Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry - Vox Machina Ep. 90 - Voice of the Tempest

Episode Date: January 10, 2022

Vox Machina make their way to the home of the Air Ashari for the coronation of Keyleth!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Saturday, May 16th at 9 p.m. Eastern Center time, 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Welcome to tonight's episode of Critical Role. We'll learn a bunch of us nerdy-ass voice actors, sit around and play dinners and dragons. Nice try, motherfuckers. Anyway, welcome tonight episode. Before we get into it, we have some announcements

to do really fast. First and foremost, getting to our fantastic sponsor for the evening, returning the glorious Lutecrate. Thank you so much, Lucrete for being fantastic and for being sponsored for our show for the stories you have. It's been awesome. Hi, Sam. Oh, you didn't throw it to me yet, did you?

No, but I can't. Hey, Sam, why don't you tell us about a sponsor? As I tell you guys, hey, hey, A crew, by the way, crew, as I tell you guys about Luke Crate, can you guys get a camera up here? I'm gonna show some close-up things. No, they can't do that. That's a thing they need to know before.

Done that ahead of time. It's on its way. Okay, Luke Crate, the theme this week is primal. Brands include X-Men Overwatch Predator. You can go to Lukecrate.com slash Critical Role and use the promo code Critical Role, one word, for 10% off, and that's some severe savings. Just a few more days left to catch this month's theme,

So check it out now. They're a great sponsor. We love them. We love that. They do so much for the show. We genuinely appreciate them. Okay, that being said, and this will tie into Luke Cray, I promise.

I was thinking a lot this week about fan art. Are you on me? Whatever. Fan art. Where did that camera come from? They're fast here. So we have amazing fan artists on this show. We get hundreds of art pieces every week.

We're floored by them constantly, legitimately amazing artists, talented, gifted. And I was like, why should they get all the fun? So I was like, I'm gonna do my own fan art this week. Because people know about me that I'm a talented performer and all that stuff, but I'm also an emerging visual artist. And this is a chance to get my art out to the world.

And so I'm gonna present it right now. Guys, this is art. So if you have any kind of reaction that's real, If you cry, if you clap, whatever. I'll take it. Man, Joe, your time is over. I'm gonna start with grog. That's not bad.

Actually. It's pretty good. Did you do it? Did you do that? Magic marker on paper. That's actually pretty good, man. Yeah. I feel like I got his rage and his ferocity.

We're supportive. Okay. I'm feeling it. Next up is, she's hard. Keel it. Oh, that's good. That's all right. I did keel it.

Oh, man. I should point out that all of these are signed and numbered by the artist. I have some fierce, fierce bone structure going. You're hard, a lot of things going on. I can see she's cast the fifth level spell, body to forest. I didn't know, I don't know how to draw bodies. That's cool. That's cool.

That's cool. So, truth be told, I was drinking. So things get a little worse as we go. So this is Percy. It's a lot of white. I don't know how to paint with white or use white. To be fair, so is Percy. Yeah, he's a white guy with white hair.

He's a pretty, he's pasting. I don't know. I kinda, maybe I gotta work on this way. Okay, next up a guy who's near dear to me. Here's Terry and Darrington. A little art tip here, guys. Can you see anything? Don't use blue pencil on blue paper, all right?

Because it tends not to show up. That's a free artist to artist It's a tip for you guys. You're going to have to turn this way. More, more, more, more, more. Yeah. There is a drawing there. It's just, it's blue pencil on blue paper.

It's just, it's one of the magic eye pictures. You have to really focused to see it. I see a cell mode. And then I was like, the people are gonna want Scanlan, right? So this one took the most time. I will say this. Wow. It took about an hour, mostly because I had to go to CVS

to get more magic markers. So that was about 55 minutes of the time. and then the rest was hardcore art. And I feel like I really captured, she's got fluid, he's got poop. I love that you broke rule number one of Picionery and labeled things. Okay, I'm gonna do the twins next.

So I can probably go a little wider because these will be side by sides, all right? So you can really get the artistry. Oh, shit. Okay, here they are. Which one's which? Some may argue that I photocopied Vax and put pink ribbons in her hair.

to be Vex. Some could argue that, and they would be correct. Did you just wait? No, let it goes. No, but you can also tell the one part because he's got a knife, and she's got a little bow and error. Is that? I was green? I ran out of a lot of things, and I was drinking pretty heavily at this point.

So I was probably, I was probably fully drunk at this point. And then last but not least, I mean this all, altogether I'd say probably like an hour and a half it took me to do all these. That's good. Including the CVS run. And last but not least, I'm most proud of Pike Trickfoot, ladies gentlemen. Oh, yeah, yeah.

Oh, God! Now, again, you could say that I printed out her IMGB page and colored it in, and you'd be right, but it is also art, and I will stick by that. Now, here's how this all ties into loot crate guys. It tied into the dark night in that particular image. I'm giving all of this art away tonight. Tonight, I'm doing a contest, an unsanctioned contest that I'm running myself.

So tonight, tweet me pictures of your loot crate stuff, like you and your Luke crate shirt, or you holding a loop crate, or you, or just like a screen grab of, like, I just subscribe to Luke Crate, something like that. Tweet it to me with the hashtag, Brian Foster smells like cabbage. And I will, like a lottery.

I'll pick one at random to win all of this art signed by the artist. one-of-a-kind pieces that will certainly go up in value. Maybe even before I die, they will be worth a lot of money. And these are all going to a fabulous art collector out there. Thank you, Lou Crate. Thank you artists. What are you? What are you? What are you?

Happy St. Pats. Wow. That's the end of the episode, right? That's the end of the episode, right? You can pass them around, share them, show them. When did you do these last night? I mean, I think it was after you left my house last night. Are you serious?

We watched it. Midnight, mid. Yeah, it was 11 something. Is it my imagination that all of the half elbs kind of have the same weird chin thing going on? Well, I really... Which is consistent. Yeah. And I'll also say that I definitely get like a, Ashley as like the Joker threatening the city.

Yeah. Yeah. Millions will die. Wow. But so why the pink lipstick, man? If you ever see you have, you have actually wear pink lipstick. That's how it gets pretty.

Yep, girls wear a pink lip set. Although I appreciate her guns and her biceps. She's a monster. She is a monster. She's like the Joker had a daughter with front door. Thank you, Sam, and thank you, Lou Craig. That was therapy. What's that hashtag again?

This happened. Hashtag, Brian Foster smells like cabbage. Okay, there we go. Remember that guys. All right, merch update, same old same well, I'm pretty sure. Merge update, there's merch still in the store. Go you got stickers, mugs, patches, bracelets, stuff like that. All that stuff. Logo shirts and the disturbingly comfortable.

How do you want to do this hoodie? Stop there. This is true. WonderCon. So we're going to be at WonderCon doing a live talks Machina panel on Saturday, April 1st. From 2 to 3 p.m. Pacific, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the arena at the Anahm. Convention Center, the big room. So fill it critters, come on in. We have plenty of room space for you guys.

We want to try and show the convention that we are legion. Not an April Fool's joke. No, this is legitimate. We're actually going to be there. We will be there. It is an April Fool's not. No, it's not. They gave us the bigger moment,

you can't fill this, and we're like, yeah, we can. So we're trying to prove them that we can fill the room. So come on, come and join us, 2.3 p.m. Just come bring 4,000 of your closest friends. Yeah, sure. Yes. Wednesday Club, Talison. Yes, I missed this week because I realized, once again that I'm actually supposed to be doing things

other than playing D&D and actually working in the real world. So I missed this Wednesday club, but I'll be back next week. I don't actually know what the subject is yet, because I've done nothing other than this. Fantastic Four. Actually, probably not, because we did Marvel last week. Oh, man, Logan.

Maybe. No Marvel this week. We got like DC and Image and Independent Books may give a thing. It might be. Break out, man. You are a nerd, dude. Whoa. All Rob Blackholt.

Are you coming on? I already did that way. Oh, just Manor War, the band. Actually, I was gonna say, will you come on our Exo Manor War show if we do one? I don't know, man. I like football. Okay.

I love you. So yeah, there will be a Wednesday club. Check out Twitter for Up but I'll be back and we'll be fun, and I will be catching up on all my books. Boom. Yay! Awesome.

Next up. We have, debuting on, I believe, it's Sunday. This Sunday, March 19th. On Alpha, we have Roundtable, which is essentially a series where a bunch of various storytellers get together and talk about different themes about storytelling over drinks. It's actually pretty badass.

and I'm really excited. This first season is Game Masters, and we have a number of awesome collection of talented people from all over the web sphere of running games. We went international, man. Heck yeah. This first episode premiered Sunday. That's a conversation between me, Mark Humes, of High Rollers, and Adam Cobble of role play. So if you want to check it out, it's on project alpha.com.

Project. Project Alpha. Project that alpha. No, it's actually was a really awesome conversation. pretty happy about it. We got a little tipsy. GM Tips. Episode one up today. It is my final run on GM Tips, but the series continues as I pass it off to a new host. If you haven't checked it out yet, our fantastic Satine Phoenix is picking up the torch to get her perspective as a game master for this next bit. She's awesome. This episode is particularly

specifically about how to avoid or deal with GM burnout, which is a topic that I I think a lot of people are very familiar with. You don't talk about that, do you? Huh? Not yet. They make pharmaceuticals for that. No. Hopefully. No, but honestly, it's got some good tips for anyone out there is feeling like they're starting

to run a little ragged or a little sluggish. Check it out, hope you like it. Signal Boost episode, ironically also with Satin. Featuring Satin, which we timed out pretty well. I think intentionally. Maybe. Probably not. I'm not sure. Nothing that works out well as intentionally.

Intentionally. So if you don't know who Satin is, get introduced to her with this week's episode, Signal Boost, and then she'll lead you in, graciously, into GM tips. It's the gothiest one since me, I think. Well, no, Jason Charles was pretty gothy, but.

She's awesome. I have kind of a girl crush on Satine. No, I feel it. She's so cool. Yeah. You should go watch her. Yeah. Yeah.

Thanks, Matthew Marshall. You're welcome. You're welcome. Did you drink stats. New tricker starts up. Trinker starts. He's got guns attached now. Yup.

Yeah, it does. Gatling gun. No, no. No, it's. Misfire score 20. It's gonna go, yeah, and they all attack Trinket. It's bad. You don't want to use it.

Just bhr-p-e- right back into it. Yes, and last one of these, talk to Machina live on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Here on Twitch and Alpha. Brian Foster is host every week. We talk about random shit about this, have guests from the community on. Check it out. It's good time. And apparently he smells like Cabin.

Apparently, hashtag. Getting a lot of great tweets already. Wow. Holy Vathom. Just about to check. All right. That's the last of my announcements there. Are we doing the other thing?

Oh, it's right. No, I'm sorry. We had the Critical Role fan club on Facebook actually had a limerick contest to announce their 10,000 person joining it, turned their members to the group. And we had a winner. A winner is Tamiko El Fugio, who, Sam, do you have a copy? I have a copy of the limerick in my inbox right here. I think you should read it off.

I'm gonna read this limerick. They had their own internal contest, and this is the winner, and it's really awesome. Voxmachina is a fine troupe who knock baddies and grannies for a loop. Unless they encounter a door, then their plans are no more. So instead, they'll just scry with their poop. Yeah.

Congratulations, that's awesome. We had a dog. Good legacy. He's so good. Yes, and everyone else doubled. Everyone's at 17, except for Terry, who's 14. Congratulations. You're fucking danglberry.

I remember 14. That was rocks. Ninth level spells. That's Canlan coulda got me. Yeah. Anyway, let's go ahead and bring it in to tonight's episode of Critical Role. Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. I'll remember that.

Cool. Tarian apparently exploded. Yeah, that happened. Oh, there he is. Good job. It's like you rushed here from work. Sorry. That's okay. So, bringing us into tonight's episode, Vox Machina, having completed the toppling

and destruction of the Chroma Conclave, have now gone towards tying up the loose ends at the end of this massive journey. That involved coming to the final stage of Kielas Aramente to prove to her people of the Ashari that she is the, proper next leader of the Zepra Air Ashari. You traveled far west across the Osmit Sea after renting passage across a ship

helmed by Captain Adela and made your way to the island city of Vesra, where you encountered Uvenda, Heart of the Tides, the leader of the Water Ashari, and put upon your finer trial, you were set into the sub-ocean area of Torrent, where you were to retrieve loadstones in the constant threat of a crack in the vicinity. Unfortunately, the crackin was triggered upon your attempt. A massive battle took place, one that claimed the life of Vaxildan and barely escaped with a success under your belt. You managed to bring his body back to the central temple at the top of Vesra, and through bringing Pike's essence by a blessing through Sarenrae, complete a resurrection ritual that

succeeded. Vax returns on his ever-euvreousen dwindling borrowed time from the Raven Queen, it seems, thrusting myself into danger, but returned nonetheless. After this, you guys got some pictures drawn by Doty, as Pike intimidated him into learning your names in a wonderful method. You got passage on the ship back to Iman, where you have made your way back to Grey Skull

keep, and that was where we left off as you plan for the next leg of your venture. So, picking up from there, as an evening rest comes to you all, a night of sleep, Vax, you have a difficult evening, tossing and turning in bed, the general ramifications of recent events surrounding you, which as a note, as a person who's back from resurrection, you are at a relative penalty for the next few days. I don't know if you were aware of that. Were you aware of that? Yeah.

I kind of remember people going for that. Yeah. So you have a night at the rest after this. Actually, no, you traveled on boat for a few days. That would have gone away. That's right, because you'd make it a whole journey back to Yaman. So you've rested up having the boat. Forget I said anything. But tossing and turning is the most of the most.

Tossing and turning as the night eventually takes you into subconsciousness. You are plagued with flashes of deep sea darkness, lashing tendrils, the ever gaping maw, beaked, swallowing you, the light fading. And there once again you see emerging from the darkness the same expressionless solid porcelain mask of the Raven Queen. The voice Omnipresent, but gentle, strangely warming against the cold of nothing. The voice just calls out, I've given you back, my champion, but you are still mine. You have a purpose. Do not forget. Lies with them, but I have put my faith in you, and I await your word. And wait you shall. I sense something on the horizon. I sense

rousing villainy, I sense, twisting the threats of life. But it's too far beyond my vision, only time will tell. But I've watched you a thread, and it leads to something bright, it leads to something great. But your thread is still clouded at that point. I cannot see beyond. And as that thread moves, it gathers many around it Those you've come to love. Perhaps their fate is tied with yours. Is that a responsibility you can bear, Vaxelon? Be patient.

Enjoy the time you have. For when this rousing evil gathers, I will need your full attention, my champion. The mask recedes back into the darkness. The cold overtakes you and suddenly you find yourself shooting up in bed, gasping for breath, sweat pours down your face, just as to the chest the gentle bit of light begins to break over the sun coming through the window in the bedroom.

Keelith, you are kind of roused out of your slumber as well, hearing him gasp and breathe heavily, kind of leaning off the side of the bed. Do you have a nightmare? I have them too. You want to talk about it? Eventually. Okay. Do you need anything? I have everything I need. To a little bit of like, druid craft, some lightning bugs in the room, kind of make them dance. It's nice and calming to try and get back to sleep. Okay. You guys...

Get an extra hour. You guys crawl up and get back to sleep. And as you do, in the darkness takes you once more, you just hear the faint echoing whisper in the back of your head as you fall back into your dreams. It just says, my fate, Todd. Now the rest of you wake up the next morning. It's been a while since you've been back

in Grey Skull Keep, and it is strangely heartening to be back at home without another constant threat of death, without the looming of dragon destruction, and it brings back a flood of memories of when you first had this keep made, and kind of the innocence of those days and the things you've learned since, and the new appreciations you've gained through the struggles that you've had in the process. The other thing catches you is the smell of fresh breakfast being made downstairs, as Lena apparently is already on task. Fuck yeah. Fuck yeah. I'll run downstairs.

I miss that. As I wake up before we head downstairs, they're just kind of grabbed back since. Should you get back to sleep? You're all right? Yes. You ready for the day? Never?

Always. Yeah, no. Sure, let's go. You're a born leader. Come on. Thanks. You guys come down for breakfast. Lena is currently rushing around, seemingly excited at the prospect of being back in her kitchen,

which has been outfitted partially. When she returned, as you know, most everything was stolen from the keep. It looks like she's made a few trips into town and has purchased enough to make it functional. She comes out, she starts making meals and she has large pounded plates. I'm really quite sorry, but I'm... We don't have enough plates for everyone. So if you don't mind sharing for now, I'm gonna go ahead and do some purchases soon. Start grabbing bacon for the big piles. Yeah, just communal style.

Good, well, I hope it's okay. It's perfect. Oh, good plates. I'll have a plate. I'll take one as well. I'll reach in front of the boys and grab a big fistful. Yeah. Hat bells are just.

As you guys are eating, you hear heavy food. Heavy footfalls coming from around the corner. Sexy. You, the first thing you notice is a familiar female face. Once short red hair, it's now grown quite long, or at least grown longer to where it's about ear, chin length. You see Shane Tranter, one of the guards that you originally hired,

hired and had moved over to White Stone to guard, walk in, leather armor on, big pack over her shoulder. Looks like she's also returned. As she comes in, she kind of throws a pack down. Human. Human. Human. Oh. Wrong note. Shay Twinter. Short human. Shaitwinter, yeah. Okay. And as she kind of walks and throws her pack down, she's like, ah, good morning. I've got to see you're all mostly a lot.

Did you eat already? No, is there food? Too good, nope. Help yourself. Go ahead, please, there is food. But no plates. But no plates. We'll make a rabbit to town.

Oh, hi there. Just here for a visit, Terry and Darrington. You haven't heard of me yet, but you will. Do you work here? Are you one of our employees? I'm one of their employees, yes. Oh, well. They made me an official member. now, so. Great, so you'll be the one that pays me then. Oh. We will all chip in for whatever your monthly wages will be. Well, unless I'm mistaken, and well, unless you've canceled our contract, mind you, we haven't been guarding the keep for a long time, so I'm not going to charge you for the time over that, and we appreciate you from that. But we are kind of back on the clock, and this is kind of my only job at the moment, so...

Start guarding. All right. And she kind of smiles and sits down and grabs a little bit of food and pulls it off into her hand and just starts eating out of her leather gauntleted glove and just like... Terry and you don't have to worry about paying on this.

How much do they cost? A fortune. I'm sure I have it written down somewhere. We had books. There were books. There were books. There was also a track and attacks. I fully expect to be treated as a full paying member of this and I will gladly contribute one seventh of the salary. Really not necessary. Really?

It's quite all right. I insist. It's literally nothing to me, so. Someone should teach him the box-mocking a fight song then. You should do it, Groh. Yeah, Grog. You have the best voice of all of us. Do you know the fight song? No, no, I've not learned any fight song. Most of the songs that I've learned are either religious in nature or I read them in books and I've made up my own melodies to them. They were epic poems of yesteryear and I sort of set them to a little melody, mostly happy. You made up songs then?

Well, I... No, that's good. Each one of these songs is like personal to the member, right? So you make up a song about what Voxmocking it means to you. I do that? Yeah. Wow. We'll need it by sundown tomorrow. Doughty, we have some work to do. Working breakfast. I am.

I am. Machina, machina. Soccina. Sockina. Put a sockina. Nope. Vox. Box.

Put it in the box. We'll work on this. I'm scouring my notes for where I wrote their salaries down. That was a long time ago. It was, but I've got my spiral here. They're 100 gold a month for five of them, and then 50 gold a month for the other two. That's Vex's memory. That's my memory.

A hundred gold a month for each of the guards, and then what was the actual? Five of them get 100 gold a month, and then two of them get 50 gold a month. I don't remember why or who, but that's how it was. I think the guards get 100 and the cooks get 50 or something. The servants get 50, yeah. There it is. As I wrote down, I believe, Shea, Cordell, Jarrett, Kendrick, and Natick. Tiba get 100 a month and then servants,

Elena and Aaron. Yeah, and because he was hot. Yeah, well, there you go. Although, Jared is technically not on your payroll anymore. Yeah. Jared's now a member of the Pale Guard and White Stone. That's right. Yeah. That's right.

So reducing our costs, we're getting better at this. Yeah. Do you know the rest of the crew is? You have to do twice as much. Yeah. Oh, shit. Oh, good. Kendrick is currently watching up on the wall.

The Teabay I haven't seen since you sent him off to Wild Mountain. Right. Well, and she kind of gets a distant stare for a second and says, well, Cordell didn't make it through the ordeal. Really? And you can see her look kind of, she has that look of somebody who lost a close friend.

She gets kind of a distance. there for a second, clenches her jaw, and then just shakes her head and goes back to kind of eating, absent-mindedly. Some sort of service, then. Or at least a dinner. That's up to you. I've already had mine. My piece has been said. Well, we're glad to have you back. Me too. Glad so many of us survived. Do any of us remember why Teebe went to Wai? I don't know.

You sent him a long time ago to look for information about the briar woods oh no oh no oh no we met on the snack we did he turned into a hot pocket you did we did we did we fight his undead body in the crypt is that oh god what is it that you said greetings adventurer spring has sprung here in los angeles and that means it's a brief period where it's only 75 degrees instead of 95 degrees i'll take it and that means i've been outside a lot more Walking around, occasionally galloping after a toddler hopped up on juice boxes, traveling a bit. You know the vibe.

And after doing some spring cleaning, my wardrobe, I gotta say, looking a little bit sad. I want clothes that can keep up with me and my son, but updating my wardrobe every spring sounds pretty expensive. So that's why I wound up signing up for Fabletics as a VIP. It let me overhaul my springtime outfits without obliterating my bank account. New VIPs unlock major savings on that first purchase, so trying new fits, feels way more doable. When I signed up as a new VIP with Fabletics, I got 70 to 80% off everything.

It made it easy to grab a few new pieces without overthinking it. And the quality really surprised me. Everything feels premium and soft and breathable, but you're not paying those premium prices. What I like most, though, is how versatile everything is. You've got stuff you can work out in, but also wear out. There's matching sets, lightweight hoodies, joggers, teas, you name it. The kind of stuff you can throw on in the morning and not worry about later. When I'm at home, my favorite thing to pull on is the oversized hoodie.

It's so comfy I could just live in it 24-7. It's perfect for walking my dog on like a chilly night. But what I'm out and about, I've really been loving the ribbed Johnny Collar polo. It makes me look like I should be taking a high-powered meeting by the pool at the White Lotus, but hopefully with less murder involved. I don't know. It's insanely comfortable. I highly recommend it.

So shop now at fabletics.com slash critical role to get 70 to 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Take a quick style quiz and be sure to select Critical Role when prompted to unlock your 70 to 80% off. This is a limited time offer, so don't wait. Again, that's Fablatics.com slash critical role for 70 to 80% off everything as a new VIP. And now, on to the show. Greetings, Adventurers. Lately, I've been getting a bit more intentional about what I wear from day today because instead of just falling out of whatever laundry baskets nearby, I've been leaning into pieces that feel easy and comfortable, but still put together because it just makes getting dressed simpler when I have a plan. Quince has been my go-to to help with that, because the fabrics

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And since spring is here in Los Angeles, a brief period where it's 75 degrees instead of 95 degrees, I spruced up my wardrobe with a pair of the comfort stretch traveler five pocket pants and the heritage washed denim shirt. Not only do they feel great, but I unequivocally look good as hell while wearing them. That's just science. So refresh your every day with luxury you'll actually use. Head to quince.com slash critical role for free shipping on your order and 365 day return. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com

slash critical roll for free shipping and 365-day returns. Quince.com slash critical role. You have not crossed his path. A while ago. Box-Machina and never returning your calls. Box-Machina not returning your calls since 19-92. To be fair. Spies by nature live a very dangerous lifestyle

that they accept. Yeah. Who knows what is whereabouts are we'll ever show forget, but you haven't heard from him. It's also very possible. I would feel better about that, but probably not. I can try and scry.

You just have to live with that question. I just like the notion that maybe we would just have checked one more of those cells in the dungeon of White's side. Do you want to try and stray on the TV? You know. I can. You know, I'll say just because I'm kind of curious where this particular rabbit hole leads.

Really? Maybe. It's just, it's not like we're actually going to go. Yeah, yeah, describe while we're eating breakfast. All right. Maybe we can find out. This is our breakfast entertainment. This is our version of looking at our phones,

which is just this is a smart line going. We've seen. Has you posted anything on Facebook? Have you figured out how to project this on a 55-inch, like flat wall, not as your pressure? That's a good question. Yes, but the frame rate is only, like, it's only 120. Yeah, it's in black and white.

He posted on Instagram six weeks ago and that one. It's the mirrors. All right, so you're doing scry on Nintibbe? Yeah, what do you're scrying I see, Kiddick? So as you guys are having breakfast, you take a moment, you finish the small ritual on the center of the cold stone floor of your kind of mess hall area in the keep. As you focus on you're kind of fuzzy but decent enough memory of Nitaibay. As the ritual completes, your vision, focuses out for a second and returns to you.

In what blank? There's no focus. There's no no T-Bey. Oh no. He a jolly rancher in the belly craving it. What? I'm afraid the insane things that Crog just said is correct.

He is a. I'm a powerful magician. Yes. A happy ranch hand in the Yeah, he's on the farm. He's running through the fields on the farm. He's a jolly as a happy friend. All the room to run he wants.

This is actually being terrible. This is really sad in the weirdest way. I mean, yes, this is very dark, dark time. That's terrible. I know I can't. We're laughing at ourselves. We haven't thought of this guy in one. No.

It's been like since pre-stream that this has come up. Yeah. Okay. Wow. Zero focus. There's another MPC that just suffers. There's no creature to receive the scrying spell. Okay.

Which means he's not taste as good. on another plane of existence. Yeah, he could be on another plane. Or he's fucking dead. Is that this version of the, he's in the Faye Wild, everything's fine now. He sent him to the right spy farm upstate. Whatever timeline you believe in.

At least we've avenged him in a way. Did he have a family? What was his mother's name? Because we might want to send her a gift or some sort of a tribute. in coin. Hmm. Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm. Yeah, I'll get right on that. All right. Yeah. There's got to be public record, right? Yeah. Yeah. Anywho, we're down a few servants.

We should probably get some more guards. Hey, Shea, do you have anyone you'd recommend? You want to spend more money? Honestly, me and Cordell kind of worked as a team for a long time. We didn't really make friends. I can go looking in the city for you. No. That's all right. Keep your eyes open, but we touch your judgment.

I mean, unless you want to go look for yourself, I don't mind going and finding some good candidates. Find a few more? Yeah. I feel like the city is pretty overwhelmed at the moment, though. Yeah. Up to you. A lot of keeps have been ruined, and guards might be looking for work, actually. Yeah. People looking for work right now, and you're like you've got more important things to focus on. So if you want to hire some guards and you have to have some guards and you have to look, you have to work. I've trusted me, throw me some cash, and I can probably bring some people in. How do you feel about your workload?

Do you feel like you can handle this? I can handle it. She like shakes the bit of scrambled eggs from her gauntlet in hand. Good leading. How's your, good leading, how's your keep bandwidth right now? Are you really, do you need your

plate bowl? Download some of your work to me. Can I just roll for insight and make sure that she's like trustworthy? I feel like she's trustworthy, but. I need to know what it is that you do. Do you know what? I don't have broke the poorly for my in-day.

But I'll check. You know, it just peeks through. Come back and come back. You can't go back. 13? 13. She seems pretty straight. You know, she's straight with you.

She's not trying to layer it at all. We've got a bit of a trip to take, and so perhaps when we get back, we get an audition some new some new candidates. Yeah. That'll be fun. You'll enjoy that. I mean, we'll either be going for a few days.

Yes. I would enjoy anything. Oh, it's quite fun. It's quite nice. I love some. I love me some fun. Are you gonna audition like these new gods, like we did you?

Oh, I can figure something at, don't worry. I like it. Make sure they're trustworthy if we're not gonna be around. And I hand her 500 gold for herself and her. Kendrick. Yes. And the three that you hire. All right, I'll get on it then.

I think I should have some time to go in time to do this series than the afternoon. She grabs another roll off the table, kind of takes a bite of it. Oh, glad to have you back. She turns around and leaves the room. I like her. She's cool.

Yeah, doesn't say too much. Now I remember where we hired her in the first place. Because she fought, well. She fought a giant fucking scorpion in the court yard. What are we doing today? Well, we talked about going to the Cobalt Reserve to drop off this. To drop off the evil book and do a little reason.

on the nine fucking hells. And then, um. We could, we need to do a bit of shopping, but then, well, we do have, you're not quite done, are you? There's that. I'm putting it out there. Yeah, you up for it. She's got to get crowned.

Wow, I watched that work its way from your ear all were waiting around there. You got a good crowd, really? Got lost on the way. Even larger at this. Wow. Yeah, it's weird. I don't know. Is it on your head or on the antlers?

They decorate it like a winter's festival. They put outlars on the atlas. You do actually know, though, you've never seen anyone wear it. Because in the time that you've been learning, there hasn't been a formal voice of the tempest. Yeah. It's not a crown as it is more of a mantle. You wear like, sure.

It's a ceremonial mantle. Just like a giant mantle. Like a giant mantel. Well, not like a fireplace mantel. It's not like, although I could technically transform into a fireplace now. What? Because, God, she can turn into doors. She can do it.

And you know, I could, I'm pretty sure. Creature? No. I could. Hang on, hang on. A mimic. Couldn't I turn it to a mimic that could be a door or a mantle? Well, you haven't seen a dormant before.

Because I don't hate you that much yet. We haven't seen a basic minute before. Yeah, no, yeah. This game we have? Yeah, yeah. Early, early. That was second session. Oh, shes-knack.

Yeah. That was second. A mimic and a gelatinous cube in the same combat. I was like, hey guys, welcome to D&D. It's right. It was fun. No, you weren't that one, unfortunately. That was before you came back to the campaign.

Can I be a door? I mean, at a monstering. I think it's a no. There's not an immediate yes behind that. Go look, I'll look at shape change. We'll think about it. about it. Anyway. I'm pretty sure it's just creature. It's not going to come up today. It's not one of those your deers. Okay, what are we fucking doing? What are we doing?

Yeah, different creature. If you encounter a door-shaped creature in the future, you can totally do that. Well, today, I'm, you know, please, because I feel like, I'm sure you're having all sorts of reservations and thoughts and processes about this notion, but I will admit, I have yet to introduce your sister to the best part of being titled, which is dressing up. and it would be a coronation, and we could get some clothes. We could wear something lovely. Well, do we all... Does that jive with your hometown,

though, Kiki? Dressing up? They're out of town, yes. Yeah. Do old people who titles have to dress up? Yes. Are you sure? I am. Oh, Grand Cuba.

I'm afraid you have to wear something quite formal. You know what? Something fitting in your station. disagreeing with me. I think I have to go back to bed. Heavy is the head that wears the crowd. I don't feel well. I gotta go. I'll go back up to my room. As Crom's off. I really thought we were gonna get him to bathe this time.

Does he even aversion to wearing pants? I'm sure we can work out something without pants. I mean he wears something. Just a belt, a really glorious belt. Just over the dwarven belt. All blinged out. It's like a kilt. It's like a kilt.

barely joined at the bottom already, so it's like a poopy diaper. Just get him boots that go all the way up to the neck. We have so much, I mean. It's some. Poopy diaper of Dwarvankind. Gross. Activate number one, and I would be killed. Seriously though, what are we doing?

Well, we're in town, we've got this book in the library, but we should decide what we're going to do tomorrow. I mean, what's to wait? What's to wait? Why don't we go home? The lips, it's just, you know, it's just weird. It's just weird. With it, it's like, it's been so long, and it's, like, a lot of buildup and then it's gonna be over?

You are adorable right now. It's gonna be, I don't think that's not. It's serious. It's been like a, Maybe your dad will have information on the nine hells. It's, you could, yeah, yeah. It's just my whole life. It's been building up to this. And like, you know, if we complete it, that makes it real. Wait, I do have a question, actually. If you complete it, do they want you to stay?

If I complete it, then I am the voice of the tempest. I imagine I can do whatever I want, right? Or you stay and lead your people. Yeah. Does the tempest go on road trips? I don't know. Oh. Has your life been leading up to this moment, or has your life been leading up to everything that happens after this moment?

I am not entirely sure of the difference of what you just said. I'm just saying that as somebody who spent several years of their life avoiding the one thing that would make them even remotely happy, maybe just barreling through it is the way to go. We'll be there. I guess it is that notion of leading up to the

one moment that you've thought of for a while, and then once you complete that, what happens next? It's just like getting married, Keyleth. Is? Oh, yeah. It's all the planning. That just, you know, freaks you out, that's all. And then, yeah. Sure. What did you know about that? I was going to say, is that theoretical or experiential? Theoretical, obviously. Okay. Just checking.

She does read a lot. I wish she used to. She still reads a lot. I do. You sharing your library. A lot of things. Yeah. I don't need to hear about it. No, you know. That's why I was so excited that you pride.

It's whatever you guys think is best. We can go to West Run first, or we can go to Sephyr first. Just whatever you want. Oh, that's a big decision for you to make, I think. Oh, no, it's the difference of like a day or two, right? You're the heavy foot falls upstairs of Grog's feet, and a door slamming shut. Ooh.

You touch his time. Do we need an extra day to convince Grog to wear pants? That could be the deciding factor. Maybe we should put it on him, right? Keelead. What? Make a decision. Oh. Leader. That's pretty.

You're going to be a leader. Just make a choice. Everybody else believes in you, why shouldn't you? Pencil or peasant? I'm looking forward to buying a dress either way. Let's check in at Western, drop off the book. We'll head from Western to Zepra. Good plan.

Cool. All right. They're going to be very good at this. Very cool. Man, decision making is hard. I know. So many choices. So wait, would the shops here be better to buy a dress than the shops in Western? Good question.

Who's importing more? Where's Fashion Week happening? They're both kind of handicapped, though. Is there a Lord Newman Marcus? Well, that's what I mean. They've both been under some recent duress, so it really could go either way. Iman is definitely more of the cultural hub, especially since it's such a huge port town. You get a lot more cultural influence from other continents and a heavier trade.

So Iman would probably have better outfits. But Western, which, you know, Grog, you grew up in, and you guys have spent some time and you know, it does have its own textiles district that, you know, there are a wedding. that happen there. They have other events where they sell fine. What's West from like, like Pittsburgh? Kind of, you guys can say, yeah. Well, that's, like, what's going? That's very, okay, that's less disappointing.

Yeah. Umann's the New York. Westrun's the Pittsburgh. White, White Stone's the Boulder. Well, that means, yeah. Kind of, yeah. Yeah, I like it. Nothing happening.

Boulder, baby. Well, it's beautiful. Thank you. If it's the Pittsburgh, then we should go now, because everything closes at like five. We can also, trees tried to work to Vasselheim for the fanciest of shopping probably. That is true. If you want to go all out.

They will even have, in theory, they'll have all of our crete. They'll have your crest on file. That's one of those things that would, any dressmaker would actually know how to assemble something appropriate or any house of any nobility that exists. You know what? Vasselheim will actually know a little bit about Orchus and I bet the Nine Hells as well, being the God Hub. Oh, work vacation. I mean, we did mention if we wanted to drop off the book at Western or Vasselheim.

Maybe Vasselheim is the best place to go. We should go to Vasselheim. Do we want to do that instead? Let's fucking go. I've never been. I've never been. That sounds great. How far north have you been, Terry? Quite far north.

You're from. Right? I'm from the north. You're from Wildmount, correct? Yes. He said, you're from Fort Wall. As far as you know from where you grew up, Tal Dorei is to the west, like southwest of where you grew up.

And then Isira, which is where Vasselheim is and, you know, Althansa, is far to the east. First there was the dinosaur. But I lived in the north of that place. You lived in the north of Wild Mount, which is, it's pretty like Siberian, if you consider. Oh, yeah. I want to go to there.

Yes, I thrive in cold places. Is this such a place? Really? It is quite chilling, yeah. Not as cold as my home, we'll do. I have some excellent cold weather robes in my bag of holding that I would love to flaunt. Let's go.

Let's go. I think it's, we also need a probably need a few healing potions and such, and we'll probably have better luck somewhere else. Yeah. Yes. We have a clap. Anything else we need to do before we leave on? They'll have potions and things there.

I probably need to stock up a bit. Yes. They'll have these things at Castleheim? All right, great. You don't just have some health potions in your armor? You can't just plink one out of your nut sack or something? I'm gonna reach onto my robe and pull out a patch that produces four healing potions. What? There you go.

Are they regular or are they great? They're regular. Oh, all right. That's great. That's pretty cool. Man, we should tear you apart limb from limb and you see what fucking shakes out. Please don't. Is that like regenerate and come back?

Is it a one time only? No, but I'll just buy another one if I run out. Another room? Yeah. Wow. It's like I had a four pack of medieval five-hour energy drink. Basically. It's literally monster.

Yeah. That's like a first level healing potion. That's like a first level healing potion. Terry, Vasselheim does get a little bit. Oh. Yeah, a little bit. They don't like magic. Arcan magic.

Arcane magic. I practice alchemic magic mostly, so I'll be okay, I think. Okay. Sure. You might want to keep a low profile. They want you to do it in public. I mean, alchemical elements, yes, but a lot of your spells and infusing everything is arcane-based.

And you have a giant arcane metalman following you around. Oh, maybe I should disguise Doty in some way. Can you do that? No. I mean, I can throw a cloth over him or... Make him look like it's just a big dude wearing a rope. Or a ghost. Or a ghost.

Is it Halloween? It is... I don't think so. Sadly not Hallow Zees. We can put him in some armor or some fake cloth of some... Let's just put a robe over him. Could you and I craft something for him before the journey, like a face mask of some sort that makes him look like a brave warrior?

I'm really good at disguises. The trouble is... That's true! I haven't flexed those muscles in a while. Let him give it a go. The trouble is he's going to emanate. You can make disguises. I can work with a little bit of nose putty.

Yeah, I could make a fake face for this guy. Is that I would love to see it. As best as you understand, it isn't like, oh my God, there's some sort of magic source and Vasselheim arrest everyone involved. It's not like super illegal. It's just generally frowned upon and call suspicion. No, I want to pursue you making a mask for Doty. I feel really rusty.

I want to help him because I'm a rogue team. Let's go full Cinderella on this. Let's get all the mice involved. What do we want this guy to look like? Well, I mean, there's no disguising the fact that he's eight feet tall and squeaks when he walks. Should we turn him into a Goliath then? I mean, this guy's brother.

You're gonna do full body paint for this? Oh, geez. Seems very complicated. What if we just put like a stealth cloak over him or something? A stealth cloak. Do you have a stealth cloak? Yeah, and then paint is, yeah, I do. Let's make him look like a Goliath that wears a lot of robes because he was harbous.

I start taking ropes. How do you feel about this? I feel like you have the look of a man with an... Girl's upstairs. You're not actually here, never mind. He's upset about the notion of pants. I know. I'm just nervous.

Making him look like he's in a suit of armor seems like a thing. Irritable bounce in or comes back. We could put him in a suit of armor. I mean, he's already metal. Could. Because your constitution is rough. Take all the ropes on.

Like that has to go through quite a few barriers. Right, well, hmm. Is Doty strong enough to wear suit armor? Strong? I mean, decorative. Yes, decorative. Yeah. Doty is his own suit of armor. Why are we doing this? This is funny.

Because it's amazing. Okay. To wear a rope. I'm having a weirdly excited. I want Doty with a fake nose. That's all I want. Do that. Groucho Marx, nose and glasses. I'm going to need your health because I'm not used to working on

Robits. Okay. But maybe you can make some mesh work, right? And we'll get some clay. Oh my God. Yeah? Yes. And some spectacles like yours, but maybe shaded.

Yeah. He's only got the one there now. We can make him a mask at the very least. Yeah. All right. I have made masks for myself. This is going to look ridiculous. I'm so excited.

Everyone is going to be like, that's a robot for wearing a mask. He's just a man with no arms, legs, heads, limbs, of chest. We'll see. We don't have to. No, we're doing it. Let's spend some time. Okay. You guys get, everyone else can get their little run around Western done while we sit and make a robot.

So, Vax, needing materials to prepare such an elaborate... Hey, give me some money. I don't have any money. I never have money. You need money to go buy a stupid mask for a stupid robot? This is the first time in this entire goddamn campaign. No, it's not. Yes it is. Give me some fucking money. I can give you money.

It's his one. I want her money. All right. It's like I haven't done enough. It is important for him to express yourself. I've passed out money lately before, I think. Some arts and crafts can't be very therapeutic. I throw myself off of things for this one.

She can't give me 50 gold pieces. Bye none. How about everybody gets a thousand gold? It's a party! Really? Yeah, everybody take a thousand gold. Sure. Except for you.

Cheers. Cheers. You're the back. Okay. Hey Matt. Do I have this ability? I feel like I remember it, but I'm looking for it. You don't know?

Oh no. Oh no. I'm pretty sure you do. I was wondering. I'm like, I don't see. I think I have a disguise kid. It's not an ability per se. I have an imposter.

Right. You have imposter. That's me. Can I use it on that? This is really fun. You don't have this ability? I want to see this anymore. Oh, we're doing it.

We're doing it. It's just off your way through it. No, because imposter is the ability to mimic somebody else. It has nothing to do. A disguise kit is what you're using. Oh, a disguise kit. And I've always had a disguise kit. Correct.

Because I did something back in the home game, I did something. Yeah, you've done a couple things. That was a whole different role. But it's not an ability you have. Well, you do have an ability, but it's only for you. It's not for Doty. You own a cardboard box with a bunch of stuff.

So here's what we do. First and foremost, you have to go to the town and gather supplies because your disguise kit is designed for very small prosthetics and things. This is a large endeavor. So, five times that, yeah. I need you to roll an investigation check. This is your ability to go around the town and find through the midst of chaos of Amman trying to repair itself, somebody who can sell you the supplies necessary. Well, that's a 20. I need some clay. A natural 20? A natural 20? Yeah, no, not a natural 20.

That's still fine. All right. It takes you... I gave him some list of something. It takes you about three hours round trip to go into the city, locate the local. and purchase, relatively inexpensive, comparatively, about 10 gold pieces for the materials to do this, which is expensive for anyone who's just make, and a lot of it is, you know, burlap material that's gone over with a weatherproofing liquid that when it solidifies, it gives almost like a rubbery texture. It's used for carts that are traveling long distance under bad weather, and you figure that might resemble some sort of a skin type texture

at a distance. You gather other elements to build a mask, to wrappings and material to just kind of block things that might look metallic. So yeah, so you gather things that might work in your favor. So as you collect this, what are you guys working on? We're making a mask? Well, we're doing, the first thing that we're gonna need

is we're gonna need a way of connecting this to him without limiting his movement. So I'm making so that there's a very accessible, easy harness to get this on and off. and starting to design and put together how we're going to, what I'd like to make is a couple, like a porcelain cover for the hands and face. Oh, like porcelain hands.

So that it actually looks like perhaps, it won't draw immediate suspicion, but if it does it will look like somebody with an artificial limb, maybe they've been hurt. Give them ten sets of scissors. So are you crafting the porcelain? I am. That is not, I've got a kiln.

Yes, but your materials, you're used to using... I'm not using... Instead of porcelain, I'm going to... for the ceramics that I use for some of my build. It's more practical. Sculpate. Okay. I mean, I've been working on some jewelry shit.

I've genuinely learned how to do. This is true, but the skill set for jewelry is very different for the skill set of porcelain. I need you to make a rig like in a video game. I'm going to go into town and buy some plates for Lena. Okay. I will say. I'm willing to have this.

We can just use mud from outside. Yeah. Do you have a set of potters tools? Because that would be specifically what would be used for this. If you're going to be working with ceramics and porcelain. Can I roll it to see you? Because I have a kiln, so I might have it, but I don't know if I have it.

You have a kilnish, but you have a kilnish designed, it's more of a metal used for it. It's more of a metal used for it. So it'll destroy ceramics. Yeah, it's not, yeah. It burns a certain heat. This could be the dumbest. This is the best thing we've ever raised in time.

Let it happen. I'm so excited. I know, I know. It's just like, maybe, if, if. If prototype one fails, I make it out of couter. Okay. This is an adjacent skill set. You're not going to get your proficiency bonus to it, but you do have materials to essentially try it. I want you to go ahead and roll a base dexterity check. Just add your dexterity modifier. You're not proficient.

Is that a gil? I'm trusting on gill because he also can't. Say the incantation. Don't fuck us gil. Mechalaka hi, mecahama. Oh, it's don't hire those pottery tools, Gil. And those pottery tools are... That's a good rule.

Twenty-two. Twenty-two. It takes you the better part of the next two hours, but you managed to create some... Two hours. Thank you for helping me ghosts, by the way. Oh, my. I mean, they have to cool and harden,

but in the process of crafting it and heating it, you do have some decent ceramic plates that you think might work. They're going to be fragile. That's fine. Not like, well, they'll crumble on their own walking, but if they need them take any sort of chip and damaged ceramic.

Hands and face is what I was hoping for. Yeah, well, I'll say the better part of two hours or so to craft them, and then you begin to heat them in the kiln. It'll take you a while for them to harden and set. We're just figuring out the little easy armature that won't get in his way, and I'm kind of peeking at him seeing how he works. Right, but the armature of roll tinkers kit.

Okay. That's proficiency, perficiency by stacks. Oh, sorry. You can assist. And actually this would be proficiency plus you do. Intellect is what it'll be, because this is I'm trying to figure it out specifically

as opposed to just how we do it. I'd be happy for an insist unless you're doing something. I was going upstairs to ask one of the help something. Oh, go ahead, okay, that's fine. I'll just work on your robot. Sorry. 21. Pass it, okay, yeah, you'd easily enough

to figure out how hard this. What are you doing, Terry? What was the servant's name who you said used to have short hair now long? Shane. I go to her, him. Yeah, sure. It's her.

She will punch you so hard. You should ask her, what she is. I offer to buy her hair for a hundred gold piece. to use as a wig. How do you say this? Yeah, yeah. Okay, because she's literally outside, like sitting on the outside wall, the gate,

leaning forward just on a stool with a loaded crossbow over her lap, just looking out in the distance, and you're down below, about 20 feet down. You there, excuse me. Hello? She looks over the top. Yeah? Hi.

Tarian, Derrington, a new member of the group. Hi. Yes, we're working on a very important project. It's a undercover mission in a foreign land. And we're going to need a disguise, specifically a wig, a convincing wig. We all thought that it might be a good idea to have some real hair for this wig. And, well, you have beautiful hair. I wouldn't mind if you would lend it to the cause.

I'd like to buy your hair for a hundred gold pieces. Go and roll a persuasion check. Oh my god, we're short fault when you need them. Did he roll well? I'm not saying. Persuasion? Yeah. Yeah, I'd be on the...

24. Oh. Yeah. She goes, you're kidding me, right? Oh, no, no, no. And I reached it in my bag at holding and pull out 100 gold and say, I, it would mean a lot to me and to my teammates if you would cooperate in this mission.

It might even save a life. save a life. She gives you this long, stern, dark look. Make it 500 and you got a deal. 500? All right, fine. And a bargain at that. It's getting too long anyway. And she makes her way down the ladder and just walks past you into the keep. Yes. It comes back about half an hour later, head completely shaved smooth. and she's got a little square of fabric, a cluster of all of her red hair. She kind of balls it up, comes over. A pleasure doing business with you.

This haircut might very well be the fate of the world. So thank you. You're welcome. Here's your money. Thank you. Here's your fucking hair. God damn weirdo. And then walks off and heads back to her perch at the top of my book.

Bye, my look. Okay. You know have shades of hair. I'm gonna try to make a wig out of it. Okay. Don't really know how. Do you look like a... I got alchemy, right?

I can make like goop. You can. You can. You make some goop. Some glue to put on... We'll say using the basis of a tanglefoot bag, which is a very simple alchemical like substance.

Yeah. You begin to attempt to apply it to the top of Doty's head and begin to very carefully layer hair across it. I'm going to need, let's see. How long does GOOD just always have hair now? I mean it's pretty sticky. Go ahead, just make a dexterity check. Okay, okay. Ooh, not good. I'm feeling lucky. 17.

17. So it looks a little carrot-toppy, but it works. It works. These clusters are kind of poofy red hair, but you layer it in a way that looks as good as you can, given the fact that you glued hair to Doty's head. It could have gone a lot worse from a distance.

Yeah, it kind of looks like a person. I also gave him a little bit of a... A little bit of a goatee? Yeah, just to match me. Okay, yeah, great. You now have... Do you mean the Foo Man, or did you give him the full gotee? Because you just did the Foo Man chew. Probably just the Foo Man.

Okay, alright, there you go. But he's going to be covered by a mask. Oh, yeah. You have crafted your own avatar. What is the hair of... Curly or straight? It's a little wave. It's a little wavy.

Wavy. Yeah. Her hair had been short before, when it grew long, it came out a little wavy. So yeah, it has a little bit of, it kind of looks like, what's the actor's name from Mask? Oh, wow. Eric Stoltz and Masked.

His hair there, it kind of looks like that on Doty. Critical Roll, lazy, Doug. Eric Stoltz. Google it. It's kind of what it looks like. It's a great movie. Google it. It's a great.

Yeah, see, that's kind of the texture and the look at the hair from what I was called. We've set the stage. Vax, bring us home. So with the porcelain cooling off, Vax comes back with the rest of the supplies. Oh, good gods, what did you make? What did you do? He's not just the president, he's a member two. What's fantastic is he's glued the facial hair before the porcelain mask was put on. put on. So as Percy and Vax come in with their pieces.

All right, I've got the, oh good God! It's not, I mean it's bad, it's really bad. No, it's what, I mean like it's... It's a start. I think the hair will actually help the molding clay stay in place. We're gonna put a little rock, it'll be fine. And you've got hands. Two. Oh, yes, that too, yes. Excellent. All right. We collectively are, Dr. Frankenstein.

Oh my gosh. Let's make this happen. happens. Wow. Okay. So you put on the harness, you get the ceramic plates on that can kind of loosely, you know, appear to be smoother and a little more of a general curvature to the joint so that looks more natural from a distance. You put on the, the mask of porcelain that you made, I mean, the facial hair that's underneath

and is on his face is going to be under the mask. Yes. Thank God. You can attempt to remove it if you'd like to try. No, no. No, we'll just leave it. Just absolutely. It helps.

In case we're in combat and it comes out, maybe we'll get like a momentary element of surprise as they go, my God, what is that? It's just good to know that in any given point in time, Doty now has a secret goate. I had extra, I had extra hair. I wanted to use it. Hashtag, secret goatee. What is this episode? Play them home. Keep more cat. Go ahead and roll it in disguise kit. All right, I'm going to try to make this. What number do I use for the disguise kit?

Dexterity? No, this would be, hold on. The tools kit here with you would be, yeah, because it is how number your fingers are. It's dexterity bonus plus the proficiency modifier for a disguise kit. If you're proficient with a disguise kit, what are your proficiencies? I don't think so.

I mean, I don't know, so I'm just going to say no. Then it's just dexterity. Just roll D20, add your dex bonus. Okay, all right, I'm going to go for like a general creig type look to the face. I'm gonna do my best, a red-headed General Krieg. Nice. Red-headed, okay, here we go. I'm gonna use luck.

Are you sure? Are you sure? I'm quite sure. Natural twig. Oh, my. Oh! General Craig is good to see ya. In spite of the absurdity of what you've managed to accomplish with the better part of your day,

as the sun is now setting, and the rest of you have been wondering what the fuck is going on. down there, you managed to build some semblance of a muscular structure underneath the robes, and amongst the porcelain mask that Percy had set as a base, you have crafted texture, color. It looks kind of like a face. It looks like Lincoln from Disneyland. It does. It looks like a kind of shitty animatronic. Which means... I was a 16th president. It really does. Not a good Disney animatronic, like State Fair Like, oh, yeah.

This has been through a few fires. Yeah, it's Bonnie Springs. It's straight up Bonnie Springs. But given the circumstances, not too bad. Guys, I'm so proud of both of you. Art is subjective, all right. Clothed it on top of this thing and we're golden, I think. Hashtag Brian Foster smells like cabbage.

Happy same batch. Happy same batch. I'm quite pleased. I'm quite pleased. I didn't think that Doty could be improved, but you all impressed me today. Thank you. Thank you for this. Good work, everybody. Good work. Good work. Yes. Good teamwork. Teamwork. Yes. Feels good to say it. Well. Good work. Shall we go to Vesselheim? Yeah, let's go. Grog? No, come down.

down. What have you been doing up there? Is that General Creed? No, no, no. It's very expensive. Don't break it. The war is over and both sides lost. Kingdoms were reduced to cinders and armies scattered like bones in the dust.

Now the survivors claw to what's left of a broken world, praying the darkness chooses someone else tonight. But in the shadow dark, The darkness always wins. This is old school adventuring at its most cruel. Your torch ticks down in real time. And when that flame dies, something else rises to finish the job. This is a brutal rules-light nightmare with a story that emerges organically based on the decisions that the characters make.

This is what it felt like to play RPGs in the 80s. And man, it is so good to be back. Join the Glass Cannon podcast as we plunge into the shadow dark every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Eastern. on YouTube.com slash the Glass Cannon with the podcast version dropping the next day. See what everybody's talking about and join us in the dark. Oh, please, not that music.

That music gives me nightmares from my childhood. Could we get something a little bit lighter? Some lighter music here. Are you a fan of true crime TV shows? And what about Unsolved Mysteries? The show that jumped started all of our love of true crime. I'm Ellen Marsh. And I'm Joey Taranto.

And we host, I Think Not, a true crime. comedy podcast covering some of the wildest stories from your favorite true crime can't be TV shows all the way to Unsolved Mysteries. Baby, you will laugh, you will cry, you'll think about true crime in a whole new way, and you'll also ask yourself, who gave these people mics? New episodes of I Think Not are released every Wednesday with bonus episodes out every Thursday on Patreon.

And every Monday, you can listen to our True Crime Rundown, where we go over the top true crime headlines of the week. So come and join us. wherever you listen to your podcast. Why have you aligned yourself with this creature? I knock on the side of its head. That's not Greek. It's Doody.

No, Doody did not have firecrutch hair and he did not have a face or hands or a coach. He did that video of that stuff. Yeah, but girl we glued it on. Oh, he's wearing a disguise. Yeah, yes. Who did that? All of us.

All of us. The team. Mainly these three. Mostly keeleth. I'm impressed. It occurs to you guys, you don't know where the hair came from. What? Druidcraft.

Well, well done. Got all your hair. Can you do that to me? Where did you get the hair? What is it? I've got some tricks up my sleeve. Did you pull like a patch off and it turns into a bunch of the hair? Maybe.

Maybe I did. God, magic. Did you get some glue all over my sleeve? My robe that I put on him. Maybe? Maybe I did. Make a perception champ. Oh, motherfucker. That'll do all right. 24. That robe is ruined.

Oh, no, it's not ruined. Certainly, elements of it are permanently glued to Doty. Oh, I think this is your hair-dying robe now. Sorry. That was my stealth robe. And now your... And it will be once more. I'll have it cleaned and pressed for you. That's a stealth robe? That's a stealth robe?

The elven cloak? Oh. Oh. Does that mean the... It's a magical item that you put on. Yes. Did you put a magical item on a robot? There's still a robot fucking has.

Oh, for nothing. I just know, glue it to him. Much sentimental value. I know. Now there's a robot with sentimental value. It's all right. You're still alive. Hope do. Let's just do the thing. You're right, now that I kind of like blur my vision,

the glue is the most no-you-you-do. Who is the most noticeable part, noticeable part? The robe. I think it blends into the texture actually, quite nice. Makes it look like he's seen some shit. No, the fucker. Let's go to Vassenheim.

Yeah, let's go. What's this guy's job? I'm gonna buy your new robe. It has a very, like, when, and like, Doty's been staying in there. As soon as you guys, let's go, and Doty starts moving, it has this very, like, scary return to Oz feel to it.

Like, you're just like, uh... I like it. This is everything I've never wanted. Hey, where did you learn contouring? Because that's really well done. You've seen what I can do with hair, right? I mean, are you really surprised? Good point, let's go.

It's the Elbishop. It's the Elbishop. Clasp time, clasp time. Yeah. All right, so you go ahead and head up to the Temple of Serenray within your keep. There's the central tree there. You go ahead and transport via plants to Vasselaheim. Where in Vassaheim do you want to exit?

How fast time do you want to exit? We have the book. We have the book. We have the book. We have the book. All right. Not the chest, but the bag of holding. We are wrapped in cloth.

Where? Wasn't there the tree that was near the Slayer's take? There is one, yeah. There's one of the patches there. Okay, so you use that one? Let's use that safe point. Yeah. That, that, what do they call them?

Okay. Waypoints. There, that's, yes, thank you. Thank you. So as you guys emerge, it is still like early afternoon in Vasselheim. The summer is just setting in your location. You guys have traveled far northwest at this point. It's still midday.

You emerge roughly in the center of the Quad Roads, a little bit north center area of the Quad Roads. What are you looking for? Well, we should go talk. Yes, the library. Myberry. We delivered the horn of Orchus to the Platinum Dragon. Yeah, the Platinum Sanctuary. Yes. So we should probably go talk to them as well. Because I imagine they'd have a good hiding place. That's where I put the Ark of the Covenant, certainly.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And also to talk to them about Orcus. Correct, since that's... And then shops for more potions. Do we want to split up? You want to go talk Orcus? That's actually not a bad plan. Yeah, sure. Okay, you're gonna go research Orchus, the twins? Yeah. All right, Percy, you want to go to the Platinum Reserve?

Always. All right, we'll take the book. Terry, you want to come with us or the twins? With you, absolutely. All right, Grog. Oh, God, the options both suck. Fuck! Both the twins are more inclined to violence.

I don't know about the nine hells. No, no, okay, wait. Books? No. What are you doing? Books. No, I'm doing my own thing. We're gonna go about stealing things. I had wanted to go buy some potions and things. Is that an option here?

Oh, do you want to be team potions? And buying things? Team shopping. Terry-hug? Actually, you're at buying potions. Terry, I pull Terry aside. Yes, what? If you're gonna go shopping with

You need to know. You need to know. Don't look at him. He is terrible with money. Terry, he's terrible with money. I mean, like, he will offer them, stop it. He will offer them double what they ask for. Oh, and that's not good.

Don't worry, I've been raised around money. I know it's worth. I have at least six trust funds and they're all managed quite well. I'm so happy for you. Sure were. Just keep an eye on him, all right? I will receive your trust, and I will fulfill your request as a fellow member of this team.

Fabulous. Thank you for entrusting you at this mission. Thank you, Terry. Good luck. Grog, keep an eye on him, make sure that everything's good. Oh, I will. As they leave, I spank Grog hard in the ass and say, money was meant to be spent. I like that twin. All right, as the, you scatter into three different directions.

To the library? All right. No, you are going to the Platon Sanctuary. We're going to the library. Well, they kind of the same, the place where they, to the archive. Did you guys both like say goodbye and then you're walking in the same direction? Yeah. Are you parked over here too?

Okay, this is awkward now. We'll just keep ignoring. They're kind of connected. They're partners. Some people go that way. All right, so you guys make your way up to the Platinum Sanctuary. You head to the base of the Central Mountain that the north end of Vasselheim is built around

to the winding stair that leads up to the sanctuary proper. There as you ascend, you can see the sun is just kind of getting to the three, four o'clock in the afternoon position. The color of the sky started to turn a bit. a bit different. You guys make your way to the outside doors of the sanctuary where you see the guards are their station as you approach. Some of them put up a bit of an aggressive front from a defensive standpoint. One of them does recognize you and approaches, pulls like the front of his helmet up. You are Voxmachina.

We are. What business do you have here at the Pardham Sanctuary? We have come to discuss the Horn of Hawkers that we delivered here a while ago. So you request an audience with Scale Bearer Ford? Mm-hmm. Yeah. That guy. All right. Hi, Bearer of Ward. Very well. Please, to be patient, I believe he is busy.

because he heads inside, the door is closed behind. As he does that, I look to the backs and go, hey, I have an idea. So the book we have, right? What if instead of leaving it here, we left it at the Raven Queen sanctuary? Don't you think they would have, they would keep it more safe?

Because she hates unden, right? This is like her nemesis, right? She does. We, yeah, I mean, that's a whole thing. I don't think that's a bad idea, but I feel like if I go there, I need to stay for a bit. Oh, really? Yeah.

Do you want to do that? No, not yet. All right, cool. Let's forget I mentioned anything. Let's do that. All right. About 15 minutes or so past, as you guys are going to look up. It's a gorgeous view from up here, by the way.

For Vasselheim, the cloud cover is probably 70 to 80% of the year with coming storms and sleet. This is one of the few days you've been during this part of the season where the sky is open. You actually see some blue in the sky, and as the light of the day begins to grow more towards a dusk color, you start seeing kind of the distant change. And it's just endless, thick, dense forest of the Vespite timberland all around the city. And so it is kind of a serene waiting period as well. I just lean against Trinket. Triggott.

Triggott. You calm Trinket a bit. Triggott is like heights. Up here on this platform, it's literally like a very small rail, and then it drops probably a good 150, 200 feet down. And so Triggott's just like staying as far away from the edge as possible. Eventually the doors shift in one side opens up slightly. The same guard blocks out. All right, very well. Follow me.

Turns around, leads you in. He is clearing his large. very well polished tower shield to his side, still has his helmet visor up, leads you into the central structure. Do we know what we're going to say? We're going to talk about the book. We're going to ask them if they can destroy it. Or hold it, right? Do something with it. Preferably destroy. Okay. It's history though.

It's... True. You guys are led to the audience chamber. It's surrounded by the wide net of pillars in the central area, but has a hole above the top of the temple where the light comes through. And there you see stepping in kind of hurriedly from the opposite side, flanked by two advisors, is a high bear of ward, the silver touched. You see his self-informed, his very fine features. His skin still very pale, almost perlessent when the light hits it. And his robes kind of just flow behind him, dragging a good four, four, four, five feet across the center. It's such an open space between the circular pillars that hold this.

It's just this tiny image of him approaching you amongst this wide open space with these two advisors. As the footsteps get louder and louder he approaches. So yes, you've summoned me. What is your business? I didn't mean to summon you, scale bearer. I know your time is precious. Yeah. We, however, came across in fighting the chroma con play than defeating them. This, book which references Opash's search into necromancy. Necromancy?

Necromancy. Necromancy? Yes. Necromy, yes. Necromay. Necromay. Necremay. Does that name mean anything to you?

I have read it, yes. I mean, it's a creature of lore. Opache was before the the divergence even. If you indeed found a tone that once belonged to, this is of much interest to us and our network of researchers. Research. Researchers. Yes. It's an evil tone.

I can only assume it is. You are right. We came to Vasselheim to dispose of it. My sister has read it, parts of it, and It's foul. It should not be allowed to exist. We can ensure that it falls into no hands beyond this temple. However, we do have to research the contents. You understand the necessity of understanding the evils and darkness that are out there, that when they arise we can properly counter them. Can I inside check here?

Yes, go for it. Tird burghers. It's not like terrible, but it ain't. but it ain't good. 14. 14. He's hard to read in general, his position and station, and his eyes are so white, like the iris is almost not visible. And he's stone-faced in his explanation,

but he's making sense, you know, if you have information on necromancy. No, necromancy. Yeah. Or any devices that Darker Force to utilize, it better prepares you if you know what those entail. Right. And if there is any place that could withstand the corruption of such a book, it would be the strongest focus of the Platinum Dragon's divine power that exists on the planet.

Well, that's good. So you get the sense that Vord is not deceiving you. What happens after you resusc it? We seal it in the vaults below. Same place we stored the horn. Does that vault ever been disturbed in its entire history? It's been a long time, and we've reinforced it. If I recall last time you were here, you encountered some of our defense yourselves.

Yes. I think you will know by memory that we are well fortified. So. Be warned. The book tried to claim me. If you resisted it, I have no doubt. our clerics can as well. He nods his head over to one of his advisors.

No, yeah. This young man with a very, very tight braid pulled to the back of the head that dangles about mid-back, behind silver and white robes, approaches, and kind of puts his hands out to accept the tone. Oh, I'm sorry, we weren't clear.

We came to discuss it. We don't have it now. Puts his hands aside and steps it back. Oh, well, we turn with the tone, should you see fit to leave it here? Can I ask you, how much do you know of Orchus? I don't know enough. I don't know much of anything, and it's kind of important that we learn.

So he nods to one of the other advisors who steps off for a moment. Sit a moment. This is a conversation to have. And some of the guards come and bring a few chairs and kind of set them behind you. Borkas, the demon prince of undefath, resides in the depths of Thanatos, one of the varying realms of the abyss. It is here that he snuffs the life from all creatures and brings them under his sway, an entity of ever hungering need

for power and to take all life and break it so he can bring it under his control. Thankfully, as one of the betrayer gods, he was sealed away, and the divine gate was placed up to prevent his and any other evil entity's entrance into our world. However, that does not prevent him from sending his minions, sending his powers, sending his influence out through the permeable small gaps in this gate.

So his influence remains. He only has two horns. Right? Oh, four ones. Four. Two that he maintains on himself to this day, and two that were severed and chanted and bequeathed into two of his,

or at the time one of his champions. And all these many months you've been in possession of the horn you have? Yes. And you don't have another one down in that vault. We do not. What have you learned of the one you do have? Well, this belonged to a,

The great and terrible champion of Orchus was utilized in the calamity, the war that came to the very gates of Vasselheim. This armoured evil was destroyed and torn asunder, the horn scattered. We currently have some of our finest and brightest out in search of the other one now that we know that they have and can be recovered. Not too many avail yet, but we're doing our best. If you hear any word of that horn, will you send word to us? Of course, and you do the same, please. Of course. One was dangerous enough.

We need to discuss a few things, but we'll fetch the tone. Very well. Thank you so much for your time. I don't have much of it. If you have business to discuss with me personally, I would recommend doing it now. Otherwise, you'll be dealing with one of my advisors when you return. Do you know much about the nine hells? That's a complicated subject. What do you need to know?

I fear we have to travel there. Why, pray tell, do you intend to travel there? There is a Rogshossa after my brother and our cleric friend Pike. And unfortunately, I fear he will return if we don't snuff him out at the source. It's already made one attempt. Hmm. It's only a matter of time. I have dealt with things.

I have dealt with devils. I am not a specialist on the hills, but there are a few places where you could possibly research this information. A majority of such research is found in the presence, or at least in the grasp of the Cobalt Soul, They do have one small temple here in the city,

and they have one over in Taldore. Either one will have some semblance of research at the disposal. What I can tell you is, in asking about Orchus and the abyss, those are demons, entities, savage, chaotic, and selfish, hard-to-read, societies that twist, crumble and rebuild a rate that only insanity can seem to drive. madness, and hunger drives the abyss. But the hells, the hills are built on tyranny. They are built in societies, power structures, subservience and dominance. Whereas few mortals

dare tread in the abyss, there have been some, even many from many different realms who go to the hells to do business. What sort of people might survive there? Or fit in. Powerful ones. Ones that stay out of sight. Ones that don't make a scene. Just know.

They're very clever. And above all else, they seek your soul. Thank you for time. We'll go to the Cobalt Reserve. All right. One of my advisors will receive the tome upon its delivery. Fabiator. Thank you.

Good luck. He stands up. As soon as you begin to stand up, the seats are already immediately pulled out from behind you. You can abruptly get to your. The guard separate them. He leaves with his advisors and you guys are led out of the temple, back onto the winding staircase and into the heart of Asselheim. I pull Vex into an alleyway.

I don't know what the right thing to do is. I thought one thing going in there. And now I think maybe you were right. you were right. I have not wanted to go to that temple, though. She has finally been speaking to me again. All right. What about? When I died, I saw her. I have dreamed of her already. And she speaks of some sort of purpose on the horizon. And I don't know if she's talking about your promise you made or what, but she is with us. And I barely know what the fuck I'm doing, but I know that she doesn't

want that book to exist. And I'm, honestly, I am frightened of going to that temple because I want time. I want time with you. I want time with her. Kiela, I want time. I want time. I want time. And I don't want to lose that time now. I want to be selfish for a little while. We've been working so fucking hard by all rights we should be dead. You think if you go to the Raven Queen's Temple, she'll claim you for her own right now? Well, I don't know. I don't know. And look at this. and I start to unbuckle the front of my chest. Relax, look at this.

What am I seeing? You see right around his heart, there's a dark spot in the skin where some dark veins kind of just travel for about an inch or two across. What the fuck is this? I don't know. When did it happen?

I don't know. What do you mean you don't know? Did it happen after you died? I think so. It hurts a little bit. So I... We have to get to a cleric. That's not normal.

Not really, no. Cover it back up. Are you short related to her? But I think you were right, and I think that they're going to hold that, and someone will take it, whether it's in 100 years or a thousand years, and she doesn't want it, and...

Well, they're holding the horn of orchards, playing devil's advocate. They already have that. They don't have this. Then let's go to the Raven Queen's Temple. Right. You want to go now? Yes.

Let's go. Okay. Well, you guys make your way to the Ravensieri. We go to you two. You guys are currently looking for a library. Who wants to make the investigation check to ask for information? I'll do it. That's funny. Anything about what that thing was?

Not really. It doesn't look diseased. It looks bruised almost. It's just a strange-looking bruised. We can see some of the veins or dark. and visible almost varicose near the surface. Okay. Like trauma.

Kind of, yeah, but it doesn't look. It doesn't look like raecious. Malignant. It does, yeah, no, it's not like that. All right. So we have the book. They went to the sanctuary. We are going to the library. Yes. Okay.

As far as I know, that's what you guys were searching for. Wait, I thought we had the book. It's in the, it's in the, it's in the, it's in the, Wait, no, the book's in the bag. And I'm the one with the lower. Grog has the book. I'm hilarious. You guys, I thought our whole thing was that we were taking the book to the

sanctuary and then you guys were like, we're going to the sanctuary because you guys totally gave me shit when I was like, the library! And you're like, not the library, but apparently we are. Yes. All right, let's go to the library. I roll the 16. It's like Fox Machina has a hard time planning. Don't agree with him.

That's crazy. That's not fair. I'm the new guy. Oh, my. I'm the new guy. 16, investigation. Okay. And I would just, we said we had the book.

We thought we did. We were not playing attention. Did you say you took the book? I thought we took the book. I thought we took the book. I thought we took the book. It occurs to me it was actually in the bag that Grog was holding.

But I would assume if we said we were taking the book, that means we would then get it out of that. If you guys said you were taking the book, you said you heard them take the book? I thought you said you were taking the book to go look at the wherever. We have the book. Okay.

All right, I'll take that as consensus to say that you guys are the book. Oh, I use the book to make the wig. Is that okay? It's just, it's all the paper. It's glued under the cloak. Make it some savings. Paper michet of evil.

Okay. You guys not having a back of holding are clutching the tome. It's a big tome. It's like. But we put it in a box, right? It's my book in a box. No.

No. I didn't have a box. There was no box. It was a book wrapped in cloth in the bag of holding. In a box. You wrapped in cloth. So there you go. You have a tone wrapped in cloth under your arm.

You guys spend about an hour so asking around. The locals, you know, they're not friendly, but not all of them are well versed in what you're asking. State Library, some of the more simpler folk are like, I don't. And eventually somebody says, oh, you can head over to the, that's it called the, yeah. The Cobalt Vault, it's in the kind of the southern region of the Quad Roads. That's exactly what I was looking for.

All right, yeah, I'll show you. And the guy kind of gives you a couple directions down the road and you make your way there. And it's similar to the Cobalt Reserve in Western, but it's about a quarter of the size. Okay. The Cobalt Reserve is the center of the Colvalt Soul, Monk Order, the Aune Worshbers that gather information and maintain it. There, as Ayoun's presence was kind of shattered slightly during the calamity in the battle against the chain god, her presence in Vasselheim was kind of diminished and then re-grew through the Cobalt's soul in Western. And so it's kind of just expanding back into Vasselheim.

But you make your way to the structure. The exterior of it is this kind of light gray stone. It's a cylindrical building with maybe three different doorways around the outside and a giant bright blue and black marbled dome on the top. That looks somewhat transparent, like it's made of a glass-type material. As you step into the front, it's actually, you can see a central chamber

within the inside that's also cylindrical. So you have a small kind of walk around hallway on the immediate inside of this giant structure, and then the actual library is in the interior. And so on the outside, you see a few books, and there are some paintings and tapestries in the walls, and you see a few varying monks walking around a handful that are kind of curious in turn as you walk in.

They're all wearing the uniform dark gray and blue robes of the Cobalt Soul. And there is a desk at the front where you have a young woman of olive skin sitting, her hair kind of short and wavy with thick spentic, very thick spectacles adorning the front of her nose, youngish, maybe mid-20s. She looks up as soon as you guys approach.

Oh, good day. I fear we're still in the process of preparing the interior, but what do you require? We were helping for access to some of the deep research archives. We've been looking around. We have several complicated matters that we need to research. And we heard that you had a wonderful collection. And we were hoping to gain access to some materials,

preferably of the histories of Orchus, the Nine Hells, a few various things. I am terribly sorry that type of research is only for Cobalt's soul members. Who could we talk to about special special access. I'm sure that there must be somebody in charge. I apologize. I'm on... I'm sorry. I'm gonna have...

This, I am Kielith of the Air Ashari, and this is Percival Frederick Stein, von Musil Kowalski, Dorolo III. Oh, we... We're a part of the group, Vox Machina. We've been through here before. We're part of the Slayer's Take. This is a matter of great importance. So if there is any type of upper management we can talk to? Will a persuasion check. Oh, no. Who wants to talk to the library?

It's a solid start. It's going to be. Upper almost close. 11. Goalp. Gulp. I mean, no offense, but I don't think we have the kind of kind of research that you're looking for that we could.

We would also possibly like to make a donation, and I pull out the manual of quickness of action, place it upon the table. She kind of adjusts her glasses for a second, and reaches into the desk and pulls out like a small white gem and kind of passes it over. As she does, you can see the front of the tome seems to glow, almost like you're in a black light

over something that was reactive to it. Covered in semen. Oh, Scanlan. As soon as I said it, I was waiting for Sam on that one. Thank you for me for all time. It scans over. Perhaps. Give me just a moment, please.

And she kind of slides the book in your direction, gets up and exits through one of the small doors on the side that you didn't notice until now. It's part of a similar stone. It just gives away and then closes it behind her. Well, we'll see. What happens now? And yet, you know, worst case scenario, I also have this book that scan That's on How to Be a Good Leader. Hold on to that one.

All right, I'll hold on to it. The door opens again, and she comes back out, followed by a man of very, very dark skin, bright, soft eyes that kind of crack on the sides from, you can gather a lot of smiling. He wears the same uniform, blue and gray robes, but as he walks, you can hear what's hear what sounds almost like a faint, almost like jewelry kind of clinging, but you don't

see any jewelry on him. And as he approaches, his arms are kind of folded into themselves. He steps forward quietly, looks at the book for a second, looks up to the two of you smiles. Hello. My name is Kusuo, and I am in charge of looking over this extension of of the Coldboat Reserves reach and collection. You have come to offer this book as trade. Yes. And you are seeking what? Well, we are in a bit of a bind.

Have you, we are members of a traveling group of adventurers known as Voxmacher. We recently helped defeat the Chroma Conclave. I'm familiar with the Provence of Lates, yes. It is our job to collect information and history. and record of it, so I'm very aware. Well, the deeds in those things that must be done have not yet been fulfilled,

that we have just a few last treacherous events that we must complete before the chroma conclave is completely put to rest, one of which has to do with Orcus and the other with the Nine Hells. So, Rakshasa. And... And we are desperate for knowledge that may keep us safe in our travels, prepare us for our enemies.

Come with me. And he takes the book and sweeps it up and it vanishes into his rope. Worth it. He leads you into the small doorway that you watch kind of open and shut before. And on the inside, you go from this kind of barren outer walkway into this, large cylindrical library that is from floor to ceiling about 60 feet tall with dozens of ladders that move around. You can see books are in the process of being put up. Some books are being categorized. It looks like there are stacks that have just arrived

in the process of being researched and copied. There are a number of these monks that are at different tables in the process of making copies of books. This is specifically a repository for the gathering of and guarding of information. In the center of the chamber, there is a spiral staircase that leads to an upper platform that has another series of chairs, either a research or reading section.

And there are only a handful of people on the interior that are not dressed in the same way that these monks are. But each one of them is attended by a monk. Any one look familiar? Any uniforms that look recognizable? Make a perception, check. Use that one. That's weird. It's on another dice.

There, that's better. Oh, that's good. What is that? It's on 19. What? Perception? 21. Sorry. Yeah, 21. Okay. So you glance from... No. 31. There we go.

It's like your wisdom's pretty high. Yeah, 31. Okay. You look around really fast glance at each person in this that is not of the Cobalt Reserve's attire. where no one you recognize, but they all appear to be fairly affluent, and they're all in the process of reading through some sort of thick book with a stack next to them, varying sizes, and the monk is just standing there patiently, watching them as they do so. That's disconcerting.

And you recall from your first time at the Cobalt Reserve that no books can be taken from the reserve. They can be read within the interior. They can be copied. Notes can be taken. But you cannot remember remove them and the monk that is assigned to you is both as a guide and to make sure you don't take anything you're not supposed to. That's protection. Yes. And it seems that Kusuo has taken apart himself

to be your assigned monk. It's quite a bustle today. This is impressive. It is more than we are used to, usually. But we're happy to know that people are interested in knowledge any given day. Any reason for the sudden spark and interest? Well, recent events of dragons terrorizing countryside leads people to want to defend themselves

and learn of these occasional terrors. Good on them. Anyway, follow me. And he leads you to the spiral staircase, to the back of the staircase, as it comes and meets with the floor. There is a large rug that sits as part of the decor there, and he kind of glances around. using his foot, his toe kind of clips the edge of it and flicks up and catches the rug, folds it and sets it down in one swift motion you weren't expecting. And with the dust that kind of sets off, you now see what looks to be a trap door of the same material as the hardwood

floor of the library, the small chain that he then bends down carefully, tugs and lifts, and you can see a staircase that descends below. Can you do that with your toes? Not with my togs, now. That's the name of the rose shit right there. Love that, love that. The books you require, we keep in the cellar. So, please.

After you, is a staircase. No, I'm committed. It's going down. Get an escalator. You're dog peddling your way through the darkness. You guys descend and the trapdoor closes behind you, and it is pitch black. You have no vision.

You can see the vicinity. The stairs go down on maybe 20 feet. However, as soon as the trapdoor closes, a soft glow emanates from behind you, and you can see there is some sort of a dangling wristband with a small glass marble that hangs at the end that is now glowing with a soft candlelight. And Kusuo is holding his arm in front of him

as it dangles like a candle, and he just slowly brushes past you and leads the way down before the stairs, stop and level off into an open chamber, a square room, the cellar, as he called it. There inside, you see, You see candelabras flickering in the corners. There's four of them. There's two near you and two on the far side. Within this shadowed subterranean chamber, you see shelves and locked cases throughout. Some cases are glass. Some are just almost crate-like, but they have locks on the sides. And on these shelves, it isn't book stacked to each end. Each book is facing forward and seems to be placed deliberately. And some of them are chained in. Some of them have chains attached to them that are dangle from the piece. This is where all these secret books are kept. This is the private collection.

Books I want to get out. As soon as you guys enter the space, two monks of the Cobalt Soul spin out of the corners and immediately stand in the defensive position with their arms out in front of them. And then as soon as they see Kusuo, smiles and nods, they put their guard down, arms together, and they bow for Kusuo. Kuso turns back up the shoulder. Do not worry. This is while an insurer, they are assigned. to watch over.

So, stand aside, help our guests. He walks forward and leads you through some of these cases. And you look, and they're made of different woods. Some of them seem to have been brought from different locations. And there are scroll cases. There are giant just wads of ancient parchment that are kind of clustered together and bound with some sort of a leather strip.

You can see tomes all across the way of different fronts and sizes, and so many of them are very old and ruined. And then to the back right corner of this chamber, you see as Kuso pulls, what you didn't notice before, and that jangling sound you were hearing before is a giant ring of over 100 keys that he pulls off of his neck. He turns it and begins just thumbing through the keys very quickly, like he knows exactly what he's doing, catches one key, looks at it, and walks over to one of the cases in that corner of the room and just undoes the locks, but they're a different key for each lock.

He goes and finds each one, the first try, knows exactly where they go. As each lock is taken, he opens the case. On the inside, you smell this scent of dust and ash. And there are four books in there, two of which look damaged. But they all look very old, and he reaches in and grabs two of them. One of them is one of the damaged ones, one of them's not. You seek information on Orchus. Sets one tome down on one of the nearby closed cases, and the nine hells, places the other next to it.

I just try and see if I can discern what the other two books are just from looking in and being a nerd. You aren't, they don't have any labeling on the cover. Nothing. All right. Fascinating. Thank you. Thank you. We'll, I suppose we'll sit and get to it. I'll sit down and I open the book.

Yes. Well, before I touch it. Which one are you opening? This doesn't react poorly to people handling it, does it? There's no... He kind of arcs an eyebrow towards you. No. Part of our distinct training is to disable any sort of words

should you wish to research. Excellent. I... Which one are you opening in your seat? I just opened the first one just to look in to the orcus. The Orcus one? And? Do you speak abyssal?

I do not speak abyssal. The Orchus' tomb you are unable to read. You speak an abyssal? All of the twin. And the other book. The other book. I open up the Nine Hells, take a look. That one is actually written in common.

That one is actually written in common. Okay. Weird question. Yes. Abyssal. Yes. I know creatures who are from the abyss, right? I've encountered them.

You have encountered demons in your past, yes. If I do like a shape change into a demon, can I then read abyssal? Let me look at the spell real fast. You're gonna change two. I would let him know, I would give him like a I'm going to show you, I'm going to show you a really weird birth mark. Don't panic. Let's bring it on.

I also, I think, yeah, well, I'll wait for this. If he really was a demon, why would, you know, he need to do research? Who is my father? I don't know. Geniology of the nine house. It does not specify, but it says you gain the abilities. I think I've read like it says it says, You keep the same intellect, though, right?

Yeah, you keep the same intellect and everything. You keep your mental stats. Correct. That doesn't, but like. But you get the abilities. You're not like a bird. You retain all your skills and take your person in addition to getting those with the creature.

Oh. In addition. You don't know. 50 people are 12. I don't know. Might as well try. Yeah. That's right.

I'm going to take a moment also before this happens. Open the common book, take a moment, and gently ask the good sir if they have a reading glass around, because I still don't. have any reading glasses. He gives it curiously. But of course. And he snaps his fingers.

One of the other monks reaches, starts off for a second, and then returns a moment later with a small wooden case that opens up. And in the inside there are four different types and thickness of reading glass to go through. You find one that would work okay. Perfect. Wow.

Big Band-Aid right in the middle. I'm going to let you deal with this other end of things, I want to sit and read. What was that demon guy we encountered? He had a name. Phil. You mean the pit fiend or the... You mean like Seneca?

No, he was a Genesee. Oh. The pit fiend was a devil. Devil, not a demon. But we have encountered... But who was the guy who lied to it, he lied to us, and you said devil at one point and he was actually a demon.

And we were like, did you... Hang on, hang on. He said he was a demon and he was actually a devil. That was a glabrezu. That was a devil. Do you remember that? Oh, was that the Delgadozo? What about the basement way back when?

Where we found you? Yeah. The second, after you found, this was in the palace. What about the succubes? The succubes. The succubes, nothing with the bones? Sucubes are, yeah, yeah, yeah. We did kill a succubus.

In their demons, right? They are fiends. You're not sure. Like, you don't have enough knowledge. False. Are you trained in religion? No. You could ask me.

Well, I'm not trained religion either. You're not too familiar. Part of the religion. research is kind of learning the distinguishing factors between fiends. You don't have a whole of knowledge on that. Okay. You know what? You're reading the book on the Nine Hills. That'll tell us what fiends there are. All right. Right? Maybe. Maybe. I'm reading the book. Read the book. Okay. There we go. Saviors of the universe we are. So. Do you know that those decimal cusses? Yes. What are you trying to find? You want to just read all the information.

I'm skipping specifically through Orchus and Osses and she mentions what she is. There's no Orchus in this book. Oh, I'm so sorry. Hierarchies, I'm trying to get a general overlay of some of the information about if there's a natural enemy for this, for the Rakhasa's, any weaknesses where we can find them. I mean, you do know that there is a very strong infernal hierarchy of hell. Of all the hells. I'm also seeing what the book also specializes in. Yes, essentially.

That's what it looks like as he's reading. I'm not reading the last visual guide. So, I mean, it's, it's a very rigid power structure here. And the whole purpose of most devils is to try and gain power and ascend their rank by proving themselves stronger or tearing others down to take their position. So anyone lower would be an enemy, anyone higher would be, would probably. Well, I mean, they'll work together because it is a lawful evil society. It is a society that only functions because of its structure.

So it is tyrant and underlings. And underlings will work and serve things they hate that are more powerful, in hope of gaining the favor, especially since higher devils can bequeath lower devils the chance to ascend to a higher tier. Is there stories of anybody defeating Rockshasa before? You glance through, I mean, Rockshasa's like any other devil can be killed. If you can, you know, go to it and kill it, yeah. But there are many tiers here. Just as you know, there are archdevils at the top that are the rulers of each. These are the, essentially the top ranks. There are greater devils below them. Greater devils include horned devils, erinyes, which you've encountered. Pit fiends, which you've encountered, and ice devils. They are the greatest of the devils below the arch devils.

Then you have lesser devils, which are like imps, spine devils, bearded devils, bartered devils, bone devils. You get all these names and you get some drawings and sketches of some of these creatures, and they all look awful. Lowest in this rank are lemurs. Lehmers. are the souls. Yeah, I know. Well, you like this. They are the souls of people that have passed who have either done enough evil deeds that they fall into the sway of one of these archdevil or they've, most of them are acquired by making a deal with the devil contracts. They're big into contracts. Their whole, their power structure is based on what sort of souls they can, what power they can gain, what people they can sway, what people they can convince to. Lemurs are infernal Pokemon is basically what you're getting to.

Kind of, yeah. Once a soul has come under the sway of a devil and is brought to the Nine Hells, it either can become just a lost wandering soul used as a source of energy. And feeding that, most of them convert into lemurs, which are like the low-level slaves. Or they're ever tortured kind of flesh masses that.

So look like the scream. Yeah. Yeah. They're the tortured souls of the Nine Hells. And if a lemur does, managed to somehow do a good enough work over an extended period of time. Centuries. It can be ascend into a lesser devil by pleasing its masters, by whatever the case may be. So like there is a chance, that's how devil's kind of ascending are brought to higher station.

There's a few that have crawled their way up. Yeah. And the pit fiend you killed, probably returned and got demoted. Oh, to a lesser? Like they get turned into something smaller? If something really powerful and cool that was given a station was suddenly walked into the street, and killed by a bunch of people in the city. And came back and was like, they killed me. They were like, you're weak, obviously. And reading the structure, yeah, you probably

really ruined that guy's day. Like, he's probably gonna have centuries of getting his shit back together. Oh, yeah. He's probably really pissed. Yeah, like, you basically made him lose his house and his dog and his wife. The children, do they talk to them into a country song?

Do they talk about anything like the children that was saved? The effect of angelic, angelic, why those little angel children, those serapheth There is very little talk about celestial, celestial blood, divas, other than the fact that there's been a long-standing battle since the founding, since the prime gods and betrayer gods divided early in the creation of Exandria. There's no talk about using celestial powers as some sort of weapon against these creatures? I mean, not celestial power necessarily, but some of these entities are susceptible to various divine magics and abilities, and that is a strong. kind of back and forth between the two sides.

But the big war that happens is between the devils and the demons. Okay. The abyss, which is the nature of chaos and evil and just driven hunger at whatever cost versus the power-hungry devils, which build structure, dominance, expanding their territory, and ruling through structure and power. Okay, so within evil there is

Chaos versus Order is kind of the internal struggle of evil. All right, that's very useful. This is all very useful. But there are many tears of the hells. Doesn't mention any like, you know, abyssal, you know, fiends that they particularly hate that we might have encountered? Just flipping.

I'm just gonna keep skimming. While he's skimming, can we jump back here just for 30 seconds? Joe. Actually, I'm happy to time pass and we'll read. Before we go in. Should we make sure we don't get lost on Just 30 seconds. Before we go in, I think I should have the book. I'll carry the book in. You have the book.

No, I thought you took the book. I didn't take the book. I don't carry books. No, you had the book. I thought you were lying to the guy. You actually had the book, right? You took the book when we left. I didn't take the book. I thought you took the book. Are you fucking kidding me? Are you fucking serious? Can we direct people to the Benny Hill? Stee, Benjong.

Duh-Doo-Doo-Doo-D-D-D-D-D-Library. Let's go the library. All right. Meanwhile. So were we supposed to take the book? Or were they supposed to take the book? Well, I thought you said that we were taking the book. Well, I also thought we were going to the reserve,

and now we're in the library. Are you unveiling the book? No, we are not. We have it. We have not unveiled it. No. Okay. I'm gonna keep reading while they had, you guys, if you want to.

I'm so confused on our plan. So there are many things you learn. One, the first layer of Reverness, which is the first layer of the hell. It is a terrible, blackened, rocky wasteland, rivers of blood. It's bad place. And usually you have to travel from each layer into the next one. There are very few portals that lead to the hells, and usually any that do start at Avernus, and you have to work your way in. That area is ruled by Azariel, which is the Archduchess of Averness. This is also the

realm of Tiamet. Ah, yeah. Okay. You glancing through in jarlene, trying to find things that catch your attention. This is a large time. You can spend days and days researching this, but you don't have a lot of time. You're looking for specific things. Diss is the second layer of the Nine Hells.

It is a labyrinth of canyons wedged between sheer mountains filled with iron ore. There are iron roads that span through the canyons through a series of bridges that lead over these giant crevasses and this dark landscape. The ruler of the second layer, the Lord currently, is Dispader. Dispator?

Yes. Dispader, which is. Similar to James Spader. Kind of, yeah. That's spada? Half cousin. Yes. Talk's kind of like him too.

It's really pretty much. So it's the realm of dis and the leader is dispater. Yeah. They're not that clever. And the first layer of hell is also referred to as the layer of Inimim, what? Inverness.

Inverness. However, what does catch your attention immediately is on dis, there is a city called the Iron City of Dis. That is a massive metropolis. That is primarily where most extra planer entities travel to do business. It is, in many cases, an open market. So it's probably safer.

It's one of the safer areas for a mortal to walk through, comparatively. It's still in one of the hells. But because it is such a center for business, It's a popular location for extra planar travelers. It's a popular place for succubai, incubi to travel. It's a popular place for Rakhasa's. Ah!

It specifically brings up hags. Creatures that deal in business, that deal in exchanges, that deal in contracts beyond the usual devil ones. A lot of them tend to go to the Iron City of Diss. So that's, okay. I'm marking that. I'm putting a pin on my Pinterest board. Atlas obscure that shit.

Atlas obscure the hell out of that. The city of dis. City of dis. I can give you the rest of this to read on the break if you'd like to. Yeah, give it to me. Give it to me. But that's the one that sticks out to you.

I don't want to kill Travis. No, as far, in looking specifically for the mention of Rock Shazas. Try to die a long time ago. Yeah. And looking specifically for the mention of Rock Shazas, that's, I mean, there are sections about the creatures and talking about their history and how They originally stemmed from the Hells and burst out of the Prime Plain.

It goes into that kind of their history there. The rest of it doesn't have as much of a correlation to where you would look for such a creature. They do exist on multiple layers of the Hells, but. City of Death seems to be the winner. At the very least a place where you can get information that can lead you. I'm very excited. Any information on how to get there? Probably it won't be a problem.

Interplanter travel. It's a plan of travel. Oh yeah, I guess a complaint should. I should say, I'm sorry. I do a very detailed look at what the Iron City of Discs seems like. I'll sketch a little bit of it out of the book as well. Okay. Cool.

And there are some descriptors in there, some mild sketches of one thing it does speak of is the tower. The iron tower of Dispitter, which is essentially this massive central structure to the city where the actual archdevil himself looks down upon the city and keeps watch over most business that he can. Great stuff for all Dan Carr. Yeah. Good job, thank you, Dan.

Dagger, dagger, thank you. Yeah, that is, thank you. All you guys completing your research. Karen and Grog. Yes. Yeah. What are you guys doing? Do you have the book? Which book?

No mind. Let's go find a place to buy some potions. All right. Are you like, are you accustomed to? to buying things? Very much so. Oh. Do you have like a personal shopper? I actually do, yeah.

Nice. Well, show me how it's done. All right. I'll take you under my wing, so to speak. Yeah, I'm a bit big, so I don't know how you're gonna do that. Do-Dee, join us. And as you guys walk through the streets, everyone stares, partially because you are a bright, shiny beacon of finely polished gems and armor, flanked by a massive, bearded Goliath,

and whatever the fuck Doty is. Hello, hi, greetings, good day. Good afternoon, don't mind them. Ah, they're my friends. Wow. About five minutes of walking before two armored bastions come up and they're kind of piecemeal leather and scale breastplate armor

with their heavy fur cloaks over their shoulders, holding spears. You, you woke with strange company. What's your business here in Vassalheim? We are wandering merchants, trying to find some textiles to buy, to resell in other lands. That's all.

Don't mind my traveling companions. They're my protectors. I travel as a merchant with a lot of coin, and so I found these two at a leper colony and nurse them back to health. It was also a like a workout gym sort of a muscle man place, so they're really buff. But they're also leper.

So that explains their matted hair. Make a deception check, please. You get to experience this as a normal person now. I'm so excited. This is, what, deception? Yeah. Ooh, I better to use luck. Ooh, no, that's worse.

So I use the higher one or just the second one? I believe you have to use the better. I'll double check. I think you have to use the second roll. I can't remember. I think it's the second row. Hold on. Hold on why.

Well, it don't matter. One was... Then shoes. Oh, I used. Okay. Ten. Ten. It's not...

Total of ten. Yeah. He leans in real fast. Oh, wow. That's gotta be unfortunate. Being so buff and so filled with leprosy. It is there cross to bear. That's why this one doesn't even talk,

and this one is a leper of few words. It leans back and the two guards, watch you guys and kind of nod and step back and let you continue to pass. Thank you. Oh my God, it worked. My dad, I inquire from you fine gentlemen where we might find some medicine or healing potion

these lepers are set to relapse. That way? All right, I'll head that way then. Reelps. Good day to you. Keep warm. As you guys keep walking, they slowly close behind you and just begin to follow from about 30 feet back. That was amazing. Have you ever lied to anybody before?

Never. I think I have a talent for it, though. I just felt the words coming out. It was a thrill, right? It was thrilling, it was exciting, and they were going with it, they were eating it up. Yeah. I had them right where I wanted them. I gotta tell them fucking anything.

It was great, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wow. Like on a scale of one to two, how do you think it went? I mean, two's the higher of the two, right? Oh, you don't know. I feel good. I feel good.

Now, remember, if anyone asks, you, just go, oh, I'm a leper, oh. Something like. I'm a leper. That's good, that's good. That's good. Are they following us now? Oh, I haven't looked.

You turn around right at them and 30 feet back they're walking and they stop as you stop. Still thinking well? I think they're following us. Really? What do we do? You know, it was probably you told such a good story. They're just fascinated by you now.

What do we do? I've never been followed by guards before. You should probably act casual. Or you could drop some money on the ground and let all the people run and try and collect it and make a diversion. It's up to you. Are there people around? There's a few. Just dump all your money on the ground.

They'll come out of the houses, the woodwork. I was warned about you and money. I won't listen to that, but I will try to act casual. I'll just take off my gigantic diamond-encrusted helmet? Sure to let my hair down. How long is his long blonde hair? They're just past the shoulders. Wow. Just free flowing? No fancy braids or bow. No, just free flowing, perfectly arched in the front because it's been pulled back into the helmet. It's glorious. It's BG-tasting.

Ah, what a day am I right? You're talking real loud. That's what casual people do. No, they don't. They don't care what people think. Volume control, real important. Yeah. Ugh. Just want to take a load off and just rest here for a while. Not going anywhere, just sitting here and acting real boring, right? Yep, yep.

How are we going to stay here and find the health potions at the same time? Guide me. You've been doing this longer, please. No, you're really doing well. I mean, I'm learning a lot right now. Clearly you are a well-traveled man of mistress. I just don't know. All right.

All right, I've read about situations like this, right? Mm-hmm. We just need to create a diversion, and while the guards are diverted, we run away, fast as we can, right? I literally told you about that one minute ago. Yes. Here's my plan.

Greg, make a perception check. 15. 15? 15? Okay. You were getting close to the exterior of the building that you were pointed to by the guards. And you recognize it. It's a place where you previously purchased potions. Oh. Look, I hate to interrupt.

Right. Do you think you've done anything wrong? Illegal? Yeah. Have you done anything wrong? I don't think so. No. You've never been here before. Well, we are traveling around with an arcane being. I don't know if that's illegal technically. Yeah, it's totally fine.

Look, this place is where the goods are. You mean? Yeah. Potions and magical items? All sorts of stuff. I don't even know if his inventory is like improved since we've last been here, but he will give you a really great deal, and it will give you a chance to prove to me

how good of a salesman you are. All right? Yeah. But how do we shake the Ards Gay? What? Well, that came out weird. Didn't think that through. Shigland.

I mean, you know, it's what they do in the... Comfort of their own homes, their own, I mean, I don't. Why don't you leave, no, I don't think there's any shaking them, right? Why don't you leave old twinkle toes outside and we go in? Surely Doty can like read or something. I mean, he can stay here and keep watch, but if they ask him anything, he will be. Mute.

Is that all right, you think? What's wrong with that? All right. Maybe just tell him to, like, Be cool. Doty. As you turn, you see he's been drawing in his book the entire time everything you guys have been discussing. Doty.

Act cool. That means book down. Don't say a word. And if the guards get close, let us know with some sort of a sound. Thank you. Remember, you're a leper. So seem unhealthy. Horrible creaking sounds.

All right, let's go inside. So the guards which are kind of closing the gap a little bit. You guys pick up pace, they pick up pace a little bit. You get to the outside of the building. The doors are closed. You can open and get inside. The warm interior is lit up. You can see there's nobody else currently inside except for your old friend, the potion seller, who's currently reading what looks to be some sort of sort of a, well, you're not actually sure what's inside the book, but it's a small hand-held

book and he's kind of reading through a board. No, no, no, no, no. I don't want to She's not here. She's not here. No, it's just me and my new rich friend. I- Rich. Make persuasion check. Natural 20. Are you serious? That's what it's. Amazing. It's Christmas. She's not here?

She's not here. Not here, it's just the two of us. And your friend's very rich. Extremely. Do you see what he's covered in? Look. What is that? Oh, just outside the door there?

Yes. He's a man. Great, well then. Nice. Nice. Slick. Slick. Slick.

So what can I get you? We've got all sorts of salves and spices. We've got all sorts of incense. What are you looking for? Inside the shop has it like grown or become more ornate since we've last been here? It does actually. Last year we were here was in the process of being put together at the shop

seems to be open, like fully open now, and outfit it though it doesn't seem to be getting much traffic as it is very empty, he looks very bored. So he seems eager that he has customers. And now much more put at E, he's that you've let him know that From his vision, the dragon woman did not come with you. You first. Oh, well, for myself, do you have any

scrolls, spell scrolls, or any sort of one-use items that I could use in a fight or a tangle with some bad chaps? Let me see. What have got? Things that could deceive, things that could use force against Turn your moment, just threw a couple of scroll pieces there. Let's see here, what you might have. Nothing.

Aha. I do, should you be so interested. Currently carry one scroll that would surround you with a wreath of dangerous fire. Oh, all right. What kind of, just around me or around an area? Just around you, anything that came too close would burst in the flames and be burned.

I have 13 of those right here. So do you have anything else? Not that that's not really impressive. That's really good, really good. I've got something that makes you jump. I've got that. Got something that makes you see in the dark. Yeah, I'll have a light already.

Anything that makes you, what do you want? Anything? All right, give me that one scroll, the fire scroll. I mean, maybe I could sell it and get something else. I don't know, Jesus. All right. How much is that?

I'm looking right enough for the, this one a little bit here. You have to read a scroll, right? Huh, what? You have to read a scroll, right? That. I could read it to you, if that's what you're asking. It looks you over.

The scroll I would put it a fair. 6,000 gold pieces? Watch how it's done. I'm going to put an amount of gold on the table. I'd like you to consider it. And if it's to your liking, take it. And if not, just shake your head. And I'll put 200 gold on the table.

I'll put 200 more. I'll put 2,000 more. And another 2,000? Make a persuasion check. 4,400. 17 plus 7.24. Take the colds. Wow.

Check and mate. Check and mate. You know how to scroll the fire shield. Scrawl. Makes it better. Wow. Do you have anything that makes you like faster? I said I had something that makes you jump. No, no, no.

I'm pretty good at jumping. What about like regular, like, just healing potions? That I've got. You cleared me out of my other various vials last time. Yeah, no new exotics came. No, I'm waiting on. Trade's been a little slow. Looks like things are getting up and come on,

so hopefully we'll have more soon. But for the time being, I do have some healing potions. And he kind of goes into the back room, and you hear him rummaging for a minute. You hear like one crate fall over, and a couple things shatter, and it's like, ah, goddamn! Eventually, he comes back through the door,

and he's holding in his arm a few clusters of various glass files, so they've been repurposed and taped at the top, but they're functionally kind of sets them down on the counter. All right, all right. So that would be, I have six potions of healing, and I have three of greater healing, and one's superior.

Do I know how much these things tend to cost? Make an intelligence check. Oh, this is not a save. Yes, so just add your modifier. 20! Yes, actually. The healing potions can range around, you know, 75 to 100 gold pieces generally, the regular ones.

The uncommon ones can range somewhere on the 500 gold pieces, you know, a part range. The superior, however, are much rarer to come by, in fact that even has one. at this point with how recently you guys cleared him out, it's pretty decent. That one can run anywhere between four or five thousand gold pieces. And he's six, three, and one.

Is that right? Six, three, one. Okay. Do you want to get them? It seems like you got all the money in the world. I mean, I can heal myself just fine, but I don't know about your friends. Do they have healing abilities?

No, no, well, they do. They touch you with their hand, and then like, it all of a sudden it feels a bit better. A bit better. Yeah, I don't really know how that works. But they use potions. I've seen them use potions. Yeah, I'm normally pouring them in their mouths. Do you think they would appreciate these? I don't know, I hadn't thought that far.

You know, as a, remember of Vox Muck, you know. What was that? Bad allergies here. It could be like a really great gift, you know. Sort of like a... You know, like Keelew gave you... Welcome me to the gang.

Yeah. Mm-hmm. Do you gift wrapped here, sir? Um, for an additional charge. Yes, of course. Of course I give it right. Of course for an additional charge. What if we took the whole lot of those for 6,000 gold?

The whole lot for 6,000? I'm afraid that is far under the price I'd be considering. Let me see here. He does some kind of notations. Over here goes, hmm. You seem, from our previous experience, to be the, uh, quite the bargainer, my friend. Yeah, the brains. How would you say to the fair price of 10,000 gold pieces for the batch?

Let me confer with my partner. How many on your hands is that? Yeah, no, both hands, how many? All, all. Two. Oh, uh, wait. It's too much. Too much. Yes, this man is insulting your intelligence,

and you should be very angry right now. How about, how about 9,000? You drive a very hard bargain, my big friend. However, because it's you, deal. Done. Pay the man. I would object to this. This is coming out of my purse,

and I insist that you negotiate with me and not. Terry, this man drives a really well-known establishment. If we leave here after having struck that bargain and we don't pay, there will be more guards outside. How about this? I can trade you something that is worth It's far more than the extra 3,000 gold this gentleman promised you.

What would this be? It's a rare egg, magical in nature. It can save a life in any situation. And if you eat it when you are nearly dead, you will go back into battle with the strength and bravery of 10 men, and you will not rest until your foes are dead. Make persuasion check. Come on, Terry, come on.

This is a deception, because you believe this wholeheartedly. With advantage? Is there reason? No. Is this deception or persuasion? This is persuasion. 22. 6,000 in the egg, you say. Very well.

He pushes the... Gentle! I'd be. He goes over and quickly reach over and grabs like a thick, towel-like pile of cloth and kind of wrap. wraps it up carefully. Sit it down. A pleasure doing business with you all.

Eh, eh, eh. The gift wrapping. Territly sorry, my apologies. I'll be right to it. He turns and leaves the room. Terry, that was a personal gift from me to you. I know, but we're at partners, as you just said, and I felt that you would approve of me doing so.

I suppose it. I am a bit proud. What was that? You hear behind you guys at the doorway, telling the impacts of metal rapidly and heavily. What? Sword! Oh, Jesus.

The rod whips into a long sword, and you glance behind and you see walking through the doorway, the very heavy hulking figure of Doty, carrying two unconscious guards that are hanging from his hands. He goes, What is you, give me those? I'll punch them both one time each in the jaw, just for extra measure.

Okay, both jaws are very broken. Oh no. Well, your guy really did a number. Cool, okay, um, everybody's gonna die. All right, so we're gonna kill everyone that we see in the next 10 seconds. Even the shop, over. Yep, he's gotta die.

Oh shit. All right. Partners, right? Okay. I'll do whatever you say. Is there like a counter in the shop? Yeah, there's a counter in the front area. Is it wooden? Yeah. Can he see through the counter? No, the proprietor is the back room.

He's wrapping your stuff right now. Wait, wait, he doesn't know what this happened. Let's get rid of them. Get rid of them. What's in the shop? Is there like a tapestry? Is there like a rug? It's not a very big, and there is a secondary room to the side. It looks like there's an upper platform, but that looks like where his bedroom is maybe.

There's a couple lanterns. It's warm-lit on the interior, and as you're looking around, it's not a huge establishment, but I mean, make a reception check. You have no idea. You're just, you're panicking. I saw this in a tavern once. Let's sit them up like they're just sleeping, and nobody will notice. They have jaw, the jaws of the blood. The jaws are terrible. Didn't you put a mask on, Donnie? Let's do it again. I can't, I don't have extra masks? Yeah, look, it means no problem. To put them somewhere else?

I sit, I sit one up in the corner, and I sit the other one up and I'm like, lean it on his shoulder. Okay. Yeah. Oh my God. DeRail! What?

This is great, don't worry. I can, even I can tell that those are two. No, I've got a better idea! I take the casket ale out of the bag of hold it, and I just start pouring ale all over a month. Why would they be in here drinking their guards on duty? They're terrible gods. They make horrible life choices.

in the wrong line of word. I take two chalices and I throw it in their laps. Cool. Now I need you to vomit on them. I can't vomit. Do it right now. Put your finger down your throat and puke on these guards. Make an intimidation check, grog.

Oh, no. Come on, come on. 17. Puk on those fucking guards. What am I rolling? I'm gonna say, make an insight check. Sure. 16. Vobbit on those bitches.

bitches. Sorry. And that's gonna be gift forever. Oh, that's gonna be gift forever. No. No. Constitution saving throw. Oh, my God.

Natural 20. Oh, my God. About 30 seconds if you're trying to gag yourself pass before the shop owner comes back with these beautiful. with these beautifully packaged fungal feeling potions. All right, so. One second. One second.

So I'm really sorry. These two gentlemen obviously have been off their ass. They came in here smelling a booze, looking for like something to make them feel better. I don't know, and they just passed out in your corner. Is there someone you know that we could call? I really hate just leaving them here. Maybe deception.

Oh my God. Oh my God. Please a four. Nine. Yes. He slowly hands out this really nice bundle, and it has a little bow on it, and it's wrapped, and he hands it out to you, and she goes, please, take this. And never come back. Please. For the rest of the day. Ever again. Your presence has brought me no end of pain. Just go. Obviously, we have gotten a better end of this deal.

I think that that is true, absolutely. Do you still have the... Go! We should go. We should leave. All right. Thank you for your business. Good day, Doty. Let's go. Doty, come.

Good day. And just comes running after you guys as you exit and shut up. Oh, shit. That was amazing. Wow. I don't feel good. Good job. We gotta go. We gotta like, hold up somewhere for a minute. You know, a drink? Please.

Yeah. Is there a tavern near this shop? In the Quadroads, yeah. There are actually quite a few taverns. As soon as we step outside, I barf all over the floor. Where was that? I'm sorry. What the fuck? It just comes naturally. I can't force it. You can't perform, like, on command?

I needed you. Move. Okay. You got more in there? No. It's just a wanna. Baby little. Okay. Okay.

That looks like lucky jobs. Okay. Okay. Okay. All right. What are you guys going to drink? We're going to get a quick bathroom break. We have a couple more beats we want to get before the night, so we're not going to go too long, trust me.

But we're going to take quick bathroom break, and then we'll come back here in a few minutes. We do have one more giveaway here tonight for our awesome friends at Wordwood. We have a dice box here, signed by the cast, a critical role. It is a... Birch, dice box, so go ahead. It looks down. Do we have a code for the chat room? Wormwood!

Wormwood! Go ahead and use one word, Wormwood, in the chat room at Twitch. Over Twitch, over the break. We'll have a winner announced for you when we get back. Wood with a Y. Yes, wormwood with a Y, yes. It's in the actual company. Thank you guys so much. We'll see you in a few minutes.

All right. Welcome back, everyone. So first and foremost, we have our winner in the chat room. Only 20 is allowed. Great name, by the way. Anyway, you won the contest for this week. We're going to go ahead and get your information and send you your wormwood box.

Thank you again, Wormwood, for sending that, so we can get that to you guys. For free is the contest weekly. Back into the story, we were. So you guys are drinking and laying low. Yep. You guys are making your reign of library, you said? Yes.

Okay. We're going to finish up and try and get out, I guess. Okay. I would also like to definitely talk about maybe having access later to come back at some. to come back at some prior point. We want to talk to Kusuo and see. Just on the way out.

Yeah, on the way out, as the tomes are placed back in and then locked back up, you talk Kusua on the way out. That is not to worry. Just make sure that you will request me when you arrive. Okay. It would be my pleasure. Thank you so much, and I hope that that book finds a proper home and gives good, is worthwhile.

So thank you for the time. Thank you. And would it be possible if we bring friends of ours in the future who are in, Of our group, of our company. Yeah, who are fluent in these languages. But of course, just make sure that you accompany them. Of course.

Thank you. He leads you out. You guys exit the library just as of Ax and Vex. After finding information. You know that feeling when you hear one interesting thing, and suddenly you want to know more. Well, that's the idea behind my podcast, something you should know. Every episode starts with a question you've taken.

probably never thought to ask, like why people do or don't like you, why certain habits stick, or what everyday advice is actually wrong. I'm Mike Herruthers, and I talk with scientists, authors, and experts, and I keep it practical, surprising, and fun to listen to. If you've got a curious brain, come try one episode of something you should know on the podcast app you're listening to right now. The world of Sonic the Hedgehog has been thrust into a not-so-dark, not-so-dark, so stormy, hard-boiled detective story that probably nobody saw coming. Follow Sonic and the Intrepid Chaotic's detective agency as they take on their biggest case yet. This high-flying action-packed adventure will take them across the world, fighting for every

twill they can fight. It's one heck of a tale, which is good, because this story might be the only thing that can save their lives. Well, if that's all, I can just dispose of you. Wait, what? All will be revealed in. Sonic the Hedgehog presents The Chaotics Case Files. Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts. When the Chaotics are on the case.

Make sure how to go, arrive. Do you always have the book? We do. We totally have the book. What the fuck? I know. I thought, you know, I think we... All good. I don't know. What'd you find?

Well. Some good stuff. It actually went quite well. All right. We found one book that we could read and one book that we couldn't. Okay. So we'll have to come back with you guys. Because it was all written in abyssal. We can read that.

Yes. Because your father forced you to do things. Don't they all? Speaking of father's forcing you to do things. I'm going to deal with you. Oh. We have a starting point. for the Rock Shasa. Okay.

So, soon, when it's time, step one will be the city of dis. Yes. The city of this? This city. Yes. This city. We built this city. Did you build this city?

On rock and roll. Can I have that book, please? Oh, yes. Hi, yes. This is, yes. Yeah. I'm just going to hold on to that. Are you going to hold on to, do we have a bag to put that in? We have Grog's bag of holding, save one real.

Hey, is there someone we could buy a fucking bag of holding here? I call it. They're kind of rare. They're not, they're not expensive, but. To grog they're red. But you can ask around and try and find somebody. You'll take a little time. You guys are right now hitting the cusp of dawn.

I was hoping maybe for a test of holding. Is there somewhere I could find before things close, just to see? Make an investigation check. Aw, balls. That's terrible. Would you roll? I rolled 13. You managed to find one location, but it's been closed for half an hour when you get there.

Fuck. Fuck, fine, it's fine. It's in Los Angeles, she says. Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, yeah. Keyless. Yeah. How about we go see your dad?

Are we tabling the book then? I mean. We're gonna drop it off, I think. Yeah, well, what did you guys find out? Is it a good spot, good home for it? You want to drop it off? They definitely are interested in it at the Platinum Sanctuary. A little too interested.

You think? From my taste, yes. I don't want this book in anyone's hands, frankly. They were very interested in researching it, which I don't think is a bad thing. They're good people. And learning about history is a good way to keep yourself from repeating it. However, you do serve the Raven Queen, who I know wants nothing to do with the undead.

And if it means destroying this book, then do what needs to be done. Can we destroy this book? Yeah. It's like our magical items. I mean, it's not easy to destroy them. Seems like a pretty powerful book. The fear I have with the book is, of course, if we keep it, we keep it out of the hands of everyone, save those who are finally strong enough to best us. Do we want this book to travel to hell? Ooh, no. It might not be a bad...

I mean, we did drop off the horn of Orcas here. I'll tell you what, why don't you guys get everything set to go, and I will drop this off? What? Where? Where? Where? Oh. Oh.

Yeah, it'll be fine. It'll be fine. You're gonna go back to the temple. Oh, that's a terrible idea. I kind of like it. That's not a good thing. I think it's kind of a good idea. That may not be a good thing. Do you want to come with me? Yes. I'll come by the arm and we just start off. Find a bar!

I'll get things packed. It was my idea! You'll fuck yourself. Love you. I look at Vex. Dresses? Everything's fucking closed. Oh, God damn it, Pittsburgh! Are there dresses, are their dress shops open at all?

While they're doing that. This ain't the New York City? We just want pretty dresses. In the morning. Oh, oh, oh, oh. Get it girl, get it girl. $1.5. You do manage to find one individual who's in the process of closing

their formal attire shop. And you catch him. 20 gold and an extra $1. An extra 20 minutes, please. Well, but of course, come on in, of course. Thank you. Wow. Because we're giving him buckling.

Everything's better. All right. Keith. What's good for your Ashari people? Something covered in grass, maybe. I, um, like turf, like astroturf. Oh, that's, you know, it's a little esoteric for me. Eric for me, a little experimental.

Okay. Yeah, little Gaga-esque. Lots of pink bows, maybe for me. Oh, you know, it just, it reminds me a little of when we dressed, shrink it up in pink bowls. Oh, and we could be like, I don't know if that's a good thing. Help us, make us pretty. Make us pretty.

And very expensive looking. I'm gonna become royalty, kind of, but not really. It's my first time to get to dress up as royalty. Yes. All right. That, okay. The gentleman seems a bit overwhelmed, but quickly goes ahead and helps you guys find

over the next 30 or so minutes some very nice dresses. Better than anything you've previously worn. And he gets you something that he thinks royalty should wear. As there is no real royalty in Vasselheim, it is a church run state and is a collection. It is more of a frumpy robe with a fur collar. This color is so big. This is terrible.

Give us something flowy. Why can't I see over it? Flowy, yes, of course. I'm so sorry, flow yes. He's starting to get a little impatient, but does manage to pull one very nice simple gown that just hangs off the shoulders and kind of pools in the ground around you.

In all the colors. Can it be all the colors? Yeah, can we dip dye it blue? Dye, I could have it died. That would be by tomorrow morning. to be prepared. Yeah, yeah, yeah. All right, I'll get taken care.

Okay. All right, well that's happening. You two are heading to the Ravens Crest. All right, cool. So you guys walk over to the Dust Meadow, met by the same gray kind of slightly bleak atmosphere on the side of Vasselheim, but you make your way to the exterior of the large structure,

the ominous obsidian and gold. building that represents the center, if you will, the beating heart of the Raven Queen's worship. As you approach the front stairway, both of you familiar with one kind of brought in the other, not met with any living person for the most part in your journey. You both approach, still arms hooked? No. Okay. I suspect you've been here before. Yes.

I like the things are better between you and I now. I feel the same. I like that most things are better now. Not everything, but it's a brighter world, even for us. Do you know what I like? I like the version of you that my sister brings up. I do too. I'll do my best to keep him in the forefront.

And as for you, I like the version of you that's not afraid. So let's meet this terrible thing, drop off the book, get you feeling a bit better. Come on. As you both ascend the stairs, you see standing previously not noticed as you guys are having a conversation,

but off to the sides of each side of the entryway. the two doors that are closed. There are two women in long black gowns, the kind of dark veils that drift over their head to the mid-torso that you had lead you into the chamber. Initially, both suddenly present themselves, kind of bow and step out of the side as the chamber doors open to the interior

of the Ravencrest Temple. There, standing as the doors open is what looks to be an older woman wearing the same attire, the same dark veil, somewhat. able to see her features beneath the dark material that hangs in front of her. She steps forward as the doors open. Hello there. You recognize me.

This is my friend. You an offering for the queen. The woman bends down, takes the tome from her hand. She holds it. She takes her fingers and brushes the cloth away that currently obscures the tome. Takes a look at it. kind of holds it a foot further away from her face and throws the cloth over the front,

clasps it in her arms, and brings it down towards her torso. And for the first time since this, you've heard her speak before. You have had, not this before, but this strange, eerie, kind of airy whisper comes out from this older woman as she bends forward, clutching this tome. We thank you, and we will be sure that this finds its sense. final seal. She has begun to speak.

Her desires are not clear entirely. But I am listening, and I intend to learn. Good. But I mean to come back. Whenever you're ready, the vision of the gods is obscured beyond the divine gate. We are not just their tools, but their extensions. The creations that act as their fingers in this plane,

the center of all other life. and death. Be watchful. Be vigilant. She bows and backs into the Raven's Crest once more as the doors closed. The two other women now flaking out of the shadows and stepping before each door and seemingly just not paying attention to your presence. I was envious of you once. I'm so sorry. Magnet response as you guys turn and make your way down the stairs from the Raven's Crest. Just so you know, does your duty To have some joy in the meantime, you do know that right. You're no use to her a wreck. She needs a man. Beer. And I slap him on the ass as we walk towards the pot.

Look over my shoulder at the temple as we walk. Come on, let's get drunk. As your head moves forward walking, you feel this kind of cold tingle, just drift down the back of your neck and spine. And then it fades, and you keep walking. Carry in your chest there a brief, warm, secondary heartbeat representing the brief boon granted upon you by the Raven Queen. You catch up with the ladies at the bar. I shove Kuleth at him. Fix that. Good God.

Skip the lift. Are you broken again? No. I need a drink. Have you had one already? I guess. She's had a few. Yeah.

You guys also, you've found dresses that you're liking. You've, the cost of them with materials would probably run about 20 gold apiece. I think that's acceptable. Designer. Mm-hmm. Couture. Couture. I can't believe these dresses are so much cheaper than a healing potion.

I know. Ridiculous. Look at the beating. It's crazy. We're picking him up in the morning, Kyloak. You're not even wearing it yet. In the morning. I'll look at the beating.

That's crazy. That's sweat, yeah. Yeah. Damn. Where are Grog and Trey? I haven't happened to them in a long time. Grog, Terry! Grog!

Can we hear them? You were still in the quad roads, keeping low. You guys are both, well, you're able to hear him. Whatever you guys have been up to trying to stay out of sight. We're at a bar. Where are you? Funny, we are doing something similar. Are you done? No, we're just starting. Are they talking to you right now? Is that Terry? Tell them to... Tell them we say hello.

Oh look, I did two fucking people talking... Tell them. Tell them. Did you buy post? Ask them where they are. Just tell them where they are. Just tell them where they are. Tell them where they are. Tell them where they are. Just bring him. Bring us to us, I'll give you direction. It'll be fine.

My real world ADD is fully maxed out. I just heard a bunch of sea lions barking like, Oh, fuck. Why don't you two come join us? I reach over our cover Terry's mouth. Percy, yes. Let me know when you're done. Are you sure? We're drinking.

You can join. All right, what tavern are you in? All right, I'm going to send you the second. psychic information of where we are right now. You can do that? I want to say the name of it. Okay. Dex lets you know that this is the,

shit, what is it? What is it? It's never just bullshit. You have to actually look up the real man. No, there's two bars in Vasselheim. There's a lot of bars in Vasselag. The other bar would actually be enough. The other bar.

The Siren Sucor. We're in the Siren Suckel. Oh my God, I heard it. Isn't that amazing? Mappal is getting stolen there. I've gone beyond the veil. All right. We'll make our way over to you.

Meet us soon. Did you buy potions? Are you asking me to buy potions, person? No, I want you to come straight to the bar. But I thought you just sent me a request. I was thinking about something else. No, you just heard me thinking about something else. I will have to find two my abilities.

You'll get there. I have every faith. You're doing really well at perfecting your mystical voice. God, I hear two voices now. Yeah, it's good. It's good. I like it. Order me something that rich people drink.

Beer. Some wine. I get him a giant glass of half Guinness, half whatever cider they have and just place it. Rich people get drunk. Do you want something fancy? Yeah. Okay, I take the black and tan.

Oh, black and tan. And I get him a tiny glass of cremdemean. This one tells me that you have the goods, so I want the goods. I don't know how to feel a little awkward in saying I'm not sure I want to waste it on you, but... We're in a bar, you fucker. Buy me a drink, you asshole. I've saved your life like three times. I'll wait for her to nod. Okay, that's enough.

What do you mean by the goods? Oh dear, I pull up... I tip the bar man because I'm showing him that I'm pulling something out for some glassware. Okay. Because I'm not an asshole. Right. I pour a little bit of the tier whiskey, of the green tear. It's mean, it's minty, you'll love it.

We have it every year. Where did you keep that? Where'd you just pull that from? Do you actually want me to answer? You can say yes, it's all right. It's not going to get weird. That's all right, I'm going to tell you anyway. See this belt, it's got a series of these little,

of these little things on, those are mostly filled with little bits of gunpowder. little bits of gunpowder I got wrapped up in a thing. These last four are liquor. That's so smart. That's how I can just stand everyone when they're being idiots. Wow. And probably much cheaper than just buying in bars all the time. Oh yeah, well, I like to drink what we are local.

You have to take the pre-gaming feat to actually use that ability. Oh. At that point, you watch as Grog's hands kind of hit the door and he sheepishly looks in checking the surroundings for any possible. How busy is in the tavern? It's actually pretty sparse, aside from your friends, maybe two other individuals

that are- Hey, come in, come inside, listen. Got something so. Terry comes in and then, behind you watch Doty. Yeah, no, shkash. I forgot how weird Doty looks. Just sick, he's just, just crank it down a notch.

Listen, apparently, Dottie had a bit of a run in with some of the, Fasselheim. Did you get it? For those of you at home, this thing has been just driving us down. It's a sturge. We had a bit of room and Doddy may or may not have paddicated some of the guards. So like we need to remove. Dony killed two guards.

He just killed them. They're dead. They're dead. He killed two gods. We didn't tell them too. He just did. Did he really kill them? But did the disguise work? I actually think it did. He's been doing this for about half an hour. Half full.

He'll have a glass of something half full. What did you tell, Doty? What did you inform him right before? Doty is writing all this down by the way. Potentially murdered that. This is evidence, Doty. I might, maybe. Look, Percy, Vax.

Dear Dari, I think you need to remove I have an itchy-bitty-matter penis. You need to remove Dottie's disguise. No. Oh, no, oh, because they might recognize him as the murderer. Yeah, they'll be looking for a giant red-haired, eight-foot-towl. What we need to do is put another disguise on top of this one. Doty, doty, did you actually expire two soldiers?

As he's doing, I pull out some lipstick and I start drawing lipstick on his face. It doesn't resist. You ask him, how else is here? Is there a mop anywhere in the room in this room? In this room? Not within visual. You want me to ask? He won't answer any of those.

Not in this tower, no. This is not a fine establishment. Maybe he just punched them a couple times. Greg knows. Yep. That's close enough. Did you kill them with those punches of fury? Did you?

I did. Are you sure? Did you check? I don't know. I'm really strong these days. I'm going to inside check. I'm joining in on this end. Sure. Oh, that's a one. I'm not wasting a look on it.

He fucking killed two people. 13, man. It was like an act of mercy, really. Did they attack you? No, no. Make a deception check. Oh boy. Yeah.

19. Fuck. Grog fucking killed two people. Whoa, 20. Why? Were you in danger? No, no. This is what happens when Pike isn't around.

Look, from what I understand, these guards were attracted to the horrific disguise that Doddy had, he knocked him out, brought him in, I checked for like a pulse, like check their knee reflexes, and they were on death door, so I just finished the deal. It was really most. I'm feeling slightly better but slightly worse. Did anyone see you? Do it? We're not sure. Doty did this outside without us being known. Doty, did anyone see you?

No answer you. Doty, did anyone witness your crime? Terry, can this... What do you mean you did you? I didn't tell him to, he just did this. I told him to protect us. He's my protector. He does what needs to be done to protect me. Terry, is this thing safe to be following us around?

Yeah, no, it's really impressive, actually. I can't have a little more respect. Maybe you should just be a rule. Does that know what a choice? Dody doesn't come into cities. Well, I don't know. We wouldn't have the bear come into bars. Well, yeah, Trinket is well behaved.

That's fair. Doty kills people. Well, to be fair, Greg killed the people. No. Don't he merely rough them up? And to be even more further, they've been drinking all day. I'm like alcohol. And he does.

No way, we buy that delivery. You bet you're not to do, that's a 20. You can go for me. InsideShack. Oh, bullshit. That was the most bullshit delivery. Now we're going to write on floor and I again. Mm.

Mm. 21. Oh. You, after the first person to not believe Grog's story. Grog. Do we need to make sure you're with an adult from here on out? Can you not be trusted alone with Terry? Did you buy potions?

I have quite a gift for you. For me? For all of you. No, no, do not, do not be influenced by his very generous act of kindness. That was so kind. I think you'll find something for everyone in there. That was like 6,000 gold worth of. It's dried by now.

It's blood. I mean, we're skipping past the fact that two men are dead right now. We need to go and find them. Do we do you find these dead guys? Nope. Are you sure they're dead? I forgot where I left him. I know where they are, but the situation was fluid and it was fast moving, and we acted on our best instincts and our best judgment.

and mistakes were made. Terry, it sounds like all of the opposite of that is true. When you're an adventurer, when you're an adventurer, you have to learn to live with a certain amount of blood shed around you. And I think what Greg has told me today, what he has taught me was to toughen me up. And I appreciate him for that, and I appreciate the lesson.

And I appreciate you all for sending me out with him. for sending me out with him, knowing full well that that would happen. Don't kill people in cities. Don't kill people. I still haven't. I, okay. Don't kill people.

Who killed anybody? Max? Did you? What? You didn't kill anyone, did you? Of course he did. He locked us in the eye and he said he killed two people. We should go find them.

They're dead. I don't believe him. Can I run inside check? Sure. Oh, do. So who's vomit? What's this? Oh, no! You need you roll.

I believe it. I believe it's so good. Eleven. This game is not fair. Fucking killed two people. Oh, my God, wrong! Look, I was trying to protect our new friend here. It had to be done.

Where was this place? We're never going to come back to Massaweim! We had to find these two men and bring them to a temple or something. We can't just leave them. It was a potion seller. It was a potion seller. It was a medicinal herbalist or something. Can you guide me there?

Oh, you did not go to that guy. The guy, oh no. He did say he wanted to see the twins, especially. That is not. Listen, take me to this place. You and I will carry these men to a temple. And do what, what they did to you? What happened to me?

Well, you were revived from death. Well, I can't do that. And you can't do that. So we need to take these men to a temple if somebody can help them. They're not dead. I don't believe you. No, I just knocked the life out of them,

but they're not dead, right? Wiretapping does not mean dead. All right. It was in quotations. Dead. Dead. Okay, look, they're fine. They might be covered in beer.

Inside check. We don't really need to go back for them. Now you're the fucking boy who cried wolf three times. Go for it. Roll inside both you guys. God damn it, don't fuck me, Gil. What the hell is this? Oh, I rolled Gil too!

Oh, geez, that wasn't great. No, wait, I got it, I got you cut. 15. No, I got this. Ready and ask you, roll towels. 24. You scare me. No, you guys get at this point, Grog's been fucking with it. You fucking dick. Yep.

Seriously, you still attacked the gods, right? Yeah. Like, that's still really bad. Terry. Whose vomit is this? So those guys aren't dead, is what you're saying? The two guys are not dead. They're not dead.

All right, that's kind of funny. I still feel like I would like an answer to the mystery of the vomit. He was crying. At least Sturgy was in disguise. No one will recognize him. Just take the disguise off him now. That's what I said like five minutes ago. Take the disguise off of him.

I mean. That looks like Terry's vomit. How can you tell him? Because I saw him puke under the water and it floated right past me. I got a great view of it. What is better in the town? He's a nervous puker. A disgusting mess or a robot?

Is it the color or the texture? an ottomata, a snecrimicumis. Necriman. Oh god. An Ottoman. Yes. I think I need a drink. Oh, what?

What? What? I'd pour him a little bit of the tear whiskey. How'd you guys do? Oh, great. We thought we had a book. But you don't. We didn't.

Yeah, we left without the book, thinking we had the book, and then we lied about not having the book, but we actually didn't have it. But it seems like it might be okay, right? Got that mother's father. Did you get it? Yeah. Yeah.

I say. Real life heroes. Two guards alive. I say. That is fucking dead. We get Dirk his disguise off of him. Sure. All right.

I say we go to sleep. Stop peeling in the way. And then what? Then we get up in the morning and we pick up pretty dresses. Yeah. And we go. And we go get you crowned so we can wear our pretty dresses. Keep drinking, keep drinking.

Everything but the hair comes off. The mask, the porcelain, everything else comes off. What about the cloak? Cloak does not come off. No. Well, not from just talking it. It's adhered pretty strongly. It's a fucking terrible.

I'm so angry. Terry, going forward, I think you need to recognize how literal Doty takes things and maybe think. Maybe more detailedly on how you were things, maybe. Doty did his job. He protected us. From innocent guards. Who were going to arrest us. Why were they going to arrest you?

Because we were archanists walking loose in the... It's not illegal! I was led to believe that it was. And I'm not... I'm a stranger in this land, and they were trailing. us and your cohort over there, the big guy himself, told me that they were a danger to us, and Doty did his job. Listen, you can't blame Doty for the mistakes that I may have made.

I take full responsibility for this, and I throw myself at your feet for mercy. I know I'm new to this team, and I hoped that this gift would be a piece of making gesture. By the way, you should divide all these potions up as you see fit. We terribly should. And I'm sorry if I made mistakes today, but we're all alive. We have what we need. And we're still on an adventure, right? A toast to mistakes. Let's all sing our fight songs, shall we? Terrible consequences.

To failure. How about you go first, Terry? Let's learn it from you. Don't you show me what we wrote. I can put it on there. Seven intrepid warriors we were strong before and stronger with me. Drinking wine and heroes feasts,

saving maidens, defeating beasts. We fight, fight, fight with strength and girls. I slew a merid and proved my worth. Vicks and Vox, Kiko and Greg, and Percival with the head like an egg. I defeated a crack in two, and I saved the Ashari single-handedly in the ocean blue. We fight, fight, fight with strength and girth.

I won your hearts, hearts, and I proved my words. Wow! Now, you all have fight songs too, don't you? We'll cover that at the next drink. I think it's time to turn in. I'm going to get a little bit of the hardest alcohol that they have, preferably a clear alcohol, and ask them if they have any chicken,

or some sort of meat that they're about to throw away. They do have some sort of meat that they're about to throw away. some near-spoiling meat, and at the cost of one gold piece, you can get a pretty solid bottle. I pop it, and I'm going to try and start solventing away the glue with grease, with fatty grease, and alcohol. It'll take you the better part of the next couple hours, but you can do it. Yeah, I'm going to just get this thing off. I may try and remove the hair, too. You do manage to get the hair off. You don't get all the glue splotches. Doty now has these, like, clusters of nasty looking glue splotches all over the head that have taken pieces of, like,

thread and fuzz and dirt and things just from the atmosphere to him. It looks awful. Doty looks awful. But the cloak does come off. We'll have it clean, dear. That's amazing. So quick, because I'm like how many you did that. Thank you. Does the cloak of Elvindkind look like butt? Only like 10% butt. 10% of like there is still glue on it. You have to spend more time. It looks like a kindergarten class attack.

If you want to. Should we take off the mask? Not all of me. Fucker, there's another one! It's like a hydra. Travis killed one, two more killed his face. They're awesome, when did you go? They're huge.

Sorry. It was really inappropriate. So as you guys get tired, you can rent a room for the evening. Yeah, totally. The siren sucker. Okay. So I'd say for the rooms for all the guys. the rooms for all you guys tonight, be drinking there. Mark off 10 gold. It's fine.

For everyone or each? For everyone. For everyone. For everyone. Yeah. Yeah, great. I can take care of this if you'd like. No, we got this. We've got it. It's fine, Terry. It's part of being in... You buy the potions. We pay for the shitting hotel rooms. Well, I don't know that evens out. But all right. Don't think of it as a thing that evens out. Think of it as an ever-increasing debt that doesn't really ever get paid. I like the way you think science, bro.

Yes. All right. As you guys rest for the evening, the morning comes round, you're across the board fairly hungover, but functional, except for grog, you're fine. Yeah, Constitution 20. But you guys muster yourselves get a quick bite

to eat downstairs and the now even more The city tavern. Your dresses are at the ready. You go ahead and collect them. What's next? What do you guys want to do? We should go to see your people. I mean, we can catch brunch. No, we should go. No, right. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, let's go. No time like the present. Wait, what are the colors of white stone again?

Lavender, white, blue, gold, silver. That's the colors I wanted my dress to be. That's fine. Okay. It's too late, it's black. You also, I might add, you do get to, part of taking a crest is that you actually do get to build something of your own.

We need to work on that person. We do. I was, I feel like I've been negligent that we have not been. You also need to explain to me what the fucking grey hunter is at some point. Yes, we should get into that. I only know because we've talked about it. Yeah. All right.

Come on, let's go, Keeney. Grouch. Let's go. Atlas upon Atlas. All right. And such, with the transport via plant spell cast into the nearest tree, you guys find yourself emerging from one of the cliffside trees that have grown out of the outcropping of stone and rock that marks the exterior of Zepra. Did you all travel here last time, or was it just Kiela in fact? It was just Vax.

And Alora. Allura, that's right. Whom we kind of forgot was with us. That's right, and she was like, whatever. Yeah. All right, so you guys all emerge, and you see now, on these extremely tall mountain bluffs, the wind is strong on the outskirts,

and you can see whizzing past you, puffs of cloud and leaf and dust, but it's all contained on the outside of this bluff. And before you, on the opposite side, built it deep into this mountain top, You can see dozens and dozens of structures made from the natural stone and bending of longwood slats that seem to have been curved over into these dome-like structures. You see small trees emerging in places, and even though you are maybe a few hundred feet off,

you can already see maybe 20 or so various people just wandering the town, some of which are outside, working on sitting on benches and working on various crafts. You can see leather's being dried out. from various hides. You catch the sight of a griffin that just kind of swoops past and disappears into a nearby cloud. And looking over the edge of the bluff, about 10 feet off, the drop goes down for hundreds of feet before vanishing into low-hanging clouds. You guys have no idea how high up you are, but it seems very high. Oh, man. Are we falling?

Is it super windy? No, no, no. We're on the mountain. You can see a lot of wind rushing just around you, but it seems like this portion of the mountain is almost protected, or at least The winds are guided in a way where they're not affecting this portion of the mountain. So what do we do? What happens in that, boss? I forgot, you guys, I haven't seen my hometown yet.

Okay, all right, let's go that way. Okay. See, over there is where I caught my first baby Griffin. He was like lost, and his mom, he got separated from his mom, and I kind of captured him up, and I kind of tucked him up under my shirt. And over there I actually tripped and fell and that was the first time that I scraped my knee. I was like, oh no, I'm bleeding. Yes, that must have been terrible.

I was so terrible, yeah. Ow! Does it still hurt? No, it's fine. I feel good. I feel really good. Yeah? Yeah, I feel really good. I feel rested, I feel fucking healthy, man. I don't know. I'm serious.

All right, I'm happy. Ah! Aye, aye, aye. As you guys are walking closer to the outside of Zepra, you see as a couple of individuals begin to approach three or four children rushing out and kind of just seeing these strange visitors in the outskirts, but also kind of like keeping low

and not trying to draw your attention too strongly, though they're out in the middle of the open. You see a few bushes and elements here. You see two grown individuals walking up with the children, one of which appears to be a relatively young girl, maybe around 13, 14 years old, who kind of pushes the kids to the back and goes, Kietis?

Yes, hi, hi. What's your name? Sora, you used to watch over me when I was little. Oh my goodness, Sora. Wow, last time my song you were like, oh man, look how big you've gotten. Do you still know that handshake? That's more.

Do you remember the... It takes a moment for you guys to figure it out. It's slightly awkward, but for the most part you recall it. I'm much older now. I don't need to... I didn't... You forgot. Yeah.

I guess I am. You have to tell everyone else. Hey, hey. The kids are all just quietly staring, wide-eyed and smiling quiet. Sorry. Sarah. Have you seen my dad around? Do you want me to get it? Yeah. Okay. Conn kids and takes them by the hand and they all drag the kids off as you guys

wait on the outskirts of the city. One of the kids kind of like who didn't quite get a hand of this young kind of three-year-old boy who's running behind them stops and turns and stares at you all but stares specifically at Grog and just his wide eye going, Hey, eat your vegetables. You look like this. Okay. Okay. Get out of here. And he just immediately bolts past the catch up with the rest of the crowd. So I believe you've just set up a lifetime of unreasonable expectations. It'll be elderly, though.

I've never seen grog eat a single vegetable. No, fuck, no. I was wondering about that. Nothing green is good. A short time passes a few moments before you begin to see the city suddenly come to more vibrant life. People are stepping out of their abodes. dozens of individuals are beginning to come together talking and whispering and some looking back and watching you all on the outskirts of Zephyra until eventually it seems a procession of some kind is all gathering and moving out of this mass of people in your direction. As you look, you begin to see people adorned in similar clothing as to when you first encountered Kieluth in the swamps outside of Stillben. You see these, you know, leather-based, almost scaled-looking armor that drifts down to the legs. You see people, you see people. that hold giant staffs, that hold golds and greens and blue colors, that kind of mark the symbols of the Zephyra tribe.

And then in the center of them, if you've met once before, you see stepping forth Khoran, the father of Kielas and the current acting voice of the Tempest of the Zepra. His kind of long white, silver hair, drifting behind him, he approaches with a look. Everyone kind of holds back as he steps forth from the crowd and kind of ignoring the rest of you just goes in beeline straight to Kieleth. You can see him. He has a bit of a limp to him that you don't recall from last time. But he seems other than that in good health. As he approaches you, he kind of clasps his hands out in front of him and takes a good long look at you as he reaches out and takes your hands into his own. My daughter. I just dropped to my knee and say, Kaitiake, father. Kaitiake, Kiliath.

We've heard that the defense of Amon was successful, yes? Yes. We have defeated the chromoconclave, the help of Voxmachina and many, many others, so the cost of many lives. Good, good. I'm glad we have been of some aid to your journey. Yes, thank you. The Aresari were very valuable during that day. that day. I'm very courageous.

And we will remember those we lost in that, pray, the great sacrifices that they gave so that these children could live. So, and at this point he now takes notice to the rest of the group. By what joy do we have of bringing your allies here and you're returning to your people? Sorry, I thought

Yvanda might have said something. I am here because I have completed my araminté. I've cut in a blessing. I just wanted to hear it from your lips. Still waiting on your final word, I guess. Well, while we still have daylight, let us prepare for the ceremony. Come, come, all of you. You are welcome.

Welcome here in Zepra. We will begin, decoration, shaltrow. Decoration, shalt commence, rest, prepare, not but two or three hours until the ceremony is to occur. He turns and folks begin to rush in and he will begin to just brage you with questions and congratulations and a number of individuals who seem to have heard stories, many secondhand

and exaggerations of the various things that you've accomplished over the past year or so here in Tal'Dore. You answer questions, you play into the tall tales if you want. One child turns to you and goes, And who are you? Taryon Darrington. I don't know who you are. You will.

You. There is a massive interest around Grog, as Goliaths generally do not travel this far up into the territory, the mountain. Most of them stay far north in the cliff keep or wandering the dividing plane. And they're just swarming you and like climbing up on you and hanging from your arms, and you feel kind of awkward,

but kind of enjoying the attention at the same time. A really little. Yeah, kind of like gnomes. Yeah, oh. Well, that works, well done. I'm good. Immediately over the next hour or two, people begin to gather floral wreaths

and strips of silk and material that have been prepared specifically for these types of occasions. Many of them knew, made from the recent generations in preparation, many that are held over by tradition and by the various leaders that came before you. Many that may have had the hope of the return of Ilya,

but instead carry through with memory of Keeleth. As this transpires, you guys are brought food. You are gathered into a central open celebration, kind of almost like a pit that descends about two feet, and there are a number of stools and tables and food and drink are brought about, as opposed to an event, and then a celebration afterward,

it seems to be a reverse here at Zepra. It's a buildup. It's everyone, the excitement grows. As this is happening, you glance off, and there is one very large singular tree right across the way at the very edge of the precipice of this kind of rocky outcropping that holds most of the city of Zepra.

And here at the edge, you see one large, twisting, gnarled tree that curves upward, not quite sun tree in high, and size, but still very elegant and beautiful, with long, thin branches that just gently sway on the outskirts of whatever barrier seems to bend and twist the winds from coming and scattering the village. You watch as people step up to it and they're leaving jewelry. They're putting large ribbons across it. Elements have it remind you of the tree that was in the center of the temple in Vesra, though a different texture. It seems to be a deep, vibrant,

healthy, dark brown, and with elements of gray bark, with moss that grow at the base and tuck under the branches where the shadows tend to linger throughout the day. Eventually, it seems that they've returned, and the decor is set. Benches have been moved, and most of the people of Zepra Arnell

shifting in the direction of this tree. In all the hubbub and the movement, a few moments before. I've been watching for Corrin, and when I see him alone for a second, I make a beeline toward him. He's in the process of a conversation, and it's interesting.

During this whole thing, he was excited to see you and you've come, but he's also, he's kept a strange distance from me during this preparation. He smiles, and you guys meet eyes occasionally, but he's also just focusing on this endeavor, and then you kind of come out of the blue, Yes, Vaxelvan. Forgive me.

Might I have just a moment? Quickly, we're about to begin, but yes. I will be brief. I just wanted to take a moment to say, I wish you could have seen some of the things she has done. I know you are proud of her. I've never met anyone like her. She's going to do your people.

As are we all. As does she. And he kind of reaches out and kind of pats you out the head and kind of ruffles your hair a little bit. And even that feels a little awkward for him, like he felt impulsive to do it, and then kind of almost, oh, that wasn't very. Sorry, it's more than I ever got.

Anyway, it's nearly time. And as all of you are led over, there are spaces at the very front of this ceremony, kind of in the semi-circle around this tree, and their platforms set up at the base of this tree now, amongst these hundreds of various dangling threads, these small pieces of paper that flitter on the outskirts, the gentle wind that pushes through.

You guess they might contain wishes or passages or something, but they see bits of script written on them amongst the various glinting pieces of glass and gems and stone that have been polished. It's small but beautiful. Eventually, you're led to sit. in the center of this front semicircle. And as everyone kind of gathers and takes their seat,

you hear the occasional kid crying and people kind of muttering yourself and eventually everyone shushes as Koren now wearing a very old ceremonial, long, light blue and white robe, wearing what looks to be some sort of a somewhat tattered, like a scarf almost that's wrapped around his neck and then drapes off of each of his arms. It's thick and it's long and it almost touches the ground around him.

But you can tell from the way he holds it and his arms kind of consistently rest at this crooked position that it has some symbolism to this ceremony. As he steps up under the tree and turns around, everyone gets very quiet and the wind seems to almost stop on the outside of this barrier. Like the rushing, perpetual, gust of air seems to almost hold its breath for this.

He clears his throat. And as he looks up to everyone, you swear this tree begins to just slowly produce cherry blossoms as his words continue. For long, we of the winds have awaited the procession of our tradition with the passing of our elder voice, Stuala. It was my wife.

Villiers who was selected to take the Aramente. Look, we all know there are a lot of celebrity interview podcasts out there, but there's only one Happy, Sad, Confused. I'm Josh Harrowitzin. Yeah, I'm the host of the show, so I'm a little biased, but truly happy, say, confused is the place for nerdy and intimate conversations with all your favorite actors and filmmakers. From Andrew Garfield and Scarlett Johansson to Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino for over 10 years

and over 700 episodes. Happy, Sad, Confused, has broken movie and TV news every single week. That's because I ask all the questions I want to know, and more importantly, you want to know. Casting What Ifs, Backstage Stories, Acting Pet Peaves, and much more. So whether you're into superheroes, prestige TV, or just the coolest actors and directors alive, you're going to learn something in every episode.

Listen to Happy Say I Confused on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's ticklish business anyway. You look at it. Come on. We'll stick together. Love movies? Love classic movies? So do we. Ticklish Business is the podcast where classic film is discussed in modern times. Hosted by me, film journalist Kristen Lopez,

and my co-host, author Emily Edwards, we dive into the golden age of cinema with fun, heart, and serious expertise. As published film historians and lifelong classic movie buffs, we bring insider insights, deep research, and lively debates with a variety of special guests, ranging from celebrities like Holly Madison, to TCM luminaries Dave Carger and Eddie Muller, and even family members of Old Hollywood Legends.

Subscribe now to ticklish business on your favorite podcast app, and let's talk about Old Hollywood today. Beautiful and full of determination, she accepted her path. And while she could not return to us, the destiny she's set is now seen as one of preparation. Her journey was not in vain, for it was her love that produced our daughter. It was her guidance in joy that taught our child compassion.

It was her discipline and understanding that forged young Keeleth's spark of intuition and unlocked her adept connection with nature and the winds. We mourn the loss of our villia, but take pride that she lives on, In the eyes of our own, returned, beloved woman of the winds.

Here we bring together our collective voices to bless upon my daughter, the memory of Villia, the champion of Guassar, the mantle of our destiny. And he puts his arms up from around you to each side keeloth, you watch as young alkaliates begin to approach

from each side arms down, all seemingly carrying these various pieces of dark green leather like material, and as they come together, they latch them into place and slowly build this mantle. Ring clear our voices to unite our breath and grant our strength to her guidance and wisdom, as Kielaith takes the rightful and earned responsibility

of leading our people into this next generation. At this point, the assembled mantle is placed placed into Koran's arms. And you now see this beautiful neck and shoulder piece that rests past to the elbows, but limp and without body in his hands. As he holds it there and the rest of the alkaliate step back and find their place seated,

he kind of lifts his arms up a bit and begins to just sing. A singular note. And everyone around you in Zepra begins to join in this singular note. Do you choose to join in as well? As you do, the notes begin to separate and harmonize. Instinctually, it creates this symphony, this beautiful tangling of hundreds of voices from all across the spectrum. And what at first may seem to resemble a discordant hymn finds this perfect spread of every note you've ever heard musically merging as one.

As he does this, instinctually, Kieleth, without even thinking, you rise and begin to walk towards him. Like the spirits of generations before you are lifting you by your shoulders and elbows and bring you up before your father. You find the breath of your lungs. The inside of your mouth is dry. You're unable to understand what it is that's driving you. But before you know it, you're standing before your father looking up into his eyes as all of these. these voices just swirl around you, this weird warmth. The nerves in your stomach still climb to the top and vibrate within your chest. As your father places this mantle over your head and shoulders, and it comes to rest on you. Heavier than you expected, but it fits

well. As he places this, the green fades to a golden brown and red and orange and yellow. and the green leaves almost drip back into a long, springing trail of a cloak behind you that seems to grow with each passing surge of these voices around her until it reaches the ground and curls behind. Eventually the cloak stops. The voices soften and come to silence as you look up once more into your father's face. Rise, my daughter, and become Kieleth. Voice of the Tempest. He steps back and bows his head, steps off the platform, and you stand and turn and it's just you there at the base of the tree, looking about all of Zephyra before you, quiet, silent,

and your friends before you at the front of the crowd. I think I'd make it here. I couldn't have done any of this without not only the support of every person and the and Zepra, and every person of the Ashari tribe, members of Amon, Tal'Dorei, Marquette, even Wildmount. And my journeys I've learned being a leader is a global effort, one that takes the wisdom of many.

Most importantly, I couldn't have done any of this without Fox Machina. And the pieces of them that have, I've taken away. and have desperately tried to emulate in each one of them over the years. Each one of them with qualities that I admire and strive to embrace. Grog with his strength and his unyielding loyalty.

Vex with her self-confidence and utter faithlessness. Vax is one of the most compact. passionate people think I've ever come across. And one of the most brave, even if it's maybe foolish. Percival, with your intelligence and your sensibility, it's always there to be my balance. Scanlan, with his charisma and his wit, Pike. As you glance just past the group,

you can see just the faint flutter of golden light and energy, wherever she is, a part of her watching. Pike, her generosity, and her authenticity, always drew to herself. And even Terry, Terry and Harrington, who is blind faith in Vox Machina and perseverance trusted us, even though he probably shouldn't have. All of these things that I,

I learned and couldn't be a leader without. Voxmachina makes up me. Zephyra makes up me, the Ashari people, and all of Greater Exandria. I don't know if I'm the leader that you deserve, or a good leader, but I'm willing to dedicate the rest of my life to doing whatever I can, for all of us.

As long as Voxmark ends by my side. At this point, you watch as the light that remains of the eventually soon-to-come setting sun glints across the cheek of Keelith, the bit of damp tear that has rolled down her cheek, just detaches from the edge of her chin, and hits the bottom of the stone. Every cherry blossom in the tree releases.

What? And drifts past her from behind before being caught up in the wind, just past her, causing her. this swirl of pinks and reds and whites behind her. Everyone around rises up, and they all begin to cheer and clap all together. You look around and watch the rest of these blossoms, kind of slowly drift.

You look and see her friends around you, and you look around and see your mother out of the corner of your eye, just the memory of her. You sense that if she could be here, she would have been. Your father steps up and takes up and takes He takes your hands and just says, I'm so proud much to be done, I know. He takes your hand and holds it up once more.

To the voice of the Tempest and the future of our people. Everyone cheers once more together. To a box, Tempester. And with that, you gain the inspiring leader feat. What? I get the what now? Inspiring leader feet at the end of your Aramente. Oh shit, boys of the tip! Which is pretty fun.

What that allows you to do is... You can never die. No, you can totally die. You can spend 10 minutes inspiring your companions, shoring up the resolve to fight. When you do so, choose up to six friendly creatures, which can include yourself. Within 30 feet, they can hear and understand you.

Each creature can gain temporary hit points equal to your level. points equal to your level plus your charisma modifier. Oh, what? Well, you guys are out of luck with the charisma modifier shit, but what? They can only gain the temporary hit points from this until they finish a short or long rest. So every short rest you can give everyone 17 temporary hit points. That's a fucking dumb.

Yeah. One extra little hit to keep us alive. You have to make a speech every time. Essentially, take 10 minutes to talk everybody up. So start practice. Just we'll work on St. Christian. Just, no. And we'll leave it there for the evening.

Oh, man. Oh, that was gorgeous, man. That was gorgeous. That was gorgeous. With a tree, man. That was awesome. Completed your armente, took up the mantle, and apparently going to the Iron City of Diss soon.

That's gonna be fun. We built it. No, no more. No more. No more. I came up with great formal wear for you, too. I didn't say it's shame we didn't get a chance. I know.

I figured you out. I figured you out. We'll see. All right. Grog has a very discerting taste. I was, I'm very proud. I came up with an idea. Well, I'm glad we went with a blue dress.

After that, Cape turned all the other colors of nature, and it's like you are . If you've been wearing pink, that would have gone back. Yes. Yeah. Get the fuck out of here. Cheez-y-ha-barred girl. Well done, guys. Thank you again, Luke Creight for being a awesome sponsor.

Yeah, thank you, thank you. Maddie. Great job. Dude, you guys are always such an absolute pleasure. Absolutely pleasure. Thank you for playing in my weird makeup world. Yeah. How long have you been working on that speech, man? That was not. Oh, that was fun. I've been waiting for the really good to get to that moment.

Improv. I'm glad you survived to get there. No, shit. Oh, shit. I was still back in game three. Yeah. And then the next one. Yeah.

All right, we'll be back next week. to see what the next leg of Fox Machina's venture takes them. Until then, have a wonderful night, a wonderful weekend, and is it Thursday yet? Take care guys.