this is such an intricately and diabolically-constructed puzzle box of a podcast! the characters, production quality, and sound design are all excellent and do so much to build a full (and frightening) world. if you aren’t hooked right off the bat, stick around till the Overdue Book arc, and you’ll be in it for the long haul.

I’ve listened to a few, and none have topped this!

unfortunately I am in love with Pierce Keswick

Rob, I don’t know where you find these all-star players or how you do what you do, but to you and all of the talented people who make this show so unique, enthralling, and disturbing in the most entertaining ways: Thank you. You guys are knocking it out of the park in a way that would make Mitch proud.

Orpheus Protocol is easily one of the best podcasts I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. I’ve done a lot of listening to actual plays, but either the story, characters, or production value end up lacking in some fashion. Orpheus doesn’t disappoint on any of those. Rob is a wonderful game master and story teller, the rules are engaging and it has been a blast to follow along with their development over time. The journey of all of these characters, and the depth with which they’re pursued continues to amaze me even after years of listening. I hope to continue to listen for years to come, and am always excited for the next Monday.

The host is a wonderful storyteller. The players are fun and smart and funny. And the show is tightly edited and uses amazing and evocative musical cues. My favorite actual play podcast.

I'm about 100 episodes in, all are fantastic. The host is a great storyteller.

Only at The Tower Inverted. Good work

Updating this review to praise the recent foundations mini arc, episode 5 was probably the most fun I’ve had with the Orpheus Protocol to date and I felt compelled to give you an enthusiastic thumbs up on a job well done. PS Mitch is still the best.

This game system fosters the longevity of characters despite the horrors they face. It’s refreshing and addictive. You’ll find yourself rooting for everyone.

There is SO much heart in this show. Rob and the cast are telling the most engaging story I’ve encountered in podcasts, and it is the show I look most forward to receiving updates. Each new episode and story arc is such a treat from both a narrative and production angle. Rob’s GMing and editing are top-notch, and the cast’s performances are outstanding. What a great show.

What it says in the title Great character work and plotting and production

says it in the title

absolutely decadent

Really the only podcast I’ve listened to consistently for the last couple years. Really everything about it is great!

I can’t stop listening!

Compelling characters, amazing production value, and a wonderfly intricate plot full of conspiracies and unknowable horror. It's a must listen if you enjoy actual plays and horror.

The creator (Rob) has created a truly incredible piece of art with this podcast. This rises above pretty much any other actual-play I've heard in terms of the depth and thoughtfulness to which he crafts this epic story. By the 3rd arc I was 110% all-in on binging this thing out. It's plot is multi-layered,the characters are fully realized human beings, the tone is emotionally dramatic and deep, it has edge-of-your-seat breathtaking action sequences, is legitimately creepy, and does not shy away from difficult moments. This podcast is flat out on a totally different level of writing than any others I've heard, wow. Kudos to Rob for creating the system and world, and the intricate writing he does with weaving various plotlines (and time periods!) in and out of this story...and to the players for their INCREDIBLE chemistry and roleplaying, who are clearly having a blast acting this epic story out. Can't wait to finish the whole thing!

I'm 100 some odd episodes in and I just had to log into my dead apple account just to rate this podcast. Give it a listen, if you like horror or lovecraft imagery, conspiracy, any of those sorts of things... you gotta listen.

Rob leads an outstanding and talented group of performers through one of the best, if not the best, actual play podcasts out there. The sound design is phenomenal and the plot is gripping. The Orpheus Protocol is always the first podcast I listen to each Tuesday.

Fun, spooky actual play content with amazing production value and characters!!!

Honestly, this one of the best actual plays I think I’ve ever listened to. When I first encountered the show, I binged upwards of 6 hours every day, and it still took quite a while for me to get through it all. There is so much content, and it never skips a beat.

If you like the dark and macabre, magic and cyborgs, the complicated but good vs the sometimes sympathetically evil, have I got a podcast for YOU! The Orpheus Protocol is a great mix of grizzly and disturbing balanced by snark and levity. This may be the only podcast that has ever made me nauseated and giggle in the same episode. The characters are interesting and far from cookie cutter, the story is twisted and intricately crafted, and the game master and players work well together both in character and out. This is definitely the next podcast do you want to binge!

Amazing story telling, fun characters, and great people all and all. Can’t wait for more!!!!!

The Orpheus Protocol boasts a truly excellent cast who plays complex, realistic characters (regardless of their fantastical feats!) alongside Rob, the ‘game master’ at the helm of it all, who expertly brings to life the game, its world and a treasure trove of loveable/love-to-hate NPCs. The podcast truly has it all: action, mystery, fantasy, comedy, drama, tragedy and a heaping dose of thrills, chills and truly innovative horror. I’ve been on the edge of my seat, laughed, cried and have generally had all the feels while following the journeys of the central characters and the world around them. The game’s rules and archetypes lend themselves to all kinds of exciting possibilities and the podcast - again, led by its incredible creator and cast - does a pitch perfect job of showing the joys of playing games like this. And I’ve only just finished season 2 so cannot wait to dive into season 3! Highly recommend to all!

This podcast is the epitome of excellence! From the storyline, characters and pacing to the editing and music, everything is superbly done. Not family friendly.

Original story, always in character, very believable despite being an unexpected storyline (I'm up to "Out of Time" - Victorian England! omg). Great GM that keeps the players on their toes AND lets them do way out there things. Very good ruleset and mechanics.

Everything about this show is amazing, from the characters, to the gm, to the sound design. It is clear that everyone involved loves and cares deeply for the story success of the game that is being created and refined as the show continues. I am so happy to have found this show. It’s given me so many more ideas for how I pursue my own storytelling endeavors, and the players of my d&d games probably regret that, but oh well. Love you all, keep up the amazing work, remember to take care of yourselves! <3

Audio, editing, character, and much more than I care to list are all of a quality that astounds. I’ve been listening to it on a weekly basis since it began in 2016. When it began I couldn’t believe the thoroughness and care that Rob had put into every episode, but somehow he’s only raised the bar over time. If you enjoy horror, mystery, or just need an actual-play podcast with a solid cast and characters, please give this one a try.

Heard Rob on the RPG Academy podcast and started from the beginning

An amazing journey through an original world, Rob takes you through his creation with the help of an incredible cast. Easy 10/10 couldn’t recommend more.

Hp lovecraft-esque --- but makes me cry a lot more... a must listen!!

The game masters use of eloquent words and dedication to detail unfolds a “down the rabbit hole” series of horror and excitement. He creates a world that engages player characters which makes them dive head first into their respective roles. This podcast keeps you wanting more and gives a fresh perspective for the RPG community.

Orpheus is my most favorite podcast! It's got everything, horror, comedy, great "acting" for lack of a better word, great story, great characters, great sound effects and music, etc etc! If you are a fan of tabletop this podcast is a must listen.

I could write so many reasons for why I live this show, but please just listen to it. It’s amazing.

Do you like explosions? Witches? Do you like Cyborgs with baseball bats? What about Eldritch horrors so grotesque and mind shattering that they will leave you foaming at the mouth and laying on the ground? If you answered, “Yes.” To any of these then this is the podcast for you. If you answered, “No.” Then unfortunately you’re wrong, and you especially need to listen to the podcast. Seriously, this is such a great podcast with great writing and a great cast with amazing guest players from all your favorite podcasts. Their discord server is home to the most dedicated fans. Keep up the great work Operatives.

I am as professional as most roleplaying game designers get, meaning I have published three acclaimed RPG lines. If decades of feedback are to be believed, I am also an exceptional game moderator. I write these claims not to brag, but to establish my bonafides as context for this review of the Orpheus Protocol. Rob Stith has created something unique and wonderful with his actual play podcast. First, Rob is an exemplary game moderator. His complex plotting, tense pacing, lurid descriptions and consistent characterizations provide a master class in how to run role playing games. Second, the show’s production quality is superior. From the recording clarity and careful editing to the soundtrack and recap intros, the podcast is a professional rarity among actual plays. The cast is uniformly strong and they are consistent, clever and compelling in evoking their characters. Third, and perhaps most importantly, the world Rob has built in the Orpheus Protocol has a kind of verisimilitude that is not only rare in RPGs, but uncommon in any creative medium. Despite the disparate natures of the mythologies and other source material that appear in his story, he weaves them together with a believable nuance that makes an otherwise tired idea - secret, supernatural organizations fighting to control the fate of the world - fresh and compelling. I don’t think it’s inaccurate or excessive to describe Rob as Gaiman-like, as the Orpheus Protocol reminds me of the Sandman series in its hard-to-achieve combination of audacity and believability. If you like thriller-style conspiracy stories bathed in visceral horror, or actual plays driven by superior role playing and expert-level game mastering, the Orpheus Protocol is a must-listen.

So good!!! 😊

Awesome work! Clean sound and great post production adds to the emotional tempo of the scenes. Players are present and do a great job. Highly recommended.

This great yawning horror story masquerading as an AP is a joy. Rob builds a ziggurat of indeterminate fear through which he intermittently coaxes or chases the players through. The production quality is so clean and Rob’s experience as a film maker shows through with both the visual language he uses and the little editing touches that add that extra zip.

Orpheus Protocol is one of the best produced actual plays of an rpg I’ve encountered. Further the unique rule system, excellent GM writing, and wonderful players make it a very fast favorite.

This show has the best production of anything I'm listening to right now. Great music, snappy editing, crystal clear sound, and a compelling plot. Orpheus is the first AP podcast I've listened to that genuinely creeped me out, and I keep coming back for more. It's fantastic. Do yourself a favor and [Redacted][Redacted][Redacted][Redacted], and also subscribe and listen to this show!

I can't recommend this show enough. Do yourself a favor and check it out. It takes a few episodes to get used to the format (dice rolls, etc) and the first few episodes are a little rough as far as the players settling into their characters and the game mechanics. Once you're past the first campaign, it smooths out and the true adventure starts. Give it a listen!

easily my favorite podcast! if you like edge of your seat storylines and premium quality editing and production you need look no further.

Undeniably the best actual play I’ve found to date. Not only does it highlight an original game system designed specifically for this style of lovecraftian horror storytelling, but Rob is hands down one of the best GMs making actually play content in the modern cohort. The interweaving of suspense, well fleshed out characters, player choice and high production quality are unrivaled. I can’t recommend it enough.

You can still hear the dice rolling, so to speak, but production values are also out of this world. My favorite! Rob knows what is scary and tells a good story.

If you like table top stories like the adventure zone and you like SCPs and you like the occult nonsense then this is what you are looking for.

This show is amazing. It sets the hook quick and won’t let you go for a second. I have literally sat in my car in my drive way for a extra 15 minutes just to hear the end of an episode. An Amazing cast and an amazing dm leads to wonderful imagery, invigorating action, laugh out loud humor, nightmarish creepy crawlyness, crushing despair, brilliant hopefulness and above all one of the best stories I’ve ever been told. The entire cast are some of the most talented, most wonderful, most inspiring all around good people out there and they make this my favorite podcast.

In this most recent chapter of my life I fell deep and hard in love with creepy, suspensful, eldritch and horror content. Yet, never did I think I'd find an actual-play podcast with all those horrificly wonderful bells and whistles. The Orpheus Protocol's podcast and tabletop system cohesively embraces all things horror and suspence and launches you into wild ride from the very start. This podcast has outright spoiled me. It's sheer audio quality, editing, exceptional player roleplay, and Rob's infuriatingly good carrot-on-a-stick stories, are light-years ahead of anything I've ever listened to. You're in for a treat and a half.

As someone who only recently got into role playing games, I can attribute my new hobby to the wonderful storytelling ability of this show. I have neglected to review as I’ve binged the first two seasons. I recommend this to veterans rpg players as well as anyone who just wants to be a part of a incredible story. 1000/10