Mage Hand High Five
Fiction & Audio Drama
About
Mage Hand High Five is a multi-award winning, queer-led Actual Play adventure podcast. Join our nationwide gang of actors from Seattle to NYC as they delve into genres (and game systems) not normally explored in tabletop gaming. Our first major campaign, “The Badlands,” is a fantasy western epic about a trio of outlaws searching for family and the nature of magic as they rebel against capitalist warmongers across a ravaged frontier. We’ve also had multiple smaller adventures using a range of indie systems, from the horror pastiche “Terror at Camp Craven” to the CRIT Award-nominated “Welcome to the Silly Goose Convention.”
Episodes
- Legends of Mahl - Ep. 4: For King's Court! (Finale Part 1)
In the finale of "For King's Court!", the heroes battle for the children of King's Court after overtaking the Arcadians at Kiosk. This episode contains fantasy battles, kidnapping, mild swearing, and spiders.
- The Badlands - Ep. 57: Fallen
In The Badlands - Ep. 57: Fallen, the heroes' fight for the Fount intensifies as they each face a unique adversary. Wyatt engages in aerial combat, Salome displays her aura, and Hayden uncovers the truth about the Wraith.
- The Dice Cabinet: Sandbox of our Hearts
Max Weinberg hosts Jasmine Malave, Kenzie Tartaglione, and Robin Langenhop on The Dice Cabinet to discuss spicy takes within the TTRPG industry. This episode features guests discussing their roles in the TTRPG community.
- Legends of Mahl - Ep. 3: War-Bringer of Kiosk
In episode 3 of Legends of Mahl, titled War-Bringer of Kiosk, the heroes escape Dreadwing and must journey through the Daytime Mahl to Kiosk. Their objective is to intercept the Arcadians. The episode includes fantasy battles, kidnapping,…
- The Badlands - Ep. 56: Fire With Fire
In The Badlands - Ep. 56: Fire With Fire, the Twin River Trio meets for a concluding game. Key events include Boyd's chance to play god, Salome reaching for a gun, Hayden stoking the Flame, and Wyatt summoning a steed. The episode includes…
- Legends of Mahl - Ep. 2: Dreadwing
In episode 2 of Legends of Mahl, titled Dreadwing, heroes find themselves attempting to escape the clutches of Dreadwing, described as the mad macaw of Petlandia, near the Lake of Shimmering Waters. The episode contains fantasy battles, ki…
- The Badlands - Ep. 55: Unseen Passenger
In The Badlands - Ep. 55: Unseen Passenger, the Twin River Trio must stop the Eternal Flame from burning out. Hayden is haunted by death, Salome encounters a widow, and Wyatt fights with Boyd. The episode contains content warnings for viol…
- Legends of Mahl - Ep. 1: The Hands of Arcadia
In Legends of Mahl - Ep. 1: The Hands of Arcadia, four heroes of King's Court must pursue attackers and retrieve stolen items after a village is destroyed. The episode features fantasy battles and kidnapping. It is sponsored by Nimble, a t…
- Legends of Mahl: Session 0
Session 0 of the Legends of Mahl miniseries explores characters and the world of Nimble RPG. Set in a 1980s California mall, the story follows four heroes on a quest to stop the Rat King. The miniseries features guest players Candace the M…
- Trailer - Legends of Mahl: Treachery of the Rat King
This is a trailer for the 4-episode miniseries "Legends of Mahl: Treachery of the Rat King" by Mage Hand High Five. Set in a 1980s California shopping mall, it follows four heroes on a quest against the Rat King.
- The Badlands - Ep. 54: Flame-Touched
In episode 54 of The Badlands, titled "Flame-Touched," the heroes remain separated as they try to escape The Pit. Meanwhile, Salome returns to high society, Hayden experiences an unexpected reunion, and Wyatt reaches out to The Flame. The…
- The Badlands - Ep. 53: The Pit
In The Pit, Episode 53 of Mage Hand High Five, the heroes are captured after an ambush. Separated near the Fount of the Flame, Hayden engages in a dangerous game, Salome attempts an escape, and Wyatt meets the boss. This episode contains m…
- The Dice Cabinet: Dice Signaling
The Dice Cabinet features Max Weinberg, Amelia Som, Dain Miller, and Sophia Ricciardi discussing controversial tabletop gaming opinions. Topics include dice signaling and other 'spicy takes'.
- The Threed Daily Herald Presents: Echoes of Rebellion! (Arc 4 Recap)
This episode recaps Arc 4 of the Badlands War, addressing governmental changes in Echo, the societal impact of peer pressure, and practical advice on booking skyship tours. The broadcast features reporting by Rod Derring.
- The Badlands - Ep. 52: Sacrament
In Episode 52 of The Badlands, titled Sacrament, the Twin River Trio discovers an ancient secret in the mountains. The episode includes a history lesson, a character falling asleep in class, and explorations of a new religious denomination.
- The Badlands - Ep. 51: Mettle and Flame
In The Badlands - Ep. 51: Mettle and Flame, the Twin River Trio faces consequences from past events. Hayden discovers their character type, Salome delves into the Bartle family
- "There's Always a Home for a Storyteller" - Interviews With Candace the Magnificent and Anjali Bhimani
In this episode of Mage Hand High Five, hosts Max and Rowan interview tabletop players and voice actors Candace the Magnificent and Anjali Bhimani. They discuss character creation and voice acting for TTRPGs, with Candace offering a previe…
- The Badlands - Ep. 50: No Deal
In The Badlands - Ep. 50: No Deal, the Twin River Trio confronts challenges in downtown Echo. Hayden faces a tough choice, Salome evades enemies, and Wyatt protects someone.
- Thank God It's Doomsday - Ep. 3: The End
Episode 3 of Thank God It's Doomsday, titled "The End," depicts the arrival of the Irrevocable Apocalypse and a final battle. The episode features guests Shenuque Tissera and Robin Ekberg, with content warnings for suggestive humor, apocal…
- Thank God It's Doomsday - Ep. 2: Chekhov's Hammer
In Episode 2 of "Thank God It's Doomsday," the Chantry support staff try to cheer up the Herald of the Apocalypse. Special guests Shenuque Tissera and Robin Ekberg are featured. The episode contains suggestive humor and a brief mention of…
- Thank God It's Doomsday - Ep. 1: Surprise Inspection
Thank God It's Doomsday, an actual play podcast from Mage Hand High Five, follows Chantry support staff working towards the apocalypse. The episode features special guest players Shenuque Tissera and Robin Ekberg and is sponsored by Kobold…
- The Badlands - Ep. 49: The Lady Prominent
In The Badlands - Ep. 49, the Twin River Trio navigates a crucial deal while confronting past enemies. The episode features characters Salome, Hayden, and Wyatt, with a warning for mature content including violence.
- The Badlands - Ep. 48: Crumbling Dreams
In episode 48 of The Badlands, titled Crumbling Dreams, the main characters flee a collapsing dream library only to find the outside world equally perilous. Key events include Salome absconding with important resources and Hayden making a…
- The Badlands - Ep. 47: Tribunal
In The Badlands - Ep. 47: Tribunal, the Twin River Trio holds a hearing at the Riverbank. Characters engage in pleas, seek favors, and spiritual reflection. The episode includes content warnings for violence and disturbing themes.
- The Badlands - Ep. 46: What Dreams May Come
In The Badlands - Ep. 46: What Dreams May Come, the Twin River Trio faces Fax. Characters Hayden, Salome, and Wyatt experience plot developments including encounters with bad actors, testing friendships, and meeting a hero.
- The Badlands - Ep. 45: Last of My Ilk
In The Badlands - Ep. 45: Last of My Ilk, the Twin River Trio focuses on their pursuit of Fax, featuring Salome, Wyatt, and Hayden in key moments. The episode includes content warnings for heights/falling, gunshots, and violence.
- The Badlands - Ep. 44: The Flame, the River, and the Wilds
In The Badlands - Ep. 44, the trio navigates a library where reality blurs. Salome finds new brains, Hayden becomes a mimic, and Wyatt uncovers a disturbing truth about the Flame. The episode contains suggestive humor and alcohol use.
- The Badlands - Ep. 43: Dreamborn
In The Badlands - Ep. 43: Dreamborn, the heroes delve into the Echo conspiracy and encounter familiar faces. The episode references war, military occupation, imprisonment, a small explosion, heights, falling, and vomit.
- The Badlands - Ep. 42: Watcher of the Wind
In The Badlands - Ep. 42, the Twin River Trio encounters the secret ruler of Echo, exposing a conspiracy. Salome makes an alliance, Wyatt faces questions of faith, and Hayden neutralizes an opponent.
- The Badlands - Ep. 41: All In
Episode 41 of Mage Hand High Five, 'The Badlands - All In,' features a high-stakes poker game where characters reveal secrets and favors. Content warnings are provided for sensitive themes and sounds. Music and editing credits are also lis…
- The Badlands - Ep. 40: Dawnstar
In episode 40 of The Badlands, titled Dawnstar, the Twin River Trio gathers information about Echo. The episode features character-specific plot points for Wyatt, Hayden, and Salome, and includes content warnings.
- Announcement: MHH5 Joins the Many Sided Network!
Mage Hand High Five has joined the Many Sided Network, a podcast network featuring TTRPG and nerdy podcasts. The episode lists several affiliate shows and directs listeners to manysidedmedia.com/network for more information.
- The Badlands - Ep. 39: Echo
In "The Badlands - Ep. 39: Echo," the heroes arrive in Echo, where secrets emerge. Hayden encounters enemies disguised as friends, Salome confronts an artist, and Wyatt spreads a message. The episode contains content warnings for bullying,…
- The Threed Daily Herald Presents: Twin River Tussle! (Inter-Arc Recap)
This news bulletin from The Threed Daily Herald recaps the events of the Battle of Twin River, examines Badlander sentiment towards trains, and discusses a potential new movie.
- The Badlands - Ep. 38: Skullduggery (feat. Jasmin Malave)
In The Badlands - Ep. 38: Skullduggery, the inhabitants of Thunder Pass make a final stand against their adversaries. Guest player Jasmin Malave features in this episode, which contains content warnings for violence, gore, and mature theme…
- The Badlands - Ep. 37: Dearly Departed (feat. Jasmin Malave)
In The Badlands - Ep. 37: Dearly Departed, the heroes encounter a stranger aiding a town against outlaws. Features guest player Jasmin Malave. Content warnings include explosion/gun sound effects, poverty, exploitation, war, corpse desecra…
- This Is Play Right Here: An Interview With Kendo Smith
In this episode of Mage Hand High Five, host Max interviews Kendrick "Kendo" Smith, creator of Tales Yet Told, about the actual play podcast medium. They discuss the differences between heavily produced shows and those that resemble home g…
- Art Heist! A Vydal City Legend
Guest GM Evan Noone guides the crew through a cyberpunk art heist at Vydal City's Vibran Art Gallery for corporate overlords. The episode contains content warnings for gunshots, references to murder, and explosions.
- The Badlands - Ep. 36: Blood for Blood
Episode 36 of The Badlands, part of the Mage Hand High Five podcast, details characters preparing for war. Key events include Hayden confronting Rat, Wyatt connecting with his predecessor, and Salome making an oath. Content warnings for wa…
- The Badlands - Ep. 35: Fatespun
The Badlands - Ep. 35: Fatespun details the aftermath of a battle in Twin River, with characters Wyatt, Salome, and Hayden facing personal challenges and uncovering a story about the Fatespun Players.
- The Badlands - Ep. 34: The Battle of Twin River (Part 2)
This episode concludes the Battle of Twin River arc. Characters like Salome, Hayden, the Briars, and Wyatt are involved in a final confrontation with significant stakes, including an attempted child murder. The episode contains mature them…
- The Badlands - Ep. 33: The Battle of Twin River (Part 1)
In The Badlands - Ep. 33: The Battle of Twin River (Part 1), the battle for Twin River intensifies with the Peacemaker's advance. Characters face personal challenges, including Hayden delving into memory, Salome battling the Jameson Bastio…
- The Badlands - Ep. 32: Peacemaker
This episode of The Badlands features the heroes receiving an urgent message from Twin River following a significant loss. It includes storylines for Hayden and Salome, and notes that Wyatt is having a difficult time.
- The Threed Daily Herald Presents: Blackthorn Blunder! (Arc 3 Recap)
This episode recaps Arc 3 of Mage Hand High Five, featuring news from the Badlands as investigators look into the labor shortage, witchcraft, and other issues in Blackthorn Hollow. Reporting by Rod Derring, sponsored by Jameson Co.
- The Badlands - Ep. 31: The Law of Equivalent Exchange
Episode 31 of The Badlands, titled "The Law of Equivalent Exchange," features the heroes meeting Jack, resulting in deals and conflict. Characters Salome, Hayden, and Stuhmp have specific actions related to making a friend, taking off a ha…
- The Badlands - Ep. 30: You Don’t Know Jack
In The Badlands - Ep. 30: You Don’t Know Jack, the Twin River Trio explores Bone-Dry Gulch. The episode contains near-dismemberment and suggestive humor, featuring characters Hayden, Salome, and Stuhmp.
- The Badlands - Ep. 29: In Like Flint
In "The Badlands - Ep. 29: In Like Flint," the Twin River Trio prepare to find the mischievous spirit Jack. The characters face individual challenges, including practicing Elvish, getting involved in a conflict, and encountering a rival.
- The Badlands - Ep. 28: Family Secrets
In The Badlands - Ep. 28: Family Secrets, the heroes deal with a dangerous call from Threed. Hayden makes a counteroffer, Salome uncovers family history, and Stuhmp engages in a game of telephone.
- Carnival of Craven - Part 2
Part 2 of Carnival of Craven concludes the chapter with campers investigating park threats, making bargains, and facing danger. Guest player Imani Russell returns as Zora Lee Copeland.
- Carnival of Craven - Part 1
On the anniversary of a trip to Camp Craven, the main characters are invited to a mysterious indoor amusement park. Guest player Imani Russell returns as Zora Lee Copeland. The episode includes content warnings for gunshots, firearms, chok…