When I was a kid, I couldn't stand horror. I'd dodge almost every horror movie I could because I couldn't stand being scared like that. These days, I'm in my mid-twenties, I love horror films but lately I've been enraptured with horror audio drama podcasts.
My introduction to audio dramas started with Monkey Paw Production's "Quiet Part Loud". It was absolutely fantastic, though definitely far too short. It left me craving more. At the same time, I found myself doing a deeper dive into Lovecraftian, eldritch horror.
I started listening to The Magnus Archives in 2023 (maybe the end of 2022), and it has been a wild ride since that very first episode. At first, probably as intended, I couldn't get past Jonathan's (the character) cynicism. Between the two of us, he was the professional. So if he wasn't scared... well, then why should I be?
Then Jane Prentiss showed me how much of a chicken I really am.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Alexander J. Newall, Jonathan Sims (the person) and the entire team at Rusty Quill for creating something truly special with The Magnus Archives. The meticulous world-building, the intricate plotlines, and the unforgettable characters drew me in like a moth to a flame, leaving me eagerly anticipating the next episode.
But more than just a source of entertainment, TMA has become a source of inspiration for me as a writer. Being able to "supplement" something that's had such a large impact on so many the world over, myself included, is an amazing opportunity. That 4.0 License is really doing the most.
And so, it is with both humility and excitement that I present to you "Lifting The Veil".
I've been writing this fanfic since 4 July 2023 (Holy mother of bonk!)
This fanfic is my love letter to the show itself but it's also written for other fans of the show (at least those who got to the end of season 4). In fact, if you are a South African who has listened to TMA, you're probably in the best position to understand this thing.
That's not to say it's only for them.
Come one, come all! Let us dive into the dark, twisted, ancient doom of the TMA universe and have ourselves a time. Without further ado, the elevator pitch:
Inspired by the dark and eerie world of TMA, Lifting The Veil delves into a parallel narrative that explores similar themes of cosmic horror, eldritch entities, and the unraveling of reality.
Set within the same universe as TMA (at the same time as season 4), our story follows Malik Mbeki, Head Archivist at the Department of South African Paranormal Studies, who uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving a powerful cult, otherworldly entities, and a looming threat to humanity's very existence.
As Malik delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers unsettling connections revealing a complex and interconnected web of supernatural forces at play. With its rich lore, intricate world-building, and spine-chilling atmosphere, Lifting The Veil offers a fresh perspective on the horrors lurking just beyond the veil of reality, while paying homage to the unsettling allure of 'The Magnus Archives'.
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