The Magnus Archives - RQ Network Feed Drop – The Gentleman From Hell: |S1| Ep.1

Episode Date: September 3, 2026

This month we are featuring a feed drop of an amazing new podcast that has just launched on the RQ Network The Gentleman From Hell.  The Gentleman From Hell is a brand new, chilling, horror audio drama. From the brilliant creators behind Maeltopia and The Sleep Wake Cycle.    In The Gentleman from Hell an entire town is gone. Without a trace. No signs, no warnings. Just silence. This is the story of Cold Sparrow.  Twenty-four years ago, the peaceful town of Cold Sparrow became the center of one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in modern history. Every resident vanished. Among them, the enigmatic billionaire Benjamin Veers, whose strange ways made him an icon of intrigue. The town, once forgotten, now infamous. The questions? Endless. The answers? Nonexistent.  For over two decades, investigators have been left baffled—cults, kidnappings, disappearances—none have led them closer to the truth. But now, three celebrated private investigators—famous for bringing down one of the most dangerous cults in history—have been called upon to tackle this mystery. Known for taking on the cases no one else could solve, they’re determined to uncover what really happened in Cold Sparrow.  Yet, the deeper they dig, the darker the whispers become. Rumors swirl of something far more sinister than anyone ever imagined. Could the mystery of Cold Sparrow be tied to forces that reach far beyond our world? Could it be linked to something... infernal?  Some mysteries, once uncovered, may be better left untouched.  Cold Sparrow: A town that disappeared… but something still lingers in the shadows. The investigation begins… now."  Introduction and outro by Anusia Battersby. Listen to The Gentleman From Hell on The Rusty Quill website, on Acast, or listen wherever you get your podcasts, or to learn more about The Gentleman From Hell check out its official website.   Credits: Written by Mark Anzalone  Edited by Walker Kornfeld  Sound mastering by Steven J. Anzalone  --  Mace voiced by Steven Zivic  Leon voiced by Sam Stark  Phyllis voiced by Aubrey Akers  Benjamin Veers voiced by Mark Anzalone  Edward Veers voiced by Mark Anzalone  Charlie Prist voiced by Mark Anzalone  --  Intro music by Steven Anzalone  Music and Sound effects are licensed from third party providers including Envato, Epidemic Sound, Artlist, Soundstripe, Melody Loops, Pond 5, Soundcrate, Music Vine, Youtube, Melodie, Slipstream, and Storyblocks Content warnings: Disappearances, Parental death, Chanting, Existential crisis Mentions of: Mass kidnapping, SFX : Static, Beeping, Animal sounds For ad-free episodes, bonus content and more, join members.rustyquill.com or our Patreon.Pre-order FROM THE LIBRARY OF JURGEN LEITNER, a Magnus novel releasing October 27th: rustyquill.com/novel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone, it's Anusha here. Today, we are bringing you the very first episode from an amazing podcast on the Argue Network, called The Gentleman from Hell, which is created by the same brilliant team behind the sleepwake cycle and Maltopia Podcasts. The Gentleman from Hell is a brand-new, chilling horror audio drama. In The Gentleman from Hell, an entire town is gone. Without a trace, no signs, no warnings, just silence. This is the story of Cold Sparrow.

For over two decades, investigators have been left baffled, but now three celebrated private investigators have been called upon to tackle this mystery. Yet the deeper they dig, the darker the whispers become. Rumours swirl of something far more sinister than anyone ever imagined. Could the mystery of Cold Sparrow be tied to forces that reach far beyond our world? could it be linked to something infernal. Some mysteries once uncovered may be better left untouched. Cold Sparrow, a town that disappeared, but something still lingers in the shadows.

The investigation begins now. You can listen to more episodes of this series by searching for the gentleman from hell wherever you listen to your podcasts by clicking the link in the show notes below or for more information visit meltopia.com or rusty quill.com Have fun and enjoy the episode. Cold Sparrow mass disappearance of 1999.

In a bizarre and chilling case that has perplexed authorities and experts for over two decades, the small country town of Cold Sparrow experienced one of the largest mass disappearance in modern history, leaving behind only unanswered questions and a lingering sense of unease. Called Sparrow, once a quiet and unassuming town, found itself at the center of global attention 24 years ago when every single one of its inhabitants vanished without a trace.

Among them was its most conspicuous resident, billionaire Benjamin Veers, known for his eccentricities and reclusive lifestyle. The disappearance of years, along with the entire population, turned cold sparrow from a mayor's speck on the map to the subject of one of the most baffling mysteries the world has ever seen. Despite extensive investigations, the authorities remain as baffled today as they were on the day the town's population disappeared. Over the years, theories have ranged from cult activity to mass kidnapping, but none have brought investigators any closer to understanding what happened to the residents of Cold Sparrow. The case, which has seen numerous leads and tips over the years, none of which have panned out, continues to be a source of speculation and intrigue.

Experts in various fields have tried to piece together the puzzle, but the lack of evidence and the sheer implausibility of the situation have left even the most seasoned detectives and researchers at a loss. As the years have passed, the story of Cold Sparrow has become something. of a legend, a modern-day mystery that challenges our understanding of what is possible. The disappearance of an entire town, especially one with a figure as enigmatic as Benjamin Veers, remains a haunting reminder of the limits of our knowledge and the enduring power of the unknown. The false door was right where Phyllis said it would be. The vault that revealed was

massive, filled with all sorts of books, cassettes, journals, even what looked at like some sketchbooks. This was exactly the motherloat we were looking for. We'd travel the long road to get here, the Vee's mansion. Between this moment and the start of the old thing were a ton of false starts and dead ends, or we'd soldier threw it all, primarily because the money was good and the story was compelling, which for me is a prerequisite for taking a job. It's hard to pay attention to details when the story's a snoozer, and I was getting up in age, so I needed to keep things interesting. When I sort of do the spoils, I couldn't help but side-eye the surroundings. The place had been abandoned for a while, but not long enough to take a look of a right and

proper haunted mansion. And mansion was an understatement for the place, which is more on the order of a castle than anything else. Yet, even though the aesthetic wasn't sufficiently morose to compelible leaf and ghosts, there was something to the sprawl of the interior. Behind it, maybe. That despite its size, it was keeping a secret even bigger than itself. For the first time in a string of Blue Mondays, I was about to know something of the mind of the guy I'd gone through so much trouble to find. I sifted through stacks of media looking for something suitable for a proper introduction. It took me a bit.

Hardly, some of the stuff was dated. I eventually came to a journal marked, a brand-new chapter. According to the date, it should have been written around the same time. been inherited his father's wealth, which was a blind spot I was looking to clear up, so perfect place to start. Diaryance were won, the first of any consequence. Despite embracing risks and leveraging what I believe to be my talents, my achievements were no greater than those of someone who had spent 35 years idly lying down. The only distinction between such a person and me was my persistent illusion of hope.

I was certain that with enough grit, a fleeting opportunity, or perhaps a stroke of luck, my moment would come. But it never did. I was a writer without a single published work, a man whose name faded from memory before it could ever matter. In the end, there was nothing more than static, the white noise of flesh, blood, and bone. Thirty years of life, and my efforts barely caused a ripple, followed by the still waters of a sea I never truly dared to cross. The letter had lingered on my counter for some time, forgotten in a haze of neglect. I usually tossed my mail without a second glance. No news was good news, even if it meant erasing the news altogether.

This letter, though, caught my eye. It came from Charlie Prist Esquire, which almost guaranteed it was a bill. But what finally pushed me to open it was the handwritten address, a personal touch that hinted at either a crafty or cash-strapped lawyer. The letter read, Dear Benjamin, I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to share some important and unexpected news regarding your family, which I understand may be difficult to receive. Regrettably, your father, Edward, has recently passed away.

Time often brings changes we cannot foresee, and in the wake of his passing, I must inform you that he has named you the sole beneficiary of his estate, which includes a considerable fortune. Given the estrangement and your relationship, I realize this news may stir a range of emotions. You may need time to process not only his death, but also this sudden change in your circumstances. It's my hope that this inheritance might serve as an opportunity to reconnect with a part of your father's legacy,

and offer a chance for reflection or healing. As the executor of his will, I'm here to guide you through the legal process at a pace that feels right for you. If you'd like to discuss the details, we can arrange a meeting or a phone call, whichever suits you best. Take all the time you need,

and know that I'm here to support you however I can. sincerely Charlie Prist Hello sir Can I help you Yes my name is Benjamin Veers I called earlier Yes of course Please head right through that door

Mr Prist is waiting for you Thank you very much Mr Prist I'm Benjamin Veers We spoke on the phone Well Hello Benjamin Please come right in and take a seat won't you

Thank you very much please call me charlie you know i hope you don't mind me saying but you look just like your father right down to the stubble and spectacles i don't mind at all because i can't say if that's a good or bad observation you see i didn't really know the man to be quite honest well to be equally honest i didn't even know the old so-and-so had a son so we're even so um What are the formalities in a situation like this? Ah, just some signatures, here and there. Well, that seems easy enough.

There are a few things, though. Just stipulations that are odd, but by no means troublesome. Considering. Considering? Considering. After this, you damn near the richest man in the county, if not the state. Your father was a bit of a eccentric, I guess. He wanted to make sure you stayed in the house, you know, lived where he lived.

He insisted upon it in several places throughout the will. Well, there's no problems there. I fully intend on moving into the house. Oh, well, that's easy enough then. I just thought, well, with the accent and all. I left England some time ago. I came here for my schooling. Well, there you have it then.

The only other thing was that you listened to, uh, In private, an audio tape that your father left for you. I take it that's not customary to the traditional process. Not really, but I've heard stranger requests. Anyway, I ready to room for you shortly after your phone, so once we're all done with crossing T's and dot and eyes, I'll get you right in there. That sounds fine.

Well then, let's get down to business. After you turn the player on, you can have a seat right over there on the car. couch. I'll be in my office when you finish. Would you like a drink or anything while you listen? No, no, that's very kind of you, but would you mind terribly

if I smoked while I listened? Not at all, sir. Smoking myself. That's why all the fire detectives have expired batteries. Hmm, well, I'll see you shortly then. Yes, sir.

It didn't take long for the lawyer to start cozying up to me. no doubt hoping I'd secure his services as my father had. But to be quite honest, I was as ignorant of legal formalities as I was of opulence. But I suppose I'd learn my way about both in time. There was an ominous quality to the moment, waiting to hear my father's voice for the first time. I didn't want to make a moment out of it, so I simply pushed play on the machine and took my seat upon the sofa. Cigarette and hand.

Have every right to your apathy and or dislike of me. And the fortune I am bequeathing to you. All, no doubt, have been well earned. You should be aware that, while you know nothing of me, I have been watching you. I am aware of your trials. It has pained me to leave you to them. Unfortified by the good fortune, I have known my entire life.

But I believe wealth is no healthy means by which to come into the world. I speak from experience, certainly. No good has come from my fortune. Only the cloistered obsessions of the idle rich, the doldrums of a will unchallenged. But you, my boy, You have vision and the will to see it done. And now you have the means.

There are no more limitations, Benjamin, save this. You must stay in the house for at least one year. There are secrets you must learn, so that in time you will understand. As I listened to the voice of my dead father, I began to feel strange, mildly dizzy. And there was something else, too, in the background of the recording. A murmuring, even a chanting, barely perceptible. I assumed it to be an artifact of vintage technology. On this point, we share an experience, a clinical desire.

to understand it all, if only to dispel the dread of not knowing. Your most recent manuscript, beneath it all, a search for answers. Reads as if a page torn from my very mind, though after inspecting it, I can see that your mind is by far the keener between us. Still, I can see that my... Obsessions have become you as well. But perhaps, unlike myself, you will acquire some peace with them by satisfying them once and for all. This, my lost son, is my gift to you.

The possibility of final clarity. I wish you well on the rest of your journey, for if you are listening to this, mine has at last come to an end. Farewell, Benjamin. Perhaps we will meet again in a world more welcoming than this one. The first time I'd ever heard my father's voice, and all he really had to say to me was, Goodbye. You're going to tell me what you found? About a metric ton of men's personal journals, all sorts of cassettes and whatnot, just what Phyllis said they'd be.

Going through all this stuff's gonna take forever. How's a city look? You've seen one ghost town, you've seen them all. Though, the place does look pretty good for being abandoned as long as it has. By the way, I found the spot where the FBI set up shop while they collected evidence. Probably been gone through by every thrill-seeker and legend tripper within a hundred miles of here. I doubt there's anything left to find. Yeah, but it doesn't like to check.

You never know. Not like someone couldn't drop evidence on their way out of a crime scene. Does Mace, am I ever going to hear the end of that? And I wonder who it was that caught Laslo. You were me. Yeah, yeah, I never doubted your business acumen for a second. Anyway, I'm going to head out and set up the generator. Keep an aisle for Phyllis.

I told her to meet us at the mansion, but the city's set up like a maze. I might have even had to consult the map a few times myself to find the place. Well, she is a psychic, so I'm thinking she'll manage. Pick up. Pick up. Call back number and a brief message, and I'll be sure to return your call. Thank you. It's me, Phyllis. I must have turned down the wrong road. I can't be more than a few minutes away from you two. I'm just outside of Cold Sparrow, somewhere in the pitchpot woods.

Call me back as soon as you get this. I don't care if I quit. If I'm going to be lost in the woods, I'm at least going to have a cigarette. Hurry up, boys. Call me back, won't you? Is someone out there? So I'm realizing that, and once you turn on to Pitchpoint Drive, there's no online maps of these other roads. Thus, I'm afraid I have no idea where I am.

Don't sweat it, Phil. I'll find you soon enough. And is that a sick? I hear you puffing on? I thought you'd quit. I'm very particular about how I choose to quit things. Now, please, just hurry up and come get me, won't you? Sure thing. Be there and a... Leon?

Damn, lousy service. Phyllis, my dear. I have a feeling you're not going to enjoy this one. That's your doing. Hello, how to empower. Phyllis got herself lost in the woods. Apparently, he's egged, when... She should have zagged. Headed it out to bring her in now.

So much for being psychic. I got the journey up and running, so I'll be inside when you get back. Sure thing. Be back in just a few. Three of us have worked a lot of cases together, but nothing like this one. You genuinely don't see an entire town of people go missing. Not since the lost colony of Roanoke at any rate. Anyway, we were only being paid to hunt for the one guy, the rich one. Ben Veers.

And after the snippet I'd read from one of his hidden journals, it was about time I heard the guy's actual voice. The mini-cassets were no particular order, so I'd just swipe the first one that caught my eye. It was titled, Existential Obsessive. Onliness is the inordinate sum of absences one experiences as an outlier. The loss of faith, trust, camaraderie, or even truth. I am alone because I cannot make peace with my own ignorance, the ignorance that all of us must reckon and eventually yield to. I have not, because I cannot. My stubbornness is inscribed upon my very genes, or so current science will have a sole belief.

Disorder, they say. My need to know more than anyone could, or probably be. should for that matter. One medicine after the next and still that yawning vacancy. I must know why. Where do we come from? Why are we even here? Where will we go when the sun ceases to rise? Is there a heaven or, God forbid, a hell? The Gentleman from Hell is a Maltopia production. Today's episode was written by Mark Anzalone and performed by Stephen Zivik, Sam Stark, Aubrey Ackers, and Mark Anzalone.

Sound editing was completed by Stephen Anzlone and script editing was conducted by Walker Cornfeld. Be sure to rate and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at Maltopia. If you want unique art and animations of Maltopia's stories, visit our YouTube page or click on the link in the show notes. And for more exclusive content such as additional lore, stories, and art,

be sure to check out our Patreon at www.com. To listen to more of The Gentleman from Hell and check out their other content, please search The Gentleman from Hell wherever you get your podcasts. Or click the link in the description of this episode. And as always, you can visit RustyQuil.com for more information. find the creators behind the gentleman from hell on Twitter at Mailtopia or on their website, maeltopia.com. That's M-A-E-L-T-O-P-I-A dot com. Thanks for listening.

Hi, Alex here, founder and CEO of Rusty Quill Limited. In case you haven't heard, there is now a Magnus Archives novel. The Library of Juergen Lightner is set in the world of the Magnus Archives and written by Nebula Award-winning author, Premie Muhammad, with our very own Jonathan Sims. The story follows Hugh, a universe. dropout, desperate to find somewhere to belong and his new job at an esoteric library. The books he must investigate for the enigmatic Juergen Leitner are not normal, because the library is not a vault, sealed and silent,

but a hive, alive, buzzing and ready to sting. The Library of Jürgen Leitner releases October 27th, 2026, but you can pre-order it right now in the US and UK from your local bookshop, or by using the link in the episode description. If you live outside of the UK or US, you may be able to make an, international order for this first publication, but it depends on individual retailers shipping policies.