[PUBLIC EPISODE] The Wizard, the Witch and the Wild One: ep026 “The Conclave of the Witches of the Coven of Elders""
The surviving members of the Coven of Elders gather in the Palace of the Wind and Stars for their conclave. Meanwhile, the gang says goodbye to a horse.
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We are
Produced, designed, and scored by Taylor Moore at Fortunate Horse with exquisite design and editing help from Jared Olson.
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Tazer Army, Shannon, and Amanda Freberg.
Album art by the great Corey Brickley
Comments (129)
Look into your heart Behold what you cannot see The back of your mind
OK re-listening and Suvi's roll to enter the star library. SO specific the "nobody is following you" to her 15 to detect magic or see if there are eyes on her. Phew.
just now catching up and have to admit that when brennen read out the mechanical information for the shield, my first thought was “ah, he patched Swirlwarden”
Sorry, maybe I missed it, but I can't seem to find transcripts anywhere?
Simply put, the underscoring in this episode KILLED me, I am convulsing because I need more, I experience withdrawl symptoms from not hearing Taylor’s music
Ah man! I flipping knew that ending was coming! THAT A BOY LOU!
Transcript soon? 🥺
Did anyone else get the sense that Eursulon made his oath in that moment with Ame? Maybe a custom "oath of the guardian" paladin? Everyone else got a homebrew subclass
I could absolutely see this-- Oath of Crowns is a good template to use for that IMO
i'm starting to wonder if the divination wizard did'nt made up his prophecy to force Ame to bring Suvi to Witchcon... And therefore give an opportunity to the citadel to spy on them. While theorizing crazily, we can even imagine that he is Kaylala's ex-husband, the one we don't like ~
And for someone whose craft and general existence seems to be so dismissed by the Citadel
I'm still mid this ep bc I was listening to a book last week and missed it but oh my god Aabria your MIND. The wizard brain justifying this music box as a GIFT? A hidden gift that she'll find later that's so freaking smart I love it I love it.
Playing catch-up, not even finished, and the crystalline sounds of that library. Just shout-outs to Taylor & his esteemed co-conspirator in sounds magic
And the danger sirens for Maraura! Just chef's kiss.
Just a thought. If Suvi starts trying to research how to teleport the citadel to another plane, we should call that a red flag.
I’m sorry, the music box plays the RAIN ROAD?!?! You’re kidding me. That’s gonna be all I think about for WEEKS How these storytellers manage to one-up themselves every time is beyond me, but I love it
I'm assuming it was a team decision and not just Taylor? I want it to have meaning! I hope it's not just a nice song just because.
TAYLOR, MY GOD! I was transported by the music when the horde came into the hall, it has been etched into my soundtrack hall of fame forever. You cannot keep upping your game like this, we're gonna reach terminal velocity.
That’s my secret, cap. -t
LOVE how Aabria is handling the Geas. I wasn't sure how she was going to go about it and I love it!
Has this episode been removed from anyone's YouTube music? It's saying private channel but only this episode
I used to be Niamh. I just wanna hug her. Also, Incredible episode. I could see, smell and taste everything and I definitely rolled a 1 on my wisdom saving throw listening to this. Utterly charmed.
Can we talk about how for Suvi Love = Obedience, and now she is confronted with Neif, whose whole existence is predicated on unswerving obedience to her mistress's instructions?
The composition of the entrance to the horde gave me goosebumps! Amazing ❤️
The music in that scene fully transported me. It felt like when I was a little girl watching the Nutcracker scene where the sugar plum fairy and all the sweets and flowers dance as they are introduced — also in a snow-queen-like setting. Exhilarating. Taylor the next Tchaikovsky for real
I've been meaning to comment, but I *love* Eursulon's coin. It feels very Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.
it’s been said 1,000 times but we’ll say it 1,000 more: Taylor just kills it every episode. truly a madman
Beautiful. Simply breathtaking. Gorgeous. I loved every bit of this grand gathering of these badass women.
Also, the depiction of Grimore and the predatory feelings were eerily on point. My Dad was stalked by a Big Cat when he was young, and that description of conflicting thoughts and emotions is completely on point with what he told me.
After hearing this episode, I've got a bad feeling about the next episode. Mainly, that Suvi's about to make the same mistake that Ame and Eursulon did, and (perceivably) wreck someone else's home while also underestimating witches. It would be just her luck that Indri has sprites keeping watch on everyone who is not part of the Coven, and they spotted the music box being placed in the Library/Observatory/Conservatory. It would be worse if that gets tallied as ammunition to unmake Ame's station as Witch of the World's Heart.
Suivi is very very very arrogant until well really arc 4
I do wish the crew would have led Haliman (sp?) the sun-horse next to the statues in the courtyard. who knows, they might have thawed out some folks and grown Ame’s retinue 😂
The IRONY of the Rain Road being the song in the music box. The transformation of that swelling, uncontrollable chorus in Port Talon to a quiet, contained tool of Citadel espionage? *chef’s kiss*
"Its like its your first year at WitchCon," was just a deliciously hilarious analogy.
Nief reminds me of Gerda in the original Snow Queen fairy tale, who was forced to endure work for the Snow Queen in order to free her friend! (Or perhaps it was the friend that was forced to work for the Snow Queen). Either way, geeking out over the parallels to a real (fictional) witch of fairy tales. Very excited to hear more of all the witches next episode!
I think that's completely true because the fairytale talks a lot about the mathematical symmetry of nature and beauty only being in that which is also used in the campaign.
In knowing what it takes to destroy a seat on the coven, I can't help but wonder what it would take for one to be restored or even if it's possible
Scalvi of the Watching Fire and Oruna of the Wide Blue Sea left no heir/were betrayed by their apprentice for those who forgot… I wonder how Naram was connected to the latter :o
This was the most rewarding execution of long built-up characters. Everything about the introduction of the Coven was wondrous and terrifying!
This is one of the first episodes where I'm equally on/against both sides. Suvi's malicious compliance route is mean as hell and not going to get her what she wants. Still, I like that she drives home the point that sentimental words are cheap and what she needs is a change in behavior from her friends. Poor Ame is being so diplomatic and so kind, and it's hard to see her get smacked in the face in return. But she seems to be falling all over herself to be helpful, cooperative, and respectful to Murder Witches, and is like, "Meh, I blew up your home and disrespected your mom before and I'd do it again but I like you, Suvi, so . . . friends?"
I think Ame has to much deference to being as cold or hard heard hearted as Suivi. And let’s not forget that everything in a persons heart tends to start from their own individualistic emotions and understandings (re psychology and Western Culture). Suivi deciding to double down on her anger is just another reaction to being torn between the wider understand of the world and the citadel and also being in my opinion at times a Chaotic/selfish character (threatening Azure Battalion) when it suits her and trusting steel over her friends. If the story didn’t move in the way it did on Arc 4 I might have stopped listening. Sanctimonious is one dimensional not deep, prolly difficult for Abria to play, a good foil. But FUCKING EXHAUSTNG
I desperately need Ame to be like, can you get off your freakin high horse for one second, Suvi, and say what you’re feeling?? I get it - character development and whatever but like Suvi is the most emotionally constipated person ever 😅
Well, that happened at the end of the previous episode, pretty much in those words. "Is that what you wanted me to say?!?" And then Eursulon rode up and distracted them both.
Okay I haven’t watched this episode yet, but are suvi and ame friends again?? This is hurting my soul thank you
Ame apologized, to which Suvi replied "Sure." It's not good.
I have to keep reminding myself that Suvi's anger is valid, but man is it a bad look for Ame that the wizard in her retinue is in her fee fees and is obviously pissed at her. I don't have much hope for next episode, but you guys are knocking it out of the park this arc.
I haven't been in an artsy place in months after going hard with painting last summer/fall, and I IMMEDIATELY needed to draw Grimore. Holy fuck I love her.
Doing the work of all the Gods 🙇🏻♀️
Every time Ersulon called Suvi, Sky, I'm like, oufff, but also, love that duality that the names provide, that Sky is a cog in the system of the citadel, but suvi is true friend and just scared little girl who probably is still grieving her parents and can't stand a world in which her friends left and never came back. . I wonder if that's why she left the keep so fast, not wanting to listen to all the details of Ersulon meeting family, because she could never have that .. but truly, when ame was like I promise I'll never abandon you again.. I was like.. nuuu.. there's gonna be some forced situation where she has no choice but to do something like looks like that.. God, I was half expecting Suvi to say, don't make promises you can't keep
Part of me was thinking it was a callback to Suvi requesting being called Sky in public to acknowledge/confirm(?) her role as a wizard of the Citadel but I don't quite remember the context of that scene. Ersulon seemed hesitant before calling her Sky.
I've got a feeling that scarf that Nief gave Suvi is going to be significant somewhere down the line. Gifts from witches shouldn't be accepted lightly!
When Grimore walks in... this better not awaken anything in me
The music with the introduction of Hacea and Grimore, was so perfect!
I need to play a witch of the wild hunt now
To make Suvi’s placing of the music box an act of authentic appreciation and gratitude (ostensibly) was such an amazing, heart wrenching choice Aabria you’ve done it again!!!!!!!
Once again I am reminded that Aabria Iyengar is an unequivocal genius
The world building is just FUCKING AMAZING!!! Was driving to work and was like I want to be in that library. Also the elder of witches was amazing and wish to have been in that room for that grand entrance. Also I get huge LOtR ent vibes of the tree spirit. And also thinking about Spirited away vibes as well. Such an amazing world. I just love this sooo much.
...fuck's SAKE, TAYLOR 😭🤩😵 the entry of the Witch of Wild Hunt/Woodland Green
THE CHANTING VOICES AHHHH
"We can't control this song" Proceds to put the song in a music box that can be controlled by closeing the lid that is to be used in some magical plot.
I caught that, too. If The Rain Road is coming out of the music box, then maybe the music box isn't a "Citadel" plot but a "Steel" plot.
I have so much appreciation and respect for Aabria. I do for all the cast members, but I really do want to say how much I appreciate Aabria in particular. I think the bittersweet tone of WBN is such an integral part of the show, and Suvi is so important for achieving that. Being the "bad guy" in a party is often a thankless job that brings criticism from people who don't like intra-party conflict, but Aabria performs that role wonderfully. Suvi is a complex character I'm not sure anyone but Aabria could have pulled off this well.
Brennan!!!!! Wha!?!? That was amazing! The descriptions of the ice palace and the other witches was truly fantastical in a way that is almost too much to even imagine but at the same time conjured some of the most wildly beautiful and wondrous mental constructs that I’ve ever been gifted. How, just how does your brain work? So amazing! Aabria, you were brilliant this episode. I loved every painfully awkward moment that Suvi brought forth and how perfectly “innocent” all of her actions were after leaving Ame and Eursulon. Part of me feels a little delighted that it is Suvi’s turn to sew a little chaos… I continue to be impressed by just how precise Erika is when addressing spirits and other witches. Picking up on the tiny cues of what is most important to the person she is speaking to and acknowledging it, so as to show respect and gain the respect of others by showing competency and perceptiveness. Truly fun to see Ame “at work.” And just the witchy vibes we get from Ame through all of her tiny actions of care and kindness this episode make her feel like she is absolutely stepping up and into her role as the witch of the world’s heart. Eursulon and the Fox continue to be so stupid cute. Lou played the part to a T of someone stuck between two people who are fighting. Seeing Eursulon grow from who he was in chapter 1 to now has been so much fun, but I’m not gonna lie I did wanna see him fight that wolf man. I know he’s only level 2 but Eursulon is just the coolest in my eyes. Taylor, I can only imagine that Brennan’s descriptions set your imagination sailing because the sound design and composition was stunning.
100% agreed on all counts. Also on the point about Ame, there's something so magnificent about seeing the overwhelming and surreal power of all of the other witches in the Conclave of Elders and being reminded that Ame—for all of her magical skill and training and the duty of her station—is still just a young woman here with her two friends. Plants don't sprout everywhere she looks; she doesn't have a bloodied menagerie of animals trailing her; she doesn't have a library of stars; and she isn't basically the masked manifestation of night itself. I found myself thinking, "Geez, Ame, I love you but what are you doing here? There's no way the other witches are marveling at seeing you the way you are at them. You are so outclassed." And then Erika had that interaction with Grimore, and I was like... oh, right. Ame is not outclassed. She is every bit as important and powerful as the other witches. It's just that her power is not a show of force, because she's not looking for a fight. Ame's superpower is that she is a bridge-builder, and there's not a single other being in that whole damn palace that's half as good at that as she is. Flowers don't bloom everywhere she looks and creatures don't follow everywhere she goes, but hearts soften everywhere she turns her attention. It's no wonder that the Witch of the World's Heart is the least showy and most vulnerable witch and station, and yet there's no question in my mind that she's the most important. Erika is consistently so freaking brilliant ugh I feel about this whole cast the way the PCs feel about Indri
Such a great ep. I love the obvious joy and care taken with collaboratively building this world together. Cannot WAIT for this conclave to officially start to unfold. Also, Taylor continues to absolutely kill it with the score. Incredible work. 💜
Oh god Indri is Miranda Priestly and Nief is her little Anne Hathaway. For real though, I adore the subtext that contrast invites. Like, is Indri just a jerk who mistreats this kid? Or is Indri a glam mommy who took in a little nervous pervis dork-ass who will blossom into a person like Indri eventually? Was INDRI a little stammering dork-ass once? So many questions! This arc in general does a great job of capturing that feeling every woman I know has felt, of being specifically a young woman in a room full of world-weathered, impossibly badass Older Women who seem to have sprung into existence fully formed. And both being intimidated by their confident self-possession, while also deeply yearning for it. It's such an interesting coming-of-age lens for both Suvi and Ame.
Yo why Nief (sp?) out here living like some old-bastard Tattooist’s apprentice?!
ohhhh i see why the episode was a little later then usual. They had to wait for it to cool down because of how fukkin SPICY THAT MUSIC WAS
Grimore? More like - m-- Mor-- gi- More like gi--Grivememore of that Cool Scary Lady (TM)
Thought I'd share this story, mainly for Aabria's benefit: I was listening to today's episode and my 12-year-old daughter happened to overhear part of the story. She recognized Brennan's voice immediately, so I thought I'd see if she could identify the other voices as well. The next character to speak was Suvi, and we had this exchange: "So do you know who _that_ is?" "Right! Yes! But I can't think of her name ..." "Describe her for me." "It's the girl with the very pretty hair, and she does the awesome make-up." "Yep, that's Aabria." 😁
Please tell your daughter that she absolutely made my day! 😭
Thank god a frostbitten bedraggled witch-serf broke the tension with grievous mutual concern for the well-being of The Most Apprentice Of All Time - I was dying inside Lovely winter palace and snow-blind wonder motifs this episode Master Moore, the lack of a resounding citadel brass boom when Suvi placed that music box really sold the notion of the Geas manipulating & justifying your emotional state
Oh god..God... I now have more witch illustrations to paint now. Also Induri's bejeweled hands.... I must paint My insta @raquellibee
The song from the music box??!!?! Are you kidding! This score is just indescribable.
looks like Grimore has got us all feeling a certain kind of way
Congratulations to Brennan for making the hottest most terrifying character of all time. Grimore please… the mouth smelling I died
Confession. I'm always considering what my self-insert character would be doing in some situations, betting many of us do. Also better I'm not the only one who heard the Witch of the Wild Hunt and fell in love, no magic needed.
When is someone going to talk some sense into Suvi?! Suvi’s friends are so sweet and understandable, and yet she CHOOSES willful venom. Nothing they say can make it better. She just wants them to suffer. Is that friendship? Oh, and WHEN are they going to start talking about the tyranny and oppression of the citadel?!! It’s so accepted!!!! It’s okay for Suvi to defend a literal institute of spiritual slavery via threats of spell violence upon her own de facto brother, but if her friends run from it, that’s some unforgivable sin?!! WAKE UP GIRL!
The capture and imprisonment of sentient beings is in itself tyrannical. Regardless of who came up with the policy, the citadel/empire are one in the same if they both enact such policies. They also act hand in hand in the enforcement of the empire’s will. And it’s not just spirits. Try telling the people who got dragged out of their homes and businesses that it’s okay because the citadel isn’t the empire. Serving in or living under tyranny, even if you can leave it, does not change the nature of it.
Chills down my spine during the last part of this episode! My God, the way Brennan can paint a scene...
I will sadly need to wait to listen to this episode, because I am still recovering from the Dimension20's recent Fantasy High episode "Rock The Boat" and I can NOT have this episode and that one living in my head at the same time 😵💫
you're so wise for that
The vibes I’m getting from Suvirin Kedberiket, Wizard of The Citadel are remarkably similar to those of Edward Elric, State Alchemist. Not sure why that just hit me.
Grimore: exists Me: would
Incredible scoring work for the description of the observatory/grotto/library. Absolutely beautiful.
I was already getting drawn in and then the music swelled and I fell in love. I want to live there.
Ooh, I can't wait to see art of the new witches and their retinues 😍 they all sound amazing
I've been on the wrong end of a few big predators and damn did Brennan and Aabria nail that feeling.
Let’s fucking GOOOOO! I am only part way through, and feel like i might pass out from holding my breath with how intense the emotions are showing up, and projecting out. ☠️🤍
Granted, I'm only 25 minutes in, but I am NOT down with Suvi in this episode. Aabria (who I could never dislike) is playing her so well.
Yes! Me toooo! I’m so upset with Suvi right now, and I think that is a testament to how well Aabria brings that character and all of her personality to life, and makes it so real. It is both understandable and maddening to have her be so incredibly upset. I also understand her point of view. Her friends truly abandoned her, and have done so many times. I would be furious too! However, I could never hold a grudge the way Suvi is!
We've had Nief for one episode and, if anything happened to them...
I would have probably passed out from not breathing at how scared I would be in these women's presence! Brennan what is going on in your brain?!?! I thought Mirara was scary but Grimore is terrifying!
All the elder witches are scary in their own way. We met Mirara in the Children's Adventure, but she is very much still a mystery to us. In truth Grimore may be the most straight forward of them, or that may just be what Brennan wants us to think.
Damn bro these witches are SCARY
Omg placing the music box in the library. Hits so differently when you do and don't think about the role of the citadel. I am going to ask that question right now.. Also I love the library of stars
God the music during the library scene was so perfect, Taylor really popped off this episode!
Question for the fireside: How did the cast last that long after Brennan described the hottest woman in the universe without Exploding
This is some torturous edging. lol I need a four hour episode man. lol
This! I need the longest episode ever!
taylor popped OFF on the music with this one. the arrival of the WOLVES?! i am slain
Yes! The beautiful cacophony of the arrival of the “horde,” as Brennan put it, was so good and also managed to strike a balance of majesty/unease.
Aabria did such an awesome job with justifying why Suvi would want to plant the music box without being aware of the spell cast on her it was so believable!
I am obsessed with Grimor. I feel seen. Like someone glimpsed through the stained glass to the darkest part of my soul that wants to run though the woods and hunt with the creatures, and Brennan described it and gave it a name. I need them to be short and stocky, I need to cosplay this predator.
the images of all the witches are so vivid and unique and i’m scared of all of them but equally aroused
THAT SCORE HOLY FUCKKKKKKKK Truly worth the wait, that screamed witches like nothing else oh my godddddd
It is ACCOMPLISHED. The Knight of the Gentle Sea, Protector of Sky, Guardian of the World’s Heart, Breaker of Chains, He who Strikes True is fully armed.
Taylor you're a genius! Thank you for the ballet that is the introduction of Hacaea and Grimoire's retinue 🫨
Got a definite Prince Ali vibe from the menagerie coterie music
Okay but seriously is there official art for all the witches? I need to see them so baaaaaad 🙏
I love the official art but I also kind of love that for now they live purely in my own slightly fuzzy imagination. I can see them, but they are a little out of focus, and that gives room for them to change.
I love how Indri was just an introduction into the primal, savage world and politics of Witches. Stakes just got raised, and the next episode is sure to floor us. Also, task one: complete.
"you wanna look at my teeth too?" and that was when i learned something about myself
At that moment I became viscerally aware I am prey not predator
Be me. Be in public working while listening to this. TRY to contain yourself when imagining the real life interaction at Camp between Lou and Brennan. "I'll get her a cup of tea!" "That's my job, I'll do it!" "No no, I'll do it" "PlEaSe!!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Truly, I felt Frission at the description of: “If you run from her there is nothing, magical law or otherwise, that could stop her from running you down and killing you”. Ah that medley of ancient programming: cortisol, epinephrine, adrenaline!
every hair on my body stood up, my eyes went wide, and I stage whispered to myself "Volva!"
THIS MUSIC!!!! Taylor Moore should be put in jail for writing too good of a score. Evil evil man
FR! The Library of Stars and the Witch Parade were sublime in the truest sense. So otherworldy.
Spoiler!!: I love how naturally Aabria managed to make suvi hide the music box! I was really curious to see how she was gonna make the plan natural both for her character and so the others wouldn’t pick up on it, and she did a way better job than I was expecting
It really took me a while to catch on, it was so natural.
YEAH BABY
Must protecc Niamh 🥺
At all costs.
/@:3("!3&@( YEAH! About to get off work in 30 mins!
Hell yeaaaah! Dropped just before my flight so now I have my fave podcast to listen to while I travel. Best timing ever 🤩
Let's go! Yaaaay!
Haven’t watched it since it’s not on Spotify yet it’s so early but can already tell it’s gonna be a doozy( ´▽｀) Thank you guys for making such amazing content happy days and best wishes to you and yours
Yaaayyyy!!!