Transcript: Season 3 Episode 61: Step Into the Limelight

A Knight of Shreds and Patches Transcript  

Season 3 Episode 61: Step Into the Limelight

Transcript by Cameron Robertson

Intro:  

[hurdy gurdy music begins]

Nick: Welcome, listeners, to A Knight of Shreds and Patches. An immersive actual play podcast. This episode features the talents of –

Penn:  Penn Van Batavia as Marathon Messenger and Gwendolyn Rozenthall.

Kit: Kit Adames as Birdie Foundling and Vaus Foundling.

Cameron: Cameron Robertson as Emma Blackwood and Janus Foundling.

Sydney: Sydney Whittington as Cassidy Shard and Winifred Foundling.

Nick: Nick Robertson as GM and Narrator.

Sydney: Hello listeners, this is your editor, Sydney, with today’s messages:

I was out sitting in a park and looking at clouds this weekend, and wouldn’t you know it, I saw one that looked just like you. Must be symbolic. Maybe your mission is to spend a little time floating above all the cares and worries of the world. Maybe it’s a sign that you need to drink more water. It could even be a message from beyond the veil that I need to remember that I’m a proud lion. Pareidolia is a whimsical thing.

And if you, too, were looking at clouds recently and somehow saw the faces of the Patina, maybe it’s a sign to consider backing our Patreon, which gives you access to bonus episodes, campfire conversations, and other fun rewards.

And with that, we wrap up today’s announcements and head into Season 3, Episode 61: Step Into the Limelight. And so…

“Join us, for now our tale to yours attaches

To carry hope: a Knight of Shreds and Patches.”

[hurdy gurdy music ends]

[electronic beeping]  

[robotic powerup noise begins]  

Distorted Robotic Voice: Power restored. Systems online. Reconfiguring audio connection.  

[robotic powerup noise fades to radio frequency static]

[over radio]  

Kit (as Birdie):  Last time on a Knight of Shreds and Patches, um, you know things went better than I thought that they were gonna go. So Marathon wasn't dead, I didn't kill her. And Cassidy didn't completely chew me out because, you know, in everything I do recognize that I did not make the smartest of decisions. Well - I also retain that I was under a lot of stress and, you know, everything kinda worked out and I think Marathon - well, we'll see what happens in the Guts. She'll be fine. She'll be fine! She's gonna be fine. Yeah. Yeah yeah yeah.

[radio static]

Episode Start:  

Nick:  The council room is filled with chaos as Rye announces his candidacy to take over Opal Corp. Rye is standing next to the podium where Gwendolyn is attempting to quiet the crowd, and as the rumble of the crowd finally begins to subside, Rye straightens his formal jacket and says, 

Nick (as Rye):  Thank you, everyone, for your opinions, but once again, just to make sure everyone is aware, even with any objections, I am here to formally petition for the full rights and privileges as the head of Opal Corp. I believe I have the strongest claim to the company, with my relation to the former councilor, now disgraced, and I believe my candidacy would be the strongest for the benefit of Sasnak as a whole. 

Nick:  There is another racket as multiple councilors petition Gwendolyn for the floor to voice their concerns over this new revelation.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Councilor Rodriguez.

Sydney (as Curt Ramirez):  Are you just gonna sit there and hold it until Opal shows back up and takes this position right back out of your hands?  We got to break this company up.

Nick (as Rye):  I think that the company would better serve the people of Sasnak if it continues to stay in one comprehensive piece. That being said, no, I do not believe that my disgraced relation will be returning, and even if she does, I have no intention of returning her holdings. Thank you for your concern. 

Nick:  And Rye gives a shit-eating grin to Councilor Rodriguez.

Sydney:  Rodriguez shakes his head, but sits back a little bit further in his chair and waits to think of something else pointed to ask.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Oh, I see another hand. Counselor Gooby?

Penn (as Councilor Gooby):  Yes, thank you. I would like to make sure that all of Opal Corp's past contracts can still be honored. I have quite a bit of business with Opal, with Ms. Opal, I mean [awkward laugh] Opal Corp, that I would like to see fulfilled, please. Your response, young Rye?

Nick (as Rye):  Yes, Councilor Gooby, I appreciate you bringing that up. That is yet another reason why my candidacy makes the most sense for a continued management of Opal Corp. All existing contracts would be respected as long as they are found to be legal, by a third party audit of course. We would want to review everything and ensure that there would be no issue with my relations' uh, former deals since she proved herself to be untrustworthy, -

Penn (as Councilor Gooby):  [snooty] Humph.

Nick (as Rye):  - but if we want our contracts to be respected, then it would make the most sense for me to step into the seat and take the reins, as, as you might think.

Penn (as Councilor Gooby):  Well, I would hope that you approve my contracts. I hold quite a bit of sway in this city. Harumph.

Penn:  And Gooby sits back down with crossed arms.

Nick (as Rye):  Ah, yes. I have found that the people with the most influence are the ones who say it out loud in public.

Penn:  Gooby glowers. 

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  All right, anybody else?

Nick:  Rye is clearly having the best time of his life right now, navigating this situation.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  If you want my professional opinion, this seems like a great idea. I mean, this is a hero of the city, but other voices weigh in.

Nick (as Rye):  Thank you, First Sword.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Of course. Don't suck up too much.

Sydney:  Rodriguez raises his hand again.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Yes, Councilor Rodriguez?

Sydney (as Curt Ramirez):  We saw that the massive size and reach of Opal Corps previously led not long ago to this corruption and chaos in the city. What steps are you going to be taking to prevent that from happening again? Whether by your own hand or your own successor, should we not break it up. 

Penn:  Gwendolyn nods her head.

Nick (as Rye):  Well, as I previously stated, all contracts would be subject to a third party review to make sure everything is continued in a public and respectable manner. In addition to that, I would be happy to enact a oversight board for the first, mmm, it is of course up for negotiation, but the first five years of operation, that would allow the city to take a personal interest in Opal Corp's behaviors until we've established public trust.

Nick:  And Rye reaches into his jacket and pulls out a folded piece of very fancy looking paper. 

Nick (as Rye):  In fact, I already have the new Articles of Confederation right here that would codify that procedure should, of course, we get the approval of our assembled and respected councilors today.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  [quietly] Wow, you must be loving this. 

Penn:  Gwendolen quietly says over to Rye,

Nick:  He makes eye contact with some people in the crowd while nodding. It looks like he's acknowledging his supporters, but Gwendolyn knows he is agreeing with her as he smiles with his best politician smile.

Sydney:  Rodriguez sits back into his seat now looking still grumpy, but slightly more thoughtful.

Nick:  Seated close to the front of the room, we see Wander with some bandages peeking out from under his clothes, and he raises a hand to get Gwendolyn's attention.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Yes, Council Person Wander.

Nick (as Wander):  Thank you for acknowledging me, First Sword. I just have a question for "Rye". 

Nick:  He says that pronouncing the air quotes, and everyone can hear it, but he keeps a placid look on his face as he makes eye contact with Rye standing up by the podium.

Penn:  Gwendolyn just has a disaffected sneer.

Nick (as Wander):  We're all aware that Rye is one of the more recent heroes of the conflict that has just ended, and he's become a bit of a symbol for the people, especially those not in the Domes, due to his heroism. How do we know that he will continue to maintain the Council's interests rather than his own? It seems to me that he's posed to create quite a problem for our own companies, and that he would benefit immensely, stirring the pot, as it were.

Nick:  And Rye looks thoughtful for a minute, and spreads his hands wide, and says, 

Nick (as Rye):  Well, I guess that you will just have to trust in the concept of human greed. If I were to disrupt the Council in such a way, then that would damage my own interests and reputation with the Council, the most powerful people in the city, and I think if the Council stands for anything, it's that the power of the free market takes control. There's no way I would want to destabilize our grand city doing anything like that.

Nick:  Wander's smile spreads wide, his sharpened teeth very visible as he nods along with Rye's answer and sits back. 

Nick (as Wander):  I think I'm satisfied with that answer. I have no more concerns.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Well, if no one else has any more questions um, I guess we move forward on -

Cameron (as Ruby):  [poncey] Pardon me, First Sword. I, [dramatic pause] would like to object.

Cameron:  And dramatically pushing their way out of the line of other citizens who have come to bring petitions before the Council, comes a young man who looks like it makes sense that you might think that he was related to Opal. Nose very high in the air, wearing a formal suit, but in a very loud fabric - very bright pastel paisley, and very shiny fancy dress shoes. And as he exits the line, a group of fellow well-dressed individuals, though not quite as obnoxiously well-dressed, follow him and form a small little circle around and behind him, rather than the orderly line that everyone else is remaining in.

Penn:  Council Person Gooby has stood up and monocle pops off and starts energetically clapping. 

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  All right, all right. Order! order! Introduce yourself I guess.

Cameron:  The young man does a flamboyant and overly gesticulated bow towards Councilor Gooby.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  All right, this is out of order, but I assume you have money, so -

Cameron (as Ruby):  Of course~.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  - not much I can do. Um,

Cameron (as Ruby):  Thank you.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Yeah, say your piece, I guess, before we vote.

Cameron (as Ruby):  Great-greatly appreciated, First Sword. So, [fancily clears throat] I would just like to say that the family is very much against Rye taking over my - [pause] -cousin's corporation. 

Cameron:  There is a pause before cousins that does suggest a much more complicated family relationship. [laugh]

Nick (as Rye):  Uh, I believe that my very distant relation, Mansfield, is overestimating his relation to my Aunt Opal. Cousin is a bit of a stretch, First Sword.

Cameron (as Ruby):  I don't know who this Mansfield is, but I'm Ruby Stone.

Nick:  Rye chuckles. 

Nick (as Rye):  Oh, are you're going by Ruby now. That's interesting. I guess there's enough room on coattails for anyone these days.

Cameron (as Ruby):  Honestly, Rye, if you attended family functions, you'd know these things.

Nick (as Rye):  Yet another point for me and my candidacy of taking over the company - I do not attend Stone Family functions. 

Penn (as Councilor Gooby):  Oh, hmm.

Nick (as Rye):  I would like to separate myself from that heritage, except for where it benefits me in taking over this company.

Penn:  Gwendolyn clasps her gauntleted hands together, making a loud clap. 

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  All right, all right, all right. No matter how much money you have, you can't just usurp our process. You've said your piece. I say we just put it to the vote now, right? All in favor of Rye taking over the conglomerate of Opal Corp, please say 'aye.' 

Nick (as Wander):  Aye. 

Kit (as Carmella Esposito):  Aye. 

Kit:  Carmella Esposito has raised her hand. 

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  All those opposed,

Sydney (as Curt Ramirez):  Nay. 

Penn (as Councilor Gooby):  Nay. 

Nick:  There is a strong chorus of yays and a weak chorus of nays.

Cameron:  And I think having heard this vote lean much more towards Rye than him, Ruby spins around and grabs a pair of gloves out of the jacket of the man behind him. 

Nick:  Hey!

Cameron:  And hurls them across the room towards Rye and says, 

Cameron (as Ruby):  [rushed and high] I challenge you to a duel.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Uh-

Nick (as Rye):  What?

Cameron (as Ruby):  I challenge him to a duel?

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  No that -

Nick (as Rye):  [incredulous] Really?

Cameron (as Ruby):  I challenge him to a duel. [sing-song] Tis my right as a citizen. I can do that.

Penn:  And then chaos erupts and then Gwendolyn sighs. 

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Unfortunately, the code of Sasnak requires me to honor this citizen's duel, but Ruby - Mansfield - whoever you are - Rye is choosing the time and place.

Cameron (as Ruby):  Oh very well.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  [yelling] Attention, attention, everyone! Shut the fuck up!

Cameron (as Ruby):  Oh my god.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Rye, please.

Nick (as Rye):  Well, this is unexpected, but I suppose I choose dusk today at mm [thinking], in the X Bike Stadium.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  Mm.

Penn:  Gwendolyn nods respectfully.

Nick (as Rye):  We might as well have an audience, don't you think? 

Nick:  And Rye panders to the crowd like a professional wrestler trying to get applause.

Penn (as  Random Councilor):  [cheering] Hell yeah beeeahh! That's my bro! Woo~!

Cameron (as Ruby):  If you think having friends there will help you, Rye, go for it.

Nick (as Rye):  The only reason I choose dusk instead of immediately is I need time to collect my second.

Cameron (as Ruby):  Sure. You do that. [scoff]

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  I'll meet you both there at dusk. Come with your seconds, your weapons, the paperwork, please. Let's just get this done as quickly as possible.

Cameron (as Ruby):  Of course, First Sword.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  God, you sound so much like her. Uncomfortably so.

Nick (as Rye):  I guess I'll have to swing by the office and pick up Barnaby on the way as well. Fine. 

Nick:  And Rye gives a quick turn and stomps off of the stage of the podium to go and get some help before dusk.

Penn (as Gwendolyn):  God, I hate this job.

Nick:  We cut away from the chaos of the council to a scene of peace high above the city. Birdie has made her way to the top point, the Crow's Perch, where the Forecast Bureau keeps watch for any potential signs of a Turning or obstacles for the city itself, to meet Winifred as she gets off of work. The strong wind this high up is cold in the January air, and you can see for miles in every direction.

Kit:  Birdie is leaning up against one of the very heavy duty railings on the Crow's Perch, dressed in a thick down coat that she borrowed from Vaus and carried up to better help her face the winds up this high, she's got little bits of frost gathered in her hair as it's not snowing, but being this high up when it's this cold, it's inevitable that you'll get a little bit of it. The edges of the walkway are frosted over, and there's a little bit of snow on the metal, and she's bouncing her heel, waiting for Winifred.

Sydney:  And we see coming up one last ladder, Winifred dressed in a long, thick wool jacket, warm hat, and earmuffs, and boots with chunky enough, or soles with enough grip that this would not be foolhardy, though she has spent so much time up here that the heights themselves aren't really noticeable anymore. And over her shoulder, she has a bag with branding from a sandwich shop in Merchants Alley.

Kit (as Birdie):  The food's gonna totally freeze if we eat up here.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Well, there were hot sandwiches. We'll have at least a few minutes.

Kit (as Birdie):  Fair. [quiet giggle] How was work?

Sydney:  And Winifred finishes clambering up onto the platform. 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Oh, it's all right. It's been pretty busy since all of the uh, battle stuff.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  I had to reveal a few secrets to tell them how I got the city restarted, but I've held back a couple of interesting stuff to be trickled out later [laugh], after I understand it. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh, and they haven't promoted you to Supreme Leader of the Forecast Bureau yet, because of your unique talents?

Sydney (as Winifred):  Oh, I don't want to be Supreme Leader.

Kit (as Birdie):  [giggle]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Then I'd have to manage people. I'd rather be the best technical contributor out there.

Kit (as Birdie):  Suppose that's fair. [laugh] That's when it stops being fun.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Mhm.

Kit:  Birdie's a little bit nervous. The tips of her ears and her nose are a bit pink from the wind, but she's definitely - her nerves are showing enough that the rest of her face is a little bit red, and she's still bouncing her heel, which is she's wearing tennis shoes. They're not smart shoes for being all the way up here, but she doesn't really care that much about it. And she'll sit down to properly eat with Winifred, so that they're not fighting against the wind and pat the metal grate next to her. [laugh]

Kit (as Birdie):  Unless you wanted to stand.

Sydney (as Winifred):  No, we can sit. 

Kit (as Birdie):  [laugh]

Sydney:  Winifred sits down and distributes a sandwich to each of them, which have to be held on tightly to keep the wrappings from fluttering away into the void. 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Pretty chilly spot for a picnic this time of year.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, it's colder than I remember. [uncomfy laugh] Once we're done eating, if you wanted to take a walk a little - somewhere a little warmer, -

Sydney (as Winifred):  Sure.

Kit (as Birdie):  - that would be nice to warm up, but 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Nostalgic spot here too.

Kit (as Birdie):  I suppose so. [laugh]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Not the first time we saw you, but -

Kit (as Birdie):  No, I guess the first time you talked to me?

Sydney (as Winifred):  You did steal my money.

Kit (as Birdie):  No! What? I would never do that.

Sydney (as Winifred):  And then we had to track you down, and then it turns out you were a little in need of some life guidance.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, well, eight year olds often are in need of a little guidance.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah. Not every eight year old is running around with no parents, either, but happens - especially here. But I'm glad we found you. Inducted you.

Kit (as Birdie):  Aw~. well, that's sweet. And I'm glad that you found me too. I'm glad that you definitely didn't turn me into the Drain Boys like you could have. [laugh]

Sydney (as Winifred):  I could have.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, but I was too adorable and plucky.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Exactly.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, you said this kid's got a future in pick pocketing.

Sydney (as Winifred):  This kid fits into small spaces that [laugh] only Janus still can, -

Kit (as Birdie):  [laugh]

Sydney (as Winifred):  - and she's still growing a little bit.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, well thank you for coming all the way up here. It's a lot harder to get up here than I remember it being, too.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Well, you know, you haven't been up here in a while. Have you even been climbing much? I still have to come up here to check observation platforms.

Kit (as Birdie):  Well, I didn't climb for, gosh, I mean, I was pretty afraid of heights for about five years after everything.

Sydney (as Winifred):  No, I don't blame you.

Kit (as Birdie):  And kind of refused to get up high enough to fall [uncomfortable laugh], fall more than maybe 20 feet. But um yeah, I mean since being back I've climbed up here, of course, but, and you know, ever since I managed to sort of face my fears, it's [sigh], I've been trying to climb more, because it was nice, you know? It kind of clears your head. Cassidy does it a lot.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, I like getting the wind in my face.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah,

Sydney (as Winifred):  It's a welcome change from sitting down in the Guts or in an office or something all day.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah. [laugh] Yeah, it's nothing like being on the road. I mean, you get up into the mountains sometimes if you have a group that's willing to pay to go all the way up into the mountains, but that's not very often, and nobody can really beat this view, I guess. Even though most of it's just clouds a lot. [laugh]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Oh yeah. Pretty clear day today, though.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah and you can see a lot.

Sydney:  And Winifred looks around, taking in the surroundings for a little bit, weighing whether it's time to ask the question that she's been pondering now or -

Kit (as Birdie):  Um....

Kit:  Birdie is staring directly down at her sandwich while Winifred is taking in the sights. 

Kit (as Birdie):  I don't really know what we're gonna do next, but it's probably not staying here.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Well, there's not infinite mercenary work. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Nope.

Sydney (as Winifred):  The Patina is heading out or - well we gotta fix the Knight still.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, it.. I mean, yeah, it won't be immediate, but I..

Sydney (as Winifred):  What about you?

Kit (as Birdie):  Um [soft laugh] It's tough. It's tough to decide, because you know, I've almost spent the same amount of time without you guys that I spent with you guys, you know? 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah.

Kit (as Birdie):  Not that I wouldn't love to be around you. I mean you're my family and I love you guys, and but everyone has their own lives. I don't know if I have a place on Sasnak anymore.

Sydney (as Winifred):  You definitely have a place here.

Kit (as Birdie):  I know, I know that I always have a place with you guys, but I haven't -

Sydney (as Winifred):  Maybe a famous ex-bike racer - champion.

Kit (as Birdie):  [said on a laugh] Yeah. Yeah, and that's the trouble is that we're here long enough in Sasnak for me to remember things, start making new friends, seeing that I could put down roots if I wanted to.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Why not?

Kit (as Birdie):  I don't know. I think it's because of the Patina. [giggle]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Mhm, which part?

Kit (as Birdie):  I like them too much. I like,

Sydney (as Winifred):  Well I mean -

Kit (as Birdie):  I.. I've been trying really hard to be able to love traveling and moving around constantly, and never being one place long enough to put down roots without using it as a way to feed my own, I don't know, fear of getting abandoned again, or, and I mean, not that you guys abandoned me, but you know what I mean, like fear of being completely left alone again.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah.

Kit (as Birdie):  And I haven't started growing as a person until I met them, or at least it feels like that. It was like the accident just did everything, and it just put a pause on my trajectory as a person, and I just fucked off with no responsibilities, and no, I didn't owe anyone anything. I could leave whenever I wanted, I didn't have to care much about anyone. And then I went to Quirk, and there was just that whole thing with [sigh]. I wanted to put down roots for the first time since the accident and Quirk, and I got scared, so I didn't do it and I ran away, and that made me realize that something needed to change, and then the Patina has shown me that there's a way to have a family and people that you care about, while having the spontaneity and the adventure and the life that I've enjoyed for the last couple of years, and I've been doing better in so many ways because of them.

Sydney (as Winifred):  I mean, you made it home, that -

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  - seems good.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, and no matter what, I haven't made up my mind, so I can't give you a straight answer, and I'm sorry, but know that I feel like I'll be missing out on a lot no matter what decision I make. If I stay here, I could always come back to Sasnak if I wanted to go and try to locate the Patina, or visit them, or they could come back and visit me if they really wanted to, but vice versa, if I went with the Patina, we could always come back, and I could always change my mind and come back too.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, life keeps going on either way.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah,

Sydney (as Winifred):  I never think I'd be the one to settle down with the picket fence and the baby.

Kit (as Birdie):  [laugh] Yeah, yeah, that was a lot to come back to. [giggle] I'm happy for you.

Sydney (as Winifred):  I'm happy.

Kit (as Birdie):  I'm glad.

Sydney (as Winifred):  But took a long - yeah, 10 years ago I never would have thought, but you know, I'm [laugh] 35 now.

Kit (as Birdie):  So old.

Sydney (as Winifred):  I have a little bit of life together. Look at all this white hair I have.

Kit (as Birdie):  [laughing]

Sydney:  And Winifred pulls her lock down out of her hat.

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh my gosh, I feel like that's the baby's fault, though. Just sleeping in a house that has a baby in it. [giggle]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Well yeah. Loud baby.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah,

Sydney (as Winifred):  And I only.. I only took a few shifts. The advantage of being the third parent, it's - I help support, but -

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  - primary responsibility is theirs.

Kit (as Birdie):  No, I mean -

Sydney (as Winifred):  It's kind of nice having another little one in the house.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, yeah. I get, I - [self reflecting laugh] for such a long time, I didn't understand why anyone would want to settle down when there's so much you can go a whole lifetime without knowing about every everywhere. Everywhere has something new to offer. Quirk was the second to last place I had to visit if I wanted to visit all the Seven and say that my, my big goal of procrastinating coming back to Sasnak was complete. I could have stopped and I could have settled down, and it was tempting. It's nice not having to worry about where your next checks coming from, or if you got enough to put food on the table? 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah.

Kit (as Birdie):  I mean, morally working with the Patina has been great, though. Honestly, I feel like such a good person when I'm with them.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Why, you don't like mild thievery as a -

Kit (as Birdie):  I mean, -

Sydney (as Winifred):  - life occupation?

Kit (as Birdie):  - the Foundlings, the Foundlings were also pretty up there with the moral, the morality levels of the groups I've been with in the past.

Sydney (as Winifred):  That's actually, that's not a great sign, -

Kit (as Birdie):  Mm yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  - considering stuff I know we got up to.

Kit (as Birdie):  Well, it wasn't the worst stuff. I mean, we barely - we barely did like major larceny once or twice. I don't know. I feel like I'm making a difference out there when I'm with the Patina sometimes. I mean, sure, we got to do jobs that put food on the table sometimes I feel like they're very menial tasks, but there have been times where it's like we like -

Sydney (as Winifred):  Save the city recently?

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh, yeah, we did do that, I guess.

Sydney:  Winifred does the fake dusting off her shoulders thing.

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh mhm. Yeah, no sweat off our backs, really. I mean, you saw the giant mech that we're traveling with.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, totally prepared to do that.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, yeah, definitely.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Came into the day knowing that we were going to restart the city, which had somehow stopped.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, that totally wasn't our fault either. Yeah, well, I've got a lot to think about, and know that if I do leave with the Patina, though, it won't be the last time we see each other at all. I wouldn't let that happen.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Good, don't disappear and suddenly die without telling us either. You better task Cassidy with bringing back your last will.

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh my gosh, I mean, I don't even have that many possessions to put in a will. I don't know what I'd give- I mean, would it be, is Mackenzie an inappropriate age to be given a hockey stick?

Sydney (as Winifred):  Depends on when you die.

Kit (as Birdie):  That's fair.

Sydney:  Winifred is holding back a smile.

Kit (as Birdie):  [laugh] That does complicate things. Well,

Sydney (as Winifred):  Wait, maybe 12-13 years.

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh my gosh, that's so long.

Sydney (as Winifred):  And you have to come visit between.

Kit (as Birdie):  I don't have anything planned out that long. Well, yes, I will be coming back to visit before 12 or 13 years is up. Yeah, that's the thing with being a mercenary, is at some point you either die on the road or on a job or you settle down. And let it be on the record that I am planning on settling down, maybe at some point in my life, if I don't die. 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Oh~.

Kit (as Birdie):  I would really like to retire at some point, unlike some people in my field.

Sydney (as Winifred):  You're saying that, like, you know someone?

Kit (as Birdie):  No! Yeah, I mean, when I do settle down, I'm not.. you got to make the decision at the right time. I mean, Gwen, Gwen settled down. She found a good gig, hopefully that she likes. I don't know if I can -

Sydney (as Winifred):  She doesn't seem the happiest about it, but she's been here a few years. She might just be that kind of person.

Kit (as Birdie):  Just get stuck. See, that's my biggest fear, is I choose to settle down too early, and then I get stuck. When it's meant to be, it'll happen, and if it's meant to be that I stay here, then I'll know when the time is up, and we have, we have a couple of weeks too.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, I mean, you'll, you'll know it when the right time comes, and if it's the right person at the right time, and then it stops being the right person at the right time, they'll understand too.

Kit (as Birdie):  I hope so, and I'll always know that I can come back here, and I don't have anything to be afraid of anymore.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah.

Kit (as Birdie):  Because honestly, I stayed away for such a long time because I just thought that everybody was dead, and that's why no one was answering.

Sydney (as Winifred):  What a coincidence. I also thought you were dead.

Kit (as Birdie):  Well, there you go. [laugh]

Sydney (as Winifred):  Until you walked into my living room.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, there I - I really thought that Vaus would have told everybody. I'm still not over that, but you know, I've scolded them enough for that one.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Private person. No, I did take it personally, but not your fault.

Kit (as Birdie):  No, I think that's your right, though. I think that's your right to take personally if I'm being honest. I think the Vaus is - they have therapists on Sasnak Traveling, you could, just maybe, that's the project that you and Janus can work.

Sydney (as Winifred):  What, drag Vaus into therapy?

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, if you tell Nona about it, she'll help.

Sydney (as Winifred):  [short laugh] Yeah, maybe.

Kit (as Birdie):  I bet she will.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Vaus has been doing their own thing since, well, the same incident, so

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, yeah, I guess we had opposite reactions to everything.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, we all kind of went not entirely different directions, but you were there [laugh] for some of those conversations after you got back.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  So

Kit (as Birdie):  I am, I am glad that we talked about this, because I don't - I'm not gonna say I'm not gonna just run away from you, I'm not gonna, you know, leave without saying goodbye. And I want you to know that I'm thinking about it. 

Sydney (as Winifred):  I appreciate it.

Kit (as Birdie):  Because I love all of you guys, or whatever.

Sydney (as Winifred):  I love you too. Yeah, make sure you come by. Let me know when you know what you're doing.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah.

Sydney (as Winifred):  We'd be happy to host you in our place. The shipping container is still there. Whatever you need, whenever you need.

Kit (as Birdie):  Thank you, I appreciate it. 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Now, our sandwiches, there are ice crystals on them now.

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh~.

Sydney (as Winifred):  So it is time to go down before the bread totally turns to [laugh] an ice cube.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, um well, we can, we can go put them, we - let's go warm up up in the oven,

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah there you go.

Kit (as Birdie):  - in the shipping container, and then we can finish them inside, and you can say hi to everybody.

Sydney (as Winifred):  That sounds good.

Nick:  We cut away to Rye as he jogs his way up the stairs and ladders, making his way to the shipping container, where he hopes to find Emma. He pounds on the door of the shipping container, unable to keep some of the urgency out of his demeanor as he waits for the door to open and bends over, hands on knees, breathing heavily.

Cameron:  There's a minute of just waiting as Emma was not by the door, and then the door is opened by a very relaxed-looking Emma, who has her hair up in a towel and a green mud mask on her face, and is wearing her pajamas. 

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh! Hi Rye!

Nick:  Rye stands up straight. Emma sees that he is wearing his formal councilor attire with a dress jacket and slacks, but that he also has a sword strapped to his hip, and he says, 

Nick (as Rye):  Oh. [panting] Emma, I'm glad I found you here. 

Cameron (as Emma):  Are you okay?

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah. I rushed a little to get up here. 

Cameron (as Emma):  Do you need to sit down? Do you want to come in?

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah, sure, that'd be great.

Cameron (as Emma):  Come, come sit.

Nick (as Rye):  It's a lot of stairs. [heavy breathing]

Cameron (as Emma):  It is, yeah. I don't like them either.

Nick (as Rye):  I would say, how do people live up here? But I know that's sort of like the class stratification thing.

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah, we've talked about this, Rye. That's kind of a thing.

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah, that's -

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah~.

Nick (as Rye):  - indirectly, that's what brings me here, actually, as I catch my breath, um, I would you be my second for a duel this evening, please?

Cameron (as Emma):  Begging your pardon, what?

Nick (as Rye):  So um I've spent the last couple of days maneuvering, and today was the Council meeting, and I'm attempting to seize control of Opal Corp in its entirety.

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh!

Nick (as Rye):  Sort of -

Cameron (as Emma):  Wow.

Nick (as Rye):  - trying to inherit from Aunt Opal, as it were.

Cameron (as Emma):  That's a lot. Con-

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah.

Cameron (as Emma):  Congrats on making that decision, I guess.

Nick (as Rye):  Thanks. Yeah, it was - it was a challenge deciding to step into the limelight and take on a public persona, but my eyes were really opened by the battle, and seeing people struggle, life or death, and being able to protect some people made me realize that it was time to get out front. I think I can do more good there. The complication is that a distant cousin also is attempting to seize control of the company and to break it apart and sell the parts and make as much money short term as possible. Mansfield. I don't like him.

Cameron (as Emma):  Do you, do you, do you have to say his name like that, all kind of like evil whisper? Or does it just like automatically happen when you say it?

Nick (as Rye):  You know, it's.. it's hard to avoid. It just - the emotion really comes with Mansfield.

Cameron (as Emma):  [no evil whisper] Mansfield?

Nick (as Rye):  Would you believe he's going by Ruby Stone these days?

Cameron (as Emma):  I'm sorry, I probably should have known this based on the number of contracts I have signed, but are you trying to tell me that Opal's last name was Stone?

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah, and I'm Rye Stone. Why?

Cameron (as Emma):  Okay, well, it's not as weird for your name. Are there many people named after rocks and gems in your family?

Nick (as Rye):  Oh, stone! Like Opal's! You know I got that before.

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah like a rock, Rye.

Nick (as Rye):  That's really funny. I wonder if she did that on purpose.

Cameron (as Emma):  What?

Nick (as Rye):  Huh! Never occurred to me.

Cameron (as Emma):  What??

Nick (as Rye):  Anyway,

Cameron (as Emma):  How did you not get teased about that growing up? That -

Nick (as Rye):  I mean, she, she was just my aunt.

Cameron (as Emma):  - that is such easy cannon fodder for - what? That just like falls right into your lap. That's so simple.

Nick (as Rye):  I guess so. Uh the real problem here is I'm going to be fighting to the death in about -

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh yes.

Nick (as Rye):  - an hour and a half. 

Cameron (as Emma):  That's that's a higher priority. Okay. Why, why are you dueling?

Nick (as Rye):  Ruby Stone has challenged me to a duel for Opal.

Cameron (as Emma):  Eh you can call him Mansfield. That sounds -

Nick (as Rye):  Mansfield.

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah, now it sounds ominous. Okay.

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah. He's, uh, challenged me to a duel for Opal Corp because he knew he was going to lose the Council vote. I - you - I think you'd be proud of me. I handled myself pretty well in the Council meeting.

Cameron (as Emma):  I mean, I'm just impressed you went and asked for it. Yeah uh, okay. So, you're dueling. Duels have seconds?

Nick (as Rye):  Yes, or one like this will. Basically I just need you as a witness, and if I die, maybe to avenge me.

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh god. Okay. Um.

Nick (as Rye):  I would appoint you as my primary duel, having seen you fight that Atlas fellow, but that seemed rude, so, 

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh.

Nick (as Rye):  - I'm gonna just do it myself.

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh, okay, yeah, sure. No, I would much prefer that you didn't die. So, yeah, let's not need me to fight, but yeah, for sure. If you want me to arm up and stand there and look intimidating, I can do that.

Nick (as Rye):  That would be wonderful. The biggest part will be for you to keep Mansfield's second from getting involved, I suspect.

Cameron (as Emma):  Okay, so running interference? Less less interference than the ball, I'm hoping. I'm, I'm, I'm hoping it's further removed from the populace.

Nick (as Rye):  I think you being there will convince them not to try and do anything, honestly.

Cameron (as Emma):  Okay. All right. Well.

Nick (as Rye):  But you might, um, you might need to put on some pants.

Cameron (as Emma):  Well, yeah, and probably also take the mud off my face and dry my hair before I go outside and turn into a popsicle, and actually be prepared and like wear armor this time too. Uh, yeah. Okay. All right dueling. Okay. Yeah, sure. Uh, I~ will go and get changed then and suit up. Okay.

Nick (as Rye):  Great. Thank you. And I apologize for the short notice. I was also sort of taken by surprise.

Cameron (as Emma):  I mean, you getting into a duel - the least of my worries is the short notice. Um yeah. Yeah, I'll get ready. You, you focus on breathing, and there are some, some cookies from Nona in the kitchen if your blood sugar is also getting low from your, I'm assuming, sprint up the city.

Nick (as Rye):  Ooh, that sounds nice.

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah, okay. Yeah, I'm gonna go - I'm gonna go get ready.

Nick:  As Emma goes to get ready, Rye stands up, turns around to look for the cookies, and sees Birdie and Winifred sitting in the kitchen area of the shipping container. 

Nick (as Rye):  Oh, hello.

Kit (as Birdie):  [mouth full] What's up?

Nick (as Rye):  Oh, not too much. Uh,

Nick:  Rye fidgets with his hands.

Nick (as Rye):  Just about to go fight a duel. Figured I'd bring Emma along, just for, you know, old time sake.

Kit (as Birdie):  [mouth full] Can we come and watch?

Nick (as Rye):  I mean, yeah, sure.

Kit (as Birdie):  Fuck yeah.

Nick (as Rye):  I think probably half of the people there will be rooting for me, so there'll be plenty of friends to hang out with while I fight to the death. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Oh,

Sydney (as Winifred):  I never liked that Ruby guy.

Nick (as Rye):  Right?

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, hell yeah. Let's go and bring popcorn and throw popcorn at him.

Nick (as Rye):  I like this plan. I like this plan a lot.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Also, don't die or get Emma hurt.

Nick (as Rye):  Oh no. Emma - honestly, Emma outclasses just about anybody who could be involved in this situation. I am not worried about her. I'm little worried about me, just a smidge, but Emma's going to be fine.

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, you should probably be worried, but yeah, Emma's got this.

Nick (as Rye):  Thanks.

Kit (as Birdie):  Is that inappropriate of me to say? I'm sorry.

Nick (as Rye):  No I -

Kit (as Birdie):  No you've got this! Oh my gosh, no, wait, Rye - you've totally got this. Do you want a sandwich?

Nick (as Rye):  Yes, I do want a sandwich. Thank you.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Whose sandwich are you giving him? 

Sydney:  Winifred looks between the two of them and down to the bag.

Kit:  Birdie glances at the fridge.

Kit (as Birdie):  We have sandwiches here. I mean, we just kind of make them sometimes.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Yeah, I wasn't going to bring an entire mercenary company's group of sandwiches up. 

Nick (as Rye):  I'll just stick to the cookies actually. I think that's fine. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah yeah yeah. Nona's cookies are the best, they make you stronger of will and muscle.

Nick (as Rye):  I've heard.

Nick:  And when Emma comes back prepared to leave, she sees Rye and Winifred and Birdie chatting as Rye is munching down on some cookies.

Nick (as Rye):  And then this stupid asshole says that he's gonna break apart the company and challenges me to a duel. Can you believe that? 

Sydney (as Winifred):  Councilors.

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah, they suck. 

Nick:  And Rye gives a broad smile, acknowledging that he is working to become one of those as well.

Cameron (as Emma):  Hey Rye?

Nick (as Rye):  Oh, looks like you're ready to go.

Cameron (as Emma):  Yeah, real quick. Realized I missed an important question before I went back there. Should we be concerned about the skill level of this weird distant relation who wants to kill you?

Nick (as Rye):  Mmm no~.

Cameron (as Emma):  Oh, that sounded so positive and firm.

Nick (as Rye):  Well, no. If no, no, if, if I'm fighting Mansfield, it should be fine. Most people who live in the Domes have some training just because of our legal system, but I have more than most. I feel fairly confident against Mansfield. 

Cameron (as Emma):  All right. What's the likelihood that they pull in a replacement?

Nick (as Rye):  Yeah, that would be the part I'm a little nervous about.

Cameron (as Emma):  Okay.

Nick (as Rye):  But I don't, I don't think he would do that.

Cameron (as Emma):  You don't?

Nick (as Rye):  I hope he doesn't do that.

Sydney (as Winifred):  Birdie I'll give you a triangle if he doesn't do it. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Um, 

Kit:  Birdie looks up from her sandwich. 

Kit (as Birdie):  Yeah, I'll take that bet.

Nick (as Rye):  Great. Thanks, friends.

Sydney (as Winifred):  You got this, Rye.

Nick:  And Rye and Emma and Winifred and Birdie pack up and head towards the X Bike Stadium for a duel. We cut away to, far from Sasnak Traveling, a column of dust moving across the plains. And as we get closer, we see the column of dust is being created by a truck, one that looks very similar to the trucks driven by the mercenaries that attacked Sasnak Traveling. This one has a tent spread over the bed, creating what looks almost like a motorized covered wagon as it bumps cross country towards its destination. And inside the back of this truck we find Councilor Opal being jostled by the uneven ride and trying to hold herself still while working on something important to her.

Cameron:  Opal is sitting desperately clasping a lap writing desk to her legs, trying to hold it as still as possible, while also holding a small bottle of ink in the hand that's supporting the desk, while she uses a quill pen to write a letter on a delicate piece of paper sitting on the lap desk. And the camera zooms down towards the letter, and it reads as follows. 

Cameron (as Opal):  My dearest Barnaby,

Though I regrettably had to leave you behind in my flight, you can I'm sure be comforted by the thought that I shall think of you often - and fondly of course. The road - and I use that term loosely mind you - we're taking to Allium is rough and terribly bumpy and uneven and I know you would agree with me that this vehicle is less than acceptable transportation for such travel. Unfortunately the transportation meeting my standards suffered a gruesome fate at the hands of my bothersome former contractors. I must admit they were incredibly efficient at thwarting my efforts and destroying my hopes of total city domination, even though they did unknowingly assist in acquiring the necessary equipment for the Guts infiltration. 

Although in the end my efforts came to naught and caused much mayhem, I do hope that the city treats you and my dear family well and doesn't hold you accountable for my actions. I hope you will do me a small favor in honor of our long friendship and will assist my successor in maintaining Opal Corp. I do so hope that one of my dear nephews deigns to be my replacement, in which case proceed with the predetermined transition strategy. Just for the love of EbIntsy don't let my late brother's wife's sister's grandson, Milton, or whatever his name is weasel his way into being in charge or affiliated in any way. I'd honestly rather it be dismantled and sold off piece by piece by the Council. Absolutely worst case scenario, have Wander take care of it - he'll at least keep it respectable and isn't such a pretentious sniveling sycophant. 

Yours most faithfully,

Opal

P.S. Do be a dear and burn this letter

Nick:  And the last thing we see of Opal is the truck disappearing over the horizon on its way to Allium, carrying her away from the consequences of her actions.

[hurdy gurdy music swells]

Outro:

Penn (as Marathon):  Welcome back folks, you’re tuned to Going the Distance: Traveler’s Guide on road dial 1558. That’s a wrap on today’s log and we’re set to loop after these considerations. Further detail for the following is cataloged in the show notes.

This has been A Knight of Shreds and Patches, an actual play podcast using the Genesys game system from Fantasy Flight Games. The show is edited by Sydney Whittington, and features the talents of:

Kit Adames as Birdie. Kit can be found on Twitter and Instagram @ venusvultures. Kit is also a voice actor for Elevator Pitch Podcast, a queer genre-hopping anthology podcast that can be accessed on Spotify and YouTube.

Penn Van Batavia as Marathon. She can be found on Twitter @ acquiredchaste and in drag as horror king JOHN on Instagram @ john.is.risen. Penn is an indie TTRPG designer whose most recent work includes SLICE IT OUT, a grisly carving RPG about cutting pieces of yourself out to fit in. Check out faer other work at pennharper.itch.io. 

Sydney Whittington as Cassidy. Sydney can be found on our Discord server, which is linked in the show notes, and on Twitter @ sydney_whitt. She’s also a contributing editor and occasional guest player for the Orpheus Protocol, a cosmic horror espionage actual play podcast.

Cameron Robertson as Emma. Cameron can be found on Twitter @ midnightmusic13 and on Instagram @ reading_and_dreaming. Cameron is also a player on Tabletop Squadron, a Star Wars Edge of the Empire actual play podcast.

And Nick Robertson as narrator. Nick can be found on Twitter @ alias58. Nick is also the GM for Tabletop Squadron. Nick can also be found as a player on the Orpheus Protocol.

This podcast features the musical talents of Dora Violet and Arne Parrott. You can find Dora at facebook.com/doraviolett. You can find Arne at atptunes.com.

The official artwork for this podcast was created by Rashed AlAkroka, who can be found on  Instagram and Artstation @ rashedjrs.

You can follow the Patina on Twitter @ akosap_podcast or visit the website: www.akosap.com. To further support the show, consider joining the Patreon at www.patreon.com/AKoSaP, where we’ll be bringing you weekly content including bonus episodes, campfire conversations, and other fun rewards.

Until you tune back…

…stay bold and stay kind