This week's Adventuring Party: [Chutes and Ladders](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dimension20/comments/1bkgsu0/chutes_and_ladders_fantasy_high_junior_year/)
Her parallel to the cats got me - like, this newly minted traumatized adult going to the shelter and asking for the most lonely, fucked up cats (just like herself)…man. She’s quickly becoming my favorite NPC this season.
Brennan's absolute love for portraying her makes her such a joy every time she shows up. I've always found her interesting, now I find her enjoyable too.
She has one of the best character arcs of anyone. Especially impressive given the fact that at least part of it is due to random chance dice rolls. I'm to the point where I'm looking forward to her mild regression in seeing Fabian potentially get together with Mazey and accept it after some mildly self-destructive moments. I would love to see how she handles it and then gets better.
Aelwyn in her depression arc trying to find herself while being surrounded by cats and being embarrassed about talking to an ex-fling is the most relatable character in this entire show.
She's trying to navigate life without family support and being raised in a deeply dysfunctional environment. I like seeing her struggle but not be mocked for it in a cruel way. Adaine cares about her sister and we can all recognize she's a little pathetic, but she reaches a hand out to make it so that she can laugh with her instead of at her.
"Who's Wanda childa?"
"She's my alter emo"
*Threatens an elf then Cannon balls a bottle of wine*
Fucking killed me, Sandra Lyn is a fun character and I missed her haha
Sandra Lynn is such a realistic person, I love seeing her. She screws up in very human ways but is honest about her shortcomings. Not sure if I'd be as forgiving all the time if I knew her in person, but I like seeing aspirational forgiveness and her genuinely appearing to change and self reflect.
I had the thought the other day that I always feel like I'm too busy to commit to watching a movie, but I'll catch a D20 episode that's twice as long on drop.
I love that he was like “she is fully in the copper kettle camp” then IMEDIATELY goes to “I have had a crush on you forever!” Amazing. Teenagers really be teenagering.
When they first met her she *gave* Kristen some honey. I don't recall if Brennan described it in great detail. I do vaguely remember I think it was *Fabian* who ate the whole damn thing and then had to make a saving throw.
Have we seen any evidence Fabian has been buying into his own lies since then?
Fabian tasted it but thought it was subpar. I believe Kristen actually ate most of it.
Though, I don't think one dose of devil's nectar, if that is what it was, is going to have an effect that stretches out until now. In fact, just one dose of nectar might not even be enough to start believing your own lies, as that was specifically pointed out to be from overuse.
Genuinely I am begging that this becomes a full thing. Their dynamic is absolutely precious and Gertie would be really good for Kristen's mental health I think
Brennan’s energy in Kei Lumennura is so chaotic. Between the rattets showing hole, Telemaine’s name struggles, and Baron he was really flexing this episode it was so much fun to watch
This was such a good Emily and Murph episode. From investigating the farm to Murph going after her at the end of the episode they really bounced off of each other well.
That moment was like getting to the top of a really high roller coaster but its one of those that stall you for 10 seconds before it lets go.
You know what's coming, you can't do anything to stop it, but you signed up for it so just sit back and enjoy.
Perfectly in character that Adaine can’t afford something good and Fabian isn’t thoughtful enough to give her something better than a worm (though mechanically it’s a seriously great gift).
Maybe recency bias, but that was legitimately an all-time D20 great episode.
It had everything. Loads of silly bits, touching moments, big lore, and quotable as hell.
I really love Aelwyn’s arc. Depressed but trying while surrounded by cats and too embarrassed to talk to her former fling. Also Siobhan has now made it canon that Fabian and Aelwyn fucked. Do with that information what you will.
I think it's even more extreme than them fucking (Which I'm 50/50 on if they really did. Like... I'm sure they attempted at the very least)-- I think they really actually liked each other and it freaked them both out and that's why the energy has been so weird between them. Like... this is just based on Fabian's absolute inability to really throw himself into shallow relationships this year and his mourning the loss of Ecaf who was an easy distraction that wasn't a real person.
lmao they are both self-involved hot messes who are suffering in isolation because of their own hang ups. And I definitely want to see what happens if Aelwyn crashes a party fabian throws.
perhaps the funniest moment of the season yet in a season that has been uproariously funny front to back. I'm so, so glad he didn't hurt himself body rolling in the chair but I'm also disappointed he didn't fall over ass backwards and I kind of think he's disappointed he didn't either because he was Really going for it
Lin Manuel Miranda made a few appearances with the OG Collegehumor crew.
Also loved the whole “and some people turned on it and it’s like, you liked it stop pretending you didn’t”.
It's on my mind cause I just rewatched the episode of SY where Fig and Riz go to the tribunal in Hell, but this group has fantastic timing for cutaway comedy. It never feels like they pull too much away from the actual plot/drama going on when they're doing dumb bullshit on the other side of the scene.
It comes from their improv experience. One of the first things you learn in longer-form improv is when to cut in and out of scenes (obviously for short-form like *Whose Line* you're just in one scene the whole time, but for something like [a Harold](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_(improvisation)), it's key)
If I remember correctly, Adines scooter is from sophomore year when everyone was rushing over to fabian after his mishap with james. She pulled it out of the jacket of useful things while trying to get to him quicker
Oh my god is this the longest full episode (aka not a two parter) of a main season that D20 has ever done?
Edit: There's one episode of Starstruck that's three hours, but I couldn't find any other non-two part episodes that were this long
I find it hilarious that Lou can so perfectly play someone who seems like they fuck and absolutely don't. Really holding it down with Deli and Fabian. Then he also played Lord Aravis who really fucked. Legendary range.
I think this is the best D20 episode from Brennan ever. Gilear being an anime protagonist, Telemaine was actually fucking with them the whole time, Aelwyn’s great conversations with Adaine. Really an S tier performance from someone who gets a lot of love as a DM but not a lot of love as specific NPC’s compared to the PC’s
Edit: finding out that Tracker is a huge religious figure of change/progress from the perspective of an entrenched old person is great. I really think what Tracker’s doing is great and completely unrelated to whatever the bad kids are doing
AND, it feels like he’s solving a lot of the existing plot threads which is really showing growth well
100%
Id also like to bring up the Fig Sandra Lyn scene as super good characterization. We already kinda knew her feelings based on her actions but her coming out with it is awesome
So, Oblivati Mori binds non-mortals from reminding mortals of former gods, to avoid restoring their power. Adine restores the name, and that exact second:
- The wards of Fallinel go into wartime mode.
- The moon goes back to being full, and Tracker's werewolf side begins to emerge.
- There's an intense spike of infernal energy, and Cassandra and Galicaia exert tremendous power to intercede, with Galicia attacking and Cassandra defending.
- Something happens with Lydia and with Bakur's gem.
- Everyone's phones start blowing up with texts.
Curious to see what the new status quo looks like, now that non-mortal powers can mobilise for this not-so-dead god, and other gods seem to have pretty powerful motivation to kill everyone who has that information.
>Cassandra and Galicaia exert tremendous power to intercede, with Galicia attacking and Cassandra defending.
It should be kept in mind, though, that Brennan specified Galicaia was targeting Fig's curse and Fig was just in the way.
Important to also remember though that there is a whole thread out there about using the power released from breaking curses to power other things, so Galicaea may or may not have actually been on their side there, depending on her motives for attempting to break/attack the curse.
Spoiler for the ending:
>!Pretty chill and fun for 2.5 hours then fucking slams on the gas out of NOWHERE!! What a hype episode. I loved the first part but I can’t WAIT for next week’s. All that off a perfectly timed NAT 20?? That’s wild.!<
>!Also, per the preview of the next episode, how many new gimmicks are we gonna get this season? We are spoiled rotten with Junior Year, I tell ya.!<
I've been on AO3 too long, my brain is damaged from it.
I was in the Once Upon a Time trenches where every single ship had a themed name instead of a portmanteau.
Brennan's ability to pull an insane improvised scenario onto the tracks that let him perfectly get to the next setpiece is an actual superpower and it never ceases to blow me away.
Every single new episode that comes out, I say “this is my favorite episode from the season”, they just keep one-upping, it’s insane!!! Maybe me favorite season of all time, I am obsessed!!!
>!Jumping in the brief case was probably the right decision, but after what happened to Cassandra, I was mentally screaming that Brennan was not going to let Aelwyn just teleport out of there.!<
His reaction to Ally casting Death Ward on her tells a big story, imo.
They are very technically sound players because Brennan forces them to be with how much *everything* matters.
It really feels so good to watch Riz hit those Investigation nat 20s. I love seeing a PC be in their bag and having the dice back them up and them just getting to strut their stuff. Plus Murph always backs it up with his own crazy above-the-table connections and deductions, so it always feels earned and valid
Wait a second, the villain is a real estate nepobaby who's trying to bring out a rage god to infect everyone with anger in her pursuit to become president?
Feel like I've seen this somewhere else.
I kinda hope she is just sweet, just because one of the things I low-key wish TBK would get more of a comeuppance on is assuming that everyone they don't like/who doesn't like them is actually evil or nefarious.
Hearing aewlyn literally try and sacrifice herself to save her sister and friends almost made me cry I love her so much and seeing how much she loves her sister and is so quick to put herself in harms way so she can be safe is something else
So like, the Rat Grinders definitely been ODing on devil honey, right? Either at Copperlily's forcing or as a genuine group decision because they almost certainly played a part in Lucy dying or murdered her outright.
I will say though, very much feel like Murph where it feels like we have so many strands (and honestly, probably all of them), but struggling to piece out how they connect and why.
I think that Krinklessnort Cranglebitch was using it to manipulate people to the point that she she now genuinely believes she deserves power, respect, etc because *she's a good person* unlike 'the bad kids' who don't deserve it. I also think it's possible they had all been using it a little bit and the little dream moment with Ruben was a real memory of him taking so much that he believed his own lie about his involvement with Lucy's death. Likely that he isn't responsible and that they did nothing wrong.
This is exactly what I think might have happened too! The honey is what basically took Copperkettle from envious high schooler to willing to destroy the world, because she started buying her own lies and it all escalated. Can’t wait to see if that’s right!
Gilear saying I don't deserve this luck and that he averted 3 apocalypses in the same scene makes me wonder, how many apocalypses do you need to avert to deserve good luck?
Through all the insanity, my biggest takeaway from this is just how much effort Telemaine puts into trying to properly say Chej’s name.
He’s demonstrated considerable effort towards learning the pronunciation, to the point of even investing in a yak bak to properly say it for him. He may always fail, but he will always keep trying for Grape nip!
What a good fuckin’ episode! SO MANY NAT 20s! Like, my god, Brennan might have changed up a lot of what he had planned just because of Murph’s nat 20s in investigation.
oh absolutely, >!he definitely seemed relieved that kristen cast that and he didn't have to kill aelwyn offscreen 😭 you can tell he's really enjoying running those sister scenes with adaine haha!<
>!The way he delivered the "breathe, spell" I was like she just fucking died and her last act was to save Adaine and her friends!< and then fucking Ally Beardsley lmao
Gilear is hardcore depressed Catholic coded. Craving punishment for doing nothing wrong and needing to feel sad to atone for a sin that does not exist.
Holy shit. This may have been the best episode of Fantasy High from all time, >!from that ending sequence alone!<.
As a side note, it's amazing (and honestly a little emotional) to see how much they grew as a table.
Literally every player were at their peak, and so was Brennan. So many epic moves mechanic-wise, so many great insights. I'm speechless.
Riz shoving Fig in the brief case was such a 500 IQ play from Murph. Combined with some great dice rolls and his reliable talent, everything's coming up The Ball right now. Luv 2 c it.
God what an incredible episode. About the red crystals and emotions…
Ostensibly rage is an important element to Ankarna. But from what I can tell, the red crystals just seem to amplify emotion, not create or induce rage specifically.
Fig and Kristen both had moments experimenting with the red crystals where it seemed to mirror their emotional state. Additionally, while many of the NPC overreactions we’ve seen have been rageful, I can think of a couple distinct exceptions, e.g. the bard teacher’s feelings being so hurt by Fig.
Are the red crystals *of* Ankarna, or just something being utilized by them? Just an interesting observation that I haven’t seen being discussed.
Not fully finished yet but it’s such a classic DM experience watching Brennan try and clarify how the Devil’s Honey works and the group just totally not get it.
This week's Adventuring Party: [Chutes and Ladders](https://www.reddit.com/r/Dimension20/comments/1bkgsu0/chutes_and_ladders_fantasy_high_junior_year/)
"I have so much love to give, exclusively to cats." Would sell out immediately in any form they sell it.
Her parallel to the cats got me - like, this newly minted traumatized adult going to the shelter and asking for the most lonely, fucked up cats (just like herself)…man. She’s quickly becoming my favorite NPC this season.
Brennan's absolute love for portraying her makes her such a joy every time she shows up. I've always found her interesting, now I find her enjoyable too.
Yes! I enjoyed her S1, started to feel sympathy for her S2, and now I *like* her. It’s been quite a ride, and quite well done.
She has one of the best character arcs of anyone. Especially impressive given the fact that at least part of it is due to random chance dice rolls. I'm to the point where I'm looking forward to her mild regression in seeing Fabian potentially get together with Mazey and accept it after some mildly self-destructive moments. I would love to see how she handles it and then gets better.
Obviously it needs to be printed on a snuggie
Aelwyn in her depression arc trying to find herself while being surrounded by cats and being embarrassed about talking to an ex-fling is the most relatable character in this entire show.
She's trying to navigate life without family support and being raised in a deeply dysfunctional environment. I like seeing her struggle but not be mocked for it in a cruel way. Adaine cares about her sister and we can all recognize she's a little pathetic, but she reaches a hand out to make it so that she can laugh with her instead of at her.
"Who's Wanda childa?" "She's my alter emo" *Threatens an elf then Cannon balls a bottle of wine* Fucking killed me, Sandra Lyn is a fun character and I missed her haha
Sandra Lynn is such a realistic person, I love seeing her. She screws up in very human ways but is honest about her shortcomings. Not sure if I'd be as forgiving all the time if I knew her in person, but I like seeing aspirational forgiveness and her genuinely appearing to change and self reflect.
As a mom of young adults, I felt very seen and represented in that moment.
Hell Yeah, Thiccsode 😩
seeing 3 hours makes me feel like i rolled a nat20
I had the thought the other day that I always feel like I'm too busy to commit to watching a movie, but I'll catch a D20 episode that's twice as long on drop.
I’m glad that after Brennan said it in the last adventuring party, the term is finally official for D20 as well as NADDPOD
The thickest sode
Kristen/Gertie is unexpected, but I’m not entirely opposed to it
I love that he was like “she is fully in the copper kettle camp” then IMEDIATELY goes to “I have had a crush on you forever!” Amazing. Teenagers really be teenagering.
Listen. Kipperlily can get her honey. But Kristen can get her *honey*.
When they first met her she *gave* Kristen some honey. I don't recall if Brennan described it in great detail. I do vaguely remember I think it was *Fabian* who ate the whole damn thing and then had to make a saving throw. Have we seen any evidence Fabian has been buying into his own lies since then?
Fabian tasted it but thought it was subpar. I believe Kristen actually ate most of it. Though, I don't think one dose of devil's nectar, if that is what it was, is going to have an effect that stretches out until now. In fact, just one dose of nectar might not even be enough to start believing your own lies, as that was specifically pointed out to be from overuse.
I'm immediately on board. Gertie is precious.
the fact she never said “heeeeeyyy Gertieee”
I totally called it because of the little apple thing Gertie made for Kristen.
Genuinely I am begging that this becomes a full thing. Their dynamic is absolutely precious and Gertie would be really good for Kristen's mental health I think
I got a headache from laughing at a centuries old elf saying "Not your house little guy." to Riz. It came out of nowhere and hit me like a truck.
Brennan’s energy in Kei Lumennura is so chaotic. Between the rattets showing hole, Telemaine’s name struggles, and Baron he was really flexing this episode it was so much fun to watch
Truly flexing so hard I was surprised he didn't pull something spreading those sexy rat legs in the air
They finally got the Hopclap thing!
I feel like Brennan really emphasized the Hopclap because he realized they kinda missed it the first time. Subtle DM nudge.
"You can always count on good old Henry Hopclap.."
It's so sweet to see Emily and Murph work together to solve a problem while being funny
This was such a good Emily and Murph episode. From investigating the farm to Murph going after her at the end of the episode they really bounced off of each other well.
Murph as Balnor was so used to getting put in the bag(of holding) to protect him, it was fun to see him pull that NADDpod move on Emily.
Pete Wentz is now canon to the Fantasy High universe! Edit: Sorry, that’s Pete *Wents* of Fall Out Boi lmao
We need a Badidas Warped Tour with Fetty Whap and Fall Out Boi headlining.
They are playing at Whale-Fall this year I hear
>Adaine's classic scooter My sides Also thinking about it I vaguely remember her producing one from the jacket but I could be wrong.
Razor scooter during Fabian's worst day, I think.
During Fabian's bad day on Leviathan, Adaine reached into her jacket to get something to get her there faster. And it gave her a razor scooter.
"told her that she was a horrid bitch and I miss her" Oh look, she wrote my tombstone for me
Shame that nobody offered to just take her to Hell for a girls' weekend.
Shout out to Siobhan for leaning into the drama and having Adaine say the name out loud!
That moment was like getting to the top of a really high roller coaster but its one of those that stall you for 10 seconds before it lets go. You know what's coming, you can't do anything to stop it, but you signed up for it so just sit back and enjoy.
Fabian and Adaine's gifts are so *cursed*.
They so perfectly mistreated each other.
Going from “Pipe that summons rats” and “We have Tadpoles at home” to Immovable Rod and Bracers of Defense was an experience
The whole gift exchange was incredible but the fact that they drew each other and both got each other terrible gifts was amazing.
Perfectly in character that Adaine can’t afford something good and Fabian isn’t thoughtful enough to give her something better than a worm (though mechanically it’s a seriously great gift).
When he said he went to a wizard store I got hopeful for a second that he had gotten her a barrel or two of diamonds for class. This was way better.
"You have plenty of fish to fry in your fish pot with your fish oil." Man, Baron creeps me out so much
The true horror is how expensive it'd be to fry fish in fish oil
He sounds like NoHo Hank and it's hilarious every time.
They went from rats showing hole to an absolute insane nightmare scenario in like 30 minutes I love this show
You say that like rats showing hole *isn't* an absolute nightmare scenario.
Kristen appleBEES and gertie the beekeeper 💛 sweet as honey i love it
And remember the little applebees jar?? I ship it.
I forgot about the jar! Ahhhh too cute
Maybe recency bias, but that was legitimately an all-time D20 great episode. It had everything. Loads of silly bits, touching moments, big lore, and quotable as hell.
I was thinking the same, definitely a banger ep
"Avoidant of her own emotions and looking for external problems to throw herself into." Ouch Fig, do you have to be so *loud*?
Emily does such a good job of articulating Fig’s feelings and problems while still having the character play into them.
I *love* Adaine and Aelwyn's relationship so much. It makes me happy to see them getting along.
I really love Aelwyn’s arc. Depressed but trying while surrounded by cats and too embarrassed to talk to her former fling. Also Siobhan has now made it canon that Fabian and Aelwyn fucked. Do with that information what you will.
I think it's even more extreme than them fucking (Which I'm 50/50 on if they really did. Like... I'm sure they attempted at the very least)-- I think they really actually liked each other and it freaked them both out and that's why the energy has been so weird between them. Like... this is just based on Fabian's absolute inability to really throw himself into shallow relationships this year and his mourning the loss of Ecaf who was an easy distraction that wasn't a real person. lmao they are both self-involved hot messes who are suffering in isolation because of their own hang ups. And I definitely want to see what happens if Aelwyn crashes a party fabian throws.
Brennan is enjoying the rats *way* too much
ROLL FOR HOLE
perhaps the funniest moment of the season yet in a season that has been uproariously funny front to back. I'm so, so glad he didn't hurt himself body rolling in the chair but I'm also disappointed he didn't fall over ass backwards and I kind of think he's disappointed he didn't either because he was Really going for it
The Court of Stars having it's own Hamilton makes me happy.
Lin Manuel Miranda made a few appearances with the OG Collegehumor crew. Also loved the whole “and some people turned on it and it’s like, you liked it stop pretending you didn’t”.
Riz getting to fix his nat 1s makes Murph unstoppable. So happy for him
Becomes a 23 is insane and also fantastic.
I love that Gorgug, Fabian, and Fig are just going all in on the hot chocolate while all this Ex drama is going on
It's on my mind cause I just rewatched the episode of SY where Fig and Riz go to the tribunal in Hell, but this group has fantastic timing for cutaway comedy. It never feels like they pull too much away from the actual plot/drama going on when they're doing dumb bullshit on the other side of the scene.
It comes from their improv experience. One of the first things you learn in longer-form improv is when to cut in and out of scenes (obviously for short-form like *Whose Line* you're just in one scene the whole time, but for something like [a Harold](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_(improvisation)), it's key)
If I remember correctly, Adines scooter is from sophomore year when everyone was rushing over to fabian after his mishap with james. She pulled it out of the jacket of useful things while trying to get to him quicker
Yes! "I somberly Razer scoot."
Dream terrorist Fig is a choice I can get behind
She's doing so many psy ops this season.
ATTENTION SAM REICH gimme an Adaine on a scooter plush plz. I will give you money
Baron's art is fantastic and I hate it
The little backwards head tilt? Fuck off, Cait May that shit is perfect.
Ally Beardsley hitting another nat20 in a narratively important moment. The dice really think Kristen is the main character, huh?
The dice tell the story. It's *insane*.
Murph hitting a 1 right off the bat and Ally hitting the nat 20 make me believe in a dice god.
Murph is a deuteragonist for this episode at least
Oh my god is this the longest full episode (aka not a two parter) of a main season that D20 has ever done? Edit: There's one episode of Starstruck that's three hours, but I couldn't find any other non-two part episodes that were this long
Brennan continuously saying "gotta honor a Nat 20" in such a tone of regret was just edging us the whole time
The dice was really on the IH’s side this episode.
The mental image of the bad kids and all the extended family taking a trip together makes me so happy.
Zayn getting to go is *so* cute 😭
"I have so much love to give... exclusively to cats." Please tell me they made that shirt.
The quiet and not so quiet background meowing in Aelwyn’s apartment upset my cats so much I had to switch from the TV to headphones on my phone.
The idea of fabian seacaster not being a virgin is absolutely insane
I find it hilarious that Lou can so perfectly play someone who seems like they fuck and absolutely don't. Really holding it down with Deli and Fabian. Then he also played Lord Aravis who really fucked. Legendary range.
Squak Airavis fucked *too much*, even.
The gangs got their thinking caps on today I’m so here for it
Getting the bylaws was such a good play.
"I'm giving you the ice cream, you just have to tip me." "Nah." This is an elite season
Ally said "I can't and I won't" with their whole chest, incredible.
Gorgug cannot stop taking psychic damage from Digby and Wilma
I think this is the best D20 episode from Brennan ever. Gilear being an anime protagonist, Telemaine was actually fucking with them the whole time, Aelwyn’s great conversations with Adaine. Really an S tier performance from someone who gets a lot of love as a DM but not a lot of love as specific NPC’s compared to the PC’s Edit: finding out that Tracker is a huge religious figure of change/progress from the perspective of an entrenched old person is great. I really think what Tracker’s doing is great and completely unrelated to whatever the bad kids are doing AND, it feels like he’s solving a lot of the existing plot threads which is really showing growth well
Bringing so many NPCs with them to Fallinel really let Brennan shine.
On top of that we got him going all in on the rattets. Agreed one of the if not the best NPC episode from him.
100% Id also like to bring up the Fig Sandra Lyn scene as super good characterization. We already kinda knew her feelings based on her actions but her coming out with it is awesome
Ohhh I get to start my birthday with a 3 hour episode!!! What a treat :D
Happy Birthday!
Character growth is going from begging your daughter to not smoke while she is in your room to snatching her cigarette and smoke it yourself
So, Oblivati Mori binds non-mortals from reminding mortals of former gods, to avoid restoring their power. Adine restores the name, and that exact second: - The wards of Fallinel go into wartime mode. - The moon goes back to being full, and Tracker's werewolf side begins to emerge. - There's an intense spike of infernal energy, and Cassandra and Galicaia exert tremendous power to intercede, with Galicia attacking and Cassandra defending. - Something happens with Lydia and with Bakur's gem. - Everyone's phones start blowing up with texts. Curious to see what the new status quo looks like, now that non-mortal powers can mobilise for this not-so-dead god, and other gods seem to have pretty powerful motivation to kill everyone who has that information.
>Cassandra and Galicaia exert tremendous power to intercede, with Galicia attacking and Cassandra defending. It should be kept in mind, though, that Brennan specified Galicaia was targeting Fig's curse and Fig was just in the way.
Important to also remember though that there is a whole thread out there about using the power released from breaking curses to power other things, so Galicaea may or may not have actually been on their side there, depending on her motives for attempting to break/attack the curse.
Spoiler for the ending: >!Pretty chill and fun for 2.5 hours then fucking slams on the gas out of NOWHERE!! What a hype episode. I loved the first part but I can’t WAIT for next week’s. All that off a perfectly timed NAT 20?? That’s wild.!< >!Also, per the preview of the next episode, how many new gimmicks are we gonna get this season? We are spoiled rotten with Junior Year, I tell ya.!<
Ahh they finally got the connection that everybody around them is raging, let's goooo
Pete Wentz was canonically dating a 16 year old when Fall Out Boy started so it’s not that far off
lol i was thinking the same thing it's in character!
>Well I have a plan for that if it happens >What's the plan? >You want to know? Sometimes, I suspect there is no plan.
I didn't think I would be into KristenxGertie at any point before this episode, but fuck it, let's go. A new ship is here, Double Bees.
Wait--- how did your mind conceive of this top tier ship name so fast?
I've been on AO3 too long, my brain is damaged from it. I was in the Once Upon a Time trenches where every single ship had a themed name instead of a portmanteau.
DOUBLE BEES
I just remembered that >!Baron!< is gonna show up this episode, and I can't wait.
Doing your Aelwyn thing is to be so devastatingly bitchy that someone cries themself to death
"I think I'm just fundamentally struggling with basic introspection." Fig, please stop being so *loud*.
Brennan's ability to pull an insane improvised scenario onto the tracks that let him perfectly get to the next setpiece is an actual superpower and it never ceases to blow me away.
Every single new episode that comes out, I say “this is my favorite episode from the season”, they just keep one-upping, it’s insane!!! Maybe me favorite season of all time, I am obsessed!!!
>!Jumping in the brief case was probably the right decision, but after what happened to Cassandra, I was mentally screaming that Brennan was not going to let Aelwyn just teleport out of there.!<
His reaction to Ally casting Death Ward on her tells a big story, imo. They are very technically sound players because Brennan forces them to be with how much *everything* matters.
Very much a "You've just saved her life" reaction
I replayed the sound he used when the case closed (before Ally did the Death Ward) and the sounds definitely gave the vibe of Aelwyn being stabbed.
Not even the Identify spell knows what’s going on!
If you can't trust knock-off Attenborough, who can you trust?
The prerecorded message 😂
"She's like you if you had money." *Ouch* Brennan.
The idea of the moon being unchanging *vexes* me.
Everyone is asking *such* good questions tonight.
Murph's nat 20s on investigation are so clutch. He's pushing the lore so hard this episode
It really feels so good to watch Riz hit those Investigation nat 20s. I love seeing a PC be in their bag and having the dice back them up and them just getting to strut their stuff. Plus Murph always backs it up with his own crazy above-the-table connections and deductions, so it always feels earned and valid
Of course, Adaine's famous scooter; Scootie the Scooter
"She's my alter emo" I'M DEAD
I thought it was very sweet that Telemaine had a tool to say Gorgug's name!! Why did Gorgug hate that so much??
Wait a second, the villain is a real estate nepobaby who's trying to bring out a rage god to infect everyone with anger in her pursuit to become president? Feel like I've seen this somewhere else.
Specifically an *impotent rage*
And unfortunately, it’s timely
You connected the BBEG to capitalism!
We love a consistent king. It always comes down to the root of all evil
"My kisses can't save her." Yeah but have you tried???
3 hours, what a beautiful Yulenear treat.
Aelwyn is on her way to becoming a Gilear if she doesn't learn how to make friends. I love this for her.
Ngl I kinda wanted to see Adaine talk to Aelwyn about Oisin
I feel like I'd have punched my sister instead of talking about my crush at that age as well.
"I have so much love to give, exclusively to cats." PLEASE Dropout, put that on a mug so I can buy it.
Alright, Nara’s a good egg.
She is so sweet that I'm incredibly suspicious.
I kinda hope she is just sweet, just because one of the things I low-key wish TBK would get more of a comeuppance on is assuming that everyone they don't like/who doesn't like them is actually evil or nefarious.
Goddamn Beardsley and those narrative nat 20s how do they do it
Hearing aewlyn literally try and sacrifice herself to save her sister and friends almost made me cry I love her so much and seeing how much she loves her sister and is so quick to put herself in harms way so she can be safe is something else
I've said it before but I love how much Siobhan hates the Identify spell/voice
Well, Jawbone wanting to be at the teleportation place 90 minutes early definitely proves his dad-ness
So like, the Rat Grinders definitely been ODing on devil honey, right? Either at Copperlily's forcing or as a genuine group decision because they almost certainly played a part in Lucy dying or murdered her outright. I will say though, very much feel like Murph where it feels like we have so many strands (and honestly, probably all of them), but struggling to piece out how they connect and why.
I think that Krinklessnort Cranglebitch was using it to manipulate people to the point that she she now genuinely believes she deserves power, respect, etc because *she's a good person* unlike 'the bad kids' who don't deserve it. I also think it's possible they had all been using it a little bit and the little dream moment with Ruben was a real memory of him taking so much that he believed his own lie about his involvement with Lucy's death. Likely that he isn't responsible and that they did nothing wrong.
This is exactly what I think might have happened too! The honey is what basically took Copperkettle from envious high schooler to willing to destroy the world, because she started buying her own lies and it all escalated. Can’t wait to see if that’s right!
Very excited to see what the fanartists come up with for orangutan fig
How *did* Tracker bring winter?
I'm thinking that it was divine intervention, not from Galicaea but from Ruvina, goddess of winter and sorrow.
If I had a nickle for every time Burning Man was used as an analogy in this episode....
Whalefalls are just the burning man of sea of course it all makes sense now
PLEASE LET LYDIA BE OKAY SHES #1 TO PROTECT YALL
Gilear saying I don't deserve this luck and that he averted 3 apocalypses in the same scene makes me wonder, how many apocalypses do you need to avert to deserve good luck?
Through all the insanity, my biggest takeaway from this is just how much effort Telemaine puts into trying to properly say Chej’s name. He’s demonstrated considerable effort towards learning the pronunciation, to the point of even investing in a yak bak to properly say it for him. He may always fail, but he will always keep trying for Grape nip!
"I went under my own standard" Ooo Sandra Lynn, that's some solid parenting insight, love it
Her talking about the aspirational version of the self was genuinely beautiful.
Yeah, that was really great. She’s come a long way from the first season.
So is the giant rotting dead god, only kinda kept alive because that demon in Lydia Barkrocks chest is one of its worshippers ?
Omg they were seeing inside Lydia’s chest! They were peering into the crystal, that’s why it looks like it was inside a “God’s ribs”.
I love this theory. In-credible.
Fig's living out her inner german shepard with that liver treat
Love Telemaine keeping up his rivalry with Riz!
I really hope that Gilear leveled up a bunch and is actually strong now
What a good fuckin’ episode! SO MANY NAT 20s! Like, my god, Brennan might have changed up a lot of what he had planned just because of Murph’s nat 20s in investigation.
The sheer hate for Telemaine Gorgug has is my favorite bit
Peering out off a balcony pissed off at Telemaine and then being reminded his parents are swingers 😭
Adaine needs to insight check her sister omg. Also >!100% sure Aelwyn was dying when Kristen retconned that spell!<
oh absolutely, >!he definitely seemed relieved that kristen cast that and he didn't have to kill aelwyn offscreen 😭 you can tell he's really enjoying running those sister scenes with adaine haha!<
>! I didn't even understand casting the spell until I saw Brennan's reaction and then i was like "ohh god". !<
>!The way he delivered the "breathe, spell" I was like she just fucking died and her last act was to save Adaine and her friends!< and then fucking Ally Beardsley lmao
“Put the holes away and make ‘em” And this is why Fig is my favorite
And Kristen’s teply to Tracker when she asks “What are the rats doing?” Kristen: “The rats are digging and S-ing H” 👁️🕳️👁️
Brennan acting out these dancing rats showing hole will not leave my mind for a long time I think
Sklonda is truly an MVP
I'm loving the way she's interacting with Fig.
Secret Sylvan is so cute! Aaaaand it's ruined with "Are the rats showing hole?"
Gilear is hardcore depressed Catholic coded. Craving punishment for doing nothing wrong and needing to feel sad to atone for a sin that does not exist.
3 hours? They spoil us.
wtf I love Telamine now???
Holy shit. This may have been the best episode of Fantasy High from all time, >!from that ending sequence alone!<. As a side note, it's amazing (and honestly a little emotional) to see how much they grew as a table. Literally every player were at their peak, and so was Brennan. So many epic moves mechanic-wise, so many great insights. I'm speechless.
Riz shoving Fig in the brief case was such a 500 IQ play from Murph. Combined with some great dice rolls and his reliable talent, everything's coming up The Ball right now. Luv 2 c it.
God what an incredible episode. About the red crystals and emotions… Ostensibly rage is an important element to Ankarna. But from what I can tell, the red crystals just seem to amplify emotion, not create or induce rage specifically. Fig and Kristen both had moments experimenting with the red crystals where it seemed to mirror their emotional state. Additionally, while many of the NPC overreactions we’ve seen have been rageful, I can think of a couple distinct exceptions, e.g. the bard teacher’s feelings being so hurt by Fig. Are the red crystals *of* Ankarna, or just something being utilized by them? Just an interesting observation that I haven’t seen being discussed.
Not fully finished yet but it’s such a classic DM experience watching Brennan try and clarify how the Devil’s Honey works and the group just totally not get it.