The Magpies: A Blades in the Dark Actual Play

In case you missed it: our new Blades in the Dark actual play podcast, The City That Never Dies, is publishing episodes! Come join us in Imperial City.Clever Corvids Productions: for all our podcasts!The City That Never Dies on SimplecastThe Clever Corvids Merch StoreThe Clever Corvids Patreon  

Previously a Patreon exclusive, we celebrated our one-year anniversary with a goofy, non-canon bonus episode! It features Florence Fable, reporter extraordinaire for Rumordish, Duskwall's premiere source for scandal and gossip, as she asks the Magpies only the most hard-hitting questions. (In other words: we did a bunch of online quizzes in-character and it was a lot of fun.)Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Previously a Patreon exclusive! Since Kim wasn't able to join the main group for The Two Scores Score, she and I recorded a solo adventure with Blaire. It was a fun session where we were both still figuring out the system and setting. It's the backstory for the acorns that Blaire carried with her throughout the entire show.Special thanks to Minna for editing this episode!Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Formerly a Patreon exclusive, this is one of the very earliest adventures of the Magpies, from before we started posting episodes! It's the story behind the "hitting two gangs in one night" score that's been referenced a few times. Things are a little rough, as we were all still getting the hang of the system and recording, but it's a fun story nonetheless.Special thanks to Josie for helping edit this episode!Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Previously a Patreon exclusive: Thirty minutes of goofs from Season 3. Featuring Kim's Scurlock thirst, Rhi being viciously assaulted by pop punk puns, and the life-changing knowledge that two animated musical versions of Titanic exist.Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Previously a Patreon exclusive: With Season 2 officially concluded, it's time for the blooper reel! Almost 30 minutes of bits, goofs, and obscure references. Also some singing. Enjoy!Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

33+ ridiculous minutes of our best bits, goofs, and laughs from Season 1. Featuring special musical guests, Minna's roommates, providing the Magpies theme song!Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The cast of the Magpies answer your questions and look back on all four seasons of the show. Featuring heartfelt reflection, thoughts on the future, and a weird diversion into the KFC Colonel Sanders movie. PLUS: the entire Season 4 blooper reel after the Q&A!Featured Charity: The Lilith FundVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

In which the Magpies confront Lady Penderyn, Madam Tesslyn, and the Circle of Flame, for the last time.Listen to Part 1 first.Content Warnings: Implied/off-screen torture and ritual sacrifice.Featured Charity: RIP Medical DebtJosie will be a player on The Dishonorables, presented by Moon Harbor Cast!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.The poem read at the end is from September 1, 1939 by W.H. Auden.

The war between the Magpies and the Circle of Flame for the future of Duskwall has dragged on for months. When the leader of the Circle approaches them with an offer of truce and change, what will the Magpies choose?Listen to Part 2 next.Featured Charity: RIP Medical DebtJosie will be a player on The Dishonorables, presented by Moon Harbor Cast!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The relics have been acquired, the rituals prepared, the preparations made. All that's left is to face down Setarra and bind her with her kin in the sea... assuming that the Magpies survive.Featured Charity: Woodson Museum of St. PetersburgAki, the new cast member for Project Bluejay, can be heard on Goblets & Gays!Josie will be a player on The Dishonorables, presented by Moon Harbor Cast!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights. 

The gauntlet has been thrown, and the Magpies are facing off against Lady Drake in a courtroom gamble where the stakes couldn't be higher: either Lady Drake's crimes and corruption will be exposed, or the Magpies will be locked up in Ironhook.Featured Charity: Woodson Museum of St. PetersburgAki, the new cast member for Project Bluejay, can be heard on Goblets & Gays!Josie will be a player on The Dishonorables, presented by Moon Harbor Cast!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

A sudden Bluecoat raid turns the Magpies world upside down. When they learn Lady Drake is behind it, they see an opportunity to help their friends and allies... but when the game is this rigged, who will win?Featured Charity: United Palestinian AppealVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies have successfully infiltrated the cult of The Maw of the Void. Now, they have to locate a single relic in a hidden sanctuary filled with them... all without being discovered as the thieves they are.Featured Charity: United Palestinian AppealVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The final relic to bind Setarra and free Blaire of her menace lies within the clutches of a cult hidden deep underneath the city. What new threats await them in the secretive caverns? Will they find the relic they need? And just how many cults is Oksar a member of, anyway?Featured Charities: InTRANSitive (Arkansas), EqualityNC (North Carolina), and OutFront (Minnesota)List of resources to support Palestine.Apply to join the cast of Project Bluejay!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Minx and Lord Mora square off in a very public duel, while Myra and Blaire ready the arcane traps needed to cover their escape. Will they succeed in forcing the demon to reveal himself?Featured Charities: InTRANSitive (Arkansas), EqualityNC (North Carolina), and OutFront (Minnesota)Check out You are the Dungeon and Court of Blades on Kickstarter!Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies go on the offensive and take aim at Lord Alistair Mora, powerful nobleman and secret demon of earth and metal. But how will a trio of vigilantes take down someone with such inhuman power?Support The Magpies and Clever Corvids Productions on Kickstarter!Featured Charities: InTRANSitive (Arkansas), EqualityNC (North Carolina), and OutFront (Minnesota)Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Minx's gambit is paying off so far, but as the Magpies descend deep into the catacombs underneath the crematorium, perils both expected and surprising await.Support The Magpies and Clever Corvids Productions on Kickstarter!Featured Charities: InTRANSitive (Arkansas), EqualityNC (North Carolina), and OutFront (Minnesota)Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

In order to destroy the relics of Kotar, the Magpies must infiltrate Bellwether Crematorium, the bastion of the powerful Spirit Wardens. But the Spirit Wardens aren't the only threat they'll face inside...Follow the Project Bluejay & Clever Corvids Kickstarter page!Featured Charity:  National Alliance to End HomelessnessVisit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights. 

The Magpies venture into the Deathlands to recover a powerful and dangerous relic. What will they learn from the Heart? And what mistakes will they make in pursuit of knowledge?Follow the Project Bluejay & Clever Corvids Kickstarter page!Featured Charity:  National Alliance to End HomelessnessCheck out A Knight of Shreds and Patches, an actual play podcast featuring Rhi as Pallie Fisher.Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Gondoliers have discovered a spectral corruption poisoning Duskwall's waterways. The Magpies are happy to help, but their journey to uncover the source will lead them to a relic more dangerous than anything they've encountered before.Featured Charity:  National Alliance to End HomelessnessCheck out A Knight of Shreds and Patches, an actual play podcast featuring Rhi as Pallie Fisher.Visit Clever Corvids Productions to learn about the Magpies' future projects!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies and their friends gather to celebrate all they have to be grateful for.Content Note: Extensive description and discussion of food.Featured Charity: Facing History and OurselvesSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies have claimed the trinket-turned-occult-focus that will let them release Ojal's spirit from the Hull, removing Salia's best defense. But with Ojal herself standing in the way, will they survive to see it done?Featured Charity: Southerners on New Ground (SONG)Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Orla, Cass, and Thaddeus, members of the Delvers' Guild of Whitehollow, have learned about the haul of a lifetime waiting for them at the bottom of the Void Sea. But faced with treachery from the Guild, the perils of the deep, and their own flaws, will they escape with anything of value?CONTENT WARNINGS:  Millipede-like creatures of varying sizes; body horror and voluntary transformation.Featured Charity: Southerners on New Ground (SONG).Descent into Midnight and DiMRPG on TwitterSpecial thanks to Richard for GMing this episode!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights. 

At long last, the Magpies know where to find Salia and the relic binding Ojal's spirit to a murderous Hull. Myra uncovers secrets about her former mentor, and the Magpies learn that no job ever goes smoothly.Featured Charity: Southerners on New Ground (SONG).Donate to SONG or to the Black Voters Matter Fund and email your receipts to magpiepod at gmail dot com, and when we reach $1000 in donations, we'll release a Descent into Midnight bonus episode! Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Minx and Myra prepare to kidnap the church elder from the middle of a very public ceremony, while Seeks and Blaire make their way through the catacombs to complete the ritual to remove the elder's soul. But what risks are they willing to take to accomplish their goal? And who will pay the price?Featured Charity: Black Voters Matter Fund. Donate and email your receipts to magpiepod at gmail dot com, and when we reach $1000 in donations, we'll release a Descent into Midnight bonus episode! Vote for the Magpies for Best Actual Play Podcast of 2020!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

When two physickers working for Seeks are kidnapped, the physicker reaches out to the Magpies for help in getting them back. But as they face an enemy at the highest levels of Imperial society, what risks will they have to take to get them back?Featured Charity: Black Voters Matter Fund. Donate and email your receipts to magpiepod at gmail dot com, and when we reach $1000 in donations, we'll release a Descent into Midnight bonus episode! Vote for the Magpies for Best Actual Play Podcast of 2020!Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies once again find themselves with two friends in need of help at the same time. But with only two hours to prevent a violent factory riot and an equally violent Bluecoat raid, what measures will they resort to?Featured Charity: Fair Fight - Georgia SenateSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Inspector Severin reaches out to the Magpies in order to help an old friend. But zoinks, gang! Which old enemy is underneath the spooky mask?(This started as a noir episode and ended as Scooby Doo. Enjoy.)Featured Charity: Fair Fight - Georgia SenateSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Magpies reach a distant, ancient settlement, farther into the Deathlands than they've ever been. But what new threats and wonders await them so far from home?Featured Charity: Common CauseCheck out Thirsty Sword Lesbians on Kickstarter! Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Our dashing, daring, and thirsty sword-wielding lesbians make their way onto the yacht of the Void Empress herself to steal intelligence that could turn the tide of the rebellion. But what new threats await them aboard? And how many of them involve hot sauce?Check out Thirsty Sword Lesbians and back the game on Kickstarter now!Follow April Walsh on Twitter!Thanks to Tracy Barnett for editing this episode.Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

On a world conquered by the Void Empire, Captain Aurelia, Meliaryx, Princess Sidonia, and Keelie must engage in subterfuge and trickery while they attempt to undermine the Empress's power. But can these sword-wielding disaster lesbians complete their mission, or will their yearning be their undoing?Check out Thirsty Sword Lesbians and back the game on Kickstarter now!Follow April Walsh on Twitter!Thanks to Tracy Barnett for editing this episode.Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

When Setarra re-emerges to threaten Blaire, the Magpies reach out to a powerful ally for help. But this isn't the first Lord Scurlock has heard of Setarra, and in order to stop her, they must journey deeper into the Deathlands than they've ever gone before.Featured Charity: Common CauseCheck out Thirsty Sword Lesbians on Kickstarter! Support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights. 

An old enemy and new semi-ally approaches the Magpies for help in tracking down a missing thief... if they can get there before the Hull containing the soul of Myra's former comrade.International Podcast Month starts September 1! Listen to Rhi as the GM of Mission: Accomplished! and Waffles as the GM of Delver.Featured Charity: Local Bail FundsPortland Freedom FundChicago Community Bond FundSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

In the wake of the horrors summoned into Six Towers, the Magpies have been keeping a low profile. But when the Gondoliers, their oldest allies, reach out for help, they have to answer... and they'll uncover a foe more dangerous than any of them knew.Recap Music: September by Kevin MacLeodInternational Podcast Month starts September 1! Listen to Rhi as the GM of Mission: Accomplished! and Waffles as the GM of Delver.Featured Charity: Local Bail FundsPortland Freedom FundChicago Community Bond FundSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Steadfast Star closes in on The Godless Prophet, one of the massive, immortal leviathans of the Void Sea. But the demon isn't the only threat that Ahavah and Isabelle have to face...Check out Leviathan Song!International Podcast Month starts September 1!Featured Charity: Local Bail FundsPortland Freedom FundChicago Community Bond FundSupport the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The crews of Leviathan Hunters come to their ships for countless reasons. Many are there because they feel they have no choice. Isabelle and Ahavah are no different. Check out Leviathan Song!International Podcast Month starts September 1!Featured Charity: St. Petersburg Free ClinicBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights. 

Rhi, Josie, Minna, and Kim answer questions from our audience! We talk about some behind the scenes aspects of how the show is made, favorite in-character fashions, and Pokemon. Seriously, we spend so much time on Pokemon.Featured Charity: St. Petersburg Free ClinicBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Blaire and Setarra's plans finally come to fruition, and the Magpies must band together to save Six Towers from the fallout.Content Warnings: Emotionally abusive mentor; hallucinations; vague descriptions of cosmic horrors.Featured Charity: The Okra ProjectBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Archive of Echoes contains knowledge beyond anything the Magpies could have hoped for... but it also contains dire threats. The guards and ghosts are one thing, but the biggest threat may come from within the group.Featured Charity: The Okra ProjectBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Blaire's need for occult artifacts leads the Magpies to the Archive of Echoes, and to their most challenging score yet. But Blaire hasn't revealed her true reasons for seeking out the Archive, and her secrets will put the whole crew at risk.Featured Charity: National Black Justice CoalitionBlack Lives MatterBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

When the Circle of Flame makes an underhanded strike at the Hound's Paw, the Magpies call in a new ally to help. But the Circle isn't going to give up easily, and an old enemy returns to haunt the crew.Featured Charity: National Black Justice CoalitionBlack Lives MatterBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Myra's friend and fellow historian needs help recovering some stolen books. He knows exactly who took them and where the thief is staying. This should be easy, right?Make Masks 2020Greater Chicago Food DepositoryBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

When the Magpies are held responsible for a fire that sees a cruel landlord terrorizing the streets in vengeance, Myra and Blaire have to solve the mystery of who set them up, all while stopping the landlord from doing more harm to the district.Listen to Rhi on Party of One Podcast!Make Masks 2020Greater Chicago Food DepositoryBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Minx and Blaire make their way through the Red Lamp, hunting for Madam Tesslyn. Meanwhile, Myra attempts to keep Nyryx out of harm's way. But nothing ever goes quite as planned.Make Masks 2020Greater Chicago Food DepositoryBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

It's a race against time to take down Madam Tesslyn, the owner of the Red Lamp brothel and Nyryx's employer. What are the Magpies willing to risk to protect the woman Minx loves?Content Warning: I talk about the pandemic situation in the intro. To skip it, jump to 3:30.Make Masks 2020Greater Chicago Food DepositoryBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Moments, glimpses, and chances to breathe in the city of Duskwall.Content Warning: I talk about the COVID-19 pandemic in the intro. If you want to skip it and get straight to the episode, start at 4:25.Check out Doskvol Interstitials by Matthew R.F. Balousek.Support healthcare workers in Chicago at Get Me PPE Chicago.Scene transition music from September by Kai Engel.Buy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

In order to help Bazso make friends, influence people, and not get murdered by his enemies, the Magpies have brought together a coalition of allies. Before they can free Ink Row, however, they need to steal some supplies.Featured Charity: League of Women VotersBuy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

Bazso Baz is trying to hold the Docks, but with threats both external and internal, he's ready to walk... unless the Magpies can get to the bottom of his current troubles.Featured Charity: League of Women VotersDescent into Midnight: Kickstarter FUNDED on February 15! Check out the campaign page for information about rewards, the Quick Start, and to support the game.Buy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.

The Bluecoats have taken an interest in the Magpies and their many, many crimes. And the best way to get the Bluecoats to back off? More crimes. Specifically, robbing a bank!Featured Charities: Fundraiser for medical supplies for doctors in Wuhan and support Democratic challengers to GOP senators.Descent into Midnight: Kickstarter FUNDED on February 15! Check out the campaign page for information about rewards, the Quick Start, and to support the game.Buy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives, and Fair Fight to learn how you can advocate for voting rights.Also: the picture of Raja referenced in the stinger.

Blaire, Myra, and Seeks find themselves in a fight for their lives against a surprising foe in the basement. Minx uncovers the dark secrets of Hagen's clinic on the third floor. But it's what happens when they reunite that will test their loyalties to the breaking point.Content Warnings: Emotionally intense, Setarra being condescending and emotionally manipulative, inter-party conflict. If you'd prefer, a text summary of the events of the episode is available on our website.Featured Charities: Fundraiser for medical supplies for doctors in Wuhan and support Democratic challengers to GOP senators.Descent into Midnight: Kickstarter begins on February 15! Follow the campaign page for notifications.Buy Magpies pins and support the Magpies on Patreon!Visit 5calls.org to contact your representatives.