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Episode 17: A Date with Death

You began in the woods of Mab, close to the workshop of Yannik. Still unsure of how to deal with Petra (the remaining tiefling under the thrall of Dolly's Suggestion spell). Raidion and Kelnys attempted to convince her that her companions had been killed by gnomes. They swiftly failed in this objective, but Petra (seemingly resigned to the idea that chaos would follow the deaths of the Virtuous) was willing to talk. She shared a strange conversation with Raidion as the wood elf helped her bury her tiefling companon. Meanwhile, Quincy (savant of the workshop) headed back inside with I (tCntM) to make the necessary repairs to I's Grēnweard crossbow. As the gnome and the kobold tinkered, the first tentative bonds of trust emerged between them. With Quncy coaching I through the process. Dolly set to reading the tome that Torian gave her, as Raidion attempted to gain more information on Iago (the leader of the gang that Petra was a member of). She revealed that he ran card games and was an expert at winning games of chance by whatever means necessary. She also explained that the gang had raided the gnomish workship hoping to find funds that would cover their costs while they waited for a substantial debt to be paid. Petra told him that they did not plan to return to the gang, instead striking out on her own, greeting Raidion's idea that she should relocate to Mouse with scorn. The burial complete, Petra headed out into the woods alone. Meanwhile Quincy and I had completed their renovation of the crossbow and the kobold shared his plans for a high chair with the gnome, the two of them riffing on more ways the design could be optimized. Quincy agreed to try to created a formal schematic that I could take to a carpenter needing a day in her home in Yannik to finalize the design. Having rested that night, you headed towards Yannik, deciding on some extraordinary pseudonyms, including Missy, Pebble, and Steve Chase. Now, sure to avoid detection, you reached the farms that bordered the town. You were initially concerned that there were no signs of life in the fields, though Quincy reassured you that the populace would be gathered in Oratory Square in the center of Yannik (where the people meet to vote on matters of great importance in a tradition called "The Right of Common Voice"). This proved to be the case when you reached the town center. All the folk of Yannik gathered as a single elf stood atop a fountain pontificating and philosophizing to the frustration of the assembled crowd. You learned that this elf was called Penick Winter von Ven, a member of a group called "The Learned Friends" (a glorified debating society and educational institution who often hijack the Right of Common Voice to practice their debating skills). The reason for the gathering of the people seemed to be the attack on the workshop and the gnomish community's desire for the watch to be dispatched to rescue Quincy. When Quncy revealed herself to be alive and well, the crowd began to disperse before Elowen spotted a familiar face making her way through the crowd towards your gnomish friend. It was Aeris (mother of Isolde and 'Reeve' of Yannik). Elowen asked Quincy to make introductions and Aeris attempted ot hid her surprise at Elowen's appearance, inviting you all to the official residence where you could talk in private. Spotting I's newfound proximity to Quincy, Raidion and Dolly attempted to interrogate the kobold on whether any romantic feelings had begun to develop. I was genuinely baffled by the insinuation (not understanding the first thing about romance), yet he still somehow managed to get himself politely turned down by Quincy (who remained none-the wiser throughout the interaction). In the house of the Reeve, Elowen told Aeris of Isolde's wish (that the people of Yannik relocate to Mouse). Aeris agreed that it would be wise, but the traditions of the town decreed that she cannot issue an order, only invite people to vote. She told you that the main obstacle to such a vote being cast was the Learned Friends, and chiefly Penick Winter von Ven (who choked any chance of a decision being made by monopolizing the debate). He made multiple offers to kill various members of the House of Learned Friends, all of which were politely rebuffed by Aeris. Raidion recalled Iago being owed a debt by a highborn elf and came to the conclusion that Penick could be the elf in question. So you headed to the Black Cat Tavern (which Aeris had told you was located at the southern edge of the town). It was a run-down establishment owned by a surly dwarf called Tommen (who was reluctant to buy spoons, but quite happy to sell information). He told you that Iago might be found at the card table at the Tipsy Scholar. So that was where you headed next. Workshopping a name for your new spoon-selling company on the way. You found the Tipsy Scholar to be a far salubrious establishment with its halfling landlord Broderick starved of conversation by his haughty clientele. Dolly successfully schmoozed him and secured a few spoon sales until he offered her a seat at the exclusive card table that his son Finley runs in the back of the tavern. As Dolly secured rooms for the night, the rest of you occupied a table and waited for the card game to start. The conversation drifted to relationships and romance with Kelnys becoming distant as the focus turned briefly to him. After some time passed, the door to the tavern opened and a tiefling entered and spoke to Broderick. It was Iago himself, searching for someone. Having told Broderick to do what he could to ensure a certain acquaintance of theirs sat at the table that evening, Iago left the tavern, followed by Raidion and I. They snuck across Oratory Square, watching as Iago stared at the House of Learned Friends, only moving when a scholar emerged. He tracked the scholar down a quiet side street; Raidion and I managing to keep pace without being seen themselves. Reaching his prey, Iago forced him up against a wall where he threatened him, cutting him with a whip carried at his side and telling him to make certain that another scholar attended the card game. Deciding against attempting to steal Iago's whip, Raidion and I (tCntM) headed back to the Tavern where Broderick led you through to the card room at the rear of the Tipsy Scholar. There you found Iago waiting, along with Finley (Broderick's son) sat at one of the tables. Dolly joined them and they played a few hands in anticipation of a third party. As the rest of you busied yourselves with books and took your seats at the remaining table, Dolly and Iago traded wins and losses with Dolly realizing that her fellow tiefling was forcing cards and cheating (though she decided not to call out this trickery). After the second hand was played, you heard the noise of someone approaching the card room. It was Penick Winter von Ven. Iago changed in an instant, insisiting that everyone leave. Broderick and Finley did so (the rest of you remaining) as Iago struck Penick with his whip before Dolly stepped in. Elowen closed the door, leaving the five of you alone with Iago and Penick, the tiefling smiling as he considered his options. Roll Initiative Iago has just watched you shut the door, Elowen (with Kelnys nearby). Dolly, you're directly in front of him with Penick nearby, prone on the floor. The other three of you are 15 feet away towards the far wall where the other table is located near some bookshelves. Iago looks at you, Dolly. Takes in your friends and says, "You made a very big mistake." You watch as he lifts his hand, and from his palm spreads a sphere of blood-red mist.

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Previous Episode: Politics and Poker Faces

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Episode 16: Politics and Poker Faces

You began in Mab. The Docent of Grace having spoken words you heard in the orbs at the peak of Mt Atria. After whispering into Kelnys' ear, the dragonborn asked to know more, whereupon the Docent recounted everything you had heard from the orbs at the top of the mountain. Exhausted by the effort, the Docent needed support from Dolly, not knowing where this new knowledge had come from. She did, however, recognize the party, having seen Barabask's message in the sky after the battle for Mouse. The Docent reassured the newly dead that she did not believe Barabask. Five mortals surely couldn't slay nine gods and four antiqua. Reassured, Kelnys offered a gift. A staggeringly beautiful cherrywood spoon. Moved by the craftsmanship, the Docent offered Kelnys a truth, telling him that "Yilder seeks the son of the Tree Speaker". You bade farewell to the Docent and headed into Mab, finding a tree under which you could make a camp. As the rest of you slept that night, Dolly was left to watch, though she failed to hear footsteps stumbling through the wood. Fortunately, Kelnys (tossing and turning in a sleepless night) was roused and headed towards the noise, finding a gnome stumbling through the woods. The gnome's name was Quincy and she was Savant of the nearby gnomish temple which had hosted a gathering of the local gnomish folk after Barabask's revelation. During their discussion, a gang of tieflings had entered the workshop, demanding that the gnomes turn over any gold that they had hidden. When Quincy protested, she had been knocked unconscious, only waking in the night and sneaking away. You offered to help her on the condition that you receive some form of reward, with Quincy agreeing to your terms and guiding you through the woods. At the workshop, you approached to the sound of voices within. Two tieflings arguing over Quincy's escape mentioning a highborn elf who owes a debt to Iago (their leader). Raidion led as you gained access pretending to be a party of refugees from Mouse looking for shelter. Dolly cast Charm Person to sweeten the deal with the two tieflings while Kelnys took the remaining bandit (a human wizard) into a side room where he tried to subdue him. The dragonborn was unable to do so and the Wizards summoned an earth elemental. Dolly convincing one tiefling to drink wine outside with her as the rest of you scrambled to dievert attention away from Kelnys' fight. As I (tCntM) and Ellowen joined forces with Kelnys to kill the caster and consequently the elemental he had summoned Raidion battled with the remaining tiefling. Another clutch use of Hypnotic Gaze turning the tide of battle in his favor. Together you downed the hypnotized tiefling and searched the temple (finding no wealth, nor bodies, but) revealing a spectral hologram of Ristrin (the gnome deity). That done, you headed outside, where the remaining tiefling happily drank wine with Dolly, revealing that Iago (their leader) sometimes had rooms at the Black Cat Tavern in the attic. You left Petra, still under the thrall of the Suggestion spell and rejoined Quincy, resolving to head into Yanick with the gnome, though not before she made repairs to I's Grēnweard crossbow. It is still nighttime. The smallest of the small hours; 2-3 o'clock in the morning. You're on the edge of the tree line. Quincy with you having just agreed to fix I's crossbow. You can hear the occasional satisfied slurping of wine from Petra away at the front of the workshop on the grass.

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Previous Episode: Blood, Wine, and Moonlight

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Episode 15: Blood, Wine, and Moonlight

Last time, you began in the aftermath of the Battle for Mouse. Barabask's projection fading into the Winter sky, having declared you 'god killers'. Torian fled, sobbing, towards the castle. Having reasserted their trust in you all, the brothers followed him to offer some comfort. Left alone in the battlefield, Dolly began to search Morgan's body, her hands absent-mindedly touching his shadow, whereupon her visage changed to his and she sensed the last remnants of Morgan's turmoil in the hours before battle; how he wished to free himself of his compusion to fight. As Dolly sloughed off Morgan's features, the rest of you set to searching the bodies of the dead. Finding many carved stone whistles in the shape of skulls, as well as the numerous cloaks, masks, and gloves of the Gloam. I (tCntM) climbed to the top of the now ruined brewery and found Morgan's bedroll and personal effects. Among them was a letter, which Endellion/Ellowyn read and appeared to be from Morgan's mother. Endellion/Ellowyn headed deeper into the town of Mouse, where she found the body of Mina (master of arms for Castle Grēnweard) who had laid down her life buying time for the brothers to save the villagers as the Gloam attacked. Having paid her respect, you all headed back into the castle where you were greeted as heroes. You returned to Endellion/Ellowyn's room and discussed Rivenna and the Deck of Many Friends. Raidion telling the others that the Deck was too powerful an item for him to wield alone. The rest of you agreeing to use it only in moments of dire need. You dressed for dinner (I (tCntM) doing so with particular panache) before you dined with the Grēnweard family. Endellion/Ellowyn telling her family the story of how you came to be decried as 'god killers' and your involvement with The Web. You decided to journey to The Sanctum where Grawnoth had told you Parvus would be. Perhaps the Kobold Antiqua would have information on Themself (Kobold deity), the only Virtuous still unaccounted for. Dinner over, you made to leave. Torian taking Raidion's arm to ask about the Virtuous and the scene at the top of Mt Atria. Raidion spoke with him (and despite his previous penchant for telling believers that 'their gods are dead') he found the right words, perhaps for the first time. Torian emboldened by the strength he found in battle, told Raidion that he had something that could help Dolly; that she should see him before you leave. You split up and wandered the castle. Kelnys procuring a charcuterie platter for four as Dolly and Endellion/Ellowyn headed to the observatory at the top of the castle. There Dolly took Endellion/Ellowyn into her confidence revealing that she was also a native of Mouse, but she never felt the love for home that Endellion/Ellowyn had. Dolly took advantage of her new ability and assumed Morgan's visage once more, using his voice to contact The Spinner through a former associate's sending stone. "The supplies were delivered by the tiefling and the elf, but the Grēnweards held fast, Mouse stands." The reply from The Spinner arrived, "You know what this means, Morgan. She will pay the price." Back in Endellion/Ellowyn chambers, Kelnys shared out a stinky cheese and pickle platter before you all settled down to sleep. The next morning you woke, LEVELED UP, and (eager to learn what you could from the Grēnweards before you departed). Kylen schooled Kelnys in the use of martial weapons and gifted him a chain shirt so that he could be more aggressive in battle. Dolly went to see Torian and was given a book that could be studied to improve her constitution. Dolly questioned her friend's brother on the nature of good and evil, but the tiefling was wracked with doubt over matters of far greater significance. Her scent. Torian was instantly out of his depth but confimed that she smelled lovely. Finally, I (tCntM) was giften Kellin's magical Grēnweard crossbow, though the weapon was in need of attention from an armorer or blacksmith for it to function properly. The only condition demanded was that I was sworn to fight alongside his sister and keep her safe. He happily agreed. The party discussed Endellion/Ellowyn and her new name, with the Grēnweard daughter asking to be called Ellowyn from now on. Lesota gifted Ellowyn a large bag of gold originally intended for her dowry and mother and daughter shared a moment of understanding. Ellowyin then tracked down Agatha (her tutor) and asked for books that could help her teach I to read. Agatha found some suitable texts including a book of Ellowyn's own adventure stories written by her long ago. As you prepared to leave, you spotted Eden and his wife Isolde having a whispered argument. As your path to the Sanctum led you past Yannick (the open town where Isolde was raised) she wanted you to tell her mother Aeris (the Reeve (mayor) of Yannick) to relocate the populous to Mouse, thereby increasing the chance of both populations surviving another attack. You agreed to do so and then hit the road. Taking the path north towards Baruun, then crossing the Serafin river and heading into the woods known as Mab. That evening you returned to the tavern where you met Paddy and rested there that night, reaching the Serafin river the next morning. The river had changed, opaque and bright blue, much to the confusion of a dwarven fisher. Your investigations revealed nothing of use. The river behaved exactly as expected, the only change seeming to be the color. Despite your confusion there seemed little else to do and you continued over the bridge and into Mab. As you journeyed deeper into the woods, you began to smell herbs and perfume on the wind. On a verge beside the road you found wagon of hazelnut wood covered in layers of gossamer fabric. Sat at the rear of the wagon was a figure in robes the colors of Autumn leaves, their face hidden behind a golden mask with a long, hooked tube over the mouth. You recognized this figure as a member of The Gracious (an order of mystics who trade in scurrilous rumors, forgotten truths, and lost stories). Dolly wished to hear a truth and was taken into the wagon with the mystic, who she recognized as the senior member of the order (The Docent of Grace). Placing the end of the mask into Dolly's ear, the Docent breathed and whispered revealing that someone Dolly sought could be found in the Fort Forest in the southeast of the continent. Raidion was encouraged by the others to hear a truth of his own and under duress agreed to follow the Docent into the wagon. As she searched for a truth for Raidion, he was pulled into a vision. A figure with golden skin stood before and unscarred Raidion holding the bag that contains the Deck of Many Friends, then they spoke, "It will come for you Astarlis. Why? Why must you act on every impulse if you care about anything but yourself?" Raidion demanded that the vision stop and the Docent led him back out into the light to join his companions. As a token of good will, after the money the party had spent, she gifted them all a single line from a story. Then when she began to whisper to Kelnys, she shuddered and spoke something you first heard from the orbs in the peak of Mt Atria, "The Murk is thick, the Briar will hold." Kelnys, you feel the beak of this mask almost trembling. She takes a step back and the rest of you see she reaches out a hand as if to steady herself. Her masked face still turned towards you (Kelnys) and she says in a voice that you can barely hear, "I do not know this story."

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Previous Episode: Secrets for Sale

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Episode 14: Secrets for Sale

You began the night before the Battle for Mouse. Dolly (having revealed her mission from the Spinner and the party agreeing to turn from the Web) refused to hand over supplies to the Gloam. You did, however, decide that delivering the bag as promised could give you an element of surprise. You soon set to planning your attack: Dolly, Raidion, and I (tCNtM) would deliver the bag to the Gloam (Dolly and Raidion claiming they had left the rest of the party behind whilst I waited in the trees) Raidion sent a Firebolt into the sky. Endellion, Kelnys, and the Grēnweard brothers would attack from the castle trapping your enemies in a pincer. I was keen to use the bag of holding to transport Kylen (Endellion's biggest and strongest brother) into the brewery beyond the walls and thus into the thick of the action. Along with Dolly you went to convince the barbarian to go along with the ruse, but despite Endellion's permission, Kylen refused to leave his brother's side. Meanwhile Raidion sought out Lesota (Endellion's mother) finding her on one of the towers overlooking what would come morning be a battlefield. He asked her about family and about love before Lesota offered him words of comfort and acceptance along with a very awkward hug. Kelnys was preparing for the morning and, along with Wilder the Cook, searched for Goodberries in the well-stocked pantry beneath the kitchens. As he did, Endellion (or Eloen) took a moment to herself in her father's observatory far above the rest of the hubbub as Castle Grēnweard prepared for battle. Below in the courtyard, Dolly bolstered her companions with a speech. I (tCNtM) was still unsure that the plan (in its current state) would work. Together you formed a new strategy: Construct an explosive that could be detonated in the brewery to help level the playing field and catch the Gloam unawares. Endellion had returned to the courtyard and (having teased Eden from the sidelines as he trained up a militia) sparred with her eldest brother, learning that her weapons were capable of greater utility than she had previously realized. That night you all returned to Endellion's room where Raidion pitched his new nickname to Endellion. Pebble. The fact that Endellion neither attacked him, nor stormed out of the room spoke volumes for the growth of their relationship. Kylen woke you the next morning. You put your plan into action. Dolly and Raidion entered the brewery to speak with the Gloam whilst I watched from the trees. Inside the brewery the Gloam had begun to grow suspicious and made an attempt to seize the tiefling and the wood elf. Dolly casting Darkness to cover their escape as Raidion slammed the homemade bomb into position by the door. As Raidion and Dolly sprinted towards safety, I (tCNtM) emerged from hiding and lit the place up. As the gates opened, Kelnys and the Grēnweards stormed into battle. Kellen sniped from a distance whilst Eden and Kylen charged straight into the throng, as I (tCNtM) picked off Gloam warriors with his crossbow. Dolly cast Shatter. Endellion fired arrows into her foes. Torian attacked with unexpected ferocity. Raidion killed multiple enemies with a devastating fireball and Kelnys was behind a hedge. Just as you seemed to be in the ascendancy, Eden fell. His siblings and militia stunned into inaction by his death before Dolly brought him back with a Healing Word. As the battle continued to rage, I entered the smoldering brewery where he was met by an unexpected foe. Morgan. He struck I with a Blinding Smite almost downing the Kobold, as Raidion began to hear the familiar whispers of the deck in his pocket before they coalesced into a single word: "Help." I was calling out, blinded and cornered. Hoping for the aid of his friends in bringing down his foe, but Morgan the Oathbreaker Paladin summoned new reserves of fervor from his fellow Gloam members as they all attacked with sudden speed. Finally Raidion arrived to aid his Kobold companion. A clutch use of Hypnotic Gaze finally paying dividends as Morgan was rendered incapacitated. Kelnys and Torian formed a rear guard and were dealing with the Gloam that attacked in waves. Endellion fougth alongside Eden and Kylen. I had managed to flee the brewery with Dolly unable to act as Raidion remained inside with Morgan. The wood elf was stunned to realize, that merely by wishing it could be so, he had teleported from the building still retaining enough power to cast Fireball. As you mopped up the remains of the Gloam warriors, you descended en masse upon Morgan who had left the brewery and was moving into the main body of the fight with a resigned heaviness. Kelnys struck him with lighning as Dolly stabbed Morgan with a dagger who in turn struck her down (with what surely would have been a killing blow) before Raidion called (for the first time) on the Deck of Many Friends. As the card began to spin and glow, a figure emerged, Revenna Snacks. Her hair a flock of ravens that descended upon Morgan, causing him to miss his previous swing at Dolly, though she still dropped unconscious after he attacked again. Raidion revived Dolly with a Goodberry before it fell to Endellion to land the final blow on Morgan who (tear-stained and blood-soaked) thanked her as he breathed his last. Revenna became a flock of ravens and was absorbed by the card which then turned to dust. Then a figure appeared in the sky. Barabask. He accused the party of killing the Virtuous and betraying the Antiqua, naming them 'God Killers' and declaring that they were in league with the Gloam. He then proclaimed himself the new god of Reliquiae, Barabask the Sinless. You stand in the snow. The frozen ground hard beneath your feet, surrounded by bodies. Steam rising from black blood in the crisp winter morning. The image of Barabask fades, the clouds darkening. You can hear the calls of far off birds, the wind in the trees, the ragged breathing of those beside you still suffused with the exhiliration and terror of battle. Then Kylen swings his axe towards the sky where Barabask appeared and shouts "Fuck you! Fuck you! You will not harm my sister! You will not take her from us!" You hear footsteps in the snow and Torian is running back towards the castle and you can hear him sobbing, immediately having burst into uncontrollable tears.

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Previous Episode: The God Killers

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Episode 13: The God Killers

You began in the cellars of Castle Grēnweard, stood before Lesota, Endellion's Mother. Seemingly in shock, she automatically began to prepare bread and soup while Roose (the castle priest) introduced to Isolde, Eden's wife. Lesota took Endellion aside and briefly burst into tears telling her they had much to talk about but that she had better go and inform her brothers that she was home. You decided to split up. Dolly, Raidion, and I (tCntM) heading off to explore the castle whilst Kelnys went with Endellion as she reunited with her brother Kellin while she trained villagers in the use of a longbow. The others climbed the ramparts to the top of the tower at the southwest corner of the castle where they found Eden (eldest of the brothers) being guarded by Kylen (the youngest of the Grēnweards) still resident in the castle. On telling them that their sister lived, it was immediately apparent that Eden had been aware all along, sparking anger from Kylen who thundered away to find her. Raidion took the opportunity to ask how he could best gain Endellion's confidence. Eden telling him that his sister would only respect actions, not words. Down at the training grounds, Endellion was painfully embraced by Kylen and greeted with a wry smile by Eden before the brothers went inside and you were reunited with one another outside at the castle gates. You were led up to Endellion's room, covered as it was in dust, and still full of her old belongings. Raidion and Endellion buried the hatchet after their set two in the tunnels before Jeremy Teaberry (valet to Eden) asked the party to meet with the Grēnweard family in Riodhir and Iota's chambers. The reunion was complete, as Endellion was embraced by her final brother Torian. You shared stories of The Gloam, attempting to form a plan of action that would break their siege. Eventually you resolved that the party would journey through the tunnels arriving to flank the Gloam as the brothers attacked from the gate. A plan of action decided upon, Lesota once again took Endellion aside for an unfamiliar heart to heart. Despite her discomfort Lesota apologized for her daughter, offering explanation and context for the choices she made on her behalf (during a childhood in which mother and daughter had often felt distant). As recompense, she gifted Endellion her own family short sword of a life Lesota had wanted to escape, but realized now, her daughter had always craved. Back in Endellion's room, you shared stories of your families. Endellion reading a letter her father had left on her bed; written to the daughter he thought he'd lost. She was snapped out of her reverie by shouts from the battlements, where you joined the rest of the Grēnweard family. In the field beyond the walls, fires had been lit. Dolly heard a message in her head as a masked woman delivered an offer: Leave with the wounded and surrender the castle. Her threat accompanied by the sounds of screaming from nearby buildings. Bolstered by the support of his sister, Eden refused to abandon the keep. The Gloam emissary then calling out to imply that there may be traitors in our midst, ending her threat with the words, "The Web is Wide." Dolly demanded to speak with you all and left the battlements. In a stable far from the burning buildings and the Grēnweards, Dolly revealed she had been told to deliver the supplies to the Gloam and that the Web had allied itself with the cult. Knowing that to disobey orders was to risk everything, you resolved to strike out from the Web. Flies no more, you would fight for one another and for the survival of House Grēnweard

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Previous Episode: Flies in the Ointment

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Dream of the Dragonborn

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> Step into the mind of a Dragonborn! In this special one-shot episode, join the team as they dive into the dreamscape of a snoozing Kelnys. But can Endellion, Raidion, Dolly, and I navigate the twisting turns of his imagination, or will they find themselves trapped in a nightmare?

> Join Natural Six as they explore the new 2024 Player's Handbook in this standalone and spoiler-free adventure! See their characters crafted using the latest rules, offering a sneak peek at the changes coming your way on September 17th.

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Episode 12: Flies in the Ointment

Last time you began in the Distau Woods on the borders of Mouse. Endellion bringing the party up to speed on the series of trials that awaited in the tunnels before you could enter the Grenwyrd Keep via the cellars. When the others questioned how she would have such knowledge, she told them that (rather than possessing any privileged information) she was merely a native of Mouse and had learned some things in her years living there. Not entirely satisfied, you settled down to rest. The night passing without event until Kelnys, alone in the dark, decided to investigate the deck of cards that Raidion carries. An attempt to take them silently from the Wood Elf's pack roused the trancing wizard but he allowed his companion to open the pouch and study the deck. Searing pain passed through the dragonborn as he began to see names appear on the cards before they faded again. By now the entire party were awake and looking on as Kelnys closed his eyes and attempted to attune to the deck as whispers and the sounds of water grow in his head. Next he spoke to the cards but the druid felt another surge of pain and (having received no answers) returned the deck to Raidion's pack. The next morning, Endellion led the party to the base of a great tree and (moving rocks aside) revealed a seam that ran through the center of the trunk and led to a spiral staircase. You all descended, entering a series of natural caves filled with the sounds of running water. Endellion led you through the caves and behind a waterfall to a space where the Grenwyrd children had made bunks for themselves in fissures in the rock. Once more, the others questioned Endellion of her knowledge of these caves but she remained steadfast in her refusal to entertain such inquiries. You reached a great door. Endellion using her dagger to open it before you entered a chamber that housed a great mass of red glowing rock covered in limb-sized holes. Upon approaching it I (TCNTM) realized that fierce heat was emanating from the rock. Dolly spotted letters carved into it reading: How much can you bear? How much can you sacrifice? Raidion placed his hand into one of the holes, enduring searing pain and choosing to take close to his max hp in damage, though a failed CON save caused him to lose consciousness. As he did, a hollow circle of flame appeared in the far wall. A section of it filling with fire as Raidion sacrificed himself. The rest of you all placed your hands into the rock. I (TCNTM) also falling unconscious as he was overwhelmed by the pain. With Dolly's final contribution, the flaming circle was completed. The glowing stone cooled as you gained access to the next chamber and you were able to revive Raidion and I. Within you found a stone grid on the floor of a narrow chamber. A single letter carved into each slab. After experimenting with various spellings, magic missiles and bouncing wildfire spirits, you eventually identified that a series of stalagmites and stalagtites in the far end could be lined up to reveal the series of letters 'ASATO' (As Strong As The Oak). Endellion (knowing that this was the first half of the Grenwyrd family motto) completed the phrase with 'AFATF' (As Free as the Forest). Stepping on the stones bearing these letters allowed you all to pass through the chamber; the far wall opening up as the puzzle was completed. In the third chamber, what appeared to have once been a trap (that would cover the intruder in bird seed and set wild birds on them) was rendered less difficult with the birds long since having died. A chamber beyond was different than those you had encountered before. A constructed room of mid-gray stone blocks. Then the far wall moved; a stone golem standing before you. You soon realized your attacks had little effect on the creature and that there seemed to be no way out of the chamber. A clutch use of Bestow Curse from Dolly prevented the golem from attacking. Attention turned to Endellion (the rest of the party reaching the conclusion that she was the "Disappeared Grenwyrd Sister". Despite the appeals of her companions, Endellion would not budge, continuing to wait for the golem to attack before she played any cards she may have. Still, Dolly, I, Raidion, and Kelnys continued to do all they could to convince Endellion to reveal the truth of her identity to the golem. Raidion attempting to used Hypnotic Gaze to make her more amenable to the idea. He failed, but Endellion (enraged by this act) told the stone golem that she is the family Grenwyrd. As the golem knelt and crumbled to dust, a passageway into the wine cellars of the Grenwyrd Keep was revealed. The party (tested by infighting and mistrust) approached a wooden door, hearing voices behind it. The door was thrown open by a woman wielding a dagger and holding a hound at the end of a leash. On seeing Endellion, the dog (named Duty) leapt up, a puppy again, and began to lick his former mistress' face. With Duty's paws on her shoulders, tail wagging with joy, Endellion keeps looking at her mother.

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Previous Episode: Trials of the Brothers

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See the characters designed by popular gaming personalities that went into the deck that Raidion cannot escape.

This short 3 minute video

is rife with potential spoilers for those with a keen eye and clever video editing skills.

Until now we had only known about Sam Lake making one of the cards. You might recognize names like Matthew Mercer, Anjali Bhimani, Neil Newbon (Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3) and Troy Baker (voice of Joel in The Last of Us). There's also gaming enthusiasts like Jane Douglas (from Outside Xbox) in the mix and teasing more to come.

Episodes and other media available on YouTube and Twitch

Episode 11: Trials of the Brothers

Last time you began dancing the night away in the Orange Tree Tavern. Kelnys was cutting shapes (as I (the character, not the me) tried to ascertain what strange poison was affecting his companions) before the Kobold slipped away to his bed. Raidion was diving deeper into his cups. Feeling invincible (as he joined Kelnys on the dancefloor) before a sudden, violent bout of vomiting signaled the end of his night. As Dolly helped Raidion upstairs to the privy, the elf passed out and Dolly took the opportunity to examine the deck of cards Raidion carries in his pack. As she did whispering voices surrounded her and filled her head before she asked, "What are you?" For a moment the whispers coalesced into a single word, but she couldn't ascertain if it was 'friend' or 'foe'. She replaced the cards in Raidion's pack and (with Kelnys' help) took the catatonic elf to bed. Downstairs Endellion nursed a drink hoping Derwin Grenwyrd would appear. Eventually she headed out into the street, bumping into him as he stumbled into some bins and they shared a drink in the Orange Tree before Endellion, too, headed to bed. The next morning, Kelnys, Endellion, and I (the character, not the me) headed to collect the supplies from the Council of Equals, while Raidion nursed a truly catastrophic hangover with Dolly (who wanted to keep a low profile having seen her description on Wanted posters across the city). Endellion, I, and Kelnys gained access to the Council building, where Barnaby informed them of his displeasure that they could not be found in the barracks where Trusk could have offered them lodging. The council were now in session, so Endellion hung back while the other two ventured in to retrieve the supplies. I and Kelnys (to their credit) did their very best. They attempted to assuage any doubts the council may have about their suitability for this mission. Ezra Silverkin II (a member of the council) continued to have his doubts. I was given a brief lesson in the concept of metaphors by a dragonborn (and showed everyone how fast he could run) before the supplies were fetched and they were on their way. Meanwhile Dolly and Raidion had been making their way out of the city until guards approached and asked Dolly to come in for questioning. After flashing the ring that showed she had the favor of Trusk, Dolly was able to turn the tables on the guards and gain an apology from them, promising to return for quesioning at a time of greater convenience. You were all reunited after I, Endellion and Kelnys made their way down to the Depths. Kelnys (spotting Vim clearly under arrest) being escorted to Baruun jail for questioning. Raidion thought it was time to get out of town. You hit the road, heading south towards Mouse before Kelnys spotted a cart heading towards you. Onboard was a gnome who Dolly recognized as Silas, but was going by the name Marv. He was heading to Baruun with his wife Alice, with their cart (loaded with the larger possessions). Silas and Dolly spoke of their past and he told Endellion of the fall of Mouse and The Gloam (shadow will flood group) that had gathered to lay siege to Castle Grenwyrd. You continued, making camp in the woods at night. Endellion read a letter (from the Bag of Holding) in which Riodhir Grenwyrd offered words of encouragement to his eldest son Eden. Raidion and I (TCnTM) asked Endellion more questions of her past, though she refused to offer any information. I (TCnTM) told the story of his tribe who disappeared suddenly as he was tracking a gnome through the hills near his home. The conversation turned to friendship with Endellion reluctant to admit that any friendship existed between herself and the rest of the group. Kelnys pivoted onto spoon carving, teaching the gang about spoons, growth and mindfulness. After a restful night, you journeyed yet further south. Happening upon an abandoned cart, piled high with family heirlooms and Dolly spotted a family of halflings hiding in the undergrowth. They were fleeing Mouse, but one of the wheels of their cart had shattered and they had been unable to journey towards Baruun in safety. You spent half a day repairing the wheel. Raidion gifting his necklace to the small halfling boy before they departed. You continued to walk towards Mouse. As night fell, you happened upon a tavern full of villagers making their way north. Among them was Paddy, a baker who Endellion recognized from her childhood. After you revealed your mission, Paddy offered you day-old pastries and sorted you out with a prime spot by the fire. Raidion gave the baker the key to Jesco's in Baruun and told him it was the perfect place to establish a business. When you woke the next morning, the villagers had a whip round for a few coins and brought you another bag of old pastries. You graciously declined the money, you graciously accepted the pastries, and continued your journey. Half a day from Mouse, you encountered a party on the road. Four cloaked figures flanking a family of orcs that dragged a hand cart. As you walked closer, Kelnys spotted the mother orc mouth the word "help". This information was passed on to Dolly and a questioning of these cloaked figures began. One human took the lead insisting they were all from Mouse and journeying north together for safety. After further probing and a little intimidation, the situation culminated in Raidion casting Magic Missile on the leader and Kelnys joining the attack. After a clutch use of Silvery Barbs from Dolly and an arrow to the cheek from Endellion, the combatants admitted to trying to extort the orcs and were stripped of their possessions and clothes, scurrying semi naked into the forest. At last you approached Mouse on the fringes of the Distal Woods. You made camp in the woods in preparation for the next stage of your journey and that's where we are now. Night is falling fast in these woods.

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Previous Episode: The Kindness of Strangers

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Episode 9: The Prisoner in the Attic

Last time we began in a plaza on The Crest, buildings blazing, flames flickering high into the winter night. I (the character, not the me) watched horrified as Grawnoth was stabbed and fell before his assailant disappeared in a curl of smoke. The kobold dropped to all fours and dashed towards the stricken Antiqua, passing Kelnys (Wildshape-d into a 'larger than average' black cat). As I reached Grawnoth, he smelled a mineral, metallic smell where the smoke from the assassin still lingered in the air. Brunhilda arrived and cradled the Antiqua's body, a healing potion doing nothing to bring the dwarf back. Soon Dolly, Endellion, and Kelnys (back in his true form) began to figure out an escape as I leapt up the walls of the plaza and tried to spot the diminutive assassin as they fled. He was met by upturned faces as those in The Deal watched flames bloody the sky. A group of guards headed up to fight the fire. As I returned with what he had learned, Dolly insisted that fleeing the scene was the best course of action. Meanwhile, Raidion was investigating the final at the end of the row (already burning, thanks to Endellion's efforts) he made his way inside, briefly battling with a pair of blood-sucking surges (D4 reference?) before (driven by growing whispers from his mysterious deck of cards) he attempted to use the deck as kindling, casting a fiery Chromatic Orb before the deck reflected the damage of the spell back at him. I (who had gone searching for Raidion so that the party could escape together) spotted the wizard as flames licked up his chest. The kobold leapt into action dampening the flames and dragging Raidion into the shadows. As Dolly, Kelnys, and Endellion scurried into Grawnoth's estate, I cast Silent Image to create a large ornamental plant pot, which obscured he and Raidion from the guards. They (Dolly, Kel, Endel) hurriedly arrived on the plaza as Brunhilda (still holding Grawnoth's body) gave orders to the guards. I created the sound of screaming from the far buildings allowing the party to sneak away. Wearing I's Cloak of Many Fashions Raidion attempted to pass as a guard but was pushed from pillar to post by Brunhilda and the other guards before he eventually made his way to join the others on the walkway. Together you fled The Crest as the sky burned and decided to head for the one place you felt you could hide until things blew over; Casper's hideout. On arriving, Endellion caused the wall to fade and you were struck by a familiar metallic smell. I recognized it as the aromas in the smoke after the disappearance of Grawnoth's assailant and as you descended the stairs, you were met by Medea. Scrawling in a book, her face streaked with blood, sat amongst the bodies of Casper, Juno and Goff. You battled with Medea in the cellar, Dolly forced to attack her companions (though Endellion restored the tiefling to her senses by slamming her head into a crate). I (falling for the first time before being brought back by Kelnys) and with the help of Calum the Wolf, a first successful use of Hypnotic Gaze (by Raidion), and an imaginative use of Medea's prized murder journal, you eventually bested the halfling. Studying the journal, Kelnys learned that Medea had been keeping Rasheed, a dwarf, captive in the apothecary. You searched the bodies of the dead, finding a set of Goggles of the Night, a Perfume of Bewitching and clutch of expired potions. This done, you settled down to take a rest before I (the character not the me) crucially took a dagger to the eyes of Medea. That is where we are now, fire still flickering in the grate. The bodies have been rolled up in bed rolls and pushed to one side. It is quiet. It is still. The blood staining the flagstones around you.

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Previous Episode: The Bodies and the Book

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Episode 10: The Kindness of Strangers

Last time we began in the aftermath of the fight with Medea. The bodies of Casper's former chapter wrapped in bedrolls in the corner of the basement of the abandoned apothecary. As you prepared to rest for the night, Kelnys made one last search of the bookshelves and discovered Juno's Spellbook among the potion bottles, allowing Raidion to add another wizard spell to his list. Dolly took Endellion to one side and they shared a hushed conversation as Kelnys, I and Raidion cleared away the debris of battle with Medea and prepared to sleep. As Endellion and Dolly returned to the group, you began to talk about family; Kelnys revealing that he had not seen his for many years, toying with a pendant around his neck as he did so. That night you slept among the bodies and awoke as Level 5 adventurers. The next morning you emerged into Baruun, the city suffused with rumor after the events of the past few days. I (the character, not the me) picked the lock that held the doors of Jesco's closed and you entered the abandoned apothecary. Kelnys found some coins in the till, though not very many, and slid a door across to reveal a room filled with Medea's possessions. Kelnys recovered his scimitar and I was gifted a set of (potentially gamebreaking) boots as Raidion sounded Endellion out regarding the possibility of a later shopping trip. You ascended a flight of stairs (Raidion being pushed down a few after Endellion debuted her goggles of the night) and opened a door at the top to reveal a chained figure. It was Rasheed, member of the Council of Equals. You tended to the dwarf and he told you how he had been attacked by Medea but had been kept alive forming a strange relationship with the halfling in the hope he could save her. Having been told of the death of Grawnoth, he was keen to return to his post in the council. After I had a brief existential crisis (after failing to fade the secret entrance to the basement), Raidion encountered Evandris (a nauseating lifestyle guru) you reunited to guide Rasheed towards The Crest and the Council building. As you ascended, you encountered Eleanora Obsidian (half-elven member of the council who recognized Rasheed and (torn between relief that he was safe and a desire to swiftly reunite him with Trusk and the others) tried to hurry the exhausted dwarf along). As Dolly insisted that she give Rasheed more time, Eleanora revealed that Lode (The Dwarven Capital) had fallen to a mask-wearing cult who called themselves The Gloam. As you hurried into the council building, you heard a furious argument from Grenwyrd's chambers before you were ushered in to see Trusk, who embraced Rasheed and told you more about The Gloam. They had also attacked Brack and were laying siege to the Grenwyrd estate (a fortress that guards the small town of Mouse). After some discussion, Trusk asked whether you might be able to deliver supplies to Mouse to help the Grenwyrd's break the siege. Despite the seriousness of the moment, Raidion couldn't help but notice a certain 'je ne sais quoi' between himself and the High Advocate. As you found a quiet room to discuss your next move, Raidion ruminated on what has passed between them and what might yet come to be. Having decided that you would transport the supplies, it was decided that Raidion would speak to Trusk alone. He entered the High Advocate's chamber freshly-musked and ready for whatever may come. After confirming that the newly dead would take on the task appointed to them, he made a series of attempts to connect with Trusk on a more emotional level before a successful Insight check literally revealed that he had woefully misread the situation. Leaving with as much dignity as he could muster, Raidion reported back to the group including news that Trusk had gifted them rings that showed that they were favored by the council and by her in particular. Endellion decided she wanted to see whoever was left in Grenwyrd's chambers and slipped inside for a private conversation. You headed to the orange tree, Kelnys spotting a wanted poster that described a pink-skinned tiefling that the guards wanted to bring in for questioning regarding a 'crime of great significance'. After arriving at the tavern, you got various levels of 'white girl wasted'. Raidion drinking increasingly esoteric wine, egged on by Salis (a self-indulgent sommellier sufficiently sozzled...). Endellion and Raidion went on a shopping spree with the elf buying necklaces for his companions while Dolly and I returned to the hiding place where you had stashed the 'Gloam' cloaks and masks before you entered the city. You reunited at the orange tree, Kelnys dancing the night away as Raidion presented his gifts. It is the night before, rather than the morning after. The night is spent in revelry. A little bit of relaxation after a tough few days.

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Previous Episode: The Prisoner in the Attic

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Episode 8: The Bodies and the Book

Last time you began at the Whispering Walker, Casper informing you that the Spider Prince had arrived in Baruun and was demanding an audience. Clearly shaken, he led you through the streets of The Deal as night began to fall. Ascending a stairway to The Crest and arriving at a large building on a quiet plaza. He escorted you into a room in which two figures were waiting. The Spinner (lieutenant of The Web who you first met on the night you fought the basilisk) and The Spider Prince himself. Clad in black robes with silver thread, his face obscured by a mask made of innumerable black gems. He questioned you on the events at the top of Mount Atria, toying with a silk bag on the table as you spoke. Apparently satisfied with your answers, the Prince moved his attention towards Raidion Thornbear, demanding to know of his family. When Raidian told him that he remembered, the Prince turned towards The Spinner telling him: "I think you're right, but I don't understand how." I (the character not the me) told the Prince of the orbs, the words "The Shadow Will Flood", and the blight that you found at the peak of the mountain. Kelnys spoke of the child mentioned by the voices in the orbs. With all your reports made, The Spinner took the floor and told you of a new mission. You were to burn down the five buildings that share a plaza with Grawnoth's residence. The Web has been financing the expansion of the city of Baruun and debts are owed. At this point, Raidion stepped forward telling the Spider Prince of Barabask's betrayal and stating his desire to kill the Elven Antiqua, should the opportunity ever present itself. He wished to speak privately with the Prince and the Spinner, but was summarily dismissed in this request. Dolly turned to leave before The Spinner called her back. She alone was to remain. The others shuffled out and could hear nothing before Dolly emerged, discussions having taken place. You headed towards the plaza in order to stake out the five buildings, passing a few drunk workers who you overheard speaking of a colleague, Vim, who was as yet unaccounted for. You split up and began to investigate. Raidion casting Disguise Self to take on the appearance of one of the drunk workers and happening to stumble upon Vim. A tiefling trying to sleep off a hangover in a pile of insulating fleece. A moving one act play followed and Vim eventually stumbled off with a belly full of booze and a heart full of hope, leaving Raidion with a set of keys he had pilfered from the tiefling's pockets. As Kelnys overheard some of the commotion, he tripped over a pile of building materials, setting off a series of unfortunate stealth checks suffered by the party, which gradually increased the attention of Grawnoth's guards. I (tCntM) managed to throw them off the scent with a feline use of Silent Image and a little persuasion. But Brunhilda and the guards were beginning to pay attention to the growing commotion in the plaza. After a few failed attempts to climb some trellis, Dolly started a fire at the base of one of the buildings and Kelnys summoned his Wildfire Spirit (in the form of a pine marten called Hank) to begin a blaze in another. Raidion Misty Stepped into an unoccupied building. I (tCntM) fell foul of a magical door knocker and Endellion enjoyed a less than ideal time in the darkness as she attempted to get to the farthest building and prepare it for ignition. Her fire started, Dolly feigned insouciance as she headed towards Grawnoth's estate. Brunhilda and the guards emerging as one of the buildings succumbed to the flames and collapsed. Dolly cast Suggestion on Brunhilda and told the captain of Grawnoth's guard to head to the building at the farthest end of the plaza where Endellion had succeeded in starting a fire. Meanwhile, Dolly began to plant seeds of fear into the mind of a guard, causing him to develop an aversion to a slightly larger than average black cat, which I (tCntM) had caused to appear earlier in the encounter. By now Raidion had set another building ablaze and he dashed out to see Brunhilda, telling her that Vim had gone crazy and had been declaring his desire to burn the buildings to the ground. By this point it was only the building nearest Grawnoth's estate that was free from flames. Kelnys soon saw to this and the whole plaza was engulfed in fire and smoke. As Brunhilda arrived at the final building, she spotted Endellion in the shadows and (flummoxed and flustered) the fighter could not give a convincing reason why she was there. Soon I (tCntM) interceded and managed to convince her to head back towards Grawnoth's estate with Endellion in tow. As they approached, Endellion and I (tCntM) saw a figure next to the gates. that led to Grawnoth's residence. I (tCntM) realized that it was Grawnoth himself emerging to inspect the blazing plaza where multiple buildings had now fallen to their foundations. As I (tCntM) looked on, a figure emerged from the shadows and plunged a knife into the Antiqua before disappearing in a whirl of smoke. As far as the rest of you are concerned, nothing has yet changed. Endellion, you have seen this figure slump to the ground against the gate post. You've seen an assailant disappear in a curl of smoke. I, you know who it was, you know this was Grawnoth. The flames are flicking higher, licking up the sides of the walls. The three remaining burning buildings are on the verge of collapse.

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Previous Episode: The Spider and the Flies

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Action Surge!

> Join the cast as they debrief after an extremely tense episode that started with a meeting with the Spider Prince, and only got more exciting from there. Through the flames, can they see a path forward for our heroes after losing one of their closest allies?

Harry's Favorite Part: (click)

Obviously the team's interaction with Brandon. Also, the moments of levity were an extra relief, considering many of the dramatic moments woven into the episode.

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RP (Rolly-Poley) Points

| Alex | Aoife | Ben | Doug | Hollie | | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ | :------ | | 88 | 125 | 75 | 76 | 86 | | Totals | | 627 | 535 | 569 | 602 | 709 |

Dolly artwork by Connor (crpgoob)

The Glassworker

(Urdu: شیشہ گر, romanized: Sheesha Gar) is Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated feature film.

English Trailer

Urdu Trailer

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'Glassworker' filmmakers discuss production

article by Ramin Zahed

> "The poignant film tells the story of a father and son who run the finest glass workshop in a country loosely inspired by Pakistan. They find their world turned upside down when an army colonel and his young violinist daughter enter their lives."

> “The idea for the film came to me in early 2014,” Usman Riaz tells Animation Magazine. “I was fascinated by glassblowing and wanted to make something around this particular craft. I was 23 years old at the time. Initially, I planned for it to be a live-action movie, because animation seemed like such a distant dream, but my wife Mariam Paracha (art director on The Glassworker and Mano co-founder) said, ‘You love animation, Usman. This should be an animated movie!’ And I said, ‘Sure, why not? How hard can it really be?’ Well, I was just about to find out.”

> Soon after, Usman shared his plans with his cousin Khizer (Mano’s CEO), and together they decided to build an animation studio from the ground up to produce the movie. “The inception of the idea happened around 10 years ago,” Khizer says. “We set up in a small studio space after we raised $116,000 on Kickstarter in 2016. We finished the pilot animation and other Kickstarter rewards in early 2018. After shopping the project around, we were able to get creative consultant Geoffrey Wexler (of Studio Ghibli, Studio Ponoc and Kiyuki Inc.) and writer Moya O’Shea on board the same year. The script was completed in early 2019 and we started preproduction right after. The film was completed in the fall of 2023.”

> According to the Riazes, around 450 to 500 people worked on the movie. “Khizer, Mariam and I are partners at Mano,” says Usman. “I am very grateful we got to work with a lot of wonderful, talented people in Pakistan and internationally.”

> Usman storyboarded the entire film. “I drew each and every frame, like my heroes before me,” he tells us. “I needed to draw each frame in great detail to show the team exactly what I wanted. I believe that was the foundation for the film. I knew every single shot and had planned accordingly. I also animated on the film. It was all done traditionally, frame by frame, no ’tweening software was used. We wouldn’t even know how to use them if you gave them to us!”

> The cousins point out that the biggest challenge was undertaking two mammoth tasks at once. “We had to create an infrastructure for a functioning animation studio alongside actually producing an animated film,” says Khizer. Adds Usman, “Making a hand-drawn animated film is not easy anywhere in the world. We did it in Pakistan where we had no help, no guidance and no infrastructure for film or animation. We just had ourselves and our conviction.”

> Usman says he has been obsessed with animation since he was a young boy. “Animated movies and comic books inspired me to draw,” he shares. “There is something timeless about films that are made by hand. Four-year-old me would be very proud of what we have done!”

> The director says the works of Walt Disney have been a very special source of inspiration for him. “His personal works, the films that he directed, hold a special place in my heart,” he says. “That level of artistry has not been seen and will not be seen for a very long time. My biggest influence, however, is the work of Studio Ghibli and my heroes will always be Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. There is something special about their films that I cannot describe in words. I think it’s very obvious that my work draws a great deal from these amazing people.”

> Khizer says he personally loves the story of The Glassworker. “I really admire the way Usman weaved a love story during a time of war with the message that people endure no matter under what conditions they live,” he says. “Also, the animation and the background art are beautiful, and I am very proud of the quality we have been able to achieve. And the music — the score Usman and Carmine DiFlorio composed and José Carlos Campos produced — is brilliant.”

> Usman says he’s quite pleased with what he and his team were able to create. “I love the fact that we were able to pull it off, and that it looks decent. No one has done something like this in Pakistan for a very good reason — it’s impossible. We achieved something that no one out of our part of the world was able to do. And to have our first film premiere at Annecy as part of the Official Competition with some of the greatest animation studios and films in the world is truly special.” > He adds, “It was amazing to have the illustrious Manuel Cristobal (Wrinkles, Bunuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles) join our project — his presence led the film to be chosen by Annecy to be a Work in Progress selection in 2022. He was an amazing partner and mentor to help us achieve our dream.”

> His cousin also feels like it’s all a bit surreal. “It’s still unbelievable for me, but I’m also excited for audiences to see it starting with Annecy in June and then Pakistan on July 26th,” says Khizer. “I’m hopeful for audiences across the world to see it, and we hope to have news regarding wider distribution soon.”

> Usman adds, “I honestly don’t know how I feel. I have dedicated a third of my life to this. I love this craft more than anything in the world. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. And I have done a lot of things: I have written and composed my own music; I have conducted orchestras; I have performed and spoken on the TED Main Stage and at conferences all over the world. Nothing has compared to this. I gave it my all. Now we will see what happens. Everything is in God’s hands now.”

This poem is not in the book shown. This was transcribed from an instagram post made on June 18, 2024.

--- Take your pick of politicians, out of touch so deeply. Who crave your vote to steer our boat jump into bed to sleep li- asing with corrupted frauds who desecrate their post. The parliamentary parasites who wank to Thatcher's ghost. What I really think is not politically correct. I'm sick of seeing sycophants whose job is to perfect The art of causing chasms and dissolving public unity. A poison, puerile, pestilence polluting our community. Where's the money skimmed from taxes getting siphoned for expenses? Where's the justice for your mates who commit criminal offenses? Where's the empathy for humans that don't look or act like you? What are all the citizens who are in poverty to do? Where are all the refugees who simply need our help to go? Just stick em on a barge or plane; maintain the status quo. Use them as an excuse for why we can't afford to heat The homes that we will never own, the food our kids can't eat. Pick the one who's gonna rule us with the minimum disruption. Who'll only break the records of malfeasance and corruption. The way that they are hollowing out Britain starts to grate. Taking try of this country giving back the right to hate Anyone who's black or brown disabled, queer, or working class. A woman or an immigrant, to them the blame will pass. If the people fight among ourselves, divided we will fall. When we look after each other and seek liberty for all A rising tide will lift all boats, do not let them distract Because the people have the power and it's time for us to act.

This isn't really TTRPG-related, but it's definitely being celebrated across the world.

It was one of those moments they put in movies where two undefeated teams play their hearts out and it comes down to the final rounds of the game because nobody is giving up.

Suryakumar Yadav made a play that will be on highlight reels for as long as the sport might exist.

Brief Summary

So 161 is the score of South Africa . They had lost 6 men getting that score. That's why it says 161-6 A team can lose a maximum of 10 players before they stop batting , or when 120 legal deliveries are bowled . Whichever comes first. SA wants the left number to be higher and right to be lower. India ,batting first scored 176 in 120 deliveries(First innings) . So SA needed 1 more to win the match in the second innings. So 177 to win of 120 deliveries. At this point SA has consumed 114 deliveries to score 161. That's why it says 16 of 6 required. 171 - 161 = 16 runs needed. 120 - 114 = 6 deliveries needed. If this ball went over the boundary line ,then SA score would be 167 -6 . 10 needed of 5 deliveries with a set batsmen. Very possible. But due to this unbelievable catch their score is now 161 - 7 They need 16 off 5 deliveries with a new batsman to come out . It's tough. The catch itself was insane . In cricket if a ball touches a fielder and the fielder touches the ropes ,it's considered 6 . So he had to stop the ball and break the contact before his body touches the boundary rope . Due to his momentum ,it was unavoidable to not touch the boundary. So he broke the contact with ball , then got back into the ground on the other side of the boundary and then re took the catch. This is considered out.

Episodes available on YouTube.

Episode 1: Big Uncle Energy

Sare Jahan Se Accha

Tarānah-e-Hindi

An Urdu language patriotic song written by poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal that became an anthem of opposition to the British Raj. Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut, employed the first line of the song in 1984 to describe to then prime minister Indira Gandhi how India appeared from outer space. In India, the text of the poem is often rendered in the Devanagari (based on Brahmi, developed in the 8th century) script of Hindi. English translation Better than the entire world, is our Hindustan, We are its nightingales, and it (is) our garden abode If we are in an alien place, the heart remains in the homeland, consider us too [to be] right there where our heart would be. That tallest mountain, that shade-sharer of the sky, It (is) our sentry, it (is) our watchman In its lap where frolic thousands of rivers, Whose vitality makes our garden the envy of Paradise. O the flowing waters of the Ganges, do you remember that day When our caravan first disembarked on your waterfront? Religion does not teach us to bear animosity among ourselves We are of Hind, our homeland is Hindustan. In a world in which ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome have all vanished Our own attributes (name and sign) live on today. There is something about our existence for it doesn't get wiped Even though, for centuries, the time-cycle of the world has been our enemy. Iqbal! We have no confidant in this world What does any one know of our hidden pain?

--- Welcome to Vehaar. We open on a bustling station full of commerce. The air is thick with all kinds of scents. You smell spices, arcane components, cow dung. Just about everything you can imagine, but more than anything, Ash, you smell a piece of home. A piece of a home you didn't know you had. As you step off the boat, pondering the large airship docked just above you with a massive balloon holding aloft the Sky Haveli (city) with a beautiful brand new paint job yet to be christened with its very first voyage. You wonder how quickly it could have carried you across the ocean. Unfortunately such pursuits are out of your economic range. You ponder the leaky tub from the developing nation you're from that brought you here, and you take in your first Vehaarian scene. You've heard that there is an "uncle's brother's cousin" friend who is supposed to meet you here on the platform. As you gaze around, you see crates of spices, leather, fabric, spellcasting components all being trucked around and letting off little plumes of smoke as they do. So you smell a faint ammonia smell from a gentleman next to you. A tiefling with buffalo horns. He gruffly nudges you out of the way, rolling a barrel ahead of him. People rushing past each other to go about their business. Throngs of humanity giving you sidelong looks, not necessarily because of the way that you're dressed, but mostly because you are standing very much in the way. You don't notice anyone you're looking for on the platform, but you do notice a small goblin with a bushy Tom Selleck moustache, long hair, a smart conductor-style hat, green clothes, and a long woven shawl wrapped unceremoniously around his neck. He comes over and goes, "Yeah. Take a luggage." He just starts calmly grabbing your luggage, stacking it up. He takes all of it; stacks it up high on his shoulders and on his head, taking a couple of your suitcases in his hands. He then wanders into the crowd. You're able to push your way past all of the moving people and you manage to find the small goblin again, still walking at a determined clip with your luggage. Meanwhile, on the other side of the platform, a covered cart pulls up outside, led by two very large, very wooly, cloven-hooved animals (somewhat resembling water buffalo, but with a thick curly mat of hair falling over the eyes). You recognize these beasts, Auntie, because this is your friend Bolinder's cart. I shouldn't say friend, maybe nephew. He's a young gentleman, married now (to a lovely girl who makes perfectly round roti), unlike when you first met him. You are rather fond of her Chai-making skills. You've heard that your friend Marka, is receiving someone at the station today and needs a rather large vessel within which to cart all of their luggage. So of course you know Balwinder (sitting unceremoniously in the driver's seat) would be more than happy to bring you. He studies both of the beasts (and the familiar scents of sandalwood and elechi) and they actually do smell as good as a beast of burden can smell. They have large gentle eyes and three tails that switch restlessly. Their double-sets of horns shaking impatiently. You're sitting here with Sitara, waiting for this man and Markha to come out. The back of the cart you're sitting in has windows that are adorned with different color fabrics (not unlike the ones in the studio). Sunlight streams in through one and outside it is a beautiful Vehaarian day. Absolutely gorgeous. Maybe a little too hot, but you are in the coastal region, so there is a nice cool breeze kicking up and coming in gently through the window. This is Laddoo Auntie. Laddoo Auntie is a bit of a stark contrast to Sitara.

Episode 20: Everyone Dies Eating Mushrooms

Four adventurers find themselves transported to the Fae Wild. Can they uncover its mysteries before the agents of evil do their worst? No.

I believe it was the poet, Robert Frost, who said, "In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on."

DM, Mother Frost - Jon Ciccolini Nigel - Satyr - Matthew Lillard Baroth Kruuncith (Dragonborn Fighter), Apprentice("You")/Rabbit - Jonah Ray Gelbin Rakankrak (Hill Dwarf Cleric) - Lou Wilson Inis (Human Cleric) - Aabria Iyengar Westleigh Fezzeroth (Firbold Wizard) - Patton Oswalt

The last you all remember, you were asleep in your beds, suffering from a restless sleep. But now you find yourselves in a dark, snowy wood in a clearing. Within this clearing, you see the light of a campfire. Sitting at the fire, wrapped in furs, is an ancient hobgoblin woman playing a woodwind instrument. Listening to her play are a collection of forest animals sitting in an arc around her; rabbits, deer, owls, mice, all sitting around. As she plays, the fir trees themselves seem to sway to the sound of her music. As you listen, you have a slight sense of paranoia running through you. As you stand and look around, you see these others standing beside you in the clearing.

Highlights

• 15:30 Baroth Kruuncith's sick flute solo
• 18:18 Nat 1 by Jonah turns him into a rabbit
• 25:13 Encore flute solo
• 29:34 A satyr is discovered.
• 31:21 BBEG
• 35:31 Fan Art Moment Bunny Riding the Flute as it's fired at the dragon.
• 38:45 Nigel the satyr hopping through the woods Runnin' into heroes, doin' what he could

Episode 19: Everyone Dies at a Resurrection

Four family members try to raise a lost loved one. Can they get out of their deal with the demon lord and save their own souls? No.

I believe it was the Roman poet Virgil who said, "The can conquer who believe they can."

DM, Marcus (Orcus) - Ify Nwadiwe Stuart the Fridge - Bill Rehor Aella Dewdrop (Halfling Bard) - Krystina Arielle Fay-Lor Swift (Wood Elf Bard) - Mal Blum Junior (Mountain Dwarf Cleric) - Matthew Lillard Tildred "Tilly" (Mountain Dwarf Bard) - Kelen Coleman

In a cottage, in a forest, you all gather. You are all coming in with a dish. It's become a monthy gathering between adopted siblings. You have lost your father two years ago. Your father was a man of money. Y'all were used to the life of plush rich people things. Because of one unsigned will, y'all are all broke. Out of all of the children, we all know that one of you are taking it the hardest. There's a knock at the door. When you open the door, you know it's someone you invited. Seeing as Tilly has been having such a tough time, you wanted to introduce someone to her that she might like. She does not like. Tilly instead suggests a resurrection, which Junior immediately rejects as a breach of his holy vows. She goes into her back and pulls out something. When she was back in town, she met this salesman who had this trinket from Vassa (Vassa is a place up north that you might have heard had some demon issues) and said it could make her dreams come true and bring back someone from the dead. When Tilly taps the stick on the ground it starts to shake and light up. Black smoke and flames start to spurt out of the skull. This is confusing to you becaus the person who sold it to you said that an angel was going to come out and allow you to bring your dad back to life. No one can see anything through the smoke and then, in an instant, it disappears from the room, and standing before you is something like an angel. It has wings, it's big, burly. You can't see its face; it's covered. The skull stares down at you and says, "Oh, Zingy, were you able to hold off the dragon's bane?" He, then, looks at all four of you. "Why did you summon me?"

Highlights

• 25:35 BBEG
• 44:33 Matthew reveals his own father's terminal state and his gratitude for being able to process that emotion with a silly game and friends around a table.
• 47:12 Krystina:"D&D is actually very healing. We all have different things, but the thing that always brings us back to the table and helps us to relate to each other is that human element:
  • trauma
  • feelings we didn't know we had
  • to see ourselves use the masks to kind of see behind the mask of who we are
  • and to feel free to process a lot of things that we don't get to

and I'm grateful that we could all share this moment. It is a very real moment. It is a very honest moment. I like to do this thing with my kids and we're going to do it right now. Everybody stop and we're gonna take two deep breaths and we're gonna move forward." breath "One, two three." breath "Remember, life's gonna life, but all we can do is live it."