Transcript - WBN WWW Ep. 50 - Axis Mundi.pdf 568.0 KB
June 12, 2025

[PUBLIC EPISODE] The Wizard, the Witch and the Wild One: ep050 "Axis Mundi"

Everything that rises must converge. In the gloaming, where the tide of one world washes and runs across the sands of another, we pass through the center of things like a gate, like a river, like the sea of the sky, champions on parade at the crossroads, a place we know, a place we find familiar, before the night, as it ever does, arrives. 

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We are

Brennan Lee Mulligan

Erika Ishii

Aabria Iyengar

Lou Wilson

Produced, designed, and scored by Taylor Moore  at Fortunate Horse with exquisite design and editing help from Jared Olson.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Amanda Fredberg and of course, Shannon.

Album art by the great Corey Brickley.

Comments (415)

k
kelsey laughs · February 3, 2026

Brennan said this as a throwaway when taking Ame through how to get to the Citadel from Carrow… …there are no roads that lead to the Citadel. That’s going to pose a problem for the Man in Black.

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Wizard Sorcha · September 11, 2025

Are the last 5 episodes ever going to be uploaded to YT? I installed a podcast player to listen to them, but it seems a shame that episodes 50-54 are only available through another app since so many listeners access this content through YouTube.

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Piper · February 3, 2026

FWIW, they are there now! I had a lil panic about it because YouTube doesn't display them in the right order (if you sort oldest-to-newest, the sorting breaks after episode 49 and it goes "8 months ago, 2 months ago, 7 months ago, 2 months ago"), and the recommended videos in the sidebar seem to be broken as well. After #49 it tried to send me straight to #52. But they're there!

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Julianne Hughes · September 11, 2025

I am so f*ing scared of the MIB!!!! Oh wow oh wow oh wow!

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Astral_doe · August 27, 2025

The elk saying it's gonna be ok 😭😭😭😭 I need a primordial elk to walk out of the woods and give me a pep talk

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COTF Creative · August 10, 2025

Have you guys stopped uploading to youtube completely? It's the only way I access it 😭😭

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finnflams · July 18, 2025

Nif 😭 Nif baby I love you 😭😭😭

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Marchie · July 8, 2025

The image of Nif putting her hand out for the elks nose and this primordial megafauna going past and shoving into the chest of that shivering wisp of a girl. I SOBBED. SOOOOOOOOBBED. I may never stop.

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Charisma Teeth · August 19, 2025

Six seasons and a movie on Nif and her elk familiar!!!

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The Witch of the Well-Struck Flint · July 6, 2025

After listening to this episode for the 3rd (4th? Actually it might be the 5th) time, I really need to know if Nif levelled up after her interaction with the man in black???

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Alyssa · July 2, 2025

NOW NOW CALM YOURSELVES I AM A SIMPLE BUSINESS FOX?????????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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Jay · July 1, 2025

I adore Neif so much in this episode, and so happy she got her familiar and it was such an incredible one at that. She said I'm the Witch of Getting These Kids Home and you're not gonna take them anywhere but there!!!

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Jay · July 1, 2025

this episode was incredible from start to finish - the idea of the King of Night also being a ferry to essentially the underworld as well as everything else!!!! I immediately thought of Charon and the River Styx, and now Im wondering if part of why he warns Eursulon to not let him catch up to him on the road is because if he meets you there he must ferry you to your death, as he must travel all roads

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RahneFace · July 1, 2025

Hey Brennan? BRENNAN? WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ENDING??? 😭😭😭

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The Wizard Solace · June 27, 2025

--SPOILER-- Terrified that Suvi mentioned her magical necklace to Slate.... That might spell disaster in the next few episodes 🥲

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Sylvan Blueberry · June 23, 2025

Im so proud of Neif!

I
Im Slightly · June 22, 2025

This episode brings up a philosophical question. Why are the Steeles and Thanoses of our stories, and people with power in real life, so willing to kill masses of other people, for some arbitrary cause, but never consider themselves as fitting sacrifice? People like Steele want a better world for themselves, but somehow the personal desires and hopes of what they see as "other people" have no meaning in the "big picture" they are building.

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Zenith Rose · August 16, 2025

Because ultimately Steel is an emotional coward, like a lot of people with these kinds of visions end up being. She's too afraid to even begin to approach the idea that the citadel and empire aren't worth saving, she's too afraid to live up to her ideals of sacrifice when it's the people she loves, and she's too afraid to forgive herself.

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RuviGaPo · June 20, 2025

Not me Absolutely Bawling about this elk

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The Wizard Squeamish · June 25, 2025

the elk had me crying in the club, nif's just like me fr

D
DaphneDawn · June 20, 2025

Would a wizard under the fly spell or a witch and her broom win a race? At level 20 they are both basically two fighter jets but yeah, who’s winning this Mario kart in the sky? Wrong answers only. I’m sure there’s some mechanically correct answer based on fly speed, and imma say teleports are off the table

B
BunSum · June 20, 2025

Hi I'm Bunny and I'm a bunny and a witch and I really love Neef and when Neefshe didn't have a familiar but there was a warren of rabbits nearby I pulled over to the side of the road and SOBBED HOW DARE YOU THANK YOU OH 😭

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BunSum · June 20, 2025

Oh! The scene with Eursulon - Damnit these players are good at collaborative play. Obviously I was rooting for Bunny and in my mind there was a clear path to Bunny but damnit they played it right and followed their characters. Well, *this* bunny's got you, Neef. 🩷

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The Wizard Spite · June 20, 2025

After this episode Neef is my new favourite anxiety representation. Not romanticising my illness but sometimes I do feel like it's a superpower to you pick up on dangers others would've ignored

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Im Slightly · June 22, 2025

Yes! I really relate to her, too. Anxiety warriors <3

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shayyyyyyyyyyyyyy · June 20, 2025

the sequence of nief finding her familiar w oursalon is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever listened to

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Clint Shook · June 19, 2025

AAHHHHH!!! I got chills all over my body at the ending. BRENNAN WTF!!!

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Genna · June 19, 2025

I want to apologize to my coworkers, the end GOT ME

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Mathias · June 19, 2025

To quote the fantastic Lou Wilson “I’m gonna throw up”

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Ashley Teatum · June 19, 2025

I am sitting at the emergency vet and I GASPED in the waiting room at the end Y'ALL thank you for this to keep me company tonight

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DressingSauces · June 19, 2025

This episode came out on my birthday

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fattyoncrack · June 19, 2025

Happy belated birthday! Hope you had a good day

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John Clontz · June 18, 2025

Nif - Witch of Wayward Souls

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Paige Bowen · June 18, 2025

Ok some things. 1. Is Nieve the witch of the woeful ward? 2. When ame disguises herself what happens with the massive broom she's holding

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Ro Lara · June 18, 2025

I love the MIB and/but i was wondering if this was going to happen... Brennan loves myths and legend and folklore too much for it not to

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PriscillaG · June 18, 2025

So Nif is becoming the Witch of Wayfinding, yes?

K
Kael McDonald · June 18, 2025

The last ten minutes of this episode has permanently doubled my blood pressure omg

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Jordan T. Maxwell · June 18, 2025

The "LADY!" guy on the docks is my new favorite NPC and I need more of him. Also, that Elk moment is so precious and wonderful and perfectly what I love about this story!

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A.j. Juson · June 17, 2025

Nif getting her familiar was so touching! I loved this scene so much!

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Charisma Teeth · June 17, 2025

I just finished The Children's Adventure, and the the circles and the patterns have me spinning! I never realized what a tender little baby Suvi was, but it makes sense now. This tough wizard was once a scared little kid.😭

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The Witch of the Who What When Where Why · June 17, 2025

Got real busy last week and didn't have time to listen, so now I'm gonna listen while at work. Back in a mo' to let you know whether or not that's a bad idea

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The Witch of the Who What When Where Why · June 17, 2025

The first 99%: we're good, having a good time That last 1%: FUCK???

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Wild Thing · June 17, 2025

Witch of the Welcomed Home just drooooooopped! Also - that arrow hit WHERE?! Rude.

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Ellie Hail · June 17, 2025

Listening back to the Coven of Elders arc for the millionth time (it’s my fave) and just got chills at the interaction between Eursulon and the Man in Black in light of this latest episode and the reveal at the end. Goddam.

D
David Tredwell · June 16, 2025

Bawling in the car when Nif finds her familiar! Unrelated, will there be a separate Patreon for Adventures of Business Fox, and how do I sign up? 🦊👔

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DaphneDawn · June 17, 2025

Would pay for “Fox discovers multi level marketing”

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Nathan Armstrong · June 16, 2025

Brennan, you ass. You are so brilliant, ya damn evil genius.

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Brittney Gregory · June 16, 2025

Just wanted y'all to know that your art makes this cynical and dark world a better place. Thank you.

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moominmasha · June 16, 2025

I had shivers all over my body and happy tears then (spoiler) a giant elk came out of the forest to embrace Nief 😭🩷

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

It would be kind to make your comment longer so the spoiler is hidden by “show more.”

ɥ
ɥsoſ · June 16, 2025

Few things I noticed, I loved the way some instruments were used that don’t traditionally line up in the Citadel and the Empire’s leitmotifs (I could be wrong) were used in the beginning quiet moments of Suvi’s alone scenes. Secondly I love the fact that both Orima and the King of Storms both agreed and had to convince Naram to not join the MIB despite the two of them having done so because they do not want to see him involved in a war they presumably know he would not agree with. And thirdly, the way that the beginning of the journey of Eursulon, Nif, The Elk, and the Children marching off before the ending played with the similarities of the Great Bear and his retinue of his children and the parade, this time not in the style of the Great Bear’s rest and play like last episode but in Eursalon’s movement and hard travel with purpose of a better future

H
Hannah Radenkova Illustration · June 16, 2025

The way I would slap that ferryman down for this cruel nonsense. (I would most likely die but the thought would be there) Also SO PROUD OF NIF WITH THAT LIGHTNING FAST INSTINCTUAL GRAB

A
Aviva · June 17, 2025

She wasn’t wrong; she’s the witch of getting these kids home! ♥️

D
DaphneDawn · June 16, 2025

Warning- grim musing. For a brief moment, I feared a small predator like a hawk or snake was going to snatch up a bunny, and that predator would be Nif’s familiar. So glad that didn’t happen! My god that would have been grim. Circle of life and all but not what Nif needs. Love unnamed Elk buddy so much already. Not some sarcastic hawk

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Glen Petrofski · June 17, 2025

I don't know. Considering it was mentioned previously that a familiar is a thing of a witchs' personality that needs to be put away. So having something like a hunter/feeding on the dead hinting at their aggression/survival instincts behind the trauma would have been cool. I think Elk fits perfectly though

C
CharisCay · June 16, 2025

I had to stop the podcast after Eursulon's conversation with the Man In Black at the beginning of the episode, so I could listen the version of "In the Gloaming" done by The Story back in the 90's. And then I listened to it again at the conclusion. Just gutting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFclJJixtls

D
DeVonte Skillern · June 16, 2025

HOW DO YOU KEEP FINDING WAYS TO TUG AT MY HEARTSTRINGS!!

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Roger · June 16, 2025

This was such a good episode, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH 💞🦊

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Zoe · June 15, 2025

Actual goosebumps during the encounter at the river crossing. Amazing as always

R
Robert Kvalheim · June 15, 2025

Spoiler / Theory Also, now Naram gets to show up and save Eursulon and the kids at the last second from MIB, but it will cost him his life. Then when Orima finds out MIB killed Naram she switches to our heroes’ side—possibly with other spirits following suit.

R
Robert Kvalheim · June 15, 2025

The descriptions of the two cities were so entrancing. I kept having to rewind because I realized I missed a detail.

R
Ren Challacombe · June 15, 2025

I am actually the number 1 Neif fan. That’s my fucking girl. When she first talked about a familiar my initial thought was a bear, but elk is perfect.

D
Deyla · June 16, 2025

FR i love her shes wonderful

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Tommy Deibel · June 15, 2025

Godsdamn it, Brennan. That is all

A
Aberdeen B · June 15, 2025

HEY BRENNAN

A
Aberdeen B · June 15, 2025

Went from crying and cackling about Nif and her familiar to WHAT THE FUCK I gasped out loud so much I almost choked on my intake of breath

U
Urte · June 15, 2025

Hey what the fuck, I went from crying over Nif and Elk to clutching my pearls at the AUDACITY OF MIB

A
Amphiby · June 15, 2025

I mean I knew he was bringing back ser curran but not even giving him shoes MIB is a cheapskate

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The Wizard Subjudice · June 16, 2025

I am so here for this specific outrage 😂

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Just_another_queer · June 15, 2025

Row row row your boat With the man in black We go down the river & you feel a shiver There's no coming in back

A
Aviva · June 17, 2025

Taylor, I’m not sure if I want to beg you to record this in a creepy, dissonant split/layering of a child’s voice or beg you not to, but it’s definitely both.

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BethKF · June 15, 2025

50 episodes later and still, my heart was unprepared for Nif & the elk, the bottom of my stomach was unprepared for the ending. As ever, great work team.

D
David Whitty · June 15, 2025

Empire parade the same week as the Trump parade, Brennan is pulling out the Simpsons world event predictions now

a
annemjw · June 15, 2025

No, you’re crying in public because Nif gets to be partners with an Elk 😭😭😭

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taromilktea · June 15, 2025

Also Nif 😭 I too have often felt like I have the heart of a small prey animal (and have even contemplated getting some kind of rabbit tattoo) so that scene was like getting sniped through a podcast

A
Aviva · June 17, 2025

Maybe what you really need is an elk tattoo.

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taromilktea · June 15, 2025

And here I was thinking that Toma was SAFE and we could just vibe along with Eursalon's Ghibli moment, only to have my heart drop completely at that last scene. AHHHHHHHH

A
Aviva · June 17, 2025

To be fair, their at a ford (Schrödinger’s Starling Ford?) but yeeeaaahhh… I knew it was coming before it started and I still had a racing heart and cold sweat for Eursulon. I can’t wait to hear the rest of that conversation!

A
Ashlee B · June 14, 2025

Also, love that Nif got to have her Witch puberty with Eursulon and now has a big ole elk to help give her comfort and strength

A
Ashlee B · June 14, 2025

We just got Buckles back, Brennan. You just gave him back BRENNAN. I swear to GOD....

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Issy (the Wizard Scramble) · June 14, 2025

Clutching my heart at that ending why must Eursulon suffer again

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nk · June 14, 2025

Fuck it, Nif The Witch Of The Waning Moon. why not??

B
Brian Krisch · June 16, 2025

Witch of the *Waxing* Moon: rebirth, new life, new opportunities for the lost and dispossessed (to be returned home)

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Emmeline May · June 14, 2025

Absolute crying tears of joy and empathy at the Emotional Support Elk

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Aberdeen B · June 14, 2025

Ooooof, it is not lost on me that I am listening to the Citadel’s war victory parade on the same day as the American military parade 🫠

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Worlds Beyond Number · June 14, 2025

They got it from us.

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CSN · June 14, 2025

Love Eursulon contending with what it means to be a spirit of freedom. There is no true freedom without taking responsibility, any more than you'd be saving a truckload of farm animals on their way to slaughter by turning them loose on the freeway. The MIB was counting on Eursulon having the simple focus of a spirit with a rigidly defined domain (and came a little too close to getting away with it), but his arc is all about being confronted with the complexity of the bigger picture.

A
Aviva · June 17, 2025

♥️♥️♥️

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Evil Anagram · June 14, 2025

Love this so much! But Brennan, I need you to understand that "wherefore" means "why." It's the English equivalent of "por qué"

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Carrie Mook Bridgman · June 16, 2025

I don't know about Brennan, but I think lots of people only know that word from Romeo and Juliet, and their English teachers neglected to explain that "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" doesn't mean "Where are you," but "Why are you who you are--a Montague--blast it?"

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Erin Michelotti · June 14, 2025

Oh god Eursulon and Neif’s interaction just wrecked me. 😭

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Justin Leaming · June 14, 2025

Hot damn this show just keeps getting better and better.

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Dain Saint · June 14, 2025

Just now putting together that Eursulon took the MIB’s place as the spirit to release the children from captivity in twelve brooks, so we got to see what the MIBs “release” would have looked like when the guards said “kill the kids” 😬 THEMES! 🪵

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Justin Leaming · June 14, 2025

Where was it said the MIB was going to release the kids?

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Sean Britcher · June 14, 2025

Hey, hey Brennan? I say this with all the love and admiration that I can muster: "fuck you, you MAGNIFICENT BASTARD" ❤️❤️❤️

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Elizabeth Jerome · June 14, 2025

Ok corduroy!! So proud of this wee witch! But the rug that was pulled out from under this beautiful moment was so perfectly done, the ferryman indeed!

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Shannon Shea · June 14, 2025

The elk is *perfect* for Nif, but Indri is damn wrong about rabbits. They are the prey counterpart to foxes - clever and mischievous and fast as hell. We have a pet rabbit and he fulfills every pain-in-the-ass trickster rabbit story there is.

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Rebekah · June 17, 2025

YESSSSSSS bunny gang represent 🐰

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Cameron Barrett · June 14, 2025

Oh no... the next couple episodes are gonna STING!

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Sage · June 14, 2025

I cant get the thought of Nief and Ghost eventually being added as new witches to the coven outta my head aaaaa ,just imagine a half spirit witch with a golem familiar and Nief with her elf as Ames new peers

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Clifton Moore · June 14, 2025

Witch of the Wayward Path!

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Lojaan · June 14, 2025

Witch of the Want for Home

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Devon · June 14, 2025

Daoma was present when Ame found the fox 🦊 or when the fox found Ame

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Lavender Sky Entertainment · June 14, 2025

Um...for that ending, how dare you?

k
kragonaught · June 14, 2025

it is insanely chilling to hear of the luxuries of the Empire, know what holds its foundation

k
kragonaught · June 14, 2025

a large animal offering its head to a scared hero? CINEMA

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Katie · June 14, 2025

Hi yes I’ll take a weighted stuffed elk next please and thank you

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

Oooh, that squoosh would be so good.

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Ammar Khalid · June 14, 2025

Also hell yeah Nif bureaucratic managerial skills to the rescue!

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Ammar Khalid · June 14, 2025

God I can’t explain why but the scene of Eursolon helping Nif find her familiar got me so teary eyed. It was just so beautiful and Brennan going “this isn’t a way it’s THE way” really got me.

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Sean Britcher · June 14, 2025

SAAAAAAME

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archaeocyathid · June 14, 2025

Excellent

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ehjs · June 14, 2025

Hi WBN, esp Erika, you may never see this and that’s okay, I just wanted to say thank you for your grwm for a protest video. I was really anxious about going to my first major protest, I’ve only done small ones with little opposition and you made me feel really well equipped and safe. You truly are the witch of the world’s heart.

k
kragonaught · June 14, 2025

be safe and good luck! 🫡

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nk · June 14, 2025

Nif my favourite character I will strive to Nif.

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The King of House Cabraescuro · June 14, 2025

Geezus fucking christ at Caro's gatdamn soundtrack

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Sasha · June 14, 2025

Hey Brennan, we gotta talk abt that ending my guy

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Logan Peaker · June 13, 2025

The entire scene of Nif getting her familiar was incredible, I had goosebumps!!! How are we supposed to wait?!

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MoGunz · June 13, 2025

NIF NIF NIF NIF NIF!!!!!

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The Wizard Saccharine · June 13, 2025

whoever said witch of the way home last week needs a medal

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Katherine Martin · June 13, 2025

Nif fully has Ms Honey from Matilda energy. I love it!

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

Oh, Miss Honey! 🥰

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Catloaf · June 13, 2025

Nif’s arch this episode has fully convinced me that Nif is Suvi if 6 year old Suvi was raised by a witch like Indri. The hyper fixation on what people are saying reminds me of Suvi and Nif’s interactions at the Conclave

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Joseph O'Toole · June 13, 2025

OH BOYYYYUUYY

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Albertina Sparrhult · June 13, 2025

Down down, down the road 🎶

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Safyre Black · June 13, 2025

I just looked up pictures of elk next to cars... I mean, I've seen them from a big distance before... but I was still not prepared.

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Ajax · June 13, 2025

SPOILERS Question for Brennan... I'M SAD! I look forward to hearing your answer.

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Ajax · June 13, 2025

God I'd love to be that elk when I grow up.

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Max Moran · June 13, 2025

SPOILERS: I guess it makes sense that Eursolon, a spirit, wouldn't quite pick up that it's not a good idea to entrust a SPIRIT OF DEATH with the kids, but thank GOD Nif was there, already coming in CLUTCH

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Sean Britcher · June 14, 2025

What's wild is that the King of Night told Eursolon to bring a Witch to the meeting with the Feryman. The Man in Black knows his nature and while he can not be anything else than his nature, he was quietly helping his Brother Spirit, even though they are increasingly at cross purposeses. Much like Nation States, Great Spirits do not have friends, they have intrests.

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JB · June 13, 2025

Brennan set Lou up so beautifully for the gravitas of that experience from Nief’s perspective.

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

Familiar, ferryman, or the combination?

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Keith Prescott · June 13, 2025

Hopping on the bandwagon for our girl Nif She’s an orphan and has traveled the world She’s a wet cat of a kid She’s taken in kids bc she was once in their shoes Her familiar is a prey animal and also a migratory animal Nif, Witch of Waifs and Wanderers Nif, Witch of the Wandering Way Nif, Witch of the Warming Hearth

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María Lozano · June 13, 2025

oh my god thinking down the line of Ame using the wand to induct Nif into the coven i’m crying at the mere thought!

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Keith Prescott · June 13, 2025

Contemplating the idea that, bc of the Chalices possibly (probably) being tied to the MiB, and one chalice bragging about killing witches, if chalices are, or are part of, a contingency to eliminate witches on es the citadel has been eliminated. Who knows how far the less savory spirits allied with the MiB are willing to go and what they’ll allow

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Louis Magallanes Jr. · June 13, 2025

I

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thedragonllama · June 13, 2025

I probably never have been as invested in character growth more of an NPC than this ep with Neif. Potential future Witch of the Wee Ones perhaps? I thought for sure the mention of the rambunctious goat Nicholas (RIP) was going to lead to Neif's familiar being Nicholas Jr. lol but a giant majestic elk was pretty freaking great. I also was terrified the price of MIB's "service" would BE NEIF, so I am glad that deal didn't go through. ALSO: listening to every new episode makes me feel like I am playing Final Fantasy in my head. I hope the Prince falls for Suvi so hard he defects from the empire and joins the resistance. I predict next ep will be very Suvi/Ame heavy, maybe even with a reunion, all of which I look forward to.

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Louis Magallanes Jr. · June 13, 2025

NIEF (Guardian) With of Lost /Wandering Children!

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Louis Magallanes Jr. · June 13, 2025

Nief Witch Guardian of Children

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Nikki W. · June 13, 2025

Brennan and I literally giving the same laugh when Lou hit that 23 to persuade Nif to help him out. NIF YOU GET YOUR FAMILIAR!!!!!!

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NotSoSuperNova · June 13, 2025

Nif had me sobbing this episode. Thank the spirits she’s got her Emotional Support Elk

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Lulu · June 13, 2025

We /gotta/ talk about the music and sound design for Kero!! That was so insane, give this sound team an award! I still have goosebumps

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Ted Meredith · June 13, 2025

Witch of the Wavering Voice

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Wizard Shebang · June 13, 2025

Three cheers for the Witch of Um Getting These Kids Home! I love seeing how the World’s Heart has become intertwined but distinct from the care of the world’s children and the concept of home. It feels like there’s potential for Nif to step into a new station, which could then help Ame step into her own version of the World’s Heart outside of Wren’s cozy cottagecore vibe. (PS I’m fully picturing Cyril as Wallace Shawn in My Dinner With Andre and no one can tell me otherwise.)

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Theta · June 13, 2025

The music is always good, but I feel like specifically in the last couple episodes everything has been at a high level I’ve never heard such consistently be met and surpassed. Incredible work Taylor!!

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Michael Cantor · June 13, 2025

Omg! Incredible episode!

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Ellis · June 13, 2025

1: This episode was perfect. 2: I am in dire need of a map

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

We can piece together some geography! What are you wondering?

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Witch of the Word and Spark · June 13, 2025

Brennan. Is Nif gonna die ?

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Stephanie · June 14, 2025

I have to admit I wondered the same thing and Brennan—don’t you dare.

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Julia Whitmore · June 13, 2025

Spoilers . . . . Brennan: *makes an NPC antagonist who has straight up said they are going to wreck everyone's shit* Me: How could this NPC wreck our shit like this But seriously, the reveal that the Man in Black is willing to play with the lives of children for political gain is just so crazy good to me. He and Steel are much more alike than either of them would care to admit.

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AnAverageNerd · June 13, 2025

OMG THAT ENDING I CAN’T HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

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Júlia Vincent Rubiolo · June 13, 2025

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAHHHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH !! What.An.Ending!!!! I can't I can't!!!!

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Kate Olive Art · June 13, 2025

NIF

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Matt · June 13, 2025

Also Taylor you sly devil, the harpsichord when Brennan describes Cavender Court. I see you!!

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

He has such a good brain. His obsessive attention to detail produces such incredible results. … I do worry about him though, in that parasocial way.

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Matt · June 13, 2025

Every episode hits me harder than the last these days! That damn Elk familiar! TWO crazy new metropolis settings introduced in one episode! Nif stepping into her Witchdom! Ahhhhhhhh!

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Rachel Yadlowski · June 14, 2025

Call back to Brennan "The world needs to get big big big BIG!" Truly tho. This team I swear! 😍

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TisWhatSheSaid · June 13, 2025

“There is a way, there is a road, and I am on it.”

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Devon · June 13, 2025

Suvi’s suspicion of an alliance with the man in black was absolutely correct!

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Devon · June 13, 2025

I keep realizing / processing things slowly but the chalice bragging about killing witches just makes me think the man in black wanted and hoped maybe for Ame, but wanted to bring a witch along with the children to kill her, attempting to weaken the bond between the real and spirit.

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Dan Walker · June 13, 2025

I remember losing it over your Float/Fun city sound design and music selection on Twitter (I always will tbh, as long as it’s running, and you’re involved!); boy oh boy my heart is full hearing that incredible ear you’ve always had be applied to your own scoring. Your unique voice and skill in theming and motifs make it what it is; I hope the pressure v enjoyment balance is struck well T!

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Devon · June 13, 2025

NIF!!!!! The Elk is a perfect complement to the young witch. According to the web, elks represent leadership, alertness, stability, and strength among other things. Nif needs more of that! Also the music playing when Eursalon decides to go the shrine 🪈🍂 so lovely

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

Yeah, elk—especially big bulls—have that feeling of being highly aware while confident about when not to flee. Solid and steady, on guard, and ready to absolutely throw down when necessary.

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Grace Davis · June 13, 2025

Nif, the witch of the children’s hearts. 🥹🥹🥹🥹

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BexXZilla · June 13, 2025

I'm just in awe of the things Brennan thinks of. The tie back to The Man In Black visiting the tomb and Nif's new elk familiar, I hope she gives him a name I'm just overwhelmed with anticipation for what comes next and my goodness the comedy/wholesome whiplash into something so serious as the ferry to the spirit world also being the ferry to the "underworld" Ahhhhh😭😭 I love it so much

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Dain Saint · June 13, 2025

Eursulon helping Nif find her Emotional Support Elk fucking RUINED me 😭😭🫎

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Devon · June 13, 2025

Emotional support elk 😂 so correct

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VeritaAmore87 · June 13, 2025

Nif coming in CLUTCH! What a witch! What an episode!

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James O'Dwyer · June 13, 2025

This is truly the week of benighted cliffhangers That elk, though: glorious

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big guy · June 13, 2025

HOLY FUCK WHAT IF AME USES THE WAND OF COVENENT TO INDUCT NIEF

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The Spirit of Vicious Inspiration · June 13, 2025

she'll need one more to keep it at odd numbers... but Greneux witches were just mentioned so I'm really hoping for a chance to meet them, maybe they could get included (Witch of the Wetland Bogs??)

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Fergus Bremner · June 13, 2025

Not related to this episode but I recently thought the song Annalena by Daniel Ögren sounded like a B-side to Taylor's march of the great bear piece from early in the story, check it out if you're interested!

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Worlds Beyond Number · June 13, 2025

Just listened and it rules, thanks for the recc! -t

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emilio · June 13, 2025

God, such an amazing episode. Absolutely felt Lou's "Jesus Christ" hahahha. Everything's in motion!!

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The Wizard Synonym [ˈsɪnəmɪn] · June 13, 2025

Nieve you f*ing star!

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The Wizard Squeamish · June 13, 2025

crying in the club at nif's scene with eursulon this episode im bawling and screaming she's just like me fr

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Tawny Lacuna · June 13, 2025

I LOVE Nieve's (Nief? I don't know the spelling) familiar! I was thinking maybe an owl or some other woodland creatures. NOT THAT! 😄 I love him already though.

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The Wizard Squeamish · June 13, 2025

nif i think!

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Shreyas Joshi · June 13, 2025

The music of Karrow and Sarazmere are amazing, Taylor you do amazing work.

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Shreyas Joshi · June 13, 2025

The confirmation the the man in black seems to be a death deity of some kind is so cool, I knew he wasn't just a god of civil engineers.

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Shreyas Joshi · June 13, 2025

Also wtf Brennan why did you have to stab me 27 times at the end of the episode

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Just_another_queer · June 13, 2025

Witch of the Wounded Wanderers Witch of the Wayward Wanderers Witch of the Wandering Wayfarers

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Josie · June 13, 2025

Witch of Wandering Weans perhaps? (Weans is local UK/Scottish/Irish dialect for children)

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the Wizard Silly · June 13, 2025

BRENNAN LEE MULLIGAN WHAT THE FUCK

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Aesthetic Pest · June 13, 2025

Exactly what I yelled!! EXCUSE ME WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK BRENNAN LEE “GET IN THE COMMENTS” MULLIGAN???

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Mal · June 13, 2025

Day nine of asking for Taylor to join the Fireside to be held accountable just like everyone else on this podcast.

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Just_another_queer · June 13, 2025

FUCK I just caught up and now I cant binge any more episodes 😩

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Aviva · June 17, 2025

Welcome. It’s tough here.

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Jackie Rollins · June 13, 2025

I wonder what her title would be I'd say "The witch of the lost"

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Abigail Agnew · June 13, 2025

The Witch of Those in Want of Well Keeping

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Jackie Rollins · June 13, 2025

I was thinking the witch of the lost

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PT MacKim · June 13, 2025

Just when we thought the King of Night maybe had the right idea about the Citadel and their ways… turns out his ways are pretty damn dark, too! Now how the hell are we supposed to wait two weeks for what comes next?!??!!

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Natalia Zorrilla · June 13, 2025

just came to this comment section to say: fuck Indri. manifesting a moment where Nif walks up to Indri, elk at her side, and floors her with the world’s most powerful retributive curse

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Esther Bee · June 13, 2025

Straight up. For a moment there I thought a big momma brown bear was gonna walk out of the forest....which the more I think about the more I prefer the big Irish Elk.

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fireflowerXD · June 13, 2025

I love that Nif gets an elk, but what kind of elk sounds like that 🤣 the magical deep voices elk

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The Wizard Stank · June 13, 2025

Ahem. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH That is all.

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Sam · June 13, 2025

Why does Nif talk like Jeff Goldblum when she’s anxious haha

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Theo Lee · June 14, 2025

...I can't unhear it now...

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The Mechangelus Chronicle · June 13, 2025

I would kill or die for Nif. And I was onto Brennan’s trickery with that “home” business but fucking the ghostly dead?! Aaaahhh!

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Trina · June 13, 2025

Can't wait to see the Business Fox plushie!

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Mehmet · June 13, 2025

WHAT THE HELL… omg when Eursulon asked Orima for help, and instead of helping and asking for a favor in return, she basically said no and that she would tell her husband. I assumed this was a GM technique to railroad the players and give them some minor benefit for their effort… but Orima had clearly already spoken to The Man in Black… ahhhh. Omg I should have guessed this was coming, he, just like Charon, has a ferry…

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Robert Kvalheim · June 15, 2025

Now Naram gets to show up and save Eursulon and the kids at the last second from MIB, but it will cost him his life. Then when Orima finds out MIB killed Naram she switches to our heroes’ side—possibly with other spirits following suit.

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Ashe · June 13, 2025

WELL WORTH THE WAIT, absolutely increeeedible episode, two different new city themes?!? Nif?????? Ahhhhhh!!!

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Amaya · June 13, 2025

Absolutely fucked to have these kids get excited seeing a spirit their families believe in just to immediately have the spirit try to summarily execute them

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Phoenix Vizva’i · June 13, 2025

Bring Taylor to the firesides!!! 💖 I’m left every episode wanting to hear about his choices ☺️

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Abigail Agnew · June 13, 2025

Getting some fun Metropolis v. Gotham vibes from the Citadel and Caro (I know that’s probably not how you spell it and I’m sorry)

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Esther Bee · June 13, 2025

For sure! I was like - omg it's late 19th c. New York and also Gotham and also maybe some dickensian/Victorian London in there, if I'm catching Carrow's vibes right

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The Wizard Swag · June 13, 2025

Swag!

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Rina the Floof · June 13, 2025

tears beyond number at eursulon helping nif find a familiar,,,, waugh

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Rina the Floof · June 13, 2025

"It's good to see you, little brother." I'm fucking losing it

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Lee Chirtel · June 13, 2025

Eursulon's learning two things: 1). Why the human wizards are so keen on controlling the spirit world. After all, this tricky death god fellow doesn't have the same respect for them as he does for another spirit. And, 2). It is fairly easy to be sucked into support of an institution with pretty glaring flaws for those not connected to it. He and Ame have always been impatient for Suvi to wise up to the Citadel's flaws. Now he can emphasize on almost going on the reverse of Suvi's arc.

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mguin · June 13, 2025

The burgers are always worth the wait. Nif of the Wayward Path, She Who Asked the Right Question 💜

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Cha Cha Rae · June 13, 2025

OMFG IM A SCREAMING AT THE LAST 10 MINUTES

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MsAlleyCat · June 13, 2025

Folks, I am back for another unskippable cutscene moment. Nif, my girl who is so scared and so brave (to be brave, you gotta be scared!). Clearly this is why the Witch of Wind and Stars constantly tried to keep you small, look at the great working you have already done. Not even 10 hours into being a witch in her own right (As we know from episode 1, it's the connection of the familiar that starts it all! No coven is needed to be a witch!) and her FIRST LITERAL ACT AS THE MEDIATOR BETWEEN THE WORLD OF HUMANS AND SPIRITS... She clocks the Man in Black and his lie of omission dead to rights and forces him to speak true on his intent. The one who has held his breath SINCE THE DAWN OF THE WORLD and hid his name in as many applications and nicknames and so on and so forth *was made to speak plainly his intent*. That is the power of witches. That is why he wanted Ren dead, and is gunning for Ame. It is probably why he needed a witch there in the first place to even GET THOSE KIDS. Big exchanges like that between the worlds PROBABLY HAVE TO BE over seen by a witch. It is Witches that get the power of retribution - there is power in a witch that not even the Man in Black can ignore. There is probably a magical law written SOMEWHERE (on the bark of the ancient tree of worlds, at the bottom of Naram's sea) that details the REQUIREMENT of Great Spirits needing to listen to and be forthright with (ON SOME LEVEL) to witches. There REASON FOR THAT POSTURE CHANGE that Eursulon saw in the Man in Black when referencing a witch, there has to be a level of respect or... some better word BUT SOMETHING that has Great Spirits entreat with witches - not lightly would Ren constantly say to Ame that witches are a bridge for the two worlds. Communication is fucking key, always. In every interaction ever. If you can't get what you want to say across, things can break down. Similarly as well, if you know words WELL, you can subtext what you want to say, make others think differently, and dupe people. We see this with Coven Arc - Ame saw it too - Marara said humans, NOT JUST THE CITADEL. But the Coven was told just "the Citadel". Once they're on the warpath, how easy could it be to justify the Antivaly be next on the chopping block? Then Gouthmai? Why not EVERYONE? And it is for this reason he would either try to get powerful witches on his side (Marara/Coven of Elders) or try to get rid of the ones who are standing in his way (Ren, Ame). He really thought that he had all the "problem witches" taken care of. More than likely, the hot tea Marara gave him after returning from the Coven meeting was how Indri was still using Nif as a maid and putting her in a box. Boy was he wrong, he overplayed his hand hard. Words matter, and Nif is so VERY used to reading subtext, and now she has a reason to be brave. Perhaps he thought she would never change? Perhaps he did not consider the effect Eursulon could have on her - but then again, he never expected Eursulon to go save the kids ON HIS OWN. He has been mistaken a few times now specifically in regard to Eursulon - for a man that has held his breath since the dawn of Umora, he thinks he has seen it all and assumes nothing will change. He thinks he has rigged the game, and he almost did. He has been honest - up until the point he could almost perfectly hide the proverbial blade in a lie of omission- to not only hollow Eursulon's victory and joy of *finding his breath and giving freedom to those brought low, children as proverbially wayshadowed as he once was*, but to use them to justify his intent to other spirits in a propaganda campaign. "Oh yeah, i'll take those kids *home* alright..." Where the Crowned Panther was a true ferryman for the departed spirits of Umora- the Man in Black attempted to take the lives of 80 children to satisfy his bid for war, and almost got away with it too. If it wasn't for that meddling Witch :)

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Brandon Carbaugh · June 14, 2025

Love this in such a bittersweet way. The idea that Nif is really, really good at reading subtext, in the way that kids who have been subjected to verbal/emotional abuse often are, because it's a defense mechanism they must learn in order to tiptoe around the fickle emotions of the abusive adult in their life. And the idea that, in a world where so much hinges on the subtext of pacts between parties of asymmetrical power, that that's actually a superpower. That rocks. That's such an incisive observation. Nif thinks contending with the Man in Black is this big terrifying thing, but she's spent years learning to dance over the lasers that are the emotions of Indri -- one of the most subtly, cuttingly nasty and dangerously powerful beings on Umora -- for literally years. It's like the emotional intelligence version of Luke Skywalker 360-no-scoping the Death Star run on his first try, because he spent years shooting womp-rats with his speeder.

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Jade_Jerichooo · June 13, 2025

In all honesty I sort of forgot how invested I was in Nif's journey until this episode. So much growth in such a short time! Found myself so emotional about her finally letting herself step into her title/station as a witch. 🥹 And her familiar being a majestic elk is sooooooo GOOD!! I NEED the elk and the fox to interact 😩

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Kolbjorn · June 13, 2025

I am SCREAMING what has just happened??? Sir Curran??? NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

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Spencer Bloom · June 13, 2025

“The witch of getting these kids home”

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Kolbjorn · June 13, 2025

I love her

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probablycooldad · June 13, 2025

1:18:37: Is 'Jesus Christ ' canonical as a profanity?

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Worlds Beyond Number · June 13, 2025

Have spoken with the cast and can confirm that Jesus Christ also visited Umora and was crucified in exactly the same way, but the religion did not “go viral” like it did on earth. OR that was Lou speaking and not Eursulon.

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Meg McLaurin · June 13, 2025

I need to discuss this ep with fellow fans! Can someone send me a discord invite?

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Vanessa Gary · June 13, 2025

There definitely needs to be a WBN discord, because I, too, have too many emotions about this ep

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Martian · June 13, 2025

Ah yes, the family Dawsit. Of the famed, Dawsit's Creek.

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Pen of Dras · June 13, 2025

Eursulons roar into the forest, to call out any that would aid Nif, sent me into hyperventilating tears. When the bull elk answered I cried harder cause its such a good fit for a scared lil girl would wants to defend and guide with all her heart. I'm crying now just typing this out I love this show!

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Susannah B. · June 13, 2025

Does this make Nif the Witch of Wayward Whelps?

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Jack Monaco · June 13, 2025

Yall got me fucked up ( I love u)

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Devin Ehlert · June 13, 2025

This has gotta be my favorite episode of all time that was incredible

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Micah Ballard · June 13, 2025

Lou: we have to talk about what just happened in therapy lol

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Amaya · June 13, 2025

I got mental whiplash going from finishing this episode to immediately watching the Trauma Dump livestream

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Jestmessy · June 13, 2025

Okay someone help: so you can be a witch without choosing a coven like Nif because you only choose a coven at level three. But to be considered a part of the coven of elders you have to be the head of a station right? Like not every witch out there is on the counsel because Gramore’s apprentice wasn’t. So if Nif wanted to be a head of her own station she would need Ame to use the wand right? Could Nif kind of go on indefinitely without choosing a coven? And say Ame makes a new station for Nif, does she have to make two new stations at the same time so numbers on the counsel are uneven?

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 14, 2025

yes, I believe you are mostly correct! as far as actual gameplay mechanics, choosing a coven at level three is just the subclass, but still must be chosen. though choosing a subclass has no bearing on whether Níf is part of the Coven of Elders. it just chooses her specialization of magic and what types of spells she can cast. my understanding is that the Tree of Worlds provided the wand to be used to induct witches who represent the “greatest stations”, so the Coven of Elders does not encompass all witches in Umora, just the strongest ones. and the magical binding of the Coven of Elders requires that there can never be even a possibility for impasse, hence needing an odd number of witches. this is because Hakea’s request to the Tree of Worlds was that her sisters could come together and be unified regardless of disagreement. so they can agree OR disagree, but they can never be stuck in a tie, or the Coven of Elders is destroyed 👍🏻

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Joanna S. · June 13, 2025

This podcast is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and it’s not close.

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Joanna S. · June 13, 2025

Deeply interested in the fact that the man in black *requested* the presence of a witch to mediate. Was he looking for some kind of fairness on Eursulon’s behalf? Was he somehow obligated to make the request? Did he have a nefarious plan for the witch who showed up?

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Alissa · June 13, 2025

You know what, Lou does owe us therapy.

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sylvie · June 13, 2025

WHAT

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MoodieRuxton · June 13, 2025

The description + sound of Carrow reminded me of Ray Bradbury narrating the scenes in The Halloween Tree from 1993 in the best way.

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Connor W · June 13, 2025

The Witch of Wayward Souls. She has to be. Or better yet, The Witch of Wayward Spirits, given the wayward children of the Great Bullfrog.

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The Wizard Seeker · June 13, 2025

Nif, Witch of the Way Home

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CJ · June 13, 2025

🥺 That one is my favorite

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The Wizard Subjudice · June 12, 2025

Did you legit fashion Carrow after New York? 😅

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Esther Bee · June 13, 2025

It's got some Victorian london and Gotham vibes too I think

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icesquirrel · June 12, 2025

NIIIIIF

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Augi5000 · June 12, 2025

I am GENUINELY CRYING AT WORK listening to this ep!!!! 😭😭😭

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Luke · June 12, 2025

A: How DARE you?!?! B: Incredible.

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Amaya · June 12, 2025

"It had been my desire for you to walk by my side. Know that in the days to come." Bone chilling. Even crazier to not even give him a full 24hrs after ominously saying days (plural) to come. Fingers crossed that Naram appears out of the ocean to help prevent these children from being drowned.

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Arachne, The Witch of Whispering Webs · June 12, 2025

Nif stepping into her Identity at the end of the episode is EVERYTHING. Also, how freaking dare you end that episode right there?! I'm gonna cry.

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THEY Agenda Productions · June 12, 2025

Nif 🥹 so proud of her!! Omggggggg 🥵 this episode

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icesquirrel · June 12, 2025

omfg i love the genuine surprise and delight at a successful intimidation

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Seamstrix · June 12, 2025

BIG ELKS FOR EVERYONE *casts wish*

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Alyssa · June 12, 2025

Niamh 😭😭😭 the elk, the bravery, I can’t (Níf? Neif?)

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Worlds Beyond Number · June 12, 2025

Nif

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Sean Beard · June 12, 2025

My dumb self thought Nif was getting a Lion from the forest. The Daddy Legolas Elk is better!!

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The Wizard Sparrow · June 13, 2025

The Stag from Harry Potter came into my mind

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Chris Young · June 12, 2025

Brennan Lee Mulligan! Top 10 anime betrayals.

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The Wizard Seeker · June 12, 2025

He’s all the bad guys! We should have known!

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Jordan Arvie · June 12, 2025

Even though been listening to the strangers voice for years at this point, Brennans voice work and Taylors sound design send a chill down my spine and throughout my body every single time. Beautifully haunting 🖤

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OffKeyGrunt · June 12, 2025

I think I'm simply about to die rot and be reborn because of this episode because how are we meant to wait 2 WEEKS!!!

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Warren Schnur-Holmes · June 12, 2025

Oh. My. God. and some other gods. And the little fishes. Just... !!!! *flail*

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astrolotree · June 12, 2025

Brennan. Brennan when I catch you Brennan.

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Manifesting Good Posture · June 12, 2025

I used to sympathize with the living like you, but then I took an arrow to the neck GODDAMMIT Oh haha we released the tension that built up at the end of that last episode. Oh look at this heartwarming episode, an elk is so befitting Ms Nief 🥹🥹🥹 Oh wow how tender, the King of Night is going to take the children home, he is, hey, home, he is no NO NO, NOT HIM AND THE FULL-ARC CALLBACK FUCK

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Rachael · June 12, 2025

I'm screaming joyfully for Nif and screaming fearfully for Eursulon. I can't wait TWO MORE WEEKS. HOW ARE YOU ALMOST DONE WITH THIS BOOK?!? THERE'S STILL SO MUCH THAT HAS TO WORK ITSELF OUT.

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Annie A · June 12, 2025

I almost cried about Neif getting her familiar I’m so proud of her and how she will grow into herself

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Sean Beard · June 12, 2025

SAME! I screamed in my car!

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Alex · June 12, 2025

God I'm gonna need to relisten to Níf coming into her own a few times tonight 🥹

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Matthew · June 12, 2025

That rollercoaster of an ending, moving from comedy to joy to uncertainty and finally terror. Absolutely amazing! Brennan's mastery of pacing and tone is unparalleled. I NEED Taylor to give us Lou's reaction to the reveal of The Stranger's champion.

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Joe W · June 12, 2025

For some reason I was thinking moose the whole time so I’m only slightly annoyed that I was close but not quite right. Oh well, amazing scene and ep!

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Bog Station: Remembrance · June 13, 2025

If it was Clive I was gonna lay down dead

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Kenzie · June 12, 2025

Eursulon turned down the man in black, and the man in black took that *personally*

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Nana J · June 12, 2025

MIB: "I thought we were bros."

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Luke · June 12, 2025

Oooohhh Brennan when I getcha. When I getcha Brennan. Oooooh.

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Esther Bee · June 13, 2025

We're gonna get him in a Denny's parking lot

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Jaxx Luna · June 12, 2025

The start of this episode was chilling. Sound design on point, and the man in blacks voice is 🤌 Also Neif getting her familiar was incredible!

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- - · June 12, 2025

Hey guys, thank you immensely for this amazing podcast. However, I would love to have a simple map, because i get a bit confused with the different locations - and also having the list of all the houses opposed to the Citadel would be beneficial too. I wish you all the very best, and thanks again ❤️

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 12, 2025

I was thinking about this recently too! I’m very bad with directions irl, so sometimes when they explain things I’m spinning around in my head trying to place the different locations. simple would be great, but I really want the nitty gritty. I think it would be fascinating to see these realms, their corresponding teleportation gates, places of interest we’ve learned along the way… I’m really hoping that’s something they’re working on for the end of this book. even if it’s just digital, I’ll find a way to print it and bust out the push pins and yarn 👀

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Michelle Aigner · June 12, 2025

🥹major involuntary weeping on my drive home from work while listening to Nief get her familiar. 😭

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astro · June 12, 2025

wait wait wait why is sir kurin there!!?? is it his spirit?? WHY!!??

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astro · June 12, 2025

IS HE THE CHAMPION??? I need me the transcript!

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elle · June 12, 2025

Nief the witch of wayward souls 🥺 my girl and her elk 😭

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Invisible Wonders · June 12, 2025

Oooo witch of the wayward souls is goooood

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lichen · June 12, 2025

FUXKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKDUCKFUCKFUCKDUCKFUCKFUCK

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witch of wild novels · June 12, 2025

I really need to stop listening to this podcast in public 😭

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wade engelhart · June 12, 2025

Oh brother he done it again

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Bea Munro · June 12, 2025

Question for Brennan: In e49 Emperor Arosh Mandir Kabe Saraz refers to Prince Khemari as his nephew, but in this episode he's stated to be his father. Is this one of those "King adopts his nephew" situations?

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Jazz · June 12, 2025

The way I was screaming it was going to be a deer the whole familiar scene (I know no one will believe but I was SHOCKED when I was actually correct, I scremt). People think of them just like scared prey but they'll beat your whole ass if necessary, and those antlers aren't just for show they're SHARP. So are hooves. I love this for our little anxiety baby so much. I know we probably won't get to see it but imagining her at the height of her power, moving with the slow powerful grace of a deer, regal and strong, but being able to move with an ethereal swiftness when danger calls for it. One day she will be well attuned to when to stand her ground and when to flee and just imagining that for her makes me so happy. She will be wise and kind and a magnificent witch, she's already well on her way.

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 12, 2025

YEEEEES I immediately pictured Ashitaka and Yakul from Princess Mononoke!! she’s going to be an incredible witch and I hope in some capacity we can see her and Ame at the height of their power long down the road. also get my girl a straw ronin witch hat and I will simply sob

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The Wizard Splatter · June 12, 2025

Jesus CHRIST Taylor, the sound editing in that last scene. I knew what was coming and it still scared me 😭

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The Wizard Splatter · June 12, 2025

Anyway 100/10 no notes

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Sara Elizabeth Nesbit · June 12, 2025

Omgods!!! That Ending!!!!! I can't be seen in my grocery store anymore after that scream. Also so proud of Nif!!!!!

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expandingnebula · June 12, 2025

THE END - the fucking twist at the end!!!! (also im obsessed with Neif’s magnificent elk😭)

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Katie Fesenmeyer · June 12, 2025

The twist!!! OMFG!!

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Virtual Spaceman · June 12, 2025

I would love to watch this but Spotify ain't working!!!!!!!!

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Katie Fesenmeyer · June 12, 2025

Simplecast works fine

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Elizabeth Boskey · June 12, 2025

The sound design! The anxiety! Aaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

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The Wizard Sunlit, Evocation Specialist · June 12, 2025

Henceforth, I will be calling her Nif, Witch of the Wayward Souls

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expandingnebula · June 12, 2025

obsessed

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Neil Dickerson · June 12, 2025

Shooketh

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Aidan Kruse · June 12, 2025

My mouth is agape at the ending

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Xenkon · June 12, 2025

The fact that the man in Black is doing exactly what the citadel was doing with those children is hilarious to me. That they don't even see it as hypocrisy, because both sides believe that what they are doing is necessary and right, and fail to acknowledge the personhood of the other side.

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Catloaf · June 12, 2025

This may be pedantic, but as far as I can tell, the Citadel had no intention to murder the kids, unlike the Man in Black. The order to kill the children came from an Azure battalion soldier, not a Citadel mage. As far as I know, Azure battalion are more in the rank and file of the imperium than the Citadel (I might be wrong here).

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 12, 2025

BRENNAN YOU’RE A SICK F*CK AND U KNOW IT. endcapped this ep by relistening to the end of the children’s adventure ep 1 because I love to be SAD ‼️ also my babygirl Níf!!!!!!! Witch of the Wayward Soul 🗣️🗣️🗣️

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Trish K · June 12, 2025

i’m relistening to the first episode too bc i finally got my best friend to start listening and hearing sir curan say that the mark of a knight is a shield not a sword AND NOW HE LITERALLY CARRIES THE MAN IN BLACKS SWORD??? they’ve massacred my boy!!!!!

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Catloaf · June 12, 2025

SPOILERS The fact that the Man in Black’s plan was to kill 80+ children, drag their souls to the spirit world to act as anti-Citadel/pro-wizard war propaganda tells me a lot about spirits. The Man in Black is not foolish, which lets me know that he thinks none of the spirits would have an issue with his murdering 80+ children to prove a point. That’s fucked and reminds me of Steel saying she wasn’t interested in talking with entities that eat their own children.

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Jasmijn Hoogteyling · June 12, 2025

BRENNAN LEE MULLIGAN! You absolute earth shattering briljant man! I’m crying and I hate you! ❤️

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Jasmijn Hoogteyling · June 12, 2025

SPOILERS Sir Curran is the man in black?!?!?!?!

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You · June 12, 2025

I don't think Brennan knows how elk sound because they don't sound like that. They sound scary as shit.

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Trish K · June 12, 2025

personally i think elks sound beautiful but i think they really missed out on not using a real elks bugle in the background, they have such unique sounds it really would’ve stood out!

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DaddyDepresso · June 12, 2025

Just so everyone remebers It's cannon our favroite big brother looks like brennan and thats why our favorite spirit is red headed

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Bog Station: Remembrance · June 13, 2025

Now I’m going to be imagining Lou as Eursulon fighting Brennan as dead Sir Curran and I don’t like it :(

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Shelby Welby · June 12, 2025

Thank you may I have another?

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cnidarian casper · June 12, 2025

Omg Nief with her emotional support elk

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Crits · June 12, 2025

nief has me full body sobbing. someone pls send me her adoption papers to sign

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Wizard Syn · June 12, 2025

BRENNANN!!!!!!

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Shelbey Linder · June 12, 2025

Help - i cant figure out how to listen to this. The episode is not showing in patreon or spotify for me??

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Fabian Martinez · June 12, 2025

thank god I’m not alone. Idk what is going on with Spotify. I even updated my Spotify app and still can’t get anything to load

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Brandon Carbaugh · June 12, 2025

As in the coven meetings, it is a testament to Brennan's skill as a storyteller that, listening to this, I *completely* forget that both the Man in Black and Níf are being played in realtime by the same dude. As both a writer and a DM with some nonzero amount of game myself, I gotta say, I am always floored by the skill with which Brennan can juggle multiple POV's and voices, while also improvving genuinely great, economical dialogue that would be a rock-solid first draft if it were being crafted on the page. It's really masterful. It's like he's got a partitioned hard-drive for a brain.

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 12, 2025

I think about this all the time!! I want him to write a book 🥺

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TheWizardGilly · June 12, 2025

Hey special guest of the podcast, how you doing after that ending my guy? 😆

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TētēKura · June 12, 2025

All I have to do is an exam!!! And then this episode is mine!! Wish me luck gang

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Sydney Jay · June 12, 2025

NIEFFFFFF!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭 Oh my goodness, I was sobbing—I think Eursalon guiding her to her familiar is one of my favorite scenes of this season. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!

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Sydney Jay · June 12, 2025

AND!!! The way she immediately went into Witch mode and respectfully yet firmly clarified "home" with a great spirit?? She's a natural and I'm SO proud of her 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾! (Lol I need fanart QUICKLY)

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Rachel Kleine · June 12, 2025

Screaming, crying, throwing up 😭 what a masterpiece!! 💖

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Ician · June 12, 2025

I cannot be crying about this girl and her elk right now I am in PUBLIC.

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Trish K · June 12, 2025

i was gearing up to comment about how happy i was that my favorite witch got one of my favorite animals as a familiar but then the last five minutes had me tearing up in my cubicle :((( i’m sick at the thought of having to wait two weeks to see what the fuck happens next!!!!

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Louis Magallanes Jr. · June 12, 2025

Brennan “bring the trauma” Mulligan strikes again!

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Jesús Blanco · June 12, 2025

Not the ARROW where.... OH HELL NO BRENNAN, NOT THAT!!!

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Vi · June 12, 2025

holy mother of dice christ that ending!?!?!?!?! I couldn’t have called that in a thousand years

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The Wizard Sparrow · June 12, 2025

Another cliffhanger…my heart is screaming. Man in Black you sly dog…taking Sir Kurin as your champion, disgraceful. But Nief, her sharp keen eye with her Stag by her side was able to suss out the truth. A true witch indeed ❤️🦊🔥

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PepeSilvia · June 12, 2025

Nief The Witch of Lost Children, has a nice ring to it

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Beatrice · June 12, 2025

Oooh, Nief, Witch of the Wandering Weens!?!? (Wee'uns? Or whatever the spelling is...)

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kimmy · June 12, 2025

I guessed the familiar!! I’m super proud of myself.

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bails 🌀 witch of the what the fuck · June 12, 2025

I’m v impressed by this!! I was initially guessing stoat, but the reality is so much better 😭🩵

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Wizard Soliloquy · June 12, 2025

My flabbers are fully gasted after that episode... That ending... Nif getting her familiar... Suvi rolling great on that intimidation... How does this show continue to get better and better...

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Wizard Soliloquy · June 12, 2025

Dear team... "A simple business Fox" T-shirt and mug when?

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Blades Dragonic · June 12, 2025

Nif was honestly my favourite bit of the episode.

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Rebekah · June 12, 2025

Um, Actually… rabbits don’t actually like carrots that much. (Too much sugar.) They mostly eat leafy greens. Apparently the carrot idea is actually because of Bugs Bunny eating them, and THAT is actually a reference to a Clark Gable movie where he munches carrots and is a fast-talking wiseacre! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIo8xqEpVPD/?igsh=MWR1YWFmM2VxMGxvMg==

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Rebekah · June 12, 2025

Also now I really want to know what the in-world reason is for why Niamh thinks rabbits like carrots. “But, but, I read it in a book by the Witch of the Wild Warren!” “Oh — no, she was actually making a joke that only people familiar with rabbit behavior would understand, but rabbits are so shy that not many people know what they actually eat and now people think it’s real.” (Then Niamh goes on a quiet quest to educate people about the real life dietary preferences of rabbits, and The Elk volunteers to eat all the carrots.)

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Sean Britcher · June 12, 2025

The audio effect for the King of Night. What. What the fuuuu... Also the differentiation between the King of Night and the Ferryman. They are the same but are not. So good.

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Zenezara · June 12, 2025

I cannot wait to find out what Elks name is

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Alyssa · June 12, 2025

Stu? 🥘 😋 Bill the Bull Elk? Or in a bit of irony, Rabbit?

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Rebekah · June 12, 2025

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

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The Wizard Scene · June 12, 2025

This show consistently makes me scream silently at 3am and i am so grateful for that joy

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Daniel Stevens · June 12, 2025

"Lady! This is Carrow! If you wanna get into ventriloquism you got a go to Strings and Handles." The way he answered that... Is Carrow New York‽

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Zenezara · June 12, 2025

It is now lol

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danielle · June 12, 2025

Jaw on the floor at the end… holy moly what a reveal. Ame and her gaggle of familiars, Suvi in some real deep shit (what’s new there), and Eursulon… my word. Lou is teaching an absolute masterclass in Paladin 101 WOW!!!!!!!!

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Wizard Soliloquy · June 12, 2025

I've said it before, but he should be the model of how to play a Paladin from now on... I love these four people and how they play the game so much

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The Wizard Smudge · June 12, 2025

The moment with Nief and Eursalon just warmed my heart 😭

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Alec · June 12, 2025

thanks for cooking it extra for us Taylor and co.!!!

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Udoka · June 12, 2025

Glad Suvi is seeing some consequences but so scared for her – Steel is powerful but not omniscient.

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Alec · June 12, 2025

NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT THE FAMILY MEMEBER DROP. THEY'RE ALIVE

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Rachel Kleine · June 12, 2025

What moment are you talking about?? I need to re-listen now

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Alec · June 12, 2025

The Man In Black really had his "drink the kool-aid" moment, huh?

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xatlern · June 12, 2025

Trying not to cry into my quesadilla at my desk at Eursolon leading Níf into the forest 😭😭😭 I knew she was going to have the most badass familiar ever, but I still wasn't expecting this

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Elise Grabda · June 12, 2025

This moment gave me full body chills

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NickSavage Eursulon’s Brother in arms · June 12, 2025

Brennan: “It’s good to see you little brother” Me: NOOOOOOOOOO I NEED MORE

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NickSavage Eursulon’s Brother in arms · June 12, 2025

I just don’t know what to feel right now

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Whims Wandering Worlds Words · June 12, 2025

I really thought Nief’s familiar was about to be a pure demon version of a predator that was mangy and quick to bite. A calm centered powerhouse is such a better balance. I love it

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PepeSilvia · June 12, 2025

I got so unexpectedly emotional at that part. Ive dealt with anxiety and depression, and part of my journey was to essentially find my own calm centered powerhouse in myself. It would been so good to find a animal friend to express it, and was very cathardic to hear a scene like this play out.

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Melancholy Polytheist · June 12, 2025

So. Many. Feelings. Thank you for Nif’s familiar. Oof. Real clear understanding of anxiety there.

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Whims Wandering Worlds Words · June 12, 2025

“It’s good to see you, little brother”💀 I hc Sir Curran to look like buff BLeeM 💪🧑‍🦰⚔️

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Melody Snow · June 12, 2025

BRENNAN. NO. NO BRENNAN. NIT LIKE THIS 😭😭😭😭

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Melody Snow · June 12, 2025

Absolutely floored.

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Bubbles · June 12, 2025

Ugh the elk. So many things but that made me cry, with little Ms witch finding her familiar

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Bubbles · June 12, 2025

Ooooh but also the very last thing in the episode that will not be said.

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Brandon Bozeman · June 12, 2025

FLOORED

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Hew, Witch of the Woven Word · June 12, 2025

Okay Nif, laughing and sobbing all at once over here

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Hew, Witch of the Woven Word · June 12, 2025

Okay, should have waited for the end of the episode, holy f@&$

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aaron drew · June 12, 2025

FUCK

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Brandon Carbaugh · June 12, 2025

The piano piece in Sarazmyr (?) is incredibly beautiful. The initial loopy bits remind me of the compositions of Kashiwa Daisuke.

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Blades Dragonic · June 12, 2025

I’ve never had to make a harder decision than watching this or EP 2 of “Cloudward Ho!” first. I chose this and I don’t regret my decision

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Jamie M Light · June 12, 2025

I had the same dilemma and chose this first as well!

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Aouri · June 12, 2025

One question: WTF!?!

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gramps · June 12, 2025

Getting punched right through the heart omni man style by Mr. Mulligan and Mr. Moore wasnt on my bingo card today but it should have been

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Ryan · June 12, 2025

I know what Im listening too tonight! Yay!

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the wizard subpar · June 12, 2025

My baby Nief popped off today

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Zach P. · June 12, 2025

Ikr?! I’m so proud of her!

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Chameleon · June 12, 2025

I had to stop myself from screaming at the end cause I'm at work but oh my God. I was not expecting that ending. Also, can we just appreciate Neif as a character for a second? She's growing into herself and I just love her!

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Bob Chapman · June 12, 2025

It's okay... I did enough screaming for both of us

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Witch of Wobbly · June 12, 2025

I'm so proud of Níf 🥹 Also so glad about the Champion reveal 🗡️

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Raquel Blacken · June 12, 2025

This ep was amazing!Especially the description of the different cities. The different levels of intrigue! SPOILER for last 10 min of ep . . . . so what Egorehain said rings true. War and fighting enemy will corrupt you. The King of Night is no better than the Citidale. He wants to use the children as a means to rile the spirit to his cause. Even if it means killing the children. He is willing to sacrifice them just as Steel was. The only difference between them on this point was poetry.

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Mac · June 13, 2025

haha i was thinking of Eioghorain after this ending when he said something to Suvi like “they’re ALL evil to the BONE! find me a government that’s not evil to the bone!”

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Maria Conpen · June 12, 2025

I can't believe Ursalon was about to just give like 80 kids to The Grim Reaper. And I BELIEVED HIS ASS ABOUT TAKING THEM HOME TOO

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The Wizard Sparrow · June 12, 2025

Sly dog… though his suggestion to bring a witch gives me a slight thought it was to give advantage to Eursolon.

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Sean Manning · June 12, 2025

So excited, need to grab my earbuds

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mads · June 12, 2025

I'm freaking out

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Ryan Higgins · June 12, 2025

Beautiful

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Izer · June 12, 2025

"Carrow folk are kind but not nice. Citadel folk are nice but not kind."

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Brandon Carbaugh · June 12, 2025

Listen here, ya jabroni: take your charming and technically astounding puppet show down to the Puppetsville Bar on the corner of 5th and Jefferson between the hours of 2 and 8pm on weekdays! I'M WORKIN HERE!

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Abigail M · June 12, 2025

The sound design was absolutely *chefs kiss*, so many goosebump, but probably at no time more than THAT ENDING

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aaron drew · June 12, 2025

I’m waiting Patiently for Naram to be back and helping 🐛

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Madeline Salter · June 12, 2025

My body is ready

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Matthew · June 12, 2025

Despite their growing mutual understanding and appreciation, the King of Night remains the scariest motherfucker in the history of scary motherfuckers.

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Catloaf · June 12, 2025

I would question whether there is actually mutual understanding or if it’s more Eursalon blindly giving trust to the first great spirit that was nice to him in his adulthood.

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Ricky the Moist · June 12, 2025

Does anyone know if there’s a current list of Lou’s guest stand ins??

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TPK_light · June 12, 2025

Good news, I've been keeping a list lolololol. Tomahawk Mr. (David) Børg John Economy Martha Cocoa Clip Tastic Unckie Deauk Richard "Dick" Goose Lev Meindklang Dan Choyne Adonis Gunz Thelonius Rigel Finn Lemon Ethan Trinidad Pace Gilligan Craig Sumgee C Drifts Devanté Penny Edo Beige Rum Sampson Moe Johnson Richard Oklahoma Yodah Frank Lin (@/linsanity69) Dime Pimento (absent) Hercules Joshen Wyaeil., PhD Steven Chuckles Ichabod Plhyueym Kneil Diaymond Felix Pressurewood Glou Wilson Valise "Passport" Jones Gary Mozzarella Steven "Steve" Jabs Philip Orca Rawn Perlman Rex Silverberg Thanks Gorg Hayden Tint Shafeer Paragraph Ros MacLean Knuch Skull Ketchum

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Sven the Scribe · June 12, 2025

That Carrow theme! (and description, and history, and....)

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Lauren · June 12, 2025

came here to say im adding that to the list of themes we need published!!!!! so sick

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TPK_light · June 12, 2025

Oh my god, Taylor. The sound design this episode is insane, but in particular the music while Brennan was describing Carrow's history was MAGNIFICENT.

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Kyle DeGaust · June 12, 2025

Haven't listened yet, but is the title a reference to Rogue Legacy 2 or just great minds thinking alike?

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Manifesting Good Posture · June 12, 2025

At the outset, the last note of the intro now gives me very light PTSD. "TAYLOR. TAYLOR. IS THIS GONNA BE THE TIME WHEN TAYLOR GETS ME WITH THE LIGHTNING OR THE HORNS??? *ding*. MAKE A FOOL OF ME, WILL YOU TAYLOR?" It's ok. I'm ok. I am. ok.

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Heliks · June 12, 2025

My my, what is that my ears do prick to hear? Is that a leitmotif? :)

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Langorian · June 12, 2025

Is it just me or is there no sound?

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Worlds Beyond Number · June 12, 2025

Where are you listening?

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Andrew Sparling · June 12, 2025

Five more episodes of "Book One", after every thing endured so far, I'm excited/Dreading what the three true friends will face next.

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Mike Ferris · June 12, 2025

Hey Taylor? …. Thanks.

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Wren · June 12, 2025

The sun is out, the hams are here, let's go!!!! 💚💛💚

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Tsukiney · June 12, 2025

Father Brennan thank you for this nourishment \o/

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Ellie Hail · June 12, 2025

Do you think if I listen to this at Cowboy Carter tonight she’ll notice me from across the stadium for being so different and fall in love with me? 🥺

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Amber Cekander · June 12, 2025

Latin title? Ooh boys we're in it now (roughly translated to "Axis of the World")

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rocket-flash · June 12, 2025

So really for this once I'm out of class!! I want them all to be okay! 🩵

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Bad Brain Comics · June 12, 2025

Came here to check if it was posted and it’s been less than a minute damn that’s good timing

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Peydon Bush · June 12, 2025

Best story ever told!!

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Violet McDonald · June 12, 2025

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

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Ryan Higgins · June 12, 2025

Yess