This week, we're delving into Empress Theodora's early life and rise to power as empress of the Byzantine era. From her breathtaking performances as a prostitute to her love-at-first-sight romance with Justinian as a young guard, we gather that Theodora was one hell of a woman, regardless of Prokopios' distaste for her.

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Also, check out Gals and Goblins podcast here, and check out their TikTok and other cool content here! They've been gracious enough to share the pod and Kickstarter with their audience, and we're sharing the love - their actual play is goofy, lighthearted, and fun to listen to on commutes, in the kitchen, or while pruning your garden of poisonous plants you're planing to use to poison your evil overlord.

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The Beastiary Challenge!

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Citations & References:

• The Secret History and another version

It's our 100th episode! Come celebrate with us as we host our second tournament - Mac and I compete with each other to see who has the best approach to listener submitted quests, with parties compiled of the characters we've collected from each episode.

Special thanks to all the listeners who submitted quest ideas and questions for us to answer!

WHO WON? VOTE HERE!

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Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch!

The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

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Citations & References:

• Ulrich, Laurel Thatcher. “Vertuous Women Found: New England Ministerial Literature, 1668-1735.” American Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 1, 1976, pp. 20–40.
• Richard Keikhefer, Magic in the Middle Ages & Forbidden Rites - find both here!
• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Disenchantment of Magic: Spells, Charms, and Superstition in Early European Witchcraft Literature.’ The American Historical Review, Vol 111, No. 2. April 2006. pp. 383-404.
• —. ‘The Age of Magicians: Periodization in the History of European Magic.’ Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft, Vol. 3. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2008. pp. 1-28.
• —. ‘The Disenchantment of Magic: Spells, Charms, and Superstition in Early European Witchcraft Literature.’ The American Historical Review, Vol. 111, No. 2. University of Pennsylvania Press, April 2006. pp. 383-404.

It's part two of the drama-filled adventure of Eliduc, the two-timing knight! In the final part of this tale, we discuss how medieval writers poke fun at the chivalric system, and explore how to adapt knighthood - in all its forms- into your D&D campaign.

Our KICKSTARTER is coming up! Sign up & try it out yourself here!

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch!

The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

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Citations & References:

• The Lais of Marie de France
• Physical and Mental Cruelty in the "Lais" of Marie de France, Renee L Curtis
• Two for the Price of One: Courtly Love and Serial Polygamy in the "Lais" of Marie de France, Sharon Kinoshita

The drama of courtly love affairs - and their consequences - is back with the Lay of Eliduc! When Sir Eliduc abandons his vows after becoming a knight errant overseas, his wife and young mistress are not left helpless - together, and with a little magic, the two of them subvert expectations to force Eliuduc's hand.

Check out the Kickstarter here!

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch!

The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

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Citations & References:

• The Lais of Marie de France
• Physical and Mental Cruelty in the "Lais" of Marie de France, Renee L Curtis
• Two for the Price of One: Courtly Love and Serial Polygamy in the "Lais" of Marie de France, Sharon Kinoshita

Looking for a new political-intrigue campaign, but on't want to compromise on combat and craziness? Join us this week as we explore the Nika riots, where sports fans create a gang war that nearly brings down the Byzantine empire. With unique faction styles, a political coup, and a pretender emperor, the Nika riots are the perfect ground for a successful city-wide campaign or one-shot!

Check out the Kickstarter here!

The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch!

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Citations & References:

• The Secret History and another version
• Check out the Burgs & Baliffs Poor Pilgrim's Almanack!
• Check out the TTRPG indie publisher Lost Pages!

Happy Valentine's Day! In this episode, we delve into medieval love spells, contraception, and the challenges women faced in matters of love and pregnancy. From mysterious plants and potions to debates among theologians on abortion ethics, explore the intersection of magic, societal views, and women's health in the Middle Ages.

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch! The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

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Citations & References:

• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Age of Magicians: Periodization in the History of European Magic.’
• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Disenchantment of Magic: Spells, Charms, and Superstition in Early European Witchcraft Literature.’
• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Meanings of Magic.’ Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft,
• Kieckhefer, Richard. ‘The Specific Rationality of Medieval Magic.’
• Kieckhefer, Richard. Magic in the Middle Ages.
• John M. Riddle, Contraception and Early Abortion in the Middle Ages
• Thomas R Forbes, Midwifery and Witchcraft.
• Lydia Harris, Evacuating the Womb: Abortion and Contraception in the High Middle Ages,
• circa 1050-1300.
• Etienne van de Walle, Flowers and Fruits: Two Thousand Years of Menstrual Regulation.
• John Haldane and Patrick Lee, Aquinas on Human Ensoulment, Abortion and the Value of Life.
• John M. Riddle and J. Worth Estes, Oral Contraceptives in Ancient and Medieval Times.
• John Scarborough and Andrea Fernandes, Ancient Medicinal Use of Aristolochia: Birthwort's Tradition and Toxicity
• Phillip A. Bernhardt-House, The Old Irish Impotence Spell: The Dam Dli, Fergus, Fertility, and the Mythic Backround of an Irish Incantation

Ever wonder how realistic the magic items in D&D are, anyway? What are the lines between a religious token, a pagan amulet, and a giant-made sword?Join us this episode as we unlock the nature of how magic works in the middle ages, and how you can adapt historical magic techniques into your D&D campaign.

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch! The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

Socials: Tumblr Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Citations & References:

• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Age of Magicians: Periodization in the History of European Magic.’
• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Disenchantment of Magic: Spells, Charms, and Superstition in Early European Witchcraft Literature.’
• Bailey, Michael D. ‘The Meanings of Magic.’ Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft,
• Green, Richard Firth. ‘Incubi Faries.’ Elf Queens and Holy Friars: Fairy Beliefs and the Medieval Church,
• Griffiths, Bill. Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Magic.
• Hall, Alaric. Elves in Anglo-Saxon England: Matters of Belief, Health, Gender, and Identity.
• Kieckhefer, Richard. ‘The Specific Rationality of Medieval Magic.’
• Kieckhefer, Richard. Magic in the Middle Ages.
• Saunders, Corrine. Magic and the Supernatural in Medieval English Romance.
• Taylor, Paul Beekman. ‘The Dragon’s Treasure in “Beowulf.”’ Neuphilologische Mitteilungen,
• Thayer, J. D. ‘Resolving the “Double Curse” of the Pagan Hoard in Beowulf.’
• f.81r of the Rutland Psalter

The drama of Prokopios' Secret History continues in this episode! We learn the secret backstory of how Justinian rose to power -- there's no dramatic coup, but we do learn the origin of the stencil, and learn how Theodora continues to strong-arm her way over a princely love triangle.

Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on patreon! Check out our merch! The Beastiary Challenge! (<-- Don't miss it!)

Socials: Tumblr Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Sources & Citations

• The Secret History and another version