Not every rule makes sense in every Mage game, but how do you figure out what to change and know when to change it? Monica Speca, developer and writer for Onyx Path Publishing walks through the design considerations for making the rules of the game fit the game you want to play. Learn about mechanics like momentum, stunts, investigation, stress, and relationship tension Jenga towers. Bonus Experience podcast - Monica 's podcast along with cohost Rai Cole . BXP episode 2 on House Rules "house rul...
Oct 26, 2019•58 min•Season 2Ep. 67
Second Edition's intimacy and depth is sometimes viewed as a radical departure from First Edition's cosmic stories but what are the nuts and bolts of the differences? Was the change sudden or gradual and how was Brucato's vision implemented in a core book? Adam and Terry talk about how mechanics, mood, setting, and metaplot changed and what you should remember when looking back on Second Edition's groundbreaking release and what got left behind from 2e's strict page count. Changes: Mechanics Dif...
Oct 19, 2019•56 min•Season 2Ep. 66
How do you do The World of Darkness in the happiest places on earth? What's magick like when the sun doesn't set for weeks at a time? How does the Syndicate deal with social democracy? What are trolls really like and what is a well-pisser? Karl Erik Larsen Hoftaniska of the Symposium Podcast answers these questions and more. Correction! Erik corrected himself to say that the Nordic countries were Social Democracies but the sound for that portion was garbled. Notes! Kurt Anderson's Fantasyland - ...
Oct 12, 2019•55 min•Season 2Ep. 65
The Council of the Nine Mystick Traditions in response to the nascent Technocracy over 450 years. After nine years of squabbling, the Council sent out the First Cabal to spread the message of the Council and counter the Order of Reason but it fell to betrayal from within. Was Heylel a traitor, savior, or insane? Victor and Terry discuss the rise and fall of the First Cabal in reviewing The Fragile Path: Testaments of the First Cabal, Mage's in-world book on those who were there. The Fragile Path...
Oct 05, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 64
You've introduced vampires, werewolves, demons, ghosts, and even changelings into your chronicle, now what? How about a fellow who learned to electrocute people by watching electric eels or if that's too subtle a psychic madman who's gotten their powers from an ancient meteorite? If those sound good, listen to Kris Newton of the MegaDumbCast go through ways to jam the lore, mechanics, and mood of Street Fighter into your Mage chronicle. Kris's Podcast - MegaDumbCast MegaDumbCast Twitter Penny Ar...
Sep 28, 2019•53 min•Season 2Ep. 64
Mage is a game of Urban Fantasy in a gothic punk setting and Destiny's Price helps turn a city from merely a backdrop into a character in the story. Adam and Terry discuss how cities and city life has changed in the 25 years since this book came out under the Black Dog Imprint and what has and hasn't aged well regarding drug use, organized crime, and violent crime in the United States. Dropping homicide rate in the US Dropping property crime rates in the US Dropping poverty rate in the US (The p...
Sep 21, 2019•44 min•Season 2Ep. 63
Mage is a game of infinite possibilities and for some players, at least to start, that's too much. Sebastian Freeman, Onyx Path Contributing Author has written two publications for starting cabals, one Believe in Magick (it's free!) is an introduction for players on the adventures you can have in Mage. The second is The Hallean Effect a first chapter for adventures in Hollow Earth , the realm of conspiracy and pulp fiction. Sebastian's Work: Believe in Magick! - A pay what you want introduction ...
Sep 14, 2019•41 min•Season 2Ep. 62
Ascension's Right Hand was all shotguns and robots in dive bars, but maybe some brandy in a high-leather chair while discussion psychic phenomena or an ether frolic after some reading about vampyres*? If this sounds more your speed, get ready for the intrigue, investigation and interior design in Halls of the Arcanum. Adam and Terry guide you through the operations of the Arcanum, a secretive mortal research organization from the London Foundation House house to the lodges dedicated to finding D...
Sep 07, 2019•55 min•Season 2Ep. 61
The second and final Gencon interview show, but first some updates on Mage: The Podcast projects! Duplicity, the Mage the Podcast Twitter Chronicle has finished its 3rd week and you can read it here . Talk to Ira Grace @magestoryteller if you want to get involved or follow the action. Join the conversation on our Discord Server Friend of the show Charles Siegel has released Sources of Magick , a supplement which gives you way more than you ever thought you wanted about nodes. Mage the Podcast is...
Aug 31, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 60
Mage can be a game about the inner journey towards Ascension through self-perfection. But someone still needs to take out the garbage...and shoot invading Technocracy cyborgs and mutants while that's happening. Ascension's Right Hand brings to light the unsung heroes of the Ascension War who work side-by-side with mages, knowingly or not to protect, aide, and serve our playing characters. Adam and Terry guide you through consors, acolytes, familiars, and creatures stranger in Ascension's Right H...
Aug 24, 2019•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 59
The first of two episodes collecting interviews done at Gencon 2019. Josh Heath, the newest member of the MtP team, talks about running Scion, Aeon, and Mage (Gods and Monsters) one shots and advice for your first game convention. After are four short interviews Terry did at Gencon with Nathan Siever of 25 Years of Vampire the Masquerade about their community chronicle, Matt McElroy of DrivethruRPG, Buckle from the Hunter the Vigil liveplay Uncanny Valley and the Geist writer Mike Tomasek. Josh ...
Aug 17, 2019•1 hr 41 min•Season 2Ep. 58
Some factions consider the Ascension War a metaphor for the fight for reality. Others consider the War to be internal. Some factions consider it a full on total war and the New World Order is one of them. Propaganda, manipulation, strategic violence, and sometimes a chaingun are all appropriate focuses in the procedures required to bring about Safety and Security for the Masses. When your enemies are this bad, what methods could possibly go too far? Adam and Terry walk through the Convention boo...
Aug 10, 2019•58 min•Season 2Ep. 57
Many world cultures refer to servants of greater powers who guide humanity and other servants of darker powers who tempt us. What if the latter started out as the former? Demon the Fallen builds a world where a war occurred in heaven where those who fought for the right to reveal themselves to humans were banished from creation...until now. Demon as a system plays very well with Mage and Terry Robinson and Charles Siegel will guide you though adding those who saw paradise lost to your chronicle....
Aug 03, 2019•58 min•Season 2Ep. 56
The Sons of Ether are seen as crazy technomancers but the true history of these explorers go back far farther. Adam and Terry explore their history and ideas from Greek philosophers to the last modern remnants of Victorian explorers and pulp actions heroes. Along the way, find out how the nature of scientific discovery has changed across editions and as always Adam's story ideas. Notes: We're more than half way through the original Tradition books, yay! Etherites have no consistent history at le...
Jul 27, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Joseph Aleo started Mage the Podcast because no Mage podcasts existed. That was almost a year ago and only now has he actually gotten to play. How did it go? What was his character? Is "Joseph" just a front for something more sinister? Also find out how Joseph got his start in broadcasting and some ways in which you can roleplay the apocalypse. Grant Morrison's the Invisibles SoundCloud Rap Scene 6ix9ine XXXTentacion Pirate radio Fresh Air with Terry Gross Other Podcasts 25 years of VTM Walking ...
Jul 20, 2019•45 min•Season 2Ep. 54
The Akashic Brotherhood has a storied history both in game and out of game. These experts in the Mind sphere were also inspired by the Hong Kong action films of the 70s through 90s and turn their bodies into Awakened weapons. Find out how this Tradition was brought to life as Adam Simpson brings his expertise and Terry Robinson brings his ignorance to the question of "how do the Akashics line up with actual East Asian practices?" Adam also provides a reading list that the book didn't all the whi...
Jul 13, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Mages fight for Ascension but other Night-Folk fight for the survival of the planet in the face of the corrupting Wyrm. The warriors of Gaia are the Garou or werewolves and they consider themselves the chosen to remove rot and corruption but what do they think of those that can rewrite reality? Are they slavering murder hounds, Gaia's chosen or the best lacrosse players on the earth? Well, Terry had no idea so he called in Josh Heath of Werewolf the Podcast and storyteller for both Mage and Were...
Jul 06, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 52
The Nephandi, Marauders, infernalists, and dark Umbral entities are spoken about in hushed whispers at meetings of mages but, well, how do you use them in a chronicle? Adam Simpson and Terry Robinson walk through The Book of Madness which vastly expanded the details and systems for the main Mage antagonists as well as the slippery concept of paradox. Also included: an handy dandy appendix for quick reference. NOOOOOTES: Get the Book of Madness on DTRPG and support the show Terry's book A Magicka...
Jun 29, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Mage: The Podcast with launch a Twitter Chronicle, Mage: Duplicity , in August and is headed by our teammate, Ira Grace . How do you run a Chronicle by Tweet? We’re not entirely sure but we have some ideas! Ira outlines his vision for Mage: Duplicity and how he plans to run the Chronicle. Want to play Mage: Duplicity? Of course you do! Tweet @MageStoryteller or send and email to invertedavatar@gmail.com and Ira will get you started or follow the Chronicle on Twitter by searching #DPLCTY . Show N...
Jun 21, 2019•45 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Robert Batton, co-host of the 25 Years of Vampire: The Masquerade - A Retrospective podcast, has been running Vampire Chronicles from the intimate tabletop environment to the grand LARP for nearly 25 years. Recently, he’s added Mage: The Ascension to his offerings. Hear this veteran podcaster and Storyteller’s advice for your Mage Chronicle, reminders of what makes the game unique, and find out what really makes Mage the sexiest game involving wizards. Show Notes Time-Life Books ’ Mysteries of t...
Jun 14, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Among the Traditions , the Verbena most understand the cycles of power of sacrifices required to keep them going. The Verbena also may know best the sting of the Inquisition and what was lost at the end of the Mythic Ages but the wheel turns and what was old is new again. Listen in as Adam and Terry talk about where the Verbena got their start, their understanding of the founding cosmology of the World of Darkness , and how little they've changed over time. Show Notes The “mature” shirts of the ...
Jun 07, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Mark Hope discusses street level games: what street level games are, how to make your game a success and resources you can use to bring your game to life. Show Notes Hidden Lore’s alternate combat system and sample setting. Destiny’s Price’s use of street life, street culture, crime, gutter magick, settings, characters and gear. Initiates of the Art’s exploration of the Awakening, day-to-day life, rote, merits and flaws. Tales of Magick: Dark Adventure’s high-octane, high-adventure. Bitter Road ...
May 31, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Adam Simpson interviews Mage fan Paul Strack about his involvement with the early online fan community for World of Darkness, an example of tiered play and blending Mage: The Ascension with Mage: The Awakening rules. Show Notes World of Darkness news groups and moderators “The Umbra” by Paul Strack Anders Mage Page 2.0 Demographics in Mage Tiered play Playing one’s self in the World of Darkness Early days of the World of Darkness online fan community Writing for Anders Mage Page What makes Mage:...
May 24, 2019•50 min•Season 2Ep. 46
The Euthanatoi have been with the Council of Nine Mystic Traditions since its founding but are they misunderstood tenders of the wheel or death dealers with alien morality? Claimed by some to be half-Nephandi and others to be the Fallen's greatest enemy, Adam and Terry discuss the tension within the Euthanatoi and between it and the rest of the Council. Show Notes Why do the Traditions use a standard court setup What is a Hunga Munga? ...and what is a garrote? What happened to the House of Helek...
May 17, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 45
We’re told that the fae and changelings are, well, just fairy tales, but in the World of Darkness dreams made manifest are very, very real. Join Terry Robinson and Walking Away from Arcadia's Victor Kinzer for a guide to adding Changelings to your Chronicle as friends, foes, or something simply strange. Show Notes Victor and Simon Eichhörnchen ’s excellent podcast, Walking Away from Arcadia Simon’s book, Kithbook: Faun Shows that evoke Changeling: Gravity Falls Legion Star vs. the Forces of Evil...
May 11, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Season 2Ep. 44
Rachelle Udell has been the author on such diverse Mage titles as The Bitter Road, Revelations of the Dark Mother, and to the Disparate Alliance section of the Mage: The Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition core rulebook. On today’s show, Rachelle and Terry talk about how Rachelle got into writing for Mage, where she sees the Ahl-i-Batini in the 21st century and, of course, why buying Neiman Marcus collard greens is a cry for help. “It’s worth noting that Revelations of the Dark Mother was written...
May 04, 2019•47 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Adam and Terry discuss the sometimes over-the-top mechanical horror of first edition Technocracy: Iteration X . The Clockwork Convention gave us the unfeeling malevolent robots in the form of HIT Marks but what else can they bring to the table? To what extent was Iteration X just a response to the killer robot phase of the early 90s? How did the first convention to explicitly say it has non-Western origins get its start? Show Notes Technocracy Assembled Technocracy: Progenitors Primal community ...
Apr 26, 2019•1 hr 37 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Mage’s premise assumes humanity and the characters matter. What if the universe doesn't care? Terry Robinson and Josh Heath, COO of High Level Games and host of Werewolf: The Podcast discuss cosmicism , the belief that there is no divine presence and that humanity is particularly insignificant. How to combine the epic and indifferent? Show Notes The deeply problematic H.P. Lovecraft and his best critic, S.T. Joshi “The Call of Cthulhu” “The Dunwich Horror” At the Mountains of Madness “Herbert We...
Apr 19, 2019•49 min•Season 2Ep. 41
We live in a world full of gods and monsters: spirits, creatures, Paradox entities, Avatar aspects, vampires, beast-folk, godheads, primordial legends, and other creatures too strange for the average mind to conceive. On this episode, Adam Simpson and Terry Robinson talk with the authors who brought these entities to life in Gods & Monsters , the latest supplement for Mage 20 from Onyx Path Publishing . The authors share their experience researching, selecting, and writing about the entities...
Apr 13, 2019•1 hr 38 min•Season 2Ep. 40
On today’s show Adam Simpson discusses Tradition Book: Virtual Adepts by Darren McKeeman . The youngest magical Tradition is the most vibrant and the most irreverent. Virtual Adepts dont waste time delving into ancient grimoires or contemplating their navels. They’re too busy surfing the razors edge of the next zeitgeist. They dont follow trends, they make them. By the time the mainstream catches up to their latest idea, they’ve moved on to new frontiers of space and mind. Where is Dante now? De...
Apr 05, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Season 2Ep. 39
