High Rollers DnD - The Gallow's Eyrie (Part 1) | Altheya: The Dragon Empire #94

Episode Date: March 3, 2026

Malady answers the many questions the heroes have as they decide to join the Ecliptic Order in Gallow's Eyrie! Get a peak Behind the Screen for episodes 80 to 93 with a supporters exclusive video here: https://youtu.be/cRBif_n3BL8 (also available to Twitch Subs and Patreon Supporters! Link your Discord for access.) Altheya: The Dragon Empire Kickstarter is NOW LIVE! Support the project and get tons of amazing extras here: https://www.rollandplaypress.com/highrollers Can't wait for Part 2 of each episode? Join our Patreon to get early access EVERY week (+ a few other bonuses)! www.patreon.com/HighRollers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _______________ 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 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/1WX3ICiTmf4GpHwImnQMs6⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠v Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Lurtup.com and listen while you play. Hello and welcome to Althea the Dragon Empire. Our heroes returned to Ashen Rest after the Crownfall incident and were welcomed back as heroes. After meeting with Duke Ignarius to go over with some of the details of the battle and the aftermath, the gang returned to Tyria's Rest where they found the bar full of soldiers and citizens who had been driven to come and celebrate at their hero's place. A distraught Mateo was run off his feet, but it just so

happened that a nice serving girl with green hair and golden jewelry turned up just in time to help out. Introducing herself as Kay, she was quickly revealed to be Caliphress in disguise, who had come to complete the contract and trade the party for the various planar essences they had discussed. After having them swear their contract on a magical tablet, Califras took them to a personal demiplane and handed over three essences, as well as trading Ophelia a bag of holding for the the proto-maggi lightning metal she had been carrying for quite some time. The following day, the inn had some early visitors as Sister Superior Malady and Sister Superior Benedicta arrived at Tyria's rest alongside High Inquisitor Argus, a powerful wolf and wildheart.

A tense but seemingly open conversation was had, and Argus revealed that he was keen to orchestrate a plan against the Lord Oreganus, Xanthius's father and wanted the party to be allies offering them aid in exchange for their efforts with the crown steel and that my friends is where we are going to pick things up today the inn has temporarily closed having been drained of all of its resources and booze and various other elements over the partying post ceremony but sister superior malady and Benedict turned still remain and Heinquised August, having returned from a brief conversation with Gruff in the garden, will turn to regard you all.

I think that I have said all that I need for now. I will remind you that my offer to help you with something in thanks for your work with the Crown Steel is on the table should you think of something. We will remain here until just before dusk. And then we will be transporting the crown steel to our stronghold in the Azar Step. Should you wish anything before then, come and seek me at Bright Shadow Cathedral. Sister Superiors, you have some familiarity with Ashing Rest and you have your own duties. I will leave you here, join us at the cathedral when you are ready.

But as for the rest of you, if there is nothing else, I will give you some time to no doubt discuss the matters amongst yourselves and and discuss the various topics that we have gone over in our conversation. Unless there is anything immediate, I will leave you to your business. I don't think so. You will nod.

I will take my other brothers and sisters who are waiting patiently outside, and we will leave you to your discussions. He bows his head, pulls up his herd, and sort of tightens the cloak around him, covering up his scarring, and will, duck his head through as he makes his way outside. You see that there's about four male brothers of the Ecliptic Order

dressed in sort of armor and tabards in the same style, and there are three women as well, and he sort of dresses the seven of them, and then they begin to make their way off down the street. Benedicta and Malady remain in Tyria's rest, though. You can see that Benedicta certainly looks uncomfortable, whereas Malady is definitely a bit more relaxed and is quite happily just sort of leaning back,

sipping on her herbal, medicinal tea that she's been drinking. And yeah, I hand it over toward you. Rowan will burst back in. Sure. With his satchel. Where's Daisy? Daisy? I've done it.

What? I've filled the bag. With? So midway through that, they said, is there anything important? I won't keep you. I left for a very important thing. 30 gold worth of latte fun later.

Here we go. What do you want to say? Out of the whole menu. I want the most chocolatey thing that is in the bag. I don't know if I could think that vaguely. Pan or chocola. You feel something in your hand?

Yes. Yeah, and look, there's nothing in there unless I think of it. Oh my goodness. I know. We have so many pastries. Sister Sepiris, is there anything we can get you? Pastries?

Malady's like... We should save them, grass. No, please do. Save them and save them for yourselves. I'm quite all right with my herbal tea. Thank you, Graffeth. Sister, and you see Benedicta will just sort of look uncomfortably. Like, no, no, I'm fine.

I don't need anything. In fact, sister, I think we're getting quite low on supplies for your medicine. Perhaps I should go and fetch them from the town. You can see just very clearly as uncomfortable being here. Malady will just say, yeah, if you wish, go and fetch those. I suppose you want to get your training in as well. You can see she sort of bristles. I was thinking of stopping by the forge, yes.

Yes, yes, I will be fine here. We both know that our friends will look after me and that I'm in no danger. Please go, go. Sort of dismisses her quite, sort of absently. Benedicta turns, and for Katie's benefit, I should, because this was pointed out to the other guys, Benedicta and Malady have both become more powerful in their own ways.

Benedicta definitely looks more physically stronger. Like you can see that her muscles have developed. Her hair almost looks more lustrous. It's still cut quite short, but everything about her just seems greater in some form. Like she seems stronger. She seems more radiant, more powerful, but still has that insecurity or certainly that sort of reluctant,

when around her other sister. Whereas Malady, on the other hand, you can see that there is a confidence, but also you can feel that the magical power is increased as well, and she seems to be more powerful. But yeah, Benedicta will just say, like, well, I will leave you in their care then. I will return later to collect you, sister.

Good day, all of you. Hi, you sure you don't want anything? I've got everything. I'm afraid that I couldn't possibly. I need to be very strict with what I eat, Rowan, and all that sugar is no good. Well, I'm sure Sister Superior Malady would be interested.

I'm sure if my sister is, that is her decision. I turn to Malady. No, I'm quite always. We don't want a queso? No, no, I'm quite all right. Quassal. I find certain foods quite hard to digest, I'm afraid. Oh, okay, sorry.

It's all right. How are you to know? But with that, Benedict will sort of gruffly and awkwardly make her way out, sort of perhaps glancing one last look at sort of, sort of, mm, and then make her way. There's always like a look. She can't leave the room without doing it.

It's like, it's like, there's just this immediate conflict. And like just, and she doesn't know what to do about it, so she's just sort of like, and then sort of stompts off. Work out about it. Yeah, basically. It looks like she's going to go do exactly that. But yeah, Malady will simply turn back. She starts pulling out a few notebooks and journals

and starts kind of very just keeping herself to herself. like sat probably near the window at the front of the store, at the front of the inn. I will not trouble you, please. There's no need to look after me. But if you do have any questions or concerns or anything regarding what the High Inquisitor spoke to you about or anything, I'm sure I can help fill in. I'm kept aware of most of what is going on at Gallows-Iri. Gallo's aerie. Other than that, I will leave you to your business.

Please just pretend I'm not. here. Just a brief question for me. Is your sister okay? She seems a bit grumpier than normal. My sister finds, I think that she finds this situation challenging.

She is not one for all of this shall we say sort of more clandestined shades of grey sort of topics. To her she was well, she has a very, very strong belief in the way that the Church of the Sion's teachers, the world,

she has her difficulties, shall we say. But I think that this place as well, the encounter with the spirit that we fought, and of course we cannot forget that Sister Ophelia's presence, my sister does not approve and finds the closeness of your shrine a little unsecging as well. Of course. But please forgive my sister for her rather narrow-mindedness,

a result of upbringing, I'm afraid. Well, I think it's fine to have your beliefs challenged every once in a while. You know, it might help you find new horizons. I agree. Very much, sir, Graf. Ron's going to sit down next to Melody. Yeah, so... Quarton. You know so much about us.

It's your job, right? That is true. I have tried to learn what I can, have made perhaps a few assumptions based on things that I have observed, yeah? Well, as we're friends, I like the idea of it being an equal standing, so to speak. We're not ecliptic order,

so it's not our job to find out, but I think that would go something. ways to making Xanthius feel more comfortable. Yes, yes, absolutely. Wow, I'm... This is the inevitable you wish to know more about me and by association likely my sister. Feel free to ask your questions, Rowan.

I will answer them to the best of my ability. Please understand that there are certain matters to which I'm sworn secrecy, but I will tell you everything and whatever I can. Before you answer any questions, it is time for fate. Just in case any roles are made. so let us make sure you get this in place. Oh, good.

What's a six? A six, well that's a dice for you. I've got a five. That's another dice for you. Uno. Oh, a lovely, a dice for me. Doss. Oh, wonderful. Thank you.

Another dice for me. Four. Oh, a lovely dice for you. Could it be a nice even Stevens. Could be. It may not be. Oh, no, it's all in your favor, I'm afraid. Fuck it, Stephen.

Fuck that guy. It doesn't mean we are four to two. I must remember that. I can spend mine to add complications to your successes. Something that I... I think it's better if you forget. I think we're complicated enough as it. We are complicated.

But yeah, Malady seems to be open to, if you have any specific questions, but she's certainly not the type to volunteer information. It seems like you might have to specifically ask if you want to know anything. Well, I don't know if anyone else wants to ask you a question, but I can start. Sure, yes.

Well, I've got a few, but go on. High inquisitor Argus was quite forthcoming about something happening to you two, similar to Argus, not to the same extent. No. But the fact that he was willing to part that information so willingly to us, is it that much of a secret? It is a secret amongst many, but not greatly. Anyone in our order would know the story.

Many people who raised us It is not hidden matter One that I don't speak about openly And my sister is very ashamed of Did you read the metal? You like stories, don't you? I love them. Would you like me to tell you?

Hold on let me get comfortable. Yes, please do. Mateo, are there any cushions? We have, yes, they're on some of the chairs. I'll go fetch you some more cushions. I'll get it. Malady, would you like a cushion? I already have one.

Your good friend. Is it going to be a long story like the long one? It could be. I will try and keep it succinct. I won't try to ban on. We should get some arm chairs in here. We should. Let's start the fire.

Yeah. Let's get them. Roll out the rug. Yeah. How all means, make yourselves comfortable. You see, she sips on this. And it's, you know, Rowan, you've sat down next to her. The rest of you haven't gotten that close yet.

But this thing that she's drinking, it's very pungent. It smells very unpleasant. Very herby. Very grassy. Very medicinal. very unpleasant, and she sips it every few sort of breaths and sentences, taking moments from it. Well, I guess I'm not much of a storyteller, but as I understand, it is usually typical to start at the beginning. My sister and I were born to wealthy parents in Kelskara's.

Our mother was a trained mage of the academia, and our father was a problem. merchant and member of several trade guilds. Our parents were obsessed with legacy and had struggled to conceive children for some time. So when my mother became pregnant, they were overjoyed at first. But then the paranoia began to set in. They were afraid of losing the child,

or that they might be born lacking in ways that would be needed to be seen successful and continue their legacy. They had no idea that she carried twins. As our mother was a student of magic, she knew that there were, shall we say, avenues available to her that were not accessible to others, of course, primarily being the fact that they were heretical and illegal, but her and father were all too eager to jump in. Anything they could do. to ensure their legacy, to ensure that their child would be pu- And so they reached out to the Faye-Wields

and found a powerful creature to make a bargain with. They asked this creature, make our child strong and beautiful and healthy, a child untouched by sickness and deformity who can carry our legacy. And this being a powerful hag queen, an elf in which I unfortunately don't know to this day, was all too eager to agree. She pricked my mother's swollen stomach with a long, thin needle and infused its magic into her womb. And fast forward, a few, several months, and the birth. Benedicta was first, and was the picture of exactly what my mother and father had bargained for.

She was strong, healthy, blonde curls already springing from her head. She didn't cry, but smiled and beamed and everyone cooed and gathered around her feeling blessed in her radiance. And then the midwife announced my arrival, a sickly, pale, tiny thing that cried and cried. A mirror of the perfect child

they had. The Faye's Pact had delivered on what our parents had wanted. Benedicta had been given all the strength, health, looks, charm I would ever possess. One child's strong, beautiful and healthy,

exactly as promise. Our parents weren't cruel, so they did their best to raise us both. I was kept secluded for health reasons. Mother and father were not put off by their deal with the Fay, though. No, no. In fact, they felt quite emboldened by it.

They simply thought they had to be more cautious, more specific. So they went back for more deals, prosperity for father's business, magical secrets for Mother's study. I think we were six when the church discovered their planar involvement. They seized Father's businesses. mother was kicked out at the academia, ashamed in Kelskaris social circles. And then eventually, of course, they faced trial

with imprisonment for their crimes. They decided that they would rather take their own lives instead. The Benedicta and I were taken in by the church, as seemed appropriate. They gave us these new names, and we were sworn to a life of prayers. Benedicta was the perfect, Acolyte, of course, and quickly was on the path to become trained as a holy knight.

I was regarded with a much deeper suspicion, for it seems the Faye have an interesting sense of fairness. Whilst all my health looks and charm were given to Benedicta, I was given something else. Powerful will, magical potential, power. A sense of essence that It seems few majors possess. For a long time, the nuns of our orphanage thought me tainted by the Fay itself. So I was brought before an inquisitor of the Ecliptic Order, subjected to various tests and questions and that sort of thing.

I was also asked to show her what I could do. Afterwards, she asked me, we were told the story of our mother's deal. We were informed of everything that we had. hadn't obviously been aware of as children. And she asked me what I thought. I said, people shouldn't meddle with things they don't understand. That sort of seemed to please this inquisitor.

And she said, what if they do anyway? And so I said, they get what they deserve? She smiled at that. And shortly after, Benedicta and I were inducted into the order, given our most holy purpose. So there you go. That's our little secret. Long ago, our parents made a pact

and, well, it's had lasting effects ever seen. Rowan soaks it in for a while for a time, just nodding along. Well, it sounds familiar. It's a very familiar story across the empire, Rowan. Many people blunder into deals and pacts and worship. of these powers not fully understanding what they're getting themselves in for.

How do you feel about your parents? Me personally. Well, I suppose it would be a lie to say that I don't resent them somewhat. My condition is rather painful, I must admit. It is not exactly pleasant to be this sickly and constantly in pain to be so physically weak that I can barely walk. But I gain something value. They taught me a great lesson. And now I have power that very few possess.

I think that I pity them in a way. They were so obsessed with such vapid insecurities, legacy, good looks, health. It doesn't matter. They already had everything they needed. They wanted more. I think that is often the problem with so many. Do you think that,

They too got what they deserved then? They chose to take their own lives. They could have faced the consequences of their actions. But for them it was too much shame. So it's difficult to say they made a choice. Can't say that they got anything really. Thank you. Not exactly the sort of pleasant story around the fire to tell.

Well, it's just sad. Is it? It's sad that it wasn't you that had any sort of decision. Ah, and that is the crux of it. If I may echo the High Inquisitor's word, not everyone who is affected by the plains makes those choices. And that is something that the church does not always understand. They make these rash judgments,

thinking that everybody rushes in with some nefarious purpose or personal ambition, perhaps as my parents once did. Not thinking of the consequences, but not everyone who is afflicted. She looks at Daisy has a choice in the matter. Sometimes it is merely a circumstance, and we instead must learn to deal with it. I myself have learned a great deal thanks to this curse that is placed upon my sister and I. It is very powerful, attempts to break it, even. by some of the most powerful mages in the order have failed.

Whatever this fay beings packed was, it is so tightly bound with magic. It is almost impossible to undo. But that doesn't mean it can't be tampered with. And you can see that there is this essence, this aura of power. And you remember that Malady looks sicker than she used to be, and Benedicta seems stronger than she was.

And perhaps a little thought begins to percolate. Not in Rowan's head. No, I leave that to your characters. I'll leave that to your characters. But yes, I think that it is sad, but also it is not a unique tale. But a cautionary one, perhaps. Well, also, not all of it could be true, right? You say...

You are learning. It could be made up. Perhaps I... I think you're quite beautiful. She wipes her like sweat-covered brow, pulling like lanky strands of thin, greasy hair away as she sort of like lifts her hat briefly. I think that you see the best in people.

And beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's subjective. Indeed. Indeed. I cannot say I will ever concern myself. I don't see myself as beautiful. But then what is beauty such a, such a nothing? A song.

Perhaps a song can be beautiful, but a song can also be forgotten. I do not concern myself with matters like beauty. I concern myself more with things that matter, truth, power, influence. Yep. Me too. My sister cares more for those sorts of things. She is a... Sometimes her heart is a bit too open and a bit too... Well, I won't speak for her too much, but she has her flaws.

Yep, ours is hardwood. And Ron stands up. Thank you for the conversation. You're more than welcome. You're a good storyteller. Oh, that's very kind to hear. I can't say that I have much practice at it, but I've heard a few tales in my time, usually in the confession chamber. Ronald walk away.

Calling for Mateo is like, where's that chest? I want to buy some cushions. Yes, I mean, you've got the funds, Rowan, but yes, I suppose I can give you a list or something, or yes. Gruff normally signs on with all the finances, but... It's probably for the best.

You've got all the list of the gold. I do. But yeah, I think, like, Malady definitely is sort of... As Rowan walks away, like, her eyes definitely sort of move from, like, Ophelia, to Xanthias, to Daisy, sort of the three of you, definitely being the three that...

You don't imagine that the story was... but she's very curious about your reaction. So what are, like, Aphelia Zan and Daisy's reaction as she was, like, telling that story? Grassish vibe in the corner. I think certain points, especially when Malady's talking a lot about the parents, like Aphelia's eyes kind of widen and her stance kind of shifts,

she goes from this sort of mild indifference to, like, showing some real kind of genuine curiosity she starts leaning in a bit more and maybe she starts shifting towards where Malady's sitting a bit a bit further. Okay. Oh, sorry.

Okay. Interesting. Daisy just feel sad for her because Daisy's parents didn't do anything wrong by her, but Malady's parents really did, like, that was a choice that they made that affected her life,

whereas, yeah. So I think she just feels sad probably. Okay, good to know. I think Santhius is definitely weighing, it's all apparent stuff again still, in that he's very much weighing the response to how she feels about them so long after they've made this decision for her, that she's just like, they made a choice,

I'm living with it, it's nothing to me now. And it's like, yeah, you get that impression that she's like very like, look, you know, I, I'm dealing with it, you know, or like, she doesn't seem to, there's not, like, she's not torn up about it, you know. Yeah, so I think even following the chat with Argus as well, of like, he's, I think Xanthius is definitely in a head space where he's, like, trying to figure out how to get to that level, right? Where it's past the Crown Steel, where it's past the caring about the decisions that have been made on your behalf and things like that, that he's kind of, there's an almost an admiration for it. Okay. Yeah.

Yeah, good snake. So that's Zampthius's brain space. Yeah. And I think it's very obvious to tell that the way that she speaks about, like this is very much, like, Malady is very chill with this story. Benedicta does not seem to be.

You get very different, likely the other sister would have a very different sort of feeling towards all of this. But yeah, you see that she takes off her, like sort of witch hunters, like, Inquisitor hat, puts it down, sort of big. And you can see that she, you know, there is,

You can see that they're twins, but just this kind of dark reflection of each other. You know, like, you know, Benedicta is strong and healthy, and her skin glows, and she has these beautiful, like, golden tresses that kind of fall down that have been cut short, whereas Malady has just let the hair grow, but it's this length, thin, kind of greasy kind of look. Her skin is quite sallow and sort of, like, you know, gaunt, and there's no healthy glow to it. She's constantly looks like she's constantly sweating,

but the eyes are the same, and in fact, you can kind of see that, yeah, Benedict's eyes are a lot softer and a lot more uncertain, whereas maladies is a lot harder and a lot more determined. You can see these two dark reflections. Very cool. Yeah. What about Argus? High Inquisitor.

Yes, well, it's more a question of how do you feel when he shares your story without asking beforehand? And the High Inquisitor and I have had many conversations, and I hope that you will forgive it, but I believe that the High Inquisitor felt that revealing that information was a good way of earning your trust. And we had discussed it and where it is appropriate. I think that it is a good way to help everyone know that we are on at least an aligned perspective. Benedicta will be she will be very angry

that the High Inquisitor revealed it but like I said there are plenty of nuns and mentors and other members of the order who all know this story it was quite the scandal when our parents were discovered to have been dabbling in this fe magic

it is not unknown across the empire and it's just personal right how did you come to meet Argus ah I can't go into the full details, one of those ecliptic order matters that we're sort of rather sworn to secrecy. But we met through several investigations where my information had proven rather useful,

and he found me and complimented me on my abilities. And we got talking, we became something of friends almost. He was a bit of a mentor to me, a bit older and had dealt with far more than I had, and was very knowledgeable about certain matters, Crown Steel included. and we realize that we shared a very similar mindset to one another. Argus is perhaps a little bit more seeking, he's more redemptive than I am myself. He has his shadows and his past that he's trying to make up for, but we both see our order in a different way. We are not as blinded.

We do not see everything in the light and darkness as the rest of the church do, and in fact many of the other Ecliptic order members do. He sees it in the same way I do, that everything is a bit more nuanced. And ever since then, we've sort of formed a trust between us. When I learned of what you had shared with me and what we knew, I knew that Argus was concerned about Oregonus. And so I went to him and spoke to him carefully, of course. I did not wish to tip my hand too early, nor I wanted to test and see what his reaction would be.

but it was favourable. When we heard about the crown fall, Argus was very quick to volunteer himself to come and collect it and store it at the Stronghold. It gave us a good opportunity. Is that always the case in your organisation? You have to tread carefully with your allies? I consider it important in all matters

to tread carefully, Zanthias. You should know this about me already. I do not speak easily and freely. with anyone. But the ecliptic order is not all of one mind? No. What is? Is any church, is any organization truly of one mind? I think if they were, they would be exceedingly powerful and likely far more in control. No, no, it is not all of one mind, and it is a complicated and rather nefarious organization in many ways. But we are united by a shared purpose, which is the protection of the souls of El Mera and also Ilmara's people.

I concern myself more with living than the dead, but that's just me. Cool. Very cool. Anything you wish to know about the stronghold, or anything you are thinking of asking of the High Inquisitor? The silent sister Ophelia, normally such a chatterbox. Forgive me, I'm...

Your story has given me a lot to think about, personally. See, well should you ever require counsel, my ear and my lessons are always available to you. I'm just curious. If the Fay bargaining wasn't frowned upon, if things had gone differently... Hmm. A hypothetical. Yes, um... Sorry, I'm just...

I've had a lot to... on my mind lately about... You seem rather troubled, Sister Ophelia. I've had a couple of rough days, admittedly, personally. More feelings, I suppose, than words. Curious. Act of love and protection can still leave a mark.

And I'm just wondering, do those marks fade? Can those marks be changed? Can even if it seems like your destiny has already been written? Can another story be told? Believe that had I been left, as I said, my curse has taken so much of me and given it to my twin sister,

but in that, I managed to find a way to make myself powerful. to be myself strong. My sister may have taken... No, no. Benedict did not take from me. She was given my strength, my health. But I still had my mind. And I have written my own path.

If it had been up to the church, if it'd been up to my parents, I would not be where I sit to you today a sister superior of the ecliptic order. I would not have the influence and power and magical ability that I have now. No, I'd be. did that myself. I do not believe that our pathways are written. I do not believe that that

anything cannot be changed. But what if that path has already given you so much? So what? Take what it has given you? Move on. I was given this curse. I was given this potential power. I've still found a way to bend it to my will. The church gave you. me places to learn, taught me help me develop my magic. If there was other opportunities, other avenues, why not take them? It seems to me that you think that if you're stuck on a road, you can't walk through the bushes, or you can't turn around and go back the way you've come. You don't have to keep marching forward just because somebody tells you to.

It's all I know how to do. It's a good thing that you're surrounded by so much. many people in such an open environment where you can explore these things. It was when Argus said, tool of my lord. Do you not see yourself as a tool, Ophelia? I never thought of myself as a tool until I heard it myself. But now? I don't know. I don't know what I am.

I think that any, anything that grants you power that asks you to do things that says go forth in my name. Well, they care more about themselves than they care about you. But it is not my place to say, your religion, your customs, your culture. I am no diplomat, nor am I anything else, but of the sword. But it seems to me that you are being moved against your will, a game piece on a game board. As many people are. as many people have been. Whether you keep, whether you remain that game piece, I think that decision is yours.

But to think that you don't have options, well, my dear, there are always other options. I suppose. Never seen them until now, I suppose. No, no, I suppose you wouldn't have. Coming from where you do, enforced into a life, parents making a decision for you. And she sort of watches you when she says that.

How does Ophelia react when she says that? There's like a little glimmer of like, almost like a pained look because Ophelia knows she's been told it was to save her ultimately. So she believes it was done with the best intentions. So there's this like look of things. sort of pained uncertainty. She sort of capitalized,

Malady sees that. My parents thought that they were doing the best thing for us. They thought that they were doing the best thing they could for their child. They didn't know that I was there as well. They wanted only for their child to be healthy and happy and safe. What parent wouldn't go to such measures? And she sort of looks at Graff when she says that.

Good intentions. Oh my dear. Good intentions don't always lead to good decisions. Good intentions don't... Sometimes good intentions cause pain to. Sometimes the worst pain imaginable. Still. I'm not here to judge and criticize your life for your decisions.

Still. Oh, numb, no, no. It's delicious. Oh, no, no, no. What a good meal. I think after that, I think a feeling will just. Just give Malady a polite nod. Just thank you.

You're welcome. She just watches you. Then like, yeah, Phelia will just go up into her room again. Yeah, sure. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I don't want to keep you from any business. I'm sure that you have much to discuss.

Please do consider the High Inquisitor's offer if there is anything that we can do to assist you with any matters. As I understand it, this business with Scara Talas, this essences and such that you've been collecting. Yes, a ritual needs to be cast on the remaining essences, but I'm also concerned about the sibling that's on their way. I will... You mentioned that there have been attempts to scry

and attempts to investigate. Yes, I gave up some of my own blood, hoping that the familial tie would assist with the scribe, but it was more difficult. What did you give this to? Obsidious. Ah, Lord Obsidious. Ah, yes.

That would make sense. A powerful mage, as I understand it. Yes. Well, yes. I think it would be best for him to know if a threat was to come to Walter City, you know? Yes, of course. But you didn't tell the Duke about this.

He's busy. It's busy. It's hard to reach the Duke sometimes. It's got a city to run any. It's got a city to run. Very important dragon. That was the best. You know, we worked closely with obsidious

after the Lamped Lights as Guild, so he has the magical ability to Scry. Yes, yes. A powerful mage, as I understand it. Yeah. Well, that is curious. Perhaps more mundane. methods of investigation can be useful.

They are coming from Gildai? Apparently, yes. But knowing my father, he could have sons and daughters scattered across the realms. As I said, in our own investigations, we did not find there are no records of dragon-born children as far as we know. So, apart from those altered, redacted records

that I discovered about you. But there are only certain, There are only a certain number of pathways they could make to send someone to Ashen Rest. I will see what we can discover, perhaps even if we can find out where they have been or where they have arrived, if there has been any word of strangers entering town, we can backtrace it. Yes. Good. I will send out word.

I have a few informants around Caldra. They may be able to assist us. Good. Thank you. Yes, of course. Anything else that I can help anyone with? Rowan isn't there right now. Sure.

I figure he's not there right now either, I guess. I will let you get to your business. I'm sure you have much to talk about. Don't mind me. I'll just enjoy the sunshine through the window over here. And listen with a perception of 25. Yeah. Gets her notebooks out, gets a book out,

starts to write and read. All right. And yet? I've had my grill. I've had my fill of that delicious sumptuous meal. I think... Compliments to the chef. Rowan will come back at some point.

Okay. Having formulated a plan to get some cushions with Mateo. Okay. Daisy, you were... You didn't really hear the whole thing. So maybe we should discuss that, you know, the stuff that was talked about, the blacksmith? Yeah, I didn't know whether to bring it up or not,

because they don't know if... They seem pretty keen. for our assistant, or your assistants, to connect with this Deva in the stronghold that they have. I can try, but I don't know if they would listen to me. Might listen to Nym. If this Deva is one of the warsmiths, it is likely that they can do something with the Lux and Shards, little one,

but also I would dearly like to speak with them and learn what we can about this Yeager, if they've encountered them before, perhaps we can learn, perhaps we can find a way to stop them, do something? I hate the idea of this thing hunting you down. Well, any information is good to have.

I also want to get that rod that we found. The magical... Celestial rod. I want to see if they can help do something with that, because maybe that could help us if we were to... Fight. And from what we examined, that rod seemed to belong to a powerful member of the Celestial

Legions. Whoever they had made a pact with was somebody who helped hunt down Davis. Perhaps we can use it in some way or tap into its power? It's worth trying. I believe so. Hello? Oh, hi. Sorry, I was talking to Nim. Oh, right. Fair enough.

Yeah. It's definitely worth trying to get some information from them. Okay, well, if you think so. Well, this Yeager might come after us at any time, really, so. True, and it would affect all of us. Sounds like it has no care for anything that gets in its way. So if we can maybe, and also, if they're a blacksmith, they can probably work the lux and shards,

so that could help. We might be able to just find a few, Tips and tricks for dealing with it. I guess the only difficulty is the person that is with the blacksmith. They don't seem to get along, so that might be a slight complication to it, but I believe you and NIM will figure it out. Well, at least with NIM,

I should be able to connect to be able to talk to them telepathically. that that's what Nym's power is. I don't know what theirs is, but at least we should be able to speak to both of them, even if we have to use that method. Well, if it gets us essences on the Lucent peaks as well... Yep. As figuring this Yeager situation out,

I don't see why we can't focus on that. They kind of almost a favor, but I don't really know. Hey, can I just borrow this blacksmith please that you have imprisoned kind of? Well, Sister Malady seemed interested in this ritual involving Xanthius and so I think she'll be more than happy to help out. Yeah, it kind of goes hand in hand and it would help us anyway, so... It's an exchange of information.

True. I guess it just feels weird to... openly talk about the information with the Ecliptic order, even if it is Sister Benedictine, Melody. Still odd. Yeah, it's a little scary, right? Because they're the ones that also stop people in having plain our things, but they're also,

they're all affected by them. Well, I... These ones are. Let's stick to the ones we know. They have seen that. I don't want to cause anything. I don't want any bad things. I just want to go about my business.

Maybe a good tell. I look over at Maddie. She seems to be writing in her book. She's totally missing. She's making a few notes, reading. A good tell would be to how they interact with their order, how they treat us in front of them. True.

If they go along with the Ecliptic Order thing, but tell us. us were still friends, this is all a show. And honestly, I don't know what to believe. That's far too complicated for me. I will make the probably silly decision to trust them because they seem nice and also I feel really sad after the story.

Yeah. It's really horrible. I feel bad and they seem really nice and it must be hard for both of them. Yeah, we focus on malady but also. It must be really hard for Benedict to see her. sister that way. See her sister that way and also feel the guilt of being the one that has all of her strength.

Even though it wasn't her fault, but still, it's just really sad and... Yeah. But it's also nice to not have to hide the whole Christ, you think. No, that's true. From someone. I think... For ones. They already know everything. So if you have any questions, ask them. These motherfuckers know everything. They know everything about us. They know about NIM, they know about Crown Steel, they know about Oregonas, they know. It's quite refreshing, honestly.

It is, so. Even if it's a bit weird, it's really weird, but it's... In regards to asking Malady questions about the Luxen Shards or the blacksmith or anything, doesn't hurt us. Hey, Malady, um... Yes, my dear, yes, my dear. The blacksmith that you have. Ah, yes, the Deva, the Stronghold.

Yes, yes, yes. Would we be able to maybe utilize their blacksmithing services and help? Oh, I think that, as the High Inquisitor said, I think that would be a fitting reward for your assistance of the Crown Steel. You would need to travel to Gallows Airy to meet them and visit them. I don't think that they would... Well, I have not met them myself, but the way that Argus has spoken of them.

Their name, by the way, their name is Han Farrier. Can you spell that male? Yes, H-A-N-H-A-N-H-A-N-H-A-R, and then Farrier, F-A-R-R-R-E-R. Like a one who shoes horses. I believe that they were a blacksmith and gildire before they made their connection with the David Spirit. And, yes, as I understand it from Argus, it is a unique situation.

I do not know the full story. You'll need to ask the High Inquisitor, but it's something along the lines of Han, the man, the human, asked to be... He offered himself to the ecliptic order. He wanted to go into incarceration, but perhaps that is a harsh word.

They made a deal, some sort of deal, some sort of protection for Han's family, money, that sort of thing. And in return, Han would be there, guest, their prisoner. The celestial spirit was not kind about this agreement, did not seem to relish the thought of being imprisoned in any form. There was some sort of skirmish. The celestial spirit took over Han's body and fought back, but the Eclipto order subdued them, and that was when they were taken into custody.

But as I understand it, that High Inquisitor honed Request and whatever deal they made seems to have been beneficial to them in some way. But I think that if you go and speak with the inquisitor and ask, they would gladly

take you to Gallo's Aries and you would be able to speak with the prisoner. I don't see that being an issue. It is located in the Azar Step, so if you have methods, magical methods of returning. What were? Oh, how are we know you there?

I know there. That where I come from. I'd be from there. I think you've eaten too many quassants, my dear. It's starting to affect your mind. Why use many word when pure words? Me from? Step.

I just realized the office thing that the universe is probably a chap. Yes, no, it is in the... Obviously, I can't tell you the exact location, because I understand it is somewhere in the southern mountains of the Azar Step. Okay, well, we could ask us to do that, but I don't want to... We could go visit. Well... Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. You want to? Absolutely. Okay. Fantastic. Oh, my goodness, Rowan can show us all his favorite rocks back home. There's not enough time in the world.

But I could show you my top ten. I can't wait. When Daisy says like your favorite rocks, Rowan, and you begin to think about all your favorite rocks, a sort of memory does sort of... With pure Joseph. A memory does flash in your mind. It's very rare that you remember dreams in really fine detail,

but you do, you remember that plateau, that great plateau with the lines of the monoliths that were struck by lightning, with that rock at the top that you... kind of put the stone again, the sword against. And that just sticks in your mind. Robyn's face kind of like, just a little bit to a vacant distance

for a momentary pause, for those with decent perception, so not Xanthias. Oh, yeah. I want to make that really clear. Sure. And then he's going to be like, I'll go update Ophelia on our decision to go to the Deva.

Okay, but make a list of the places. We're going to go see all of them. I'll write them on my head. All of them. Now, if you do intend on traveling to Gallo's area, my dear, I would probably imagine that my sister and I will remain here in Ash and Rest, especially so that I can help try and track down this sibling of Xanthias. But also, teleportation circles,

I am not very quick on my feet, and I often struggle getting through them. So I think it may be best if I remain here. You can stay at the inn if you would like. That would be delightful. Your bartender... Mateo. Mateo seems to be quite a delightful sort. Very attentive to my needs.

How do you spell airy? Gallows airy as in E-Y-R-I-E, like an airy, like a place. And then Gallo is like a gallows, say, G-A-L-L-O-W. Thank you. Apostrophe S as it is the gallows. Oh, I think you're going to say like a... Apostrophe R, apostrophe K, Z. Z, yeah.

The IRI is owned, possessed by the gallo. Yeah, well, you're welcome to stay here. If we're not here anyway, then. Yeah, I mean, if you are all right with us taking up your own rooms, as I understand it, you do not have guest rooms here. So we would need to sleep in your own chambers, but I would, it is perfectly fine for us to stay

at the other inn in town. You could have my bed. That would be wonderful. I could stay in my room too. That would be delightful. I will speak with my sister about it. We have funds if necessary, but I think it would be... Yeah, we have fun. We have fun here.

I can see that very clearly. Rowan goes upstairs. Perfect. Graffat, you've been rather quiet throughout all of this conversation. I just wanted to see what you all thought about it. Well, it's been a rather long day in a series of long days. I don't really have much to add to the conversation. of course. I just want to check it.

I'm happy to support everybody and I'm sorry for the decisions that your parents made. Oh, who can, what child can truly blame their parents for the decisions that they make? After all,

they're doing their best? I'd like to think so, yes. I believe so. But it doesn't mean that the child is no right to be angry for the folly of evidence. Ah.

Anger is a very fleeting thing. I think once long ago when I was younger, there was a lot more anger in me and Benedicta to an extent. But time tempers that anger, I find. I think sometimes as well that perhaps it is good to think that parents are... Well, sometimes they just... They're people. Yeah? And people make mistakes.

So often. So true. Indeed. No, I just wish to check in with you. Or rather quiet. Just thinking, observing. Ah, very wise course of action sometimes. A lot of has happened recently. It has. And frankly, if it was not entirely clear,

I do think that your actions to go to that crownful sight really did make a big difference. If you had not to be present, I dread to think who would. would have got their hands on that crown steel, but also what lives would have been lost in the pro cell. It's very rare that we've encountered, we've heard stories of such powerful emissaries.

They're powerful, strong, but normally enough that holy knights can take care of them. I think it was very good fortune, perhaps the will of the Sions and saints themselves, that you made your way there. Well, it just seemed right. And if I may, we have a saying in Tremoro, before the sea, we are all kin.

And I take that in the spirit that before something like an event of crownfall, we are all kin. If we do not, if we do not band together to sort it out. Yes. We are all united here on our little realm. And there are great powers out there who would bring us much, much harm and do terrible things to us. If we do not fight for each other,

what hope do we have? Exactly, I'm glad you understand that, because nobody bloody else seems to understand that. Everyone's like, oh, you've done a great thing, Graf. And it's just... That's what it is. No, no, no. Perhaps you misunderstand, Graf, I'm not trying to diminish your actions.

I think what you did was very heroic and very brave, and there are very few people that would throw themselves into such an environment. Rather, I think that a lot of people are so wrapped up in their own ambitions, in their own little dreams of what life should be, what it could be, what they want, that they don't think the same as you, and that they do not see us all being united against these common enemies. Most people only think about themselves, Scruff.

If my line of work, if my experience has taught me anything, that is something very true. It is special individuals. You could even call them heroes who put the needs of others before themselves. I've said it before. I'm just a man trying to do all straight. Perhaps that is the very nature of what makes you

the hero that you are. You do not see yourself as one. I think anybody who sees themselves as a great hero sees themselves as great in any way is very far from it, usually. It is the humble, the common worker who takes a stand, the soldier, the grunt who picks up a spear when the rest of his column has fled. That's heroism. That's currant.

You flatter me, sister. You probably know better than most, my own sense. I think perhaps you make, you assume, my eyes and ears go further than they are. I know you have family, but I know little more than that. Of anyone, of all this gathered merry band that you've surrounded yourself with, Gruffeth of Tremorough, you are the one that I know the least about. You and Rowan, I would say. That boy is particularly mysterious, very difficult to track and trace and learn of whence he's calm or where these powers of his seem to have developed from.

But you, no. You are both a mystery and also both so easy. You are just a man doing his best. And that, I think, is very admirable. I agree. Oh, sorry, I wasn't listening. I'm just going to go over here. But also know this, gruffet of Tremor. I am no flatterer.

I do not say things that I do not mean, and I do not offer compliments where they are unnecessary. I say this because I think you need to hear it. Maybe one day I will listen. Yes. It's funny that I think sometimes parents are often the ones so often telling their children what they should and shouldn't do and trying to impart wisdom, yet are the most stubborn and ill receptive to it themselves. There's a twitch. His air twitches. Airplaneers. Interesting. Well, do not let me keep you from your business. Sure, if you plan to speak with Heinrichströmagus, there are various preparations you wish to make.

Whilst this conversation has been going on, Xanthias. Crownfall. On your head. You don't get the last one. Get a sending spell. Oh, goody. My boy's back at it again. Hey, what up, Obsidious?

Zanthius. Is it Obsidious? It is. Okay, good. If you travel to Kelskaris, two names. for the diadem. Ooh. He's been busy.

Mr. Emerald, Miss Peridot. Mr. Emerald and Ms. Peridot. Okay. Closed circle information. Is it gems, not people. What was that last bit? Sorry, we'd Rowan say.

Close circle information. Okay. And then he says, Bench, Canal, Mist River, District. Willow song. Bench. Canal. Mist River District.

Willow song. River District, Willow song. A really nice nail polish called Parado. And Bench. Introducing the new nail colored by Holatako. Bench. This is brown. Parod don't bother me.

It's a periolish. Really nice. Plain words. You have 25 words to respond. 25 words to respond. Don't let them steal it. Sorry, it's a fucking patent message. Bench press on nails.

For Jim goes. Hard as nails. Tom's got a thing. Hard as nails. He's thinking. Jim Gaines. It's fine. God, if they did sponsor us though.

Christine, I love you. Sponsor us. Are you thinking? Did Nixer spill secrets? Four. Spilled something. Fucking his guts. Yeah, I don't know where you went.

No, it's what. Question mark. Does that kind? No, it doesn't count as... No, no, no. Because it's inflected in the mental message. The tone, yeah. What if you send, like, five exclamation marks

to really emphasize as point. Just that kind, right? It's basically you shouting. Unless I say, mentally shouting. Exclamation mark. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Did Nixon spill secrets?

Ecliptic order noticed the body. What am I out now? Nine? Nine, I've got tons left. X-O-X-O-X-O. What are you wearing?

Traveling to their stronghold. Anything I can do for you. Ooh, nice. X-O-X-O. X. I only have space for an X, I'm afraid. X for X, obviously. Yeah, Axe, yeah.

I could have just said Zanthius. No, X. I go about X now, it's the pride thing. No, no, no, no, no, no. It's a single kiss, it's a Lord Kiss, not a capital. I was clicking X going to give it in. It's a Lord X, Zibit. Is it a big kiss?

Ripple X. No, because then it looks like an initial for Xanthius, a little kiss. Well, can I, with sending, send it in like a font? And it's like a cursive ex. Oh. A sexy ex. With like a um,

Obogene emoji. And the little drops a while. Do emojis count in sending? Yeah, they count as characters in it. What if I just say, can I, I can't send a picture. Send the whole, send all the, send a picture.

Why can't I remember what it's called? When you make pictures with letters and numbers? Aski. Aski. Oh, that's a little. No, that's way more than 20. Left bracket, colon. You could do like a table, like the table flip one.

At symbol, at symbol, asterisk. Table flip. You don't know what that means then, yes. You have to say it out. Flip table is too. I'm like trying to say a URL. It's WWW dot. It's not hyperlinked if you don't do.

HTT.T.P. Yes. As intriguing is this discussion of how the sending spell works. Very important. A few seconds later you get a second sending spell. Yes. Better you know little. He said that before, yeah. Keep ecliptic order busy.

Do not want them interfering. One, two, three, four, six, something. And then he started counting. Uh-huh. Delete that, delete that, delete that. Backspace. Backspace. How long will you be?

Yeah. Your sibling draws closer. Miss you, maybe. Also, totally missed out the body thing. What happened to? Well, yeah, better you know less, I think, was covering that, right? That certainly seems to be the implication. Because his first question was, did Nixus spill secrets?

The first response was, better you know little. Oh, I thought it was about... The Ecliptic order. Just in general. Keep them busy, they don't want them interfering. How long do I have to respond? Is it like an instant? I'd say it's an instant thing.

I generally prefer it to be, like, rather than, like, sitting on it for, like, 24 hours. I'm trying to remember. Obviously, out of game, you've got some time, but... Okay, in that case, did they say how long we were going to be there for? Because I'm imagining we teleportation circle there, right? I think they'll talk about that. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I guess we can use the giant stone to... The hearth stone. But, hath and stone, not the half stone. Yes. Or just the half, I think... Room and half and home. Rhythm and half and home. Room and half and...

of home, I think, is the only way back. Transport via plants. Just a tree now. We're a giant's magic to get back. If you want to come back to Ash and Rest, the alternative is you could leave their stronghold into the Azar Step, which is very close, literally then you could go into Kelskaris from there if you wanted to go straight to Kelskazis.

You don't necessarily have to come back to Ashen Rest. Okay. Because it is drawing closer to the date for your event. It's too soon. We don't know. O'Same. I mean, at least Zantius doesn't know where in the Azar Steppe

the stronghold is. It could be way up to the north. Melody said the southern mountains. Oh, southern mountains, of course. So it won't be too far from Kelskaris. We could get the big stone delivered to Kelskaris. Yeah.

Or, alternatively, you could teleport back to ash and rest and then make your way there. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Or just a run and half than home. I think it's the only way. It's crazy. It's crazy there's no spell for teleportation except teleport, teleport circle.

Let's put it this way. If you're traveling to a stronghold where they keep like Plain-R prisoners and like Crown Steel, do you think that they're gonna have big trees there? Like a big twee in the middle of the prison. There are like ethereically connected to all the other trees.

They're all connected. Because it's so far away. They're all connected. Tom? It's the way the magic works. I don't actually know. The more you dig into this, the less than all three is going to work.

Reply to your boyfriend. I rolled an at 20 on that, so. Are you replying to your boyfriend? Mara's a DM. Yeah? I would like my sending... Ultimate control. Text me back, bro.

Please. Teleport circle there. Likely teleporting back. Not sure. how long we'll be in the stronghold. Okay. You've got ten words left, so... No, that's it.

Okay, yeah, sure. Yeah, you don't get a sending spell back this time. Yeah, I think that that conveys pretty much everything. But it's also, you've conveyed most of the information you need to. Oh, it's not there. The, I don't think it would be, you need to make a role for this. But yeah, obviously, Obsidious has acquired Nixomist. Well, yes.

has gained information from them. You know the fact that the High Inquisites have told you that the body that was there was not theirs. But the tattoo was? The tattoo was, Lizzie. I'm just gonna play both sides at this point. They can throw me around like a rag doll. Sure.

I reckon I'm sure this has made a deal. With a diadem. Or with Nixiris in particular. To save their life. If I pretend at least temporarily that I'm not suspicious of obsidious and just willing to work with him in saying like, hey, when it comes to the ecliptic order, is there anything you want me to do?

Yeah, there wasn't anything for that. He didn't ask for anything from you, so just apart from keep them, stop them interfering. When it comes to the time that he reveals himself as a big, big traitor, teleport behind him, nothing personnel kid. Fear a plan. Stap, stab, stab. No, it's crazy that that spell.

doesn't exist in 2024. Unfortunately, it does. Now, I could make it... Which is fucking ridiculous, by the way of the video. I could make it disappear, Tom. I've got... Can I make an icono? No, no, no, no.

No, as in like, you could bribe me and I could be like, yeah, weird, I think I'm going to ban that stuff, actually. But you could count a bit. What are we talking? Could we change it to... Why do we have to bid on our rules for D&B? I'm sorry?

Can we do it? You don't have to. I'm saying Tom could try to. I'm opening paper. Don't. Can we do it where it's not new plan? Do you need a new wardrobe, Tom? That's all I'm saying.

I've got a lot of things saved on wish lists. It's via water because Gruff is very water base, so he needs like, you know, like a well or like a pool of water. I do love that though, because I think traveling via like a pool or a well, it's actually way more thematic than going through a tree. But you, you know what I'm okay with that? Because I can see you Kim, you'd be the type to be like,

ice is frozen water, so I'm going to be like, I can travel to ice. I can create water. Exactly, so there'd be limitations. You could still do the tree thing because the tree's drinking. Trees mostly water. Why is it better, Tom, if it was a bucket of water?

No, no, no, no, no. I would not be allowed my buckets of water. It's something. It's something. So it's stupid if it's a bucket of water, but if it's a potted plant in the middle of the house. No, I wouldn't allow a plotted plant in town. Not damn right.

I wouldn't allow a potter plant in town. It has to be a rooted, large plant, like a tree. Could it be the spot? like we turn up at the spa. If we changed it to be like a water travel, yeah, potentially. You know what I grew's going all the time then. There's a Xanthia spilling out my terms. But no, I am very much like a you can't carry a potted, potted plant

and be like trying to put it on a no ship. No, bullshit. Sorry, don't care what rules has written is, bullshit. To be fair, I think it does say you have to have a big tree. It's large. It's got to be so you could fit through it. Yeah. But unfortunately, there's a lot.

lot of ways of like, well actually I'm gonna cast this and then put it in a bag of holding and now we have come and try, I'm like bullshit. Who would do that? Well, Druids have growth as well so they can make plants grow big and then transport with that. But anyway, moving on. This is silly.

That's my sending. Is there anything you guys would like to do before you travel up to Bright Shadow Cathedral and meet with High Inquisitor again? You have plenty of time. This was all happening very early morning so you have essentially a day to go and do bits around town or inquire or do anything that you like to do. I think Rowan will knock on Ophila's door. Okay.

I like not going to knock on. And it looks identical to that time where he looked like he was gonna knock and didn't. Okay. But he does actually knock this time. This time he hesitates and then knocks. Yeah. I think Percy would. Mother, he's just like, Mother, Rowan is at the door. Shall I let him in?

Yes, let him in. Place him in, Perth. Hello, Rowl. Oh, that was very proud. Did they scare you? I apologize. Ow! Riemann's ears! That was really there.

Sorry for headphone listeners. We got limiters on our mics, but not these ears. Not that much. Not that much. Please come in. Thank you, Percy. I always forget. Hello Ophelia. Hello, Rowan.

Ophelia's just sort of sat on the bed looking at her half-finished veil, just sort of looking out the window. I noticed that the little discussion you had with Malady seemed to shake you a little bit, and he's going to dip into his bag, be like, Red Velvet Cake. Oh, that is a good idea. I mean, that's a good choice.

I love the fact that Roan thinks he has to say it out loud. He's saying it out of that. He's like, Red Velvet Cake. I'm just thinking it. He puts it on a plate. Thank you. I don't have a fork. That's fine. That's fine.

Percy pulls out a fork. Thank you, Percy. He's always got for a bit. Whole coloury set on him. Percy, would you mind stepping outside for a minute? Of course, Mother. Thank you. Steps outside.

Close to the door. Please. Please. I was going to kill you. Please, don't buy me. Please, please, and buy me. Please, and buy me. I won't bite you.

What? What? I feel like it off. Ah! No, the last couple of days have been odd. Yeah, I want to apologize for that. No, no need to apologize. It's fine. Everything is fine, I think. Hey, would you like to go shopping? Always. So we're going to the as our step, by the way, update. Are we? Yes, Deva, blacksmith, um,

Daisy's willing to help, which is great. Also, Lucent Peaks, essence for Xanthius. It's a win, win, win. Oh, yes. The essence is, yes. However, go to the Azar Step. You know what that means? We're going to your house. Lots of hills. Lots of inclines. Yeah, my place.

I don't have, anyway, we should get appropriate clothing for the Azar Step. Well, what would you recommend? Clothes. Layers. Layers. Footwear. Waterproof clothing and good footwear.

It's going to be wet. Okay. I can deal with wet. That feels very homely. That's fine. Okay. Good. Really? Well... You're so prim and proper. I haven't been so prim and proper, but Ossius isn't exactly warm. Ah, well, good, because he has our steps not exactly warm either. Good. I'm, I'll be honest, I'm kind of fed up with the warm weather.

It's been... Coldress's hot. It's been really hot. It's really hot. I need to get my sunglasses back from... I've been wearing these really... tight leather pants I got from that store this whole time. Wait.

No, you have not. Yeah. I don't have any others. Usually I'm free-balling. I mean, TMI, Rowan, but also... TMI to you too, Ophelia. TMI. T-M-I.

I'm not... Okay, I'm not... I'm thinking about that way too much. So let's go shopping. Let's go shopping. And if you want to talk... about anything, I have really big ears. And my mouth can get very, very small.

Mm-hmm. I leave it with you. Quassant. What? The whole supply of a latte fun is gone in one day. Yes. Very gold-to-res. At this rate, it will be.

I have a question for you. Oh. My mouth? Your mouth, yes. How do you feel about your powers? What do you mean? How do I feel about them? Yes.

Oh boy. Yep. Very cool. How does Rowan look when he says that? Maybe you can make a perception, deception, for Rowan and then I feel like an insight roll. Don't tell which one you're using. Rowan, just roll either.

I roll a three. Okay. I rolled a five. Add your bonuses. Nine total for me. I have too much stuff on my desk. Eight. Okay, so you do read Rowan,

so obviously definitely seems to be holding something back. Wave us a little bit and the tone of his voice at the end. I only ask because, obviously, you don't, or you don't really know where your powers came from. They weren't specifically, like, they weren't given to you, I suppose, willingly, should I say? Well, it depends on your perspective, I guess. I suppose.

Maybe I was destined to fall into a proto-magic fault. See, that's interesting. The word destiny, who's to say that my fate wasn't destiny and that I meant to be here at this moment in time, and I meant to have these powers, and I meant to worship the Gravefather as I have been. Absolutely, and no one would doubt you for that. But also, is it...

Important for the Grafather to test and shake your destiny and your will and have all these other players ask you whether you're making the right choices or whether you even had a choice to begin with? Is my mouth too big? No. I don't think the Greyfather really likes when people are shaken. You know, tow the line, so to speak. So why would the Greyfather even allow the idea of it?

I could say it's confidence, perhaps. Pride. Prejudice. Prejudice. And yet it's, I can't help you feel the same that it's my pride. I... I mean, you should be proud because you're up against it, right? You have your lands of Osseus, your traditions, your culture,

and you're coming up against wall after wall. People doubting you and saying that your religion is heretical and... and strange and odd. And for you to carry that pride and be confident and not fall to that and show what's good about Ossi aside, I respect. I think that's great. But where does that end

and where does the Gravefather's teachings begin? Oh, what's coming from you, from your heart? Do your heart beat? I never mind. It does at the minute. Okay, cool. So what comes from you and what's just been said from your teachings that you're just saying without thinking? Well, I've believed every word that I've said. What I've said I've not said without conviction.

Great. I have these powers and they come from Ulthay. And to me, if I miss out the middle bit, that's great. I just don't like that how I got it. how I got them. I didn't have a choice. And I don't know what it means, but I think I've just been, something happened to me

and I've just been spat back out. But to me, I'm making the most of what I have. But I don't think I'm doing it for Althe. And I don't think Althei wanted me to do it. Just happened. You see that sort of lingering as Ophelia is deep in thought at Rowan's sort of advice.

Just to cut back, is there anything that Daisy, Xanthius or Gruffeth would like to do? I don't want my only takeaway from that conversation to be, do your heartbeat? It's an important piece. Now we know. And is there anything that anybody on the other side of the table or Groff would like to do? Gross checking the mail. Just yeah? There's nothing.

Nothing yet, unfortunately. He's just going to stare out of a window then. Okay. Looking at the mailbox. There's no mail today, they've come and been, so... He's staring at the mailbox. Sure, sure. The male's already been today.

You want a cup of tea or something? Oh, there might be a second delivery or something. Okay, but if there is, can you not jump on them and shout, Charlotton? It's only the one time. I know, but it's just the male people are a bit scared of you because of that now. Well, they shouldn't be Charlottons then.

Well, if there is nothing else, My assumption would be Rowan and Fila, you go shopping, you buy a few sort of waterproof cloaks and things like that, some good hiking boots perhaps. Get them for the team as well. Yeah, I pick them up for the team. Just like at least part shows and things like that. And I think that you being a Yotnir from the Azar step, you kind of know the sorts of things you're going to need on the road. You know, you want a good waterproof cloak. You do know that the storms are very brutal, so you probably get like some extra secure tents and things like that, ways that you can stay safe.

should you get caught out in a random storm. We also need to get custom booties for Rodry. Very important. You won't be able to say Rodry with you, unfortunately, because you're going through the teleportation circle, through the bright shadow. You're going straight in from strong. Broan cries halfway through the shop.

Just realizing that you wouldn't be able to say robbery with you. You get me a poncho that has a really big hood so it fits all of Daisy's hair in it. I imagine Rowan would think to do that, something that you can wrap in. Yeah. And we jump ahead some time as the sun begins to set, and you all make your way up to Bright Shadow Cathedral.

You arrive just as outside the cathedral. You can see that the church's guards have sort of cordoned off the main plaza, and civilians aren't being allowed anywhere nearby, because you can see that in front of the cathedral, Heinquis de Ragus and the seven brothers and sisters, sisters, the various other brothers and sisters that were accompanying him, have got the boxes, the reliquaries that contain the crown steel, holding them very protectively. You can see Sir Morning and Sir Glory, and several of the other Holy Warries are all part

of this retinue, like sort of protecting the front of the cathedral. As you can see, they are preparing and preparing a ritual circle for a teleportation. As you arrive, August will sort of look over, ah, you are just in time. We are just about to head off, but I can spare a few moments if there is something that you would like to discuss. Can we come with you? To what end, my dear, you wish to come to our stronghold? Well, we would really like to speak to the blacksmith.

Ah, yes. Yes, that makes sense. I can offer you that we can take you to Gallowseri. You will be able to speak with the person you speak of. I cannot offer you transportation back. You will have to make your way through the Azar Step and through Kalskaris if you wish to return. That's okay.

We're going to visit ruins from the Azar Step, so you'll visit on the way back. I should warn you, my dear, that we house dangerous criminals at Gallo's area, but you should be more than safe. It is a prison, it is secure. There are various wards in place. But yes, I think that this is something we can do.

And perhaps you will be able to offer us some insight. if you are able to question the spirit about this Jaeger and can learn information from us. But I think that this is a very suitable and earnest request, and your assistance with the crownfall deserves such assistance. So yes, I would be pleased to take you. We are traveling by a teleportation circle. When the gate is opened, you will only have a few moments. Please follow through as quickly as you possibly can.

Do not delay, not even for a second. You must step through very immediately, or you will be left behind. Or worse, if you are halfway through the portal, I cannot guarantee any safety or what will happen to you. Our priority is to take the crown steel through first, but then you are more than welcome to follow briefly afterwards. I would ask that when you arrive, a moment, please, my good friend. When you first arrive, do not make sudden movements. I will need to announce that we are bringing additional travelers with us. The guards will be on alert.

So please, just stand very still. Do not make sudden movements when you arrive, please. Okay. Okay. Okay. And you are all comfortable coming. I'm assuming you are all traveling. Yes.

Very well. And you're, yes, yes. And you had a question. Yep. I inquest to Argus. How many of us can we have? I would say that the five of you, it would be very difficult to take any others.

I'm assuming that the sister superiors will remain here as they are not present. What about? They're staying an RN at the moment. Ah, they will. We have a sixth, who's Ophelia's servant. Do you have Percy with you when you've walked up here? Is he just come with you automatically?

I'd say it, because she doesn't know if you can come or not, so he'll come. Argus, the other brothers and sisters just see this robed figure and don't know, seem to know what Percy is. Argus will look and he thinks for a really long time, eyeing Percy quite hard. You see the eye flare. I will allow you to bring your sixth, but I cannot guarantee their safety

and that our wards will not interfere with the magic's present, Sister Ophelia. You must understand that if you choose to bring your servant with you, that we are not responsible for any harm or damage to them. I must ask that of you. independently. Thank you.

Oh, your consideration? I do not wish to cause a diplomatic incident with the House of Blood. Um, Percy? Yes, Mother. Yes, uh, would you mind going back to Tyria's rest for me and just waiting there for me to get back? Very well, if that is what you wish, Mother. Thank you, yes, I just want to make sure you're safe. Oh, very well.

Bess makes his way up. I love you. Argus will lean in if I may see. I think that was a very wise course of action. My other brothers and sisters, I am aware of your servant. And yes, you are protected by diplomatic means. Some of the other brothers and sisters and the guards at the area would not look very favorably upon your servant.

I think you have made a wise decision. Thank you. Well, if everything else is prepared... Or if that space is free. We can't bring Rodry. Why not? He's quite big. I bought those boots anyway.

We might need them in the future. They're really cute. Okay. I will begin the ritual. And you see Argus, his eye, burst into blue flame, and with a giant sort of raised, dark grey pore, he holds his hand over this circle of runes made of holy salt that's being poured out. And he begins chanting holy scripture to Malir as a very silver,

like silver moonlight door begins to appear. As soon as it seems to stabilize the brothers and sisters carrying the reliquaries between them, march through immediately. There is no hesitation. Argus is like, go now, immediate and

it expects you to follow. Do you all just basically just bundle through no hesitation? Rowan, we have to go now. Roderie can't make it. I get cut it off. No, I'm a little storm through. You storm through, everybody does. Argus follows through as the last one, sort of holding the portal open.

When you arrive, there is this immediate, magical alarm that seems to go off in the chamber. And you see, you kind of blink as you feel this sudden rush of movement. You find yourself no longer stood in Ash and Rest, but in a square stone fortified room. you are stood in sort of a large circular, permanent teleportation circle that's been laid in brass on the floor and you can see that all of the walls there are dozens of ruins, all sort of flashing and blaring.

There is also coloured floating lights that are now flashing red as well and directly in front of you you see the brothers and sisters with the reliquaries as a squadron of about four to five heavily armored looking holy guards basically point crossbows with shields and things like that in preparation.

Argus immediately lets out to stand down, lower the alarm. Plina magic is anticipated. These are guests. And you hear the guards sort of say like, of course, Inquisitor. Send forth, disable the alarm. And immediately the lights turn to a very neutral white light and the alarm sound stops.

Is it okay? have we move now? Yes, you both. Okay. I need to make sure that the guards knew. Welcome to Gallows Aerie, my guests. And with that, we're gonna take our break. Nice.

As you arrived, and traveled millions and millions of miles, well not millions, but you've traveled miles and miles to the Azar Step. We'll learn more about Gallo's Aerie very shortly. But we're gonna take our five minute break. Enjoy the fan-up video and everything else, and we'll see you very, very shortly.

See it a bit. Bye now. Getting ready for a game means being ready for anything. Like packing a spare stick. I like to be prepared. That's why I remember, 988, Canada's suicide crisis helpline. It's good to know, just in case. Anyone can call or text for free confidential support from a train responder anytime. 988 suicide crisis helpline is funded by the government in Canada.