The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One #0 "Preludes"

Worlds Beyond Number is a narrative play podcast from Brennan Mulligan, Aabria Iyengar, Erika Ishii, and Lou Wilson, produced by Taylor Moore at Fortunate Horse. And this is the introduction to our very first story, The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One. In Preludes, you'll hear the very beginning of the beginning, the events that led our three heroes towards their first meeting all those years ago.
If you'd like to follow the adventures of young Suvi, little Ame, and cub Eursulon, come join us on our Patreon, where we have an exclusive 8 episode campaign following the younglings first meeting and earliest adventures, and detailing how these characters were created, step by step, live on mic. Our main campaign begins in episode 1 "The Open Door." It's free and public, and you can find it here or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Worlds Beyond Number is
Brennan Lee Mulligan
Erika Ishii
Aabria Iyengar
Lou Wilson
Produced, designed, and scored by Taylor Moore at Fortunate Horse
Album art by the great Corey Brickley
Additional sound design by Michael Ghelfi Studios
Full transcripts available by joining us, for free, on our Patreon.
www.patreon.com/posts/public-episode-83061369

[@DaemonMunkir]

Brennan just going ham on those rooster noises absolutely killed me

[@folarin1234567890]

Here to boost engagement for the algorithm gods because everyone deserves an opportunity to bear witness to this gorgeous story.

[@nostalgia_news]

Same

[@J4Cinema]

Frfr

[@baileykeller288]

No, you can't do that(argue with me to boost engagement)

[@folarin1234567890]

@@baileykeller288 *inane comment that leads to an inconsequential but incredibly heated argument*

[@baileykeller288]

@@folarin1234567890 response that takes you entirely seriously, while ignore what you say

[@chickenelafsworld7105]

Brennan really is the world’s best children’s author and the man has not yet written a children’s book

[@DCBruinsMedia]

"A knight is not a sword. A knight is a shield." I just. I can't. This is such a brilliantly simple distillation of the archetype, and its delivered with such care and gentleness and heart it becomes foundational. Fuck, man. This is magnificent.

[@darkroselight3835]

This opening is so beautiful. I come back to this episode all the time. I love the individual entrances, meeting each child one by one. I love how Brennan engages the players by asking them to fill in details. Like Suvi's parents. little Ame and the rice Juk. Eursulon's siblings.

[@mr_p0p0ff39]

I love Ame's intro. You don't need a dark back story to have a good character.

[@ajmeeks7191]

The end credits: "and Brennan Lee Mulligan as everyone and everything else" 😂

[@Frank-ju8qr]

I don't think any D&D show has ever made me feel fear the way Suvi's part did. I've felt fear for characters as characters before, but this was the first time I felt it from the perspective of the character, I really felt like I was the tiny kid hiding, not understanding what is going on, and being moved around by the adults in her life through this scary situation

[@BattleBooSally666]

I wish so badly there were subtitles for those of us auditory issues. Other than that, LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS

[@RabidDogma]

Apparently they have transcripts that you can read along with. (I'm not sure where to find them, sorry.) I really hope you find something that helps with this. 🤞

[@ayalaaronson4100]

1:26:09 “it’s my mushroom” goddamn I love Eursulon

[@baileykeller288]

1:57:15 I think is better

[@alecelliott7506]

Not even episode one yet and this is easily the best piece of fantasy media I have ever consumed. It makes me so mad that Brennan makes dming look so easy, I aspire to be such a smooth and compelling storyteller as he is (not to take credit away from the rest of the cast's contribution, they performed beautifully as well). I would just like to also mention how moved I was by Lou's section, where y'all basically just redefined what magic is in such a beautiful way by showing how magical a knight of honor is to a forest spirit. A reminder that there is magic in every corner of life, you just have to discover it. I cried bro, this shit is art!!!! How does this only have 25k views

[@blesstherebel]

Ame's entire portion of this, from the things that happen and how she interacts with Grandma Wren and Taro, from how Erika and Brennan perform it, and down to the musical backing throughout... is the cutest thing to ever be created in the history of the universe, and I dare anyone to fight me on that! 😂

[@honeyhauntart]

erika ishii the things you do for me as a queer east-asian d&d player

[@januarygrey]

I wish *so badly* that this was a vodcast. I am so in love with this and with my listening disability it is *so difficult* to follow and maintain my focus on it.

[@swiftlymurmurs]

If it helps at all, they do release transcripts you could read along with

[@BagOCheetos]

I feel the same way. I have sensitivity to sound (misophonia) as well as pretty intense tinnitus due to my military service. I have to constantly manage the volume since the CC is not accurate. The sharpness of the screams and squeals, and some of the little background sounds are almost unbearable for me. But I love these performers so much in everything they do, so I stick with it. I wish there was CCs so badly.

[@ardieburns]

I was about to say the same thing. ❤

[@burns3217]

The Ghibli energy is strong on this one

[@jakeloucks2377]

Snow being the first word is just genius

[@johnjohnson5847]

SNOW He did the thing!

[@leamayesmith]

FIRE…

[@ziwuri]

WATER!!

[@ImmaBeAGurl]

broooo this is a level of immersion thats so magical. like a book but BETTER.

[@ImmaBeAGurl]

immediate fucking tears bro sldkfjlkdfjlkdf

[@yasch3696]

Wow the background noises and music are incredible here with all the little details.

[@fluffs.4510]

I'm deeply upset that I'm only now learning this exists. But I'm also deeply excited to now be able to enjoy it. Hooray!

[@LawTaranis]

HOW DID I NOT HEAR ABOUT THIS UNTIL NOW WTF

[@haydens4449]

I’d follow Brennan and Lou to any content lol

[@josiahklein70]

So many feelings. Three parts delivered with such care and skill. Brennan is an improv actor primarily, and his skill of improvisation extends to all aspects of his thought and his life. The way he can embody anything at any time, a scene, a person, a setting, a feeling. His ability comes from revelry in the moment, the distillation of understanding of each sparkling second as it passes. Decades of practice and love and sheer passion for storytelling, for meaning, for knowledge and understanding, for being human. It's utterly mesmerizing.

[@lark7655]

oh my heart, eursulon's little. "mhm" when asked if he protects the woods, he's just a little kid my heart

[@s.gabriel2853]

I just found this and I am going to send it to everyone I know. I cried! The bit where Eursulon hugs the knight is the cutest thing ever.

[@DCBruinsMedia]

Awe and childlike wonder and terror both. God damn this project is going to be something else.

[@wadewilson3407]

This is the absolute best cast for an actual play experience. Love it

[@ruga-ventoj]

Commenting to feed the KZbin Algorithms Monster. "This is for the Almond Tithe"

[@carlajerezon8449]

I just listened to this on Spotify and specifically came here to boost the algorithm gods because wow, this is one of the best things I've ever listened to and thought it an absolute sin not to have more people listen to it.

[@SweetDeath777]

Man they need to boost this because I didnt even know it existed until YT recc'ed to me TODAY and I follow all these creators and have been looking for this kind of shows specifically

[@welladay]

truly what a gift (something something get in the Algorithm)

[@sventhescribe]

As if I haven't commented on my love of all these enough already. But I shall do so again to appease the almighty algorithm.

[@MelDSnow]

I'm only 40 minutes it. I heard about this podcast in early January- maybe before January? I can't quite remember. I *do* remember not ever finding an episode because it hadn't been released yet! Fast forward to the date stamp on this comment- I wake up in the morning and while scrolling through socials while I get dressed and brush my teeth for just an average day, I see something talking about this and how "it's NPR if they made a DnD podcast". Now I don't know anything about NPR, never listened to it- I just know that people really like it for whatever reason. Having been reminded of how I love dnd and I was interested in the podcast before it released- I came to find that "hey, they've released episodes. Let's give it a listen" 15 minutes later, in my car, tears dripping to my cheeks off the word "Soft". 20 minutes later after that, grinning like a hobbit who got to enjoy not just 2nd breakfast, but a 3rd breakfast, as there is a grumbling 7 year old angry that a rooster woke them up. Absolutely incredible. Like. MASTERFULLY done. I can't stress enough how picky I am with things I consider to be in the upper echelons of ranking and/or opinions such as "perfection" "masterpiece" or "truly #1" This is something- 40 minutes in, that I am insisting must be some form of masterpiece. I can't wait to get more. I'm 100% on board

[@seinquant]

36:44 erika speaking for all of us!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH

[@janchvatal1538]

Oh dear, what a delight.

[@SweetDeath777]

Never in my life have I RUN to patreon when there's free content but these kids absolutely won my heart I NEED to listen to the full child campaign

[@Hamc2811]

im one year late having just learned this existed, very keen to see the stories 4 of my favorite rpers can craft together!

[@ToxicSunrise132]

I've been toying with the idea of a campaign starting with the players as children, and this is giving me some ideas!

[@thetristan7391]

THIS D&D TASTES SO DELICIOUS. ENGAGEMENT FOR THE ENGAGEMENT GODS

[@jmack27]

Immediately in love with every character and can’t wait to hear the story unfold

[@SuperRSWalkthrough]

I love this soooo much I was listening to this while cooking and just stopped cutting my carrots during eursolan and the knights interaction

[@jlm02009]

Brennan's rooster noise was so good that it deeply frightened me and made me think there was a wild animal in my house

[@Awesomeme73]

I had no idea this existed until I saw an animation from Stephen. This needs as much if not more hype like Midst!!!!

[@ayalaaronson4100]

And now I rlly want to relisten to the children’s campaign

[@D0nut42]

I just found out about this today, and I'm so glad I did!

[@Eldariel15]

I'm just picturing a human version of Theobald Gumbar as this knight

[@baileykeller288]

Just found out about this series, it's incredible. All four of these people are such incredible storytellers.

[@aestock0]

Wow I’ve been meaning to listen to this for a while now and I never imagined this. The storytelling, the acting, and the sound design is truly off the charts!

[@cherry_top]

Here to boost engagement so everyone can see this wonderful series

[@jongininikim5219]

the first time i listened to this i was going home from work, walking by the river and i went into this knowing how great of a DM brennan is and knowing that these are all experienced improvisors. but i was absolutely not ready for how (literally) jaw-droppingly beautiful and immersive this was. it absolutely blew my mind. brennan just fully disappeared into the storytelling and became the world they created to the point that i forgot it was him telling the story. all of them made me feel so. much.

[@voldemarjesui337]

Thank you, Team, for this story.

[@joe.5103]

HOW AM I JUST FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS?!

[@Finn-wc8nq]

i cant believe i just found this NOW this has all my favorite ppl cant wait to binge all of it, the sound design is incredible so far

[@SaintSolo]

Damn it man!! I can't believe I just found this. I love it so much!

[@MP-zo2xs]

Amazing

[@DiscombobulatedKluska]

Not ever has an opening scene have me crying so hard, ive just started listening and Im so excited for this series. It's already so special

[@J4Cinema]

Getting me full crying at work, absolutely beautiful storytelling from everyone❤❤

[@rdstory7781]

The final act of season one had me sobbing while smiling on my train home. So grateful for this epic, amazing and beautiful story. I love these characters and this world so much.

[@smilenbunny]

What an awesome combination of people!! I found this after catching up on D20 & now waiting for the premiere in August. I am so happy. ^^ thank youu.

[@elijahmartinez440]

Love this series, gives me major Discworld vibes. Especially Grandma Ren.

[@setarcos42]

This is incredible. I nearly teared up during each characters story. So glad I found this. Thank you all for your fantastic work

[@unnefer001]

For the algorithm!

[@helenmccauley]

God DAMN, that's some strong scoring and great playing all round!

[@elmonchis2]

I love this so much and am forever grateful for the people who made it happen.

[@fritchim5765]

brillant

[@whoaitswhoa66]

This is some of the coolest stuff i've ever heard in my life. I love this and everyone involved with everything in my being!

[@Chlobotomy]

The sound design in this show is fantastic.

[@unfortunatetiming4169]

the atmosphere and soundscape give me serious goosebumps. kudos.

[@ultimatedemon2]

Truly beautiful narration and sound editing

[@TheMJCMike]

I had to clip Lou and the crew breaking at the part of the knights armor.

[@FrickinShark]

Oh this is quite lovely. I'm going to enjoy this series!

[@heymrtodd]

The ambiance is beautifully done. *chef's kiss*

[@madeline569]

Can't believe this wasn't recommended to me sooner! These are all my dnd faves making their own thing, let's gooo 🎉

[@figysmalls4872]

Love it thanks so much all!!

[@nicholasdao2649]

Can't believe I'm over a year late to this. Completely slipped my mind

[@Music_or...something]

it took me a while but I am finally starting my journey to bindge this all!

[@Glaivz_]

Never have i been so sad that i have such problems with absorbing things that are audio only

[@atfti]

It helped me to go on walks when I started. Doing something that requires no thought is the way to go

[@SweetDeath777]

@@atfti Im gratefull I didnt start this on my walk cause I was crying like a little bitch at Suvi's intro lmao

[@SoulDoesThings0991]

So hyped to listen to this story

[@ebmusicman84]

Engagement for the engagement gods

[@jestersnb9761]

Not even ten minutes in and I yelled "THIS IS SO COOL!"

[@gianmicahbernal6077]

Just starting this now, I'm really excited

[@seanthomas5303]

That was so incredibly good.

[@lanasartlife]

Yay we can listen on yt now. Fun…

[@spenceduggs]

I'm so excited. Some of my all-time fave people on the Internet are all working together to make a story with incredible audio mixing & production. I can't wait to see where this goes!

[@FaithOriginalisme]

oh man, 4 out of my top 5 fav d&d peoples all together, with just each other? what did I do to get so lucky?

[@Inressa]

Who's your fifth and is it Ally Beardsley?

[@FaithOriginalisme]

@@Inressa it's Emily Axford. Her shenanigans keeping Brennan on his toes just hits perfectly for me. Hilda Hilda. I very much enjoy Ally's different perspective on characters though. And since this comment I actually finally watched some Crit Role (campaign 2) so I'm going to have to add Liam O'Brien and Marisha Ray

[@jae119]

i already know this will be amazing

[@christianjensen8595]

Amazing work!

[@ineffie8032]

so excited for this series!!!

[@Fandomsoffffffffffffff]

29:51 bro I can picture this, what a fucking mood lou

[@robertnope1993]

Poking around for an alternative to over-long meandering live-plays. Someone pointed me here. Cast is already known to knock it out of park. Let’s see how this goes!

[@evetobe]

If only you had subtitles...

[@pj-yh2cj]

🎉🎉🎉

[@CalvinPratt]

Oh my God this is so good

[@andrewalin4066]

i once found a small pen in a lake inhabited mostly by canoodling cephalopods. It was a pretty good pen until I realized it was a ballpoint pen without the ball. 1/10, would not recommend

[@Ottenskjold]

Im in tears and i don't know why

[@baloobrand]

Signal boosting

[@echothenardier8053]

When I first heard Suvi’s name, I misheard it as “Soup” lol XD

[@DaemonMunkir]

Eursulon is so babygirl

[@Halosty45]

Brennan you have to stop I'm only half an hour in and I'll run out of moisture in my body if this keeps up

[@Verylengthyapple]

SNOW- HAHAHAHAHHAAHHA. Get it bc “Fire” and “Water”

[@mikamelof]

This is art