High Rollers DnD - Obsidian Wrath (Part 1) | Altheya: The Dragon Empire #63

Episode Date: May 13, 2025

The heroes are faced with their greatest challenge yet as Obsiddias learns the truth! _______________ Boost your Charisma with some HR merch! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://highrollersdnd.teemill.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Add official High Rollers Minis to your TTRPG collection here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://only-games.co/collections/high-rollers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bless your table with the Clever Toad Dice Set: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://dispeldice.com/collections/high-rollers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Enhance your bath time experience with the official Altheya themed DiceBombs at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geekyclean.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.highrollersdnd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for all the latest HR News! Love the podcast? Give us a glittering 5 star review! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-rollers-dnd/id1401508198?see-all=reviews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support the High Rollers on Patreon and get early access to Podcast episodes, vods and more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/HighRollers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound, TCT Adventures (Solasta: Crown of the Magisters), Monument Studios and Jolene Khor! Check out Jolene Khor and all her wonderful work on High Rollers on Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WX3ICiTmf4GpHwImnQMs6⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi there, I'm Ryan Reynolds, and I have a list of things I like to have on set. It's just little things, like two freshly cracked eggs scrambled with crispy hash brown, sausage, crumble, and creamy chipotle sauce from Tim Hortons. From my rider to Tim's menu, try my new scrambled eggs loaded breakfast box. Craving an escape? Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street-eat energy to life in your kitchen with T-Rosa in the Dragon Empire. During some downtime in Ash and Rest, our heroes discussed their plans for the future, deciding to get Tyria's rest set up as a proper business. They advertised for bar staff to come and work for them, whilst also researching and performing various other activities. Gruff attempted to connect with the spirit of the land,

the deity Ulfey, and find answers to the developments with Xanthius and his crown steel problem. Then they were summoned to speak with the red and black dragon, Lord Obsidius, at the duke's palace. On arriving, Obsidius informed them that much of the crown steel and the reclaimers that the party had left behind in the lakeers that the party had left behind in the lake below the Ash Hills had vanished before he had gotten there. He also revealed that the tracking spell he had put on Xanthius had failed and been dispelled during their adventures in the Vault, to which Xanthius taunted him to replace it. Seeing the fear of Xanthius from Ophelia and the conflict from Gruff and the others,

Obsidius attempted to replace the tracking spell, only for it to trigger a similar event to what happened in the Protomagite Vault. As Xanthius was pulled away by Gruff, Daisy revealed the events of the Vault to Obsidius, that Xanthius had become a vessel for Sovereign's power. Upon realising it was the truth, Obsidius immediately began to cast a spell directed at Xanthius. And that is not quite where we begin today's session. A frost hawk flies across a series of snow-capped mountains before sweeping down towards a hard coastline. The land is scattered with hard scrubland and a few wildflowers as ice-hot

in summer thaws only a little. The roaring sea swells and crashes against the rocky shore as the Hawk cries out and twists its head to spy a small village nestled around a series of hills, a short walk from the beach where sturdy docks and short coastal ships are moored. The hawk lands on the roof of a long wooden building, half buried into the side of a hill. Despite its rural nature, the building is expertly made, with intricate carvings of local creatures and symbols of the sea. A number of stone and wooden benches are arrayed outside this, encircling a large fire pit, which several youthful figures are currently filling. Some are human, some are dwarves, and there is one young female leonine wildheart. Sat on a bench watching them, filling a long pipe with herbs and warming her face in the summer sun,

is a beautiful but rugged woman. She glances up curiously at the hawk. Oh, my hello there little friend. No dinner for you, I'm afraid. The bird hops down and begins making its way towards her, raising its leg, to which it bears a written note. The woman takes it with an amused expression, unfurling the message and seeing a familiar hand. Oh, Gruffydd, she says to herself. Next.

Oh no. We see a grand regal ballroom. Within it, dozens of elaborately dressed figures are talking and laughing, their horns and tails decorated with beautiful jewelry, silks or leather cuffs. A great motley of colours arranged amongst these dragonfolk. Smaller figures move amongst them, drinking drinks, food, playing music, or even carrying notebooks and offering whispered advice to their draconic lords and ladies.

A figure enters the room, a very smartly dressed, very handsome young red dragon man. Duke Ignorius laughs loudly as he enters the room. He has no scars, and his horns are perfectly shaped and deadly sharp. He wears a fine red vest and rubies woven into his dreadlocked hair, with a fine dueling sword at his side. Popping out from behind the door, standing beside him is a young boy, his face speckled with black and red scales, wearing a similar outfit to his father. He fidgets and itches at himself. I don't like it, he says in a small, young voice. I don't want to be an Ilky. Do Kignarious smirks. You will get used to it, my son. Besides, don't you want your

mother to see how much you've improved?" With that, the young dragon beams at his father, and the pair move across the hall until they find a female dragon in humanoid form, pale skin, wearing a black, shimmering long dress that glitters as it catches the night. Her raven-black hair is worn short and cut just below the chin, and her horns twist like spirals. Her yellow eyes light up as the boy rushes to her and throws himself into her arms, and Duke Ignorius moves in and kisses her deeply. Onyxisia, looking ravishing as always,

he whispers in a growl. And she pulls herself away, smiles coyly at him before looking down at the young boy who is hugging her tightly. And look at you, my little shadow. You've gotten so good at your shape changing. This little moment of a family lingers for a moment before a figure with a very large retinue stands before them.

It is delightful to see such love between the provinces, my friends. A large ornately dressed man in golden robes and long golden hair stands before them. Duke Ignarius and his family bow deeply. Archdragon, my lord, Galvasar, you honor us with this praise. Galvasar, no need for ceremony, especially not with one of my chief researchers.

As he looks towards Onyxissia, she blushes and laughs as Galvassar looks down and sees the young black and red dragon. And who is this fine young wormling? By mother, I only remember a little black and red egg. I'm not an egg, he says back. My name is Obsidius, and I'm going to be a great scholar like mother. The black dragon hugs her son tightly, and she smiles at her mentor, Galvassar. Sorry, it's just the egg. You're struggling with the egg thing.

Not an egg. It's not an egg. It's not an egg. That was so good. That was so good. Holy shit. I was ready for everything. I was not ready for the Frosthawk scene.

Can I ask everyone to roll a d6, please? Oh, we're doing fate, okay, yep, yep, yep, yep, yep. Oh. Wait! That's good! Oh, look at that! Oh, lovely! That's really good!

Let's start with Katie, who I know has got a good number. I got a four! Hey, that's a dice for you a good number. I got a four! Hey, that's a dice for you. Well done. I got a three. Oh, lovely, a dice for me. I got a six.

Oh, a dice for you. Wrong side, Mark, wrong side. Swap them over. Savage. I got a one. Oh, Chris Tron, thank you very much. That's a dice for me. And a one.

Oh, another Tron, thank you very much. That's a dice for me. And a one. Oh, another dice for me. Well, well, well. Let's see what old DM Markie James rolls. Oh, now look at that. Oh, even, even. Even, even. I don't like this. I don't like how this is playing out.

Yeah, even could actually be worse for us than not. Yeah. You all stand. We have a hand in this. Inside a large but not cavernous study. Probably designed for a dragon's humanoid form rather than their larger true form. Bookshelves lie in the walls.

There are pillars with magical flames illuminating the space, carpets rich in colours of red, colours of caldra. You can see a desk and chair as well as a display cabinet, but right now, all attention All attention is drawn to the tall, nearly 10, 11 feet tall man in black and red robes, his black and red horns and scales, his tail curling around, almost swishing back and forth, as he has one hand outstretched, pointing towards Xanthius, and perhaps unintentionally as well, Gruffuth of Trimorrow, you can see arcane energy building.

What are you doing? You saw what he could become. We have to end this now! What are you guys doing? I believe that Rowan has gone large form. I've gone large, yes. Ophelia, you have summoned the Scarab Armor. Yep.

Gruffydd, you have extended your Masterwork Shield to protect Xanthius as much as possible. I also said I activate, so are those two, okay. Yep. Xanthius and Daisy. I mean, I have just heard about what actually happened in the Vault. And this is after recently, like coming almost back to consciousness for a brief second and being thrown to the ground. So I'm sort of stunned at the moment, like looking around at everyone and trying to figure out what to do next.

So I haven't really got any preparation beyond... Are you actually on the floor? We're counting you as prone in this instance. I was thrown, right? So I feel like, yes, I would have been prone in this instance. Also, just slightly shift this. That's right, we do in fact have un map. Un map?

Which means one in French. So sophisticated. I know. You all feel the air in this chamber is still. This moment in time presses down upon all of you. Obsidus is clawed, sort of, well, hands, his long fingernails, pointing in the direction of Gruthens Antaeus, ready to discharge some powerful spell.

You can see, yeah, please. I think you see Ophelia's head bow and she starts praying to the Grey Father. Okay, okay. What do you say? So, I've written a little thing. I'd say, my great Lord, come to me in this moment of need. Save us from this dragon's wrath.

Show him your great strength and I will give you what is most precious to me in this moment of need. Save us from this dragon's wrath, show him your great strength and I will give you what is most precious to me in return. Take us from this place that I may continue our great mission. This I promise you, I am yours for all eternity. My flesh is yours, feast upon it. My life is yours to serve you in your righteous grace. Please. You're kind of whispering this prayer to yourself as you kneel there praying.

I'm gonna keep that in mind, Ophelia, but there is, this is all happening very fast, and who knows how long it may take your words to reach that of the Great Father, but for now, can you roll a religion roll for me, please? Okay. Fate. Yes, I will please. Okay. Fate? Yes, I will fate.

Okay. Nice. Let's turn to fate. Please, D&D Beyond. Load. Load. Why do you do this to me now? Just while that's loading, I have no idea what to do, by the way. I am spooked as hell. I've also, now. Just while that's loading, I have no idea what to do, by the way, I am spooked as hell. I've also written something.

I can tell what Rowan does, because it's pretty simple. Religion. Or should we wait for the religion? Religion is a religion. 21. 21, okay. Dude, excuse me, I've left my notebook. Oh, okay.

She's heading to the tension. Yeah, he is. Quick, everyone just take the, put the money off the map. Do you want to go first? Obsidius' hand pointed at his own face. I can try something. You go first. Yeah.

And then I'll... I don't wanna say anything because I know I'm gonna say something that's just gonna get me killed. Yeah, you said enough. Yeah, you don't need to say. You said enough. Every time you meet Obsidius.

He's what Samthius does. I trust you as much as I like you. Pussy. Ha ha ha ha. Bet you can't do it. That all you got? Bet you can't do it. So, Ophelia, that was a 21 in your religion.

Okay. I don't know what. And you were specifically asking to be like taken from this place, like to be saved by the Great Father, to be taken somewhere safe. Yeah. You and your friends, I'm assuming? Yeah.

Okay. Bye. Well, as Ophelia kneels, I think that Obsidius right now is so focused. Like, he has incredible perception and hearing, but this isn't like... He could hear you if he wanted to. He doesn't care what you're doing. You're not... You've taken, like, you're not doing anything. He is laser-focused on Gruff and Xanthius and those who are stood against him. So Rowan I think as well, like the three of you. Daisy, he's

not really looking in your direction right now, but the three of you who clearly seem to be a bit more sort of protective and sort of taking immediate action, he is like laser focused on this. I, for the sake of this by the way, there is, because you got a successful persuasion check, Daisy, and I said that you guys can have a round. I'm not gonna take your summoning your armors and stuffers around. Like, you have a moment here.

And what you do is gonna change how this goes down. You go. Can I go? Rowan, it's almost, I see this as slow motion. Rowan is in his heightened large form, is kind of looking down on everybody. Everyone except Obsidius. Apart from Obsidius. Who is now sort of on eye level.

And he's just glancing at Gruff, holding Xanthius down. I don't know what you're looking like right now, if you're just looking back at Obsidius. So I shoved Xanthius, and while this was going off between Daisy and Obsidius, he said to Xanthius, Stay behind me. Stay behind me, son. And then I would have turned back,

and as I turned, extend the shield and the armor. So I'm standing ready for Obsidius in front of Xanthius. He takes that in, he looks to a feeler who's kneeling and reciting something that he can't quite make out. You can hear her praying, but you probably don't hear these out words. And he's clenching his fists like he got big

to instinctively protect. And then it's as if the sails lose their wind and he feels powerless and he just feels extremely sad. And I think you just fall to a knee and just feel like defeat and just look at Xanthius. Okay, all right. I think for your benefit as well, Xanthius, just before Gruff jumped in front,

like he saw Obsidius raise a hand towards him. He was like, this is it. This is, I'm dead now. So he's on the floor, almost like, he was ready to almost crawl away. There's just terror and fear in his eyes, looking up before that vision was just blocked by now, I guess the back of Gruff and the shield.

Do I get the same thing? Yeah, if you'd like to. I don't think Rowan's even looking up at this point. Please. Please don't. Please. We're all friends. This is not, Rowan, this, we're all friends. This is not, Rowan, this is no time for friends.

This is, we can't just allow this. This is... I don't know if it's my friend, please. Your friend might not even be in there anymore. You don't know what this is capable of! Please, Lord Obsidius, listen to me for a moment. I know, I know. I managed to commune with Althea. I asked her, I asked her can Sovereign's influence be blocked from a person and she said yes. If you kill Xanthias, you kill the only functional connection you have to solve it, the only way we have to solve this problem before it gets worse.

Please, Mercy, we have a way to stop this. Because, think about it as a scholar. You kill him, we can't test this. Then one innocent dies because he is innocent. This was done to him without his permission, without his consent. He is a victim in this. If he dies, if you kill him, who's next? Sir Eldrach? Your sister's son?

He's a victim too. And then after those two, who else? Tens, hundreds, thousands, this isn't going to stop Sovereign, but with Xanthias we have a chance to find out a very powerful way to stop him. I would like you to make a persuasion roll with advantage. That was good. Hell yeah dude.

Hell yeah. I fucking love cruft. I may have been acting this out in my head for the last few days. I will remind people that fate is available. Also, some of you have abilities that can let people boost stuff or give advantage. Use everything you can. Because I will tell you now, great speech, you get advantage, the DC is lower, the lowest DC is still very high.

So you need big roles. Am I allowed to beg a bardic inspiration? Is that allowed? Could I have a... I think that you pleading, like, because bardic inspiration to me is, it doesn't have to be music, it's also just your magic. And that pleading, that desperate desire to protect your friend, maybe it's the timber of your voice, but something, one of those little motes just appears around Gruff.

And it's unconscious thought that is manifesting it. It doesn't have to be playing an instrument or saying something like, I think that you can just manifest this magic, which adds reverb and it makes Gruff's voice and his words so clear that it does work. Wonderful, thank you. I did completely forget. I do also have... You're not the only one. Other people might have stuff as well.

I think I'm just a bystander at the moment. Standing back. I do also have a heroic inspiration, I think, from a respite. Don't know, because we had downtime if it's... So that would have gone by now. Mine too. Everybody, yeah, that was a 24-hour thing. You got an extra D8 from Bardock, right?

And there is a fate available. I will have it on standby. OK. What is a fate available? I will have it on standby. Okay. 18 is my highest, 19, 20, 21, 22. I'm gonna roll a fate just in case. Yeah. Yeah.

Okay. Yeah. So is it 22 with persuasion as well? Oh, eight, sorry. 18 plus one, 19 plus four is 23. I think it's worth... 24, 25, 26, 27. Worth it. 27.

Persuasion. Before I respond with the RP, a couple of small mechanical things. I'm not tracking your successes in total. There is going to be success and failure, it depends on the thing, but ultimately, to convince Obsidius, you have to achieve a total amount of score. I'm going to be tracking your dice rolls for things like that.

The successes and failures will determine if you test his patience. I see. I see. Some things may test his patience without a roll. If his patience runs out, this conversation is over. You see, Obsidius, that energy is not going away, but he hears you, Gruff. You do well to speak of logic and scholarly matters, but I ask you this, Gruffydd.

You say that you know of a way to block. You say that there is a way to block Sovereign's influence, but do you know it? How long will it take us to find that? What if something happens between now and then? Because I might kill one innocent, and perhaps, yes, I will take Eldrax's life if that is what it takes

to defend this world from Sovereign. But if he does something now, if he kills, if he blows up this town or murders innocents, that's on you and me and all of us, because we have a chance to stop him now. We cannot let our emotions, we cannot let friendship stop us doing what is right. We do not know the extremes of what is happening here. But this may be our only chance.

It could be taken at any time. And I...now I may have the power to stop him now, but what if...what if Sovereign takes him? If I may, you power to stop him now, but what if... What if Sovereign takes him? If I may, you saw what happened just now when you casted a simple spell on him. That thing moved to attack and we've told you that it disintegrated a protomagite creature. If you launch that spell, there is every chance that that thing fights back. And if you are taken out, then what hope is there?

There are far more powerful mages than I who would put a stop to this. But you do not know either. I could destroy him now, destroy the crown still, be the end of it. But you do not know. This is our chance for the greater good. And besides, I ask you one thing. You claim, all of you claim, of Xanthius' innocence, his friend, but tell me, has there not been a time when he has given in to its influence? When he has accepted and sought after the power

that crown still gives him? He is weak, he may easily fall to its influence again. Tell me that he has not taken that. Please, Lord Obsidius, I know that, I know that it's, you think it's pointless us talking about friendship, but friendship is what stopped Santheus from giving in before. Yes, he was tempted, but we brought him back.

If he doesn't have that, then there isn't any hope. He will fight back. This crown steal, it seems to only be doing this when he is directly threatened. Let us leave the city to find a way to solve this. Come with us if you want to. Your brain is what we need to solve this, and you can solve it not just for Xanthias,

but for Ser Eldrake, and for countless others. How do we go up against anyone who has Crownsteel without knowing what the solution is? You say that friendship is pointless. Friendship is the only thing that is working right now, and please don't take our friend from us. I would like you to make a persuasion check, Daisy. I was gonna say, unfortunately with disadvantage,

as Obsidius is not swayed by emotional pleas, but... I have an auto success. You do, this is your prophecy that was given to you. What was the name of it again? The Adventurer. When in a situation we have great responsibility, you can choose to succeed on an ability check or score a critical hit.

Well, considering that a lot of this comes down to what you actually roll, I'm going to treat that as a critical hit. Well considering that a lot of this comes down to what you actually roll, I'm gonna treat that as a natural 20. So can you still work out your total persuasion roll for me please? That would be 22 then. 22, okay.

God damn. Really nice. Very nice. So good. There's a moment Daisy, as you're pleading this, and you can see that Lord Obsidius, talk of friendship doesn't seem to mean a lot to him. But seeing you,

knowing that there is more to you than he first thought, because he saw Nim in your mind, something causes him to pause. I'm gonna... sit down on the floor. Just, like, sit on my knees, like Rowan's gone down on a knee. I'm just gonna sit down,

and I put the dagger in my belt on the floor. I don't want to fight you. I want to fight whatever is doing this to my friend, and I need your help to do it. You see there is a flicker as that spell energy wavers. But he stands up tall, he's like, I understand, I know that this is hard,

that you care for this man. But he has deceived and lied. And you do not know sovereign's power. Yes, perhaps there is something that can be researched, but I cannot allow him to leave my sight. If something were to happen, it would be on us, it would be my responsibility, and I will not allow Crownstil to take more.

You don't know what it can do. I have seen it take, I have seen it take the best of dragons, of the best of people. I've seen what it can do. And now, if Sovereign is able to take full control, perhaps yes, perhaps it will react to me attacking him. But perhaps not. I am not convinced that this man is willing to fight back

against Sovereign, against the power that that metal offers him. Santheus didn't know this till right now. I've been trying to find a moment to tell him, but Gruff and I have been trying to find a way to fix this. And now I think that you're a great shot at this because you're smarter than all of us. And...

Enough, Daisy. I want to hear from you. You. How much have you kept, not just from me, but from them. I... Initially lied to them. You're right. I initially deceived.

You're right. Both from you, both from them, both from everyone I've met. But since they found out about this, I've been truthful with them. I've pled with them, I've told them that I could just up and leave at any point. I realize the threat that I am to everyone around me,

Obsidius, the threat to you, the threat to the city, the threat to the world. But Daisy is right. We've been traveling, we've been finding solutions, we've been trying to do everything we can to get rid of this, and I've been doing this with them. Do you hear, Sovereign? Do you hear it calling to you?

Offering you? Gifts, power? What does it offer you, offering you gifts, power. What does it offer you, Xanthius? It's telling me to go to Chelskaris. It's telling me that the Sovereign will return. In that little bit of truthfulness, can you make a persuasion roll for me please, like this? With disadvantage. Yeah, that's fine.

Unfortunately, your history with Obsidius Clouds is... I don't imagine there's a... Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Unless somebody can do something. I have good persuasion. I don't have anything else. I don't have anything else. I've kind of maxed out.

I think in this I'm also slowly standing to rise as well and... I mean it depends. If I was to sort of step around and almost not go straight in front of the guy, but like would Gruff continuously like... I'd leave that to Gruff. ...lock the point or like hold a shield up or... I'm trying to get more of an eyeline to him rather than talking like through you, you know?

I think Gruff would understand... the nuance of this situation. I'd perhaps shift my shield onto my other arm. Would you like to... Yeah, or you could take a step to the side and let Xanthias kind of step forward. But I would still have that shield ready. Ready to defend him. to, yeah, or you could take a step to the side and let Xanthius kind of step forward. But I would still have that shield ready. Ready to defend him.

Like, yeah. I feel like you move aside just at the right time when I say the sovereign will return, it's like the chest sort of crown steel is almost like then revealed to Obsidius again. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know. Anyway, disadvantage, perception, sorry. Persuasion. Persuasion. Good thing it's not perception. There is one fate. Wait, Rowan no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, was a 10, so 16. I will add... I think this is gonna fail.

I'll add a fate to it. Okay, last fate. It's 18. I think, like, yeah, like I said, it's... when I say the sovereign will return, it's like that's... the Gruff blocking the full view of Xanthius and then the sort of crown steel in my chest

is then shown properly to him. Maybe that's enough of him to be like a reason to get such a low roll, I don't know. You can see that part of your words have taken effect. Ophelia. I feel it. I feel it. You are, you don't hear much of this. She's just desperate, just.

Your ears filled with, it's strange to say they're filled with silence, but that's what it is. It's strange to say they're filled with silence, but that's what it is. It's just nothing. Sound dulls and dulls and dulls until there is just your own words repeating. Repeating the prayers. Pleading. Hoping. You feel something, something stir, a sensation. Time seems to still.

You feel a shadow fall over you. You can't look, change your eyes, but as you feel, the sun-blocked cold shiver through you. My child, call to me. You offer me prayers to save you. Do you think it is in my realm to save the living from the inevitable? I would have offered you strength. I could have given you power to face this foe.

I could have even done something. Frozen them, taken them away from this place. But if you are to die, you are to die. It's inevitable. You are right, my lord. To die is to die. But there is still much to do. We all have so much left to do.

For what is death without life? Do you know how many times mortals have begged me for more time? You, my child, have been given more than most. You came to the Greylands. I gave you a pilgrimage. You were returned. Do you think that a gift I give to many?

No, my lord. Ophelia. Do not disappoint me again. You feel that shadow recede from me while I'm afraid, Ophelia, as your prayer is unheard. It was a cool prayer, but... He's kind of a... He's kind of a... He's kind of a... He's kind of a... He's kind of a jerk.

You need to break up with him, girl. LAUGHTER You can see that Obsidius is looking at Xanthius, and he hears your words, but he can see that crown steal. I'm trying to think of something else to say, but I don't know. Jeez. Ugh. I think at this point, Daisy, Gruff, and you have all spoken.

Ophelia is making the prayers. It's really like Rowan, if there's something you want to say, now is the time. Asubi, the drop. Sovereign direct control. Not the right call. No. Work once, buddy. But you don't have to. Like, literally you don't have to.

If you don't think Rowan would, if somebody else would like to jump in, they are welcome to. That toss up of his patience versus, yeah. I think I've said all that Daisy can say because she's kind of, doesn't have much more than the emotional, friend, approach. You can see that definitely they're like, yeah.

All of you can roll an insight roll. I'll do that. Okay. 21. 21. 15. that. Really? 21. 21. 15. 15. 14.

14. 16. 16. Six. Six. You're talking about your ear bud? So probably just. I see my nose.

You just gruff. Rowan, such a low roll versus the DC. You are convinced that like, he's done, like he's gonna kill Sam. Like you think that he's like, you think that nothing is gonna sway his mind. Like you are convinced that he is locked in on this. With such a low role,

like your read of his body language is wrong. I think I'm not even looking at him. You're looking at the floor. There are tears hitting little splashes on the floor from his eyes. I think he just slammed the ground with his hulking forearm. As if it's done. Okay.

You see that Gruff... with 21, it's not a full success, but I'm gonna give you something. You can see that that wavering of that magical energy, you think he's willing to listen. Like there's a part of him that doesn't want to do this, for whatever reason, you don't know, but there is still enough uncertainty that he is not locked in.

Like I would say, Gruff, you know he needs something tangible, an assurance, something that is going to assure him that sparing Xanthius right now is the right call of action. Like, not words, something, a promise, a proof, something that is going to convince him over that line. It doesn't have to come from you. Like, you're just the only character who knows that that's the situation right now. I think Ophelia, you sort of, that shadow kind of recedes and suddenly the,

sort of the last few little bits of words kind of echo through. The slam of Rowan sort of shocks you back into the room, as, yeah, unfortunately, your prayer went unheard. I'm trying to remember as well. I didn't tell everyone the Sovereign Rule will return, or that I was going to go to Calaescaris, so that is also news to you.

That's news, yeah. That's news, that's news. After I literally just said, I haven't lied to you, I did kind of hide that. Yeah. So, sorry. Can I... I just want to ask Tom. Yes.

Because I was trying to remember this and I didn't have my notebook with me all week. All week. Did you tell us that your father was involved? Yes, I did. Yes, you did. Yeah, like, he was somehow involved in you waking up. He sent me to Cal-Scar-us for... Yes, I did. Yes, you did. Yeah. Like, he was somehow involved in you waking up.

He sent me to Kelskaris for... whatever reason. I didn't exactly say why. But, um, that it's highly likely that he was seeking the Crown's deal himself. Okay. Would you, Tom, be mad if Gruff brought that up? No. No, because, yeah.

No, I'm, look, I'm gonna roll another character. It's my dad. I'm playing my dad now. Like there's a 99% chance. I will tell you this. You know that the spell he is currently casting that will target Xanthias is sixth level. It's higher than you guys can cast.

You know it's more powerful than you guys can cast. And it is very clearly a very destructive, powerful spell. And I will tell you this now because I believe... What hit points does Xanthias have? That's none of your business. No, it is my business. Oh, damn it. 58. I... it is extremely likely I would kill him in one spell.

Yeah. And there will not be a body to resurrect. Oh! You could just, like, hold Xanthius' hand. I can't be Percival? Just as he sits next to her. Xanthius will let her. He wouldn't even let me be Percival.

You were scared of Xanthius, though. I was scared. Xanthius will let her. He wouldn't even let me be Percival. You were scared of Xanthius though. I was scared of Xanthius. I'm not gonna have this affect his patience, but can you roll a persuasion roll for me? This will not affect Obsidius' patience, but I am gonna add it to the current tally. Because I think this is a big symbol of 12. Can I, in my mind, ask Nim, is there anything that,

anything you know about Sovereign, or anything that will comfort him, calm him down, stop him from killing Xanthias, stop, control, basically anything, like just looking for... You sort of feel that voice in your mind as this is all happening. Oh, little one, I am sorry. I know so little of the Sovereign,

beyond what I've already told you. I am not good with people, but if it were me, I would swear a vow to him. Like that is all I would be able to offer him, is my word, a promise that I would do everything, I would not allow Xanthas to hurt others, even if that means I had to kill him myself. That is the only thing I can think of that I would do.

I'm sorry. That's okay. But you did the right thing to show him. That's what you get. I also put a hand on Xanthius and ready in action. Okay, you would have to sort of step. Would you like to go behind or in front? No, just like...

I'm trying to be as subtle as I can. Okay. Yeah, you sort of shift forward a little bit and sort of reach out and just put an arm on his shoulder. I think this is after I've just said, like, the Sovereign will return. I kind of almost... not, um, recede into, you know, unconsciousness, ready to get blasting, but like I'm starting to see

that vision, that memory again of the golden throne and all of the things I saw when he first told me. And I think when Ophelia and Rowan come back, it almost not brings me back to the room, but you know, it's enough to... Shake you out of it. Yeah, like there's almost like a haunted look when I say that again

For the first time I guess out loud But I do look at like the people next to me and Try to muster a smile as best I can in this situation at them My ready action yes My ready action is I've got the wand of the sculptor. I'm going to turn him into Gash's form if the spell is cast. Okay. All right, noted. I can see you've been agonizing over something.

Yeah, yeah. There's two ways I think I'm... Two avenues I'm thinking. Take your time. If you would indulge me. Yeah, of course. That's what we're all here for. I think I'm two avenues I'm thinking Take your time. If you would indulge me. Yeah, of course.

That's what we're all here for. I think everyone here knows the first of my vows. Protect the weak, the vulnerable and the infirm. The second of my vows. To pass on the wisdom of age and ensure it is protected against those who would misuse it. This knowledge of Crownsteel is being misused. I am this boy's ward. I vow I will not let it be misused. But more than that, you say I haven't seen what Crownsteel can do.

Maybe not in some ways, but I have seen the losses it gives us. This boy's father, he did this to him. What are you talking about? This boy has lost his father because of Crownsteel. What do you mean? Oreganus is still alive.

What are they talking about, Xanthias? Tell him. Tell him. You know what this would do. Between nations, between Gildi, between Kaldra. Tell me! My father sent me to Kelskaris to recover something.

I didn't know what it was at the time. Recover something. I didn't know what it was at the time. This will be the Oriat Insurrection all over again. This is Galvassar all over again. Tell me, Lord Obsidius, this crown seal, who did it take from you? That's a persuasion roll. Give me a persuasion roll.

I've tested that patient's robot. G-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g I'm so sorry. That was the risk I was hoping for. Worth the risk, dude. Go for it. Bloody good risk to take. 19 plus 1, 20. Hell yeah, dude. Do you know what? I was there, I was like, you better fucking roll high dice. And it did.

You see 20. The spell stops. Ah! And you see tears in this dragon's eyes that he almost crystallise, burn up into embers and whips, wisps of smoke. He promised her everything. He made her study it when he learned of what it could do. And it changed her. It warped her mind. It turned her into a monster that tried to kill me and father. It branded me as a monster too.

They hated me. They thought I would be just like her. I was an exile, even hated by my own father. Your own father sent you to claim this. I hope you know what that means, what kind of dragon he is inside Xanthias. He knew what this would do to you, just like Galvassar knew what it would do to my mother.

I won't kill you. We will find a way to block Sovereign's influence. But you will not leave my side. If I see you taken over, if I see you change. I promise you all now, I will not let that happen. I will not allow the sins of Galvassar and Sovereign to do what they have done before. My mentor, the dragon who taught me all I know of magic. He knows far more than I.

If there is a way to block the influence of a being like Sovereign, Scaratalos will know about it. Scaratalos. Okay. Scaratallos will know about it. Scaratallos... Okay. You will remain here. This is not a negotiation. Your mothers may wish you can stay if you wish, but if you have business, here in Ashen's Rest, do it quickly.

I can take us all to Skeratelos. What does this mean? Why now? Is it the crown? Is it weakening? Why you? Mm-hmm. Hm. That. Bring that. It's real quick.

Look in hell. Jesus Christ. No! Jesus. You needed a total of 90. A 90 check. Wow. Cumulative.

Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, crap. The 27 put you onto a very good start. Wow, cumulative. Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh crap. The 27 put you onto a very good start. Well, yeah. Yeah. You're gay. Yeah.

Okay, I just, this has been in my head all week. Yeah. Nailed it. I think you see my hand shaking on that last roll. You crushed it, bro. And what do we always say? I don't know much. Dice tell stories, man.

Dice tell stories? And that 19 knew exactly what it was doing. I just knew it was a risk to bring up his mother. It was a risk. But it was so worth it, dude. It was. I mean this sincerely. Gruff is so good.

He's such a good character. And he played him so well. I think it was just the thing of a father seeing a child hurting. Yeah. I feel like I could a father seeing a child hurting. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like I could see that, you know, he was hurting. Like I was worried it was a bit metagamey

from the story you told us, but. You played it perfectly. Yeah. And also, there's a reason I told you that story at the beginning. Yeah. Right. Man, all I was doing was, I was just,

every second thought was like, how can I make this worse? You son of a bitch. I had no like, how do I get out of this problem? Everything was like, I was gonna make things so much worse, as well as staying quiet. That's the best thing you could have ever done. Yeah, shut the fuck up. Patience instantly zero.

Rhiannon, I wanna say, I'm so sorry, great prayer. I loved it. You did great. For something like that, I needed a real high roll. And then also the way you phrased it, the fact that you asked to be taken away, it kind of goes against a lot of the Gravefather's beliefs. And so that made the DC higher.

I mean, his response was perfect as well. But I feel bad that you did a really cool thing. No, no, it's all right. It's the dice roll. I hope that it gives you something with Ophelia to consider. I mean, I was gonna fully give the Gray Father my face, so yeah.

Yeah. You were gonna give him your, sorry, what? Your face? The thing that you love most is your face. Your thighs. I love that. Oh wow. I love that.

That's great. Show out of left field. I love that. That's great. That's great. I love that. That would have been amazing. I wanna take my face. Yeah. Just skull head. Yeah. You wanted to be skeletal.

That's, no, hang on a minute. Hang on a minute, I know what you're doing. I see you, game. Game, respect, game. Yeah. Daisy had a great point as well with the, like, you just, you know, just got friendship, but friendship is what stopped him.

It could be the block. And also, like, Daisy was never gonna make a logical argument, right? Daisy was never gonna try and argue like Gruff did. For Daisy, it's all about the heart, and I think that that fits in with the prophecy and everything else. I mean, yeah, you also used your one-time thing,

which so far has only been used to... For silly stupid things. Well, to win a mini-game, and for me it was to reroll Fate on... Nothing. Like, something really dumb. Something really dumb. You rerolled Fate and it didn't do...

Oh, and it didn't add what he needed for the roll. I mean, it would have been perfect in a situation like this, where everything, like, would have run out We ruled fate and it didn't add what he needed for the role. Would have been perfect in a situation like this where everything run out and Gruff was about to make a big roll, but nevermind. What can you do? Let's have, no we've had a nice little bit of calm there. Might take a moment down.

Santheus, like legit, obviously you could do what you want, but Obsidius is like, you are staying right fucking here. I'm not taking my eyes off you for a fucking second. If you guys, you know, and if Gruff wanted to stay there with him as well, you absolutely could, but if you do have any business that you wanna quickly resolve in Ashen's Rest, Obsidius will tell you, we will leave tonight.

And no, he would say, we will leave at dawn tomorrow. I will teleport us to Scaratallis Tower. He is retired from his previous work as a mentor. He has an island in Suncrest Isles. We will travel there. Oh, that's good. That's where we were planning to go anyway, actually. We heard that that might be helpful, so. Your help is really appreciated, thank you.

We will see what Scannotellos says. He just goes, nope. Yeah, if we come back and you're a pile of dust on the floor. I know! I kinda like, don't say anything. Just shut your mouth. One of us is gonna be a pile of dust. Yeah, not you.

I know, I recall Obsidius saying I'm gonna kill that man, but I definitely said it about him. Don't push it. Can we put a muzzle? We just did a lot to keep you alive, buddy. Yes, he will say in the morning, he will teleport you all to this place. Make any preparations.

We can do this roleplay or we can just quickly, like, I want to let Ilana know I'm not gonna be around for a while. I want to do these things. Oh my god, if you just stand around like, yeah. I've never even seen her yet, so thank Christ. But I'm happy to roleplay that stuff out. It'll be a nice change for me shouting and being angry man.

Oh man, you did the, tell me. Tell me! Hopefully that didn't blow out the sound. Yeah! It probably did. People like listening to this on the bus. I scared the shit out of me. You scared the shit out of me.

I was looking at Tom at the time. I was looking at him. There's probably a visible, like, all of us. I like shrugged you. I could not look at you. But also you were just like, mm. Yeah. I hated that. I just go, no, I hated that.

I need to go talk to my therapist about that. I'm genuinely surprised I didn't jump over my seat. I mean, I apologize. Phenomenal work, Mark, phenomenal work. No, really good. Hold on, hold on. So I- It made me just go-

Oh, but my battle mask! Get rid of it! And look, I had to use a temporary mini, but I found the temporary mini for Obsidious. It's a pretty good one, but yeah. He'll be back. It's a shame, like look, this was all just so. No, no.

So good. Wouldn't have gotten Daisy though. No, that's right, he's got legendary actions for that. No, I'm not. So I'm not imprisoned, but I'm not leaving. You're a house arrest, you're a house arrest. You can try and leave. I've got some spells for that if you try and leave.

You're in timeout. Yeah've got some spells for that if you try and leave. You're a time out. Yeah, so do I. Stop it! Stop it! Stop! I'm not doing this again! If this happens again, we're walking. The thing is, is I know that the intrusive thoughts

in Tom are just like, hmm. Every, I said this to Katie before we started, like I had no plans on how to get out of this. I had a million plans on how to die cool. He's like, I got loads of ways to die cool. I was like, do anything that can take us with you. I don't know what's wrong with me. But I do know that there's some other stuff people

want to do, I know Ophelia's got some bits and bobs, I know people wanting to buy some stuff. Would we have time to get Percy back up? No, this could be the whole thing. I've got no skeleton hunting. If you have the body, it's only a ritual at night time. So you could have done it. We'll keep an eye out. That's the biggest crime of all.

He was going to leave me with no skeletons. I couldn't even Percy. That's fucked. While we had the week, I did, while we were like, you know, had the week, I did put in Discord some very admin-y things, and I wrote it down and then I was like, pfft, not gonna need it. But it was stuff like, there was things I wanted to sell,

and then weapons, but I don't think what I'm doing. Selling you can probably do, you've got like a day, or like most of a day to go and do some stuff. Making like the custom items and stuff, that's not gonna be possible. If you wanted to hire Terran and Alice and things like that to run the bar, you can get that going before you leave. Do we wanna get the fog out?

Although you'd have to just have a bog standard supplier. We were gonna take another week of downtime to find out. Yeah, I think. But there is also, I will tell you now, it is very likely that when you leave Asher Es, you will not be coming back. This is like video game, you'll not be coming back. This is like video game, you'll not be coming back for a while.

So you've got like a day to kind of get anything you want to get insorted, you get done now. Did we just say fuck it and hire Taran? No. I'm going to remind you, you could go and speak to Bliss. I mean, it's also, are you... You could try and hire Bliss. Emotionally in the right place to hire a neck... No, I don't think Ruff is thinking about this at all.

We don't have suppliers, we don't have staff. There's so much work that we need to do. I don't think it's possible. Okay. It's on hiatus. Yeah. We make a close sign. Make a good sign.

It's kind of like put a opening soon, not open yet sign. Yeah, totally do that. Please go away. We're not going to want... Port Teresa's like... Weeps. Yeah, exactly. I feel like, yeah, yeah, exactly.

I feel like, yeah, it's like a grab heart, tell Theresa. You've got like a date if there's anything you want to do. Same as like if you want to talk from Sidious. Zanthias? All the time in the world, yeah. That's the thing, like if you, who, I'm staying here. Do you want grab from Sidious? Do you need anything?

I would turn. Just to run out and get you anything. Do you want Starbucks or something? Like just a coffee, yeah. Just a latte fun real quick. We'll go to a latte fun. Maybe some of their like cinnamon rolls. Yeah.

Xanthius. Yes? As a memento, while work on, I want you to have my favorite rock. Do you not have to tune to it? Wait. Do you have to tune to it? Do you have to tune to it? Is this the rune stone?

Yeah, first of all you have to tune to it. And also Obsidius is looking at you like, Rowan, no. Oh now you're in time out. Sorry. It's okay. I'm aware of that object. It's his sister's. His sister gave it to us.

We got it from like next door. Oh yeah. Yeah. Yes. Yes. Sorry. Yes. Admirable efforts.

It's okay, it's okay. I'll also, I could probably counter spell it. It's not. Yeah. Interesting. You're trying to. Lord Obsidius, would you like anything from a latte fun? I will be fine, Daisy. Anything from the town? I am very, I will be're right. Lord Obsidius, would you like anything from a latte fun? I will be fine, Daisy.

Anything from the town? I am very, I will be all right. Okay. Anything? Coffee? Priestries? Oh, Daisy. Yeah?

Can you take Boro back with you? Oh, do I have to? Yeah. I don't want Boro coming with me. Oh, do I have to? Yeah. I don't want Boro coming with me. He can stay in the tavern from now on. At least for when we're back, but I don't know what's gonna happen. I just worry I'm gonna hurt him somehow, you know?

He's bitey. Yeah. Only to Xanthias, I think you'll be fine. Will I? He's bitten me a few times. Hello. He doesn't like Ophelia. No. Hi. I'll give Borrow to Daisy and then try to...

No. Oh, no. I'll also try and sort of calm him down or like... He's just excited. I know. That is a... 11. 11? He's very wriggly. He keeps tickling you by licking your neck and stuff. Hehehe, I don't like it!

He probably takes off a button off your outfit. He bites it off and keeps it. He holds it in his little claws. Not the button from your magic coat. Yeah, no. Oh. He summons a dog. Another one.

Then he just makes a ladder appear. It's just like a ladder. It's literally just ladders, ropes. Yeah. What? That really hurts. I don't need to utter his name. Oakley.

Fuck off, Darn Model Village. You wanna be a big dragon in a little town? No. But anyway, no, he just causes trouble as you, as per his name. We shall deposit him. As per his name, for. All right.

I want you to have my favorite rune wand. Oh, so you can say fuck again. Wand of the Sculptor. Rowan. Rowan, so it's, look, everyone, go do what you need to do. I'll be okay here. I'm gonna tell everything that I can,

that I told you guys to, Obsidius, so that we're all on the same page here. Good. I showed everything I have. Zanthias. I'll show you again if you want. By the saints in the Scions. Please watch your mouth.

Please just don't talk. Maybe have a nap. Stop winding him up. Just have a nap. Have a little snooze. I should sleep, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, sleep would be good.

Apologies in advance if Xanthius opens his mouth. Provided Xanthius does not intentionally try and stir my ire, I'm sure we will be fine. Don't do that. Don't. I see that. Look and stir my ire. I'm sure we will be fine. Don't do that. Don't do it. Look. Don't do it.

This is Tom. This is all Tom. Don't know. They're kind of the both of you. All I'm gonna do is draw ire. It's all I do. I'm an ire drawerer. Exists.

Exists. I'm the man of the ire. Uh, Xanthius will send for some of the Ignarius family cobolts. Obsidius, not Xanthius will send for some of the Ignarius family kobolds to- Obsidius, not Xanthius. Obsidius. Will send for the kobolds to bring a bed and food and drink and stuff,

and they're basically gonna set it up in here for Xanthius. That's a nice accommodation to be expected. Yeah, I mean, it's incredibly nice accommodations. A plush, thick du you know, Duke's Palace bed is brought in by like 12 go-bolts. It's lovely accommodation. It's lovely accommodation, but the price is... It's like a cool Airbnb.

The price is that you can't be a dick to the one person you want to be a dick to. Well, also, when you all leave, Obsidius would absolutely cast arcane lock on the door. That's fair. I think, just before we go, sure. maybe if I'm the last one out the door,

I'm just gonna turn to Obsidius and just say, I'm sorry son. And then just give him a nod and walk. He, as you go to step away, Sir Gruffydd, if you would mind, that is a very personal bit of information. It would harm my father greatly if anyone knew. Many have forgotten, but I do not wish to see him

a heart further. Lord Obsidius, I would never dare. I am an oath keeper. Your secret is safe with me. And you will keep that oath that you swore? You saw what I did with my oath for Xanthias. I do not take these things lightly. My only fear, Gruffydd,

I can tell that you care for him greatly. Wounds me. Wounds me. It would be a greater pain if something happens. The one who loves him so much to be the one to deal with it. I hope to spare you that pain. If the worst should come to pass. I greatly appreciate your consideration, my lord. But don't worry.

It is... something I have thought about a great deal. Hmm. From any other man, I would take that as a platitude, but from you... thank you. He's not. Yep. I was gonna offer a hug to Lord Obsidius before we left,

but he doesn't seem like the type to like a hug. Yeah. I like to... I like to... No, I was thinking that, too, but I think that really would push the last of his patients. I didn't want to push it. I didn't want to like a hug. I like to, I like to. No, I was thinking that too, but I think that really would push the last of the pastries. I didn't wanna push it. I didn't wanna push it. So I think I'll just go.

Let's just go about our business. I offered him pastries, though, and he didn't want any pastries. Right, yeah. So, Xantheus, your- Door's closed. Yeah, door's closed. He touches it.

Shhh, whoo! Close, I think lock. We just hear two. What does he have to say? Shit. He's joking. No, you would hear like a muffled up. Pssst. Pssst.

Pssst. Pssst. Just like a bit of blood spatter under the door. We tried. But you definitely heard Xanthius say something. Yeah. Right. Well, guess we'll have another week of interviews then.

Yes. Is that all you got? For all. Blood. You. For a moment of seriousness. Yes. So Xanthius, you're gonna tell Obsidius

pretty much everything up to this point. Yes, so the exact same, well, not obviously the exact same, well not obviously the exact same story that I told everyone when I first revealed the Crownsteel, because that also had a lot of background in the Orient's direction in Galvassar, which obviously he knows.

But the basic crux of Oregonus, Oregonius? Oregonius. Oregonius. Sorry, I think, Oregonius? Oregonius. Oregonius. Sorry, I think I mis-said it. My father's mission to restore me as a lord in Gildi, and to recover a weapon in Kelskaris, which then ended up obviously embedded in my chest,

and that's the sort of origin of it, and also to reiterate, so from the end of the story that I told everyone else as well, that my goal at least then, and it's probably still the same now, was to obviously have the Crown Steel removed. Like that is my main mission. But then also to take the information that we have

to almost not bring down Host Oregon, but like ultimately I'm seeking revenge, right? Yeah, and I think that there's, make an insight roll for me. Okay, I'm really good at these. I know you're not the best at this. I think if I'm in the middle of also telling this story as well, it's like, you not... You're being wrapped up in the memories.

Yeah, I'm not even really looking at him as much as just looking down all the time. Sure, sure, sure. So give me a roll just to see. So, sorry, Insight. Yeah. Duh, duh, duh, duh. Last one?

Oh, seven. Seven. Yeah, you are so wrapped up in the storytelling, you don't really notice any sort of change, but Obsidius kind of listens listens and he will say to you, first we resolve this development. But I promise you, Xanthius, if your goal is to take down your father, somebody who is actively seeking the power of Crownsteel, I am still your ally, as I told you long ago. That has not changed.

And I didn't come here to hurt you, Obsidius. I didn't know what happened to my, to the Crownsteel when the Vermillion Orcs of Nine tried to interact with it. I didn't know any of that. I thought it was just the Shard. I believe you. I believe you.

Thank you as well. For? For not harming them. Ah. Do you think me a monster? I would never. They are my people too. We dragons, the Empress,

it is not just that the Empire is not just built on the idea of Ilke, non-dragons serving us. That has never been the point of it. The Empress loved the Ilke, loved non-dragons. She built our laws with them in mind. The idea has always been that dragons of non-dragons. She built our laws with them in mind. The idea has always been that dragons protect, that we guide, we offer leadership, we lead, we build infrastructure.

To protect, it is meant to be a symbiosis. Things have changed, but I would never dream of harming them. My only worry was you, only ever you. But I can see that perhaps we are too alike in so many ways. If it is revenge you seek, that is a feeling I know well. I never got to claim mine. Perhaps I can help you claim yours. And he goes over to the bookshelf and he starts pulling out various different books and he

leaves them on a desk next to where the bed's been set up and things for you. Some light reading if you need something to occupy yourself. What are these? Some light reading if you need something to occupy yourself. What are these? You can see that it is, these are not publicly available books, but they are records of the Aureate Insurrection, of the effects of Crownsteel,

and also magical tomes exploring the plains and sovereign and research and things like that. It's reading material based on your current problem. Okay. And he'll just lay those out for you. And he will sort of go over to his own sort of little area and begin working at things, reading. You can see him scribing messages and stuff like that.

But occasionally, every few minutes, he glances back over, sort of keeping an eye on you, then goes back to what he's doing. Obsidius, I don't blame you, by the way. If things go that way again, I tried to broach the idea with my friends, but I don't think they will do what we both believe is necessary if things change again.

Gruffa has given me his word. I know that I think you are right, certainly about Daisy and Rowan. They do not have the heart for it. Ophelia, I can't tell. The people of Osseus are different in their convictions. But Gruff has given me his word. And if there is one thing I will trust in this world,

it is that Gruffydd of Tremorro is an oathkeeper. But do not fear. The part with of Tremoro is an oath keeper. But do not fear. If the worst comes to it, I will do what is necessary. I just hope it does not come to that. I did not... I... I also owe you an apology. It was unkind of me to call you weak-minded.

I do not know you. I do not know what you have suffered and what you have dealt with. You have given in once, I understand it. I hope that you are able to resist it again. I hope so too. I hope so too. Scaratelos is the wisest and cleverest dragon I have ever met. If anyone can help us find a solution, who will know more? This is him.

Do I know... they're a bronze dragon, right? He hasn't said. Oh, I just presumed if they were in the south. He said that he has a tower in the Sun Crystals, but he actually said if he's a Bronze Dragon. And it is Bronze, but it is Bronze Dragon down. Okay, fine. So I don't know what type,

or whether they're susceptible to Crown Steel. I won't even ask, because I'm worried that if I had that information, I would try to use it in a negative way. Why would you want to know? No, I'm just saying... I'm just saying! If they are susceptible to crowns, yeah, that's fine.

Obsidius would know. Obsidius will know, but I don't want Xantheus to know that. Sure. So, yeah. Okay. Yeah, in that case I will, yeah, start reading into these books as well and learn as much as I can from them in the time that we have, I suppose.

Yeah. I should probably learn how to read. Okay. That is kind of hard. Pretty sure you can. Pretty sure I can. These books are written in draconic. You're not weak-minded.

I'm holding a book upside down. Read to me. No, they are written in Draconic as well. Okay, cool. So, definitely saying you can on this. Rare treat. Right. Over on the other side,

any business from Team Not Locked in the Room with Obsidius? Team Unlocked. Scree. Free time! Team Free. Automatic it's great. It's great. Pretty good. Team three. Automatic lock in. Automatic lock in.

We've got three minutes. This is our mystery game. I think I feel you before you go and see Lana. Yeah? Yeah. All right. So you make your way over to Dante's. Once again, beautiful, elaborate armors

and weapons on display, and this kind of velvet curtain bay window. You step inside, and the Armelier is there, as always, as they always seem to be. Oh, Sister Ophelia, you've returned to us. Hello. Wonderful to see you again.

Oh, good to see you too. Are you shopping for arms and armor? I'm just having a little peruse, just wondering if Elana might be in. The mistress is in. Oh, wonderful. We've been on a little journey, and on our travels, I've got something

that she might be interested in looking at. I will certainly go and summon her then, if there's nothing I can help you with out here, Sister Ophelia. Uh, no, no thank you, not at the moment, thank you. Then I will go and fetch the mistress and see if she's available for a consultation. Thank you.

Of course. Steps into the back. Gone, not a short amount of time, kind of you examine, you get to that point where you're like, okay, like, come on, and you hear a sort of clattering from back there, almost like somebody hastily moving things around, and then the armelier will come out,

oh, my deepest apologies to keep you, Sister Ophelia. The mistress was in the middle of some work. Oh, nothing. But she is available. If you would like to come back and speak with her now. Oh, come back? Oh, okay. No, I was going to come back into the workshop.

Oh, okay. Yes, yes, please. Oh, very well. They will kind of escort you into the back rooms where you can see a very hastily tidied up workshop. The flowers are still there, although they are starting to droop and wilt a little bit now, but they've been sort of kept as long

as they probably could be. As you see, very much just relaxing, like on a kind of like chair, very nonchalant. She has like one of those really long, like cigarette like pipes, kind of just smoking on that. And she just like looks over in your direction. Very nonchalant. Give me an insight roll.

Oh, nonchalant. Oh, 21. Oh yeah, you see, when she sees you, like her cheeks turn a lot more pink, you see the blood kind of rush, very makes sense that Ophelia would pick up on that, the blood kind of rushes to her face. Oh no. Like, she's like trying to like look around,

but she keeps glancing at you, and like her body language suggests that she is not as nonchalant as she would like to be. Ah. Oh, Sister Ophelia, you've come back, I see. Is there anything in the shop you're interested in? Amelia tells me that you have something I might be interested in.

Yes, hello. Yes? Sorry, yes. Well, you see, well, sorry, I've been gone a while. I'm sure you're... Oh, yes, I heard that you and your friends were off adventuring and you were traveling around Ashen's friends.

So busy, so terrible. I have acquired something upon my person that's of an armored description, but it's unusual. Oh, it's just a work call. Well, I mean, it doesn't have to be. I mean, I just... No, no, if you have business, then that is fine. No, no, no.

I don't mind. Well, if we don't have to talk about work, we can talk about you, if you want. How... Yes, yes, we could, yes, I suppose. Okay, well then, how are you? I'm doing very well. I've been keeping very busy,

working on various arrangements. You know, sadly, we had St. Typhines Day, and I wasn't, I didn't have anything going on, so I just worked. And then, you know, you've been gone, and it's a shame I heard that you, I thought that you were opening a bar, and... Yes, a lot of people thought we were opening a bar.

Yes, it's not quite there yet, but it should, we're working with suppliers, trying to get a nice... And your religious endeavors, they are proceeding well? They're going well, yes, Tyria and... Yes, I've seen Theresa running around. She seems to have taken to your faith quite admirably. She seems quite excited about it all. Yes, yes, but this...

I'm going away again. Oh. She is very clearly devastated. Oh. I'm sorry, it's quite urgent business, but I don't really want to. I don't want to... Well, if you don't want to I don't really want to. I don't want to. Well, why, if you don't want to, don't do it.

I, true, but I kind of need to, but also I just, I missed you. Well, yes, I suppose I missed your presence as well, and I suppose I owe you something of an apology as well. Oh, no, no, no, I owe you an apology. Don't you apologize for anything. Well, I was rather rude and you did stand me up. I did stand you up, but I'm sorry.

I got excited about the prospect of expanding my religious practices and one thing led to another and I double booked my schedule. I was just, I was sort of hoping that you might offer to make it up to me and... What are you doing tonight? Looks like a book. Well, nothing.

Sorry for the book. I'm free right now. Well, I mean, are you a dance, don't I? Yes, that is correct. And a dinner, probably. Yes, that is absolutely correct. And a really nice bottle of red wine. Yes. Or two.

And if, yes, I suppose that will be a good start. So, how about we start at the Grumpy Hog? And then, I don't know if anything's happening at the Duke's Palace or anything tonight, but if we want to maybe try to do some dancing practice, maybe at some point. I know a little spot, say, in Tyria's Rest that's quite good for dancing.

And my friend Rowan's very good at music. I do like good music. I like good music and good wine. And good company. Very well good music and good wine, and good company. Very well, I will allow it. I'm gonna take a hand and just lead her off to the grumpy hog. Okay, sure.

A date ensues. Yes! I got a date! Date get. Date get. Yes. Date get, I won't make you roll to see how well the date goes.

Why not? Gosh. No. It's, I won't make you roll to see how well the date goes. Why not? Oh my gosh. No. No. It's really. I'm not gonna allow that. No. No.

I'm just gonna allow it. I had nothing to do for St. Typhine's Day. Yeah, yeah. Oh. Oh. Ahem. Ahem. Yeah.

Would have been the perfect time to come. Would have been a good time, yeah. She was too busy watching Xanthius on the runway. Getting mad, yeah. Getting furious. That's true. But, yeah. She was too busy watching Xanthius on the runway. Getting mad, yeah. Getting furious. That's true. But yeah, we watch you head off

and begin what may be the spark of something, but we'll see. We'll see what happens. We'll see. Anything from anyone else? So I think that you put a summary about what you wanted to do about stuff, Gruff. Yeah, I suppose it's selling stuff.

In terms of what to sell. I think we're gonna hold on to the injector thing to maybe use it as a bargaining chip with a certain green charlatan. I don't know, we'll see. So yeah, do you wanna pursue anything else? Basically, any of the normal items that you want to sell, just sell them and take the gold, basically.

Well, I think to be honest, those things that I put on my list, so it was the chest and the statue, they were in the inn anyway. Okay. So, to be honest, I think I would just leave it for now. Like, so, if we had another week of downtime, it was... You want to use the sword for steel. Saving 500 for Percy, and then selling everything else to go into the bar,

and then I wanted to hopefully get an upgraded shield and staff, but we won't have time for that. So I think I would just keep a hold of everything, wait until we next have down, I will leave all the stuff that I was gonna sell here in Tyria's Rest. So like the art objects, like the statues,

and stuff like that. Yeah, all the heaviest stuff. I assume you'll keep all the special items with you guys. Yeah, yeah. Cool. I think. And then, yeah? Yeah. I think the only thing he would do is just go and sit in his hut

and watch the skies to see if a messenger comes back. Oh, that would be lovely if a messenger. It would be really nice. What a shame, none arrives. And I think, to be honest, like when he's sure no one's there, he's probably gonna have a little bit of a cry. We stan a big man who can cry. We love that.

Yeah, it's not a, it's maybe, you know, just a few tears and And just like all that... Emotion. Just everything goes. Yeah. And... I love that. Yeah.

Ask Gruff. Ask Gruff. Anything from Rowan or Daisy? Like RPYs or stuff you want to set up or people you want to speak to? Daisy's gonna go to a latte fun and get coffees. Coffee and cinnamon buns. And way too many pastries though. Like way too many. Rowan would do the same.

Yeah, like as many as we could carry. Yeah, fucking support squad over here, just like, gobers! I wish I wasn't large earlier, because then I could hold so many more pastries. Oh! That would have been great. Next time we have to do that,

we'll come here and see how many, maybe we can make a game, there could be a record for how many pastries you can hold. That's true, I'm a legend at games. You will totally win! Yeah, all right. But I'm gonna buy loads of them. Yeah, way too many.

Okay. I think Daisy would probably head back to see Xanthias and Obsidius a bit sooner, maybe, than others, and go in with a bunch of pastries and coffee for Xanthias. And she would probably, she'll put them down and she'll put some near obsidious even though he didn't want any. But she'll put some near anyway.

He sees you put them down. He just watches you. They're really nice. I have heard. If you don't want them, I'm gonna take them on the road tomorrow. That's fine. And then she's gonna sit with Xanthias and... I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner.

I was trying to find a moment to tell you. I... It's okay. I imagine it's been weighing on you pretty heavily. I've seen how scared you've looked recently. Well, we didn't want to freak you out, and we wanted to see if there was a way to stop it. And do you want to actually see what happens? I could show you so that you know.

Do you think that would be a good idea? Well, I don't know. Do you want to? I don't want to keep anything from you. I just, I want you to know what we're dealing with, but if you don't think it's helpful, if you're okay with what was described, then that's okay too.

Not yet. There's still a small part of me that was praying that it was just the Crownsteel, you know? I mentioned this to Gruff before, that I was hoping it wasn't me that did that. But it wasn't you though, was it, Theos? Well. It wasn't you. But it wasn't you, though, was Enthius.

Well... It wasn't you. And that's what... I think... made it... scary but also not scary, because it... it was something that was scary doing it, but it definitely wasn't you.

It would have been scarier if it was you. I suppose. But there's a way to block it, right? Yes. From happening again. Well, we're gonna find it. And it's gonna be okay. But if you want to see anything, then just let me know.

But it wasn't you, and I think that it's important that you remember that. Not you. I'm just finding it hard to agree right now. Well, you didn't see what I have seen, but we're gonna fix it. Did Boro bite you too much on the way home? No, he just kind of licked me in a funny way.

I think he stole a batten off of my dress. Yeah, okay. I feel like he's got a stash somewhere of just little things. He absolutely does, I made one. Oh. Oh. He knows where it is. It's like, I like this idea that up in Xanthius' room, like, there's like a floorboard that, like,

Xanthius is like, in here? He's like teaching Borough, like, you get it and you lift it up and then you put it in. And inside is just like a collection of tons of shit. Like loads of Rowan's pebbles that he's like, where are my pebbles gone? And things like that. Like, and then like paint brushes that Daisy thought she lost and like just.

Couch of tobacco. Yeah, like yeah, yeah, one of like. If you find any crown steel, just hide it in here. Go on, go find it for me. That's it, buddy. Go find that. Just comes back as like a mutated, enormous, like, I found it, father.

I found it, father. Anyway, yeah, lovely. I just wanted you to feel, I'm sorry that we kept it from you, but we were trying to fix it, and maybe we should have just told you straight away, but we wanted to fix it. We've all made some pretty bad decisions

in the last few months. I say we just tell each other everything ever. I'll try. I don't see you eating those pastries. He's like eating one. Yes! Dust his claws. There's more where those came from.

I'm picking some up before we leave, in case we run out. Very well. I think maybe just after, if Daisy leaves again, like to go back and stay in the inn or whatever, there'd probably be a moment where Obsidius would probably like, whilst you're, it's like that quiet thing of like,

you're reading in like one corner and he's in like another corner reading, and he would probably just be like, you are quite fortunate to have friends and people that care for you like that. Mm-hmm. I've said many times before that I do not deserve them. Rarely do people get what they deserve, Xanthias. Enjoy it whilst you have it. The road...

travelling alone... is lonelier than you can imagine. Robin, anything you want to do? Traveling alone is lonelier than you can imagine. Rowan, anything you want to do? Rowan is munching down a pastry, and he's walking out the back of Taria's rest and sees Gruff. Hello. In his little sacred area. Yeah? And I think Rowan would go over.

It's very cold. Wrap up his scarf, and then offer a pastry to Gruff. Oh, funky boy. That's not funky at all. Oh dear, oh dear. Not used to it, are you? No, I'll get used to it. Actually no, what am I saying?

From the Azhar Steppe, it's not that much warmer there. Anyway, I just want to say what you did today and what you've always done, it's heroic. Oh, I don't know about that. I just, I don't know, I just, I try to live an honest life. Well, that honesty has got you so far and I think we all look up to you. And I don't know what we would do if you weren't around.

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being a part of our lives, and I'm very glad you are. Oh, oh, oh, oh. You want another pastry? I think I do, son, I think I do. I've got one in here. Get back up in there.

Daisy comes back, she's gone to a latte fun again and bought another coffee. All right, there is a limit to how much you can buy from a latte. It is sold out now, no to how much you can buy from a latte pot. It is sold out now, no more. She's got one more coffee for herself. And you just, the only reason you know that she's home is because you see her running across the inn,

just doing things, just like, she's got the zoomies now. I think just two last things from Gruff, probably before all this happens, just like a little bit of housekeeping. He'd tell Theresa that we're heading out again. Maybe leave her a little stipend to help with the place. How much? One gold.

Twenty gold? Yeah, let's say 20 gold. I'll deduct it from my inventory. And then he would also speak with Squire Pascal and inform him, no not the Squire, well the Squire but like the other two, I keep forgetting her name. Sister Valesa and Theravall. Then Theravall and would tell them about the remove curse

to remove the psionic devices, because the two. And Squire Pascal, yeah well he can pass that on as well, he didn't have one but yeah. And then I would ask him to pass that to Colval and maybe ensure that the Colval citizens... Yes, we'll send a courier. We can absolutely do that. Yeah, we should absolutely... We'll send a courier up to let them know.

Although, you know, I think I remember seeing like a priest or someone there of one of Pyris or Melia or someone there that should be able to help. And Sister Valesa will even say like, Oh, I should be able to pray. And Sister Velesa will even say like, oh, I should be able to pray to Melea for that spell and I can probably cast it on Theravalla myself to remove it. So I can only, that will cost most of my magical energy for the day, but it should be doable.

But thank you, Sir Gruffydd, for telling us. Of course, it's a rather bothersome little device, isn't it? Yes, are you... Do you plan on... Will you be here in Ashenrest long? Actually, no. Plans have changed and we're going to be heading out to the Suncrest Isles in the morning. I see. Oh, well, good luck on your journey then.

Could I... If it is not too much of a trouble, we do not have most of our gold. We were expecting to go back to the Midnight City and stay there and replenish our funds. Would it be possible for Theravel and I to stay in your residence whilst you're away? No, and Rowan steps in.

Rowan? There's a payment for that. Oh, no. Rowan. There's a payment for that. Oh. Oh, well. Lady B'lessor, and I believe you have a bronze coin. Oh, bloody hell.

Yes, I do. Then you may make your payment. He just wants you to use- To you? Oh, you need to use the clever toad. Oh, right, what is this clever toad? It's over here. You take it to this horribly taxidermied frog and a wizard...

Toad. Oh, it's... See, Gruff, I wasn't actually going to charge. Oh, it's... Oh, so good. Okay, so... She's quite convincing. Theravals, like...

That is the ugliest thing I've ever seen. Is that... Is that... Was that once, was that alive once? We think it might be more than one toad. That makes a lot of sense, yeah. Yeah. No, I think it is wonderful. Yes, and what does it do, does it play music?

It tells you the future in prophecy. Oh, oh! Oh, okay. I've learned so much from this precious. Oh, you've gone for it. Oh, you know what to do. You've gone for it. It's obvious, it's like put coin in.

You're a bad troll. And she receives a prophecy from the clever toad. What's that then? Oh, you ass. You absolute ass. Mark, we've had a stressful day. Let's have a prophecy. Prepare for the

Reindeer? Coming of the Coming of the shining and brilliant... See, it's not quite done. Tomorrow. Sphere. That. Will. This is Sphere. That. Will. This is the longest one yet.

I think it's breaking, Rowan. You might be at its limit. Shut up. That will. Descend. Tomorrow. I think it's slowing down. Have you, how many hits have you used?

It's definitely slowing down. Yeah. These gears were grinding. Oh, what's a prophecy? No, no, an ill omen. Oh no. This woman is like, what the fuck? Roman's gone into himself.

I think, like, at this point, they kind of leave you and they're like, oh, okay, we're just gonna get out. What does it mean? Right, so just leave him there for a bit. You can stay in my room if you want. And you're welcome to my room as well, as you need. So they'll sort of stay here and sort of help Theresa and things like that as you guys are going.

Because they have no money to keep staying at the inn, so they're like, we need somewhere to stay. So they're gonna stay here. Right, with that, we are gonna take a break. We've already run a little bit over, but I think very fitting. Yep, we will see you in part two. Bye bye.

Bye! We will see you in part two. Bye bye. Bye! Bye! Bye! Bye! Bye! Bye!

Bye! Bye!