as a hub for all related links.
