The Magnus Archives – Hiatus Announcement: Season 2, Act 2

Podcast: The Magnus Archives
Host: Rusty Quill (Laurie, voice of Celia)
Date: September 18, 2025
Episode Purpose: Announcing a mid-season break, updates on spin-offs, live show, and merchandise

Overview

This episode serves as a special announcement at the close of Act 2 of The Magnus Protocol Season 2. Laurie (voice of Celia) addresses listeners to explain the show’s hiatus, share exciting upcoming content—including a new spin-off and a live stage production—and thank the audience for their support.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Season Hiatus and Production Updates

• With Episode 50, Act 2 of Season 2 has concluded.
• Following tradition from Season 1, there's now a pre-planned break in the release schedule.
• Rusty Quill is experiencing a very busy year, necessitating longer breaks between acts to manage workload and quality.
• The hiatus is longer than previous breaks but is intentional for sustainable production.

Laurie (00:18):
“2025 has been an incredible year at Rusty Quill and the rest of the year has even more packed into it. This means that the breaks between acts will be longer than previously as we balance the workloads of our small team.”

2. New Official Spin-Off: "Sheeplechase"

• Announcing "Sheeplechase," a brand new 6-episode spin-off of The Magnus Protocol, releasing during the hiatus.
• Written by Sasha Sienna and directed by April Sumner Wright.
• The spin-off was a Kickstarter stretch goal—thanks given to donors.
• "Sheeplechase" is set before The Magnus Protocol, hosted by Georgie Barker (conspiracy enthusiast) and Celia Ripley (faux skeptic).
• In each episode, a host presents a conspiracy theory; they investigate, debate, and… tension rises between the duo as motives become unclear.

Laurie (01:00):
“Sheeplechase, written by Sasha Sienna and directed by April Sumner Wright, was a stretch goal unlocked during the Kickstarter campaign that funded Protocol. Thank you to everyone who donated and made this possible.”

Laurie (01:27):
“Will Celia’s ulterior motives and Georgie’s growing paranoia put the podcast in jeopardy?”

3. Live Stage Show: Magnus Live - The Hilltop

• In production: Magnus Live – The Hilltop, a fully-staged two-act play set in The Magnus universe, debuting in London this October.
• Written and directed by Alexander J. Newell.
• Features fan-favourite characters from both The Magnus Archives and The Magnus Protocol.
• All tickets have sold out, but a professional recording of the play will be distributed later for broader fan access.

Laurie (01:48):
“Not only that, but we are hard at work behind the scenes developing Magnus Live the Hilltop, a fully staged two act play debuting in London this October… we have secured a professional videographer team to film and produce a recording of the play. We’ll share more information on the distribution of this at a later date.”

4. Official Merchandise

• Announcing new and limited edition Magnus-themed merchandise for fans and gift-givers:
  • Handcrafted wooden dice trays and towers from Harpscore
  • Bespoke John and Martin, and Ex Altiora perfume scents from Sucre Bay
  • Limited edition Magnus microphone from Sontronics
• Find all items at rustyquill.com/support

Laurie (02:22):
“There’s plenty of amazing official Magnus merchandise available, including handcrafted wooden dice trays, dice towers and more from harpscore, bespoke John and Martin and Ex Altiora perfume scents from Sucre Bay…”

5. Gratitude and Patreon Shout-out

• Heartfelt thanks to fans for continued support and enthusiasm.
• Special recognition for Patreon supporters, whose contributions directly fund ongoing productions.

Laurie (02:51):
“Thank you so much for being here and listening to our shows. Your enthusiasm for everything we create means the world to us. And an extra super special thank you to our paid subscribers on Patreon, whose donations go directly back into creating Rusty Quill original podcasts.”

6. Return Date

• The Magnus Protocol is set to return in 2026.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Will Celia’s ulterior motives and Georgie’s growing paranoia put the podcast in jeopardy?”
  — Laurie, tantalizing the dynamic in the upcoming spin-off. (01:27)
• “We have secured a professional videographer team to film and produce a recording of the play.”
  — Reassuring fans who missed live show tickets. (01:58)
• “Thank you so much for being here and listening to our shows. Your enthusiasm for everything we create means the world to us.”
  — Laurie offers heartfelt gratitude to the community. (02:51)
• “The Magnus Protocol will return in 2026.”
  — The key detail on when to expect new main episodes. (03:07)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00 – Laurie introduces the hiatus and context of the announcement
• 01:00 – Details of the Sheeplechase spin-off
• 01:48 – News on the live show, Magnus Live: The Hilltop
• 02:22 – Merchandise updates and fan gift suggestions
• 02:51 – Heartfelt thanks to Patreon and all listeners
• 03:07 – Confirmation of the main show’s return in 2026

Summary

With Act 2 of Season 2 concluded, The Magnus Archives team announces a longer-than-usual break, new interim content (“Sheeplechase”), a sold-out yet soon-to-be filmed live stage show, and a range of unique merchandise releases. The creators express gratitude and assure listeners that The Magnus Protocol will return in 2026, promising more eldritch, mysterious, and captivating stories ahead.