The Thief podcast

The Thief

The Thief is an immersive, fully cast, low-fantasy mystery kicked off by the catalytic arrest of a City Watchman, whose obsession with the disappearance a Lady-in-Waiting is left to the only person he trusts: an undermarket draw-latch called Symphony. The Thief is a Dungeons and Dragons Actual Play edited to within an inch of its life: fully cast, fully immersive. Created by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Voices by Kristian Byrne, Patrik Deraković-Rakas, S. Kaiya J, Jeremy Roman, Patricia Wires, Charles Villard, Isabela Duffles, Vincent Hughes.

The Thief is an immersive, fully cast, low-fantasy mystery kicked off by the catalytic arrest of a City Watchman, whose obsession with the disappearance a Lady-in-Waiting is left to the only person he trusts: an undermarket draw-latch called Symphony. The Thief is a Dungeons and Dragons Actual Play edited to within an inch of its life: fully cast, fully immersive. Created by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Voices by Kristian Byrne, Patrik Deraković-Rakas, S. Kaiya J, Jeremy Roman, Patricia Wires, Charles Villard, Isabela Duffles, Vincent Hughes.

 

#12

A Huddle-close Yarn • An Interlude

“A Huddle-close Yarn” is an interlude — a kind of tide-me-over — between seasons of [The Thief] (https://thief.substack.com) . Listen or read the story entirely out of context: it is spoiler free, and it doesn’t require having listened to the first season. The Thief is a labor of love. [Refer just one rogue] (https://thief.substack.com/leaderboard) and earn your way into the fyrd. [A full transcript is available] (https://thief.substack.com/p/a-huddle-close-yarn-an-interlude) . Credits Written and produced by Michael SchofieldPerformed by [Emily Morse-Lee] (https://www.emilymlvo.com/) ( [BlueSky] (https://bsky.app/profile/therealgchu.bsky.social) , [YouTube] (https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealGChu) )Music by [⁠Tabletop Audio⁠] (https://patreon.com/tabletopaudio) (see usage statements). The Thief is produced by the fyrd: our thegns [Nandi K] (https://open.substack.com/users/32648275-nandi-k?utm_source=mentions) , [Amzylee] (https://open.substack.com/users/165117095-amzylee?utm_source=mentions) , Trei Brundrett, Andy McLellan, Eudico, Rebekah Monson, Andy Priestner, Mike Atchley, Patrick Myers, and Cordelia Black. You can join the fyrd and help me make this stuff through [Substack ] (https://thief.substack.com/subscribe) or [Patreon] (https://patreon.com/thethief) . ... Read more

31 Dec 2024

10 MINS

10:37

31 Dec 2024


#11

Gilded, Courtly Cage • Teaser

I am in the script-making part of the next season of The Thief, so there’s not much creative exhaust that makes for a neat update. Instead, how about a new teaser? Here is a letter found in Wirwen Osgard’s things. [Transcript] (https://thief.substack.com/p/gilded-courtly-cage-teaser) Credits Written and produced by Michael SchofieldVoices in order of appearance: Micah Schroeder is Gisela, Michael Schofield is Subprior.Music by  [⁠Tabletop Audio⁠] (https://patreon.com/tabletopaudio)  (see usage statements). About The Thief "The Thief" is a Dungeons and Dragons actual play, with just one player -- Sisi Wei -- and a full cast of NPCs, supported with soundscapes. The original world is grim, and it is unlikely the thief will survive. --- Behind the scenes: [⁠http://thiefpodcast.com⁠] (http://thiefpodcast.com) Support for just $2 per episode: [⁠https://patreon.com/thethief⁠] (https://patreon.com/thethief) Thief Companion Podcast: [⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5RuTvm561vbTpgnCSp3FSk⁠] (https://open.spotify.com/show/5RuTvm561vbTpgnCSp3FSk) Youtube: [⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thethiefpodcast⁠] (https://www.youtube.com/@thethiefpodcast) Tiktok: [⁠https://tiktok.com/@thiefpodcast⁠] (https://tiktok.com/@thiefpodcast) ... Read more

03 Mar 2024

02 MINS

02:15

03 Mar 2024


#10

Unlikely to Survive • Trailer

"The Thief" is a Dungeons and Dragons actual play, with just one player -- Sisi Wei -- and a full cast of NPCs, supported with soundscapes. The original world is grim, and it is unlikely the thief will survive. --- Behind the scenes: [http://thiefpodcast.com] (http://thiefpodcast.com) Support for just $2 per episode: [https://patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/thethief) Thief Companion Podcast: [https://open.spotify.com/show/5RuTvm561vbTpgnCSp3FSk] (https://open.spotify.com/show/5RuTvm561vbTpgnCSp3FSk) Youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/@thethiefpodcast] (https://www.youtube.com/@thethiefpodcast) Tiktok: [https://tiktok.com/@thiefpodcast] (https://tiktok.com/@thiefpodcast) ... Read more

06 Feb 2024

01 MINS

01:10

06 Feb 2024


#9

"Thief" • Chapter Four :: Season Finale

A house like the Merchants never sleeps for long. Credits Written and produced by Michael Schofield. Played by Sisi Wei. Sound design by Michael Schofield. Hector is Jeremy Roman Lady Merchant is Patricia Wires Nora is Patricia Wires Anna Braithwaite as Her Lady's Maid Fletcher Noman as Valet 1 and Guard 1 Music Medieval Harp 2 by _Blacksmith_ 2 Violins Dark Ambient, Slow Minimalist Emotional Cello, Dark Documentary Piano by Orchestralis  Thankyou The Thief is made possible with the support of patrons we call "the Fyrd." Our thegns Trei Brundrett and Andy McLellan, our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Mike Atchley, and Patrick Myers.  I appreciate your kind reviews and your word of mouth. This is the last episode of the year. But "the fyrd" musters still during this intermission and if you join us for free at [patreon.com/the-thief] (http://patreon.com/the-thief) I'll be continuing the -- for now -- exclusive stories of [The Friar] (https://www.patreon.com/collection/31847?view=expanded) and [Byrnharrow] (https://www.patreon.com/collection/11479) .  "The Thief" will return.  ... Read more

30 Oct 2023

23 MINS

23:55

30 Oct 2023


#8

Night Callers • Chaper Three :: Part Two

Symphony's audience with Lady Merchant concludes, and she spends her first fortuitous night in Merchant's Row. Credits Written and produced by Michael Schofield. Played by Sisi Wei. Sound design by Michael Schofield. Cast, in order of appearance: ---Patricia Wires as both Lady Merchant and Nora ---Charles Villard as both Marley Osgard and the lovesick Godwin ---Anna Braithwaite as Her Lady's Maid ---Fletcher Noman as Doorman ---Isabela Duffles of the Night-calling Polewick ---Jeremy Roman as Hector The licensed music you heard that I just love was Celtic Harp and respectively Medieval Harps 1 & 2 by a Blacksmith; and The Way It Was and Lore And Myths by Crypt of Insomnia. The Thief is made possible with the support of patrons we call "the Fyrd." Our thegns Trei Brundrett and Andy McLellan, and our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Mike Atchley, and Andy Priestner.  Help make The Thief for just $2 per episode on [⁠patreon.com/thethief⁠] (https://patreon.com/thethief) . INmUpbgTBGXk6vgmxwwJ nM6NYQoPp5EzI3qit2rZ ... Read more

11 Sep 2023

19 MINS

19:40

11 Sep 2023


#7

Good Impressions • Chapter Three :: Part One

Symphony, as Asta Evansdottir, manages an audience with the belle dame Lady Merchant herself. She has only this one chance to get in through the front door. Support our story, gain early access to new unpublished audio dramas in the same world, and find a free transcript for this episode alongside its highest quality version of the audio on [patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/thethief) . Credits Written and produced by Michael Schofield. Played by Sisi Wei. Sound design by Michael Schofield. Cast, in order of appearance: ---Patrik Derakovic-Rakas as Drypoint ---Kristian Byrne as the announcer ---Sisi Wei as Symphony ---Fletcher Noman as Gatekeeper ---Logan Riensmith as Wagon-loader ---Jeremy Roman as Albret Solly ---Patricia Wires as Nora ---Vincent Hughes as Messenger ---Patricia Wires as Lady Merchant ---Anna Braithwaite as Her Lady's Maid The Thief is made possible with the support of patrons we call "the Fyrd." Our thegns Trei Brundrett and Andy McLellan, and our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Mike Atchley, and Andy Priestner. And with the support of our freepeoples, who help spread the word on social: SC Tadsen (@sctadsen), Patrik Derakovic-Rakas (@drpatrikva), Kris the Deserted GM (@desertedgm), Rusty Rayne (@rustyrayne), and Nathan from the AARPG Podcast (@tatooineunited.bsky.social). Help make The Thief for just $2 per episode on [patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/thethief) . ... Read more

31 Jul 2023

15 MINS

15:38

31 Jul 2023


#6

Doppleganger • Chapter Two :: Part Two

Symphony can’t get in with Merchant’s Row without some proof of - competency. So, she drops-in on an old friend. A transcript is published for free alongside the highest quality version of the audio on [patreon.com/michaelschofield] (https://patreon.com/michaelschofield) . Credits Written and produced by Michael Schofield. Played by Sisi Wei. Dialogue editing by Brianna Jean. Sound design by Michael Schofield. Cast, in order of appearance: Sisi Wei as Symphony Kristian Byrne as the announcer Charles Villard as Haldwen Patricia Wires as Isobel Hart Patrik Derakovic-Rakas as both Tailor’s Apprentice and Drypoint The Thief is produced by the Fyrd. Our thegns Trei Brundrett and Andy McLellan, and our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Mike Atchley, and Andy Priestner. Join these heroes and join the fyrd and help me make more stories about the legacy of Caledoran at [https://patreon.com/michaelschofield] (https://patreon.com/michaelschofield) . ... Read more

20 Mar 2023

14 MINS

14:10

20 Mar 2023


#5

The First Stone • Chapter Two :: Part One

For the first time we really see Symphony's neighborhood, Lorim's Hill, as she -- against Haldwen's warning -- starts looking under the rocks for clues about Eleanor Merchant and Lord Cagwen. A transcript is available on patreon.com/michaelschofield. CreditsWritten and produced by Michael SchofieldPlayed by Sisi WeiDialogue editing by Brianna JeanCast, in order of appearance: ---Kristian Byrne as the announcer ---Michael Schofield as the storyteller and Old Gossip ---Sisi Wei as Symphony ---Patricia Wires as Regal Gossip, Shrewed Gossip, and Isobel Hart ---Charles Villard as Haldwen.  The Thief is produced by the fyrd. Our thegns Trei Brundrett and Andy McLellan, and our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Mike Atchley, Andy Priestner, and Joshua Simpson. Special thanks to the hérd, who answered the call to help bring The Thief to new ears. ---S. Kaiya J. creates strange and contemplative tabletop RPGs at https://mirror-lock.com. ---Isabela Duffles is our village's artist at https://isabeladuffles.com, and she's working with me right now on a comic called Swán. ---A very special thanks to Brigette Metzler, who wants to point out the volunteer-run ResearchOps community, a global community dedicated to scaling the impact and the craft of user research at https://researchops.community. You can sponsor the running of the 15,000-person-strong community on Patreon. ---Super special thanks to Sean Tadsen, who I see help signal-boost The Thief all the time. He streams every Friday on Twitch at https://twitch.tv/librarianwritergeek. ---Thanks to Emil, who is part of Double DM Podcast at https://twitter.com/DoubleDMPod. Ya'll are so prolific; I have no idea how you do it. ---And Adam Yauhasz, or Brim, or Razahhh. Voice actor and streamer over at https://twitch.tv/therazahhh - with three H's. ---And thanks to Bad Heroes, a fantasy actual play podcast about hapless adventurers hunting deadly curses in a realm bound to Hell. You can find them at http://badheroescast.com. Join these heroes and join the fyrd and help me make more stories about the legacy of Caledoran at https://patreon.com/michaelschofield. ... Read more

20 Mar 2023

18 MINS

18:52

20 Mar 2023


#4

Whistledown • Chapter One :: Part Two

Osment is carted away by the haldaen, but Symphony pursues, clambering through scaffolding and roof-spanning clotheslines - only for him to leave her nothing but a gossip pamphlet. Why? Content warning: this episode is tame. Credits: Written and produced by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Dialog Editing by Brianna Jean Voices in order of appearance: Kristian Byrne, Patrik Deraković-Rakas The music you heard was Gateway to the Fjords by Crypt of Insomnia, Mystic Desert by J Blanks, and some sad vocals by Orchestral. The Thief is produced by the fyrd. Our thegns Trei Brundrett, and Andy McLellan, and our spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Andy Priestner, Joshua Simpson, Kevin Wilson, and Mike Atchley. You can join the Fyrd help me make more stories about the Aendhrin and the legacy of Caledoran at [patreon.com/michaelschofield] (https://patreon.com/michaelschofield) . ... Read more

19 Feb 2023

14 MINS

14:06

19 Feb 2023


#3

Rogue Bazaar • Chapter One :: Part One

We meet Symphony again months after paying Bafford a visit. It's time to meet an old friend in the anonymity provided by a crowd. Credits: Written and produced by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Voices in order of appearance: Kristian Byrne, Patrik Deraković-Rakas, Jeremy Roman, S. Kaiya J., and Elliot Schofield Music by iCentury, Crypt of Insomnia, and [Tabletop Audio] (https://patreon.com/tabletopaudio) (see usage statements). The Thief is produced by the Fyrd: our thegn Trei Brundrett, spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Andy Priestner, Joshua Simpson, Kevin Wilson, and Mike Atchley. You can join the Fyrd help me make more stories about the Aendhrin and the legacy of Caledoran at [patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/thethief) ... Read more

03 Oct 2022

22 MINS

22:26

03 Oct 2022


#2

Da Capo • Prologue :: Part Two

The thief stalks from Lorim's Hill to the rathaus in an old forum called "the den," and her story just gets started. Credits: Written and produced by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Voices by Kristian Byrne, @strawberrio, and Patrik Deraković-Rakas. Music by Will Savino, [Tabletop Audio] (https://patreon.com/tabletopaudio) , and [ Ivan Duch] (https://patreon.com/ivanduch) (see usage statements). This episode was produced by our fyrd: our thegn Trei Brundrett, and spear-throwers: Rebekah Monson, Laura Spears, Andy Priestner, Joshua Simpson, and Kevin Wilson.  You can join the Fyrd for free and help me make more stories about the Aendhrin and the legacy of Caledoran at [patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/thethief) . ... Read more

14 Feb 2022

31 MINS

31:45

14 Feb 2022


#1

First Note • Prologue :: Part One

From her modest perch in Lorim's Hill, the thief steals into the night.  Credits: Written and produced by Michael Schofield Played by Sisi Wei Voices by Kristian Byrne, @strawberrio, Chris Croll, and Patrik Deraković-Rakas. Music by [Tabletop Audio] (https://patreon.com/tabletopaudio) and [ Ivan Duch] (https://patreon.com/ivanduch) (see usage statements). We couldn't come to you without the support of our Fyrd. Our spear throwers: Laura Spears, Andy Priestner, Joshua Simpson, and Kevin Wilson; our friends at [Wunderpop: Unique AF Apparel for the Girls, Theys, Gays, and Allies] (https://wunderpop.shop) ; our freepeople: Jack Kellum from Gods and Gamemasters, Bill Helman, Vladyslav Dembik, and Counterspell Culture. Support indie fiction at [patreon.com/thethief] (https://patreon.com/michaelschofield) .  ... Read more

10 Jan 2022

25 MINS

25:40

10 Jan 2022