
Mage: The Podcast
A podcast dedicated to exploring the Mage: The Ascension, a role-playing game (RPG) based in the World of Darkness.
Latest episodes

Jun 22, 2024 • 1h 3min
Scattered Realities: The Department of Truth in the World of Darkness
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 posting
Types of Conspiracies in the World of Darkness - Previous episode on a similar topic
Babalon Working - A working involving a prominent figure in Crowley's Thelema
Jack Parsons - He...he did some stuff
Splashin' Around - The song that got stuck in my head

Jun 15, 2024 • 51min
Storyteller Toolbox: Calling for Rolls
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.

Jun 8, 2024 • 1h 11min
Using the Hedge in the World of Darkness with Lauren Roy
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 building
Changeling: The Lost 2e
SNL Well Skit
Lauren works

Jun 1, 2024 • 1h 17min
Sophia and Ascension: Gnosticism in the World of Darkness
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 Jams
World of Darkness Books
Cainite Heresy - Dark Ages Vampire book with a wild take on Gnosticism.
The Paradigm's Progress - Pook's book on Paradigm advancement
Other 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.

May 25, 2024 • 1h 34min
Tomes of Magick: Dreams and Nightmares
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!

May 18, 2024 • 59min
Community Roundup: Ascension of Babylon, Megadumbcast, and Crushing Depths
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 fiction
TL Webb's Other Works
Megadumbcast Patreon - Get the megasodes
Ascension of Babylon -The Old Ways podcast
The Old Ways Patreon

5 snips
May 11, 2024 • 1h 4min
Strange Peoples in Mage: Space Squids, Umbra Squids, and Mantis People
Dive into the enchanting lore of mystical beings like the Sakrana and their philosophical nature. Discover the eerie narratives of the Chiminaj and Chulorvia, alongside strange underwater creatures. Explore the whimsical yet dark elements of the Ascension War and how ancient beings shape magic. Uncover the connections between changeling myths and historical mathematics, while celebrating creativity in role-playing games. This intriguing blend of horror and imagination will inspire a fresh outlook on character development and storytelling!

May 4, 2024 • 34min
Reality Deviant Book Club: Books of Magic
Mage draws upon sources both ancient and modern, what can they teach us about our games? Pook and Adam talk Books of Magic, the four-part series by Neil Gaiman for DC Comics in this installment of Reality Deviant Book Club.
Reading List for Hollow Earth Inspiration

Apr 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
[FIXED] Strange Peoples in Mage: Fae Beings, Djinn and Robots
Puka G, a guest from Changeling the Podcast and expert on Fae beings, dives deep into the fascinating world of non-human entities in the World of Darkness. They discuss the mythological clash between the Tuatha Dé Danann and Fomorians, revealing the layers of chaos and beauty. The podcast also explores the essence of Firstborn Fae, their social structures, and the intriguing nature of djinn, showcasing how these beings can enrich tabletop role-playing narratives with their unique attributes and cultural significance.

Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 25min
Types of Conspiracies in the World of Darkness
The World of Darkness is full of supernatural conspiracies, but who falls in with them and how can we use them in our games? Jordan Etherington joins to talk methods and pitfalls when adding creeping conspiracy to your game.
The Crying of Lot 49
They Live
The X Files
Ahti (Control)
Delta Green
Unknown Armies
Over the Edge
Inside Job (Netflix)