Ashton (0:00)

Score game changing innovations with limited time deals on select next gen Alienware gaming tech. New dimensions await with advanced gaming systems like the Alienware M18 R2 laptop powered by an Intel Core i9 processor featuring awe inspiring visuals, liquid cooling, three dimensional audio with Dolby Atmos and impressive overclocking potential. Your dream setup, amazing prices and free shipping await you for a limited time only@alienware.com deals that's alienware.com deals free fries Friday three great words, especially in that exact order. Get a free medium fries with $1 minimum purchase valid one time on Fridays at participating McDonald's through 1231 25. Excludes tax. Must opt into rewards hey there Critter Podcast listeners. We have a special new membership service at Beacon TV where you get early access to all new podcast episod episodes including Critical Role. For the first time ever. Beacon members also get things like live event presales, merch discounts, access to a private community discord, and new exclusive series like Critical Role Cooldown. Think of it as our digital Critical Role land. Head on over to Beacon TV to check it out for yourself and start a seven day free trial. Thank you so much for your support for being a podcast listener and for being part of our community. Hey there Critters. We are so excited to share with you our brand new podcast from the world of Exandria. The Re Slayer's Take in this audio adventure, you'll be guided through the wild continent of Issylra, home to some of the most dangerous creatures. Here, the Slayer's Take is the most notorious monster hunting group in the realm. But when previously slain creatures start returning from the grave, it's up to six misfit mercenaries to band together and reslay these supernatural threats as the reslayers take. So come follow along these audio escapades as the second coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria battle a growing undead army of dangerous creatures. The party is led by a duo of game masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams, with the main cast including Jasmine Bular, Caroline Lux and Jasmine Sheong. Listen to new episodes every Monday anywhere you stream podcasts or become a Beacon member and listen to the podcast two weeks early and uninterrupted by ads. Hello spellcasters, sages and spectators. I'm Ashley Johnson and you're listening to the Critical Role Podcast Network. Tap into our magical narrative by watching Critical Role as it airs on Thursdays at 7pm Pacific on Twitch TV, CriticalRole or YouTube.com CriticalRole Twitch subscribers can watch the video on demand right away, or you can catch it the following Monday on YouTube. As always, critical Role will be available right here in podcast form on Thursdays, a week after the initial broadcast. And now let's SCRY into the story and see what mysteries it holds for us, shall we? And welcome back, of course. Up top, you'll notice a little different from where we left off if you saw the video at break. This was shot in chunks because halfway through our actual finale filming, we had the winds and fire hit in a state of emergency and we had to stop. So we're picking this up a ways after, when it's safe and everyone can reconvene. So nevertheless, we come into a dark, shadowy realm, a place where distant glimmers of floating golden threads drift from an invisible wind. There amongst and a little bit above the ever undulating flow of deep crimson that marks this platformed, liminal space, a figure suddenly arise in a swirling swath of black feathers. Well, Vax'ildan, if I could have you return to the table, please. The brief gift, filled with more distant than maybe you were hoping for in your night in Whitestone was both filling and hard, slipping away faster than you had hoped, both in time and in maybe brief connection. And before you could even truly grasp what that could be or could have been, here you are, plucked from it, your eyes refocusing in the familiar dark plane of your matron. There, as your cloak unfurls and falls to a calm stance, you look up to the familiar white porcelain mask of the Matron of Ravens. Welcome back. I am ever at your core. Indeed, times are mutable as of late, more so than perhaps I could have seen. But maybe that's the point, for even the matron herself may have a thread of her own beyond her vision. There was always a wake that I could not peer past. And in this moment, I stand at the top of that wall and look down into a future of possibility, frightful and exciting. She raises a hand. And emerging from the shadow to your right, another figure, one you've had a distant awareness of, but one of unexpected arrival here in the Matron's realm. In a familiar flutter of dark feathers, you see a pale lagomorph in dark armors. Morrigan, if you wouldn't mind coming to the table, please. Morgan, you who were taken as a chosen of the Matron in recent times, here in the crux of this great, terrible, intense climb to an unknown answer, you were brought to the front lines and then pulled aside a new, unclear path of guidance by The Goddess of death and transition. Here in the midst of its throes and the end of the conflict that you were so hoping to be present and part of you are plucked and brought here and to your side. You see, truly, for the first time in person, a figure you've heard quite a bit about. The champion of the Matron, Vaxalan. Wow. Vax'ildan. I'm Morgan. It's nice to meet you. I have seen you from afar. I've seen you as well. You. You've been like a fine mist marking ahead of my path. For the last few weeks, I think that Vax has spent what feels like a amorphous amount of time, which is stretched and hard to really calculate the length of. And all that time, in this liminal space, it has been the matron and he. And he's not sure if it is the tumult back on Exandria or some other reason. He cannot ken that for the first time, the matron has brought another here. But he's learned it's better to listen rather than ask aimless questions. In this moment of tense, perhaps even mildly confused eye contact, you both feel a shift. And as you glance back towards the matron, her form encompassing the majority of the space of your vision, she is immense. This is her realm. This is her. In that brief moment of perspective, you feel so small, but still embraced, still protected, like children held in the arms of a mother, as you hear her voice now echo through your minds, through your very souls. Today is a strange day. But one that will keep me and the rest of the gods of Exandria safe. For we step beyond a boundary we had not thought possible, though some of us had briefly walked it once before. For Dathos is loose. The God Eater seeks our end. So we will no longer be gods. With the aid of some clever mortal upstarts, I've reforged the Rite of Ascension. And in this singular, carefully stretched moment of time before I crossed that threshold, we've all agreed to join the cycle of mortal rebirth and abscond from the scent of the Red End. Yeah. But will you be okay? Are you going to be okay? I believe so. Though for a time, it shall be different. With this rite, I have bound us to this Realm of Exandria, not unlike how the Kryn's luxon binds their souls to their great relic. And so, in but a moment, we will be gone. Reborn. Somewhere in this world. Where will I find you? You'll need us at your side at all times. You're going to Be very vulnerable. Well, the role of the champion has never been more important to the sanctity and future of Exandria. Once only mantles granted in times of crisis. Now a role eternally entwined with the coming age. Each piece of ourselves carved away and given autonomy. A fragment of us that can stay behind. And when you are gone, the wheel of life and death will continue to turn. Her arm reaches out over Morrigan and grasps her. Indeed you and the rest that will join you. As her hands clasp over you, you feel this cold shake into your very person. This uncontrollable shudder as the darkness completely takes you in. But it's welcoming as much as it is frightening. Like a momentary return to a womb you'd forgotten. You see a flash behind your closed eyelids of the great golden skein of fate. For a brief moment, you see across hundreds of thousands of gossamer threads. You see beyond the true realm of death. And you feel the pain, the peace, the welcoming joy of every moment's end. And then, as her fingers pull back, you. Or the same, but different. You can feel your heartbeat slow. You feel the leathers you wore, themselves now given exaggeration and purpose. As the matron says, where once there was one, there is now two. She places you back onto the ground. And there may be more to come. You are now the guardians of our realm and our faith while we are gone, While we are born and grow, until you find us, each and every. In every cycle. I think Morgan is just so excited to have a clear direction finally after all this time. Weeks. It's just been, stop, start, stop, start. And I've been held back by the matron, and I didn't really understand why. I thought it was some lack that I had on my end. I wasn't strong enough. You know, this is all I want. I promise I will find you and I will defend you with my life. You are now joined the vaxel, then as warden to my realm. Like a real champion. Wow. A shared mantle to escort the souls of those who pass through it. You are to endure long past your years age suspended within feather and shadow. For many, you will be fear. For many, you will be hope. For many more your will be a peaceful end. You will both be my face when I cannot be. And she pulls her mask free, revealing the beautiful, if sorrowful, human face that she once wore from her mortal days. One you've not witnessed and one you've not witnessed in some time. And you can see it wet with streaks of black tears. I've grown very accustomed to our time here. I'm wondering what to do to pass the time in your absence. Baxl'dan I Sweet shadow. She steps forward. As she steps, her full size and scale seems to shift in a blink until she is your size. Maybe even a little shorter. She reaches up and her long dark fingers curl across your cheek and touch the edge of your ear. Her face does not smile, but you feel it. You are tasked to walk Exandria as my symbol, to seek me out wherever and however I may return and aid in restoring this skein of fate in my mortal ascendance. But now you are not alone, sweet champion, and the others of our faith will also be at your beck and call. And once I am found, may we all greet this new age with renewed perspective and perhaps some clarity on what fate now demands of us all. How will I know it's you? You could come back as anyone. Theoretically. Like a dog or a monkey. Like anything. How will I know? I believe we are bound to the the mortal races that we ourselves have been shepherding. But there may be a few abnormalities. Given the short time I had to construct this. It's odd to hear a slight chuckle creep from her grin. A grin that once again is felt but not seen on her face. I guess we shall see. You are at peace with this change? I am. I'll be lying if I didn't express elements of my mortal life that I've grown to miss, while also excited to see those who came before me to truly understand the beauty of that which they have protected, manipulated, and ultimately shepherded all this time. I dare say I might be scared and exhilarated. And the threats will hold. They have to. They have to. Her voice rings and echoes through the chamber. As her voice rings out, you hear this resonant vibration of almost hundreds, thousands of these strings vibrating like some sort of an odd discordant instrument before it all comes to silence once more. You have been so loyal, sweet raven, given so much as the paths of fate have demanded of you. But now you do not walk alone. And as you search for me, you will set foot across familiar and unfamiliar lands in your realm. I wish that you would allow your burdens be carried. And I wish you to take take some time through this new, strange age to enjoy the fruits of your labor. She watches that sink in. I hope you will afford yourself the same in your next life. We shall see. Whatever it brings, the passions, the joys, the sadness, the pain. I want it all, and much of it I deserve. I still have faith in all you've safeguarded all this time. We have much to do. Yes. She steps forward and places her hand on your chest. You feel this warmth surge through your torso, just a little wave of. And you watch as the faintest bit of color returns to the pale cheeks of Axeldan. You. You feel what was long, a still and silent heartbeat beat for the first time in decades. Take a fragment of your life back. There is more than your duty now. You've shown me your true loyal self. But you are loyal to many. And I've held you as my own, greedily, for too long. His face holds stoic, but his eyes glisten for the first time in many an age. Come find me. And in the times where you need to rest, where you need to lean, Go to them. Go to her. Listen, I know we don't know each other very well, but I find myself very unencumbered and very hungry for just about anything, honestly. So I can help you. I think we're going to get along well. I think so, too. I think we'll be friends. My sweet champions. I'll see you again. In this moment, it's almost like you go to open your mouth and everything's frozen. This stillness as she steps back into the shadow and darkness takes you both. Now, if I could have you both please leave the table. Yes. And if we can, go ahead and bring Deanna in here, if you don't mind. Thank you both. There she is. Hi. Hi. I got lost on the way in. That happens. No worries. Hi. Hi. So, Dana. Yeah. In the chaos of recent times, you and Frieda, trekking through the lengths and breadths of what you have access to in Vasselheim and beyond, to try and make sense and offer what aid as you can to this ever growing climax of tension, fear and conflict. It is here, in the middle of Vasselheim, that you, amongst many, witnessed something that none expected. But the matron stepping here and the shattering of the divine gate. In moments of absolute still panic that is palpable across the population. Light takes your vision and you feel yourself plucked and pulled to a realm, a familiar bright realm of warm light. As this brief moment seems to pull. And there, the flickering, burning, bright visage of a dawnfather upon his throne, surrounded by endless starlight, leans forward, the welcome heat washing over you as he leans in. You feel that paternal distance fade and the warmth wash over you. Deanna. Are you okay? I know. I know I'm supposed to be mad. And I. We didn't leave on great terms. But are you okay? We are all fine. That's good. We have discussed and agreed to a unique means of ending all of this sorrow. What do you mean ending? We are to join you in the cycle of mortality and leave Predathos to starve in the stars where it belongs. But as such, we will be leaving you for a time. I will be leaving you. But we will be back in faces you may not recognize. And there will be a time in which the world will be without our guidance. I want to step forward and close the distance between us. There's. There's something about him that always has commanded such distance and reverence and that looking up and looking away. But if he's going to reclaim or claim for the first time mortality and what that means, I think I just don't want him to feel alone while he does it. You step towards him and the heat is intense. At a certain threshold, that distance is given three physicality. Even in this prayer like vision space you push through it and where the pain would begin to take over, you notice there is no ignition. There's just a burning sensation that becomes a renewed warmth like a hot spring. As you look at your head and look back at this massive armored figure, you see maybe a seven foot figure of burning head standing there before you. The heavy sound of metals clacking onto the ground as armor falls away, leaving there standing slightly less oppressively bright, but a burning figure in simple robes looking at you, head slightly cocked with confusion. Come here. Bring it in. Come on. All the way down. You could have made me tall. It's your vision. The Dawnfather steps forward and kneels down, placing his arms around you. It is that unique overlapping of a sensation of heat that should hurt, but it just feels comforting. You feel the flicker of the flame and the intense vibration of the energy that he himself as the guardian of light and life and day. And in this moment you just hear him sigh into your ear. Yeah. I'm sorry for my distance. Me too. I don't blame you for any of it. Oh, this is weird. There's something about being a parent. You just try to make the best choices you can for your family. And I don't know what you've been through or how long it's been, but I do know something about having to start over and how scary that can be. But you're gonna be okay. I don't even know if you need comforting. Maybe I just kinda need to hear that for me too. We're gonna be okay. I know we are. Are you scared? You don't have to tell me. I don't know what I'm feeling. Maybe I've never given myself a moment of self reflection. It's regret. It's pride. It's concern. It's. It's defeat. It's excitement. Is this what it's like to be mortal? I suppose it is. It's a lot of things. All the time. And it's so much to manage. Can I give you a little advice? Please find people. All of this can be too much. But if you have people, it's all worth it. All of the pain and the fear and the joy and the love. Sometimes it's easy to forget. But it's everywhere in this world you built. That you and your family built. And I don't know if. I don't know if I've ever thanked you for that. Thank you for all of this. You did a really good job. And I want to just, like, kind of stroke his hair. Like I'm comforting one of my kids. Like any parent. We're just trying to do our best. Yeah. Mistakes. And all our mistakes are never what define us. They're what we do next. I was very cruel to you when I asked you if you were worth saving. You can't save everyone. But everyone is worth saving. I remember this feeling. I remember it now. It has been a time. And you feel him start to diminish and the light get darker. I want to just reach out and grab. There's just this weird, desperate burst. One more thing and you can say no. Where will you be? Where will you come back to? Where will you be born? I have no idea. And that's exciting. Okay. But perhaps you or somebody else might find me. The light gets darker and darker still. And through the near blinding light, as it begins to grow dimmer and dimmer, as he begins to drift into shadow like a candle slowly going out. You can see that bewildered smile on his face. Perhaps we meet again. I'm sure of it. And the shadow takes your space. This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. You know, we're always talking about relationship red flags, those warning signs that make us want to run for the hills. But what about green flags? Those beautiful moments when someone shows up for you, respects your boundaries or makes you feel truly heard? If you're having trouble identifying these positive signals or want to become the kind of person who waves those green flags. High therapy can be an amazing tool. It's not just about fixing what's broken. It's about building stronger, healthier relationships. From the ground up. That's where BetterHelp comes in. They've helped over 5 million people worldwide connect with licensed therapists online, making mental health care both accessible and convenient. With more than 30,000 qualified professionals on their platform, you're bound to find someone who gets you and your specific needs. And if your first match isn't quite right, no problem. You can switch therapists anytime at no additional cost. Discover your relationship green flags with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com criticalrole to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp H E L p.com criticalrole. Whether it's for traveling, career advancement, or even just enriching your mind, learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities. So if you're thinking about learning a new language, check out Rosetta Stone. Their immersive lessons can train you to speak and think in the language of your choice from day one and today, Critical role listeners can take advantage of Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership. For 50% off, visit rosettastone.com criticalrole that's 50% off unlimited access to 25 courses@rosettastone.com criticalrole what does the future hold for business? Ask nine experts and you'll get nine different answers. Will interest rates rise or fall? Will inflation go up or down? It's too difficult to predict, so the best thing you can do for your business is prepare for anything. And netsuite by Oracle is an incredible resource to help future proof your organization. Over 41,000 businesses are ready for what's next with NetSuite ranked the 1 Cloud ERP NetSuite can bring accounting, financial management, inventory, HR and more into one fluid platform with a unified business management suite. There's one source of truth giving you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. Whether your company is earning millions or even hundreds of millions, NetSuite helps you respond to immediate challenges and seize your biggest opportunities. Speaking of opportunity, download the CFO's guide to AI and machine learning at netsuite.com criticalrole. The guide is free to you at netsuite.com criticalRole netsuite.com criticalrole Looking to make this Valentine's Day extra special? Well, look no further than 1-800-Flowers.com. this year, 1-800-Flowers is making sure you're a Valentine's hero with an exclusive offer for our listeners. Double the roses for free. This means if you buy one dozen, they'll double your bouquet to two dozen roses. It's the perfect way to say I love you without breaking the bank. Plus at 1-800-Flowers, every stem is hand selected at peak freshness and carefully packaged to ensure they arrive looking stunning. I recently surprised my family with a bouquet and some chocolate covered strawberries from 1-800-Flowers. And it was so nice getting to see their faces light up when it was delivered to the door. So whether you're surprising your special someone or brightening someone's day, check out 1-800-flowers.com and redeem this special offer. Bouquets are selling fast, so lock in your order today. To claim your double your roses offer, go to 1-800-FLowers.com criticalrole. That's 1-800-FLowers. Com criticalrole. As you come back to your perspective here at the darkest point of sunset cresting into night. Now amongst the streets of Vasselheim once more. Looking around you, you see most everyone else is also shaking out of a point of reverie. And you almost know. You realize in this moment that this vision you had likely was not just yours, but likely everyone of a modicum of faith and connection likely had their goodbye. As everyone around blinks tears on their face, some of them looking confused, others sorrowful and openly weeping in the streets. It is the thick chaos of the street around you is brimming and building of people who weren't possibly privy to these visions, who lacked a connection with the gods or those who are still making their own sense of it. You don't know, but it is now just erupting before a hush falls and someone points in the sky. And there you see the entirety of the cosmic skyscape itself. A spread of incredible fractal runes. Divine magics spread and layered in a way that is on a scale impossible to conceive. And you watch it shatter and break. That's when you truly feel the absence of divinity on exandria. And a small dark shape plummet from the sky. It's at this moment you also realize the other person next to you that's been witnessing all this. Your companion, Frida. Frida, if you could please come to the table. Frida. Frida. What's that? Can you tell? I don't know. Does that mean our friends were successful? Make reception check for me. Oh God. Can I provide them the help action? Sure. Squint. 17:17. Glancing up, you see. Looks like a humanoid shape that's plummeting from the sky and it's being carried by the winds off the edge. You're not sure what it might be until the moment that you see a large hammer tumbling with it, you focus in a little more, your aeormaton senses clicking in and trying to take out more details. Zoom. Enhance zoom. This slight faint trail of smoke drifting off of the tumbling, unconscious body of Ashton. We met him with the hammer and the skull. Ashford. Ashford. That's Ashford. Ashford. I take off, you begin pushing through the crowd. You begin to dart through the crowd. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. No, we're all having sort of God crises. There. Gone. It's fine. Excuse me. It is an intense, ever crowded bit of chaos as people are holding onto each other. Bastions are trying to keep order, even those of the highest priesthoods and clerical levels of the great dawn marshals. You can see themselves are head in hands trying to conceive the immensity of what has just happened. An entire city built on the faith of this entire world since history written, suddenly understanding that everything they've built this city around is gone. And before you can push past and get to the edge of the city, people are pointing and talking and whispering about. He's okay, it's okay. You go over to where you think Ashton may have fallen and he's not there anymore. Though people have swarmed in and are starting to have conversations and talk about. Is that the one that said. I thought he was dead. He came back like. Oh my God. Excuse me. I'm just gonna pick whoever's. Looks like they have a little bit more information than everyone else, but excuse me. You see this older grandmotherly figure with a heavy coat on? That's in the past. Like I looked in his face, he had a strange looking glowing marble in the side of his skull. Yes. Yes. His name is Ash. Where did he go? Ashford? Ashford? Mm. I don't know Ashford. But this strange looking rock man and his companions, they were given an escort by all the great bastions and they went up the side of the heaven stair. Oh, thank you. Thank you. Wow, that was dramatic. You're lovely. Can I. Where'd you get your coat? You're so sweet. I knitted this myself. Oh my God. Help. I want to stay and do this more. I think we should. Can I see if I can sense Chetney? If I can smell him? Make a perception check for me. With advantage. I'm using Liam's dice. I love you. I'm sorry. 19. Oh, go off dice. 19. You pick him up. Chetney has a very particular scent you would know. And his faint but glancing up towards the mountain and what she had said, the general path goes that way and you can see where Folks have pushed apart and where a crowd is, you can see in the distance along the outer edge of this climbing mountain, a number of figures that are giving an escort partway up before. Eventually the escort stops and the troop of Bell's Hells are climbing up towards the peak of the mountain. Yeah, let's go. Come on. Okay. Yeah, I'm just going to climb up you. Yeah, you go faster. Go. I think. He climbs up and they hesitate to move. There's a sense of foreboding here. I know what I'm going to walk into and. Just a second. I'm sorry. No, it's okay. I didn't even think about it. It's okay. Why are you. It's okay. I don't know. Will you take a minute? They'll be there. No, we should go to them. We should go to them. You can have a moment for you. We've been running, trying to track down information that could help them. There hasn't been a lot of time we can spend another minute. I love you and I don't know what you're going through, but. I'm sorry. Okay, let's. Let's go. The two of you backtrack a bit towards the core of the city, looking for the base of the stairway that rides up the outer edge of the Heaven Stair Mountain towards the Platinum Sanctuary. Guards are holding it at bay. And you see a number of the armored bastions. Approach and put shields and spears in your way. You're not allowed to approach the Platinum Sanctuary. Please go along with the rest of the crowds. I reach towards my divine magic. As it stands still there, it's still present. It feels sweet. Just so you know, I had a really short communion with the Dawnfather, and I feel like we're in a much better place now. And I'm gonna snap my attention to this guard and I want my eyes and mouth to glow like the sun and say, you're gonna go ahead and move now. Make an intimidation check for me with advantage. Natural 20. Yeah, I did not think that was going to work. As the light beams out of every head, focused orifice, the nostrils, ears, all of it lower, you're just seeing it reflected through armor. The surrounding bastions all take a step back and look at each other. And one of them, you see, that's wearing the symbol of the Dawnfather around their armored breastplate goes, let her through, let her through. And they all step back and let you all begin to pass. As you begin to clamber up the side of the mountain, the Last bit of sunlight beginning to fade as night begins to take over. It is a long climb up the side of this mountain. And there is a moment I'm out of breath. I'm out of breath for no reason. Just hydro ventilating on you. You're doing great. Holding Diana on your shoulders. Trekking up the stairway is mostly empty. Past a certain point, the bastions begin to fall thin until it's just the two of you, primarily you, trekking up this dark staircase up to the winding path towards the top. And then there's this kind of, for lack of a better term, an energy in the air. Like that. That feeling like lightning is about to strike, where everyone stops and you find yourself, your pace coming to a halt for reasons you can't explain. Something atmospheric, something seismic is about to happen. Instinctually, you both glance up towards the peak of the mountain that you are only partway up. You watch as an endless expanding cavalcade of dark red, purple and black cloud like energy seems to just spray out into the sky, consuming an entire portion of the darkened cosmic expanse above you. You watch as it roils and twists and seems to almost scream silently up towards the stars. You can't even fathom the scale and size of it as it begins to spread, until eventually that roiling mass begins to grow darker and more distant. Until eventually you just see that black spot in the sky where no stars are visible. And one by one, they begin to return. Freda? Freda. Is this another one of those Applebee Soulcycles? It might be. I really hope this means they won. It's gotta be, right. They have to. You continue up the stairs, cresting on the horizon of the mountain as a troop of familiar figures are stepping away from the edge. Can I have the rest of Bell's house at the table, please? If you went on a road trip and you didn't stop for a Big Mac or drop a crispy fry between the car seats or use your McDonald's bag as a place. Place, Matt. Then that wasn't a road trip. It was just a really long drive at participating McDonald's. We're in people's seats. Yeah. Where do we. Where do I. Marisha, Be in my lap, I guess. We have additional chairs here that we can. I took your chair. I saw it. Take it. Just be here. You've earned this. Hold on. I do prefer. Unfortunately, I enjoy it. Sorry, I don't know how to do the angle. Oh, you got the tall people. There's so many people. Okay. Yeah. Ooh. Down to the Floor. This is so fun. Broad like a house. You think we're smushing more? I didn't do enough of zempic for this. I know. This is every DMs nightmare right now. Just a table of 10. We all want to play. I've been here before and I'll be here again. Why is that? Die so fucking Big Bell's house. In the expression of release that comes watching the terror of Predathos the red end vanish into the star filled sky above. And the first true communal breath you all take in its absence, your eyes meet and before word can be said, you hear. Jenny. Is it the gods? The gods are dead. They're dead, Jenny. They're calling your name. Chet. Who is? I don't know. Frida. Oh, my gosh. Dan. Hi. Oh. Oh. Hello. Hi. Oh, God. I'm their hat. Sorry. Our eyes had to adjust a little bit. We were just. It was blinding light. Yeah. What happened? What was that? Are you guys all okay? Were you dying? Was that you falling? It's a lot of power. I wasn't there. Your head is different. It's different? Yeah, it looks good. I haven't actually seen it yet. Do you want to? Sure. Above my forehead, I give a little extra lighting, courtesy of the Godfather. So the portion of your head looks, well, at first glance, unchanged. So, yeah, if I can throw a bit. So there seems to be. There's new cracking, obviously, but it has not been filled and finished with the gold yet. And it's not the same rough poured glass necessarily. It's a little smoother, it's a little darker, and it's not. It's got more of a sense of depth, like looking into a telescope. It just seems to go on and on forever. And in the center of it is instead of a big, beautiful, glowing opal, it's now a much smaller, dark opal pearl that almost seems to have bits of tiny light orbiting it that flow through and almost like it's much bigger on the inside and the cracks are starting. Gonna touch it. The cracks are definitely opening up as if it doesn't quite fit. It might be a little big. That's. Well, that's new. I'm just gonna poke at it a bit and a tiny bit of the stone flakes off. Oh, he can poke at it, but I can. That's right. Does it hurt, Ashton? Yeah. Lean down so I can see it. That looks good. Frida's right. Broken to be made whole. You know, you go on long enough. I've been through a lot you know, the only thing that has stayed the same that I can remember in my reflection is the. This eye. Everything else is different. Yeah. Something new. Are you all right? Ashton? You're acting a little weird. That's saying something for you. I have a. I have an entirely new brain. Hold on. The inside of my head was clearly hollowed out and I can feel it. So, yeah, I would hope I'd be a little weird. It would be a little weird if I wasn't. Uh. Do you still feel like yourself? I'm not sure. We'll find out after a nap. And a drink. And a drink. And a drink. Yeah, I think it's me still. Does your body still hurt? Oh, yeah. Okay, Ms. Calloway. Maybe a little more than it actually hurts. A lot more. But I did just drop out of the sky. Holy. I'm so scared. How did you guys. How did you find us? Oh, we saw. We saw you fall out of the sky and we kind of just followed where it landed. Everyone down there talking about it. If they're not crying about the gods being. What'd you do to the gods? A long. Everything's a long story. I'm. No. Did you see me? Was that you with the. Yeah. Are you okay? Cool. No, I'm. I'm fine, Frida. I know. You do? I do. How did you know? I felt it. I'm so sorry. We're sorry to you guys. I'm sorry for you. Yeah, we wanted to tell you, but we knew we wanted to do it personally and not. And getting messages out was. It's okay. It was so weird. Last couple of months has been kind of a blur. Yeah, saving the world worlds is a lot. Who are you? Who are you? New friends. Hi. Hi, Indiana. Hi. Dorian Storm. Uncle Bard. I've heard. Oh, I've heard about you. There's a talking piece of metal over here. Nobody just thinks that this is this. What are you. Oh, this is Bryce Doomseed. Hi. Yes, Deanna. Nice to meet you. Doomsea, this is Nate. Really? I don't even need to talk to you in your head to see that. Stop. Stop it. It sounds scary, but don't judge the book by its cover. He's actually scared. Is not the feeling still evil though? Doomsy. You just can't get away from it. Yes. A pleasure to meet you, Frida. Nice to meet you. Oh, well, so Bray is we're going to do out loud. Great. Doesn't your girlfriend talk in people's heads? Not subtle. In your head. Can I still talk in people's heads. As soon as you try it works. D back at level one. All right. In your head, you hear? In your head. He joined us when we were in Aeor. He's kind of a dick and kind of betrayed us and then kind of stopped betraying us. But he's single. Okay. Very charming. Extremely charming. Are you all right? You just sort of stared off into space there for a second. Don't you worry about me, big boy. I'm good. Oh. I'm just saying, if you need healing, it's something that I can do. And then. Oh. And then in your head you hear. Also, he really lacks. In your head you hear? Just me a little. Real quick. Is this also in my head? No, out loud. Everyone hears it. That's very nice. We're good. You were glowing. Oh, yeah. I had to yell at people to be here. This is nice. How are you? I'm great. How are you? I'm so good. He's amazing. Well, wait, wait. Was your situation. Where did the ring go? Did you die? Yes, I did. I died. Bravely informed my friend. Shut the fuck up. I died and sacrificed myself. And it was only your ring that kept me alive. Is he lying to me? No, no. Actually, there's a partial. It's partial true, partial truth. I just wanted the reaction. I actually gave it to Ashton and Ashton turned into a giant Ella la. It was the only thing that kept him alive. The fuck you gave away? I backed well. They really saved my life. Fucking saved my life. Fine. Saved my life. You die constantly. What if I. Your deal with the Dawnfather didn't do something? Well, didn't they bring you back to life? Yeah, but like I gave you the ring and then you gave it. You're okay. Oh, I'm okay. It's gone. I'm glad you're safe. I'm sorry I hit you like a little bit. Can I ask, did anyone memories save any. We saved them so much. Yes. Would it. Would it be okay if I had a piece of fcg? Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Here, I've got a piece on my. Does the same. Yeah. Oh, we kept his face. Yeah, we did. We have his face. That's a little. It's a piece of memory. But we did. We kept his face. Just sounds weird. Sound weird. We kept the metal that was on his face. Yeah. Is that better? That's better. We just took the. We chopped out that tongue. Yeah, we took out the. We took out the. Yeah. That was like a meat tongue. Personally, that was my favorite. Makes a lot of sense. Actually, Frida, I keep thinking about this moment when we first met FCG and we first met everybody and he had this lucky coin and they ended up dropping it down one of the tunnels in Trousar. You can say I dropped it or I was trying to be nice. I didn't want to throw you under the bus. You threw the coin? Yeah. You shit the bed. What the fuck? But you know, if maybe once things have settled down, I would. I'd be interested in going to find it. Yeah, I think that'd be wonderful. I think they would have wanted you to have it. Yes, I think. I think. I think that they. I think they're out there somewhere. I would love to go find this coin you speak of. I think I might have seen it. This is the one that allowed him to commune with his. No, that was a new coin. A new coin? The original coin was something different. It was glowy. It glowed, right? Yes. Yeah, it was really, really special. But Orym thought it would be fun to just like, away. Throw it away. Are we doing that thing where we're in a quest hole? Like we just finished a quest and now we're looking for a rebound quest? We should just enjoy the after moment of the quest that we just completed. Yeah, you're right. We should do it. Sounds like fun. Don't get me wrong. I assume we have to stop by JRUSAR anyway. Yes, yes. Just kind. Plus, they say death is like the. You know, Retirement is the number one. Yes, they always say that. Death is retirement. Retirement. You. Sounds good to me actually. Death is the number one retirement. Saying retirement is death. Can I ask questions? Yes, you may. Everyone in the city had eyes on where this meteor fell. So are we right? You're all on the top of the heaven stair where you climbed up to release Predathis? Yes. So everyone's eyes are up now in the mountain where you've all reconvened. So we're distant from the populace in general. For the time being though, you. We're looking out over Whoville. Yeah, correct. Though you're uncertain how quickly they're going to swarm up and figure out what the fuck just happened. But at the moment, you are kind of solitary on the metal. Oh, that reminds me, I. I made a bunch of my game on the Toycraft. It's really pretty good. But I actually ended up using this. I made you something. Wait for me? Yeah. I was reminded of all of our, you know, our wild escapades on the beach under the moonlight and I stole a big piece out from this tight ass in Whitestone. And it reminded me of what we used to do. Anyway, this Rolo son of a bitch, he has this huge clock tower. I just snatched a little gear out of there. And you stole something? Put it together with wood. I thought it would just remind you of us. The motion of the ocean. Thanks, Freddie. This is really nice. Oh, God. Can I make an insight check? I'm just trying to see what the vibe is here. Cause I'm so happy to have this be platonic, but I cannot tell. I'll just straight up tell. I'm just happy to see you alive. I was worried after all the gods went. And also. Oh, you know, memories. Hey, thanks, Jetty. So they're all gone? Gone? Dead. Well, they're not dead, okay? They're not gone. They're gonna be reincarnated as people in the world. Exactly. Van, did you already talk to your God? Oh, my God. Yeah. And we had like a really nice conversation. It was so sweet. He was such a butthole before. But then it was like we hugged and it was so nice. Really? You hugged? It was so nice. Yeah, you know. What was it? Did he seem hot? Mad? Did he seem. Sorry. What? Like, was it hot? Like, did it burn you or. Heat wise. Yeah, heat wise. Where's your temperature? It's very warm. Don't worry about me. All right. She's curious. Like a burning butthole. What? Look. Is your eye loose again out of its socket? Sorry. It's the muscles. It drifts a little bit. You get stick drift in your left eye. Just like a joy con. They're making Eye2 soon, so you should be okay. And so you and you are an item together? We were hundreds of years ago. Truly hundreds. And just whatever is convenient. No, look, you don't look day over. I can't. I shouldn't finish that sentence. You should. You should. Very well. For. You told him about the Savalir wood. Hey, I think you should let him find out on his own. Good call. Okay, what's your deal? My deal is like you, I was following a God who was not with us anymore. Which one? To tell her which one? You should. Well, at first I was sort of rolling with the platinum dragon. Rollin, you might have noticed Truthbearer a favorable plate of Uthor Vendrog. I'm so sorry. Did you have a little stroke just now? You might have noticed. Truthbearer, fabled plate of Uther Vendrock. My armor. I love your Nintendo. What? But I briefly, you know, dabbled in some Betrayer. Name names. Some people say Asmodeus. Some people call him the Lord of Lies, the King of the Hells. Some people say Asmodeus. Really? Have I been saying it wrong this whole time? You're incredible. Wait. Did you say that to him in person? Tell me you said his name to him. I did. Is that not how you say it? You said his name wrong. To his name, you said. Correct me. You have to tell me the truth. You do not lie to me. Did you say his name wrong to his face? I could lie to you if I wanted to. I'm very good at it. But no, I actually said it to his face. He didn't even blink. That means he likes you. He gave you a pass. You shouldn't have grown up. I do think so. Hold on. Could I have fucked the Dawnfather? Damn it. What? What? That question is statable. If we've done anything and said everything is statable. I didn't know that was gonna come. Make an insight check. Yeah, you might not have yet, but you sure can down the road. 27. I'm gonna roll persuasion. Like 20. That's going to be 12. Plus the Dungeon Masters. 300. You don't know. It's always an option with them walking the earth. Certainly. Try. You just have to bide your time. Okay. New life goal. Every single God walking on you. Every single. Why not? I was going to hunt. You want to bone them? I don't. I'm just saying that's a pretty good goal. I've been, you know, the growling king. That's what you're gonna get. You're gonna get after. Give me some time. Oh, really? I feel like I've been sort of controlled and manipulated by so many gods. But maybe now it's time to control them and dom them. Wow. So you were a follower of these gods. You were never a champion. Correct? I was not a slight. Just a question. I was a herald of Asmodeus. How did you say Lord of Hell? What are you doing? King of Lights? I just wonder what happens. What is happening over here? What happens to the champions? Sorry. Fearne's got the tooth. Yeah, I have toots that are really dry, so. That tooth sounded wet. That's where all the moisture waves. That's where all my nerves are in my stomach. I'm sorry. I mean, what happens to the champions of the gods now? I don't know. We're gonna find out, I guess. Dorian is specifically thinking of Opal right now. Oh, shit. Yeah. Though he keeps it to Himself. We didn't ask it but about it. I just wonder I mentioned that they had the Champions. The gods have the Champions to protect them when they're in between phases. Yeah, but then he rolled a nine. You rolled a what? Don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. Change the thing. We do love your partner though. These relationships are bad. And we should ruin all of them? Yes. It's not just the champions though. What about the souls of those who are devoted to these things? I don't think we're gonna have a lot of answers today. What about the clerics? What about people who. Can you magic? Can you steal magic? I can't. Alright. One question answered. We're doing great. Would the Champions be free now? Free from their obligations, you mean? Yeah. Why don't you try. Call. Call. Call your guy. Who's your guy? Oh, I have a guy. I have a guy. He's. He works for. Yes. Kevin Campbell. Kevin Campbell. Lord of Lies. He works for the Lord of Lies? Yeah. Nice. Is he single? Why don't you ask? You can ask him. Are you still a champion? Are you still tied to him? Do you have freedom now? Oh, you kissed it. Yeah, I kissed it. You summon him. Yeah. Okay. Oh God. That's how you summon them. With that weak. Get on that hand. Oh God. There it is. Let go. Wait. Is everybody looking at us? Are you summoning a. I can motivate him to show up. Why don't you? As you are here at. At the apex of the mountain, like this. This. This like built stone platform that mark. I just stick my hand under my. At the table. She brings it out of spell. Doesn't say that. Come here. As you kiss your ring, the air around suddenly takes on a sulfurous smell. And within a brief second the tearing sound of flames through the air, too real in recent weeks, emerges in the space around. As suddenly before you, a dark shadow emerges from a flash of red and orange flame. And there, standing before you, the armored, the muscular blade wielding black massive hair maned devil figure that is Tevin, emerges from this hellish gateway. What the fuck? We're just testing the theories. Ask him. Ask him. Hello. Hey. Hello. I'm just getting started. Okay? Let's go. Just let me cook. Thank you, Deanna. I pat you on the shoulder and cast guidance. Thank you so much. How are you? How are you? His burning glowing eyes glance upon the entirety of the troop that surrounds him. As the flames still flicker off the side of his shoulder, reaches out and takes the end of your fingers. You Called it a strange time. Do you hear? Yes, I did. But it was just because I just need answers and I just wanted to see how you're doing. Are you still a champion of Asmodeus? Asmodeus. How do we say the name? Yeah, I'm actually edited. And pulls you away from the troop and begins to walk away from the rest of you. Just taking the two of them away. Someone has to grab me. I'm nosy. Literally. Just go. Keep going. All right. You pull up. As you do, he glances over his shoulder. And as he raises his hand, flames burn in front of you to block your path. Respect. Okay, okay, come back up. Pulls you over towards. Not too far from the top of the apex stair that hits at the very peak of this. And turns to you, his wings unfurling and almost encircling you, to create a private conversation. Now it seems just like the two of you within the cage of his leathered wings. My lord has left us. But we'll be back. And we will find him once more. What are you supposed to do in the meantime? Did he give you any directives? Did he? We have to keep his temples. We are to see to his truths. And we shall find him and rise again. He will be back and we will have need of you. Calloway. Wait. Why will you have need of me? We are bound. And as you look down, he is still grasping your fingers where the mark lies on your hand. That's right. Wait. But I don't. I really. But when this doesn't go away. Hit it. My Lord's contracts are eternal. We are bound to each other as you are bound to him. He will be back. Commitment. This is good. Commitment. It just stresses me out so much. Just fuck him. Sorry. I'm behind the window. I like the fist of an angry God. It ain't soundproof. He flicks a finger up in that direction past you. And as you're shouting, your words come out to no sound. Or I'm just going to do a quick360 and make sure the city's not mobilizing on us because of this. And it's a 23 or 4. 23. Easy enough to pick up the sound of many, many armored fleets getting louder up the stairs towards the peak of the mountain. Fern, you might want to wrap it up. Okay. Well, I guess I'll call on you if I need you. And you will. Okay. As the footsteps get louder and louder until eventually you begin to see the shadowed tops of helmeted heads begin to crest from around the bend of the rising staircase. The flames engulf Tevin as he vanishes. And you look down at the mark on your finger, which is now spread into that part of your hand now has all manner of dark, curling, hellish runes and designs that now curl up towards the top of your hand. That's so fucking cool. Let's go. That's a much better design. Yeah. Thank you. As you look at it, the edges of it still glow like an ember. The edges of a burnt. I've read this smutty book and it's good. Yes. The rest of the bastions rush up. And there, with a number of dawn marshal, General, guardians, you watch as highbearer Vord approaches, indeed, looking fearful and gaunt with a blade out at the side. Orym's gonna descend a bit, smiling. We're okay for now. We're okay. I don't know what it all means yet. There's a lot to unpack. But danger abated for the moment. Right? Yes. Yeah, we're good. So we've been told upon our respective scattered communions. And how do you feel? What of this one? You who step into the First City and hold us ransom. What have you to say, vessel? Is it gone? What are you? I'm just Imogen. You saw it same as us, right? It's left. There's no reason marked. There's no reason for it to stay. Yeah. You see that intense look. Vord, who is ancient among the elves and has held a strength of power, looks shaken and sallow. A being that has spent their life in service as one of the highest of the high priests. Now godless in but the past recent moments staring at the cause. I step forward to him. The blade is still extended in your direction. As you step forward, it's still out in a defensive way. How do you like that? I'm just me. I'm sorry that it came to this. Truly. Let her pass. You can trust me. For I wear Truthbearer fabled plate of Uther Vendrock. Andrews. The gods agreed to this. A figure steps out and places their hand on the side of Vord's blade. And then you see, stepping forward, the high hierophant Ophira. The curling staff of the wildmother itself, once an abundantly bright green, sits at an autumn hue. What's done is done. And the choice was not theirs, but theirs. As she looks above. Now is not the time to let this animosity ride. You know that wasn't the point, right? Worshiping the gods because they're gods. The gifts that they gave us were to help each other. And that doesn't end just because they're gone. Bord's blade pulls back and sheaths it rapidly. Okay then what is the city now a bastion of hope for all of the world? Whatever you decide to make it a new beginning. Vord looks around and in a half spins and turns and runs straight into the brick shithouse armored wall that is Earthbreaker Groon. And just stops. And Groon just puts his hand on Vord's shoulder and pulls her head into his forehead and says, we will mourn. We will mourn. And pats the back of Vord's head before stepping aside to let Vord walk. And Vord, not even looking back at you all, just steps amongst the ranks of soldiers. It's going to take some time. Cheers. To a new world. I'm not going. I just say this to the group. Am I wrong to be a little irritated right now? It's a lot for people to handle. We just saved Exandria. In their. Acting like you just ruined their future. I mean, to some of them, sometimes that's what it feels like. But to let go of the thing you devoted your life to. You gave them work to do that makes anybody upset. Especially if it's work on themselves you spend 50, 60, 500 years following. Yeah. Moral dictates it's not going to slip away. I understand. Overnight, I did. Imogen, would you be able to send a message to somebody? I should be able to. I can still. I think. I think we should check on Opal. Who's that? She was your friend. Yes, she was our friend. And she was the champion. Oh. Of lol. Yeah. Oh. Oh, I'm so sorry. Okay. Complicated. Yeah, just like, see if she's okay or, you know, if she's still her self or. Yeah. She was more than just a champion. She was influenced by a vestige. But that power was held by the God. So maybe she's free. She could be. I don't know. I don't dare know. Some things persist. I know. Can you do it to your. Yeah, I. I can. I can send her. Let me see if I got a spell, though. Let me see if I got them spells. The table just free to shoot me. Shoot me right now. Table of diseased Acura. I surprisingly still have sorcery points left, so I'm going to convert those into a third level spell and send her a little old message. All right. What do you say? Mm. Or am you good with concise? Can you Help us, Opal. She's got it. What's wrong with her? I'm with your friends. Are you yourself or under her influence? Where are you? Where are you? Where are you? Opal, if you quickly step in here, slide her across the front on the table. Should I. Should I. Should we move? I was saying you can just sit in my chair real fast and just. And just answer the question and then you can step out again. Did you gallop? This is the scariest place I've ever been. I've called this a lot this year. Touch all the buttons. Do something crazy. Suddenly, within your mind, you hear an unfamiliar voice. Ask questions from some ether like space. I asked you. I don't remember what I asked. I said, I'm here with your friends. Are you yourself or under her influence still? Where are you? You have a couple of sentences to explain. Yeah, I know. We're going to count them all off. Don't fuck it up. Hello? I don't. I don't know. I think so. My head's quiet. I think I'm close. Did you lose a body? What? It's pretend. Five words left. Perfect. Full out of this guy. Yeah. Thank you. Well, she didn't sound evil. She sounded sweet and said her head was clear. Great, Great. She said she. She didn't hear. The voice is quiet. That's what she said. And I was distracted by the sound of her beauty. And I like the voices. Sounded beautiful. Yeah, she sounded gorgeous. And she said she saw Ashton fall. Oh, she's close. Everyone is in the. Unless there were other bodies falling out of the sky at the same time. But probably this one. Maybe it's fair. Actually, statistically, there's probably at least one. That's a lot of air. So, wait, we struck and. Hold on. How many more sorcery points you got? One more in you to tell her to come find us. Did we just send her away? Hold on. She's driving home now. She's done. I have nine. Down to six. Down to three. I have three sorcery points left now. So I can do another one. Because I had six. I can bring it down to three. I can send her another message. Sure. Hey, Oprah, come on back. She's gone. She loves her. I can text her from my phone. I just don't know her. That was all that was in her contract. I have a sending. I just do not know who she is. I'd be like, hi, random number. What's good? You sound hot. Yes. Yes. We're close. We're on the hill. Up Heaven's Bridge. Stairs. Stairs. Heaven. Stairs. Tell her to listen for the thunder. Listen for the thunder. Listen for the thunder. Dorian. Dorian says hi. Oh, Dorian. Okay, I'm coming. I'm gonna immediately cast thunderclap like 50ft above us. Yeah, yeah. Burn will too. Okay. No one. No one, really. Okay. That emanates. It's a localized thunderclap sound that echoes off a little bit. Everyone looks around and everyone looks to Groon. Groon's like it wasn't me and raises his hand up and that thunderclap. Now bolts of lightning starts streaking out of the thunder. Thin air. The clouds have not filled the cleared sky at this point, but bolts seem to apparate out of the middle of the atmosphere itself. There's an effect like a reddish bolt, almost like a jellyfish spread that seems to arc out right at the top where it does, crackling with an echoing blast of thunder. That was me. Nods. There is the sound as you all talk amongst yourselves for a bit. And we have a moment before she gets there, so if you want to chat for a moment. Mr. Pockope, can I speak to you alone for a second? Of course. Yes. Yes, of course. So when we saw Ashton. Not Ashford. When we saw Ashton fall from. That's what. Long story. It wasn't just him that led us to you. Them that led us to you. It was. I could smell you. I'm sorry. I'm real old. It sounded like you said you could smell me. I mean, it's been a hectic 48. 72, but I don't think. No, it's not that. I mean, I'm like, you know, wait, you made a robo wolf. Wait, you made a robo lobo. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. When you say, oh, my God, I forgot about that. It's technically a dis. Can I lean in on Frida and just do a little. Yeah. Sniff each other's butts a little? Yeah. Can we just make it a little Ouroboros? While the Don Marshalls of Vasselheim are like. It's been so hardened. Sorry. It's been. It's been. It's been. It's just Deanna and I, and she. She's been great. But it's. It happened one time and it was fcg. I felt like every fiber in my steel body ripped apart and put together again. And then I was angry. So angry. And I couldn't. I couldn't understand why. And then it dawned on me that it was. That they were gone. And that anger turned to something primal. And then I didn't remember. And I woke and Deanna was there. And there were a lot of dead things around me. Oh, gosh. Yeah. Yeah, that sounds very familiar. This is new. I mean, you are, frankly. Metal. Yeah. You. Well, more than metal. Soul. Yes, yes, yes, yes. But, you know, it's like. It's like the metal. I can feel things, I can smell things. I can see things. I can hear things. It's like. It's. It's incredible. It is, isn't it? But it's fucking scary, of course. I mean, all new things are. But also exhilarating. Metal wolf. Ah, this is great. This is. Very concerned that you wouldn't be able to control this. Were you worried about Deanna? Yeah. Yeah. I don't think she's too worried, but, yes, I'm worried about Deanna and everyone. In any way she can tame the wolf. You know what I'm saying? I'd rather not think about it. I asked. That was a long night for me. I understand. I don't want to be too forward, but I have. I've only just recently gotten ahold of this myself and took the instruction and care of people that knew what they were talking about. If. Yeah, that's. So this is kind of. I was hoping that I could. You made me. And I was hoping I could study with you, Mr. Pockaby. That's so strange. I swore I would never make anything out of metal. I guess we all have to. Incredible. Try new tricks. Incredible. I love it here. Frida. I've never had a protege, but I've been one. And it would be a great honor if you would allow me to guide you through this. There are many people I can. The Gorgine are fucking nuts. They will love to see this. That is. I have to tell Deanna, but, yes. I mean, my slate's open. We did the thing, so. You know, a project. I'm here for. I can be a project. When I felt FCG go, it was like. It was like the best thing in the world being ripped off of it and compressed into something small and ugly. And I was angry at all of you. I wondered, how could they let that happen? Right? And then that turned into, we've been alive for a long time, and when you lose everything, you gain gratitude. And I think. I think I've never been more grateful. So thank you. Thank you. Wow. Not many in this world are older than I am. Especially now that they are gone. That means a lot. And I know what FCG meant to you, but he meant to all of us. If it's any consolation now, he saved us. They were the only thing that kept us alive. I. I can feel them still. Their soul. I can. It's like a song. I don't remember, but I want to remember. I want to. I want to remember. Thank you. Of course. And who knows? If you can topple gods, maybe there's even more to uncover about someone like you. Like them. I feel like something like that can either be created or destroyed. So maybe we make it a side project of ours. Okay. I've been. I was hoping I'd see you again. And I made something for you. It's really crude. You what? I made something for you. You cra. You didn't make something, protege. You crafted it. I'm sorry. I crafted it, Mr. Apocapy. Oh, boy. And I click, click, click, open. And I pull out. I know you don't like working with metal. It is a very crude rendering of an aeormaton's heart. A core. And it's pink and emerald and shiny, beautiful glacial shards of stone. Holy shit. It's beautiful. Thank you. Metal, but beautiful. That's what I thought. Please, dad. Goodbye. It's all right. You got room for growth. Clearly. I'll keep this with me. Okay. Thank you. Of course. Deanna is fit to be tied, huh? We really gotta get her with Brayus. What is that fit to be tied? They need to run some laps. The expression, don't worry, tie her up. You'll see. I start speaking all kinds of languages. Spanish, Japanese, Orym. By now has leapt up onto Fern's shoulder and has his hand intertwined with Dorsey. And I'm staring off into the crowds down below, trying to spot our friend in the masses. Where is she? Do you see her? Do you see her? While this is happening, Groon and Ophira approach with their guard to the sides too, as most of the guards are now beginning to head down the staircase again. Ophira saying, this is a great change across the realm, and there is much that we must discuss. As a council of the future, there are a number of matters here that I think do concern you. Outside of that aspect of recent events, your compatriot from Ruidus has spoken of a great many of their people in a waiting state. And with the destruction of the Malleus Key, we know not of their fate or what is to come. So we would ask your assistance. Being those with the most communication and knowledge and understanding, Groon steps forward. Some will not trust. Maybe in time. But some see your hearts and know you did what needed to be done. Are you one of them? Are you cross with us? If I was cross with you, you would already be. Redead. I love the specification. That was a nice touch. Thank you. I do like the idea of re alive, though. We've been searching for a word, right? Not undead, dead. But real life. It's like a glass real life. But the soldiers shift and please come with us and Ophira. And then begin to guide you all down the stairs from the top of the mountain. You're essentially being. Okay, we'll go. You're essentially being given a nicely forceful escort from the space where you were in that scenario. You're all keeping an eye out, heading down the long winding aspect of the side of the mountain towards where the platinum sanctuary is and beyond. The two of you scatter off and get pulled from the guards to focus primarily on this troop. So for the time being, if you would. Wouldn't mind stepping away. Guys, we're out. How cute are the guards? Let me try. Yeah. It's the best thing I ever did do. The opposite of man spreading. But you do notice Orym as you and walk alongside Dorian, holding his hand and looking across the cityscape here in the fresh night of Vasselheim. It sounds like the clattering of spears and a few shouts and a circle of soldiers surrounding a familiar glint of pink leather down partway up the base of the staircase. And there looks to be a standoff at the moment between your called compatriot and many of the defending forces at the base of the platinum sanctuaries. If you wouldn't mind coming to the table. Yes. There. The thing. Where do you want to be? I think here. You can go in the middle. In the middle. Right there. Thank you. You a little bit tall? Okay. I wish I was a baller. Okay. As we get closer, I guess it's a question for you or her. Is. Is she wearing the crown? Are you wearing the crown? Am I wearing the crown? I'm. I'm asking you. Yes, but is it drippy? Is it icky? I think bring my dice out and hope that Matt will make me roll one for the answer. I like that. Sure. Go ahead and roll a D20 for me. Okay. This is my opal dice. That's an 11. That's an 11. Doing okay. There are streaks down her face and across the neck. That of dried ink that was turned liquid under sweat and work and then left to re dry smeared streaks of black. The crown itself still standing with two Arms, as opposed to the four that you had seen in the final moments, though you, based on your particular trajectory and choices, can guide the remainder of your disposition. So I think the first thing. Well, Orym's on top of Orym yelled Ma let down, started darting through soldiers legs and bait and switch bumps Opal back and puts his hand out towards all the people surrounding her. We're not going to do this right now. Too much has happened. She's with us. Settle. Ease down. I start booking it over. Nancy. Oh, my Nancy. Oh, it's so good to see you. I'm sorry about my appearance, but I looked worse than this. We have inside jokes, too. And then do I see Fearne? I'm just running over. Oh, my God. I just give you a big, big, big hug. I just pick her up off the ground and just shower her with kisses all over. Oh, my God, I missed you so bad. And then I just have both of you, like, really, really tight. And then I look over at Dorian. I'm on the outside circle like always, just drinking it in. Hi. It's okay. It's not. It will be. Are you back? I'm back. You're back. Back? I. I think so. I don't hear anything in my head except for your friend. Who was that? Hi. Hi. Oh, yes. Wait. Oh, yeah, yeah. Guys, come on, come on, come on. Oh, she got on her face. What's it used to be? An evil black icar. A betrayer goddess. It's. I think it's gone. I think she's okay. A little spit. Try to clean it up a little bit. No, the vibe's good. It's a really great aesthetic. You take it easy. Yeah, that was me. You're old. I've heard a lot about you. Hi. It's just. It's a. It's a pleasure. Wow. Hey, you look great for falling out of the sky. You look great for avatar of a. Of a spider goddess. Really? It's working. I go up and shake your hand. Do you want me to clean you up at all? That would be amazing. And I'll just press the digitation and clean her up. Oh, that's so nice. You feel a little fresh. I feel so fresh. My pits have stunk for weeks. I give them a sniff. Musky. And I think. I think now she's still got the crown on. But it's like maybe Opal at the end of Exu. Where it wasn't gooey, it was just herself. Two different colored eyes. Her hair is maybe looking freshly washed. Just a young Fresh Face by Rhoden. Twice crowned Queen of Bright Burden. And I think that she has a lot to say, but doesn't really know where to start. So I think she'll say, what happened to the gods? I mean, I talked to my bitch, but she's just literally unpleasant. Did she say goodbye? Yeah. I think we're curious to know what you heard before we filling in. Well, she had to ask. Attitude. What do you think, Matt? Should I. Should I say what I think or do? Do you have something that. Like a flashback or something? Whispers, whispers, whispers. Is that still. Is that something. I'm not supposed to read this until combat. Don't do it. Don't do it. This whisper is brought to you by Wizkids and their Bell's Hells box set. Available now. Enhance your home games with Critical Role Minis by Wizkids, available at Wizkids IO Crminis and your local game store. Oh, man. Well, she said I was still bound to her and that I would be forever. And I thought. And you kind of see just like a flash of where maybe an alignment shift for her. She's Opal, but she's been changed. These last few weeks. She's seen more carnage and violence, and she's perpetuated that carnage and violence in a way that really, I don't think she has processed. And it will take a long time, but there's that sort of glint of like. And I don't mind that so much. She told me to come look for her because she was gonna be reborn. And I thought as a little baby, as a tiny, vulnerable little bug. So little, so corruptible, so unprotected. And I said, okay, I'll come find you. For Cyrus, a part of. Of Dorian, in his moment when we were first together, where his alignment first shifts, catches it in her eye. And just for a second, the two of them are dialed in on some unspeakable idea. Laudan just has a nervous laugh. You're spooky. You're spooky. You're spooky, too. Yes. Yes. And I go and I paint my face in black ichor to kind of look like opals just a minute ago. You're very pretty. Me, too. Come a long way from the by road and fair. We're just missing one. Yeah. Something tells me he's just fine. Or is he? I have to do a zephyr to find him. All right. It's at this moment that the guard has begun to guide you towards the Platinum Sanctuary itself. And while they've been tolerant of your presence based on the company you keep. As you begin to step to within the antechamber, there are spears and blades put between you and Opal and guard saying we appreciate your presence, but we cannot let the champion, despite her queen, into our sanctum. I understand. Should we go somewhere else where we won't have to keep dealing with this? I don't think we have much choice at the moment. Evolve table Orym. Who has the other half of the sending stone? Not you and me. But gave it to someone. I lost it. Yeah, me either. All right. But we only have one. I'm flying out. Don't run. Do you have the other half? Yeah. You gave it to someone. Somebody. So get in touch with them. We'll figure it out. Can we give it to the one we have? Opal will be able to just talk to whoever you gave it to. Yeah. I don't know who find the other half. Yeah. We can't remember but Dori or Noram will right Grace for us in this crazy ass week. At the very least, I will take a moment for the guard just to walk up with ruin of whatever face I have right now. Caleb in. If we find out that you have misplaced a single hair from beneath that crown, we will be very upset. We want her treated like family. Is that understood? Make an intimidation check. Guidance. I'm helpful. Thank you. 24 L'Garn steps back, glances at her, glances at you. Glances at the weird spectral darkness that sits gleaming from the side of your skull and then back to you. We just protect our sanctum. That's all. Thank you. But as Opal awaits outside, the rest of your troop is gathered within where discussions of what to do about the remaining Ruidians progress. So as opposed to roleplaying a six plus hour long courtroom drama of what to do here, you all have your perspectives, your contacts and understand that the majority of the populace was in transit to where the Bloody Bridge was. Or had begun to make the trek before the OR was about to make the trek before the war began for the Bloody Bridge itself. So there is a mass an entire population of currently middle caravan roaming Status. What do you think is to be done with the Reilorans, the Bormodos, the Saitas, the Quanticas? What do you think? We're going a little larger picture here. Yeah. Was there group by group allegiance or was it pretty mixed? It was pretty mixed. Pretty mixed. And they're all still. They're on the moon still, but blow up the moon. They were Dreaming the blue dream. They wanted to be. No way to be sure, is it? I mean, I feel like we should let them decide what they want to do. We even have a means of bringing them here. Well, we have the back door. Slower, I think. Probably should advise like slow exchange program and emissaries in both directions and in the spirit of peace, trying to figure out this new. They're technically distant relatives and that's how we should frame it. They're exandrians. Yeah, they were Exandrians first. They should be given the opportunity. I mean, a chance if they want, but if there's so many of them, someone will need to receive them, accept them, give them shelter. They can't just be refugees in the middle of the desert. No, I mean, there is the town around that lake. I suppose that was empty, but that's not enough. No, but it could be a good start. Forward operating base. I imagine each city could essentially sponsor. They'd have to agree to it though. Yes, but I think we could learn a great deal from the Ruidians. They're in a real state of flux too, because they've just been released from under the boot of a long, long, long standing power structure that is absent. Are all the leaders still here in Vasselheim, or are they spread out now? The majority of them? It's not the. The size of the council where you first sold your plot to head to the core of Ruidus. I'd say about two thirds of it remains. Others either are still out and about or weren't convened in this council. Is there some sort of network that connects all of the major hubs of this world? Some sort of crisis network that we could use to reach out? Oddly, there is. Oh, and upon calling, if you wish. It's not a hard ask, as some of the representatives were already present in Vasselheim. And upon this council. Vex'ahlia Vassar is present, along with the rest of her heroic troop, Vox Machina. Lady Allura indeed is present, and other representatives from other main cities are contactable through the crisis orbs, so they are brought to bear. As well as many other allies of this endeavor. Members of the mighty Nein, who had also gone towards the core of Ruidus and were part of the assault on the Weave Mind, are present to help fight this argument as well. But you have the attention of many major metropolitan areas across the world. Whitestone has often been a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge against violence. I know personal and myself would be more than happy to accept several families from Ruidus. However many we can support. I want to live on the moon. Sorry, it's not my turn yet, is it? Just dibs. Dibs. Whoops. That's actually an interesting idea, though. Grok. What? Well, I'm just saying, I know personally the Ashari are very well versed in guarding gateways to other dimensions, and I don't see this being much different than what the Ashari are already doing. We could maybe continue to have these Ashari stationed in that lake town in Issylra. And I think it's worth having some Exandrians help out with this transition on Ruidus as well. Yep, that's a good idea. Grog above table. I can't think of a better end for Grog than being Warden of the moon. Grog and Yaz together, it's like something. We'll come back to this. We'll come back to this. It's like something out of Planet Hulk. It's so. We'll come back to this. Okay. There's so much that we have to offer each other as well. I, for one, would love to see what the surface of Ruidus is like. I think that the. There is a world where this sort of exchange would be phenomenal. Yeah, Beauregard Lyonette here. Hi. Just from our brief time there, they have a lot of fucked up science shit. So I feel like all you other science bitches, you can maybe go help with that or learn some shit. I just lost my husband to the moon, thank you very much, Beauregard. Go on. I mean, maybe it's a great vacation. You could have a summer home there. I don't know. You're rich. You'll figure it out. It was kind of cool there, you know? I don't know. People like science and shit. Aloris's word, anyway. Indeed. We can begin communications and to her right, you see Everoa step forward as well. I've been speaking with our resident Rhuidian aide throughout this recent successful endeavor in safeguarding the pantheon and future of Exandria. I think the least we can do is begin a process of working with them. There are many places in Exandria that likely are a bit too challenging for most to find home. Whereas the Rhuidians have quite a knack for making the inn hospitable. Hospitable? With the aid of the Ashari, there are means of magical terraforming. And at least we can all step forward with the idea of trying to make this work. Yeah. There is a great opportunity for an exchange of knowledge. And history. Hundreds, thousands of years of history above and below. Well, what about the bad ones? There were some bad ones too, right here on Exandria, you mean? No. Well, yes, of course, a lot on Exandria, but up there. Well, it's not like we can say, oh, all the bad ones stay up there and only the good ones can come down here. That's so mean. You're right. But I. I think we just left it like an open pathway. You know, like whoever wants to come, they can come. And whoever sort of blanket. Well, I mean, how we going to know? What are we going to do? Like a vetting process or something? That's so fucked up. Yeah. I mean, after all, we should aid in however. People are getting back and forth from the Moon. I mean, they'll want to come here. People will want to go there, maybe establish some trade. Jumansa ord from upon their temporary throne with their Ank'harel associates. The Scythes steps up. We have taken quite a large number of prisoners. We have many who briefly fought against us underneath the Weave mind's intent. I believe they should be held accountable for their violence against our people. Were they choosing to fight against you? Or was the Weavemind forcing them to fight against you? And we have a number of individuals that can see how far this influence might have pressed them, should they be truthful. There is always a path to redemption. For many of us are aware of our own histories of imposed ruling will. So we agree. A path of redemption to even those who met us on the battlefield. Yes. Redemption. Yes. What a gift. The chance to let someone live in their dream. Redemption. Everoa steps forward. I hadn't even thought about that. Do we get to have our own dreams now? Only one way to find out. Ever. Do you think the other Ruidians will be open to this exchange of knowledge? I'm sure some will. I'm sure some others will be probably reticent. Perhaps you could be the ambassador. Oh, I'm a researcher. I'm not a. No, you're so smart, though. You're like, so smart. For those who don't wish to come to Exandria, we can possibly bring a bit of Exandria up to Ruidus as well. I could be an ambassador. Who? Oh, it's you. I could totally be an ambassador. You are correct, Jessa. That's a big responsibility. I mean, are you sure? I mean, you guys are pirates. Why not be like Moon pirates? That's so cool. Space pirates. Space pirates. Moon franchise. This is brilliant. I mean, yeah, we're totally ambassadors. Do you think they would like a boro bar on the moon? Everybody would like a bora bar. An echoing throat clearing reverberates throughout the massive hall of the Platinum Sanctuary as the mighty Nein is loudly discussing their franchise interest. Enjoy my taste of tal'dorei T shirt. That. That. That's the first thing that gets built on. Ruin is awesome. That's a real thing. That's a real thing. That's a real thing. That's out there. That's out there. That's awesome. Mid episode Mer drop. Well done, Laura. When did they get those? Does that wear a downstream jacket? Everett goes, well, we'll see how many of my contacts survived the struggles. I can think of a few figures of the volition and rod that would be very suited to try and set this up. She looks around the rest of the Quiet Council that all sits still. I would like three of you from any of your present troops to roll a persuasion check for me. Who's got the best persuasion? Call out those models, Caleb. All right. Fern. Fern is really high. Fern's great. Fern's great. Brayus is great. Scanlan. Scanlan. Is Scanlan present? Apparently they're all vox machina, returned after the battle. That's one from each campaign. It feels unfair to you, Scanlan, but sure, let's do it. Yeah. Yeah. Well, here. What's the point then? For each of you that's going to make this roll, I want you to make your case. Oh, shit. Oh, boy, that's harder. I need to look up Keela's. Hang on, I don't remember. So I wanted to give you a moment to try and find your sheets. But for each person that's rolling, I want you to make your case before you roll. Indy beyond is waking up because that will affect the DC and also characters arguing for this that have some semblance of stake. Doesn't mean Scanlan can't roll. But I'm really curious to hear Scanlan's perspective on this. I am, too. That's deportation, huh? That's a weird, weird avenue to take. Take care. Super hard. Keyleth is a plus six. It's kind of. Sit down. It's okay. Yeah, but she's. She actually cares about this shit. That's true. I can try for it. I was gonna say. Yeah, I've also got a. I've got a plus eight, but that's okay. Keyleth is probably a little bit more invested in this material. I know it's all the negative One. So Konos is God. All right. So who do we have? We know this Brayus isn't that great. Breus can step forward. Brea steps forward. Yes. Who else? Caleb. Caleb. Imogen. And Imogen, if that's okay. Yes. Go for it. One from each. Three people that have been to the moon and have had experiences with Ruidians of various sizes besides. Very well. Which of you steps forward first? The world that we have known until now has been shaken thoroughly like a snow globe. It's far too soon to understand the lay of the land, what the meaning of today's events is. It's premature to form any sort of stance against our neighbors above. And while some we are hearing, are involved in efforts against us here at home, speaking from personal experience, outside influence is a real thing. We are all responsible for our own actions. But I would ask that those present get a fresh start with new family. If there was ever a time for a fresh start, it is now. All right. Bitter one. Persuasion check. 25. Very well. Who steps forward next? I shall step forward. It's been a crazy six days. In the last six days, I've been to two planets, three continents, and four ethereal realms. I've talked to the gods. I met a God eater, met aliens, robots, werewolves. I think I fucked a monster. But in all of those travels, the one thing that I've noticed is that everybody just wants. They all want the same thing. They just want safety, security, and the ability to pursue their dreams, whether or not they have them. I've also learned a lot about redemption in the last few days. And I hope that we recognize that all these people, even if they live on a different planet, are more or less the same as us. And we give them the chance that we give ourselves. Will he persuade you? Not. Great possibilities. 22. 22. Okay. And Imogen realized when we first stepped foot on Ruidus, I didn't know what to expect. I had a vision in my head of a red storm. Lifeless. But upon arriving, we. We ran into a village of people just trying to get by, raising cattle and helping their neighbors. We went into the city, and I saw two small children laughing together and frightened upon seeing these new strangers. Above all the people there dreamt of a chance. They dreamt of hope. The Blue Dream. That's what they called this place. And we, as Exandrians, we have the chance to give that to them, to give them their home back, something that was stolen away so long ago. You have the power in this room right now to give them a new Life. I hope you use that power for good. My persuasion. Check. Guidance. Okay. All right. There's so many options here. Which one? Which. Which beautiful dice? Which beautiful dice? The one with the numbers on it. No, you're right by me. Oh, thank God. Is that a one? Okay, okay, okay. Oh, and then guidance. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay, okay, okay, okay. That's only 23. Only 23. I know. If I could just say one more thing. I'm so sorry. And not about the Ruidians. I just. While everyone's gathered, I just want to say I'm sorry. I tried to betray you all. Yes. You know, we should talk about this. Not in front of the castle. No, but I feel like this is a good place to do it. Because you can't hurt me here. No, we can hurt you later. But here you can't. So, yes, we're surrounded by some of the most powerful people in the world right now. They could end you with a blink of an eye. All right, we'll table this. A few eyes glance headlong to each other with a confused head tilt or a bit of a murmur. About this time, a strange figure steps from the nearby crowd swathed in dusty cloths. You see the familiar face of a hood pulled back of plane rider Ryn, who steps out to join you all. Nice. I've been there as well myself, and some time there without even realizing it. But many of you know of my journeys and I can indeed back up their perspectives. As far as relocation, there are few who can traverse as quickly with as much breadth as I can. And I am willing to volunteer myself as part of the Iruidian relocation program, if that is now a name for it. And looks over at other people on the council are like the rp, but there are means of doing this in a structured, methodical, safe and comfortable way. Looks over to Jamon and within our respective sense of justice. There is some whispered discussion as some of the figures convene and talk. Some of the crisis orbs and means of communication between the various cities glow and eventually the council returns to their seats. The dawn marshals the city and various representatives of of city states and communities from around Exandria. A number of communities here have agreed and as such, the Ruidians will be granted a means of living amongst us. It will take time. As Ophira grasps her staff and indeed an exchange of knowledge. For their comfort as much as ours, we wish to know more about them. Looks over at Everoa and to be honest, we actually probably know a lot about you. All? We've been living in your dreams since we were born. You'd be surprised, maybe, how comfortable we already would be here. Steps back, the lake town will become a bastion of transference. The cities that have agreed on Corel, Mon, Tressar, Byroden. Whitestone. Whitestone. A shanador. Zephra. Zephyra. Fortune. One by one, city names from across Alexandria begin to speak up. Not all of them, but enough to be astern. That sense of hope begins to swell in the room. With that, some brief conversations and pats on the back, some hands shaking, some odd stares from across the room, and some still mistrusting or uncertain dispositions passing you by with a longed glance. The Council begins to break from within the chambers. And once more Bell's house is left to exit out into the night, where there indeed Opal still stands. I think Opal's been listening in. Who's from? Byroad? Oh. Oh, I know. I know you. Wow. There's a statue of you in Byroden. Yeah. Have you ever heard of the Gem of Byroden competition? I feel like that could be a really, really good way to introduce some of the rude. I'm sorry, I was listening in, Amita. It could be a really great way to introduce them to the culture. I mean, you probably haven't been in a long time, but there is a pie contest that you would go crazy for. Oh, no, I remember the pie contest. Oh, you do? Visit Whitestone. We'll talk. Yes, please. Okay, okay. But indeed, you all can't help but consider the immensity of what has transpired and what small part or big part you've played in it from the beginning. What elements of it were fate, what elements of it were choice? What elements were just riding the waves of chaos? You can almost feel the city, the world itself, collectively exhale and prepare themselves for what comes next, whatever that may be. So, to that point, Orym, what's up for you? Soon you can go ahead and rest if you'd like to walk. Hello. Thanks. Two times I send a message to a friend. Well, I have a small task. And then the larger, certainly the small is if we're talking like the coming days and weeks at this point, however soon or thereafter you want to be. We're now taking little vignettes of time in the aftermath of this shift, this change, and I want to know what's next for you. Well, I need to find the Tempest, but she's busy moving mountains. So before I seek her out on this day, in the next couple of Days. I'm going to seek out Ryn. Ryn is easy enough to find. Rin is in the process of a deep series of discussions. They are laying out drawn maps that seem to lay out interpretations of the Rhuidian cityscapes, townships, the path to where the bloody bridge once was, to where this is, and they're basically building out a plan. There are as you step into the tent where she is, you see Rashina with the golden hammer is present. Representative and leader of the volition. As part of this. As they are talking, as you step in, they stop and turn and Rashida goes, ah, hello there, Aurora. Amazing. Welcome. How long have you been with us? Only but a day. We're in the early stages and looks to Rin and they both raise an eyebrow. But we're making headway, it seems. Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. As far as I understand, we've all had our work cut out for us for some time, so not a massive change, just a shift in responsibility. To be honest, I much prefer this than skulking around and constantly under the threat of death. Well, I'm three foot three, but I have high hopes. I see what you did there, Wren. Colonel and sombre. And how can we help you, little Orym? I'm sorry to interrupt your work. I was wondering if you would take a walk with me, if you don't mind. Of course not. I need to speak out to some of my compatriots anyway. Then Wryn steps out and puts her hand on your shoulder and begins walking with you out. I'm going to start leading us towards a garden in the city that I've already scoped out. At this point, I can't tell you how I don't know what's going on, how grateful in all the twists and turns of the. The last few months that you made it out the other side of this. And I know so much of where things shook out is out of our control, but I have felt bad all this time that you went through what you did, and I was hoping you'd let me help you and to facilitate that. This is a funny thing to say in light of recent events, but would you ever sit with me and pray a little bit? Pray I can lead things, if that's okay. They raised their one arm and like, who am I to say now if there was a better time to pray? Perhaps it's when no one's listening. She sits down next to you and says, and believe you me, I've been through far Worse. But I have you and your friends to thank for seeing me through the other side. Is that not right? Did the best we could. Didn't we all? How does this prayer thing work? Orym is going to unsheathe seedling and gently rest it on Wryn's lap and take hold of Rin's hand. And he's going to start to. He sort of relinquishes or releases seedling from himself and he rests Rin's hand on the blade. Don't cut yourself. It's sharp. But keep it here. What am I praying to exactly? Well, we are praying to the wild Mother. I don't know where you are. If you are waiting to be born. If you know what's coming. If you'll remember all that's happened. But I hope for the best. I hope we can walk side by side in this world together. I have faith we can. And Orym will pray with Rin long enough for Wryn to attune to the blade and have its regenerative properties. As Orym Druid crafts little fade tendrils of vinery and greenery over Ryn's hand and the blade and up Ryn's torso and around her neck and over the area where Rin's arm broke off until it slowly bit by bit, first in vegetation which congeals and firms up into flesh until Wren's arm is whole. Ryn begins. I'm not really one for prayer necessarily. I don't even know quite how to begin. But I can tell a story. Stories I can do. Stories I can definitely muster. I've seen a lot of my time. It begins to go into discussions of her youth and the travel and they've done across the realms. The incredible gorgeous plumes of unreal color and light bursting at the edges of where the various elemental realms collide. The deepest depths of the abyss and what horrors gurgle there as well as what beautiful nightmares exist in the most vibrant peaks of the fae. The dream and belief of worlds beyond even the realms that they know. A great cosmic expanse in which Exandria is but one of many worlds with different threads to share and differences to celebrate in a hope of one day even seeing them and getting lost in their storytelling. Eventually they open their eyes and see the vine wrapped facsimile of their lost arm. And they smile. I love a good story. Well, many more where that came from. She goes to brush off the vines that you've created this image of the lost army. And as they do they break off and the new arm has reformed in its place. And you see Wren. Clever. And ruffles your hair like a child. Very, very clever. I like it. You're going to have your hands full with everything you got to do so. Indeed. Can you make two more? We can pray. I think I've had enough prayer for one day. But thank you. I greatly appreciate it. Orym. I guess I can finally cook. Let Rin cook in the larger picture. Or would seek out the voice of the Tempest. All right. At this time the voice of the tempest has returned to Zephrah. Okay. To begin to make plans with the rest of the Ashari. So those of you that would wish to trek with you to Zephrah can do so. I don't know what the group wants. Orym will have to to talk to the tempest about what he hopes to do with his life. So everyone's welcome to come Zephra and chill if you want. Or I can just put it off until people do things here I don't want to. I have a protege to train. So I'll probably be here bearing the weight of unfathomable responsibility. All right. It's a little timey Wimey here. Okay. So we can jump. We can jump around here. This is like immediate vignettes towards distant vignettes. But we can tackle a few immediate moments people want to do. So we'll come back to you on your trek to Zephrah here in a moment. So we're holding onto that in the immediate moment while Vasselheim is still in the process of these early stages. Anybody else have any pressing matters here in the city? I would like to try and find Liev'tal or any other temple. Maidens of the Raven. The Matron of Ravens. Indeed. The Raven's crest temple still remains. And upon assembling the steps, you are greeted by some of the veiled maidens of the Matron stepping within its corridors. It doesn't take long for Liev Tell to meet you partway. Do you want to come with me? Of course. Hello, Leevtel. Oh, hello, Tao. Um. You said you saw something in me. You vouched for me in front of the council. No one else wanted anything to do with me. I'm curious what you still see in me. I pull out the Matron of Raven mask that she gave me. That she gave Breus. That I stole from Brus, the heathen stole from. Anyway, I pull out the real one. I made a copy of. A copy? It looks noticeably shitty. It's made of chocolate. It's a paper plate with just some eyes cut in it. When we spoke with the matron, honestly, she was pretty ambiguous about my future. Was wondering if you could give some context. Where do I lie? Would you like to stay with us for a while? Um. How long's a while? As long as you like. You can visit. And the offer is good now or down the road. Will I ever be whole again? Will it be like this for forever? Especially with the matron being gone. Is she was the one who warped souls between life and death. And now I feel even more like just out of place. I hold your hand well. And Liev runs her hand over the contours of the mask in your hand. And then she raises her hand to your face. Everything is new again. Just like every day of our lives. A lot to figure out. But you seem fairly whole to me, love. And while the heavens have changed you stand here still. Tomorrow is promised for none of us. So in that way, you seem very much like every soul I've ever met in all my many days. But what about her long life? Lan hasn't aged for a long time. I would love more than anything to age alongside the one that I love. If she'll have me. Feels like a fraught wish that many think that they want long life. To never die, to live for eternity. But having been in that limbo, in that in between space, to age is a gift. And I don't want to be left behind. My child. Are you sure? I've had my time. I've had more than enough time. In this lingering uncertainty. I just want to know one way or the other. When I went on this whole journey, I honestly hoped for death in many ways. And it wasn't until I found Imogen that my mind changed. But it's not fair to me and it's not fair to her. It's really not fair to her to have to get old and pruny and love you no matter what. But give me your hands, ladies. Mine too. Yes. And as you hold your hands together, the three of us length. I squeeze both of your hands and I look into Laudna's eyes and I use divine intervention. Does it still work? I don't know. Oh, fuck. So that she will age and die the same as Imogen Tamil. That's what it's all about. It's a unique experience for Lievtel because there is no present divine to intervene. Where is normally such a grand ask and focal calling of will and intent is an outward request. This seems to emanate from within, the chamber's obsidian polished walls begin to dim as the surrounding candlelight becomes just a dull, low, warm blur through Lievtal. You instinctually draw their hands together and place them into each other's within your hands. As you withdraw your grasp on theirs, a sourceless golden thread now binds its way through their hands and fingers, both of them held together, wrapped. A little bit of a cold shiver runs through your sternum and down your back while the flicker of warmth travels through yours. And with that, the string burns bright and then scatters into ash. But something's a little different. Something irrevocably connected between the two of you. Did we just get married? Did we just get married? That felt like married. You're both pregnant? Double. Double. Baby Matron just got born. Timer. But she came out with a mask. What does that mean? What did you just do? What is this baby? Does she feel warmer? Do you feel slightly. You're still laudna. Your very nature hasn't changed that. You can tell. I'm just gonna give a little tug to her arm to see if it falls off quite as easily. I mean, it does still shift and the bone pulls out of place. You dislocated my shirt. But there is a little touch on the face of my cheek and I press firmly with a thumb and take it away. Just a little pink blush there, just for a second before it dies away. I didn't just age like 30 years, right? No, no, no, I can't. That would be awful. Look. No, you look the same. That comes next. That comes next. I give you a kiss. Just hold her. I don't know which happened, but. Do I still smell like dead leaves? You smell amazing. It is death that makes life so very precious. So treated like the gem that it is. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thank you. I would like to return someday and maybe take you up on your offer. But for now, we have an old lady we should probably check up on and. Oh, my God. I know. My, my. I have to talk to my mom. Do you think she's gonna return to my dad? We should make that house call as well. But I'll be with you every step of the way. And if it still sounds nice to you. Yes, that little cabin in the. Yes, yes, right. I love you so much. I love you. You know, I. I don't know if I ever told you, but I heard music the first time I. I met you. Your. Your mind was so beautiful. And I can't believe we're both here now and everything happened the way it did. And I'm just so grateful that I got to hear that. It's probably a little bit of the insanity. Honestly, it was pretty me. You can have all of my crazy. I'll take it. Thank you. Of course. Return anytime. The Dusk Meadow will take you under its wing. Thank you. I'll follow your lead. Yeah. Is Liliana still in the city? Liliana is in the city. She's been tended to by some of the local combat medics that were immediately available just to get her back into a semblance of health. Also keeping her outside of public sight, as many people were given implicitly instructions to attack her as part of Ludinus inner circle. So when you brought her with you under this guise of bearing or bearing predathos, upon arrival, you had her set aside. So she's currently resting within what was essentially a small side war tent that is under instructed protection of Vasselheim's dawn marshals. If you step into the tent itself, you can see the physicians themselves taking a minute to rest and finish off snacks and give you acknowledgment. Liliana is sitting up partially out of the bed and is just rubbing her face a bit and looks up as you walk in. Imogen. Hi. I was gonna. No, stay down. I got dizzy there for a second. I'll come sit on the bed. Laudna. Give her a hug. Mother in law. I don't know. I don't know. It was weird. There was probably a band around her wrists in it. And I maybe took some of her life. I don't know. Sure, why not? It's been a weird time. What do you have? Are you going to return to Jelvaan? I've been trying to think on that here. I don't quite know where I belong right now. Well, I've done a lot of bad things in the name of trying to do something right. I mean, even just the few glances I get around here. There's a lot of people that don't want to see me do well through all of this. Well, one thing to say about our town is it's isolated. I wouldn't even. Wouldn't even say what to relevant. I just laugh. I know, but. I know it would be hard. But he. He misses you. He never. I think you should talk to him at least. I'll talk to him. He deserves that at the very least. I just don't know. I don't know if the woman he loved is here anymore. Everything's changed. Everything has. And that's okay. I think that's okay. But you do owe him that much. Yes, I do. He's not a bad man. He's a very good man. He deserves better than what he's gotten. I gotta figure out a lot of things at the very least. I don't want to speak for you, my love, but perhaps you can make it right just enough to where Imogen has a bridge to her father. He saw a lot of you in her. I can't imagine why. For the two of you, more than myself. I will do what I can. Thank you. I owe a lot to you. I owe a lot to him. I owe a lot to. She looks out beyond the tent. Everyone. If I'm not in shackles somewhere and all this is said and done, and I have a particular path of apologies to walk, I think I'll speak on your behalf. If they'll listen. Honestly, I think you're quite lucky. It seems everyone is in the mood for a little redemption in this new era that we was stepping into. Do you know, we got the impression after he was killed that Ludinus had made more of himself? Do you know anything of that? I don't know. But he's a smart one. A man prone to already knowing what the next step is in having four plans after that, so it wouldn't surprise me. We should speak to Caleb. He would know. Yeah. Well, I'm gonna lie down. Yeah. And take another nap. And think about what I've done. Be well, Mama. She takes your hand. I'm proud of you. I think, if anything, the best thing I ever did was maybe be in my attempts to try and protect you instead. Be the force that made you this. This incredible woman in front of me. A lot of things went into that. Just wish maybe I had done it through different means. But I'm going to lie down. And she lays back in bed and grabs the tea off to the side. She's still recovering from the near death that she was from. We should tell Caleb about Ludinus. Maybe we should go meet up with the others and find him. Yeah. Bye, Mom. She has, like, a pillow over her face. She goes. Bye, Laudna. I'll have many questions later about what you said. All right, as you guys head out into the night. Reyes, whereabouts are you? Tiny footnote on Liavtel. In the coming week, she will find Cerkonos and rock his world, which is probably too much for him, but she'll let him decide that anyway. We might come back to that. That's how we end this entire campaign. What are you up to. At the moment before everyone goes their separate ways, I'd just like to call everyone together and just say that I'm. As I was trying to say in. Inside the big room before I'm aware that I've committed many sins. Some against good people, some against bad people, some against you people. As you have that thought. Nosebleed, your mind flashes back to that moment of the shattering of the Divine Gate and the crafting of the Rite of Cathiosis. That moment where the gods convened, and before they stepped across that path, your vision was pulled from your space and you found yourself sitting in a fiery abyss. There, in those moments before the gods crossed the threshold from the darkness, two burning horns and singeing red eyes peer back at you. Tombseed. Asmodeus. Are you proud of what you've done? Proud, boy. Which part? Yes, I am proud of what I've done. I think these. I was lost, and you gave me a path forward. You taught me to lie, and I used it for evil. And I used. I used it for some good, too. So, yes, I am proud. So you've stepped into the heart of Vasili, and you've made yourself a hero to all the great temples and priests. I have. Well, then, continue. I'll be back, and we'll have great things to do together. Duncid. But I. I turned my back on you. Have, have you? Was that trickery of the mouth or trickery of the soul? Bruce. Oh, God. Finish. Temptation. Literally. Oh, God. My question to you is, will you find me or will I find you? Yes. That's so tempting. It's like I was out, but they keep pulling me back in. Hey. You're a hard man to say no to. I know. But if I. But if I. I've made my choice. I've made my choice. My path has been messy and unclear, and you gave me focus and a horizon to aim for. But I think I prefer the mess. I think I prefer the haziness of life, of not knowing what's next and not knowing. Not having a singular purpose. These people that I was with, they're all damaged, weird people, but they're sort of beautiful in that way. I think I prefer the mess. You can find me and you can try to punish me for turning my back on you, but you'll have to go through them, too. We never said that. You'll have to go through them, too. You act like it's something you can just discard to the side. I'm inside your soul. My hooks are there. I'M going nowhere. And I'll be back. And in that time, I'll haunt your dreams. I'll be at the edge of every vision. My agents will always be waiting. And I will find you pulled back into the fire and darkness. You return back to the night of Vasselheim, as you call your friends together. What were you gonna say? You feel bad about it? Felt like you were about to make a toast or something. Why is your nose burnt? Yeah, you looked like you were gonna get a little queasy. They're also kind of blushing. There's color. Oh, that's interesting. To do things for both of us. Suppose. Yes. It's been so fun getting to know you. Where are you going to go from here? I mean, I thought we were sort of a group, a team. A sort of a. We are. We're team like, you know, we have each other's backs through thick and thin. I feel like this is the end of a momentous story. And we should all pledge to each other that we will be there for one another. Yeah. Good, good, good. Little side letter. Slide it in. I pledge myself to you. And I would hope that you would do the same for me. Crazy. Yeah, but I mean, we've known each other for like a month, so. You don't need to tell. Oh, wow. You don't need to pledge yourself. We don't need to. No, I really want to. I really want to. It would make me feel better if you did. What's going on? I fucked up. I fucked up. Yes, and I'm fucked up. I pledge myself to Asmodeus. Asmodeus. He's gonna kill me. He's gonna come back and kill me. He's a baby. He's gonna grow up and kill me. There's a baby that's gonna kill me. Somewhere there's a baby and he's gonna kill me. You're scared of a baby. I am. Have you? There's some creepy babies. They are creepy babies. Baby's gotta make it through a lot of stuff. That baby's. We got some champions. I mean we saw them. And I'm sure there's a long list. And you are not that high. Baby's Just in case. No, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait, wait. I don't think that's a good idea. I'm stressed out. Every baby I see, I'm going to be like. It's a knee jerk reaction. You'll be fine. You've got at least 12 years where you're fine. Minimum. And if you know Hits puberty later, and she hits puberty, you know, then it's fine. Yeah, you send up the flare, try to fuck a woman, and then it turns out to be Asmodeus. I mean, honestly, that would be. That's a good story. There's some benefit reward at least in that. Worse ways to go. Yeah. She'd be a lot younger than you. Yeah. If she beat your age. That's not true. Yeah, that's true. That's a pretty good point. I was campaign one, man. I was going to apologize, but now I feel like I'm. Anyway, I'm sorry. So, wait, so he's coming after you? He's going to kind of hunt me down for the rest of my life. My God, what are you going to do? Maybe you can. Oh, oh, Fern. What? Maybe you can let him hang out with Nana. Maybe he can hide out in the Fey. Oh, I mean, that's dating your age, that is. Yeah, and I know she took a liking to you. I mean, you are more than one. I was gonna go back home anyway, and you're gonna go back to. You are more than. Well, I don't know, just for a little bit. Just. I was gonna see. Well, maybe go out on a first date. I could hide out there for a while. Yeah, I mean, we gotta ask Nana about it, but I'm sure she would love to keep you there. All right. Somehow I feel safe. Yeah, she probably would keep you safe. I mean, that's if you want to hide, you know, instead of try to find. When you say keep him safe, do you mean like blanket safe? Yeah, you know, safe safe. Yeah, like safe safe. Oh, okay, so. So all three dimensions then. If hypothetically, he came back and challenged me to some sort of a duel. Look, his priorities will probably change in two to three decades. You know, he's saying that now, but, like, who knows? Here's the thing. He's probably just reaching out and grasping at a bunch of straws because I bet he lost quite a bit of followers. I agree with you. It's an interesting question too, because all of the gods saw what we did, right? Yeah. Is Asmodeus going to be the only one coming after us also? Are you? Will there be other gods to come after the rest of us as well? You are freaking out at the promise of a God of lies. That is another layer of this. So, you know, you can kind of take it with a grain of salt. Yeah, maybe he was just giving you shit and is just lying and he's never going to come after You. I think you're in big trouble. Yeah. Devil's advocate. Train really, really, really, really, really, really hard every day of your life. Mostly it sounds like a moral problem. I'm devil's advocate. Devil's advocate. Maybe you should change with the Lord of Lies anymore. Are you gonna search out the platinum dragon again or. Oh, he's really boring. Yeah. You're wearing the armor, though. I know. What's it called? I think I always forget Truth. Thera Fable Play with our Vendrock. I mean, it's really cool, but I'm very Luther Vandross. I haven't had any guidance in my life. I mean, I've only had guidance from gods in my life and now all the gods are gone. But I was thinking if I needed guidance, you know? Fern's got you. Well, no, I had this pamphlet that that one called Jester gave me, and I could always sort of reach out to her God and see if he would guide me through things. As a casual observer of your reality over the last week. Ish. You made all of your best decisions by yourself. Really, the moments where you actually seemed from my perspective at this point were when you weren't thinking about anybody else's opinion, when you were just trying to do what you think thought was good. Yeah. Fair. So maybe, you know, maybe take a little bit of time before you make any rash decisions. Or maybe you should just, you know, follow that or go with the pamphlet. Who the fuck do I know? So I think whoever you know, she, I think listen to the advice from the Holy one. Which one? Which one? The one with a hole in his head. Oh, that's good. I'm going to keep that. Clever. Thank you. Yeah. And as much as we're joshing you, you do have us. Really. We've just been through the most insane amount of shit together. That is a bonding experience like no other. No one has seen what we all have seen. Six days of crazy. And we can build on those six days. Eh? Am I the only one that hasn't gotten a painting yet? Oh, that reminds me. Wow. I finished these on the walk over here. This one is for you, Chetney. That's awesome. And Dorian, I, I. It's how I see you and all of your beautiful glory. You've captured my jaw. And these. I hadn't. I made these. I showed them to you, but I didn't give them out to you before. But this one was for. Oh my God. Ashton. This is for Or. Wow, you really are so. You're really talented. Yeah, maybe you should, like, open up a show. A show? Yeah. What if you did something where it was almost like a performance piece where you paint live? Paint for people. Okay. Okay. You know, it's just. It's. But could I still be sort of keep my dark Persona? Like the dark paint? The evil paint? You mean like Chris H. Like Criss Angel? Are we actually speaking of Lord? Criss Angel. I love it. I love it. Okay. I could try that for a while. Listen, for good reason. You have our back. We have your back. But if you don't have our back, we will not have your back. Oh, good. Okay. I have your back. 100%. Okay. I'm not lying. Insight check. Well, persuasion or deception. You don't have to say which. Guidance yourself. Oh, I'm standing right next to you. Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. You guys roll so many ones. Okay. Oh, okay. Okay. Not anymore. What'd you get? 30. 30? Oh, rollies. Rolly's off at 30. You just leave it. No one. I feel really uncomfortable because I can't tell. I was gonna say, if you speak, you wait people very well, and I can't. I feel really uncomfortable because I feel like you can tell. I can tell. I feel like you are. I know what you're saying to me, and I know that you know that. Okay. I know. Yeah. I think that we're telling a story. I'm gonna trust. I feel like this is out loud. Unless we should roll Rollies in the game one last time. Rollies. Okay, Rollies. Best game within a game. 15, 18. I have your backs. Oh, yeah. I knew it. I knew it. I knew it. I felt it, I guess. Yeah. If you decide also that you don't feel like settling down, you know, let me know. I don't know. I got some ideas. Ash? Yeah? What do you want to do? Well, I think I want to take a moment to figure out what this means now, because this is the. I have now had three and a half heads in my life, and it's starting to worry me, and I don't want to wait. Where's the half coming from? So I think it might be a good idea to find Essek, ask some questions, maybe take a moment to figure out what this means before somebody else decides they want to figure out what this means. And we have seen so much cool shit, I don't think I'm done. I think I want to walk. I spent so much time in the same place. I got so stuck, and we only spent a few days on the moon. There's a whole nother moon. I don't know if that one has an atmosphere. I'm just throwing it out there. We don't. What the fuck do we know about it? And you can go underwater. I mean, we can go anywhere. With a little bit of thought and with. I don't believe that there's anywhere that you can't go anymore if you're. I want to see how far I can get. I want to see things nobody has seen before. We've already seen things that barely anybody has seen before. I don't know. I'm. I want to see this fucking place before we do that. Look at this. Why? He's smiling so much. You're smiling. I am smiling. It might just be a concussion, but, like, a really bad one. Clearly. You mentioned Essex. Yeah. Do you guys wanna. If he would do us the favor. We've spent the last few months almost dying every other day. It's been a hard road. You wanna spend a week in Dressar and just be. Before we take off on any different directions? We might. That'd be fun. Very much. Yeah. Maybe we could stay at Esterosh's house. That was actually hard to say. A crime scene was covered in booby traps. The place was covered in blood. It was fucking gross in there. Sprung by now. Yeah, I imagine. Maybe we can fix it up. I would love a week in Trousar. That's a great idea. Been a lot of place. And this will. I mean, another week would be amazing, but this is never going to be goodbye. We all know that. We should go back to that restaurant where we met Bertrand. Wow. That was a while ago. Mm. Have a drink. You're glowing, by the way you look. Really? Am I? Yeah. You look pink. Yeah, it's like. Just. I can't. What's going on? I can't say for certain, but I went with Imogen to go see the Avtel, and she did a weird thing with a gold thread and then tied our wrists together. And then I felt a little bit warmer and she was like, you're gonna get old now. And maybe Minchin and I are married. I don't know. It'll all have a fairy conversation regardless. You're wearing my ring. And our fates are tied together. It's true. Not that they weren't already, but it's a bit more official. What color is it? I always bled red. It was always red. What the hell, Chadwick? What is it wet? What is he, spicy? Percantina. You're married? Awful tough. Dorian. H. What are you thinking? Yeah, you've always known I'll go wherever you go. But if you could spare me just a bit before you leave, something I'd like to consider. It's all right, of course. Is it all right? Yeah. Yeah. I'd like to split off and hop on Coriolis and I'd like to fly up where I can get a vantage point over the city and I want to look for, if it's there, any sort of pillows or flowers or any idea that home would be on the outskirts. If the Silken Squall is in the cityscape anywhere. Yeah, it was nearby. Your father was part of the original maze. As you fly up at this point too, throughout the evening's chaos, the faintest bit of sunlight is starting to crest on the horizon. Dawn is around the corner, but you glance down and it takes you not to terribly long as the light begins to hit and the color begins to rise. The familiar white banners of the Silken Squall. A smaller troop of the caravan itself. The mobile city just here to bring your father as a representative. But you see where it sits beyond the outer walls. Yeah, I imagine my father's probably still busy, maybe within the city. And I. There's someone that's been on my mind since the minute we set off and I reconnected with Belle's house and that's my mother and that's who I'm hoping to see there. So I'll fly down and set foot back for the first time in. I mean, gosh, it'd be almost close to a year since I broke and sort of walk through the collection of tents that lead up to the main's cloth like yurts where my parents would stay and I'll open the and see if she's there. A handful of the various posted guards at this early hour see you approach and begin to step forward to halt your advance before they recognize you and quietly step back with a welcoming smile and a nod. You step towards the flap of the yurt and inside that warm glow of oil lamps, two of which set at different tables and the signs reside within the comfortable travel bed that's in the center. And your mother is. She is prone to wake up rather early, is currently setting a kettle on a small arcane flame stone. And she doesn't hear you enter. She's in the process of setting the enchantment on and pouring water into it. I'll quietly walk up behind her and I'll get 10ft away and I'll just gently cast gust behind her ear into her hair so I'd let her know that I'm there. Her shoulder length teal hair with touches of white drift with it. She stops and her hand goes onto her shoulder. She looks over towards you. Dorian. Dorian, my baby. And she sets it down. The kettle hits the top of the table and then tips off, spilling onto the ground. But she doesn't even notice as she runs over and wraps her arms around you. Dorian. You don't have to call me that. Oh, mom, do you hate me? No. And then he just. Yeah, he sort of loses it in his mother's arms. Is this not what you wish to be called? Your father said that it's all right. Yes. I'm sorry for what happened. I don't think the world was what I thought it was. It's a scary place. And it's dark. And I never imagined that any of this would happen. She just holds you and pulls you into her lap there on the floor of the earth. My sweet boy. I'm so sorry. We tried to protect you. You're right. The world is a very scary sc. Do you think. Do you think it's possible to start over? To start new? Even though you've made terrible mistakes that led to. And he can't. He just can't finish his sentence. And only his brother is on his mind. He's not trying to hurt her, but he can't control the truth of what his journey has led him to. She picks you up by the cheeks, rubbing the tears from your face. As her eyes meet you, she goes, my sweet Bronte, all it takes to start again is to wake up one morning and decide to. Okay. We are the wind. And the wind is prone to change, is it not? It's our very essence. The world is frightening, but you've seen it now. And it's filled with so much beauty. And you're part of that now. You're part of what makes it beautiful. Thank you. Thank you for telling me it's okay to live. And as he sort of lays in his mother's lap and he feels that warm, her warm breath, he just sort of breathes it in and holds it there. Because he can forever, just for a moment, just drifts off to sleep in his mother's lap. Shh. That's all I ever wanted. Okay, the rest of you, gather yourselves. And you're trekking. You said for a week to jrusar to try and maybe retrace some of the steps of where this began and offer yourselves a little bit of space and time to celebrate and enjoy a Little space from the intensity of Vasselheim. Would you have brought Frieda with you? Yeah. Would you like Frida to join you at the table? You sure? All right. Just make a little room here on the edge. Don't mind. Oh, God. Oh, God. I'll get my shit together after my nap and go with everyone. I mean, whiny Frida, if you don't mind coming to the table, please. Now welcome to the stage. Someone call Cornell. Get in. Get in. Protege. You. You are different. Sorry. Suits you. Thank you. You won't doing this for a while. But you all gather and traverse the familiar spires of Jrusar. The beautiful rising brown and red columns of civilization and art and beauty. Here, where the chandae korum brings order to a people some very happy to see a return. You check in with Shadana? Yeah. Shadana. Who has since rented the room. No, since rent in the room while you were away. And a young studying pupil. A familiar beret. And Charibod prison has taken up residence. Prison to pursue knowledge and arcana and history from within. Conservatory. Amazing you, Emily. I know, Emily. But indeed Shadan is so happy to see you both. Seems like you've traveled quite the world. Look, this is an alien like thumb. This is an alien fetus. He should go on the shelf. Oh, you know, I can follow. Yes. Would you all like cookies? Yes. Puts together a platter of some sort of cabbage dish. It's not quite. Oh, these are delicious cookies, Shadana. Thank you. Cabbage. She's a little confused. Maybe we'll. We'll do Nice doggies. Yes. We'll do one of our usual, like, market runs. Get her some fresh and then give Prism the rundown on taking care of her. Making sure that show Frieda every spot we visited with fresh cut grass and tell 100 stories of our time in Jrusar way back three months ago. The terrible place that we lived when FCG and Ashton were roommates. Just living in literally a hole in the wall with a bunch of other miscreants. I think. Ashton, I think this might be your size, if you're interested. It has a. And I open up my jacket and it has FCG's initials in it. I think I might be due for a new one, so I think you might want that. I'd never say no to nice clothing. Looks great on it. It feels really good. Wow. You clean up nice. Yeah. So sophisticated. Ashton. Yeah? There will be a time and place for this. Thank you. You're welcome. Hey, Frida. Yes, Ms. Calloway? Do you feel like there's any way that you could not bring FCG back but look into maybe. I don't know. I guess bringing him back again. I feel their presence still. So if they want to come back and you all think it's a good idea. Maybe there's an answer in aeor. Yeah. I would like to go there. Maybe we could find one that the very least we could learn more about them. Yeah. Yes. I'd like to meet others like me. If there are, you should meet Imahara Joe. Imahara Joe. Imahara Joe. Yes, we quite familiar with them when we were in Bassus. It's not that far. No. That'd be a nice trip. Maybe you and CH can go. If my. If my. My. My teacher, My master, my. Hey, sire. If my sire, would your daddy. Oh, that's my daddy. You see my head getting larger and larger. I think they're called. I think it's called the Alpha. The Alpha. Yes. God. Have to get a Dremel out. This looks like a good space for it right here. I could do that. I could do that. Should we go get that drink? Please. Let's do it. Stepping into the familiar fire lit interiors of the various taverns, you're given a tour of the various meals and drinks and spaces along the way. Greeted by one exuberant massive ogre from the kitchen. Upon your arrival runs out my friend. Hey. What are you doing here? Well, I heard that you wanted a fine meal. And while we have a sordid history, I just wanted to show that there's no hard feelings. And I still think of all three of you fondly. There's no hard feelings. There's none whatsoever. Have you found someone pretty? I've found someone very pretty. Ooh. Oh. It's still early stages but we're taking our time. These dance card is bowl. But nevertheless. Any requests from our menu? Oh, the special surprise. Isn't meal the thing that you get here? Yeah, the meal. Both of those. Something special together. Just metal for me. I remember your kind goes back into the kitchen. Yeah. A week of delights and memories in Jrusar. You checking in with the Crook House? Yeah. Bonsea Hollow. I definitely want to stop in and at the very least say hi to Milo. It's been a long time. The rest of you go with. Or do you take this as a solo? I'm fine either way. Actually, if you want to come around and just check out and actually it's possible that FCG left some of their stuff in the Crook house so I can show you their bunk. Go, be free. Use your nose. Explore. Take in whatever Drusel has to offer you. Maybe not at the Crook House. You're going to smell some things. Well, shit, yeah. All right. Descending through the Fonsi Hollow in and the darkened interior of the spire, and where no sunlight really touches the number of glowing baubles and torches that lead you along these massive stretches of scaffolding and hanging cloths and canvas, you eventually come to the exterior of the Crook House, this unique looking, oddly painted little abode that's buried partially into the wall of the interior core. You knock on the door briefly before a voice goes, yeah, what do you want? What don't I want? You miserable, miserable fuck. Ashton's back. And the door opens and. You love me, Annie Oddie. Female Oonia is like an Orc elf ancestry in what looks like midday ragged pajamas, kind of, sort of. Well, it's good to see. What the fuck happened to you? So much bad shit. Good, you had it coming. Come in. I missed you. Fuck. Did you upgrade? Oh. Oh boy. No, that's smiley day to you. I am Freeda Frida, I guess. Welcome to the Crook House. Thank you. We're not feeding both of you, are we? Oh, we are. But yeah, FCG didn't make it. He saved the world. But he did save the world and also hooked up pretty well. So this is our new friend, you see, Annie, who usually keeps this very devil may care attitude for the first time in a while, taken back and shaking. Oh, I didn't realize. I'm sorry. Well, welcome. Thank you. Welcome. Come on in, Milo. You like it? Eventually, Milo comes darting around the corner. Big glasses, their knitted cap dangling at the sides, one hand in a big leather glove with what looks like some sort of a spanner tool on the side. And goes like, what? Oh, you. Yeah, look rough. So fucking rough, it's bad. Oh, I love it. Good to see you, asshole. This is a friend. Friend. Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Oh, you're just like them. Well, they rubbed up on me. Well, welcome to the Croakhouse. We got stories to share, don't we? Jesus. Welcome to the table with Lorva. At some point, after some snacks, some introductions, a tour of the space, what sort of FCG relics would they find within FCG's old place? Yeah, some maintenance stuff. Some oil cans and some little tools and stuff to keep the circuitry and the mechanics running smoothly. Maybe a spare tire and some other arm attachments that they left behind that were probably less useful. There's one that's just like a long pencil. I take the pencil. I take the pencil so I can sketch and a sketch. It looks like a frisbee and it just says we are here. Oh my God. Stupid idiot. To the grave. Is it okay if I take. Take these? Of course. They're here for you. They were here for me? Yeah. After some stories and some laughter and some drinks, we said you pull Milo aside. Yeah. I'm. As you can see, it's been rough. Yeah. I'm glad you finally got out of the fucking house, man. If half the shit you said is true, that's genuinely kind of wild. Yeah. And I think I'm going to be leaving sooner rather than later. I'll be back. But I think I'm going to be getting out of town before I do. Not tonight, but before I take off. And I reach up and just tap where the glass is meeting the rock. And another little flake pops off. I may need a bit of a patch up. As only you do. And also. And I pull out the hammer and there's cracks in it and it's not dead, but it's a little off. And I hand a sketch. I dreamed that. And I think that might fix it. I don't know. That's new. I mean, just like I did last time. I'll do my best, but my best is as good as you. Your best help save the world. You gotta be kidding. Your best saved my life. You're gimme a big head. Okay. Let me. I'll get to work on this. Also among the stuff that you find, Frida, is a strange looking crescent shaped sort of microchip that has an odd glowing symbol on it. I take that up. Can I insert this into myself? All right. As I said. Do you need an adapter? Is this going to. Yeah. There's an oil can. Is there a port? I mean you understand as much as you can about your physical. You know. Build and make an arcana check for me. Actually just roll a detective 1212. You have no real concept of where it could be utilized or how it could be installed. You might have to seek help elsewhere. I will. I'll tuck that away. Okay. And then I'll turn to his family. Their family. You go and find. After this painting you find Ashton on a length table and Milo with a massive mask and large heavy welding goggles on. Full on leather apron and glasses. And this contraption that it's a weird wench like bendable arm and is currently what looks like pouring some sort of molten metal Onto Ashton's head. Dark smoke rising up from it. Come on, you motherfucker. Mr. Grimor, are you okay? I'm definitely screaming. Talk. Doing. Yeah. Don't talk. Don't breathe. Lean forward. Lean forward. More. More spilling and spilling and spilling. Ashton, you fucker. Oh, fuck. You all right? Come on. Okay. And takes a bucket of water, just throws it on. Steam pours out from around the room, fills with it. And then as it slowly fades away, ashen. You sit up and you can see kind of near the edge of. Of where that crack in the head is. There's a dull orange glow of a cooling molten gold material that has filled some of those gaps. And that window has gotten a lot bigger. It is definitely. It has taken over a lot more of their head and face. But it is at least now stable and not spreading. And spreading like a windshield. Are you okay? Does that hurt? It looks like it hurts. This hurts so much. They like it. Fucker. Hey, I found something in FCG's room. Does this mean anything to you? Doesn't mean anything to me. It doesn't mean anything to me. Milo. No, I have. Milo's like, hi. I haven't seen that. No, it's definitely not anything of ours. Okay. Do you guys wanna. It's FCG's voice. What? Smiley day to you. Smiley day to you. Boo. I haven't had the courage to do that yet. That's a lot. I miss them. I do too. I do too. They inspired me to do some dumb shit. Not saying much. Cause he's been doing dumb shit his whole life. Well, you found another aeormaton to help you do dumb shit. That's. It's a thing to meet someone else that's so desperate to do the right thing that they're willing to die for it. They were willing to live for it too. We should live for it too. Yeah. In the end, it's what we had in common. It was the thing that made me keep them around. And I'm sure it was the thing that had them keep me around. They were way too good for this world. Coffee? Ew. Yes, please. A toast. I'll go through the motions of it, but you know. Oh, we got plenty of chow left over. Giant jar of metal odd bits and scraps from Milo's workshop here. Kind of scoops up along little bit of a glass filled with them and hands them to you. Thank you. You want to take the toast there, Ashton? To fcg. Who could always see the worst in everybody, but. But chose to only honor the best. Only the best cheer Cheers. Clink clink clink clink clink clink. Like a casino machine Hang out. Chinko upgrade we can get later. Can we play slotsong? Probably. I'll toss a chunk in. On another moment of this day. Not with this group. Orym and Dorian are trying to catch up with the group and I'm going to place us on one of the gondolas moving over one of the city and I see. Sorry. Again and again I've seen you be distracted or your mind wander off somewhere. And seeing you look out at the city as we move across on the cable car. Copper for your thoughts. I'll actually flip him one. Deal. Just drinking it all in, I suppose. It has been quite a thing. How are you? Lighter. So many years for me have been heavy. I feel lighter. I've seen it. Makes me happy. You carry a lot on your shoulders. Small but broad. You say that, but I see you carrying. Of course. But it's always easier to do that with someone else. I don't know what next week holds for or this group. But if you'll allow it, I would love to. Okay. Yeah. Love you. And take care of you. And spend my days and my nights with you. Okay. Can I ask one thing of you? You know it's not what I'm the best at. You can ask anything. Can we take it day by day? Can we see who we become together? I don't know anything anymore. But the only thing I know is that I want to be with you. And I hope just for now. Just for now. That can be enough. And it can carry us through. And after this week with our friends is over. I kiss him. Okay. I know. Day by day. We can take it day by day. That's a promise. I'll be here in the morning. I'll be here in the morning. Um. I think I gotta go home for a bit. Will you come with me? Yes. Can we grab Fearne? Can we go to Zephyr for a minute? Of course. Okay. It feels nice to have just a little freedom. Real freedom. I'm glad we could find it together. So much hardship. Such a long road. But I can't say that it's all been bad. Cause it brought you to me. It has not all been bad. I. I don't know if today that I can say it was worth it all. But I think there's a chance. These dark things brought us to where we are. It's hard to let them in. It's hard to let them in. But what matters is today. Day by day. Then I'll kiss him again. That's any other business in Bussar. As we gather and just have a drink where we first met, Laudna goes through the arduous task of dragging a bunch of chairs and tables and boxes out and casts animate objects on them. No, it was you alone. Do we get the fuck out of them again? Yes, my child, yes. And I just recreate that very first fight that we had, fighting inanimate objects. All the furniture just starts bashing into each other as the proprietor is back, going like, worry, I'll pay for it. Shut up. Okay. I just join them in a little spooky dance in the middle. As they all dance around, the patrons all watch, terrified or spellbound. You're not sure. The beautiful display of furniture warfare shifting into furniture dance is met with a handful of claps and a couple of coins tossed your way. Money. Oh, no. I could do this. This could be my new living. Too real, I suppose. While we're drinking, I'm going to come over to Fearne and sit next to you. Oh, hello. Hey there. Fancy meeting you here. Yeah. What's a scoundrel like you doing in a place like this? Oh, God, no good. That's what I'm doing. What's your plan after all this? Well, I have a couple things that I want to do. I think at some point I would like to get to know my parents a little bit better. Birdie and Ollie, I follow. And I'd love to talk to Nana Mori about maybe one day people maybe studying under her. Cause I feel like I'd be pretty good at fade stitching, you know, just like plucking and fucking with people's lives. That hitch was everything that is. I think I'd be good at it. You're already. And also, you know, I've already started a collection. I know Nana has a collection, and I just want to spend more time with her. I love her and I love my home there. And I would also like to go to the Unseelie Court at some point and see if there's any inheritance that I might have there. But also, mainly, I want to get Chetney's egg. I want to collect all five. If I didn't know exactly what you meant right there, that would have been so dirty. And then. This is like a long shot, but I was thinking, since I, you know, have so much experience, professor, all the things. I wonder if they need a new spot on the Tal'Dorei Council, because I think I'm, you know, I'M an ambassador of sorts, and I'm great with people. Well. And if they don't have a spot, one could mysteriously. They open up, I suppose. Oh, I like this thinking that you have. Well, you know, I know what you like. Honestly, though, that feels like that would be a little bit too much responsibility. I'd rather just play around with some golden threads. Yeah. That's a nice little plan you got there. What are you thinking you wanted to do? Well, I'm gonna get a handle on this. Cause I'm. I don't wanna. I don't wanna not know myself and I don't wanna be a danger. I'm going to. I want to see a lot. I want to meet people. I want to have places to go and rest where I can see friends and family and. Can I come with you? Just. I'd love to help and. I don't know, help you find you and maybe me too. I. I just did something monstrously heroic, and that's not me. That was five seconds of my life. And God brag, quite the opposite. I think it's a bad thing to judge who I am by. It was a moment of very, very conscious sanity that I do not know if I can replicate again in my life. It was amazing. Thank you. Um. I'd love that. But not yet. Okay. I need you to. You just told me what you want, and I think you should go home, say hi to your family, let some time pass from that version of me and remember all the reasons why I'm a terrible idea. And I guess what I want is I want to make sure. Knowing you and knowing me, I'd love to be around you. I love every moment around you. You are fun and you are dangerous and hot and funny and probably going to get somebody killed. Probably me. And I am down for whatever. I am happy to be a friend. I am happy to be. Be a friend with benefits. I'm happy to. I'm happy to see what you want. But what I need is for you to want. I just. I think I need you to be thoughtful about it. I think that's what I would ask, is take some time and be thoughtful. And I want to make sure that you're not. This is a thing I do not want you to jump into. Even if it's just casual fucking around. I want to make sure that you're not wasting your time and I want to make sure that you're not. Just. If you decide to come, I don't want you tagging along with me. I want this to be a thing that is not mine. And I. Yeah, I just need. I just. That's what I would ask is for some thoughtfulness. I like that. Yeah, that's a deal. I mean, like, if you want to like go fuck around right now, though. I'm so fucking down. No, no, no, no, no. I need to sit alone and think about it. Wonderful. Unless anyone else has any business in Jrusar. You said you wanted to make a trek to. I want to report home with my friends from their earliest days and touch base with the Tempest. Okay. You can step out if you'd like to, buddy. Thank you. And that trek to Zephyr, you said in you Fearne and Dorian? Yeah. I was imagining something that I know that Imogen and Laudna are going to need some time together and different adventures and werewolf training when things are happening. So once things have sort of settled down and I know Fearne wants to go home. Home. Home for Fearne. But beforehand we must drop into Zephyra. Crownkeepers OG og Crane keep everything easy enough to coordinate via your Druidic contacts, some of which are family. A trek back to the beautiful mountain town of Zephrah. Returning once more to your homestead, the wonderful cavalcade of colors and mountainside trees. Blossoming leaves blowing through the wind as it perpetually drifts through. A wind that is as welcoming to you, Prince of the Wind, as any. Is Opal with you guys all the. Yeah, yeah. We would have scooped her up. Yeah. All right. That's right. Opal, if you want to come join the table, please. She's gone. She's gone. She has gone home. Is it true? Is it true? Here she comes. I see her. Oh, wait. She got a cartoon in her hand. Wait, is Laura coming up? What's happening? Someone said to take the seat Christian was in. Yeah, come this way. Yeah. Other people I think have gone. Use the restroom. Let me scooch this way since it's crown keepers. Are you sure? Yeah. Could you guys get. Let me get the tell. Ch. Jesus. So organized. I know. I love them. Al game of Dungeons and Dragons. You guys smell good. Smell like hormonal, emotional b. Oh, smells great to me. But here in the windy village scape of Zephrah, beautiful late afternoon. The breeze is blowing through you. Step back through the winding streets of all the small mountain built abodes. It's beautiful, it's welcoming. And it's a peaceful scene as members of the Ashari guard and other villagers look out occasionally to take note of the arrivals and recognition. People wave to you. Some go like Whorem, waving off to you in the distance. The first to greet you familiar here is Maeve, who comes and rushes towards the tree that you guys had arrived. Meets you part way and he's like, orym, I'm so glad you're here. Welcome, friends of Orym. Hi. Hi. Fearne? Yes. Maeve. Yeah. Dorian, correct. I don't think we brought Opal here. This is our front. Opal. Hi, I'm Maeve Orm's family pod. I'm myself one of the Druid guardians of the village. A talented one, so myself. But welcome to our home. Is it. I don't want to presume, but it would be okay if tonight or tomorrow night if I. If we. And if I grab my mom, if we came over for one of our dinners. Yeah, we could totally do that. Yeah. I want to stop in and visit with the Tempest. But she's I believe in her chambers was as of this morning. So you can check in there. Okay. We'll swing by later tonight if that's okay. Sure, yeah. I'll go start letting folks know. It's so good to see you. And she tugs in your cheeks for a minute. We got sent on a real live official mission a while back. It was pretty cold. You're so warm here. A lot of problems behind us. Stepping through the village and heading towards the Tempest's chambers. Passing by one of the small dining watering holes of the. You hear the sound of music playing in the air. A beautiful plucking. Somewhat beautiful plucking. It's a little off key, a little discordant, but nevertheless people seem to be enjoying it. And you hear a voice singing along. What's this thing? And I once saw a girl who was down in. No, wait, that wasn't. It was when. Just go with me. La la la la. And you immediately recognize the voice of Dariax singing. Let's go. Oh my God. You dart in from the entryway and you can see it's mostly empty. There are three elderly members of the community that to themselves. They're dressed in various gardening attire but with their jackets off. And they all have either big mugs of some sort of a light alcoholic beverage, if not just coffee. And they're all just kind of t. Trying to ignore Dariax. Is he still singing? He's still in the process of singing. He hasn't noticed you all yet. He's just like take requests. Whatever you feel, just let me know. May not know it, but I'll try. Before we come in, I cast invisibility on myself really quick, okay, I sneak up behind him and then he's just going to hear. Finally an unbeat footstomp behind him. And then just a gentleman, quiet stumble. And he thinks it's his inspiration, but that's what it was. Oh, a gentle old lady was going to town. She found it. Now I fucked it up again. But stay on the decord. Stay on the decord. Right, right. Now it's decord. Yeah, Deep decord. I'm swoop un invis. He just full on tackles you off the small stage. It's less of a stage, more of like. It might have been like a washing platform that's been used as a makeshift stage. And the minute the music stops, everyone looks over and sees it and goes, hey, guy, I'm gonna pull him up off of me and I go. I'm gonna point his rotund little yummy body up to the friends. It's terrier. Let's go. Holy shit. Sorry. I don't know how to take it off yet. She's good, she's good. Yeah, yeah. Put me down, put me down, put me down. Sorry, sorry. Go in here. And he goes and just run full like, he's short, but he's broad armed and kind of like tackles all three of you in a big old painful hug. How long have you been here? How long have you been here? Well, I mean, since this asshole abandoned me here. I was just trying, you know, I was doing the thing you knew I was doing. That's a pretty cool thing. Be angry. Look, get out of here. I know, I know. It's all good. It's all good, to be fair. Like, I was jealous. I didn't think of it first. Wait, did I hear that you met somebody, right? Am I making this up? I mean, I met a lot of people here, but like a lady friend? Am I making this up? Didn't. Didn't, did it. Didn't you meet somebody right? Then you hear your mother. Oh, my God. You know how long I've been fucking looking for you? Dario's on the ground with Denise having like full on pounced on him. He's like, huh? Wait, did she. You didn't tell me you brought her along. You're here too. Oh, my God. I haven't seen you in several weeks. How does everyone know each other? This is. Oh, my God. Hi. It's a small, flat world, Ariax. Well, welcome to Zephra. She just. Denise kind of gets off of him. Listen, I've been looking for this for a long time. But I'm not gonna make a scene in front of these very nice people. You're right. We should not make a scene in front of these people. As he puts one of the chairs back. Hello. She's extremely. Hi, Denise. She's wonderful. Are you gonna tell them how we were pre engaged? We were pre engaged. Oh, my God. Left me. Left me all alone. No word back to the family for a couple extra seats for dinner tonight. So we got Denise, we got Opal. Yes, yes. We get everybody. Jubie, to be completely honest and clear on this, I did not leave you. I just got lost for six months. Okay. I intended to come back. You did? Yeah, I had. Did you get my note? No. I sent you a really magic note from Mr. Yes, I did get that. You are correct, Kilmore. Yes. It was beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful note. Spend a lot of money on that. That's so sweet. You know, I know this feels like it's the time for resolutions, but maybe we should just be happy we're all together. All right. I am happy. Very much so, since I'm generally overwhelmed. But I'm so happy to see all of you. Wow. You too, Denise. Oh, man, I have so many teens. Hold on just a second, friends. He takes Denise's hand and pulls her off to the side real fast and goes. Hey, I'm sincerely very sorry. I didn't mean to put you on any sort of weird space. Generally, I'm easily distracted, and there's just been a lot of distractions back to back. I'm still currently distracted, and, like, one eye's kind of peering to all of his friends, and he's like, so. Just so you know, that's kind of what you got into. And I'm really sorry. Dariax, this is the most we've talked ever. I don't even think I remembered the sound of your voice. How did we get engaged? Oh, I remember. And then she kisses him. You know, it's not what I remember. It's the garlic dates. They're really good. Good. Here. We're gonna have to revisit this, but thank you for your apology. Of course. Happy to apologize. Sincerely apologizing again. You're very nice, and you're very pretty, and I'm sorry if I put you through any trouble. Thank you. Tbd Tibbedy. There's no wink. Hi. Oh, my God. You're all, Here goes. And he's like, hope you look clean. I cleaned up. If only I could just take this fucking crown off my head. That would be Nice. I could try. You wanna just give it a tug? Sure. Ow. Oh, that hurts. Did it come off? No, but his hands are bleeding. Heal wounds. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, that's an Amaru problem. I'm sorry I sent you off with. My accents are getting fucked up. I just really wanted to send you off safely. I am sure there is wisdom to the choices you made that I can't grasp. That's very kind. It is honest. I can't grasp a lot of wisdom. But you know what, Mo? We're here. You seem to not be doing as bad. You seem to be happier than last I saw you. You. You all look amazing. Dariax, do you know what's going on in the world? Have you heard any news? Yeah, no. We had like a really, really crazy rainstorm a about three days ago. We had to fix some of the gutters outside. The colors in the sky went away. That might have something to do with the storm. I think the storm washed it away. Why? What's going on? I will tell you over dinner. Okay. Coming over to my old place? Sure. Okay. Yeah, totally. What time? I have an afternoon gig. Oh, this is in the evening, so we're going to be stopping by to see the voice of the Tempest. Great. For a bit. Yes, I remember her. Come back here around sundown. Sundown. 30 past sundown. I should be done by about then. Okay. The proprietor turned out honestly. Just take them. It's fine. We'll pay you. Take the night off. You got friends here. Take tomorrow night off. You know, take the whole week. You know, go for a second. Really? Yeah. Georgie's a great guy. Appreciate you, Georgie. He's like. Denise starts packing up the gear. Well, great. I'll show you around. I got some new. Well, I got like a back room in one of the barns here that they're letting me stay pretty cheap. Yeah, I'll take you around. But you're going to see the Tempest first, right? That's right. All right. You know, we'll finish cleaning up here. I'll see you in a little bit. All right. He starts putting his stuff away. Denise, could you help me pack up a little bit here? Oh, yeah, sure. Say my name again. Denise. Yeah, that's right. That is right. Great. Awesome. Hopefully. You coming? Yes. What about you, Shera? Netflix canceled us. Echoing through the heavens over tower Baldore. Well, while Denise and Dariak stay behind, the four of you present crownkeepers step to the beautiful large building in the core of the center of Zephrah, where you see the beautiful Vine Wrapped balcony and. And the cottage library vibe of this structure. These beautiful tree grown poles and the thatched woven roof that seems to spiral outward. It's almost change through the seasons. Throughout the year, some of these buildings almost shift with the weather and the seasons. And as the Druids find inspiration, they can shift some of the more natural buildings to match that time of the year. The city itself is almost changing in places along with the season itself. It doesn't take too long before eventually you are shown up to the chamber door to the Tempest's room, which itself lies partially ajar. Keyleth. Yes. Hello. You have the arrival. Hi. Hi. Savior Blade. Tempest. I just give him a big hug. Hi. I hope you've been getting some much needed rest in downtime. I could say the same for you. Yeah, I. I have actually. It's been nice. Try to relish the moments of rest. I know that your hands were immediately full in Vasselheim. Yeah, you know, whatever. They're fine. They'll figure it out on their own. Sometimes you just have to let them tire themselves out with bickering. They'll learn soon enough that Exandria keeps. Keep spinning. Yeah. Oh, this is. You know Dorian and Fern. This is our friend. Hi. Opal. Hello. Excuse my appearance. Full disclosure, I was the Spider Queen's champion. But just fuck her. Just between us. No, no, no, no. I saw. I saw you. Actually. I recognize you. When we were fighting the Miles King. Yeah, Yeah. I was really in the zone and I had arms and we didn't really converse, but I just saw you and I was like, oh, she's kicking ass. Yeah, yeah, yeah. From the wrong team, but it turns out. But I think we were all on the same team that day. Yeah. So you did well. Thank you for having us. Your matches. Tequila's eye. Yeah, it's weird. Great. I like your crown. Thanks. I wish I could get it off. This one can come off. It can. Yeah. I don't know why I said that. That's a weird thing to say. No, no, it's lucky you. Yeah. Yeah. It's you. Tea? Yes. Wine. Wine. Yeah. Let's have some wine. Josie loves her wine. She loves her Pinot. Yes. You push past the Lionettes and the Strassmanns. Yeah. Ooh. Yes. Actually, this is a rare bottle. Uncommon Orym. Will you. You open it? Thank you. Jeez. Pour some glasses. Um. What am I here to say? I don't know. Are you okay? Yeah. Yes, I am. The first thing I'd like to say is just how grateful I Am to you for your faith in me. Your winds have kept me aloft in ways that maybe you don't know. But I'm grateful for it. And I just wanted to make sure that I said thanks. Keyleth. It's meant a lot, Tempest. It's meant a lot. Faith isn't something that's given. It's proven. And I mean, I saw who you were. I saw the nature of your heart. That's why I put you on my guard to begin with, Orym. You've earned this. Nothing was granted. Yes. And that gets to the second thing that I've come here to ask. You've had me on the road for a long time. I love coming home. But part of me has gotten used to the road. Maybe I picked that up spending so much time around you. Mm. And I would still very much like to be of service to you as your Blade. But I'm hoping I can do it still, in an emissary capacity. And be your eyes are on the world as I have been. I have some places to go. My own. Aramente, if you will. I have to visit Fearne's family past the Veil. I have some responsibilities there. And some new responsibilities. Being the Savior Blade was never equated to your proximity to me. You've always been an extension. Not just of the Tempest, but of Zephrah. I wouldn't want anything else. For better or for worse, Zephrah and the Ashari. We have a place on a global scale. That's what I fought so hard for, alongside the rest of Vox Machina. It would be an honor for you to continue to uphold and represent the Ashari. Good news is, I don't have to do it alone. I take his hand. I found someone. And for the longest time, I've walked under the light of the moons. But I think it's time I spent some time with the sun in the clear blue sky. He's really got away with words. A 30 foot vertical leap. Only around you. You deserve happiness. You've sacrificed a lot. Not just for this city, but for me. And I know what you lost in that time. And I think about it every day. I think about every life that has fallen that may or may not have been from a choice that I have made. And the only thing that I can hope for is peace for anyone who has served that time. Orym drops all the responsibility and the duty and the position and the way he carries himself around the Tempest and just walks forward and hugs Keyleth. She embraces him back. I Want that for you, too. Happiness for you too, you deserve. Sir, I'm finding my peace. It's a marathon, not a sprint. We shouldn't expect anything to happen overnight. Except for the things that happen overnight, which feels like a lot in exandria, but that's like. We'll unpack that at a later date. You'd be surprised which you can pack into a week. You're telling me. Almost feels like four years. Especially when you're jumping across every time zone. Every time zone in every continent. The tree lag. It's wild. Yeah. Yeah. Should I top everybody off? Please. You share your wine and share your stories before eventually the sun begins to turn low in the sky. She gets a little tipsy, and she's like, you're all honorary Ashari. I felt it the first time we came. Came here. I was like. I think I feel like I'm in a shark. If you ever need, like, a place to crash. Really? If you need a bed. Oh, my God. You're just so nice. I love you. So nice. Especially you, wind guy. Like, all I felt connected. And you never heard him sing? You never heard him sing? No one's ever heard me sing. It's a very good voice. It's okay. You should replace that guy down at the. Down at the. Trevor. No, no, no. He's a friend. Oh, he's a friend. He's almost like a. Like a pro. Like a protege. A protege. Like a protege. Hey, could. Since we're being silly, could you do me a favor? Yeah. You were my. We were our first ever mission. Could you say, like. Could you say, like, mission complete. Crown keepers. How about I got. But, like, you take off your sunglasses while you do it. Okay, hang on. Wait. I've got, like, a stamp somewhere. I've got a stamp. Stamp for, like, a stamp? Yeah, for, like, I don't know. Clap your hands. Yes, Tempest. Oh, I didn't. No. Where's my stamp? Right away, Tempest. Oh, like it says. Like it says. It's like a seal. It says, ladies and gentlemen, we got him. Comes back in with, like, the wood block stamp on the pillow, and it's like, is it hot whack? Mission accomplished. Yes. You all get experience points. That's not how this works. Instead of sunglasses, it's all the antlers. Eventually, before you get too trashed, you. You say your good evening to the Tempest and stumble back into the end of the daylight streets of Zephra, heading back towards where your mother is and where dinner is also awaiting you along the way. You can't help but catch a vision of Shundane, the half orc, one of the advisors to the Tempest, who is walking an unexpected troop through. You see three Reiloran children and a young Bormora being walked through the town, along with one adult all swaddled up with cloaks. And they're all being shown some of the exterior gardens. It's like watching this stoic advisor suddenly in a professorial role or a guide role, just talking about the different flowers and teaching the children of where they come from. And hands one of the flowers to a kid, and the kid holds it. They smell it, and you watch as they go ahead and drift their finger upward and it grows and blossoms. And the kids laugh and look at each other. And one of them looks back at your troupe and one of them. You swear it doesn't recognize you, but there's almost a moment of recognition before it goes back to the flower and you continue on to your home, where your mother awaits and a grand dinner as Dariax and his on again, off again, maybe never on, but maybe probably on. Fiance friend, roadie girl Denise there awaits with a grand meal, grand stories and grand laughter. Now, in the times to come, weeks, months, years, whatever it may be, Jetney Pockape, what's in the future for you? Roll those dice short term. Well, that's fair. Yeah. I will lose my fucking shit. Please. We will go to Vegas. Come on. Come giving yourself advantage. Oh, wait, this one's cocked. It's a single digit. That one's cocked. It didn't matter. That's a one. It is, but it's cocked. It was so close. It was almost trip zeros. Almost. Did you get a feeling? Oh, yeah. Still here. Breaking records. Thank you, by the way, if you don't mind. Oh, yes, you're good. If you want to. Thank you so much, Amy, Musical guest chair. I know everyone juggling this around. We love you. Thank you, Amy. I think Chetty probably would have been a little lost, but knowing that Frida's now going through the same thing that he was going through, going through. I think he's excited to be a mentor, but I also think he's probably gonna get bored pretty fast. So whether it's going to visit the Gorgine or maybe seeing if Dorian needs a hand on anything that he's gonna pursue, I think he'll just sort of stay around as a hand for hire. Okay, so you go ahead and introduce Frieda to the Gorgine and let them become the teachers as opposed to cleansing the curse of Lycanthropy. But to embrace it. Yes. To control it. Yeah. Don't give up such a gift. As such, the first mechanical werewolf of Exandria begins their journey. We are Metal Wolf. So yeah, the Transformers. But animals, whatever. Beast Wars. Beast Wars. Yeah, that's right. Okay, so being a hand for hire to Dorian and allies around you probably at some point trek back to Uthodurn at some point as the years go on, where Ultgar's chest is thriving underneath Oltgar once again with proper artisan craftsmanship, up and coming crafters and creators and Drixilich is nowhere to be seen. But here, as the training progresses and Oldgar takes you into his heavy grasp and excited to show you the new lines they're designing and developing the apprenticeship program referred to as the Pockype Path. A little pee pee. I love the pee pee. I'm like halfway through the pee pee. Mr. Pocket Peepee. But I'm extreme. Don't stop in the middle. It hurts too much. But there is a rising new wave of crafters, creators, tinkerers, chiselers and carvers that now are trained and raised underneath the pockopi means of crafting creation. An extension of the great impact you've left on Exandria. Yes, Mr. Pokopi, Highhunter and Lupine Paragon. Lady Fearne Calloway Fae Sion of the Ancient Flame. What lies ahead for you in the short and long term, you think? Ooh, yes, definitely. Going back home and spending some time with Nana. And I would love to study under her. I know she has a long time left here, but she's very eager and excited to show you the true breadth of her ability. I would love to learn. And don't forget, for the time being, no one's watching the skein like right now. Fate is ourest pl. Can I just. Sure, sure. Anyone? Pick one. Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. Ow. Roll. Sorry. It could be so poetic. It'd be so poetic. But it's interesting. As you pluck and pull it up, you suddenly have a vision of an alleyway. Some dark mid evening mud covered alleyway, high three, four story rickety buildings you could see. And a figure is currently stalking through it. You see, half obscured, a sense of nervousness and a dart as they come upon the outside of a horse drawn cart that emerges from the exterior of the alleyway. They leap up and grab onto the side of it unseen and duck into shadow. You see them draw a blade from beyond their inside of their cloak and Re hide it from within. As you release it, you got a brief glimpse of somebody's threat. You're not sure if it's where they are, where they were, where they're going to be. But in that brief instant, you realize the immensity of the power that you have briefly at your disposal. And. And why your nanna's fiddling was so unwelcome under the gaze of the matron. Now, we must be respectful, of course. Of course. We only truly watch, learn, kind of voyeuristically, love it. Just be around. And if someone really needs something taken care of, then we bargain and then we can knot. She takes one and ties it up for a brief second, releases it. Someone just had a very bad day. Oh, no. All right. I'll be so, so responsible. I'll be so responsible. In tod. Your training has only just begun. And she throws her cloak over you. Your vision washes back and you're back inside the manor. She's like, there is much time and I'm very excited to show you there's whole elements of this manor that I haven't even been able to reveal to you yet. I'm so excited. Let's go. So deep. Yes. I love you. Thank you for taking care of me. Of course. And well, with your family here now as well, it's nice to feel like the tree is just growing with energy. A bird flies in just like his head, kind of splits open and shrieks. Is like, ah. Oh, we have a guest. Interesting. And she leads you down through the garden and down through the tree. Your mother is in the process of washing dishes and gives you a wave as you go by. Oh, heifer. And head down to the base of the tree. And the vines withdraw. I'm going to go ahead and change this to some proper atmosphere for this. The vines pull back and reveal nothing. I don't see anything. Then a strange shape withdraws from the ceiling and unfolds as a spider like figure drops to the ground and rises up and produces a dark purple flowered bouquet. Morrigan, my sweet. And hands it out and Nanamora goes. Oh, why, Ira, how nice to have you visit. Hi, Ira. Oh, I didn't realize you were here. Verne Calloway. The pleasure is mine. How long are you staying? I don't know. Maybe forever. Should I come back later? No, you can stay. Oh, don't worry, you can stay. I have a guest room. My room. As Ira steps in and begins to vanish into the shadow above before turning back and being like, well, maybe we'll have a chance to catch up a bit. Fern Galloway. I would love to. I'm glad you're still around. I'm glad you're still around. You know they're looking for you. Sounds fun. Maybe they'll find you in time. In time for what? To make up for slaughtering one of their princes. Your father. Oh, well, I didn't. We did. I didn't. I didn't. It sits alright. I'll figure that out when I have. The time comes, kick back in. Sweet dreams. Fern Calloway disappears in the shadow. You kind of take it in for a minute, look back and you see your Nanamori's just like, he's so creepy. He's so creepy. He's so creepy. I love him. In her chest. Would you like a cocktail? Yes. As you scatter up into the now even further vibrant and lively ligament manner. The sound of soft music. The clattering of bones as wind pushes its way through the boughs. The whistling of your father as he tends to the garden. The numerous creatures that raised you and live amongst you. This odd, weird, nightmarish home. It's my home. Do you see yourself continuing this for some time? Any other business you'd like to at least begin to pursue in the future? I think in the future I would love to go on some type of adventure to find all of Chetney's eggs. And I also. I'll see you in hell, Calloway. I'll tell you what. I'll tell you what. Go ahead and roll. Four sleight of hand checks for me. Ooh. Okay. Okay. All right. Guidance. Great. Oh, wow. Okay, first one. Slightly handy. 18 plus 14. Okay. Yeah. That was a 15. DC for the first one. 20 for the next. Another 1832. Wow. All right, do it again. Two eggs procured. 19. The third one's messy. You almost get caught. Maybe take a few hits and there might be a warrant out for your arrest. That's all right. We'll define that later. No, not yet. All right. Seven. 14 plus 14. Okay, so you have three of the five eggs in your possession. Eventually. But two evade you. And maybe we'll explore those down the road. Love it. Easter. One shot in my egg hunt. Infiltrate the tower. You've already. A goal that I think Fearne would have for the rest of time until it is figured out, is trying to release Opal from that crown. I love that. And so I try to study and do whatever I can. All my studying. I'm so, just so good at research. Trying to figure out how one day to free her from that. I love that. Great Ashton. The reform hammer of paradox. What do you see as your short and long term intent? Well, Ashton is definitely. I think I need to spend some time figuring out a little bit more about what is in their head and how it works. And preferably not with the Bright Queen or anybody in Xorhaus. So talking to Essek and spending some time over there and getting my healing up. Essek is definitely fascinated, slightly perturbed, definitely deeply curious about what you are, because what you are should not exist. But indeed, the Bright Queen. Hunting isn't the right word, but you do notice yourself being followed. You do have invitations to Rosohna brought to your attention. You are invited as a wonderfully storied guest to the Kryn Dynasty at the behest of the Bright Queen. They are interested. They are watching. Not aggressively, but they definitely are letting you know that you're on their radar. I take some time. I'll also say the hammer had a very bad time and has now been carved down from that pick into a sphere that has been polished up. And in that sphere is version of what's in their head of that point and the molecular solar system in the center of it with the starscape that's infinite and it's almost a gyroscope, so that when it spins, it just finds its own gravity. And they start taking jobs as muscle on archaeological digs all over Exandria. They're finding things for Essek, things in especially buried temples now, finding artifacts of the old gods and bringing them up for anything from the previous followers or otherwise. Finding things for friends and occasions, occasionally inviting friends on little adventures that pay reasonably well. Especially Breus, because I have no charisma and people hate me. And you are, for all of your awful are charming as hell. And it's worth every penny that I have to pay you for it. I stop by a few times. I try and stop by as regularly as possible. Always welcome. Always say hi to Nanamori first. That's wise. I spend some time. Sometimes I invite you to go on an adventure. Sometimes I. And sometimes it's the asking if you have anywhere you want to go and you need some muscle so that you don't tire yourself out on occasion. Not that you need it. Someone to carry the bags. Wonderful. Eventually I try and make a deal with Ira Nanamori to see if I can finally go to Xhorhas and make a deal, make sure that I can get out of there, have a plan, be smart. Okay. Maybe we'll explore that at some point down there. We will. And if that goes well, they keep finding new places to go, and they keep finding new parts of existence. Probably a few more trips to the moon to ruin us, and they make their way out. They eventually come back. Until one day they don't. Who knows where they went? Who knows what happened? All right. Brayus. Oh, Brayus. Doomseed. Painter of violence and treachery. I think I will pursue art a good deal. I just dive into it, pour myself into my artwork, making grander and grander paintings and developing a name for myself. I do one study that's just a bunch of very artful nudes of Nana Mori. That is a sensation. That was my favorite. It's a sensation. Makes a name for myself. I keep coming back to this motif of painting evil babies. That's what I'm sort of. Eventually, it's what I'm sort of known for. I tour Exandria, showing my artwork. You definitely have a show at Jesshurst Gallery. Of course. Of course I do. Yeah. How does your. Does your faith develop with the Traveler? Well, when I'm visiting Jester's gallery, I. At night, when I'm. All while developing a name for myself, there's this lingering fear that something is out there waiting for me or watching me. And so, yes, at Jester's, when I see Jester, I will ask her to please introduce me. Teach me her ways. I think I just need one more ally who can protect me from a God. Yeah. I mean, totally. You can. Definitely. You know, here's the deal, though. I'm going to be totally real with you. The Traveler's not really a God, which is good, though, because all the gods disappear. So he's, you know, he's doing pretty good. So. But yeah, I'll teach you everything I know. And you will. You also can just totally hang out here if you want to. You know. Is it safe? It's always safe with me and Ford. We will protect you. We have your back prayers. Is that true, Ford? Yes, of course. I mean, just a resident. Tremendous nose for good character. Oh, my gosh. You know what? You could totally go work. You could hang out at the Lava Chateau. Lava Chateau, Yes. And do. And what? Paint. Paint? Paint. You could paint. You could just live there. You know, just be my best friend if you want to be. I really like painters. All right. And the ruby, always. It needs extra muscle. Yeah. You're really strong. You know, Bluth is always looking for a right hand man. I could work Security there. Sure. But you're kind of a famous painter. You probably don't need to do that. Well, I don't. If I need to hide out, it seems like a good option. Thank you. Of course. It was serendipitous meeting you. And from that point forward, all of my pain paintings contain a hidden dick. I love it. Which begins from the night that something's missing from one of your pieces, that you're up late staring at your partially finished canvas and just trying to figure out what signifies it before a voice creeps in from the shadow. Jesus. God. I think it's missing something. Oh, my God. You're not Asmodeus. Or am I? Oh, God, don't kill me. Don't kill me yet. Say your last word. No. I love Susie Green. That was a weird one. I don't even know what that means. No, right here. And a hand reaches over your shoulder and you. You see a green hanging sleeve and a long, slender finger points. Just a little dick right there. All right. I paint it. That's what finished it. Beautiful. You are quite an artist. Thank you. You turn around and see the bright orange red curls and the green hood of some sort of ephemeral, ethereal, fey like entity. So, my sweet jester seems to think you need some guidance. I could use some, yes. I feel like I do better when I'm acting at the behest of a great power. Strangely enough, I happen to know great power that needs somebody to be at its best. It's me. I'm talking. Oh, okay. Okay. I'm the traveler. Hi. Welcome. You're part of the club. All right. Pleasure to meet you, Braids. Oh, we're gonna have a lot of fun, aren't we? Yes, we will. When the cats are away. The cows. Oh, the mic is short. Take that, Moonweaver. And so begins a beautiful, weird friendship. Yes. Orym of the air. Ashari Savior. Blade of the Tempest. What is your short term and long term? Well, I think it's pretty intertwined with Dorian's. He is a Tempest Blade. He will always be a Tempest Blade and serves his home gladly, eagerly, but I think he splits his time between sort of operational discussions and family time at home with traveling with Dorian in the sky. And I don't know these, but I know that there's some sort of, like a succession line. Yeah. That is a possibility for Dorian. I don't know if that factors in. We have some freedom, I think. After this. I spoke with both of my parents, and they're still young and relatively Healthy. And what I always wanted was their blessing. And I took it from them. So we have. I have permission to free from the people that mattermost to that point. Dorian Storm. Master, Muse and Son of the Wind. Since your fates are for the moment entwined, you both can build off of each other if you'd like. I think there's also a thread. Even though Nanamori never came a calling to debate the details of the pact and whether or not Orm was astray of it or not. I think because of how close the Fearne is to Nana Mori and because of how Nana's help was present every step of the way for them, he still visits and is within reason of service to the fatestitcher as well. Within reason. He knows that Fearne has a sort of balancing effect on her grandmother. During one of those trex, suddenly you find yourself stumbling through the Ligament Manor and the halls get darker and darker until there's just a long hallway and Nana Mori with her lantern. Orym. Took your time. Welcome. It seems we have unfinished business. Do we? We had a deal. We did. Mm. We did. You're shunted up before her. Some sort of magical force pulls you in. In her face that's close to yours. The lantern light glowing from underneath. And. Well, far be it from me to Dicker with a fey powerhouse, but I would argue that I thread that needle. What you made was an offering of a deal with an archfey creature that could not possibly be held up on my end. I can't keep you all safe coming back from the moon. What are you talking about? That's entirely up to you. You get yourselves killed, that's your own fault. There's no deal. You're fine. How could I possibly keep all of you safe? My powers are pretty strong here, around the manor, in my realm. But I have no idea what the heck you are dealing with on Ruidus. So you're fine. Enjoy. Travel safe. Orym's sending stone on his chest lights up and he just hears Maya voice going. What did she say? How much trouble are you in? Do you want to go to the bar and have a drink? I'm already there. They gave me a gig. It's a Thursday night. There's usually no one here. I think they're gonna let me do it for a portion of the sales. But also you. Do you want to go have a drink? I need to calm my nerves. I thought you'd never ask. Okay. She puts her hand out. This fucking place. Perfect. What about you? Dorian? Yeah, I think in the short. The short term. His days are spent in freedom and peace with Orym when he's around. And I think they have trust between them because I think he is a steadfast lover and a friend. So when he goes away, though Dorian is still Dorian, some things are not for him and he still has a zest for life. He still wants these experiences. And though he's faithful in a romantic way to Orym, he does tend to get in some trouble on his own. So through the years, as he gets older and experiences more of the world, something happens and he doesn't quite. He doesn't quite clock it when it happens, but he stops being the boy that always feels like he's on the outside. And he somehow becomes the man who can be a tie that binds. So when it's right, not for him, but for the people that he loves, he'll just send up a flare. And sometimes it'll be Coriolis rapping on the door of Chetney when there's a heist to pull. Or sometimes it'll be a whisper in the wind in Imogen's mind for both her and Laudna, wherever they may be, when there's a fun event to go to or a little trouble to get into. And he definitely gave another sending stone to Opal. And they chat and kick their heels on beds and he calls up Brais and Ashton whenever there's real trouble. And he'll always, always talk to Fearne. He's just there for all of his friends and they don't always answer because life is messy and life is difficult and everyone has their own thing. But when everyone gets together, or they get together in bits and pieces, it's just a reminder he needs of why he left home in the first place. And for him for a long time, maybe forever, who knows? That's what gives his life meaning. And that was the extra experience that he always wanted to have. So he finds fulfillment in the most important connection of his life and the friends that surround him. For sure. Yeah, love that. I guess that just leaves us with Laudna, Veilmistress of the Shadow Tree, an Imogen Tumult exultant hope of the Red Storm. What do you see as your short and long term goals and interests? Well, if this is all right with you, I'd love to spend time in the coming months in the Lake town, helping those that come through the gate just to acclimate a little bit. And as someone who is able to speak to them telepathically, because I know it's A big change for them. Just be able to help them get settled and find places to go and feel like what we did in the big can make a difference in the little day to day as well. I love that. I think Lovner, with this newfound life, both in the short and the long term, just wants to live very simple life. She follows Imogen wherever she goes. Maybe we can have a little spring break at Nanamori's. Love it. Maybe she continues to learn some fire spells from Fearne. I do want to find that coin that Orym so flippantly threw down a hole. Fuck that coin. And little mini adventures. Mini adventures. And then I think, you know, maybe in the Tallant Heights. Mm. We find a beautiful clearing in the woods. Yes. Somewhere with darkness and light. And we build a little cottage. Maybe Chet can help us. Can help. Cause I love that. Something so storybook and beautiful with a big kid kitchen. It's briefly frustrating cuz once word gets out that you have a Chet Poapy household, people start making ridiculous offers on it and you eventually have to just like, erase your name. Please stop. You not interested in like. Hey, I heard you guys were. No. Okay, never mind. Sorry for unsettling presence. Real estate agents, like, make it creepy, but also quaint. Yes. I craft curtains and make little figurines and dolls and make a friend for pate. Just like the speckles of light. And we have a stable. And we have a stable. Here's the thing. Horses don't like me. So maybe you could teach me a little bit. We'll find you a horse. Maybe I could have a donkey. That is so perfect and yet they're like horses but a little creepy and small. Yeah. And they can't breed. Did you know that? Wait, what? Isn't that true? Or is it pony, A donkey and a horse? I thought you mean donkeys can't breed. I'm like, yes, they can. They have. They're all abominations. You only get one like me. Sorry I was a mule. Sprout off their back. You didn't show much of Flora. I want to purchase Flora from Mr. Faramore. Easy enough to do. Mr. Faramore is taken entirely back by what you've accomplished and happily does. So so long as you sign off on this little memoir he wrote about all the things that he taught you. But upon probably a brief bit of intimidation and a terrifying back to the future one esque like freaking out Mr. Fairmorner's room by Laudna, you managed to give Flora free of charge. Oh, oh, amazing. Anything for you, my love. She's so hot. Your mother and father, strange as they are, remain friends. But your mother also seems like she needs to find herself as well. She keeps in contact, but even she's on a walkabout. And every now and then we check in with each other from within. Wherever the both of you are, sometimes in dreams, you can still catch up. Every now and then she comes by to visit. She's definitely still trying to find her place in the world for a while. Speaking of dreams, I love the little catch ups I have with Dorian and the adventures we have when he calls. But I visit. I visit our friends when they're sleeping. I find them in their dreams and we're still together. Every now and then in the dark bed of night, you hear this distant cackle and a voice that whispers in your ear. They're enjoying your toys. Legendary toy maker. It's the greatest thing I could have ever. And actually I forget. I send a. I send a gift, an engagement gift to the blue skinned one with the curly horns. And when she gets has a tag that says oh, you. Congratulations. What? Careful with the pretty things. Sometimes they hurt the most. That's super sweet. It's so delightfully disturbed. I love it. Lord, look. That is such a strange gift. It's the jellyfish. I know. But how did he even know? I don't know. It's beautiful though. As long as you. Does it just go on forever? Somewhere in the wind, you hear. While we're on the topic, in the time shortly after the end of this age, what is the Mighty Nein up to? I mean, we'll make it quick because this is a nine hour game, I think with us with our engagement present at hand. I think we really should try. And it doesn't have to be a franchise on the moon, but I think they're gonna need lots of help. We could spend some time there. Yeah. I wasn't joking. I think we should do it. Yeah, we could. I want to go to the moon again. If for no other reason than like wedding location scouting. Yeah, we should definitely see if there's a really cool venue on the moon. Yeah, of course. Yeah. Indoor outdoor dance floor is very important. Plus in the moon. I hear that like the caverns, like with all the. Yeah. With all the rocks and stuff. That was beautiful. I think we could do that and just keep an open mind. I'm very excited, by the way. Me too. Yeah. I love you. Love you. Beau's gonna be my best man. That's fine. She Gave up so easily. I am going to have I think a few maids of honor. What? Yeah, that for sure. Caleb the Traveler. Should he officiate? No, no, no. I want this to go off without a hitch. There's no trap. I believe I already heard. She said I'm officiating. Then in that case, Caduceus is my other maid. Are you going to have everyone in your wedding party? Yeah. Good luck finding someone else. Yasha's also my maid of honor. Beth is on my side. You said Beth? Oh shit. I give Vox Machina you guys are gonna marry everybody who's not just yourself? Fuck em. Beautiful. Awesome. So I guess there is a wedding to come in the future. What is Vox Machina's immediate Wait? I have a quick question. Because when Essek was his disguise was dropped in before the Bright Queen. Caleb immediately was thinking, does he need to wrap up his presence in Rexxentrum and vanish so that Essek. I didn't know how hard they are going to go for Essek. So in the week that comes, I think Caleb starts making bug out plans in case they get all of the Dynasty swarming on them. But if that doesn't happen, make an insight check for Caleb. No, that's not going to be good at all. Okay, that is a 24. That's not bad. In the moment, while there was a Kryn soldier rush for the figure, you gather it wasn't with murderous intent more than surprise and means to capture. The Bright Queen's reaction was of acknowledgment, but not necessarily extreme surprise. The best you can gather is he's definitely a person of interest, but wasn't the most immediate concern at the time. But still a person of interest. Yeah. So then Caleb continues to make exit plans for the both of them. And maybe that fades with a year or two, but it is ever present. And I think he settles into a role where he never takes on any government position, never wants that. But he shows up as an advisor in countries all over the world. Mm. And Ian Beauregard starts to figure out or prepare for Ludinus popping up like whack a mole. Yeah, send that fucker a message. You finally get the gumption one day though you know it never works to attempt a SCRY spell on Ludinus Dileth, a man who classically has kept himself shielded. And you see him making tea in a beautiful, simple little homestead. No idea where or how or any details. You take in just enough vision from this to see beyond the open doorless entryway. To the chamber he's in. Make a perception check for me, Caleb. Can I use Ormond? No. That is 22. 22. It looks. @ first you think just beyond the doorstep. It's almost like a roiling sea. But it's not sea, it's cloud. Cloud or mist, it's hard to tell. An endless expanse of mist or cloud. Does it look like the Astral Sea? To me? You see a blue sky. Ah, but just mist and cloud. And for a brief moment you see something shift out, shut her teeth and reclaim. We start building plans on plans on plans on how to actually want to talk to about this now that we know where he is. Seems like he's not active. Sir. Bruce. Assembly has kind of calmed down a little bit. Yasha has been very, very patient with me and my work life balance and my schedule. I've been telling you for years we've been talking about maybe adopting. It's never been the right time. I think maybe. Maybe I'll take the summer go with her. Beth's been begging us to come out, do his summer wild Mount Wildings, be a camp counselor and maybe see how I am with this kid thing. I'm a little torn cause Beth seems like she's miserable with Luke. Like Luke just like drives her insane. But. I don't know. But also you can tell she loves that kid so fucking much. He's a teenager. Yeah. So might take the summer off. Never taking a summer. I think that will round you out. Well, Gods help me. Fuck. They can't. They're gone. Fuck. Anyway, I mean, you know how to find me if anything pops up, but. All right, well, go fuck around and find out. All right. Good luck. You know how to find me. Watch em in the arm. I don't know why you did that, Esdor. Goodbye. I'll see you at the wedding. Okay, bye. Also, maybe Essek can be mermaid of honor. No, Jester no more. And what's up for Vox Machina immediately following these events. I know you said Grog had interest in. Oh my God, I'm absolutely going to the moon. Basically the strongest person on this little globe. So I gotta conquer that sphere as well. So after a bit of discussions of appointment, eventually you go through the proper channels and treks and emerge on the dusty red Rhuidian surface. The winds blowing by gently. You're eventually shown to a few individuals to rendezvous with your point person. And a massive Reiloran figure approaches. Broad shape shouldered comes up. Hey, I'm a crimson officer of the new Kreviran. Republic Gaztomo. What's your name? Gastomo. I am the grand Poobah de doink of all dis and dat Grugery Strongjoy. I fucking love it. He takes your hand full on, like, oh, my God. Any other little points of denouement? In the immediate aftermath of everything, I catch Serkonos looking a bit nervous, and Scanlan goes up to him and says, hey, hey, hey, hey. Yes. Hey, Coco. Okay. Oh, I like it. Listen, I know that in the last couple days, you've been like. I don't know, like, I've taken you under my wing or my hoof, whatever. Lay it on me. There's no one I trust more than you. I've been giving you advice and pumping you up and telling you jokes to use and compliments to some. I've logged all of your jokes in my brain. Yeah, yeah. Last piece of advice, when you go to talk to her. Oh, okay. Forget all of it. Don't do anything that I told you to do. You don't need it. You're Coco. You're Serkonos. You're the Fire Ashari Diva. You're the best. Just be yourself. Don't think about jokes and stupid compliments and shitty songs. Just be yourself. Just say what you're passionate about. Are you really passionate about? I don't know. Anything. Fire. I love fire. Okay. Yeah, that's good. Okay. Okay. What about you? See it like, you're super cut. Like, do you like working out? I have been carnivore for 57 years. Maybe. Maybe she's. She seems, like, very wan and thin, so maybe she's got a diet plan and you guys could, like, swap. Maybe she needs some protein. I don't know. Just talk about stuff that you're into. Don't try to be Scanlan, because. What am I into? Scanlan's. I don't know what I mean. I am into meat. I am into fire. I am into scan. Man. You will never get me to not be a scare, but I think I understand what you mean. Be my best self. Is she here? I mean, we'll say you're in Vasselheim and you know that she's over by the Raven's Crest temple. Yeah. Go to her. Go to her. I'm gonna kiss you on the forehead and I'm just bound in. You rush up to the Raven's Crest Temple. The obsidian doors await you there. Will you come with me? Jesus. She just presses a hand over your mouth. You're overthinking it. Just Bring the heat. Yeah. The door just close on the earth? Absolutely. Oh, my God. Yeah. Do we want to. We can handle Whitestone, I suppose, if that's where. Sure. Just in the short term for this one. Well, the short term, of course, is suddenly the gods are gone. That puts us in both a unique advantage. Advantage. And also possibly some new enemies. I think it's time to slowly prepare the children for taking over some of our roles. Yes, of course we do. I think Whitestone becomes even more well off. With magic becoming what it is. I think Residuum becomes even more useful. And therefore. And of course, the Rhuidian refugees bring with them their technology. We happily share it, and we become a little more powerful, a little more safe. I talk to you as I also start preparing Gwendolyn, our child, for not just a spy network, but we also want to find the gods first. Hmm? Oh, I'd like to know, Percy. I'd like to know where they are, what they're thinking. If they're not a problem, they're not a problem. But if something starts, it would be good to know from what direction it's starting from. Percival, I will support you no matter what. But if you will hear me, perhaps this one is best left alone. Perhaps this is for the younger generation to discover without our influence. Oh, I'm not going to be doing this. This work is for my children. I am getting old. Why don't you let Gwyndolin decide that? Yes, retirement is coming very quickly. You know, she always has a home with us. But. And I hope that you will take care of her. And I know you will also take care of her mother. Of course. Why are you speaking like this? You're not that old. Oh, it's starting to weigh. You do what we do for long enough. A lot of life in those years. It's been quite a life. And it's not been a life without stress and hardship and damage, demonic deals, and there's only so much of a life. I think I tend to enjoy it. We, as Percival gets older, we step away from our duties and we spend time together in our several vacation homes around Exandria. Do we want a cottage on Ruidus as well, do you think? Like, with a good view? Yes. Yes, of course. Do you have a Doomseed braebies painting in your house? Yes, we do. Yes, we have a doomseed and a levore. I imagine there comes a day where keyleth seeps into the earth, connects the deepest roots of all of the primordial trees. Her vision scattering across all of Exandria as she surfs through the roots of all of the existence that we've ever known. And one day, she hears the cry of a newborn baby and knows that something's different. And she does not tell Percival. She keeps it to herself. I love it. I love it. Pike. I think in the aftermath, for pike, being a cleric of the Everlight, there is a huge sense of loss and grieving and uncertainty now, at her age, of what to do with her life, of always trying to keep the path. And now what? I think. I think she works to clean the temples, just dusting, hoping that maybe one day, I don't know, takes about 15 years before an acolyte wraps on your door. Pike Trickfoot. Yes. We think we found her. Where? Come with me. Okay. I'll take your hand and pull you into an adventure. To possibly be one of those to receive. Oh, my God. But indeed, thus. Oh, wait. Oh, right. Oh, yes. Galen. Yes. In addition to hooking up. Serkona. Thanks. I figured that was all you wanted. I think, knowing what Pike's path is, I think he will visit her soon after the events of this campaign. Not 15 years later, but soon after, and sort of gallop over and still dark and just sort of express that, you know, I know that we had our time together and now we had our time apart. And you have duties here, obviously, with the gods being gone, you have to figure out who needs guidance and be that for them. I guess I don't have duties here. Well, I mean, what am I? What if someone needs to pray and there's no God to pray to? They gotta come pray to you, I guess, or. No, I'm not gonna have anybody pray to me. What? Are you crazy? Why not? What are you gonna go do? Well, I wanna have. I guess I still wanna have, you know, some adventures. It feels like. It feels like time is sort of like it's not our friend. Time's an asshole, right? Like, it keeps fucking with us. When I first met you, I was at a time when I was, like, super horny, and you were at a time when you were, like, much more mature and cool. And then later, I was, like, trying to be a dad, and you were trying to. You were so sweet to me. We got married. It was great. And that was great. And then we had our time doing that, and it kept moving. That's the thing. It feels like time just keeps moving. Even when sometimes you just want to just stop for a second, you know? Yeah. Like, if you're having Fun with a group of friends. And you just want it to last forever. Yeah. And I think the best time that I ever had was with you. And I do want to go on adventures and have more of a life together, but I tried, and it's not as good without you. So if you don't have duty, or at least you can blow him off for a little while. I mean, I've got a really strong back and I could carry you off to some more adventures before we hang it up. There is such a huge part of me that wants to say no. But God damn it, I still love you. I love hanging out with you. We have the best time. We don't have to be married again. No, we don't. We can just. We don't. I'm gonna give it cold, pals. Shut the fuck up. Okay. I'm gonna give it six months. Okay. Let's go see some stuff. I've always kind of been into centaurs. I'm just gonna put it out there. When you came up and I was like, this is really hard for me. Well, it's the best of both worlds. It's the best of both worlds. I'm gonna hop on his back. What are those two Enduro stuff? Don't ask. Listen, let's do it. Let's just travel. Let's just get our minds off of things and have a good time. No labels or anything. No, no labels. Do. Do you want to be a centaur too? Yeah. There we go. All right. I cast ninth level true polymorph. Woohoo. There's no better way to end this game in the world. And I make Pike a centaur. The painting has become real. I look around at my big beautiful ass and extra glegs. Yeah. As we ride off into the distance I sing a song, I play a song. As we ride off into the distance, I play Pike. I was born a Ramblin scam Got myself the best girl in the land. But now I'm in love and it's better than I planned. So I will be a Ramblin scan. And with that ends what is called the Era of Reclamation. Following the calamity until now, that era comes to a close. The end of an age of recovery and discovery. Starting this new age with a time of uncertainty, a time of change, but a time of excitement and possibility. But not but a week from the end of that era, a knock comes to your door. Keyleth my heart is pounding open the door without expectation you see there standing before you with a little More flush. And life to his cheeks. The champion of the matron, Vax'aldan. Hi. Hi. I've been waiting for you. I didn't know what happened. I thought you might be gone forever. I can't explain it. It's not a fate I ever could see. Honestly, I don't think she could either. She is out there somewhere. Somewhere waiting to be found. And it is still my duty to carry out her will. But that duty now brings me home. I am home. Forever. Are you gonna leave again? Nothing could ever make me leave. So much has happened. I know. I'm a different person. No. Vax. Come inside. He moves in wordlessly. I loved you fiercely in life. And forgive me, but I loved you fiercely beyond it as well. And I know how hard that was. I have no expectations. But if you would. Could we start over? I have been lying in wait in a perpetual stasis. It's felt like falling and never knowing when the ground will come. I think I've been waiting for my devilish rogue with wings to catch me again. I would love. I would love to start over. Begin again. But it will have to be a beginning. If that's okay with you. Every good story needs a start. I've missed you so much. I was never that far away. I know. That's part of what always made it so hard. Maybe we could go on a date? I would like that very much. My name's Keyleth. And you're the love of my life. If you will have me, I am yours. Keyleth of the Air. Ashari. Would you like a glass of wine? My first glass of wine in a very long time. I can't think of a better person to share it with than you. I just kiss him. And through life's responsibilities as leader of your people and guide of the future of Exandria in this new, uncertain future. And you as the champion of the matron, now one of many searching for her return to guide her and all of your interests into this new era. Every now and then your champion comes to visit. I can work with that. And that's where we'll leave it. That concludes our camping. I love you, sweet husband. Love you guys. Love you, man. Thank you. Good story, man. Look forward to the next one. One more before we have to go to sleep. Just. Just one more story. There's like five more men. Thank you for coming along, friends. Good night, Bell's house. Good night, Mighty Name. Good night. I'm Terry and Darington. And thank you all for hanging in for a giant sized version. I think this is a record. Might be. Didn't pretend it'd be but isn't that how it works out? And our guests, yes, massive. Thank you to to all the wonderful guests that came to be a part of this campaign and this finale. Thank you all so much for coming along with us on this story. It means a lot. Just know that we love you very much. And it's a Thursday. Good night. Thank you so much for joining us on this adventure. To help new listeners discover the show, please give us a rating and review on whatever podcasting app you're listening on. Until next time. Is it Thursday yet? If you went on a road trip and you didn't stop for a Big Mac or drop a crispy fry between the car seats or use your McDonald's bag as a placemat, then that wasn't a road trip. It was just a really long drive. At participating McDonald's.