Mage: The Podcast

Pooka and Bryce discuss M20 Faces of Magick. One of the final two books of Mage 20, a collection of NPCs, ideas and possibilities.Show Notes M20 Faces of Magick Final NPC-focused supplement for Mage 20 Originally a stretch goal from Lore of the Traditions Kickstarter TryItCon 2: Tarragon Edition – Now recruiting Storytellers and GMs for this online convention (June 13–15) in memory of Terry Robinson

Arden Leigh, a chaos magician and singer-songwriter, shares her transformative journey from trauma healing to becoming Grant Morrison’s magical apprentice. She introduces her Repatterning Project, blending self-help with magic. Arden discusses the ethics of magical identity and the challenges of maintaining control in today’s competitive magic culture. The conversation also explores her creative ventures, including her band Arden and the Wolves and her plans for a podcast and a book on her practices, making magic more accessible to all.

Adam and Pooka discuss Robert W. Chambers' King in Yellow mythos and other stories. Can they inspire Mage stories? Can these two stick to the subject?Yellow Signs: The Decadent Movement and its Influence on Weird FictionBlog article on The Yellow Wallpaper, 1892Free stories onlineCosmic vs. Abrahamic HorrorMage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Terry and 3 other hosts discuss World of Darkness Hong KongMage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Adam’s riding solo on this one, and he’s pulling a bundle of helpful tricks and tips out of his Storyteller’s saddlebag—especially for folks just starting out running Mage games. If you’re a veteran, you might hear some familiar ground, but if you’re new to the Storyteller’s seat, this one’s a gold mine.Show Notes 🔍 Mysteries in MageHow to prep, run, and avoid dead-ends in investigative stories using the Three Clue Rule, leads vs. evidence, and flexible scene design. 📉 Failing ForwardWhy a botched roll doesn’t have to mean failure. Let the players move forward with consequences instead of slamming the brakes. 🎲 Let It RideOne roll covers an entire scene—less stress, more fun. A simple rule to keep the tension without constant dice-checking. 🏙️ Portraying Cities with FlavorBring your setting to life! Split the city into districts, add landmarks and “scenic encounter” tables to make your urban Mage game sing. ⏰ Faction ClocksA slick little tool to track what NPC factions are up to, using clocks to show progress and raise stakes in the background. 😈 Villain AdviceThree time-tested tips: Let worthy foes emerge from play Keep villains offscreen and safe until the big showdown Don’t be afraid to let bad guys run away when things go south 📚 Source of InspirationMuch of this wisdom comes from Justin Alexander’s book So You Want To Be A Game Master and his legendary blog The Alexandrian, with Mage-friendly tweaks and examples sprinkled in. 🎧 Related EpisodeMissions, Mysteries, and Magick: Paranormal Investigation in Mage - Using weird ⁠artifacts⁠, team dynamics and investigations that make sense in the World of Darkness.

Adam and Terry discuss Mage20 Sorcerer. What do the sorcerers and psychics of the World of Darkness get up to when they can't learn Sphere magick?Mage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Adam interviews Jiba Anderson, author of the Bata'a chapter in Forbidden and Forgotten Orders.Griot EnterprisesRocbottom StudiosMage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Terry and Michael Mercere discuss six of the Houses of the Order of Hermes.Michael's book Riddle of the SphinxCheck out OoH Tradition Book and OoH Tradition Book Revised.Mage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz

Atalanti Evripidou, an author and social psychologist passionate about Greek mythology and tabletop gaming, joins the discussion. She delves into the Sisters of Hippolyta, emphasizing their role in reshaping narratives of equality and female identity. The conversation showcases the blending of ancient Greek traditions with modern storytelling, along with character development insights. Atalanti also shares her creative process, the significance of community, and even a sweet nod to traditional Greek desserts, intertwining culture with narrative.

Adam interviews Satyros Brucato on his Solificati chapter in Forbidden & Forgotten Orders.Brucato's Recommendations:The Magician's Reflection by Bill WhitcombThe Doors of Perception by Aldous HuxleyThe Alchemists of Kush by Minister FaustMaynard James Keenan biographyGary Lachman books:Aleister Crowley: Magick, Rock and Roll, and the Wickedest Man in the WorldA Secret History of ConsciousnessTurn Off Your MindOccultureCoyote Wallace's bookRed ShoesValhalla with a Twist of LetheMage the Podcast social media linksWebsitehttp://magethepodcast.comPatreonhttps://bit.ly/MagePatreonBlueskyhttps://bsky.app/profile/magethepodcast.bsky.socialMastodonhttps://dice.camp/@magethepodcastThreadshttps://www.threads.net/@magethepodcastDiscordhttps://discord.gg/7rsy59Zz