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The gang splits up. The stars align and cast no shadow. In separation: terror and revelation. But it's pressure that makes the coal into diamond isn't it? And oh what stories that diamond could tell, of the phantom thread that unspools from cradle to the gory floor.

[If you listen to the show with young children, you might wanna give this ep a listen first.]

Catch the public feed to hear the episode with these links, or anywhere you get your podcasts:

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We recommend listening to Worlds Beyond Number (and the Fireside Feed) on a "podcatching" app like Overcast or Pocket Casts. For more help getting the right audio in the right place, check out our friendly instruction guide.

We are

Brennan Lee Mulligan

Erika Ishii

Aabria Iyengar

Lou Wilson

Produced, designed, and scored by Taylor Moore  at Fortunate Horse with exquisite design and editing help from Jared Olson.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Tazer Army, Shannon, and Amanda Freberg.

Album art by the great Corey Brickley

Files

Comments

Ryan L.

Yay! This news just made my day!🎉🎉🎉

Al

I'm not ready.

Sven the Scribe

Damn! What an amazing episode on all fronts. Timestamp for the warning: Approximately 25 minutes

Joshua

I love Tough so much!!! And I’m scared so much of Grimore. Wow! Is the golden thread Eursilon’s power, Ame’s power or something else? Idk I’m leaning Eursilon since we don’t know his subclass yet.

Anonymous Developer

Incredibly hilarious within Starlight Twinkle Butt's CENTURIES of Espionage and Juilliard acting PHD she got outed by a sentient Rock. "HOW DID YOU FIND OUT I MURDERED-" "Your coal told me :) :) :) We're friends now!!" No wonder everyone wants Ame dead these World-Heart Witches are Keter-class reality bending SCP's lol lmao even

Viola

I was washing my dishes with so much fear listening to the scene with Grimore— what beautiful terrible beautiful sound Taylor 💖

bloops

Mirara better step up because Indri and Grimore currently have her beat in the heebie jeebies department

Viola Helmers

Oh god the relief of Ame and Suvi finally hugging it out made me cry like a baby

JB

All I can think about every time they talk about Hynrul now is the omegaverse and I hate it

Maggie M

Man that one felt short even though it wasn't! That's what good storytelling will do. The narrative will fly by and you just want more.

Johnystoo

Tough is immediately my favorite spirit (not counting Eursolon)

Kael McDonald

The incredible whiplash between Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away that just happened omg

Kael McDonald

Taylor I gotta know, is that the Byzantar you were talking about in your AMA that we hear for a certain witch's motif?? I keep going back to listen to it because that sound is HAUNTING

Darcy Barlow

The pancakes are on the back of the shield because they’re just for him to see. To remind him what he’s protecting 😭

Jacob Nadel

I thought it was Ame, picking up on the sewing motif that came up a couple times through the episode (sewing her mouth shut etc). Had me in tears

lunarsummer

That motif is PERFECT. It LITERALLY makes me want to run

HexMix

Ame and Suvi finally hugging it out, and all it took was the brutal mauling of a wizard 😅😂

Melody Snow

OH MY GOD I have never been shook by an audio before in such terror as what happened in this episode.

Arien Crossby

That murder was right up there with Asmodeus skinning Zerxus 😱 but also my bet on the threads is they're the magic of Ame's station, and Eursulon can see it bc it's all mixed up with Spirit Stuff.

Amaya

I feel like we came down from mentor murder a little too quickly 😂 but I'll assume that that's because of the implication that there's a parade of apprentices getting iced (pun intended) if they start to show talent. Also seems pretty fucked that there doesn't appear to be a cosmic consequence for mentor/mentee murder considering Witches have retributive curses that basically double curse a person for harming something under the Witch's care. Certainly seems to imply that a Witch can harm things under their care all they want while also being under no obligation to reciprocate care given to them by a mentor

Louis Magallanes Jr.

Please tell me Suvi. Is over her anger with Ame or that Silver has been revealed as a bad guy… I need something to soothe me anxiety!!! (I just started)

Riga

Tears are streaming down my face with all this boot business

Tommy Deibel

By the gods, this episode was so good

Ren Dara

This episode was so intense. God that last scene was so tender and beautiful

Samantha

I just have a lot of feelings 🥲

Laurie Ashley

my soul is gone away and that episode felt far too short- WHAT DO THE STARS HAVE TO SAYYYYYYYY?? (don’t worry, was still given lots to chew on, I just am v excited for that plot device to play out :)))

Laurie Ashley

I really hope that we keep getting little art moments from Ersulon… like he’s tracking his adventures within the shield.

Michael Munene

Taylor Moore!! Got me in my feelings with that composition at the end of the episode. How dare you, good sir?!

Laurie Ashley

I feel like it was ame’s magic that Eursulon can see bc he’s a spirit?

PharaohNoir

You guys are incredible creators. I am swept away when listening to this story. Please don’t stop making incredible stories!

Fxd Gear Queer

I also read it as World's heart magic, as both instances were about connections.

Daniel Puck

Had to listen three times cuz I felt I hadn’t fully comprehended the entirety of what this episode contains. There’s so much. Omg the sound effects for the scene with Straw. The sound was so intense that I’m so very glad that this is only audio and not visual. I’d hate to watch, but listen, it’s a bit easier to handle. Awesome job, Taylor Moore!!! Striking awe with every episode!

Mike Histon

God damn! This episode! This chapter! So good!!

Lóre Stevens

Is the music box that Suvi was given related at all to the music box Eursalon received from Ame??? Is it the same music box? I feel like I missed something.

abardnamedkate

So many great scenes in this episode but honest to god my mouth hung open for a full minute, out of pure shock, when Straw got snatched up. I was just walk’n my dog and looked around agape as I tried to figure out “what, why, how, wha?!?!?” Did not see that coming. Amazing episode.

Matt Mayhem

I imagined Ame because we saw it first with the coal spirit, also the worlds heart is all about bringing people together (plus the ball of string and needle ame found in the keep) which seems fitting, as if Ame is slowly gaining the power of her station, and Eursalin can see it because it is of the spirit. ( I’m also wondering if the Gold string is the Ame/Worlds heart version of the Witches Aura (Indri-love and Grimore-terror)

Michael Redd

This is hands down my favorite episode

Khayroh

the greatest tragedy i know is that i can’t just listen to this story unfold all day every day forever

Noah FitzPatrick

Holy s**t. Holy s**t. Holy s**t (meant to be muttered quietly because that’s the only thing that feels appropriate)

FooldiverDX

Gomorrah enforcing her one rule was absolutely terrifying, but I love how magic works in this series.

Amaya

(Sorry for the long reply. I've been thinking about this a lot and find the world building fascinating) I feel like Ame as the arbiter of "what we owe each other" only works if the other Witches have the same view and are willing to acquiesce. Idk if you listen to the Fireside but Indry's beef with the station of the World's Heart is the extent to which that domain is prioritized since it is a domain of "selflessness". And thus more likely to get its way for the sake of togetherness. Also, the coven used to be larger and at least one of those stations stopped existing because the apprentice killed the mentor and refused to take up the station, leaving it unmanned. Which would further imply that no Witch of the World's Heart has been able to be a true authority when it comes to interwitch relations. And that there's no higher agreement entered into when a Witch chooses an apprentice/apprentice accepts. Like heavenly restrictions in JJK or Kurapika's binding vow in HunterxHunter. It just seems like a terrible self governing system to have when there doesn't appear to be a way to reconstitute a station once it is lost. There's no requirement that a Witch train an adequate successor, there's nothing binding an apprentice to an agreement, and there's no way to give a station to someone else in the face of a Witch behaving unethically (Indry). Until there's further information I can only assume she killed her mentor at a sign of reproach given that it was clear her mentor had the intent to have a successor, unlike Indry who refuses to cultivate talent.

Teryn

I need to see a visual of the end of this episode NOW 😭 it was so amazing

Trans Solidarity Forever

Does anyone know how long it usually takes after an episode for transcripts to be uploaded?

SapphoDyl

Holy hell that was good! The intensity of the instant follow through on consequence - Brennan holding the story true to its threats - really reinforces the stakes and how fkn powerful the forces that our dear players are interacting with are. Phenomenal! I do wish that Eursilon had a bit more “screen time” tho, because his solo scene felt pretty short by comparison. Overall I am absolutely loving the blend of Ghibli vibes we’re seeing, from Mononoke to Spirited Away to Kiki’s Delivery Service (with Eursilon just quietly working on his art skills on his own near the cozy & whimsical hearth of the Witch of the World’s Heart). Tysm to everyone who had a hand in putting this together! It is literally my favorite ttrpg & storytelling experience of all time 🧡

Noah FitzPatrick

I feel like it has to do with the witches’ individual anathema. Like Ame killing and eating someone would be her descent into wickedness but for the Witch of the Wild Hunt that’s just a Tuesday. So maybe it’s something similar for the Witch of the Wind and Stars? Or maybe she’s wicked already (looking at the class mechanics at least)? Very excited to hear more

Wiring Careful

Different music box! Introduced in episode 24 at about 1 hour 45 min.

Wiring Careful

I don’t think we’ve seen any of the “wicked” stuff in the witch class come up in the story yet.

Conor Steinke

I liked Tof and the fox hiding under a blanket of stars

Filius Viae

When was it mentioned before that the Wizard Straw was crying? Can not find where Eursulon clocked it.

Rain

Bro the way I am fiending for new episodes. What is in this podcast, fucking drugs???? What the fuck you guys 😭😂

Morgana Evenstar

I feel bad for the Wizard Straw and all, but I also keep hearing Suvi's remark from arc one about spirits in the mortal world in my head. Maybe when wizards come to the world of witches they get what they fucking get, mmm?

Amaya

I truly just want a lore dump about the Coven of Elders and the successes and short comings of every Witch that was once a member because Tough (Brennan) made a point to note that Witches that govern a station of the self/isolation don't have to be selfish and Suvi's realization that a Witch could pick a successor that's incompetent or has poor intentions really sets the stage for an in depth exploration of the history of the Coven as it relates to the themes of legacy and living up to the names of those that came before. But I'd also accept a rundown of how the Coven came to be and, if it's so important, whose bright idea it was to structure the lines of succession in this way. Certainly makes you wonder the degree to which hubris was involved. Everyone shits on the Wizards but the Witches aren't infallible and could very well have done some amount of moral grandstanding and thinking that Witches were too "above it all" and so in touch with the spirits that they couldn't possibly imagine a world in which Witches would fall prey to petty bickering and being power hungry and would let their hubris blind them to the point of unwillingness to take an apprentice, in turn letting an important station be lost to time

Katie

Respectfully Brennan, wkfjsvnakxjfhandjdb WHY?! But also I still love it. Help.

Amaya

You make an excellent point. While each Witch can personally manifest their domain in whatever way they see fit and could choose to value things like togetherness if they wanted to, it does certainly seem like they have no inclination to possibly because "right" and "wrong" are human concepts. A fire doesn't care who tends it so long as it burns, the reaching green only cares to grow, and stars don't care who they shine down on because all they wish for is to shine. The Witches seemed real touchy about the implication that a failing in their domain was harming Ame's domain and that's a complaint that can only come from a domain of togetherness. All the other Witches could be relatively apathetic when it comes to the dealings of their sisters because right and wrong aren't relevant to their lives, so who cares to classify something as Wickedness at an institutional level

CommodoreBlue

Was the actual nat 1 for Starw edited out? And Eursulon clocking Straw crying? Was that also edited out?

CommodoreBlue

I think it either happened off-mic, or got edited out. Same thing with whatever roll was made for Straw that ended in a nat 1

Kimberly W

My assumption was that the Nat1 was behind the board and revealed to the players in the moment we heard it, but that there had been speculation off-mic about what would happen if you failed on a nat1

Kimberly W

1. Holy shit... The other comments already convey the shock and awe quite thoroughly I think! 2. I cannot help but itch with so many questions that I want Ame to ask about the coven's history!! How did the coven get started/who brought all of these powerful stations together?? Was there a devastating conflict that lead to its creation like the UN? What would the consequences be if the coven was dissolved altogether? As mentioned in other comments, what are the consequences of witches abusing their power? What did Wren teach Ame about how to handle coven meetings, and if she didn't, why not? Can't believe we have to wait so long for more.......!!

Rain

I figured it out! It's a drug called Taylor Moore 😏

Hilary Willett

Ahhh! This episode! Omg. Indri is eeeeevil.

August Scott

I don’t understand the contract bit, can someone explain?

LuChiChi4

*chefs fucking kiss** whhhhyyy isn’t it 5 hrs long??

ceeg

Two Finger Toff. Great spirit, even better drag king name

Amaya

I could talk about the philosophies of the Coven of Elders for hours because the implications of what has been set up is deeply fascinating. Gotta find a listening buddy and treat it like a book club 😅

Melanie Garrett

Oh my god, the last two minutes was aftercare for the moment I need to dub “the big terrible”

Melanie Garrett

The contract was the “decoy plan” that Steele compelled Suvi to do. Grimoire was sending a message indicating that the witches were onto the citadel’s plot (it’s an implicit threat)

Eribu

"If you listen to the show with young children, you might wanna give this ep a listen first." sounds a lot like there's a content warning/note that this ep would benefit from.

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

I think both were from previous episodes. the nat 1 was for the wizards’ saving throws when they first met Indri, so that must have been Straw. and then I think Eursulon saw Straw crying when they were all gathering right before the conclave meeting

bloops

The Diamond that likes it Rough

Sydney Jay

Not to be dramatic but I would ✨️DIE✨️ for Tough 😭😭😭

bloops

It's the fake plan of the Wizards. Essentially, it's a magical contract that they'll make Ame sign so she'll be obligated to protect the Citadel from certain doom by making sure she properly argues for them. That's the fake plan Suvi and the wizards on the Meridian think is real (with the exception of the one guy that put away the Modify Memory Vial).

Sophie Rivers

such an emotional roller coaster, intreuged, Terrified, charmed, and Heart warmed. so excited for the next chapters of these four's story

ceeg

He likes his ladies hot and his hearth hotter

Frankimer

Yo this one is so wild I gotta do it again

Alec

Yeah it hurts my soul that these episodes aren't like each over 2 hours long. What do you mean I have to wait 2 weeks in the midst of the *best* campaign I have heard in years??? 😭 Thank you WBN and Taylor for everything

Alec

The witch of the wind and stars is absolutely eating people. She is bathing in all the blood of her apprentices and devouring them whole. None can replace her, and none can even measure up, and any threat will lead to whatever potential they have to extend her fucking life.

James Bixler

Well well well. There is much to say about this and the last episode. So much thought is crafted into this story by all of you. Taylor: Man, the way you vide with what is happening at the table and in this story is just.... Also taking the raw you get and crafting sound that hits all the right resonance of the story in a way that language just can’t always capture is honestly absolutely stunning. Your editing, sound design and music are a window for me into what is under an already rich fabric. It inspires me. The emotion you evoke is so much of what makes my observations and reflections about this magical thing you are all creating come alive. It stirs the coals and whispers encouragement to sink deeper and reflect more. I can’t even really find words, but that’s ok because you give me the sounds and music signifying everything. Thanks man. Really even though we don’t know each other…a deep well of gratitude is in my heart for what you craft. And now on the others. Oh Ame. Small stiches and knots weave the grandest of tapestries. She may be small, but perhaps that is a place the witch of the worlds heart thrives. Kindness reveals connections and history that the self might rather be lost or hidden. Indri perhaps mistakes kindness for weakness or sees it as a tool for only self-fulfillment. But Ame is kind and is rewarded by understanding. It is not the only aspect of the worlds heart, but it is one which Ame chooses despite her desire to make mean girls understand. Instead, she has thus far chosen kindness. Woe be it to the Coven or the world if she were to set her feet instead upon the path of making them understand. The Coven was luck with Wren I think, and now seeks to take advantage of Ame in her early springtime. They best not wound her and let her live…for the sake not just of the Coven but because there are probably much darker aspects of the worlds heart that all in Umora would tremble at. Can we imagine connection via forced understanding, via obedience, via required service? I think the Coven had a clear understanding about Wren, who might in her wisdom be able to embrace those aspects of heart and connection without destroying herself. With Ame though some of them seem sure enough that they might be minimizing a terrible risk. One might even believe that if the Coven does not succeed but injures Ame badly enough that the Machinery of Empire might just find a terrible heart to drive it to ruinous terrible order. I know this season is already recorded but in a fun fantastical way my advice to the Coven is that If you come at the Queen you best not miss. Urselon: Brilliant action in force followed by quiet reflection of love, family and the wisdom they bring in moments of pancake secrets. Just perfect. Wayshadowed he may be, but his other worldly way of being are so astoundingly subtle and crashingly loud that it is has all of my attention. I find myself going back and relistening to all of Ureslon’s scenes because Lou is a genius. I have never felt so strongly in any medium someone capture the alien nature of the benevolent Fea. I am wracking my brain to try to come up with a way to describe it. It's like uncanny valley but alluring instead of disturbing. Not totally alien, but more like being drawn to or in awe of something that shines with the light of a world of forms. It’s not human or maybe it is the distilled fluid essence of humanness? What does one call an impact like that? Ephemeral Vale? Empyrean Plateau? Gah!!!! Good lord I love this character!!!!!! Suvi. Dear Suvi. I love so much the little moments where I can catch my breath with this character. The hug. The question about how Ame knew to sing. Everything about how Abria plays out this character is so heartbreakingly honest. The tension of Suvi is the embodiment of how hard it is to escape one's injuries, all the while giving will to power energy that will not be undone, will not be bowed or broken. And better still that even small refuge (a summer with magical friends and the kindest wisest witch) can shelter an ember of hope. Hope for connection. Hope for healthy growth and change. Hope that this woman who values so much knowledge will come to understand herself. While I hold back as the fate has not yet been cast around her story, I do believe there is very strong potential for Suvi’s story to be one that embodies something our world desperately needs people to learn. And so, I will take a moment to wax poetic. Suvi’s story is one I might point to and say with confidence. look there! Look there all seekers of insight! What mirror does mine spirit behold! Me? Myself? Potential? A silvered reflecting wisdom from which I can only look away and turn inward. It shines such light as I look upon it that might grow from within me a verdant beauty. Its bounty then might be a living fruit to be given as a gift to others. Count it joy! And waxing poetic done. Thanks Abria. Really thank you. Brennan. What to say? Honestly man listening you bring this to life as the GM is somehow like watching a master dancer perfectly shift from celtic to tap to waltz to salsa all the while constructing a perfect huge Lego build and painting something akin to the beauty of starry night. It just takes my breath away. I will have more to say to you sir, once this chapter is done! I reserve my comments until I have had time to process, reflect on and digest the whole of this awe-inspiring juggling act you are managing with witch con. To all of you, thanks for taking up my head space. I have so much more to say to each of you but I think some of my reflections will not fully formed until chapter 3 reveals more to me. I wait with sincere giddy stupid big joyful excitement.

Ren Challacombe

and maybe if Grimore is gone with Ame she won’t have to compete for her dinner

Alec

That is my only small complaint of Lou playing Eursalon - sometimes it feels like he doesn't have a whole lot of agency in his choices. Like with Steel, Eursalon chose not to reveal more about his life when they were practicing. And here, Eursalon is just...painting. he's having fun, and being lovely. and there is a lot happening, and engaging with more stuff would certainly complicate stuff. Eursalon weirdly for a wild spirit feels very...uncomplicated? But I love it all the same. Lou is playing Eursalon in a very specific way I feel will pay off...later. I just hope we see more of that soon so he can take up more space :')

Alec

WHY IS IT ONLY AN HOUR LONG 😭😭😭😭

Ren Challacombe

glad the gym was empty when i was listening to this because oh boy i could not contain my reactions gosh golly that was an episode

Alec

I honestly feel that the Witch of Wind & Stars is allowing everyone to be killed so that her station can take up more purview. She gets more powerful by having everything under the "sky" (heh) of the wind and stars to be her whole selfish domain. I feel like her and Minthara have been eliminating people systematically for their own benefit for hundreds of years. That's just my speculation, though. They both seek oblivion for their own selfish ends, but why?

Alec

THE MOST HELPFUL PERSON IN THE ENTIRE CASTLE

Alec

a fuck ton of mustard. I'm mad that it's short but also feel I have to listen at least 3 times to take in every detail

Alec

I was driving to work and I still cried full tears while driving

Alec

I really gotta listen to the scene where Suvi enters the castle chambers from the airship to see how her retinue responded to everything...I always thought they were all in danger, but the fact it was so IMMEDIATE and abrupt is....terrifying in a way that nothing else is. These are truly monsters. I love it.

Alec

Also the real question I have is: how many of the witches we have seen are truly wicked? I honestly feel Grimoire is true to her domain so she's just a monstrous neutral party, she was kind to the other witch and was walking her in with a youngling in her arms (eating on a heart, might I add). But I truly feel Indry and Minthara are wicked...and the others are all "good" witches

thedragonllama

The music and sound pacing around THAT scene hit me in a way that no other podcast or DnD show has ever done: genuine fear. Also the moment and words shared between Ame and Suvi at the end of the ep gave me potential romantic vibes even tho I doubt it was played that way at all. Idk why maybe it was the strong protective and trusting vibes they had for each other. One heck of an ep!

thedragonllama

Actually heck, I might was well ask for the fireside: I had never felt a potential romance among PCs thus far in the campaign until the end of this episode, where Suvi and Ame embraced and found strength and comfort in each other. Listening back, did the players or brennan feel or read into any potential romantic vibes between Suvi and Ame, or was the scene purely a moment of the strongest kind of plutonic friendship? Thx!

thaesimir

I've struggled with liking Suvi for a while, to the point I honestly thought I wouldn't ever be a fan of the character. But I'll be gosh darned if that line "I *won't* let them hurt you" absolutely shattered that wall I'd put up in an instant. Absolute tears, both for the beauty of the scene and for finally letting go of the refusal to give Suvi a chance. My walls feel like they're coming down with Suvi's

Molly

”What other things has been left behind by the different witches that were in this keep?” One thing I realized listening to this episode is how great all three of you are at asking good questions when you do investigation checks! Would be nice to hear you reflect on investigation as a storytelling device from a dm+player perspective! Thanks for a beautiful story // Molly

SapphoDyl

How many folks find themselves wishing these were at least twice as long again?? Gah! Every episode is just so good, and two weeks feels like forever to wait for simply another hour. Although I imagine it likely makes the workload much more reasonable for Taylor & the editors, still… :’( I agree with Rain - y’all have created the first audio drug, and I am HOOKED!

SapphoDyl

I think the crying happened in/ around the scenes when the witches all split off to have their first meeting of the Conclave. The nat 1 happened when the Wizards of the Citadel were first introduced to Indry, which I do vaguely remember being mentioned, though possibly only in the Fireside Chat? I don’t think it was lingered on very long, as I only recall Brennan making a single comment about it.

Adarsh Nednur

I think Brennan's note on the fireside about the role of the Coven of Elders is really useful in this context: it's *not* a governing body, it's essentially the Witch UN. The Coven of Elders exists because it serves a communicative role—it is a forum where some of the most powerful witches from different domains can come together and discuss their concerns with each other about how the other domains are affecting and encroaching on theirs, and they can hash out disagreements in a way that other witches in the world are likely to respect. But it doesn't actually have any governing power, and I think that's essentially the same problem that the UN continually faces. That is, the UN doesn't have any enforcement power because, in practice, countries don't actually buy into the idea that their rights and desires should be limited in any way by what the others want. And in that way, it's essentially a chicken-or-egg problem. If countries actually bought into the "What we owe each other" perspective, we probably wouldn't need the UN in the first place to force them to consider others' wellbeing. And in a world where they *don't* buy in, the existence of the UN does very little to change that. Ame's role is kind of struggling under the weight of the same problem. A coven created to promote "togetherness" filled with witches who don't want to be beholden to "togetherness" is almost inevitably going to tear itself apart. It's no wonder that Ame's station and life are in danger. The one saving grace is that Ame is kind enough to build bridges, and sharp enough to avoid pitfalls and poke holes in the witches' armor. That's the only thing taking this from "impossible" to "very unlikely." I think the whole thing of, "If you get rid of me you will have to get rid of another station as well," is a way for Ame to make the case that, "Hey, you all want to get rid of me because none of you want to concede anything for the sake of the other witches. But what makes you think that what'll happen here is you getting everything you want and the others shutting up? The whole reason this deliberative body exists is because every time I make you sacrifice something for the others, I'm making them sacrifice something for you too. I might very well be the only thing standing between you and the abolition of your station, and the proof is the argument happening right now about who the other station to go should be, so you'd better think long and hard before you get rid of your last line of defense and set yourself up to get completely steamrolled and vaporized."

Matt Kilsby

I was going to make this exact same comment - I’ve never felt scared listening to a podcast before that moment. And I was driving along in broad daylight. So well done, I could SEE it. I could smell it 😰

Amaya

You're absolutely right. I forgot about the "Witch UN" comparison. I still feel like it's fucked that there seems to be nothing binding a witch to their word except a personal code but it makes sense if they're the UN. Cause that means the only thing Witches are really beholden to is something stronger than them or their own ego. Which circles back around to the most persuasive argument to keep Ame's station being that someone else has to go and it truly could be anyone.

Amaya

I imagine it to be similar to the motivations of Null in The Unsleeping City Chapter 2. In essence, they'd like for their to be nothing again so their domains can more or less devour the others

Elizabeth Boskey

"we are in different Ghibli movies" 🤣🤣🤣

Elizabeth Boskey

I am so fascinated by the idea of the reduction in seats on the coven as a way of limiting the power of the witch of the world’s heart that I don’t wanna ask about it because I want to see how it unfolds

TheloniousPunkyBrewster

For me the relative taciturn nature of Eursalon just accentuates the moments he -does- pick Will Gallows I think was my favorite example of it; actually now that I think of it, he was pretty ~wild~ through that whole arc, perhaps his time at the Citadel mollified him in some respects which I imagine he may be (ironically) sobering up from with the danger of the world rushing back into reality in force! Also; I cannot wait to listen to him and Wolfy-Hunk to ‘drink until they are sick’ Lou always knows how to bring the Pathos in seemingly silly scenes 💁🏻‍♀️

Tyrat

They addressed once the question of PC romance, and the answer was that its a horrible idea in three player campaign, because the other player will immediately be the third wheel. My guess is the party will remain in platonic, sworn sibling territory. Unless of course story developments will be beyond their original plans.

Finn

Thank you Taylor and sound team for NOT including the sound of everyone barfing 🤢

Finn

I realize this is silly because of the other gross sounds that were included but I’m grateful all the same

thebillmm

Incredible, incredible ep! Grimore is so terrifyingly powerful (got a bit of Neverafter Stepmother vibes by way of predatory primalism). Would love to know if she’s inspired by any mythology or a whole-cloth Brennan Lee Mulligan original monster.

expandingnebula

I am finally caught up and waiting 2 weeks for the next one is ROUGH! Amazing ep as always. I love the beautiful moment with Suvi and Ame - I’m so curious as to what Eursulan is feeling when he comes upon the scene! I also loved the slight ringing that disappeared once the scarf was thrown away and the incredible scene with Grimore and Suvi. So intense and so well done

Taylorea

I got story whiplash!! 😱🥰 Thanks Y’all!!

Emily C

HOLY SHIT I had only a few sips of coffee before the Grimoire scene and I'm lucky I wasn't taking a drink, hot DAMN. Now I want to relisten to the coven introduction episode; was it obvious to everyone that fleeing would lead to death? Or was that something known maybe by Ame, Suvi, and Eurselon? Also definitely whiplash from "blood for the blood God" to "oh a little coal spirit", though Tof definitely dropped a banger at the end that cracked me up. "Oh yeah Indre killed her. ANYWAY I gotta get going" LMAOOOOO, reminiscent of Brennan/Zac game changer scene, "Oh yeah I killed him."

Emily C

YES the sound and music was chilling

Noah FitzPatrick

Oh! Yeah, that’s a good point, I really want to the lore inspiration

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

I’ll probably say this a few more times during this chapter arc, but Aabria’s ability to seed her interactions with the hidden geas agenda is flat-out incredible. Suvi’s humming of The Rain Road to herself, asking Ame how she spontaneously got people to join in song, and even the way Suvi pretty much ignored the contract after Grimore handed it to her (knowing subconsciously it wasn’t actually important) all just fit sooooo naturally in the scenes you’d never think there was a hidden motive. Kudos to Brennan for devising such a fun setup, but just all the praise to Aabria on weaving it into the narrative so seamlessly

Caeodos

This show is so amazing, with such incredible storytelling, thank you so much for creating such fantastic content! I am so curious now what other spirits may be lurking around where they might find them, I wonder if Tof was always going to be there, or if they were improvised?

Abigail W

Knowing that Erika and Lou weren’t around to see Suvi’s encounter with Steele makes every moment even better! Aabria is navigating this gaes with such precision! It really adds to the tension knowing that the PCs aren’t just acting, but are truly in the dark.

Abigail W

Yes! Suvi asking Ame about the singing was such an incredible way to show the “justification” aspect of the compulsion!

Witch of the Widdle Wiggly Guys

In my head there's just a cut of like a tense battle with the witches and Suvi awkwardly trying to get everyone to sing a song together a la The Rain Road but its sooo tonally off lmao

Aussie Griffin

I think Eursulon could well be the hero of the next episode (as all drunken beats with magical weapons are when summoned to the realm of a murderous tyrant). Still, I wonder if he'll get to flex on some people (Lou is usually down for that). A.G.

expandingnebula

I think it’s SO interesting too!! And what a beautiful way of referencing how diverse voices strengthens the worlds heart

expandingnebula

Honestly, it reads as purely platonic to me. I think it’s a beautiful display of a deep intimacy and that doesn’t need to be romantic — which is lovely!! We need more stories without romances! Maybe could be considered queerplatonic.

Glen Petrofski

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! I think Grimoire actually did Suvi a favour. Could you imagine what would have happened if Straw was left to seek out Indri and share all of what she knew about the citadel? She didn't try to intimidate Suvi either, just do what her station is. She is the wild hunt. Any that run in her company she is compelled to hunt and will catch them. And I love her even more. Suvi in her bravery I think also garnered some respect from her. But Secret, so sweet in his own way. That little throw away about the ear worm with that unconscious gaes working on her, asking how Ame knew to lead them in song during the fight in Port Tallen was just perfection👌 Wonder who she will get to sing at dinner or if she will try and bring them all in the rain road or perhaps asking each of them a song of their station? Ame getting to see Rens first conclave with Indri much like her first and talking with Indri. The interaction with coal spirit talking about there needs to be more for the jobs reminds me of Ren saying there used to be more but now she is the last makes me wonder how if she was talking about others in the coven who tended to he world's heart in different ways (watching fire) or if she is talking about in the world as a whole? Eursulon with his connection to his family from Faerie on the inside of his shield facing him as if a special reminder just for him. I am looking forward to this coming back later on. I wonder if when they go back RoRo will see it and imbue some of his magic in it. His sister better get to meet his other sisters or at least, she passed to Faerie so the world does not lose such an important spirit.

Aussie Griffin

I loved the musucal influences in this episode. Also the Wizard Sworn casts Hold Monster (5th level enchantment), yet with Transmutation speciality he could have also tried resolving the situation with: Polymorph (turn the witch into a flumph?), Blink (Take six seconds in the Ethereal Plane to re-group), Maximilian's Earthen Grasp would have annoyed the witch for six seconds (She could take 2d6 bludgeoning damage), and Mold Earth could have slowed both of them down. A.G.

thedragonllama

Def would be down for it to be purely platonic and the scene and bond was so impactful any way you see it! Also I am now just remembering the talk of small party PC romance being a bit messy for this campaign... for now lol

Beanz

This is a legitimate point to make.

Beanz

I'm rewinding through the whole North Pole section and all the things I forgot y'all mentioned already: - Brennan saying someone got a nat 1 on their check with Indri - Ame coming to the conclusion that a second station being eliminated is important to why she's being targeted - that the contract was a thing and that we knew Straw had it - commentary on witch apprentices - the first interaction with Nief involved a >20 Insight check. I got distracted from thinking about what a nat 1 could do in this situation. Too much glorious shit in the background. >.> Indri picked a scarf with Suvi's colors and using the peacock eyes is a brilliant detail. Not just gorgeous but the implication of mesmerism. Also, Suvi is wearing that scarf when she enters the star library and Brennan's response to Suvi's 15 Perception check is that she ~detects no one following her. Isn't our moss faceplant witch old af and without an apprentice? She might be the next "easiest" to eliminate? Do the duties or powers of previous witch stations get redistributed to the remaining witches? Also, i found it interesting that a music box was the choice for this. Reminds me of Ursalon having a music box in the early days.

Kimberly W

Re-listening to Ame's arrival in the North Pole, and Indry's toast "To losing our breath in the very best of ways" hits SO MUCH DIFFERENT NOW...

Beanz

What attack? When did Ame lead anyone in song? OH WAIT Are you talking about the Port Talon ending? Oh god. AABRIA. HOW DO YOUR GEARS WORK?

Viola Helmers

Yeah I don't think there will be any PC romance in this campaign. And for this scene, I actually feel it's more impactful if it's just friends reconnecting and hugging it out and burying a grudge. It made me cry as is and I don't need any romantic feelings in the mix there.

Nina

The library of stars containing the stars' memories is such a cool idea! I'm deeply in love with it, I really hope we're gonna see (listen?) more about the library, also considering that the music box is in there

unlikelyzero

This show is just fantastic.

Witch of the Winding Path

You guys are doing it over and over again! I love this so much. And excuse me Ame(!): „You don‘t ever know, you trust.“ 🥹🥹 help me out of this existential pile that is my tears. I love this show and all of you creating together ✨

Shelby Welby

So good. I’m listening for the fourth time now

flyingwriter

Every single episode is absolutely masterful. Love love love this

Aviva

Real talk. She’s so goddamn ruthless.

Aviva

Sworn cast Hold Person on Suvi, which is a 2nd level enchantment. Acting against Grimore would have made that situation and the rest of the conclave much, much different.

Aviva

I’d bet good money he was improvised. Brennan found a fun way to share some background info based on Ame’s check because he just balls so hard like that.

Aviva

That was, what, two months ago for them? And within a few weeks of them reuniting after so many years apart. It’s perfect. It naturally springboards directly out of Suvi’s clarity and perspective on Ame in the enormous boots of The World’s Heart, and straight into the heart of the geas. I am truly in awe of Aabria’s talent and brain and badassery, and the oh so subtle yet incredibly masterful way that she and Brennan play off of each other to move the geas forward. So so fucking cool.

Aviva

I dearly want Eursulon to paint Ame and Suvi in that cat’s cradle of golden thread. Like so very badly. I’d settle for fan art in a pinch though. 😂

Aviva

Full throated seconding this! I would gleefully listen to a whole bonus fireside about skill checks in storytelling. They so often make it seem effortless but it’s so masterfully done. The questions they ask. The options Brennan gives them and what they might glean from each. Obviously we all vibe with their camaraderie and goofiness in the fireside, but I want to hear more from all 5+ of them about their masterful storytelling. 🥺

Aviva

Iron. Like blood, but worse. 😨

Aviva

Suvi is a difficult person to get a hold on. In my mind, everything about her is framed in the context of trauma, the enormous weight of expectation, and the omnipresent, insidious influence of the Citadel. How many times have we seen her school herself? Tamp down her own anxieties and fears in service to the, frankly, overzealous nationalism that is virtually unquestioned within the Erien? Virtually every aspect of her life is pulled whole-cloth from the norms of the Citadel. Two of her three families, every second of formal education, career, social experiences, all but 2 friends, her home, her favorite foods, most of her “firsts,” her lovers, her books, much of her connection to her parents, her father’s ring—the list is endless. Over 99% of the breaths she has drawn were within the confines of that glass tower in the desert. Opulent and enormous and majestic and awe inspiring as those confines may be, they have been all-encompassing. They all strive to give themselves to the Glorious Cause™. Every time Suvi does something that frustrates or angers or even disgusts me, I feel that niggling awareness that she has been heavily groomed to be a certain way. She is still fiercely loyal and loving of her chosen siblings, and has shown these gleaming flashes of profound feeling and resolve. Anyway, this comment really got away from me. I guess what I’m really saying is that even though I don’t always like Suvi, I do care about her a great deal and I *love* the way Aabria plays her. She’s such a complex, troubled character who looks for all the world like her shit is the most together that anyone’s shit has ever been. And yeah. Right in the feels. 🥹

thaesimir

Oh, I absolutely agree that Abria is playing her wonderfully. Thank you for this comment, because it honestly helped me reframe a lot of my frustrations and let me really see that it's the Citadel I have issues with, not Suvi. Gods this story is really, really good

Aviva

I see no overstatement here. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Aviva

Yooo.

Aviva

I want Eursalon to paint it! 🥹

Aviva

Taylor rules.

Aviva

You can’t unhear it.

Aviva

She’s slacking hard.

Aviva

Bump bump bumpity bump!

Aviva

I heard it in Brennan’s voice and I ain’t even mad.

Aviva

“The fox is hiding… *under* … a pile of ✨***stars***✨.”

Kimberly W

When Suvi started humming I got mildly terrified for her about this gaes because Steel made it very clear that the song component needed to be from someone not of the Citadel... gah, can't believe we have to wait so long for the next one!!

NightSoup

Ame sewing her promise to the coal spirit made me realize that the song "Oh Had I A Golden Thread" absolutely needs to be on playlists for Ame. Many blues and folk singers have recorded it, but I mostly know the Pete Seeger with a banjo version. Oh had I a golden thread And a needle so fine I would weave a magic spell Of rainbow design Of rainbow design In it I would weave the bravery Of women giving birth And in it I would weave the innocence Of the children over all the earth Children of all the earth In it I would weave the restlessness Of men going ever forth Through heat of blistering desert sands And blizzards of the north Through the frozen north (in another version, "through our frozen hearts") Far over the waters I'd reach my magic band (Band that you're weaving with the golden thread, but maybe magic band like a very magical party of individuals) Through fallen cities To every single land To every land Show my brothers and my sisters My rainbow design Bind up this sorry world With hand and heart and mind Hand and heart and mind (Not a bad description of Eursulon + Ame + Suvi) Far over the waters I'd reach my magic band To every human being So they'd understand So they'd understand Oh had I a golden thread And a needle so fine I'd weave a magic spell Of rainbow design Of rainbow design https://youtu.be/1mRym1oJ1mk?si=uYM6mRLAWyhNfS4V

Cleo Bear

I love the conflict between the PCs even tho it stresses me out because it makes the reunion so sweet!! That ame and suvi hug and discussion of trust 🥰

Glen Petrofski

The thread symbology is in so much folklore. But don't think I've heard this song before. Thanks for the rec

Jenn with two Ns

HOLY FUCK Y'ALL! Absolutely did not expect the extreme Gramore horror. I don't know why because it fits the narrative timetable but DAMN.

Jenn with two Ns

My teeth are so on edge that none of the PCs have caught on; a drunk Ursulon is probably a shitty protector and MAYBE that's the point.

NightSoup

Yeah, I started loving this song when I was making a D&D character who does knot magic, which turns out has been a part of cultures all around the world. Glad to introduce it to someone.

Michael Camargo

QUESTION FOR AABRIA: Part of me wants to think that the reason Suvi was able to stare down Grimore and hold her ground was due in part to her steadfast belligerence against Yorin. Both take the form of beasts and are of spirit nature (Yorin less so). Was there any connection to Yorin that may have been running through Suvi's mind, almost like she was preparing for when she does have to face him?

Squares

Likely for engagement and statistics stuff

C. A. Whyse

Late to the party, been a crazy week. This episode was intense in all the right ways. The music leading to the Straw scene sent chills down my spine. My favorite line was where Brennan described Fox sticking his "dirty little paws" somewhere sacred, and just made me love Fox even more. Also, as a Suvi apologist, BOOYAH, BABY! That's how you play a foil/rival/sister! I saw this coming miles away, and I knew it would take something dramatic to sway The Wizard Sky from her lofty position. Aabria, you are brilliant in leaning into the cues while remembering what this story is about. The strength it takes to make those difficult, sometimes world-breaking decisions never ceases to amaze me and I sing your praises. You all are amazing, and this is giving radio show with dice. I look forward to many more episodes to come.

Jenny Roberson (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-08 21:00 Hey y'all I went all out on reddit with my theories for what is to come but there alllllll these odd threads and foreshadowing especially upon listening to "Hold on Tight" "Say my Name" and "Later than you Think" again- if y'all like to get deep into theory crafting and whatnot I suggest going back to those episodes because they reminded me of all the other context of what tf is going on at this Conclave
2024-06-10 15:10

Glen Petrofski

I think that when Ame got hit by the Chalice it was the witch of the waning moon given the description that was used.

Glen Petrofski

Generally people who listen to podcasts will use a podcasting app for ease of use rather than having to go to the individual site/patreon page or music app.

Aviva

Oh that gives me warm fuzzies.🥰 We can have complicated feelings about Suvi together. Haha It really is just so, so good.

Aussie Griffin

Fair points one and all, yet I ask: Would it be something the Citadel could make into something beneficial? A.G.

vvitch

Strangely, I do not feel that minthara is wicked, but has a specific agenda beyond anyhting we can see at the moment. indri though....

Alec

Also RIP ME I have been playing too much Baldur's Gate 3 and said Minthara instead of Mirara 😭

Warlock Fulltime

Every episode hurls me through the emotional spectrum but, my gods, this one was a R O L L E R C O A S T E R

lunarsummer

No no, I'm invested in this outcome already 😂 save yourselves, go on without me

robo

becky with the fad diet thinks she's the goddess of the hunt

Carly G.

THANK YOU for this! I really wish they did misophonia timestamps for this pod. It makes such a difference.

Sil

I am not a musician by any stretch, but Tough's (like Cough, with a T 😉) theme with the ?chimes, I didn't appreciate the first time round as much as I did this time. Thank you for making this so immersive, Taylor.

Alyssa

The ear ringing sound effect with Grimoire was wild