[PUBLIC EPISODE] The Wizard, the Witch and the Wild One: ep044 "To the Bone"
Added 2025-03-11 11:35:00 +0000 UTC
The keen mind is king, and you are not in your tower. You are here with us, underground, haunting the foundations of the world, a shadow, here to offer and support the force. In front of you is a cellar door and a brush of blood. Choose quick: Wear the muzzle, or grow some teeth. By a turning of the coin, you are awake and remember you are dreaming still.
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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
Comments
Brennan/Erika - I am hoping to get "Be Kind. Be Cunning." as a tattoo. Would you be kind enough to post a picture of these phrases written down? And choose between yourselves who writes/ who suits which phrase best?
Sil
2025-09-11 09:15:45 +0000 UTCI suppose it is too late now, so close to the end of the story, but may we please have content warnings for future WBN episodes if possible? Hearing animal suffering even briefly is really upsetting for me 🥺 Thank you so much; the show is amazing 🙏
Nym
2025-08-07 05:37:56 +0000 UTCThis has to be my favourite episode of the season. Amé's flashbacks hit so close to home and reminds me so much of "I was there, and not yet there. I was rage. I was a child."
Sil
2025-07-16 10:40:45 +0000 UTCI came here for this transcript specifically and found myself running into the same issue. I want to quote it for my Substack. In the grand scheme of things it's not a big deal and I can type it up, but yeah, not my favorite. :(
Sarah
2025-04-19 13:43:14 +0000 UTCWell, I owe you Lou/Aabria, because the phrase "slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" is paying dividends for me at work 👌🏻
Sil
2025-04-04 07:20:55 +0000 UTCI'm always so grateful for the transcripts but theres something odd about the ones for 43/44. I suddenly cant search through them or copy/paste text which is annoying because I love to search through and extract my favourite quotes
Rebecca
2025-03-26 12:47:39 +0000 UTCI just really want Suvi to realize what happened, it'll be that last nudge her character needs to go full rebel (ik she's basically there but I think her emotional connection to ghost will be like the cherry on top of it all and what seals the deal) I just hope ghost isn't too hurt when all is said and done. The poor girl has defly been through more than enough.
Shepherd of Stars - Nomad of The Cosmos - Monarch of The Aether
2025-03-22 21:19:57 +0000 UTCThe people demand more queer NPCs!!!!
Yarl
2025-03-22 05:00:34 +0000 UTCnot an actual himbo. himbo energy. i was being hyperbolic because of the big funny "huh????" sounds
Jules O
2025-03-21 22:02:19 +0000 UTCOh, 100%. Brennan pointedly noted them yet again, and I felt just a little nauseuous reflex kick up in the back of my throat. Even knowing it's coming, I know it will gut me.
Aviva
2025-03-21 21:36:36 +0000 UTCis he a himbo or just does not care about wizard shit? nothing about him gave me the impression he was unintelligent, just had different information than Suvi and was a little crass in the way he communicates.
irisilmaril
2025-03-21 21:32:37 +0000 UTCI would have kept Keen alive. He would have been useful... even without his tounge. >_> A.G.
Aussie Griffin
2025-03-21 12:36:44 +0000 UTCYeeeeah that's kinda what Im worried about
Cole
2025-03-20 23:18:33 +0000 UTCPossible involuntary Ghost plasma donations? She interviewed with the Glass Coronet, and considering how quickly she told the party about her abilities due to there usefulness I doubt she'd leave it out of what would be the biggest interview of her life. Sadly it's very likely she is being taken advantage of for worse than she was in Port Talon.
Shepherd of Stars - Nomad of The Cosmos - Monarch of The Aether
2025-03-20 04:47:28 +0000 UTCAnybody else have a really bad feeling about the dispelling agent ?
Cole
2025-03-18 19:20:49 +0000 UTCThank you!
Katie D
2025-03-18 11:43:39 +0000 UTCThey do but it runs a little behind. It looks like it's catching up though. The transcript for 42 is now up.
SvenTS
2025-03-18 09:49:30 +0000 UTCDoes anyone know if they still do transcripts? There’s one that’s auto generated in Apple Podcasts but I’d definitely read a more polished one if they’ve got it! Much more doable to read stressful situations rather than listen haha.
Katie D
2025-03-17 22:49:49 +0000 UTCjust got caught up, and this is my favorite arc so far! so many story moments that i thought would take many more months or years to happen have started to come around, and I’m just listening in bed while shedding a tear every few minutes. I always knew Suvi could do it, but i never imagined it would feel so satisfying. Aabria is a great storyteller because she’s so good at making me hate and love her all at the same time, and it’s a thrill! and literally i kid you not, i was adding up in my head all the times each PC has gotten to have personal story moments about family, and I was like huh… Ame really never talks about her family ever, i wonder if they’ll ever touch on that, and then BAM it happens immediately after lol
Camille Lanata
2025-03-17 20:56:19 +0000 UTCyou should get either “be cunning” or “do right” on the other wrist!
Camille Lanata
2025-03-17 20:51:53 +0000 UTCThis one felt so fast,so dense, I had no idea an hour had past when it ended
Daniel Stevens
2025-03-17 18:40:59 +0000 UTCGosh that last fight was so cathartic. How we needed that in the world right now - the baddie got it good.
Sara Gouveia
2025-03-17 18:25:36 +0000 UTCReally curious if there was any way aside from breaking the demon binding circle for Ame to escape. i assume she auto-failed the initial binding cause of sleep but wanted to know how the circles work mechanis wise, if it can be revealed at this time.
Wizard Spare
2025-03-17 09:17:14 +0000 UTCHaving too much fun relisting to this episode again and again. Definitely going to ask my players to describe things more. Also Eursalon rolling 21s and flicking the guy off his sword ruled. v excited for the next installment
Wizard Spare
2025-03-17 09:15:13 +0000 UTCI loved the scene with Ame and her fox reflection. Especially that Erika provided us with a very strong Pratchett-esque dichotomy between what's kind and what's right, emphasizing that her need to be kind should not supersede the need to do what's Right. ...only for Brennan to say, "Uh-huh, but what I was getting at was maybe don't look under every basket you find propped up with a stick and an Ame treat."
Eli Plaskett
2025-03-17 05:39:33 +0000 UTCYeah, I agree with you. I feel there’s been another non-clearing episode where I was quite triggered. Detailed descriptions of animal endangerment accompanied by haunting score and sound effects seems like a valid thing to have a trigger warning for, especially for a show that is often a comfort podcast for me.
The Wizard Stubborn
2025-03-16 01:51:11 +0000 UTCOH and i forgot to add - Ame's childhood flashback? yeah i grew up catholic & queer in a village in Scotland in the '90s while section 28 (2a) was in effect. schoolkids i didn't even know would come up to tell me what their parents said about me. Ame's story has been wonderful to listen to. Thanks for this, folks. 💜
Jules O
2025-03-16 01:36:45 +0000 UTCman, this show is somethin else. i have endless love for suvi. himbo energy from eioghorain has counterintuitively made him even hotter than before, so, thanks for that. eursalon in the basement had me pacing around my flat. couldn't stay still. everything ame & the fox did gave me shivers. i'm one big goosebump. ok so, sidenote: some teeny parallels with ame make my head spin. in late 2017, after moving into temporary accommodation, I got a tattoo on my wrist that says, "be kind". it faces towards me, for me to read. about a year ago i knew i had to embrace being cunning; it was the only way to flush out some sneaky bigots and make them expose their true nature. it paid off just this week. this show always hits Just Right. !!!!! storytelling !!!!!!
Jules O
2025-03-16 01:30:57 +0000 UTCThey had a content warning when the violence happened very quickly out of nowhere, when Gramore pulled that wizard apart. I remember because the TW saved me from letting my nieces hear it! And I really appreciated that. But this episode was different. It was clear what was going on and what was coming. At some point you have to take responsibility for yourself and just use common sense about what you're watching, ya know? I really like that the show isn't usually covered in warning stickers. But I think a fan-made list of TW is a great project if that is something you care passionately about. I'm a big believer in what one of my old bosses used to say "If ya got time to complain, ya got time to chip in and help fix it!" I'm sure it could be a part of the wiki, no?
TheodoreKnob
2025-03-15 17:39:21 +0000 UTCEioghorain
The Wizard Squeamish
2025-03-15 13:25:40 +0000 UTCThere's been discussion of this on the Reddit as well. I also complained about this in the comments of The Clearing. Unfortunately, at this point I think if we want to see change in this way, we'll need to make it ourselves as a fan community. The Magnus Archive fan community has a good example of what this would look like: a database of all the episode with potential triggers related to the monster of the week. I think if there are some other fans with free time we should definitely organise something like this and maybe put it on the WBN wiki with spoilered text for the contrarians saying that content warnings spoil the episode for them Respond if you're interested
The Wizard Squeamish
2025-03-15 13:23:36 +0000 UTCThere's been discussion of this on the Reddit as well. I also complained about this in the comments of The Clearing. Unfortunately, at this point I think if we want to see change in this way, we'll need to make it ourselves as a fan community. The Magnus Archive fan community has a good example of what this would look like: a database of all the episode with potential triggers related to the monster of the week. I think if there are some other fans with free time we should definitely organise something like this and maybe put it on the WBN wiki with spoilered text for the contrarians saying that content warnings spoil the episode for them Edit: Respond if you're interested
The Wizard Squeamish
2025-03-15 13:13:33 +0000 UTCMarisha Ray said that exact thing on the Critical Role wrap up stream this Thursday. I agree. What a character.
Lotta Andersson
2025-03-15 08:20:39 +0000 UTCMe too! I always save the episodes for my commute and the last few episodes have been like coming up from an ice bath when the outro music starts to play. Total immersion. And a good exercise is controlling you facial expressions.
Lotta Andersson
2025-03-15 08:10:20 +0000 UTCIncredible episode as always... But the lack of any kind of content warnings really bothers me, tbh. I was lucky to see a content warning online before listening so I was prepared. Please consider adding some kind of warning to your episode descriptions!!
Squares
2025-03-15 05:06:37 +0000 UTCThe ink demons can be respelled for like 10 gold pieces, which I believe is payed for by the tower of the glove typically but surely Suvi could do it herself as well.
The Wizard Scam
2025-03-15 00:46:28 +0000 UTCI feel like these moments are what begins their transformation into what they will become - three beings of unrivaled power, a triumvirate presiding over both realms
Conor Steinke
2025-03-14 23:20:09 +0000 UTCForever grateful that I found this podcast. This is so amazing. And the things I felt as Keen said (paraphrased) "from the moment I saw you in that beer garden I knew I had to have you". Such a perfect twist on what could have been a line from any romance novel and here it just twists your guts. So amazing. Thank you thank you! And pour one out for Vandal. (how do ink demons work? Is he dead?)
Lotta Andersson
2025-03-14 21:45:39 +0000 UTCI just love how unafraid and mature Brennan is with his descriptions. Describing torture like that was really powerful without it feeling cheap for shock value. He truly is the Mozart of storytelling.
One Punch Max
2025-03-14 21:35:38 +0000 UTCYeah, that bit was surprising in a couple of ways. I was not expecting to sympathize with the parents. Then we don't see them tell Grandma Wren anything other than "she is possessed by something" and "she is not...proper." Good reason for Grandma Wren to despise them, but I find it hard to believe they would not have mentioned the mob wanting to drown their 5-year-old daughter. Also, I was picturing a village family, not one with money enough to have a house with a "nursery."
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 12:58:27 +0000 UTCEither she didn't know or, if she did, it made her worry even more because she knew there was no way she could find her quickly if something had happened. Brennan narrated that she looked like she had been crying before Suvi resurfaced in Port Talon and was confirmed alive. I could definitely see her repeatedly scrying in the hopes that maybe the pendant has come off at some point
Amaya
2025-03-14 12:56:36 +0000 UTCI would love to know if the revelation about Ame's village and family were a revelation to Erika or if she and Brennan had worked out her whole backstory from the beginning. There's a lot Aabria doesn't know about Suvi's backstory. If it was a revelation to Erika, has Brennan known this part the whole time, or did he just set up "Ame was abandoned by parents who couldn't handle her" and is improvising the details? I need the Fireside Chat!!!
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 12:50:06 +0000 UTCThe null clef was Soft's edit removing the reflexive indicative--which Citadel wizards are taught is an essential part of every spell. The reflexive indicative is what identifies the spellcaster.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 12:42:58 +0000 UTCNot the ring. The pendant. The ring is standard-issue Citadel equipment for drawing from the Aerith and keeping track of the people doing so. Suvi no longer uses the reflexive indicative, so it can't identify her. Though I do wonder when they will figure out, "Sky is the unidentifiable wizard, so if you see an anonymous spell, that's her." Also still wondering why no one at the Citadel mentioned not being able to scry on her. If Steel knew about the pendant, she wouldn't have bothered scrying, so either she doesn't know (in which case she would have investigated) or she wasn't the one scrying before.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 12:39:02 +0000 UTCShe's been upset before about putting him in danger and he's said danger is normal. Also, she opened herself to his pain when she didn't have to. She didn't pull away, and she sent him her strength. He'll forgive her--but she'd better explicitly promise all of them to be more cunning, and demonstrate that soon.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 12:29:14 +0000 UTCHonestly what an amazing episode! It was a lot but soooo powerful
King Rob
2025-03-14 12:21:57 +0000 UTCI just got mine in the mail, I'm so excited to listen with him!
Luce
2025-03-14 12:20:45 +0000 UTCLojaan, you're right. Absolutely. The grand problem is figuring out ways to stop the monsters without becoming monsters--to stop the poison machine without getting poisoned ourselves. That may not be possible. At any rate, withdrawing and doing nothing also makes us complicit. How do we balance "Be cunning" and "Be kind" without losing either one? There's no sure answer, and as others here have said, it's a job for *communities,* because it's way too big for any individual.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 11:46:27 +0000 UTCI was holding my fox plushie so tight
Tyler Sweeney
2025-03-14 11:44:22 +0000 UTC"These things do not work if the person you're trying to convince refuses to meet you at the table." Ouch. It reminds me of a long-ago fireside when Brennan and Erika were discussing Ame's limits: B: "If you stand over me, I will bring you low--onto this kitchen stool next to me for us to have a cup of tea.... We are *bonded,* motherfucker, and you are not above me." E: "Sit the fuck down. Do you want cream or sugar?" That's a great goal when the standing-over is a matter of arrogance and has not progressed to torture and murder.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 11:38:33 +0000 UTCJust caught up! 2 questions: 1) Did the Fox Spirit say 'WRONG!!' to Ame???? 2) Suvi is so interesting. 'Princess' is correct - Born to a friend of the Sword of the Citadel, the child of a power couple, uniquely talented in her own right - how many times did she get bailed out to not be completely paranoid to the chain of command and consequences? So interesting. banger episode. great stuff.
The Wizard Shitposter
2025-03-14 10:15:47 +0000 UTCFk this is a mood - I busted out so much work doing the same
Sil
2025-03-14 09:22:07 +0000 UTCI guess I got spoiled by Dimension 20, but the fact that they include content warnings in their episodes made it super beneficial for those wanting to avoid certain scenes. I see now that it wasn't Brennan team doing content warning protections but the actual producers behind Dimension 20. Still a great episode, but something I'll have to keep in mind going forward.
leotoffee
2025-03-14 05:25:59 +0000 UTCFollowed by Ame screams
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-03-14 02:53:43 +0000 UTCKeen was such a great character. So many characters are subtly evil, was fun to see a true villain. Glad that bastard got his.
Justin Leaming
2025-03-13 19:39:25 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite episodes ever 🥲 coming over here from Spotify to comment because GODDAMN that was so good. This is my favorite show ever 💓
Eliana Schwartz
2025-03-13 18:47:43 +0000 UTCTerrific episode! I’ve never been more sure Ame is more Granny Weatherwax than Nanny Ogg! Being good is not the same as being kind! ❤️
Gearoid Cotter
2025-03-13 18:36:11 +0000 UTCFantastic episode. Just have a quick question about how Ame's curses work. When she triggers the retributive curse and the fox fire lights surround Keen, is the Curse tag (or whatever you would call it) scrubbed from Keen? Is the curse for just one direct action. During the fight when Keen was biting the fox I kept thinking that would trigger another blast of the curse. Thanks in advance!
William Neil Scott
2025-03-13 16:57:28 +0000 UTCthis episode was a LOT but the most harrowing moment was "this would be the moment for [the Fox] to say something funny and charming...but he is an animal" because I was convinced Keen had somehow taken away the Fox's magical prefrontal cortex and he no longer cared about Ame or had the capacity to demand fish slurry. I'm not sure if I could have forgiven that.
Lael Newton
2025-03-13 16:50:57 +0000 UTCThis episode was so stressful that I had to listen to it twice and attempting to calm down i finished my dishes, taxes, built a shelf and did my laundry.
kogdin
2025-03-13 13:24:13 +0000 UTCHave you ever considered that no organization is a monolith, you can have good people in evil places and bad people in good ones and you will never have systems working 100% as intended?
AL2VAR .
2025-03-13 11:48:26 +0000 UTCI don't think anyone other than Steel (and maybe other top people in the Empire) even knows about Coven of Elders, and probably only Steel cares about that - it sounded like Keen didn't know about it as it was the first question he asked.
AL2VAR .
2025-03-13 11:43:28 +0000 UTCCan't wait to seen the Keen fan art. Bc I've already combined Scar and Jafar in my head.
Ayon Jackson
2025-03-13 10:18:07 +0000 UTCThey mention in a fireside that they're druids but I do imagine there transformations to be deeply unsettling like they sort of invert themselves into a new shape
Jack Jones
2025-03-13 09:18:36 +0000 UTCTears in my eyes
Louie
2025-03-13 08:53:51 +0000 UTCI‘m always listening to this on my way to work or when I’m on walks. I’ve been in public transport this morning making the wildest faces while trying not to SCREAM and kick my feet. I LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH.
Urte
2025-03-13 07:07:20 +0000 UTCThere have been a few videos of them at camp. It really is 4 mics in a quiet room. Good mics, but still.
Susan Buckley
2025-03-13 06:03:02 +0000 UTCLol! That was my bisexual reaction as well!
Susan Buckley
2025-03-13 05:56:20 +0000 UTCThe idea that the Citadel punishes every wizard who fails doesn’t align with how the institution actually functions. The Citadel isn’t just a school—it’s responsible for training and managing every wizard within the Empire. That means it must be efficient, filtering through countless students and placing them where they best serve. The majority of those who fail out don’t face exile or punishment—they often become guild mages, taking on roles elsewhere in society. Additionally, Suvi had already completed her training and was fast-tracked to leadership. Her fear of failure wasn’t about survival—it was about ambition. She had already succeeded within the system, which makes her position fundamentally different from those who struggled through the lower ranks. As for Sonder, he represents the reality that not every Citadel wizard is an elite mage or soldier. For every Suvi, there are likely dozens, if not hundreds, of Sonders—competent but unexceptional wizards who live quiet lives, supported by the structure of the Citadel. The existence of people like him contradicts the idea that the Citadel discards those who don’t excel at the highest level. Ultimately, power exists in many forms. The Citadel’s power is recognized because it is structured and institutional, but that doesn’t mean softer forms of influence—like Wren’s over Ame—aren’t equally powerful. Just because Wren didn’t coerce Ame doesn’t mean she didn’t shape her path. Influence doesn’t have to be overt to be effective. Nor does it have to have a 100% guarantee.
Agiddysea
2025-03-13 05:33:25 +0000 UTCThis episode had me HOLLERING
Katrina Janairo
2025-03-13 05:24:10 +0000 UTCThis is my hope; after the children are saved, I think Eursolon should use his train ticket to meet Tefmet, of course Suvi and Ame will be invited too.
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-13 05:06:42 +0000 UTCMy argument wasnt that one had a choice while the other didnt. I was debating the ability for choice was unbalanced by the consequences they would have recieved from said mentors for saying no. The Citadel can give and taketh away is what Suvi has grown up hearing her whole life. Steel echos it. Has watch same aged peers flunked out and felt better then them for having passed the class. She has been fast tracked to the heights she has do to her connections. And still her fear that her own disobedience, any ineptitude could make her lose everything was a threat she had to live with her whole life. Suvi could/would never say no to any archmage or Steel at any given time before Abassin without facing immediate repercussions for being a faliure to state and empire. Her choices now have made her a full traitor. Ame had the choice to say no but chose not to. All she'd lose is the last connection she had to someone who loved her, but would never lose that love, even in death. If her memories were still effected, she wouldnt remember a coven where the majority would kill her due to her mentors inaction. They wouldn't have reason to and mirara would die alone instead. Wren knows of a witch who killed her mentor, of one who may possibly eat hers later if she doesnt accept, two that dont have one by choice and or faliure to acquire one, and two died. One without an heir cause she waited too long, while the last was betrayed and abandoned by her apprentice, so died heirless as well. There couldnt have been any assurances on Wren part that Ame wouldve agreed just because she gave her a home and was nicer than Indri. We, the audience, knew Ame would agree but I doubt Wren did given her history of witnessing failure after failure of apprentices from her sister witches. Wren trained Ame to be A witch, to given Ame confidence and stability afyer being abandoned. It was never an assurance Ame would take the mantle. Not all apprentices agree. Not all apprentices love their mentors enough to stay. It was a gamble on Wrens part that Ame would say yes. Shed never kill her for her refusal tho. Shed wouldnt even let Ame know if she was disappointed for it. Wren didnt seem the type to hold something like that over Ames head. Only Ame would force herself to feel like a faliure with no prompting from Wren needed. Even in death she seems to want Ame to be confident in her choices even if she doesnt agree in her actions. But who can know if it was her real spirit with magic induced pain visions. Steel could be a mom-mom for once and beg for mercy, a real court marshal, in house imprisonment for life, even banishment to save Suvi's life from her choices against the Empire. But if is told to execute Suvi and her friends on sight, weeeeellllllllllllllllll...... we'll see. Stacked as the choice of no was against them by their respective mentors, the consequences of a no by the two mentees was lesser for Ame; who could walk away depressed, alone, but unscathed save possible memory loss of women she doesnt know nor would they care for her anymore, but the memory of being still loved by a dying Wren. However, Suvi could not say no without heavy loss of personhood, country and family before Abassin, and could be killed or imprisoned or abandoned by Steel now for her actions. Not equal in choice or mentor, is all i argue. If thats over simplification of what these two have been dealing with, i dont have enough space in a podcast chat box to go further. As for Sonder. Hes a house-husband. His comfortable life is dependent on his wife's career as a general. If she dies, hes being relocated to a nice little house in the countryside as thank you for her service. Not his. By his merits alone hed get a small bag of coin and maybe a handshake. Hes not useful enough to warrant room and board in the war effort college without her, other than a body to dump spells. Maybe he could apply to be an apprentice to some older more accomplished wizard. Like Suvi's past cowokers under Silence were. But he wouldnt be as comfortable.
P. Cornielius
2025-03-13 04:58:15 +0000 UTCTalk about a big damn hero moment for Ursulon. That was an epic rescue. The sound design, the high stakes, the plots moving forward. Bloody excellent episode
James O'Dwyer
2025-03-13 04:17:43 +0000 UTCI've listened to it three times. This might be my favorite episode of this specific arc so far.
Alec Simkiss
2025-03-13 03:58:49 +0000 UTCThank you!!
Preston From
2025-03-13 03:46:36 +0000 UTCAh! Thanks!!
Witch of the Remembering Bog
2025-03-13 03:09:04 +0000 UTCThey do- they just don’t get the fancy S names. Morrow was a namecloak, too.
Kodi Knight
2025-03-13 03:08:37 +0000 UTCDid you mean the null clef itself was tracking? I think the removal of it is what breaks the tracking of the citadel, unless I misheard the episode
rocket-flash
2025-03-13 02:53:41 +0000 UTCThe sound design in this episode really sold the horror of Ame and the fox's Imprisonment 10,000%. I am curious whether they did any b-roll for the screams, especially with the fox or if some of that was just in the moment and edited over other dialogue very tactfully?
rocket-flash
2025-03-13 02:52:28 +0000 UTCI guess I hadn't even thought of his canonic d&d class before, but druid makes sense. I guess I had assumed the shapeshifter was a homebrew race but especially his healing in this episode reads druid.
rocket-flash
2025-03-13 02:50:56 +0000 UTCA brilliant episode. Amazing plays by everyone. Moving forward to unknown dangers but with a greater conviction to face them as their truest selves. I am excited to see what comes next.
Andrew Sparling
2025-03-13 02:48:49 +0000 UTCAnyone else catch Brennan dropping that Keen had a namecloak? It was right as he gets sliced… I thought guild mages were not supposed to have namecloaks. Is Keen a member of the League of Whispers?
Witch of the Remembering Bog
2025-03-13 02:43:38 +0000 UTCi was SCREAMING piss check during that scene. crazy that no one said anything.
milo
2025-03-13 02:19:26 +0000 UTCkeen one of the nastiest motherfuckers brennan has ever played. what’s that about
milo
2025-03-13 02:15:04 +0000 UTCah that sounds great!! especially love the pride element - i only first watched watership down a few years ago as i was in the process of realizing i was a lesbian and that line definitely woke something up for me. i hope you’re able to get that tattoo soon and that it comes out perfect for you!
Trish K
2025-03-13 02:13:28 +0000 UTCOne of the most satisfyingly brief villains in herstory
Dylln
2025-03-13 01:52:26 +0000 UTCI receive my talking fox plush the same day I listened to this episode. Was this intentional?? Did you do this to break me?
Dylan Vosti
2025-03-13 01:46:13 +0000 UTCAn incredibly poignant quote right now. I've got tattoo plans for it, a fox rather than a rabbit, and a little pride flag in it's mouth with the last sentence 🦊
Sil
2025-03-13 01:16:04 +0000 UTCKILL THE BAD BAD MAN LETS GOOOOO
disastersappho
2025-03-13 01:10:00 +0000 UTCThat SNARL when Suvi fell into disrespecting spirits? Chilling
Jordan Charles
2025-03-12 23:42:55 +0000 UTCCan be reconstituted!
Sil
2025-03-12 23:39:29 +0000 UTCThe quote that fucked with me from this one was "this is the dream, and the things that are real are dreams of the things that are not." Had to rewind and hear that one again.
Josh
2025-03-12 23:36:30 +0000 UTCI listen to all the episodes while I walk my dogs and I startled them (& 2 rando joggers) constantly this morning screaming and cheering along! Thank y’all for making my AM walks so fun!
Jamie Costello
2025-03-12 23:20:00 +0000 UTCnot to comment like a tumblr girlie but I am screaming crying throwing up Ame the fox witch and BE CUNNING!??!?!?!?! HNNNNNNNNNNNG. Chills. literally.
Camille Alexander
2025-03-12 23:03:57 +0000 UTCThanks for sharing that, Erin. I'm both sorry and happy for you as appropriate. 🙂
Ross Llewallyn
2025-03-12 21:05:47 +0000 UTCAlso Sonder is described as a passable wizard; he is capable of third level spells at most. He prefers spending his time as a husband and father. Sonder enjoys botany and gardening, yoga, collecting tea, and cooking. He tries to avoid caffeine. This is not a man afraid of the Citadel punishing him for failure or mediocrity apparently.
Agiddysea
2025-03-12 21:00:45 +0000 UTCWow, I felt the same way tbh. Came here to say I lost my own familiar recently and listening to the ep today actually helped me heal a bit in an odd way. Helped me remember that my bond with him can never be taken away fully even when the Keens of the world (and congestive heart failure) threaten to or succeed in robbing us of their corporeal forms 💖
Erin Hopkins
2025-03-12 20:57:15 +0000 UTCCan I just take a minute to shout out the STUNNING episode descriptions that are published with each episode! They so effortlessly stoke my anxiety and anticipation before each episode without giving away any of the twists and turns to come and add so much to my post-listening experience. They’re almost like an epilogue and riddle combined and they gives additional gravitas to the unfolding story. Not sure who writes them but — GODDAMN
Erin Hopkins
2025-03-12 20:52:53 +0000 UTC“…an older woman and her wife running the store” *waving lesbian flag with anxiety*
kragonaught
2025-03-12 20:52:06 +0000 UTCMan the double team supreme beat down Ame and Eursulon gave out to the wizard keen (with a lil help from the best character 🦊) was so much fun to experience!
Fabian
2025-03-12 20:51:39 +0000 UTC(complimentary)
kragonaught
2025-03-12 20:50:26 +0000 UTCrest in piss Vandal, you cheeky genital-less fucker
kragonaught
2025-03-12 20:50:15 +0000 UTCPower doesn’t have to be coercive to be power. Just because Ame wasn’t forced into her role with threats or punishment doesn’t mean she wasn’t still influenced into accepting it. There is more to power than overt coercion, and we must acknowledge the quiet, insidious weight of obligation and expectation. Both Suvi and Ame were shaped by powerful institutions—one by the Citadel, the other by the Coven of Elders. Both were trained from childhood for a specific role, positioned as successors to carry on a legacy that preceded them. The idea that one had “no choice” while the other had “complete freedom” is an oversimplification.
Agiddysea
2025-03-12 20:41:44 +0000 UTCLeaving*
P. Cornielius
2025-03-12 20:23:15 +0000 UTCEven if you say Wren had some awareness of control over Ame's career projection, at the very end, on her death bed, she gave Ame the choice to not take up the station. That she wouldnt be disappointed or love Ame any less if she left. There is only shunning and ostracizaction for living the Citadel. Scorn and seen as pretty much a failure dropout and possible assurances for families left behind ripped away. Manipulation or honesty; Wren still gave the choice with no downsides other than Ames own self placed guilt in not doing so. Not complete abandonment by an entire city and social structure, which was and is a threat for every Azure battalion solider and up; losing that support system for their families. They do not equate.
P. Cornielius
2025-03-12 20:20:19 +0000 UTCAabria’s done some masterful rping in setting up Suvi’s rapport with Eiorghann and Brennan’s really enhancing her choices so well. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite PC/NPC relationships, one where you could contentedly listen to them get coffee for 3 hours.
Ren Challacombe
2025-03-12 20:01:05 +0000 UTCGhost from back in Port Talon
Kellie O Edwards
2025-03-12 19:59:27 +0000 UTCI HAVE NEVER FELT LIKE THIS BEFORE!!!! What a time to be alive and to witness this art
Zander Zamboni
2025-03-12 19:27:07 +0000 UTCIt's under the pinned post at the top too (https://www.patreon.com/posts/faq-me-faq-you-78044362), but here is the form link, Honored Friend! https://forms.gle/S8paSygMkh3P4SZJ6
Ziggy Fox
2025-03-12 17:46:54 +0000 UTCI feel silly asking but could anyone tell me how to submit questions for the fireside? I swear I saw this mentioned somewhere but I can’t find it now…
Preston From
2025-03-12 17:41:02 +0000 UTCI'm part through this episode and just wanted to share that the small animal danger and torture have really affected me, and in a way I appreciate. My partner and I lost our 2 hamsters 🐹 last month, and each yelping sound effect from the fox 🦊 pulls my heartstrings and brings me to tears. I truly celebrate your artistry as it affects me so deeply.
Ross Llewallyn
2025-03-12 17:29:47 +0000 UTCGiven that Suvi was trained by the Citadel after losing her parents, wouldn’t the same apply to Ame and Grandmother Wren? Both were taken in as children, shaped by the environments and mentors who prepared them to step into a larger role. The Citadel trained Suvi to lead as an archmage, just as Wren guided Ame toward becoming the Witch of the World’s Heart. And while Ame may be approaching it in her own way, the title and its legacy still carry on. It also makes me wonder—how much power do we really have in our relationships with those we see as benevolent benefactors? Wren, of all people, had to be aware of the dynamic between herself and Ame. She understands people too well not to recognize it. Her entire gift is forging deep, meaningful connections, and with that level of insight, she must have known on some level that she had Ame in her pocket.
Agiddysea
2025-03-12 17:19:09 +0000 UTCAll right then, keep your secrets
Ty6260
2025-03-12 17:11:33 +0000 UTCWait, wait, wait! Vandal? Someone get Vandal!
Fleur
2025-03-12 16:46:15 +0000 UTCIt’s not complicated. Four mics in a quiet room.
Worlds Beyond Number
2025-03-12 16:39:44 +0000 UTCnoooooo not my nastiest emotional degredation villain 😭 happy to see him go, but i was looking forward to seeing him get even NASTIER
Renoku
2025-03-12 16:26:00 +0000 UTCOMG this is soooo gooood!! I'm curious about the recording setup they use. Have they published a pic or any information?
Fernando G
2025-03-12 15:49:45 +0000 UTChe's prolly gonna make a split decision on it
I cast Vicious Inspiration
2025-03-12 15:48:36 +0000 UTCI try my best
Agiddysea
2025-03-12 15:21:08 +0000 UTCJeez dude the vibes are rancid...
Santo
2025-03-12 15:12:39 +0000 UTCAmazing planning and strategy by Lou. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Eursulon had to infiltrate first without getting caught, then face 3 powerful mages in close quarters while ensuring that Fox and Ame weren’t turned into casualties. His dice had his back, his plan worked beautifully. Chef’s kiss. Love the banter and interplay between Suvi and Eioghorain. They have so much chemistry!!! Also, his POV on this world being the dream and not the other way around…. wait what? Can’t be leaving us hanging like that bro. And there’s so much more depth to Ame now. I may be misremembering, but I think up until this episode, we didn’t really know much about Ame’s life before Grandma Ren. I think we just knew that her parents wanted to “fix” her. Eursulon and Suvi seemed just a bit (just a bit!) more nuanced in that we have had a better peek and understanding of their relationship with their parent(s). That shit is COMPLICATED. Ame as a character just seems more whole now. Thanks, Brennan and Erika for another wonderful puzzle piece for us to enjoy and dissect.
DomPie
2025-03-12 13:49:13 +0000 UTCi think its more we only have heard him in his shifted form
Jack Jones
2025-03-12 12:49:11 +0000 UTCit's so rare that I listen to an episode more than twice in the two week span between releases - well I listened to it 4 times yesterday ... suffice it to say that episode was amazing!! thank you 5 so much for all the work that goes into these <3
Jaron Williams
2025-03-12 12:25:14 +0000 UTC👀😂
M Dorsey
2025-03-12 12:03:10 +0000 UTCOk can’t lie I bawled my eyes out for the fox. Again, guys, you’ve outdone yourselves - this episode slaps. Can’t get enough of y’all.
Saïda Siam
2025-03-12 10:35:13 +0000 UTCAbsolutely loved the backstory and the comeuppance. I have not felt that much satisfaction for a villain death in a good while
Ammar Khalid
2025-03-12 07:50:19 +0000 UTCAt the very least he’s Broken Up About the subject
Ali Brown
2025-03-12 06:47:36 +0000 UTCReal talk though… was Eioghorain always………. Southern? Did anyone else feel like he developed an accent this episode?
Yarl
2025-03-12 06:02:56 +0000 UTCShiiiiiiiiiiit The first sound of Ame screaming through her closed mouth brought burning tears to my eyes. I GASPED when Keen knew Eursulon was coming and bound him!! Cannot believe the amount of Ame character development in a wonderfully scratchy, gritty and deep way, nor can I believe the torture they made us listen to at the beginning. THE PAYOFF THOOOO that fight was the best dnd fight I’ve ever heard, period
Yarl
2025-03-12 06:02:03 +0000 UTCReally well said, I also found myself this episode musing on the limits of Wren’s approach, how appealing she was as a sweet old hot grandma but (as happens as you grow up, and is happening for Ame) starting to see her flaws in a starker way. I will add though that I don’t see the role of their station as mending the world’s heart permanently, so much as an ongoing tending. So I don’t think Grandma Wren failed - she just had different tactics than what Ame is now developing
Yarl
2025-03-12 05:58:55 +0000 UTCI feel like that one Make Some Noise prompt may have awakened something in Brennan.
PocketNyx
2025-03-12 05:12:42 +0000 UTCIf you haven't listened to it yet, try not to do it while ppl are sleeping. You'll likely want to be able to make many loud sounds w/o disrupting others. I had to do lots of motions and there were a few times I was unable to restrain myself. SO GOOD!
Bea W
2025-03-12 04:50:09 +0000 UTCI was prepared to be so mad at Brennan but then he got me in the last half lol
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:49:53 +0000 UTCHappy birthday!
Bea W
2025-03-12 04:46:27 +0000 UTCNo because really wow that was something. I need to go relisten because just wowwie wow
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:46:24 +0000 UTCAme to Suvi: can we join the war against the wizards nooooow? Lol
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:44:16 +0000 UTCAbsolutely incredible 😂
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:43:21 +0000 UTCMe at exactly 12:40am finishing this episode. I have made a mistake....but the deep satisfaction will surely bring us good dreams.
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:42:41 +0000 UTCYOU SHOULDN'T UNDERESTIMATE TRICKERY *cackles off into the night*
Jazz
2025-03-12 04:41:51 +0000 UTCI know how you feel! I've been campaigning for months to get ppl in my life to listen! I lifted my sister-in-law 3 months to the Patreon 2.5 weeks ago and she still hasn't started it! Ug
Bea W
2025-03-12 04:41:36 +0000 UTCYeah, I get it. Citadel bad, I said that.
Agiddysea
2025-03-12 04:32:35 +0000 UTCOmg do NOT start this episode late at night if u need to sleep! This was so good!!!!
Cody Tucker
2025-03-12 04:28:44 +0000 UTCSame! I was listening while my roommate is asleep. I wanted to whoop with joy, but didn't want to wake her.
Bea W
2025-03-12 04:24:58 +0000 UTCVery interesting reveal that Ame's parents were potentially trying to protect her by sending her away. Still wrong that they thought ill of their daughter for being different but makes a little more sense they would go to Grandma Wren.
Susannah B.
2025-03-12 04:18:28 +0000 UTCThey also have evidence this research is being backed by the Citadel with the testimony from the antivilist (a word that I am entirely guessing the spelling of)
Sean Lawrence
2025-03-12 03:46:35 +0000 UTCDamn damn damn I can’t get enough! And I NEED this escape bc the world is TERRIBLE
Danielle Olmoguez
2025-03-12 03:43:30 +0000 UTCWait… I’m blanking on the NPC with innate dispelling abilities, can you remind me?
Lace Cameron
2025-03-12 03:40:04 +0000 UTCI'm worried about the little guy
Cas McK
2025-03-12 03:36:52 +0000 UTCSo beautiful and so fucking good!!
LuChiChi4
2025-03-12 03:02:25 +0000 UTCI wonder what Keen really thinks of witchcraft I hear he's of two minds about it
mguin
2025-03-12 02:28:14 +0000 UTCThis episode was so fucking good, the whole time. The petty bitch in me is ready for Witch Con 2: Break The Imperium Into Itty Bitty Peices, because god damn, way to poison the well of your ONE SINGLE ALLY in the coven of Elders, by trying to trap and hold Ame. This isn’t realistic, but I will be out here hoping for some eventual acknowledgement from SOMEBODY in the Imperium (might be Steel? Or Hot Prince? IDK LET ME DREAM) of how badly they fucked up by letting the Glass Coronet betray the ONLY witchy ally they had that was shielding them from a lot of shit.
Ali Brown
2025-03-12 02:26:42 +0000 UTCgiggling and kicking my feet as two of my besties commit brutal murder 😌
bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck
2025-03-12 02:25:44 +0000 UTCIs Vandal ok???
Ben East
2025-03-12 02:19:49 +0000 UTCHands up who else has developed an even keener loathing of Keen with every moment he’s had in the past few episodes! 🙋♀️
Beth Fraser
2025-03-12 02:19:11 +0000 UTCThis exists. Join us! https://discord.gg/worldsbeyondpod
sabertruth19
2025-03-12 01:41:44 +0000 UTCHoly shit I didn’t breathe. I need to take a shower
Mubeen Khan
2025-03-12 01:31:04 +0000 UTCAnother HOT episode. The music is hot, the sound design is hot, the mics were hot, the angst is hot, EVERYONE IS HOT. 🥵 OBSESSED
Erin
2025-03-12 01:25:58 +0000 UTCYOOOOOOOOOOO GET REKT KEEN
Rahne
2025-03-12 00:38:11 +0000 UTCBrennan, is Eioghorain slightly inspired/influenced by Saw Gerrera??? Getting some strong “gotta kill to stop the killing” links going on
Wyatt Haywood
2025-03-12 00:27:42 +0000 UTC(Me doing little air punches)
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:54:29 +0000 UTCI was having the same thought. Poor little guy
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:54:00 +0000 UTCI was very grateful for spoiler free content warnings so I could listen after work. I’d have been fucked up listening to the first ten minutes then joining a Zoom call
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:48:46 +0000 UTCVery grateful for spoiler free content warnings because woof
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:44:57 +0000 UTC(Me doing little air punches)
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:42:22 +0000 UTC🙏 Very grateful for spoiler free content warnings for this one. Woof
DaphneDawn
2025-03-11 23:40:59 +0000 UTCLOL i also thought it was koyaanisqatsi for a second
Elizabeth Agresta
2025-03-11 23:34:02 +0000 UTCTruly, my jaw was on the floor. So, so heinous. Comeuppance RICHLY deserved!!!!
Elizabeth Agresta
2025-03-11 23:33:03 +0000 UTCStray observations: "I can't even begin to describe how bad it is that the Citadel is doing this, but trust me—it's bad." Ame is easily the most interesting character right now. Eioghorain refuses to be Suvi’s personal quest-giver or a convenient lore dump, and honestly? Respect. Eioghorain is coming across as a pure opportunist, which means maybe—just maybe—his moral guidance isn't the best compass to follow. Soft and Stone sound like full-blown doomsday preppers, paranoid conspiracy theorists in wizard robes. Softy’s ring is basically a high-end tinfoil hat. Shoutout to Brennan and Aabria. It was messy, sweaty, and took forever, but you finally got your rebel princess Suvi. The character assassination of the wizard Steel by the coward Suvirin Kedberiket. Suvi is desperate to make Steel evil or complicit in her parents’ deaths. Suvi throwing shade at The Wizard Silence is comedy gold. Like, girl, you don’t even know the great bullfrog—why are you so pressed about him? You never met him. Silence was (and still is) your boss. "I'm actually very smart" is one of those statements that immediately becomes untrue the second you say it. The idea that the Real is actually the dream and the Spirit is the Real is an interesting concept. Given the fact that the Wizards of the crown were the ones who captured and exploited Naram, threatened (and tortured) the Fox and try to harm and bind Ame and Eursulon, maybe the Wizards of the Crown are bad. Sorry I forgot Citadel and Empire are the exact same thing so it's always Citadel bad lol
Agiddysea
2025-03-11 23:16:23 +0000 UTCAME THE UNFLINCHING, FIRST OF HER NAME.
William Alexander
2025-03-11 23:09:41 +0000 UTCBrennan was not kidding when he told Eursulon that Keen was the most evil man he had ever seen, good lord. 5 minutes in and I was ready for him to die a gruesome death. What an episode! Dare I say, this is the best DnD actual play show on right now.
Aaron E
2025-03-11 23:08:49 +0000 UTCThe STORY, the ACTING this episode was legit!!! bravo
Sam Weese
2025-03-11 23:01:00 +0000 UTCEioghorain casually dropping Druidic cosmic horror on us damn
Jack Jones
2025-03-11 23:00:40 +0000 UTCThe old creeky house noises made this feel like I was there! Taylor and Jared as always, amazing job on sound design.
Justin Smith (Barbarossa Builds, LLC)
2025-03-11 22:49:14 +0000 UTCreal grrm style line at the end, beautiful
Alex H.
2025-03-11 22:43:44 +0000 UTCinsane that the talking fox plush got to my house today of all days, after crying about the fox at 10 AM
Loch Thompson
2025-03-11 22:24:51 +0000 UTCBe cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed <3
Jorey Kay Mull
2025-03-11 22:21:56 +0000 UTCYes we need to fight war with MOAR WAR. That always works.
Lojaan
2025-03-11 22:19:26 +0000 UTCI’m still not sure if it’s the null cleft, the sapphire pendant, or both working together. ?
Henry McParland
2025-03-11 22:13:58 +0000 UTCi would love if they answered this in the fireside because i was wondering the same thing!
Rex Beck
2025-03-11 21:55:36 +0000 UTCI remember. I just meant for other wizards that may find themselves labeled as traitors. More of a world building speculation. Like if a name cloak could only be removed with the aid of someone that knows the wizard's true name or if there's a super secret vault that stores true names in the event that cloaking needs to be undone or, alternatively, that no knowledge of the true name is required
Amaya
2025-03-11 21:42:18 +0000 UTC(Man remind me to submit that last scene to the animatic questionaire later omfg)
Ruvi
2025-03-11 21:39:38 +0000 UTCHey Erika! What's it like having Ame Officially join the "she could kill me and id thank her" club?? ♡♡♡
Ruvi
2025-03-11 21:36:07 +0000 UTCmy GOD yall: 1) these character revelations from Ame were so incredible hats off to Erika for your character creation and portrayal 2) i did not think we were gonna get rid of keen this quickly and i am THRILLED BEYOND BELIEF
Lauren
2025-03-11 21:30:58 +0000 UTCThis episode was SO satisfying
James
2025-03-11 21:29:04 +0000 UTCThe craziest thing in this episode was Brennan whipping out "aides de camp" -- AND pluralizing it correctly -- mid-improv without missing a beat.
Brandon Carbaugh
2025-03-11 21:22:57 +0000 UTCSofty's ring protects Suvi from scrying as noted in episodes 9 and 33.
Agiddysea
2025-03-11 21:19:00 +0000 UTCSame? Idk why it’s hot but it is 😆
Kalyn
2025-03-11 21:17:17 +0000 UTCOMG same experience with my baby daughter a few months ago! 💕 one day 1000% gonna share this with our kids.
Kalyn
2025-03-11 21:13:44 +0000 UTCWELL SAID
Kalyn
2025-03-11 21:11:28 +0000 UTCUgh I felt so sad in that part, hoping our little guy will forgive and they’ll heal after that. 😩
Kalyn
2025-03-11 21:08:29 +0000 UTCThis was a serious episode!! The storytelling, the acting…THE DICE! Imma ride this high for the rest of the week! Thank you guys for another epic episode!
Michae Burton-Schnüll
2025-03-11 21:02:40 +0000 UTCI came back to this too. Aabria has two of them now…hopefully she doesn’t forget to check.
Witch of the Remembering Bog
2025-03-11 20:46:08 +0000 UTCTAYLOR That KOYAANISQATSI ass throat singing vocal! Don't think I didn't catch you, the Wizard Score, absolutely flexing out here. What the fuck gang. What the absolute fuck. So good.
Sean Boyce
2025-03-11 20:45:44 +0000 UTCI am such a sucker for sequences where characters learn to embrace the more primal and animalistic parts of themself. Ame’s attempt to replace “be kind” with something just as restrictive and narrow minded was great. We see that the reason Ame makes these drastic erratic decisions on a whim is to repress herself and uphold an idealized version of her mentor. If she embraces who she is, a creature of mischief and cunning, she becomes a witch more suited to the World’s Heart she now tends to. Empires and misguided Spirits don’t fall through kindness.
irisilmaril
2025-03-11 20:39:23 +0000 UTCHey guys this was fucking fantastic
irisilmaril
2025-03-11 20:22:45 +0000 UTCit has been said many times before but the world must be SO grateful that BLeeM is not real world evil
Lauren
2025-03-11 20:20:11 +0000 UTCI freaking knew it the dropping of the null cleft was the way the citadel could track it's wizards.
Glen Petrofski
2025-03-11 20:13:30 +0000 UTCDo we think that name cloaks can be revoked? Like in a world where Suvi wasn't protected from scrying in general, could the Citadel revoke the cloaking of a treasonous wizard and thus remove the protections a cloak provides?
Amaya
2025-03-11 20:10:21 +0000 UTCYo where do I buy some of Lou’s Blackjack dice??
dain saint
2025-03-11 20:00:05 +0000 UTCAs a chronic pain sufferer Brennan describes perfectly that ever increasing pain sensation that is not aided by any medication or technique.
Glen Petrofski
2025-03-11 19:38:29 +0000 UTCPerhaps it is the cast’s incredible storytelling, or the insane amount of animation I have consumed, but the visuals for this show go crazy. One of the best episodes yet!
Emily
2025-03-11 19:32:48 +0000 UTCpiss check. piss check
sylvie
2025-03-11 19:31:00 +0000 UTCWITH THE SAVE! LET'S GOOO!
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-11 19:27:07 +0000 UTChttps://discord.gg/jZMvrPSw one exists!
bluebluebutton
2025-03-11 19:14:10 +0000 UTCTruly it is unending this is one of the best shows ever
Joker
2025-03-11 19:07:28 +0000 UTCI'm taking notes over here as keen makes my skin crawl how to make a good villain right there my lord Brennan you sick twisted fuck I LOVE IT!!!
Joker
2025-03-11 19:05:31 +0000 UTCFUCK YEAH I feel like I need to do a fucking victory lap
Josie
2025-03-11 18:51:08 +0000 UTCI loved listening to Keen get his shit rocked. As always Brennan makes fantastic villains I love to hate
Beau Rydman
2025-03-11 18:51:05 +0000 UTCMechanics wise. Was Ame’s first curse from last episode still in effect or did Keen have less than 20 hit points?
David Giannetti
2025-03-11 18:35:04 +0000 UTC“Pulling an Aabria” and “I GO HERE” - so much love for this story and the creators of it. I would posit the tooth pull was also Brennan pulling an Aabria oopa Burrows End style. So sick! Roll low, ROLL DEEP🤙
sabertruth19
2025-03-11 18:29:02 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday! 🥳
Wren
2025-03-11 18:27:47 +0000 UTCThis is legit the best story I have ever been told before.
Moss V
2025-03-11 18:26:27 +0000 UTCbanger after banger after banger
Crits
2025-03-11 18:20:00 +0000 UTCBrennan is legit scary when he needs to be. Everything with Ame hurt. Everything with Eursulon was epic. Everything with Suvi was amazing. To me the *weight* of this episode perfect.
Randon Beasley
2025-03-11 18:11:14 +0000 UTCThat would be awesome 😎
Wren
2025-03-11 18:09:31 +0000 UTCho. ly. fuck... the Ame flashback & reflection was insane, like you all go crazy with off-the-cuff scenes all the time but just another one for the fucking books. and the mental image of Keen's top half being held aloft by Ame's witches grasp as his bottom gets split in half by Eursulon is a thing of beauty, thank you for that haha
I cast Vicious Inspiration
2025-03-11 17:59:56 +0000 UTCOmg omg omg, that combat was SO GOOD!! We’ve had some intense and really great combats this campaign, but THIS?!? This was on another level!! It was smaller scale than a lot of battles, but I was so much more invested. And Brennan was rolling like shit too!! It wasn’t even that close, but I was still on the edge of my seat. The dice tell their story, and in this case, that story is “don’t mess with a witch.”
CommodoreBlue
2025-03-11 17:57:42 +0000 UTCTWENTY ONE!!!!!!!!!! GIVE IT UP FOR TWENTY ONE!!!!!!! MVP OF THE EPISODE IS THE NUMBER TWENTY ONE!!!!!!!!!
ceeg
2025-03-11 17:55:35 +0000 UTCI was thinking about the witch class and I wondered if we were going to see the start of a slide into wickedness, but I’m quite glad we didn’t end up there. “Tut tut, good witches aren’t mean even to people who torture us and our friends” would not have felt great as a takeaway…
Erin
2025-03-11 17:52:05 +0000 UTCabsoloutely baller episode. one of the best pieces of media ive ever had the joy to listen to. im literally overcome lmao i need more lore neooww
J cryingcrow
2025-03-11 17:48:41 +0000 UTCEdit: the existing link is posted! Hey, so like... y'all (fellow fans) wanna make a WBN discord? I think that'd be super fun. 🥰
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-11 17:33:20 +0000 UTCAIEEE this gave me chills! I feel like the Fox might not be happy with Ame for putting him in danger. This was hinted at when Ame first tried to reach out to him in her mind with the line something like "But you told him to go under that tarp and now you're both trapped". I hope he's not mad for too long!
Lace Cameron
2025-03-11 17:32:35 +0000 UTCI imagine it is a lot. Because I'm yelling just as much. Lol
Randolph McGurrin
2025-03-11 17:29:55 +0000 UTCAME.
Krystine W.
2025-03-11 17:20:10 +0000 UTCAs long as we don't forget "be kind" along with "be cunning." I'll be curious to see how dark things get. Hopefully Ame's friends and her good heart keep her grounded.
GrumpyTrees
2025-03-11 17:19:56 +0000 UTCDear Fireside Folk, we thank you. We thank you for the two great blessings this episode ended with, both the top half and the bottom half. We thank you for a perfect slice of narrative for a perfect bastard.
GrumpyTrees
2025-03-11 17:17:42 +0000 UTCHOLY SHITBALLS
Rachel Davis
2025-03-11 16:53:59 +0000 UTCI think we also see here, with Brennan's gentle condemnation of the goal for an individual's mantra to be "do right", that no one person can mend the world's heart on her own. That task is too vast and continual for any witch to accomplish on her own. In the end, community is not only the domain of the Witch of the World's Heart, but also the answer to how stewardship of that domain is accomplished.
bluebluebutton
2025-03-11 16:52:43 +0000 UTCTaylor - how much yelling do you have to edit out every time Brennan switches to a new scene? I have to imagine it is a lot.
Patrick
2025-03-11 16:51:59 +0000 UTCI adore Brennan's narrative ability to heighten drama - that scene with Ame lit by the lightning? Wow. So many awesome scenes for everyone this episode. Eursolon unleashing was something else. Hell yeah, Lou!
Romit Comet
2025-03-11 16:51:03 +0000 UTCThose of us who listened to the Children's Adventure knew that this story would grapple with child abandonment eventually, but even so I had to pause and cry for baby Ame. And then to get the explicit explanation from Erika that Ame chooses kindness in part to make people think she is normal made the neurospicy part of me feel very very seen. That moment felt like incredible representation for neurodivergent folks who have had to hone masking techniques to be accepted by even their own families.
bluebluebutton
2025-03-11 16:50:19 +0000 UTCHappy birthday!
Emily
2025-03-11 16:48:05 +0000 UTCA lot of good things being said about this amazing episode but I need someone to cast identify on the powdery dispelling agent from the glass coronet. I gotta know if that’s connected to a certain Npc with innate dispelling abilities 👀
Joshua Jones
2025-03-11 16:45:02 +0000 UTCLol not a period to be seen… I’m so deeply in love with this story and world y’all have created. Thank you to everybody at WBN!!
Emily
2025-03-11 16:38:56 +0000 UTCThe combined Aabria/Erika "yay-hey" around 1:05 might be one of my favorite sounds
Christina Eichorn
2025-03-11 16:37:01 +0000 UTCDamn, Brennan, not the Fox! Those screams hit hard, especially when Ame has to contend with that being a result of her choices and actions, and having to justify it all. I really do love Ame getting this moment and being able to see that kindness for her is not innate but an active choice she makes. And the growth in realizing her cunning. Its nice to see more demention underneath the "super kind witch trying to help everyone" thing that Ame always has going on
Chameleon
2025-03-11 16:37:01 +0000 UTCDeeply harrowing episode y’all!! But such amazing character driven moments for each and every one of them, y’all are all such amazing storytellers ✨ I was especially struck by Ame bc What a way to be reminded the heart of Ame’s character is struggling with these ingrained concepts of self and purpose and how to move through these disparate worlds as an imperfect individual. Choosing again to model herself after the standard her grandmother set, to DO ‘Right’, and seeing a beautiful aspect of herself, this Kitsune covered in blood, that could be seen as antithetical to the kindness she’s devotedly cultivated, in spite of the pain and cruelty she’s endured, can coexist and reminds her to Be Cunning!! She is not like anyone else, she never has been!! Ame and Eursulon beating Keen bc he well and truly underestimated and was staggeringly ill-informed of their will and power and what makes them individuals instead of collectibles of a set was so fucking satisfying, what a CREEP btw! I doubted the move to go for the statue but never again bc I will trust that those chickens you’re swiping Erika are delicious, thank you for this meal!
Emily
2025-03-11 16:35:44 +0000 UTCGod, the SATISFACTION at the end of this episode! Feels like listening to Ame really come into her own here. And Eursulon really finding his confidence as a spirit in the last few episodes has been so amazing!
Krissi Carson
2025-03-11 16:29:36 +0000 UTCOh, the scene with Ame. *Chef's kiss.* Leaving a bunch of blank space to avoid spoilers: I think we're now starting to see Ame realize that, in a way, Mirara was right about Grandma Ren. The rolling pins, the cups of tea, the encouragement to be kind. These things are good, and necessary for a peaceful world. But these things do not *end wars*. These things do not work if the person you're trying to convince refuses to meet you at the table. Ren spent over a century traveling the world, trying her best to help people and solve problems. But even after all her efforts, the World's Heart still seemingly beats in rhythm to the drums of war. Perhaps, she was *too* kind, too stubborn to change her approach in the face of what was happening. I think we're seeing Ame realize that Ren, while a phenomenal person and amazing witch, still failed to mend the World's Heart. So it's time for a different approach. The time for the carrot has passed. The time for the stick is here.
Brandon Brewer
2025-03-11 15:52:19 +0000 UTCWith Yoren saying Steel couldn't handle that she wasn't actually "saving the citadel" and the fact that she told Suvi that Yoren killed her parents, I wonder if Steel has still been a somewhat true believer and this will be what breaks her out of that justification machine. Her daughter being accused of treason and the "soft arrest" that was definitely gonna have severe fallout could send her fully down the rabbit hole and get to the bottom of what actually happened to Soft & Stone (assuming she doesn't already know about it) I say severe fallout must have been guaranteed because Keen acted in a way that indicated that he didn't think he'd have to contend with Suvi for his actions against her friends
Amaya
2025-03-11 15:45:45 +0000 UTC(With affection) hello, this episode was exhausting and exhilarating, how fucking DARE YOU
Adrienne
2025-03-11 15:44:17 +0000 UTCI was walking with my son, 10 months old, in his stroller whilst listening to this episode. When I got to THAT scene with Ame, I gasped audibly and started getting teary-eyed with chills running up my arms and spine, so much so that I woke my son up. What a masterclass in storytelling, worldbuilding, foreshadowing and roleplaying. No notes. Exquisite.
Jesper P.R.L
2025-03-11 15:38:49 +0000 UTCContinued is the experience of an incredible amount of goosebumps, broad grins, and mouth agape. Finishing this episode with tears in my eyes and an exhilarating shout of “YES!!” with a fist punching the air. Absolutely, breathtakingly phenomenal . Screw any medium that’s not the theater of the mind!
AyunderfillVonScotchguerd
2025-03-11 15:37:19 +0000 UTC🤣
Myka Ozlynn
2025-03-11 15:36:30 +0000 UTCAnd stay down.
Myka Ozlynn
2025-03-11 15:35:56 +0000 UTCSo many things to process!! But, I can’t stop thinking about the depth Erika is bringing to Ame. For me, the spirit fox scene just really brought to bear the difficulty Ame experiences balancing her disposition while holding the shifting weight of her station’s responsibilities. Wow! I’m super curious how facets of this scene opens new pathways and pitfalls for Erika to explore. Soooooooo gooooood!
Chris Lindgren
2025-03-11 15:27:03 +0000 UTCI have never been so close to throwing up listening to this podcast as I was the moment I realized See Invisibility was in play 😩😩😩😭😭😭 God! Yal are too good at this!
Nandi Kayyy
2025-03-11 15:13:20 +0000 UTCOmigud, omigud, omigud! Brennan, you are freaking me out! They're in the basement of a butcher shop which is in the middle of imperial war preparing soldiers, and they just made a bunch of violent noises... and you call it THERE!?!? Honestly, I would have it no other way! :-D
Shane Gallant
2025-03-11 15:10:25 +0000 UTCHaving just re listened to the children’s adventure and arc 1… the call backs are beautiful and add so richness and depth to the story telling of this episode. Immediately need to re listen because there was so much happening, and my brain was working so hard to take it all in… breath catching, beautiful, scary, thrilling, and a joy/terror to listen to. Thank you to everyone who makes this podcast happen… the sound design, the epic story telling. Also, a little sad I’m all the way caught up on the podcasts and the fireside chats. The time between is so sad for me.
flyingwriter
2025-03-11 14:54:35 +0000 UTCYou aren't Keen on him? Personally, I'm rather Split.
Alec Simkiss
2025-03-11 14:54:15 +0000 UTCDidn't even get twelve seconds 😂
Amaya
2025-03-11 14:51:51 +0000 UTCi rewatched watership down this weekend and having “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed” fresh in my mind for the ame bit really put me in my feelings lol
Trish K
2025-03-11 14:47:40 +0000 UTCThis episode is incredible, and could've used a content warning
The Wizard Sandalwood
2025-03-11 14:47:34 +0000 UTCI haven't finished the episode yet but "Do I know anything about you...? NAW." is such a good line delivery I had to pause my listen and come here and say something
Dezzi
2025-03-11 14:43:51 +0000 UTCaaaaand replaying immediately
Raquel Albert
2025-03-11 14:40:26 +0000 UTCI haven't even started and the title alone is giving me chills.
Lilith Evenstar
2025-03-11 14:36:57 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday Bev!! 🎉🎁
Wren
2025-03-11 14:36:52 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday Molly!! 🎉🎂
Wren
2025-03-11 14:36:41 +0000 UTCThe episodes are long, but they never feel long enough. Amazing episode guys!
PharaohNoir
2025-03-11 14:34:24 +0000 UTCbro couldn’t even last a full minute against Ame and Eursulon 😭
Seth Carter
2025-03-11 14:29:49 +0000 UTCI don't know if podcasts can win a grammy for sound design but if they can I would like to start the campaign for Taylor now!
Byshera Williams
2025-03-11 14:28:27 +0000 UTCBrennan said "all you hear are screams", which was horrifying and bone chilling, but my brain immediately turned it into "all I hear are screams" from EPIC the Musical, which did help take the edge off.
Amaya
2025-03-11 14:25:38 +0000 UTCI can't explain how grateful I am that this didn't turn into an "I can fix him" "people can be persuaded into not being evil and cruel" type of thing. The kindest thing to do when dealing with those types of people is to choose to be kind to the world and make sure they can never hurt anyone else again.
Amaya
2025-03-11 14:24:28 +0000 UTCthe line delivery of "Nah, not really..?..?" Was,,, so good 😭
Jaron Williams
2025-03-11 14:20:32 +0000 UTCI stan with Erika
João Padinha
2025-03-11 14:17:51 +0000 UTCWOWWWW WHAT AN EPISODEEEEE
Elana Kadish
2025-03-11 14:08:12 +0000 UTCSo so so so so so very happy and now needing it to be 2 weeks from now for the next episode 🥰
Caliburn
2025-03-11 14:07:37 +0000 UTCThe fact Ame chose not to deal the optional necrotic damage for Witches Grasp... I mean she is a lot kinder than she gives herself credit for.
Sean Bradley
2025-03-11 14:07:11 +0000 UTCI can't breathe! PERFECTION! 🤩 I'm crying and laughing, thank you all for this gift!
Trina McDaniel
2025-03-11 14:04:30 +0000 UTCHappy birthday 🎂 Molly
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:44:49 +0000 UTCHappy Birthday 🎂 Bev
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:44:14 +0000 UTCI was replaying The Retinue…
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:43:53 +0000 UTCNever have I been happier to have my birthday on a Tuesday
Poppy
2025-03-11 13:42:46 +0000 UTCYes..yes..yes
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:42:41 +0000 UTCYou have no idea!!!
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:41:48 +0000 UTC100%
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:41:00 +0000 UTCAlso be in a location where vocal satisfaction from the dice rolls are not seen as crazy.
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:40:24 +0000 UTCI DO NOT LIKE THE WIZARD KEEN.
Rachael
2025-03-11 13:40:00 +0000 UTCSuvi has a moment at some point realizing that she knows more about witches than most of the Citadel, I think they just don't put a lot of effort into thinking about them.
Pyrohydriscence
2025-03-11 13:39:09 +0000 UTCCunning to the Core…
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:38:06 +0000 UTCThat would be amazing…also the Fox spirit in the mirror
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:37:20 +0000 UTCErika’s “hot” reaction got me rolling😂
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:36:07 +0000 UTCOMG….the best episode!!! I am still screaming in my apartment. That ending, split in half by wave breaker…my jaw is on the floor. Ame’s true spirit The Fox emraces her wisdom as she sinks her metaphorical teeth into Keen…and not to forget Suvi’s quest against the Citadel begins. I need to listen to this with others..in person..active discussions. I love posting here but seriously does anyone live in Milwaukee WI??
The Wizard Sparrow
2025-03-11 13:35:14 +0000 UTCBIG TW for animal... torture? Cruelty. And the sounds. So just... hopefully this can help steel at least one person against that cuz boy it sucked!
1man2hands
2025-03-11 13:35:08 +0000 UTCIncredible!!!!! This was so stressful!! Really looking forward to this new side of Ame! That cackle at the end was truly chilling.
Michelle Spurgeon
2025-03-11 13:29:42 +0000 UTCRight!? Don't think we can let the ending overshadow how huge that scene was for Ame.
Michael Mills
2025-03-11 13:29:39 +0000 UTCUpdated with some rough timestampery Torture/sadism/cruelty (Throughout) Animal endangerment (with sound effects) (Largely throughout for general, sound effects at 9:59) Child endangerment/abuse (memory) (Starts around 24:00) Minor body horror (Multiple occasions as theoretical descriptions, 42:26 for act and sound effect, 54:44 for minor sound effect.)
SvenTS
2025-03-11 13:29:19 +0000 UTCCompartmentalization - add that to the reality Steel only gained a smattering of context, and probably reported what she learned to the higher echelon of the Citadel - who have a proclivity towards secrets
Onomatopecan
2025-03-11 13:27:56 +0000 UTCObsessed with the 3 different reactions to Eioghorain's knife-tooth Lou: that was so gross Aabria: that was so cool Erika: that was so hot!
xatlern
2025-03-11 13:25:44 +0000 UTC"Be cunning" is a thing I tell myself every day to get what I need, so this was cathartic af to hear.
Sil
2025-03-11 13:25:21 +0000 UTCWow, what an episode!
Steve D'Orazio
2025-03-11 13:25:17 +0000 UTCAHHHHHHH!!! Ame!!!! The reflection 😭
Ashley
2025-03-11 13:23:24 +0000 UTCthe penumbra phantasma…
robo
2025-03-11 13:21:25 +0000 UTCHoly fuck. I promise I will use the form but I do have to scream here about how much I want that last scene animated. I know it's on the long end but HOLY FUCK! How satisfying.
Pyrohydriscence
2025-03-11 13:19:26 +0000 UTCPetition to rename this episode "Satisfying as Fuck". Absolutely buzzing after this one. Taylor, you continue to blow me away every episode with how immersive these episodes are and how you can capture everything so perfectly... Suspense, creepiness, gore, joy, sorrow, and even somehow putting a bow on pure badassery. Chef kiss!
Michael Mills
2025-03-11 13:18:45 +0000 UTCThank. Fuck.
Sil
2025-03-11 13:17:04 +0000 UTCLiterally no misses in this arc! Did anyone else find it interesting that Keen / the Glass Coronet did not seem to know about the Coven of Elders? I totally imagined them as a sort of covert intelligence faction under the royal family, so it seems strange to me that they wouldn’t be aware of the CoE in the way Steel and other Tower-wizards seem to be.
Luke
2025-03-11 13:15:32 +0000 UTCMinor spoilers to follow. This episode is a heavy one. Make sure you're in the right space and mindset to handle it. Some content warnings include, but probably aren't limited to: Torture/sadism/cruelty Animal endangerment (with sound effects) Child endangerment/abuse (memory) Minor body horror The payoffs are worth it - but the cost of riding the ride are high as well. So make sure you're ready before jumping on board.
SvenTS
2025-03-11 13:11:09 +0000 UTCYahoo hloʻo Crackle Crackle. Can't wait to go down this latest Fox Hole by these amazing storytellers. Many thanks to all involved in helping bring these incredible tales to us!!
Ryan L.
2025-03-11 13:05:40 +0000 UTCscreaming crying throwing up
Emily C
2025-03-11 13:05:37 +0000 UTCOh Ame, your AuDHD punished by the world is so captivating and beautiful and relatable
Rina the Floof
2025-03-11 13:02:24 +0000 UTCHaven't watched yet and this is the first comment I see 😅 I know it's gonna be good now!
Joker
2025-03-11 12:57:45 +0000 UTCLou yelling "JESUS, Brennan" made my whole day.
Aryn Davis
2025-03-11 12:57:37 +0000 UTCI'm voting for slowly eaten alive by Eioghoran and the Fox.
Pyrohydriscence
2025-03-11 12:54:08 +0000 UTCI'll give you the help action
Raquel Albert
2025-03-11 12:50:04 +0000 UTCHoooooboy that was an episode. Amazing payoffs - but damn there's an emotional cost of entry to reach them. Make sure you listen when you're in the right space.
SvenTS
2025-03-11 12:44:35 +0000 UTCYo Brennan what the fuck
Rina the Floof
2025-03-11 12:43:06 +0000 UTCWhat a lovely way to wake up
Ro Lara
2025-03-11 12:16:02 +0000 UTCI'm only 15m in but I need Keen to die - the more slowly and painfully, the better.
chiralitycounts
2025-03-11 11:58:23 +0000 UTCOmgomgomg its here!
Pyrohydriscence
2025-03-11 11:45:33 +0000 UTCHooooly shit that beginning. Spoiler Spoiler Content warning 9:59 - Torture and Fox screams
SvenTS
2025-03-11 11:45:31 +0000 UTCHappy birthday! 🎁
Jules O
2025-03-11 11:42:53 +0000 UTCGod, I love Tuesdays
Jules O
2025-03-11 11:42:22 +0000 UTCHappy birthday!!!
Bev
2025-03-11 11:42:03 +0000 UTCThat reaction when the ep drops a little earlier than normal... Didn't know I was capable of making such a high pitched squeal. I am so excited for this one!
Michael Mills
2025-03-11 11:41:58 +0000 UTCI only hope they put us through even more emotional distress, I wouldn’t want anything less
Bev
2025-03-11 11:41:55 +0000 UTCVery heavy day today and I am so thankful for this little escape. Much love everyone!!!
OminousOwl
2025-03-11 11:41:18 +0000 UTCHappy birthday, birthday twin!
Molly Gould
2025-03-11 11:41:09 +0000 UTCI paused the Children’s Adventure episode I was already listening to so I could play the new WWWO episode that just dropped lol
Chanelle-Lize
2025-03-11 11:40:50 +0000 UTCHappy birthday!!!
OminousOwl
2025-03-11 11:40:43 +0000 UTCHappy birthday!
OminousOwl
2025-03-11 11:40:37 +0000 UTCGonna listen to this episode with my new plush fox!
Tyler Sweeney
2025-03-11 11:40:16 +0000 UTCHappy birthday to meeeeee!!!
Bev
2025-03-11 11:39:58 +0000 UTCThank you for this wonderful (and totally intentional) birthday present 😉 ♥️
Molly Gould
2025-03-11 11:39:43 +0000 UTCCheeeee!
Stefanucci Mozzarella
2025-03-11 11:39:07 +0000 UTC
