Not Another D&D Podcast: Skaldova - Ep. 11: The Collapse
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host/Author: Headgum
Dungeon Master: Brian Murphy
Players: Emily Axford, Caldwell Tanner, Jake Hurwitz, Chris
Introduction
In Episode 11 of Not Another D&D Podcast titled "Skaldova - The Collapse," Dungeon Master Brian Murphy guides players Emily Axford, Caldwell Tanner, Jake Hurwitz, and Chris through a tumultuous adventure set in the realms of Bahumia and Beyond. This episode delves deeper into the complexities of the Age of Stories, the lingering effects of dark magic, and the personal quests of each character.
Recap of Last Episode
Brian Murphy provides a concise summary of the previous session:
"Last time, our three unusual fighters faced off against Bolric and his shitty army of monks. During the battle, you learned some disturbing truths about the Age of Stories. Namely, that the hilt turned on humanity and killed the princess's pet dragon. And it was this very dragon's rotting corpse that gave way to the corrupted water source, which became black lace. From there, you defeated the bad guy, stopped the ritual, and rescued Lila. Sadly, her knight, Ser Holden, was killed. But happily, her brother Braxton was as well. You took a moment to collect yourselves from the shock of seeing a 200-year-old dragon body and perhaps the even larger shock of seeing Zudrik's handsome, tattooed face. And that's where we are now."
(03:03)
The Journey Continues
The party finds themselves standing at the head of the ink-black cistern, where the aftermath of their previous battle still lingers. Lila confronts them, expressing gratitude and revealing deeper layers of her family's plight.
Key Dialogue:
-
Lila: "I can't thank you enough. I can never repay you. Then she looks up at you. Three of you caked in blood, only some of it your own. How did you find us? Who sent you?"
(04:24) -
Caldwell Tanner: "You know I go crazy for Tim Tam slam. That's what Boggy likes to do after he wins."
(02:35)
Notable Moments:
-
Tim Tam Slam Banter: The group engages in light-hearted banter about the "Tim Tam Slam," a playful reference that adds humor to the intense situation.
(02:35 – 03:09) -
Revelation of Lila’s Family Struggles: Lila reveals that her mother has been afflicted and that her father made dire sacrifices to save her, introducing emotional stakes to the narrative.
(04:05 – 05:15)
Encounter with the Wand of Wonder
As tensions rise, the party discovers the unstable "Wand of Wonder," a relic infused with unpredictable magic.
Key Actions:
-
Emotional Decision-Making: Caldwell suggests using the wand to control the corrupted dragon corpse, leading to an unexpected magical backlash.
(12:09 – 12:37) -
Magical Chaos Unleashed: The wand's spell, "snake release," causes uncontrollable gusts of wind, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of wild magic.
(09:03 – 12:37)
Notable Quotes:
-
Brian Murphy (DM): "That's why we were called Boggy's Blood."
(14:43) -
Emily Axford: "If this be poison, this poison be sweet."
(07:22)
The Collapsing Castle and Skill Challenges
The cave begins to collapse, forcing the party into a series of skill-based challenges to escape the crumbling fortress.
Key Challenges:
-
Navigating Through the Cave Beast: The party encounters grotesque creatures and must use strategic magic and combat skills to survive.
(04:00 – 09:12) -
Skill Challenge to Escape: The group undertakes a critical skill challenge, needing nine successes before six failures to escape before the castle collapses entirely. Throughout this, players utilize athletics, animal handling, perception, intimidation, and other skills to overcome obstacles.
(36:06 – 45:36)
Notable Moments:
-
Caldwell’s Creative Solutions: From suggesting burning the corrupted dragon to orchestrating acrobatic escapes, Caldwell's ingenuity shines.
(15:18 – 16:10) -
Jake's Tactical Moves: Jake attempts to manipulate the environment with his magic, leading to both successes and humorous setbacks.
(20:13 – 28:34)
Notable Quotes:
-
Murph (DM): "This is a skill challenge. You guys need to amass nine successes before six failures."
(34:38) -
Caldwell Tanner: "Sometimes the best way through is in. It's time for the annual Polar Bear plunge."
(44:10)
Rescue and Sacrifice
Amidst the chaos, the party successfully rescues Faye, a monk battling the Black Lace, but not without cost.
Key Actions:
-
Boggy's Desperation and Heroism: In a pivotal moment, Boggy accepts his potential demise but is saved by the timely intervention of the Wand of Wonder.
(47:43 – 50:12) -
Lila’s Deteriorating Condition: Despite their efforts, Lila's condition worsens, adding urgency to their mission to find a cure.
(52:12 – 53:25)
Notable Quotes:
-
Brian Murphy (DM): "They didn't say anything about when we needed to bring you back. We're allowed to mess around in the were down here for a little while if we'd like."
(12:58) -
Emily Axford: "I have feelings for you."
(33:31)
Climactic Escape
The party successfully escapes the collapsing castle just in time, but not without emotional and physical burdens.
Key Moments:
-
Final Athletic Checks: The group executes a final series of athletic challenges to climb out of the devastated castle.
(45:36 – 46:39) -
Dusting Off Debris: With the Wand's magic and their combined efforts, they emerge battered but alive under the starlit sky, only to face the heart-wrenching sight of Faye on the brink of death.
(49:17 – 54:24)
Notable Quotes:
-
Murph (DM): "You guys give me nature checks."
(54:21) -
Jake Hurwitz: "I'm really curious, but I actually really respect modesty, so I don't even look, Boggy."
(45:17 – 56:09)
Conclusion and Future Threads
As the episode concludes, the party grapples with the aftermath of their harrowing escape, including Faye's critical condition and the unresolved mysteries surrounding the Black Lace.
Key Points:
-
Hope and Determination: Under the celestial guidance of the "Voyager" constellation, the party pledges to find a cure for Faye and continue their quest against the dark forces.
(54:52 – 55:25) -
Emotional Farewells: The closing moments reflect the deep bonds forged through their trials, with characters expressing gratitude and determination to support one another.
(55:25 – 57:49)
Notable Quotes:
-
Caldwell Tanner: "Keep breathing. Can we give her a potion or something?"
(52:37) -
Brian Murphy (DM): "You have one more to get yourselves past this."
(44:10 – 55:25)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Caldwell Tanner: "Sometimes the best way through is in. It's time for the annual Polar Bear plunge."
(44:10) -
Emily Axford: "I have feelings for you."
(33:31) -
Chris: "If we're being raided and we show up without all of the bodies, oh, yeah."
(14:09) -
Brian Murphy (DM): "You guys give me nature checks."
(54:21) -
Caldwell Tanner: "You're too hot on yourself, friend."
(16:01)
Final Thoughts
Episode 11 of Not Another D&D Podcast masterfully blends high-stakes adventure with personal storytelling, humor, and emotional depth. As the party faces collapsing structures, dark magic, and personal losses, their camaraderie and ingenuity shine through. The introduction of unpredictable magic items like the Wand of Wonder adds layers of complexity, while the players' interactions provide both levity and profound moments. With Faye's fate hanging in the balance and the mysteries of the Black Lace still unresolved, listeners are left eager for the next installment in this riveting campaign.
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