Podcast Summary: Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry – Chapter Three: God is With You | Ten Candles: Eclipse
Episode Information
- Title: Chapter Three: God is With You
- Podcast: Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry
- Host/Author: Geek & Sundry (Hosted by Daryl Crittenden)
- Description: An immersive actual play session of the tabletop horror role-playing game Ten Candles: Eclipse. This episode delves into tragic narratives and character-driven stories set against the backdrop of a world overtaken by darkness and despair.
- Release Date: April 14, 2025
1. Introduction and Character Setup ([01:26] - [04:00])
Host Daryl Crittenden welcomes both returning and new players to the session, expressing excitement about introducing new faces to the game. The players present are:
- Ivan Van Norman as Oliver Cash, a truck driver seeking escape from monotony.
- Michelle Wynn Bradley as Elliot Arlon, a software engineer drawn to Mount Fuji by chance.
- Mary Beth Baker (played by Xander Jeanneret) as Eve Fam, a waitress searching for purpose.
- Julia Dennis as herself, with previous experience in Relics and Rarities.
Notable Quote:
- Daryl Crittenden ([01:48]): “I am very, very excited to have all of you at the table because we have some new faces, people I've never played with before.”
2. Establishing Virtues and Vices ([07:00] - [10:00])
Players engage in character creation, focusing on their characters' virtues (positive traits) and vices (flaws). This process involves passing cards around and writing down personal attributes that will influence their actions and decisions throughout the game.
Notable Quotes:
- Michelle Wynn Bradley ([09:00]): “Headstrong. I told you. Headstrong.”
- Mary Beth Baker ([09:23]): “It's a selflessness of. Selfless.”
3. Setting the Scene: Aftermath of the Great Wave ([11:00] - [20:00])
Daryl sets the stage for the current chapter. Eleven days prior, a catastrophic tidal wave obliterated regions below 5,000 feet, leaving only the summit of Mount Fuji intact. The players find themselves confined in a bed and breakfast on the mountain, grappling with dwindling supplies and the psychological strain of isolation.
Notable Quote:
- Daryl Crittenden ([11:38]): “...the tidal wave hit all of basically the eastern part of the Pacific and destroyed presumably since it washed over everything except for the very top of Mount Fuji.”
4. The Descent: Searching for Supplies ([30:00] - [50:00])
Faced with scarcity, the group decides to descend Mount Fuji to scavenge for supplies. During their descent, they encounter a submerged SUV. Investigating the vehicle, they discover a dead body—a baby—leading to immediate tension and moral conflict among the players.
Notable Quotes:
- Eliot Arlon ([28:22]): “I think we should get down there and see what's there and what we can use and maybe find a way off this island.”
- Mary Beth Baker ([50:19]): “We're doing Great.”
5. Confrontation and Collapse ([55:00] - [90:00])
As the group continues to search, internal conflicts escalate. Ivan reveals a dark secret—he secretly killed the baby in the SUV, causing a rift in the group. This revelation leads to a physical confrontation, resulting in Mary Beth being trapped and the group succumbing to a mudslide that threatens their survival.
Notable Quotes:
- Ivan Van Norman ([82:37]): “I'm the one that's brave enough to do what it takes, okay, to save all your asses.”
- Mary Beth Baker ([94:04]): “I need help. I'm the one that needs a little bit of help.”
6. Final Struggle and Sacrifice ([100:00] - [120:00])
The remaining survivors face relentless threats from mysterious entities lurking in the mud. Xander's character, Mary Beth, grapples with her faith and the desperate measures needed to protect the group. In a climactic moment, Ivan attempts to save Mary Beth by holding her, only to be dragged into the abyss by another ominous presence emanating from the monolith.
Notable Quotes:
- Mary Beth Baker ([121:52]): “We are making a hard decision.”
- Ivan Van Norman ([125:07]): “I know you didn't do anything wrong.”
7. Conclusion and Aftermath ([170:00] - [175:00])
As the session draws to a close, the characters confront the overwhelming darkness enveloping Mount Fuji. Mary Beth makes a sacrificial decision, attempting to baptize Ivan, which ultimately leads to his demise. The group realizes the futility of their efforts as the monolith's influence proves insurmountable, resulting in a somber end to their tragic journey.
Notable Quotes:
- Mary Beth Baker ([142:37]): “I think this is what we're supposed to do. Nothing else here in this messed up situation makes sense.”
- Xander Jeanneret ([164:07]): “We march on. And we're just dragging him.”
8. Reflections from Departed Characters ([172:28] - [177:00])
In a post-game segment, the characters share reflective messages:
- Ivan Van Norman expresses regret and thanks the host for the opportunity to explore deeper emotions.
- Mary Beth Baker speaks about the randomness of survival and finding a sense of aliveness despite dire circumstances.
- Michelle Wynn Bradley reflects on unfulfilled dreams and the importance of seizing opportunities.
Notable Quotes:
- Ivan Van Norman ([172:28]): “I just wanted to thank you for giving me that.”
- Mary Beth Baker ([174:14]): “I spent all of my life waiting to become something more. But now there's not a lot of time left.”
Conclusion
Chapter Three: God is With You delivers a poignant and harrowing narrative, showcasing the depths of human emotion and the complexities of survival in a world drowning in darkness. Through intense character interactions and dramatic plot twists, the episode encapsulates the essence of horror role-playing, leaving listeners both moved and reflective on the fragile nature of hope and humanity.
Additional Notes
- Quotes Selection: Only key interactions and pivotal moments with clear speaker attribution and timestamps have been included to maintain focus on the core narrative.
- Skipped Sections: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content-related dialogues have been intentionally excluded to preserve the summary's coherence and relevance.
- Flow and Structure: The summary progresses logically through the episode's timeline, ensuring clarity for readers unfamiliar with the podcast.