The New Century Multiverse

Lights from Distant Bonfires: Life of Stone

This week, Laureta Sela is still recovering from the loss of her voice and I need her to be comfortable and fighting fit for the epic finale of Panther Soul.

So, what I have for you folks here is one of my two Gothic Tales from the recent collaboration project we pulled together with listeners of the School of Movies and New Century Multiverse. The Lights from Distant Bonfires paperback of 18 short stories is currently available on Amazon at the lowest price we could legally set it at (the better to get more copies out there and into eager hands).

The plan is that over the next few months our writers will be able to organise their parts for an unabridged audiobook version. Myself, Sharon and Willow are proud to be among them. 

And here is my story of a very haunted house.

New Century: Steamed Easter Eggs

The next episode of Panther Soul has been delayed while Laureta Sela recovers from losing her voice over cold and flu season. What we have here to ponder over for you folks while we all wait is a series of 36 mini epilogues attached to the end of the podcast version of Let Them Go and then SteamHeart, back in 2017 and 2018. 

These were like Easter Eggs, rewards for sticking around until the end of the credits (which of course weren’t in the completed audiobook, so you definitely won't have heard them if that's the only version you've listened to). I’ll give context where absolutely necessary, but some of them are cryptic by design.

There may be information in here with details which seem to contradict continuity in later written books. In those cases, the books win out. And in one or two instances, the information I came up with wound up creeping back into the overall story itself. So, this was a fun, creative phase.

Enjoy…

Let Them Go

5. Immunity 5. Backwards 7. Jack Robinson 8. Book 9. Matthew 10. James 11. Lying 12. Long ago 13. Pie Shop 14. Rafe’s Parents 15. in a Heartbeat 16. Voices 17. Cellar Door

SteamHeart

9. Truth 10. Thomas and Sarah 11. Phoebe Ann Mosey 12. Meanwhile, in England 13. Francisco 14. Wolf Hunters 15. Em 16. Willowdell 17. Ember Island 18. Kama Sutra 19. Vintage Queerness 20. Sixel Creek 21. Blackthorn 22. Fisher 23. Bath Games 24. Fargo 25. Best friend 27. Shera 29. Carmen 31. Grave Duty 32. Peter 34. Consuela 40. Raven

Panther Soul: Chapter 24 – Dreams of Freedom

Travel back to the farthest yesterday Kolo can remember, and unearth the origin of his burning need to explore.

· mother performed by Laura Bridges

· Maugg performed by Maya Souris

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Panther Soul Theme: Zaad, composed and performed by Jason Bradley Livesay of Shockwave Sound

Decline, Plaint, Devastation and Revenge, Long Note Three composed and performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Invisible Mountain, Salt Marsh, Jungle Ruins and The Feywild ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 23 – Thief in the Night

Kolo is left alone with his regrets. Shrike arrives from the desert. Stardancer tries to prepare for what is to come. Lia formulates a new plan and Maugg closes in on the sleeping city.

· Stardancer performed by Theo Leigh

· Maugg performed by Maya Souris

· Senet performed by Alejandra Vargas

· Commodore Shrike performed by Sharon Shaw

· Turandel performed by Akshdeep Singh Vora

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

· Lia performed by Willow Shaw

· Captain Beatrix performed by Laureta Sela

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Panther Soul Theme: Zaad, composed and performed by Jason Bradley Livesay of Shockwave Sound

Witch by the Sea composed and performed by Darren Curtis

Zombie Hoodoo and Spirit of the Girl composed and performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Circle of Life by Ald

Floating Market, Ice Dragon, Mountain Pass, The Strange, Harpies’ Nest and The Feywild ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 22 – The Hidden City

Now pinned between overwhelming forces of invading lions on either side, the little adventure party is starting to fall apart. This comes to a bittersweet conclusion of reconnection and rejection as a great betrayal shatters their hopes of remaining together.

Buy the Paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WZGRYB2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11

Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alexandershaw

· Sir Dashington performed by James Batchelor

· Doctor Carstairs performed by Jesse Ferguson

· Turandel performed by Akshdeep Singh Vora

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

· Lia performed by Willow Shaw

· Captain Beatrix performed by Laureta Sela

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Antiquarian Study, Shaman’s Hollow, Wuxia Teahouse, Drowned Sailors and The Feywild ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 21 – Thirst Trap

Finally escaping the yawning expanse of the Majara desert, Kolo, Beatrix and Lia pitch up in the Northern Jungle, dying and delirious from dehydration. But have they come all this way only to be swallowed up by the swamp? Meanwhile Stardancer struggles desperately to keep Noon alive.

Buy the Paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WZGRYB2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11

Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alexandershaw

· Noon performed by Tanja Milojevic

· Maugg performed by Maya Souris

· Stardancer performed by Theo Leigh

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

· Captain Beatrix performed by Laureta Sela

· Lia performed by Willow Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Ghost Story, Distant Tension and Mystical Force performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Egmont Overture composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven

Witch by the Sea composed and performed by Darren Curtis

The Desert Awaits, Myconid Colony, Protean Fields, March of the Faithful, Swamp Planet, Swamplandia and The Feywild ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 20 – To the Pure Lands

Young Kolo learns from Stardancer about Maugg’s purification ritual, absolving cats of sin and sending their souls on to eternal life in peaceful paradise. But the noises tearing their way out of that tent do not sound even remotely peaceful. The trap around Kolo and Star closes in.

Buy the Paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WZGRYB2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11

Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alexandershaw

· Maugg performed by Maya Souris

· Stardancer performed by Theo Leigh

· Whiteflower performed by Debbie Morse

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Ghost Story performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Witch by the Sea composed and performed by Darren Curtis

Exo Planet by Bluezone

Yokai Forest, and The Feywild ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 19 – The Court of Maugg

We flash far back to when Kolo Nash was a young catten. Lost in the wilderness, he is found by a group who will become his new home, gravitating around their terrifying and beguiling leader.

Buy the Paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WZGRYB2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11

Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alexandershaw

· Maugg performed by Maya Souris

· Stardancer performed by Theo Leigh

· Whiteflower performed by Debbie Morse

· Kade performed by Kaoru Negisa

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Arcadia, Vadodora and Ghost Story performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Witch by the Sea composed and performed by Darren Curtis

The Feywild, Jungle Ruins, Dinotopia, Lorekeeper Grove and Glimmerwood Grove all ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 18 – Beatrix’s Tail

Having trapped herself in a reprehensible career, Captain Beatrix ponders ways of escaping and begins to comprehend the breadth of nightmares she is consumed by and has visited upon others.

Buy the Paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WZGRYB2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i11

Support this project on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/alexandershaw

· Captain Beatrix performed by Laureta Sela

· Doctor Shera performed by Laura Kate Dale

· Quincy P. Matthews performed by Alasdair Stuart

· Marko performed by Robert Souris

· Lia performed by Willow Shaw

· Kolo Nash, Sykes and King Louis XVI performed by Alex Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Tiger’s Eye Theme: Agent in Shanghai composed and performed by Mark John Petrie of Shockwave Sound

Drums of the Deep, Myst on the Moor and Tempting Secrets composed and performed by Kevin MacLeod of Incompetech.com

Egmont Overture composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven

Last Dawn composed and performed by Ross Bugden

Protean Fields, Age of Sail, The Strange, Cultist’s Cavern all ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.

Panther Soul: Chapter 17 – Adrift in the Majara

On a dark morning the cats find themselves caught between devastation and a life-threatening new journey that resembles exile in all but name.

Whilst out in the scorching dunes, Beatrix finds herself finally unable to avoid the truth.

· Captain Beatrix performed by Laureta Sela

· Lia performed by Willow Shaw

· Kolo Nash performed by Alex Shaw

· Commodore Shrike performed by Sharon Shaw

Make your decision by Dan Phillipson of Shockwave Sound

Protean Fields, Glimmerwood Grove, The Desert Awaits, Desert Winds, March of the Faithful, Age of Sail, Open Ocean, Cultist’s Cavern and Before the Storm, all ambiance from Tabletop Audio

The New Century Multiverse is funded by Patreon. Our $15 sponsors get credit every episode so thank you to: Aaron Lacluyze, Abel Savard, Alejandra Vargas, Alex Brewington, Angus Lee, Benjamin Hofer, Bryan Novak, Cassandra Newman, Chris Finik, Christopher Wolfe, Ciaran Dachtler, Conar Kennedy, Dan Mayer, Daniel Salgueiro, Dan Hoeppner, Dave Hickman, David Shealy, Finbar Nicholl, Frankie Punzi, Greg Downing, Jamas Enright, Jesse Ferguson, Joe Crow, Joel Robinson, Johan Claesson, Joe Gluck, Josh Wasta, Kat Essmann, Kevin Veighy, Lorraine Chisholm, Marty Pohlmeier, Matthew A. Seibert, Michael Hasko, Robbie Crow, Sarah Montgomery, Teemu Helasharju, Tim Rozenski, Timothy Green, Toby Skeels-Jungius, Tom Painter, Tre Contreras and Valencia Burns.