#bless you veth

[softbean]

everything she deserves 🌼

[burr-ell]

Sometimes Things That Shake Up the Status Quo are Worse

I keep seeing people insisting that Exandria "can't return to the status quo, which was bad", but rarely do they say anything in support of that argument beyond "the Primes pick and choose favorites!". And while I'm not confident the show itself won't try to make that claim, the reality is that it just isn't borne out mechanically or narratively. Laying aside that non-Divine Soul sorcerers exist (like, and I'm just spitballing here, Aberrant Mind Ruidusborn), the gods work primarily through the on-the-ground efforts of clerics and paladins—people who have actively and consistently put in the work to devote themselves to the divine. This is a setting where resurrection magic, which relies on divine power, has been intentionally made more difficult than it is in DnD rules-as-written. Even clerics only get access to Divine Intervention at level 10 (when they've already spent a long time devoting themselves to their deity) and up until level 20 the chances of it actually working are vanishingly small—and level 20 clerics are both hard to come by and ultimately still limited.

In the rare event that the Prime Deities choose to bless someone who isn't a cleric or paladin, it's someone who has a good reason to have gotten their attention. Vax offered his life during a divine ritual in the burial site of the Raven Queen's most devoted champion and then actively committed himself to her cause. Yasha was an aasimar being mind-controlled by a devil who wound up at a divine altar and chose to worship Kord after he freed her. Orym is the devoted widower of someone who is in Melora's realm and was present at a ritual in a temple associated with Melora, and one of his companions prayed at a shrine to Melora on his behalf. Vex was directly in front of Pelor, had taken a leadership position in one of his sacred cities, and had received a vision from him directly—and even then, she had to earn it. Scanlan also had to earn the right to Ioun's favor and complete a trial, and had previously shown qualities and values that she believed were fitting of her champion. Fjord was a companion of a devoted cleric of Melora who had sought her help in keeping Uk'otoa sealed and made requests of her on Fjord's behalf, and Fjord also chose to meditate and then became a paladin devoted to her.

And in Exandria, if you don't want to follow a god, you don't have to. Percy, Keyleth, Grog, Beau, Veth, Caleb, Essek, most of Bell's Hells, the average commoner in the various cities the parties have traveled to—whether they outright dislike the gods as a whole or just don't have an interest either way, they're all capable of thriving with or without them, and indeed their problems are almost entirely caused by mortals. It's especially egregious when you consider that cities like Avalir were around during the Age of Arcanum, when the Prime Deities physically walked Exandria, and people like Laerryn, Patia, Zerxus, and Lacrytia Hollow—openly disdainful of the gods or even trying to create feats of magic to get on their level—were continuing business as usual. The previous god of death not only willingly abdicated in favor of a mortal during this time, but outright helped her do the job!

The Prime Deities can't win. If they didn't give anyone any power at all, they'd be viewed as selfish. If they'd stayed on Exandria after the Calamity, they'd be foolish and reckless. They're simply not capable of intervening and helping everyone, so they're labeled capricious. If they leave Exandria, they're abandoning not only their refuge and home, but also the people who need and rely on them. You can argue that "no one should have that much power" all you want, but I think it's exceptionally silly to take an argument meant to criticize the wealthy and powerful of our world (whose only unique quality is ultimately that they got lucky) and apply it to fictional deities (beings who are powerful by their very nature) who, while flawed, also think they're too powerful. They tried to protect Exandria from themselves and the Betrayers while still using their power to do right by the people there, and for the most part it was working just fine.

The "status quo" from before all this was and still is the best compromise available. No one has managed to sell a better one that doesn't amount to "cater to my blorbos and my self-indulgent idea of revolutionary politics, which may or may not also ultimately circle back to my blorbos". I think that's pretty telling.

[critter-genfic-events]

Queer Platonic : A Critical Role Gen-fic Rec List

Hello everyone! Please enjoy these seven amazing Queer Platonic fics that have been recced by the Critter community! Oh, and don't forget to show the authors some love if you liked their work!

Spider Silk Vows by hanap (88103,Teen) Warnings: no archive warnings apply Pairings Beauregard Lionett & Essek Thelyss

Beau and Essek are required to enter an arranged marriage. There's suspicion on all sides, and other forces at work.

Reccer says: It's got some amazing characterization and a developing queerplatonic relationship, plus all of the arranged marriage + political machination tropes I love.

fate (is but dandruff) by Meridas (1794,General) Warnings: none Pairings Mollymauk Tealeaf & Yasha Nydoorin

The Inherent Queerness and Triumph of Cutting Off All Your Hair

Reccer says: There's not enough fic about Molly and Yasha's relationship. This is a post-canon Mollymauk who is dealing with his fractured identity with a little help from Yasha.

Still The Same by The_Singular_Peep (4104,General) Warnings: Alcohol & a very messy hangover Pairings Caleb & Veth

After finding out about Veth's past, the relationship between Caleb and Veth becomes strained. Veth get's drunk and Caleb realizes that there was a misunderstanding

Reccer says: I always love when a fic actually digs into the feelings of "This isn't romantic or sexual but there is definitely love here".

count your blessings (not your flaws) by Enby_Tiefling (2152,General) Warnings: Pairings Yasha & Kingsley, Past QPR Yasha & Molly

She loves Molly, but he isn’t here anymore. Kingsley is.

Reccer says: I have a soft spot for Yasha dealing with her grief for Molly while also trying to be fair and treat Kingsley as their own person, and this hits the spot.

It's a Date by daretodhampir (stardustedknuckles) (2744,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings QPR Fearne/Laudna/Imogen

Fearne takes Imogen and Laudna on something resembling a date and it's just what you'd expect from a fey creature doing her best to be a good friend in a strange new world. And also making it up as she goes, but it's fine. Truly, it's the thoughts that count.

Reccer says: I like that there's definitely different types of sexuality and interest in sex within the triad, and the casual, loving feel to their interactions

Philia, Is That You? by Professor_Rye (2034,General) Warnings: None Pairings Molly & Yasha

Yasha gets hurt and Molly makes sure to take care of her. This causes some confusing feelings for poor Yasha

Reccer says: I like how Yasha works through her confusion and feelings as she accepts that she loves Molly, just not like that

Same Same Different by hummus_tea (1117,General) Warnings: none Pairings Fjord & Caduceus

Caduceus hears from some old friends and has a reunion, and goes on a hike, makes some tea. Fjord is awkward.

Reccer says: I really like Fjord and Caduceus's friendship in Campaign 2, this is a short and sweet fic that's about their relationship afterwards

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. And if you would like to make a rec yourself, feel free to reach out to @professor-rye to request access to the submission form! Next week's theme is going to be our first character focused list! We'll be doing a character list each first monday of the month, so stay tuned for those! Next week's list is going to be about our favorite grave cleric, Caduceus Clay!

[cringefaecompilation]

you dont have to post this but i am literally so glad im not the only one whos very ??? about how out of character the mighty nein have (mostly) been since the campaign ending. like whats happening here

IT'S SO WEIRD. I REWATCHED EPISODES FROM THE OG CAMPAIGN (ep 21, ep 48, ep86, ep114), JUST TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T GOING NUTS

mn reunited was fine! i saw some complaints with echoes of the solstice, and i chalked that up to people being frustrated at c3 getting cut off twice in a row because they all seemed fine to me in that one. veth was a little too "early mn" for me in episode 111 but episode 115 was downright awful for them. you could say it was because they just got off playing vox machina and needed to get back in the groove and were getting mixed up with filming the cartoon but bell's hells were awesome in this episode. in fact, this was probably one of the best episodes of the campaign for them.

only jester and caleb were really in character, everything else felt like they were just telling jokes to pass the time. i've already explained why making beau more rude and aggressive is bad but making her relationship with yasha into jokes about how horny and kinky they are makes it worse. they did do damage control at the end with beau and yasha saying they wanted to adopt kids but it still felt... bad.

and of course, travis making jokes about how fjord feels like he's trapped in a marriage to jester. this is the kinda stuff you read in wido/jest or beau/jes fics to make fjord look like a douche that abuses her for "annoying him" so one of them can swoop in and save her from a crappy boyfriend! why are we making "ha ha marriage is the end of your life, amirite fellas?! better run away from the ol' ball and chain!" wisecracks when FJORD WAS THE ONE WHO PROPOSED TO HER.

finally, their reaction to bell's hells not trusting the gods fully because of their personal relationships to them just felt like they were guilt-tripping the fuck out of bell's hells for not being devout enough. it was just a repeat of your average "pro-god" cr fan account saying "well, some people were blessed by the gods and love worshiping them so you're evil for taking away their right to choose!" which has virtually zero bearing on the themes of the campaign itself. you know it's bad when you can say "at least orym has an excuse" about it.

and i don't want it to feel this way. the vox machina episodes were great! a wonderful palate cleanser for everyone who disliked SUPEW SEWIOUS kiki and percy as played by matt or were disappointed at elements of the lovm cartoon. but this? this is key jingling, and it really puts me off watching episode 116.

[captainkingsley]

Mollymauk knows it's a long shot. Hell, it's probably a shorter shot to throw his scimitars to Tal'dorei — but he knows he'll never forgive himself if he doesn't ask. There will always be a part of him that will nag at the back of his thoughts if he doesn't say something.

(And Yasha will nag him, too. Which is probably worse, because he can't disappoint Yasha.)

So he breathes deep, runs his hands over his hair, and stares at the mirror for just a moment longer. 

"Alright, Tealeaf. You can do this. You've only been friends through near apocalyptic catastrophe — this won't affect you or your friendship if he says no." He says, now gripping the edge of the sink. It's a rather nice looking sink, actually, but that's to be expected in Rexxentrum. Not the basins or tubs of smaller towns, but proper water service running through the city, and yes, he knows he's stalling thinking of running water versus still basins of water, but he's itchy with anxiety.

Mollymauk breathes deep, pulling his coat on once more — not the old coat, that had been ripped and turned into a blanket by Yasha, since she knew just how important it was to him — and he inspects himself once more. 

He's grown. His hair has grown out, closer to how he'd had it before he'd met the Nein. He's added a couple more tattoos, one visible from the open collar of his new, silky blue shirt, a peek of vibrant lines of a tree branch extending up from his ribcage and onto his pectoral muscle opposite the peacock. Some of it seems to glitter in the light thanks to Orly's handiwork. Molly thinks it looks rather nice with the rest of his ink, and he hopes everyone else does, too.

One person in particular. 

He fiddles with his sleeves, picks at his fingernails for a moment before turning with a new determination to the door. 

Say it now while you've got the chance, he tells himself. 

The rest of the Nein are beginning to head up to the room where Caleb has set up the tower for the night. The last few remaining are Yasha, Veth, and Caleb — Yasha meets Molly's eyes and seems to read him immediately, giving him the shortest smile and a nod of encouragement before she begins to head up.

"Veth, you should come with me," Yasha says, "I have something to show you."

Oh, Moonweaver bless you, Yasha, Molly thinks. 

Veth asks what it is Yasha wants, but Yasha simply stammers through some excuses as she encourages Veth to follow. Once they've both disappeared up the stairs, Molly finds his pulse quickening. 

It's been quite some time traveling together. Caleb looks tired, but he also looks accomplished, happy, healthier than he had in the beginning. Molly finds that the most attractive part of him, these days, that he looks like he's happy with himself. Confidence, newfound steadiness in himself. 

He thinks back to the things they've done, the risks they've taken for each other. How many fights had turned to Mollymauk diving in front of Caleb to take a hit, to defend him from something that would easily cut through Caleb's coat, and in turn his body?

Caleb seems to be reading Mollymauk in return, but what he's thinking, Molly can't tell. He's too scared to imagine what he's thinking of. 

So instead he avoids eye contact, rubbing the back of his neck. 

"It's been a journey," Molly says, watching as Caleb collects his things from the table. 

"It has." Caleb says, sounding level and noncommittal. "We've come a long way from hunting demon toads."

"Devil toads," Molly corrects, and he watches the corner of Caleb's lips turn upward in a smile. 

"Devil toads. Yes." Caleb says. "You seem like you have a question?"

"I… I do, actually, yes." Mollymauk says. He rubs his hands together anxiously, thinking for a moment that if he were a cricket he would be the noisiest one alive, swiped up by a predatory bird faster than he can comprehend. 

But he's just a tiefling in a tavern with a good friend, hoping not to embarrass himself. 

"I was actually wondering… Now that we're, you know, some of us are splitting ways, some are going with each other," he thinks of Beau and Yasha. "I was wondering where you plan to end up?"

Caleb hums. 

"I was thinking just outside of the city," Caleb says. "Any particular reason to ask?"

"Well," Molly says, drawing the word out. "You know, I was with the circus, and that's… not an option any longer. And while sure, sure, Lucien had family I could track down, it seems a bit rude to pursue that, gods only know if they'd want anything to do with me, so…"

Caleb says nothing. He only stares at Mollymauk with a raised brow. 

"... And Yasha and Beau are definitely going to have their own thing going on, so I was thinking maybe I could, you know, stick around town, find a spot around here, and maybe…"

Gods, when did his palms get so sweaty?

Is he shaking?

Why is asking this so much harder than propositioning a stranger?

(They've only risked their lives for each other, been through hell and back, torn down a near demigod to keep each other safe. Normal bonds of friendship.)

"I'd like to see you now and then, now that things are settling down, and I was wondering how you'd feel about…"

Caleb's watching him so closely now. Mollymauk feels his face burning. 

"Mollymauk." Caleb says. Molly stops in his stammering. 

"Yeah?" He says, his voice more a squeak than a vocalization. 

"Are you asking me on a date?"

Molly finds that the wood grain of the floor sort of looks like a dragon from this angle. 

He swallows. 

"Yes?" He says, not looking up. 

"I think, well. We are definitely at a good place to think about these things," Caleb says, "Though I do plan to take some students, and to chase down the remaining evidence of the Assembly and their actions…" 

"I'm flexible," Molly says, and then he pauses. Don't make him uncomfortable. "My schedule is flexible. I'm sorry. Didn't mean —"

"I think, perhaps, it would be nice to see how flexible you are, Mollymauk Tealeaf." Caleb laughs, and Molly finds himself taken aback. 

"You—" he starts, then laughs in return. "Caleb?"

He gets only a smile in return. 

And oh, what a smile it is. Mollymauk feels his knees go a little weak, finds laughter bubbling in the back of his throat as Caleb ushers him forward for a hug, arms wrapping around him. When he pulls away, he feels hands on his shoulders,

lips against his forehead. 

Mollymauk says nothing, but he smiles.

A return gesture, a promise of more. 

It's not quite love yet, he thinks, but it's a start. 

An ending to one story and the first page of another. 

[samuraiko]

Post-MIGHTY NEIN REUNITED thoughts (SPOILERS AHOY)

YOU KNOW THE DRILL

SERIOUSLY YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW

ABANDON ALL COMPLAINING, YE WHO ENTER HERE

---

I actually very much enjoyed it, and since this is me I’m talking about, not surprisingly, it’s for the quieter character interactions and growth. The conversation between Kingsley and Fjord, the conversation between Kingsley, Beau, and Yasha, the ever-solidifying teamwork between Caleb and Beau, Fjord’s interactions with all three of his patrons... and then Kingsley talking about his interactions with Caduceus. I was just so happy about these.

(What can I say? I’m a fan of them all as actors and not just as gamers.)

ALTHOUGH HOLY MOTHER OF FUCK, SO MANY AMAZING MOMENTS IN THE BATTLE! Kingsley just UNLOADING! Caleb as a FUCKING DRAGON! Jester’s Mass Heal! Yasha HOGTYING a fucking Titan! Beau pulling off a CLUTCH escape! Veth as a sniper! And Fjord just being the overall badass!

But I was glad to see things got a bit more serious on the second part once shit got real, it felt much less tongue-in-cheek at that point. Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely NOTHING against comedy and slapstick and puns in the game... but there were points where the first episode felt almost like caricature, and the second felt much more like C2 grew into at the end. 

Your mileage may vary, and that’s fine. The fandom’s big enough for all of us.

I did like how a lot of the wrap-ups touched on what was mentioned at the very end of Episode 141... though I do admit, I wonder when Fjord and Jester end up tying the knot, and the same for Beau and Yasha. 

---

If they managed to hit level 17 by six months after the end of C2, I wonder what level they would all be after five years? Level 20? Maybe higher? I mean, it’s a longer timespan but they’re not exactly titan hunting the entire time like before...

---

AND GODS BLESS LIAM AND TALIESIN FOR WEARING THOSE SAME SNAZZY OUTFITS FOR BOTH SESSIONS... but damn it, Taliesin, couldn’t you have stood up at least once or twice? *sighs*

---

Also, side note - GODS, was I happy to see that I somehow managed to keep things in canon while writing THE WIZARD AND THE WEAVER. The whole time, I just had absolute knots in my stomach, praying I hadn’t gotten something horribly wrong, and yay me, I didn’t. So, thank fuck for that.

[fictionkinfessions]

Here’s a short collection of letters to the Mighty Nein (and a couple of others):

Jes, my best friend. I said this then and I’ll continue saying it now. I’ll always be right beside you. To the moon and back. I can’t wait to hit Exandria together one more time. 💖 🌕

Mollymauk: Long may you reign. I’m planning on a tattoo in your honor you know, “Leave every place better than you found it.” With a peacock feather underneath. A shining star like you only deserves the best of course. I can’t wait to see you in other lives friend. 💜

Caleb: I miss you buddy. My empire brother. The only other human in the group. We related on too much and im so glad I had you to confide in some nights. The moment I remember best was my wedding day to Yasha. I was in my room panicking while getting ready, feeling like my heart was going to explode out of my chest. You helped me rationalize my feelings, letting me know that Yasha wouldn’t have said yes in the first place if she didn’t mean it. I hope you’re alright out there.🧡

Veth: I’m still so shocked that you let me babysit Luke as much as you did. I’m glad you did though. Your family was beautiful and I’m still so blessed that you let us all be a part of it for a while. 💚

Fjord; Thank you for looking after Jester once you two got married. You were always stronger than you ever thought and I hope you still know this now. 💙

Last but certainly not least, Yasha: My wife. I miss you dearly. I hope to find you soon. I had a memory of you stabbing me under a certain person’s control, and I still have phantom pain from that wound. But I go to run my fingers and think of you, when I find the scar isn’t even there. Know that I forgive you for it. I always will. I hope you find your way home to me soon. 🤍

TJ: I’m sorry I wasn’t around to see you grow up. But I was selfish and chose myself. And I regret that to this day. But I promise to make it up to you.

And lastly and certainly least, the Lionetts: I can’t forgive you. Ever. No matter the life. What kind of father hires people to kidnap his daughter? And what mother turns her back on her daughter, ignoring her screams and pleads for help as she’s dragged off by strangers? I found a family with the Nein. They became my home. And after that trip to Kamordah, I left you behind. And I still keep my vow I’d never go back.

“-Beauregard 💙🤸🏽‍♀️”

[cupcaketrickster]

if she was being honest, there had been part of her who had been just a little about what veth and yeza would think about her gift. she really had never had any experience making blankets, creating images with a needle instead of a paintbrush and though she had rather enjoyed doing it, she did not know if her work had actually been good or fjord, who would watch over her shoulder, was simply being kind.

she had been working on it since the moment veth had shared she was pregnant and all of her work, she was glad to see, had officially paid off by the look upon both veth and yeza's faces.

" i thought about it. i promise you, though, there's not a single dick on there. well... i didn't add a single dick on there. if there is one it was artie wanting to give his blessing too i swear. " she joked with a laugh, though sobered slightly at veth's words, a bit of a chuckle leaving her mouth at beau's.

" it's wonderful yasha. i think you ought to be planning every other celebration from here on out." her head turned to look at scene, eyes trailing over her friends, her family, as this happy warmth struck her chest.

it had been too long. it always felt like that but truly... she wished they could do this every week, but what a wonderful, beautiful occasion it was for them to be meeting now.

" i also had one more gift i wanted to give to you, if you would let me, of course." her head tilted to the side, getting oddly and uncharacteristically nervous. " ...i don't know if you had something planned, and if you do, i can just make a painting for you, but i was wondering if you had plans for the babies nursery? and, if you didn't, if i could paint a mural or just paint it for you? "

@cupcaketrickster sent to Veth...

“I brought you a blanket.”

"Jester, it's so cute!" Veth held it out at arm's length to look it over and then to the small gather of people in the Brenatto living room.

"Is that-- Oh, no..." Yeza smiled with relief, noticing what he thought was a dick was just a coconut tree denoting the Mighty Nein's time in Rumblecusp.

"I didn't get to do all of this with Luc. I didn't have this many friends to have a party." Veth confessed, handing the blanket off to Yasha to hold up for everyone to get a better look at. Yeza rubbed his wife's leg and she held his hand, giving it a squeeze. Their second baby wasn't far off now, though they both had thought Luc was enough, suddenly the urge possessed them both after Luc hit his teens.

"I really think entertaining is my passion," Yasha said, looking around to the others for a little validation.

"Babe, you could totally start a catering/party planning business." Beau agreed.

[eiselcross]

this started out as a simple doodle, how did it end up like this~ how did it end up like this~ 

Buuut!! Nott was actually the reason I started watching Critical Role. Her design was super intriguing to me, what with the teeth and the feral goblin energy and the broken doll mask. It was right up my alley~. I’m a touch sad that design isn’t likely to be in the show anymore, ngl, but Veth is equally amazing and I can’t wait to see more of her and her journey!

edit!! changed up the colors a wee bit because veth was paler than i had intended and that ain’t chill.

[rugsrat]

Shout out to the tech person who made that perfectly timed graphic swap after the ritual this episode.

[utilitycaster]

oh man even before the disintegrate scene I was having all kinds of Caleb thoughts today (from various episodes, and also him getting hit with the memory effect) but honestly? fucking amazing move. Was it nervewracking yeah. Was the payoff amazing? yeah, and also Caleb’s whole deal is I Have No Middle Ground And I Must Spellcast and I’d be disappointed if he did the safe thing; also Vokodo was immune to fire damage so like, there goes every other spell he has.

[vethbrenatto]

Okay, so after that FCG/Imogen moment I am extremely hyped for this Imogen’s rock plotline. It’s definitely giving slight allusions to Craven Edge/Veth’s Dagger and you fucking KNOW I love a cursed magical item.

Also the complexity of that moment... whew. Like obviously there are parallels to Craven Edge and the Dagger, with different levels of obviousness. Grog acted extremely weird and because he’s Grog, could barely disguise it, leading to his friends stepping in. Veth acted slightly weird, but truthfully not that weird for Veth at all, but her friends also stepped in. Imogen, I’d say, has acted the least weird, maybe just a little bit of a tell here or there with her rock.

All three who had the items had something they didn’t want to give away and their friends stepping in for their “best interests.” But in Imogen’s case, it’s the most questionable because Imogen has barely been giving any tells and because of the method FCG chooses to do it.

This leads to some very interesting FCG development, or rather, FCG revelations about their thought process. It really shows how much FCG appears to be driven by their core programming: to help others. FCG dives into Imogen’s thoughts without asking, which would be bad with any fellow party member, but is particularly bad considering Imogen’s mind powers and sensitivity of the mind.

But to FCG, this is just a pursual of his programming- they want to help Imogen, and they can’t help if they don’t understand the problem. What does it matter if Imogen doesn’t want FCG to know? Surely, Imogen will be happier once FCG can help her. It’s an extremely utilitarianism point of view, FCG does not care about the means so long as their actions aid the goal of helping the soul-touched. And while FCG agrees to Imogen’s request not to do it again without consent, I’m very curious as to if they will keep that promise. They, in my opinion, didn’t look that apologetic that they had done it, only sad they’d gotten caught without getting to the root of Imogen’s problem. That they couldn’t fulfill their goal of “help.” Because if FCG isn’t helping... what are they good for? That’s what they were built for.

And then on Imogen’s end, having her mind attempted to be pierced by a trusted companion. She seems to understand that FCG doesn’t understand the questionable morality of the action, but it’s so personal to her. How many people has she probed into their thoughts, whether she meant to or not? How much information has she grabbed throughout her lifetime that she was never meant to know? And the way this power, a blessing and a curse, has isolated her. 

And finally. What’s. Up. With. The. Rock.

[spookydicks]

We already know that this cast is SUPER talented, but the last two weeks REALLY SHOWS THAT.

Just last week, the cast were portraying a completely different set of characters. And this week, they easily reverted back to their old character from c2. Not only are is the energy different, but the physicality is different as well. LETS LOOK CLOSER SHALL WE???

Marisha:

Of course we’re starting with my current gorl. It’s me, we’re talking about here. Now Laudna, laudna laudna laudna. She’s kind, theatrical, eccentric, is definitely a theatre kid, a creative outcast, easygoing and excitable. “Fun scary” of you will. Marisha is a genius at truly becoming her character. Laudna’s wide eyes, creepy yet cute smiles, witchy hands, playing with her hair, crafting, etc…. only adds to that. Of course there’s the voice. The transatlantic accent that plays in my head rent free. The voice that changes pitch based on her mood and of course who can forget the sing songy way she says things…….. BEAU on the other hand is blunt, sarcastic, “a simple girl with simple needs”, cynical, and a self professed “asshole.” Her deeper voice, the way she sits, and her mannerisms emphasize this personality.

Laura:

Next up, everyone’s favorite anxious southern horse girl and sugar loving leetle bloo tiefling. Imogen is always holding herself back. She’s introverted, sold spoken, and considerate (as in not wanting to hear anyone’s thoughts without consent). This shows in her body language. She slouches (??) into herself, making herself smaller, but isn’t afraid to let it all out. Her southern accent links with this as well. On the other, jester is the embodiment of chaotic cuteness. Her Eastern European accent varies in pitch as she speaks, emphasizing this. Her body language is bright to go along with what she says, same thing with using her hands.

Travis:

From having the party braincell to being part of the shenanigans. Our favorite captain is direct, cool, and rational, uses his leadership qualities in his body language and voice (both southern and the irl voice), as in when he stopped the fluffernutter plan. Then, CHETNEY, our favorite semi horny werewolf man, is a bit of a grumpy and stubborn old man who’s also a wild card. His voice is just like a gnome version of Carl Fredrickson from Up. And we love that.

Sam:

Now onto Sam’s characters: Veth and FCG. Veth is extremely motherly to her party and ti her family, but is also one third of the chaos crew and is incredibly eccentric. That shoes in her body language, such as being all jumpy when she first met Twiggy amongst other things, and in the voice, being higher pitched and semi British(??). FCG on the other hand, is kinda like a complete 180. He’s overly kind, helpful and a therapist, even if he’s still learning how to be said therapist. They’re trying y’all. Voice wise, of course he’s got that Jack Mcbrsyer southern accent. Like, to someone he doesn’t like, they’d definitely be like “bless your heart” passive aggressively you can’t tell me otherwise

Ashley:

Oh Ashley. Ashley, Ashley, Ashley. You finally get to show the chaos. For Yasha, she’s way more into herself and thinks before she says anything. Also having half of the parties new cell doesn’t hurt either. The voice Ashley uses for Yasha is deep but also soft to show the softer, more domestic and calmer parts of her. While Fearne is no thoughts, head empty only chaos. She says what she wants, no matter how awkward it may be. She has no filter. “Sleep if for the dead. Oops.”, anyone? Fearne’s voice is as if a Disney princess wasn’t so Disney.

Liam: Now onto Caleb and Orym. Our favorite little guy has the braincells in the group. He’s responsible, level headed and the defacto “straight man”. Orym’s voice is pretty similar to Liam’s own, but the character still comes across in the acting. The most obvious examples are all the times where he acts out that he’s a little guy. (Breaking the sandwiches into quarters, curling up on fearne’s legs, etc).

Caleb, is the opposite. He’s withdrawn, has a whole lot of mental health issues, self loathing, etc), reserved, and the definition of an introvert. This goes into his voice and mannerisms. He speaks very quietly in a German accent and fades into the background in some scenes, for lack of a better word.

Taliesin: Now Ashton and Cadences. *We don’t really know a lot about Kingsley’s personality but my point still stands using Cad* Out of These two are TOTAL OPPOSITES. Ashton’s “cranky “ and “unpleasant”. They care for the rest of the hells in his own way. That comes across in the body language and voice as it to say “I don’t really give a shit”. that’s probably phrased weirdly but you get what I mean. Our favorite firbolg uncle on the other hand, is kind, laid back, blunt, dedicated, and is indeed the “mom” friend of the group. This comes through in the mannurisms Voice wise, Taliesin adds a bit of a gravel(?) to the voice that I can’t help but love.

This might just my theatre kid/actor brain but this cast is just. so talented omg

[angelsndragons]

well it seems like caduceus won’t be part of the mighty nein two shot so the way i deal with my grief is to plot out how the nein will play mechanically without him (because holy heck did he carry that party on his thin furry shoulders time and time again). warning: word vomit. but you should be used to that by now.

baseline assumption: matt’s going to level up kingsley, just not to the nein’s level of 16. probably level 10 minimum and 13 max. essek will be along for the ride as well, leading to an 8 person party.

okay, so. right away the healing pool has diminished greatly. cad’s healing role in combat was topping people off, mass healing word, mass cure wounds, prayer of healing after the fight, that sort of thing. he did some cure wounds during combat as well. cad was also on standby to help in cases where characters went down or suffered a removable condition (ie dispel magic, revivify, or greater restoration when they had the diamond dust to burn). towards the end of the campaign, he also provided clutch death wards.

all of that is to say our healers are now jester and fjord, with yasha providing an emergency healing hands (probably for beau) and caleb holding a raise dead in the back pocket. there’s good news/bad news there. good news is fjord: he regains his three 5th level spells after an hour’s nap, has a small lay on hands pool, has access to the paladin prep list, and has teleportation for days in an emergency. bad news is fjord doesn’t have any 2-4 level spell slots nor spells, which means he doesn’t have revivify, lesser restoration, or any of the other higher level healing spells. that means that fjord doesn’t have access to big group heals, so the nein will be wholly reliant on jester for those plays. good news is that jester and laura both have grown into the healing role. cure wounds was one of jester’s most cast spells and she was mostly providing single target pick me ups to make sure her teammates got their turn if cad couldn’t provide. now that she has access to better healing spells like mass cure wounds and heal, she seems to find healing a much more cost effective use of her higher slots. bad news is that jester is the only member of the nein with access to revivify, which puts a lot of pressure on her to conserve a few slots for those emergencies she would otherwise use to blast the baddies. considering how team oriented he is, i cannot imagine travis not stepping up to the plate and helping laura in the healing department so that she can play the way she prefers.

mechanically speaking, jester and caleb are the pair you have to keep up if you want to make sure the nein survive their journey. good news there is that caleb and essek could have a few new spells in their arsenal thanks to tasha’s, as wizards can add to their spell books without gaining levels. and they’ve been off in aeor doing who knows what for how long so there’s a built in excuse if liam wanted something like wither and bloom for caleb (skeptical here but also it’s thematically fitting dunamancy). really, what the nein have going for them this time that they didn’t have back with molly is a) jester has far more slots plus backup and b) caleb’s ac and hit points are no longer that of wet tissue paper. they’re not great but base ac of 15 for a wizard puts shield, mirror image, and protection from evil and good into play, as we saw in the finale.

the nein have also traded healing/support/utility for dps/support in kingsley while essek runs a support/control build. outside of just healing, caduceus provided a range of support and utility options for the nein. water walking, control water, bless, bane, spirit guardians, dispel magic, commune, holy weapon, and that all important clutch sentinel at death’s door are the bare basics of the support/utility cad provided. the good news is that kingsley, essek, caleb, and veth can provide some relief in this department. kingsley has access to blood curses, one of which is that lovely curse of the eyeless we saw molly use on vax and another is chet’s curse of bloated agony to punish multi-attackers, essek has haste and tether essence, caleb has a boat load of support spells like polymorph and dispel magic, and veth has things like hypnotic pattern and phantasmal force.

so, assuming kingsley plays similarly to molly (taliesin could very well multiclass him or tweak him based on the battle royale), what do the nein gain? assuming kingsley can stay up, the nein have a third front line melee fighter to throw into the ring. and this one will hit hard. blood hunter does not play around in the dps department. crimson rite, brand of castigation (psychic damage to the opponent when they damage the blood hunter or a creature within 5 feet, damage doubled if kingsley is level 13+), the ghostslayer’s brand of sundering (extra crimson rite damage), yeah, that damage stacks fast. again, assuming a molly-esque build, that’s two attacks round 1 after a bonus action to activate the rite, then three attacks from then on. that’s 1d6+2d8+DEX for each main attack, then the bonus action attack is 1d6+DEX (assuming two weapon fighting style). kingsley being in melee with his prey will punish enemies who try to damage him, yasha, or beau (or fjord if he goes into melee) by inflicting psychic damage on the branded opponent every time they do it. that’s an extra 3 or 6 damage (calculated off molly’s WIS) every time the opponent damages someone near him. note that it says damages, not attacks, so opposing damaging spells should count. yeah, kingsley is going to be a single target meat grinder. he’s also going to be the biggest target of the melee kids. yasha has her rage protecting her while beau has her ridiculously high ac. however, this could be a good thing. beau and yasha’s sentinel features cancel each other out when they’re the only ones in melee. if a third person is in melee and they’re the target, sentinel is absolutely fair game for both of them. (honestly can y’all imagine beau and yasha teaming up against the clown picking on kinglsey, protecting him in a way they couldn’t protect molly? boy howdy i sure can).

bottom line, the nein’s versatility will shine once more. certain characters will have to shift roles a bit to accommodate caduceus’ absence, fjord, jester, and caleb in particular. they’re trading some staying power for (hopefully) finishing fights faster. it’s doable and they’re still a cockroach party but i have a feeling they’ll be lamenting their cow man’s absence before too long.

[stardusted-bookworm]

Amber Rings

Part 1 & Part 2

Essek took a deep breath, more nervous than he had ever been before. More nervous than when he had stolen the beacons from right under the Dynasty's nose. He felt as if he were staring into the jaws of death itself.

He shook himself. He was being ridiculous. And every second he was late would just make it worse for him.

Steeling his nerves, he knocked on the Brenattos' door. Immediately, the door swung open to reveal a ginger wizard. Oh thank the Light! Essek didn't know if he'd have been ready to see Veth first.

"Caleb." Essek hoped his nerves were being translated through that one word.

Caleb Widogast's eyes softened. He leaned in and kissed the corner of Essek's mouth. "Hullo, Schatz. She is waiting in the dining room."

When Caleb offered him an arm, Essek hung onto it almost like a lifeline. They walked into the Brenattos' home and made their way to the room of judgment.

Perhaps that was too dramatic of a name.

When they enter the dining room, Veth is sitting at the table, sharpening a crossbow bolt menacingly.

Never mind, Essek thought. 'Room of Judgment' was a fair assessment.

"Veth," Caleb chided.

"What? I'm not doing anything, Caleb." Veth placed the bolt in her crossbow and cocked it. "We're just here to talk, right?"

"Yup!" Essek's voice sounded abnormally high, especially to his sensitive ears. He cleared his throat and called upon a century of court etiquette. "May I sit, Mrs. Brenatto?"

She just inclined with her crossbow.

Essek gingerly sat in the seat across from her, conscious of every movement.

Caleb made to sit down as well, but Veth clicked her tongue. "Ah, ah, Lebby. Why don't you go help Yeza in the kitchen?" She narrowed her eyes at Essek. "Hotboi and I are going to have a little one on one chat."

Caleb looked nervously at Essek before he pushed his chair in and left the room.

Veth kept looking at Essek several minutes after the human left. Essek was starting to sweat in his seat, which was very difficult when one's body temperature was lower than the average humanoid.

Abruptly, Veth asked, "Are they looking at us?"

Essek glanced to where she indicated, and indeed, both Yeza and Caleb were glancing anxiously into the room. Upon noticing Essek's gaze, they both scatter and disappear further into the kitchen.

"Not anymore," Essek whispered, "though their attention may still be focused on this room."

"Good." Veth leveled the crossbow at Essek's face. She waved a hand when he flinched a little. "Don't worry, it isn't cocked anymore. I undid it as Caleb was leaving."

"A crossbow aimed at your face is still unsettling."

Veth chuckled. "Fair enough. Now." She grew deadly serious. "Did you bring it?"

Essek heaved a deep, nervous breath. Caleb believed Veth just wanted to give Essek the shovel talk but she'd given him one years ago, and... well, Essek and Caleb were much too far in their relationship to be given a shovel talk. But Caleb knew how protective Veth could be so he didn't think much of it when she asked him to bring Essek over to have a... chat. Essek knew the real reason behind it though.

It was custom in the Dynasty for one to ask the parents' permission before asking for their partner's hand in marriage. And since Veth was the closest thing to a mother figure for Caleb... Well, Essek thought it would be fitting to ask her.

She practically screeched her approval. Then, she got very serious and essentially said, "You better find a ring worthy of my boy, Essek Thelyss, or you can forget about my blessing."

So Essek searched long and hard for the perfect ring, and finally, he found it. He messaged her immediately and she demanded the meeting practically the next day.

Essek looked back once more at the kitchen, and when he was sure no one was looking, he pulled out a small, black velvet box.

Veth all but dropped her crossbow and snatched up the box. She gingerly cracked open the lid and gasped. He knew what she looked at for he'd had the same reaction when he'd first seen it.

It was a relatively simple silver ring with a beautiful, smooth stone of amber sitting in the center. Very intricate writing was scrawled into the band as well.

"If you would repeat after me, Mrs. Brenatto." Essek cleared his throat. "Slyannen lueth chath ak'uech lil' ulin."

She repeated it, and while the pronunciation was a little rough, it still worked.

The writing on the ring flared a bright white and a series of images projected upwards.

First, was a picture of Veth and her family, surrounding Caleb in a warm embrace. Next, a picture of the Empire siblings: Beau's arm was slung over Caleb's neck, knuckles rubbing into his head, but he was smiling. The third picture was of a little blue tiefling with small tusks propped up on Caleb's shoulders, her parents, Jester and Fjord, smiling fondly in the background.

Fourth, a picture of Caduceus and Caleb as they worked side by side in the Blooming Grove while tending to the graves of the dead. The fifth was a picture of Yasha placing a beautiful flower crown on Caleb's head. Both were smiling brightly. The next photo had Kingsley Tealeaf leaning flirtatiously over a counter as Caleb mildly blushed.

Essek laughed. That one was one of his favorites.

But the last and final picture was a moving picture of Caleb and Essek slowly swaying to a silent slow song, arms looped around each other, cheek to cheek. That was the first time Essek had asked Caleb to dance. It was a fond memory for the two.

"Oh... Essek..."

"To remind him of good things," Essek's voice cracked, growing thick with tears, "when things get rough and I can't be there."

Veth had tears in her eyes as well as she looked from the pictures to the drow. She opened her mouth to continue but before she could, another, smaller, voice piped up, "Oh cool! Is that for me?"

Tiny halfling hands reached up, snatched the box from his mother's hands and took off running. Essek, in a fit of panic, cast Hold Person on the child, temporarily forgetting that there may be arcane repercussions for it. Thankfully, nothing terrible seemed to happen to Luc, though he seemed a little irritated.

"Uncle Essek," the child whined, "let me gooo!"

Essek easily plucked the box from Luc's hands and vanished it into a pocket dimension before releasing him from the spell. "My apologies, Master Brenatto, but that present was not for you unfortunately. I have something much better for you. Would you like to see it?"

Luc's eyes widened. "Would I ever? Show me show me show me!"

Essek chuckled and summoned another item from his pocket dimension.

It was a necklace that seemed fairly bland in visual until he placed it over Luc's head. Then, the drab leather became the finest gold. The boring, simple pendant became encrusted with jewels. All a simple illusion, but Luc didn't need to know that.

"Wish for something," Essek requested.

Luc looked at him in disbelief but closed his eyes and said, "I wish toooo... see a giant dinosaur!"

"Okay, now open your eyes."

There was nothing in front of Luc physically, but the wizard knew that he saw a giant dinosaur towering above him. It was a very intricate piece of illusion magic that allowed the user to view anything it wished even though it wouldn't appear in the real world. Almost like a... virtual reality...

The illusions only lasted for roughly a minute each time, but it was more than enough to keep the youngest Brenatto entertained.

Luc's eyes focused back into reality and a giant smile spread on the child's face. "Whoa! That's so cool, Uncle Essek! Thank you!" Luc ran up and threw his arms around Essek's waist and kissed his stomach, because that was the highest Luc could reach.

Essek was so shocked by this act of affection that he just froze. This shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did because this was how Luc always showed affection, but it had never been turned on Essek. He didn't hate it, but it was definitely new and sudden. Luc, not paying Essek much mind, ran off to go play with his new toy.

The drow remained frozen until Veth came over to pat him on the back. "Thank you for taking care of my boy, hot boi."

Essek shook himself slightly. "Of course. It is always wonderful to see children excited about new things."

Veth nodded approvingly. "Yeah, except now we won't ever get him off that thing!"

"Not to worry. I added a failsafe specifically for this. The necklace stops working after five illusions and resets after a long rest."

Just as he said that, they heard an "Aw man!" in the distance of the house.

Both wizard and rogue laughed out loud at that.

Veth placed a hand on the small of Essek's back. "While I am also grateful for you entertaining my kid, I was talking about Caleb."

"... Oh." Essek could feel the tips of his ears grow warm.

She moved so she was now in front of him. "The Mighty Nein may have brought him out of his shell and helped him heal himself, but you're the one who finally convinced him to let go." Her eyes were unflinching in their sincerity. "I believe you were the one who finally allowed him to loosen his hold on the past and look forward to his future.

"I've seen the shift in him in these years you've been around. He's more playful, more joyous. Less grim and morbid. So thank you, Essek Thelyss, for taking care of my boy."

Essek's vision blurred as he tried to swallow around the lump in his throat. "Thank you, Veth Brenatto, for entrusting him with me. He has been a gift for me as well."

Veth hugged him tightly, the way only a mother can. "So when are you going to propose to him?" she asked.

"I am not entirely sure, but I promise you will be the first to know when it happens. Would that be amenable to you?"

"After all these years of you being lovesick fools? Hell yeah that's 'amenable' to me!"

Essek laughed and squeezed once more before letting go. "I am glad. I wouldn't want to do it without you there, but who knows when inspiration will strike."

Veth just rubbed her hands together evilly. "Wait 'til Jessie hears about this. She's going to be so pissed that I knew first."

He shook his head. Always making mischief these two.

He summoned the box into his hand once more and thumbed the opening. Of course, he was nervous about the future, but Caleb deserved to be surrounded by the love of his family for this special moment. And... Essek would be surrounded by his family as well, for they had adopted him as their own. He smiled down at the box.

Soon, Caleb Widogast, soon.

Translations:

Slyannen lueth chath ak'uech lil' ulin: Stars and fire forge the future

Part 2

[tarydarrington]

Veth doesn’t know who she’d expected to be waiting on the other side of the knock at the door, but if she’d had to guess, Essek Thelyss wringing his hands like a worried grandmother would have been near the bottom of her list.

“Oh,” she says. “Hi?”

He bobs his head, almost more a quick bow than a nod, tenting his fingers in front of his chest. “Good afternoon,” he says, with the distinct cadence of someone who has repeated the words to himself in the mirror all morning. “I hope you are well?”

“I’m all right,” Veth answers haltingly.

The two of them stand there for a moment, awkward silence hanging between them. Then, finally, Essek gives her a nervous smile.

“I do not wish to impose, but, ah…” He gestures past her. “May I enter?”

“Yeah. Sure.” She steps aside, and Essek gives her a grateful nod before walking - walking? - past her into the living room. “Take a seat, if you like.”

He takes the invitation, perching gingerly onto the very edge of the armchair they keep for their larger-sized guests. Veth follows him in, shutting the door behind her and wondering if this isn’t all a very strange dream. Essek barely meets her gaze as she circles around to stand before him. She leans forward, narrowing her eyes.

"What is this? Why are you being weird? Did something happen? Did Caleb die?"

"No!" Essek reins in his volume, pressing his palms together in apology. "No, certainly not. It is simply…"

Veth raises her eyebrows to prompt him.

"Well, I, ah…" His fingers draw little circles in the air, as though he can pull the words out like a spell. "I have read that it is custom in the Empire to request the blessing of a guardian if one wishes to…" The pained look on his face stretches even further. "Court."

Veth blinks at him. He’s serious. He has to be. That face, all pinched up towards the middle, reminds her of the way the neighbor boy looked when he admitted to breaking her dining room window. It looks absolutely absurd on the former Shadowhand.

"Well, I'm sure he would be flattered, but even with the slower aging, Luc's a little young for you."

She can practically see the joke fly over his head. "No," Essek blurts hurriedly, eyes blown wide with mortification. Veth might have laughed if she didn't feel a bit guilty. "No, I…" He brings one hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, eyes squeezing shut, and she suspects he's rooted out the sarcasm.

"If you're talking about Caleb," she says as a peace offering, "I'm certainly not his mother."

"No." Essek presses his palms together again, this time in his lap. "I have considered ways to make a meaningful gesture regarding his parents, but…"

He shakes his head. Veth can fill in the blanks. She wouldn't want the beginning of a new relationship to be tangled up in past trauma, either.

"So," he continues. "I had thought, perhaps, that as his closest friend, you might be a suitable alternative."

Well, that’s… She isn’t sure if it’s flattering, exactly, but she’ll accept the show of respect. She takes a moment to scrutinize him as he watches her apprehensively. Essek and Caleb. Caleb and Essek. It makes a certain kind of sense. Once, years ago, she might have railed against it; despite his growth, it’s still difficult sometimes to look at Essek and see anything other than her husband’s former jailer.

But lately, these last few years, Veth has been at home. She’s been with her family, the most important people in the world to her, and Caleb… well, he’s been off on his own adventures. And without Veth there to look after him, it’s been on Essek’s shoulders to make sure he comes back from said adventures alive and whole. Which he has, so far, without fail.

And that look Essek is giving her, as though if she says no, it might actually dissuade him?

"First of all," she begins with a sigh, "you’re not at court. You’re not courting. You're dating."

At the look of confusion on Essek's face, she takes a deep breath.

"You'll take him to have a meal together, or to see a play, or to watch a lecture. Don't do the lecture thing, that's a bad idea. That would be a terrible date." She pauses. "Although, with you two, maybe."

She can tell from the look on his face that she's losing him, so she waves her hands. "Nevermind that. Disregard all of that. The point is, you'll take him to nice places and do enjoyable things together."

Essek shifts uncomfortably. “I… don’t know if I can do that,” he admits. “I cannot be seen outside of the confines of his home or areas outside of the Empire.”

Veth frowns. “Well, you’re going to have to take him somewhere. You have disguises, right?”

Essek seems to consider it. “I do,” he says. “I suppose it would be worth a small risk, from time to time.”

“You’re darn right,” Veth agrees. “And don’t skimp, either. Caleb deserves the best.”

Essek nods entirely too seriously, as though he’s filing all this away in his mind. Veth makes a mental note to pester him with a progress report in about six months’ time.

Not one too rigorous, though. It’s hard to imagine prodding at him for entertainment’s sake when he looks so pathetic.

“Is there anything else?” he asks tentatively, when the silence persists.

“Well, let’s see.” She runs a finger over her chin, theatrically deep in thought. She already knows her answer. “Do you care for him?”

“Of course.” The sincerity on his face almost makes her feel bad about this. “More deeply than I have ever cared for anyone.”

She shouldn’t ask. It’s probably not something he’s discussed with Caleb himself, yet, if they’re only just now getting together. It would be prying, even for her. “Do you love him?” she asks, anyway.

A little, lost smile turns up one corner of Essek’s lips, and it’s almost a whisper when he replies, “How could I not?”

A pang of something that has never quite left Veth’s heart smarts for the first time in years, and she looks away with a matching smile.

When she and Caleb had been traveling with the others, people tended to hem and haw when she brought up how amazing Caleb was. They thought he was talented, sure, but it sometimes felt like none of the others could see the unquenchable light in him. But looking at Essek’s face, at the way his eyes are shining, Veth can’t help but think that maybe, finally, somebody gets it.

"Alright." She reaches out, and before he can flinch away, pats his hand. "You've convinced me. You have earned my permission to have regular sex with my adult, human son."

“I…” His brow furrows. “Truly?”

“Yeah, go nuts.” She waves a hand dismissively. “Caleb’s a grown adult. He can make his own choices, and if he’s choosing you, then good for both of you.”

Essek blinks at her like she’s just handed him a full pardon from the Bright Queen.

“I mean, obviously, if you hurt him, you will have all of us to answer to,” she says. “But you’re the guilt guy, so I think you’ll probably have yourself to answer to, first.”

"I…" He clasps his hands together. "I expected more… what is the word? Pushback.”

Veth braces her hands on her hips. “You know what? Fjord and Jester didn’t even tell me they were dating until I literally saw them kissing, and Beau and Yasha were barely better.” She jabs a finger towards Essek’s chest, ignoring the way he startles at the movement. “So you have just made it to the top of the Winter’s Crest card list.”

Essek presses his steepled fingers against his mouth, but not before Veth catches the bashful smile spreading there.

“Thank you,” he says. “Truly, I… This means a great deal.”

“Heck yeah, my blessing’s worth a lot,” she replies with a grin. “You know what? Tell Fjord that. He doesn’t have my blessing. I’m gonna make him work for it.”

This time the joke doesn’t pass him by, and she can read in his small smile that he’s grateful for the show of familiarity.

“I should hope he will rise to the occasion,” he says, and Veth gets the feeling he isn’t just talking about Fjord.