Welcome back to Exploration Arcanum. My name is Jason. My guest today is Sátyros Phil Brucato, author, musician, journalist, and the lead developer of the iconic role-playing game Mage The Ascension.
Mage is very special to me because it helped me develop my views on magick and the occult more than any other book or game when I was a teenager in the 1990s. With its rich lore and diverse views on the nature of magick, Mage continues to hold a special place in my heart to this day.
In this episode, Brucato discusses the spiritual and metaphysical influences that shaped the game. He reflects on the development process, the philosophical underpinnings of the game's factions, and the evolution of the game's narrative over the years, emphasizing the importance of understanding the motivations behind each faction and the complexities of power dynamics within the game.
Brucato also discusses the complexities of power, magick, and the portrayal of evil in role-playing games. He emphasizes the importance of understanding malign magick and its consequences, the need for realistic antagonists, and the recognition of our potential for evil.
He also addresses cultural representation in gaming and reflects on the evolution of the gaming industry, highlighting the accessibility of new games and the importance of research in game design. I want to thank Sátyros for coming on the show. In the description below, I'll include links to his social media and where you can find Mage The Ascension.
If you enjoy this episode, please like it and subscribe for more Esoteric Conversations.
Thank you.
Social Media BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/satyrosphilbrucato.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/philbrucato Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satyrbrucato/ Official Website: https://satyrosphilbrucato.wordpress.com/ Links to Purchase White Wolf/World of Darkness Games & Apparel Paradox Interactive: https://www.paradoxinteractive.com/games/world-of-darkness Onxy Path Publishing: https://theonyxpath.com/category/worlds/classicworldofdarkness/ Drive Thru RPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/publisher/1/white-wolf By Night Studios: https://bynightstudios.com/
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!