Critical Role - C3 E121 A New Age Begins Part 2

Episode Date: February 13, 2025

Bells Hells return to Exandria with a proposal for the gods and their own visions for the future to come... BEACONWe’re excited to bring you even MORE with a Beacon membership! Start your 7-day free trial today at https://beacon.tv/join and get unparalleled access to the shows you love completely ad-free! You’ll receive NEW Beacon exclusive series, instant access to VODs & podcasts, live event pre-sales, merch discounts, & a private Discord. YOUTUBE MEMBERS / TWITCH SUBSCRIBERSTwitch Subscribers and YouTube Members gain instant access to VODs of our shows, moderated live chats, and custom emojis & badges:https://www.youtube.com/criticalrole/joinhttps://www.twitch.tv/criticalrole   "It's Thursday Night (Critical Role Theme Song)" by Peter Habib and Sam RiegelOriginal Music by Omar Fadel, Hexany Audio, Ghiya Rushidat, Karam Salem, Neal Acree, and Colm R. McGuinness"Welcome to Marquet" Art Theme by Colm McGuinnessAdditional Music by Universal Production Music, Epidemic Sounds, and 5 AlarmCharacter Art by Hannah FriederichsAnimated Introduction by Kamille Areopagita, Kevin Areopagita, Mark Adams and Peggy Shi Due to the improv nature of Critical Role and other RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it’s useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResources

Hey there, Critter podcast listeners! We have a special new membership service at Beacon.tv, where you get early access to all new podcast episodes, including Critical Role for the first time ever. Beacon members also get things like live event pre-sales, merch discounts, access to a private community Discord, and new exclusive series like Critical Role Cooldown. Think of it as our digital Critical Role land.

Head on over to beacon.tv to check it out for yourself and start a seven-day free trial. Thank you so much for your support, for being a podcast listener, and for being part of our community. Hey there, Critters. We are so excited to share with you our brand new podcast from the world of Exandria, The Re-Slayer's Take. In this audio adventure, you'll be guided through the wild continent of Isilra, home to some of the most dangerous creatures. Here, the Slayer's Take is the most notorious monster hunting group in the realm.

But when previously slain creatures start returning from the grave, it's up to six misfit mercenaries to band together and re-slay these supernatural threats as the re-slayers take. So come follow along these audio escapades as the second coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria battle a growing undead army of dangerous creatures. The party is led by a duo of game masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams,

with the main cast including Jasmine Bular, Caroline Lux, and Jasmine Shion. Listen to new episodes every Monday anywhere you stream podcasts, or become a Beacon member and listen to the podcast two weeks early and uninterrupted by ads. You can start watching Critical Role as it airs on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Pacific on twitch.tv slash critical role or youtube.com slash critical role. Twitch subscribers can watch the video on demand right away, or you can catch it the following Monday on YouTube. As always, Critical Role will be available right here in podcast form on Thursdays, a week after the initial broadcast.

And now, let's scry into the story and see what mysteries it holds for us, shall we? And welcome back. Of course, up top, you'll notice, a little different from where we left off. If you saw the video at break, this was shot in chunks, because halfway through our actual finale filming,

we had the winds and fire hit in a state of emergency and we had to stop. So we're picking this up a ways after when it's safe and everyone can reconvene. So nevertheless, we come into a dark, shadowy realm, a place where distant glimmers of floating golden threads drift from an invisible wind. And there amongst and a little bit above

the ever-ondulating flow of deep crimson that marks this platformed liminal space, a figure suddenly arise in a swirling swath of black feathers. Well, Vax'ildan, if I could have you return to the table, please. The brief gift filled with more distant than maybe you were hoping for

in your knight in Whitestone, was both filling and hard. Slipping away faster than you had hoped, both in time and in maybe brief connection. And before you could even truly grasp what that could be or could have been, here you are plucked from it,

your eyes refocusing in the familiar dark plane of your matron. And there, as your cloak unfurls and falls to a calm stance, you look up to the familiar white porcelain mask of the Matron of Ravens. Welcome back. I am never at your call.

Indeed. Indeed. Times are mutable as of late. More so than perhaps I could have seen, but maybe that's the point. For even the matron herself may have a thread of her own beyond her vision. There was always a wake that I could not peer past.

And in this moment, I stand at the top of that wall and look down into a future of possibility, frightful and exciting. She raises a hand. She raises a hand, and emerging from the shadow to your right, another figure, one you've had a distant awareness of, but one of unexpected arrival here in the Matron's Realm.

In a familiar flutter of dark feathers, you see a pale lagomorph in dark armors. Morgan, if you wouldn't mind coming to the table, please. Okay. Morgan, you, who were taken as a chosen of the matron in recent times here in the crux of this great, terrible, intense climb to an unknown answer, you were brought to the front lines and then pulled aside a new, unclear path of guidance by

the Goddess of Death and Transition. And here, in the midst of its throes and the end of the conflict that you were so hoping to be present and part of, you are plucked and brought here. And to your side, you see, truly for the first time in person, a figure you've heard quite a bit about,

the champion of the Matron, Vax'Alan. Wow. Vax'ildan. I'm Morgan. It's nice to meet you. I have seen you from afar. I've seen you as well. I've seen you as well. You've been like a fine mist

marking ahead of my path for the last few weeks. I think that Vax has spent what feels like this amorphous amount of time, which is stretched and hard to really calculate the length of, and all that time in this liminal space, it has been the Matron and he, and he's not sure if it is the tumult back on Exandria,

or some other reason he cannot ken, that for the first time, the matron has brought another here, but he's learned it's better to listen rather than ask aimless questions. it's better to listen rather than ask aimless questions. In this moment of tense, perhaps even mildly confused eye contact,

you both feel a shift, and as you glance back towards the matron, her form encompassing the majority of the space of your vision. She is immense. This is her realm. This is her. And in that brief moment of perspective, you feel so small, but still embraced, still protected, like children held in the arms of a mother.

As you hear her voice now echo through your minds, through your very souls. Today is a strange day, but one that will keep me and the rest of the gods of Exandria safe, for we step beyond a boundary we had not thought possible. Though some of us had briefly walked it once before. Pardothos is loose. The God Eater seeks our end.

So, we will no longer be gods. With the aid of some clever mortal upstarts, I've reforged the Rite of Ascension. And in this singular, carefully stretched moment of time before I cross that threshold, we've all agreed to join the cycle of mortal rebirth and abscond from the scent of the Red End.

Yep. But will you be okay? Are you going to be okay? from the scent of the Red End. Yep. But will you be okay? Are you going to be okay? I believe so. Though for a time it shall be different. With this rite, I have bound us to this realm of Exandria, not unlike how the Kryn's Luxon binds their souls to their great relic.

And so, in but a moment, we will be gone, reborn somewhere in this world. Where will I find you? You'll need us at your side at all times. You're going to be very vulnerable. Well, the role of the champion has never been more important to the sanctity and future of Exandria.

Once only mantles granted in times of crisis, now a role eternally entwined with the coming age. Each piece of ourselves carved away and given autonomy. A fragment of us that can stay behind. And when you are gone, the wheel of life and death will continue to turn. Her arm reaches out over Morrigan and grasps her. Indeed.

You and the rest that will join you. And as her hands clasp over you, you feel this cold shake into your very person, this uncontrollable shudder as the darkness completely takes you in, but it's welcoming, as much as it is frightening. Like a momentary return to a womb you'd forgotten, you see a flash behind your closed eyelids of the great golden skein of fate.

And for a brief moment, you see across hundreds of thousands of gossamer threads, you see beyond the true realm of death, and you feel the pain, the peace, the welcoming joy of every moment's end. Then as her fingers pull back, you are the same, but different.

You can feel your heart beat slow. You feel the leathers you wore themselves now given exaggeration and purpose. As the matron says, where once there was one, there is now two. She places you back onto the ground. And there may be more to come.

You are now the guardians of our realm and our faith while we are gone, while we are born and grow until you find us each and every cycle. I think Morgan is just so excited to have a clear direction finally, after all this time, weeks. It's just been stop, start, stop, start,

and I've been held back by the Matron, and I didn't really understand why. I thought it was some lack that I had on my end, that I wasn't strong enough, you know? This is all I want. I promise I will find you and I will defend you with my life. You are now joined. The Vax'ildan has warded my realm.

Like a real champion. Hm. Wow. A shared mantle. Like a real champion. Hmm. Wow. A shared mantle. To escort the souls of those who pass through it, you are to endure long past your years, age suspended within feather and shadow. For many, you will be fear. For many, you will be fear.

For many, you will be hope. For many more, you will be a peaceful end. You will both be my face when I cannot be. And she pulls her mask free, revealing the beautiful, if sorrowful, human face that she once wore from her mortal days. One you've not witnessed and one you've not witnessed in some time.

And you can see it wet with streaks of black tears. I've grown very accustomed to our time here. I've grown very accustomed to our time here. I'm wondering what to do to pass the time in your absence. Vax'ldan, my sweet shadow. She steps forward. As she steps, her full size and scale

seems to almost shift in a blink until she is your size, maybe even a little shorter. She reaches up and her long, dark fingers curl across your cheek and touch the edge of your ear. Her face does not smile, but you feel it. You are tasked to walk Exandria as my symbol,

to seek me out wherever and however I may return and aid in restoring this gain of fate in my mortal ascendance. But now you are not alone, sweet champion, and the others of our faith will also be at your beck and call. And once I am found, may we all greet this new age

with renewed perspective and perhaps some clarity on what fate now demands of us all. How will I know it's you? You could come back as anyone? Some clarity on what fate now demands of us all. How will I know it's you? You could come back as anyone? Theoretically. Like a dog or a monkey, like anything? How will I know?

I believe we are bound to the mortal races that we ourselves have been shepherding. But there may be a few abnormalities, given the short time I had to construct this. It's odd to hear a slight chuckle creep from her grin, a grin that once again is felt, but not seen on her face. I guess we shall see. You are at peace with this change. I am.

I'll be lying if I didn't express elements of my mortal life that I've grown to miss. While also excited to see those who came before me to truly understand the beauty of that which they have protected, manipulated, and ultimately shepherded all this time, I dare say I might be scared

and exhilarated. Then the threats will hold. They have to. They have to. Her voice rings and echoes through the chamber. As her voice rings out, you hear this resonant vibration of almost hundreds, thousands of these strings vibrating like some sort of an odd discordant instrument

before it all comes to silence once more. You have been so loyal, sweet raven, given so much as the paths of fate have demanded of you. But now, you do not walk alone. And as you search for me, you will set foot across familiar and unfamiliar lands in your realm. I wish that you would allow your burdens be carried. And I wish you to take some time

through this new, strange age to enjoy the fruits of your labor. She watches that sink in. I hope you will afford yourself the same in your next life. We shall see. Whatever it brings, the passions, the joys, the sadness, the pain.

I want it all. And much of it I deserve. I still have faith in all you've safeguarded all this time. We have much to do. Yes. She steps forward and places her hand on your chest. And you feel this warmth surge through your torso, just a little wave of...

And you watch as the faintest bit of color returns to the pale cheeks of Axelben. You feel what was long a still and silent heartbeat. Beat for the first time in decades. Take a fragment of your life back. There is more than your duty now. You've shown me your true, loyal self. But you are loyal to many,

and I've held you as my own greedily for too long. His face holds stoic, but his eyes glisten for the first time in many an age. Come find me. And in the times where you need to rest, where you need to lean, go to them. Go to them. Go to her.

Listen, I know we don't know each other very well, but I find myself very unencumbered and very hungry for just about anything, honestly. So I can help you. I think we're going to get along well. I think so, too. I think we'll be friends. My sweet champions,

I'll see you again. In this moment, it's almost like you go to open your mouth and everything's frozen. This stillness, and she steps back into the shadow. And darkness takes you both. Now, if I could have you both please leave the table. Yes. If we can go ahead and bring Deanna in here,

if you don't mind. Thank you both. There she is. Hi! I got lost on the way in. That happens. No worries. Hi. Hi. I got lost on the way in. That happens. No worries. Hi. Hi. So, Deanna. Yeah?

In the chaos of recent times, you and Frida trekking through the lengths and breaths of what you have access to in Vasselheim and beyond to try and make sense and offer what aid as you can to this ever-growing climax of tension, fear, and conflict. It is here in the middle of Vasselheim that you, amongst many, witnessed something that none expected,

but the matron stepping here and the shattering of the Divine Gate. In moments of absolute still panic that is palpable across the population, light takes your vision and you feel yourself plucked and pulled to a realm, a familiar bright realm of warm light, as this brief moment seems to pull.

And there, the flickering, burning, bright visage of a Dawnfather upon his throne, surrounded by endless starlight, leans forward, the welcome heat washing over you. As he leans in, you feel that paternal distance fade and the warmth wash over you. Deanna.

Are you okay? I know. I know I'm supposed to be mad. And I. We didn't leave on great terms, but are you okay? We are all fine. That's good.

We have discussed and agreed to a unique means of ending all of this sorrow. What do you mean, ending? We are to join you in the cycle of mortality and leave Prodothos to you in the cycle of mortality and leave Pardothos to starve in the stars where it belongs. But as such, we will be leaving you for a time.

I will be leaving you. But we will be back in faces you may not recognize. And there will be a time in which the world will be without our guidance. I want to step forward and close the distance between us. There's something about him that always has commanded such distance and reverence

and that looking up and looking away. But if he's going to reclaim or claim for the first time mortality and what that means, I think I just don't want him to feel alone. or claim for the first time mortality and what that means. I think I just don't want him to feel alone while he does it. You step towards him and the heat is intense. At a certain threshold, that distance is given physicality,

even in this prayer-like vision space. You push through it physicality, even in this prayer-like vision space. You push through it, and where the pain would begin to take over, you notice there is no ignition. There's just a burning sensation that becomes a renewed warmth, like a hot spring. And as you look at your hand and look back, warmth, like a hot spring.

And as you look at your hand and look back, at what's this massive armored figure, you see maybe a seven-foot figure of Burning Head standing there before you. The heavy sound of metals clacking onto the ground as armor falls away, leaving their standing slightly less oppressively bright, but a burning figure in simple robes, looking at you,

head slightly cocked with confusion. Yeah, come here, bring it in. Come on, all the way down. You could have made me tall. It's your vision. The Dawnfather steps forward and kneels down, placing his arms around you. And it is that unique overlapping of

a sensation of heat that should hurt, but it just feels comforting. You feel the flicker of the flame and the intense vibration of the energy that he emits as the guardian of light and life and day. And in this moment, you just hear him sigh into your ear. Yeah. I'm sorry for my distance.

Me too. I don't blame you for any of it. Oh, this is weird. There's something about being a parent. You just try to make the best choices you can for your family. And I don't know what you've been through or how long it's been,

but I do know something about having to start over and how scary that can be. But you're going to be okay. I don't even know if you need comforting. Maybe I just need to hear that for me, too. We're going to be okay. I know we are. Are you scared?

You don't have to tell me. I don't know what I'm feeling. Maybe I've never given myself a moment of self-reflection. Yeah. It's regret. It's pride. It's concern. It's... It's defeat. It's excitement. It's what it's like to be mortal, I suppose.

It is. It's a lot of things all the time, and it's so much to manage. Can I give you a little advice? Please. Find people. All of this can be too much, but if you have people, it's all worth it. All of the pain and the fear

and the joy and the love. Sometimes it's easy to forget, but it's everywhere in this world you built, that you and your family built. And I don't know if I've ever thanked you for that. Thank you for all of this. You did a really good job.

I want to just stroke his hair like I'm comforting one of my kids. Like any parent, we're just trying to do our best. Yeah. Mistakes and all. Our mistakes are never what define us. They're what we do next.

It was very cruel to you when I asked you if you were worth saving. You can't save everyone, but everyone is worth saving. I remember this feeling. I remember it now. It has been a time when you feel him start to diminish and the light get darker. I want to just reach out and grab.

There's just this weird, desperate burst. One more thing, and you can say no. Where will you be? Where will you come back to? Where will you be born? I have no idea. And that's exciting. Okay.

But perhaps you or somebody else might find me. Like it's darker, and darker still. And through the near-blinding light, as it begins to grow dimmer and dimmer, as he begins to drift into shadow, like a candle slowly going out, you can see that bewildered smile on his face. Perhaps we'll meet again.

I'm sure of it. And the shadow takes your space. As you come back to your perspective here at the darkest point of sunset cresting into night now amongst the streets of Vasselheim once more, looking around you, you see most everyone else is also shaking out of a point of reverie. And you almost know you realize in this moment

that this vision you had likely was not just yours, but likely everyone of a modicum of faith and connection likely had their goodbye. but likely everyone of a modicum of faith and connection likely had their goodbye. As everyone around blinks, tears on their face, some of them looking confused, others sorrowful, and just openly weeping in the streets.

It is the thick chaos of the street around you is brimming and building of people who weren't possibly privy to these visions, who lacked a connection with the gods, or those who are still making their own sense of it. You don't know, but it is now just erupting before a hush falls and someone points in the sky. And there you see the entirety

of the Cosmic Skyscape itself, a spread of incredible fractal runes, divine magics spread and layered in a way that is on a scale impossible to conceive. And you watch it shatter and break. And that's when you truly feel the absence of divinity on Exandria. And a small, dark shape plummet from the sky.

It's at this moment you also realize the other person next to you that's been witnessing all this, your companion, Frida. Frida, if you could please come to the table. Frida? Frida? What's that? Can you tell?

I don't know, does that mean our friends were successful? Make a reception check for me. Oh god. Can I provide them the help action? Sure. Squint! 17. 17.

Glancing up, you see a humanoid shape that's plummeting from the sky and it's being carried by the winds off the edge. You're not sure what it might be until the moment that you see a large hammer tumbling with it. You focus in a little more. Your aor-matant sense is clicking in

and trying to take out more details. Zoom, enhance. Zoom! This slight faint trail of smoke drifting off of the tumbling, unconscious body of Ashton. We met him with the hammer and the skull. Ashford? Ashford. That's Ashford?

Ashford. I take off. You begin pushing through the crowd. You begin to dart and push through. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. No, we're all having god crises. They're gone, it's fine. Excuse me.

It is an intense, ever crowded bit of chaos as people are holding onto each other. Bastions are trying to keep order. Even those of the highest priesthoods and clerical levels of the great Dawn Marshals, you can see themselves are head in hands, trying to conceive the immensity of what has just happened. An entire city built on the faith of this entire world

since history written, suddenly understanding that everything they've built this city around is gone. And before you can push past and get to the edge of the city, people are pointing and talking and whispering about, he's okay, it's okay. You go over to where you think Ashton may have fallen and he's not there anymore.

The people have swarmed in and are starting to have conversations and talk about like, is that the one that saved him? I thought he was dead, he came back to life. Oh my god. Excuse me. I'm just going to pick whoever's. Looks like they have a little bit more information than everyone else, but excuse me.

You see this older, grandmotherly figure with a heavy coat on that's in the past. He's like, I looked in his face. He had a strange-looking glowing marble in the side of his skull. Yes, yes, his name is Ashford. Where did he go? Ashford, Ashford. Mm-hmm.

I don't know Ashford, but this strange-looking rock man and his companions, they were given an escort by all the Great Passions, and they went up the side of the Heaven Stair. Oh, thank you, thank you. Wow, that was dramatic. You're lovely. Can I? Where'd you get your coat?

You're so sweet. I knitted this myself. Oh my god! Help, I want to stay and do this more. I think we should, can I see if I can sense Chetney, if I can smell him? Make a perception check for me.

With advantage. I'm using Liam's dice. I love you, I'm sorry. 19. Oh, go off, guys. 19. You pick them up and Chetney has a very particular scent. You would know. It is faint, but glancing up towards the mountain. What she had said, the general path goes that way

and you can see where folks have pushed apart and where a crowd is. You can see in the distance along the outer edge of this climbing mountain, a number of figures that are giving an escort partway up before eventually the escort stops and the troop of Bell's Hells are climbing up towards the peak of the mountain.

Yeah. Let's go, come on. Okay. Yeah. Let's go, come on. Okay. Yeah. I'm just going to climb up you. Yeah. You go faster. Go! I think he, she climbs up and they hesitate to move. There's a sense of

foreboding here. I know what I'm going to walk into. And just a second. I'm sorry. No, it's okay. I didn't even think about it. It's okay. Why are you? It's okay. Is it? I don't know. Will you take a minute? They'll be there. No, we should go to them.

We should go to them. You can have a moment for you. We've been running, trying to track down information that could help them. There hasn't been a lot of time. We can spend another minute. I love you. I don't know what you're going through,

but I'm you. I don't know what you're going through, but I'm sorry. Okay, let's go. The two of you backtrack a bit towards the core of the city, looking for the base of the stairway that rides up the outer edge of the Heavenstair Mountain towards the Platinum Sanctuary. Guards are holding it at bay,

and you see a number of the armored bastions approach and put shields and spears in your way. You're not allowed to approach the Platinum Sanctuary. Please, go along with the rest of the crowds. I reach towards my divine magic as it's still there. It's still present, it feels. Sweet. Just so you know, I had a really short communion

with the Dawnfather and I feel like we're in a much better place now, and I'm going to snap my attention to this guard, and I want my eyes and mouth to glow like the sun and say, You're going to go ahead and move now! Make an intimidation check for me with advantage. Natural 20. Yeah!

I did not think that was going to work. As the light beams out of every head-focused orifice, nostrils, ears, all of it. Lower, you're just seeing it reflected through armor. The surrounding bastions all take a step back and look at each other, and one of them, you see, that's wearing the symbol of the Dawnfather around their armored breastplate goes,

Let her through, let her through! And they all step back and let you all begin to pass as you begin to clamber up the side of the mountain, the last bit of sunlight beginning to fade as night begins to take over. It is a long climb up the side of this mountain. And there is a moment. I'm out of breath.

I'm out of breath for no reason. Just hyperventilating on you, like, you're doing great! Holding Deanna on your shoulders, trekking up. The stairway is mostly empty past a certain point. Bastions begin to fall thin until it's just the two of you. Come here, Leia. Trekking up this dark staircase

up to the winding path towards the top. Then there's this, for lack of a better term, like an energy in the air. That feeling like lightning's about to strike, where everyone just stops, and you find yourself, your pace coming to a halt for reasons you can't explain. Something atmospheric, something seismic is about to happen.

Instinctually, you both glance up towards the peak of the mountain that you were only partway up. You watch as an endless, expanding cavalcade of dark red, purple, and black, cloud-like energy seems to just spray out into the sky, consuming an entire portion of the darkened cosmic expanse above you.

You watch as it roils and twists and seems to almost scream silently up towards the stars. You can't even fathom the scale and size of it as it begins to spread until eventually that roiling mass begins to grow darker and more distant. Until eventually you just see that black spot in the sky where no stars are visible. And one by one, they begin to return.

Freyja. Freyja, is this another one of those Applebee's Soul Cycles? It might be. I really hope this means they won. It's got to be, right? They have to. Might be. I really hope this means they won. It's got to be, right? They have to. You continue up the stairs,

just cresting on the horizon of the mountain, just as a troop of familiar figures are stepping away from the edge. Can I have the rest of Belle's house at the table, please? We're in people's seats. Yeah, where do I sit? Marisha will be in my lap, I guess. I believe we have additional chairs here.

I took your chair. I'm sorry. Take it. Just be clear. You've earned this. Ooh! Hold on, I do prefer this. Unfortunately, I enjoy it.

Okay. And then we know your stuff. I don't have any smaller thoughts. Yeah, that's a problem. Yeah. Good. Oh, you got the tall floor. There's so many people!

Okay. Yeah. Ooh, down at the wharf. This is so fun. Broad like a house. You think we're smushing more? I didn't do enough of Zephyr for this. I know. On the small thing.

This is the small thing that's still on. This is every DM's nightmare right now, just a table of 10. We all want to burn. I've been here before. And I'll be here again. Why is that die so fucking big? Bell's house.

In the expression of release that comes watching the terror of Pardothos, the red end vanish into the star-filled sky above, and the first true communal breath you all take in its absence, your eyes meet. Before word can be said, you hear, Jenny! Is it the gods? The gods are dead. They're dead?

Jenny! They're calling your name, Chet. Who is? I don't know. It's the porcupine. Oh! Frida! Oh my gosh. Dan! I'm on!

Hi. Oh, hi! Hello, hi. Oh god. I'm the hat. Sorry, our eyes had to adjust a little bit. We were just, it was blinding light. Yeah, what happened? What was that?

Are you guys all okay? Were you dying? Was that you falling? Yeah, I wasn't there. that? Are you guys all okay? Were you dying? Was that you falling? Yeah, I wasn't there. Your head is different. It's different. Yeah, it looks good. I haven't actually seen it yet.

Do you want to? Sure. Above my forehead. I give a little extra lighting, courtesy of the Dawnfather. So the portion of your head looks, at first glance, unchanged. It cast rings.

So yeah, if I can throw of it. So there seems to be, there's new cracking, obviously, but it has not been filled and finished with the gold yet. And it's not the same rough poured glass, necessarily. It's a little smoother, it's a little darker, and it's not... It's got more of a sense of depth,

like looking into a telescope. It just seems to go on and on forever. And in the center of it is, instead of a big, beautiful, glowing opal, it's now a much smaller, dark opal pearl that almost seems to have bits of tiny light orbiting it that flow through and almost like it's much bigger on the inside.

And the cracks are starting. Going to touch it. The cracks are definitely opening up as if it doesn't quite fit. It might be a little big. That's... That's new. I'm just going to poke at it a bit

and a tiny bit of the stone flakes off. Ooh. Well, he can poke at it, but I can't. That's right. Does it hurt, Ashton? Yeah. Lean down so I can see it. That looks good. Frida's right.

Broken to be made whole. You know, you go on long enough. Yeah, I've been through a lot. You know, the only thing that has stayed the same that I can remember in my reflection is this eye. Everything else is different. Yeah, something new. Are you all right, Ashton?

You're acting a little weird. That's saying something for you. I have a... I have an entirely new brain. Hold on, what? The inside of my head was clearly hollowed out, and I can feel it. So yeah, I would hope I'd be a little weird. It would be a little weird if I wasn't.

Do you still feel like yourself? I'm not sure. We'll find out after a nap and a drink. And a drink. And a drink. Yeah, I think it's me. Do you still, does your body still hurt? Oh yeah. Okay.

Miss Calloway. Maybe a little more than, it actually hurts a lot more, but I did just drop out of the fucking sky, holy shit! So scary. How did you guys, how did you find out? Oh, we saw you fall out of the sky. And we just followed where it landed.

Everyone down there is talking about it, if they're not crying, about the gods being, what'd you do to the gods? Oh, everything's a long story. No, did you see me? Was that you with the? Yeah. Are you okay? No, I'm fine.

Frida. I know. You do? I know. You do? I do. How did you know? I felt it. I'm so sorry. We're sorry to you guys. I'm sorry for you, yeah. We wanted to tell you,

but we knew we wanted to do it personally and not, and getting messages out was, it was so weird. The last couple of months has been kind of a blur. Yeah, saving the world, worlds, is a lot. Who are you? Who are you? New friends. Hi! Hi, I'm Deanna! Hi, Deanna. Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm Dorian Stoller of the Bard. I've heard of you. Hi. This is themer from LeVard. I've heard of you. Hi! This is them, the campers. I've heard about you. There's a talking piece of metal over here. Nobody thinks that this is... What are you? This is Bryce Doomsseed. Hi, yes. Deanna.

Nice to meet you. Doomsseed is his name? I don't even need to talk to you in your head to see that. Stop. Stop it. It sounds scary, but don't jump up by its cover. He's actually quite sweet, actually. Scared is not the feeling. Yes. Dorms.

You just can't get away from it. Yes, a pleasure to meet you. Frida. Nice to meet you. Oh, well, so Brayus. Oh, we're going to do it out loud. Great. Doesn't your girlfriend talk in people's heads?

This is not subtle. Yes, in your head. Can I still talk in people's heads? As soon as you try, it works. Oh! Stinker! Started back at level one! Stinker. All right, in your head, you hear.

In your head. He joined us when we were in Aeor. He's kind of a dick and betrayed us and then stopped betraying us, but he's single. Okay. That's very charming. Extremely charming. Are you all right?

You just stared off into space there for a second. Don't you worry about me, big boy. I'm good. Oh, I'm just saying, if you need healing, it's something that I can do. And then in your head, you hear, also, he really lacks... In your head, you hear.

Shoot me a little. Real quick. Is this also in my head? No, how loud? Everyone hears it. That's very nice. We're good. You were glowing. Oh yeah, I had to yell at people to be here. This is nice. How are you?

Oh, I'm great, how are you? I'm so good. This is amazing. Well, wait, wait, what's your situation? The ring go. Did you die? Yes, I did. I died bravely and for my friend. Shut the fuck up. I died and sacrificed myself

and it was only your ring that kept me alive. Is he lying to me? No. No, actually. There's a partial true. It's partial true. Partial true. I just wanted the reaction. I actually gave it to Ashton. Ashton turned into a giant elemental bee

and it was the only thing that kept him alive. The fuck you gave away? I back you. Well, they really did. Saved my life. Fucking saved my life. Fine! Saved my life. You die constantly. Your deal with the Dawnfather didn't do something well. Didn't they bring you back to life?

Yeah, but I gave you the ring, and then you gave him the ring. You're okay. I'm okay. He's gone. Oh, that's good. I'm glad you're safe. I'm sorry I hit you a little bit. Can I ask, did anyone save any?

We saved so much, yes. Would it be okay if I had a piece of FCG? Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, here. I've got a piece of my. Everyone does the same. Yeah. Oh, we kept his face. Thank you.

You kept his face. We did, we have. We kept his face? That's a little fucked up. It's a piece of metal, no, but we did. we kept his face. Yeah. You kept his face. We did. We have, we have. Kept his face? That's a little fucked up. It's a piece of metal. No, but we did. We kept his face. What the fuck? What are you going to give Miss Chica?

All right, that just sounds weird. What are you doing? It does sound weird. We kept the metal that was on his face. The animal actor shit? Yeah. Is that better? That's better. Yeah.

I don't think it is. We just chopped the piece of metal. It was a bush! We chopped out that tongue. Yeah, we took out the, we took out the, yeah, there was a meat tongue. Personally, that was my favorite part. Oh, okay.

Oh, right. This relationship certainly makes a lot of sense. Yeah, actually, Frida, I keep thinking about this moment when we first met FCG and we first met everybody and he had this lucky coin and they ended up dropping it down one of the tunnels in Jrusar.

You can say I dropped it. Or I was trying to be nice. I didn't want to throw you under the bus. You threw the coin? Yeah, you shit the bed. What the fuck? But, you know, if maybe once things have settled down, I would be interested in going to find it. Yeah, I think that'd be wonderful.

I think they would have wanted you to have it. Mm-hmm. Yes, I think, I think... I think that they... I think they're out there somewhere. I would love to go find this coin you speak of. I think I might've seen it. This is the one that allowed him to commune with his...

There was another one. No, that was a new coin. A new coin. The original coin was something different. It was glowy. It glowed. Right. Yes. Yeah. It was really, really special,

but Orym thought it would be fun to just throw it away. I'll be doing that thing where we're in a quest hole, like we just finished a quest and now we're looking for a rebound quest. We should just enjoy the after moment of the quest that we just completed. No, you're right. We should be happy.

It sounds like fun, don't get me wrong. I assume we have to stop by Jrusar anyway. Yes, yes. Just kind of. Plus, they say death is like the, you know, retirement is the number one. They always say that. Death is retirement. Yeah, death is retirement. Sounds good to me, actually.

Death is the number one retirement. Yeah. It me, actually. Death is the number one retirement. Yeah. It's like a... It's better than saying retirement is death. Can I ask a question? Yes, you may. Everyone in the city had eyes on where this meteor fell. So are we...

You're all on the top of the Heaven's Stair where you climbed up to release Predac'hlus. Yes. So everyone's eyes are up now on the mountain where you've all reconvened. So we're distant from the populace in general? It's like the Grinch. For the time being. We're looking out over Whoville.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Correct. Though you're uncertain how quickly they're going to swarm up and figure out what the fuck just happened. But at the moment, you are solitary on the top of the mountain. Okay, cool. Oh, that reminds me. I made a bunch of my game on the toy craft. It's really pretty good.

But I actually didn't end up using this. I made you something. Wait for me? Yeah, I was reminded of all of our, you know, our wild escapades on the beach under the moonlight. And I stole a big piece out from this tight ass in Whitestone.

And it reminded me of what we used to do. Anyway, this Rolo son of a bitch, he has this huge clock tower. I just snatched a little gear out of there and put it together with wood. You stole something from me? I thought it would just remind you of us. The motion of the ocean. Thanks, Teddy.

Is that really nice? Can I make an insight check? I'm just trying to see what the vibe is here, because I'm so happy to have this be platonic, but I cannot tell in this moment. I'll just straight up tell, I'm just happy to see you alive platonic, but I cannot tell in this moment. I'll just straight up tell, I'm just happy to see you alive. I was worried after all the gods went.

And also, you know, memories. Hey, thanks, Jetty. I'm so glad you're alive. They're all gone? Gone? Dead? Well, they're not dead. Okay. They're not gone. They're going to be reincarnated as people in the world.

Exactly that. Did you already talk to your god? Oh my god, yeah. And we had a really nice conversation. It was so sweet. Really? He was such a butthole before, but then it was like, we hugged and it was so nice. Really? You hugged?

It was so nice, yeah. You know. What was it? Did he seem mad? Was it hot? Did he seem? Sorry, what? Was it hot? Did it burn you? Yes. Heat-wise.

Yeah, heat-wise. Where'd your temperature go? Very warm. Don't worry about me. All right. I'm just curious. Like a burning butthole. What? Look. Is your eye loose again out of its size?

Sorry, it's the muscles. It drifts a little bit. You get stick drift in your left eye? Just like a Joy-Con. They're making Eye 2to-suits. You should be okay. It's going to be good. I'll get you on the list for that.

You and you are an item together? We were hundreds of years ago. Truly hundreds. And just whatever is convenient. You don't look a day over. I shouldn't finish that sentence. You should. You should. Very well for you.

You told him about the Savalir Wood? I think you should let him find out on his own. Good call. Okay. What's your deal? My deal is, like you, I was following a god who was not with us anymore. Which one? You wanted to tell her which one.

You should. Well, at first, I was sort of rolling with the platinum dragon. Rolling. You might've noticed Truthbearer, Fabled Plate of Uthor Vendrock. I'm so sorry, do you want to have a little stroke just now? You good?

You might've noticed Truthbearer, Fabled Plate of Uthor Vendrock, my armor. That's so perfect. I love your Nintendo, what? But I briefly dabbled in some Betrayer. Name names. Some people say Asmodeus.

Some people call him the Lord of Lies, the King of the Hells. Some people say Asmodeus. Some people call him the Lord of Lies, the King of the Hells. Some people say Asmodeus. Really? Have I been saying it wrong this whole time? You're incredibly bad at this. Did you say that to him in person? Tell me you'd said his name to him. I did. Is that not how you say it?

You said his name wrong to his face? You said that wrong to me! You have to tell me the truth. You do not lie to me. Did you say his name wrong to his face? I could lie to you if I wanted to. I'm very good at it, but no. I actually said it to his face.

He didn't even blink. That means he likes you. He gave you a pass. You showed him grief. I do think so. Hold on, could I have fucked the Dawnfather? Damn it! What? What kind of question is that? If we've done anything, it's like everything is datable.

If you didn't know that one was going to come. Make an insight check. Yeah, you might not have yet, but you sure can down the road. 27. 27. I'm going to roll a persuasion. Like 20. That's going to be 12 plus the Dungeon Master's 300.

I was saying his chance. You don't know. It's always an option with them walking the Earth. You can certainly try. You just have to bide your time. Okay, new life goal. Fuck every single god walking on the Earth. Every single one? Every single one?

Why not? I was going to hunt at you, but you want to bone them? I don't. I'm just saying it's hot, said he, Pryus. That's a pretty good goal. Yeah. Let's go. I've been, you know. The Growling King?

That's what you're going to get after? Give me some time. Oh, really? I feel like I've been controlled and manipulated by so many gods, but maybe now it's time to dom them. Wow! So you were a follower of these gods.

You were never a champion, correct? I was... Not a slight, just a question. I was a herald of Asmodeus? How did you say it? Lord of Hell! What do you do? I'm just King of Lights. I just wonder what happens to the-

What is happening over here? What happens to the champions? I have a tooth. I'm really sorry. Fearne's got the tooth. I have the tooth, and they're really dry. I see. That tooth sounded wet. That's where all the moisture went.

And where all my grooves are, in my stomach, I'm sorry. Okay, okay. But then, I mean, what happens to the champions of the gods now? I don't know. We're going to find out, I guess. Dorian is specifically thinking of Opal right now. Oh shit, yeah.

Though he keeps it to himself. Fearne is specifically thinking of Opal right now. Oh shit, yeah. Though he keeps it to himself. We didn't ask about it. I just wonder. I mentioned that they had the champions, the gods have the champions to protect them in their in-between phase. Yeah, but then you rolled a nine. And then I rolled a nine.

You rolled a what? Don't worry about it, don't worry about it. It's a thing we do. You're going to break up your partner there. These relationships are bad and we should ruin all of them. It's not just the champions, though. What about the souls of those who are devoted to these gods?

I don't think we're going to have a lot of answers today. What about the clerics? What about people who, can you magic? Can you still magic? I kept on. Yep. All right. Dang.

One question answered. Yeah. They're doing great. Would the champions be free now? Free? Maybe. From their obligations, you mean? Yeah. Why don't you try? Call your guy.

Who's your guy? Oh, I have a guy. He's, he works for, yes. Tevin Clast? Tevin Campbell? Tevin Campbell? Little T? He works for the Lord of the Lives. Yeah. Nice. Is he single?

Why don't you ask? You could ask him. Are you still a champion? Are you still tied to him? Do you have freedom now? Oh, you kissed it? Yeah, I kissed it. You summoned him? Yeah. Okay.

That's how you summon him, with that weak shit? Get on that hand. Oh god. There it is. Let go! Wait, is everybody looking at us? Are you summoning a fucking? I can motivate him to show up, why don't you?

As you are here, at the apex of the mountain, like this built stone platform that Mark I just stick my hand under my dress. Oh, Jesus! My goodness. We're back, baby! Look out, Vex! There's two of us.

It's because of Breein's at the table. She brings it out of us. It's a little kiss. Spell doesn't say anything, I'll tell you. Come here! I'm sorry. Shit. Spell doesn't say that in the Kiss the tree. The air around suddenly takes on a sulfurous smell. Within a brief second, the tearing sound of flames through the air, too real in recent week,

emerges in the space around. As suddenly before you, a dark shadow emerges from a flash of red and orange flame. There, standing before you, the armored, the muscular, blade-wielding, black, massive hair-maned devil figure that is Tevin emerges from this hellish gateway. What the fuck?

We're just testing the theory. Okay, fine. I'm just calling on you. Thank you. Ask him, ask him. Hello. Ask him just testing the theory. Okay, fine. I'm so proud of you. Thank you. Ask him, ask him. Hello. Hey. Hello.

I'm just getting started, okay? Let her cook! Just let me cook. Thank you, Deanna. I pat you on the shoulder and cast Guidance. Thank you so much. How are you? How is, how are you? His burning, glowing eyes glance upon

the entirety of the troop that surrounds him as the flames still flicker off the side of his shoulders. Reaches out and takes the end of your fingers. Ah! You call it a strange time, dear. Yes, I did. But it was just because I just need answers, and I just wanted to see how you're doing.

Are you still a champion of Asmodeus? Asmodeus? How do we say the name? Yeah, I'm actually unclear on how to do it. He takes your fingers and pulls you away from the troop and begins to walk away from the rest of you. I follow. Just taking the two of them away.

Someone has to grab me. I'm nosy. Who's going to grab you? Just go. I'm going. All right, you pull up. As you do, he glances over his shoulder and as he raises his hand, flames burn in front of you to block your path. Respect!

Okay. I back up. Pulls you over towards, not too far from the top of the apex stair that hits at the very peak of this and turns to you, his wings unfurling and almost encircling you to create a private conversation space.

Now it seems like the two of you within the cage of his leathered wings. My lord has left us, but we'll be back, and we will find him once more. What are you supposed to do in the meantime? Did he give you any directives? Aye. We are to keep his temples. We are to see to his truths

and we shall find him and rise again. He will be back, and we will have need of you, Calloway. Wait, why will you have need of me? We are bound, and as you look down, you're still grasping your fingers where the mark lies on your hand. That's right.

Wait, but I don't... But wouldn't this, this doesn't go away? Hit it. Our lord's contracts are eternal. We are bound to each other as you are bound to him. He will be back. Commitment, this is good. It's just commitment, it just stresses me out so much.

But just fuck him. Sorry, I'm behind the flame wall. Hit me like the fist of an angry god. It ain't soundproof. He flicks a finger up in that direction, past you, and as you're shouting, your words come out to no sound. Orym's just going to do a quick 360 and make sure the city's not mobilizing on us

because of this. And it's a 23 or four. 23, easy enough to pick up the sound of many, many armored footsteps getting louder up the stairs towards the peak of the mountain. Fearne, you might want to wrap it up. Okay.

Well, I guess I'll just call on you if I need you. And you will. Okay. As the footsteps get louder and louder until eventually you begin to see the shadowed tops of helmeted heads begin to crest from around the bend of the rising staircase,

the flames engulf Tevin as he vanishes. You look down at the mark on your finger, which has now spread into your, that part of your hand now has all manner of dark, curling, hellish runes and designs that now curl up towards the top of your hand. That's so fucking cool! Yes! Let's go!

That's a much better design. Yeah. Thank you. As you look at it, the edges of it still glow like an ember, the edges of a burned piece of wood. I've read this smutty book and it's good. Yes.

The rest of the Bashans rush up and they're with a number of Don Martial general guardians. You watch as Highbearer Vord approaches. He's just Mr. Duran. Indeed, looking fearful and gaunt, with a blade out at the side. Orym's going to descend a bit, smiling.

We're okay. For now, we're okay. I don't know what it all means yet. There's a lot to unpack, but danger abated for the moment. Right? Yes. Yeah, right? Yes. Yeah, we're good.

So we've been told upon our respective scattered communions. And how do you feel? What of this one? You who step into the First City and hold us ransom, what have you to say, Vessel? Is it gone? What are you?

I'm just Imogen. You saw it. Same as us, right? It's left. It worked. There's no reason. There's no reason for it to stay. Yeah. You see that intense look. Vord, who is ancient among the elves

and has held a strength of power, looks shaken and sallow. A being that has spent their life in service as one of the highest of the high priests, now godless, in but the past recent moments, staring at the cause. I step forward to him. The blade is still extended in your direction.

As you step forward, it's still out in an offensive way. How do you like that? I'm just me. I'm sorry that it came to this. Truly. Let her pass. You can trust me, for I wear Truthbearer, Fabled Plate, and Uther Vendrock.

Uther Vendross. The gods agreed to this. A figure steps out and places their hand on the side of Vord's blade, and you see stepping forward the High Hierophant Ophira, the curling staff of the Wild Mother itself, once an abundantly bright green sits at an autumn hue. What's done is done.

And the choice was not theirs, but theirs as she looks above. Now is not the time to let this animosity ride. You know that wasn't the point, right? Worshiping the gods because they're gods. The gifts that they gave us were to help each other. And that doesn't end just because they're gone. Fjord's blade pulls back and sheathes it rapidly. Okay.

Then what is the city now? A bastion of hope for all of the world. Whatever you decide to make it. A new beginning. Fjord looks around, and Huff spins and turns and just runs straight into the brick shit house armored wall that is Earthbreaker Gruun.

And just stops, and Gruun just puts his hand on Fjord's shoulder and pulls her head into his forehead and says, We will mourn. We will mourn. And pats the back of Fjord's head before stepping aside to let Fjord walk. And Fjord, not even looking back at you all, just

steps amongst the ranks of soldiers. It's going to take some time. Cheers to a new world. I'm not going to. I just say this to the group. Am I wrong to be a little irritated right now? It's a lot for people to handle. We just saved Exandria. And they're acting like

we just ruined their future. I mean, to some of them. Sometimes that's what it feels like. To let go of the thing you devoted your life to. You gave them work to do that makes anybody upset, especially if it's work on themselves. You spent 50, 60, 500 years following. Yeah.

Moral dictates. It's not going to slip away. I understand it. Overnight. Imogen, would you be able to send a message to somebody? I should be able to, I can still. I think we should check on Opal. She was your friend? Yes, she was our friend and she was the champion. Oh. Of Lolrf?

Yeah. Oh, cool. Oh, Zazari. Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. Okay. Complicated. Yeah. Just see if she's okay or, you know? If she's still herself or?

She was more than just a champion. She was influenced by a vestige, but that power was held by the gods, so. Maybe she's free. She could be, I don't know. I don't dare know. Some things persist. I know. Can you do it?

Yeah, I can. I can send her. Let me see if I got a spell, though. I believe I got them spells, though. I don't know. I don't know. I'm a fangstrapitator. The table just... Rita, shoot me.

Shoot me right now. Yeah, yeah. Got real growly. Table of diseased actors. I surprisingly still have sorcery points left, so I'm going to convert those into a third-level spell and send her a little old message. All right, what do you say?

Um. Mm-hmm. Oh god. Orm, you're good with concise. Can you help us? Opal. She's gone. I'm with your friends.

Are you yourself? Or under her influence? Where are you? Where are you? Opal, if you could quickly step in here and just. Oh yeah! What? Oh my goodness!

Where did she go? Where did she go? Did you just slide her across the front? I'll say. Just sit on the table. Should I? Should we move? I was saying, you can just sit in my chair real fast and just answer the question,

and then you can step out again. Yes! Yes! Yes! Gallop's gone! Yes! Yay! This is the scariest place I've ever been.

Yeah, it is. They've got to call us a lot this year. Touch all the buttons. Do something crazy. Suddenly within your mind, you hear an unfamiliar voice ask questions from some ether-like space. I asked you.

I don't remember what I asked you. I said, I'm here with your friends. Are you yourself or under her influence still? Where are you? You have a couple of sentences to explain. Yeah, I know. We're going to count them all off. Don't fuck it up. Hello?

I don't know. I think so. My head's quiet. I think I'm close. Did you lose a body? Five words left. Perfect. Fall out of the sky! Yeah!

Full set. Yeah, thank you. Well done. Well, she didn't sound evil. She sounded sweet and said her head was clear. Great, great! And she said she said she didn't hear. The voice is quiet. That's what she said.

And I was distracted by the sound of her beauty. And I'm really like, ah! She sounded beautiful? Yeah, she sounded gorgeous. And she said she saw Ashton fall. Oh, she's close. So she's close. Everyone is in the city.

Unless there were other bodies falling out of the sky at the same time, but. Probably. One is a big world. That's bad, actually. Statistically. Probably at least one. So wait, we should,

hold on, how many more sorcery? You got one more in you to tell her to come find us? We should send her away. Hold on. She's driving home now. Oh, fuck off. She's done. I have nine, down to six, down to three. I have three sorcery points left now,

so I can do another one, because I had six. I can bring it down to three. I can send her another message. Sure. Hey, Opal, come on back. She's gone already. She left. She's showing me a whole lot. Whenever I get a text from my phone,

I just don't know her. Who's your mom? You're on today, girl. What was all that was in our contract? I have a sending, I just do not know who she is. I'll be like, hi, random number, what's good? You sound hot? Yes, yes, we're close.

We're on the hill up Heaven's Bridge. Stairs, stairs, Heaven's Stairs. Tell her to listen for the thunder. Listen for the thunder. Listen for the thunder. Dorian. Dorian says hi. Oh, Dorian. Okay, I'm coming.

Yeah! I'm going to immediately cast Thunderclap like 50 feet above us. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I burn him, too. Okay. Follow the tune! No one, really? Okay. Emanates.

It's a localized thunderclap sound that echoes off a little bit. Everyone looks around and everyone looks to Groon. Groon's like, wasn't me. And raises his hand up. And that thunderclap, now Bolt's lightning starts streaking out of the thin air.

The clouds have not filled the cleared sky at this point, but Bolt's seem to apparate out of the middle of the atmosphere itself. And there's an effect, like a reddish bolt, almost like a jellyfish spread that seems to arc out right at the top where it does, crackling with an echoing blast of thunder.

That was me. Moan nods. There is the sound, as you all talk amongst yourselves for a bit, and we have a moment before she gets there, so if you want to chat for a moment. Mr. Pockerby, can I speak to you alone for a second? Of course, yes, yes, of course.

So when we saw Ashton, not Ashford, when we saw Ashton, not Ashford, when we saw Ashton fall from, that's what, long story. Okay. It wasn't just him that led us to you, them that led us to you, it was, I could smell you. I'm sorry, I'm real old.

It sounded like you said you could smell me. I mean, it's been a hectic 48, 72, but I don't think. No, it's not that. I mean, I'm like you now. You've been, that's right! Wait, you made a robo-wolf. Wait. You made a robo-lobo. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Would you say... Oh my god, I forgot about that. It's technically a disconcerting concept. Can I lean in on Frida and just do a little... Yeah, sniff each other's butts. A little, yeah, can we? Make a little Ouroboros. While the Dawn Marshals of Vasselheim are like,

That's funny. Look away, don't look me in the eye, motherfucker! That's part of it. It's been so hard. Sorry. It's been, it's just Deanna and I, and she's been great, but it happened one time, and it was FCG. I felt like every fiber in my steel body

ripped apart and put together again, and then I was angry, so angry, and I couldn't understand why, and then it dawned on me that they were gone. That anger turned to something primal. Then I didn't remember. I woke and Deanna was there. There were a lot of dead things around me.

Oh gosh. Yeah. Yeah, that sounds very familiar. This is new. I mean, you are, familiar. This is new. I mean, you are, frankly, metal. Yeah. You? Well, more than metal. Yes, yes, yes, yes.

But, you know, it's like the metal. I can feel things. I can smell things. I can see things. I can hear things. It's like, it I can see things, I can hear things. It's like, it's incredible. It is, isn't it? But it's fucking scary.

Of course, I mean, all new things are, but also exhilarating. Metal Wolf, motherfucker. Ah, this is great. You must feel very concerned that you wouldn't be able to control this. Were you worried about Deanna? Yeah.

Yeah, I don't think she's too worried, but yes, I'm worried about Deanna and everyone and anyone. She can tame the wolf, you know what I'm saying? I'd rather not think about it. I asked. That was a long night for me. I understand. I don't want to be too forward, but I've only just recently gotten ahold of this myself and took the instruction

and care of people that knew what they were talking about. Yeah, that's... So this is kind of... I was hoping that I could... You made me, and I was hoping I could study with you, Mr. Pockabee. That's so strange. I swore I would study with you, Mr. Pockabee. That's so strange. I swore I would never make anything out of metal.

I guess we all have to try new tricks. Incredible. I love it here. Frida. Yeah? I've never had a protege, but I've been one, and it would be a great honor if you would allow me to guide you through this. There are many people I can,

the Gorgine are fucking nuts, and they will love to see this. That is, I have to tell Deanna, but yes. My slate's open. We did the thing, so, you know, a project I'm here for. I can be a project. I, when I felt FCG go, it was like, it was like the best thing in the world

being ripped off of it and compressed into something small and ugly. And I was angry at all of you. I wondered, how could they let that happen, right? And then that turned into... We've been alive for a long time. And when you lose everything, you gain gratitude.

And I think... I think I've never been more grateful. So thank you. Thank you. Wow. Not many in this world are older than I am, especially now that they're gone. That means a lot.

And I know what FCG meant to you, what he meant to all of us. If it's any consolation now, he saved us. They were the only thing that kept us alive. I can feel them still. Their soul, I can... It's like a song, I don't remember. But I want to remember But I want to remember.

I want to remember. Thank you. Of course. And who knows? You can topple gods. Maybe there's even more to uncover about someone like you. Like them. I feel like something like that

can neither be created or destroyed, so maybe we make it a side project of ours. Okay. I've been, I was hoping I'd see you again, and I made something for you. It's really crude. You what? I made something for you. It's really crude. You what? I made something for you. You didn't make something, protege.

You crafted it! I'm sorry, I crafted it, Mr. Puck. Old way. And I click, click, click, open, and I pull out, I know you don't like working with metal. It is a very crude rendering of an Aeormaton's heart, a core. And it's pink and emerald and shiny,

beautiful glacial shards of stone. Holy shit. It's beautiful. Thank you. Metal, but beautiful. Thank you. Metal, but beautiful. Yeah, that's what I thought. Please, Dad, goodbye. It's all right, you got room for growth, clearly.

I'll keep this with me. Okay. Thank you. Of course. Boy, Deanna's fit to be tied, huh? We really got to get her with Brace. What does Deanna's fit to be tied, huh? We really got to get her with Brace. What does that mean, fit to be tied? They need to run some laps.

That's the expression. Don't worry, tie her up, you'll see. I start speaking all kinds of languages, Spanish, Japanese. Orym by now has leapt up onto Fearne's shoulder and has his hand intertwined with Dorian's, and I'm just staring off into the crowds down below, trying to spot our friend in the masses.

Right. Where is she? Do you see her? Do you see her? While this is happening, Groom and Ophira approach with their guard to the sides, too, as most of the guards are now beginning to head down the staircase again. Oh. Ophira is like,

This is a great change across the realm, and there is much that we must discuss as a council of the future. There are a number of matters here that I think do concern you outside of that aspect of recent events. Your compatriot from Ruidus has spoken of a great many of their people

in a waiting state. Right. And with the destruction of the Malleus Key, we know not of their fate or what is to come. So we would ask your assistance, being those with the most communication and knowledge and understanding. Gron kind of steps forward.

Some will not trust, maybe in time. But some see your hearts and know you did what needed to be done. Are you one of them? Are you cross with us? If I was cross with you, you would already be re-dead. I love the specification. That was a nice touch.

Thank you. I do like the idea of realived, though. That sounds nice. We've been searching for a word, right? Not undead, but realived. Feels nice. It's like a glass of alcohol. Yeah, yeah.

Realived. But the soldiers shift and are like, please come with us in and Ophira, and then begin to guide you all down the stairs from the top of the mountain. You're essentially being given a nicely forceful escort from the space where you were.

In that scenario, you're all keeping an eye out, heading down the long, winding aspect of the side of the mountain towards where the platinum sanctuary is and beyond. The two of you scatter off and get pulled from the guards to focus primarily on this troop. So for the time being, if you wouldn't mind stepping away. Oh, oh.

Fuck you guys, we're out! How cute are the guards? Let me try! Come this way, girl. What'd you say? I'm going to use here, just in case. Yeah, it's the best thing ever. Between the opposite of man's ready.

But you do notice, Orym, as you walk alongside Dorian, holding his hand and looking across the cityscape here in the fresh night of Vasselheim, it sounds like the clattering of spears and a few shouts, and what looks like a circle of soldiers surrounding a familiar glint of pink leather down partway up the base of the staircase.

There looks to be a standoff at the moment between your called compatriot and many of the defending forces at the base of the Platinum Sanctuary's staircase. Ah! If you wouldn't mind coming to the table. Yes! Yeah! There it is.

Tell me where you're going. Where are we going? Oh, here. Oh, there. Here, I'll take that one. Where do you want to be? I think in the middle. Right there?

Oh my god. I get to be a little taller. Oh, thank you. Scoochies are a little bit taller. I wish I was a baller. Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah. Thank you. She is a little bit taller. Okay, I wish I was a baller. Okay. What is he? Scoochies, scoochies. As we get closer, how's that?

I guess this is a question for you or her. Is she wearing the crown? Are you wearing the crown? Am I wearing the crown? I'm asking you. Yes, but. Is it drippy? Is it icky? I think,

I'm going to bring my dice out and hope that Matt will make me roll one for the answer. Oh! I like that. Sure. Go ahead and roll a d20 for me. Okay. This is my opal dice. That's an 11.

That's an 11. That's an 11. Okay. There are streaks down her face and across the neck that of almost dried ink that was turned liquid under sweat and work and then left to redry. Smeared streaks of black, the crown itself still standing,

with two arms as opposed to the four that you had seen in the final moments. Though you, based on your particular trajectory and choices, can guide the remainder of your disposition. So I think the first thing, well, Orym's on top of- Orym yelled, Ma, leapt down, started darting through Soldier's legs,

and bait and switch bumps Opal back and puts his hand out towards all the people surrounding her. We're not going to do this right now. Too much has happened. She's with us. Settle. Ease down. I start booking it over.

Nancy! I pick you up. Oh, my Nancy! Oh, it's so good to see you. I'm sorry about my appearance, but I looked worse than this. We have inside jokes, too. And then do I see Fearne?

I'm just running over. Oh my god! Fearne! Hi! And I give her a big, big, big hug. I just pick her up off the ground and just shower her with kisses all over. Oh my god, I missed you so bad. Then I just grab both of you really, really tight, and then I look over at Dorian.

I'm on the outside circle, like always, just drinking it in. Hi. I'm so sorry. It's okay. It's not. It will be. Are you back?

I'm back. You're back back? I think so. I don't hear anything in my head, except for your friend. Who was that? Hi. Hi. Oh yes, wait, oh!

Yeah, yeah, guys, come on, come on, come on. She got shit on her face. It used to be an evil black ichoroth, a betrayer goddess. It's, I think it's gone. I think she's okay. A little spit, tried to clean it up a little bit. I like it. No, the vibe was good.

It's a really great aesthetic. But you were the one that fell? Yeah, that was me. Hi, you're Opal? I've heard a lot about you. Hi. Hi. It's a pleasure, wow. Hi, you're Opal? I've heard a lot about you. Hi. Hi. It's a pleasure. Wow. Hey, you look great

from falling out of the sky. You look great for avatar of a spider goddess. It's really, it's working. I go up and shake your hand. Do you want me to clean you up at all? That would be amazing. And I'll just press the Digitation and clean her up. Oh, that's so nice.

You feel a little fresh. I feel so fresh. My pits have stunk for weeks. I give him a sniff. Musky. And I think now, she's still got the crown on, but it's maybe Opal at the end of EXU, where it wasn't,

Gooey was just herself. Two different colored eyes. Her hair is maybe looking freshly washed. Just a young, fresh face from Byroden. Twice crowned Queen of Byroden. I think that she has a lot to say, but doesn't really know where to start, so I think she'll say,

What happened to the gods? I mean, I talked to my bitch, but she's just generally unpleasant. Did she say goodbye? Yeah, I think we're curious to know what you heard before we fill you in. Well, she had an attitude. What do you think, Matt?

Should I say what I think, or do you have something, like a flashback or something? Oh! Whispers! Whispers! Whispers! Is that still something? I'm not supposed to read this until combat. Don't do it, don't do it! This whisper is brought to you by WizKids.

And their Bell's Hells box set, available now at Enhance Your Home Games with Critical Role Minis by WizKids, available at wizkids.io slash crminis, and your local Game Store. Oh man. Well. She said I was still bound to her, and that I would be forever. And I thought,

and you see a flash of where maybe an alignment shift for her. She's opal, but she's been changed these last few weeks. She's seen more carnage and violence, and she's perpetuated that carnage and violence in a way that really I don't think she has processed, and it will take a long time, but there's that sort of glint of like...

And I don't mind that so much. She told me to come look for her because she was going to be reborn. And I thought, as a little baby, this tiny, vulnerable little bug. So little. So corruptible. So unprotected.

I said, okay. I'll come find you for Cyrus. Part of Dorian in his moment when we were first together, where his alignment first shifts, catches it in her eye, and just for a second,

the two of them are dialed in on some unspeakable idea. Laudan just has a nervous laugh. You're spooky. You're spooky. You're spooky! You're spooky. You're spooky, too. Yes, yes. I go, and I paint my face in black ichor to look like a little system in the middle.

You're very pretty. I'm pretty, too. Make sure you don't hit me. Yeah. I'm black. Okay. We've come a long way from the Byroden Fair. We're just missing one.

Yeah. Something tells me he's just fine. Or is he? I have to do his effort to find him. All right. It's at this moment that the guard has begun to guide you towards the Platinum Sanctuary itself. And while they've been tolerant of your presence based on the company you keep,

as you begin to step to within the antechamber, there are spears and blades put between you and Opal. And Garth's saying, We appreciate your presence, but we cannot let the champion, the Spider Queen, into our sanctum. I understand.

Should we go somewhere else where we won't have to keep dealing with this? I don't think we have much choice at the moment. Above table Orym, who has the other half of the sending stone? Not you and me, but... You gave it to someone. Lost it.

I don't remember. Yeah, me either. All right. But we only have one. I flat out don't remember. Do you have the other half? Yeah. You gave it to someone. We did. Somebody, so get in touch with them.

We'll figure it out. Can we give it to Opal? The one we have. Opal will be able to just talk to whoever you gave it to. Yeah. I don't know who you gave it to. You'll find the other half. We can't remember, but Dorian Orym will. Right.

Grace for us in this craziness week. Mm-hmm. At the very least, I will take a moment for the guard just to walk up with ruin of whatever face I have right now. Caleb? It wasn't? If we find out that you have misplaced a single hair from beneath that crown,

we will be very upset. We want her treated like family. Is that understood? Make an intimidation check. All right. Guidance. Oh, please. I'm helpful.

I'm different. Thank you. 24. LaGarde steps back, glances at her, glances at you, glances at the weird spectral darkness that sits gleaming from the side of your skull, and then back to you. We just protect our sanctum, that's all.

Thank you. But as Opal awaits outside, the rest of your troop is gathered within where discussions of what to do about the remaining Ruidians progress. So as opposed to role-playing a six-plus hour long courtroom drama of what to do here, you all have your perspectives, your contacts,

and understand that the majority of the populace was in transit to where the Bloody Bridge was or had begun to make the trek before the, or was about to make the trek before the war began for the Bloody Bridge itself. So there is a mass, an entire population of currently kind of mid-caravan roaming status. kind of mid-caravan roaming status.

What do you think is to be done with the Rylorans, the Bormodos, the Sightas, the Quanticas? What do you think? So we're going a little larger picture here? Yeah. Was there group by group allegiance, or was it pretty mixed?

It was pretty mixed. And they're all still up there. They're on the moon still, but. Blow up the moon. They were dreaming the blue dream. They wanted to be. They wanted to be, sure. I mean, I feel like we should let them

decide what they want to do. Do we even have a means of bringing them here? Well, we have the back door. Slower. I think we probably should advise slow exchange program and emissaries in both directions and in the spirit of peace, trying to figure out this new...

They're technically distant relatives, and that's how we should frame it. They're Exandrians. Yeah. They were Exandrians first. They should be given the opportunity, I mean, a chance, if they want. But if there's so many of them, someone will need to receive them, accept them,

give them shelter. They can't just be refugees in the middle of the desert. No. Mm-hmm. I mean, there is the town around that lake, I suppose. That was empty, but that's not enough. No. But it could be a good start. Yeah, for a forward operating base.

I imagine each city could essentially sponsor. They'd have to agree to it, though. Yes, but I think we could learn a great deal from the Ruidians. They're in a real state of flux, too, because they've just been released from under the boot of a long, long, long-standing power structure that is absent.

Are all the leaders still here in Vasselheim or are they spread out now? The majority of them. It's not the size of the council where you first sold your plot to head the Corps of Ruitous. I might say about two-thirds of it remains. Others either are still out and about

or weren't convened in this council. Is there some sort of network that connects all of the major hubs of this world? Some sort of crisis network that we could use to reach out? Oddly, there is. Oh! And upon calling, if you wish, it's not a hard ask, as some of the representatives

were already present in Vasselheim, and upon this council. Vex'ahlia Vassar is present along with the rest of her heroic troop, Vox Machina. Lady Allura indeed is present and other representatives from other main cities are contactable through the Crisis Orbs. So they are brought to bear

as well as many other allies of this endeavor, members of the Mighty Nein who had also gone towards the core of Ruidus and were part of the salt on the Weavemind are present to help fight this argument as well. But you have the attention of many major metropolitan areas across the world. Whitestone has often been a beacon of hope

for those seeking refuge against violence. I know Percival and myself would be more than happy to accept several families from Ruidus. However many we can support. I want to live on the moon! Sorry, it's not my turn yet. Just dibs, dibs! Whoops.

That's actually an interesting idea, though, Grog. What? Well, I'm just saying, I know personally, the Ashari are very well versed in guarding gateways to other dimensions. And I don't see this being much different than what the Ashari are already doing. We could maybe continue to have the Ashari stationed

in that lake town in Issylra. And I think it's worth having some Exandrians help out with this transition on Ruidus as well. Yep. It's a good idea, Grog. Above table, I can't think of a better end for Grog than being Warden of the Moon.

Grog and Yaz together? Oh man. It's like something. Hey, we'll come back to this. We'll come back to this. It's like something out of Planet Hulk. It's so. Yeah, yes! We'll come back to this.

Okay. There's so much that we have to offer each other as well. I, for one, would love to see what the surface of Rudas is like. I think that there is a world where this sort of exchange would be phenomenal. Yeah, Beauregard Lionett here, hi. Just from our brief time there,

they have a lot of fucked up science shit, so I feel like all you other science bitches, you can maybe go help with that or learn some shit. I just lost my husband to the moon. Thank you very much, Beauregard. Go on. Maybe it's a great vacation. You could have a summer home there.

I don't know. You're rich, you'll figure it out. It actually was cool there, you know? I don't know, people like science and shit. Allura says, anyway, indeed, we can begin communications and to our right, you see Evero a step forward as well. I've been speaking with our resident Ruidian aid

throughout this recent successful endeavor in safeguarding the pantheon and future of Exandria, I think the least we can do is begin a process of working with them. There are many places in Exandria that likely are a bit too challenging for most to find home, whereas the Ruidians have quite a knack for making the inhospitable hospitable.

With the aid of the Ashari, there are means of magical terraforming and at least we can all step forward with the idea of trying to make this work. Yeah, there is a great opportunity for an exchange of knowledge and history. Hundreds, thousands of years of history, above and below. What about the bad ones?

There were some bad ones, too, right? Here on Exandria, you mean? Well, yes, of course. A lot on Exandria, but up there. Well, it's not like we can say, oh, all the bad ones stay up there and only the good ones can come down here. That's so mean.

You're right, but I- I think we just left it an open pathway, you know? Like, whoever wants to come, they can come and whoever- Just forgiveness sort of blanket. Well, I mean, how are we going to know? What are we going to do? Like a vetting process or something? That's so fucked up.

Yeah, I mean, after all, we should aid in however people are getting back and forth from the moon. I mean, they'll want to come here, people will want to go there, maybe establish some trade. So J'mon saw Ord from upon their temporary throne with their Ank'harrel associates at the side, steps up.

We have taken quite a large number of prisoners. We have many who briefly fought against us underneath the Weavemind's intent. I believe they should be held accountable for their violence against our people. Were they choosing to fight against you or was the Weavemind forcing them to fight against you? And we have a number of individuals

that can see how far this influence might have pressed them. Should they be truthful, there is always a path to redemption. For many of us are aware of our own histories of imposed ruling will. So we agree, a path of redemption to even those who met us on the battlefield, yes?

Redemption, yes. What a gift. The chance to let someone live in their dream. Redemption. Everewa steps forward. I hadn't even thought about that. Do we get to have our own dreams now? Only one way to find out.

Everewa, do you think the other Ruidians will be open to this exchange of knowledge? I'm sure some will. I'm sure some others will be probably reticent. Perhaps you could be the ambassador. Oh, I'm a researcher, I'm not a... No, you're so smart, though. You're, like, so smart.

For those who don't wish to come to Exandria, we can possibly bring a bit of Exandria up to Ruidus as well. I could be an ambassador. Who? Oh, it's you. I could totally be an ambassador. You are correct. Jester, it's you. I could totally be an ambassador. You are correct. Jester, that's a big responsibility.

I mean, there would be... Are you sure? I mean, you guys are pirates. Why not be like moon pirates? That's so cool. Space pirates. Space pirates! Moon franchise, this is brilliant.

I mean, yeah, we're totally ambassadors. Do you think they would like a boer bar on the moon? Everybody would like a boer bar. And echoing, throat-clearing, Pirates very close to the button. reverberates throughout the massive hall of the Platinum Sanctuary as the Mighty Nein is loudly discussing their franchise interests.

Enjoy my Taste of Tal'Dorei t-shirt. Yay! That's the first thing that gets built on the road. Isn't this fucking awesome? Oh! That's a real thing? That's a real thing? That's a real thing. That's out now, that's out.

That's awesome. Oh lord. Yeah, you guys show it off. Mid-episode merch drop. Well done, Laura. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. When did we get those? Is that where her dastard jacket? Evargo goes, Well, we'll see how many of my contacts

survived the struggles. I can think of a few figures of the Volition and Rod that would be very suited to try and set this up. He looks around the rest of the Quiet Council that all sits still. I would like three of you, from any of your present troops, to roll a persuasion check for me.

Ooh! Who's got the best? Me. Persuasion. Um, okay. Call out those mods, y'all. Caleb. And Jen.

All right. Fearne? No. Fearne is really high. Fearne's great. Fearne's great. Brayus is great. Scanlan. Scanlan! Is Scanlan present? Ah, Scanlan.

Vox Machina is returned after the battle. That's one from each campaign. It feels unfair to use Scanlan, but sure. Yes. Let's do it. Yeah, yeah. We need your strength. Well, here. What's the point, then? For each of you that's going to make this roll,

I want you to make your case. Oh shit. Oh boy. That's harder. I need to look up Keola thing on, I don't remember. I wanted to give you a moment to try and find your sheets, but for each person that's rolling, I want you to make your case before you roll. The N.D. Beyond is waking up.

Because that will affect the DC. And also, characters arguing for this that have some semblance of stake. Doesn't mean Scanlan can't roll, but I'm really curious to hear Scanlan's perspective on this. I am, too. That's deportation. Huh? That's a weird avenue to take here. Ooh. Best deportation. Yeah.

Huh? That's a weird avenue to take here. Super hard. Oh, man. Keyleth is a plus six. It's kind of, it's okay. Sit down. Yeah, but she actually cares about this shit. That's true. I can try for it. I was going to say, yeah, I've also got a plus eight,

but that's okay. Keyleth is probably a little bit more invested in this, to be honest. I can get Vex, too. Okay. I know, it's all the- Negative one, so I know it's his godness. Yeah.

All right. So who do we have? We know that Vex isn't that great. Brayus can step forward. Brayus steps forward. Who else? Caleb. Caleb. Imogen. And Imogen. If that great. Brayus can step forward. Brayus steps forward. Who else? Caleb. Caleb. Imogen. And Imogen.

If that's okay. Yes. Go for it. One from each. Three people that have been to the moon and have had experiences with Ruidians of various sides. Very well. Which of you steps forward first? The world that we have known until now

has been shaken thoroughly like a snow globe. It's far too soon to understand the lay of the land, what the meaning of today's events is. It's premature to form any sort of stance against our neighbors above. And while some we are hearing were involved in efforts against us here at home, speaking from personal experience,

outside influence is a real thing. We are all responsible for our own actions, but I would ask that those present get a fresh start with new family. If there was ever a time for a fresh start, it is now. All right. Bitter. Roll a persuasion check.

Good. 25. Very well. Who steps forward next? I shall step forward. It's been a crazy six days. Yes, it's been a crazy six days. In the last six days,

I've been to two planets, three continents, and four ethereal realms. I've talked to the gods. I met a God-eater. Met aliens. Robots, werewolves. I think I fucked a monster. But in all of those travels,

the one thing that I've noticed is that everybody just wants, they all want the same thing. They just want safety, security, and the ability to pursue their dreams, whether or not they have them. I've also learned a lot about redemption in the last few days, to pursue their dreams, whether or not they have them. I've also learned a lot about redemption in the last few days, and I hope that we recognize that all these people,

even if they live on a different planet, are more or less the same as us, and we give them the chance that we give ourselves. Roll your persuasion check. Not great. Possibility? At least, plus a lot of pain. 22. Okay.

22. Okay. And Imogen, you're last. When we first stepped foot on Ruidus, I didn't know what to expect. I had a vision in my head of a red storm. Lifeless. But upon arriving, we ran into a village of people just trying to get by, raising cattle and helping their neighbors.

We went into the city and I saw two small children laughing together and frightened upon seeing these new strangers. Above all, the people there dreamt of a chance. They dreamt of hope. The blue dream, that's what they called this place. And we, as Exandrians, we have the chance to give that to them. To give them their home back, something that was stolen away so long ago. You have the power in this room right now

to give them a new life. I hope you use that power for good. My persuasion check. Guidance. Okay, all right. There's so many options here. Who's fault is that? Which one?

Which beautiful dice? Which beautiful dice are we going with? The one with the numbers on it. Okay, I'm going to go with this pretty one. No. You're right by me. Oh, thank god! Is that a one? Okay, okay, okay. Oh, thank god! Is that a one? Okay, okay, okay.

Oh, and then Guidance. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay. That's crazy. Okay, okay, okay. Okay, okay, okay. Ooh! That's a small threat.

That's only 23. Only 23. If I could just say one more thing, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. Not about the Ruidians. I, just while everyone's gathered, I just want to say, I'm sorry I tried to betray you all.

Oh, yes, you know, we should talk about this not in front of the council. No, but I feel like this is a good place to do it because you can't hurt me here. No. We can hurt you later. Later, but here you can't, so. Yes.

We're surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the world right now. They could end you with a blink of an eye. All right, we'll table this then. A few eyes glance headlong to each other with a confused head tilt or a bit of a murmur. About this time, a strange figure steps from the nearby crowd, swathed in dusty cloths. You see the familiar face of a hood pulled back

of Planerider Ryn, who steps out to join you all. Nice. I've been there as well myself, and some time there without even realizing it. But many of you know of my journeys, and I can indeed back up their perspectives. As far as relocation, there are a few who can traverse as quickly and with as much breadth

as I can, and I am willing to volunteer myself as part of the Ruidian Relocation Program, if that is now a name for it, and looks over at other people on the council, who are like, The RPs? Yeah. Yeah. But there are means of doing this

in a structured, methodical, I do. But there are means of doing this in a structured, methodical, safe, and comfortable way. Looks over to J'mon. I'm within our respective sense of justice. There is some whispered discussion as some other figures convene and talk. Some of the crisis orbs and means of communication between the various cities glow, and eventually the council returns to their seats.

The Dawn Marshals, the city, and various representatives of city-states and communities from around Exandria. A number of communities here have agreed. And as such, the Ruidians will be granted a means of living amongst us. It will take time, as Ophira grasps her staff,

and indeed an exchange of knowledge for their comfort as much as ours. We wish to know more about them. Looks over at Everoa. And to be honest, we actually probably know a lot about you all. We've been living in your dreams since we were born. You'd be surprised

maybe how comfortable we already would be here. He steps back. The Lake Town will become a bastion of transference. The cities that have agreed on Corell, Emon, Jussar, Byroden.

Whitestone. Whitestone. Aishenador. Zephrah. Zephrah. Zephrah. Fortune. One by one, city names from across Exandria begin to speak up.

Not all of them, but enough to be a start. And that sense of hope begins to swell in the room. With that, some brief conversations and pats on the back, some hands shaking, some odd stares from across the room, and some still mistrusting or uncertain dispositions passing you by with a long glance, the council begins to break from within the chambers. And once more, Bell's house is left

to exit out into the night, where there indeed Opal still stands. I think Opal's been listening in. Who's from Byroden? Oh, I know! I know you! Wow. There's a statue of you.

In Byroden? Yeah. Have you ever heard of the Gem of Byroden competition? I feel like that could be a really, really good way to introduce some of the rude. I'm sorry, I was listening in. It could be a really great way to introduce them to the culture of,

and you probably haven't been in a long time, but there is a pie contest that you would go crazy for. Oh no, I remember the pie contest. Oh, you do? Visit Whitestone, we'll talk. Yes, please. Okay. Okay. But indeed,

you all can't help but consider the immensity of what has transpired, and what small part or big part he'd played in it from the beginning. What elements of it were fate? What elements of it were fate? What elements of it were choice? What elements were just riding the waves of chaos? You can almost feel the city, the world itself, collectively exhale

and prepare themselves for what comes next, whatever that may be. So to that point, Orym, what's up for you soon? You can go ahead and rest if you'd like to. All right. Thanks, Mom. Hey.

Hello! Come on. Love you, love you. Thanks. That's wise. Hey. Hello! Come on. I love you, baby. Thanks. That's wise. I'm going to be a friend. That's wise. That's wise.

About two times. I send a message to a friend. Well, I have a small task and then the larger. Certainly. The small is, if we're talking the coming days and weeks at this point? Yeah, however soon or thereafter you want to be. We're now taking little vignettes of time in the aftermath of this shift, this change,

and I want to know what's next for you. Well, I need to find the Tempest, but she's busy moving mountains, so before I seek her out on this day, in the next couple of days, I'm going to seek out Rin. Rin is easy enough to find. Rin is in the process of a deep series of discussions. They are laying out drawn maps

that seem to lay out interpretations of the Ruidian cityscapes, townships, the path to where the Bloody Bridge once was, to where this is, and they're basically building out a plan. There are, as you step into the tent where she is, you see Rishina of the Golden Hammer is present, representative and leader of the Volition

as part of this. They are talking as you step in, you stop and turn, and Rashida goes, Ah, hello there, Orym. Amazing. Welcome. How long have you been with us? Only but a day.

We're in the early stages, and looks to Rin, and they both raise an eyebrow, but we're making headway, it seems. Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. As far as I understand, we've all had our work cut out for us for some time. So not a massive change, just a shift in responsibility. To be honest, I much prefer this

than skulking around and constantly under the threat of death. Well, I'm three foot three, but I have high hopes. I see what you did there. Now, Rin can answer. And how can we help you, little Auron? I'm sorry to interrupt your work. I was wondering if you would take a walk with me. If you don't mind.

Of course not. I need to speak out to some of my compatriots, anyway. And then Ryn steps out and puts her hand on your shoulder and begins walking with you out. I'm going to start leading us towards a garden in the city that I've already scoped out at this point. I can't tell you how, I don't know what's going on, how grateful in all the twists and turns

of the last few months that you made it out the other side of this. And I know so much of where things shook out is out of our control, but I have felt bad all this time that you went through what you did, and I was hoping you'd let me help you and to facilitate that.

This is a funny thing to say in light of recent events, but would you ever sit with me and pray a little bit? Pray? I can lead things, if that's okay. They raise their one arm and like, Who am I to say no? If there was a better time to pray, perhaps it's when no one's listening. Orym, like, Who am I to say no? If there was a bit of time to pray,

perhaps it's when no one's listening. She sits down next to you and says, And believe you me, I've been through far worse, but I have you and your friends to thank for seeing me through the other side. Is that not right? Did the best we could. Didn't we all.

And with that. How does this prayer thing work? Orym is going to unsheathe Seedling and gently rest it on Rin's lap and take hold of Rin's hand. And he's going to start to, he relinquishes or releases Seedling from himself and he rests Rin's hand on the blade.

Don't cut yourself, it's sharp. Keep it here. What am I praying to, exactly? Well, we are praying to the Wild Mother. Hmm. I don't know where you are. If you are waiting to be born. If you know what's coming.

If you'll remember all that's happened. But I hope for the best. I hope we can walk side by side in this world together. I have faith we can. And Orm will pray with Rin long enough for Rin to attune to the blade and have its regenerative properties as Orym druidcrafts little fey tendrils of vinery and greenery over Rin's hand and the blade

and up Rin's torso and around her neck, and over the area where Rin's arm broke off, until it slowly, bit by bit, first in vegetation, which congeals and firms up into flesh until Rin's arm is whole. Rin begins, I'm not really one for prayer, necessarily.

I don't even know quite how to begin, but I can tell a story. Stories I can do, stories I can definitely muster. I have seen a lot in my time. It begins to go into discussions of her youth and the travel that they've done across the realms. The incredible, gorgeous plumes of unreal color and light bursting at the edges

of where the various elemental realms collide. The deepest depths of the abyss and what horrors gurgle there, as well as what beautiful nightmares exist in the most vibrant peaks of the Fae. The dream and belief of worlds beyond even the realms that they know, a great cosmic expanse in which

Exandria is but one of many worlds with different threads to share and differences to celebrate in a hope of one day even seeing them. And getting lost in that storytelling, eventually they open their eyes and see the vine-wrapped facsimile of their lost arm. They smile. I love a good story.

Well, many more where that came from. She goes to brush off the vines that you've created this image of the lost arm. As they do, they break off and the new arm has reformed in its place. You see Wrynn, Clever. And ruffles your hair like a child.

Very, very clever. I like it. You're going to have your hands full with everything you got to do, so. Indeed. Can you make two more? We can pray. I think I've had enough prayer for one day,

but thank you, I really appreciate it, Orym. I guess I can finally cook. Let Rin cook. In the larger picture, Orym would seek out the Voice of the Tempest. All right. At this time, the Voice of the Tempest has All right. At this time, the voice of the Tempest has returned to Zephrah

to begin to make plans with the rest of the Ashari. So those of you that would wish to trek with you to Zephrah can do so. I don't know what the group wants. Orym will have to talk to the Tempest about what he hopes to do with his life. So everyone's welcome to come and Zephyr and chill, if you want, or I can just put it off

until people do things here. I don't want to. I have a protege to train, so I'll probably be here bearing the weight of unfathomable responsibility. All right. It's a little timey-wimey here. Okay, so we can jump back to the board? We can jump around it.

This is like immediate vignettes towards distant vignettes, but we can tackle a few immediate moments people want to do. So we'll come back to you on your trek to Zephrah here in a moment. So we're holding onto that. In the immediate moment, while Vasselheim is still in the process

of these early stages, anybody else have any pressing matters here in the city? I would like to try and find Liev Tell or any other temple maidens of the Maedron of Ravens. Indeed, the Raven's Crest Temple still remains, and upon assembling the steps, you are greeted by some of the veiled maidens of the Maedron.

Stepping within its corridors, it doesn't take long for Lie'tel to meet you partway. Do you want to come with me? Of course. Hello. Laev'tel. Oh. Hello, dear. SAM and LAURA laugh.

You said you saw something in me. You vouched for me in front of the council. No one else wanted anything to do with me. I'm curious what you still see in me. I pull out the Matron of Raven mask that she gave me, that she gave Brayus, that I stole from Brayus, that he then stole from me. Anyway.

I pull out the real one. I made a copy of a copy! You know this trick in the law. It looks noticeably shitty. It's made of chocolate. It's a paper plate with just some eyes cut in it. When we spoke with the Matron, honestly, she was pretty ambiguous

about my future. I was wondering if you could give some context. Where do I lie? Would you like to stay with us for a while? How long's a while? As long as you like. You can visit when the offer is good now, or down the road. Will I ever be whole again?

Will I be like this for forever? Especially with the matron being gone. She was the one who warped souls between life and death, and now I feel even more like just out of place. I hold your hand. Wow. And Liev runs her hand over the contours

of the mask in your hand, and then she raises her hand to your face. Everything is new again, just like every day of our lives. A lot to figure out. But you seem fairly whole to me, love. And while the heavens have changed, you stand here still.

Tomorrow is promised for none of us. So in that way, you seem very much like every soul I've ever met in all my many days. Well, what about her long life? Laudna hasn't aged for a long time. I would love more than anything to age alongside the one that I love, if she'll have me. Feels like a fraught wish that many

think that they want long life, to never die, to live for eternity, but having been in that limbo, in that in-between space. To age is a gift. And I don't want to be left behind. Tell me, child. Are you sure? I've had my time. I've had more than enough time

I've had more than enough time in this lingering uncertainty. I just want to know one way or the other. When I went on this whole journey, I honestly hoped for death in many ways, and it wasn't until I found Imogen that my mind changed.

But it's not fair to me, and it's not fair to her. It's really not fair to her to have to get old and pruney. I'd love you no matter what, but. Give me your hands, ladies. Mine too. Yes. As you hold your hands together, the three of us length, I squeeze both of your hands and I look into Laudna's eyes,

and I use Divine Intervention. Does it still work? I don't know. Oh fuck. So that she will age and die, the same as Imogen Tammel. That's the Best expression! That's what it's all about! Best expression!

Yes. It's a unique experience for the Eiv Tal because there is no present divine to intervene. Whereas normally such a grand ask and focal calling of will and intent is an outward request, this seems to emanate from within. The chamber's obsidian polished walls

begin to dim as the surrounding candlelight becomes just a dull, low, warm blur. Through Liebtel, you instinctually draw their hands together and place them into each other's within your hands. As you withdraw your grasp on theirs, a sourceless golden thread now binds its way through their hands and fingers,

both of them held together, wrapped. A little bit of a cold shiver runs A little bit of a cold shiver runs through your sternum and down your back, while the flicker of warmth travels through yours. With that, the string burns bright and then scatters into ash. But something's a little different.

Something irrevocably connected between the two of you. Did we just get married? Did we just get married? That felt like marriage. You're both pregnant. Double pregnant. Double pregnant. Double been in. Matron just got born.

But she came out with a mask! What does that mean? What did you just do? What is this, baby? It smells hot, doesn't it? Does she feel warmer? Do you feel? Slightly. You're still Laudna.

Your very nature hasn't changed, that you can tell. I'm just going to give a little tug to her arm and see if it falls off quite as easily. I mean, it does still shift and the bone pulls out of place. You dislocated my shoulder. I'm just saying. But there is a little touch on the face of my cheek

and I press firmly with a thumb and take it away. Just a little pink blush there just for a thumb and take it away. Just a little pink blush there just for a second before it dies away. I didn't just age like 30 years, right? No, no, no, no, you look the same. No, you look the same. That comes next. That comes next.

I give you a kiss. You just hold her. I don't know what just happened, but do I still smell like dead leaves? You smell amazing. It is death that makes life so very precious, so treated like the gem that it is. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. And thank you. Thank you. And thank you. I would like to return someday and maybe take you up on your offer, but for now, we have an old lady we should probably check up on and... Oh my god. I know.

I have to talk to my mom. Do you think she's going to return to my dad? We should make that house call as well. But I'll be with you every step of the way. We should make that house call as well. But I'll be with you every step of the way. And? If it still sounds nice to you. Yes. That little cabin in the back. Yes.

Yes. All right. I love you so much. I love you. You know, I don't know if I ever told you, but I heard music the first time I met you. Your mind was so beautiful. And... I can't believe we're both here now, and everything happened the way it did, and I'm just so grateful that I got to hear that.

It's probably a little bit of the insanity, honestly. It was pretty. You can have all of my crazy. I'll take it. Thank you. Of course. Return any time, the Duskmeadow will take you under its wing. Thank you.

I'll follow your lead. Yeah. Is Liliana still in the city? Liliana is in the city. She's been tended to by some of the local combat medics that were immediately available just to get her back into a semblance of health. Also keeping her outside of public sight, as many people were given implicitly instructions

to attack her as part of Ludinus' inner circle. So when you brought her with you under this guise of bearing, or bearing, Pardothos upon arrival, you had her set aside. So she's currently resting within what was essentially a small side war tent that is under instructed protection of Vasselheim's Dawn Marshals. So if you step into the tent itself,

you can see the physicians themselves just taking a minute to rest and finish off snacks and give you acknowledgment. Liliana is sitting up partially out of the bed and is rubbing her face a bit and looks up as you walk in. Imogen. Hi.

I was going to. No, no, stay down. Oh, got dizzy there for a second. I'll come sit on the bed and give her a hug. Mother-in-law. I don't know. I don't know, it was weird. There was a band around our wrists,

and I maybe took some of her life. I don't know. Sure, why not? It's been a weird time. What do you have? Are you going to return to Jelvahn? I've been trying to think on that here. I don't quite know where I belong right now.

I've done a lot of bad things in the name of trying to do something right. I mean, even just the few glances I get around here, there's a lot of people that don't want to see me do well through all this. Well, one thing to say about our town is it's isolated. I wouldn't even,

wouldn't even say what to relevant. I'd just laugh. I know. But, um... I know it would be hard, but... He... He misses you. He never...

I think you should talk to him at least. I'll talk to him. He deserves that, at the very least. I just don't know. I don't know if the woman he loved is here anymore. No. Everything's changed. Everything has, and that's okay.

I think that's okay. But you do owe him that much. Yes, I do. He's not a bad man. He's a very good man. He deserves better than what he's gotten. I've got to figure out a lot of things. At the very least,

I do want to speak for you, my love, but perhaps you can make it right just enough to where Imogen has a bridge to her father. He saw a lot of you in her. I can imagine why. For the two of you more than myself, I will do what I can. Thank you. I owe a lot to you. I owe a lot to you, I owe a lot to him, I owe a lot to...

She looks out beyond the tent. Everyone. If I'm not in shackles somewhere, and all this is said and done, then I have a particular path of apologies to walk, I think. I'll speak on your behalf, if they'll listen. Honestly, I think you're quite lucky, it seems. Everyone is in the mood for a little redemption

in this new era that we're stepping into. Everyone is in the mood for a little redemption in this new era that we're stepping into. Do you know, we got the impression after he was killed that Ludinus had made more of himself. Do you know anything of that? I don't know, but he's a smart one. A man prone to. Already knowing what the next step is

and having four plans after that, so it wouldn't surprise me. We should speak to Caleb. You know. Yeah. Well, I'm going to lie down. Yeah. Take another nap. And think about what I've done. Be well, Mama.

She takes her hand. I'm proud of you. I think, if anything, the best thing I ever did was maybe be in my attempts to try and protect you instead, be the force that made you this incredible woman in front of me. A lot of things went into that.

I just wish maybe I had done it through different means, but I'm going to lie down. She lays back in bed and grabs the tea off to the side. She's still recovering from the near death that she was from. We should tell Caleb about Ludinus. Maybe we should go meet up with the others and find him. Yeah.

Bye, Mom. She has a pillow over her face. She goes, Bye, Laudna. I'll have many questions later about what you said. All right. As you guys head out into the night. Reys, whereabouts are you?

Tiny footnote on Lieve Tell. In the coming week, she will find Ser Connors and rock his world. She's probably too much for him, but she'll let him decide that. Anyway. So you can leave it. We might come back to that.

That's how we end this entire campaign. Great. What are you up to at the moment? Before everyone goes their separate ways, I'd just like to call everyone together and just say that I'm, as I was trying to say inside the big room before, I'm aware that I've committed many sins,

some against good people, some against bad people, some against you people, and. As you have that thought. Oh. Oh! Yeah, yeah, yeah. Nosebleed. Your mind flashes back

to that moment of the shattering of the Divine Gate and the crafting of the Rite of Catathiosis. That moment where the gods convened and before they stepped across that path, your vision was pulled from your space and you found yourself sitting in a fiery abyss. There, in those moments before the gods crossed the threshold,

from the darkness, two burning horns and singeing red eyes peer back at you. Yep. Tomb Seat. Asmodeus. Are you proud of what you've done? Proud? Boy, which part?

Yes, I am proud of what I've done. I think these... I was lost and you gave me a path forward. You taught me to lie and I used it for evil I was lost and you gave me a path forward. You taught me to lie and I used it for evil and I used it for some good, too. So yes, I am proud. So you've stepped into the heart of Vaseline and you've made yourself a hero

to all the great temples and priests. I have. Well then, continue. I'll be back. And we'll have great things to do together, Doomseed. I'll be back. We'll have great things to do together, Doomseed. But I turned my back on you. Have you?

Have you? Was that trickery of the mouth or trickery of the soul, Brayus? Oh god. Yeah, baby! Woo! Woo! You're a grass-fed, grass-finished temptation. Oh god. Yeah, baby! Woo! Woo! Literally.

You're a grass-fed, grass-finished temptation. Where will I find you? Yes. That's so tempting. It's like I was out, but they keep pulling me back in. That's boring. You're a hard man to say no to. I know. But if I... But if I... I've made my choice.

I've made my choice. My path has been messy and unclear, and you gave me focus and a horizon to aim for. But I think I prefer the mess. I think I prefer the haziness of life, of not knowing what's next and not knowing,

not having a singular purpose. These people that I was with, they're all damaged, weird people, but they're sort of beautiful in that way. I think I prefer the mess. You can find me, and you can try to punish me for turning my back on you, but you'll have to go through them, too.

We never said that. You'll have to go through them, too. You act like it's something you can just discard to the side. I'm inside your soul. My hooks are there. I'm going nowhere! And I'll be back. And in that time, I'll haunt your dreams.

I'll be at the edge of every vision. My agents will always be waiting, and I will find you! Pulled back into the fire and darkness. You return back to the Knight of Vasselheim as you call your friends together. What were you going to say? Yeah! Oh, we feel bad about it.

I think it's okay. Felt like you were about to make a toast or something. Why is your nose bleeding? Yeah, you looked like you were going to get a little queasy for a second. They're also blushing. There's color? Oh, that's interesting.

It's a new thing for both of us. Oh, yes. It's been so fun getting to know you. Where are you going to go from here? I mean, I thought we were a group, a team, a sort of a... Oh yeah, we are a team. Like, you know, we have each other's backs

through thick and thin. Ugh! I feel like this is the end of a momentous story, and we should all pledge to each other that we will be there for one another. Yeah, good. Good, good. A little side letter.

I pledge myself to you. And I would hope that you would do the same for me. I mean, Bryce, yeah, but I mean, we've known each other for like a month, so. You don't need to do that. Sixteen. Oh, wow. You don't need to pledge yourself. We don't need to pledge. No, I really want to.

I really want to. It would make me feel better if you did. What's going on? Am I fucked up. I fucked up. Yes, and? I fucked up. Just get out. I'm going to pledge myself to Asmodeus.

Asmodeus. He's going to kill me. He's going to come back and kill me. He's a baby. He's going to grow up and kill me. There'sus. He's going to kill me. He's going to come back and kill me. He's a baby. He's going to grow up and kill me. There's a baby that's going to kill me. Somewhere there's a baby, and he's going to kill me. You're scared of a baby? I am! Have you ever seen some creepy baby?

They are creepy babies. That baby's got to make it through a lot of stuff. That baby's got some champions. I mean, we saw him. I'm sure there's a long list, and you are not that high up. Should we just kill our babies just in case? No, no, no, no, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

Don't do this, don't. I don't think that's a good idea. I'm stressed out. Every baby I see, I'm going to be like, ah! It's a knee-jerk reaction. You'll be fine. Yeah, yeah.

You've got at least 12 years where you're fine. Minimum. Yes. And if he hits puberty later, and she hits puberty later, then it's fine! Yeah, you send up the flare all the way to Hell's. I could try to fuck a woman and then it turns out to be Osmodeus! Honestly, that would be, that's a good story.

There's some benefit and reward, at least, in that scenario. Worst ways to go. Yeah. Yeah. She'd be a lot younger than you, though. Yeah, if you just date your age, that's not going to happen. Yes, that's true. That's a really good point. Thank you, Jen.

Yes. You're real gross. Real gross. Sorry, sorry. That was campaign one, man. I was going to apologize, but now I feel like I'm... Anyway, I'm sorry. So wait, so he's coming after you? He's going to hunt me down for the rest of my life.

My god, what are you going to do? Maybe you can... Oh, Fearne! What? Maybe you can let him hang out with Nanna. Maybe he can hide out in the face. Oh, I mean. That, that's dating your age. That is, yeah.

And I know she took a liking to you. I mean, you are more than what I was going to go back home. Anyway. All right. You're going to go back home? You are more than what, well, I don't know, just for a little bit. Just, I was going to say. She could maybe go out on a first date.

Yeah. Yeah. I could hide out there for a while. Yeah, I mean, we got to ask Nana about it, but I'm sure she would love to keep you there. All right. Somehow I feel safer there. Yeah, she probably would keep you safe. I mean, that's if you want to hide,

you know, instead of trying to fight. You say keep him safe. Do you mean blanket safe? Yeah, you know. Or safe safe? Like safe safe. Oh, okay, so all three dimensions then. If hypothetically he came back and challenged me to some sort of a duel.

Look, his priorities would probably change in two to three decades. You know, he's saying that now, but like, who knows? Here's the thing, he's probably just reaching out and grasping at a bunch of straws, because I bet he lost quite a bit of followers. Yeah, I agree with you. It's an interesting question, too,

because all of the gods saw what we did, right? Yeah. Mm-hmm. Is Asmodeus going to be the only one? Coming after us. Also, are you? Will there be other gods to come after the rest of us as well? You are freaking out at the promise of a god of lies.

That is another layer of this. So, you know, it's... You can take it with a grain of salt. Yeah, maybe he was just giving you shit and is just lying and he's never going to come after you. I think you're in big trouble. Yeah. Devil's Advocate, train really, really, really, really,

really, really hard every day of your life. Mostly it sounds like a tomorrow problem. I'm Devil's Advocate, train really, really, really, really, really, really hard every day of your life. Mostly it sounds like a tomorrow problem. I'm Devil's Advocate. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Never sleep again. Devil's Advocate. Maybe you should train. Come on.

So if you're not with the Lord of Lies anymore, are you going to search out the Platinum Dragon again? No, he's really boring. Yeah. You're wearing the armor, though. I know. What's it called? No, he's really boring. Yeah. You're wearing armor, though. I know. What's it called? I think, I always forget.

Truth or Fable played with our Vandross? I mean, it's really cool, but. You're a Luther Vandross. I haven't had any guidance in my life. I mean, I've only had guidance from gods in my life, and now all the gods are gone, but I was thinking, if I needed guidance, you know. Fearne's got you.

Well, no, I also had this pamphlet that that one called Jester gave me. I could always reach out to her god and see if he would guide me through things. As a casual observer of your reality over the last week-ish, see if he would guide me through things. As a casual observer of your reality over the last week-ish, you made all of your best decisions by yourself.

Like, really, the moments where you actually seemed, from my perspective at this point, were when you weren't thinking about anybody else's opinion, when you were just trying to do what you thought was good? Yeah, fair. So maybe, you know, maybe, maybe take a little bit of time before you make any rash decisions.

Or maybe you should just, you know, follow that path. Or go with the pamphlet. Jester really wants shit together, so I think whoever, you know, she. I think listen to the advice from the Holy One. Which one? Which one? The one with the hole in his head? Oh, that's good. I'm going to keep that.

That's clever. Thank you. Yeah. And as much as we're joshing you, you do have us. Really? We've just been through the most insane amount of shit together. That is a bonding experience like no other.

No one has seen what we all have seen. Six days of crazy, and we can build on those six days. Eh, am I the only one that hasn't gotten a painting yet? Oh, that reminds me. Wow. I finished these on the walk over here. This one is for you, Chetney. Oh wow!

Whoa! Let me see, let me see. That's awesome. Wow! That's so great. And Dorian, I... Oh! What?

It's how I see you and all of your beautiful glory. This art is so beautiful. You captured my job. And these, I made these, I showed them to you, but I didn't give them out to you before, but this one was for Ashton. Wow! This is for Orym.

Wow! You really are so talented. Yeah? Maybe you should open up a show. Yeah. A show? Yeah, like, what if you did something where it was almost like a performance piece

where you paint, live paint for people. Okay, okay. You know, it's just, it's- But can I still be, sort of keep my dark persona, like the dark page, the evil page, the- You mean like Criss Angel? Like Criss Angel, Lord Criss Angel. Lord Criss Angel?

Are we actually speaking of Lord Criss Angel? Yes, I love it. Canon. I love it. Okay, I could try that for a while. That's fair. Listen. For good reason. You have our back. We have your back.

But if you don't have our back, we will not have your back. Oh good. Okay? I have your back. 100%. Okay. I'm not lying. Insight check.

Roll persuasion or deception. You don't have to say which. Guidance yourself. Oh, that was almost a 19! I'm standing right next to you. Okay, okay, okay. You guys rolled so many ones. Okay, okay.

Yes! Uh, okay. Not anymore. What'd you get? 30. 30. 30. Oh! Rollies!

Oh, rollies! Rollies! Leave it. Rollies, that's a 30. You can just leave it. No one? I feel really uncomfortable because I can't tell. I was going to say, if you just leave it, you win.

I usually can read people very well, and I can't. I feel really uncomfortable because I feel like you't tell. I was going to say, if you just leave it, you win. I usually can read people very well, and I can't. I feel really uncomfortable because I feel like you can tell. I can tell that you are. I know what you're saying to me. And I know that you know that. Oh. I know, yeah.

I'm going to trust. I think that we're telling a story. I'm going to trust. I feel like this is out loud. Unless we should roll rollies in the game one last time. Rollies. Best game within a game. 15? 18.

Ooh! I have your backs. Oh. Yeah. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I felt it, I guess. Yeah, if you decide also that you don't feel like settling down, then, yeah, let me know.

I don't know. I got some ideas. Ash. Yeah? What do you want to do? Well, I think I want to take a moment to figure out what this means now, because this is the... I have now had three and a half heads in my life, and it's starting to worry me.

And I don't want to... Wait, where's the half coming from? Hey. Yeah, yeah. Mm, yeah. So I think it might be a good idea to find Essek, ask some questions, maybe take a moment to figure out what this means before somebody else decides

that they want to figure out what this means. And we have seen so much cool shit. and we have seen so much cool shit. I don't think I'm done. I think I want to walk. I spent so much time in the same place. I got so stuck. And we only spent a few days on the moon. And we only spent a few days on the moon.

There's a whole nother moon. I don't know if that one has an atmosphere. I'm just throwing it out there. We don't. What the fuck do we know about it? And you can go underwater. I mean, we can go anywhere with a little bit of thought. I don't believe that there's anywhere

that you can't go anymore if you're... I want to see how far I can get. I want to see things nobody has seen before. We've already seen things that barely anybody has seen before. I don't know. I want to see this fucking place. Before we do that.

Look at this, he's smiling so much. You're smiling so much. I am smiling. It might just be a concussion, but a really bad one, clearly. You mentioned Essek. Yeah. Do you guys want to, if he would do us the favor, we've spent the last few months

almost dying every other day. It's been a hard road. You want to spend a week in Drasar and just be before we take off in any different directions we might? That'd be fun. Very much, yeah. Maybe we could stay at Eshterosh's house. That was actually hard to say. A crime scene?

Isn't it a little bit odd? It's covered in gooby traps. The place was covered in blood. It was fucking gross in there. Probably out of their fun by now. Yeah, I imagine. Yeah, but we can fix it up. I would love a week in Trussar. That's a great idea.

In a lot of place. And this'll, I mean, another week would be amazing, but this is never going to be goodbye. We all know that. Would you go back to that restaurant where we met Bertrand? Wow. That was a while ago.

Yeah. Mm-hmm. Have a drink. You're glowing, by the way. You look really... Am I? Yeah. You're a little pink. Yeah, it's... Like, just...

I can't... What's going on? I can't say for certain, but I went with Imogen to go see the Aptel, and she did a weird thing with a gold thread and then tied our wrists together, and then I felt a little bit warmer, and she was like, you're going to get old now,

and then maybe Imogen and I are married. I don't know. It all happened very quickly. I think regardless, regardless, you're wearing my ring. And our fates are tied together. It's true. Not that they weren't already, but it's a bit more official.

What color is it? I always bled red. He was always red. What the hell, Chetney? What is it? What is it? What did you say it? Is it ginger? It's a spicy Percantina.

Is it fish? You're married? Oh, so tough! Dorian? Hmm? What are you thinking? Yeah. You've always known I'll go wherever you go. But if you could spare me just a bit before you leave, it's something I'd like to, it's all right.

Of course. Is it all right? Yeah. Yeah. I wish I could. I'd like to split off and hop on Coriolis and I'd like to fly up where I can get a vantage point over the city and I want to look for, if it's there, any billows or flags or any idea

that home would be on the outskirts if the Silken Squall is in the cityscape. Yeah, it was nearby. Your father was part of the original maze. So as you flap at this point, too, throughout the evening's chaos, the faintest bit of sunlight is starting to crest on the horizon.

Dawn is around the corner, but you glance down and it takes you not terribly long as the light begins to hit and the color begins to rise. The familiar white banners of the Silken Squall, a smaller troop of the caravan itself, the mobile city, just here to bring your father as a representative, but you see where it sits beyond the outer walls.

Yeah, I imagine my father's probably still busy, maybe, within the city, and there's someone that's been on my mind since the minute we set off and I reconnected with Bell's house, and that's my mother. And that's who I'm hoping to see there. So I'll fly down and set foot back

for the first time in, I mean, gosh, it'd be almost close to a year since I broke up. And walk through the collection of tents that lead up to the mains, a cloth-like yurt where my parents would stay. to the mains cloth-like yurt where my parents would stay. Mm-hmm. And I'll open and see if she's there. A handful of the various posted guards

at this early hour see you approach and begin to step forward to halt your advance before they recognize you and quietly step back with a welcoming smile and a nod. You step towards the flap of the yurt and inside, the warm glow of oil lamps, two of which set at different tables on the sides, reside within the comfortable travel bed

that's in the center. Your mother is, she is prone to wake up rather early, is currently, it looks is currently setting a kettle on a small arcane flame stone. And she doesn't hear you enter. She's just in the process of setting the enchantment on and pouring water into it. I'll quietly walk up behind her

and I'll get 10 feet away and I'll gently cast Gust behind her ear into her hair, so I'd let her know that I'm there. Her shoulder-length teal hair with touches of white drift with it, and she stops and her hand goes onto her shoulder. She looks over towards you. Dorian?

Dorian, my baby! And she just sets it down on the, the kettle hits the top of the table and then tips off, spilling onto the ground, which as you notice, she runs over and just wraps her arms around you. Dorian. You don't have to call me that.

Oh, Mom. Do you hate me? No. And then he just, yeah, he sort of loses it in his mother's arms. Is this not what you wish to be called? Your father said that. It's all right. Yes.

I'm sorry for what happened. I don't think the world was what I thought it was. It's a scary place and it's dark. I never imagined that any of this would happen. She just holds you and pulls you into her lap. They're on the floor of the yurt. My sweet boy, I'm so sorry. We tried to protect you.

You're right, the world is a very scary, scary place. Do you think... Do you think it's possible to start over? To start new, even though you've made terrible mistakes that led to the--" He just can't finish his sentence and only his brother is on his mind. He's not trying to hurt her,

but he can't control the truth of what his journey has led him to. She picks you up by the cheeks, rubbing the tears from your face as your eyes meet, and she goes, My sweet Brontë. All it takes to start again is to wake up one morning and decide to. Okay.

We are the wind, and the wind is prone to change, is it not? It hits our very essence. The world is frightening. But you've seen it now. And it's filled with so much beauty. And you're part of that now. You're part of what makes it beautiful. Thank you.

Thank you for telling me it's okay to live. And as he lays in his mother's lap, and he feels that warm, her warm breath. He just breathes it in and holds it there, because he can forever. Just for a moment, just drifts off to sleep in his mother's lap.

Shh. Shh. That's all I ever wanted. Okay. The rest of you gather yourselves. And you're trekking, you said, for a week to Jrusar to try and maybe retrace some of the steps of where this began and offer yourselves

a little bit of space and time to celebrate and enjoy a little space from the intensity of Vasselheim. Would you have brought Frida with you? Yeah. Would you like Frida to join you at the table? Sure. All right, let's make a little room here on the edge.

Yeah, don't mind. Oh god, oh god. I'll get my shit together after my nap and go with everyone. I'm your wife. Frida, if you don't mind coming to the table, please. Welcome to the stage. Someone call for an ambulance.

Get in, get in. Mr. Pock-a-pee? Protégé. You, you are different. Oh! Sorry, I don't. It suits you. Thank you. You're welcome.

I've been doing this for a while. But you all gather and traverse the familiar spires of Jrusar, the beautiful, rising brown and red columns of civilization and art and beauty. Here, the Chandei Quorum brings order to a people, some very happy to see you return.

You check in with Shadana. Yeah. Yeah. Shadana, who has since rented the room. No. No. Who has since rented the room while you were away. And a young, studying pupil, a familiar beret.

Is it prison? And Chettybug Prison has taken up residence. Prison! To pursue knowledge and arcana and history from within Conservatory. Amazing. Miss you, Emily. I know, Miss Emily. But indeed, Shadana's so happy to see you both.

It seems like you've traveled quite the world. It is. Look, this is an alien thumb. And this is an alien fetus. Well, maybe Shadana's the one who sees it. He's like, go on the shelf. Oh, I'm... You know I can fall in it, it's fine. Thank you so much.

Yes. Would you all like cookies? Yes. Puts together a platter of some sort of cabbage dish. It's not quite the thing. Oh. Those are delicious cookies, Shadana. Thank you.

Cabbage? She's a little confused. Maybe we'll do... Nice doggy. Yes. We'll do one of our usual market runs. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get her some fresh. And then give Prism the rundown on taking care of her,

making sure that. Show Frida every spot we've visited with fresh cut grass and tell a hundred stories of our time in Jrasar way back three months ago. The terrible place that we lived when FCG and Ashton were roommates, just living in literally a hole in the wall with a bunch of other miscreants.

I think, Ashton, I think this might be your size, if you're interested. It has a, and I open up my jacket, and it has FCG's initials in it. I'm proud to. I think I might be due for a new one, so. Ooh! I think you might want that. I'd never say no to nice clothing.

Looks great on you. It feels really good. You clean up nice. It's like I was in Taylor. So sophisticated-ish. There will be a time and place for this. Thank you. You're welcome. Hey, Freedon. place for this. Thank you. You're welcome.

Hey, Freedon. Yes, Ms. Calloway. Do you feel like there's any way that you could not bring FCG back, but look into maybe, I don't know, I guess bringing him back again? I feel their presence still. So if they want to come back, and you all think it's a good idea.

Maybe there's an answer in Aeor. Yeah. I would like to go to Aeor. Maybe we could find that to meet others like me, if there are. You should meet Imahara Cho. We're Imahara Cho. Imahara Cho, yes, we... Quite familiar with him, we were ambassadors. It's not that far.

Mm-mm. No. That'd be a nice trip. Maybe you and Chet can go? If my teacher, my master, my... Hey! Sire, if my sire would. Woo! You're dead.

You're dead. Oh no, that's not good. My dead. You see my head getting larger and larger? I think it's called the alpha. The alpha, yes. Oh. God.

That's a good night. You have to get a Dremel out. This looks like a good space for it right here. I could do that. I could do that. I could do that. Should we go get that drink? Please. Let's do it. Stepping into the familiar fire-lit interiors

of the various taverns, you're given a tour of the various meals and drinks and spaces. Along the way, greeted by one exuberant, massive ogre from the kitchen. Upon your arrival, runs out, My friends! Oh, jeez! Hey, what are you doing here?

Well, I heard that you wanted a fine meal. And while we have a sordid history, I just want to show that there's no hard feelings, and I still think of all three of you fondly. There's no hard feelings. There's none whatsoever. Have you found someone pretty? I've found someone very pretty.

Ooh! Oh. Mm. I have that guy. It's still early stages, but we're taking our time. His dance card is full. But nevertheless, any requests from our menu?

Oh. the special. Surprise us. Is a meal the thing that you get here? Yeah. The meal. We'll throw something special together. Just metal for me. I remember your kind.

I was back into the kitchen. Yeah. A week of delights and memories in Jrusar. You checking in with the Crook House? Yeah, I actually. In Fon Sea Hollow? I definitely want to stop in and at the very least say hi to Milo. It's been a long time.

The rest do you go with, or do you take this as a solo trip? I'm fine either way. Actually, if you want to come around and just check out, and actually it's possible that FCG left some of their stuff in the Crook House, so I can show you their bunk. Go, be free. Use your nose, explore. Take in whatever Drusav has to offer you.

Maybe not at the Crook House. You're going to smell some things. Well, shit. Yeah. All right. Descending through the Fon'C Hollow in the darkened interior of the spire and where no sunlight really touches,

the number of glowing baubles and torches that lead you along, these massive stretches of scaffolding and hanging cloths and canvas. You eventually come to the exterior of the crook house. This unique-looking, oddly painted little abode that's buried partially into the wall of the interior core. You knock on the door briefly before a voice goes,

Yeah, what do you want? What don't I want, you miserable, miserable fuck? Ashton's back! The door opens and you see Annie Oddy, female Unia, is an orc elf ancestry, in what looks like midday ragged pajamas, kind of upstairs. Oh, it's good to see you. What the fuck happened to you?

So much bad shit. Good. You had it coming, coming. I missed you. Fuck. Did you upgrade? Oh boy. No, that's...

Smiley day to you. I am Frida. I am Frida. Oh! Frida. I guess welcome to the Crook House. Thank you. We're not feeding both of you, are we? Oh, we are, but yeah.

FCG didn't make it. He saved the world. But he did save the world, and also? Yeah. FCG didn't make it. He saved the world. But he did save the world, and also hooked up pretty well. So this is our new friend. You see Annie, who usually keeps this very devil-may-care attitude, for the first time in a while,

taken aback and shaken, goes, Oh, I didn't realize. I'm sorry. Welcome. Thank you. Welcome. Come on in. Milo! You like it.

Eventually, Milo comes darting around the corner. Big glasses, their knitted cap dangling at the sides. One hand in a big leather glove that looks like some sort of a spanner tool in the side, and goes like, Oh, you! Yeah. Look rough! So fucking rough.

Oh, it's bad. Oh, I love it. Good to see you, asshole. Says, friend. Friend, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Oh, a friend. Friend, nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Oh, you're just like them.

Well, they rubbed off on me. Well, welcome to the Crowcast. We got stories to share, don't we? Jesus. Welcome to the table with Orbea. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just in case, at some point, I'm going to take my rose. Yeah, after some snacks, some introductions,

a tour of the space, what sort of FCG relics would they find within FCG's old place? Yeah. Aw. Some maintenance stuff, some oil cans, and some little tools and stuff to keep the circuitry and the mechanics running smoothly. Maybe a spare tire.

And some other arm attachments that they left behind that were probably less useful. There's one that's just a long pencil. I take the pencil. I take the pencil. I take the pencil so I can sketch. Great, yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's what I'm doing.

And a sketch. It looks like a Frisbee. And it just says, We are here. Oh my god. That's so stupid. Fucking idiot. Oh my god. What the fuck? Stupid. Fucking idiot. To the grave. Is it okay if I take these?

Of course. They're here for you. They were here for me. Yeah. After some stories and some laughter and some drinks, you said you pull Milo aside. Yeah. As you can see, it's been rough.

Yeah, I'm glad you finally got out of the fucking house, man. I mean, if half the shit you said is true, that's genuinely kind of wild. Yeah, and I think I'm going to be leaving sooner rather than later. I'll be back, but I think I'm going to be leaving sooner rather than later. I'll be back, but I think I'm going to be getting out of town.

Before I do, not tonight, but before I take off, and I reach up and just tap where the glass is meeting the rock and another little flake pops off, I may need a bit of a patch up, as only you do. the rock and another little flake pops off. I may need a bit of a patch up, as only you do. And also, and I pull out the hammer and there's cracks in it. And it's not dead, but it's a little off. And I hand a sketch.

I dream that, and I think that might fix it. I don't know. It's new. I mean, just like I did last time, I'll do my best, but my best is as good as you. Your best helps save the world. You got to be kidding. Your best saved my life.

You're going to give me a big head. I mean, I'll get to work on this. Also among the stuff that you find, Frida, is a strange-looking, crescent-shaped microchip that has an odd glowing symbol on it. I take that up. Can I insert this into myself?

All right. No, look. He's saying it. As I said, look away, Laura. It's impossible. Look away. It's impossible. Look away. You need an adapter? Is this going to, yeah. There's an oil can.

Yeah. He's going to report. What, you should go see. You understand as much as you can about your physical build and... Make an arcana check for me, actually. Maybe. Just roll a d20. 12. 12. You have no real concept of where it could be utilized

or how it could be installed. You might have to seek help elsewhere. I will tuck that away. Okay. Then I'll turn to his family, their family. You go and find, after this minute, you find Ashton on a length table and Milo with a massive mask and large,

heavy-wielding goggles on, full-on leather apron and glasses and this contraption that's a weird, wench-like bendable arm and is currently what looks like pouring some sort of molten metal onto Ashton's head. Like, dark smoke rising up from it. Like, come on, you motherfucker.

Mr. Primor, are you okay? I'm definitely screaming. Or doing the, yeah. No! Don't talk, don't breathe! Lean forward, lean forward. For more, more? Fuck you! It's spilling, it's spilling!

Ashton, you fucker! Oh, fuck you! All right, come forward. Oh, that's all right. More, more? Fuck you! It's spilling, it's spilling! Ashton, you fucker! Oh, fuck you! All right, come on! Okay. And takes a bucket of water. Just throws it on. Steam pours out from around, the room fills with it.

And then as it slowly fades away, Ashton, you sit up and you can see near the edges of where that crack in the head is, there's a dull orange glow of a cooling, molten gold material that has filled some of those gaps. And that window has gotten a lot bigger. It has taken over a lot more of their head and face, but it is at least now stable

and not spreading and spreading like a windshield. Are you okay? Does that hurt? It looks like it hurts. This hurts so much! They like it. Oh! Fucker! Hey, I found something in FCG's room. Does this mean anything to you?

Does it mean anything to me? It doesn't mean anything to you? Does it mean anything to me? It doesn't mean anything to me? No, I don't know. No? I have not. I was like, I haven't seen that, no. It's definitely not anything of ours. Okay. You guys want to...

Beep, beep, beep, beep. It's FCG's voice. What? Smiley day to you. Smiley day to you. Aw. A boo. I haven't had the courage to do that yet. That's a lot.

I miss them. I do, too. I do, too. I do, too. They inspired me to do some dumb shit. Not saying much, because he's been doing dumb shit his whole life. Well, you found another Aeormaton to help you do dumb shit.

That's a... Yeah. It's a thing to meet someone else that's so desperate to do the right thing that they're willing to die for it. They were willing to live for it, too. We should live for it, too. We should live for it, too. Yeah, in the end, it's what we had in common. It was the thing that made me keep them around, and I'm sure it was the thing that had them keep me around.

They were way too good for this world. Coffee? Ew, yes please. A toast. I'll go through the motions of it, but you know. Oh, oh! We got plenty of chow left over. Giant jar of metal odd bits and scraps

from Milo's workshop. Here, scoops up a little bit of a glass filled with them and hands them to you. Thank you. You want to take the toast there, Ashton? To FCG, who could always

see the worst in everybody, but chose to only honor the best. Only the best. Cheers. Cheers. Click, click, click, click, click. It's like a casino machine hanging out. Chinko upgrade we can get later. Can we play slot song?

Probably. I'll toss a chunk in. On another moment of this day, not with this group, Orym and Dorian are trying to catch up with the group, and I'm going to place us on one of the gondolas, moving over one of the city. Oh yeah. Little mid-kiss.

See. Sorry. Again and again, I've seen you be distracted or your mind wander off somewhere and see you look out at the city as we move across on the cable car. Copper for your thoughts. I'll actually flip him one.

Deal. Just drinking it all in, I suppose. It has been quite a thing. How are you? Lighter. So many years for me have been heavy. I feel lighter. I've seen it.

Makes me happy. You carry a lot on your shoulders, they're small but broad. You say that, but I see you carrying. Of course. But it's always easier to do that with someone else. It's always easier to do that with someone else.

I don't know what next week holds for us or this group, but if you'll allow it, I would love to. but if you'll allow it, I would love to. Okay. Yeah. Love you and take care of you and spend my days and my nights with you. Okay.

Can I ask one thing of you? You know it's not what I'm the best at. You can ask anything. Can we take it day by day? Can we see who we become together? I don't know anything anymore. But the only thing I know is that I want to be with you. And I hope just for now, just for now,

that can be enough and it can carry us through. And after this week with our friends is over, I kiss him. Okay. I know day by day. We can take it day by day. We can take it day by day. Let's promise I'll be here in the morning. I'll be here in the morning.

I think I got to go home for a bit. Will you come with me? Yes. Can we grab Fearne? Can we go to Zephrah for a minute? Of course. Okay. It feels nice to have just a little freedom, real freedom. I'm glad we could find it together. So much hardship.

Such a long road, but I can't say that it's all been bad. Because it brought you to me. It has not all been bad. I don't know if today that I can say it was worth it all, but I think there's a chance these dark things brought us to where we are. It's hard to let them in. It's hard to let them in, but what matters is today.

Day by day. Then I'll kiss him again. That's any other business you and Jusar? As we gather and just have a drink where we first met, Laudna goes through the arduous task of dragging a bunch of chairs and tables and boxes out and casts animate objects on them.

No! It was you all along. Do we get to beat the fuck out of them again? It was you all along. Do we get to beat the fuck out of them again? Yes, yes, my child, yes. And I just recreate that very first fight that we had, fighting inanimate objects. All the furniture just starts bashing into each other as the proprietor is back going like,

Worry! I'll pay for it, shut up! Okay! All the bar patrons. I just join them in a little spooky dance in the middle as they all dance around. Yes. The patrons all watch, terrified or spellbound, you're not sure.

The beautiful display of furniture warfare shifting into furniture dance is met with a handful of claps and a couple of coins tossed your way. Oh. Money. Oh no. I could do this.

It's going to be my new living. Too real. I suppose while we're drinking, I'm going to come over to Fearne and sit next to you. Oh, hello. Hey there. Fancy meeting you here.

Yeah, what's a scoundrel like you doing in a place like this? God, no good. That's what like you doing in a place like this? Oh god, no good. That's what I'm doing. What's your plan after all this? Well, I have a couple things that I want to do. I think at some point, I would like to get to know my parents a little bit better.

Birdie and Olly. I follow. And I'd love to talk to Nana Mory about maybe one day, maybe studying under her? maybe studying under her? Mm-hmm. Because I feel like I'd be pretty good

at fate-stitching. You know, just like plucking and fucking with people's lives. That hitch was everything. That is... I think I'd be good at it. You're already pretty good at it. And also, I've already started a collection.

I know Nana has a collection, and I just want to spend more time with her. I love her, and I love my home there. And I would also like to go to the Unseelie Court at some point and see if there's any inheritance that I might have there. But also, mainly,

I want to get Chetney's egg. Oh. I want to collect all five. If I didn't know exactly what you meant right there, that would have been so dirty. And then, this is a long shot, but I was thinking, since I have so much experience,

Professor all the things. I wonder if they need a new spot on the Tal'Dorei Council. Because I think I'm, you know, I'm an ambassador of sorts and I'm great with people. Well, and if they don't have a spot, one could mysteriously open up, I suppose. Oh, I like this thinking that you have. Well, you know, I know what you like.

Honestly, though, that feels like that would be a little bit too much responsibility. I'd rather just play around with some golden threads. Mm. Yeah, that's a nice little plan you got there. What are you thinking you wanted to do? Well, I'm going to get a handle on this, because I don't want to not know myself this because I don't want to not know myself because I don't want to not know myself and I don't want to be a danger.

I'm going to want to see a lot. I want to meet people. I want to have places to go and rest where I can see friends and family. Can I come with you? Hmm. I'd love to help and, I don't know, help you find you

and maybe me, too. I... I just did something monstrously heroic. And that's not me. That was five seconds of my life. And, uh... God, brag. Quite the opposite. I think it's a bad thing to judge who I am by.

It was a moment of very, very conscious sanity that I do not know if I can replicate again in my life. It was amazing. Thank you. I'd love that, but not yet. I'd love that, but not yet. Okay. I need you to... You just told me what you want,

and I think you should go home, say hi to your family, let some time pass from that version of me let some time pass from that version of me and remember all the reasons why I'm a terrible idea. And I guess what I want is, I want to make sure, knowing you and knowing me, I'd love to be around you.

I love every moment around you. You are fun and you are dangerous and hot and funny and probably going to get somebody killed, probably me. And I am down for whatever. I'm happy to be a friend. I am happy to be a friend with benefits. I'm happy to be a friend. I am happy to be a friend with benefits. I'm happy to see what you want, but what I need is for you to want.

I think I need you to be thoughtful about it. I think that's what I would ask, is take some time and be thoughtful. And I want to make sure that you're not, this is a thing I do not want you to jump into. Even if it's just casual fucking around, I want to make sure that you're not wasting your time. And I want to make sure that you're not just... If you decide to come,

I don't want you tagging along with me. I want this to be a thing that is not mine. And I... Yeah, I just need, I just, that's what I would ask, is for some thoughtfulness. I like that. Yeah. That's a deal.

I mean, if you want to go fuck around right now, though, I'm so fucking down. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I need to sit alone and think about it. Fuck! Goddamn it. Oh, man. Oh, man. Just sit alone and think about it. Fuck! Damn it. Wonderful.

Unless anyone else has any business in Jrusar? You said you wanted to make a trek to? I want to report home with my friends from the earliest days and touch base with the Tempest. Okay. You can step out if you'd like to, buddy. Thank you. And that trek to Zephryd, you said,

and you, Fearne, and Dorian? Yeah, I was imagining something that, I know that Imogen and Laudna are going to need some time together, and different adventures and werewolf training and things are happening. So once things have settled down, and I know Fearne wants to go home, home, home for Fearne,

but beforehand, We must. drop into Zephra. Crown keepers, OG.'m. But beforehand. We must. Drop into Zephra. Crown keepers, OG. OG crown keepers. Easy enough to coordinate via your druidic contacts. Family first. Some of which are family.

A trek back to the beautiful mountain town of Zephra, returning once more to your homestead, the wonderful cavalcade of colors and mountainside trees blossoming, leaves blowing through the wind as it perpetually drifts through, a wind that is as welcoming to you, Prince of the Wind, as any.

Is it open with you guys? Oh. Yeah. Yeah. You, Prince of the Wind as any. Is Opal with you guys? Oh. Yeah. Yeah. We would have scooped her up, yeah. All right. That's right. Opal, if you want to come join the table, please. Oh! She's still here. She's gone.

She's gone. She is gone. Is it true? Is it true? Here she comes. Yay! I see her. There she comes. Oh wait, she got a carcass in her hand. Wait, is Laura coming? What's happening?

Someone said to take the seat Christian was in. Yeah, so sit over here. AKA come this way. Other people, I think, have used their instruments. Let me scooch this way, since it's Crown Keepers. Are you sure? Yeah, could you guys go? You want to get the talcher? Jesus. So organized.

I know I love it. It's a game of Dungeons and Dragons. I don't know what's going on. You guys smell good. Do I? Yeah, I do. I smell hormonal, emotional B&O. It smells great to me. I'm into that.

Yeah. But here in the windy village scape of Zephrah, But here in the windy village scape of Zephrah, beautiful late afternoon, the breeze is blowing through. You step back through the winding streets of all the small mountain-built abodes. It's beautiful. It's welcoming, and it's a peaceful scene as members of the Ashari Guard

and other villagers look out occasionally to take note of the arrivals and recognition. People wave to you, some go like, Orym, waving off to you in the distance. The first to greet you, if familiar, is Maeve, who comes and rushes towards the tree that you guys had arrived, meets you partway, and is like,

Orym, I'm so glad you're here. Welcome, friends of Orym. Hi. Hi. Hey. Fearne. Yes. Maeve? Yeah. Yes. Dorve. Yeah. Yes. Dorian. Correct.

I don't think we brought Opal here. This is our friend, Opal. Hi. I'm Maeve. Hi. Orym's family pod. I'm myself one of the druid guardians of the village. Kind of a talented one,

I'd say so myself, but welcome to our home. Thank you. Is it, I don't want to presume, but it would be okay if tonight or tomorrow night, if we and if I grab my mom, if we came over for one of our dinners? Yeah, we could totally do that, yeah. I want to stop in and visit with the Tempest, but.

She's, I believe, in her chambers. Was as of this morning, so you can check in there. Okay, we'll swing by later tonight, if that's okay. Sure, yeah, I'll go start letting folks know. It's so good to see you. She tugs on your cheeks for a minute. We got sent on a real-life official mission a mile back. It was pretty cool.

You're so warm here. Mm-hmm. A lot of problems behind us, so. Stepping through the village and heading towards the Tempest's chambers, passing by one of the small dining, watering holes of the chamber. You hear the sound of music playing in the air, a beautiful plucking.

Oh, somewhat beautiful plucking. It's a little off key, a little discordant, but nevertheless, people seem to be enjoying it. You hear a voice singing along. What else is this thing? And I once saw a girl who was down in, no, wait, that wasn't, it was when, just go with me.

La la la da da da. And you immediately recognize the voice of Dariax singing. Let's go! Oh my god! You dart in from the entryway and you can see it's mostly empty. There are three elderly members of the community

that to themselves, they're dressed in various gardening attire, but with their jackets off, and they all have either big mugs of some sort of a light alcoholic beverage, if not just coffee, and they're all just trying to ignore Dariax. Is he still singing?

He's still in the process of singing. He hasn't noticed you all yet. He's like, and sneak up behind him, and then he's just going to hear, finally, an on-beat foot stomp behind him. Then just a gentle, quiet stomp, and he thinks it's his inspiration, but... La-da-da! That's what it was. Oh, a gentle old lady was going in town. She found it, and now I fucked it up again.

Oh, stay on the D chord. Stay on the D chord. Right, right, no, it's D chord. Yeah, D, D, deep, decoy! That's how I'm... Swoomp, uh, un-invisible. Ah! Ah!

Just full-on tackles you off the small stage. It's less of a stage, more of like, it might've been a washing platform that's been used as a makeshift stage. The minute the music stops, everyone looks over and sees it and goes, Hey, Gar. I'm going to pull him up off of me and I go,

look, I'm going to point his rotund little yummy body up to the friends. It's Terri-A! Hey! Where'd she go? Holy shit! Oh! Hurry! I don't know how to take it off yet.

She's good, she's good. Okay! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Put me down, put me down, put me down! Go, sorry, Oh, sorry! I don't know how to take it off yet. She's good, she's good. Okay! Yeah, yeah, yeah. Put me down, put me down, put me down! Go, sorry, sorry. What are you doing here? Barney goes and just run full, like, he's short, but he's broad-armed and tackles all three of you in a big old painful hug.

How long have you been here? How long have you been here? Well, I mean, since this asshole abandoned me here. I was just trying, you know I was doing the thing. You knew I was doing the thing. It was a pretty cool thing. Go on, get out of here! I know, I know, it's all good, it's all good.

To be fair, I was just jealous I didn't think of it first. Wait, did I hear that you met somebody? Right? Am I making this up? I mean, I met a lot of people here. Like a lady friend. Am I making this up? Didn't you meet somebody?

Right then, you hear. You motherfucker! Oh my god, you know how long I've been fucking looking for you? Darion's on the ground with Denise having full-on pounced on him. He's like, ah, wait, you didn't tell me you brought her along.

You're here, too? Oh my god, I haven't seen you in several weeks! How does everyone know each other? This is high! Oh my god. It's a small, flat world, Eriak. Well, welcome to Zephra! She just, Denise gets off of him, listen, I've been looking for this for a long time,

but I'm not going to make a scene in front of these very nice people. You're right, we should not make a scene in front of these people, as he puts one of the chairs back up. Hello. She's extremely. Hi, I'm Denise. Hi, Denise. She's extremely. Hi, Denise. Hi, Denise.

She's wonderful. Are you going to tell them how we were pre-engaged? We were pre-engaged! Oh my goodness. Left me, left me. All alone. No. Word back to the family for a couple extra seats for dinner tonight. So we got Denise, we got Opal.

Yes, yes, we get everybody. To be completely honest and clear on this, I did not leave you. I just got lost for six months. Okay. I had intended to come back. You did? Yeah. Did you get my note? No.

I sent you a really magic note from Mr. uh... Yes, I did get that. You are correct. Gilmore. Yes, I did get that. You are correct. Yes, it was beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful note. I spent a lot of money on that. That's so sweet. You know, I know this feels like it's the time for resolutions, but maybe we should just be happy we're all together, right? I am happy.

Very much so. No, since I'm generally overwhelmed, but I'm so happy to see all of you. Wow. You too, Denise. Oh man, so many things. Hold on just a second, friends. He takes Denise's hand and pulls her off to the side real fast and goes,

Hey, I'm sincerely very sorry. I didn't mean to put you on any sort of weird space. Generally, I'm easily distracted. And there's just been a lot of distractions back to back. I'm still currently distracted, and one eye's peering to all of his friends, and he's like. So, just so you know,

that's what you got into, and... I'm really sorry. Dariax, this is the most we've talked ever. I don't even think I remember the sound of your voice. How did we get engaged? Oh, I remember, and then she kisses him. No. Hmm.

Hmm. You know, it's not what I remember, and then she kisses him. No! Hmm. What? You know, it's not what I remember. It's the garlic dates. They're really good here. We're going to have to revisit this, but thank you for your apology. Of course. Happy to apologize. Sincerely apologizing again.

You're very nice and you're very pretty. I'm sorry if I put you through any trouble. Thank you. TBD. Tibid. Nose hole wink. Hi! Oh my god, you're out here! Go up to him and he's like, Opal, you look clean.

I cleaned up. If only I could just take this fucking crown off my Opal, you look clean. I cleaned up. If only I could just take this fucking crown off my head. That would be nice. I could try. You want to just give it a tug? Sure. Ow! Oh, that hurts! Did it come off?

No, but his hands are bleeding. Oh no! He'll work. He's like, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, that's an Amarva problem. I'm sorry I sent you off with that spell. My accents are getting fucked up. I just really wanted to send you off safely.

I am sure there is wisdom to the choices you made that I can't grasp. That's very kind. It is. Honest, I can't grasp a lot of wisdom. But you know what? We're here. You seem to be happier than last I saw you. Yeah. You, you all look amazing. Dariax, do you know what's going on in the world? Have you heard any news? Yeah, no, we had a really, really crazy rainstorm

about three days ago. We had to fix some of the gutters outside. The colors in the sky went away. That might have something to do with the storm. I think the storm washed it away. Why, what's going on? I will tell you over dinner. Okay.

Come on over to my old place. Sure. Okay? Yeah, totally. What time? I have an afternoon gig. Oh, this is in the evening, so we're going to be stopping by to see the voice of the Tempest. Great.

For a bit. Yes, I remember her. Come back here around sundown to pick you up? Sundown. 30 past sundown. I should be done by about then. Okay. The proprietor turns out and is like, honestly, just take him. It's fine.

We'll pay you. Take the night off. You got friends here. Take tomorrow night off, you know? Take the whole week. You know. Going for it. He's like, really? Yeah. Georgie's a great guy.

Appreciate you, Georgie. He's like, And he starts packing up the gear. He's like, everything's all right. I know, right? Yes. Well, great. I'll show you around. I got some new, well, I got a back room in one of the barns here that they're letting me stay.

Pretty cheap. Yeah, I'll take care of that. Wait, you're going to see the Tempest first, right? That's right. All right, you know what? We'll finish cleaning up here. I'll see you in a little bit. All right. He starts putting his stuff away. Denise, can you help me pack up a little bit here?

Yeah, sure. Say my name again. Denise? Yeah, that's right. That is right? Great, awesome. Ophel, you coming? Yes! What about you, She-Ra?

Netflix canceled us! Echoing through the heavens over Tal'Dorei. Well, while Denise and Dariax stay behind, the four of you present, Crown Keepers, step to the beautiful, large building in the core of the center of Zephra, where you see the beautiful vine-wrapped balcony and the almost like a cottage library vibe

of this structure. These beautiful tree-grown poles and the thatched woven roof that seems to spiral outward. It's almost like change for the seasons. You know, throughout the year, some of these buildings almost shift with the weather and the seasons. And as the druids find inspiration, they can shift some of the more natural buildings here

to match that time of the year. And the city itself is almost changing in places along with the season itself. That doesn't take too long before eventually you are shown up to the chamber door to the Tempest's room, which itself lies partially ajar. Keyleth.

Yes, hello. You have the arrival. Hi. Hi. Savior Blade. Tempest. I just give him a big hug. Hi. I hope you've been getting some much-needed rest

in downtime. I'd say the same for you. Yeah, I have, actually. It's been nice. Try to relish the moments of rest. I know that your hands were immediately full in Vasselheim. Yeah, you know, whatever.

They're fine. They'll figure it out on their own. Sometimes you just have to let them tire themselves out with bickering. They'll learn soon enough that Exandria keeps spinning. Yeah. Oh, this is Dorian and Firm.

This is our friend. Hi. Oho. Hello. Excuse my appearance. Full disclosure, I was the Spider Queen's champion, but just fuck her, you know? Just between us. No, no, no, no.

No, I saw you, actually. I recognize you. When we were fighting at the Miles King. Yeah, yeah, I was really in the zone and I had arms and multiple. We didn't really converse, but I just saw you and I was like, oh, she's kicking ass. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

We're from the wrong team. But it turns out. I think we were all on the same team that day. Yeah. So you did well. Thank you for having us. Your majesty. Ah, Tequila's fine. Yeah, it's weird.

Great. I like your crown. Thanks, I wish I could get it off. Ah! Oh no. This one I wish I could get it off. Ah! Oh no. Oh no. This one can come off, but it's... It can?

Yeah, I don't know why I said that. That's a weird thing to say. No, no, it's... Lucky you. Yeah, yeah. Tea? Yes. Wine? Wine?

Yeah. Let's have some wine. Just, she loves her wine. She loves her pinot. Does that have vintage, yes? Yes. You push past the lionettes and the Strassmans. Yeah.

Ooh, yes, actually, this is a rear bottle. Oh. Uncommon. Orym, you open it. Thank you. Oh. Uncommon. Orym, you open it. Thank you. Jeez. Or some glasses. All right.

What am I here to say? I don't know. Are you okay? Yeah, yes, I am. The first thing I'd like to say is just how grateful I am to you for your faith in me. Your winds have kept me aloft in ways that maybe you don't know, but

I'm grateful for it, and I just wanted to make sure that I I said thanks, Keyleth. It's meant a lot. Tempest, it's meant a lot. Faith isn't something that's given, it's proven. And I mean, I saw who you were. I saw the nature of your heart. That's why I put you on my guard to begin with, Orym.

You've earned this. Nothing was granted. Yes, and that gets to the second thing that I've come here to ask. You've had me on the road for a long time. I love coming home. But part of me has gotten used to the road. Maybe I picked that up, spending so much time around you.

And I would still very much like to be of service to you as your blade, but I'm hoping I can do it still in an emissary capacity and be your eyes around the world as I have been. I have some places to go. My own aramente, if you will. I have to visit Fearne's family

past the Vale. I have some responsibilities there, and some new responsibilities. Being the savior blade was never equated to your proximity to me. You've always been an extension, not just of the Tempest, but of Zephrah. I wouldn't want anything else.

For better or for worse, Zephrah and the Ashari, we have a place on a global scale. That's what I fought so hard for alongside the rest of Vox Machina. It would be an honor for you to continue to uphold and represent the Ashari. Good news is I don't have to do it alone. I take his hand.

I've found someone. And for the longest time, I've walked under the light of the moons. But I think it's time I spent some time with the sun. In the clear blue sky. He's really got away with words. A 30-foot vertical leap. Only around you.

You deserve happiness. You've sacrificed a lot, not just for this city, but for me. And I know what you lost in that time, and I think about it every day. I think about every life that has fallen that

may or may not have been from a choice that I have made. And the only thing that I can hope for is peace for anyone who has served that time. Orym drops all the responsibility and the duty and the position and the way he carries himself around the Tempest and just walks forward and hugs Kael. She embraces him back.

I want that for you, too. Happiness for you, too. You deserve it. I'm finding my peace. It's a marathon, not a sprint. We shouldn't expect anything to happen overnight. Except for the things that happen overnight, which feels like a lot in Exandria,

but that's like, we'll unpack that at a later date. You'd be surprised what you can pack into a week. You're telling me. Almost feels like four years. Especially when you're jumping across every time zone, every time zone in every continent. The tree lag, it's wild. Yeah.

Don't know. Yeah. Don't know. Yeah. Should I top everybody off? Please. You share your wine and share your stories before eventually the sun begins to turn low in the sky. She gets a little tipsy and she's like, you're all honorary Ashari.

I swear I'm already pure. I felt it. I mean, the first time we came here, I was like, I think I feel like I'm an Ashari. If you ever need a place to crash. Really? If you need a bed. You're just, I love you. That's so nice. Especially you, Wind Guy. I'm like, I love you. That's so nice. Especially you, Wind Guy. I'm old?

He's got boils. I feel connected. And you've never heard him sing. You've never heard him sing. No one's ever heard me sing. It's a very good voice. It's okay. Oh, it's very good.

You should replace that guy down at the Traverse. No, no, no, he's a friend. Oh, he's a friend? He's almost like a protégé. A protégé. Like a protégé. Hey, since we're being silly, can you do me a favor? Yeah. We were our first ever mission.

Could you say, mission complete, crown keepers. But you can take off your sunglasses while you do it. Okay, hang on, wait. I've got a stamp somewhere. Hold wait. I've got a stamp somewhere. I've got a stamp for like... A stamp? Yeah, for like, I don't know, they give it to you.

You clap your hands and it's like, yes, Tempest? Oh shit, I didn't know. Where's my stamp? Right away, Tempest. Oh, it says you should believe? It's like a seal. It says, ladies and gentlemen, we got him.

Yeah. Whoa! Comes back in with the woodblock stamp on the pillow and is like, is it hot wet? Is it hot wet? Ah! Mission accomplished. Yes! Yes! You all get experience points.

That's not how this works. Nah, you get 10. Instead of sunglasses, it's all the antlers. Yeah. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Eventually, before you get too trashed, you say your good evening to the Tempest

and stumble back into the end of the daylight streets of Zephra, heading back towards where your mother is and where dinner is also awaiting you. Along the way, you can't help but catch a vision of Shundane, the half-orc, one of the advisors to the Tempest, who is walking an unexpected troop through.

You see three Ryloren children and a young Bormodah being walked through the town along with one adult, all swaddled up with cloaks, and they're all being shown some of the exterior gardens. And it's like watching this stoic advisor, suddenly in a professorial role or a guide role, just talking about the different flowers and teaching the children of where they come from

and hands one of the flowers to a kid. And as the kid holds it, they smell it, and you watch as they go ahead and drift their finger upward, and it grows and blossoms, and the kids laugh and look at each other, and one of them looks back at your troop, and one of them, you swear,

it doesn't recognize you, but there's almost a moment of recognition before it goes back to the flower, and you continue on to your home, where your mother awaits, and a grand dinner. As Dariax and his on-again, off-again, maybe never on, but maybe probably on, fiance, friend, roadie, girl,

Denise there awaits with a grand meal, grand stories, and grand laughter. Now. In the times to come, weeks, months, years, whatever it may be. Chetney Pockipy, what's in the future for you? Roll those dice. Short term. Well, that's fair, yeah.

I will lose my fucking shit. Come on, please. We will go to Vegas. Come on, come on. One more time. Just die. Just die. to Vegas. Come on, come on. One more time. You stop here. You stop. You stop.

You stop. Giving yourself advantage. Ugh. Oh! Wait, this one's cocked. It's a single digit. That one's cocked. It didn't matter.

That's a one. It is, but it's cocked! Here's how close! It was almost triple zeroes, almost. Did you get a feeling? Oh! Heart fluttering? Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch. Ugh! Ugh! It was almost trip zero, almost. Did you get a feeling? Oh! Heartburn? Ah!

Ah! Yeah! Still here! Breaking records! Thank you, by the way, if you don't mind. Oh, yes, you're good if you want to. Oh. Thank you so much, Amy.

Miserable guest chairs. I know, everyone juggling this around. Yes, we love you! Thank you, Amy! You're so lovely! I think Chetney probably would have been a little lost, but knowing that Frida's now going through the same thing that he was going through,

I think he's excited to be a mentor. But I also think he's probably going to get bored pretty fast, so whether it's going to visit the Gorgine or maybe seeing if Dorian needs a hand on anything that he's going to pursue, I think he'll just stay around as a hand for hire. Okay. So you go ahead and introduce Frida to the Gorgine he's going to pursue. I think he'll just stay around as a hand for hire. Okay.

So you go ahead and introduce Frida to the Gorgine and let them become the teachers to, as opposed to cleansing the Curse of Lycanthropy, but to embrace it. Yes. To control it. Yeah. And such. Don't give up such a gift.

As such, the first mechanical werewolf of Exandria begins their journey. Right. No. Okay. So, being a hand for hire to Dorian and allies around, you probably at some point trek back to Uthodurn, at some point as the years go on, where Ultgar's chest is thriving underneath Ultgar once again with proper artisan craftsmanship, up-and-coming crafters and creators,

and Drexletch is nowhere to be seen. But here, as the training progresses and Oltgar takes you into his heavy grasp and excited to show you the new lines they're designing and developing. The apprenticeship program, referred to as the Pock-a-pee Path. Ooh!

You want pee-pee? I want the pee-pee! I want the pee-pee! I'm halfway through the pee-pee, Mr. Pocket Pee. But I'm extremely- Can't stop in the middle! It hurts too much. Damn it, I almost spit water everywhere. But there is a rising new wave

of crafters, creators, tinkerers, chiselers, and carvers that now are trained and raised underneath the Pockypee means of crafting creation, an extension of the great impact you've left on Exandria. Yes. Mr. Pockypee, High Hunter, and Lupine Paragon. Mr. Puckabee Hunter and Lupine Paragon.

Yeah. Lady Fearne Calloway, Fae Scion of the Ancient Flame. What lies ahead for you in the short and long term, do you think? Ooh, yes. Definitely going back home and spending some time with Nanna. And...

I would love to study under her. I know she has a long time left here. But she's very eager and excited to show you the true breadth of her ability. I would love to learn. And don't forget, for the time being, no one's watching the Skeen. Like right now?

Fate is ours to pluck. Oh boy. Oh fuck. Can I just? Sure, sure. Any one? Pick one. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. Oh shit.

Yes. Ow! You need to go. You need to go. You need to go. You need to go. If you always let him go, you need me to go. I have to go, boom!

You play it like, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom,eny, moe. I have to. You play it like. Roll. Sorry. Roll! It'd be so poetic. But it's interesting, as you pluck and pull it up, you suddenly have a vision of an alleyway, some dark, mid-evening, mud-covered alleyway. High, three-, four-story rickety buildings, you can see,

and a figure is currently stalking through it. You see half-obscured, a sense of nervousness and a dart as they come upon the outside of what looks to be a horse-drawn cart that emerges from the exterior of the alleyway. They leap up and grab onto the side of it, unseen, and duck into its shadow. You see them draw a blade from beyond there,

inside of their cloak, and re-hide it from within. As you release it, you got a brief glimpse of somebody's thread. You're not sure if it's where they are, where they were, where they're going to be, but in that brief instant, you realize the immensity of the power that you have briefly at your disposal

and why your Nana's fiddling was so unwelcome under the gaze of the matron. Now, we must be respectful. Of course, of course. of the matron. Just, now, we must be respectful. Of course, of course. We only truly watch, learn, kind of voyeuristically.

Love it. Just be around. And if someone really needs something taken care of, then we bargain, and then we can not. And she takes one and ties it up for a brief second. Releases it. Someone just had a very bad day.

Oh no. All right, I'll be so, so responsible. I'll be so responsible. just had a very bad day. Oh no. All right, I'll be so, so responsible. I'll be so responsible. In time, your training has only just begun. And she throws her cloak over you. Your vision washes back, and you're back inside the manor. She's like, There is much time, and I'm very excited to show you.

Oh, there's whole elements of this manor that I haven't even been able to reveal to you yet. I'm so excited. I love you, Nymnir. The roots go so deep. Yes! I love you. Thank you for taking care of me. Of course.

And well, with your family here now as well, it's nice to feel like the tree is just growing with energy. A bird flies in, just like, its head splits open and shrieks. Fjordros is like, Oh, we have a guest. Interesting. She leads you down through the garden

and down through the tree. Your mother is in the process of washing dishes and gives you a wave as you go by. Hi, Mama. Oh, hi, Fjord. Head down to the base of the tree. That's the cutest and scariest. The vines withdraw.

I'm going to go ahead and change this to some proper atmosphere for this. The vines pull back and reveal nothing. I don't see anything. Then a strange shape withdraws from the ceiling and unfolds as a spider-like figure drops to the ground and rises up and produces a dark purple flower bouquet.

Morrigan, my sweet. And hands it out, and Nana Morrigan goes, Oh, my Ira, how nice to have you visit. Hi, Ira. Oh, I didn't realize you were here, Fearne Calloway, the pleasure is mine. How long are you staying? I don't know.

Maybe forever. Should I come back later? No, you can stay. Oh, don't worry, you can stay. I have a guest room. My room. As Moirce and Ira steps in and begins to vanish into the shadow above,

but if we're turning back and be like, well, maybe we'll have a chance to catch up a bit, Fearne Calloway. I would love to. I'm glad you're still around. I'm glad you're still around. You know they're looking for you. Sounds fun.

Maybe they'll find you in time. In time for what? To make up for slaughtering one of their princes? Your father. Oh, well. I didn't, we didn't, I didn't. I didn't, it's, all right, I'll figure that out. When that time comes. Sweet dreams, Fenn.

Calloway. Just piercing the shadow. You take it in for a minute, look back, and you see you're an animal where he's just like, He's so creepy. He's so creepy. He's so creepy. I love him. In her chest.

Would you like a cocktail? Yes! As you scatter up into the now even further vibrant and lively Ligament Manor, the sound of soft music, the clattering of bones as wind pushes its way through the boughs, the whistling of your father as he tends to the garden, the numerous creatures that raised you and live amongst you,

this odd, weird, nightmarish home. It's my home. Do you see yourself continuing this for some time? Any other business you'd like to at least begin to pursue in the future? I think in the future, I would love to go on some type of adventure to find all of Chetney's eggs.

And I also. I'll see you in Hell, Calloway. I'll tell you what. Beep, beep, beep. I'll tell you what. Go ahead and roll four sleight of hand checks for me. Ooh, okay. Okay, all right. Guidance.

Guidance? No. All right. Oh wow, okay, first one, sleight of hand. 18 plus 14. Okay. 14. That was a 15 DC for the first one, 20 for the next.

Another 18. 32. Wow. All right. Do it again. Two eggs procured. 19. The third one's messy. You almost get caught, maybe take a few hits, and there might be a worn out for your arrest.

That's all right. We'll define that later. Is that Caleb's? No, not yet. All right, 17 plus 14. Okay, so you have three of the five eggs in your possession eventually, but two evade you. Maybe we'll explore those down the road. Love it. Easter one-shot.

It's an egg hunt. It's a great egg hunt. It's a great egg hunt. The grateful trait of the tower. I think also the... You've already made the walls. Yeah, it's true. That's true. A goal that I think Fearne would have

for the rest of time until it is figured out is trying to release Opal from that crown. I love that. So I try to study and do whatever I can. All my studying, I'm so good at research. Trying to figure out how one day to free her from that. I love that. I like those things. Great.

Ashton the Reforged, Hammer of Paradox. What do you see as your short and long-term intent? Well, Ashton is definitely, I think I need to spend some time figuring out a little bit more about what is in their head and how it works. And preferably not with the Bright Queen or anybody in Zorahas, so.

Talking to Essek and spending some time over there and getting my healing up. Essek is definitely fascinated, slightly perturbed, definitely deeply curious about what you are, because what you are should not exist. But indeed, the Bright Queen, hunting isn't the right word.

But you do notice yourself being followed. You do have invitations to Rosohna brought to your attention. You are invited as a wonderfully storied guest to the Crean Dynasty at the behest of the Bright Queen. They are interested. They are watching.

Not aggressively, but they definitely are letting you know that you're on their radar. I take some time. I'll also say the hammer had a very bad time and has now been carved down from that pick into a sphere that has been polished up. And in that sphere is a version of what's in their head

of that point and the molecular solar system in the center of it with the starscape that's infinite. It's almost a gyroscope, so that when it spins, it just finds its own gravity. They start taking jobs as muscle on arche archaeological digs all over Exandria. They're finding things for Essek, things in especially buried temples now, finding artifacts of the old gods

and bringing them up for anything from the previous followers or otherwise. Finding things for friends and occasionally inviting friends on little adventures that pay reasonably well, especially Brayus, because I have no charisma and people hate me. And you are, for all of your awful charming as hell, and it's worth every penny that I have to pay you for it.

I stop by a few times. I try and stop by as regularly as possible. Always welcome. Always say hi to Nannamori first. That's wise. Mm. I spend some time. Sometimes I invite you to go on an adventure.

Sometimes I... And sometimes it's the asking if you have anywhere you want to go and you need some muscle so that you don't tire yourself out on occasion, not that you need it. Someone to carry the bags. Wonderful.

Eventually, I try and make a deal with Ira, Nenamori, to see if I can finally go to Xhorhas and make a deal, make sure that I can get out of there. Have a plan. Be smart. Okay. Maybe we'll explore that at some point down there. We will.

If that goes well, they keep finding new places to go, and they keep finding new parts of Exandria, probably a few more trips to the moon, to Runis, and they make their way out. They eventually come back until one day they don't. Who knows where they went? Who knows what happened?

Hmm. All right. Brayus. Oh. Brayus Doomsday, painter of violence and treachery. I think I will pursue art a good deal. I just dive into it, pour myself into my artwork, making grander and grander paintings and developing a name for myself.

I do one study that's just a bunch of very artful nudes of Nana Mori. That is a sensation. That was my favorite. It's a sensation. Makes a name for myself. I keep coming back to this motif of painting evil babies. Eventually, it's what I'm known for.

I tour Exandria, showing my artwork. You definitely have a show at Jester's Gallery. Of course. Of course I do. Yeah. How does your faith develop with the Traveler? Well, when I'm visiting Jester's Gallery, at night, when I'm... All while developing a name for myself,

there's this lingering fear that something is out there waiting for me or watching me. So yes, at Jester's, when I see Jester, I will ask her to please introduce me, teach me her ways. I think I just need one more ally who can protect me from a god.

Yeah, totally. You can definitely, you know. Here's the deal, though. I'm going to be totally real with you. The Traveler's not really a god. I mean, which is good, though, because all the gods disappeared, so he's doing pretty good.

So, but yeah, I'll teach you everything I know, and you will, you also can just totally hang out here if you want to, you know? Is it safe? It's always safe with me and Fjord. We will protect you. We have your back, Brayas. Is that true, Fjord?

Yes, of course. Jester has a tremendous nose for good character. Oh my gosh, you know what? You could totally go work. You could hang out at the Lava Chateau. Lava Chateau, yes. And do what? Paint? You could paint, you could just live there, you know?

Just be my best friend if you want to be. I really like painters. All right. And the ruby always needs extra muscle. Yeah, you're really strong, you know? Bluth is always looking for a right-hand man. I could work security there, sure. But you're a famous painter.

You probably don't need to do that. Well, I don't. If I need to hide out, it seems like a good option. Thank you. Of course. It was serendipitous meeting you. And from that point forward, all of my paintings contain a hidden dick. I love it.

Which begins from the night that something's missing from one of your pieces, that you're up late, staring at your partially finished canvas and just trying to figure out what signifies it before a voice creeps in from the shadows. Jesus god! I think it's missing something. Oh my god. You're not Asmodeus.

Or am I? Oh god. Don't kill me. Don't kill me yet. Say your last words. No! I love Susie Green! That was a weird one.

I don't even know what that means. No, right here, and a hand reaches over your shoulder and you see a green hanging sleeve and a long, slender finger points just a little dick right there. All right, I paint it. That's what finished it. Beautiful. You are quite an artist.

Thank you? You turn around and see the bright orange-red curls and the green hood of some sort of ephemeral, ethereal, fey-like entity. So my sweet Jester seems to think you need some guidance. I could use some, yes. I feel like I do better when I'm acting at the behest of a great power.

Strangely enough, I happen to know a great power that needs somebody to be at its best. It's me, I'm talking to the wind. Okay, okay, I didn't want to presume. I'm the Traveler. Hi, welcome, you're part of the club. All right. Pleasure to meet you, Brace. Oh, we're going to have a lot of fun, aren't we? Yes, we will.

When the cats are away, the mice come to play. Oh, the mice, sure. Take that, Moonweaver. And so begins a beautiful, weird friendship. Yes. Orym of the Ereshari, you save your Blade of the Tempest. What is your short-term elect?

Well, I think it's pretty intertwined with Dorian's. He is a Tempest Blade. He will always be a Tempest Blade and serves his home gladly, eagerly, but I think he splits his time between operational discussions and family time at home with traveling with Dorian in the sky.

And I don't know the answer to this, but I know that there's some sort of a succession line that is a possibility for Dorian. I don't know if that factors in. We have some freedom. I think after this, I spoke with both of my parents, and they're still young and relatively healthy. What I always wanted was their blessing,

and I took it from them. So we have, I have, permission to be free from the people of the Battermost. And to that point, Dorian Storm, Master Muse, and Son of the Wind, since your fate saw for the moment entwined, you both can build off of each other if you'd like. I think there's also a thread,

even though Nann and Mori never came a-calling to debate the details of the pact and whether or not Orym was astray of it or not, I think because of how close the fern is to Nanamori and because of how Nana's help was present every step of the way for them, he still visits and is within reason of service to the Fade Stitcher as well, within reason.

He knows that Fearne has a balancing effect on her grandmother. During one of those treks, suddenly you find yourself stumbling through the Ligament Manor and the halls get darker and darker until there's just a long hallway and Nana Mori with her lantern. Orym.

Took your time. Well, come. It seems we have unfinished business. Do we? We had a deal. We did? Mm-hmm. We had a deal. We did. Mm-hmm. We did.

You're shunted up before her. Some sort of magical force pulls you in. Her face is close to yours, the lantern glowing from underneath. And? Well, far be it for me to dicker with a fey powerhouse, but I would argue that I thread that needle. What you made was an offering of a deal with an archfey creature.

That could not possibly be held up on my end. I can't keep you all safe coming out from the moon. What are you talking about? That's entirely up to you. You get yourselves killed, that's your own fault. There's no deal. You're fine. Yes! How could I possibly keep all of you safe?

My powers are pretty strong here around the manor in my realm, but I have no idea what the heck you are dealing with on Ruidus. So you're fine. Enjoy. Travel safe. Orym's sending stone on his chest lights up

and he just hears my voice going, What did she say? How much trouble are you in? Do you want to go to the bar and have a drink? I'm already there. They gave me a gig. It's a Thursday night. There's usually no one here.

They're going to let me do it for a portion of the sales. But also you, do you want to go have a drink? I need to calm my nerves. I thought you'd never ask. Okay. She puts her hand out. This fucking place. Perfect.

What are you, Dorian? Yeah. I think in the short term, his days are spent in freedom and peace with Orym when he's around. I think they have trust between them because I think he is a steadfast lover and a friend. So when he goes away, though,

Dorian is still Dorian. Some things are not for him, and he still has a zest for life. He still wants these experiences. And though he's faithful in a romantic way to Orym, he does tend to get in some trouble on his own. So through the years, as he gets older and experiences more of the world,

something happens and he doesn't quite clock it when it happens, but he stops being the boy that always feels like he's on the outside. He somehow becomes the man who can be a tie that binds. So when it's right, not for him, but for the people that he loves, he'll just send up a flare, and sometimes it'll be Coriolis rapping

on the door of Chetney when there's a heist to pull, or sometimes it'll be a whisper in the wind in Imogen's mind for both her and Laudna, wherever they may be, when there's a fun event to go to or a little trouble to get into. He definitely gave another sending stone to Opal, and they chat and kick their heels on beds. He calls up Brace and Ashton whenever there's real trouble and he'll always, always talk to Fearne. He's just there for all of his friends. They don't always answer because life is messy

and life is difficult and everyone has their own thing. But when everyone gets together, or they get together in bits and pieces, it's just the reminder he needs of why he left home in the first place. And for him for a long time, maybe forever, who knows? That's what gives his life meaning. And that was the experience that he always wanted to have.

So he finds fulfillment in the most important connection of his life. And the friends that surround him, for sure. Yeah. Love that. I guess that just leaves us with Laudna, Veilmistress of the Shadowtree, and Imogen Tammut, Exaltant Hope of the Red Storm.

What do you see as your short and long-term goals and interests? Well, if this is all right with you, I'd love to spend time in the coming months in the lake town, helping those that come through the gate just to acclimate a little bit. And as someone who is able to speak to them telepathically, because I know it's a big change for them,

just be able to help them get settled and find places to go and feel like what we did in the big can make a difference in the little day to day as well. It's all right. I love that. I think Lodna, with this newfound life, both in the short and the long term. Just wants to live. Very simple life. She follows Imogen wherever she goes. Maybe we can have a little spring break at Nana Mori's.

Love it. Maybe she continues to learn some fire spells from Fearne. I do want to find that coin that Orym so flippantly threw down the hall. Fuck that coin. And? Little mini adventures. Mini adventures. And then,

I think, you know, maybe in the Talon Heights, we find a beautiful clearing in the woods. Yes. Somewhere with darkness and light, and we build a little cottage. Maybe Chet can help, because. I love that.

Something so storybook and beautiful, with a big kitchen. It's briefly frustrating, because once word gets out that you have a Chetneypockety household, people start making ridiculous offers on it, and you eventually have to erase your name from the books. Oh my god, please, don't be not interested in the book. She's like, hey, I heard you guys were.

No, no, no. Okay, never mind, sorry. I just leave four of you. Unsettling presence. Yes. Every real estate agent. Make it creepy, but also quaint. Yes. I craft curtains and

make little figurines and dolls and make a friend for Pate. Just like the speckles of light. And we have a stable. And we have a stable. Here's the thing. Horses don't like me. So maybe you could teach me. Yeah. A little bit.

We'll find you a horse. Maybe I could have a donkey. That is so perfect, and yes. They're like horses, but a little creepy. Yeah. And small. Yeah. And they can't breed. Did you know that? Wait, what?

Isn't that true, or is it ponies? It's a mule. I feel like mules. Donkey and a horse. Donkey mule. I thought you said donkeys can't breed. I'm like, yes, they can, they have pets. They're all abominations, kind of like me. Sorry.

Mule, I would've mule. I would've mule. You get a donkey wet, little claws sprout off their back. Yeah, yeah, yeah. There you go. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I would love to purchase Flora. Yes, I do. I love to purchase Flora.

Yes, I do. I want to purchase Flora from Mr. Faramore. Easy enough to do. Mr. Faramore is taken entirely back by what you've accomplished, and happily does so, so long as you sign off on this little memoir he wrote about all the things that he taught you.

But upon probably a brief bit of intimidation and a terrifying Back to the Future One-esque, like freaking out Mr. Fjarramorn's room by Laudna, you manage to get Flora free of charge. Oh. Oh. Amazing. Anything for you, my love. Ah!

She's so hot. Yeah. Your mother and father, as strange as they are, remain friends, but your mother also seems like she needs to find herself as well. She keeps in contact, but even she's on a walkabout. And every now and then, you check in with each other

from wherever the both of you are. Sometimes in dreams, you can still catch up. Every now and then, she comes by to visit. She's definitely still trying to find her place in the world for a while. Speaking of dreams, I love the little catch-ups I have with Dorian and the adventures we have when he calls.

But I visit our friends when they're sleeping. I find them in their dreams. And we're still together. Every now and then in the dark bed of night, you hear this distant cackle and a voice that whispers in your ear, they're enjoying your toys, legendary toy maker. It's the greatest thing I could have ever

felt. Oh. Oh! Actually, I forget I send a gift, an engagement gift to the blue-skinned one with the curly horns, and when she gets it, it has a tag that says, Oh, you congratulations. What? Oh!

Careful with the pretty things. Sometimes they hurt the most. That's super sweet. It's a delightfully disturbing. I love it. Fjord, look! That is such a strange gift. It's the jellyfish!

I know, but how did he even know? I don't know. It's beautiful, though. As long as you like it, that's all. Does it just go on forever? Somewhere in the wind, you hear? While we're on the topic, in the time shortly after the end of this age, what does the Mighty Nein do?

I mean, we'll make it quick, because this is a nine-hour game. Yeah! I think with us, with our engagement present at hand, I think we really should try and, it doesn't have to be a franchise on the moon, but I think they're going to need lots of help. We could spend some time there.

I wasn't joking. I think we should do it. Yeah, we could. I want to go to the moon, but I think they're going to need lots of help. We could spend some time there. I wasn't joking. I think we should do it. Yeah, we could. I want to go to the moon again. If for no other reason than wedding location scouting. Yeah, we should definitely see if there's a really cool venue on the moon. Yeah, of course. Yeah.

Indoor, outdoor dance floor is very important. Plus, in the moon? I hear that, like in the caverns. Yeah, with all the rocks and stuff. That was beautiful. I think we could do that. Yeah. Just keep an open mind. I'm very excited, by the way. Me too. Yeah.

I love you. I love you. Beau's going to be my best man. That's fine. He gave up so easily. I'm going to have, I think, a few Maids of Honor. What? Yeah. Veth, for sure.

Caleb. The Traveler, should he officiate? No, no, no. I want this to go off without a hitch. There's no Traveler, should he officiate? No, no, no, I want this to go off without a hitch. There's no Traveler. I believe I already heard she said, I'm officiating. Then in that case, Caduceus is my other maid of honor. Are you going to have everyone at your wedding party? Yeah.

Good luck finding someone else. Yasha's also my maid of honor. Oh yeah. Veth is on my side. I already said Veth. Oh shit. I give Vox Machina. Just all the Vox Machina. I love that you guys are getting married.

Everybody's on Jester's side. Fuck them. Beautiful. Beautiful. Awesome. So I guess there is a wedding to come in the future. What is Vox Machina's immediate? Oh, wait, I have a quick question. Because when Essek was,

his disguise was dropped before the Bright Queen, Caleb immediately was thinking, does he need to wrap up his presence in Rexxentrum and vanish so that Essek, I don't know how hard they are going to go for Essek. So in the week that comes, I think Caleb starts making bug-out plans in case they get

all the dynasties swarming on them, but if that doesn't happen. Make an insight check for Caleb for me. No, that's not going to be good at all. Okay. That is a 24. That's not bad. In the moment, while there was a Kryn soldier rush for the figure,

you gather it wasn't with murderous intent, more than surprise and means to capture. The Bright Queen's reaction was of acknowledgment, but not necessarily extreme surprise. The best you can gather is he's definitely a person of interest, but wasn't the most immediate concern at the time, but still a person of interest.

Yeah, so then Caleb continues to make exit plans for the both of them, and maybe that fades with a year or two, but it is ever present. I think he settles into a role where he never takes on any government position, never wants that, but he shows up as an advisor in countries all over the world.

Mm-hmm. Ian Beauregard starts to figure out or prepare for Ludinus popping up like a whack-a-mole. Oh yeah. Yeah. Send that fucker a message. to prepare for Ludinus popping up like a whack-a-mole. Oh yeah. Yeah. Send that fucker a message. You finally get the gumption one day, though you know it never works, to attempt a scry spell on Ludinus Deleuth,

a man who, classic Lisbon, has kept himself shielded. And you see him making tea and you see him making tea in a beautiful, simple little homestead. No idea where or how, any details. You take in just enough vision from this to see beyond the open, doorless entryway to the chamber he's in.

Make a perception check for me, Caleb. Can I use Orym? No. That is a 22. 22. 22. It looks, at first you think, just beyond the doorstep, it's almost like a roiling sea, but it's not sea, it's cloud.

Cloud or mist. It's hard to tell. An endless expanse of mist or cloud. Does it look like the Astral Sea to me? You see a blue sky, but just mist and cloud. And for a brief moment, you see something shift out. Mm-hmm.

And reclaim. It's a place I hide. We start building plans on plans on plans on how to. I actually want to talk to you about this. Now that we know where he is, it seems like he's not active. Cerberus Assemblies calm down a little bit. Yasha has been very, very patient with me

and my work-life balance and my schedule. I've been telling you for years. We've been talking about maybe adopting. It's never really been the right time. You think maybe I'll take the summer, go with her. Veth has been begging us to come out, do a summer at Wildemount Wildings,

be a camp counselor, and maybe see how I am with this kid thing. Mm-hmm. I'm a little torn because Veth seems like she's miserable with Luc. Luc just drives her insane. But I don't know. But also, you can tell she loves that kid so fucking much.

He's a teenager. Yeah. So. Well. Might take the summer off. Never taken a summer. I think that will round you out well. God help me. Fuck, they can't. They're gone. Fuck.

Anyway, I mean, you know how to find me if anything pops up, but... All right, well, go fuck around, find out. All right. Good luck. You know how to find me. Watch them in the arm. I don't know why you did that, Essek.

Goodbye. I'll see you at the wedding. Okay. Bye! Also, maybe Essek can be my Maid of Honor? No, Jester, no more! And what's up for Vox Machina immediately following these events? I know you said Grog had interest in... Oh my god, I'm absolutely going to the moon.

I'm basically the strongest person on this little globe. So, you know, I've got a concordat sphere as well. So after a bit of discussions of appointment, eventually you go through the proper channels and treks and emerge on the dusty, red, Ruidian surface, the winds blowing by gently. You're eventually shown to a few individuals to rendezvous with your point person,

and a massive Ryloren figure approaches, like broad-shouldered, comes up, Hey, I'm a Crimson Officer of the New Craveer Republic, Gaztomo. What's your name? Gaztomo, I am the Grand Poobah da doink of all this and that, Gruggery Strongjohn.

I fucking love that. He takes your handful and like. Yeah! Faint. Oh my god. Any other little points of denouement? In the immediate aftermath of everything, I catch Sirkonos looking a bit nervous. Scanlan goes up to him and says, Hey, hey, hey. Yes?

Hey, Coco. Okay, oh, I like it. Listen, I know that in the last couple days, you've been like, I don't know, I've taken you under my wing or my hoof, whatever. Lay it on me, there's no one I trust more than you. I've been giving you advice and pumping you up and telling you jokes to use and compliments to say. I've logged all of your jokes in my brain.

Yeah, yeah. Last piece of advice when you go to use and compliments to say. I've logged all of your jokes in my brain. Yeah, yeah. Last piece of advice when you go to talk to her. Oh, okay. Forget all of it. Don't do anything that I told you to do. You don't need it. You're Coco. You're Zirconos.

You're the fire Ashari diva. You're the best. Just be yourself. Don't think about jokes and stupid compliments and shitty songs. Just be yourself. Just say what you're passionate about. Are you really passionate about,

I don't know, anything about fire? I love fire. Okay, yeah, that's good. Okay. Okay. What about, you seem like you're super cut. Do you like working out? I have been carnivore for 57 years. Yeah, so. Maybe she's, she seems very wan and thin,

so maybe she's got a diet plan and you guys could swap. Maybe she needs some protein. I don't know. Just talk about stuff that you're into. Don't try to be Scanlan, because. What am I into? Scanlan's, I don't know.

I am into meat. I'm not. I am into fire. I am into Scanman. You will never get me to not be a Scanman. But I think I understand what you mean. Be my best self. Is she here? I mean, we'll say you're in Vasselheim and you know that she's over by the Ravenscrest Temple, yeah.

Go to her. Go to her. I'm going to kiss you on the forehead. And I just will be bound in her teeth. You rush up to the Ravenscrest Temple. The obsidian doors await you there. Will you come with me? Oh, Jesus!

She just presses a hand over your mouth. You're overthinking it. Just bring the heat. Kendra! The door just blows on the earring. I'm going to have to explain it to you. Absolutely.

Oh my god. Yeah, do we want to... We can handle Whitestone, I suppose, if that's where. Sure. Yeah, just in the short term. Yes. Well, the short term, of course, is suddenly the gods are gone.

That puts us in both a unique advantage and also possibly some new enemies. I think it's time to slowly prepare the children for taking over some of our roles. Yes, of course. We do, I think, Whitestone becomes even more well off. With magic becoming what it is, I think residuum becomes even more useful.

And therefore. And of course, the Ruidian refugees bring with them their technology. We happily share it and we become a little more powerful, a little more safe. I talk to you as I also start preparing Gwendoline, our child, for not just a spy network, but we also want to find the gods first.

Hmm. Oh. I'd like to know. Why, Percy? I'd like to know where they are, what they're thinking. If they're not a problem, they're not a problem. But if something starts, it would be good to know from what direction it's starting from. Percival. Mm?

I will support you no matter what. But if you will hear me, perhaps this one is best left alone. Perhaps this is for the younger generation to discover. Without our influence. Oh, I'm not going to be doing this. for the younger generation to discover, without our influence. Oh, I'm not going to be doing this. This work is for my children. I am getting old.

Why don't you let Gwyndolin decide that? Yes, retirement is coming very quickly. You know she always has a home with us, but. And I hope that you will take care of her. I know you will also take care of her mother. Of course. Why are you speaking like this? You're not that old.

Oh, it's starting to weigh. It's, you do what we do for long enough. A lot of life in those years. It's been quite a life, and it's not been a life without stress and hardship and damage. Demonic deals. And? And? And?

There's only so much of a life. I think. I tend to enjoy it. We, as Percival gets older, we step away from our duties and we spend time together in our several vacation homes around Exandria. Mm-hmm. Do we want a cottage on Ruidus as well?

Obviously. With a good view? Yes. Yes, of course. Do you have a Doomsseed Bravies painting in your house? Yes, we do. Mm-hmm. Yes. We have a Doomsseed and a Laval. I imagine there comes a day where Keyleth seeps into the earth,

connects the deepest roots of all of the primordial trees, her vision scattering across all of Exandria as she surfs through the roots of all of the existence that we've ever known. And one day, she hears the cry of a newborn baby and knows that something's different. And she does not tell Percival.

She keeps it to herself. I love it. I love it. Pike? I think in the aftermath for Pike, being a cleric of the Everlight, there is a huge sense of loss and grieving and

uncertainty now at her age of what to do with her life. Of always trying to keep the path and now what? I think... I think she works to clean the temples, just dusting, hoping that maybe one day... I don't know. Takes about 15 years before an acolyte wraps on your door. Pike Trickfoot?

Yes? We think we found her. Where? Come with me. Okay. I'm going to take your hand and pull you into an adventure to possibly be one of those to receive. Oh my god.

Yes. Oh! But indeed, thus... Oh wait. Oh, wait. Oh, right. Oh yeah, Scanlan. Yes. In addition to hooking up Ser Cohn. Yes. Thanks, bro.

I figured that was all you wanted. Yeah. I think, knowing what Pike's path is, I think he will visit her soon after the events of this campaign, not 15 years later, but soon after, and gallop over. Still is Siddharth.

Is that true? Totally. Stupid Siddharth. We're still so dark. Stupid. And just sort of express that, you know, I know that we had our time together and now we had our time apart, and you have duties here, obviously with the gods being gone.

You have to figure out who needs guidance and be that for them, I guess. I don't have duties here. Well, I mean. What do I? What if someone needs to pray and there's no god to pray to, they got to come pray to you, I guess, or?

No! You're not going to have anybody pray to me. What are you, crazy? No! You're not going to have anybody pray to me. What are you, crazy? Why not? What are you going to go do? Well, I want to have, I guess I still want to have some adventures. It feels like,

it feels like time is sort of like, it's not our friend. Time's an asshole, right? It keeps fucking with us. When I first met you, I was at a time when I was super horny and you were at a time when you was super horny and you were at a time when you were much more mature and cool.

And then later, I was trying to be a dad and you were trying to... You were so sweet to me. We got married, it was great. And that was great. And then we had our time doing that and it kept moving. That's the thing.

It feels like time just keeps moving, even when sometimes you just want to just stop for a second, you know? Yeah. Like if you're having fun with a group of friends and you just want it to last forever. Yeah. And I think the best time that I ever had was with you.

I do want to go on adventures and have more of a life together, but I tried and it's not as good without you. So if you don't have duties, or at least you can blow them off for a little while. I mean, I've got a really strong back and I could carry you off to some more adventures before we hang it up. There is such a huge part of me that wants to say no.

But godsdammit, I still love you. I love hanging out with you. We have the best time. We don't have to be married again? No, we don't. We could just be just cool pals. I'm going to give it. Shut the fuck up. Okay.

I'm going to give it six months. Okay. Let's go see some stuff. I've always been into centaurs. I'm just going to put it out there. When you came up and I was like, this is really hard for me. Well, it's the best of both worlds.

It's the best of both worlds. I'm going to hop on his back. What are those two worlds? Don't call me travel. Catastrophe. Don't ask! Listen, let's do it. Let's just travel. Let's just get our minds off of things

and have a good time. No labels or anything. No labels. Do you want to be a centaur, too? Yeah. There we go. All right. I cast Ninth-level Screw Polymorph! Woo-hoo!

This is the best game in the world! And I make Pike a centaur. The painting has become real. I look around at my big, beautiful ass and extra glegs. Yeah! As we ride off into the distance, I sing a song, I play a song as we ride off into the distance, I sing a song, I play a song

as we ride off into the distance. I play, Pike, I was born a ramblin' scant. Got myself the best girl in the land. But now I'm in love and it's better than I planned. So I will be a rambling scant. what is called the Era of Reclamation. Following the Calamity until now, that era comes to a close. The end of an age of recovery and discovery. Starting this new age with a time of uncertainty,

a time of uncertainty, a time of change, but a time of excitement and possibility. SAM and LAURA say, Hmm. But, not but a week from the end of that era, a knock comes to your door, Keyleth. My heart is pounding. Can I open the door? Without an expectation,

you see there standing before you, with a little more flush and life to his cheeks, standing before you. With a little more flush and life to his cheeks. The champion or the matron, Lax'ildad. Hi. Hi. Hi. I've been waiting for you. I didn't know what happened.

I thought you might be gone forever. I can't explain it. It's not a fate I ever... could see. Honestly, I don't think she could either. She is out there somewhere, waiting to be found. And it is still my duty... to carry out her will. But that duty now brings me home.

I am home. Forever. Are you going to leave again? Nothing could ever make me leave again. So much has happened. I know. I'm a different person now, Vax. Come inside.

Moves in wordlessly. I loved you fiercely in life. And forgive me, but I loved you fiercely beyond it as well, and I know... how hard that was. I... have no expectations. But...

if you would, could we start over? I have been lying in wait in a perpetual stasis. It's felt like falling and never knowing when the ground will come. I think I've been waiting for my devilish rogue with wings to catch me again. I would love to start over. Begin again. But it will have to be a beginning, if that's okay with you. Every good story needs a start.

I've missed you so much. I was never that far away. I know. That's part of what always made it so hard. Maybe we could go on a date? I would like that very much. My name's Keyleth. And you're the love of my life. If you will have me, I am yours.

Keyleth of the Air of Shari. Would you like a glass of wine? My first glass of wine in a very long time. I can't think of a better person to share it with than you. I just kiss him. And through life's responsibilities, as a leader of your people and guide of the future of Exandria

and this new uncertain future. And you as the champion of the Matron, now one of many, searching for her return to guide her and all of your interests into this new era. Every now and then, your champion comes to visit. I can work record that.

And that's where we'll leave it. That concludes our camping. Oh. Oh. I love you, sweet husband. Love you guys. Love you, sweet husband. Love you guys. Love you, Matt. Love you, Matt. Thanks for the good story, man.

I look forward to the next one. One more before we have to go to sleep. Just one more story. Then bedtime. Just five more minutes. Oh, shit. One more time. One more time. Just like five more myths. Five more myths. Thank you for coming along, friends. Good night, Bell's house.

Oh. Good night, Mighty Nein. Good night. Good night, Vax Machina. Good night, Bell. I'm Terry and Derry! Yeah. Thank you all for hanging in for a giant-sized version. I think this was a record. Might be. Didn't pretend it'd be, but isn't that how it works out? And our guests.

Yes. Massive thank you to all the wonderful guests that came to be a part of this campaign and this finale. Thank you all so much for coming along with us on this story. It means a lot. Just know that we love you very much, and it's a Thursday.

Good night. Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. To help new listeners discover the show, please give us a rating and review on whatever podcasting app you're listening on. Until next time, is it Thursday yet?