Season 2 | Ep. 29 | The Value of Life

Summary

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Dark Dice – Season 2, Episode 29: "The Value of Life"

Released December 10, 2025 | Fool and Scholar Productions

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Episode Overview

This episode of Dark Dice, subtitled "The Value of Life," explores the grim moral decisions and burgeoning tensions among the party as they navigate survival, trust, and the weight of their personal histories in the dark world beneath Westman's Hold. After a brief respite and family reunion, the group faces consequences when a desperate act disrupts their already fragile unity. Long-buried secrets, confessions, and grief come to the surface, culminating in betrayal and an ominous turn for one of their own.

Themes: The cost of survival, the boundaries of morality, family reckonings, and redefining loyalty in a world where life and death are fluid concepts.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Post-Family Reunion: Seeking Shelter and Supplies

• [03:10–06:59] The party, emotionally spent after a family reunion, seeks a safer place to rest. Sindri, overwhelmed with relief at his family's survival, is dropped off at a safe house to rest, while the rest head out for food and equipment.
  • "Now I just have to find the third one." – Sindri [03:19]
  • Emphasizes exhaustion: they've been awake for days, compounded by the trauma and their fugitive status.
  • The need for anonymity and caution is stressed: Sindri is still an exile, making public activities risky.

2. Shopping and the Shield of Memories

• [07:07–14:13] Shopping for gear turns pivotal when the group visits a dwarven armor shop. The party is drawn to a special shield, rich in history and magical properties, but far outside their budget.
  • Detailed lore about the shield: crafted from metals from legendary sources, telling stories in braille on its back.
  • "This is the start. And if you feel along the Braille, it tells you the story of each battle and the form that each piece of metal held before its owners were slain and they were reformed into the shield." – Shopkeeper [10:38]
  • The price: 1,100 gold, unattainable for the group. The party considers haggling, but realizes their resources are lacking.

3. A Casual Murder and Immediate Fallout

• [14:13–20:31] In a shocking turn, Lyrul (Lyrel) murders the shopkeeper with a poisoned dart to steal the shield. Rowena and Elias are stunned and furious, leading to a crisis of trust within the group.
  • "He was too slow and we have much to do." – Lyrel after killing the shopkeeper [15:28]
  • "You don't just kill people. Or El. And I'm gonna run to wherever the door is, slam it closed and ... close the curtains, whatever is needed." – Rowena [15:39]
  • Lyrul attempts to cover her tracks with invisibility powder and hides the body, then loots the shop for more valuables.
  • Roguish pragmatism vs. surface world morality becomes a tense debate.

4. Moral Reckoning and Group Fractures

• [20:31–24:07] Back at the safe house, Rowena and Elias process what happened. The debate over morality, necessity, and the value of life reaches a head as Lyrul rejoins them.
  • "Killing is not a necessity here. It is wrong. I hurt more than the one I killed with my actions." – Lyrel, showing some regret [24:07]
  • Father Sindri Westpike sharply rebukes her:
    "A dwarf's life is worth more than simple wealth. You are a greedy person, and you don't care who you hurt as you acquire your wealth." [25:33]
  • Party members confront their own flaws, past violence, and capacity for redemption.

5. Deep Character Conversations: Confessions & Family Ties

• [33:04–62:43] Much of the episode is devoted to in-depth, emotionally charged dialogue, notably between Rowena and Sindri. These scenes delve into personal histories, regrets, and the hope (or lack thereof) for forgiveness.
  • Rowena shares hard truths about her brother Rainer’s cruelty and her own troubled past.
  • "He's not a good person ... I've gone through much not to tell you the truth, and I think I need to right now." – Rowena on her brother [37:01]
  • The two wrestle with the weight of family, responsibility, and the burden of cursed objects (most notably, Soren's dagger).
  • Sindri insists on sharing Rowena’s burdens as her father—despite their recent estrangement.
    • "This is not your burden to bear alone ... Why do you believe your soul to be worth less than that of mine?" [47:05]
  • Both reflect on their own involvement in violence and its inevitable stain.
    • "I don't want to be a murderer, but I am a killer." – Rowena [63:13]
  • Elias’ backstory and the unreliable nature of criminal accusations among the party are explored.

6. Strategic Planning: The Mission to the Crag

• [65:28–72:43] The reprieve ends as the party, now using disguises, prepares to infiltrate the Crag to investigate the silence of the Craglord, under orders from their dwarf ally, Akril.
  • They are made aware that their presence is known and that they are likely being hunted.
  • Disguises are distributed; stolen items (shields, gold) cause further unease.
  • "Are you just gonna be carrying all these shields on your back?" – Rowena to Lyrel, highlighting ongoing tension [67:36]

7. Betrayal and Capture

• [72:43–74:55] As the party enters the Crag, Elias is separated by a trap and captured by rival forces, foreshadowing dark consequences and possible permanent loss.
  • "Time to take you home." – Captor to Elias [73:26]
  • Elias is shackled in an iron casket, feeling utterly abandoned and bereft of hope.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Family Reunion Aftermath
  • "Two of my children are safe. Now I just have to find the third one." – Sindri [03:19]
• Shopping Turned Deadly
  • "Yeah, that shield—that’s a questing shield. A shield of memories, as it were." – Shopkeeper [10:38]
  • "He was too slow and we have much to do." – Lyrel, after killing the shopkeeper [15:28]
  • "You can't kill people. It's not okay." – Rowena [16:34]
• Moral Reckoning
  • "Killing is not a necessity here. It is wrong. I hurt more than the one I killed with my actions." – Lyrel [24:07]
  • "A dwarf's life is worth more than simple wealth. You are a greedy person, and you don't care who you hurt as you acquire your wealth." – Father Sindri [25:33]
  • "If everybody acted as you, you would probably not have your eyes anymore as your skin burned in this direct sunlight. If everybody acted like you—" – Father Sindri [27:19]
• Confession & Support
  • "This is not your burden to bear alone ... Why do you believe your soul to be worth less than that of mine?" – Sindri [47:05]
  • "I don't want to be a murderer, but I am a killer." – Rowena [63:13]
  • "You've got strong will. You've got character. You've got moxie. You're a girl I'm proud of. You're a woman I can be proud of." – Sindri [63:56]
• Foreshadowed Betrayal
  • "Time to take you home." – Clymore to Elias, as he's captured [73:26]
  • "Elias knew. Within that stifling casket, bound in chains, prodded by spikes, sweating and terrified, Elias knew that his life, life was over." – Narrator [74:51]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:10] — Emotional family moment, party plans next steps
• [07:07] — Shopping and discussion about disguise and anonymity
• [09:55] — Introduction of the magical shield and its lore
• [14:13] — Lyrel murders the shopkeeper for the shield
• [19:17] — Lyrel discovers the magical night ivy brooch
• [20:31–24:07] — Rowena and Elias confront Lyrel over the murder; Lyrel expresses regret
• [33:04–64:18] — Deep confessions, personal histories, mutual support between Rowena and Sindri
• [65:41] — Akril explains the Crag mission and looming dangers
• [67:36] — Rowena highlights Lyrel's conspicuousness with the stolen shields
• [72:43] — Elias is cut off from the party and captured
• [73:26] — Elias is imprisoned, implied fate sealed

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Episode Tone and Style

The episode is heavy, dark, and introspective—punctuated by grim humor and bitter resolve among the party. Characters speak with weary sarcasm, blunt honesty, and emotional rawness. The world feels tangible with its lived-in dangers and the ever-present possibility of tragedy born from desperation, pride, or a refusal to abandon hope.

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Closing Thoughts

"The Value of Life" is a meditation on what desperate people will do to survive and protect those they care about—and the costs when they confuse necessity with justification. The party faces the very real threat that internal schisms may doom them before any monster or eldritch god gets the chance. As Elias is dragged away into the darkness, the group is left fractured, each member uncertain if the others will be allies or obstacles in the coming trials.

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End of Summary

This summary provides context, structure, critical moments, and memorable exchanges for listeners seeking to catch up on "Dark Dice: The Value of Life."

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Transcript

[A]

Greetings adventurers. Just a quick note. Dark Dice is taking a quick holiday break as we do every year. We'll be back January 6th. Cheers.

[B]

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[C]

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[B]

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[D]

This episode is brought to you by Jack Daniels. Jack Daniels and music are made for each other. They share a rhythm in the craft.

[C]

Of making something timeless while being a.

[E]

Part of legendary nights.

[D]

From backyard jams to sold out arenas.

[C]

There'S a song in every toast. Please drink responsibly.

[D]

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[A]

7 are registered trademarks.

[C]

Tennessee Whiskey, 40% alcohol by volume.

[D]

Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

[E]

Do you seek him?

[C]

Do you seek Him?

[A]

Do you seek Him? Do you seek Him? Do d seek people?

[E]

Do you seek the nameless God?

[A]

You have found yourself among those who roll the dark dice. What you are about to hear happened long ago. A story brought back from the edge of oblivion. Dutifully transcribed and enhanced orally to better captivate your attention. Previously, Sindri reunited with his long lost family. Now within Westman's Hold. They journey to investigate the darkness under the mountain.

Dark Dice the long road chapter 29 the value of Life.

[C]

I think as soon as we're away from the building, I'm just gonna throw my arms around Sindri.

[E]

I'm glad to know that.

Two of my children are safe. Now I just have to find the third one. Follow us. Pike breaks down and pulls you into a hug.

[C]

She was already hugging you, dude. Like for once this dumbass, like sarcastic sassy bard isn't saying a fucking word.

[E]

Just crying.

[A]

Elias took another quiet sip from his flask, trying not to stare, but also hoping to move into a more covert location. Akril seemed to share his unease about standing in the open within the Forage district, as foreigners were often unwelcome there.

[F]

That was very touching. Went much better than I thought it would go.

[E]

It was.

It was unbelievable.

[F]

But I really need to get moving if the second daughter of House King does not wish to attract the attentions of the guards or council.

[G]

Yes, but that was something we needed to take care of. There is much we need to take care of still.

[F]

Yes, but walking around the Holder's forens could cause problems. So could I suggest that our next stop be the entrance to the Crag, perhaps?

[D]

That sounds fine, but can I request a place to sleep first? We've been kind of running awake for. Well, let's just say our day started before we got to Alden and it just got worse from there.

[C]

Good God. That means we've been awake for like two or three days straight.

[D]

Well, you've been dead for some of it, so I figured you got a short rest in.

[E]

Oh, is the Gray Hollow still open?

[F]

The better question is with showing your face, the face of an exile in public. Be wise.

[E]

A smile kind of wipes off his face as he like. Yeah, yeah, of course. Of course.

[F]

No offense. It's just that until I can get you pardoned, it's likely not good to go shopping or drinking. Especially with outsiders.

[E]

You're right. You're right.

[D]

Well, I need to do both things. I need to go shopping and go to a bar. And I need to go to sleep.

[E]

You are free to walk around.

[F]

Second Daughter, will you let me guide you and your team to a safe house? I have access to a few safe locations within the hold, if that would please you.

[G]

The safe house is acceptable. And we also must eat. My assistants are correct. It's been too long since we've been able to rest or eat. And I want to be at my best if I am to negotiate on Your behalf within the prison.

[F]

Okay. Did you really need to go shopping as well? Or was that just. I could just bring the food to the safe house.

[G]

I. I would like to go shopping. I am curious if there is better armor I can acquire. You dwarves pride yourself on armor crafting. And we see so little of your work at home. A souvenir or two might also be nice.

[F]

Might I suggest that we at least drop off old Sindri first? I feel like his presence could be dangerous. Then we can go shopping.

[E]

That is fine. I am tired anyway and have much to think about.

[C]

Can we please do some shopping without the debacle we had last time? Please?

[D]

Well, I can't promise none of that. I tried to have a debacle free shopping experience earlier and that just was a total clusterfu.

[G]

We'll see how that goes. We can't draw too much attention to ourselves anyways.

[C]

Please. I feel like we don't really have that much time. We need to try and wrap up the most important affairs as soon as we can.

[D]

Yeah, I agree.

[C]

Sounds good.

[A]

The team traveled through side passages to their safe house, which we'll describe later. Sindru has dropped off. And while he intended to mull over his thoughts and perhaps pray, sleep found him where he sat. Knowing that his children and wife were alive. Not great, but well enough. And that Lyrel did not murder them was a relief.

[E]

Huge relief.

[A]

The rest of the party followed their guide Akril back to the heart of the forage district.

[F]

So what are you looking for specifically? I know some good jobs, some good smiths, specialists if you wanted armor. Or other crafters, if you're looking for something more like engraved pendants, for instance.

[D]

Well, I need a new shirt. Missing the sleeves you can see.

[F]

I thought that was intentional. Okay. Clothing. Anything else, Lady Lyril?

[G]

I would like armor.

[F]

That will not be difficult. Anything else?

[E]

Rowena, do you want a new shield?

[C]

Aye, but I don't have any gold.

[E]

Surely our new benefactor can pitch it a little bit. Butter him up. Use that Bartic tongue of yours.

[C]

Yes. Woof. Is my father like suggesting.

[D]

Oh, your father in game is definitely telling you to flirt for stuff.

[A]

Perhaps it was an interpretation of his earlier sleep talking. Because Syndra was asleep at the safe house and could not make such a suggestion at this time.

[C]

Uh, well, if you're going to an armor Argor, I need a. I need a new shield.

[A]

For the sake of not having another full episode dedicated to shopping, Elias Payne and the team were brought to the shop of an old dwarven Woman who sold quality clothes. What was he looking for?

[D]

As always, I'm in a new place, so that means it's time change what I look like so no one knows who I am. This time I'm gonna go for a.

[C]

You can look. A bee. I have a bee costume.

[D]

Think like lower merchant type of clothing. Like not super fine, but more patched up than the good stuff they're selling here.

[A]

A low class merchant, perhaps?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

The woman had what Elias was looking for, and in his size, the price was too silver.

[D]

That's perfect.

[A]

However, this was a fairly nice shop and Elias smelled terrible. The dwarven woman insisted that he actually take a bath before she let him try on clothing.

[D]

That's actually on my list of things I needed to do here.

[A]

Anyway, fortunately for Elias, she happened to have access to a cleaning area for an extra 5 copper.

[D]

If she'll offer to heat up the water and lend me a pumice dome. It's a deal.

[A]

Deal then.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Elias cleans up.

[A]

Two silver, five copper, and one heated bath later, Elias felt refreshed and no longer had a smell that emanated 20ft from him in every direction, removing disadvantage from future stealth checks. His old clothes, at least most of them, were discarded and later burned, and Elias now looked like a professional traveling merchant. A few minutes later, and Akrel brought the team to a small huddle of an older dwarven armor with an interesting scar that bisected his forehead. The shop was littered with the heads and trophies of creatures that the proprietor had presumably slayed. And between these were various armors that he'd crafted, all bearing his personal suit and also the seal of Westmans. Most of the armors were of the metal variety, with scale mail, chainmail plate, half plate ringmail, and shields which bore either the variations on the Westman's seal or simple patterned markings, save for one shield, which stood out as being of better quality.

[H]

What are you looking for?

[G]

We're shield shopping. I don't want to get one with a symbol. I want one that has designs on it. I don't want to be affiliated with a specific location.

[H]

This one has two different colors.

And over here is one that's bisected into quarters with different colors in each corner. We also have an assortment of solid colors, and I can personally attest to the quality of each shield because I crafted them myself.

[C]

That shield, that's really nice. I mean, that's. Oh, that's some fine quality dwarven work there. Must be real proud of yourself. Do you want to Tell us all about it.

[A]

The DM cursed in Ridley, as his bluff had been called.

[H]

Yeah, that. That shield. That's a questing shield. A shield of memories, as it were. The metals that form it were acquired during my days as a. When I was enlisted. I was a soldier, you see. Fought in a couple of wars. Started as the shield I was given from my uncle, but. But as it wore down, it was replaced. Some of its metal came from fine Elven weapons that are far older than me, so it's a bit lighter than most shields of its kind. While other metals that reinforce it came from the forges of giants and orcs. One of my old comrades painted the images you see on its surface as sort of a parting gift. You've an eye for detail, so you might appreciate to look on the back here. This is the start. And if you feel along the Braille, it tells you the story of each battle and. And the form of forms that each piece of metal held before its owners were slain and they were reformed into the shield. It's an old shield, but seeing as my descendants have no interest in such things, I'd be happy to see it find its purpose again. For the right morph, for the right.

[C]

Price, if you're still alive. Then clearly it did its job, so it must be good work. I tell you what, why don't you tell me about its functionality? You mentioned some odd materials about it, so surely it's not just a shield with a fancy history from a functional perspective.

[H]

I mean, as I mentioned, it's a very deliberate mix of metals. Mithril, where I could acquire it. And some of the heavier metals near the center are comet metal from a falling star, if you can believe it.

[C]

Can I. Can I. Can I have a look at it?

[H]

By all means.

You look a bit frail, miss. But it should be a fine buckler for one your height.

[C]

That's exactly the kind of thing that we're looking for.

It's a bit heavy here, like you said, but, you know, overall, the mithril does balance it out quite nicely, I must say. I'm gonna try and detect magic about this, but I do seem to have rolled a natural gun.

[A]

Even with a critical failure, Rowena could still detect that the shield had some magic within it. But she could not be sure of exactly what.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Unless it wasn't. It was hard to tell.

[C]

How. How much would this set us back now, you said. I'm convinced it may potentially have magic. I'm gonna roll with it.

[H]

1100 gold.

[C]

Oh, boy.

[H]

But don't feel pressured. The shield will one day return to sea combat and live up to its name again. But that doesn't have to be today.

[C]

I look at Le, I was like, I assume that you can't afford this either.

[D]

The shield even has a name.

[C]

As pretty as this is and as gifted at your craft and at surviving as you may be. Sorry, I'm going to have to put this back on the wall. Because unless you're going to give it to me, I can't really afford anything near that price. Thank you, though.

[G]

If my friend has interest, then perhaps we can trade for it.

[H]

What do you have in mind?

[C]

I look at there, I was like, we don't have enough stuff to trade for it.

[H]

Your merchant friend may just have something of interest. It's so rare to meet merchants from the surface in this district. And if I might say so, sir, your ropes smell. Well, they smell quite nice.

[D]

Elias sketches a fake bow.

[C]

Always being clean is a point of pride with him.

[G]

During the conversation so far, Lidhil's been examining the shields, picking them up and putting one between her and the armorer so that he cannot see what she's doing. And with a 14 for sleight of hand, she'll approach him at this point in the conversation to say, they're lavender scented. They have little packs of spices sewn into the sleeves. Smell them. And as the old man lowers his head, Lydial stabs him in the dark with a poison dart laced with creeping death.

[C]

Can I. Can I roll a perception?

[A]

Then what was Roena's passive perception?

[C]

It's a 14.

[A]

Distracted by the conversation, and because Lyrel was behind literal cover, Rowena could roll with disadvantage.

[C]

10. 8.

[A]

Rowena was unaware until it was too late.

[G]

Dart in the neck.

[A]

Even with advantage, the old man failed his constitution saving throw. As the dart was lodged into the side of his ne, he snapped back, surprised, trying to take in what had just happened. He grasped at the dart, but the poison worked quickly and he lacked the strength or willpower to remove it. A veteran of many wars, a venerable peer within his lifelong discipline, was felled by a single dart as wreath chittered in excitement.

[G]

I pull the dart out before he hits the ground and I put the magic shield over my back, wrapping cloth inside it to make a little nest for it is.

[C]

Why did you.

[G]

He was too slow and we have much to do.

[A]

What?

[G]

I have taken care of him. We cannot afford that shield and I do not wish to trade.

[C]

Why?

[G]

Why not?

[C]

Oh, we could have just listened to him. We could have Spoken or bartered or gotten something else. We. You don't just kill people. Or El. And I'm gonna run to wherever the door is, slam it closed and you know, close the curtains, Whatever is needed.

[D]

You've been in town for what, three hours and you already murdered someone. This disguise is worthless. Thank you.

[C]

Why would you do this?

[G]

It's all right. I have some invisibility powder. So no one will find his body for a while. They'll think he's gone until we're gone.

[C]

Okay. Okay. I have to stop you. And I'm gonna put my hands on her shoulders and stare like up into her eyes. You have to understand, it's not about hiding the body. That's to supposed problem is the fact you just killed someone. There is no need to randomly kill people. It seemed if he was here, he would just smote you down. He doesn't understand. You don't get this. You can't kill people. It's not okay.

[G]

But we needed the shield. And we do not have the money to buy it.

[C]

No, we don't need the shield. We don't need these things like this. We don't acquire them like this. You are never gonna survive in our world on the surface like this if you keep killing everyone we ever meet.

[G]

I don't kill everyone.

[C]

Well, I know I'm still alive.

[G]

And.

[C]

And he. And I point at like. At pain. He's still alive. And you've left the cleric still alive.

[G]

He does not matter. He was an old man. He could have simply fallen, perhaps over the edge of the crag. And I'll uncork the invisibility potion and vanish his cork.

[A]

The potion had partially expired and a foul odor swept the room, overwhelming Elias, who fled choking for breath. Rowena, who passed her constitution saving throw, but wished to help her ally steady himself, followed briefly, lingering in the open doorway.

[C]

You. And I'm gonna point at l' Raux from the doorway. You stay there. Don't follow us right now. Okay? Because I'm about this far from killing you before you come back. You take some time and you think about it. You can't live like this. Not in a civilized fucking place like this. And I can't travel with you if you act like this. Because my cousin, whatever he is, will just kill him.

[D]

Listen, listen. If you need to pop back in there and get a shield, go for it. I think I can stand on my own. Maybe.

[C]

Just because she's a criminal doesn't mean I'm gonna be a criminal. Okay? Okay.

[D]

All right. All Right.

[C]

I can't say. Don't kill a person and steal their shits. And then steal their shit.

Sorry. So let's just go back the sneakiest possible fucking way to the hideout. Whether Lorelle chooses to come back to us or not is her thing. But I can't. I can't talk to her right now. I don't want to kill her.

[A]

Laurel stared at her accomplices for a while longer as their forms vanished from sight. Wreath had already collected the nearby nuts and seeds that the old dwarf was snacking on into a pouch in his new shield home before glancing at the cash register with interest.

[G]

Because the guy's already dead, so his business is done for anyway.

[A]

It wasn't even locked, and L' Rel pocketed the 18 platinum and 312 gold coins, in addition to a small short sword that was hidden away just beneath the register. As she felt for the corpse, she found the key to the shop and a silver ring on his finger. A wedding ring. Pocketing that as well.

[G]

Perfect.

[A]

With the grim understanding that her actions had been unnecessary and that news of the old man's death would harm others, Lyrel decided to make the best use of this unfortunate situation, locking the entrance and searching for any items within the shop that might be magical. Rolling a 21. Finding a single brooch, an old one with a plant growing on it that Lorell was able to recognize as night ivy.

[G]

Ooh.

[A]

The night ivy plant was very difficult to cut, and when fed with plants, blood could grow to cover a person within three hours. These plants formed a symbiotic relationship with their host, lowering their maximum hit points by three in exchange for forming a set of hardened two armor. The only downside, however, was that the plant could only survive in darkness and would be instantly withered and disintegrated by sunlight, even indirect light. So long as the root survived, which the magical brooch itself ensured, the plant could regrow again the following night.

[C]

Ooh, that's disturbing.

[G]

I'll take it.

[A]

L' Rell also located a small water closet within the shop, and after examining the size of the hole, she lifted the seating and stuffed the corpse through. A splash was audible as the invisible corpse hit the bottom.

[G]

And I back up so there's no residual disgusting smell that comes up that I encounter.

[A]

Lyrel dodged the smell and refastened the seat. She felt confident that no one would search for the invisible corpse of an old dwarf down there, at least not until she was far from this city. She grabbed a second shield, a plain one For Owena as a sort of apology as she moved back toward the entrance, locking the door behind her as she departed with a sigh.

[G]

That's the end of that.

[A]

Understanding that she was not in the best graces with Rowena, Lyrule returned to the vicinity of the safe house. Remaining nearby but not entering for the moment. Inside, Rowena had succeeded on a medicine check, remembering an old remedy of scalding hot water mixed with a certain root that she prestigitated, then forced down Elias throat to help him fully recover his breath.

[C]

You'll be okay.

Are you okay?

[D]

I'm fine. Fine. Oh, fine. But you realize they're gonna hunt us even more once they realize what happened.

[C]

I don't know what to do.

[D]

Yeah, that's something we're gonna have to talk about.

[C]

I still don't know if I can trust you. You killed your sisters according to your father's bounty.

[D]

And you believe everything you hear on a bounty board?

[C]

Look, I was gonna disagree, but I've seen my bounty in the list of crimes and, well, there's grains of truth. I did do almost everything on that. One way or another, I'm responsible, regardless of how weird and exaggerated that list makes it look. And. And I know that one day I'm gonna pay for what I've done. But not until we've finished what we came here to do first. See, the thing is, lists like that don't just materialise out of nowhere. And I know you told us that your father did it all. Swear it right now that you've done nothing on that list and it was all just a lie. Swear it.

[D]

I did not do anything on that list.

[C]

Can I incite him?

[A]

Go for it.

[G]

What?

[A]

Rowena wasn't sure. Or perhaps she thought she could see a darkness within the man standing before her. The sight of the tattoos that crept just beyond the hem of Elias's new robes made her shiver. And that uneasiness tainted her opinion of the man.

[D]

Elias takes a drink of something stronger than the water and he holds the flask in his hands, just staring at it with a distant look. I didn't do it. I came clean about that. But it's obvious we're gonna have some trust issues that we aren't gonna resolve today. However, to my point, I ain't gone around and killed nobody in front of you without cause.

[C]

True, I think some of the guards may have gotten killed, but that shit got out of hand, so I get it. I don't blame you.

[D]

Yeah, and their commander had it coming, so.

[C]

Ozmark.

[F]

Yeah.

[D]

You'd like to think the bastard'd have something better to do with his time than terrorize poor folks with crimes like riding while intoxicated.

[C]

There's murders on all this, too. I'm not saying they were fair, but.

[D]

It just feels ridiculous to add drinking on a horse when there's murder right there on the same sheet.

[C]

Oh, no. There's like. Oh, my God, there's incest on there. That's like 10 times worse.

[D]

Yeah, I'll agree with that. That's also way worse for you, miss. Grain of truth for every crime.

[C]

Yeah, but I didn't do that. I'm just. I'm just going to. I did not wish. And.

[H]

Oh.

[C]

Oh, boy. That is so much worse.

The murder's on there, though. That blood is on my hands. But I wasn't in control. It wasn't my fault.

[G]

I have returned. They shall never find him now. He is gone.

[C]

You understand why I'm pissed.

[G]

I can see why you would be, but there's no need. While I was. While Reith and I walked back, I came to an understanding. Killing is not a necessity here. It is wrong. I hurt more than the one I killed with my actions.

I wish to acclimate to this new reality. However, we needed the shield.

[C]

Damn it. This is so much harder.

[E]

You just hear a really loud grumble, like, are you kidding me? As Father Westpike sits up really, really little. Literally, the thing I was gonna praise you on, not having killed anybody since you got up.

[C]

I. I look between the two, like, really torn. I want to try and help this woman, but at the same time, I'm definitely on his side.

[E]

One Westpight gets out of the bed and walks towards her.

[H]

He.

[E]

He's limping. He's got his hunch. He's feeling horrible, but he's furious right now. Okay, who the hell did you just murder?

[F]

Little.

[G]

Just a dwarf.

[E]

Just a dwarf? Are you kidding me?

[G]

He was talking for a long time, and I thought it was unnecessary to keep him alive because he had what we wanted. I understand now that that was a mistake.

[C]

Have you met me?

[F]

I'm a.

[C]

This is all I do. I talk for a very long time. I confuse people. I tell stories.

[G]

You aren't listening. The point is, he had an expensive shield, and we needed it.

[E]

No, we didn't.

[G]

This very well could be the thing that keeps us alive in the coming hours. It wasn't just for me, See, I took a second shield as well.

[E]

We don't need that shield. We don't need any of the Things you stole. A dwarf's life is worth more than simple wealth. You are a greedy person, and you don't care who you hurt as you acquire your wealth.

[G]

If it is someone who is important to me, then of course I care. I would butcher the world twice over for the ones I care about. But if we are talking about a bystander who is old and frail.

[C]

You mean like he is, And I point at Sindri, I assume he's not wearing his armor.

[E]

No. No, he's pathetic right now.

[A]

Rhys nodded.

[C]

How long before you kill him?

[G]

Do not be ridiculous. I will not kill him.

[C]

But he's exactly what you've described.

[G]

Ah, but he is part of our group. I would never kill him. Unless he betrays us. I suppose that would be a reason, Lyrul. But beyond that, I would not kill him.

[E]

Lyrul. Remind me.

Where were you the day I met you?

[G]

I. I had escaped with Wreath.

[E]

Is that the first memory of me you have?

[G]

I do not like speaking about this.

[C]

But.

[G]

You saved me.

[C]

The day we met you, you were.

[E]

In a cage, separated from your little animal friend, about to be sold to be experimented on. Your captor told us what they planned.

[H]

To do with you.

[E]

They were going to leave you out in the sun for days. See what that did to you? You were a frail little thing in a cage. A blip on the radar for us as we tried to get back to my family. I stopped everything I was doing. I risked never seeing my family again to save a little somebody who was stuck in a cage.

[G]

And I have helped you in kind.

[E]

You are not understanding. I am not asking for payment. I am asking for sympathy for people around you. If everybody acted as you, you would be strapped to some kind of a table, and you would have your organs on the outside and magic keeping you alive. If everybody acted like you, you would probably not have your eyes anymore as your skin burned in this direct sunlight. If everybody acted like you.

I wouldn't have a family.

[G]

I am trying to understand. But this is not how I was raised, nor how I have lived until recently.

Your world is so different. I've come to understand that this dwarf, that his family has lost him. And I am sorry for that. I did not see this before I killed him.

I was focusing on the shield, on how easy it would be to acquire what we needed and dispose of him. Our survival. If we run out of golden seeds, silver, our lives could very well be at risk again. And with some understanding that we moved toward danger. I was too focused on our survival. And I hadn't considered the old man's life. I shall adjust my future actions accordingly.

[E]

I understand I have put all of us in a precarious situation. But Lyru, I swear by the sunlight, if you kill another innocent, I will not be held accountable for what I do.

[G]

I respect your judgment.

[E]

That includes guards just doing their job.

[G]

What? Why?

[E]

Because our life is not worth more than theirs.

[G]

Then you do not wish to survive. You wish to let them kill you.

[E]

No, I wish to survive while holding on to our integrity. Do you not see that? You have poisons that leave people alive. You can run away. You don't have to pave your path in orphans and widows.

[G]

So about that. I tried to use a non lethal poison, but rolled poorly and the labels got mixed up, so I used Creeping Deathbloom instead of Slumbering Monarch. Also, the Invisibility Dust seems to have partially expired and almost sealed Elias's throat.

[E]

I have nothing more to say. If you don't understand or get what I'm trying to tell you right now, then there's no saving you.

[G]

I commend you on your honesty. I've tried to be honest as well. Again, I will adjust my future actions accordingly.

[E]

Father Westbike turns around without a word and gets back in the bed.

[A]

As he reached the bed, his pillow is occupied by the furry Cyclops wreath who extended a small hand that held a sunflower seed to Sindri.

[G]

Good boy, Rhys.

[E]

I patted on the head.

You are not.

You are not beholden to your position. You were put here just like the rest of us. I take the flower seat.

[C]

So this safe house is pretty swanky. I'm going to sit on one of the beds that are closest to Sindri. And I'm going to sit a song of rest, because I think he needs it. I'm gonna go like, there's a big bunch of beds here, I assume because that's their thing.

I could put a thing in here. Screw you, future ham. I'm gonna sing a little sun song. And you're gonna have to record it and put it on the podcast. Ah, loser.

[A]

Thus sealing 5 hours of editing time.

[C]

And I'm gonna sing the Sun Song of rest. And I'm gonna be singing about suns and playing my goddamn harp and actually singing. So can I, for the love of Celagon Travis, please reduce some stress.

[A]

Roll a D12 9. For the production effort put into the song that provided a bonus Rowena would recover 15 stress. As she sang, Lyrel locked the entrance and watched in silence from the furthest bed in the room as Elias stared at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his disguise and watching his scowling features relax as the music rose to fill the room.

[C]

Whose gaze falls guy? The fun of thieves.

[A]

During the evening, after the other two drifted off to sleep, Rowena quietly strummed her hand harp into the early hours, deep in thought. Father Sindri Westpike, the weary old dwarf who had seen his share of hardships over the last few hours, was exhausted, but smiled as he watched Rowena's deft hands pluck and strum with a talent that was alien to him. Little by little, life seemed to be returning to her. To his daughter.

[E]

Where did you learn to play?

[C]

Um.

When I was really little. It's just one of those things that being part of a noble house, you just had to pick up an instrument and learn to play something. Just never really stopped. I can play this and the lute. And I can play the piano.

[E]

Oh, I did. I'm sorry to ask this, but did Ray. Do you think Rainer learned to play anything?

[C]

Um.

I think he might have tried to learn something, but I don't ever remember him playing anything.

[E]

I'm not one for musical talents. I would be surprised if my children got any good at it. But here stands the proof.

[C]

Yeah, that's really weird.

Not gonna lie.

[E]

So you play the piano too?

[C]

A. I'm pretty good at it. It's actually better at that than I am this. And she indicates the harp. Not really practical to be carrying around one of those.

[E]

It's a shame that the situation is as it is. The old Breitzmachte Mare had a grand piano in it. I'd love to hear you play one day.

[C]

Perhaps we'll get the chance. But you never know.

[E]

Surely we will get the chance.

[C]

I don't know. I've got this not great feeling about what we have to do. What I have to do at least. And if you want to stay with with your wife and your daughter, then that's fine. You don't have to keep going on.

[E]

It's not an option. I abandoned them. And that's why the situation is as it is. I must rectify it. We must find Rainer and then we can all return home. And PS memory will hopefully return.

[C]

You know what my focus is and I'm not. I don't think I can change that. But.

What do you know about Rainer?

[E]

Oh, only what I remember from him being just a child and what my dreams told me as a kid. He was an energetic child. He had toy Hammers made of fungus wood. And he loved to hit things with it, as children do. He had a temper the size of a mountain. A terrible little kid. I tried to discipline him, but I think that just emboldened him more. I always believed that Pa would force him into a fine new band. But I guess things were not as easy as I thought they'd be.

What my dreams told me is that he has perhaps grown into a cruel man. One that grew up without the love of a father or the light of Celacon. And perhaps he feels he was abandoned in some manner.

[C]

Ay. And she looks at him sadly. Alas, that is true. Rainer's not a good person. I've been delicately trying to avoid the subject, but.

I've gone through much not to tell you the truth. And I think I need to right now. He's not a good person. He's good at the work. Our family does the mean stuff. I mean, I'm pretty sure that he enjoys it, especially the hurting people part. And as a kid he do not great things to animals and such like, you know, when we were growing up. But he never grew out of it. There'd be many nights I see him come back with a few of his goons and someone tied up between them being pulled behind him. And let's just say I rarely saw those poor sods leave. And I suspect most of them are still in a small hole with their arms stuck over their heads. I don't know what he's doing now. He's been gone for a bit after his incident with an escaped servant, but I suspect whatever he's up to, it's not great. And the thing is, he's not suddenly going to be nicer overnight. That harshness stays with a person. And I really don't know where he is. A few months before he left, he was meant to marry someone, but he decided to be true to himself and not do it. Which, you know, is totally fair. But whatever he's gone to do now, I don't know, I barely got on with him. We have like a respect where we just stay out of each other's lives. And for the most part, that's just suited both of us. Fine.

He seems to have taken to the ways of my.

The other father in my life more than I ever did.

[E]

He was a proud boy. Being shown power and money may have corrupted his way of thinking.

I hope that he is not beyond saving and I intend to find out.

I don't know what I'll do.

[C]

No offense, but I've known my brother a lot longer than you ever did. I would be very surprised.

[E]

No dwarf is beyond saving.

[C]

We'll see.

So you're. Your wife.

[E]

She your mother?

[C]

That's still really weird.

[E]

I understand. I understand. If you don't want to call her that. I understand you had a mother figure back in the Cortalims, so I don't intend to usurp whoever that was. That's not fair of me. Sorry. Yes. My wife. Her name is Pia.

[C]

She seems really sick.

[E]

She looked very sick. She is. In one of my dreams, I saw an accident at a forge. Some kind of an explosion. It seems to have damaged her mind.

I will look for a cure for this, but I fear that this may be beyond the. The riches of gods and magic. I believe that her soul may be damaged. But I will do my best. And if my best is not good enough, then I'll stand by her side into our old age. Even if she doesn't remember me.

[C]

Well, I did promise my. My sister that I'd get you back home regardless. So I guess that's not really changed, has it?

[E]

No. No. Unfortunately, I just don't have the family I thought I'd have to return to. But I still do have my daughter. Even though she seems to loathe me and what I did, she seems to be willing to forgive. Some of that good, bright smelter blood is still in her. And for that I am thankful.

[C]

Hey. She seems. Well, I don't really know her, but she seems. She seems to really care about her mother. And I can understand why she'd be angry at you.

[E]

Are you angry at me?

[C]

Rowena's gonna bite her lip and look down.

[E]

Father Ispike has at this point set up in the bed. He just kinda looks at his hands, which are clasped in front of him, and says, understandable.

[C]

She's gonna get up and come sit on the bed next to him and take his hands in hers. It's nothing you can change. You didn't know about me, right?

[F]

No.

[E]

I had no knowledge that Pia was with a child. Again, you see a silly smile spread across his face as he says that. A sign of a proud father.

[C]

You didn't know about me, so it's not your fault. But my life.

It would have been very different. I guess. I don't.

[E]

My fear was that our lives would have been short if I had never left. I don't know if that would have been better. But that is the excuse I give myself.

[C]

Let's put it like this. We can only deal with the hand we dealt with. Sleep in the bed with me. And I can't blame you for leaving.

[E]

Yes, you can.

[C]

I mean, I did tell you at one point you shouldn't have left and that it was dumb and you should have been there for your work.

[E]

You're right. I left too early. I left without a fight, believing that the gods would take care of everything and that Pia would be able to take care of herself. I left everything on her plate.

[C]

Things haven't worked out the way you wanted them to. Things haven't worked out the way I wanted them to. I just wanted to get away from home and be a traveling bard and sing songs to make people happy and just travel the world and learn and see and just be who I am. But now I've got a mission. I'm not that innocent. Innocent? Not I ever really was. I'm not that naive, stupid girl that arrived to you months ago. Go now. I'm not that anymore.

[E]

You can still bring a smile to people's faces. You do to mine. Yeah, but your singing is beautiful and your playing is better.

[C]

Well, you have to say that now. You have to be a proud father, right?

[E]

I still thought so before I ever knew. I think I may have failed to mention it, though. So I can see where your hesitation to believe me might come from.

[C]

There are some things I have to tell you, too.

[E]

Yes.

[C]

And I'm gonna pull out Soren's dagger follower.

[E]

Spike's face kinda contorts into a grimace. You can see him kinda like he opens his mouth and then he closes it again and just stays quiet for you to talk.

[C]

I'm gonna throw the dagger onto my. Just, like, offhandedly, just chuck it onto my bed from where we are. And then I think about the dagger and it returns my hand. I've tried getting rid of it, and I can't. I've tried throwing it out of a window. I've tried embedding it in the tree. I've tried burying it in the ground. I tried throwing it in fire.

And I got this from Soren.

[E]

From Soren?

[C]

Aye. It was his father.

[E]

West pike reaches out across your hand to grab the knife by the blade.

[C]

She very reluctantly lets him take it.

[E]

He falters in front of himself, examining its grooves, its imagery.

[C]

It's also covered in a lot of dried blood.

[E]

So this is the blade that stabbed Sorin, that stabbed Rauzen, the homeless woman back in Ilmetta's home. This is the blade you gave me in the town.

[C]

Hey, he was talking about Contraband And I figured that if I gave it to you, then when he came to search you, I could take it off you without touching you. I can't get rid of it.

[E]

You may not be able to throw it away, but I'm gonna keep it in my person. I'm gonna keep an eye on it.

[C]

I don't think you should do that. It belongs to.

[E]

It belongs to those demons. Yes, but I don't think that you should be at all touching or using the instruments of them.

[C]

It chores me for a reason.

[E]

And you denied it.

[C]

I tried.

[E]

We are all but playthings for the gods, here.

[C]

We are. But I don't think you should take that. And I'm gonna put my hand on it. But I'm not taking it from you.

[E]

I'm still holding it by the blade side.

[C]

Yeah, I'm just gonna grab the handle. The longer you hold onto something like this, the more it might twist you. I've held out this far, but I don't want you to have to carry that kind of burden.

[E]

You can see his grip just kind of tighten on the blade as he looks you in the eyes and says, this is not your burden to bear alone.

Why do you. Why do you believe your soul to be worth less than that of mine? Do you not believe it's the place of a father to defend his child?

[C]

She bites her bottom lip and you can tell that she's trying to debate what she wants to say and how to phrase it. And then she just shrugs her shoulders, looks at him and says. I don't know how to say this without being an asshole, and.

[E]

Go ahead, be blunt. Be as I was in my young age.

[C]

You've not been my father for 80 years. Everything I am right now is a result of a Thorin. And who I am, the things I've done, let happen.

That'S on him. I need you here to support me. Not stand in the way of everything that could hurt me. That's not realistic. And I'm not a child. Not anymore. And I don't need that from my.

I don't need that from you, Sindri. I need you to support me. Just like when I felt your presence when I was unconscious in the hospice, when I was fighting whatever that was. You did something. You reached out to me. I don't know. And somehow that gave me the strength to wake up and keep going. I don't need a shield. I need your support.

And on top of that, it just makes no sense for both of us to be cursed by whatever magics possess this and I'm gonna try and take the blade from Sindri.

[E]

Are you sure about that?

[C]

I'm sure. And I'll reach out to unwrap his fingers from the blade very gently.

[E]

He's not gonna let you. As soon as you reach out for his fingers, he puts his hand on top of yours, which is now clamped between his two hands at the blade.

He kind of looks sort of mournfully and says, I don't think I've treated you as a child that much.

[C]

No, you haven't.

[E]

Sure, you got my ire with some of your more silly stunts. But I would have said the same thing to a full grown adult behaving as you were. I do not intend to stand between you and every blow that comes your way. Our mistakes are what shape us and make us who we are. I, however, will not stand to the side as you wrap your hands around a blade and plunge it into yourself. I will be there to stave your hand when you intend to do damage to yourself. And I will be there when you take too much upon yourself. And I will lighten your burden. So, Rowena, let me take the first step in being your father and let me hold the blade.

I know you can take it from me easily, whether it be through magic or physical force. I would be surprised if you couldn't take me in a bare knuckle fight in a good bar.

But.

Please, let me try. Let me try to help you. This sole is old and it's worn, but an old shirt doesn't get twisted as easily as a new one.

[C]

Let me put it like this. If I think that you're taking too much, I'm gonna take this from you.

[E]

Fine. If you think you're wise enough for both of us, go ahead.

[C]

I'm not gonna claim that.

But I don't want to see a hurt. Not in a real way. You're right. We need to look after each other. Cause I can't stand against this on my own and nor can you. I mean, damn it, we even need those two. She'll gesture with her head at the other two, whether we like that or not. Okay, now I'm gonna let go of the blade.

[E]

Father west pike puts it in his belt somewhere where he could feel it if it goes missing.

[C]

Dammit.

[E]

Yeah, it's not going in his back quack. It's going on his belt, where he can feel the weight with each step he takes.

Thank you, Rowena.

When I died, I do not intend to let that be a reoccurring Thing.

[C]

I rather appreciate that it's a little disconcerting to think about.

[E]

I'm sorry, if you don't want to tell me, you don't have to, but. Do you remember what it was like?

[C]

Not really. I remember a sharp pain and my vision getting blurry in the blood.

Pain.

But after that, nothing. Just waking up. There might have been more, but all I could really focus on was the pain. Sorry.

[E]

Nothing to be sorry about. The circumstances of your death were abnormal, to say the least. Disconcerting to say more, and absolutely abhorrent to be completely honest.

[C]

So we're not quite done confessing yet. Look, I don't know if you picked it up, but I jokingly said to Elias that the list of crimes didn't even cover the things we did before I got to the village.

[E]

Wait, what are you talking about?

[C]

I stole the cape, the shroud thing. From my father. From a. Thorin. I think I may have mentioned that to you at some point.

[E]

So.

[C]

Well, I stole some other things, too. And while they've gone by the wayside since I arrived at Haup with you. When I left, my father was going to be forcing me to go visit you anyway.

Thing is, I'd messed up pretty big. Really big in a way I couldn't fix big. And I didn't. I realized I didn't want to be with the person I thought I loved.

[E]

Understandable.

[C]

As I was waiting for my escort to show up, I broke the door to my room and I took the stairs down to the granite pipe vault. I didn't know all the passwords exactly, but I was able to steal and magic my way down there. I passed the dungeon, passed the traps, screamed my rage at the vault door with magic. And it popped open. And I grabbed everything I could, everything to hand. But as I turned to leave.

He was standing there. My. My other father.

[E]

A man I must have a word with.

[C]

You might not need to.

He looked grim.

More serious than I'd ever seen him before. He told me to leave everything behind and just go. But I refused. Because I wanted to take things with me so I could sell and make a new life. And that's when I realized that the vault was nearly empty. All the savings and gold we had on the books. They were a lie. The granite family is on the verge of ruin because of the thousands spent making the vault deeper. Adding protections to it wards, purchasing and feeding monsters to guard it. And for what? To house a few baubles we had left. The baubles he'd undoubtedly stolen from others. I understood that my mistake I'd made with my former post doing our ledges. The one that cost us what I thought was a little bit of money. Could end my family. I was so filled with rage. And I really, really dug into him. You know, I yelled and threw. Threw things at him. And he just. He just stood there quietly while I yelled. And he just took it. And when I was done, he just said it again. That I could leave as long as I didn't take anything. And this really. This really pissed me off. Because what I. Because if what I saw was everything. Then the matter wouldn't make it through the century anyway. And it was all just so he could keep his precious collection safe. And I spat at him. And I grabbed a few things at random just to piss him off. An instrument. A few smaller things. That shroud. And that's when he pulled out his dagger.

[E]

That monster.

[C]

Don't. Don't. He taught me everything I knew about daggers. So I. I responded in kind. How could I not? And I don't remember. I don't know whether I attacked him or if he moved first. But I know I got hit in the shoulder. And at the same time he. He got hit in the stomach. In retrospect, maybe it was the shroud. I mean, you saw it. It could do things of its own accord. But either way, his stomach was cut open. And I left him on the ground bleeding to death. The last thing he said to me is that he hunt me down to the edge of the world. And that's the last I saw of him. Without help, he wouldn't live very long. And I don't even know if he's still alive anymore. I mean, Rhaenor would have maybe covered it up anyway if he took control.

[E]

To act in such manner. That man is pure evil. He's probably still alive. Kept that way through some kind of dark magic. And you said you were in a vault full of his plundered garbage.

[C]

Ay, that's mostly all that remained of our house's fortune.

[E]

It seems only fitting that he'd fall prey to his own greed. But I am sorry, that would be also affect you and your brother. I fear that some of his own trinkets may have kept him alive. When we can, we must send out or try to gather information. If he's still alive, we need to know where he quired the shroud of the Silent One. And perhaps some of his other trinkets. A collection of accursed curios, I am as sure.

[C]

I think that's why the dagger chose me.

I struck and left the man who raised me for dead.

[E]

I wish you would not think this way. But I've traveled with you long enough to learn that I cannot dissuade you. So let's focus on a solution. We still need to figure out where he got these things. Maybe finding the resting place might help us figure out how to seal the Nameless God away. I'm starting to remember more and more what transpired in our time within the Forest of Dreams and that terrible God prison.

[C]

I'm glad your memory's starting to come back. But I don't have any leads on where to start. Except with the family vault. You know, I remember seeing a large book on one of the pedestals. And while I didn't have much interest at the time, when I was there, I think either it must be a ledger or maybe a journal written by Thorin. Either way, it was his handwriting. Maybe we can learn something from that. I mean, after we get your name cleared here.

You know, the more I think about this, the more I think I have to go home. I'll have to go there anyway to find my brother.

[E]

There is no I in this situation, Rowena. Me, you, Elias in Lyrul. If she still wants to travel with us after the insults I rained down on her today, we're all going. I believe pain has ties to the Nameless One. He holds a dagger, a blade similar to this one. Followers pike pats at his waist.

[A]

The blood covered blade was still there and shifted slightly with his breath, as if listening intently.

[C]

You should also know that the bounty that the Embertree family put on his head Elias. It was for killing his mother and his sisters. The ones he claimed his father killed in a ritual. Oh, look, I don't think he did it. And even if he did, he may not be any more in control of his actions than either me or Sauron are.

[E]

I will not judge him too harshly. But he is probably judging himself already.

[C]

He does drink a lot.

[E]

I'll admit. I do not get the feeling that that is to hide sadness. I feel that he's just addicted to the feeling.

[C]

Perhaps we need all the help we can get if we're gonna survive. We can't do this on our own. Elias is a talented fighter. And Lorell.

We need her help as long as we can tolerate her.

Cause I so very nearly killed her in that shop. I didn't. The dagger was in my hand and everything, but I was able to put it away and leave with Elias.

[E]

But I almost didn't Eloque kind of like bumps you? He kind of rubs his shoulder against you or. Like father, like daughter.

[C]

That's still super weird.

[E]

Well, Arthurian was no father to you, if I'm catching the things correctly. And what I've heard of the man, he's a petty, cruel man. Glad that you didn't pick up his ways, as it seems that Rainer has. But.

I'm not happy. Not happy about this situation.

I intend to fix it. We will find where the Silent One's relics came from and we will seal him and his nameless God away, even if it costs us our lives.

And whatever the thing that was born out of you is, if we survive our first task, then maybe we will slay it and put it back to where it belongs as well.

[C]

How did you guys get away from it?

[A]

Father Westpike recounted the last few chapters of our adventure, including the ghostly adventures during our crossover episodes. This five minute conversation was cut for runtime and redundancy, ending with.

[E]

It looked like an elf, but different. Wrong. Its eyes were golden, almost hypnotic, and the skin it wore was gray. Your skin. It spoke in a profane language I did not understand the words of, but could also feel the meaning of. The creature was so filled with hatred. It was a language of control, creation. But for some reason, it was not able to hold its effect over us. Others were present in the room, hiding behind the pillars. And I could sense a feeling of safety, comfort perhaps, emanating from the ones of the pillars. So I fled. I ran away holding what was left of you. And little, crazed as she is, bravely defended our retreat like a true warrior and a friend.

[C]

I think her heart is in the right place. I just don't think she understands our morality.

[E]

Well, either she will learn or she will die.

[C]

Aye. We have to keep an eye on her, but I want to give her as many chances as possible.

[E]

She has no more chances. She murdered the shopkeeper. And she must have done something to the merchant in Naudan. I thought it was just some kind of happenstance, but now I see how clueless I was. Trusting one from the under kingdom as I did. Childish child's mistake.

[C]

Well, we'll figure something out. I mean, either we have to leave her behind or we don't. I hope that she can begin to see life our way. But I guess we're not the greatest guideline either. I mean, you see now. List the crimes. All but one or two are true.

[E]

No, I think there's like a good couple on there that aren't True.

[C]

Okay, well, some of the phrasing might not be quite right, but we still did most of those things. Apart from being married and. Oh, my God, my father's gonna read that, and he's gonna think I married my own father and had a kid by him. Oh, my God. I'd love to see his face.

[E]

It might embolden and Thar and Meghan. I think he's actually the right one. The one on the right. By the gods. Can't wait to strike that smug look off his face.

[C]

So, is there anything else you want to ask? I think I'm done with storytelling today.

[F]

No.

[C]

Really tired.

[E]

Nothing to ask. Just to reaffirm. I understand. I am asking much of you guys when I ask, can we take care of the crag while we're still here? I want to be able to return and that tiny little dwarf that was kissing up to l'. Rel. I don't think he's gonna get what he wants from l'. Rel, but doing him this little favor might. Little favor? This huge favor might be very, very good for me in the future.

[C]

Well.

I made a promise to her to get you back.

And there's no point you coming back if you can't live here. So we do this. This is. I don't have anything personal to hunt down myself. I've got nothing other than this. The one who says nothing.

[E]

I understand. I understand.

[C]

That's the one question I don't want him to ask. Because if he asks, then I'm gonna say yes. That's what I'm looking for. I've got nothing other than this mission and to get you home. Whatever personal things everybody else needs to do, then we need to do them very quickly. This is the only thing I want to focus on. Big picture.

[E]

I understand. I understand. Rowena, we've been traveling together for a while. I've seen your ability at the blades and crafting the magical arts. Just using your voice and your instruments.

You are talented in many ways.

And I've also seen some ruthless things from you. I've seen you strike people that did not deserve it. Maybe not to the extent you mean.

[C]

The woman in the church.

[E]

Yes.

[C]

I saw the eyes.

[E]

I know. I know. I understand. But I also saw you stay your blade. And Odin, I see that you're trying to be better.

Even before we introduced any kind of cure into you, you still did not want to listen to whatever voice was screaming at you.

[C]

I don't want to be a killer, but it seems that I am. Correction. I don't want to be a murderer, but I am a killer.

[E]

When the pain of the Nameless One forced you to strike at me, when I was prepared to meet the Father of Light, I felt the pull of evil moving your hand. I knew that you were not in control.

There are magics in this world that make fools of us and of our free will. And in that way you are not responsible for what happened to Lady Cavansfall. And in that same way the Silent One is responsible for what happened to Soren and all the others.

You've got strong will. You've got character. You've got moxie. You're a girl I'm proud of. You're a woman I can be proud of. And he kind of wraps his hand up at Roger's shoulder and pulls you in closer. Roana, I'm proud to have you as a daughter.

[C]

She's just gonna rest her head on her shoulder.

[A]

The two dwarves sat there for some time before drifting off to sleep. Three hours into the rest. The door opened rather quickly as the form of a Kryl of House Kjeltor entered, holding flasks of ale, folded clothing and steaming pastries that smelled delicious, quickly kicking the door closed behind himself.

[F]

Greetings. Someone has made your presence known within the hold. I hope you have enjoyed your rest because it is time to eat, drink and be quickly on our way.

[E]

Sintray rouses from his bed grumpily and moves over to where the food stuff is and starts chowing down. He seems determined, less anxious.

[A]

Father west pike recovered five stress in addition to the recovered stress from their conversation as he consumed the delicious bread pastries filled with the assorted mushrooms Westmanshold was known for.

[E]

He quickly like brightens over his face and looks at the rest of the party. Please enjoy yourselves. These, these are delicious. Just as I remember them.

[G]

Don't mind if I do.

[D]

Elias follows suit and tears into one.

[A]

The entire team ate in muted silence while Acryl tidied up the space for the following few minutes. After a time Rowena broke the silence.

[C]

Look, I'm still well knackered and. Well, if we gotta do this now, then let's do it. So let's chat while we eat. What exactly are we gonna be doing down at the Crag and what are we going to be looking forward to?

[F]

You are working on behalf of myself and my house to get in touch with the Cracklords to find out why he has gone silent and halted our long standing trade. We are still open to the original arrangement and will overlook this transgression because we believe that his work hold value. Yes.

[E]

You were friends with the Kreklord?

[F]

Friends is a strong word.

[C]

Doesn't have a name.

[F]

Whatever names his mother and clan once gave him are not ones he still recognizes. He is simply the Crag Lord.

[G]

And what else should we know before we venture? Who has made our presence known?

[F]

I'm not so sure. But the cavern's falls certainly seem upset by your presence.

[G]

And how many are coming after us?

[F]

The entire hold has a loose description of you, so I have brought some disguises.

[G]

Let's see them.

[A]

The dwarf adjusted his glasses before laying out tabards and gear with the emblem of House Kaltor.

[F]

Since there are dangerous ravines around the hold at this time, no one should blink an eye at my new honor guard.

[E]

That seems about right.

[C]

Very good.

[F]

You two are a bit tall, so perhaps we slouch a bit. Okay. I apologize that these clothes are likely not to your preferences, but I suspect you value your secrecy over fashion. Yes?

[D]

Yeah, we'll get there.

[F]

Very good.

[E]

I want to make sure we're on the same page if we're being hunted down. A part of our agreement was that you would find a way to have me unbanished.

[F]

I will work on this. Of course.

[E]

Alright. It was not part of the things you mentioned. They seemed more monetarily focused. But of course we all look out for ourselves first.

[F]

I simply wish to keep things simple. There's so much going on. And while you focus on my worries, I shall focus on yours.

[A]

The team finished their breakfast and dressed quickly. As Lyrelle arranged her stolen goods. Rowena couldn't help but make an observation out loud.

[C]

Are you just gonna be carrying all these shields on your back?

[E]

Selah Khan, you're dangerous.

[C]

And you're nodding. Oh joy. Look, if you walk out of here with all these shields on you, I think we might have a problem. You're literally carrying the stuff that you stole and broadcast it it to the world.

[D]

They're gonna get you literally red handed.

[G]

Okay, well, I have two shields. I have the one that I was going to toss to you in combat at some point. But now is as good of a time as any. I'll keep the other one. That's heavier on myself. Frith has a small nest inside of it.

[D]

The 10 thou or 30,000 gold or whatever the fuck it was, I'm not.

[G]

Sure because I didn't pay for it. But how would anyone else know that?

[D]

A prince.

I'm pretty sure the Dwarven police here know what a robbery looks like.

[C]

What did she steal. She only stole the shields, right?

[G]

No, I took the coins out of the till as well.

Lydril looks at Rowena. Here, take one, you will need it.

And she hands you the one that's lighter, the plain one that has the four different colors on it.

[C]

All right, I will take the shield, but I will look at her and say don't think that me taking this is a sign that it's okay to do what you did, but you're right, I do need this.

[G]

Yes, use it for survival purposes and then if you don't want it after, throw it away.

[A]

Reath chirped in agreement.

[E]

When Sintri sees them trading shield he looks at the shield he has with a sign of Eluvian and he kinda puts it on his back and puts his back over it trying to cover it up knowing that it's not his, it's from a family that nearby and actively hunting them. So he's trying to like kind of like hide it away. He's gonna put some burlap over it.

[G]

That's not a bad idea. Lydle will put like a spare piece of cloth over the face of her shield and tie it to the inside lip.

[A]

A few minutes later the team finished up, brushed themselves off, stretched and departed in silence. Akril took the team down toward the mining district and within 10 minutes of muted skulking they passed a large cross section of a well lit corridor. Akril halted them and watched a few merchants pass, followed by three soldiers wearing purple robes led by a familiar woman.

[C]

I don't know where they could have.

[G]

Gone, but we'll find them.

[C]

They will pay for their transgressions against my family, my sister.

[A]

The trio moved with purpose and did not seem to notice the team who crossed the corridor. Shortly after this made friends. Within a half hour Akril led the team to a well lit hallway that stood before a grand door flanked by four soldiers in heavy set scalemail, each holding a shield that bore the Westman's seal. The soldiers were tall, likely human or half dwarven, and led by the tallest of their number who wore impressive well polished armor with dragon like features that almost made him resemble a formidable scaleskin. Father Westpike quivered as his eyes met the imposing double doors which marked the start of his years lost within the in the darkness under the mountain. Rowena squeezed his hand, pulling him back to the moment as the lead guard's eyes studied a krill, confusion shifting to pleased curiosity.

[E]

Who approaches the entrance to the crag.

[A]

And what is your purpose here?

[F]

I Am a Kryl of House Kaeltor, here to conduct regular business. I understand that there may be bandits within the hold, so I brought a protective retinue. I say that five times fast.

[A]

Please present your identification.

[F]

Of course, Captain.

[A]

A Kryl's thumb concealed coins, gold or possibly platinum, beneath the papers, which he handed to the other guard, who noted the extra weight with a smile.

[C]

Everything appears to be in order. I shall hold onto your papers until.

[A]

You return from the depths. The coins were pocketed as the captain motioned to the others to open a small door set within the grand entrance and with his fellows led the team through. In Sindri's younger years, the full height of both massive doors had been opened before a large gathering to make an example of the rebellious Sindri and to send a message.

[E]

Let me know when you are prepared.

[A]

To begin the descent. Father Westpike continued to shake as he walked down the corridor toward the guard station he knew would house the lift. The repressive stench of decay and death lingered in the air, so familiar yet confusing to his senses, so distracted as he was as he passed through that accursed corridor, that he did not notice a Krill and one of the guards fall behind the party in hushed conversation. But Elias remained a few paces behind the rest of the party, sensing that something was off.

[E]

I see nothing has changed.

[C]

You holding up okay now?

[A]

Just as most of the team passed into a larger lift room, a stone slid behind Elias and Acril, sealing the team's method of escape. And as Elias rushed to push the stone open, a second stone door slid behind him, separating him from the others as a thick, heavy vapor rose from holes in the rocks, a vapor that would knock him out cold within two rounds. He frantically clawed at the wall, his nails scratching, his shoulders slamming. But whatever happened behind the walls of his trap was quickly of no concern to Elias, who fell unconscious.

A few minutes later, after the door was unsealed from the hold sign, the form of a tall, wiry half elf stood over Elias, chains in hand, the slouching form of a Krill standing behind him as a lookout.

[E]

Hello, Elias. Time to take you home.

[F]

You sure this is your criminal?

[A]

In under an hour, a caravan departed Westmanshold, escorted by seven mercenaries and four dwarven scouts bearing the emblem of House Kaeltor. Within the primary carriage was an iron casket that had been crafted in the shape of a beautiful maiden bound in magic ribbon. The elf known as Clymore placed the gentle hand on the casket and breathed a shaking sigh of relief, or perhaps victory and within the casket, bound in chains, sweating and terrified, was Elias. He had run as far as he could. He had made allies, friends. He had overcome many terrible trials. But just as the Prophet Witch had stated, his friends had abandoned him, if they were even still alive. Elias suspected that they couldn't be, that they'd been set up. After all. He could no longer feel the presence on this plane, even as he reached out to them with his mind. And this made him panic all over again. Because he wasn't there to help. He'd failed his friends. And as the panic faded and the delusions of freedom, of a new life faded from thought, Elias knew. Within that stifling casket, bound in chains, prodded by spikes, sweating and terrified, Elias knew that his life, life was over.

Dark Dice the long road chapter 29 the value of Life this episode is dedicated to Cassil, our transcriber, and this is the last episode they worked on before they passed away during the Pandemic. The Value of Life Featuring Hem Brewster as Rowena Granite Pike, Ethor Vitherson as Father, Sindri Westpike, Tanya, Jimmy Lojevich as Lyrel, Drew Tillman as Payne, and Travis Van Grof as Dungeon Master. Also featuring the voices of Rusty Moore, Marcy Edwards, Robert Clotworthy, Roa Einersson, and Kristinatli Hemessen. This episode features editing and sound design by Travis Vengrof, mixing and mastering by Finner Nielsen, and executive producers Dennis Greenhill, Michael Villegas, AJ Punkin, and Carol Vengrof. This episode featured music by Noble, Uam Kamatsu, Steven Milin, Hem Brewster, and Travis Van Graaf. Please share your thoughts about our show with friends and on social media as it truly helps us grow. And if you so choose, please check out our [e-mail] FoolAndScholar to help the show stay sustainable. We're off for a quick holiday break and the show will continue with PVP on January 6th. This has been a Foolen Scholar production. Thank you for listening.

[D]

Hey everyone, this is Drew, the voice of Elias Embretery. I had a ton of fun playing him on the Dark Dice and I hope you had just as much fun listening to him. Let's confirm a little out of character knowledge. Elias imagery is well and truly gone. As you know, sometimes your friends leave you behind and then get caught up in a big PVP battle and they just say they can't come back and get you. But officially he died two months after his capture and let's just say that what happened to him was rather gruesome, but we won't talk about that. But on that topic, I have no idea what happened to the other players, and I can't wait to find out. So let's all stay tuned and see what comes up next on the Dark Dice.

[A]

And Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[C]

Cut the camera.

[A]

They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes.

[E]

Massachusetts People in this town. It's like the devil sent them. HBO's official it welcome to Derry podcast.

[A]

Takes you back to Derry 27 years.

[E]

Before the Losers Club then drags you.

[C]

Into the sewers to uncover the history, lore and horror of Maine's most sinister suburb.

[E]

I'm Mark Bernardin.

[C]

And I'm Princess Weeks.

[E]

Join us Sunday nights for a behind.

[A]

The scenes look at it.

[E]

Welcome to Derry, premiering on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.

[C]

There's something bad here in Dairy.