Dark Dice Episode Summary: Vigilance | Ep. 12 | Treachery and Lies Release Date: March 17, 2025 Host/Author: Fool and Scholar Productions

THE horror actual play podcast. Each season, travelers embark on a journey into the dark corners of a fantasy world filled with dragons and monsters. They will never be the same again.

1. Episode Overview

In Episode 12, titled "Treachery and Lies," of the Liberty Vigilance series, the adventuring party known as the Blood Skulls delves deeper into the enigmatic and sinister Atrian Resource Manufacturing Facility (RMF). Tasked by the elusive Dr. Basuto, the team must navigate through treacherous environments, confront hostile forces, and unravel the dark secrets hidden within the facility. This episode is pivotal as it showcases the group's strategic planning, internal dynamics, and the escalating dangers they face in their quest for truth and survival.

2. Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a brief announcement about the host's relocation from Sarasota, Florida to Portland, Oregon. This meta-commentary sets a tone of transition and uncertainty, paralleling the party's journey into the unknown.

At [01:01], Peter Lewis announces:

"Welcome citizens to the 12th episode of Liberty Vigilance."

The setting shifts to the 30th floor of the Atrian RMF, where the Blood Skulls encounter Dr. Basuto, an Atrian scientist, and his entourage.

3. The Meeting with Dr. Basuto

Upon entering the room, the team meets Dr. Basuto, who assigns them a critical mission.

At [04:30], Dr. Basuto states:

"We need these valuable resources in the coming days. And I'll need you to go in and discern which resources are present."

He emphasizes the importance of obtaining specific chemicals, particularly meal canisters, medicines, drugs, and mysterious liquids.

At [05:48], Dr. Basuto clarifies:

"Excellent. I'm looking for things that look like meal canisters... large quantities of specific chemicals..."

The tension rises as Dr. Basuto outlines the dire consequences of failure, hinting at the larger implications for the children of Melakor.

4. Planning the Infiltration

Backstage, the Blood Skulls strategize their approach. Claire suggests a covert plan involving a truth serum drug to incapacitate Dr. Basuto.

At [06:33], Claire advises:

"All right, so should we stop by this task giver on the way down?"

The team debates the feasibility of Dr. Basuto’s discourse, balancing the need for intelligence with the risk of confrontation.

At [07:20], Jeff Clement comments:

"Jacam, dwee, stop playing around."

This exchange highlights the group's underlying tension and differing viewpoints on handling the mission.

5. Acquiring the Welding Torch

Determined to equip themselves, the Blood Skulls head to the market on the second floor to obtain a welding torch, essential for sealing the facility's tunnels.

At [17:18], Ashley Burch asks:

"Do you have any breathing equipment back there?"

The interaction with the market's Fringer-operated stalls showcases the oppressive atmosphere of the facility.

At [17:56], the vendor responds:

"Here's a welding torch. Ah. Here."

Through negotiation and a touch of humor, the team acquires the necessary tools for their mission.

6. Interacting with the Children

Enhancing the narrative depth, Ashley attempts to engage with the children in the marketplace, uncovering more about the facility's dynamics.

At [20:03], Ashley engages a child:

"Hey, what you got there?"

The dialogue reveals the children’s restricted access to the lower levels due to poison gas leaks, adding layers to the facility's dangers.

At [21:07], Daniel prompts:

"Yeah, this will definitely require a successful persuasion check."

This segment underscores the pervasive control and fear within the Atrian RMF.

7. Descent into the Basement

Equipped with welding tools and gas masks, the Blood Skulls prepare to infiltrate the basement levels, where the true heart of the facility lies.

At [26:00], Shawn Francis declares:

"If you make it back soon, toss..."

The team's coordination and readiness are evident as they split their roles to maximize efficiency and cover each other's actions.

8. Confrontation with Engineers

Navigating the second basement level, the team encounters two Gobtam engineers. A tense standoff ensues as they attempt to deceive and neutralize their adversaries.

At [33:10], Shawn Francis confronts an engineer:

"What are you doing in here?"

The ensuing combat highlights the group's lethal capabilities and the perils lurking within the facility.

At [36:00], Kaitlin Kais asserts:

"I think I'm gonna pass."

This exchange emphasizes the brutal and unforgiving nature of their mission.

9. Sabotaging the Fuel Cells

With the engineers subdued, the Blood Skulls focus on sealing the tunnel to prevent further threats from infiltrating the facility.

At [37:05], Daniel Thoresen narrates:

"The Goptum room consists of a series of controls, tubes, and machinery vital to the survival of the tower."

Claire takes charge, outlining a multifaceted plan to inundate the area with controlled oxygen levels and timed explosives.

At [37:34], Claire instructs:

"All right, so I'm gonna turn to them and I'm like, there's a lot of things I could possibly do, but what do you guys want to do before I start working on this?"

The meticulous planning showcases the team's strategic thinking and desperation to avert disaster.

10. Conclusion and Next Steps

As the team prepares to implement their plan, they receive a critical transmission from Investigator Tertullius Quinn, urging immediate action to retrieve vital information and destroy another tower.

At [28:27], Shawn Francis receives the message:

"Retrieve the second docket, destroy the tower, and meet with Director West."

Faced with mounting pressure, the Blood Skulls commit to their mission, fully aware of the high stakes involved.

At [29:08], Claire reflects:

"How is it that these people consistently think... these people are the saviors."

The episode concludes with the team bracing themselves for the impending chaos as they split to execute their plan, setting the stage for future confrontations and revelations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Basuto at [04:30]:

  "We need these valuable resources in the coming days..."

• Claire Hout at [05:34]:

  "No. I am perfectly capable of administering them though."

• Shawn Francis at [07:28]:

  "Well, first we're gonna have to take care of those random guys over there."

• Ashley Burch at [19:22]:

  "I'll take a bit of that."

• Shawn Francis at [36:46]:

  "You know, I don't think I ever want to do this again."

• Claire Hout at [37:34]:

  "All right, so I'm gonna turn to them and I'm like..."

Insights and Themes

Power and Corruption: The episode delves into the misuse of scientific resources for nefarious purposes, highlighting the moral decay within institutions like the Atrian RMF.

Trust and Betrayal: As the Blood Skulls navigate alliances and confrontations, themes of trust and potential betrayal emerge, especially with the high-stakes mission assigned by Dr. Basuto.

Survival and Sacrifice: The group's relentless pursuit to secure vital chemicals underscores the lengths they'll go to ensure survival, even at the cost of their humanity.

Strategy and Team Dynamics: The Blood Skulls' strategic planning and division of roles emphasize the importance of teamwork and adaptability in overcoming formidable challenges.

Conclusion

Episode 12 of Dark Dice successfully intertwines intense narrative elements with strategic gameplay, offering listeners a gripping tale of treachery, lies, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The Blood Skulls' journey through the Atrian RMF serves as a testament to their resilience and the dark forces they must confront. As the season progresses, listeners can anticipate even deeper explorations into the shadows of this fantasy world, rife with dragons, monsters, and the enduring quest for redemption.

Note: For additional content, including bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage, listeners can visit the show's Patreon page.