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Mage Hand High Five

Mage Hand High Five Productions

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Your New Third Favorite Actual Play TTRPG Podcast! Campaign One: Join our trio of wild west gunslingers and magical cutthroats as they descend into the dusty, lawless frontier in ”The Badlands.” Mage Hand High Five is a member of the Many Sided Media network
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Why We Roll

The Stillfleet Studio

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Why We Roll is a streaming show and podcast about designing tabletop roleplaying games, hosted by Chris Pickett (Danse Macabre) and Wythe Marschall (Stillfleet). Chris and Wythe host in-depth conversations with professional game designers with a focus on contemporary indie TTRPGs. They also occasionally run actual-play sessions and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the games they’re developing. Topics covered to date include game-design inspirations and best practices, the politics of games, ...
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Come on in and join us as we chat with the extraordinary Wes Franks about their new game... COME ON IN! We talk with Wes about exploring social classes in a game setting, handling police procedural content with care, 'copaganda,' and navigating tariffs. Oh, and vampires too! Check out Wes' fantastic work: https://www.carrion-comfort.com/ https://ca…
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The Twin River Trio continue the theatrics in their fight against Fax. Hayden encounters some bad actors. Salome tests two tenuous friendships. Wyatt meets his hero. CW: suggestive humor, gunshots and mention of guns, snakes, bats, death Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down…
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We're back with more lovely actual play friends! On this episode, we're joined by Percy Hornak, Nicholas Orvis, and Ben Ferber of Dungeons + Drama Nerds! Join us and this bevy of dramaturges as we discuss the intersection of stage plays and games, improv, tiered authorship in TTRPGs and more. Make sure to check out Stillfleet Studio's newest game, …
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The Twin River Trio take centerstage in their hunt for Fax. Salome waits in the wings. Wyatt sings the bridge. Hayden takes a bow. CW: heights/falling, gunshots, violence Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down Low. Merch is now available now at magehandhighfive.com/store! Lea…
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The trio ventures into Fax's labyrinthine library, where the line between dream and reality begins to blur. Salome finds a new set of brains. Hayden tries their hand as a mimic. Wyatt has a disturbing revelation about the Flame. CW: suggestive humor, alcohol use Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with Rachel Kordell and Casey Reardon of the actual play podcast RP Jesters! We chat about the process of making AP, the Jesters' expansive (and excellent) catalogue of series, and adapting to genre. Last but not least, we also discuss their newest campaign, LOST REQUIEM featuring Stillfleet Studio's Dans…
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Long live the new flesh! Wythe and Chris are back with Evan on Left of the Projector for another film discussion. This time we dissect David Cronenberg's 1983 body horror / tech and sex anxiety classic, VIDEODROME! From Left of the Projector – In this episode, I join Chris and Wythe from the Why We Roll Podcast to analyze David Cronenberg's cult cl…
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Our heroes dive deeper into the Echo conspiracy, encountering some old friends along the way. Wyatt adopts a father. Hayden joins the PTA. Salome annoys the local librarian. CW: references to war and military occupation, imprisonment, small explosion, heights/falling, vomit Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as ou…
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On this episode of Why We Roll we're joined by TTRPG advice power couple Alyssa and Adam Johns of The Next Session Podcast to discuss GM advice, the intersection of therapy and TTRPGs, and more! How can we use aesthetic distance in our games to help players grow? How do GMs overcome imposter syndrome? And how the HECK do animated skeletons even sta…
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The Twin River Trio meet the secret ruler of Echo and uncover a threatening conspiracy. Salome forges an uneasy alliance. Wyatt's faith is questioned. Hayden disarms an opponent. CW: references to war and military occupation, amputation, burning flesh, gunshots, vomit Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our afte…
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Jack in and hack the system with us as we sit down to both play and discuss Echoes of the Veil—the newest cyberpunk game from Reverie Rebels—with designer Raffi Marhaba (they / them)! We cover a wide range of subjects including playing the cyberpunk genre politically, magic systems in sci-fi, and designing around social justice. Make sure to tune i…
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Our heroes lay their cards on the table in a high-stakes poker game where secrets and favors spend better than gold. Salome embraces her married name. Wyatt gets his first convert. Hayden finds a card up their sleeve. CW: Classism, gunshot sounds, brief blood and body horror, references to war and military occupation. Find the poker mechanics used …
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Saddle up, partner! On this episode of WWR, Wythe and Chris are fixin' to get into the western genre with Rowan McStay and Casey Papas of the wonderful actual play podcast, Mage Hand High Five! We chat about MHH5's history, gaming Western tropes, breaking away from colonial narratives, and—of course—the narrative versatility of trains. This episode…
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The Twin River Trio meet with a friend of a friend and gain some valuable information about Echo. Wyatt learns poker. Hayden gets a one-way ticket. Salome makes another blood pact. CW: References to war and military occupation, overt classism, blood/shallow palm cutting Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our af…
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Join us as we sit down to chat with filmmaker, screenwriter, and video game narrative designer ⁠Claire Carré⁠ (⁠Lovesick w. Rose City Games, ⁠Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet w. Naughty Dog Games⁠). In this unique episode, we discuss narrative design, Claire's history with TTRPGs, and the intersection of tabletop and visual media—make sure to tun…
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Howdy, folks! We're thrilled to share that Mage Hand High Five has officially joined the Many Sided Network, a podcast network dedicated to spotlighting innovative and exciting TTRPG and nerdy podcasts. We're so excited to join this incredible community of creators, and we hope you'll check out our fellow network affiliate shows: Dice Exploder Maia…
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Join us as we sit down to chat with award-winning TTRPG designer and podcaster Daniel Kwan about his new game, Wandering Blades—backing on Kickstarter until May 30th 2025 at wanderingblades.com! We talk wuxia genre fiction, representation, designing beautiful—yet deadly—combat, cinema, and more so make sure to tune in! If you enjoy Why We Roll, con…
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Our heroes finally reach Echo, where secrets spill like blood. Hayden finds foes among friends. Salome gets the drop on an unsuspecting artist. Wyatt practices spreading the good word. CW: School bullying and threats of violence; references to war, military occupation, child murder, and church-related violence; parental rejection of a trans child (…
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Join us as we discuss the 1997 sci fi film GATTACA with our pal Evan on Left of the Projector! From LoP: 'In this episode, we analyze the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol, alongside Wythe Marshall and Chris Pickett from the "Why We Roll" podcast. We examine the film's portrayal of a future shaped by genetic engineering and social…
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Join us as we chat with Rowan Zeoli – indy journalist extraodinaire and co-founder of the independent TTRPG news site, Rascal News – about the state of the industry, how Rascal got started, why independent TTRPG journalism matters (spoiler – it really matters). If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider joining the Stillfleet Patreon! For as little a…
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On this episode of WWR, we are so excited to welcome back TTRPG designer, comedian, and WRESTLER, Kayla Dice of Ratwave Game House! Get into the kayfabe with us as we play and discuss Kayla's newest game, Transgender Deathmatch legend II (available on Itch)! Transgender Deathmatch Legend II is a TTRPG beat-em-up designed for two players, using a de…
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The story continues! Our reporters here at the Threed Daily Herald are working tirelessly to bring you the most up-to-date news on what's happening in the wastes. In today's broadcast, you'll discover the answer to such intriguing questions as: What really happened at the Battle of Twin River? Do Badlanders just hate trains? And is there a brand ne…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we chat with Ethan Gouldini about their game, THE SOMETIMES KINGDOM, a topsy-turvy portal fantasy RPG. Join in as we discuss building magical systems and worlds, GMing a living house, and everything seasonal. If you're enjoying Why We Roll, consider supporting us over at patreon.com/stillfleet – for a few bucks a mon…
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The people of Thunder Pass make their final stand against Preacher Cassidy and the Skullduggers. Wyatt catches a glimpse of the Flame. Hayden calls out to the moon. Salome duels a dangerous dance partner. Clementine seeks her revenge. Featuring guest player Jasmin Malave of Off-Broadway's Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern. CW: Explosion an…
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On this episode of Why We Roll, we sit down with the elder statesman himself, Eric Silver of Multitude Productions and Join the Party to both play and discuss his new game, Model Our Nations: A TTRPG about words standing in the way of action! Pick up a copy of Model Our Nations from the Join the Party merch store HERE! If you're enjoying Why We Rol…
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On the road between Twin River and Echo, our heroes encounter a stranger attempting to free a desperate town from a deadly trio of outlaws. Featuring guest player Jasmin Malave of Off-Broadway's Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern. CW: Explosion/gun sound effects, poverty and community exploitation, mention of war, corpse desecration, undead…
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Max sits down with Kendrick "Kendo" Smith, creator and producer of Tales Yet Told, to chat about the many-sided medium of actual play. Do you prefer heavily produced actual plays or ones that feel more like home games? Max and Kendo discuss this question and more on this special interview episode of Mage Hand High Five. CW: mention of spiders, sugg…
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!!! Last chance to back Enter the Nostalgitron, the new play-to-learn Stillfleet quick start! Make sure to back before April 3rd! As a special treat, here is Nostalgitron writer and illustrator, Michael J. Cohen chatting with Wythe about Alien: Romulus on his podcast, Perfect Ten! ———— On this episode we're joined by Wythe Marschall, creator of the…
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INCOMING ALERT: Grand Theft reported at Vydal City's Vibran Art Gallery! Game designer and guest GM Evan Noone of Imp Games guides the crew through a cyberpunk, neon-filled haze to fulfill a contract for their corporate overlords. CW: Gunshots, references to murder, explosions, car crash sounds/descriptions Back the Vydal City Campaign Setting on K…
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We are joined by not one, but two extraordinary guests this week—Marco Serrano of Spicy Tuna RPG, and welcoming back Michael J. Cohen! The gang chats about Blackthorn, Spicy Tuna's Pocketopia 2025 entry, as well as writing pulp horror, camp, and intentionality with art... all culminating in a discussion of PUDDY MADNESS—the Blackthorn x Nostalgitro…
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Two episodes in one week? In this economy?! Wythe sits down to chat with illustrator, graphic designer, and TTRPG writer Michael J. Cohen to discuss their latest collaboration, Enter the NOSTALGITRON—now live on Backerkit as a part of Pocketopia 2025! Enter the NOSTALGITRON is a new 64-page quick start venture for Stillfleet, blending the dark corp…
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Our heroes prepare to journey eastward as the people of Twin River brace for all-out war with Threed. Hayden confronts Rat. Wyatt reaches out to his predecessor. Salome makes an oath. CW: mention of war and child death, blood Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down Low. Merch …
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Wythe and Chris sit down to chat with designer, consultant, comrade, and collaborator—the inimitable Logan Dean. Tune in to listen in on Logan's insights around the politics and genre of corporate horror, inter-player tension, and practical advice on starting and administering an indie game business. Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider supporting the sh…
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In the aftermath of a devastating battle, the people of Twin River begin to pick up the pieces and count their casualties. Wyatt has a crisis of faith. Salome forges a shifty alliance. Hayden hears the tale of the Fatespun Players. CW: War sounds and descriptions, gunshots, depression/anxiety, suggestive humor Check out our friends on Rolling With …
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Wythe and Chris chat with Dr. Erica Bridges, scholar of ancient Greek and Latin, about language and crafting narratives. Erica shares insights about her upcoming TTRPG titled Nostos, as well as the use of ancient and medieval languages in fantasy gaming. If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider signing up for the Stillfleet Patreon at patreon.com/stillfl…
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Wythe and Chris chat with George Bickers of Three Sails Studios about their upcoming release, MAPPA MUNDI (now funding on Kickstarter!). Imagine your favorite monster hunting game, but without fighting or hunting, replaced by a deep reverence for nature! Topics range from radical ecology and revolutionary imaginaries to practical advice on starting…
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The Battle of Twin River comes to a decisive end. Salome reaches out through the Riverbank. Hayden and the Briars make a final attempt to save Rat. Wyatt takes on the Peacemaker. CW: Military occupation/invasion, heavy gunfire and explosive sounds, descriptions of blood/death, attempted child murder Join us on Patreon and get early access to future…
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This week on Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris are joined by TTRPG actual play and multimedia creators Fabian Lelay and Josephine Kim from Bad House RPG. The gang chats about post-colonial storytelling, adapting existing systems for actual play, and even some sound advice on how to get started in the AP space. If you enjoy Why We Roll and would like to …
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The fight for Twin River rages on as the Peacemaker pushes steadily onward into the city. Hayden delves deeper into the mire of memory. Salome battles the Jameson Bastion. Wyatt gets fired up. CW: Military occupation/invasion, heavy gunfire and explosive sounds, descriptions of blood/death, attempted child murder, hopelessness/depression, religious…
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Join Wythe and Chris as they chat with indie TTRPG creator WH Arthur about revolutionary politics in TTRPGS through his game May You Fish in Interesting Times which asks the pertinent question of what happens if the revolution fails? If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider joining us on Patreon at patreon.com/stillfleet – for just $3 a month, you gain a…
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WWR 40 ☉ The Griffon's Saddlebag & SKELLIES w. Griffin Macaulay On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris chat with the man who put the Griff in The Griffon's Saddlebag... Griffin Macaulay! Tune in to hear about Griff's design process and philosophy for The Griffon's Saddlebag (with books available from Hit Point Press) as well as his new gam…
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Still reeling from a major loss, our heroes receive an urgent message from Twin River. Hayden tries on a new shape. Salome prepares for a rematch. Wyatt Forsythe is having a very bad day. CW: Military occupation/invasion, war sounds, automatic weapons, heavy gunfire and artillery sounds, child endangerment/attempted child murder Check out our frien…
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News from the front! Our team of dauntless investigators follows the Twin River Trio deeper into the Badlands, risking life and limb to bring you the latest from behind enemy lines. Stay tuned for the answers to such intriguing questions as: What really caused the labor shortage in Blackthorn Hollow? What fates await those who practice demonic deal…
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WWR 39 ☉ Danse Macabre: Prima Mors On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris check in about the many mutations of Danse Macabre: Prima Mors, and the future of Danse Macabre! If you enjoy Why We Roll, consider supporting us at Patreon.com/stillfleet – for as little as $3 a month, you gain access to the Stillfleet community discord as well as t…
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WWR 38 ☉ PAX Unplugged '24 w. Tony Grasso On this episode of Why We Roll, Wythe and Chris hit the floor at PAX Unplugged '24 and are reunited with TTRPG auteur and illustrator, Tony Grasso! Join in as they chat conventions, play testing, mutant animals, the future of Blister Critters, and so much more. Enjoying Why We Roll? Consider becoming a Stil…
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Our heroes meet with Jack, and both deals and blows are struck. Salome makes a friend. Hayden takes off their hat. Stuhmp picks out a house. CW: gunshots, decapitation, supernatural possession, suggestive humor Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as our after-show talkback, Mage Hand Down Low. Merch is now availabl…
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WWR 37 ☉ Under the Autumn Strangely w. Graham Gentz On this episode of Why We Roll, we chat with Graham Gentz, author of Under the Autumn Strangely (as well as many others) and vocal proponent of GM-less TTRPGs! We talk supportive design and what that means, genres as buckets, and the power of community and cons! Learn more about Stillfleet Studio …
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The Twin River Trio journey deeper into Bone-Dry Gulch, where things get a little Wild. Hayden gets the bone-tingles. Salome takes a shot in the dark. Stuhmp finds a cool sword. CW: near-dismemberment, suggestive humor Merch is now available now at magehandhighfive.com/store! Join us on Patreon and get early access to future merch drops as well as …
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The Twin River Trio get some one-on-one bonding experience before setting out to find Jack, a trickster spirit with a penchant for mischief. Hayden practices their Elvish. Salome is roped into a conflict. Stuhmp encounters an old rival. CW: mind control/possession, suggestive humor Merch is now available now at magehandhighfive.com/store! Join us o…
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WWR 36 ☉ Shadow Scar w. Cody Pondsmith Wythe and Chris chat with Cody Pondsmith of R. Talsorian Games (Cyberpunk Red, The Witcher TRPG) about his newest original title, Shadow Scar. Ninjas, mythos, and table top nerdom collide on this episode of Why We Roll! If you enjoy what you hear, consider becoming a patron of Stillfleet Studio over at patreon…
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