What can our heroes save before everything falls apart?
***The Ordinary Epic contains depictions of fantasy violence, including combat, mortal harm, and bodily injury as well as some cursing and adult themes. Listener and reader discretion is advised.***
TRANSCRIPT
JORDAN STILLMAN
The Ordinary Epic contains depictions of fantasy violence, including combat, mortal harm, and bodily injury, as well as some cursing and adult themes. Listener discretion is advised.
ATHENA
The Ordinary Epic, Season One, Episode 6: Amends.
EMO
Hey, Athena... how was your week...?
ATHENA
It was okay, Emo; thanks for asking.
MARCUS
...See any good movies... or TV—?
ATHENA
Not really.
MARCUS
That’s cool...
ATHENA
Is everyone ready?
DANIEL
Yes, but... (awkward sound)
EMO
We’re really sorry about last week.
ATHENA
Don’t worry about that now.
DOMINIC
Do you still want this to be our last...?
ATHENA
Cell phones silenced?
MARCUS
I left mine at home this time...
EMO
How can we change your—?
ATHENA
Emo, everyone—that’s enough. We’re just going to enjoy tonight. Okay?
EMO/MARCUS/DOMINIC/DANIEL
(various resigned responses)
ATHENA
Everyone ready now?
EMO
I guess...
ATHENA
Okay.
MUSIC CUE: Tense, anticipatory music that builds straight into the main theme
ATHENA (cont.)
The next morning, while making preparations to leave from your extended stay at the Tipsy Troglodyte, you learn that the unthinkable has occurred...
SFX: Ambiance of upstairs bedroom at a tavern, morning
SFX: Benedict runs in, door slams open
BENEDICT
Everyone, uh...! I have some really bad news.
CAELUS
Oh, no—you’re a fundamentalist zealot again.
MERRICK
What happened, Benedict?
BENEDICT
The Godstaff pieces... they’re—
CAELUS
You lost them?
MERRICK
Stolen.
BENEDICT
Yeah...
THACK
That not good.
CAELUS
It’s a bit worse than “not good,” I’m afraid—it’s very, very bad.
MERRICK
How bad?
CAELUS
These pieces were hidden away from each other in the far corners of the world for good reason—the Godstaff’s power, when completely assembled, would be much greater than the sum of its individual parts.
THACK
More bloody battle, more glory. Thack not mind.
CAELUS
A completed Godstaff could spell disaster on a scale we cannot fathom and could not possibly stop, Thack. If we can’t prevent the pieces from joining together... then, my friends... I fear this could be the end.
THACK
Pointy ears say “friend”—Thack worried now.
BENEDICT
But... only if they fall into the wrong hands, right?
MERRICK
Whose hands do you think have them now...?
BENEDICT
...Right. Right. What are we going to do.
MUSIC: The Ordinary Epic opening theme.
SFX: Same ambiance as before
MERRICK
Let’s review what we know. Benedict, you told us that story about how the original Godstaff was shattered.
CAELUS
I believe you’ll find that I told that story. Benedict filled in the pointless mythical bits.
BENEDICT
I may not have the connection to Godwin that I once did, Caelus, but I still don’t appreciate this kind of blasphemy.
CAELUS
Ugh.
MERRICK
And they did this because—...?
BENEDICT
Torak the Betrayer shattered it, after a great conflict that nearly destroyed this world. We’ve seen what just two of the individual pieces can do. Imagine what the entire Godstaff must be capable of.
THACK
Anything...
BENEDICT
Yeah, see, that doesn’t sound as exciting to me as it does to you.
THACK
Sound like very big violence, that all. Sound fun.
BENEDICT
Not violence in the sense you’re thinking, Thack.
MERRICK
More like... “kaboom” we’re all dead?
BENEDICT
“Kaboom” everyone and everything is dead, all at once.
THACK
Hmph. That less fun.
CAELUS
That’s a bit of an oversimplification, but yes, that is one possibility of many, few of them good.
MERRICK
Did your mentor say anything in that message that could help us?
CAELUS
She does love to speak, but what she says is rarely of use.
MERRICK
Anything at all.
CAELUS
Most of what she wrote I already knew—her specialty, I’ll add—and intimated that in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing and doesn’t care about the consequences, the individual pieces are almost as powerful, and dangerous, as the Godstaff itself.
BENEDICT
That’s reassuring...
MERRICK
But they only have two pieces, right? How are two pieces nearly as dangerous as the whole?
CAELUS
The Archon Maerwynn did not deign to specify.
MERRICK
Then we’ll have to speak with her, learn more about what we’re up against.
CAELUS
I’m surprised at you, Merrick. This really seems like the sort of thing you’d advocate running
from.
MERRICK
Yeah, well, running in this case wouldn’t be of much use, would it?
BENEDICT
Plus you promised to help me protect the pieces and keep them out of the wrong hands...
MERRICK
Right, that too. Yes, of-of course.
THACK
Too much talk. Time go, track Buyer, cut off head. Maybe stab few times first.
MERRICK
There will be time for that, Thack. But first...
CAELUS
Yes, well, unfortunately the Archon’s tower is a week’s journey from here. We’ll simply have to seek our privileged information elsewhere.
MERRICK
Did they also steal your talkstone?
CAELUS
...No.
BENEDICT
“Talk stone”?
MERRICK
A device that allows for quick communication between one stone and another, even miles away.
BENEDICT
Clearly I’m missing something, because we spent three days waiting at this dingy tavern for a messenger to arrive, when all this time Caelus could have just—
CAELUS
No one writes anymore! Someone has to keep these charming traditions ali—
MERRICK
He hates speaking with her.
CAELUS
I really detest it.
BENEDICT
For the love of—Then I’ll do it!
CAELUS
No! I will...
SFX: Reaching into a pouch and pulling out an object
SFX: A magical “calling” sound
CAELUS (cont.)
I hope you all appreciate this.
BENEDICT
Would have appreciated it a lot more three days ag—
SFX: “Calling” sound terminates
CAELUS
Sh!
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Why if it isn’t my wayward apprentice, returning to me yet again, but only because he needs something. You received my note, I trust?
CAELUS
Yes, Archon.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Oh, lovely. I’m pleasantly surprised that I won’t have to repeat myself for once.
BENEDICT
I can’t hear her. What’s she saying?
MERRICK
Only Caelus can.
BENEDICT
Ask her—
CAELUS
Silence!
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) I beg your pardon.
CAELUS
Not you, Archon. I’m... presently surrounded by babbling idiots.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Hm. Well you always have kept like company.
CAELUS
(a long sigh of frustration)
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Why have you called, apprentice?
CAELUS
My “like company” and I had possession of two of the Godstaff pieces—
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) “Had”?
CAELUS
...Yes.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) You mean that you lost them?!
CAELUS
They were taken from us.
MUSIC CUE: Light touch, underscoring the stakes and emotion
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) I was given to understand that your need of my expertise was academic in nature, though as you never were much of a student, I should have surmised that something was amiss...
CAELUS
We had it under control.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Yes! Clearly.
CAELUS
Revered Archon, we need to know about the specific dangers that just two of these Godstaff pieces could pose.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) You should have come to me the moment you acquired even one of them. In theory, just one Godstaff piece could be used in one of the thirteen named forbidden rituals to channel the power of a god. But two...
CAELUS
Archon...?
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Two of them might be able to summon a god itself, the consequences of which would likely spell the end of most life on this world. Tell me at least that you lost them to someone who knows not their power.
CAELUS
I... wish that I could.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Then the end is truly upon us. That is a great pity. I rather liked this world...
CAELUS
There is still a chance. We know at least where they’ve likely been taken.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Yes... I suppose we must try. I will contact the Circle to see what of this power we can prevent, if anything. Unfortunately for us, however, we are too far away and acting far too late—it falls on you to stop this.
CAELUS
I’ll have help.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) You’ll need it. Farewell, apprentice. I regret that I could not have taught you more, despite your many shortcomings.
MUSIC CUE: Music ends
CAELUS
I’m quite content with the small amount I was somehow able to glean, Archon, despite your great arrogance. Farewell.
MAERWYNN
(distorted, echoey) Wh—
SFX: Talkstone effect cuts out; Caelus forcefully returns the talkstone to his pouch
CAELUS
Pompous old lich.
MERRICK
Sounds like that went well...
BENEDICT
What did she say?
CAELUS
That this is potentially far worse than we thought. A completed Godstaff isn’t our only concern—the individual pieces could also be used in a dark ritual of some kind to—
MERRICK
—to “cheat” the power of a god?
CAELUS
Yes, or in this case even summon a god itself. How would you know...?
THACK
That how pretty boy bring pointy ears back.
CAELUS
(sound of surprise)
BENEDICT
I mean... it wasn’t exactly a “dark” ritual, and I knew better than to use a Godstaff piece, but... yeah. I sort of did do that.
CAELUS
You really did that for me...?
BENEDICT
Of course.
CAELUS
That was reckless! And stupid! And you should not have done it under any circumstances!
BENEDICT
Preaching to the choir....
CAELUS
But thank you.
BENEDICT
You’re welcome, Caelus.
CAELUS
But don’t do it again!
BENEDICT
Moot point, but noted.
CAELUS
Enough of this talk! We need to move.
THACK
Thack say so hours ago...
CAELUS
(to Merrick) Homnett?
MERRICK
Homnett.
BENEDICT
Homnett?!
THACK
(skeptical growl)
CAELUS
It’s on our way and we desperately need more information.
BENEDICT
You said yourself that we know where the pieces have been taken. We aren’t we heading straight to the Baron’s keep?
MERRICK
Unless we absolutely have to, it’s too risky, Benedict.
BENEDICT
Don’t you think now might be the time to start taking a few—
MERRICK
We’d be walking in completely blind to an extremely well-guarded keep that we—actually you—robbed mere weeks ago. Remember that? And we don’t know our adversary even a little. If the Baron is simply collecting these pieces with no intent or ability to use them, then we can bide our time, steal them back when we have the advantage. But to go back in now... It would be suicide.
BENEDICT
But they already have the pieces...
CAELUS
The Buyer seems to enjoy torturing the people of this world too much to desire its end. I doubt he’s our concern. The Baron, however...
MUSIC CUE: Transitional, tense, building stakes
MERRICK
His “buyer” is a highly trained assassin who seems to do more wanton killing than actual purchasing; smart coin says that the Baron is, at the very least, not a nice person. But we still need to speak with someone who really knows the man before we go charging in.
BENEDICT
You can’t possibly mean...
THACK
Little man in little wooden home. Sound like Thack get violence after all...
ATHENA
After a day’s hurried journey back to a town you planned never to see again, you are quite surprised to be granted an immediate audience with Homnett’s Mayor, who, by all appearances, does not appear pleased to see “Homnett’s Heroes” again...
MAYOR
So you’ve returned. To the scene of the crime, so to speak.
MERRICK
...Mayor, I’m not sure what you—?
MAYOR
These orcs, Merrick.
THACK
Choose words careful, little man.
MAYOR
Ohh no no. Not this again. I’m not some kind of human supremacist, Thark—
BENEDICT
—“Thack”—
MAYOR
—Thack... but I do call it like I see it. They don’t do anything, far as I can tell, just lounge about all day, barking at one another, scaring the kids. And worse, now they’re... self-righteous.
THACK
Almost like orc think they have right to be here...?
MAYOR
Yes. Precisely.
THACK
(low growl)
MAYOR
That’s not even the worst of it. Those ruins... there was barely anything in there at all!
CAELUS
Oh no...!
MERRICK
You’re quite certain, Mayor?
MAYOR
Yes I am quite certain. I assume that’s why you’re here—to collect your share. Hate to tell you but all we have for our troubles are some pottery shards, old cutlery, and a dozen-plus pissed-off orcs. I hired you lot to clear them out, and instead... When you make a plan, you don’t expect that it’ll turn out exactly like you want. Of course not. But when things turn out so completely the opposite of how you planned them time and time again... Well, it’s very disappointing. Very.
THACK
Hm. Not disappointing for all...
MAYOR
And just what do you—
MERRICK
Mayor, if you’ll allow me... I may have a solution. Well, a-a partial solution.
MAYOR
I’m listening.
MERRICK
I have... something of an eye for hidden things. If there’s anything you missed down there, I’ll be certain to see it.
BENEDICT
Merrick, what are you possibly going to fi—
MERRICK
Who knows what might appear when you look again with fresh eyes?
BENEDICT
...Ah.
MAYOR
It might be worth a try, if you can get past... them.
THACK
“They” not be problem. Thack ask nicely.
MAYOR
Uh huh. And what will this cost me?
MERRICK
Almost nothing at all—we’re seeking audience with the Baron about another matter, and anything... personal, anything at all, that you could tell us about him would greatly help us—
MAYOR
Oh, well, he’s a dark cultist bent on the resurrection of Torak the Betrayer.
MUSIC CUE: The worst has come to pass
THACK
(grunt of surprise)
MERRICK
Wh— what?!
MAYOR
(laughs) Sure! We all are.
CAELUS
Excuse me??
MAYOR
Oh, calm down. It’s really more like a social club—once a month we’ll have a wine tasting, sing the Banished Lord’s praises, sacrifice some critter, grouse about the missus. Harmless fun! If you actually wanted to pull off the resurrection, you’d need several parts of the “Godstaff of Many Pieces”—at least two—and, heh, it’s not like any of us have those lying around!
BENEDICT
...Godwin’s balls.
JORDAN STILLMAN
Hi everyone—Jordan here with a podcast recommendation. If you’re into The Ordinary Epic, you’re going to absolutely love Inn Between. The show follows a scrappy band of unlikely adventurers from quest to quest, in episodes chock full of monsters, fighting, and friendship. It’s such a sweet, funny, and beautifully sincere show—I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s the trailer:
TESSA
You get all sorts of folks at the Goblin’s Head. It’s adventurers, usually, off seeking fame or money or honor, what have you, finding a party, joining a quest—you know the story, I’m sure.
VELUNE
(soothing) Miss, please, put away your axe, and sir, your sword. There’s no reason to fight.
STERLING
Sir—or madame—
VELUNE
Oh, neither. Call me Friar, my son. What’s your name, young mage?
MELTYRE
Meltyre, member of the Circle of the Greenish Fire.
STERLING
Greenish?
MELTYRE
More sort of aquamarine?
FINA
Well I am Fina Butterbuns of the Hiltshire Butterbuns, halfling bard extraordinaire. (Plays a few cheerful notes on a guitar.) And this is my friend and associate. Betty.
BETTY
‘Sup.
FINA
And you, Paladon’t? What’s your moniker?
STERLING
(grudgingly) Sterling. Whitetower.
MELTYRE
Not Lord Sterling Whitetower?
VOICEOVER/TESSA:
Thrown together by circumstance, united by friendship, they’re off on their quest… And they keep coming back to my inn. For some reason.
FINA
Hey, Top Gun, you don’t want to push your luck with Betty. She’ll kill you.
MUSIC: Cuts out.
MELTYRE
(muttering) What’s a gun?
MUSIC: Comes back in.
STERLING
(panicked) Gods--gods, do something, someone!
MAN’S VOICE
Stake him! Stake him!
FINA
This is why we don’t split the party and leave the bard to protect the old person!
VELUNE
Sweet Pelor, have you been lying about who you are your entire life?
MELTYRE
We’re all going to die, Sterling, don’t you see that?
FINA
I don’t know how you roll so high.
VELUNE
Roll?
VOICEOVER/TESSA
Inn Between: a fantasy-adventure audio drama, now available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitchr, or wherever you get podcasts. We’ll see you at the inn!
JORDAN STILLMAN
They’ve just started releasing season two, so now is the perfect time to start listening. We hope you’ll check it out. And now, back to The Ordinary Epic.
MUSIC CUE: Beginning of tense, high stakes, stealthy theme
CAELUS
(distorted, echoey) I would like to state, yet again, that I think this is a terrible plan.
MERRICK
(distorted, echoey) Your objections are noted, yet again. Thack was right—this is the best plan, Caelus. Maybe the only plan.
CAELUS
(distorted, echoey) That’s what worries me...
MERRICK
(distorted, echoey) It’ll work. And if it doesn’t... it won’t matter anyway. Benedict and I are in place.
CAELUS
(distorted, echoey) I’m ready. (normal voice) Thack, are you prepared?
THACK
(back in disguise as Lady Aurelia) Lady Aurelia very ready, pointy ears. Uh, “Lord Norton.”
CAELUS
Terrible plan... (distorted, echoey) We’re moving; go!
MUSIC CUE: Music ends
SFX: Sound of a reinforced door opening
SFX: Sound of armored man rising from desk
CHIEF GUARD
What is the meaning of— You! Caelus.
CAELUS
I expect you’ll have some questions of us, good si—... Ah, apologies... how did you address me?
THACK
Thought your name Lord Norton? Northam?
CHIEF GUARD
Caelus Skyree of the High Elves, isn’t it?
CAELUS
(reacts; they’re busted!)
CHIEF GUARD
It’s one thing to boldly walk back into the Baron’s estate after having just weeks ago masterminded a robbery here... but quite another to tangle an innocent maiden into your sinister scheme.
THACK
(giggles with delight) Innocent maiden not think beautiful man remember I!
CHIEF GUARD
Forget...? I’ve thought of little else...
CAELUS
(reacts; they’re... half busted?)
MUSIC CUE: Stealthy tense transition!
SFX: Two people padding stealthily down a hallway; one more stealthily than the other
MERRICK
(whispering) Benedict, Caelus’s invisibility spell doesn’t mute sound; you have to walk quietly too.
BENEDICT
(regular voice) How do I—?
MERRICK
Roll your feet! Also, whispering helps? How in the seven hells did you steal that second piece without getting caught?
BENEDICT
(whispering now) All the guards were after you.
MERRICK
You pressed an advantage.
BENEDICT
I got lucky.
SFX: A door opens, then distant armored footsteps approach
MERRICK
That alcove—go!
SFX: They scurry to a hiding place
BENEDICT/MERRICK
(breathing)
SFX: The two guards are getting closer
MALE GUARD
They’re heading where?
FEMALE GUARD
The dungeon laboratory. Kythorn left explicit instructions that he and the Baron were not to be disturbed, under any circumstances.
MALE GUARD
I will never understand why the Baron tolerates that man.
FEMALE GUARD
Maybe they’re two horns of the same demon.
MALE GUARD
Feeling especially treasonous today, Thea?
FEMALE GUARD
No more than usual.
MALE GUARD
Hmph.
MERRICK
(holds his breath)
SFX: A ring of keys being lifted, softly
SFX: The guards have passed Merrick and Benedict and are now moving farther away
FEMALE GUARD
But it is strange, isn’t it?
MALE GUARD
We are speaking of Kythorn—what might you consider “normal”?
FEMALE GUARD
That’s fair...
MERRICK
(exhales) You see, Benedict? Luck is where preparation meets skill.
BENEDICT
Hm.
FEMALE GUARD
But, suppose there’s an emergency? What then?
MALE GUARD
Oh, I have the master key.
SFX: Pat pat. Male Guard stops walking and then Female Guard too.
MALE GUARD
Uhhh.
BENEDICT
Umm... Merrick?
FEMALE GUARD
Where’s the key? Did you drop it?
MERRICK
(hard whisper) Hells. Move. Now!
SFX: Merrick and Benedict pad quickly away
MALE GUARD
(getting farther away) Look around; it can’t have gone far...
MUSIC CUE: Tense stealthy theme building, brings us into next scene
MERRICK
(distorted, echoey) Caelus, the ritual has already started. They’re in a dungeon laboratory. We’ll have to move quickly.
CAELUS
(distorted, echoey) Noted. We’re a bit preoccupied at the moment, but will do our best...!
MUSIC CUE: Music ends
CHIEF GUARD
Well?? What have you to say for yourself, “Lord Norton”?
CAELUS
Apologies, good sir—my mind was elsewhere.
SFX: Shink! of a longsword being drawn
CAELUS
Ah!
CHIEF GUARD
Now do I have your full attention?
THACK
Beautiful man not need kill terrible pointy ears with well-oiled longsword....
CHIEF GUARD
You noticed?
THACK
Lots of killin’ rust sword, unless oil each night.
CHIEF GUARD
My lady... I must question this man, for your sake and mine.
CAELUS
Oh you really don’t—I’ll happily tell you—
CHIEF GUARD
Silence!
CAELUS
(reacts to sword on neck)
CHIEF GUARD
Now speak. You’re the elven sage. Mage.
CAELUS
(voice constricted) Whichever...
CHIEF GUARD
Then is the silvertongue also here? Merrick?
THACK
This really not needful...! Maybe beautiful man and I, uh, go to other room, and...?
CHIEF GUARD
M’lady, please. Your dignity. (to Caelus) Where’s the other one?
CAELUS
(a questioning sound)
THACK
What “dignity”?
CHIEF GUARD
“What’s dignity”...? Just—a moment, Lady.
THACK
Maybe show I’s “dignity” to beautiful man in other—
CHIEF GUARD
(to Caelus) Where’s the troll?
CAELUS
(a strangled sound similar to “Troll...?”)
CHIEF GUARD
Merrick—the half-breed who twice stole a prized possession of the Baron’s. He travels with an elf—you—and a troll berserker. Where is the troll.
THACK
Half-orc.
CHIEF GUARD
M’lady...?
MUSIC CUE: An emotional revelation for Thack
THACK
Thack half-orc. Thack mother Thacko, chief of clan. Thack father human... like you.
CHIEF GUARD
Well, that’s disgusting... and how do you know so much about...?
THACK
They very much in love until she killed by bunch of humans who thought she monster. Father take his own life. Thack not troll. Thack half-orc.
CHIEF GUARD
You’re… it.
CAELUS
Exsilium magicum.
SFX: The two spells on Thack are dismissed
THACK
(transition back to regular voice) Hello, beautiful man...
MUSIC CUE: Music ends
CHIEF GUARD
Oh, Gods!
THACK
Nope... just I.
CHIEF GUARD
I can’t believe I fell for this... base trickery. I trusted you. I let down my guard, and... Well.
MUSIC CUE: An emotional revelation for Caelus
CAELUS
The illusion wasn’t that powerful... You saw what you wished to see. If you loved this woman in one shape but not in another, then it wasn’t love. Personally, I prefer her like this, as she truly is.
EMO
What...?
CHIEF GUARD
Are you saying you’re in love with this— this—
CAELUS
“Love”? What?!
MUSIC CUE: Caelus’s theme sort of shorts out
CAELUS (cont.)
No! No no no no no no no. No. No! (awkward laugh) Anyway, ah, we really do have to go...
CHIEF GUARD
No, Caelus, “Thack.” You’re not going anywhere. Not if I have anything to say ab—
THACK
(grunts as she throws a big punch)
CHIEF GUARD
Ooo—!
SFX: Thack knocks him clear across the room, his armored body clattering to the floor. He doesn’t get up.
THACK
Thack think beautiful man say enough.
MERRICK
(distorted, echoey) Caelus, we’re almost in.
CAELUS
Thack. Let’s go. (distorted, echoey) We’re coming, but not quietly...
MUSIC CUE: Stealthy tense theme at its peak brings us into the final confrontation
SFX: A big master key being fitted into a big door. The lock turns, releases.
MERRICK
Ready...?
BENEDICT
Nope...
MERRICK/BENEDICT
(grunt)
SFX: Big door is pushed open.
SFX: Sound of a big dark ritual in its end stages at the far end of a long room.
BUYER
(near the door) Merrick. Benedict.
MERRICK
Uh...
BUYER
I learned from our last encounter to take precautions against magic. I can of course see the priest.
BENEDICT
I’m not a priest anymore.
BUYER
Then you come here as—what? A concerned citizen?
BENEDICT
Something like that...
MERRICK
That’s a really nice ring, Kythorn. Is it new?
BUYER
(small laugh) It’s a pity the Godstaff pieces are otherwise occupied. It would be fitting to have this end with a lash of flame and your obedience. Or perhaps obedience and then the fire would be more entertaining...
BENEDICT
Kythorn... the Baron’s ritual—unless we stop it, now, it’s going to destroy everyone and everything. We have to—
BUYER
Not necessarily everyone. And not necessarily immediately.
MERRICK
That’s... an odd distinction.
BENEDICT
And not a kind one.
MUSIC CUE: A light touch briefly underscoring the Buyer’s regret/Athena’s hurt
BUYER
“Kind”? This world is not a “kind” place. I’m surprised that even you haven’t learned that yet. Kind is weak. Kind is taken for granted, stepped on, kicked around for laughs... Kind is a liability. If you wish to survive—nevermind thrive—you must be more cruel, more merciless than the next person. Or you will die. Often terribly. I’ve seen it. Hells, I’ve done it.
BENEDICT
Sometimes, maybe... but it matters how you die. And for what.
BUYER
Indeed, wayward priest! Should I die today, it will be in direct service of a god—don’t you think I’ll be rewarded for that?
BENEDICT
This particular god is Torak the Betrayer...? I’m thinking probably not.
BUYER
Perhaps you’re right; perhaps you’re not... It doesn’t much matter either way. I’ve seen enough of this world. I’m ready for something new.
BENEDICT
Yeah? I’m not.
MUSIC CUE: Rousing speech! Their last stand!
BENEDICT (cont.)
Until a few months ago, I barely knew anything about this world. Even now, I’ve only just started to get to know it. And, yeah, sometimes it is ugly. You’re right—it’s not always kind. But I think it could be. I was looking forward to seeing more of it.
SFX: Caelus and Thack enter at a run, stop, doubled over.
CAELUS
Oooooooh.... hells... that... is a terrible-looking ritual.
THACK
What... we miss?
MERRICK
You two take the long way?
CAELUS
Well, Thack wanted violence, so...!
THACK
Thack not need... that much violence. Thack okay with... maybe half that.
BUYER
This is all very cute, but it’s time now for the four of you to leave.
BENEDICT
Not a chance.
CAELUS
Benedict, how do we disrupt the ritual?
BENEDICT
Somewhere in there are the Godstaff pieces. If we can get them out of the ritual circle, the whole thing should collapse in on itself. But... we may not survive that.
MERRICK
And... first we have to get through him.
BUYER
Merrick, tsk. You’re a man, or half-man, of sense. Where’s the profit in this?
MERRICK
Gods, I wish I knew...!
BUYER
You know you can’t stop this.
THACK
Thack never lose battle, mouthy man.
BUYER
The elf has. You wear your death surprisingly well. And speaking of—
CAELUS
—well it’s not a look I particularly cared for—
MUSIC CUE: A sequence underscoring the twists and turns of this final confrontation
BUYER
—I have a gift. The four of you seem to enjoy rare magical trinkets. Here...
SFX: Buyer pulls a small object out of a pouch
BUYER (cont.)
How about this one? Not many of these left in the world.
CAELUS
A Bead of Fiery Force.
THACK
“Kaboom”?
CAELUS
Big kaboom...
BUYER
Yes, I’m quite proud of it myself. Shall I describe to you what it feels like to be burned alive, or would you prefer to experience it for yourselves?
MERRICK
Caelus, he’s wearing an—!
CAELUS
Ego vocabo fulgur percusserit!!!
SFX: Caelus rips off a lightning spell that immediately fizzles against Buyer’s defenses.
BUYER
Excuse me! Rude.
MERRICK
—antimagic ring. Your spells won’t hurt him while he’s wearing it.
CAELUS
Well, conveniently, that was my last one.
THACK
Then we do this fun way.
SFX: Thack draws massive sword and charges!
THACK
Ragggggghhh—!
SFX: Buyer quickthrows a dagger into Thack’s neck. She stumbles, clasps hands to her throat... her giant sword clatters to the ground, and she falls to her knees.
THACK
(sounds of choking on her own blood)
CAELUS
Thack!
MERRICK
I’ll kill you!
SFX: Buyer draws his sword
BUYER
Unlikely.
BENEDICT
Merrick, no!
SFX: Shink! of twin daggers being drawn
SFX: A brief but violent sequence of swordplay: they’re both very good... but the Buyer is better. Merrick is abruptly elbowed and then sliced across the chest. He falls.
MERRICK
(breathing heavily, very wounded)
BUYER
...as I was saying... I throw this little trinket, you all burn. Limp away while you still can.
BENEDICT
We’re not going anywhere.
CAELUS
I’d listen to the good brother.
BUYER
Suit yourselves.
MERRICK
Everyone, to me—!
MUSIC CUE: Builds to a peak and then drops off
SFX: Time slows down as the bead sails through the air. The bead goes PING! against the floor and time resumes at its usual pace. Magical reactions within the bead rapidly build to a peak.
MERRICK
Hey Kythorn.
BUYER
What...?
MERRICK
Got your ring.
SFX: BIG EXPLOSION!!!
SFX: Debris falls. Then silence.
SFX: Rubble shifting.
BENEDICT
(draws a sharp breath, coughs painfully) Merrick...? (coughs) Thack...?
CAELUS
(coughs awake)
BENEDICT
Caelus! Gods, your legs...
CAELUS
Did... we stop... ritual...?
BENEDICT
No, the explosion didn’t— Don’t try to speak.
CAELUS
Then go!
BENEDICT
You’ll all die if I don’t—!
CAELUS
Leave the potions and go.
SFX: Potions rattle.
MERRICK
Benedict...
BENEDICT
Merrick! Are you—?
MERRICK
Take... the ring. For luck.
BENEDICT
What about Thack?
THACK
Only blood... pretty boy...
BENEDICT
But—
CAELUS
Now!
MUSIC CUE: This is it...!
SFX: Beneath narration, accompanying SFX (staggering sounds), Benedict gasping, etc.
BARON
(we begin to hear his ritualistic chanting during the following)
ATHENA
Wounded, near death, Benedict fits the Buyer’s antimagic ring on his hand and staggers toward the violently churning ritual. With great effort, Benedict forces his way into the circle, the ritual’s dark purple oscillations and bright flashes at first failing to penetrate the ring’s antimagic field... but not for long. As the dread magic of the ritual closes in on you, your breath grows shorter, more difficult. You feel your vision narrowing, the light growing dim. It won’t be long now. Then—in the center, you see the Baron, these dark magicks already starting to twist him into something not of this world... and a stone altar—with the two Godstaff pieces propped upon it.
BUYER
(struggling to breathe) Benedict... why do you bother...? You’re forsaken by your god—the same hell I am bound for also awaits you. Maybe a worse one. (coughs) There’s no reward for this.
BENEDICT
But there is a reward.
BUYER
Yeah? What...?
BENEDICT
It’s knowing that you did the right thing. (exerts himself as he sweeps everything off the altar)
SFX: Two wooden pieces clatter onto the stone floor a distance away and several glass vials shatter.
BARON
(ceases chanting, screams in an unholy way)
SFX: The ritual is disrupted and out of control. Starting to build to something awful.
BENEDICT
(screams from the increasing pain)
MUSIC CUE: Continuation of finale theme—a valley that swiftly drops down and then builds back with their final moments
SFX: Pan to the others
THACK
Pretty boy...! (choke, cough)
MERRICK
He did it...
CAELUS
Then... that’s that. You really should have run...
MERRICK
Yeah, maybe. One thing’s for certain... we’re never getting paid for this.
CAELUS
The Archon will be pleased... that’s something, I suppose.
MERRICK
To the Dauntless Dungeoneers.
THACK
Dauntless... (has to breathe instead)
CAELUS
The Dauntless Dungeoneers.
MERRICK
We never got rich... but we did all right.
MUSIC CUE: Music overtakes SFX, builds to a peak… then leaves us on a suspenseful note.
SFX: Eerie silence
ATHENA
You awaken in a bright hall of perfect peace. Your pain is gone. And, before you...
FATHER OREN
Brother Benedict...
BENEDICT
Great Father...!
FATHER OREN
Welcome home... my child.
MUSIC CUE: A variation on the cue from 1.02 after Benedict lost his god’s favor; he has now regained it
SFX: Back to real world
MARCUS
Wow.
DANIEL
Yeah.
DOMINIC
I’ll admit... that was some exceptionally strong game mastering. Well done.
MUSIC CUE: A grace note that ends in uncertainty
EMO
Dom’s right, for once. That was great, Athena.
ATHENA
You’re welcome. All of you.
MARCUS
This was a lot of fun.
ATHENA
It was...
MUSIC: End credits music.
JORDAN STILLMAN
The Ordinary Epic was created by Brandon M. Crose, and brought to life by Executive Producer Jordan Stillman, Technical Producer Brad Smith, Composer and Music Editor Bradley Jordan, Graphic Designer Hailey Thurrott, and Visual Designer Sangjun Lee. Original theme by Tiven Weinstock. With audio by Matthew Lightbound. Season one, episode 6: Amends, was directed by Stephanie LeBolt, and features the voice talents of Rachel Belleman as Emo and Thack; Caitlin Gjerdrum as Athena, Archon Maerwynn, The Mayor, Chief Guard, Male Guard, Female Guard, The Buyer, The Baron, and Father Oren; Brandon Green as Marcus and Benedict; Michael Hisamoto as Daniel and Merrick; and Elliot Purcell as Dominic and Caelus. Extra special thanks to Production Assistants Neil Johnson, Liz Schultz, and Matt Kramer. Check out theordinaryepic.com for bonus content, original artwork, and to join our listener community. Season one of The Ordinary Epic is made possible in part by a grant from Neil Marsh of Eternity Cove Productions. The Ordinary Epic is copyright 2019, Crose to Home Productions, LLC.
MUSIC: End credit theme concludes.
JORDAN (cont.)
Thank you all so much for joining us for the journey this season! Thank you for listening, for tweeting at us, and just generally being amazing. Your support truly means the world to us. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our absolutely OUTSTANDING patrons on Patreon. Thank you to:
Amy B-Z
Andrew Hughen
Ben Maloney
Biconic Ace
Calli Nelson
Chelsea Wilson
Daniel Gore
Deborah Borsuk
Ella Watts
Graham P Norton
John Tanzer
Olivia Li
Ross Wagenhofer
tieandjeans
for their generous contributions to The Ordinary Epic.
We’re also thrilled to announce that we now have a store! Visit theordinaryepic.com/shoppe (that’s s-h-o-p-p-e like in the olden times) to purchase the original soundtrack or high-definition ad-free versions of season one. We’re going to be adding more merch over time — so be sure to join our mailing list so you can make informed purchasing decisions with all your gold pieces.
Brandon and I are extremely excited about the prospect of a second season, but we need your help to do it. We’re brimming with ideas for future episodes and the more support we receive, like joining our Patreon or buying something from our store, the more a second season becomes possible.
We’ll also be back in touch soon, but until then, always remember: there is a reward—it's knowing that you did the right thing.
Thank you so much for listening.