Post "[PUBLIC EPISODE] The Wizard, the Witch and the Wild One: ep040 "Aid and Comfort"" by "worldsbeyondnumber"

The Wizard Spwerm

After relistening to season 1 back in the Ace of Wands in Port Talon, I wonder if Arly Price is the Queen of coins 🤔🤔 she’s got the whole gambler aesthetic and wasn’t will gallows also sided with the MIB? Feels like it fits.

The Witch of Ways and Means

Something I choose to believe is that the name Toma comes from whatever the word for Tomato is on Accom. So when Ame is getting offered Tomato seeds from a Hallicker farmer and she responds that he has to try the tomatoes from her home town, it’s like, ‘nonono you haven’t even TASTED tomatoes. They named a whole place after our tomatoes.’

SvenTS

Transcript is now up.

Dom Pickston

Are we going to get a transcript for this episode? I'd like to read some sections back? Great episode!

Emily C

Oh shit I didn't even catch this !!!! The frogs!!!

The Wizard Cyan

Then he should communicate that. It's strange to just completely ignore it, especially after the third time.

Nicholas Savage AKA Eursulon’s knight in training

Listening again for the first time since it dropped and Brennan says while describing the forest the true name of the forest can only be described by the sounds/songs of the different animals living in it and the first animal he says are frogs when it came out i paid it no mind and honestly didn’t remember by the reveal at the end because a lot happened but wow that lil details kinda hits once you know about the frog fam and im happy suvi has committed treason fuck the citadel i been sayin they were evil since sword tried to get ame and those saying it’s the empire not the citadel taking them the citadel is just as involved as the empire they’re the main fighting force of the empire how can they not know. I pray this is the hard proof evidence that turns suvi finally because omg how evil do they need to be before you flip sides

Zoop

Yeah I imagine they have specific intentions with the shape changers. That said, low presence of troops might’ve actually been the reason for asking around-if they’d gone in strong and just rounded up everyone they suspected at once, they may have actually had to use more force and thus more soldiers to do so. I imagine they didn’t wanna deal with the resistance that might have been met with. Considering what the guy they met said about it being too late by the time they realized what was going on, it seems like the method the empire used was effective in minimizing organized push back Ie: 5 soldiers could realistically spend the day asking around about shape changers then come back at night and covertly kidnap let’s say, two citizens. Those same soldier could then come back and do that the next day and the next….etc. But five soldiers would have a harder time rounding up everyone they supected of being a shapechanger at once w/o facing possibly violent pushback.

Matthew B

Sworn's proposed solution to the problem is kidnapping the whole family, so that definitely tracks.

Tijay Arnie

But he did, it just got cut

Aunty Kristin

Unless all the other foxes spoke or understood Imperial, he would still be unique.

Aussie Griffin

When it came to describing taking children away from their parents... that hits hard (perhaps more now than before >_>). A.G.

Agiddysea

I believe Gaothmai is behind it. I suspect Twelve Brooks only highlights the initial interactions with the Empire and the "Cambions" when they first arrived in the Shroud Mountains. Note how they were described as travelers in the interlude. The Empire itself only started maintaining a military presence as far back as 50 years (one or two generations ago) while the farmer(?) mentioned that he and his family had been living there "forever". Sworn states that the "Cambions' had been living in relative peace with their neighbors for decades. Those initial interactions in Twelvebrooks probably made the "Cambions" distrustful of the Empire for generations. Something Gaothmai would need to exploit in order to take Fort Kieran with "Cambion" help.

larkermouse

I think the immediate thing is too protect them from the soldiers, but the family is likely in danger from all sides. Either army could just as easily turn up and forcibly take the family, either to recruit them, capture them, punish them for neutrality, anything.

larkermouse

I think it's still slightly unclear. It's probably the empire, but what if it was Gauthmai who took the kids, so the other frog people are working with them to try to appease them, and get their kids back? In a story sense, it almost makes no difference, because either way this family is in danger, and neither side of the war is likely a line to safety for them. Naturally, this father is simply trying to protect this family either way, by keeping them out of it.

larkermouse

Imagine a wizard showing you their true name, and then you forget their name again the normal way. Like hey, I know you trusted me with this, but I'm just really bad with names, okay?

Agiddysea

Right, something major must have changed the calculus in Gaothmai regarding Sorcerers and Shapeshifters, and I doubt it was the Empire is vanishing cousins who might have the gift.

Agiddysea

I feel that Silver might not love Suvi and refuses to lie to her by saying that he does. Love is not a reward for saving someone.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

I think the Fox's ID among other foxes would be not a sound (name) but a scent.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

Empire makes the most sense. We know from the 12 Brooks interlude that there is already prejudice against/oppression of "Cambions" within the Empire. Now the Empire is fighting Gauthmai in a war in which Gauthmai appears to be using shapeshifters as ground troops (interesting given the history of genocide against shape shifters in Gauthmai a generation ago). So it makes sense that the Empire would assume the Grinot were on the side of Gauthmai. Then agents from Gauthmai come recruiting, saying, "We'll help you get your children back."

Carrie Mook Bridgman

"Shapeshifters were at war with the sourcerers of Gauthmai": Well, Eiohorain (?) was, we thought. Now we're not sure.

rocket-flash

Might be a Brennan slip-up, or we know they've been on high alert for a while and have some magical ability so maybe he's keeping an eye out

rocket-flash

I mean, if the story is referencing our real world empires, taking children without imprisoning an entire population has happened before, especially with indigenous groups in North America (with "Indian Schools" in the southwest and other areas removing children from their families into state custody)

Lace Cameron

I started listening to the Children's Adventure second week of December and I caught up to episode 40 yesterday! Admittedly I only listened to the main campaign episodes because I wanted to catch up to the story before going back and listening to the one-shots and interludes, and also skipped most fireside chats except for the end of arc ones. But goddamn this show is amazing! I actually thought Aabria might have been planning to make Suvi go bad at one point, she's so committed to the Empire and the Citadel that I thought she would turn on her friends. But I think now she's doing a long slow arc of Suvi deconstructing her beliefs and I find that very relatable! I think I relate a lot to Suvi coming from a heavy Christian background and deconstructing my own beliefs.

Agiddysea

Final Thoughts: While I don’t believe the Kehmsarazan Empire are virtuous paragons by any means, the situation involving the kidnapping of Cambions involves deeply complex motivations and actions on both sides. Now on its face, it appears the Empire is solely responsible for taking the Cambion children for displaying shapeshifting abilities. But that is odd since the Cambions have lived peacefully within the Empire for generations, with the Empire fully aware of their cultural affinity with shapechangers. Also, the disappearances that began four years ago—coinciding with Gaothmai’s likely preparations to take Fort Kieran—marked a turning point. It seems far more plausible that Gaothmai, rather than the Empire, has been taking Cambion children. By targeting those with the Gift and abducting people seemingly at random, Gaothmai creates a dual effect: they coerce cooperation from the Cambions and sow fear and distrust toward the Empire. This calculated move fosters a perception that the Empire is behind the disappearances, further isolating the Cambions from Imperial authority. The remoteness of the Shroud Mountains, far from the Empire’s direct oversight, makes the Cambions particularly susceptible to such manipulations. Gaothmai’s strategy appears designed not only to secure allies but also to undermine any potential cooperation between the Cambions and the Empire. The Empire’s role, however, cannot be overlooked. Their historical control over the region has likely left the Cambions in a precarious and marginalized position. The arrest of Buttons' parents in Twelve Brooks for example. As the war escalates and the Empire seeks to reclaim the region, even the suspicion of Cambion involvement with Gaothmai will almost certainly provoke harsher measures. This vicious cycle, fueled by Gaothmai’s abductions and the Empire’s reactive policies, ensures that fear and mistrust remain dominant forces in the conflict. Ultimately, this is a morally gray struggle where both sides exploit local populations to achieve their goals. Gaothmai’s strategy of abductions not only coerces the Cambions into aiding their efforts but also weaponizes fear to erode trust in the Empire. Combined with the Empire’s likely heavy-handed response, this guarantees continued unrest, division, and tragedy for the Cambions.

Agiddysea

If it was the Empire, why wouldn't they just take all of them? Why would they go through this propaganda campaign of snatching people in the middle of the night when they don't have to?

Agiddysea

I believe Silver has affection for Suvi, which is why he gave her his true name. He also doesn't appear to have other lovers. Whether that affection turns into love, whose to say. Also war and the possibility of death creates a heightened emotional environment

Elizabeth Edwards

I was having trouble figuring out who the soldiers taking the children were, until I relistened to the father's speech and realized that when he said, "They came and told me that Gauthmai — that the shape-changers from across the sea — were the only way to get them back, and that's not my responsibility anymore," he was describing an attempt by the Gauthmai (or their allies) to recruit him for the war against the Empire under the pretext of saving the captive children, hence his point about how it's 'not [his] responsibility' so long as he keeps taking care of *his* kids

annemjw

As Brennan was describing the woods and as the party were talking to villagers and moving through those woods I was flying over the North Island of New Zealand, down at the mixture of wilderness and human dwellings below and over clouds on a very fine Summer’s day - a very epic way to experience an episode!

Aria S

This episode was incredible, soooo good at rebuilding tension after the rescue, but I was so struck by the moment Ame first saw Eursulon coming out of the forest, just her reaction and bow to him FULLY made me tear up. This Arc has been a tough one for all of them, but really feeling for Eursulon, that felt like such a moment of witnessing and acknowledgment and the emotion in it from Erika and Lou was just *chefs kiss*

Emily C

:(

Katie Roberts

I think it's the wizards kidnapping shapechangers within the empire for experimentation under the assumption that they are categorically the same as the Gaothmai

Agiddysea

Brennan holds that the idea of a name is a human centric concept that we place on nonhumans in stories.

Agiddysea

In the last town, the people were convinced that shapeshifters ate humans, and nothing could change their minds. For a simple farmer, it wouldn’t be hard to believe that the Empire was searching for those with shape-shifting abilities, and simply vanishing them.

Olive 🌲🇵🇸

I'm still wondering what Brennan meant by "the fox is not the fox's name" when reffering to why he couldn't be looked up in the library of stars. Does he have no name? Can those who are "nameless" not be found by any means? Is it it a concept that animals are excluded from? Spirits have names, humans have names. True names. What if every little critter has a true name known to only it's kin- though maybe not one of language. Awww 🦊

Ryan L.

Thank you once again Brennan and the rest for the worlds you help us travel to!🤗✨ ✨ 🧹 ❤️‍🔥🍀🐸 🦊 🛡️

Stefanucci Mozzarella

"You me and the Spirits three" in combination with the music = Ticket right into the heart of the Scariest Set Up. Everything inside goes: Get THE FUUUGHCK OUT! ...KILLER DM MOVE! Queen of Coins - Spirit of Luck, Chance + Trade - Tricky Honesty Great Bullfrog - Music , Art Festival - ....amphibian means DOUBLE LIFE! King of Night - hmmm.... King of Night, what do we really know about him? These three spirits feel like gods to these woods... these spirits make this whole setting seem tied to uncertainty and loss of control. Very different from the Triforce of Zelda. Completely different feel. Even the Lost Woods feel sacred and tied to the triforce in the game. Even when distorted by Gannon theres a knowing to right the wrong and return Kokiri forest to order. ...This setting feels just LOST.... lost of morals and direction ... Whoa! Defining a tone, set and persona of environment with 'spirits'.... Not quite gods, but spirits with the power generate and own outcomes to the point that people dont even know that they are acting out expressions of the spirits !? Tremendous. TRUST NO ONE! Oh, man! I can't tell ...I won't tell! if its scarier to deliberately make a zone a place of overt loss of control or subtle loss of control! Clutch DMing! Whoop Whoop! … HOWEVER! Believe it! Perhaps the Man in Black, Just Perhaps! touches upon something strong, wise and RELIABLE… and that there is misdirection of what we are told about him! Usually there is an entity of strength and substance in trinities. Luck, Art and ..... Death? I don't know.... just maybe .... maybe! instead of representing Death the Man in Black represents.... ... hmmmmmmm *smokes pipe and looks into the fire* ...

Agiddysea

What experiments?

Like a bat out of The 9 Hells I’ll be gone when the morning comes

I think that’s true, and fair. I agree that he shouldn’t reciprocate the sentiment if he doesn’t feel it. But I don’t think it’s right, if that’s the case. Not communicating his true feelings and expectations with someone who he’s intimate with, and is pretty clearly attached to him emotionally, is manipulative. But, I don’t believe perfect characters exist. And the best most interesting stories show us reflections of humanity that we connect with…so if that is the case then it makes it more compelling.

Mark van Dijken

phenomenal episode, so tense

Agiddysea

What if Silver doesn't love Suvi? If he doesn't, I prefer if he didn't say it to her just because she said it to him. Saving his life doesn't entitle her to his affection.

The Witch of Wandering Dreams

We did learn previously that there a spirit experiments going on somewhere in the empire so that could be it.

Agiddysea

One thing I’ve been pondering is why the Empire would go door to door asking about shapechangers instead of just rounding up suspected shapeshifters into camps. Considering the Empire doesn’t seem to have a strong presence in this remote region, it feels unlikely they’d put that much effort into these house calls. On the other hand, the Empire might actually have a vested interest in supporting the shapechangers to keep Gaothmai weaker—pitting them against the sorcerers of Gaothmai would serve their purposes well. Meanwhile, Gaothmai could have everything to gain from a terror campaign of people disappearing, using that fear to sway the local population against the Empire.

Zoop

Loved this! My first thought upon the reveal abt “soldiers asking abt shape changers” prior to ppl going missing was Gauthmai like essentially forcefully conscripting local/native shapeshifters into their military war effort. (I missed that Cambrion is an imperial word lol) BUT then the dad said the thing abt his cousins calling the Gauthmai shape changers like “the only ones who can save us” (or something) and I was like ah. So it’s the Empire…obviously why the fuck would I not immediately assume that the side stealing kids were ya know IMPERIAL-I feel ashamed of my history degrees-i knew they were fantasy British Empire I j was too focused on the war side of things & not the colonizers side of things :( ***this is suuuch an interesting plot development god this is quite possibly the best story I have ever consumed holy shit*****

Zoop

Don’t think so. I think it’s that the pcs are traveling w/ a 30 person party made up of various forces of the empire and they don’t know anything abt why the shifters were stolen or what for (or if they were killed) or who’s running it or which prongs of the empires forces know and also which are directly involved-including if the citadel wizards know in a general sense but like also v specifically Sworn or Silver or any other wizard w/ them know. And the same uncertainty applies to every other member in their (explicitly Empire military) party bc…

Zoop

They have to hide because it was forces of the Empire taking the shifters-prolly specifically imperial solders doing the taking of the kids but the pcs don’t have enough info to know if the citadels involved, or why specifically the shifters are being grabbed or who the instruction to take the shifters is coming from or if it is simply imperial soldiers murdering them not by direct order so much as curated culture (a la Early 3rd reich Germany) Which is too much uncertainty, to not warrant legitimate fear for the family should they be seen by the pcs 30 person party full of various forces of the empire. That is the impression I got from this ep but to your credit, they didn’t ever explicitly state whose side the solders taking shifters were on-it was all in implications & also one indirect confirmation of who the shifter-taking soldiers were through a comment implying who they are not ie what the dads cousin said abt Gauthmai shifters being the only one could save them (or something like that)

Sara

If it was cut, it's not part of the story. Canonically, Silver doesn't reciprocate the words when Suvi says she loves him. And it happens more than once, unless I'm misremembering.

Danielle St John

Starting to listen to this on the way to my improv class was... a choice 🤣 Not me tearing up in the middle of traffic 😅

Danielle St John

Big same 🤣🤣

Bill Posters

it's not, but i'll see you back here in a fortnight

Cackle Cackle

Such a delicious episode. Eursalon’s scene in the woods was so healing and rich and beautiful. And the ending so haunting and creeper-y! I’m excited to relisten and pick up some things I’m sure I missed.

Cackle Cackle

Oooooh this makes me nervous but you’re right!!

Cackle Cackle

It’s Taylor Moore!

Cackle Cackle

Listen to the last fireside chat — it may assuage your silver angst.

William Hazelden

Love hearing more about the world and THE GREAT BULLFROG!!! 😄 And man, Eursulon's roar at the beginning was so good!

Abigail W

Very impressed by y’all’s theories and research! If you feel lost, get in the comments. People are doing the Lord’s work! Mine won’t be as eloquent but I’ll throw my two cents into the mix. One of Brennan’s strongest skills is his ability to give exactly the right amount of information without showing his hand. It builds suspense to learn information slowly and from “unreliable” (conflicting) sources. I wouldn’t get too worried about feeling like you missed something here, because we’re in a sweet spot where everything the PCs know is what we, the listener, know. According to the father’s side of the story, he was told that the shape changers were the only way to get their people back. Now the Cambion/Greneau may have been lied to in any number of ways, but through his recounting of events (plus 12 brooks) we are led to the same conclusion as the PC’s which is that Silver, Sworn, and the soldiers cannot know this family is here. The Citadel is proving to be more and more untrustworthy… and I’m not an Empire apologist 😂 so I’ll say sinister. Love the socio-political layers of this world. It’s absolutely insane! Brava!

GC

Without saying too much, 12 Brooks is a good (re?)-listen right now

Alexandra Young

I think the implication is to protect them from the soldiers. I'm a bit unsure too, about which side was coming and taking the kids.

Agiddysea

Even though I’m sure the Citadel and the Empire, as a whole, are not good, I can’t help but feel a strange, morose soft spot for lumbering beasts like them. They cause harm, not out of intent or malice, but simply because it’s in their nature—what else can they be but what they are? There’s something both tragic and fascinating about that inevitability.

Agiddysea

Thank you so much for the compliment—I really appreciate it! I also really enjoy how this moment leans into vagueness, leaving so much open to interpretation. This is why I stick to embracing fluidity and avoiding speculation. The players are making decisions based on their limited understanding of the world Brennan has created, and that intentional ambiguity makes the story feel layered and dynamic. The possibilities you’ve outlined—whether they were meant to join the shapeshifters or that the shapeshifters were responsible—show how complex and multifaceted the conflict really is. I think that kind of uncertainty adds a lot to the experience, and you’ve captured it really well.

The Wizard Scoliosis

Uhhhhh Brennan… how intentional was the choice of an Irish accent for the first(?) non-soldier person we’ve encountered who directly resists the Empire? Asking for a friend 👀

RT

Let’s go nerd!

The Wizard Scoliosis

Oh yeah I was shouting about that haha

The Wizard Scoliosis

The way that him saying “my Mistress” sent CHILLS down my spine oh my god

Rahne

I died at The Fox going all El Dorado "The STARS are not in POSITION!" 😂

kragonaught

it was surreal for the fox be so formal. no wonder they mistook him for a spirit

kragonaught

12 brooks is actually 12 valleys now

The Wizard Sound

I think Eursulon’s paladin oath will lean towards something akin to freedom or liberation

The Wizard Scam

The Fox Appreciation Post🦊 On my relisten I teared up at The Fox’s speech on behalf of Ame. When he says “I am not speaking on behalf of myself, but my Mistress Witch of the World’s Heart” He has grown soooo much. After struggling to “make friends” with the other familiars at the conclave, he picked up a thing or two! I’m interested if they’re Ame will ever choose a name for The Fox. I still want it to happen but I also understand if they keep The Fox. I feel it would be most perfect is Brennan somehow gets them in a room full of foxes to come full circle on the Fox’s initial thought of getting named.

Emily C

uh...heard, chef?

Franki

GORGEOUS 'SODE. Lovely to have you back, you lovely storytellers you 🌼💖

The Wizard Scam

I’m excited to see if Suvi does tell silver or not! I felt like when he gave her his name he could not help but forgo any credit in lieu of the Citadel. The Citadel is great, it brought us together, therefore I have the citadel to thank. And Suvi disagrees! This is tremendous character growth from her part. She allows herself to have something that is not imparted to her by the greatness of the citadel. Then when she discovers this dark truth of the citadel and understands its weight due to her and her true friends’ orphan trauma ?!! Soo good!!!!! I wonder what might happen if Suvi and Eza have to make any big choices about the citadel going forward that the other cannot rationalize! I love this podcast.

Agiddysea

Sworn warned Suvi about the family possibly being spies and that they should take them with them to prevent reporting.

Elijah Peters

That's exactly what I was thinking sounds a lot like Australian history.

Elijah Peters

I swear when we get back to 12 Brooks it's just gonna be a waste land

Yarl

Wow okay reading all the past comments about Empire vs Gaothmai really helped… think I’m missing something obvious but is the reason the family needs to go into hiding because the forces of Gauthmai will come through after Suvi’s party? Or to protect them from the imperial soldiers in the party?

kragonaught

I understood it as Empire soldiers would ask about cambiens then suddenly the gifted neighbors would “disappear”, not necessarily knowing they were dooming each other

kragonaught

WHERE IS BUCKLES

kragonaught

how dare you recontextualize the most wholesome side story in umora??? this is twisted?? brennan your MIND?? genius.

Agiddysea

I assume that the farmer in his younger days would have done anything to help his shifter brothers but as he's grown older, with a family to raise, he has decided that that is no longer his path. Also that he would spy on Imperial troop movements as they pass through the area, troop numbers, etc.

Conor Steinke

Maybe, kinda sounds like it was fine to profit from it until it affected him

Conor Steinke

That opening monologue on the forest was something special

Worlds Beyond Number

“Treason shall consist only in levying War, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.” -Article III, Section 3, US Constitution

Jason Leigh

Question about the family; is the implication that the father sold out his own people to the Empire or to Gaothmai?

Agiddysea

Still doesn't make it the Empire, just means the perpatrators are using the word Cambion.

Like a bat out of The 9 Hells I’ll be gone when the morning comes

1. The amount of times Suvi has not gotten an “I love you” back from silver makes me want to throw up. 2. The citadel is bad-change my mind 3. BRENNAN HOW COULD YOU

Like a bat out of The 9 Hells I’ll be gone when the morning comes

The (in need of) is silent

River Pruitt

Fucking real

Nathan Bakken

How are you going to title the episode “Aid and Comfort” when in reality all it did was make me in need of aid and comfort.

Oli Itkin

It's the Empire who have been taking the kids - perhaps to prevent their enemies from adding more shapeshifters to their number. Then members of the Greneau have been suggesting that the only way to help retrieve these stolen people is to work with Gaothmai... But this family has so far stayed out of it.

Emily C

why do i sense some horner corner in our future about conventionally attractive bears

Emily C

Thinking of how all 3 of our PCs have dealt with family separations in their past, Eurselon through magic and traps, Ame through abandonment/neglect/misunderstanding?, Suvi through death. Now they are confronted with intentional separation based on something the Greneau cannot change and in fact embrace, and it's likely that it's the Empire doing it. Is this the first time we see Suvi plan to intentionally mislead her own troops/people? Is she going to lie to Silver about it? Will someone find out???? Is the citadel perhaps still trying to scry on her?

Michael Mills

At what point do I call a doctor for these goosebumps not going away? That ending... Yikes! Giving off a harrowing vibe of stolen generation. It feels icky but I'm also so enamoured that I need to know more. Cannot wait for the Fireside chat about this one.

dain saint

What an incredible ep, top to bottom — Eursulon in the forest made me cry almost immediately. I just quit my job to pursue storytelling in my community fulltime and everything in that scene was things i didnt know I needed to hear ❤️ cant wait for the fireside for this one!

Dillon Reilly

I'd say it's empire, because Eursulon already told the folk that he had wounded empire with them. My guess is they need children to create the higher level humanoid spells, but that's just a musing without any evidence

Jakob

As somebody pointed out below, in the Twelve Brooks interlude, Cambion is described as an imperial word, so currently I‘m guessing that it‘s the Empire.

Elijah

I might’ve also missed something but I believe it’s left a little ambiguous, though it would make the most sense to me for it to be Gaothmai considering the location, but who knows.

Jesper P.R.L

*SPOILERS* . . . . Can anyone help me? English is not my first language, so perhaps I missed som nuance, but I didn't understand whether it was the Empire/Citadel or Gaothmai who had been taking people? My guess was the Empire, but I would just like clarification if anyone'd be so kind.

irisilmaril

he has many times, Taylor keeps editing them out because everything involving Suvi is required to be heart wrenching i guess

JaNay Larsen

The past three episodes? Utter perfection. The scores? Unmatched. I thought 'Abassin' was the peak of podcasting—until 'Into the Woods' sauntered in and asked, “You don't think I know how to get a nut open?" And now? Another banger that has me questioning my ability to pick favorites. Eursulon connecting with the forest is a scene I'll have to revisit again and again. Phenomenal storytelling, phenomenal score, and Brennan... Don't think you're sneaking that 30 people reference past us. Hahaha

Sil

Witch was stated to be "evil" according to the village matriarch, but these are people who "hide under leaves for days" as Sworn puts it. I don't know about it being Iruna - given how she was loved by Grandma Ren, I doubt she was "wicked," but this interpretation by Demura might be full of propaganda. Gods I hope we get to see practising Sea Witches.

Sil

Empire. Have a listen/relisten to Twelve Brooks. Cambion is an Imperial word.

Sil

Weeping. Whilst stolen people, family and generations aren't things I've survived... this hits me square in the Australian / Stolen Generation history I was taught. They came for the adults, and then they started coming for the children... fuck. Fuck, i hope I can keep listening after the next episode.

HarrowHarkness

Hmmmmmmmm How did the farmer know they had 30 people in the group when neither Ame nor Ursulon mentioned a number? Veryyyyyyy suspiciousssss

Benny Bee

I had to listen back immediately after finishing this episode to notice that they never mentioned which soldiers. In a story so rich with detail, I couldn't help but wonder if that was intentional and I'm now delighted by the vagueness. Gaothmai is a whole new world with a very different relationship to it's ruling class than the Empire has and we can't assume that the forces here- whether Shapeshifters or the sorcerer Gaoth /or/ the Empire- have not been doing the same. The father says, [direct quote] "They came and told me that Gaothmai, that the shape changers from across the sea were the only way to get them back and that's not- my responsibility anymore. . ." Which seems to imply that either they were to JOIN the forces of the shapechangers, or that the shapechangers were responsible. The fact there is reasonable doubt for both sides, imo, says that this has been a very ugly multi-layered conflict both internal and external to the Gaothmai power structure. Fuckin bravo and holy shit and such. Also, as always, very well spoken my friend! ✨️

Benny Bee

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE I was having a great time, sensing there would be disquiet soon, only to be appropriately uppercutted by the punch of; "Just please don't take them." WOOF. I am in awe of these storytellers' grace in handling such difficult topics with rawness but not gratuitous violence. I'm also struck by how it is never stated from what force or side the soldiers that began to steal children. Is this even an area the Empire had enough control over 3-4 years ago to begin a strategy of what... Studying, recruiting as informants, or murdering? Or is it the Gaothmai forces trying to ally every kind of shape-shifting people for the sake of opposing the Empire who were definitely xenophobic before they began a colonial war. I registered thinking I had missed it, and perhaps it was supposed to be one or the other- but I find myself so intrigued by the vagueness of it instead. No matter which side prevails, citizens in the crossfire always lose. Separately from that, I am deeply proud of Suvi. She is doing so well and at the top of her game that becoming overzealous and "CITADEL HOORAH" would be, I think, the attitude of many a young person in her position right now. But she chooses caution, grace, and humanity before her imperial troops' march and I am so happy to see the growth and the dawning horror at the crimes of the Citadel. She is smart enough to see that even if it was Gaothmai soldiers, the war and pressure from the Citadel still pushed them to commit similarly heinous crimes.

Stefanucci Mozzarella

Wow, I'm inspired! Eursalon begins communing with his inner Oath, yeah? Induction of Inner Presence for his initiation into something bigger: dare I say the inner king? I also think it accurate done mostly in private and mostly that Suvi wouldn't be present or immediately feel it. I CAN'T TELL if its designed or there's a natural pervasive wisdom that designs these themes.

Agiddysea

Prevailing theory is that it's the Empire, but it's not directly stated.

Elizabeth Harris

Malora - what an episode the RP, the DMing, the MUSIC all continues to engross all my thoughts. Thanks for such devastating fearful joyous storytelling and art ❤️

Kaitlyn Julia

just thought a little harder about brennan’s offhand mentioning that there are Greneau in Haverward … do they WANT to be there???

M Bee

Taylor seems to have reiterated his "We keep TENSION in this house!" mantra (mentioned on Fireside the first time Silver seemingly left Suvi hanging). 😂

Aryn Davis

Hot. Damn. I just finished and I'm immediately relistening. Unbelievably good!

Maddie Moreland

Idk whether to be elated at more world building or absolutely devastated by the implications. What a way to come back from break!

Ashley Logan

This is what I am wanting to know!

Warlock Fulltime

Hello hello! We’re all back here apart together. Hooray.

Nick Nemeth

Brennan needs to stop hurting my heart.

Harrison Roberts

Fantastic episode! Hope yall are doing well and are safe from the fires!

Laxmy Deleon

That ending……my goodness! This was such a good episode!

Agiddysea

Gaothmai might have been planning this war for years. Also control and influence, especially in a remote region, is iffy at best. These people have probably been the "subjects" of either side a dozen times without even knowing it.

robo

i’m hooting and hollering but i’m also tearing up a little

Tijay Arnie

Are the ones stealing kids Gauthmei or Empire?

Stephen Bannasch

The disappearances appear to have started 3-4 years ago. I thought the Empire and Citadel had more control of this area then. Stone also mentioned earlier to Suvi that the Citadel had another front they were opening with a new strategy — maybe related ???

Nick Gosey

I just finished listening and I have not recovered yet, trying to hold it together at work.

Wren

No but it could be the high referenced in it given the convo with Silver going so well and her successes here.

Jordan Charles

Amé stays missing opportunities to find out more about lost Coven sisters. Still can’t believe the Keep of the Watching Fire was never investigated!

Agiddysea

Remember "all shapeshifters eat people"?

Agiddysea

While it's compelling to believe that the Citadel/Empire is responsible for abducting shapeshifter children, I think there's a case for a more nuanced interpretation, one that aligns with the complexity of the factions described in the narrative. The sorcerers currently hold power in Gaothmai, while shapeshifters are leading a rebellion. The longstanding conflict between these two groups suggests an intense rivalry where each faction seeks to undermine the other. This war-torn environment creates fertile ground for propaganda and manipulation. Gaothmai is at war with the Citadel/Empire. If the Gaothmai sorcerers wanted to rally the shapeshifters fully to their side, exploiting their fears and grievances would be strategic. Fabricating stories or staging events to make it appear as though the Empire is abducting shapeshifters could effectively galvanize support and unity among their ranks. How difficult would it be for Gaothmai operatives to mimic imperial banners, armor, and mannerisms, especially in remote regions far from the Empire's centralized oversight? Such a ploy would not only paint the Empire as the villain but also fracture trust between the Citadel and those under their nominal protection. The Citadel has been portrayed as a morally complex faction, not a caricatured antagonist. Depicting them as indiscriminately stealing children would oversimplify their motives and actions, undermining the depth of their characterization. If the Citadel truly sought to target shapeshifters, would their actions not be more strategic or localized rather than broad abductions? The fear and confusion sown by these disappearances may serve a larger agenda that benefits the Gaothmai leadership, casting doubt on the true perpetrators. While the Citadel/Empire is an easy scapegoat in this situation, the geopolitical intricacies of this world suggest that Gaothmai may have orchestrated these events to serve their own ends.

Elizabeth Boskey

I don't know that I breathed for the last five minutes of the episode. That was terrifying. I hope Suvi can keep them safe.

Ari Crossby

So proud of Suvi. 😭

Agiddysea

Or claim that the Citadel is stealing your children and the only way to get them back is to join up. Shapeshifters were at war with the sorcerers of Gauthmai, to the point of even working with the Citadel.

Jonathon Ulrich

We know the Citadel loves their experiments on spirits…I pray Eursolon gets a chance to save some kids

Grace

We’re back!

Carrie Mook Bridgman

It's more horrifying because the people doing it are "our side," at least for Suvi. I think Suvi's justification engine is about to collapse.

Carrie Mook Bridgman

I gather it's the Empire disappearing people with the Gift. They assume anyone who can shape-shift is in league with Gauthmai. Then they moved on to taking children. Why? As hostages for their parents' good behavior? And now agents from Gauthmai are recruiting among the Grinot, offering the help of "the shifters from beyond the sea"? An offer that in their place I would be inclined to accept. It's almost like giving people good and valid reasons to hate you might turn them into enemies when they weren't before. Hmmmmm.

Amaya Booker

TWELVE BROOKS MENTIONED I just know the missing children is gonna send Suvi on a spiral against the Citadel indoctrination

Katie

“The forest certainly sings like it considers you family.” 😭😭 only 8 min in and I’m already crying

Amaya Booker

My understanding, based on the fireside chats, is that it was inadvertently cut but I could be wrong

Kole Tomić

Eza, my man, you owe our girl an "I love you"

Carrie Mook Bridgman

I think Suvi and Ame felt the same.

Bea W

So glad to be back! Not a lot of action but, oh so many feelings! Beautiful work from the whole team!

Carrie Mook Bridgman

And for God's sake skip posting if you need to. And let us know how we can help.

Ben Warfield

YESS MY FAV PODCAST THANK YOIUUUU❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Lauren

the amount of description at the top here is making me NERVOUS

Ashley Teatum

THE GIANT BULLFROG!! I screamed!!

Sara Sorrell

Any of y'all impacted by the fires? I heard some folks at Dropout were but haven't seen anything.

Kara Vaughn

46:30 Dyyyying that Ame didn't ask more about the witch that came through the village or the Sea Witch! I wonder if the Sea Witch was Uruna, Witch of the Wide Blue Sea.

Nick Gosey

Oh my god, the description of the forest at the beginning is amazing.

Caitie Hone

Anyone else annoyed that silver still has told Suvi that he loves her back????

Jack Jones

Thanks was relistening and also heard the mention of calling them Cambion (furthering the citadels Demonification of spirits/spiritkin not under there control)

Josh Johnson

Imperial, they said the reason for dealing with Gaothmai was that it was the only way to get them back

Sharat Chandra

Just got to the Graneu portion. Dang it Brennan!!! I already feel tense

Jack Jones

Not sure if i picked up on it correctly but was it the Gaothmai forces or Empire that were taking the Shifters?

Jack Jones

We are SO BACK wooo

Antareeksh Deb

WHAT A BANGER OF AN EPISODE

Blaize Gordon

So lovely to be back in this world after the break! Can't wait for more!

Brandon Carbaugh

Whoever writes the episode descriptions has some lovely prose skills.

I’m so jaded that my Bardic Inspiration ends up sounding like Vicious Mockery

y'all are so incredible with these scenes. the tension and horror I felt with the Graneu (sp?) family was similar to the illusionist spirit (the fake house on the cliff) encounter, but somehow even greater once the reveal showed it wasn't the party in danger but instead the party could be putting this family in danger. I can't exactly articulate why that's even scarier, but it was, and it's a testament to this amazing story you're telling

Ryan L.

So happy to see your return 👍🎉

Shadarous

Taylor, Why would you tease Eursulon's Oath music like that? are you TRYING TO MAKE ME UNWELL?????

Kael McDonald

It's the weirdest thing, but I always have insomnia the night before an episode drops. I've slept through the night all holiday, and didn't even remember WWW would be back today, and yet. My body knows. Ahuhu and crackle crackle, welcome back everybody!

Shadarous

Honestly thought for a moment at the beginning that Eursulon was gonna F$%k that bear XD

TPK_light

So little happened in this episode, but the implications across the board are HUGE

Louie

These episodes are not long enough. I need mooooooooorre! 🥲

bluebluebutton

The kidnapping of indigenous people (especially children) inspired the deepest horror I've felt to date while listening to this story.

bluebluebutton

It's subtly sweet to see Ame put Silver's advice into practice (pulling Suvi aside to voice her concerns about taking too much food), and to see Silver return that goodwill with a playful "don't know if there'll be inclement weather, but as long as the Suvi holds out we should be fine" and a wink at Ame.