Season 2 | Ep. 30 | PvP

Summary

Dark Dice - Season 2, Episode 30: PvP

Release Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast: Dark Dice
Production: Fool and Scholar Productions
Dungeon Master (DM): Travis Van Groff

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Episode Overview

This culmination of Dark Dice’s second season plunges listeners into a tense, violently dramatic player-versus-player (PvP) battle. Characters who once traveled as uneasy allies now find themselves manipulated, cornered, and pushed past reason, resulting in an unforgettable clash. The episode uses dynamic initiative rules, secret actions, and a heavy dose of existential and psychological horror, mirroring both the chaos and emotional intensity of a D&D PvP gone truly wrong.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Rules and Setup for PvP

[00:00–04:04]

• DM Travis Van Groff opens by describing the unusual approach to this PvP, including rerolling initiative every round, secret action declarations, and the importance of narrative flow over dice mechanics for podcast pacing.
• Characters are set up in a deathtrap: a room above a fatal chasm, the exit sealed, as enemies—including the vengeful Sorin and his companions—reveal themselves.
• “Please also forgive our dear, dear players and their flawed characters. You might also quickly come to realize how Rowena, Sindri, and Lyrel completely ditch Elias, leaving the poor guy to his terrible fate...” (Travis Van Groff, [00:54])

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2. Combat Erupts: Chaos, Betrayal, and Madness

[06:47–11:19]

• The first salvos are exchanged; Rowena hesitates on seeing Sorin, leading to confusion and violence as Ildrix attacks Lyrel, dealing a massive 30 damage in a flurry.
• Spells like Hold Person and Beacon of Hope are cast, alongside mind-affecting attacks and physical blows.
• The battle features unpredictable allegiances and internal conflicts, with madness saving throws, mental probing, and shifting perceptions—such as Ildrix being driven to see friend as foe due to a lemur’s hypnotic intervention.
• “If I were you, I wouldn't attack my friend. Cause you'll probably find that'll be your end.” (Ildrix/Drew Tillman, [07:10])
• Emotional strains show as characters plead for sanity and an end to conflict.
• “Stop fighting. Oh my God. Everyone just stop fighting, please.” (Elias/Drew Tillman, [10:01])

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3. Psychological Warfare: Internal and External Assaults

[11:19–14:09]

• Gale uses Detect Thoughts on Rowena, triggering a spiral of internalized guilt and self-loathing voices. The psychological pressure is extreme, with invasive thoughts telling Rowena to accept blame and even end her own life.
• “So this is all your fault? The only person to be blamed here is you. You should just kill yourself.” (Gale/Russ D. Moore, [12:49])
• The DM emphasizes character stress accumulation and the toll of magical attacks on mental health.
• Father Westpike maintains Beacon of Hope against relentless attacks, losing his prized shield in symbolic fashion.

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4. Critical Blows, Desperation, and Shifting Fates

[14:28–17:40]

• Lyrel and allies try to protect Father Westpike after he loses his shield, barely keeping him from death.
• Key critical hits and failed saving throws rapidly shift the tide—Elias is briefly charmed into finding Sorin “interestingly attractive” in a moment of confused magical influence.
• “Elias was, wasn't, had never admired a man before now, not like this... Surely Sorin was the kind of man that his father had warned him about, and as such heady thoughts passed through Elias's mind, the handsome Soren Arkwright walked right past...” (Travis Van Groff, [15:37])
• Thunderous magic knocks Ildrix (and the lemur, Wreath) to a fatal fall in the chasm.
• Rowena and Lyrel support each other with healing and inspiration amid mounting losses.

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5. The Battle’s Climax: Deaths and Consequences

[17:43–22:36]

• Sindri (Father Westpike) is brutally cut down by Glom, losing his life and his faith in a harrowing moment.
• “Pray for me, father.” (Glom/Holly Billinghurst, [20:48])
• Lyrel enters a desperate rage after seeing Sindri killed, poisoning her own staff to strike back at Glom and Gale.
• Rowena and Sorin engage in a final, devastating exchange—Rowena stabs Sorin, but is fatally countered.

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6. Aftermath: Grief, Regret, and the Supernatural

[22:41–27:59]

• Sorin, shocked by his killing of Rowena, collapses in horror and grief, delivering a chilling moment of sorrow and regret.
• “What have I... What have I done?” (Sorin/Peter Joseph Lewis, [26:30])
• All main characters are dead or dying, except Sorin and "The Silent One"/Balmer, suggesting the hand of fate (or cosmic horror) in their demise.
• A ritual, supernatural exchange begins as the Silent One circles Sorin, hinting at resurrection and curses.
• “He calls for you. Feeling without a body, yearning without a soul. Do you seek him? I do. But I don't.” (Silent One/Jeff Goldblum, [28:48])

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7. Cliffhanger and Final Wishes

[29:19–31:58]

• Sorin, bereft and hallucinating, finds a mystical paw and makes a desperate wish—leaving the episode on a cliffhanger, with the DM teasing an epilogue in the next episode.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• DM's Setup for PvP:
  “This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The episode that makes the rest of our season make sense... Surely a huge PvP battle is the finale of season two, right?”
  — Travis Van Groff, [00:00]

• Comedic Relief Amid Despair:
  “Suck it, you foul barbarian.”
  — Father Westpike/Holly Billinghurst, after surviving attacks ([14:06])

• Magical Misfire and Identity Crisis:
  “Elias was, wasn't, had never admired a man before now, not like this... Surely Soren was the kind of man that his father had warned him about, and as such heady thoughts passed through Elias's mind…”
  — Narrator, [15:37]

• Tragic Self-Realization:
  “I need to bring her back. I need to bring them.”
  — Sorin/Peter Joseph Lewis, [29:24]

• Climactic Narrative Style:
  “He calls for you. Feeling without a body, yearning without a soul. Do you seek him? I do. But I don't.”
  — The Silent One/Jeff Goldblum, [28:48]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:00] – DM's intro; framing PvP, unique rules, and narrative approach.
• [06:47] – Battle begins: Rowena hesitates, Ildrix unleashes brutal blows.
• [11:19] – Gale psychically tortures Rowena, deepening her trauma.
• [14:06] – Father Westpike’s shield is lost; the tide turns.
• [15:14] – Sorin critically charms and stabs Elias.
• [17:09] – Ildrix and Wreath fall (to their deaths).
• [20:49] – Sindri is killed by Glom’s savage assault.
• [22:41] – Sindri’s death devastates the party; Lyrel’s retaliation.
• [26:30] – Sorin kills Rowena; breaks down in despair.
• [28:48] – Supernatural reckoning with The Silent One.
• [29:45] – Sorin’s final wish; cliffhanger ending.

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Tone and Style

Language & Mood:

• Immersive, dark narrative with flashes of gallows humor.
• Players stay in-character, blending horror, heartbreak, and ironic wit.
• The DM’s narration leans into gothic, fate-haunted storytelling while permitting the cast organic, sometimes chaotic interventions.

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For Listeners Who Missed It

“PvP” is a relentless, wrenching episode that refuses clean victors or closure. Nearly every major character meets a tragic end, friendships are shattered, and supernatural horror overshadows mortal violence. It’s a masterful display of how actual play podcasts can transcend dice mechanics to tell profound, mournful tales of flawed heroes and the cost of vengeance.

Next episode: An epilogue is teased, with fate—and perhaps the appeal of a wish—dangling uncertainly over the ruins of the party.

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Cast Highlights:

• Jeff Goldblum as The Silent One
• Peter Joseph Lewis as Sorin Arkwright
• Holly Billinghurst as Shawn Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg
• Russ D. Moore as Ildrix
• Drew Tillman as Elias
• H.E.M. Brewster as Rowena Granitepike
• Ithora Vitharson as Father Sindri Westpike
• Travis Van Groff as Dungeon Master and Narrator

Production:

• Sound design and editing by Travis Vengrof
• Music by Andrei Vidornograv, Satoshi Sakamoto, Brandon Boone, and others

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For complete immersion, don’t miss the episode: the performance, soundscape, and chemistry bring the devastation and moments of dark levity alive beyond what text can capture.

Transcript

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Greetings adventurers. This is the moment you've all been waiting for. The episode that makes the rest of our season make sense. I mean the finale. Because Surely a huge PvP battle is the finale of season two, right? As you might have guessed, this encounter is a player versus player or PvP battle. They generally suck to run. As home games, they take forever. Characters we care about die. Feelings can get hurt out of game people Min Max however, all of us here at Dark Dice knew what we were getting into when we started this thing. So let's get into the rules for a little PvP to make things fair, initiative was rerolled every round, and at the top of each round, players wrote down and texted me their intended actions. Since this is all supposed to be simultaneous and one player might try to defuse things while another starts attacking as a result, this combat may seem unconventional to those who min Max or don't consider that every character might not have the full tactical understanding of the entire battle at every moment. Please also forgive our dear, dear players and their flawed characters. You might also quickly come to realize how Rowena, Sindri and Lyrel completely ditch Elias, leaving the poor guy to his terrible fate described in the previous episode in an effort to make this story entertaining, interesting and not me stating the results of repeated dice rolls over and over again. A few dramatic embellishments have been added, mostly to extra swings during some of the attacks that can be attributed to a single attack roll or the timing of events within a round that lend toward a more cohesive sequence of events. But otherwise, what you are about to hear are the results of our very bloody encounter, which was played using the 2014 5th Edition D& D rules. So with that all out of the way, let's get started.

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

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[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Dave I was worried we'd bring back the same team. I meant Those blackout motorized shades lines.com made it crazy affordable to replace our old blinds. Hard to install? No, it's easy. I installed these and then got some for my mom. She talked to a design consultant for free and scheduled a professional measure and.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

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[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

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[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

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[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Do you seek Him?

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Do you seek Him?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Do you seek Him? Do you seek Him?

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Do you seek the nameless God?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

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, Soran and his team tracked Sorin's murderer, a dwarf by the name of Rowena granitepike and her gang of wanted criminals, all the way to Westman's Hold. Having set their ambush perfectly, they waited. Meanwhile, Rowena and her father, Sindri Westpike, headed toward the entrance of the Crag within Westman's hold to clear the old dwarf's name, unaware that they were about to roll for initiative as a trap was sprung. Dark the long road chapter 30 pv. The lift chamber which served as the entrance to the crag, was a 20 foot square room which housed a hole 15ft in diameter and deep enough that a fall would be undeniably fatal. The Crag lift, an old but sturdy platform that resembled an iron cage, was raised high over the chasm and thus only partially visible from below the only other entrance or exit to the room was the one the party had traveled through, sealed shut behind them as stone walls slid into place. Within the room now was a cor Krill and the guards who led the party, who could be described as a bearded human man, almost deceptively average looking in terms of height and build. He could easily be mistaken for most other humans, except for his gray skin, steel gray eyes, and an invisible weight that he seemed to carry. This was Sorin Arkwright, a monster hunter who was ready for vengeance. Beside him stood a man wearing a long red wig and heavy eyeliner who quickly drew a scimitar. Stocky and imposing, the witch hunter some knew as Glom or Glomgale, muttered to himself in different voices. The third and final figure, a man wearing armor that made him resemble a dragonborn, removed his elaborate mask to reveal that he was in fact a dragonborn and raised his fists in a defensive stance as the stone wall slid behind Lyrel, Rowena and Father Westpike, separating the party from Elias. And as blades were drawn by the figures standing before them, initiative was rolled and the form of a krill crept out of view, never to be seen again as Elias later em from the shadows to stand beside Lyrul. Rowena was the first to act in combat, preparing an incantation, but as she recognized Sorin, she chose to delay it.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Sorin, what the bloody hell are you doing here?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Yeah, well, I guess I'm just gonna start attacking.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Unsure of why Rowena hadn't attacked, but not about to let a caster get the better of him. Ildrix missed and charged, spun and kicked low, sweeping Wyrrel and assaulting the elf with a flurry of blows, striking her shoulder, stomach and chest for an impressive 30 bludgeoning damage as Reith shrieked in surprise from within a shield nest.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

If I were you, I wouldn't attack my friend. Cause you'll probably find that'll be your end.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rowena cast hold person on Glom and ildryx.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I rolled a one 2119.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Glom's body seized unexpectedly as the sinister witch magics of the red headed dwarf overwhelmed him. Gale, who had succeeded her saving throw, hissed at her brother.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Stop dying.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I'm trying, Father.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

West pike, now dressed in the garb of a dwarven warrior from Westman's hold, began the incantation for a beacon of hope, raising his glowing hammer above his head as a spirit sparkling light began to emanate from Lyrul, Rowena, Elias and himself. Find solace in my faith.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

You are protected by the light of my lord.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Passing a sanity saving throw, Father west pike then rushed to protect Lyrel, pulling the form of Ildrix off her before the scale skin could swipe again, allowing Lyrel time to infuse her staff with magic, warping its form into a wicked barbed in power infused wood. She swung out toward Ildrix, who easily blocked the attack, so telegraphed as it was. Meanwhile, Gale, looking from Ildrix's masterful attack to the dwarven spellcaster the fugitive Sheena recognized as Rowena Granite pike from the run in in the dead pines, Gale seized her brother and pointed.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Quick. Look over there. Do you not see it?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I can't move.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

You can't move? Good for you, man.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Gale shifted her arm, which was already extended to take aim at Rowena as a blast of energy burst from her fingertips, barely missing Rowena, who raised her new four colored shield to block the incoming attack as chunks of wood to splintered in its wake. Shite.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

So 17 on my saving throw.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

At the end of his term, Glom's newfound prowess over his mind allowed him to overcome Rowena's enchantment as he began to open and close his free hand and draw his shield wreath. Now the dragonborn, a furry cycloptic lemur, crawled from its hiding place on Talirl's shoulder, surprising Ildrix, who couldn't help but stare into his baleful eye as the creature began to cheer hypnotically. That's.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

That's an 11.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

And Ildrix failed his saving throw, becoming enraged as the forms of the creatures around him changed from those he saw to his most hated. The wizard Ahmed Noke, Balmer, the Silent One, and Captain Rennes. While in this state, he could no longer determine friend from foe.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Great.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

But with a.22 for a sanity saving throw, he did not feel particularly stressed by the situation. He was ready for revenge. It was in that moment that Elias, who stood next to Lyrel, jumped forward and struck Ildrix in the jaw with an uppercut for 12 damage to Ildrix. The man before him was definitely the Silent One in another disguise. He was sure of it. And perhaps he really was sure this time, as the face shifted to resemble Balmer before the form attacked Ildrix again. The second attack swung wide and failed to hurt Ildrix. To everyone else, it was Elias who scowled at Ildrix, taunting him.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Come at me, you beast. Leave my friend alone.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As Soren drew both of his daggers, only too happy to comply with the request of the stranger stabbing the human in the back through Both shoulders for 20 damage.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Stop fighting. Oh my God. Everyone just stop fighting, please. And seeing that they're still fighting, I'm gonna have to cast vicious mockery at Ildrick. Sorry. Wow, that's really quick. I guess that's not really good for.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Your romantic partner, uh, wisdom. Save 19.

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[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Actually, he doesn't even have a romantic partner. Thanks for clarifying.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Oh, that explains a lot. Um, I'm gonna look at Sindri and I'm gonna give him inspiration. Uh, thank you for the glittery spell. It makes me look super swell.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As Ildrix is surrounded by enemies. Or at least so he believed. He spun and raised himself on point, backfist, twisting over Lyrul's burlap covered shield, striking her in the face with a bone crunching impact, then raking his talons across her cheek for 15 damage, knocking the elf out cold. Without blinking, Ildrix pulled his center of gravity low and punched Elias in the stomach for nine damage before rolling under and past Elias counterattack, attempting to sweep Rowena, who jumped over Ildryx's leg just in time. It was Rowena, right? Not Gale. But there was no time to question such things in a life or death situation. Father west pike, watching Lyrul fall from behind the safety of his shield, charged forward and cast a third level cure wounds. Grabbing her limp hand and so aided by the beacon of hope, healed her for 29 hit points. Father of light, for whatever she may.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Be, heal the wounds of this woman.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

So that she may live to a mantle of race. As she gasped back to consciousness, the fresh blood instantly dried across her face and matted her hair. Sindri helped her to her feet before turning to face Sorin.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Sorin, if that is really you, call off your sick dogs. What is going on here?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

With a hiss, Gale cast detect thoughts in Rowena, whose internal monologue was laid bare to Gale to clarify. This is an understanding of what she's thinking, but not necessarily why.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Fuck my life. Fuck my life. What the bloody hell is going on here? Not my friends here. I mean, okay, and then what she's going to do is she's going to probe further, which means that Rowena needs to make a wisdom saving check 14. That means that Gael can now ask her questions. But you won't know that Gael is asking you. This is just appearing in your head.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rowena failed her sanity saving throw, gaining five more stress as she could now hear multiple voices in her head, one of which began to question her.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Why is Soran turned against you. Is that me? Why has Soren turned against us? Surely he was our friend. And yet we're fighting him. Well, might be because he thinks I intentionally killed him. So you killed him. Well, this is all your fault. You're why all of this is happening. No, not really. That's not what I said. I wasn't actually in control of my actions. So control or no, it was your hand. You did it. Well, I mean, when you say it like that.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

I mean.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

So this is all your fault? The only person to be blamed here is you. You should just kill yourself.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

What?

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Or just to lower your guard and help do it for you. Traitors don't deserve to live.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rowena's stress gain increased from 5 to 10. Glom raised his blade to act.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Gale, what's going on?

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Um, not sure. Try hitting things.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Good idea.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Wait.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I see the healer. I'm gonna get him first.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Seeing the futility of attacking anyone else but the enemy's heretical healer, Glom kicked Father west pike, who was holding his shield, knocking it away and down the chasm of the crag. Westpike flew back 10ft. But glum refused to give him a moment of respite from his assaults. Father Westpike was mortified to see his shield, the last memento of his dear friend Sister Cavern's fall, lost to him, and was wholly unprepared for Glum's follow up attacks, which slammed the armor on his chest and shield arm before finally biting through the flesh in his shoulder for clarity. Since artistic license was used in these descriptions, Glum's two attacks totaled 20 damage and Father Westpike now had to make two concentration saving throws to maintain his beacon of hope. First roll is 19 and my second.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Roll is 18, so suck it.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

And apparently Father Westpike's reaction to being stabbed was.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Suck it, you foul barbarian.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Such language.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Lyrel, having just been pulled from her own dance with death, was confused and had difficulty seeing through the crusted blood over her eyes. But she could feel what was happening through her lateral lines and was able to determine Father Westpike's dire situation. He was without a shield, so Lyrul took her own magical shield in both hands and jumped toward him.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

You're going to die.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Stumbling slightly, but pushing herself between Father Westpike and the red headed warlock swordsman, who stepped back to avoid her charge as if by instinct alone. So instead, Lyrul slammed into Ildryx, cracking him in the side. While Elias connected a fist to the Dragonborn's stomach. During the attack, Wreath jumped from Lyrel's shield to Ildrix's shoulder, clawing at his face viciously and scratching out one of his eyes. Ildrix took more than 30 damage from this combined onslaught. As Lyrel looked at the pathetic Father Westpike, she decided that his life was worth more, passing him the magical shield that she had literally killed someone for. Take it before pulling her staff up in confusion, realizing that the magics she'd imbued it with had vanished when she'd been briefly knocked unconscious. Meanwhile, Soren stepped toward Rowena and Elias, ducking before moving to stab each in turn with a dagger. His first dagger moved toward Elias.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

That is a natural 20 to hit.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rolling on the special critical hit table.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Do not get 100.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

That is a 97 rolling on the special critical hit table, which I will preface that I am going to 100% change after this because Elias was now charmed by Soren, who was stabbing him, perhaps finding Sorin interestingly attractive, rugged and handsome as he was.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

As do we all.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Wait, are we just admitting this now? Well, this is our play. Testing for the DM took a moment to try and make this make sense somehow, and a shadow appeared behind Elias, a strong and foreboding presence. As Elias swung back about to punch Ildricks again, a firm hand gripped his arm with a firm grip and Sorin's beard gently bristled the brawler's neck, causing Elias to shiver. The dagger sunk deep into his chest and the sudden loss of blood or perhaps lack of oxygen caused Elias to be lightheaded and briefly to forget himself. All Elias could think about was this handsome cloaked stranger. Elias was, wasn't, had never admired a man before now, not like this. He'd never been queer until now. What was this new feeling? Surely Sorin was the kind of man that his father had warned him about, and as such heady thoughts passed through Elias's mind, the handsome Soren Arkwright walked right past Elias and stabbed Rowena in the arm, catching her attention and according to the words screaming in her mind, rightly pissing her off. Rowena stepped next to Sindri and Lyrel turned and raised her arms to cast an explosion of sound toward Glom, Soren, and now Ildryx.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Like the sounds of nails on chalkboard slate, attacking this man has sealed your fate.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As the blast rang out and constitution saving throws are made.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

29:18 for me, Ildrix was knocked out.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

And thrown down into the chasm of the crag along with the empty cauldron and wreath, whom Rowena was unaware of, was trying to hide behind Ildrix for cover. The others took 12 damage from the blast, and as the thunderous sound washed over them, partially weakened perhaps by Glam's shield, the icon of a bird atop a mountain peak, breaking the crest of its sonic wave. As Ildrix and Reith fell, their fates were sealed. Unknown to any, they would not survive the fall. Feeling confident after her spell, Rowena looked to Lyrull, offering a bardic inspiration with a few choice, invigorating words.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

You just watched the first one fall. Go ahead. Let's just kill em all.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

And as Lyrull smiled at her ally and friend, Father Westpike was spurred to action, stall, casting a healing word toward Elias, closing the man's wounds and healing 16 hit points, new shield in hand, the finest dwarven shield that old Sindri had ever laid his eyes upon. Father Westpike raised his warhammer with confidence as he briefly studied Glom's erratic movements before swinging. 22. Does that hit you?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Yep. Oh, boy.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Inspired by his daughter's words, he added his bardic inspiration to the attack as his warhammer swung through the air, sung through the air, striking Glom in the leg for 12 damage.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Oh dear.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Seeing her brother cry out in pain, Gale rushed forward to defend Glom, screaming at Father west pike, leave my brother alone. A spell was cast and the visage of Gale was visible to all wearing the red headed warrior's skin. Gloves of skin. And what a sight she was to behold. All the hatred he'd been repressing his entire life, all the self loathing, his inhibitions were removed by a magically charged glance that sent psychic shockwaves at his foes in an aura of fear. However, with Sindri's beacon of hope still active, the saving throw against fear could be made with advantage. Natural 20.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Oh, natural 20.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Bullshit.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Well, the first one was a three. I'm like, oh no, my other one was a four, you gammy bastards. When you kept like screaming at us. And we're just like what we've seen, far, far worse.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Meanwhile, inside Rowena's head, Gale continued her mental assault. Priest.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

The priest is with you? Why is he with you? Cause we're family. Are you really so sure of that? I. We just spent like last night blubbering about how we were sure about it, so I. I see.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Hi.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

And just how do you. How do we know Soren?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rowena began to understand that the voice in her head, the one Taking cruel jabs at her might not be her own.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Oh, how. How do I know Soren? Oh, well, you see, we went on this walk together through a hellscape nightmare to rescue some children from the clutches of the nameless gods before a spirit possessed me, ripped me fucking spine out and walked away with all me skin. So unless you're at least a demigod or a world ending evil that predates the oldest dragons, you can rightly fuck off and let me concentrate.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Rowena's victory over Gale's mental assault was complete. And as Soren moved away from the charmed Elias, daggers drawn to square off with his quarry with Rowena, her fighting instincts kicked in. She set herself into a defensive stance for knife fighting, fully aware of the pain that she was about to put herself through, though no weapon was visible in her hand. And as Soren lunged with confidence, Rowena dodged, her body passing the human's fully extended arm. And in that moment, she willed the cursed dagger to return to her hand a wish. It was only too happy to oblige. She sank the blade into Soren's side as his other arm stabbed downward toward her shoulder, sinking down to the hilt. Meanwhile, Glom, hobbled and limping from Sindri's attack and the blasting of the thunderous song magic, was able to briefly regroup. Wiping blood off his brow as he looked at the dwarf before him, noting the iconography of Celagon, the Lord of Light, Glom locked eyes with the heretical priest before charging.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Pray for me, father.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

With an 18, Glom's blade swung and swung. He stood as a giant before the form of Father Westpike, and each blow had enough force to knock the old dwarf well off his feet, with bones broken and internal bleeding that would surely end him. But either Father Westpike's resolve to protect his daughter's flank, or his faith in the light, or the magic shield he held, or perhaps a combination of all, protected him from these strikes. As the dwarf closed his eyes as the first strike moved toward him, Sindri put his entire weight into pushing the shield toward these attacks. His eyes remained closed even after the first impact was somehow countered. Instinctively, his body repositioned to defend again from a different direction, though he was not sure why he did this. The second impact, one he reasoned, should have crumbled him to the ground. Yet it felt like he was fighting against a weakened foe, or perhaps a young dwarf in training. How had he survived? And Sindri wondered. And Sindri questioned this miracle. And in that moment of Weakness. He needed to be sure. And opened his eyes. Another attack was coming for Sindri. Another overhead strike. And simply, in seeing the hulking form of the imposing Glom before him, the red headed warrior's unbound hatred, Sindri's spirit was broken. And even as he raised his shield to cover his head, he knew that his arm would be shattered. And so it was. The blade cut into the top of Sindri's head and Glom action surged again, cutting Sindri down with a lateral swipe that exposed his chest and the glistening gore beneath. And Sindri fell to the ground.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

That's one down the kill. We gotta push harder. We're losing this. Let's go for the drow next.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As Glom's hand, charged with magic, twitched to take aim at Sindri's face. The old dwarf's thoughts were of how proud he was of Rowena and how sad he would be to die within Westwind's hold so close to his family.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Neoteech Direth Ralath Ray Quesh.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As the red headed warrior unleashed bolts of Eldritch magic that ended Sindri's life, Lyrel was stunned. Her mentor and friend was dead, reduced to a corpse before her tear filled eyes. She glanced over from the terribly wounded Rowena and Sorin to the elven man standing next to them. And with the absence of Elias Wreath and the one Scaleskin, realized that she was rapidly losing the fight. It would soon be her fighting three enemies on her own in a hostile dwarven city. After being betrayed by her contact, a Krail Damas name, Lyrel could not think of a clear way out of the situation, knew that she couldn't take on all of them in a fair fight. But she also just couldn't let Sindri and Elias killers walk away. And she'd rather be damned than taken alive. So enraged, Lyru quickly lined her staff with a contact poison with her bare hands. If she could just hit her damn target and break the skin, the redhead would surely die in under a few breaths. She didn't even bother empowering her staff, but also quickly felt a burning sensation in her hand. She didn't have time to check if the pain was from an open wound or blister. No. Instead she swung at the man as intended, swinging for the warlock's eyes before he could cast another spell.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Aiming for the Warlock 17 to hit.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Lyna struck with extra force from Rina's inspiring words and broke open the man's skin, dealing 15 damage Gale's eyes twitched and her head swam. She was barely able to stay on her feet even before the hidden saving throw was rolled, and Glom realized that he didn't feel so good either. A few feet away, Rowena stabbed Soren again and again, opening fresh wounds in his arms, leg, and neck. Every time Soren thought he had a good handle on her attacks, Rowena's blade was thrown into his knee, and even though he painfully overcame his injury to press the attack on his now disarmed enemy found, the blade returned to her hand anew as she swiped defensively, slashing his arms crimson. Soren cursed her tenacity and in a last ditch effort before he would surely lose his balance, only half heartedly swung his other arm toward her temple, fully expecting her to duck. Only in that moment, the beacon of hope that had inspired her filled her with strength unexpectedly ceaseless, and Rowena immediately knew that something terrible had happened to Sindri. She turned to watch his form fall and pulled her arm back to throw the dagger at the arm of the sorcerer swordsman before he could blast Sindri to death. Only she'd taken her eyes off of Soren, who now suddenly regretted his choice of attack, but only after it was far too late. Rowena had abandoned her own self defense, thrown her weapon to help Father West Pike. Sorin followed Irina's gaze out to see the old dwarf, but he was already dead. Sindri Westpike was dead. Sorin had figured he'd have to get through the old dwarf to get to Rowena, but something about seeing his lifeless body cut Sorin, cut him deep. He'd never considered actually following through and killing the old fool. That's what he was, an old fool. And Rowena was the only family he had left in the world. Family. There's that word again. A word designated for other people. A syllable that sent a hollow pain through Sorin whenever he heard it. And as the wheels in Sorin's mind stopped their dizzying spin and he remembered that he had a body and arms, and he became suddenly all too aware of them, he found himself taking inventory of where he was. He was in a room. He was off balance. His arm was extended. His blade pierced Rowena's skull just as he'd aimed it. Surely she was dead where she stood. But suddenly he didn't want her dead anymore. Soren, rather shocked with the results of his action, now stood mortified and simply let go of his dagger, laying Rowena, his friend, on his lap. Has it all been a terrible mistake? And he quietly began to sob. What have I.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

What have I done?

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

No.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

No.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Rowen. No. Come.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

No.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Rowena.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Soren removed the dagger and tried to push the brains and bones back into her head, but he knew it was already too late for that. Some part of him briefly wondered if this somehow made them even. The form of the charmed Human Brawler slowly shaped into something more familiar. The visage that haunted Sorin's dreams, his nightmares.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Please.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I'm so, so sorry. Ruin. Please be okay. Please come back. I did. So why can't you? She's dead, Soren. Ain't no coming back from that. They're all dead. And it's your fault.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Sorin looked to the broken forms of his allies. Ildrix had fallen to his death. Gale was nowhere to be seen, and Glom. Glom's skin was the wrong color. He was lying face down in a shared pool of bile next to the corpse of the elf woman. Everyone was dead except Sorin. Sorin and Balmer. No. The Silent One, who was whispering a prayer in Balmer's voice as the three hollow sockets took their proper form.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

The void. Despair. Whisper for us, please. Heed our call and replace turmoil with blessed silence. Through dreamless sleep, he hears you seeing without sight. He hungers. He tastes your scent, consumes your fears. You who shall never be whole. He calls for you. Feeling without a body, yearning without a soul. Do you seek him? I do. But I don't.

[Shopify Advertiser]

But you.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Dead once. Why?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Was I? Were you the one who raised me from the dead? Cursed me with this? I can't call it life, now, can I? Yes. I was the one who brought you back. You were weak, dying, and I couldn't allow that. I gave you my blood, but it didn't change you.

[Shopify Advertiser]

Why?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I need to bring her back. I need to bring them.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Okay.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

What do I have?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

You forgot I was here, didn't you?

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

What do I have? Let's have a serious conversation. Okay. Okay, I'm. I'm.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

I'm just.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I'm gonna pull out a. Well, a small, what appears to be a paw from my pocket. And almost too quietly for anyone else to hear, if they're still alive. But if anyone really cares, go ahead and peek. You know, with your. With your ears. I'm just gonna rub the paw and say I wish.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

As the Silent One circled Sorin, or perhaps as death itself came for the hunter, as he bled out and his mind hallucinated, Sorin made a wish. Dark Dice Chapter 30 PvP featuring Jeff Goldblum as the silent one Peter Joseph Lewis as Soren Arkwright Holly Billinghurst as Shawn Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg Russ D. Moore as Ildrix Drew Tillman as Elias H.E.M. brewster as Rowena Granite Pike Ithor Vitharson as Father Sindri west pike and Travis Van Groff as Dungeon Master. This episode was produced and edited with sound design by Travis Vengrof, mixing and mastering by Fenner Nielsen, and features executive producers Dennis Greenhill, Michael Villegas, AJ Punkin and Carol Van Graaf. This episode featured music by Andrei Vidornograv, Travis Vengraff, Satoshi Sakamoto, Brandon Boone, Josh Barron, Nobu Uematsu, and Stephen Millen. To help support the show, Please check out darkdice.com yes, we have merch. Yes, we have digital books. Dark Dice is a fool in Super Scholar production. Thank you for listening. Aiming for the Warlock 17 to hit.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Now, technically, Gail is within five feet of me, so she would be at disadvantage.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Technically, Gail is within five feet. Absolutely. Well, yeah, only the within part is correct.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Okay, I'll give you this. Could lira roll a second dice to see if I can have to try make a ruling on this. Okay, 19.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Yeah, that'll do.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

I wish.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Okay, you're gonna have to roll a 100 sided dice and we'll see what you get. If you get like 100, I'll give you something. If you get like, oh, I know.

[Player 2 (possibly Russ D. Moore as Ildrix or Drew Tillman as Elias)]

Immediately how I'd fuck with this spell.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Yeah, it kind of seems like we're gonna have some sort of epilogue in the next episode.

[Player 1 (possibly Holly Billinghurst as Shawn or Howard as Galen Glam Vogelberg)]

Oh, let's just get it out of the way then.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master (Travis Van Groff)]

Oh, no. It's like 4am though, and the episode comes out tomorrow. I really have to send this off to mix and call it a day here. People are gonna leave terrible comments on Spotify and YouTube, but we love you anyway. Also, good morning and Happy New Year.

[Roz Hernandez (Host of Tickled to Death)]

From the darkest corners of our imagination comes a game show that's more ridiculous than terrifying. Welcome to Tickled to Death, the horror comedy game show where nothing is sacred, everything's a little unhinged, and the more cursed than the questions are the jokes. I'm Roz Hernandez, your fearless host, and each week I'll be leading a brave group of guests through twisted horror trivia, improv games, and enough sarcastic banter to make you question all your life's choices. So come for the screams, stay for the snark. Listen to Tickled to Death wherever you get your podcasts and hit follow. Unless you want the show to follow you. In the meantime, don't get tickled to death.