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Narrator
Hymns for the Road is a fiction podcast that often takes place inside a moving vehicle. Listener discretion is advised while driving. General content warnings are listed in the show notes.
Amber
There's a billboard up ahead.
Copper
Oh.
Silver
Is it readable?
Amber
Yeah, it seems normal. No headache or double vision or anything.
Copper
It. It says rain ritual.
Amber
It's got a list of components and stuff.
Glass
Anything we've already got swamp moss, mud, algae.
Amber
I think it's mostly stuff we'll have to drive through here to get anyway.
Silver
Is it a ritual to make it start raining or to make it stop raining?
Amber
If it does, doesn't say. Just rain. Ritual seems real enthusiastic about it too.
Copper
I'm. I'm writing it down.
Glass
Kind of spooky out here.
Silver
Those clouds ain't looking good.
Copper
Wanna sing something? Clear. Clear the energy a little.
Silver
Not a bad idea.
Glass
I've been working on a sonnet.
Silver
Can we hear it?
Glass
Sure. It's not my usual stuff, though.
Copper
Show us anyway.
Glass
Okay. Here. Ghosts. Morning is alive beyond the towers. Another night of concrete chaos gone despite the bracing bright of early hours. The city looms between me and the sun. But in the shadows I can see a trail, A stem of green, A path of three or more, the hinting of a golden future hailed. I can't resist the calling to explore. I chase the flowers far as I can go to somewhere hidden deep within the maze A holy shrine where wild and soft things grow. I meet my love and light has filled this place. My feet on earth I stare into the blue. I cannot see the sun, but I see you.
Silver
Ooo, beautiful glass. Nice work.
Amber
You're turning into a SAP.
Glass
It's a poem, Amber. It's not about me.
Amber
Since when do you write love poems?
Glass
I don't know. I thought I'd give it a try. It's good to try new things.
Amber
You gonna try falling in love sometime too?
Glass
No. More trouble than it's worth, if you ask me.
Amber
We could find someone for you. There's probably a mirror around here somewhere.
Glass
Hey. Oh, guys.
Copper
Just listen. Listen.
Amber
Damn it. I hate driving in the rain.
Silver
I knew this was gonna happen.
Amber
Got any spells that can change the weather, Copper?
Copper
No. I can't even get a wind spell to work.
Amber
I was kidding.
Glass
Oh.
Silver
Outside the car, skies turn a kinda yellow gray. The roads propped up from the swamp on this slim little sandbar of dirt. I'd feel better about the whole thing if it was Pa.
Glass
I'll check my cards. Maybe I can see if it's gonna light up soon.
Silver
Sure.
Glass
Okay. All I'm getting is those components we saw on the billboard back there. Huh. I don't know what that means.
Amber
Love that very convenient precognitive ability you've got.
Glass
Yeah, sure would be great if I could maybe get a little bit of help. Maybe a tiny bit of specificity would be nice.
Amber
Yell louder. I heard it makes cards grow ears.
Glass
I don't know. Thought it might help.
Copper
It's getting really muddy out there.
Silver
Model switch. Amber.
Amber
There's no way in hell I'm stopping in the middle of this.
Glass
Besides, if anyone's switching in, it's me. I'm the best driver. Bull I am.
Amber
No, you're not. You can just drive the longest.
Glass
Considering our whole goal in life is to drive the longest, I'd say that makes me the best.
Copper
Look at all those rocks.
Silver
Huh. I didn't quite notice until Copper pointed it out. There's these big boulders all over, covered up in mud, scattered around. Like something dropped them out of its pocket while it was passing through. Big as our car. Sometimes bigger. They make my skin crawl. The rest of the swamp is flat, muddy water far as the eye could see. I can't help but think if I squeeze one of those rocks, it pop like a blister.
Glass
Hey, if we get stuck, at least we'll have something to stand on.
Amber
Don't say if we get stuck. Damn it.
Copper
Come on, Glass.
Glass
I'm sorry.
Amber
We're stuck. The mud's too deep.
Silver
We have carpets, don't we?
Glass
They're at the bottom of the trunk.
Copper
Could you. Could you reach them?
Glass
I'm gonna have to hurry.
Silver
And be careful. Glass. Sinks to the ankles, but they got their good boots on. I trust them. Of course I do. But I got one hand on the door handle in case I gotta reach out and grab them away from something.
Glass
Ah, it's pouring out here.
Amber
Yeah, I can see that and hear it.
Glass
Aha. Found the carpets.
Amber
Both of them?
Glass
Both of them.
Amber
Then hurry up. Hurry.
Copper
Silver, can you reach the salt? I've got the mosquito Candle wax, eye drops and wood chips already.
Silver
What are those for?
Copper
The fire spell.
Silver
What's the fire spell gonna do out here?
Copper
Maybe it could help harden the mud a little.
Amber
Worth a try.
Silver
Here's your salt. Give it a shot. Be careful out there.
Copper
I will.
Silver
Wait. Copper. How loud is it going to be?
Copper
Not too loud.
Silver
What about how bright?
Glass
Try now, Amber. Damn it.
Silver
Don't cuss. Doors are open.
Copper
Let me try.
Glass
Okay. Okay. Okay. Let me grab the carpets first. All yours.
Copper
Ready, Amber?
Glass
Ready.
Amber
Ready for what?
Copper
Three, two.
Glass
Nice.
Amber
Is it working?
Glass
Maybe a little.
Silver
It's too bright. Darling. We're drawing too much attention.
Glass
Copper. Get in the car.
Silver
All four doors are shut. Now the driver side window's open. But glass is still outside. And something. Something made of mud and blood comes lurching out of the swamp as it moves. I can see inside it. The mud maybe mixed with flesh or gore. Sloths off of it in places. I could see bones underneath. Too many bones. Different sizes. All joints visible for just a little before. More of its never ending cascade of slop falls in to cover the holes. Oh.
Glass
Snow.
Amber
Glass. You should also get in the car.
Glass
We're gonna have to talk our way out of this. Amber. We can't.
Bog Monster
T inside the little shell.
Glass
Stay in the car. I know this is part of it, but I could use some backup. What?
Copper
We can't hear you.
Silver
Boss.
Amber
Are you out of your mind?
Glass
It's fine. I have a plan. Pardon, friend. The party would like to know if the swamp denizen has interest in a talk.
Bog Monster
I have not.
Silver
No rhyming. Not a summer. First person. Not a fall. Could be a spring.
Glass
Lowly human here. I'd like to negotiate the terms of our passage.
Bog Monster
You have already agreed to my terms.
Glass
I don't remember doing any such thing.
Bog Monster
You passed the sign. Did not complete the ritual. The rain came now.
Glass
Stop.
Bog Monster
Are you. The rain always brings out the snails.
Copper
They're not boulders.
Bog Monster
Soft and delicious. They are.
Amber
Wait.
Glass
Hold on. We couldn't complete the ritual because most of the components were inside your swamp. But that isn't fair. There's no way we could get your materials without getting stuck.
Bog Monster
Perhaps not. I do not much care for the rules. And you outside yourself. Lapse.
Silver
Get back in the car.
Bog Monster
You look. The perfect appetizer.
Silver
It picks them up too easily.
Amber
Glass.
Silver
Like they weigh nothing.
Copper
Grab them.
Silver
I can't get the door open.
Glass
Help.
Astor
On your knees, wretch.
Bog Monster
No fair. This is my property.
Astor
You've no business complaining about fairness. Let the human go.
Glass
No.
Bog Monster
I'm hungry.
Astor
I will not repeat myself again.
Bog Monster
You don't belong here.
Astor
Perhaps not. But your attempt at a riddle is in violation of house rules.
Bog Monster
I'm not in a force. I don't need the rules.
Astor
The reason you're so hungry is because you're not hunting properly.
Bog Monster
It's not even your season. What do you have to do with it?
Astor
Was that a question?
Bog Monster
Your answers cannot hurt me.
Astor
Are you certain? Would you like to stay and find out?
Bog Monster
Meddlesome wildflower.
Astor
Revolting boar.
Silver
One folk leaves, but the other doesn't. They stay there, hovering over the mud, all soft greens and tiny spots of color. Wildflowers. Even this close to winter. The spring.
Astor
That was rather unpleasant. I reckon they won't be coming back. Not unless they want me to answer their question. I. I'm sorry. I. I didn't mean to scare you.
Glass
It's.
Silver
I don't know if I should be looking right at them like other folk. They looked human in most ways. Maybe their eyes were a little too big. Maybe their fingers were a little too long. Maybe their color shifted round. But when I was looking right at them, something else stood there. Something that was much larger and much less human. Something that disappeared when I turned my eyes right on it. And outside the car, Glass stood up, covered in mud, looking up at their face.
Astor
Yes? It's me. I hope that's all right.
Glass
Yeah. Yeah, I just. I just wasn't expecting this.
Astor
You called?
Glass
I. I did, yeah.
Silver
They turned their violet eyes towards the windows. Tore the rest of us. I thought I smelled something sweet and green.
Astor
I don't mean to hurt any of you. I am aster. I've been looking forward to meeting.
Amber
Glass.
Glass
Oh, this is a big surprise for all of us. I think.
Astor
Oh, I think I should have been a bit more subtle about all this. I think I was a bit overeager.
Glass
No. Thank you for saving me. Or us.
Astor
I. I know I should go. I feel I've overstepped. Stayed my welcome.
Glass
No, you don't have to wait.
Amber
So what in the hell was that, Glass?
Glass
Well, I did call for help.
Copper
Do they usually answer when you call for help?
Glass
I guess this time one of them did.
Amber
Why a spring? We're not even in spring.
Copper
I have a really bad feeling about all this.
Silver
Look up ahead, y'all. The road's drying up.
Amber
Pack it in, guys. Silver thinks everything is fine.
Silver
Don't think everything's fine. But everyone's alive. And we need to get out of this swamp as soon as we can. Are the wheels stuck?
Narrator
Feels good.
Silver
Get going. Then we can talk Once we get out of here.
Glass
Yep.
Copper
How did it dry back up all of a sudden?
Glass
Maybe since that unclean thing left, it could have took the storm with it.
Amber
Or maybe it's divine intervention.
Silver
They ain't gods, Amber.
Amber
Same difference.
Glass
Or maybe we're just lucky. And would you look at that. I think we're all the way out.
Silver
Awful easy, wasn't it?
Amber
Why do you say that like it's a bad thing?
Silver
We should think about how we're going to pay if this was that Springs doing.
Glass
I have a feeling they won't ask for anything.
Silver
Don't be naive, Glass. That ain't how it works.
Glass
Amber. Do you want to switch? I've got a pee, so I'm pulling over.
Amber
Absolutely. But you better be back in five minutes or I'm leaving without you.
Copper
I actually have to go too.
Amber
Seriously, neither of you could hold it until we were a little farther from the carnivorous swamp.
Glass
I'll be quick.
Silver
You better.
Glass
I'm pretty sure you've been watching, so I know you can hear me. Oh. Hello again.
Astor
Hello again. I suppose you've a lot of questions.
Glass
I wouldn't dream of asking any.
Astor
That's not really what I meant.
Glass
I do have a lot of confusion, though.
Astor
Then I'll try my best to clarify.
Glass
So I found a wildflower field and a mysterious voice. Something like a voice. That was you?
Astor
That was me.
Glass
I made a deal with a mysterious voice. I trade pieces of my writing for glimpses into the future.
Astor
A fair trade, I thought.
Glass
I think so, too.
Astor
I'm hoping it's still fair.
Glass
It's still fair to me. I just don't know why you chose me.
Astor
You said you liked my flowers.
Glass
But that's so simple.
Astor
I like your writing too. I can't make stories like that myself.
Glass
And your spring. I know how much your house loves arts.
Astor
It really is our favorite. Yes.
Glass
I could write you some jokes, too. The rest of the party says I'm very bad at it.
Astor
Perhaps together we can discover entire disciplines of art that I won't like.
Glass
I can make a list of everything I'm worst at. And you can pick which one you want to dislike first.
Astor
I don't think your friends like me very much.
Glass
I think they're just afraid of you. Your folk are really dangerous. You can't exactly blame them.
Astor
I would really rather they liked me. I don't think I understand why that's funny.
Glass
I just haven't ever seen one of your folk worried about humans opinions of them.
Astor
Oh, well, I tried to be an amiable fellow. I don't want them thinking I mean them any harm.
Glass
You're maybe one of the amiablest fellows we've encountered. Probably.
Astor
I think it would be most amiable.
Glass
You seem interested in human behaviors.
Astor
I am.
Glass
Yes, well, it's a very human behavior to mess up birds on purpose.
Astor
I don't know why you would do that.
Glass
I don't know either. We just like doing it.
Astor
That might get you into trouble these days.
Glass
At least not with fellows on the amiabler side of things.
Astor
Oh, I get it.
Glass
Maybe you'll tolerate my bad jokes after all.
Astor
Worse, I might even like them.
Glass
I have to go. Oh, will I? I'm wondering if I'll see you again.
Astor
If you would like to.
Glass
I. I don't know if I would like to or not. This is new for me.
Astor
Then I won't bother you any further.
Glass
Oh, wait. Maybe I would want you to bother me later.
Silver
The others are waiting for you.
Glass
Hi. How long have you been standing right there?
Silver
Just walked up. You didn't come back when Copper called.
Glass
Oh, yeah, sorry. I'm coming back.
Silver
What's going on, Glass? What's going on with you and that one?
Glass
Nothing. There's nothing going on.
Silver
Okay.
Glass
Okay.
Silver
I'm taking you at your word. If you're lying to me, that's on you.
Glass
Fine. They're giving me divinations.
Silver
They're giving it to you.
Glass
Well, no. I'm buying it.
Silver
You made a deal.
Glass
A small one.
Silver
What are you paying with?
Glass
Stories. Things I write down.
Silver
Real stories or stories you made up?
Glass
Both. Glass, look, I thought about it. We need all the help we can get. And being able to see a little bit in the future, it helps. Just like your sigils and Copper's little bag of tricks. Isn't it worth it if it helps us stay alive out here?
Silver
You're giving them parts of you. Don't you understand that? I would expected you to know better.
Glass
I'm not giving them parts of me. Unless you're giving away parts of you with your art.
Silver
That's different. What you're doing is personal.
Glass
It's not. It's not. Silver, it's not personal.
Silver
I just don't want you getting attached.
Glass
Of course I'm not gonna get attached. I like my unattached self too much. Besides, anything that helps us get to the summer better, right?
Silver
I suppose. I hope you know what you're doing.
Glass
I always know what I'm doing. Silver. Come on. We gotta go. Amber and Copper are gonna think we died.
Silver
You'll need to tell them too. They deserve to know.
Glass
I know I will.
Narrator
Hymns for the Road is a podcast written and Produced by Anna McGuire, starring Maurice Thomas as Silver, Pau Panganibon as Glass, Grizz Siebenek as Amber, Tabitha Bardal as Copper, and featuring Tom Schalk as the Bog Monster and Justice Washington as Astor. Original music by Joshua David Met Mitchell Sign up for our newsletter@hodgepodgeaudio.com or support our work on Patreon.com Hodgepodgeaudio thank you for listening.
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Release Date: November 23, 2024
Host/Author: Hodgepodge Audio
Starring:
In Episode 12, titled "Aster," of the "Hymns for the Road" podcast, listeners are immersed deeper into the perilous journey of four survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic America transformed into a fantastical wasteland. As they traverse this dangerous landscape, the group encounters mystical challenges, enigmatic creatures, and internal conflicts, all while striving to survive and reach their elusive goal—the summer.
The episode opens with the group driving through a treacherous swamp. Amber spots a billboard signaling a "rain ritual," which sparks curiosity and concern among the survivors.
Amber (01:10): "There's a billboard up ahead."
Copper (01:22): "It. It says rain ritual."
The billboard lists various components necessary for the ritual, prompting the group to consider its implications. Glass notes they already possess some items like swamp moss and mud, but much of the needed ingredients are likely inaccessible without venturing deeper into the swamp.
Amber (01:28): "I think it's mostly stuff we'll have to drive through here to get anyway."
Silver questions the purpose of the ritual—whether it's to initiate or cease the rain—highlighting the group's uncertainty about the ritual's intent.
Silver (01:36): "Is it a ritual to make it start raining or to make it stop raining?"
As the rain intensifies, the group's morale dips. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Copper suggests singing to "clear the energy," leading Glass to recite a thoughtful sonnet they've been working on. This creative interlude showcases Glass's introspective nature and provides a brief respite from the tension.
Glass (02:11): "Ghosts. Morning is alive beyond the towers… I cannot see the sun, but I see you."
Silver praises Glass's poetry, only to be met with a playful jab from Amber, hinting at underlying tensions and differing personalities within the group.
Silver (02:58): "Ooo, beautiful glass. Nice work."
Amber (03:02): "You're turning into a SAP."
The group's journey takes a dire turn as they find themselves stuck in deep mud, exacerbated by the relentless rain. The situation heightens the stakes, pushing each member to contribute towards a solution.
Amber (03:30): "Damn it. I hate driving in the rain."
Silver (04:00): "I'll check my cards. Maybe I can see if it's gonna light up soon."
Glass attempts to use their divinatory abilities to gain insight, but the results are cryptic, leading Amber to criticize the vagueness of Glass's powers.
Amber (04:17): "Love that very convenient precognitive ability you've got."
As the mud thickens, the team debates whether to stop and dig out or press on, reflecting their differing priorities and survival strategies.
Amber (06:02): "Could you. Could you reach them?"
Their efforts to free the vehicle include attempting a fire spell, which unfortunately attracts the attention of a menacing creature—a Bog Monster.
The swamp reveals its dangers when a grotesque Bog Monster emerges, blending mud with flesh, presenting a formidable threat to the group. The monster's appearance is described in vivid, horrifying detail, emphasizing the constant life-threatening peril they face.
Silver (05:01): "There's these big boulders all over, covered up in mud, scattered around…"
As the monster approaches, Glass maintains composure, attempting to communicate and negotiate their passage.
Glass (08:52): "Stay in the car. I know this is part of it, but I could use some backup."
The confrontation escalates until another character, Astor, intervenes. Astor, revealed to be a benevolent figure, identifies himself and diffuses the situation, demonstrating the complexities of the world they inhabit where not all supernatural beings are hostile.
Astor (15:03): "I don't mean to hurt any of you. I am Astor. I've been looking forward to meeting."
Astor's intervention allows the group to escape the immediate threat, but it also introduces new dynamics, particularly concerning Glass's recently revealed pact. As the group resumes their journey, Silver confronts Glass about their deal with Astor, expressing deep concern over the personal cost and potential dangers of such agreements.
Silver (22:15): "You're giving them parts of you. Don't you understand that? I would expect you to know better."
Glass defends their actions as necessary for survival, rationalizing that the divinations aid the group's efforts to navigate the perilous environment.
Glass (22:24): "I'm buying it. Well, no. I'm buying it."
This confrontation underscores themes of sacrifice, trust, and the moral ambiguities faced in their quest for survival.
**1. Survival vs. Morality: The episode delves into the murky waters of survival ethics. Glass's deal with Astor raises questions about the lengths one should go to ensure the group's safety and success, highlighting the internal conflicts that arise when personal sacrifices are made for the greater good.
**2. Trust and Leadership: Silver's skepticism towards Glass's decision reflects the fragile trust within the group. Leadership dynamics are tested as each member's strengths and weaknesses come to the fore, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and communication in survival scenarios.
**3. Humanity Amidst Desolation: The creative expressions, such as Glass's sonnet, provide a glimpse of humanity and culture persisting even in the bleakest circumstances. These moments serve as beacons of hope and normalcy, contrasting sharply with the surrounding chaos.
**4. Encounters with the Supernatural: The interaction with the Bog Monster and Astor introduces the supernatural elements of the world, blending horror with unexpected alliances. These encounters highlight the unpredictable nature of the wasteland and the varied intentions of its inhabitants.
Amber (03:30): "Damn it. I hate driving in the rain."
Expresses frustration and sets the tone for the challenges ahead.
Glass (02:11): "Ghosts. Morning is alive beyond the towers… I cannot see the sun, but I see you."
Showcases Glass's poetic side and their way of coping with the harsh environment.
Silver (05:01): "There's these big boulders all over, covered up in mud, scattered around…"
Illustrates the treacherous terrain and the constant physical dangers.
Astor (15:03): "I don't mean to hurt any of you. I am Astor. I've been looking forward to meeting."
Introduces a pivotal character whose intentions shift the episode's direction.
Silver (22:15): "You're giving them parts of you. Don't you understand that? I would expect you to know better."
Highlights the emotional and ethical stakes within the group dynamic.
"Aster" serves as a pivotal episode in the "Hymns for the Road" series, deepening the lore of the magical apocalypse and the complex interpersonal relationships among the survivors. Through intense challenges, supernatural encounters, and moral dilemmas, the episode enriches the narrative, setting the stage for future developments. The introduction of Astor and the revelation of Glass's pact add layers of intrigue and tension, ensuring listeners remain invested in the group's perilous journey toward the elusive summer.
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Sign up for the newsletter at hodgepodgeaudio.com or support the podcast on Patreon. Follow "Hymns for the Road" on your preferred podcast platform to continue following the survivors' harrowing adventure through a world where beauty and danger intertwine seamlessly.