Dark Dice: Season 3, Episode 9 – "Chasing Shadows"

Release Date: May 14, 2024

Hosts: Fool and Scholar Productions
Description: The horror actual play podcast where each season, travelers embark on a journey into the dark corners of a fantasy world filled with dragons and monsters, forever changing them.

Introduction

In "Chasing Shadows," the crew of the Willow's Wake grapples with internal strife and dark magic as they navigate the aftermath of the disrupted Ritual of Last Light. Tensions reach a boiling point when accusations of betrayal and murder threaten to tear the group apart.

Recalling the Past

Vind Greyview (played by Eric Nelson) begins the episode by retelling his harrowing survival story within the caves of the Sunken Bulwark, detailing Ajay Ogun's (J. Jasper William Cartwright) betrayal and the tragic murder of Nimble (Chris Lers). This recounting sets the stage for the current distrust among the crew.

Vind Greyview [06:49]: "The crew and I have decided what we're going to do, Mr. Greyview. For your safety and that of the rest of our guests and crew, we're going to do a quick sweep of the ship and make sure Ajay is not present."

The Accusation and Sweep

Under Vind's leadership, the crew initiates a sweep of the Willow's Wake to locate and question Ajay Ogun, suspected of murdering Nimble. The decision is met with apprehension, especially from Chris Lers, who values his ceremonial weapons.

Chris Lers [07:22]: "I don't feel comfortable without my javelins or spear. It's a ceremonial relic that represents my position as a leader."

To safeguard the process, Enrique Perez (Enrique Perez) volunteers to act as a bodyguard, ensuring that the sweep proceeds without further conflict.

Confrontation with Ajay Ogun

Ajay's presence aboard the ship quickly becomes palpable when Yara (Florian Zeitler) and Av (first mate Av Mitov) encounter him in the hold. Their attempt to approach him is met with hostility, escalating the situation.

Ajay Ogun [13:15]: "I think this poisonous rat is in fact here and spreading lies."

As emotions flare, Viviana Bloodchamber (Lily Pichu) steps in to mediate, advocating for a peaceful resolution.

Viviana Bloodchamber [12:38]: "Why do you sound so sad? It's not true, right? What they say that you murdered Nimble because there's no way you would do that."

Despite attempts at dialogue, Ajay transforms into a shadowy entity, unleashing dark magic that injures Vind Greyview and ignites fear among the crew.

Ajay Ogun [19:53]: "I have seen my friend's death. The killer is not me."

Battle and Subjugation

The confrontation culminates in a fierce battle where Ajay's dark powers clash with the crew's resolve. Cedric Lurs (Galusk) manages to land a decisive blow that incapacitates Ajay, allowing Galusk (another crew member) to subdue him completely.

Galusk [26:59]: "Ajay succumbed to the call of sleep, returning to his natural form and letting go of his rage. For now."

The Cursed Idol

Post-battle investigations reveal a mysterious bone-carved idol in Ajay's possession, hinting at a deeper, malevolent influence affecting his actions. The crew discusses the idol's origins and its potential ties to dark spirits, raising concerns about its power.

Ka Statz [28:34]: "Rolling poorly. I've never seen anything like it. And it's really quite terrible to look at some kind of bone carved into the shape of a hideous creature."

Building Alliances and Trust Issues

As the crew secures Ajay, bonds are tested and new alliances form. Vin (Vind Greyview) approaches Viviana, seeking trust and cooperation amidst the chaos.

Vin [42:00]: "It sounds like someone is calling me a killer. Yara, do not lie to me."

Despite initial mistrust, Vin's wounds and earnest demeanor coax Viviana into offering her support.

Viviana Bloodchamber [43:07]: "I don't trust him. But he is handsome. And the wound actually kind of adds to his attractiveness. He's got that rugged, oh, look, I'm so injured sort of look going on. So Viviana's kind of like, okay, Vin, alright, I'll have your back."

Captain's Dilemma

Meanwhile, Captain Gelmane (David M. Berdeville) confronts Convo (Enrique Perez) about the escalating tensions and the crew's behavior. The captain reflects on his failed strategies and the dire consequences of trusting Viviana and Lan's actions.

Captain Gelmane [62:55]: "If anyone could have kept them in line, I figured it would have been you, Convo."

Convo, feeling the weight of his responsibilities, assures the captain of his efforts to maintain order despite the mounting challenges.

Convo [65:34]: "Permission to speak freely, Captain? I'm a little pissed off, sir."

Aftermath and Reflection

As the ship steams towards Winterport, the crew grapples with loss, betrayal, and the lingering influence of dark magic. Fluffy, the owlbear, becomes a focal point for emotional support among the survivors.

Viviana Bloodchamber [37:53]: "I think I'm very, like, shook because although I come from an assassin family, that was like, ordered, you know, that was all premeditated, but this was, like, unexpected."

Key Discussions and Insights

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode delves deep into the themes of trust, as characters struggle to discern friend from foe amidst deceit and dark influences.

• Power of Dark Magic: Ajay's transformation underscores the pervasive threat of dark magic, suggesting that the true enemy may lie within the very souls of the crew.

• Survival and Leadership: Captain Gelmane's introspection highlights the burdens of leadership in dire circumstances, questioning past decisions and their ramifications.

Notable Quotes

• Viviana Bloodchamber [12:38]: "Why do you sound so sad? It's not true, right?"

• Ajay Ogun [19:53]: "I have seen my friend's death. The killer is not me."

• Ka Statz [28:34]: "I've never seen anything like it. And it's really quite terrible to look at some kind of bone carved into the shape of a hideous creature."

• Captain Gelmane [62:55]: "If anyone could have kept them in line, I figured it would have been you, Convo."

Conclusions

"Chasing Shadows" serves as a pivotal episode in Dark Dice's third season, intensifying conflicts and revealing the complex dynamics aboard the Willow's Wake. As the crew faces internal demons and external threats, the episode sets the stage for future confrontations and the continuing quest for survival in a world where darkness lurks both outside and within.

Cast of Characters:

• Viviana Bloodchamber: Lily Pichu
• Vind Greyview: Eric Nelson
• Ajay Ogun: J. Jasper William Cartwright
• Convo: Enrique Perez
• Captain Gelmane: David M. Berdeville
• Yara: Florian Zeitler
• Lurs: Galusk
• Av: Sam Yao
• Others: Sophie Yang as Lan, Uda, Seelie, and additional crew members.

Production Credits:

• Produced and Edited with Sound Design: Travis Vengrof
• Dialogue Editing Assistance: Kayla Shue
• Mixing and Mastering: Marissa Ewing
• Transcriptions: Chian Francois
• Executive Producers: Dennis Greenhill, Carol Van Groff, AJ Punkin, Michael Villegas
• Music by: David Wise, Stephen Millin, Brandon Boone, Travis Van Grauf

For more episodes, bonus content, and to support the production, visit patreon.com/FoolAndScholar.