The Onyx Spire | Age of Umbra: Sallowlands | Episode 2 Part 2

Summary

Critical Role: The Onyx Spire | Age of Umbra: Sallowlands

Episode 2, Part 2 – July 28, 2026

Summary by Podcast Expert

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Episode Overview

In this gripping installment of “Age of Umbra: Sallowlands,” the party’s journey through the blasted, deadly lands continues as they arrive at the formidable Tower of Oxidos. Seeking refuge and an audience with the enigmatic Prophet, the misfit group—comprised of various faiths, backgrounds, and motives—must navigate suspicion, theocratic rule, and the ever-present shadow of the past. Their approach is marked by tense negotiations, displays of faith, and suspicion from the tower’s guardians. The episode is rich in lore, character moments, and the stark atmosphere of a dying world.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Approach to the Tower and the Twilight Exemplar Troop

[01:31–04:23]

• Description of the Encounter:
  The party, escorted by Templar Bowen, faces a patrol of heavily armored Twilight Exemplars. The group presents themselves cautiously, striving to appear non-threatening.
• Notable Characters Introduced:
  • The imposing Archon, later named Petra—a striking older elf woman with a crown-like helm and an authoritative presence.
  • Bowen, whose loyalty and lingering trauma surface as he vouches for the party’s intentions.

“These strangers, you say... stand in the place of those who are supposed to return with you and ask to meet our holiest of prophets. Seems an incongruent, intense series of events, doesn’t it, Templar?”
—Archon Petra ([06:28])

2. Convincing the Exemplar – A Group Negotiation

[06:56–12:54]

• Party Arguments:
  • Kagwama, the ancient, steps up: “I know we are quite the odd crew... but I have heard of this Prophet. I, too, have survived the Apostasy Eye. And... I have found a relic... that perhaps [he can] give me some guidance.” ([06:56–08:16])
  • Players discuss who should lead a presence roll, debating their collective strengths and weaknesses.
  • Teamwork: Multiple players 'tag-team' to strengthen their appeal, sharing their backgrounds and the hope they represent.

“We just want to do good in the world. Honest.”
—Player 2 ([13:43])

"For I know the word myself."
—Player 1, revealing a tattoo as proof of kinship in faith ([16:15])

“We all here seek mercy. And for those of faith, that is what you grant? Yes.”
—Player 3 ([17:58])

• Outcome:
  After tense back-and-forth and some dice rolls, Archon Petra grants them a night’s refuge and the possibility of an audience with the Prophet, but with strong scrutiny and limited trust.

3. Entering the Tower: Atmosphere & Setting

[25:09–32:12]

• Impressions:
  The party is ushered through formidable gates, their outsider status obvious to the entire fortress.
  The architecture is described as ancient, holy, and weather-worn, blending both magical construction and remnants of a submerged world.
• Transportation:
  The group ascends in trembling cage-lifts, getting panoramic, daunting views of the Sallowlands and the distant, mysterious city.

“Here at the base there is a massive, dark cherry wood red gate... The exemplar Archon Petra turns to the rest of you—‘Welcome.’”
—Matt Mercer ([41:18])

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4. Exploring the Community

[43:06–48:49]

• Recovery & Curiosity:
  • The party receives offers of healing from tower herbalists.
  • Player 1 investigates the community’s mood and history, learning from an elderly worker about the city’s recent appearance.

“Many of us just heard a noise, a great, terrible cracking to the south, and we looked... where once there was just an expanse, there it was—just this [city].”
—Elder Repairman ([52:30])

• Rumors of the City:
  Legends swirl of wishes granted and airships seen drifting into the city—striking awe and unease among the residents.

“I think there is one in the air around where we’re going.”
—Player 1 ([57:31])

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5. Tower Life: Faith, Suspicion, and Lore

[60:18–71:01]

• Herbalist’s Sanctuary:
  • The party receives healing tea from Lorraine, the ancient dwarven herbalist, learning that faith and sacred plants sustain the community.
  • Lorraine reminisces about the Prophet and the order he brought, but seems uneasy when questioned about intervention beyond their walls.

“Here, we live with a sliver of the old world, away from all desolation.”
—Lorraine ([67:20])

• Societal Tension:
  The tower is shown to be a city unto itself, insular and ever-watchful of outsiders. The group is trailed by gazes and subtle suspicion.

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6. Flashpoint: Persecution and Judgement

[72:39–75:43]

• Public Justice:
  • The party witnesses a dramatic scene: an elf accused of heresy is publicly judged.
  • Archon Petra personally interrogates and marks the “heretic” with a burning touch, decreeing exile.

“Falsehoods burn the flesh. In the light of Jireda, you are judged. Exile. Take him.”
—Archon Petra ([75:11])

• The exile is dragged away, screaming dire warnings, as the population resumes daily business, unsettling the party.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We all here seek mercy. And for those of faith, that is what you grant? Yes.” – Player 3 (17:58)
• “We stand on the precipice of a new age of miracles... and you bear witness to a walking miracle.” – Player 2 (21:21)
• “I know we are quite the odd crew... but I have heard of this Prophet. I, too, have survived the Apostasy Eye.” – Player 2 (06:56)
• “Many of us just heard a noise, a great, terrible cracking to the south, and we looked... where once there was just an expanse there, it was just this.” – Elder Repairman (52:30)
• “Falsehoods burn the flesh. In the light of Jireda, you are judged. Exile.” – Archon Petra (75:11)
• “I think there is one [ship] in the air around where we’re going.” – Player 1 (57:31)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:31 – The party approached by Twilight Exemplars; introductions and tension.
• 06:28 – The Archon’s suspicion and questioning.
• 11:13 – Bowen’s plea for the group to get shelter and healing.
• 13:14–18:52 – Group presence rolls; emotional arguments for entry.
• 25:09 – Granted conditional access to the tower.
• 29:02 – Ascending by cage lift—tower and landscape described.
• 43:06 – Arrival and integration attempts within the holy tower.
• 52:15 – Local’s account of the city’s mysterious appearance.
• 60:18 – Meeting Lorraine, the dwarven herbalist.
• 72:39 – The heresy scene: public accusation, judgment, and exile.
• 76:30 – Episode conclusion.

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Episode Tone & Language

• The episode’s tone is tense, atmospheric, and laden with religious and existential themes.
• Dialogue and narration retain a dramatic, immersive storytelling style, balancing moments of levity with somber reflection and dread.

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Final Notes

This episode expertly showcases Critical Role’s strengths in deep world-building, emotive roleplay, and collaborative storytelling. The party’s navigation of faith-driven politics, uneasy alliances, and the ever-lurking threat of the unknown city continues to set the stage for an epic and dark campaign arc.

Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

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[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Hey there, Matthew Mercer here, and you're listening to part two of this episode of Age of Salolands, a tale of an eclectic mix of misfits, outcasts and survivors seeking answers in the dangerous blasted lands of a dying world. If you haven't checked out part one of this episode, pause this now and head over there first. Otherwise, let's return to our adventurer striving against the darkness in Part two. And welcome back. So you see this gathered troop of armored members of the Twilight exemplars marching in your direction. Bowen, already standing at your shoulder side, takes his helmet off and holds his shield up as a sign and looks at the rest of you as a wordlessly, more or less giving the idea of present yourself safely.

[Player 1]

I don't know. Yeah, I will have him go forward, of course, in front of us to say anything.

[Narrator/Host]

I'll hold my staff to my side and try to stand tall,

[Player 2]

lean on my staff and do my best to look up kindly. Yeah, Denny's on Mercy's shoulder, just peering around, knowing that she will Fuck it up. If she says anything.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Badgers on your shoulder doing the exact same thing. Just smaller.

[Player 3]

Yeah, yeah. Just standing sort of looking.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

As they begin to approach the soldiers have their massive tower shields at the front. Many of these soldiers are wearing really heavy plate armor. You see amongst them there are three full exemplar with the skull mask over the metallic helmet. Some are Templars like what Bowen has with smaller skull like shaping to the metal in the front. But the armor's a little more of a banded plate. Then a full heavy suit and a few other long polearm holding half armored figures that are more like standard soldiers under the banner. But they all march forward. And there is one sensual figure you can see who has a massive blade that drags in the dirt behind them. It's so long as they walk and approach. Massive crested metallic helm. A crown of fingers like that. Their other hand on the side of their armor rests on what looks to be a massive metal and leather tome that is chained and swinging at the side of their hip. As they approach the one in the front with the tome and the sword raises his hand and everyone stops

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

who

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

approaches the tower of Oxodos and Bowen. Says Templar Bowen, Archon, sole survivor of the expedition north. I apologize for the losses that were taken. I did my best. And we're in the front turns dimplar Bowen. Things happen. We understand this part of what we are trying to do. That with the gods gone, even under their watch. Journeys are not without sacrifices. There will be conversation to hear the tales of your journey. But who walks alongside you as the head turns and scans the troop. These were travelers who came upon us the moments that we were under attack from a great terrible beast. A bird of quite hunger. Don't really. I trust them. They saved my life. I'm only here because they saved my life. They're seeking refuge within the tower. And an audience with Oxylus swallows it. At the end some of the soldiers react for the first time to that request. And the Archon turns the head. These strangers, you say the ones who stand in the place of those who are supposed to return with you

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

arrive

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

and ask to meet our holiest of prophets. Seems an incongruent intense series of events, doesn't it Templar? And Bowen lowers his head. Yes, Archon. I understand It's. I mean no ill will. This is all the information I have. Looks to the rest of you and

[Player 2]

like I step forward and I place my hand in Bowen's shoulder. It's okay. It's okay. And I step to the side And I look at the leader of this trooping. I know we are quite the odd crew over here, but I have heard of this Prophet. I have heard of how he has survived the Apostasy eye. I too have survived it. And I am seeking like minded folks who lead with hope. And I also have found a relic back in the Luzha Monastery that I would like the Prophet to. To see. And perhaps give me some guidance.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

The rest of you, do you walk with this ancient with the same purpose

[Player 2]

we follow in support.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

At whose behest then? Our own. What faith do you carry in your hearts? Do you walk under the light of Jareda?

[Player 2]

I am a veiled sister.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So Phaedrus, you bring faithless into our tower. And boneless I know it's. They are amongst them. Walking miracles. Even if they don't carry a direct faith, they walk the path that can lead them to what light might take them. It is decreed by the edicts of Oxydos that we are to guide those to the light that need. And you see? Archeron puts their hand up and Bowen balks and goes quiet. They reach over and take their massive helmet off. You see, as they do, this long tether of red hair unwinds and falls down. You see a stoic, harshly intense, beautiful older elf woman with pale, nearly translucent skin. It's so powdery. Striking sky blue eyes and a long tattooed mark of what looks to be a number of scripts across her face. On one side. Her jaw is tight and her glance severe. Do you pass through then? Do you wish to stay here at the base for a night under watch and guard? Then be on your way. Or do you indeed seek to step into our hallowed halls that have stood all these decades by keeping blasphemy out?

[Player 2]

I seek no ill will here. If Kagwama seeks an audience, the rest of us can wait. If it would mean peace for your brotherhood,

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Bowen kind of steps forward and

[Player 2]

says,

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

ocon, there are many dangers here in these lands. You know that.

[Player 3]

And.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I beseech you, as a Templar, stepping into my knighthood under the watch of the veiled gods, far and dreamily present,

[Player 2]

I

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

give them at least a night to rest. They are ill. The marshes have taken their toll. It is hard out here at the base of the tower. You know this. See to them some. See to them some means of recovery at the very least. In my father's name. The archon turns, looks at the rest of you. Let's make a group presence roll. So as a group presence roll one of you I will Say. So some of you have made some arguments and made some presentation. One of you will have to step forward here to make the final push for approval. Everyone else makes presence. Reaction rolls to adjust that final number.

[Narrator/Host]

Okay.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

All right.

[Narrator/Host]

Okay.

[Player 1]

What has the most compelling argument here?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I know, right?

[Player 2]

So who's.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Yeah, who's.

[Player 2]

I feel any of us have a

[Narrator/Host]

good presence because I.

[Player 2]

Minus one. Okay. I think your presence is probably the one, but I.

[Player 1]

Zero.

[Narrator/Host]

Okay. I'm zero, too.

[Player 2]

I have one. I mean, we seem like a. I will. Yes, yes, yes. I. I will be. I will try to do the final push on this. I still have to roll, though, right?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Eventually.

[Player 2]

Okay.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Course I would like.

[Player 2]

Oh, wait. Oh, no, no. Maybe. Yeah. Do I? Do I. Because you still have negative three. My tummy's still. I'm gonna try to use it. I'm gonna try to use it. I'm gonna try to use it. Okay.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Okay.

[Player 2]

I'm gonna try to use it.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Let's go.

[Player 2]

Yeah. So what do I do?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Washed our hands after making the mud.

[Player 1]

Why did I do that?

[Player 2]

Okay, I'm ready.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

All right, so I would like each of you to offer some argument for your presence, whether it be just a glance or a word or a phrase. And then roll your reaction roll, and we'll finish with you as the final Beautiful. So you'd like to.

[Player 2]

I'll go first. Excuse me, lady with the cool hair. I promise we're not bad un's. I know we look funny, but. But we just want to do good in the world. Honest.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Make your President's reaction roll.

[Player 2]

That's a one.

[Narrator/Host]

Wait, how can you have a one?

[Player 2]

Because I got four. Oh, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait. Four, three with fear.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Okay. No fear and hope on a reaction roll. So just.

[Player 2]

I'm like.

[Narrator/Host]

Oh, my God.

[Player 2]

Dang, I shouldn't have swapped the dice.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I mean, if you got a hope, you could also try and do a tag team on this as well.

[Player 2]

I definitely have a hope, and I will definitely use it.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Tag team would be three.

[Player 1]

Hope.

[Player 2]

Oh, that's three. I have enough hope for a tag team, too.

[Player 3]

I'll use mine.

[Narrator/Host]

I'll use mine.

[Player 2]

So, 1, 2, 3. Tag team on this.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So what this will do for the fun of this is it means both of you will be the final argument. So just the other two now present what those modifiers would be.

[Player 2]

Oh, wait, who's that? Wait, one more time.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So we'll get to you in just a second without letting the other folks speak. So as you step back, you can see the archon as you've heard her refer to, give a very withering turn of the head and a glance. Bowen looks over to you,

[Player 1]

sister. The divine laws you follow in Oxidos is not the only divine law. As we look at the veiled gods, Ja and Oratu, we have served

[Player 3]

to

[Player 1]

follow what it means to be one that endures through these sands and to

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

hold hope

[Player 1]

and loyalty. For I know the word myself. As I will pull down my sleeve in between my glove and reveal the same tattoo like divine word around the wrist.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Go ahead and make a presence reaction. Roll with advantage.

[Player 1]

Sweet and a sick tonic. Oh, my gosh. I roll so bad. You said presents.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Yes. Yeah.

[Player 1]

Minus 3.

[Player 2]

11.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

11.

[Player 1]

This is a good start, having me on a coffee. Could you. I'll just start moving it down a little bit.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

No worries. All right. See, there is an acknowledgment and a micro reaction of surprise and curiosity.

[Player 3]

I kind of look to Team every time she looks at me and my eyes go down and I just say. Mercy. When I first sought the warmth of kin, my approach was not met with welcome, but the jagged kiss of stone and iron. As they struck me, They would scream a word to the uncaring heavens. Mercy. My innocence. I thought they were naming me, not screaming for protection. We all here seek mercy. And for those of faith, That is what you grant? Yes.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Think a presence reaction. Roll with an advantage.

[Player 3]

20.

[Player 2]

Did you take your three away?

[Player 3]

I only took one away.

[Player 2]

Oh, right. I'm the one that's three.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And the two of you are doing intact, you said.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

All right.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

That means both of you make your arguments for the troop and its entry and safe passage. And then we'll do the roll after.

[Player 2]

I. I have. I have lived a very, very long life. And I have had the privilege and the honor to see how things were before. All of this has corrupted all of us with fear and anger and shame. I am not excused by that. I have felt a lot of shame and a lot of guilt. And I. I think I'm ready. I'm ready to pass on. But I want to do it in my own terms. I want to be able to transition from this life to whatever else comes next, but not hunt those around me who love and care about me. But to nurture it. To be able to nurture the land, the garden, the forest that surround you. Not seek to destroy. It is my hope that us being here just for the night, and by speaking to this prophet, I am able to fulfill that.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And she looks to you, Sister.

[Player 2]

We stand on the precipice of a new age of miracles. We are not the only ones who have seen that city on the horizon. And you bear witness to a walking miracle. This man came to us, our veiled sisters, seeking peace. A respite from the torment of his past. And yet the lands. The lands gave him something new. Something even we sisters had not seen before. There are many great things ahead of us. I believe we can find it together.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I'd like you both to roll. Your separate presence rolls. And you both get to choose which of the two you prefer. Prefer to share.

[Narrator/Host]

Ooh, can I spend a hope to add

[Player 2]

shadow sister to this?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Sure.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

How would you be applying shadow sister to this?

[Player 2]

It would be as someone who has seen a great age behind us. I know death.

[Narrator/Host]

As do they.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Love it. Go down. Recognition of historical trauma and wisdom entwined.

[Player 2]

Oh, wait. Oh, damn. I thought that was a grit also. I was very close to having one, but It's. This is 11 minus 3. 17 with hope.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

And I.

[Player 2]

Blessed are you. 17 with hope.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

17 with hope. All right. So both of you get a hope.

[Player 2]

Bless.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

She looks upon the rest of you. Looks to Bowen. And Bowen like his face begins to sink for a minute. Jireta, protect us. I am exemplar. Archon Petra, you are guests. The tower of Oxidos and the Prophet for the night. You will find safety to rest at our sacred pyre, bereft of the corruption of the umbra. Should you wish to walk a pious path from there, there are many places of worship. And with time, perhaps you can be a member of our community. But for now, we shall take your request. The Prophet can be fickle, and we make no promise, but at the least,

[Player 3]

no.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

For now, you are under the guidance of Jireta's chosen. Walk with us, puts her helmet back on, turns about, and the whole retinue shifts and opens to facilitate you to walk with them.

[Player 1]

We all say that.

[Player 2]

All right, Funk, you red haired lady. Thank you.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Mohen turns around and goes like

[Player 2]

your father.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

He was a Templar for many years before he gave his life for the tower. So I hope that held some weight.

[Player 2]

So, a knight by tradition.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Most are.

[Player 3]

Thank you.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Of course.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Thank you for helping me.

[Player 2]

You did good. You did really good. I know that the last day has been a tough one, but know that you are doing your friends. A great service. Doing them. You're doing it.

[Player 3]

You're doing your friends.

[Player 1]

It's like long.

[Player 2]

I am 102, so sometimes it's like. What am I saying? You're doing your friends a good

[Player 1]

Right, right.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Of course. I appreciate that. Welcome home. As you all march through one of the front gates here and you see the gates are built well from cobbled stone and what looks like transplanted bit of ruin from other parts of the shallow lands. Some even looks like it may have been magically shaped. It's hard to tell. Elements look built and some looks like it's always been here. But this used to be underwater a century before. So this is interesting at the very least. The various guard towers that pass by. You can see armored figures keeping an eye down this retinue while it's surrounding you. And the Archon has given you permission under their banner to enter. There is still a very strong air of unwelcome. You are very much the talk of the hour as every figure that wanders the battlements and barracks on the outskirts of the tower base is very interested of your presence.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Oh my God.

[Narrator/Host]

They're obsessed with us.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

That'd be xanthalos actually got a session. But you approach the edge of the base and you can see there are these large cavern entrances that are carved into it. And within there there are barracks still. You can see there are all manner of soldiers and various other figures doing business. Some that are currently building other entrances, other ones that are pulling in mining materials. And there are actually some other mines built into this. They've been utilizing and exploiting the resources of this one central rock pillar amongst a very dest strewn space. Dust strewn. Not dest strewn.

[Player 1]

Where are we stepping into?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And leads you up to a platform. It's about 20ft up of rickety wooden stairs that creak with every step before you get to the top. And there are three guardian soldiers there and some sort of a large chain wench. From there the Archon gives a nod and the person goes and releases this massive winding chain wench. You look up as these two massive cages descend from hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of feet up.

[Player 2]

Oh boy.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

As they rotate and creak louder and louder like heights.

[Player 2]

I don't like heights.

[Player 1]

Eventually

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

they both impact heavily. The whole platform shakes and the soldiers step back. Two of the figures step out and open them. You all look inside. Each of these can fit maybe four people. The Archon gives a nudge and a nod, steps into one of the cages. Bowen comes along with the Archon and there's about enough room for the rest of you and a bat amongst the two of them.

[Player 1]

As I'm heading into this cage, is there any way else of. Do I notice anything? Or maybe when we're Going up. I'll have a better idea, but I want to keep an eye out for if something were to happen at the top of this tower. Is this the only way out?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Okay, so you'll keep an eye out. What's your instinct?

[Player 1]

Plus one.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Plus one. Okay, so not too bad. As you all step into these cages, they feel pretty sturdy. The entryways closed, latched and held. And then they pull back on another one of these, large, heavy, and it takes effort to yank and click it into place as it begins to spin up and the chains begin to pull and the cages lurch, begin to lift. And as they begin to lift, they begin to swing. You watch as the base of the tower begins to slowly vanish beneath you. The shapes of the battlements and the various scattering soldiers becoming smaller like ants as the entire landscape around you. Bits of mist shrouded in distant wind. The dust storm that blew through not too long ago. Far, far now to the southwest. This is a terrifying if beautiful view that continues to expand upon the horizon. Here the cages begin to swing a little stronger. You find yourself instinctively grabbing some of the edges or trying to get low towards the center. They begin to slightly turn and rotate as the chains begin to pull up. The wind continues to kind of pull against it. One of them swings stronger and they both kind of bang.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

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[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Pulling up still, you look behind and you have this now absolutely insane view of the sallow lands before you. Which to give you a stronger perspective here, this is some initial Breakdown view of it pre city. So whereas you started here in the Rustsaw Wood, you have come through this region here, down and then to the tower of Oxydos here where you currently reside. Now this is not to scale of course, he's representative. And where Othwell sits, the city itself down in that direction before this map was constructed. Since nobody has built this map since before its development, how big is the

[Narrator/Host]

city in our view?

[Player 2]

Whoa, it's huge.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

It's big, it's big. But to that point in perspective, what

[Player 2]

did you just kill?

[Narrator/Host]

Which that was you, wasn't it?

[Player 2]

That's a sign, it's foreshadowing.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

You're fine.

[Player 2]

Walk it off, walk it off.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Evasion's high enough. But you also get a very unique glance. You don't get a full view of the city itself as the massive pillar that you're currently going up on blocks the majority of it, but you can see on the right hand side a clear view of what would be the western edge. And indeed you can see many structures, buildings, towers rivaling amber reach itself reaching to the sky and cluster deeply. You can see the very edge of what looks like a body of water, like an inlet of some kind. Here in the middle of the salivance which is not carried a body of water in 70 years. You swear you can see shapes of things, two of them, moving in and out of the clouds above what appears to be an active volcano sitting on the southern edge of the mountain range that encircles its southern end. What you recall seeing three burning embers in the dark distance when you first got a view of it. If this is the far right ember, is this one of three active volcanoes? With even just this glance, the sheer immensity of this place continues to expand to a terrifying degree. Especially for those of you who've not wandered far beyond this region of the Halcyon domain. Right as your mind tries to wrap your head around it, you also become aware of how high up you are as the cages begin to swing even heavier with the wind. It's hundreds of feet down to just hard rock and packed dust before the cages come to an end and swing. A large extending arm that the chains are latched to shifts over and brings the cage over a nearby platform before springing. Lowering onto it. Other soldiers and some sort of mechanic looking figures with heavy leather aprons on reach forward and open the cage door to release you. Out. Here you stand on a rocky outskirt cliffside before a hundred foot black stone, silver trimmed gothic tower stronghold layers and layers of long thin pointed roof peaks, each adorning intricately carved dark metal symbols of Jereda, the singular open hand you saw emblazoned on the symbol that was hanging around around Bowen's neck. But in glorious detail, polished and gleaming against what little bit of light pushes through these clouds. All manner of stone carvings with hooded gargoyles and what look to be reaching saints, their arms up into the air, many of them damaged or weathered by windy storm and the intensity of just the surrounding weather of this landscape. There are balconies that push out beyond, some that are broken off but others that remain right where you stand, aside from some scaffolding looking platforms built to extend to the outside of the stronghold where other figures are currently looks like either repairing or constructing maybe expanding on what little bit of landmass hasn't eroded away over time that holds this tower. Goodness knows if this tower will still be here in 100, 200 years with the rate that this platform of rock has been eroding over time. You can see signs of edges starting to crack and pull away. But here at the base there is a massive dark cherry wood red gate double doors one slightly open and ajar as the exemplar archon Petra turns to the rest of you welcome, steps out of the cage and leads you to the interior

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

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[Player 1]

The colonels cooked up a new $10 bucket of the just for you. Monday 24 nuggets for $10 Tuesday 8 piece fried chicken for $10 Wednesday 10 wings for $10 Thursday 8 tenders for $10 Friday 24 nuggets for. Oh, you guessed it, didn't you? $10 the $10 bucket of the day deal every weekday only at KFC. It's finger licking.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

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[Player 1]

Variable supplies last not available on third party order platforms.

[Narrator/Host]

Tax extra.

[Player 1]

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[Player 2]

Let's check in on the SERTA counting sheep. Why aren't we counting anymore?

[Player 1]

Well, the all new Serta Perfect sleeper has the Q4 support system that helps relieve aches and back pain.

[Player 2]

Never get counted again?

[Player 1]

Uh, nope.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

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[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

We make the world's best mattress.

[Player 1]

Jesus, I am so motion sick.

[Player 2]

Tell me about it, Kaguala. You smell like terror. I feel quiet. Terrified. This moment. Is there a chance for us to heal a little bit of this situation that we got going on in this moment?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Some quick inquiries and such. Petrus, if you require. We do have a number of herbalists and healers that work within the tower. I can find one who is not currently occupied and perhaps they can help you recover from your illness in the interim. I will show you two. She kind of thinks for a second. I will find out which chambers are available within the tower and show you to your rooms when the time has come. She kind of looks about. What other business do you have here? Do you just seek rest, sister?

[Player 2]

I saw green from the ground. Do you have nature here?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

We have quite a community that we must maintain. For that we have repurposed much of this tower for the cultivation of resources. Might I see it as you continue to walk through this tunnel with her? You breach the outer wall of the citadel and as you step through it opens up into the inside of this tower which you see now has multiple smaller tall towers within it is a multi tiered. This is a city, pretty much a vertical city within this repurposed religious structure from the old world. And there are hundreds of people around you, densely packed, going about their business. Varying degrees of cleanliness, but all very intent and driven families gathering about. You hear the sound of tools repairing. This is a bustling community just sitting solitary here above the shallowlands. In these layers of towers you can see indeed there are whole plumes of vibrant green brush. You see there are folks out there with satchels and baskets along the edges like ropes harnessed on them as they hang down the sides of towers to pick vegetables and other goods here to keep the community going. This is a self contained space of safety. You also see for every three structures that seem to maintain the community, every fourth is some form of place of worship. There are all manner of statues and altars and entire interior church beds to bring people together to maintain and give thanks for the faith that keeps them safe here under the watch of Jarada as you enter. Hard pressed for Such an insular community to not take immediate notice and interest into a group of newfound strangers. As people continue to move, you can't help but notice every set of eyes as they walk by finds you before they go off to the rest of their business. You glance past the crowd and everybody else in the middle doing their work is looking over their shoulder at you. You see other soldiers doing their patrols along the various layers of the outer balcony strips and the halls that continue to line the interior of the outer wall. And all of them pass by, their heads turning, pinning you. You are under watch. Jeda brings you to the inner tower sanctum here and asks you if you wouldn't mind. Give me some time to figure out where you will be staying for the evening. I will deliver your request for an audience with Oxodos. Until then, gather with supplies you need. Looks to Bowen.

[Narrator/Host]

And

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

do you have family still? Bone goes not my parents have passed. Cheers Ervin. Make yourself useful. And continues into the inner chamber as Bone nods.

[Player 3]

And

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I appreciate you all very much. Thank you for your. Your help. Good luck.

[Player 2]

Thank you. Bon. Thanks Boone.

[Player 1]

Sorry for your loss.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Isn't that just how it is? And he rushes off amongst the crowd and stops and looks back a little bit at you all again. Continues and vanishes into the crowds. The crowds that are now still storming. It has this very dynamic multi tiered ant hill like energy to the inside of this citadel. What would you like to do?

[Player 3]

Oh my God.

[Player 1]

I would like to get a better look on the opposite side of this tower to look at where we're going. And I want to see what people's demeanors are as well as they look out. I'm curious if they're doing pilgrimages, if they're having people leave. I'm wondering if the people here, the followers of Jerayda, are against what this is. What it isn't. I'm curious to see how a society is looking at this especially. I also want to know the story of if they had a good view. Did they all just wake up one day and it was there? Did they hear something? Did they feel something?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So you're going to start making inquiries around the community and listening around to find these. This is within the social environment of the Tower of Oxidos. This is one of the features. So go ahead and make a presence roll for me.

[Player 1]

Hey kid. Lollipop and a little spinner on his hat.

[Player 2]

What is it mister?

[Player 1]

Oh, wow. Holy cow. They gotta change dice. What kind of. What is it?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Presents.

[Player 1]

Sweet. That's gonna be 16 because 19 minus 3. So 16. With hope.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

With hope. So, yeah. So with that, you can learn of two events or factions. Yeah. So which two questions do you want to ask?

[Player 1]

Yeah, I will. I guess it would be.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I'll say, who do you find amongst the populace here and what do you ask them?

[Player 1]

There is an older gentleman. His skin has aged from the amount of sun that he's seen. He's clearly an expert in repairing the sides of one of these buildings that climb up. And it occurs to me that if anyone was to see what it looked like, what the landscape looked before and what it looked like after, it would be someone who worked high up and could see as much.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So this gentleman, he's currently getting off of a platform.

[Player 1]

I go, hey. Oh, sorry. I'm new in town and I can see that I come from the sands or whatever you call it, and I didn't get a good look at that. Can I see it from here or no?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Where you walked through the crowd, you've come to the other side, and there is a southern gate to this. It is closed.

[Player 1]

Okay.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

But on this side, it's a gate. It's like a massive portcullis gate, so you can still see through. And there is another maybe 50 or so feet of walk and platform. And it looks to be a small garden on the southern side, but you can see past it to some of. And indeed, with the dust storm blowing through, it's the clearest it's been since you began this journey. There's still heavy cloud cover in the sky, but you can make out the city in the distance well enough.

[Player 1]

When did that show up?

[Player 2]

That,

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Best I can recall is about three months ago.

[Player 1]

And it was just there.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Many of us just heard a noise, a great terrible cracking to the south, and we looked where once there was just an expanse there, it was just this.

[Player 3]

This city.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

He looks to it with. It's hard to tell if it's longing or fear. Fear, but it definitely trails off as he looks towards it. But these are not things of my concern. I have too much to do.

[Player 1]

You did a great job. Hey, was anyone sent to go check it out?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Best I understand there have been a

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

number of

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

a number of Templar troops sent, but I have not heard for what purpose or if thaves returned. I'm not within the military. I'm just one of the keepers of the tower's gate exterior, so I do not know such business. But I know that they have sent people there. We've seen them off. He kind of leans in. There are many that say that city can grant wishes.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Yes.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Have you been there?

[Player 1]

I'm on my way. I'll let you know what it's like.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Okay.

[Player 1]

I also heard they have fountains of gold and birds of diamonds. I'll let you know about that, too.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I want to know what that is. And he points out. And you see past the massive mountain before it vanishes into the clouds. There's some other flashes and cracks of distant lightning. And you see something emerge from. From the clouds, gently drifting down into the city. And it looks like a ship.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

What the.

[Player 1]

I'm like just holding

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

it looks like it's long with a bow and it sails kind of. But it seems almost like it's clung

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

to

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

some sort of an ovuloid shape. It just drifts.

[Player 2]

Is there a trail of smoke behind it or is it just the ship?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

It's just this ship drifting down and then vanishes into the city.

[Player 1]

I shake it off. Kind of what I just saw, I guess. One last thing. Is it getting any bigger?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Kind of glances out, you know, I haven't put much thought to it. I don't. It is very beautiful. I don't know, but it is very beautiful.

[Player 2]

Well,

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

he just smiles through his wiry gray beard, his three visible teeth. I should get back to work.

[Player 1]

Yeah, yeah. Take pride in your work in this area and where you have now. Don't worry about you walk away. I will go. And I. Who do I tell this of?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

All of you?

[Player 1]

Do I just wrath you around? Yeah. I come back and I'm pacing back and forth in front of you. Do I know what a ship is? Would I know what I even saw?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I mean, you know of ships, Especially since I was saying, because this lake used to have a lot of water travel.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Right.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

There are derelict and withered ship carcasses throughout this sallow. Lands that are occasionally repurposed and reused sometimes for housing. Sometimes you just find them as you walk on pieces at the front of old boats that have fallen out of disuse when there's no water to sail them. So you know of them, though you've probably never been on one.

[Player 1]

And it was in the air.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

It was in the air.

[Player 1]

Great.

[Advertiser/Commercial Voice]

Yeah.

[Player 1]

I will move you all out of the way until I see both of you and I will say, do you. Have you two seen boats before in the old times?

[Player 2]

Yes, I. I sailed one.

[Player 1]

You sailed one?

[Player 2]

Yes.

[Player 1]

In the water or in the air?

[Player 2]

The water, of course.

[Player 1]

At any point does it go in the air?

[Player 2]

I don't believe so, no.

[Player 1]

I don't want to Alarm. Anybody? I think there is one in the air around where we're going.

[Player 2]

An airship.

[Player 1]

That's a great name for it. An airship. How brilliant. I turn those around. Yes, one of those.

[Player 2]

You said that it was above this city that we were looking for. Was it going in? Out?

[Player 1]

It was kind of circling around it. I saw it come out of some clouds.

[Player 2]

Do you think there's perhaps some magic that could do such a thing? Magic makes all things possible.

[Player 1]

Maybe it did it on its own.

[Player 2]

I. I would love to see this ship. Me. Me too.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

I.

[Player 2]

Why do you seem so concerned?

[Player 1]

I asked a man if it was growing bigger and he couldn't get past how beautiful it was. It was something uncanny. Something unnatural.

[Player 2]

That's worrisome.

[Player 1]

What?

[Player 2]

That is worrisome.

[Player 1]

I would agree. I understand the hope of finding of some kind of reprieve from this way of life. But the way he looked at it.

[Player 2]

As if he was enchanted by chance.

[Player 1]

Something

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

sound of heavy armored was approaching. And you see a. Another Templar arriving. A younger looking woman, maybe in her mid-20s or so. Dark black hair with a gray streak on one side. Beautiful smooth brown skin with a heavy mace on one side of her armor. Walks up and goes. Sorry to bother you. I'm Templar Kodan. I was sent by Petra to bring you to one of our herbalists.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Please.

[Player 2]

Yes. We all have tummy aches.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Yes, I think they can help you. Come along. You are eventually brought to the herbalist. This beautiful interior that is in itself its own small garden that contains all manner of strange layers of almost if you turn shelving into flower beds. And then from that was just growing all these natural herbs that had an open view to the outside. What was once a window of a grand office had been repurposed. And now this area is overrun with vines and herbs. And it has that very earthy smell that is very welcoming.

[Narrator/Host]

I'm just going to run my fingers over all of the plants.

[Player 2]

As we walk by.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

You see a very, very gnarled thumb of a woman. I guess you could say this ancient dwarven woman of wild white mermaid hair that halos her body. Her face seems to be caught in a perpetual grimace between these large glasses that sit. And on her desk you see this tiny altar to Jerayda that she currently has a hand over and is quietly muttering to herself as you enter. She turns and goes. You came for the tummy aches, right?

[Player 1]

We drink a lot of bog water. At least I did. I don't know what's wrong with you.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

You should not drink the bog water. Now, I know that I get you some tea. And she said something.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Waddles over to this little tea kettle and begins to pour it for you all. And the taste is oddly floral. It is something that has a perfumey scent to it. It has a gritty texture you almost like. As you sip, you can feel something on your teeth that grinds when you bite down. And you're not sure what it is, but it does still warm you from the inside. It doesn't take too long for that sickness to finally pass and recedes and is gone. So you can remove your sickness. Dice,

[Player 2]

What is your name?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

My name is Lorraine and I come from a long generation of holy herbalists beneath the ordinance. And now the great prophet Oxydote.

[Player 2]

This is a wonderful tea.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

I hope it's wonderful.

[Player 2]

What herbs are in it?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Oh, there's a therin leaf. This is to help quell any sort of nausea. If you go ahead and take a few. THUNDER BRAYS They're a bit burry if you don't break them down. But the dust itself, it helps settle inside. Indigestion. And then four toxins that have worked into the blood. I put a few strands of lemongrass horsehair burr. And what it does is it helps just kind of slow the breathing down for just a moment and then helps purify this system in a moment. Like.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And as she puts her hand up, all you feel is like this strange, almost bass like thrum in your body. And that is what finally you feel. The toxins expelled and you all begin to sweat profusely. Sweat that has a bit of a color to it, a faint, a greenish yellow tint. And you all. It's somewhat oily. And she's.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Ah, is he there? That. That is faith and holy miracles.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And she goes and picks up a thick piece of cloth and starts wiping you down like a window wiper. She seems way too into this.

[Player 1]

Thanks.

[Player 2]

Did Dilly take the potion even though she wasn't sick?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Did she?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I asked you.

[Player 2]

I think she did. Just because she forgot.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

She's going through cleaning everyone else off. You're still sweating but it's coming out clear and you really have to pee. Suddenly she was like, oh.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Oh dear.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Did it not work?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

I can make you some more. I'm all right.

[Player 2]

I'm all right. It's fine. I forgot that I actually didn't have tummy ache. I just wanted. I just didn't want to be left out there.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And then she drinks it herself. What color is her sweat? Actually comes out kind of brownish a few minutes ago. I'm not gonna ask, but you also watch as she quietly hides what looks like a brackish bottle of liquor under her counter.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

It's a pleasure to meet you all. How long are you here to stay?

[Player 2]

Only for the evening. Yes.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Oh, shame, shame. We like new folks. We like new folks. Fates. Happy to have you while we can. If you need anything any further.

[Player 2]

You said you've worked under the Prophet. Have you met this Prophet?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Make a presence roll for me, if you don't mind.

[Player 2]

It's a four plus one, so five with hope.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So take a hope.

[Player 3]

Okay.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

She kind of.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

I've not in many years. The Prophet is of great, great importance.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Sits down in the chair a bit.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

The Prophet is a great man and has much to do. Very busy. But no, I have not seen the Prophet since I was a younger girl.

[Player 2]

Was he kind?

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

He was.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

You see her eyes glow wide.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

He was driven. He was a being of fire and confidence.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Where he walked, the edict carved its way into our souls.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

And as such, we found order and we found family.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

We found safety.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Oxydos. Oxydos was.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Oxidos is the one that walks with

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

the light of Jerada and has such.

[Player 3]

A.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

And puts her arms out to all the herbs here and to the window beyond and goes here. Here we live.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

We live with a sliver of the old world, away from all desolation.

[Player 2]

So do you know if there's an intention to perhaps help heal outside of these walls?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

So with a. With a moment, she stares at him.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

I've been helpful, I think, to the extent of my duties for the day. I thank you for your.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

For your presence, but I have to usher you. She's giving you this look like your line of questioning is making her uncomfortable. I need you to mark a stress for that failed roll earlier. Hope you're all feeling better. It's like the lines of sweat begin to go down her face as well and eventually pushes you out of her chambers.

[Narrator/Host]

And can I gather from what we've seen is. Are the plants growing here just in pots, or is there an area that. It's an indoor forest.

[Player 2]

Sort of a vibe from what you've

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

seen walking around the areas where things. There are small patches of garden and some trees in the courtyard as soon as you came in. From the exterior walls, there are some trees that grow there. There is grass and patches of dirt. But a lot of these areas like that look like they're remnants of the old world that have just been maintained. Everything else you've seen has Been intentionally built and expanded upon. So the rows of what I mentioned earlier, the flower boxes and the long areas of cultivated vegetation that you had seen being picked that looks like dirt has been brought in, and areas have been expanded and structures have been built upon to facilitate layered farmland within portions of the actual tower itself.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Okay,

[Narrator/Host]

can I find one of the more grassy patches where the trees are growing?

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Sure. So you head back down through the crowd, pushing into the main courtyard area. And here as you walk through, there's all manner of small shops and little hovels and homesteads. You can see there are teachers walking with groups of children and reading from books as they walk, just speaking on the various hymns and the great left edict of Oxydos, speaking phrases on the majesty of the great light of judgment will carry us on for days upon end. This light is within each of you and carried from parent to child. This edict, these words of the great veiled gods left behind us, they keep us safe like you must keep us safe at all costs. We are the only bastion of true honesty here in the domain, unscathed and uncorrupted. And as they can, you walk past, takes the book back a bit. All the kids look and stare. Some of them look a bit spooked and hide behind others. It is with the absence of strangers we know our walls remain unbreached and untainted. He continues to read the book, and the children begin to follow.

[NPC/Supporting Character (Lorraine)]

Behind.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

There is definitive tension that seems to follow like a cloud. But the city is still yours to explore for the time.

[Player 2]

I would like to gather you for a moment. Before meeting all of you. I worked as a. As a delver at the Luzal monastery for many years, seeking a holy relic that could perhaps turn the tides. And when I found it and shared that information with the scholars, I overheard them say things with ill intent because they do not want things to change. And I'm. I'm a little concerned that perhaps this prophet might be similar in thinking. And I am a little afraid in sharing the relic that I brought. I don't feel safe right now. And I'm not sure if I do want to meet. Meet him. You are not alone in feeling that

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I'm going to spend a fear. Oh, no. You hear shouts, something yells, and you glance over in that direction and you see someone moving through the crowd. You see a male elf, young, Maybe in his 30s, robed, running and pushing through the crowd over his shoulder and rushing, no, trying to get by. The crowd closes in to keep him. He's like, no, no, I Didn't. At which point you watch as two exemplars rush up behind and grab him. And he's like. They pull him back and throw him onto his knees there. And one of them says down there, heretic. And it's like, I did nothing.

[Player 1]

I swear.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

I swear there's a misunderstanding. I don't. It's like you. You have been found with dark texts. You have been found with words that would blaspheme. You have been insulating others with lies. Have you not looked out at the crowd specifically towards one person? You see this young woman who kind of shakes her head and just vanishes into the crowd and disappears behind me. Seemed like. Like something in his heart break. He goes, I didn't. I didn't, I didn't. And the other one looks about and says, close your mind. Horizon speaker. We know you've been distilling these lies to erode our fate. And from that point, both of them look over as coming from one of the central towers, the exemplar archon. Petra guided you in here at a hurried glance, walks up with two of her other Templar companions and says, I've been called to see the heretic. We believe that this has been an individual spreading the word of the horizons, undermining our work. You see, the Petra walks up, gets down on 1e and looks into his face, lifts his chin with her massive gauntlet in her hand and goes, have you been poisoning the mines of our sacred space? And he looks.

[Player 1]

I know.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

He watches. Her hand flares with a light and burns into his face. And he screams. Smoke burns up. And as she pulls the hand away, he falls.

[Player 1]

She goes.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Falsehoods burn the flesh. And she stands up in the light of Jireda. You are judged. Exile. Take him. The two other exemplars lift him up other his arms and they start bringing him towards the gate where you were earlier. Other soldiers open the gate behind him. I'm not. As they've been dragged me through gate. He shouts, this is a false fate. They're out there.

[Player 2]

Ask.

[Dungeon Master/Narrator (Matthew Mercer)]

Ask for the truth. Old will crumble, but with a new line we will find. And they throw him from the arch. The gates close and the stillness of the populace returns to their lively business like nothing had happened. And that's when to finish this episode. We need to go, so we'll see you next time. Thank you for joining us. And is it Thursday at stick around for the cool down if you'd like.

[Narrator/Host]

This episode is at an end. Thank you for accompanying us on this voyage. If you liked the adventure, consider leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice. We're always looking for new critters to share our stories with, and your review may help a batch of new adventurers discover the show. Until next time,

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