The Creators
Gem Aydın
Autistic of many trades, master of ADHD; Gem Aydın (they/them) is a Kurdi-Turkish intersectionality lawyer and human rights activist. In audio drama world, they take in many hats such as actor, writer, director and sound designer in various projects. A fan first, human later; you can find them gushing about their favourite shows around the audio drama community but most importantly, probably sleeping in the most unusual hours.
Lou Sutcliffe
Lou Sutcliffe (ey/em) is an autistic nonbinary word and sound sorcerer from the northwest of England, perpetrator of such audiodramas as the Pantaloon Society and Eeler's Choice. By day ey are a data scientist, undisputed monarch of a petty kingdom of spreadsheets. Ey live in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and refuse to leave unless enticed away with the promise of LARP.
"If I am not as joyful upon my return as I should be given my success, I ask you to forgive me. It seems the report of the matters in Rumeli have preceded me, no doubt due to some news from the governor of Selânik.In the corridor I was greeted by one of my fellows with “It is Süleyman, the Vampire Expert! Welcome back!” in a most disrespectful manner. This is very disappointing to me – if God wills it, I wish to be seen as a serious scholar of the law, not some adventuring gadabout.How shameful to become the subject of the tales of the storytellers in the coffee houses with their multicoloured hats and handkerchiefs. But I will do my best to be charming for you, my moon, for our re-union will surely be delight enough to cheer me from any small annoyance...."
From Gem Aydin (400 Words a Horror) and Lou Sutcliffe ( Eeler's Choice, The Pantaloon Society) comes "The Very Prudent Decisions of Hortlakçi Süleyman Hoca".This eight part tale of supernatural suspense and Ottoman horror. From the valleys of Rumelia in the west to the mountains of Van in the east, Süleyman encounters demons and djinns, vila and vrykolakas with the aid of scrupulous manners, detailed attention to sharia law, and the various protective amulets given to him by his clever wife Nilüfer.
Chapter 1:
Süleyman and the Vrykolakas
Süleyman is sent to Rumelia to help a village with their undead problem.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın.
Written & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Gem Aydın & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Death/dying, Imperialism (Ottoman 16th century), Thalassophobia, Violence, Alcohol, Bullying
Chapter 2:
Süleyman and the Vila
Süleyman intervenes on behalf of the Vila of Kukavica Mountain.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
The Vila was played by Tanja Milojevic
Written & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Gem Aydın & Ash Seguinte
Serbian and Turkish cultural and history consultation by Saša & Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Death/dying, Imperialism (Ottoman 16th century), Familial arguments
Chapter 3:
Süleyman and the Demon in the Details
Süleyman meets a kindly grandmother and is blamed for something he did not do.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
Written by Gem Aydin
Edited & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Lou Sutcliffe & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Disablism, Discussions of Sex
Chapter 4:
Süleyman and the Cingol (Part 1)
Süleyman meets a kindly grandfather and investigates a terrible crimeSüleyman was played by Gem Aydın
The Old Grandfather with the White Beard was played by Karim Kronfli
Written by Gem Aydin
Edited & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Lou Sutcliffe & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Violence, Death/dying, Supernatural threat, Abduction of children, Harm to children
Chapter 5:
Süleyman and the Cingol (Part 2)
Süleyman learns humility, and the pros and cons of sticky sweets.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
Cingol was played by Gem Aydin
Hamo was played by Hazar Ege.
Written by Gem Aydin
Edited & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Lou Sutcliffe & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Violence, Death/dying, Supernatural threat, Abduction of children, Harm to children, Children death, Grief
Chapter 6:
Süleyman and the Pious Djinn
Süleyman has a near death experience and learns who protects the mountain village of Kawe.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
The Djinn were played by Daph Shadow & Hazar Ege
Written, edited, & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Gem Aydın & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Death/dying, War, Imperialism (Ottoman and Persian, 16th century), Firearms, Mentions/discussions of Oppression and tyranny
Chapter 7:
Süleyman and the Voivod (Part 1)
Süleyman has a near death experience and learns who protects the mountain village of Kawe.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
The Voivod Under the Mountain was played by David Ault
Written, edited, & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Gem Aydın & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Death/dying, War, Imperialism (Ottoman 16th century), Abduction
Chapter 8:
Süleyman and the Voivod (Part 2)
Süleyman discovers a secret cave and becomes a troublesome guest.Süleyman was played by Gem Aydın
The Voivod Under the Mountain was played by David Ault
Nilüfer was played by Daph Shadow
Written, edited, & sound designed by Lou Sutcliffe
Script editing by Gem Aydın & Ash Seguinte
Turkish cultural and history consultation by Daph Shadow
Balkan paganism consultation by: Azaria Cane
Music composed by Lou SutcliffeContent Warning: Supernatural threat, Death/dying, War, Imperialism (Ottoman 16th century), Abduction
