Dark Dice: Vigilance | Ep. 13 | Just Rewards – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the gripping finale of the first season of Dark Dice, titled "Vigilance | Ep. 13 | Just Rewards," listeners are taken on a high-stakes journey as the adventurers navigate the perilous depths of a cultist tower. This episode marks the culmination of the Liberty Vigilance campaign, where each character faces intense challenges, moral dilemmas, and unexpected alliances. Hosted by Fool and Scholar Productions, this horror actual play podcast masterfully blends suspense, strategy, and rich storytelling to deliver an unforgettable conclusion.

Descent into the Cultist Tower (00:59 – 05:05)

The episode begins with the team—junior engineer Horatius McBride, investigator Sylvanus Clairhout, and Flick the scavenger—preparing to descend into the lowest basement level of a cultist tower. Narrated by Travis Vengrof, the setting is vividly described:

“The floor is easily three stories in height, making the descent by ladder through the sickeningly thick haze...six large cylinders that expand outward the lower they drop.” (03:52)

As they reach the basement, the environment is sparse and eerie, with dirt floors and steel mesh dividers creating an atmosphere of confinement and danger.

Encounter with Soldiers and Discovery of the Hidden Door (05:04 – 09:15)

Upon reaching their destination, the team encounters six unassuming soldiers seated around a table, unaware of the intruders. The soldiers are armed with close combat weapons, not firearms, heightening the tension. The team swiftly bars the door using Paul Scheer’s character’s trusty metal pipe:

“I'll use the bad club to bar the door. That way they can't get out.” (05:59)

This strategic move showcases the team's quick thinking and resourcefulness. Flick notices a strange hexagonal outline in the dirt, leading them to uncover a hidden door. Sylvanus Clairhout successfully hacks the door's security, revealing a dark, cramped room housing seven large plastic canisters. Two contain decaying corpses, and one holds a young man in cryostasis:

“A young man of indeterminate age rests behind glass...appears to be asleep.” (09:15)

Interaction with the Hologram (10:34 – 14:00)

As the team investigates, a motion-activated holographic display projects a three-dimensional representation of the resting man, Jocqui Julien Rather:

“Greetings, comrade. Complete then?” (10:34)

The hologram explains his mission to return the team to the Atrius Corporation sites on Melia or Earth. However, suspicions arise as Claire Houghton McBride detects a Class 6 explosive on one of their members:

“I detect a Class 6 explosive on one of your persons.” (12:32)

This revelation intensifies the urgency, pushing the team to devise a plan to neutralize the threat and escape the tower.

The Escape Plan and Building Collapse (14:00 – 25:57)

With the situation deteriorating due to increasing gas leaks, Amy Nicholson’s character suggests opening the ventilation system to disperse the gas and set a timed explosive. After meticulous planning and the deployment of explosives, the team faces the critical moment of detonation. However, Wayne June's character, Thracious Wyatt, ingeniously reverses time to prevent an immediate explosion, buying the team precious seconds to execute their escape:

“I have precisely such an implement. It's called a pick-ended club.” (22:29)

The final moments involve a tense sequence of actions where the team successfully detonates the grenade, causing the tower to crumble and an awe-inspiring explosion that obliterates the building:

“The tower crumbles inwardly, toppling as large segments dislodge and crash into nearby buildings.” (19:34)

Deception and Return to Atreus (26:00 – 43:20)

Escaping the collapsing tower, the team disguises themselves as regular citizens to avoid detection. They interact with various characters, including private investigator Atos Drez, and navigate through multiple security checkpoints. Amy Nicholson’s character meticulously crafts a classified message to Director West, alerting him to the dangers and their mission:

“Message to send to Director west. Classified safety of Archon and Atreus at risk...” (38:52)

Upon reaching the underground facility and successfully passing through security, the team is escorted to meet Director Romulus West. This pivotal meeting results in the team being officially recognized and appointed as senior officers tasked with eliminating the Children of Melkor, the antagonistic cult:

“Your family will be given extra allocation and you will be promoted to be a senior officer...” (61:24)

Final Confrontation and Resolution (43:20 – 68:35)

Director West expresses sincere gratitude and commissions the team to continue their fight against the Children of Melkor. In a climactic turn, as Amy Nicholson’s character presents their dossier, an armored figure—Reeve—appears and immediately executes the Archon, signaling a shift in leadership and validating the team’s sacrifices:

“The Archon is a person... she is a person who has ascended to the highest level of being the hero of our people.” (54:23)

The team receives commendations and is reassigned to new roles within the Department of Special Services, ensuring their dedication and bravery are officially recognized:

“You will unify the segmented science divisions and create a better future for all. Atreus.” (61:24)

Conclusion and Future Plans (68:35 – End)

As the episode concludes, the team reflects on their harrowing journey and the immense changes they have undergone. Their successful mission not only saves Atreus but also secures their positions as key operatives in the ongoing battle against the cult. The closing moments hint at future adventures and the promise of maintaining vigilance to protect their world:

“We destroyed the children of Melkor and saved Atreus. So what more could we really want besides an afternoon off with our families?” (69:21)

Notable Quotes

1. Paul Scheer as [Character Name]:
   “I'll use the bad club to bar the door. That way they can't get out.” (05:59)

2. Hologram Jocqui Julien Rather:
   “Greetings, comrade. Complete then?” (10:34)

3. Wayne June as Thracious Wyatt:
   “I detect a Class 6 explosive on one of your persons.” (12:32)

4. Amy Nicholson as [Character Name]:
   “Because they were planning to overthrow the Archon.” (35:09)

5. Ashley Burch as Director Romulus West:
   “You shall lead them in the pursuit and elimination of the children of Melakor.” (61:36)

Final Thoughts

Vigilance | Ep. 13 | Just Rewards serves as a thrilling conclusion to the Liberty Vigilance arc, expertly balancing intense action sequences with deep character development and intricate plot twists. The episode not only resolves long-standing conflicts but also sets the stage for future narratives, ensuring that listeners remain eagerly anticipating the next season of Dark Dice. Through its compelling storytelling and immersive world-building, Dark Dice continues to solidify its place as a premier horror actual play podcast.