Mage: The Podcast

Michael Mercere, the author of 'Riddle of the Sphinx,' joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of metaplot in the Mage universe. He shares insights on connecting narratives from different editions, particularly following the Avatar Storm. Discussion includes engaging with faction dynamics and creative techniques for enriching storytelling. With amusing anecdotes and imaginative plot hooks, Mercere emphasizes the importance of player communication in enhancing gameplay experiences.

Dive into the mesmerizing blend of East Asian mythos and RPG mechanics! The hosts explore the quirky charm of World of Darkness: Demon Hunter X, from combat tactics to dynamic character creation. Discover the intriguing transformation of ninjas into business moguls with Strikeforce Zero. They dissect the lore of Shi warriors and the complexities of integrating cultural narratives into gaming. Plus, learn about Kiao abilities and the moral dilemmas faced by demon hunters, ensuring a mix of humor and critical insights throughout!

Mages can live centuries with minds both powerful and fluid, how do we feature memory as a central story idea? Bryce and Terry talk the Mind Sphere, strategic forgetting and There Is No Antimemetics Division.There Is No Antimemetics Division (CC) - One of the inspirations for the episode. Also available in dead tree formSCP Foundation - Wiki that also contains information on some of the memetic entities mentionedNibiru - Billed as a science fiction game of lost memoriesMummy the Curse - Another game heavily featuring memory

M20 still has several releases in queue and Hiromi and Travis talk about them including two for M20 Victorian and two for M20's contemporary setting. This is an edited recording of the Oppcon 2024 M20 panel.Travis Legge on DTRPGHiromi Cota on DTRPG

What if reality were even more malleable than Mage lets on and conspiracies existed to incept some new truth into existence? This is the world of The Department of Truth and we talk how to bring it into a Mage game.The Department of Truth omnibus - First 17 issues. On sale as of this postingTypes of Conspiracies in the World of Darkness - Previous episode on a similar topicBabalon Working - A working involving a prominent figure in Crowley's ThelemaJack Parsons - He...he did some stuffSplashin' Around - The song that got stuck in my head

Dive into the complexities of rolling for actions in gameplay and discover when these rolls should occur. Explore the unspoken agreements that shape player behavior in the Mage universe, and the pivotal balance between player agency and storyteller authority. Unearth the fascinating dynamics of success and failure, and how they enhance character development. Plus, get philosophical insights into finite versus infinite games, shifting perspectives towards resilience in life’s challenges.

The Hedge serves as both a strange place with its own denizens and border between Arcadia and the mundane world in Changeling the Lost. How can we use it in the World of Darkness? Lauren Roy joins to explain how!The Hedge - This book!Damnation City - A darn good book on city buildingChangeling: The Lost 2eSNL Well SkitLauren works

Gnosticism has ancient roots and is mentioned at across various WoD lines. How can we reflect Gnosticism and Gnostic magick in Mage? Pook joins to talk Sophia, Yaldabaoth, the Pleroma, and the Cainite Heresy.Nostradamus's Cherry JamsWorld of Darkness BooksCainite Heresy - Dark Ages Vampire book with a wild take on Gnosticism.The Paradigm's Progress - Pook's book on Paradigm advancementOther Books Michael Baigent - A British author known for his works on the historical Jesus and conspiracy theories. Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch - A science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick that explores themes of reality and illusion. Valis - A science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick that delves into Gnosticism and reality. Current Gnostic churches - Modern religious movements influenced by ancient Gnostic traditions. The Thunder, Perfect Mind - A Gnostic poem discovered among the Nag Hammadi library texts. The Gospel of Truth - A Gnostic text that provides a unique interpretation of Christian teachings. The Gospel of Judas - An ancient Gnostic text that presents Judas Iscariot in a positive light. Voight-Kampff test - A fictional test used in the Blade Runner universe to distinguish humans from replicants.

Dive into the enchanting world of dreams and nightmares as hosts unravel the connections between changelings and mages. Discover the complexities of traveling through the Dreaming realm and confront the dangers of Otherware and the Umbra. Explore the surreal landscapes of the Far Dreaming, filled with unique creatures and the perils of banality. Learn about the creation of chimera and the significance of 'dream stuff' in magical craftsmanship. Plus, engage with mythological dream dynamics and hear intriguing insights from a notable game writer!

So what's everyone else makin'? This week Terry talks to Kris Newton of Megadumbcast, Mike Diamond of the Ascension of Babylon actual play and TL Webb's latest fiction, Crushing Depths.Crushing Depths - Latest Hollow Earth fictionTL Webb's Other WorksMegadumbcast Patreon - Get the megasodesAscension of Babylon -The Old Ways podcastThe Old Ways Patreon