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You are weightless and powerful. Whatever you were on the way to being, this can be done too. This world is a dream, yes. But whose? It's time to go home.

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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: Amanda Fredberg and of course, Shannon.

Album art by the great Corey Brickley

Files

Comments

L J

Thank you! I hope you're able to get good rest, Taylor, it's well deserved.

Karen

Thank you, can't wait to listen!

Joanna S.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL!! let’s go!!!!

ceeg

ITS REAL ITS REAL ITS REAL ITS REAL

Ben Updegraft

TAYLOR YOU RAT YOU HAD ME WAITING

oToastTv

ITS FINALLY HERE!!!

Harlan

YAAAAASSSSSS

GC

(girding everything girdable)

Klyavkov

YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE‼️🎉🎉

gramps

Perfect way to end the day regardless of the emotional turmoil that is bound to be coming

Kelly Kunze

🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨

Zach K

Worlds beyond number has become my life support.

Emily Mikos

the fact they got this out so fast is a feat of true magic, thank you Taylor!!!

Lonoran

THREE CHEERS FOR TAYLOR MOORE HIP HIP HOOORAAAYYYY!!! HIP HIP HOOORAAAYYYY !!! HIP HIP HORAAAYYYYY!!!! 🎇🎇🎇🐦‍🔥🍾🍾🍾🍾

Peydon Bush

Eeeek!! So excited for this

Andrea Creson

Hell yes. Cannot wait to listen!!!

eve

so pumped!!

Dream Wizard Kyle Arca

PT.2, NEW D20, *AND* MY FIRST DAY AT A NEW JOB!? THE STARS? YEAH. THEY'RE ALIGNED. 😍

Gotholi

It's 2am here and I truly cannot wait to wake up in the morning so I can listen - thank you so much for everything you've put into these episodes, I know it will have been worth the wait.

August Walheim

IT’S ALIVE!!!!!! IT’S AAALLLIIIIIVVVEEEE!!!!!!

Morgana Evenstar

Willikers, is it Get Emotionally Destroyed Day again already?

Skyliner

HURRAY! So excited to listen. Thanks for working double-time to get it done and out the door today, team. Jazzed (and saddened) to close the door on this chapter of TWTWATWW. Thanks all <3!!! (also billing you ahead of time for the therapy I know I'm gonna need for this I sweeeear ;_;)

Molly Sisson

I REFRESHED PATREON AND I SAW THE JUST NOW POST AHHHHH

Sven the Scribe

'Snakes in the river, hams in the future, let's get going!' - Slap it on a shirt

DomPie

THANK YOU, WBN team!! You are so appreciated. Your work is so loved.

Skeletal Cleric

Of course as soon as I start Gauntlet at the Garden. SMH

Lowlife2199

Yausss! Surprise evening drop got me all hyped! What a way to spend dinner time woot woot!

AJollyGoose

My coworkers are gonna be so concerned for me tomorrow when I listen to this.

TPK_light

PALADIN 👏 OF 👏 FREEDOM 👏

Zach P.

6 minutes in and I’m already in shambles. Aabria’s opening monologue had the weight of the entire series behind it. I love how Suvi is really grappling with all the mixed feelings she’s experiencing. It’s so well done!

eve

SO GOOD!!!

Rover Bernhard

Nooooooooooooooooooo now I want more 😭😭😭😭

Rover Bernhard

I am a greedy little bird who will never be satisfied 😔

DaddyDepresso

lil past half way and i am in tears wtf

Liv Tealeaf

Listening right now and absolute chills listening to Eurson breaking the lock.

Elise Grabda

Im sitting in my living room hugging a pillow and crying. WTF did y’all put in this show? This deserves an award. Idk what award but it just needs to win it. GIVE LOU WILSON AN OSCAR

The Witch of the Written Word

AME AND THE BROOM! I'm flying with her! I love this theme, and I need it NOW Taylor! Kindness and cunning and instead of running away, she is running to! Love this level up from the Witch of the World's Heart! *Joyous cackling abounds!*

Jade_Jerichooo

Shaking, crying, throwing up, sliding down the wall, screaming at that fucking cliffhanger and entire god damn episode. I. NEED. MORE.

Lonoran

i cannot wait two weeks for the next episode i am going to fold in on myself like rumpelstiltskin its over for me dawg . what an unbelievable unbelievable unbelievable episode oh My God. im gonna throw up

Stefanucci Mozzarella

Heart goes out to Erika, for cultivating her character's moments. I'm super impressed with the choice to make the insight check and call into story the hearth and the broom. But everybody! Aabriya with the quick thinking of a wizard to drop Task. wtf! Lou for full embodiment of his Spirit. hellyeah! ...and BLM for the discernment of when to ask for a roll and when to not. fckn mazterr. ..the subtle Steel plot twist is also very well crafted. All people really going all in! including of course the sound design from Taylor Moore for hearing and encapsulating the best of each person. Such a gift! Its also not easy to have delievred the episode today, I might be wrong, but I make up Taylor pushed super hard and made a commitment choice this past week. Either way, thank you for fckin' king-ing it and getting it out today, and taking such good care of this project. Congratulations again ya'll. What an experience!

Raquel Albert

I'm just speechless and covered in tears, this story is the best

Cas Marie

My god. I’m not a cryer but Eursulon stepping into Wren’s cottage looking at the children that look just as lost as he did made me LOSE IT.

The Wizard Syntax

I am a 46 year old man working in an industrial plant, and I just had three people ask me if I was okay as my body was wracked with sobs at the ending. I haven't cried this hard for media since I read the ending of Where the Red Fern Grows as a 7 year old. This is a good cry, though. Thank you.

Ale

Nobody say anything because im at the part where this stork drops but i dont trust this fuckin stork no way man

Rina the Floof

weeping and screaming fuck yes alone in my apartment at that last scene

mguin

Correct. If you have velcro to hand, add that too, the narrative winds run wild & fast!

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

Ame should have hit Slate with the ol' "Eursulon is where he needs to be... right behind you!!" and when Slate turns around to nothing, jet off on the broom yelling "made ya look" 😝

Adarsh Nednur

Absolute BANGER of a called shot, the crew DELIVERED

Adarsh Nednur

Still 6 more episodes to go, don't be sad yet!!

mguin

An echoing joyous cackle on the wind, hurtling headlong into danger, this is the energy we need right now

bluebluebutton

Ame leapt out a window and into her hero era! The flight and cackle has me cartwheeling.

Aaron Sterne

The ending of this episode was beautiful but I am soooooo worried for ame. How are you gonna break in and out of wizard jail ame? How?!!?!

Kyle

Jumping out of a window and leveling up to 5 so you can cast Fly on the way down! That's the sort of thing that can only happen at a table that loves and trusts one another.

Adarsh Nednur

I don't know how many times I can say that this is my favorite story ever told before it starts to sound perfunctory but hopefully I haven't hit that limit yet because holy fuck this is my favorite story ever told 😭 Ame taking a running leap out of a window and taking off on that broom is one of the most magical things I've ever heard

PriscillaG

FUCK YEAH! 🧹🕷️🐻 7/7 And now I'm off to listen to parts 1 and 2 together!

bluebluebutton

I love that on a nat 20 insight, Brennan was like "Ame can do this on her own." I'm also deeply stressed by the three way party split but I'm so excited to see what they have cooking!

Nefeli

Eursulon's scream when he burst through the wall gave me full body chills hooolyyy shiiiit

Erik Koch

I felt absolutely and personally attacked, and I loved every second of it.

Jade_Jerichooo

I'm so STRESSED thinking about how Steel and Suvi's relationship is going to pan out after this. Like how can Steel spin this whole Citadel corruption and kidnapping of children in a way to not make Suvi denounce the Citadel possibly their relationship? Like how much did she know about all of it and will she leave Suvi to the mercy of the Citadel???

Witch of the Winding River

Like was a conversation edited out or was Steel making everyone cheer for Suvi while she was still in manacles? I’m confused

Erik Koch

When people talk about masterpieces that shape the entire genre, this series belongs as a fundamental part of that conversation. I DEEPLY adore live play, and the games behind them that enable so many talented women and men to showcase what they have to offer the world. But this. THIS. Is at the heart of what a story truly is. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for sharing your gifts to create something that in my humble opinion stands toe to toe with the greats of humanities history. If every episode started off with a clip of Brennan saying “watch what happens now” it would be appropriate.

Erik Koch

I don’t know that I’m emotionally going to be ready for part one for some time.

BakingBad

Good lord I'm ugly crying

Aviva

Oooh. See, my brain was like, she created a broom of flying as a talisman on the fly. No pun intended, truly. She just skipped the time and skill checks by being a complete BAMF through that whole episode. We shall see!

Leo Kinney

I had to pause cause I was crying when ursalon freed the kids

Peyton Rose

I believe she was still all tied up, but Steel was making it seem like it was part of the plan maybe?

GC

About half an hour in. Your advice is good. Pausing for velcro

The Wizard Spring

“Watch what happens now.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I have to go get a new face because mine just melted off.

Aviva

Yeah. A nat 20 giving “fuck it, you’ve got this” and NO GAME PLAN has given me a surprising amount of anxiety and I’m still thrilled to see what our freshly cunning witch will do.

Aviva

🧹 🦊 🤣🤸🏻‍♂️

Aviva

I believe in him.

Aviva

Ame and Kalaya are both so proud of you.

TPK_light

Considering Aabria specified that Suvi couldn't vocally respond when Steel asked if Ame and Eursulon were in the castle, I assume she was still in the full bondage get up. Which, yeah, Steel telling everyone to cheer and that Suvi was responsible for the battle's success while in chains definitely sounds like a mom desperately looking for a way to start a very public spin on the circumstances to protect her kid

Aviva

Special shout out to Jared and the rest of the sound crew! Taylor rules, but he thankfully doesn’t have to be this amazing alone. ♥️

ceeg

Eursulon and his 80 new nieces and nephews

Mac

is that true? 6 more? i was expecting like 2 or 3 more episodes tbh but i wasn't sure

Aviva

My poor housemate came home partway through the episode blasting in the living room. Me, in underoos, pacing and crying just after Eursulon bursts through the wall. Sorry not sorry, Lue! 😂

Aviva

The Gauntlet can wait. 😈

Aviva

I want to paint it across my whole damn bumper.

Devon

Alright. Alright. Alright. There are things unseen. Unknown. Too many. Sworn HAD to have read whatever the letter was. We don’t know what it says but Sworn had to destroy the letter if he did in fact get it. He can’t keep that shit around. I can’t wait for the next episode. What a cliff hanger for Suvi and Ame. I hope Eursalon can take a beat and chill for a minute, damn 😂

The Wizard Syntax

Pretty sure Brennan described Sworn as bot having seen Cyril, but I could be wrong.

Ryan Brown

I had to go back and listen to the end from that point to Ame's cackle twice. What a story...

Aviva

BLeeM said Sworn didn’t have the letter, and it all read very much like he’s *never* had that letter. Hell yeah to Ame and the fox swirling off after the Epiphany. Eursulon is on fiyah!

icesquirrel

I fucking love this story and these storytellers so much! The depth of character development, the complex evil of empire and the human toll. Suvi saving her friends at her own expense, while struggling with the allure of going back to norm. Ame following her instincts and refusing to give up on her friend, but understanding that her road is not the only one. Eursulon keeping focus and moving on with his quest.

Tucker Eckman

Excited for this but I had to watch andor first

Jonah

No other story can make me cry and jump out of my chair in such quick succession truly and masterpiece, Thank you

Ryan Brown

Notice that Brennan said that she was flying faster than the retreating vessel at the end. No wizard jail, just a best friend sneaking her grounded buddy out her bedroom window before momma catches wind!

The Wizard Splatter

Jesus Christ, how lucky we are that people can just... Do this and create these stories with some dice and some friends

BurpBiter

Love when the story splits the party and there are at least 2 drastically different vibes going on. Now we are going to get Eursulon babysitting, while Ame busts Suvi out of Wizard Jail. I wonder if Ame will craft Suvi an arcane focus now that she can craft magical items. Maybe something that reflects Suvi as a person (Sky/ Stars) rather than her deep connection with the Citiadel (glass)

The Wizard Syntax

I don't know about a focus, but I don't recall Sworn taking off Suvi's gloves...

Catloaf

Me too. I was so confused.

Lee Chirtel

I think this means that part of the next episode will have to be a court martial or trial episode! It might also be that they want to keep this hush hush, and then have Suvi allegedly break down under the pressure, or some sort of enemy mind spell. and Ame actually has a reasonably strong bargining position as a sort of country defense attorney in the big city. The Citadel knows that killing Ame would lead to a united Coven both on a magical and practical level (they wouldn't have to remove her station). And not killing, but permanently annoying Ame would have a similar result. She could simply recall the Coven to have a unified vote, or use Wren's long store of info against them. I don't think they know that she could disrupt their entire spirit storage system, but the Citadel probably assumes she has great dirt on them. And the Citadel needs some time. Yes, they had a great victory, but it was a costly and defensive one. And their new ultra magic is impressive, but it doesn't seem quite past the experimental stage. They had to use the best and most powerful to do the spells with a lot of background support and planning. Its as if you had a new drone based weapon system, but it had to be launched from B1 Bomber planes.

Catloaf

SPOILERS So, is The Man In Black working with the Citadel? Cause: 1) both the wizards who approached the party, Sworn and the unnamed fake crane, stepped out of the shadows, 2) the shadows tried to knock Suvi out as Sworn approached, 3) the fake crane said something about a "great spirit of freedom" and The Man In Black is the only person other than Eursalon who was there for that moment or knows of it, and 4) BLM said "the reward for beginning the journey to the better world is every power of nightmare rallying itself against you." This gives me huge The Man In Black vibes.

Stefanucci Mozzarella

… I’m usually crew on projects so thank you for letting the appreciations go ahead and brim over the edge.

Blades Dragonic

Did anyone else shout “OH YEAAA” the second Eursulon Kool-Aid Manned through the wall?

Stefanucci Mozzarella

I’m very curious of what “moma” knows and doesn’t. Something tells me that woman is either the deepest fear or a key to answer sincerest hopes. Supremely stoked for learning who Steel is.

Brandon Carbaugh

"Where there's a hearth, there's a broom" is such inspired fucking roleplaying. Truly outrageous.

Aviva

Was the little kid that thanked Eursulon Buckles?!

the Wizard Silly

please stop setting this world on fire... (I say, in anticipation of the fire getting bigger)

Stefanucci Mozzarella

I thought that too, quick crafting if the broom… The way the preludes end up defining the character sheet… the way the level up of 5 brings Ame into a supreme witch-hood/hero-era through trusting her heart to keeping her word to her friend… … cryingly beautiful.

rocket-flash

When Lou fuckin roared as Ursulon charging into battle it gave me CHILLS. He IS the Spirit of Freedom!! 🫡😭 ALSO, I couldn't help but laugh because all I could think of during Ame's flight at the end was the clip of Cynthia Erivo singing "It's MEEEEE." from Wicked. It was truly Ame's Elphaba moment, and gave me the same feeling I get whenever I hear Defying Gravity. Kudos to the whole crew for crafting a musical backing/narration with similar power for this moment!!

Stefanucci Mozzarella

I cannot think of a reason Steel would congratulate Suvi that way other than protecting her for an unexpected move that she’s been preparing… just like a wizard does…. So well calculated.

Stefanucci Mozzarella

Yo, wizards modify memory, time and story in their control, a whole blood line wiped in an attack? Steel is over the top and I love how her mastery turns the whole story so flexible! The outcome seems to be anything… literally whatever the ending needs to be.

Jo Lee

Did I jump, hoot, and holler when we got a Nat 20 for Ame? You're damn right I did.

Adarsh Nednur

The way Erika always manages to seamlessly pull the "Theme" Rabbit out of the "Plot" Hat is unreal. There is only one person in the world who is allowed to reward a nat 20 by literally backing a player into a corner with the only hint being "You see servants' quarters and wide open windows", and that person is whoever is currently DMing for Erika Ishii, because Erika Ishii is the only player in the world who you can trust to hit a ball like that out of the park 100% of the time. "Watch what happens now" followed by just giving Erika the chance to do what they want to do because you just know that the best story is whatever is in their head right now *Chef's kiss*

Krisse S

My Choir Kid Ass!!!! BRENNAN! Of course you know "Sumer ist I cumen in" I sang that in honors choir in 2015

Sean Boyce

And after this arc, y'all are gonna do a different thing!?!!? You can actually survive this story being in you enough to do it again?? Inhuman.

The Wizard Sparrow

Ame, flying on the broom cackling with the fox makes me scream with glee, Another amazing episode. Loud cheers (in my apartment) as Eursolon broke the lock with his bare (bear❤️) hands. I’m pretty sure Task is with Ame and Suvi…stay strong your true friend is on her way🤗🦊🔥❤️

The Wizard Sparrow

Ooooo. I’m gonna have to listen again with this thought in mind🤔

The Wizard Sparrow

Suvi has the glass portal and vandel is recovering in the spine of her spell book, and I think the shortened version of spell casting her mother used has to help her at some point. Information the citadel doesn’t have.

Susannah B.

Erika was on fire this episode!! ❤️

The Wizard Styx

I humbly request the next interlude be about the kids and Neef (I’m sure I butchered the spelling I am so sorry).

The Wizard Sparrow

…Suvi, what do you do…long pause…episode 48 begins. 🔥🦊❤️

Susannah B.

I thought there were maybe 20 kids and then Brennan said 80!! They are not gonna fit in that little cottage 😂

Dallas Anderson

From “They’re going to kill the kids” to “You Kool-Aid Man through the wall” so quickly😂

Joanna S.

Okay, game plan: this one is an immediate relisten, then parts 1 & 2 back to back, then back to my full series relisten (I’m in Port Talon).

ModernDruid

Steel…what did you know? Are you still the good cop in the bad system because right now you look a lot like the rest. Were you ready to sacrifice children?

The Wizard Sparrow

I wrote it on my whiteboard in my kitchen..but yes…tshirt please

Glen Petrofski

JFC the opening! I am a dumbass catching public transport to pick up band merch on my way to yoga. Don't mint the person with red eyes, I'm clearly just high and definitely not from trying not to cry

AM

Have I told y’all lately that I’m obsessed with this show?

Urte

I will never learn that I have to listen to these episodes in the comfort of my own home so I can cry, scream and kick my feet in peace. You’re welcome commuters in public transport. DAMN THIS EPISODE. I love Ame so much. They’re such a little chaos gremlin. And Eursolon‘s roar? I still have chills. If I ever play a Paladin, Oath of Freedom it is. What a show.

Kate Fisher

So we are heading for a time jump right? Like flash forward 20 years like they did in the children's adventure? I feel like that is going to happen between the next book or even teased at the end of this ark

teepannu

DAMN. What an amazing episode yet again! I LOVE how epic it was to hear Eursulon do his thing, how Suvi took those steps and chose her path and how Ame truly has become the Witch of the World’s heart.

Kayla

So many points in this episode had me fully fighting back tears, I love stories with all of my heart

rio

"you koolade-man through the wall, no roll necessary" 🤣 How you know Brendan is just a huge fan of Eursulon doing cool shit

rio

The description of shattering the lock literally made me cry 😭

NewtonHorse

The thunderclap replacing the final note of the intro was such a simple and effective way of immediately introducing tension - impeccable sound design as always.

rio

This. Is. A. Trap. RUN. got me shook 😨

Lojaan

Is that the end?

Mubeen Khan

I love how Erika and Brennan worked together to get the broom moment. And the laugh! I love every time she leans into the witch.

Witch of the Word and Spark

Started crying when the children were described. Didn't stop. Truly, it made me feel like the first time I saw Castle in the sky when I was 7 - I started crying when the robot appeared and never really fully stopped until the end. The horrors, the chock, the beauty, the hope, the wonder. Thank you so much for this series. It means a lot to me, and lifted me up this year, influenced my writing, my job as a director, everything. Thank you thank you thank you.

Ickle Tayto

Please tell me there is another episode in this arc . We can't leave it here.

The Wizard Syntax

Not twenty years, but I think a bit. I remember the Dragonlance Chronicles. They had a whole ass campaign between book 2 and 3 where they quested to find the Hammer of Kharas, and it all happens offscreen.

rocket-flash

That's totally possible, though I remember the Man in Black saying earlier that he was going to leave this whole mission to Ursulon and then he sailed away from Twelve Brooks on his boat. Plus, the Heron spirit would have prevented the gang from saving the children all together, which would be odd since the Man in Black was initially going to save them himself. Not that he doesn't have it out for Suvi, but I got the impression that the shadow lamp was enchanted by the citadel, though I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Sil

"IT'S TIME TO TRY DEFYING GRAVITY" and/or "It's MEEEEEEEEEE" - Erika off-mic, probably.

Jack Jones

Eursalons Honor/Kalaya's theme is so beautiful it brought me to tears getting flashbacks to her home.

One Punch Max

Goosebumps all the way through and tears multiple times. This story will stay with me forever.

bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck

this has been bothering me since ep 43, but this solidified it even more… as Suvi is about to “sell out” her friends… “Steel looks at you with a mixture of certainty, resoluteness, pride, and a smile like you’re not well. and things are gonna get better.” anyone else get the impression that Steel is doing her utmost to make Suvi fall in line… perhaps in an attempt to reconcile her failure to make Suvi’s parents fall in line? like, Eioghorain split up from Soft and Stone and you’re telling me Steel didn’t KNOW that?? either 1) Steel knew they split from Eioghorain, so what is her basis for pinning their deaths on him OR 2) Steel didn’t know, and why didn’t Soft and Stone trust her with that information after everything else they went through together? what changed? and now Steel’s trying to track him down all these years later? is it really revenge? or is it loose ends? p.s. absolute banger episode all around, each of u bastards making me cry as usual. clutching my heart, shaking my fist @ the sky n yelling AABRIAAAAAAAA 😖😪🤧

Sinker

If "Snakes in the river, hams in the future, let's keep going." isn't eventually a t-shirt I will be forever sad.

Bor

A question from Tups, witch of the wrapped warm snack: Did you expect the Kool-aid man name drop?

Lojaan

Oh thank god

Oscar Taylor

The man in black has been pretty clear in his opposition to the citadel, and given that the Greneaux worship him I doubt he wanted the children to be recaptured. It’s totally possible he wanted Suvi to be arrested by the Citadel though, because he sees Eursalon’s loyalty to his true friends as the only obstacle in the way of getting his champion. Maybe his goal was to separate Suvi from Eursalon.

Cian

Logged in specifically to make sure someone had brought this up before the ADHD kicks in and I forget 🫶

Sil

Oki, I absolutely DID NOT read this before I posted my comment 😂 but yes... IT'S MEEEEEEE 🧹

JB

Many future hams to you all

Sil

NO WIZARD THAT THERE IS OR WAS, IS EVER GONNA HOLD ME DOWN

João Padinha

But this time Brennan's not allowed to use that to gut us emotionally

Raquel Albert

Steel said that the mission that got Suvi's parents killed was one she wasnt going with them, so there is a world she wouldnt know. I don't buy that tho. I think your read might be right, bc I've been thinking about the curse to gramma Hen and Ame, and how it smelled like Eioghorain, just like the book Suvi brought to Hen smelled like him too.

Sil

I have to admit, I was driving home from work and I also roared "NO" as Eursalon bust through a fkn wall like a hippo at a NYC zoo 😂 heavy flashback to Amethar roaring as he threw Jet away from Belizabeth

Mae

I genuinely burst into tears when Eursalon pulled a Kool-Aid Man to save them kids. Split second, drastic decisions to save the lives of the innocent? It'll get me every time

Sil

Given Brennan's history, it'll probably be a mug 😂

Sil

I barely made it through single assignments in uni that had 100ish hrs of post per assignment, so my blood shuddered reading and remembering this. You + team do a phenomenal job, Taylor. I hope you get to use the Sleep imminently.

Sil

*DJ airhorn noises and Amé flipping Slate the bird as she jumps backwards out the window* Fox: "GOT 'EM!"

The Wizard Splatter

Of course!! Taylor your sound design this EP had me in a CHOKEHOLD. The work you're doing has elevated WWW to something so so incredibly special. Thanks for all your hard work! May you have no snakes in your river and many hams in your future (and also maybe some rest)

Erin R

I had to listen to this a day late and it was for the best because I wouldn’t have been able to sleep. I was crying so much. Eursalon saving the kids, Ame going to save Suvi, I’m a ball of emotions and I’m not sure how to cope.

Sil

I live with my best friend who couldn't be more of a Paladin if he tried, and he's started asking "What has the podcast done to you this time?" He doesn't enjoy listening to Actual Play, but it's very satisfying to yell "YOUR PEOPLE ARE RIPPING OUT MY SOUL SINEW AGAIN" to a man who plays and is a Paladin on main.

Faerunner

Hell yeah!!!!! I thought I dreamt it when Brennan said there were 8 more 2 episodes ago in a fireside

Alec

I *need* to hear Steel's justification machine in a private conversation. I *need* to know how truly evil she is and how she justifies it. I *have* to know.

Alec

Also I'm gonna shout out Taylor for getting this episode out yesterday like he said he would. I'm sure it took tremendous effort. Your work and dedication is so deeply appreciated bb!!! You and everyone at your company who works on this show (whaddup Jared)

VforVenlee

I would like a "snakes in the river, hamsters in the future" shirt

Kate Olive Art

The sheer number of times Erica gasped in this episode 😂

Laurology

Yup, I didn’t recover from that moment on.

Ellie Hail

Thanks for making me cry during work gang. I can always depend on you. ❤️ 😭

Adam Curtis

Boy good thing Suvi passed that athletics check to climb that rope, it would have been super embarrassing after that really dramatic moment.

David Blocher

I love how Brennan grants power to actions that so align with the PC’s values. Brennan could’ve made Lou roll for the wall-burst. He could’ve busted Lou’s balls about not using wavebreaker to dispel the lock. Instead we get two of the most beautiful moments of empowerment in the campaign.

Tawny Lacuna

They can't, because the Man in Black is coming to Ame's door in less than 1 year.

Eden

Screaming crying throwing up

Grace Bee

Snakes in the river Hams in the future Let's go

Bog Station: Remembrance

I don’t know if you all had this same moment, but I felt myself saying aloud “Is she going to find a fucking BROOM?” When the servants quarters is mentioned, and then to hear that payoff! So fucking cool. These full circle moments and the reveal of what a Witch is, just… I’m weeping all over again. Everything about this podcast is exciting and rich.

The Wizard Salacious

The scoring during the broom flight though! Sounded right out of movie I can’t believe how good Taylor is

Ryan L.

As alwaya,amazing episode!

DiamondPWrites

“And no one in all of (Umora), no wizard that there is or was, is ever gonna bring me DOWN”

Lauren

at least one of them has a chance of being in the nice movie? 😭

Michelle Spurgeon

Screaming, STOP TRUSTNG EVERYONE!!!! Crying at the end because Taylor is a god damned music wizard! Incredible!!!!!

Shiney New DM

Good heavens! I was in tears of joy at the end of this one! Ok, look... I've said this before about other shows... this NEEDS to be animated! This is not just good story telling. It's not even great story telling. This stuff is world class level!!!!

Kelda Bassham

Aaaaaahhhh!!! I can’t wait and I’m overwhelmed at the same time!!!

Kpapi

Gonna have a ham sandwich for lunch today omg

Kpapi

The way I audibly gasped on public transportation when Erika rolled a Nat 20 at the end

Raquel Albert

They head to castle in the end of twelve brooks ep, it can be him for sure, depending on how long ago would be the events of the interlude

flyingwriter

*screams* what an epic episode!

xatlern

Trying not to have an audible reaction in my cubicle to Ame going full Defying Gravity at the end there. Ahhhhh!!! Such a good episode, can't wait for what comes next

Jesper P.R.L

WHAT AN ENDING!!!!! I'm in tears, shaking and cackling. Nobody in all of Umora, no Wizard that there is or was, is ever gonna bring her down.

Ash

Ame and the fox laughing at the end.... a true witch's cackle, on a witch's broom. Erika, Brennan, and Taylor, what a close out to the episode.

Skyliner

REALLY?! SIX? Ohhh, thank you, stranger! For some reason my brain decided Twelvebrooks = finale. I've got months of joy yet to go, hurray!! Ahoo hoo crackle crackle to you, new friend!

Em

I always hum along to the intro jingle but instead of a cute final “pling” I was met with an EXPLOSION?!? My soul left my body. Excellent work.

CaptLizianthus

This isn’t the end of the arc yet! There’s another 6 episodes for this arc and book.

Bad Brain Comics

So glad I saved this til right before work so I’m a absolute mess lol god damn this was worth the wait.

Queen Motoko

Steel had a very strange reaction to Ame bringing up the scent on that book

PriscillaG

Ok ok ok ok ok….to add to this Eioghorain told Suvi that he made a deal with a spirit so that he would appear scary to foe or friend so I think there is a world in which the Citadel has captured that spirit and has been using it OR that spirit works with the Stranger, or its just out here doing wild stuff. I also conjecture that Steel doesn’t really know what happened to Soft and Stone but that the Citadel gave her a version and she went with it. They ran from the Citadel because though they had been pardoned they still thought their number was up. I love this story! I’m starting to see Steel as the wizard that Suvi has been training to become and now she’s seen what horrors that power and skill can wield and just like Task the kindness shared has created a new way for her.

PriscillaG

Please someone I need My Cousin Ame (a la My Cousin Vinny) fanfic or something stat. Nief would be the Marisa Tomei character.

PriscillaG

I’m here to report it was worth it. This podcast is now one of my comfort listens.

Joseph O'Toole

thank you Taylor, Jared and everyone!

Melody Snow

As soon as I heard "broom" I was just waiting for Ame to drop out of the tower with a Defying Gravity note 😆

Ryan Higgins

Simply outstanding, well done, and Bravo!

Sinker

Literally paused the episode to say it. I'm there too, fam. ^_^

Jadeous

Dear WBN, please don't make me cry while I'm at work listening, thank you very much 😭❤️

Ewizabeth Herd

I thought the one who yelled “snacks!” might be Buckles.

J. M. Coster

started crying pretty early and then just didn't stop 😭

Ewizabeth Herd

Except it seems like Steel is going to try to spin it like Suvi was a mole who helped make success at Twelve Brooks happen. Does she have enough sway at the Citadel to silence those who know Suvi’s true intentions (like Silver)? And how much/long will Suvi go along with Steel’s story?

Chameleon

I am beyond words. I think this has been one of the best episodes and some of the best musical scoring

Aviva

I also noted what the “heron spirit” said and the prevalence of shadows as interesting. I think they are instances of clever magic though, and don’t point to your theory. I’m with Oscar that the King of Night is staunchly anti-Citadel. Brennan even referenced the Citadel as stabbing into the heart of the world when Eursulon was freeing the kids. (Extra interesting as it seems less subjective as his own observation! As opposed to part of a recruitment/propaganda speech.) He’s fanatically opposed to the wizards, and I don’t think there’s anything that would compel him to work with them. He’s rallying powerful forces under his banner specifically to go to war against them. That said, the Stranger has his champion. He didn’t have his sword anymore.

Crits

you guys are fucking amazing

SmilingKelly

I also love when we remember that this is a dnd game.. “full coolaid man through the wall” is so tonaly different from this and the last episode, but SO perfect.

SmilingKelly

I think it’s SO perfect that Suvi had task go back to the friends before she went to Steel. But either it wasn’t said or I missed it.. who did task go with, Ame or Eursalon?

SmilingKelly

I don’t think Brennan would follow that rule.

Alex Tawney

There are so many incredible moments that have been mentioned by other lovely commenters here, but I'm mostly here to say that "future hams" is up there as an all-time Fox moment for me. Just an absolutely perfect Little Guy moment in an episode full of big things happening.

Aviva

Oooh yeah, snacks kid could definitely be him too! Part 1 mentioned a broken amphora of dye, a cheese wheel, and the folks buried in the rubble of the library. I think that was all meant to imply that the interlude was recent. But who knows?! Brennan’s mind is a strange and wonderful place. 😂 Head canon says yes though, and that was Buckles both times. I hope he’s figured out shifting. 💚

Aviva

That white hot sense of purpose, baybeeeeeeeee! 🤍

James

Is that heron spirit named Kehaar?? As in the foul-mouthed gull??

Aviva

Whaaat on Umora gives you that impression? 😲

Aviva

Man. I watched Grave of the Fireflies last week. Started crying right after he says the date—literally seconds into the movie. The waterworks carried on all the way past the end. When they say Studio Ghibli is a major inspiration for the campaign, they really, really mean it.

Dolphin

I think Task just acted on their own! It wasn't said until they showed up with Ame and Eursalon. And it wasn't said where they went after, although I think we can assume they hopped onto Ame at some point.

Aviva

It wasn’t said, but I suspect Ame.

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

Brennan 100% put on his Buckles voice for that kid! that and the fact the others were speaking Teran (sp?) and then the one in Imperial sounded like Buckles, who wouldn't know Teran bc he grew up without parents to teach him *sob uncontrollably*, def makes me think it was him. fireside question for sure!

THEY Agenda Productions

"Are you not a true witch? Is magic not yours?" Holy shit!!! I was doubled over and sweating then I was squealing and cackling with delight ✨✨ yal are magical.

Aviva

Hamsters? 🐹 👀

Aviva

And may your rivers be free of snakes. Or full, as you wish.

Aviva

Sorry to be this guy but it’s too important. Her name is Wren. Different kind of bird. 😆

Anita Brown

This was better than Defying Gravity!

Aviva

Right? Haha David’s comment above is on point. Sometimes good DMing is opting to empower your heroes. The dice had already shaped the lead up to those moments.

Matthew

What's scarier: Ame soloing the breakout or Eursalon having 80 kids to care for?

The Wizard Sparrow

Anyone else have a pit in their stomach today, thinking of Suvi, how her world has been turned upside down. Wanting comfort from the woman she knows as mom. The citadel can read her thoughts, she can’t hide from anything. Though I believe with Ame being the Witch of the World Heart her power must override any mechanical trickery the citadel creates. ❤️❤️🔥🦊🤗

Aviva

The language is Teroi! One of the few things that have been spelled out in episode, back when they were in Stonerill (episode 40, Aid and Comfort).

Brittney Gregory

Suvi needs something in the W column real soon. I can't be here in my office crying every episode.

Justin Leaming

Woof. It ended toooo soooon!!! SO GOOD <3

Aviva

Yeah, four score and some?! That’s a whole lotta kids stuffed in that cage. And now the cottage! Good thing Eursulon is so good with kids. I hope they make pancakes. 🥞

Aviva

Nah, Suvi did a prat fall—no roll necessary—so Task could go back to her friends. He’s a wonderful lil guy. His sad little head twirl hurt my heart a bit.

Eli Zavatsky

My god my god. I cry during almost every episode at some point, but i was crying this whole ep. Spirit of freedom 😭😭😭😭😭

Smitsel

I'm gonna throw up, christ guys 10/10

Louie

🥹🥹🥹

Khayroh

simple payoffs, simple satisfaction, simple joy. in a story with delightfully more twists and shocks than most, sometimes all you need to do is throw a fastball, and goddammit if this ain’t a strike. i’ve said a thousand times and i’ll say it a thousand more, this is the greatest story ever told and storytelling magic is yours

Ben Fogle

Welp. I cried. You did it

Krissi Carson

Oh man, do I need to make fan art of Ame leaping out of a castle window??? Maybe!

Conor Steinke

I like the chaotic nature of being Ame's apprentice - YOU HAVE FORTY CHILDREN NOW (edit: eighty actually, big oof)

David Whitty

Or stays Wizard but becomes an Antivolist

Ted Meredith

Congrats — your elaborate plot to make me cry AT THE GYM has been an overwhelming success!

bluebluebutton

I love that Eursulon trusted immediately and Ame was the one to insight check and save the day with the Sleep spell. Ame gets a lot of flak for her world's heart-y-ness, but she's not the only one with blind spots.

Chris

Lou's voiceover when Eursalon charges through the wall is gut wrenching, and Brennan reminding us that Eursalon truly is a spirit of freedom. tears everytime i hear it. amazing, truly amazing.

Bee.Beans

A lot of trickery this episode! Did anyone else freak when Ame sent the fox away and he started speaking with Eursalon? I was really worried he might not be himself until Brennan brought up Port Talon. I wonder how it feels to be a player, constantly worried if who you're speaking with is really them.

Dominic Corbin

Good on you for being able to feel so deeply for these characters.

Dominic Corbin

To echo the most recent Fireside, Ame has had her witch's station for TWO WEEKS. Do. Not. Fuck. With. Witches.

Bee.Beans

I started singing Hal-an-tow!

Wordsmithwizard

Many amazing moments this episode. My favorites have to be Eursalon breaks the cage and of course Ame snatching the broom and flying out like a truly boss witch! I had Defying Gravity in my head in that moment haha.

Bee.Beans

That would be interesting, the MIB rallying both sides. What does he gain? For me it seems inconclusive. To further your point though, in Pt. 1 when Suvi calls shadow to her, the Citadel recognises that it's not sorcery (magic of their enemies) and then guns for it? Strange to be so concerned with the magic of your allies . . . maybe they thought it was the MIB?

Liz

Maybe I’m being naive, but I’m still wondering if Steel is playing the long game here? Like, yes, it looks very bad that she sent that wizard after Ame and Eursulon, but her reaction to seeing Suvi and cheering her on as the person who made the battle a success was so not what I was expecting from that interaction. That woman has to be playing the most insane game of 4D chess of all time, right??? Right??? 😬 Everyone is (rightly) freaking out about Ame getting her Elphaba moment, but man, the Insight check on the “heron spirit” was SO GOOD. I was so relieved they had help that I didn’t even think to question it at first. Good on Erika for checking!!! (And what an incredibly lucky roll on the sleep spell HP!) Got a little choked up when the little kids started swarming Eursulon. Níf’s definitely got her work cut out for her!!!

Sarah Elizabeth

Literally fell to my actual knees and scream sobbed when Sky decided to climb the rope. Aabria once again ruining and affirming my life all at once.

Christian Fry

Taylor Scoore coming up BIG this episode!! Always a wonderful job by the team for creating such an amazing show!! Thank you all for what you do!

Cleo Bear

What an ep! I laughed I cried and I am living for that cackle at the end!!

Jazz

Ah this was the exhale after the held breath.

Ro Lara

Not done the ep yet but the heron feeling a "great spirit of freedom approaching"!!!!!!! Aaaaggggggggghhhhhh

Ro Lara

AHHHHH I GOT GOT

Cael Robinson

Half expected Ame to start singing difying gravity. Such a beautiful moment.

Zachary Adams

Alright Taylor Moore you are responsible for my hospital bill for giving me a heart attack on that jump-scare with the opening tune

Zoop

Ahhh this episode was so damn good-definitely up there in my all time favorites! I’m obsessed with that ending; hearing Ame go full witch mode instantly rocketed me back to listening to Terry Pratchets “Wee Free Men” on tape in my mother’s little black Toyota Corolla. Similiarily, I’m not sure how much of a deep cut this is but Suvis scenes with Steel and Sworn made me suddenly realize how much Suvi reminds me of Alanna from Tamara Pierces YA/kids fantasy series of the same name. I know it’s a bit silly to have gone this long w/o understanding what abt Suvi felt so familiar and like, particularly important, to me, given how genuinely formative that series was to little me—but I suppose memory is fickle like that. I also wanna give a huge shout out to Ame and Suvis friendship-I’ve been an avid fan of the “magic of friendship” type stories since my days of living vicariously through them and my development of my own deeply magical and important friendships over the years has only served to strengthen that love and seed within me a staunch belief that such narratives absolutely have a place in tales beyond just those about and for children. Annnnnnway, truly fantastic episode y’all 💕

Zachary Adams

Was just playfully singing along and then all the sudden I’m looking in my rear view mirror cause I thought I ran something over

Milly Farouki

But now that you got got (me too haha) how did they know??? Like, how does the Citadel know that he's a spirit of freedom? Is there another snake in the river?

Andrew Lawton

That survey for animated moments came too early. I NEED to see the Sword of the Spirit of Freedom coming out of invisibility and smiting an insane soldier to cross my eyeballs someday. Because it's awesome already in my head.

Jason Land

I’m curious about Steel too. She has to either cover up Suvi’s actions or come down like a ton of bricks in order for no scrutiny to come her way. Not that she’s a shifty character, but in times of war I doubt she would accept instability. There was that line of narration BLeeM said about smiling like Suvi is sick but will get better.

witch of wild novels

The COIN FLIP The Kool-Aid man bursting through the wall Ame defying gravity and leveling up! I’m SOBBING

Michelle Spurgeon

A, Buckle the Fuck Up, will never get old for me.

Michelle Spurgeon

I'm very suspicious of her since Daddy Uncle came through and said that Suvi's parents were alive when he last saw them. It seems like she sees her hard work starting to unravel in Suvi having a witch and spirit friend. It feels like she is taking Suvi home for a bit of reprogramming. I appreciate the fact that she didn't immediately put Suvi on blast but Suvi might have more potential we don't know about that Steel does.

Manifesting Good Posture

What did Brennan see on that Nat 20 insight? 👁️ His reaction was WILD. I don't think I remember him reacting like that before on this program. 👁️ WHAT DID HE SEE 👁️

Zoop

While this def seems possible, I also think it could conceivably have simply been an educated guess on the part of, if not specifically that wizard, then the citadel at large.

Denise

Lesson learned, no more listening to these in houses with clients in them because I was fully crying at work. Loved it. I kook forward to the onslaught of Defying Gravity yodels in the Fireside Chat 🧹

Dsea

✨worth the wait✨

Matt

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Nicknack

Holy shit y’all, absolutely wild ep *chef’s kiss*

Kaikul

These episodes keep getting better every week. Suvi's arc and ending up on the Epiphany, Ame is a bad as Witch of the World's Heart with great intuition and Ursalon ripping the lock off the spell wrought steel with his hands...all great stuff.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

The smile that says you're not well, and things will get better, means Steel is thinking of the memory spell, and I think Suvi is right that Mama is underestimating her.

Izzi

This episode got me cryin at work

Wizard Shebang

I thought Brennan’s voice choice for the “smallest child” in the group sounded awfully familiar..!

Wizard Shebang

Humble merch request for a “Keep Calm and Carry On” style mug that reads “SNAKES IN THE RIVER, HAMS IN THE FUTURE, LET’S GET GOIN’” 🐍 🍖 💪

Carrie Mook Bridgman

"I put my hands behind my back and look meaningfully at Suvi" made me laugh.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

Also Aabria narrating the opening. Wow, we really are starting in the exact moment we left off.

lu

AMES WITCH CACKLE ENDING THE EPISODE !!!!!!!! TAYLOR MOORE THE EDITOR THAT YOU AREEE ERIKA ISHII THE WITCH THAT YOU AREEEEEEE

Carrie Mook Bridgman

I just finished it and I am skipping aikido--my physical and mental health very important fun thing-- to read *all* the comments because I cannot just put it down.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

Yeah, it's the flight theme Taylor made for Ame's first broom ride with Wren in the flashback episode and used again for the flight on the roc. This is the third time I've heard it, and my heart lifts with the music every time.

Emily C

At the beginning of the ep, what got me was the background explosions and screams underneath the quiet conversations. Constant death and destruction. I was so fucking suspicious of that heron, especially because at the beginning of going into 12 brooks, neither Ame or Eursulon felt any presence of spirit. And did I hear right that Sworn never got his letter? I wonder if he just straight up murked Cyril before he could give it to him, or it was intercepted, or Sworn's memory was messed with?? Next episode: Tokyo Drift: Umora: broom vs. Epiphany

Carrie Mook Bridgman

The Citadel did a memory spell, but I don't think they can read her thoughts. I was a little surprised at her nod to "Are your friends in the castle?" But Steel would be highly suspicious if she said no.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

This is the second "Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck. Buckle up," we've gotten. The first was Suvi's insight check on Eioghorain when he told her the League of Whispers was part of the Citadel. The thing that made her vomit.

Ryan

GOOSEBUMPS THE WHOLE TIME!!

Dain Saint

We stan our bisectual king 🐻

Manifesting Good Posture

:o I remember the story, not the reaction. Oh no, now I have no choice but to listen to that episode again :( I have to listen to a WWW episode again, whatever shall I do :(

Karlantuk

Does Eioghrain have a special class build?

Justin Smith (Barbarossa Builds, LLC)

Taylor.....ending the intro music on the last step.....with canon fire?.....into Suvis thought into.....was wild.... The ending was wilder. I want to know if Brennan has had to say "fuck" that many times, (even home game), because of one persons' roll. And was it Beardsly or Erika

Sydney Nylia

I just got to about 19:00 in and why do I have a dreadful feeling about the implications of the Wizard Silence's name cloak????!!!!!

Jordan Charles

Do we think a bunch of the Divination wizards keep tabs on spirits and would have sensed his ascension?

Catloaf

My pet theory is he is trying to get both sides to devastate each other enough that he can swoop in and take over everything

Tessie Lou

WITCH YES! The scream i scrumpt in my car, I have goosebumps in places I didn't know I COULD get goosebumps in oh my gods. YALLLL

Alex

I honestly thought we were getting the finale today. But they can’t end it there!… can they?

The Wizard Snoop

I bet that wizard thought he was being CUTE turning into a heron

Kate Fisher

They have confirmed that there are 6 more episodes

Liv Tealeaf

My guess - he’s using that nat 20 to propel ame to save Suvi because if not Suvi is going to get cursed to lose some of her memories the same way Ame was at the beginning. Hint number one is that on Suvi’s insight check Steel looked at Suvi as being “unwell but we are going to make you well”, and hint two is that we now know Steel isn’t trustworthy. My guess is still put the curse on Ame in the first place amd is about to do the same to Suvi to “fix her” so that she no longer against the citadel by making it so Suvi no longer remembers what’s happening with the children of the Grenou.

Liv Tealeaf

And Eursalon leaping through the wall and Suvi climbing up the rope - three leaps of faith this episode.

Liv Tealeaf

My suspicion is that Steel is going to “make Suvie well” by making her forget about the children of the grenaou and put her back in the side of the citadel. The same way I suspect steel made Wren and Ame forget things.

Liv Tealeaf

She knew. She’s too high up in the ranks and preparing the trap for the great bullfrog was too big an operation for her to not have known. She knew.

Max Moran

The grand tradition of Grandma Ren's Cottage for Traumatized War Orphans continues...

Erin R

I was yelling “DON’T TRUST HIM” in my car while driving to work 😅

Simon Mills

I listened to this at the gym. Aabria's monologue at the beginning was hilariously undercut by none other than The Thong Song 🎵 Which I suspect she may be okay with. 🤣 Great episode, excellent show. 100% hit rate.

Harrison Morris

Yeah clocked him immediately and couldn’t believe Eursulon didn’t smite him on sight

Max Moran

OH MY GOD ERIKA GOT HER DEFYING GRAVITY MOMENT LIKE THEY LITERALLY DID DEFYING GRAVITY HOLY SHIT

Max Moran

TELLLL THEM HOW AMEEEEEEEE IIIS DEFYYYYIIIINGG GRAAAAVITYYYYYY

Kit

Yeah, it'd be a pretty wild choice to have "the Man in Black returns to Ame's door" just take place "offscreen" lol

Kit

Difficulty: impossible, lol

Manifesting Good Posture

Great points. The perception check - I wonder if this the Citadel acknowledging what they (and Suvi) did to Suvi with the memory spell before the witch's coven. Perhaps Steel thinks *all this* is a side effect of the memory wipe gambit. Or that she is currently under some sort of sorcery. Hence 'unwell' rather than pure pity. I don't recall explicitly - has Steel spoken with Suvi about the Great Memory Wipe Gambit? Suvi knows about it from the identify spell (which, as an aside, was the most jaw-dropping bit of impromptu storytelling I have ever heard), but I don't *think* that the Citadel knows about it. which is a curveball.

Kit

Haunted, charmed, obsessed with the moment where Ame's eyes flash gold and inhuman!! Erika, yr deep knowledge of folklore is so, so evident and it really shone in that little moment. (I love how witchpilled this show is)

Rygulas

IS ANYONE TALKING ABOUT THE WITCH OF THE HAWTHORN BROOM AND SIR CURRAN OF THE HAWTHORN CONNECTION OR AM I JUST BITING THE AIR

Lee Chirtel

I don't think he is working with the Citadel, I think it is more that they are complimentary opposites. I.E., they are Lords of Light who are doing lots of evil bits and mucking things up, whereas he is outwardly Dark and Shadowy evil seeming, but trying to help on one level. I suspect his plan, maybe even going back to the time before the Witches' Coven, is to strip humans of any magic independent of a Great Spirit's direct grant of power. I think the Man in Black is a "feudal socialist", to use the term for someone who wants to revive the old order based on accurate criticisms of the new one. He is, after all, A King.

CJ

On Suvi's 21 insight: "Steel looks at you... with a smile like you're not well." Steel loves Suvi, but Steel is deeply imbedded into an imperialist society.

Everett Whitaker

OK, I *have* to know. Was Buckles among the Grenaux children that were rescued? Is he the one that spoke in Imperial?

Lee Chirtel

I mean, absent some kind of compulsion, Suvi would throw her medals down in public. And I think that the other Wizards would be able to detect magical compulsion on her in public. I suspect Suvi will be under house arrest with the hero spy mole story as cover. After they read her mind fully, of course.

Michelle Thye

In Fox voice “an anxious child, who unbelievably IS a witch”

Witpending

If I had a nickel for every time I cried because a witch jumped out a window on a broomstick, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird it happened twice

CJ

I love that Brennan didn't ask him to roll to break the wall or break the lock.

Witpending

I love what Aabria has done with Suvi because she doesn't always make the narratively safe choice, so moments like these really do feel like a question mark. Will Suvi climb the rope? I really didn't know.

CJ

I had a bit of an emotional reaction when the kids were thanking Eursulon and Ame. I was like "no, wait, Suvi is the one who gave up literally everything for you."

Witpending

Welp, time to pack it up boys. We got 'em.

Witpending

The end of this episode really makes you feel like there's hams in your future

Crickadeekat

I feel silly for not knowing this, but how is Ame able to fly with the broom? Did I miss that as part of her class? Is it flavor especially for witches in WBN?

Emilie Han

How does Ame consistently end up in Kiki’s delivery service? There’s a war going on

Naseem Jamnia

Is anyone else thinking that Nif should become the Witch of Toma #2 so Ame can keep doing some EPIC WORLD’S HEART SHIT?? Holy hell please tell me Task is also flying on that broomstick WHEWWW

Sil

I haven't checked, but Broom of Flying is an item that can be crafted/ spell slot sacrificed

Crickadeekat

Oh!!!!! That would make so much sense.

Sil

I want to know if they've taken much from Pathfinder Shifters

Sil

If I could draw, I would. I am desperate to get my brain picture out for this

Sil

It's hella fast to craft anything, but if it's the time of an Action, that will make sense

Amelia Tedesco

YALL!!!!!! 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 I don’t even have words.

Alex

I assumed eursalon was casting knock on the lock since he now is fifth level and has his oath, but if that's the case then I appreciate not naming a spell and simpling doing it as I'd imagine a spirit would do

Ted Meredith

I would think the strings on the track would enhance the experience if anything!

Alex

There was mention of something about ending or destroying humanity or something similar that slipped from I believe either the witch of the waning moon or the pilgrim under stars during the coven so it's definitely possible. I do have my doubts, but I am not the man in black

Wondering wonder

Hawthorns are highly magical in Celtic and European folklore and mythology 🌳

Kit

Yes!! To add on to this, hawthorns are in particular said to be gateways between this world and the Otherworld (i.e. the world of spirits)!

Leo Burn'd

What a FINALE!! FUCK I can't be crying on the train to work

Adam D.

This story is the best thing ever. It is so intimate like I'm sitting on the floor by the fire listening. It makes me a grown blue collar man weep. I cannot stress how important this story is to me Yet again Thank you

Witch of Woe and Tragedy

Ditto, Eursulon‘s moments often bring me to tears. So much has chaged since we started this story

Stefanucci Mozzarella

@Puppymaster! The castle in holly hill at the end of episode #34… The one that MIB is given access to… Is that castle at the end of #34 the same CASTLE they were in on last episode?! … I think you got something!!!

Sil

AND SOON I'LL MATCH THEM IN RENOWN

Sil

I get Sandman in sleigh side-car (Rise of the Guardians) with flying goggles and 8 hands in the air vibes 😅

Sil

If you're biting the air, they will pretend you aren't 😉

Jill Helding

I was so worried about this! What if both the ink demons were destroyed just after Suvi gave them their freedom? Especially since one had clearly already broken his bottle, I could absolutely see Sworn just going "nope, fuck that, dead". I'm going to CRY if it's only Vandal left.

Jill Helding

Well, I know what my next merch project is. Not sure if I'll do a mug or a tee shirt but I 1000 percent NEED that quote on something.

Jill Helding

Alright, I'm having a dummy moment here - what "plan" was Steel trying to sell Suvi as having pulled off in front of the rest of the crew? Or do you think we'll get more of an explanation about the specifics of that lie in future episodes? And do we think Sworn and Silver will buy it or know that Steel is covering for her daughter and just not be in a position to say anything about it, because hierarchy?

Sil

If I don't share it here, I won't share it anywhere else... I can only see Ame interacting physically with this broom like you would with a skateboard. Nose grabs, leaning the flattest part against her back and resting herself against it, the occasional kick flip... you know, the usual #chaotic

Amphiby

*Defying Gravity starts playing slowly*

Jill Helding

To the entire team at WBN - thank you. This incredible story of little people standing up to do what they can for the betterment of the world in the face of empire has not only fundamentally changed my heart (and how I think about story), but it's giving me hope, courage and a model for what my own conduct should be in these dark, frightening times. Y'all are a gift to the world and I am so grateful to exist in the same moment in time as all of you and this amazing adventure.

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

the music box intel. no one else knows about it, so it's not even a lie but stretching it as cover for Suvi's AWOL

Emily C

Oh shit son!!! Types of wood!!! Didn't even catch that!!

Emily C

Eursulon was hella focused on 80 kids to be fair

Ms. Katie Spina

Took me a couple days to be ready and I'm so glad I did! That final insight check from Ame was so game changing!!! Ahhhhh! I love this series so much. The dice were telling a STORY! AND THAT ENDING!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

Quander

Oh thank goodness 🥹 best news ever 💜

kragonaught

what if steel’s plan was to frame the guards for caging the children so suvi could be credited with freeing them into the citadel’s “care”

Liz

Yeah, fair enough. I’m always listening to podcasts while I’m showering or getting ready so I must have missed that particular line while I was trying to find matching socks or something. 😅

DomPie

Led Zep’s Kashmir is the song in my head as Ame grabs the broom, takes flight, and cackles into the night

Jill Helding

What are people's theories about the contents of the letters to Sworn and Silver?

Jill Helding

Re: the anthropomorphic fox spirit from Ame's vision - do you think she's a "real" spirit or just a psychopomp? A reflection or representation of Ame's soul, or a part of her ancestry that is why she has the capacity to be a witch?

Jill Helding

Ah, gotcha. I wasn't sure if that was it or if she'd come up with some additional supposed mission on the spot. It does look a little weird to say that while Suvi is standing there in chains though...kind of undermines the lie!

Antonia Canosa

Question: was Suvi’s old crew there in the castle to trap her because of what she said to Silver?

Sara

It makes my heart soar. I was so moved by it in that scene with Wren. And I've been waiting for Ame to fly ever since that scene, and it was so so good. I start tearing up just thinking of it right now.

The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration

yeah, but it'll be easier to spin "she became compromised after her successful infiltration of the witches" if you start signaling there that Suvi had a secret mission that literally helped them win this battle (which again, has the benefit of being true). especially with Silver knowing firsthand that Ame can influence emotions (from her timely calm emotions drop earlier), he can be a witness in the "omg Suvi was being unduly influenced by the witches!" scapegoat

MFingWhiterunGuard

Eursulon's yell when he went through the wall gave me chills. Holy shit

Brian Pascal

Every episode increases my desperate need for the WBN soundtrack.

Hannah Flynn

Sitting in a park openly weeping

Bog Station: Remembrance

Kinda seems like Steel used Silver and Sworn to get Suvi because she knew Suvi might hesitate to kill them…

Bog Station: Remembrance

Oooo I like it! Like there are spirits who choose witches and give them some of themselves

One Punch Max

I think it's like an Avatar (last airbender) Situation. Witches are the connection between the spirits and the mortals. So they simply are both. So I think the fox is Ame's Spirit "half".

Stephen Panella

THERE I GO CRYING AGAIN. I so dearly appreciate the feelings this pod makes me feel and it is such a delightful escape

Hannah Flynn

And now I'm done, actually cackling. Well played all, this finale is everything

Hannah Flynn

The cutting before the musical resolution of the opening music made me go, "You git!" out loud

sabertruth19

In my car, I was yelling “HERONS EAT FROGS!” and was so happy when they finally got to check the bastard and figure it out. A little sad that we didn’t get a cool Heron spirit to hang out with, but art imitates life, so maybe we will get to meet one in the future…

sabertruth19

Snakes in the river and big hams ahead!

GC

Been sipping and savoring this one. Just got to *that* scene, had to pull over into a parking lot (crying too hard to drive). WBN crew, you liberatory spirits, you've made something for the ages here.

Abhacado

LETS GOOOOO AME

Sam Collie

the being in different movies accusation has never hit harder than during the broom flight

Sam Collie

One of the best episodes of audio i’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. I can’t help but think about how important this story is to the fucked up shit happening everywhere. You CAN make a difference if you choose to do the right thing, and you have a much better chance if you do it cleverly.

BriJoy H

Haha same!! I was also driving my car and just exited my driveway right at the exact moment of the booms

The Wizard Spwerm

Brennan once mentioned that when Eursulon casts speech of beast and leaf, he isn’t actually communicating with the animal/plant but rather that he is communing with the spirit that exists inside of them (as every living thing has a spirit) so maybe that is Ame’s spirit!

Meagan

Ame going full defying gravity wasn’t what I expected but I’m SO on board. Holy shit what a killer episode

Casey Furtado

I just finished this episode. Am I crying? Yes 🥲❣️ This episode was sooo full of heart 😭

Casey Furtado

Same, literal goosebumps 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Flowers

Taylor Moore has said on previous episodes, and previous ttrpg podcasts (shout out Rude Tales of Magic), that he likes to cut some of the minutiae of the game mechanics for the sake of story pacing. So it’s possible the in game mechanical discussion of rolling an athletics check and saying out loud what spell Eursalon uses to break the lock were simply cut to help with the flow of episode. But either way, if it was a creative choice from Taylor or Brennan I 100% agree that it made for a better story

The Wizard Seeker

Ame and Eursulon have both leveled up in real time. I cannot WAIT for Brennan to say "Suvi levels up to 5" in an episode, because I believe with all my heart that he will do that in a moment where Suvi can IMMEDIATELY casts Fireball.

Stefanucci Mozzarella

… if the MIB is guises as one of the children, then Ane invited/brought him into the house… That would be a show down with Eursalon in some way… That would be bad…. But might be really cool, maybe the witches cottage has defenses… … she roll a Nat 20 insight trusting Eursalon to the children… Even if the unexpected happens, maybe she understands correctly it’s fine anywayzzz … hmm…

Ashleigh Hanlon

5 minutes in and I have to /take a minute/

Gotholi

How many titles does Eursulon have now? Bear, The strongest man in silbury, and now someone has called him a Great Spirit of Freedom, and I don't even think they knew that they were giving him power by doing it. I'm so excited to see this come to fruition.

The Wizard Seek

My partner and I screamed in rejoice at the absolute ROAR from Eursulon! It's hard to even say it was from *Lou* because the man becomes subsumed by his characters. Absolutely stellar, invigorating, incredible episode. I will be back in another comment to wax poetic about Suvi but DAMN.

The Wizard Seek

Taylor, Jared, my guy(s). The nods to all the past moments in the campaign with the selection of motifs here (soaring horns when Eursulon breaks the cage doors, the witch broom flight like Ame's first one, and Suvi- the piano for Suvi that reflected *just a little bit* of the prologue scoring) is one of the many reasons that makes me float through the air like a cartoon character towards a lovely fresh baked pie every time one of these episodes drop. Truly incredible. Not to mention the clever coin flashback, and the PHYSICAL feeling of Eursulon's roar and bursting through the walls. Artists, the both of you!

Madeline Salter

Is it possible that twelve brooks episode took place at a really different time than the present day in the main story? Or is it confirmed same time period do you know?

Madeline Salter

Six more episodes of the chapter or of the entire book? I'm a bit confused about how long the arc will go for before they switch world's and DMs

Rachel Bakke

Look, Is mom evil now? Because if mom is evil now stop the ride I want to get off!

Madeline Salter

We'll all need to stretch and do a warm-up before we hear those mental gymnastics

Milly Farouki

Woah I hadn't even thought of that

Danielle

Both, technically! Arc 4 is the last chapter of this book (Book 1). Once Book 1 is done, they’ll switch.

Stephen Eggleston

Hilton Farm is evil, I do think she is in a system that she has no control over and must play a role in

Erin Curry

She also has an interaction with Wren’s broom in the prelude that implies it’s a flying thing.

gramps

Bear the Strongest Man in Silbury, Eursulon of the Golden Pauldron, A Great Spirit of Freedom, Protector of the Wizard Sky, Guardian of the Witch of the Worlds Heart The Billy GOAT

Leo Kellock

Where and when did Eursulon get hs knife and what does it specifically do?

Crickadeekat

True, but I felt as though the broom itself was a magical item during the prelude.

RuviGaPo

THE CALLBACKS !!!!! TToTT (i chose the Best time to relisten to the full story omg)

Daveyzones

OMG I nearly lept out of my skin at that roar! Big bear is Pissed!!!

Alec

I have relistened to this episode and the last like 3-4 times and I cannot get ENOUGH

TisWhatSheSaid

“Eursulon physically runs through the wall with everything in his spirit.” 🥹

Alec

BIG AGREE.

Ammar Khalid

Not me holding in my tears on this walk when the children reached the cottage and bowed to Ame and Eursulon. Also god so many hype moments but I especially loved the breaking of the lock and Ame escaping on the broom

kai schwartz

Wait, is this the end of arch 4?! I’m not ready!

Jacob Odom

So I know that "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" is a phrase outside of this podcast, but I just heard Brennan say it on the most recent episode of Parlor Room on Dropout to center himself before playing a game and it snapped me back to this episode. It's super charming to (I assume) see the influence of the game reaching out beyond the table for them.

Erik Parsons

Speaking of Studio Gibli, is it just me or does anyone else hear Ponyo shouting "Ham!!!" in their head right now?

Grace Bee

Re listening to the first arc, and it's really wild to compare that Suvi to THIS Suvi

Alex

Relistening to the beginning of this arc rn and wow imagine if suvi had used the dispelling agent on the way to abassin... 😣

Mason Joseph

Would you be able to put all of the podcost into one playlist here on Patreon? This would include interludes and such but not out of world things like firesides. It would make it far easier to share and get people on board

Aberdeen B

THE LAUGHS AT THE END. The SOUND DESIGN. This is my favorite story ever.

HaliCait

I feel like the letter to Sworn was something along the lines of “it’s rotten all the way down and I cannot be anything but a worm. Find a guiding star that doesn’t rely on the frailties of mortals”. To Silver, appealing to a humanity she hopes is there, to at least question his orders… but mostly to say that she’s sorry he couldn’t follow her where the truth has lead. But I hope we get to find out the truth!

Casey

Maybe not the best decision to listen to this episode on the way too work. Had to collect myself before going in. Where is Task? Are they okay?

Catloaf

I hadn’t even thought of that. I just assumed they’d squash the story and hit her with a modify memory/geas combo again

Catloaf

“This feels like lying to Indri” That line breaks my heart no matter how many times i hear it

505Dude

His sister stole it along with the coin from The Citadel. When placed on the floor of any structure built by mortal hands and spun it always points towards the quickest and most direct route to the exit.

Megs

Just finished this episode and I could RUN THROUGH A WALL RIGHT NOW AHHHHHHH

Courtney Barnes

I love the way the broom is described! “A broom does not serve for glory - it’s serves the world’s heart because every hearth needs a sweeping and every witch needs to fly”. That really touched me for some reason. Then the laughter!

Buttonpusher RPG Maps & Words

How soon until we get a "Will there be large hams if we win?" (or something like that) on a t-shirt?

The Witch of Warp 9.9

Fullll sobbing tears to this one. So many questions and compliments swimming in my brain. I’m in awe of the ending and how it was reminiscent of Wicked but didn’t feel like a copy at all and was absolutely incredible how it gave me all the feels with *no visuals!* So god dang impressive. Also was shocked at how Steel made it seem like everything Suvi did was part of the plan. I myself instantly felt awash with “wait was this all a dream” just like Suvi - I don’t blame her for feeling that pang of relief. But little does she know that Ame is literally chasing after her in the wide open! I need to know how Ame is planning on taking on the Epiphany. And, will Suvi join her? Or will Suvi take the opportunity to go back to her past life??

QTheWizardSagacious

Hello Cracklle Crackle. Dearest friends of the campfire I need your help with a loving debate between myself and a dear friend who also listens to this lovely amazing podcast. Given that Ame broke the handle off the door, does that mean that the handles are broken??? Or is it simply the door that was damaged??? Please and thank you to anyone that will weigh in.

Sil

Witch of the Wicked Heelflip. One of the long lost stations.

Sam Jabri-Pickett

I was truly weeping in this episode. As a journalist covering the genocide in Gaza, all I could think about was those kids, starving and scared. It was so cathartic for Eursalon to just break through that wall to the children and for them to know that relief that all children deserve.

Connor

I want a “snakes in the river, hams in the future” t shirt lol

RahneFace

This is my favorite story ever oh my god 😭😭😭

Genna

Loved that whole scene and the flashback about the gifts!!! This whole bit was *chef's kiss*

Jane

First Brennan talking in the last Fireside about not letting ourselves become too paralyzed to continue on our own path to the people counting on us at the end of it, and now this. As a parent, this one just broke me. Literally had to pull over while driving when Eursulon ripped the lock off the cage because it opened a floodgate in my heart I didn’t know I was holding back. In all the worlds, the children are always ours. 😭😭😭

Sil

I haven't had to pull over (yet, b/c I'm WFH on Wed mornings when episodes drop,) but I feel this in my fkn sinew. There's a reason my Paladin (Vengeance) is an ex- school teacher. The children are always ours, because they could be.

Sil

That is a hell of a job, and peak service to democracy. I studied journalism and realised that I couldn't manage the uphill sh!tpush against the Murdocracy in Australia, but what you're doing is what I believe journalism is at it's best. Thank you so much for what you have given. Thank you for what you are giving.

Hannah Caringal

I was saving these episodes for a trip, so I don’t know if I should’ve seen this coming, but I found myself weeping next to a stranger on a flight during the moment Eursulon Kool-Aid Manned through the wall

Aussie Griffin

Eursulon bashed the wall in and all I could heard was Lynyrd Skynyrd yelling "Freeee Bear!" >.< A.G.

Krissi Carson

Started it a few days ago! We'll see how it ends up. I'm enjoying it so far!

Sam Jabri-Pickett

I’m actually doing what I’m doing because of som Aussie colleagues interviewed. I’m Canadian so it’s different, but Australian journalists, specially the ABC, have some of the best natural, climate and disaster and emergency coverage in the world. A friend of mine cut her teeth as a camera operator during Black Summer then came up here during our awful wildfires in summer 2023. And yeah the work’s rough. I do what I can to keep the fire lit though. Your thanks is appreciated.

Sil

"Auntie" (ABC) is the only place I ever wanted to work as a journo. Public broadcasting at it's peak - you know you can get ABC Iview (app) overseas? And catastrophic bushfires/ wildfires are something any Aussie (or Kiwi, tbh) would understand 😔 the irony of the stinging, brown-grey smell of smoke is that it is chilling when you can't be sure if it's controlled. A terrible thing to bond over, but I'm glad we have people who can travel and empathise in a way others couldn't. Coverage is one thing, but the human element needs tending by people who can understand what it's like to survive fire. Love and solidarity to you 🩵

Joshua Tewell

The show notes on Pocket Casts mentions a transcript but I can't find any from official sources?

Aviva

This is the core of ACAB.

Ellen Stanfill

I’m quite late to this party but this episode is easily the best (so far). I was sobbing when Eursulon ripped the cage open. Suvi is the most nuanced character and I relate to her story in the sense of breaking out of organizations that shaped your whole life, and also I would die for her. And Ame refusing to leave her friend and flying after!! I can’t wait to see where the story goes but I also feel the need to relisten to this ep at least 2 more times!!

The Wizard Subjudice

I finally saw Wicked: For Good yesterday, and I am so glad I got to see this image manifest in front of me in my own "AHHH, SHAPES!" moment