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The arc is now over and it's time to part ways. You've got a long trip ahead of you, why don't you take one for the road? A memento of our time together in the North. Now that the accounts are settled and the elders have a new project to keep them busy, collect your parting gifts, consolation prizes, gift bags, powerful arcane devices, your phone charger and the doggie bag, and then a wandering we will go. Be careful out there, the weather can get rough.

Thanks for coming along with us on our journey to the North Pole, and keep an ear out for our announcement about the release lineup for September! 

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. We opposite-of-recommend listening on Youtube Music, which is bad. 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

Chris

SECOND

EisKat

Nobody panic. There is now enough episodes to relisten every day through down time! Not that I would do such thing… (I will)

sammalama

I HAVE NEVER CLICKED A NOTIFICATION FASTER THAN THIS

domino

You know, I love this podcast, but catching up for the first time during the middle of this arc has…been… WICKED (I caught up when ursulon was swallowed by that chest, and I scrumpt a scream I never scrumpt before)

CommodoreBlue

Hell yeah!! Can’t wait to listen to this later today

Cody Zimmer

My body half woke up at 5am expecting to get a notification that the episode dropped. These 11am drops are probably better for my sleeping health. 😆

João Padinha

The arc finales always terrify me

Maya B

You simply posted this the moment I sat down to get some work done… this will be a true test of my ADHD focus strategies. (Which will start with me posting this comment and then throwing my phone across the room)

Kael McDonald

Heard this in my mind like that video of the kid dying of thirst immediately after eating a Popeye's biscuit

432juan

Y'all got me teary-eyed at work, at my desk, at 8:18 in the morning!

Kael McDonald

I HAVE SHIT TO DO (jk please never stop interrupting my life with this incredible story thanks ilu thanks)

Ben Southard

Getting this notification NEVER fails to cheer me up. Love y'all.

BethKF

!!! Will be listening as night falls on a train heading south from the Scottish Highlands, all in all it feels pretty appropriate. But please don’t make me cry Brennan 😰😬

Sylvia

Let's GOOOOOO

Morgana Evenstar

Today's a good day to get emotionally obliterated!

Boston

FINALLY!!

Fxd Gear Queer

Sending focus spoons! I'm done for the day and have some left over.

Ashley Teatum

"Something to remember you by" LORDT 👀👀👀 (let's goooo)

expandingnebula

i am soooo nervous about my poor lil heart for the end of this Arc!

Hannah

Honor, pride, service, AND devotion!!???? SILVER!!!!!!!

Genna

This ep title.... I'm deceased this is not okay. YOU KNOW WBAT YOU'RE DOING 😮😯😲😬😬😬😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️😶‍🌫️🤢🤮

Genna

LETS GOOOO

Blaize Gordon

Finally fully caught up and not listening on YouTube! Let's go!!!!

Daniel Wong

I need Wavebreaker Keyblade art please!!

Emily

Hakea, my beloved, Let us speak of war! Brennan truly pulling off that same feeling of when the Ents moved on Isengard in Two Towers!! No tower is built so high that it is removed from the forces of the wild or the wood, still hold that deep and bark conviction

DaphneDawn

This is the sound of me losing my mind

Jürgen

Good gods what an episode! Some thoughts: Couldn’t one other person have asked Tefmet how they knew that the discs in the warehouse were bound for the citadel? I understand that all signs point to that conclusion, and yet they weren’t found on a boat or carrier vessel, where a captain gave up their destination. They were found in a warehouse and we only have her word as to their final destination. Their countenance and delivery are as true and honest-seeming as Steel, and yet I believe the only person who has insight-checked them was Suvi (unsuccessfully, under exhaustion conditions). Not entertaining the slightest possibility of ulterior motives is odd. You know…given that the outcome is war?

sylvie

DUDE WHAT

Ashley Teatum

50 min mark: The waaaay BLeeM just sets up the characterrrrrrs for splitting uppppppp at the end of the arcccccc 💀😭

Emily

SUCH an amazing episode with so much heart and fantastic moves and then a chilling final beat for the conclusion to this arc!!! So excited for more :)) Thank y’all for such a wonderful story

Faye Core

Tephmet uses they/them pronouns

Amaya

Yeah I definitely feel like some further digging should've been done especially after last episode when Mirara talked about "humanity being brought to heel" when that's not how working with the Man in Black was presented. I feel like Tefmet's cause is just being used as a means to an end and they don't really care about verification because of confirmation bias and Mirara wanting to align the Coven with the MiB while Indry would be happy to see her sisters destroyed so she can have her Coven of one.

Kiera Faye

You've got this!! You have something wonderful to look forward to!

Jürgen

You are absolutely correct and I will adjust that now. Thank you for pointing that out.

Amaya

The 180 tone shift in letting the arc end with a goofy heist and hasty getaway is the exact levity I needed

Amaya

I love that Suvi's reached the point where she's not holding herself back from telling people she loves them when saying goodbye. The weight of her and Eursulon saying they loved each other in the face of impending war was so heartfelt

Raquel Albert

Inserts meme from the Simpson with Ralph saying "I'm in danger"

xatlern

You know what would be so poetic and delicious? Using the wand to give Níf her own station.

Lifetime of stories

I was hoping toff the diamond spirit would remember/know enough to teach Nif how to become the next witch of the watching fire

Michelle Spurgeon

Incredible job! Bummed that we are leaving the arc split just like we came in. Can't wait to see what else happens. Also, that epilogue, I was screaming, "go back inside, old man!"

Brian Sexton

Hey uhh, Brennan, quick question, WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK??????

Brian Sexton

That end credit scene holy shit my brain is going crazy

Bern

Guys! Don't make me cry at my PD training lunch!! ... Dammit too late.

tayycro

post credits scene?!?!?!?!? Also as soon as Nief (sp?) walked up mid heist I was like, oh she's dead. She's dead, if you don't take her with you will be responsible for this child's death. thank the GODS Brennan clarified that with a roll bc I was LOSING MY EVERLOVING MIND THAT THEY CONDEMNED THIS CHILD TO DEATH WITH QUEST FEVER

Shannon Brooks

Just an incredible episode! From the phenomenal scoring of the music by Taylor to evoke the feeling of frigid cold, to our characters making split decisions true to their core nature, to the vivid imagery of the wand heist, the dice telling the story with CLUTCH rolls, hitting every emotional beat at the perfect nanosecond! A very EPIC episode… But you know what I’m going to ask, Brennan. You mention a big powerful frozen bird spirit… Show me the big powerful frozen BIRD FACTS 😂

Tam

I have so many questions about the nature of spirits and mortals based on that end credit scene. Those Sir Curran parallels have me both scared and excited for the next arc

kaguya_yoru

Taylor's sound design completely blows me away week after week. That marching bass line coming in when Suvi asks about the witches moving on the Citadel? 🧑🏾‍🍳💋 I literally immediately rewound just to hear it again 🔥🔥🔥

Barron Botts

If you are wise and war-seeking, you know better than to suggest war may not be necessary. Leave that to those who would benefit from not warring.

Barron Botts

Eursolon alone with an idea in mind of someone to speak to is always interesting.

Ajax

Tephmet has been described as "the most attractive person you've ever seen". Were they chosen, by their library, to come to Witch-Con because they have the highest Charisma?

Tijay Arnie

I just realised that if this was a scripted story, the oracle said exactly what was needed to get the outcome that was needed, not necessarily the truth

Amber Prophet

Wow! Well first off, it was a mistake for me to start listening on my commute home and right off the bat try to control my ugly crying on the train and the supermarket. But then this episode also managed to take me through the full spectrum of emotions so I was cheering and laughing when on the bus with my groceries. And then my God I was signing a big satisfied sigh when you whacked me round the head with those distorted credits and extra treat at the end! Just phenomenal. I have no idea how you keep making this better and better but you do and I love it.

Amaya

Lol yes but that'll be staying in a box in the back of my brain until the next arc drops

sammalama

This episode was phenomenal. Im so excited for what's to come for all our characters. The sound was on POINT here (Great job, Taylor) and everyone was so GOOD

Noah

heard this in Erika's voice

Samuel Gray

Can anyone explain to this poor soul why Hecate was awakened by the fact that the pilgrim under stars had infiltrated her retinue and was performing violence upon her sisters retinue, but then votes to join the pilgrim under stars? I get that she’s horny for war now, but surely she can do that without the stranger in black?

João Padinha

I think Ame is steadily becoming more cunning as the story goes on so... give the Fox more HP thank you #buffthefox

Arthur

For anyone wondering why a certain name is sitting on their shoulder like a little gremlin twelve brooks 8:49

Genna

Wait wait !! Which name!! At that timestamp for me it's just Brennan saying "twelve brooks"

Genna

1.5 hours in (+a few min): THANK YOU TOFF ✨

Lance Carmack

Incredible as always. And the sound design for the Roc? Phenomenal.

Cheese

YIPPEE NEW EPISODE hey why is there ten minutes left after the credits--

catrinevansvlogs -

"she feels the whirring of a machine that is well oiled and well practiced...and for the first time shuts it off" THATS WHAT IM FUCKIN TALKING ABOUT

astrolotree

Fantastic episode. But like. I was towards then end and sent in a server I was in: “Brennan why are there seven minutes left.”

Cheese

hi i'm sweating

Xanian Jamfalcon

Unreal ep. The after-credits. More of that please.

Shalea Rhodes

I have so many questions and concerns.

Rachael

“I hate quest fever so much.” But AABRIA. IT’S FUN!!!

Cole Carolan

There are trains?! Magic trains, yes, thank you.

Dan

Wish I could heart this twice.

Melissa Shilale

Don’t mind me, just crying about a pocket watch, also gasped at trains

mguin

Just finished it. A postscript buried within the credits! The sparkling audacity

Michael Munene

Taylor and Jared! The tag team Archmages of this Soundscape! The composition of this episode was just wild, especially for Indri's Treasure Room, that had me thinking of the Cave of Wonders from Alladin. There's so much depth, and richness, throughout. Y'all outdid yourselves again!

Sean Britcher

If that scene means what i think it means... oh fuck tasty tasty drama

mguin

The phrasing there is everything - what sort of watchman do we have, and how would he weigh his odds. The uncertainty twinges beautifully

Sean Britcher

The Man in Black needs someone to wield his sword... should have seen this coming once Eursulon turned him down

Andrew Guthy

Hey, I feel silly asking but the last episode was really intense. Would anyone who listened be able to tell me if this episode ends on a low note? I'm nervous to listen.

Sean Britcher

I mean, even if Ame doesn't take her as an apprentice, maybe Nief can actually become a witch in her own right and not be another in a line of apprentices to the Witch of Wind and Stars

Sean Britcher

I feel like Toff will turn back up again at some point. *stares at Brennan*

Jenny

The difference between Suvi’s reaction to Ame ‘running away’ and Ame’s reaction now to Suvi leaving says so much about how deep Erika and Aabria have developed these characters.

Sean Britcher

Need to break out the Good Society rules from A Court of Fae and Flowers.

Susannah B.

"Did it not have a glass covering as well?" The gasp that I gusped

BethKF

Listening as the mountains were swallowed by waves of mist & rain, then darkness, was absolutely magical. Only wish it was winter and snowy! In fairness for once Brennan didn’t make me cry, Suvi & Eursulon had me looking out the window fixedly at times though, but for the most part I was just fighting not to look too overexcited. Awesome end to the arc, just so good. Cliffhanger Hell as usual though, how long do I have to live with this one?! Will be PEMing hard for the next few days and as soon as I’m well enough I’m 💯 going to listen to the whole arc, start to finish, like an audiobook.

Cheese

Not at all! It feels like the ending of a chapter and the teasing of a new one.

Casey Furtado

A shield, with a Hawthorn tree on it—on his way back from STARLING’S FORD??

Beau R.

Poor Abria lol. Anytime Suvie has a traumatic moment the other 2 have insane quest fever. It’s so funny to me but also kinda sad :(. I want Suvie to be able to have her little light hearted hi-jinx moment. Very fun finish to Arc 3

Casey Furtado

We can use your comment as a second like button for the first comment 👉👈

Faith Price

I think it has more to do with the citadel destroying the jungle in order to create the desert?

Faith Price

Not trying to sound sarcastic, that's what I genuinely believe is her reasoning

tayycro

I'm not even saying as an apprentice I was just saying in general. Leaving the kid there was a death sentence and they weren't gonna do it until Brennan called for the roll and told them she'd be dead if they didn't. But yeah, now she has a future.

tayycro

HECK YEAH JUSTIFICATION MACHINE IS POWERED DOWN BABY...at least temporarily haha

tayycro

she is me, we are one. quest fever almost got neif killed 😅

tayycro

Lol Suvi is sadly in a different movie.

Ryan L.

Oh the feels

TheloniousPunkyBrewster

Gods; the explanation/ narrative execution of the pocket watch 🙇🏻‍♀️ Also, the perfect item to facilitate and fuel (narrative!)quest fever!!⚔️🛡️ The perfect gift from an opponent that seeks to convince somebody of a common goal, and/or actually share that common goal. (Jury will deliberate, but, The Man In Black is the entire high leadership of Rhuv based upon impersonating 8 different powerful patrons to the Warlock leaders right ? So that's kinda sketch 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Jordan Youssef

I, much like Aabria Iyengar, hate quest fever! But it does create some great stories; I thoroughly enjoyed how things played out *because* they were unable to grab all the treasures, not in spite of it. Buttttt the Fox still has those keys in his stomach… perhaps they will serve a purpose some day in the long future 👀

Jordan Youssef

What a finale to this arc!!! The way you all navigate storytelling is nothing short of masterful! *chef’s kiss* And that post-credit scene??? I’m so curious to know if the players were in the room with Brennan when he played that out, or if it was as much of a surprise for them as it was for us..

ceeg

You create an environment of ice and solitude, a conclave of deceit and destruction, you intimidate and berate and act only for the self… The moment a witch and a Wild One are free from your grasp, uh yeah, that’s Quest Fever time baby

ceeg

TRAINS???????

sylvie

no WAY

Jordan Youssef

I’d like to think that Indri can disown Neif and pick a new apprentice now that she’s been kidnapped (since apprentices can abandon their station I imagine the current witch can kick them out too), which would lead to a life where Neif could find true freedom from Indri’s grasp. But… I wonder if she will all things considered…

Jordan Youssef

I have so many thoughts about this episode!!! One of the (many) things I found to be funny is Brennan pulling his real life experience with what would be Level 3 Exhaustion (Season 1; Episode 4 of Dirty Laundry on Dropout.tv) to describe to Suvi how she feels with Level 2 Exhaustion

Lucas Curio

I’ve started reading the transcripts of world beyond number to my boyfriend cause he loves the world but can’t listen to podcasts with his sensory issues but he loves when I read it to him in bed. I just wanted to thank you for making this world we can share together.

Sil

This brings me so much joy to even hear about. My partner has started listening to this podcast with me as well so I have someone I can squeal to with all my feelings. Even as adults, there is a deep love for the bedtime story and being read to 🩵

Sil

Taylor, that piano at the beginning with Suvi & Eursalon - not sure who deserves the credit or if it's shared between you and Jared, but I heard it so well that I had to go back three times to process what was actually being said 🥹 I would pay for sheet music of it.

Sil

The Wizards' Soundscape - first and second of the name! 😁

Sil

The sparkling audacity... I'm stealing that!

Sil

THIS IS WHERE WE RADICALISE NEVEAH!! LION KING/ HAMLET TF OUT OF THIS!

Sil

Aabria 🥺 this is the second time you've given me a quote for a tattoo 😭 Let me be clear, there is nowhere you need me that can keep me from you. I will burn down the world to make my way to you 🩵😭🫱🏼‍🫲🏾

Sil

Best follow up 🤣

Sil

I listened to it way too many times when it came out that I knew as soon as he said the name of the river 🤣

Sil

Also, I have committed a heinous amount of call avoidance during my shift just so I can action correspondence and listen to this 🤣

Sil

Revenge arc for her is my vote! Burn it down!

Sil

I know this is what we should expect from people re. Pronouns when getting them incorrect, but I would still like to really thank you as someone who uses they/them and frequently has to correct people who respond with much less grace.

Sil

...I never realised I did too. But there are some close adjacents from Aqua/ Birth By Sleep

Sil

It was 1am my time when this came out, last month of winter and slight breeze of coming spring - perfect for the moment between Eursalon and Suvi

worldsbeyondnumber

They very much were not. They heard it at the same time you did! Who podcasts the podcasters? -t

The Wizard Scam

omg I neeed Ame to train Neif to be the new Witch of the Watching Fire, she could finally be warm :(!!

Kimberly W

And Ame has the covenant wand now...

tayycro

A very good point!!!

Rachel Sims

i just desperately need the score on spotify so i can listen to it while i work. absolutely incredible work as always

Safyre Black

The emotional whiplash of laughing so hard I'm crying, only to continue crying in horror... This is so much fun to listen to!

Ammar Khalid

BRENNAN STOP LEAVING US THESE TEMPTING BREADCRUMBS. My inner Charlie Kelly is going overboard now on the conspiracy board

Megs

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

Nathan

Do I smell a new interlude brewing

Andrea Rico

Agree I’m unclear on the line of thinking. What is her rational? Is this clever undercover work?

Stone Pengelly

The build up to the Knocker, and it’s not even what Indri cares most about is WILD!! The combination of insane rolls, and Poor Neif added the smallest bit of comedy without taking any of the tension away! OMG THIS CLIFFHANGAR

Paul Hilliard

Ursalon befriending Tephmet makes so much sense to me because he shares his curiousity of magic and his respect of it as something almost sacred

Samuel Gray

I think this is a good reason! There are plenty of reasons to hate the citadel- it doesn’t explain the motivational 180 though. “Im steaming cross about the stranger infiltrating my retinue” doesn’t exactly flow into “let’s get in bed with the stranger”. I feel like there are a million better ways to go about the task which don’t include hitching your wagon to someone happy with cursing one of your sisters and attacking their successor

Sil

59:42 - can someone educate my white ass? "Gang-gee?"

Samuel Gray

Also my apologies for misspelling Hakea, I’ve been playing too much Hades II

K80

Grandma

K80

I had this thought too!

Sil

Thought so! But the internet was useless when I tried to figure it out

Sawyer Ranum

I think the man in black either is sir Curran or is gonna bring him back to be his champion

The Wizard Sparrow

I was thinking the same thing… well I have to go back and listen to more episodes and put the pieces together

The Wizard Sparrow

When I started my day, excited, knowing that an episode was coming out. And I had about an hour before I started work, thinking I’ll have plenty of time….hahaha. I listened to this episode in chunks… so much happened especially in the last like 40 minutes. This story is phenomenal. I don’t understand how I’m gonna wait a week for the fire chat side and then another week for another episode. I just want you to know. I am screaming in my apartment as I talk text this message 😂.

The Wizard Seek

I think I felt the full spectrum of emotions on this one, gang, and ooh BOY is the conspiracy board cooking.

The Wizard Sparrow

The fox wanted to hold two keys. He was given one and he swallowed it and then as they were leaving, he said he ate more. I ❤️ the Fox 🦊

The Wizard Seek

Taylor, Jared, I have done two listens now and my GOD. The sound design never ceases to uplift this story and add so much life to it- the TREASURE ROOM? I'm sweating, the quest fever music returned, the unreasonably BOOMING voice of the lion knocker? The way you transport us to the place with such physicality is *masterful!*

The Wizard Seek

Also, the Citadel brass/Meridian theme gets stuck in my head constantly, 10/10

rocket-flash

Maybe I'm misremembering, but I think in one of the firesides Brennan said as much, noting that the highest charisma of a group of librarians is still pretty low but Tephmet it's still the closest thing to an extrovert they have! 😅

rocket-flash

Yeah, that felt pretty naive even for Ame (who knew enough to describe Indry as being a very snake-filled river)! I understand she tries to think the best of people but she's already heard about how Indry has killed multiple children/apprentices!! Like don't leave this child there if you're going to involve her in your shenanigans!! 👀👀

rocket-flash

This was my thought too! 🥰

rocket-flash

It would be so cool if someone gifted Lou a big replica of Wavebreaker like they did for Payment Day after D20 A Crown of Candy (I'm not that person but it reminded me of how cool that prop was!)

rocket-flash

Soo, now I just need to register to the whole arc (read: entire show + children's campaign + fireside lore) before the new Arc starts? I guess?? Maybe this time I can actually go into the next Arc with theories and not just constantly get slapped in the face by BLeeM's world building, Taylor's sound design, and the casts' heart-wrenching performances!! Though, I don't have high hopes 😁😭🫡

rocket-flash

Also, can we talk about those rolls!!?!?! It felt like everyone had the dice gods on their side after a particularly heart-wrenching episode last time, even Suvi with her disadvantage on everything managed to be an intimidating Captain! I don't want to imagine what this would have looked like if Ame and Ursulon had rolled poorly in that treasure room or with the bridle! 😰

rocket-flash

I'm so grateful they stole- rightfully borrowed- the wand of elders, and I hope the knocker doesn't get them cursed since it was technically already gifted, but I was really dreaming that they would just go all the way and take everything on the pedestals since they probably made Indry irrevocably mad anyways (though I totally get why not after that lion lol)! You know Brennan has sick stat blocks written up for all of them somewhere and I need to see/hear them!!

annemjw

Oh my god you glorious humans, I can’t even process this yet

S Smith

That Toph is absolutely a Diamond in the Rough.

Ajax

I remember that, now! Thank you for the reminder. Too relatable...

Emily C

The dice gods smiled down on this episode for REAL, the feeling of quest fever with the music and the speed after they grabbed the goods, damn!!! Also at first I thought Indri just struck Neif dead immediately when he said "Neif is dead" lol. Too much stress Big MCU energy with the after credits scene

Emily C

Ooooh, friend I hate to be the one to tell you but I believe September will have no new episodes, just other drops of art, etc and then new eps likely start in October

Emily C

Big Bingo-in Bingo-in Bingo energy ala Game Changer

Genna

But they got the wand, important magical gifts, and saved a trapped spirit!! And let's be real, Neif was as good as dead already, it was just a matter of when she made a mistake that would displease Indri enough (see every other Witch of the wind and stars apprentice)

Genna

It was giving Frank in HP 4 at the very beginning of the book where he goes to the Riddle house to check out the disturbance... GO HOME MY DUDE!!!

Raquel Albert

yeah! The station of the Worried and Fearful

Steve Accounting

Erica!!!! Why do you do this!?!?! My heart cannot take it!!!!!!

Cocomoose

What an ending to this arc!!!! First I really need Suvi to take a fat ass nap or just lock her room enchant her door to a Do not disturb for 8 hours and sleep. I have a feeling that the witches taking action are starting the battle where wizard silver is located. Ame and Ursalon getting those magical items and taking Niff. I have a feeling she will be either Ames apprentice or another witch since she has the wand and Indri keeping other items from what I gathered other witches domains. Also she had a great spirit binded so glad urslon had that watch and to identify it and they were able to unbind the great spirit and fly out of there. Can’t wait to see where this next path takes them all and know they will come together again with this Great War approaching. Now im ready for a full re listen!!!!!!!! Y’all are so talented!

Dolphin

Oooh this makes me want to translate them into my partner's language, but that would take so much time...

Ale

Didnt listen to the episode yet, but remembering orima of the reaching green, and then hakaya and the big tree while reading immortal thor issue 8. So fye

Dolphin

It's so reckless it stresses me out too... It seems to end up being great for the story though! But this time, in the moment, it felt like player motivation to play D&D as much as anything. 30 minutes to plunder treasure? Obviously going for it, no time to worry about how many witch curses it exposes Ame to... Of course now we might watch Neif become a central character and be stunned by how Brennan spins such spontaneous into the overarching narrative, butterfly effect style

Bastian Mills

This was so good!!! I could not get the thought, “WHAT ABOUT SUVI’S RING??!!” Out of my head

bluebluebutton

Ame's understanding juxtaposed against Suvi's fury was so striking.

Finn

The gentle acoustic guitar and warm clarinet (oboe? Some woodwind) when Tefmet is talking to Eursulon about magic trains IS CORRECT. THAT *IS* THE MUSIC OF MAGIC TRAINS. 🚂 ✨

Ro Lara

We have not really seen Hakea "awake" before, in my mind some of the change in motivation could be explained by her going from little-to-no motivation, to fully awake and ready to fight. She may also have been more upset with deceit and betrayal than the strangers involvement. Hakea respects Ames decision to vote no, she has no qualms with disagreement as long as its for the right reasons, so she may have no qualms working with the stranger as long as the reasons and intent are open and honest. I dont know, but I fuckin love her and I hope we get to see more of her

Nina

TRAINS!!!!!

Nina

I really need the next arc to start with Suvi sleeping. Please girl get yourself a blanket and a pillow

Hannah Radenkova Illustration

The sound design on this one!!! When they take flight I felt like I was going to go with them. (Also the wonderful anime echoing SHING of wavebreaker).

sally m

This episode made made me melancholy in a very satisfying way from the perspective of someone listening to the story. Also, EURSULON AND AME TAKING SOMETHING FROM INDRI AND FLEEING (I didn’t realise gramore wasn’t there anymore) MADE ME WANNA THROW UP. I was on board with quest-fever before but Lord was I stressed out. I loved this episode as a follow up to the last. ❤️

Jason Rivest

I suspect the party might remain split for a portion of chapter 4.

tayycro

Exactly!!!!!!!!!

Jordan Youssef

Amazing!! Can’t wait for it to be talked about in the Fireside Chat next week <3

Ro Lara

I think the witch of wind and stars let her keep wearing it, she was just magically "in custody" of it, if i remember correctly

Christopher Underhill

i absolutely can not with taylor this episode, the combo breaker sound was one thing but the jurassic park pterodactyl theme during the Rak flight took my breath away

Lauren

taylor outdoes himself at baseline but THIS. TIME.

Josh Neff

What an amazing finale to this arc of the story! Just perfect all around.

Jack Monaco

It’s a common mantra to not split the party. Given the ending of the season, and even the parties departure of the citadel, how do each of you navigate the PC’s decisions to do so? Also how do you get so much juice from the squeeze every time it happens? Thankful to be at the fireside 🙏🏽

David Lipscomb

Every time Amr and Ursulon are alone, shit gets fucked

Lojaan

Man, I really want for Suvi to have a break and to enjoy some hijinks too

Lojaan

Yeah we need to get Suvi in the same movie. At least for a while

David Dyson

What are the rules around witches curses again? Have Ame and Eursulon opened themselves up to Injury in a majorly bad way magically by breaking her hospitality (stealing from her)?? I know Ame is in trouble that way already for lying to the coven.

Simon Mills

QUEST FEVER! LET'S GO! 🦁

bloops

She’ll have to find them first. Though she might be able to waive the proximity requirement if her official subclass is Coven of the Wicked, but she’ll need a body part of either of theirs to do so. Also, we don’t know how loose this world’s rules are on how much of a body part is needed.

DaphneDawn

What if Ame deputized 4 new witches and made a sick ass side coven??? The magical math would still work for both the Coven of Elders (9) and Ame’s Baddies (5) I’M JUST SAYING OKAYYYY

DaphneDawn

“Locomotive” 🚂 chew chew

Óró!

I’m so ready for Magic Trains I’m absolutely beside myself!!

Casey

This episode was magnificent. Th story, the sound *chef's kiss* Now that we've gotten this far, how is They that Walks in The Darkness.... capitalism? We know Brennan and he's always right.

Schwa

The Stranger’s shield has a hawthorn tree…?? Like Sir Curran?! Is he … or maybe part of the…

Alex

Euraalon, as part of Ame’s retinue and acting on her behalf might not have violated Indri’s hospitality. Ame is reclaiming a gift given from her station to Indri. Reclaiming a gift is not the same as stealing, but is certainly rude. I think (more like hope) they got away clean. Indri’s cry of “THIEF” was directed at Suvi and the empire. They did not break magical law and breach Indri’s hospitality, but I’m sure Indri views it as stealing.

Alex

I don’t think it’s really Quest Fever unless Suvi and the listener are a hair’s breadth away from an anxiety attack.

Alex

The falcon really cements it for me. The Man in Black absolutely is Sir Curran and I have no idea how the hell that happened.

Alex

Ame taking a moment to not give the Fox TWO keys, but relenting and giving him one… Only for him to SWALLOW it! It was the worst time to make me laugh and I laughed so hard.

Alex

Mirara casually mentioning that The Stranger (by impersonating 8 great spirits) is THE patron of the nation-state of Rhuv was CRAZY, and it wasn’t even CLOSE to the craziest thing this arc.

Alex

I’m agnostic on the citadel, I just don’t want Suvi to lose her home. BUT, Hakea could regrow the jungle that became the white desert. Imagine Orema’s kudzu times 10, trying to destroy the citadel.

David Dyson

I would view "reclaiming" a gift freely given as theft 😅

The Wizard Spite

Magnificient arc finale. I couldn't help picturing Ame being cinematicly represented by Awkwafina in the tower of the half moon

TheloniousPunkyBrewster

I thought it was also a really effective way to say "we've seen some Great Spirits people, we've seen Naram tower over Port Talon, we've see Orima choke the life from vast swaths of land- Let it be known THIS MF'er is on a whole other level. "

Tam

Oh so she coldly gets rid of her retinue for not being fully faithful to her while still doing what they wanted bc she maybe agrees with the pilgrim and recognizes that greater citadel threat? That’s pretty metal

Beanz

Yeah, I'm concerned about Suvi getting hexed and if we should worry about her ring at all.

Beanz

Lol, I heard this in Brennan's voice.

Beanz

Remember that their exits were completely different though.

Beanz

There's an Interlude in the Patreon Fireside feed that takes place in Twelve Brooks. :D

Beanz

Realizing that the desert was created by wiping out forest is "oof, y'all messed up from the very start." But, given that settings develop spirits and that the wizards are doing f-all with them, I wonder if they'd have some desert spirits to side with them. For those of you discussing the Pilgrim and Sir Curran as possibly being the same person, while definitely thematically appropriate (pilgrim & knight), it would also be appropriate for the Pilgrim to kill a knight of they are at odds. Then he'd take that shield. I can't remember what it was but something about the transcribed message from Silver and the SOS message from him made me wonder if they were betrayed by allowing that wizard to write it down. She wasn't hit as hard by Indri's charm but she was under it for a time. I don't know when/if that wears off...

Beanz

I appreciate the confusion of Hakea's battle face being kind to Ame even though they disagreed about starting a major war. It gave me conflicting emotions and I don't know what to do with them. ::crying::

Josh West

Maybe I missed this part and sorry if this has been asked before, but was there an explanation for why Ame and Eursulon were taking the wand and the other stuff? Was it just quest fever?

Carri Miller

Wow! Thank you for an amazing and emotion inspiring story! Loved every minute of it — and the spooky ending!! Yes please! Amazing sound design - puts in the story!

Julie

My hands have never been so sweaty about a stack of keys

Jenny

There exits were completely different, though both were under the perception of something negative happening if they stayed. Of course, the threat to Suvi isn’t debatable the way Ame’s departure from the Citadel is. To me, the ways the departures mirror each other and deviate from each other is what makes this great storytelling

Josh H

“I hate quest fever!”

Sanja Trinki

And then the loud announcement 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Sanja Trinki

I kind of thought she'll get Neif promoted/poached!

Eleventh Hour Panic Productions

I think Ame has it in her head that Indri shouldn't have The Wand, and so is willing to risk a retributive curse hoping that she can logic her way out of it.

Divanté Malachi

Yes Suvi do not bind yourself further, falling into sentiment and emotionality for Silver would only serve to restrict you in time for what may need be done

Divanté Malachi

So is Eursulon's like fr I feel like you could match him with anyone and it make some sense

Josh West

Ah that makes sense. I kinda figured it was that, but wasn't sure if I missed something explicitly stated. Thanks! 💛

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

my interpretation is that The Stranger obtained the shield, possibly from grave robbers or somewhere else it ended up, and is offering it to Sir Curran who's likely entombed in the Holly Hill mausoleum to persuade Sir Curran to be his champion (Sir Curran would technically fit The Stranger's prophecy of the champion he saw in the vision in the well)

lxwles

I always like to think I'd be a brave and daring adventurer, then I relate WAY TOO HARD at Aabriya's Suvi-toned /I hate quest fever./

Evelina Meiklejohn

The scream of "Thief!!" gave me absolute shivers!! This show has no right being this good!! 😭💖

Abhacado

AAAHHH I want to draw fanart for this arc but there are so many moments! I have a few ideas but Im curious about what others want to see as well 👀 Help an artist out and share some favorite moments???

BigMomma

Top three for me are probably tough saving the day, clips of them all escaping and the whole neif kidnapping 😂😂

Witpending

I want to pay this episode the highest compliment I can: I didn't do anything with my hands while listening to it. It's the rare podcast where listening is the activity.

Witpending

My take is that Indri definitely shouldn't have the wand that binds the magic of a coven she wishes to ultimately dismantle.

Witpending

Thank you for mentioning the after credits scene! I skipped the credits on this one and almost missed it.

Jordan Charles

Suvi & Spider in the Library of starssss

Rachel Purcell (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-08 21:00 Brennan talking to himself at the end was *perfect* Is the stranger the same knight that Eursulon met?! That’s my random guess
2024-08-29 22:26

Jordan Charles

Indri would have gatekept the wand, finding reasons not to induct every witch Amé found. This way, Amé can induct anyone the wand approves of on her own (as agreed by Hakea and the others).

Witpending

Aabria had some BANGERS this episode. My favorites were "I'm sorry for the ways I hurt you. Especially the ones I didn't realize at the time" and "I know I will see this fury again, so if there is something to be learned, I will learn it."

kragonaught

I wish the podcast was a physical thing so I could chew on it with love

kragonaught

anti-manifesting this 😭

kragonaught

multi-covening, classic min-max build

Adarsh Nednur

And also, I don't know under what circumstances Ame would need to do this, but she could also instantaneously dissolve the covenant if needed

Adarsh Nednur

Well I think Suvi's broader plan is to help the Citadel prepare to not be wiped out by the witches and the Stranger, while also confronting Steel and the other powers that be to find out how true Tefmet's claims are and to stop the spirit binding if possible. I think Eursulon and Ame are just trying to get to Toma for now, but I think probably the dual goals after that are gonna be anointing more witches and going to Tefmet's library to do what they can to help there.

Adarsh Nednur

"Especially the ones I didn't realize at the time" absolutely ruined me, I went from mostly okay to crying in 0 seconds

Ryan L.

Eursulon being consumed, Meeting The Man In Black, and Taking out Tree Dude. Also any Amazing peeks of him at his family's home 🥰

Jesse Massaro

This is truly wild, what incredible narrative. I can not wait to see where s4 goes. And I need a fireside about all of this!!!

Saleibriel

I don't think The Stranger is Sir Curran, but it definitely sounds like there's SOME kind of connection

Mikey

I think the Empire is capitalism actually, and the Man with all the Scary Titles is eco fascism?

Abigail W

I have to reiterate a point that’s been made before: if you’re not listening to this on Overcast you’re missing out! The music, sound effects, voices(…etc) are so much richer!! An even louder round of applause to Taylor and team. Give it a try if you haven’t yet.

Abigail W

Cheers to everyone who made the connection of the man in black to Sir Curran! I for sure did not. I thought that the post credit scene showed that he had Eursulon’s shield and wavebreaker. After going back to listen to the scene from the children’s adventure, and hearing him call eursolon brother, I’m more convinced of y’all’s theory.

Ray

During this much deserved break between arcs I have an uber-nerd request for the indomitable Taylor. I would love to listen to the themes and background music arranged by arc or even by episode. I have raved about the sound and music design to longtime friends who finally listen only to fall in love with both story and the audio character of this world. I will give u what I consider the highest honor and compare your ear to that of the great John Williams in finding theme and tone to match the moment. Now all I need is a Spotify channel that is nothing but this music to tide me over until arc 4. Cheers and well done to my fav group of creators!

Hannah

Okay I love the 12 Brooks allusion. But can you imagine if they alluded to ALL the interludes 😂 War rages, emotions are running high, and what’s this, twelve brooks? A clash of spells. A duck and cover. A family split apart. And in the background is that… a redhead and a baby jumping from a helicopter… an unsettling chair and….. a basketball??? A shriek ripples across the sky… “BA-GLOCK” 💥💥💥

Hannah

Thanks for the rec! I’m usually a Spotify gal but I just downloaded overcast for my interlude re-listen of previous arcs 😂

Shenan Moon

I had literal chills and goosebumps for several parts of this episode. The story and sound design are next level. I cannot recommend this to enough people.

Beanz

That's fair. I don't think she cares about that either but knowing that there are nature spirits in the world, destroying so much seems unwise. But then again wizards are creatures of Int, maybe less of Wis. You describing this as a "project" makes me imagine her having adhd energy and I feel a somewhat stronger kinship with her. 😅 Though I don't imagine war a very good project.

Aviva

*om nom nom*

Aviva

The mirrored gesture. 🖤

Aviva

This feels like Brand New Sentence territory.

Aviva

Indri doesn’t want to dismantle the Coven of Elders. She wants it to be a coven of one with guaranteed unanimity.

Aviva

My thinking is more in line with Jaded. The Man in Black came to make an offering. Not only the shield, but a falcon and destrier as well. What happens if Sir Curran sees his pauldron on the grown up cub he met centuries ago? And vice versa? It’s an excellent storytelling move with so much possibility, and my heart already aches for Eursalon.

Aviva

Our girl grew up with all the privilege and is being walloped by an avalanche of hidden costs. I’m extra sad that her big silly hijinks were also in the Citadel. She’s going to face more heart wrenching loss and crises of faith and identity.

Aviva

Oooh, forgot about this. That ring is about to have much more complicated meanings, too. The Citadel being doubly thwarted by a spell cast with aerith that didn’t include the reflexive indicative, and then not even being able to successfully identify who did it? Oooh, girl. Strap in.

Aviva

💯

Aviva

was* RIP, Tof.

Bingus2277

I think it's the carelessness of youth. They're all 20

Zagreus_the_knight

I am so happy that this is the episode I caught up with!! This was such an incredible conclusion to chapter 3!!!

worldsbeyondnumber

Taylor here! You flatter me BEYOND BELIEF. I’m over the moon with joy that we are connected through this bonkers ephemeral thing. I would love to release an OST but the truth is that preparing that much music (it’s so so much) for standalone release is just a huge task, and right now there’s not enough time left after producing the actual show. One day that will not be the case, and then I promise you, I PROMISE YOU, we will drop that soundtrack.

Aspen

I got so anxious during the Tower bit I thought I'd be sick, but bookending it with a reprise of Ame's first flight song AHHH.

Aspen

I meant to also type but Patreon hates me: Suvi's "That's Two." made me audibly GASP. I loveeee her.

Ray

Well let me just tip my hat then to your artistry and say thank you for what you do.

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

Jaded is my father. please, call me I'm so jaded that my Bardic Inspiration ends up sounding like Vicious Mockery Eursulon having to face his hero in a role that Eursulon personally turned down, yeah heart aching already is def happening 💔

Divanté Malachi

But that's not a deus ex machina, in these moments their issues are not solved by an outside entity

Variant Human Podcast (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-08 21:00 There are after credit scenes?!?!?! Is this the only one or have I missed others?
2024-08-31 03:11

Stefanucci Mozzarella

I’m still so damn curious if Eursalon took an oath and it’s guiding his choices or not! Also, Aabria: would you and Sufi be best friends? How do you relate to her? Congratulations y’all!

Tommy Deibel

Haka just like, "let's get our hands dirty"

Sander Goldman

Is the citadel wizard subclass still slated to come out soon?

worldsbeyondnumber

Sure you want it to? Are you sure you’re….ready? Take this time to prepare yourself. -t

Phi

TRAIN???? LOCOMOTIVE??????? be still my autistic heart, we have WON this day.

Alyssa Landry

I had to listen to this episode twice before I could get any thoughts aligned besides "omg!". First off: NO PRESENTS FOR AME?!? So rude! Even if you plan to kill her, it's only right to give gifts! Second: I'm so in love with Hakea! I love that she's excited for war but doesn't hold it against Ame. She's the best. Third: Thank GOD they took Nief! From the first moment we met her I wanted them to rescue her and make her Ame's apprentice! I don't see why Ame can't train a witch, but not necessarily pass down the station to them. So she doesn't need to be an apprentice forver. Just join another coven Grandma Wren offered to train Suvi, after all.

Alyssa Landry

Listening to Quest Fever always makes me anxious. I had a lot of friends when I was young with "quest fever energy", whereas I was afraid of breaking the rules and not having a detailed plan. But I love what they do with it!

Alyssa Landry

Suvi carefully commits her crimes as soon as she arrives so she can "enjoy" the rest of her stay. Ame commits her crimes as she is already in the progress of leaving. Feels like how they probably completed school assignments, too. Lol

Alyssa Landry

I like the results of quest fever, but I could never participate in it- I'd be too anxious. Lol

Alyssa Landry

I'm SO proud of Suvi for that!! I love seeing her growth!

Alyssa Landry

When the epilogue started I thought the couple might be Suvi's parents- cause we don't know their real names & never SAW them die. I'm so glad that wasn't the case. I don't think I could have handled that.

Beanz

About the overall show: Has anyone been suspicious of Taylor's existence? It is absolutely absurd, but it took me until this arc to understand that the credits weren't being read by Brennan in a slightly different voice. The "he sounds nice" bit is obviously a joke but my brain came up with plenty of ridiculous ways for it to be an inside joke about having a second career alias. I'm sorry, Taylor. (I'm so grateful that I don't have this problem with any of Brennan's in-story voices. It's an awkward problem for me with audiobooks 😅 )

akodorokku

No this absolutely caught me off guard once upon a time. Right there with you.

The Wizard Syntax

We do know their real names, though. Steel wrote them for Suvi in that wacky notebook/conspiracy board where they discovered that Kalaia is in Umora. Arc 2, right after the Name Cloak ceremony.

Alyssa Landry

Oh, right!🤦‍♀️ Thank you for the reminder.

#KittyLearnsToCook

"It is my pleasure and honor to extend for the passing of one hour the remainder of my heartfelt hospitality" - me when I host a party and it’s getting close to 9 PM 😂😂😂

Jordan Charles

I’m convinced at least one parent is alive and living at the library tho

C. A. Whyse

"I hate quest fever," says the wizard with quest fever-like symptoms.

The Wizard Sparrow

You know, I had the same thought. I think they are trapped in the Spirit world.

The Wizard Sparrow

Yeah, I think it’s the first also. Sets up some breadcrumbs we can naw on during the break before the next arc😳🤗

The Wizard Sparrow

I use iTunes on my iPhone but I will check out Overcast. Doesn’t hurt to listen to this episode at least 2 to 3 times; not to mention the entire arcs up to now. So many plot twists and references from previous episodes; it’s hard to sort everything out❤️

The Wizard Sparrow

Yes, waiting on pins and needles for that fireside chat to appear on the Patreon❤️🤗

The Wizard Sparrow

The Fox and the keys in his belly… I laughed so hard when they were running from that room and the comment of the fox swallowing more keys

C. A. Whyse

Funny how she's running off on her own quest =P

Bastian Mills

I remember one of the talkbacks with Taylor I had so much trouble telling the difference for a minute.

Joy Dertinger

The best thing I’ve ever heard is the fox full of keys.

Samantha Bruce

Ame and Eursulon taking Nif with them is very much so giving “the plan is kinda changing so we’re just gonna take you with us”

Ashley Teatum

Yup gonna need this on like a cross-stitch sampler

Ashley Teatum

On a re-listen. How/why do you think the other witches leave so soon? Is that just A Thing that you leave as soon as the conclave is over? (Did Grandmother Ren leave that soon after previous conclaves?)

Sil

My theory is that they have scheming to do, they do it quickly, and that's why Silver reports that there's been a surprise attack.

Sil

1:21:24 Is when I realised Erika (specifically) playing a chaotic emotional terrorist gremlin is in fact what I crave from stories.

Sil

I didn't know this was one of the phrases I needed for how I feel about this story. But it's made me think to excuse myself while I go to Spotlight or Lincraft (🇦🇺) so I can sew this story into a quilt.

Ren Dara

Thank you for this I almost missed the epilogue!

Ren Dara

This was AMAZING!! Thank you for another amazing arc.

Beanz

I appreciate all of you who understood this confusion. I felt so silly when I figured it out.

Sil

On a relisten, 1:32:41 - Brennan is questioning his life choices and how he got to this very specific point in his story 😂

Sil

WAIT HANG ON, TOFF BURNED AND "dispelled the bird!?" TOFF DIDN'T HAVE TO GO, YOU HAD THE DAMN SWORD EURSALON 😭😭😭

Teo R

“Am I being kidnapped? No? Can I leave? No? Ah.”

Kellie O Edwards

THIS IS NOT HOW I WANTED MORE TWELVE BROOKS!!!!!

Beanz

^ ABSOLUTELY

bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck

i feel like yes, and i feel it’s less about what some might call railroading and more about Brennan knowing his absolute gremlin friends and their not being able to ignore shiny treasures despite the consequences 😅 like, in video games i am too afraid to hurt anyone’s feelings with rude dialogue options but i WILL stealth behind them and steal the rare item they’re keeping in a locked safe because it’ll give my barbarian the ability to cast haste on themselves (i’ve been playing too much Baldur’s Gate 🫠) will they be mad if they catch me? yes. do i want the shiny treasure anyway? also yes. 😌

bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck

did another listen just now and before i come back with a wall of text, can i just say how Grandma Wren’s gift to Indri of doorknobs and a knocker that announces exactly who is at your door seems like it might come in MIGHTY HANDY for Ame in about, oh, i don’t know, one year’s time 👀

Stephen Bannasch

I think the stranger is just using the Witches and plans to destroy them later (chalice spirit told Ame it loves killing witches) and I suspect Hakea knows. I think Hakea thinks a reset is needed and also plans to reset the Stranger. I think she’s experienced a great deal in her extremely long life and there are many levels to her plans

blue

relistening to the children’s adventure and heard the moment Grandmother Wren says “anything i give to you is yours in the moment of the taking” 😬

lxwles

TRUE. that made me realize in my mind something fully /institutionally sanctioned/ feels fundamentally different than a quest. interesting!!

lxwles

✨the tism rizz✨

Sil

Did I straight up miss the fact the first dozen times that I've listened that the symbol of the world's heart is claddagh ring inspired?

mleanl

Niif as the witch of the hearth for SURE.