Desert Skies Presents: UNEND – Episode Summary

Introduction by the Host

Timestamp: [00:38] – [01:50]

Jared Carter, the host of Desert Skies, warmly welcomes listeners to the inaugural episode of the new series, UNEND. He highlights the connection to the existing midst universe, emphasizing that while UNEND stands alone, it shares the same rich, imaginative setting. Carter commends the narrators—Zen Matt Roan and Sarah Weil—for their ability to infuse humor subtly into the immersive storytelling. He shares his enthusiasm, stating:

“From the moment I first listened, I was hooked. So you have these three narrators, Zen Matt Roan and Sarah Weil, who are brilliant and they bring this amazing world of adventure and exploration and strange places and strange people to life in such a cool way.”
[00:38]

Carter encourages listeners to subscribe to the series, noting the release schedule and additional perks for members.

Setting the Scene: The Cosmic Landscape

Timestamp: [02:22] – [05:00]

The episode opens with a vivid description of a celestial environment:

“Imagine a vast jet black ocean of cosmic darkness spans before you. Ink dark waves of liquid fog stretch in every direction, horizon to horizon, rolling with a languid sheen…”
[02:22]

This setting introduces the audience to the UNEND universe—a boundless expanse where a red desert world, known as the Fold, floats half-submerged in an enigmatic liquid darkness. The narration paints a surreal picture of the unending ocean and the iridescent sky above, setting the tone for an adventure that bridges the celestial and the terrestrial.

Key Characters and Their Interactions

Timestamp: [05:22] – [24:35]

Sohelia the Hatmaker: We meet Sohelia, the proprietor of a quaint hat shop in the city of Stationary Hill. Early one morning, a cloaked traveler enters her shop seeking a hat for their first unrise—a significant celestial event. Their interaction is marked by subtle communication and the exchange of goods:

“I need to buy a hat, the visitor whispers.”
[06:36]

Sohelia provides a large, broad-brimmed hat, which the traveler accepts emotionlessly:

“They stare at their reflection emotionlessly, as though looking at a stranger.”
[08:02]

Mother Artifice and the Granddaughter: The narrative shifts to Mother Artifice and his granddaughter, who board a uniquely designed streetcar. Their dialogue delves into the granddaughter’s impending realization, a pivotal moment in her journey:

“Realization is coming, and when it reveals itself to you, you must recognize it and you must embrace...”
[21:25]

Their conversation underscores themes of growth, destiny, and the challenges of embarking on an interstellar expedition.

The Bustling City and Launch Day Preparations

Timestamp: [10:28] – [19:50]

Stationary Hill is depicted as a vibrant metropolis teeming with life and surreal architecture. The cityscape is a mosaic of diverse architectural styles and bioluminescent flora:

“Plant life, outlandish succulents and neon lichens spilling everywhere, flickering and pulsing with multicolored bioluminescence…”
[05:00]

As Launch Day approaches, the city buzzes with anticipation. Banners emblazoned with chevron-shaped sigils flutter above streets populated by both locals and cosmic visitors:

“Launch Day. Two big words in dramatic letters set against a chevron shaped sigil...”
[12:44]

The city is alive with preparation activities, reflecting a communal effort to witness the impending launch, hinting at a significant event that promises to push the boundaries of reality.

Meeting New Characters: Merlin, the Bicular Man, and Cleo Gilmoth

Timestamp: [25:07] – [34:02]

Merlin: Introducing Merlin, a charismatic representative from Bernhardt and Gottle, he arrives with a unique companion, the Bicular Man—a humanoid creation with advanced technology:

“Hello. I am the bacular man. I can do things a person can.”
[27:04]

Cleo Gilmoth: The arrival of Cleo Gilmoth, an envoy from the Barony of Ebonreef, adds another layer of intrigue. Her ethereal appearance and excitement about Launch Day emphasize the event's universal significance:

“Hi. I'm Cleofi Gilmoth. I'm the envoy from the Barony of Ebonreef... Please, just call me Cleo.”
[33:30]

Cleo's enthusiasm and background from Ebonreef hint at inter-island collaborations and the expansive reach of the UNEND universe.

The Unveiling of the Ship and Launch Day's Atmosphere

Timestamp: [30:49] – [41:33]

As Launch Day commences, the city of Stationary Hill comes alive with a crescendo of activities. The arrival of a magnificent ebony coral carriage drawn by bioluminescent creatures captures everyone's attention:

“Rolling up alongside them is a magnificent carriage made of ebony coral, adorned with a united barony's crest...”
[30:49]

The climax of the episode occurs when the night sky transitions into day with the dramatic unveiling of a colossal ship suspended above the city. The transformation is described with awe-inspiring imagery:

“A huge obsidian arrowhead looming on high above Stationary Hill like an angular, chevron shaped iridescent crescent moon...”
[40:31]

Characters and citizens alike are mesmerized by the spectacle, symbolizing a momentous leap into the unknown.

Conclusion

Timestamp: [41:33] – [44:09]

As the episode draws to a close, Jared Carter wraps up by reiterating the series release details and inviting listeners to engage further through subscriptions and social media. The final moments hint at future adventures and the expansive narrative threads waiting to be explored in subsequent episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jared Carter (Host):

  • “From the moment I first listened, I was hooked.”
    [00:38]

• Mother Artifice:

  • “Realization is coming, and when it reveals itself to you, you must recognize it and you must embrace...”
    [21:25]

• Cleo Gilmoth:

  • “Hi. I'm Cleofi Gilmoth. I'm the envoy from the Barony of Ebonreef... Please, just call me Cleo.”
    [33:30]

• Narrator 2:

  • “This is what Launch Day is all about. This is what everyone has come to Stationary Hill to see.”
    [40:07]

Final Thoughts

UNEND delivers a richly woven tapestry of narrative, blending cosmic wonder with intricate character dynamics. Jared Carter’s Desert Skies continues to expand its universe, inviting listeners on a journey filled with mystery, discovery, and the subtle humor that endears its characters to the audience. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of celestial frontiers.

Additional Resources:

• Club 86: Patreon
• Merchandise: Desert Skies Shop
• Discord Community: Join Here
• Official Website: Desert Skies Podcast

For more engaging content and updates, follow Desert Skies on social media and subscribe to future episodes of UNEND every Wednesday on your preferred podcast platform.