The Magnus Archives - The Magnus Protocol 24 - Raising Issues

Episode Date: August 1, 2024

CAT1RBC1375-29022024-23042024Baby (demonic) -/- Delusion (exhaustion)Incident Elements:CannibalismDemonic ChildrenPost-partum DepressionCaregiver Abuse/NeglectSelf-SacrificeAltered RealityDelusionTran...scripts: https://rustyquill.com/transcripts/the-magnus-protocol/This episode is dedicated to I_need_cookies, thank you for your generous support! You can find a complete list of our Kickstarter backers https://rustyquill.com/the-magnus-protocol-supporter-wall/Created by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J Newall  Directed by Alexander J NewallWritten by Alex C Telander, for more of his work visit https://ostiumnetwork.com/Script Edited with additional material by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J NewallExecutive Producers April Sumner, Alexander J Newall, Jonathan Sims, Dani McDonough, Linn Ci, and Samantha F.G. Hamilton Associate Producers Jordan L. Hawk, Taylor Michaels, Nicole Perlman, Cetius d’Raven, and Megan Nice Produced by April Sumner  Featuring (in order of appearance) Sarah Lambie as Lena KelleyAnusia Battersby as Gwendolyn BouchardAlexander J Newall as NorrisFaye Derham as MotherLowri Ann Davies as Celia RipleyShahan Hamza as Samama KhalidBillie Hindle as Alice DyerFrank Voss as Basira HussainDialogue Editor – Lowri Ann DaviesSound Designer – Tessa VroomMastering Editor - Catherine RinellaMusic by Sam Jones (orchestral mix by Jake Jackson) Art by April Sumner  Support us on Patreon at https://patreon.com/rustyquill   Support Rusty Quill by purchasing from our Affiliates:Phantom Peak – UK immersive experience – 15% discount with this linkDriveThruRPG – DriveThruRPG.comJoin our community:WEBSITE: rustyquill.comFACEBOOK: facebook.com/therustyquillX: @therustyquillEMAIL: mail@rustyquill.com The Magnus Protocol is a derivative product of the Magnus Archives, created by Rusty Quill Ltd. and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share alike 4.0 International Licence.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 Hi folks, Billy Hindle here, the voice of Alice Dyer in the Magnus Protocol. Today I just wanted to take some time to run you through some of the exciting Magnus merchandise, as well as affiliate links, a brand new way to support the show. You can find affiliate links in the description of all new episodes. If you are based in the UK, be sure to check out Phantom Peak, a unique immersive open world adventure in London. Use the link in the show notes or code Rusty to get 15% off tickets. Perfect for fans of escape rooms.
Starting point is 00:00:28 Next up, be sure to check out our bespoke merchandise from our partners, including exclusive perfume scents inspired by John and Martin and ex Altiorra. Find out more by going to www.rustyquill.com forward slash S B P. Find Magnus and Rusty Quill themed TTRPG accessories including dice trays, dice towers and beautiful coasters from Harps Core by going to harpscore.com forward slash rusty dash quill See the Magnus Archives polyhedral dice set from Dice Dungeon including an exclusive D16 featuring icons representing the fears
Starting point is 00:01:03 Visit thedicedungeon.co.uk forward slash collections forward slash Rusty dash Quill to find out more. There are also new designs available on our official merchandise stores for t-shirts, stickers, posters and more. Check the links in the description or go to www.rustyquill.com forward slash support. Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the show. the new mystery each week and is from the brilliant creator behind other great shows that include Spirit Box Radio and Not Quite Dead. When we die, the remnants of us return to the first and last place. Our fate is decided by Sir and his new apprentice, who read our remnants to determine whether they should be reshelfed or discarded. But what are the criteria? What happens to discarded souls? How are new lives for the reshelfs determined? And why, after untold stretches of existence, has Sir decided that he needs help to do it?
Starting point is 00:02:08 Remnants explores the boundaries between right and wrong, examining humanity from its brightest and best to its darkest and most frightening, and all the grey in between. To listen, search for Remnants in audio drama wherever you listen to your podcasts. Or for more information, go to HangingSlothStudios.com slash remnant or www.rustyquill.com. Let's face it, most meal replacements are rough on sensitive stomachs, not Sperry. Sperry is a complete plant-based meal crafted for better digestion. What makes Sperry different? It's 100% allergen-free with no dairy or harsh artificial ingredients. So it's gentle on your stomach and safe for all common food allergies and digestive issues. It's also packed with premium plant-based proteins to
Starting point is 00:02:48 keep you satisfied, plus all the essential nutrients for sustained energy. Try Sperry and get 15% off at Sperry.ca with code podcast 15. Sperry. Trust nature. This episode is dedicated to i underscore need underscore cookies may you reach your dreams and catch them Rusty Quill presents The Magnus Protocol issues. Come in. Good evening, Gwen. Take a seat. You wanted to see me? I'm ready. Excuse me? I'm ready for my next assignment. I believe I was quite clear when I explained that you no longer hold the external liaison position. You were. Yet here you are, once again, making demands.
Starting point is 00:04:52 I understand now that I may have mishandled myself previously, and I may have more to learn than I thought. Go on. But I've had some time to reflect and I can do this. I know I can. That doesn't change the fact that I cannot, in good conscience, give you your former role, given everything that has happened. It would be irresponsible.
Starting point is 00:05:22 I'm not asking you to give it me. I'm asking for the chance to work for it, to earn it. I see. Then I will require you to be honest. You have been deeply troubled by your interactions with our externals thus far. What has changed? I have had some time to consider the situation and I've decided I'd rather be on the inside.
Starting point is 00:05:49 You believe working in this role would be less dangerous than simply quitting? That it could afford you some protection? Am I wrong? There is an upcoming visit from the new minister. You will assist me in humouring him and expediting his departure. If you are able to do this without further complications, we can discuss your future position here. Do I make myself clear?
Starting point is 00:06:23 Crystal. Good. Then get back to work and close the door properly on your way out. Thank you, Lena. Napsafe Nanny Cam Registration 977470 User Patricia Spalding recording 2902 2024 there we go recording the health visitor said it wasn't a good idea but I wanted to remember everything that happens with Rupert especially given how little I remember of the birth or the pregnancy the health visitor says that's normal. I'm already completely smitten with him. He's perfect, his perfectly little round head, his chubby cheeks, his little plum shaped chin,
Starting point is 00:07:37 and his eyes. I read that eye color doesn't really settle until they're older, but the way he looks at me with these big black orbs staring right back at me, it makes my heart just burst with joy every time. He hasn't been giving me much sleep of course, the little bugger, but that's to be expected. The health visitor said it was going to be like that for a while. According to her, he needs to eat every four hours, so I need to try and sleep when he's sleeping. It hasn't been easy though. I need to do a better job of
Starting point is 00:08:17 keeping time, but I'm pretty sure he's eating more often than that. A mum needs to be there for her little one, no matter what hour of the day it is, no matter what it takes, I'm there for Rupee 24-7 even if I'm not getting much sleep during those 24. Rupert did this darling little thing earlier where he stuck out his cute little tongue at me. It was so long and thin and curly and just adorable. Made my heart burst with love all over again for this wonderful little thing.
Starting point is 00:08:52 First recording ends. Second recording. I think there's something wrong. I don't know what it is. It's possible it's me or it might be something else. I feel weird saying it out loud. I've started hearing things. Strange sounds. There's only me and Rupert here in the house, I'm sure of that.
Starting point is 00:09:20 The sounds haven't been the same either. Sometimes they're moans, sometimes they're barks, like a dog that's far away. Definitely not sounds another person would make. I've only heard them on those rare times when Rupert will stay by himself a little bit, dozing. I feel like I'm going crazy. I shouldn't say that word. That's one of the lessons from the mum's support group. You never use that word to describe yourself. The instructor had a long chat about postpartum depression and what to watch for.
Starting point is 00:09:56 But it's not that. I just need some sleep. Rupert keeps feeding like he doesn't know where he's going to get his next meal from. I've been trying to follow their advice. The support group. There's this lovely girl there, Celia. Really helpful. And Rupert just loves her. Always wants her to hold him. He's so good at the group. Always puts his best face on, he never cries or snaps at them with those sharp little teeth. I feel a bit self-conscious, though, when I see one of the other mums staring at my bandage. They don't seem to need one.
Starting point is 00:10:37 Still, the health visitor says every baby is different. I tried using a dummy, but he just let it fall out of his mouth. He looked at me with such hunger in his eyes. I tried formula after that but he still wasn't having it. He's right, I suppose he's so clever. I'm going to admit something now, just to you. Rupert's in the other room sleeping for the moment. Just to you. Rupert's in the other room sleeping for the moment. Sometimes I think there might be something wrong with Rupert. No, no, that's stupid. Now that I've said it out loud, it's just silly.
Starting point is 00:11:19 I think it says more about me than him, probably because I haven't been getting enough sleep. Maybe I do have post-natal problems. I'm going to have to remember to mention that in our next support meeting. Second recording ends. Third recording. Things are dark right now. Bleak. I know it's been a while since I did a recording. I haven't been feeling that well lately. Still making sure to take care of the little one and feed him when he's hungry, which feels
Starting point is 00:11:57 like all the bloody time these days. But... But things just feel so heavy right now. And slow. Moving around is painful. And I always need more bandages. Thank God for the health visitor. It's all about Rupert though. He's the one who needs everything perfect.
Starting point is 00:12:24 So he can keep growing and become a perfect little boy. I don't matter as much. I'll start taking care of myself again when I need to, eventually. I've skipped the last two support group meetings. Just haven't felt up to going. It's such a chore packing up all the things Rupert might need. Nappies and wipes and baby powder and creams and extra clothes and burp cloths and it's just, it's all so bloody much. Much better to just stay here. Me and my little Rupert, all we need is each other and that's it. The lack of sleep is really getting to me though. I do get some at least, but I'd like more. Rupert just keeps needing to eat
Starting point is 00:13:13 and feed and feed and eat. At this rate I wonder how much of me will be left. I love it when he looks at me when he's feeding and then he gives me this big smile. This morning he got a smear of blood on his cheek like he was wearing makeup. Just made him look more beautiful. Makes it all worth it. And he's made me feel all better. Just looking at your cute little face, Ruupi, brings light to my dark world. Third, recording ends. Fourth, recording.
Starting point is 00:13:55 I... I really need some sleep. I feel so drained. Rupert... Rupert keeps getting his feedings. Not gonna change that. Can't change that. Has to eat. I have to eat too so he can eat. I had a strange thing happen today. Very, very strange. And, um, and when I came in, on the wall was this... The shadow was wrong. I couldn't scream, though. I couldn't wake him up. I turned on the light to make it go away. And when the light came on, it was gone. And when the light came on, it was gone. And there, there was Roopy sitting up in his crib, looking at me, watching me.
Starting point is 00:15:17 The health visitor says it's normal. They're here every day now. It's such a help. Roopy? You hungry again? They're here every day now. It's such a help. Roopy? You hungry again? Come on. Come here then.
Starting point is 00:15:35 The arm this time. Okay. Fourth recording ends. Fifth recording. I don't know what's last had sleep. I think days, it all feels too heavy to move. So I'm sitting. I'm sitting all the time but I've got Rupert on my lap so he can eat when he wants. He can have me.
Starting point is 00:16:36 I'll... he's... he's what's important. I don't know. I don't know what's going to happen. There's not much of me left. I'm so scared. But at least I'm so scared. But... At least... Ruby's happy.
Starting point is 00:17:17 All set? Just about. You're alright. Guess I'm nervous. I mean, maybe a little. But it's good nervous. I think. Good. Let's go and shake some answers out of people. You're way too excited for this.
Starting point is 00:17:31 Heading off? We are, yeah. And before you ask, yes, we've cleared our cases for the night. Cool. Listen, Sam... And no, we haven't asked Lena if we can leave early. It's not like you ever do. Would you shut up and listen? Look, I need to talk to you both. What's wrong?
Starting point is 00:17:49 I don't... I don't think you should go. Really? This again? Go on. It's Gwen. She's not okay. We noticed.
Starting point is 00:18:01 Not really much we can do about it though. And since when do you care? Since it became clear that something really bad is going on. What happened? It's... it's the, erm, externals. Those contractors she's been working with? No, well, yeah, but it's more than that. They're... they're not human. It's bad. Bad, bad. People have been killed and I
Starting point is 00:18:31 think one of them might be targeting us. What? I'm serious alright. You remember that woman I found? Yeah. Well I think it might have been one of these externals and there was this tape recorder and Gwen said she saw... Tape recorder? What are you... Look, Alice, I know you don't like me looking into this stuff, but killer tape recorders is weird, even for you. I believe you.
Starting point is 00:18:59 What? Really? Yeah. I mean, after everything we've been seeing coming through the system, it makes sense. It does? Is it really so hard to believe that something is hunting us back? I suppose it's not impossible. Okay, so let's say, just for the sake of argument, that we believe you.
Starting point is 00:19:24 What are we supposed to do about it? Hmm? I don't know if you noticed, but we're not exactly equipped to fight off monsters, or evil VHS tapes, or whatever. You could stop poking your nose in where it doesn't belong for a star. Oh, so it is about that. I knew it. Look, if you are right about this, and I'm not saying that you are, surely that only makes it more important to figure out what's going on? Are you serious right now? None of this started until you joined and started kicking beehives! Oh, perhaps you just didn't see it. I'm with Sam on this one. I don't think ignorance is going to keep us safe.
Starting point is 00:20:02 And the Magnus Institute is involved. I just know it. I'm just trying... But that doesn't mean we can't be careful. Take precautions. Watch each other's backs. Right? Right? Yeah, right.
Starting point is 00:20:19 I guess that'll have to do. Cool. Then I guess we've got a dupe to catch. Keep an eye on him. I will. Celia, come on. We're going to be late. Shit. Your phone recording? All good.
Starting point is 00:20:49 Good morning, Mr and Mrs Fisher, is it? Good, please take a seat. So I understand you're hoping to enroll your son, is that correct? Yes, that's right. We've heard very good things about St. Luke's. Well, that's what we like to hear. I assume you've completed an application already. Good, well, once we've got that, you'll be asked to come for a tour with, um... Humphrey.
Starting point is 00:21:16 Humphrey. And you'll have a chance to meet some of our staff. We'd also like to know a little more about you, if that's alright. Me? We know St. Luke's is prestigious, but I think we both know that what really makes an exceptional school is the person calling the shots, right? Well, you're not wrong. Though I'll remind you I am only deputy head. Mr. Donaldson technically runs the school, though he's not on site today. So what's your history?
Starting point is 00:21:46 Excuse me? You'll have to excuse my husband's bluntness. He works in finance. Oh. What he is trying to ask is if we could please know a little more about your background before coming to St. Luke's. I see. Well, I've been in charge here for almost five years. This is my fourth
Starting point is 00:22:08 educational position and my second deputy head role. I was also nominated for a Pearson Award for my previous work at Edgecroft Academy. That's very impressive. And before that you were a teacher. Any work or experience at other academic institutions? I do have actual classroom experience, if that's what you're implying. I think my husband is wondering what it was that led you to working in the school system.
Starting point is 00:22:36 I was raised with a respect for education by a pair of academics. I am told that children like me, and I've always held the opinion that the world would be a better place if everyone just thought more. Is that sufficient for your husband? Er, yes. Thank you. Are you sure? I may be able to rustle up my old school reports. A vaccination record, perhaps? Have you ever been involved with the Magnus Institute?
Starting point is 00:23:04 What? No, I don't. Is that a school? Sort of. Maybe. Well, I've never even heard of it. What is this about? How about the police? Huh? I'm sorry, what has that got to do with anything? Good question. I'm just wondering. Holding so many positions of responsibility,
Starting point is 00:23:23 did you ever consider becoming a police officer? I did not. Look, Mr and Mrs Fisher, I suspect you may have me confused with someone else. Regardless, our time is up and I have other places I need to be. No, yeah, of course. Sorry. Thank you so much for meeting with us. Mrs Banks will show you to the main entrance. Any further enquiries about enrolment should be directed to our admissions department. Of course.
Starting point is 00:23:51 Good day to both of you. Well, that could have gone better. What was that police stuff about? Thought I remembered something from the file. Guess I was wrong. Anyway, come on. Humphrey is waiting for us. Who? Oh, right, yeah, Humphrey. The Magnus Protocol is a podcast distributed by Rusty Quill and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike 4.0 International Licence. The series is created by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell and directed by Alexander J. Newell. This episode was written by Alex C.
Starting point is 00:24:50 Tellander and edited with additional materials by Jonathan Sims and Alexander J. Newell, with vocal edits by Lorianne Davis, soundscaping by Tessa Vroom and mastering by Catherine Rinella with music by Sam Jones. mastering by Katherine Rinella with music by Sam Jones. It featured Billy Hindle as Alistair, Shahan Hamza as Samana Khalid, Anusha Batasbe as Gwen Bouchard, Lowry Ann Davis as Celia Ripley, Sarah Lambie as Lena Kelly with additional voices from Alexander J. Newell. The Magnus Protocol is produced by April Sumner with executive producers Alexander J. Newell, Danny McDonagh, Lynn C and Samantha F. G. Hamilton, and associate producers Jordan L.
Starting point is 00:25:33 Hawke, Taylor Michaels, Nicole Perlman Patreon, visit RustyQuill.com. Rate and reviews online? Tweet us at TheRustyQuill, visit us on Facebook, or email us via mail at RustyQuill.com. Thanks for listening. Well, fun and being a bit scared. If you did like it, you might want to hear some more of my work. I make the Ostium podcast, about a hidden town where there are no people but lots of doors that lead to different places in space and time. I also make the Circe podcast, which is sort of Lord of the Rings, except with a gay sorceress named Thyra on the planet Albion. You can listen to Ostium or Circe by following the links in the show notes, or head over
Starting point is 00:26:42 to RustyQuill.com. I'll get it open and find out just what this strange place called Ostium is all about, and why it called to me. Tomorrow I will go through one of those doors, one of those faces of Ostium, and I will find out what the hell is going on in that strange town. Go back to school with Rogers and get Canada's fastest and most reliable internet. Perfect for streaming lectures all day or binging TV shows all night. Save up to $20 per month on Rogers Internet. Visit Rogers.com for details. We got you, Rogers. Hi everyone, it's Anusha here, voice of Gwen in the Magnus Protocol. Today, I'm here to
Starting point is 00:27:43 advertise a very exciting back-hit crowdfund that we will be using to raise funds for the Magnus Protocol Mystery Board Game. We are working with the amazing and talented team from Indie Boards and Cards, the team behind some other extremely successful board games such as The Resistance, Coup, The Sherlock Files and Flashpoint Fire Rescue. The Magnus Protocol Mysteries will be an easy to learn puzzle game, bringing you a series of engaging cases to solve and supernatural problems to resolve. The game will also feature brand new audio recordings from the cast of the Magnus Protocol. For more information or to sign up to be notified of the launch of the crowdfund, go to www.rustyquill.com
Starting point is 00:28:23 forward slash board game, where you can sign up for email updates. Or for one dollar, you can also sign up for an early backer reward. Let's face it, most meal replacements are rough on sensitive stomachs, not Sperry. Sperry is a complete plant-based meal crafted for better digestion. What makes Sperry different? It's 100% allergen-free with no dairy or harsh artificial ingredients. So it's gentle on your stomach and safe for all common food allergies and digestive issues. It's also packed with premium plant-based proteins to keep you satisfied, plus all the essential nutrients for sustained energy. Try Sperry and get 15% off at Sperry.ca with code podcast 15. Sperry. Trust Nature.

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