The Maniculum Podcast

Apr 27 2024 2.2k
The Maniculum Podcast artwork

Maniculum: little hand, pointing finger; often found in manuscript marginalia. Hi! We’re Mac and Zoe, a professional medievalist and triple AAA game developer, and together, we use modern game design techniques to uncover the origins of your favorite tropes and adventures from medieval manuscripts. ​ In each episode, we explore a new medieval manuscript, its connections to modern TTRPGs, and teach you how to adapt these tales into compelling campaigns and amazing adventures. Whether you’re looking to recreate the noble Arthurian tales or incorporate weird and wacky medieval monsters into your campaign, the Maniculum Podcast has you covered.

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The Prince and the Prostitute: Prokopios, Pt. 4

Apr 27 2024 83 mins  
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. Check out our Kickstarter! Also, check out Gals and Goblins po

Huzzah! The TTRPG Quest Tournament

Apr 13 2024 136 mins  
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! Check out our Ki

The Abbess Gambit: Eliduc Pt. 2

Mar 30 2024 76 mins  
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 e

Oh Ariana, We’re Really in It Now: Eliduc, Pt. 1

Mar 16 2024 85 mins  
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

All Hail the King of Sports: The Nika Riots, Prokopios Pt. 3

Mar 02 2024 108 mins  
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-sh

Valentine's Day Special: Magical and Medical Contraception

Feb 17 2024 107 mins  
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 e

Magic items 101: A Historical Guide for TTRPGs

Feb 03 2024 106 mins  
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

On Wednesdays We Wear BLOOD: Prokopios Pt. 2

Jan 20 2024 103 mins  
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 ou

A Tournament of Love Affairs: The Dolorous Knight

Jan 06 2024 104 mins  
When four knights enter a tournament to win the same lady's hand (after she's led them all on), what could go wrong? Quite a lot, really. Join us in this episode as we explore this soap opera of a reverse-harem, medieval style. Plus, we discuss how medieval tournaments were actually set up, and how to adapt them to your D&D campaign! Join our discord community! Check out our Tu

Christmas Special! Saint Nick Pt 2, or, The Miracle of Vehicular Manslaughter

Dec 23 2023 95 mins  
Merry Christmas and happy winter holiday! Welcome to part two of our Saint Nick special, where we explore the miracles of Saint Nicholas - after his death. Join us as we explore how to adapt the humiliation of saints into your D&D game, and how you can compel your warlock patron to help you - or else. Join our discord community! Check out our Tumblr for even more! Support us on