Could've Been Heroes

If a mysterious man offered you a second shot at your Destiny and all you had to do was “eat what I've got in this box”, you'd definitely do it. Creative Commons Music Credits: Whatfunk - Beneath It All https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/beneath-it-all Whatfunk - Little Steps Pt. 1 https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/little-steps-pt-i John Vallis - Time Again https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/time-again-john-vallis Whatfunk - Lost My Soul https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/lost-my-soul Whatfunk - Little Steps Pt. 2 https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/little-steps-pt-ii Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The journey down The One Way Road to make contact with the remnants of the Guild of Heroes begins. It becomes clear, pretty quickly, that something capital B, Bad went down. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Mr Lonogan https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/mr-lonogan/ Scott Buckley - Quirky Lane https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/quirky-lane/ Whatfunk - The Shimmer https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/the-shimmer Whatfunk - Fly Away https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/fly-away Scott Buckley - High Games https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/high-games/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies trek along The One Way Road continues to put the “random” in “random encounters”. Around the edge of the idyllic landscapes darkness stirs and bad folk have begun to notice the Heroes absence and the resulting power vacuum. Tune in for the chills, the thrills, and the very first kills on this weeks episode! Creative Commons Music Credits: John Vallis - Soliloquy https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/soliloquy Arcane Anthems - Shillelagh (Spirit of Brynn) https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Into the Dark https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/into-the-dark Scott Buckley - Clarion https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley/clarion-cc-by Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies push their luck with some deadly magical flora and are witness to (and are almost crushed beneath) a once in a century migration, come too early as The Glorious attack makes refugees out of some of Faritall's largest residents. Creative Commons Music Credits: John Vallis - Soliloquy https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/soliloquy Whatfunk - Into the Dark https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/into-the-dark Whatfunk - Fractals II https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/fractals-ii Whatfunk - The Earth Rumbles https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/the-earth-rumbles Whatfunk - Leaving Earth https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/leaving-earth Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies, having turned a potential flattening into a friendly chat, move into the last leg of their trip down the legendary One Way Road. Upon reaching their destination, however, they find the Sacred Temple of Inns and Taverns, Faritall's preeminent launching ground for heroes and adventurers, in a state they had not expected... Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Parasite https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley/parasite-creative-commons Whatfunk - Thunderdome https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/thunderdome Whatfunk - Lost My Soul https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/lost-my-soul Scott Buckley - Clarion https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley/clarion-cc-by Whatfunk - Relax https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/relax John Vallis - The Frost https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/john-vallis-the-frost-02-the Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who wants to be a Hero? What's it really take to be one? Just enough patience to wait in an epic line apparently. In the wake of The Near Miss, which no one gathered at the Sacred Temple of Inns and Taverns seems to even be aware of, an open call for Heroes has gone out, and the would-be adventurers have come in droves, encircling the Tavern in mile long lines that the Nearlies decide to patiently wait their turn in… yeah just kidding, they decide to bust through whatever it takes and as they size the place up, spot a very unlikely Hero applicant in a bit of distress… Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Vengeance https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/vengeance/ Arcane Anthems - The Wild Mother Guides https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Scott Buckley - Mr Lonogan https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/mr-lonogan/ Arcane Anthems - 22 to Hit https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Relax https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/relax Scott Buckley - Clarion https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley/clarion-cc-by Scott Buckley - Midsommar https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/midsommar/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This weeks episode is all about wandering around outside and trying to get inside. The Nearlies find a very interesting looking tree that a wizard is probably living in, that they would also very much like to get into for reasons of curiosity (and possible larceny, Val we are looking at you.) But to get there, having burned some bridges with the line of aspiring heroes, they find themselves needing to cross through a second line of heroes… each a lone wolf, each wearing black, each with a long, tragic, and kind of self indulgent, but undeniably badass back story that they would love to tell you all about. Gwendylyn Evangaline Cloot might become Gothdylyn of the Black Parade, take a listen and see if we can get her back. Creative Commons Music Credits: John Vallis - Lady in the Lake https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/lady-in-the-lake John Vallis - Watercolour https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/watercolour Arcane Anthems - Solemn Rest https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Arcane Anthems - Derelict Gods https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Arcane Anthems - Death March of the Under King https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Arcane Anthems - The Wild Mother Guides https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Skeleton Dance https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/skeleton-dance Whatfunk - Hidden in Plain Sight Pt. III https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/hidden-in-plain-sight-pt-iii Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies finally set down, after what feels like at least 7 weeks of talking and doing things, for a well deserved rest. They take the time, now that they have a moment to themselves, to divulge, reminisce, confide, disclose and withhold. An adopted troll makes an excellent pillow, Gwen and Lavaleen go off for a midnight side quest (soon on Patreon) and Val dreams a jarring dream after learning some unsettling secrets about the cloak fused to her neck. Come morning it is high time to cut the line and break into the Sacred Temple of Inns and Taverns, get their Hero Badges and some answers. Hell, high water, or disgruntled, enchanted actors be damned! Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Solecism https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/2020/11/solecism/ Roman Senyk Music - Acoustic Inspiring Soft https://www.patreon.com/romansenyk Whatfunk - Something is Following Us https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/something-is-following-us Arcane Anthems - You Arrive at a Tavern https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Scott Buckley - Clarion https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/clarion/ Scott Buckley - Resonance https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/resonance/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having obtained entrance to the Sacred Temple of Inn's and Taverns, a mystically attuned and carefully calibrated launching pad for heroic adventurers, the Nearlies find themselves essentially inside a massive enchanted object. Every table, chair and stein magically crafted to maximize the likelihood of a group of adventurers forming and hurling off to heroic endeavor… including, shockingly, mental enchantment and chemical manipulation. Listen as the group explores the Inn's wondrous nooks and crannies and uncovers its secrets, while elsewhere others uncover secrets belonging to Xenator Brisbane, the Doom of Abernathy. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Anna's Theme https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/annas-theme/ Arcane Anthems - You Arrive at a Tavern https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Something is Following Us https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/something-is-following-us Scott Buckley - Jul https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/jul/ Scott Buckley - The Summoning https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-summoning/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A beguiling ghost barmaid, a screaming spider creature chef, and a living war game later The Nearlies continue to explore the Inn of Inn's and find a threadbare legend. Careful who you startle awake. Then, without warning, the story's first Quest comes to an end, and another begins. Something deep and dark is happening beneath the inn and those crackpots outside can't be trusted with the secrets under the Sacred Tavern, so the Nearlies head down below and their uncertain futures begin, as many heroes traditionally have… killing giant rats in a basement. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Quirky Lane https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/quirky-lane/ Whatfunk - Attack https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/attack Scott Buckley - Elementary https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/elementary/ Scott Buckley - Legionnaire https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/legionnaire/ Scott Buckley - An Unexpected Party https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/an-unexpected-party/ Scott Buckley - Machina https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/machina/ Scott Buckley - Clarion https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/clarion/ Scott Buckley - The Spaces Between https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-spaces-between/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At last The Nearlies have their hero crests and embark on the first official quest as members of the Guild and it's an absolute industry standard: Giant Rats in the Basement. Unfortunately for our friends there ARE a couple of twists, the title is a lie. Most significantly that these rats have been corrupted by one of the world ending horrors called The Glorious and are mutating more and more horrifically with each passing hour. It's an extermination for much more than property value! Let's mash em up! Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Felicity https://www.patreon.com/musicbyscottbuckley Scott Buckley - Pursuit https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/pursuit/ Scott Buckley - Catalyst https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/catalyst/ Scott Buckley - Filaments https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/filaments/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So the previous episode title was a lie. There are always twists to every quest even seeming classics like “deal with the rat problem in the basement.” Especially when said rats have been corrupted by cosmos corrupting horrors called The Glorious. The Gloryspawn rats have been twisted into everything people fear about rats. They are ravenous, they are swarming, they are diseased… and even bits and pieces of myths about rats are getting gobbled up into the rats “myth-bodies” spawning tangled together Rat Princes. It's a flipping mess. So call Charlie Kelly, roll up your pants and get your rat sticks ready because this might take some serious bashing. But beware, these rats will bash back and even if our heroes make it through the Rat Carnage vs. Giant Fire Swan showdown… don't you feel like something is watching? Something ancient and poisonous and with a name that strikes fear into commoner and king alike? Actually, it's probably fine. I'm sure the Manticore won't be an issue. The Speaker probably just put it down here for ambience. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Quirky Lane https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/quirky-lane/ Monomyth - The Encounter https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-encounter/ Scott Buckley - Catalyst https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/catalyst/ Scott Buckley - Vengeance https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/vengeance/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh man… this is a bloody, nasty throw down against some INCREDIBLY unpleasant creatures. The whole episode is turtle monster murder. I thought this was a nice story about odd people making friends and learning to accept themselves while striving for second chances. I was wrong. This is a tale of carnage, blood shed, and half shell massacres atop giant lily pads. The battle for Lily Pad Grotto most certainly goes down. First Splinter, now the Turtles… someone call and wish our condolences to April. Also! Another group of adventurers has entered the cellar from below! Hear the first half of their story in this episodes “book ends”. They had WAY less fun. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Intervention https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/intervention/ Monomyth - The Vision https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-vision/ Scott Buckley - Childhood https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/childhood/ Scott Buckley - Reperateur https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/reparateur/ Scott Buckley - Computations in a Snowstorm https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/computations/ Scott Buckley - Clarion https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/clarion/ Arcane Anthems - Death March of the Under King https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems/ Scott Buckley - The Old Ones https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-old-ones/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The vanquished Muck MudTurtles carcasses sink to the bottom of Lily Pad Grotto and the world is better for the lack of obstinance and vitriol, but sadly, there's always a bigger Turtle out there. With the upper levels of the Sacred Tavern cellar cleared of monsters, the depths await, but not before they tie up the very scary little loose end of The Manticore, but they choose a somewhat unconventional route. That is quickly becoming our brand. Non conventional and convoluted solutions to fantasy adventurer problems. And in our “bookends”, we continue the troubled story of Inverted World adventurers entered the cellar from below with BONUS Turtle murder! Creative Commons Music Credits: Whatfunk - Flight https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/flight Scott Buckley - Reparateur https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/reparateur/ Scott Buckley - Theory Of Machines https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/theory-of-machines/ Scott Buckley - Borealis https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/borealis/ Whatfunk - Rollin https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/rollin Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At last the Nearlies go to do the thing that they were made for. The test run reaches its climax and we see if the Sacred Curses can stand up to the Great Awe of the Glorious and their loyal Herald. The first round of this battle is not fought in the flesh, or even in the mind, but in the soul, and the stakes are higher than death. The Nearlies psyche's are strained to bursting by a vile and cunning force… but somehow we still manage to laugh our asses off through pretty much the whole episode. Sometimes when the night closes in, the pain seems too much to bear, just have a fucking laugh right in the face of the void itself. Begin Arc 1 Climax! Pretend like we knew what was going to happen! HERE WE GO! Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - The Spaces Between https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-spaces-between/ Scott Buckley - Descent https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/descent/ Arcane Anthems - Derelict Gods https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Lost My Soul https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/lost-my-soul Whatfunk - Little Steps Pt. II https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/little-steps-pt-ii Scott Buckley - Solecism https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/solecism/ John Vallis - Time Again https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/time-again-john-vallis Scott Buckley - Anna's Theme https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/annas-theme/ Arcane Anthems - Death March of the Under King https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Scorpion https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/scorpion Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An evil thing wants to be a god. The Nearlies say no. Sometimes you win to lose. Sometimes you lose to win. Arc 1 ends with a bang and a whimper. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Reverie https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/reverie/ Scott Buckley - Precipice https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/precipice/ Scott Buckley - She Moved Mountains https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/she-moved-mountains/ Scott Buckley - The Old Ones https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-old-ones/ Scott Buckley - Omega https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/omega/ Scott Buckley - Discovery https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/discovery/ Whatfunk - Paranoia https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/paranoia Scott Buckley - I Walk With Ghosts https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/i-walk-with-ghosts/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What remains of the Hall of Heroes has taken the Nearlies to what remains of their Trans-realm headquarters for evaluation and interrogation. Fears over what battling something as contaminated as a Glorious might do to the groups Sacred Curses spurs an excess of caution and a good amount of outright suspicion. Not exactly treated like the hard fought victory, it becomes clear to the group that they are test subjects and are being sized up by one of Faritall's very most powerful people: The Guildmaster. I'm sure they will totally respect his might and authority. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Tears in Rain https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/tears-in-rain/ Whatfunk - Blue Tint Pt. II https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/blue-tint-pt-ii?in=whatfunk/sets/welcome-to-whatfunk Arcane Anthems - 22 to Hit https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Whatfunk - Daydream https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/daydream Scott Buckley - A Dragon's Lullabye https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/a-dragons-lullabye/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one is all about presents, gifts, and treasures. Ones you take, ones you give, ones you didn't expect and the ones you saw coming a mile away. Recovering from how flipping real things got when confronted with real evil The Nearlies then got a BIG Quest dropped on them by the Guildmaster: Locate the most powerful, famous and important adventurers in all the realms, a band of young women who turned famous curses and enchantments into powerful weapons, The Damsels! Seems like kindred spirits to us. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Beyond These Walls https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/beyond-these-walls/ Scott Buckley - This Too Shall Pass https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/this-too-shall-pass/ Arcane Anthems - You Arrive at a Tavern https://www.patreon.com/arcaneanthems Scott Buckley - Wonderful https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/wonderful/ Scott Buckley - Chasing Daylight https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/chasing-daylight/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies are rattled at the loss of a friend, but find they have many unexpected allies rallying to their side. A powerful member of the Circle of Wizards named Izarizel the Fair has pledged to guide and aid the group and seems to have some means to do so. I mean, she's the proud owner of a gigantic magical tree that's even bigger on the inside and filled with enchanted furniture, an extensive magical library and all manner of strange secrets. The tree even has some means of traveling on its own… can anyone say Roaming Base!? Meanwhile both the Nearlies and Grandma Ninnian make plans and preparations for a trip to one of Faritalls most dangerous realms. Creative Commons Music Credits: Whatfunk - No Smoke https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/no-smoke?in=whatfunk/sets/welcome-to-whatfunk Scott Buckley - Felicity https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/felicity/ Scott Buckley - The Things That Keep Us Here https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-things-that-keep-us-here/ Scott Buckley - The Exodus https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-exodus/ Whatfunk - Relax https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/relax Whatfunk - Engine https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/engine?in=whatfunk/sets/welcome-to-whatfunk Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies journey, wherever they should choose to take it, is starting to seem like it will be walked on two paths simultaneously. The obvious journey in the external world is wild enough, but it is becoming apparent that The Nearlies and their Sacred Curses take up a lot of mystical interior spaces as well. Dreams, white trees, dead friends haunt them pleasantly and offer up new and expanding power. All the while, they can't shake the feeling of something darker waiting beneath the surface… oh well, probably nothing. Let us see which way these trees within trees grow! Also featuring the difficult first day of the Wizard Taggins Lebrass. Creative Commons Music Credits: Whatfunk - Shine / Loop C https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/shine-loop-c Whatfunk - Shine / Loop D https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/shine-loop-d Whatfunk - Shine / Loop B https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/shine-loop-b Scott Buckley - The Old Ones https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-old-ones/ Scott Buckley - Reverie https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/reverie/ Scott Buckley - The Distant Sun https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-distant-sun/ Scott Buckley - Life Is https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/life-is/ Scott Buckley - The Things that Keep Us Here https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-things-that-keep-us-here/ Whatfunk - Gold Chandelier https://soundcloud.com/whatfunk/gold-chandelier Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't you just love a home base? The Nearlies are making themselves at home in Izarizel the Fair's enchanted tree, which will be their base of operations for the foreseeable future. How can they use this tree as a base, when they need to travel ALL over the realms to locate the Damsels? Why, the tree is just full of surprises. While they travel the low road, we run into our first Patreon twist of fate! Where a patron has helped concoct a very special series of encounters just for them and, in the bookends, meet Val's Sacred Curse. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - The Distant Sun https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-distant-sun/ John Vallis - Grey https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/grey John Vallis - Night https://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/night Scott Buckley - Nightfall https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/nightfall/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the Land of Un's greatest beings are the Seven Sisters. The Ladies of the Wood, Lake, Mountain, Sea, Below and Tapestry and the youngest sister, the Mourning Lady. She who weeps for us all and walks the swamps and moors of all worlds crying for all those who must die. A temple to this mysterious goddess is discovered sunken deep beneath the earths surface. So…. there's loot in here right? Also featuring some info on the process and origin of the Witch of the Wild's Sacred Curse, told by The Cunning Woman herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having traversed beneath several kingdoms and hundreds of miles within Izarizel's Tree, the Nearlies arrive at the Outskirts of the Grimmwood, a place steeped in superstition, danger and ancient evils. Every witch, were and wampire you've ever heard of dwells somewhere within the depths of this twilight forest, and even though their journey takes them just around this Elder Forests outskirts, they would be wise to be indoors before dark and not answer the door afterwards. But luckily they have plenty of daylight to reach Mudrack Hollow… although, with the Sun in its injured state… how long can it hold onto the sky? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One should not travel the roads around the Grimmwood, even here on the outskirts, after dark. By ancient compact, after nightfall, all ways, become the wolf's ways… With the sun injured, it cannot hold the sky and night catches The Nearlies off guard. The sounds of the wolven hunters attempting to enforce the “toll of flesh” upon travelers after dark has lead to a surprise reunion, but will Grandma Ninn and granddaughter Gwendylyn be together again? Or will they reunite only within the stomach of the wolves of Grimmwood? After they draw the attention of the woods gigantic She-Wolf, the latter becomes much more likely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valeriana has survived a trip through the inner world of The Great She wolf, liberating herself by axe into a blood rebirth in a moonlit field through the wolf's side… however the danger was not over and the Nearlies, who quickly rushed to her side, have stirred the attention and hunger of a pack of night-kin. Pursued by “Kindly Voices” they make it to the relative safety of the town of Thistleberry Hollow, also called Mudrack Hollow depending on which distant liege lord's claims and maps you follow. The boogey-men, however, do not respect the boundaries of ANY map and set upon the village… will the Nearlies, with help from a very unlikely “night kin hunter” named Nozie Bindleweather, and her unorthodox feline based hunting methods, be able to protect the village from the things that go bump in the night?Also features a check in with Martin's Sacred Curse, the dangerous and unstable Sirque. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thistleberry Hollow is just your average Faritall town. The pixies can be heard chirping from the pixie apiary, tavern music rolls gently out of the pubs, the baker is already up making healing-jam pastries and the gigantic crashed pirate ship's mast-heads creak in the evening breeze. Just your average town and a night gone quiet after the murderous invading night-kin were hunted down by The Nearlies and the local cat lady. The party splits up for some evening activities and conversations and meet two pirates, John Vomit and Phlegm McCalister, a barkeep with a really obvious wig and enjoy the evening in this simple slice of Faritall life episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then at long last, The Nearlies went to bed. Strange dreams and fitful sleep later, they head into a town that will never ever be the same, though not all of them even remember all of the impacts they made on the village due to some heavy drinking. (Check out these Sidequests on Patreon!) The weak light of day follows them as they determine the way to Applejack's ancestral home and head into the quickly darkening wood not knowing that things are going to be getting very dark, for an unknown time to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies are powerful, there's no question about that. They have rare and powerful spells, some strong enchanted weapons, and their Wizard is an expert tactician. Not only that, but their blood courses with ancient, endless Sacred Curses. These things are true, but all these things are also music to the ears of the nightmare they are about to face. This ancient hero has slain many famous heroes, some of them you've probably heard of. Let's hope he doesn't add our cast to the list. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reaching the storied home of the Applejack family; lumberjacks, carpenters and owners of one of Faritall's finest apple orchards. Patriarch Otax Applejack long ago remarried after his first wife, an enchanted tree in human form, left her husband to return to the Sacred Grove deep in the Grimmwood. The man's heart never mended and he was often long away, leaving his daughters at the mercy of Stepmother Elidda Peregrine-Applejack, a cruel hearted woman, as is tradition of stepmothers in certain regions of the Lands of Un. Many of their former mentors old associates have gathered to pay their final respects… unfortunately most of them are not her beloved allies, but her bitter enemies. Painful history, family secrets and dangerous people… welcome to the wake. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies say what needs to be said. Ghosts, there are many on these ancient grounds, may be listening, but what they share is for one another. The spreading, well rubbing, of ashes due to a bit of a misunderstanding on Martin's part, is a time honored and sacred tradition among many peoples, and in this instance has some unexpected results. Later they investigate a club house refuge for a girl with a wicked stepmother, an enchanted father, and a wayward mother. Then, the first course of what, judging by the nefarious guest list, is sure to be a significant funerary dinner.Creative Commons Music Credits:Scott Buckley - She Moved Mountainshttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/she-moved-mountains/Scott Buckley - A Dragon's Lullabyehttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/a-dragons-lullabye/Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies sit at dinner with some of Faritall's most dangerous people. Every which way the conversation turns dangerous secrets are revealed, old grudges are uncovered, and brewing danger presents itself. Deadly consequences await behind every wrong answer and lurk at the bottom of every glass. Toast to the dead, try to stay alive. Creative Commons Music Citations: Scott Buckley - Affirmations https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/affirmations/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last course is served at Applejack Manor. Elidda makes her move, breaks the Covenant of the Hearth and blood will spill. The wake may yet turn back into a funeral and something new and terrible arises out of a horrid act of wickedness. Family is forever… and sometimes a long while after that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fey break the long standing armistice with mankind and settle old scores in night attacks all across the Grimmwood Outskirts. One such unlucky community is that of Thistleberry Hollow. The forces of the Queen of Spite, La Vee'el La Fey unleash the queen's favored war-beast, the Lionflower Alraune on the village turning its walls and barricades into a cage of biting carnivorous roses and fey knights swarm in on dragonfly wing and unleash The Fomorian on the hapless citizens. A long and bloody night begins as the Nearlies rush to the village looking to save friends and family. By morning nothing and no one will be left unscarred. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an ironic twist, The Nearlies rush to the rescue of their would-be rescuers: Grandma Ninnian and the other Chimerites from Brill Thistle. All manner of deadly Fey swarm the village, killing any who resist and rounding up those who surrender. The Black Iron Fomorian stomps about in the dark and a gigantic Alraune encircles the town, invading and infesting the dead… soon to bloom into mindless killers as the evil seeds take root. Time is of the essence and time is running out. The sky fills with ashes and cinders, and the flame pixies wheel over head, filling the night with cruel laughter… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kel Under the Waters has found the Nearlies and against such a foe they may have no hope. A desperate scramble to escape and survive, using shared pasts, wild lies and painful truths are all deployed. An evil legend rises. An old legend ends. When caught in the crosswinds of great myths, just hold on and try to survive the storm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things in nature that are dangerous: poison thorns, spreading flames, carnivorous plants. Things with natures that are dangerous: pirates, skin-stealers, mighty trolls. They are all here and more, deadly and wild is the name of the game as The Nearlies desperately seek to enact their plan to save the surviving villagers in Thistleberry Hollow from a terrible curse. Standing in their way is a swath of the Lionflower Alraune, miles and miles of deadly flesh eating roses controlled by devious blood drinking fairies. At least the battle will smell nice. Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Goliath https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/goliath/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies missed their first shot at being heroes. Destiny has come around again and here's another chance. Unfortunately this second chance comes with a suicide mission attached. A swarm of fey knights, Carver the Cruel, General Hacket Bloody Branches, a cabal of blood drinking fairies casting a wicked curse and the terrifying black Iron Fomorian, stand between them and rescue of the survivors of Thistleberry and the thwarting of whatever evil spell the fairies seek to cast. The rescue mission involves unreliable pirates, a ton of pixie dust, a ship in a bottle, and conjuring blood rain… it's going to be a wild ride to the finish! Nobody said second chances were easy! Creative Commons Music Credits: Scott Buckley - Goliath https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/goliath/ Scott Buckley - Falling Together https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/falling-together/ Music published under the Creative Commons license is an invaluable resource for independent content creators such as ourselves. Please consider supporting these fabulous artists, composers and musicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 2 Premier:The last thing they remember, they saved the day… and then something went terribly wrong. Martin Sirque did something bad, though he doesn't remember doing it. It was starting to seem like he had someone living inside his head, turns out it wasn't just a scary malevolent entity in there, it was a whole nightmare carnival. How quickly rescuing the villagers of Thistleberry Hollow from vengeful fey aboard a make-shift pixie dust powered airship turns into a spiraling crash into the Grimmwood itself and waking within the twisted mind of one of your companions. Classic setup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have become trapped within the darkest parts of Martin's mind. Someone or something has built a whole dark carnival within, and invited other dark forces inside. The Nearlies search for a way out of this scary surreal dream space, but the Impresario of the Evil Circus of the Mind wants to finally meet them face to face to face to face…Creative Commons Music Credits:John Vallis - Time Againhttps://soundcloud.com/john-vallis/time-again-john-vallis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have escaped the dark recesses of Martin's mind and the evil entity that dwells there. A powerful rune now binds the evil within and gives Martin a very unique forehead accessory to boot. The Nearlies find that several days have passed and the survivors of Thistleberry have fortified the glen their makeshift airship crashed in against the terrors of the Grimmwood, but that they are just barely holding on… Unfortunately the Nearlies alliance with one another has become similarly tenuous. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Glen, the camp of refugees clinging to survival are overjoyed and filled with relief to see The Nearlies, the Saviors of Thistleberry return. However if they knew how close to fraying the group actually is, they might not be so pleased. Lavaleen Crest has learned the egg she traded away to the magical trickster Noddigaster has indeed hatched and produced a daughter who is being held by unknown parties somewhere in the Grimmwood. Martin has bound “the other guy” that lives in his head, but fears for his friends and his sanity, how long can the monster be kept at bay? Can the group learn to lean on one another? Do they have a choice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having tracked down Martin and Lavaleen, the Nearlies are accosted by the Snatcher-Grabber. A hideous spider-like creature of pulp and doubt, with an inside more horrible than its outside. Should they survive there are many fences to be mended, and secrets to divulge, if our heroes are to move forward as a united front. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noddigaster, brother of famed Mr. Stiks, granted Queen Lavaleen's request to go free, for the price of the Swan Maiden's unhatched egg. Apparently a dark force in the Grimmwood is purchasing princesses. Not only does “missing princesses” match exactly the vitally important members of The Damsels that the Nearlies have been tasked to find, but things have become very personal for Lavaleen and her friends having learned this egg has indeed hatched a daughter. To find out exactly who, where and why they now travel to Noddigaster's home to beat the details out of him if needed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies press on through Noddigaster's trapped fairy-grounds, past bridge troll and fairy maze and dangers seen and unseen. Life, and therefore stories, are full of unintended consequences. Everything you do, does something. Everything you take, costs something. Everyone you meet, you change. Some steps we take are momentous and can change our whole lives. The trick is knowing which are which. Be careful where you put your foot down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have reached their destination, the home of the fairy trickster Noddigasterabroboligalante (spelled exactly as it sounds). Within they find a lovely young woman named Jane who has long toiled at the spinning wheel turning straw into gold… Can they unweave the lies and tricks of Noddigaster and force from him to reveal the location of the captured princesses, including Lavaleen's own daughter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have captured Noddigaster and freed the Lady Jane Lamb from the fairy tricksters inept clutches. However just as they free the kind woman from one captor, Prince Eoric Callasterhoff appears without, demanding Jane be handed over to him. The prince has recovered three of his six legendary servants Fat Man, Tall Man and Little Lungman who are bound to his orders by ancient magical law as well as his enchanted arms and armor and now poses a grave threat. The only thing the Nearlies are sure of is they won't hand over Jane, at any cost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An impromptu and oddly charming wedding wielded as a weapon. Jane wrests control of the powerful Servants from the Prince and pitched combat ensues. Royal wedding's are notoriously dangerous. However if you seeks to spill the blood of Eld, you should remember that the reach of Kings and Queens is long and their grasp strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noddigaster traded Lavaleen's daughter for a Fool's Coin and The Impossible Sleigh, powerful artifacts of mystical significance. However he also established himself as a loose end in the plot of the Queen of Spite, the Briar Witch and their Glorious allies. Now three deadly Lightning Nixies have destroyed his home in a earthshaking blast of lightning and give chase… luckily Val has a way with little woodland animals, the very thing Noddigaster has hitched to the impossible sleigh, but can she drive them all to safety before lightning strikes twice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have Noddigaster in hand and a destination: The Briar Tower deep in the deadliest part of the forest, of course. The wicked fairies are gathering up young women of royal blood for an unknown, but undoubtedly nefarious purpose and they have reason to believe at least one member of the mighty Damsels is held within as well as Lavaleen's own lost daughter… but how to get inside? And how to last long enough to even try what with curses, and devils and dragons about? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies travel back to The Glen, hoping against hope that the trip will be safe, uneventful and quick. It is not. Curious talking owls, wayward legendary servants and Animal Headed Giants ahead.Content Warning: Self Harm/Suicidal Ideation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caught between the dark and the deadly and the treacherous The Nearlies try desperately to hold on to what they have as the road to the end of the road opens up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something wicked this way comes. The turning of the sphere's wait for no one and time is running out. The Nearlies now have the location of their enemies next move: the Legendary Briar tower where Rapunzel was held so long ago has once again become her prison. With a legend like her, the realms could be rallied to a common cause, but her mother has never been one to give her up easily and the Nearlies are about to find out few enemies are worse to have than a mother scorned and there will be terrible prices to pay indeed if they truly wish to become heroes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All ways within the Grimmwood are perilous. No path is clear. The Nearlies are becoming as tangled inside as the forest around them. If they cannot gain the favor of the Witches of Candlewood they have little chance of completing their mission. A way forward must be charted cautiously. Good thing they have absolutely no time to do so. Meanwhile the Sidekick Brigade goes into action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies arrive at the intoxicating and mystically charged Festival of New Life timed by the stars to align with their arrival. The First Coven needs three new members to balance their powers and as always, the universe has provided plenty of excellent candidates… Have the women among the Nearlies found a new kind of home, and can they ally with these dangerous practitioners of magic? Or are some places simply too fearful to tread. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Witch Moon Rises, the Festival of New Life commences! Trials, choices and bloodshed! Just like a proper ritual of the old ways ought to be! By dawn not much will be the same.Content Warning: self harm, suicide, body horror, gore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have been pursued by huntsman of a scorned king, survivors or disaster seeking vengeance, scorned family and even blood-bound demons since the first days of the strange journey. In order to save a “mostly dead” ally they hope to enlist the powers of the very same necromancer that raised Xenator from the grave. To do so they will have to face their pursuers at long last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A very close shave for the Nearlies, and literally for Xenator, the Nearlies have the backing of the witches… and an unexpected ally in the form of King Allfeel, master of the Endless Bacchanalia of the Revelwood. But how to strike at the Briar Tower and foil the Queen of Spites plans? There will not be a second chance. Either way, the party is over, maybe in more ways than one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The party has been split, Valeriana and Lavaleen travel with a group of veteran heroes out of retirement, including Hurdy Spweedow, The Barricade and the thick headed but woke Crammuel Bonks. The mission? To track down Kel, Under the Waters and end her fiendish life, but more importantly, to take the second daughter of the Queen of Spite, who hides in the guise of one of Kel's hunting hounds, hostage. Just a light trip to the saddest place in Faritall to kidnap some royalty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies trudge through the legendary swamp of sorrows, trying to find Kel, her quarry and the Princess they seek to capture. They do their best not to catch the nightmarish, uniform depression that seeps into the world around them. In the bookends, we hear a tale of sorrow from one of Faritall's mirrored worlds, Iscra in the Light. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The princess Bitterbell is in their grasp, literally. Kel Under the Waters is across the field of battle, all that stands between the Nearlies and leverage against the Queen of Spite. Blood is thicker than water. Love is thicker than blood. Battle and betrayal in the swamp of sorrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies and their allies approach the Sacred Grove, a designated meeting ground to treat with The Crownlanders. The mission is simple, draw the eye of the human armies, King Demm in particular away form the Queen of Spite and Castle Ire, to The Briar Tower where their foul plot will come to its conclusion. Baiting a mad king into attacking one of the most notoriously impregnable locations in Faritall won't be easy, or safe, but would prove an invaluable distraction and depletion of the towers defenses. Unrelated quick question… does it feel hot to anyone else? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the end of a path blazed by dragon fire the Nearlies have turned the Crownlanders ire toward the Briar Tower, but their meeting has drawn unwanted attention. Now, amid a battle upon a field of ashes the end begins... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies have done everything they can to ensure victory in the Briar Tower, but time has run out and a desperate Lavaleen has agreed to the bargain with Mr. Sticks. They are now reunited within the Briar Tower and the climb to stop the mad ritual begins. Looks like a long way up. Creative Commons Music Credits:Scott Buckley - She Moved Mountainshttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/she-moved-mountains/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clementine the shapeshifter, obsessed with Martin enough to follow him all the way into the darkest heart of the Grimmwood, has warned them of Mr. Sticks inevitable betrayal. Noddigaster, desperately wanting finally get a win over his brother puts his magic at the groups disposal. So with Noddigaster's tremendous powers to craft illusion and trickery, what masterful and tactful deception will the party deploy to get past the ambush of wicked fey and loyal ogres? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Heart of Scorn, a massive mystical emerald and the lynchpin of The Briar Tower's impregnable magical defenses lies just ahead. New allies and bitter foes. Trigger Warning: Ophidiophobia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Among the most potent poisons of all, is real love gone sour. The battle for the tower rages and whatever the outcome, many stories are coming to an end.Creative Commons Music Credits:Scott Buckley - She Moved Mountainshttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/she-moved-mountains/Scott Buckley - Felicityhttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/felicity/Scott Buckley - The Encounterhttps://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/the-encounter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love to Love, Life to Life. Mother's and Daughters. No more complicated relationship exists and none of us exist without it. Futures are written and erased. Three more episodes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you take a second chance at your second chance? One more episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Nearlies set out charged with a question "Could you be Heroes?" Today they answer. Thank you for hearing our story...the endCreative Commons Music Credits:Scott Buckley:Resolutions - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/resolutions/Felicity - https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/library/felicity/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.