The Rogue Plague | Part 1

Hey everyone, this is Christoph and this is Robin and Luke here and you're about to listen to the second of our special edition episodes back from our Leviathan vaults. You've listened to Internal Affairs last week. We finished the conclusion of that and you know it's funny I've said before that Internal Affairs was one of my favorite of our special edition episodes but what we're going to listen to now is a new episode called the Rogue Play and I think it's one of the most ambitious in scope that we did at the time. It was one of our biggest casts that we have at the time. I remember really scrambling to get all the voices that we needed because it was a big cast. You can definitely hear in some scenes that we were scrambling for voices based on. Sorry to interrupt you there Christoph but you might even recognize two of the voices that we scramble to get speaking to you right now. Christoph and Luke both play characters in the opening of this one. We do. You're going to hear not only Luke and I but you'll actually hear my mother in one of the voices in the beginning so it just gives you a sense of kind of how far we have come and what we were doing to try and bring production together way back when. I think this was what Robin. This is much less than 14 years old. We released this one right after Internal Affairs. I think we produce them either at the same time or like one right after the other so if Internal Affairs was 15 years old this one is 14 years old in 10 months. Again a big dive back into the vault to bring this out again. This episode was really meant to fill in some major gaps in the Leviathan story. The first being the origin story of Harlequin. There was this great scene that I really enjoyed writing and I think it was chapter 17 or 18 called Enter Leviathan in this moment when the listener gets to finally see Evangelion and Harlequin meet for the first time and you've heard what some people have said about Evangelion some people said about Harlequin and when they meet they embrace lovingly and that is that is at odds with everything that we thought we knew about these characters. I wanted to use this episode to kind of talk about how they met and what each of their individual origins are and in addition we actually go into Angus McKay and how he first came into Evangelion's orbit and what his past was before establishing the salty squid in Leviathan. And also you get a little bit of Benu origin story goodness in this particular segment of the episode as well. There's lots of sort of like origins happening. Yeah that's your totally right Luke. We go into some of the origins of what happened when Evangelion got her immortality and had to reconcile with her actions but it was a really fun revisiting this episode. We've done a little bit of effort to kind of smooth it up from modern times Luke I know that you did some work musically to kind of repression stuff. So yeah so when we decided to go back into the vault and start bringing out these old special editions, Kristoff asked me to as we have mentioned before Kristoff asked me to go back and reconceptualize our Leviathan theme song kind of like in the mood or genre of each of these special edition features. And so this one was probably the one I was looking forward to doing the most. Just going back to this particular sort of medieval time period that this one takes place in offered me a chance to like take this kind of like super high tech heavy metal theme that we've had forever and like completely rethink it with classical instrumentation. I did use like some synthesizers and stuff like that to kind of like give it a bit of a sci-fi sheen but I really really like it. Yeah it just one turned out rethinking our theme song in a string arrangement basically. It's really fun it's really moody. It almost I said this to you guys last week like it almost reminds me of like the ex files theme which also pries in very well with this episode because there is some supernatural stuff that'll come down the road but yeah this episode was really fun to go back and revisit. I like how it's a really big kind of change of pace from both internal affairs but also from kind of the usual Leviathan Chronicle stuff which is a vocative of these like big action movies you know this one is kind of this more like slow paced moody like like detective story said in medieval times. This was even I believe our first episode that we've even brought in a different writer to help give us sort of a different mood. That's right. We have a mirlafity a great sci-fi and speculative fiction writer coming and write a lot of this episode. I was wondering what I would think relisting to this episode again after all this time because you know I remember that we had cast ourselves in a lot of parts and there were a lot of sort of like goofy accents the episode supposed to take place in Scotland but I don't know if there's even a single actual Scottish person doing this so there's some kind of dicey Scottish accents you know. Hardle Quinn is supposed to be playing a Scottish priest. He de-actor replaced him William who's great but he's an English man and he's just using his natural accent it sounds great but when I listen to it I was I was surprised how charmed I was by it again. I think it's really fun to listen to even with all those rough edges you know there's some some goofy history in there as well but it all works for me. Bonus points to any listeners who can point out some of those are historical inaccuracies. We're aware of them but it's always fun to hear about them. Yeah I think I've always sort of like cringed shaking back at all that stuff but I think that enough time has passed since we made this one that we can kind of like listen to it and just kind of appreciate it for what it is and it really does it really does stand up. I'm looking forward to hearing what people think about it. Yeah it'll be it'll be fun to see the listen to the rest of these episodes. The Rogue Plague is a is a pretty big special edition so you'll be hearing more of it in the coming weeks and we're really excited to bring this deeper dive into Evangelines past how a lot of important events are set into place so there's really a lot of lore in this specialision episode and we really hope you guys are going to enjoy it. Yeah so here it is the Rogue Plague part one. Enjoy everyone. They're there. It's going to be all right. Please father. Isn't there anything else you can do? I'm afraid not. Your son Matthew so has left the grace of God. No I'm sorry I mean father it's it's just a fever. He's a good boy. But there's always this. This is beyond young Matthew Jonathan. I can see that now as I lay eyes on his broken body. The Lord has fought valiantly for his soul but the forces of evil are growing stronger in the woods here in the Highlands. Your boy is not the first demonic possession I've seen. A possession. But father Dr. McHallister was here yesterday. He was able to bring the fever down for a little while. For a few hours Matthew could recognize us. He was speaking and asking about the heifer that got out through the broken gate. He's a good boy father. He is. We both know that Matthew was as pure as one of the Lord's angels. The word Satan is seduced by the most pious among us. He has infected Matthew with his lies and now has taken his soul as his own. Satan father the boy is only 15. He knows nothing of evil and it's just a fever. Please please father. Please just do not blaspheme my authority. I am a learned man of God trained to fight the forces of evil. Look at your son Jonathan. Look at him. The tall priest rubs Jonathan's hand and pulled him across the dirty main room of his farming cottage. The two stood at the doorway of the only other room in the dwelling where the entire family slapped. The priest stared at the young boy riding on the bed covered in perspiration. He's coming. She's coming. She's coming. I can feel her doorwitch. A rotten odour permeated the room and the young boy's skin was hot pink with streaks of darker crimson running down his face like tears. His face appeared mischaping and large dark spots of wet blood stained the left and right sides of his head. He thrashed against the sheets and was completely oblivious to his fathers and the priest's presence in the room. He spoke manically and whispered sometimes alternating into screams and fits. He was unable to hear or comprehend any of the words spoken to him and he repeated his own perverted speech like a litany. He was for yourself Jonathan that he's possessed. He speaks now in town and was conversing only with the demons that surround him. No, no. Dr. Casas said it could be a kind of rabies. He was bitten last week. Look at him. He raptures with Satan speaking of murder, deceit and depravity. He even grows to resemble a demon more each hour. At least father, the doctor was here for two days to help Matthew. He did everything he called with leeches and prepared an elixir of wormwood and lavender but now he says there's nothing more he can do. He said he'd never seen a disease strike as fast as this but you, you could talk to the church. Perhaps you could send one of the doctors that knows more about it. I will speak to the church this evening and send word to the cardinon in Edinburgh. Thank you. Thank you father. You're you'll help him then. Help him. My dear Jonathan. I will inform the cardinon that if your Matthew survives through the night we must burn him at the stake at dawn. The rogue played. A Leviathan Chronicle story. Part One Your lady shoot. For his Roy. The church is just over the bluff there on the short side of the valley. You can see most of this city from there as well. Forgive me father, I have sinned. I'm afraid you've done far worse than that. Are you sure about this eventalling? I'm the leader of the immortal race and the defender of all mankind. I'm always sure. Forgive me for noting that your previous interactions with the Church of England have not always unfolded in an amiable manner. This one will be different. And why do you say that? Because he's different. We'll see. The year was 1556 and times were dark in what is now the United Kingdom. The Protestant Reformation hammered Scotland as the country struggled with its own Reformation with both France and England demanding alliance through marriages. Closer to home, attendance in mass was falling and the Catholic Church was losing its hold on daily life. Priests across the land fretted over the future of their church, their flock, and looming on the horizon was the fear of the plague of Justinian, what we now call the Black Death that seemed to strike once every generation. But many living deep in the remote Highlands of Scotland had been fallen by a mysterious plague, incurable, perverse, and unlike any other. Rumors spread of undead creatures roaming the night, spreading the disease on numerous evenings. The truth was that no one knew how the disease was spread, but the end result was always monstrous. And those afflicted seemed cursed. But for now, the misery of the remote Highland villages was far away from the small suburb of Edinburgh that was being approached by the richly appointed carriage inhabited by Evangeline and Benou. The carriage drew to a halt outside a modest stone church that sat nestled in the green breast of Arthur's seat. The two inhabitants exited the carriage and approached the entrance just as a tall young priest came peering out curiously. The holy man read it himself for a meeting with weary visitors, as he prided himself upon opening his church to assist poor and higher travelers. He was mildly shocked to see a clean, tall, red-headed woman striding towards his doors, followed by a man covered entirely in white Franciscan monk robes. He was more accustomed to fatigued, dirty travelers, and this tall and impressive woman, while dressed simply, had a regal air about her that spoke of nobility, wisdom, and considerable wealth. The priests turned to face the man. Good afternoon, travelers. May I help you? You may, Father. Can you tell us if we've found the Church of St. Nicholas? I indeed you have. And what brings two fine travelers such as yourselves to our humble church? We've traveled a long way to the coast of Scotland to see the council of a certain man of the cloth, a father, Harlequin. Well, it would appear you've succeeded again. I am Father Harlequin, and let me welcome you to Edinburgh and my small parish. May gods blessings be upon you, sir. Actually, you're addressing me, Father. My name is Evangeline, and this is my second. Benu. Father? Apologies, my lady. Some time has passed since we've received visitors from far off lands, from when to you travel to our beautiful city. From a city you've likely not heard of, far, far to the south. I assure you that I'm quite learning in geography. Perhaps oceanography would be a more suitable skill. Benu, I'm sorry. Father, we have traveled many days to come to Edinburgh to come see you. Me? I can't imagine why. I'm nothing more than the country priest. It's your council, we seek. You might have some insight into some unusual happenings further northern the countryside that we've been investigating. What sort of happenings? A small crowd had begun to congregate around the carriage as many local townsfolk peered at the strange visitors. I'd feel more comfortable if we could move this conversation indoors, Father. Of course, of course, please. Father Harlequin extended his arm, leading Evangeline and Benu into the sanctuary of his church. So tell me Miss Evangeline. Just Evangeline is fine. I'd be very appreciative to learn a little bit more about you and Mr. Benu. What is it you would like to know? Outside you mentioned that you were conducting an investigation. Are the two of you employed by the sheriff? Did the queen? I assure you that we are not associated with any royalty or local authority. Forgive me, but your clothing and carriage would suggest that the two of you are citizens of substantial means. What is it exactly that you do, Miss? I'm sorry, Evangeline. My roles are many, but I am a healer by profession. Specifically, I'm looking into some information on a possible plague north of your city. I wanted to ask you some questions about it. A plague? I've heard nothing of a plague outbreak. Is there a plague in London, Paris? Rome? No, no. None that I've heard. This is not the plague of Justinian that you fear. This appears to be a very different illness. I'm afraid I don't understand. Is there some place we could speak more privately? Yes, come into my office. I would hear more about this. Evangeline followed him as second keeping a respectful distance behind them. As they passed the altar, Benu and Harlequin genuinely fled and crossed themselves while Evangeline looked on. Harlequin did not notice Evangeline's blast for me, but Benu shot her across look from under his hood. Joseph was specter, Evangeline. You risk drawing attention. I show more respect by not crossing myself. If I did, it would be false worship, which is super critical. And do you forget the inquisition? Heresy can be punishable by death. I came here specifically because I had this priest, Father Harlequin. Unlike his brethren, has a brain in his head and main listen to reason. We need him, Benu. He just might see the benefit of healing his people overburning me at the stake. After all, we both know that's a futile exercise, don't we? We do, Evangeline. The trio walked down a set of narrow stone steps leading into the dim basement of the church. Crypts and adorned tombs flanked the trio on both sides as lamb and candles cast macabre shadows on the wall. Where are we going, Father? This way. Father, I don't think. Just a bit further around the corner. The cave-like interior of the church's dark, lower levels reminded Evangeline of the catacombs of Leviathan, but being inside a church still made her feel uneasy. She perceived only the violence and hypocrisy of the religious wars that swept Europe. She peered longingly from the sides of her eyes to find water somewhere amongst the stone. Water to comfort and soothe her, but there was none. Nor was there any escape route to her carriage if needed. Enemy ground. Here we are. My apologies for the gloom, but some of us find being surrounded by souls of the enlightened to be comforting. Please, my office. The three of them assembled into Hallequin's office, a simple but comfortably furnished room with red velvet covered chairs and golden crucifixes on the walls. Hallequin sat behind a battered oak desk and frowned at the two of them. Evangeline and Beno, please, no more mysteries. Please tell me the real reason of your visit. Arpillan strangers do not often walk into our humble church and your carriage would appear grander than that of a healer. Tell me of this plague you spoke of or tell me your true intention. First of all, thank you for taking me seriously, Father. I promise you that we may no harm to you or your congregation. We are seeking your help to combat a disease that I have seen many years ago and could kill an entire city of innocent people have left unchecked. You can't be serious. Father, the plague is insidious and I fear may be creeping through the far northern villages just beyond the scope of your flock. Those who suffer develop horribly red eyes while violent visions torment them. As the disease progresses, they become paralyzed and are able only to scream until blood vessels and their throat's rupture. Their ears with their tenubs and they often die with looks of utter terror on their face. It's a disease I have encountered before and successfully healed with a suffusion of saffron and other herbs. I wanted to know what you have heard and most importantly, if any symptoms have been reported in Edinburgh. Indeed, I have heard nothing of this. However, I must ask why you have heard of this disease but no word has reached Edinburgh. It truly sounds like a punishment from Satan himself. I am afraid that's exactly the problem. Those afflicted of and mistaken for those your people would consider possessed and therefore stigmatized. Father, may I have your leave to close the door? I wish to speak to you in private. I am bound by my oath to the Lord our Father to keep any confidence. The new stedit of Angeline and without being told rose and closed the heavy door with a third. He stood sentry just outside to guard the conversation of his mistress. Father, Hallequin, there is no coincidence that I have come to your church to ask for an audience. I have heard that you are a man of reason. One who, despite which your faith or your leaders tell you, will keep your head about your shoulders and do at his right. You have heard. You seem to have heard a great deal about us here in Edinburgh. Where are you from again? Father, I'll be direct. If the plague spreads here to a major population centre, it will take more than prayer and faith in the Almighty to stop this disease. It will take medicine and science, some that may be unfamiliar to the God-fearing members of your community. Some methods that may be considered to secular by church doctrine. What exactly are you suggesting, madame? Evangeline. Evangeline, I will not have you make suggestions that some form of sorcery be performed while in sanctuary of the Lord's- Father, Hallequin, I make no such statements of blasphemy. And yet I doubt remember hearing about your paranoia, but I will grant you that these artimes were suggestions and allegations can prove lethal. Popolus ramping up the Inquisition in southern Europe even you must admit that the logical mind does not rule these turbulent days and yet you lead your flock with kindness and reason. This is what has brought me to you. This disease was once considered God's punishment against heretics, the pagan unbelievers, and therefore Christians did not see it as a necessary affliction to cure. I fear that to be seen as such again, that those who suffer from the violent toll it takes on their bodies will also suffer the persecution of the church. People who contract the disease or who witness or treat it will be loath to inform the church for fear of punishment greater than the plague itself. Father, Hallequin, if this disease spreads, you will need medicine and my help to save the lives of those you care for. Hallequin leaned back in his chair and regarded this woman who seemed to know more about him than even his cardinal. She was right. However, as it was true that along with his love of the Almighty, Hallequin did prefer to act on reason. He was secretly against the Inquisition, but he also knew that to speak against it would be to invite it into his own church, damning him and perhaps his fellow priests, and perhaps even the members of his own flock. Pope Paul, God bless his soul, was a vengeful man of God, who it was said, in prison those who spoke against him, Catholic or Protestant. He could hear the earnestness of this woman, how desperately she wanted to help the sick, but he could also hear the screams of the tortured, his own voice among them, if he took a wrong step in dealing with her. I understand your desire to help, but you are correct in the Inquisitions movements and any help I may give you could be invalidated if I am found to be aiding a heretic, and you are a heretic, not a vanjelene. I am the oldest kind of heretic, Father Hallequin, although I never had the words pagan which before I met a Christian, but I give you my word that I am genuinely concerned about the health of your people, be their Catholic or the new Protestant religion or of the older druid religions. I would like to discuss them at a further with you father and with your permission show you some of the medicine we have. Might I suggest we meet on more neutral territory to discuss this further? I was going to offer you lodging here, but you are not the average poor traveler, I gather. Thank you for the offer, but I have arrangements already settled and would rather invite you to dinner with me at the pub near my place of lodging. I will meet you at the docks after Master night, and thank you for listening, Father. Evangelion Rose and nodded to Hallequin, while Benou opened the door for her, for a brief instant the light caught the hood of man's eyes, and Hallequin could see the scars around them and the longing way he looked after his mistress, they exited his office and Hallequin thought for a moment about the peculiar meeting, and what Evangelion had said, and then suddenly he realised that he had never actually agreed to dinner. 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The Regency era was also an explosive time of social change, sex scandals, and maybe the worst king in British history. Vulgar history's new season is all about the Regency era, the balls, the gowns, and all the scandal. Listen to Vulgar history, Regency era, wherever you get podcasts. Eventually. You know he's going to be just like the other priests, and at best you're going to have to urgently leave town in the middle of the night again before they hang you as a heretic. He'll come, and he'll be discreet. He knows I speak the truth. About the plague? About him valuing reason. He's a priest, so he won't hold it higher than his love of your God, but he still holds reason higher than most. I wish he wouldn't call him your God. He's not mine, Bennu. I believe we've established that. And is he still yours? The Lord delivered me from death into your arms. I still believe I am part of his divine plan. Really? Then why did that priest in Birmingham disagree with that assessment? The one whose church you burned to the ground. A threat to me is a threat to the Eden Initiative, a threat to Leviathan City, and a threat to all immortals, including you. You would do well to remember this. I remember it every day. I did not notice you coming up with another suggestion after you insisted I not kill him for calling us witches and heretics and worse. Well, he was misguided, but using your power to harm his church merely cemented his belief in our demonic drive. I know, but the church itself says if one won't listen to reason, then one must listen to force. That's not scripture. I know, but it's in their actions. You have me again. I can't argue with that. Come, let us not argue. For we have a dinner, I guess, to prepare for. I assume you're going to let Angus cook for him. He brews the best beer I've ever tasted, and that is saying quite a lot. Honestly, Bennu, are you going to complain about everything on this trip? I can't be faulted for preferring the comfort of Leviathan City over the cold, open seas, or the hostile welcome we seem to receive more often than not. Well, if not the beer, surely the company makes it worth it. The company is the only reason I'm here. You know that. Bennu moved his hand closer to Evangelines, without daring to touch her. My dear friend, I need you on this trip. Not only for company, but because you are one of the few people who knows these Christians intimately, there's no one else that I trust that has as much experience as you do. You've been with me since the beginning. I'm glad to be of service to you, and there's nothing I wouldn't do to show you that. I know that I owe you everything eventually. You changed my life, and brought me out of the darkness I stumbled through for so long. In so many ways, you completed my- Are you driving at the docks we need it? Ah, there's our trusty ship, Bennu. The carriage stopped before one of the long wood impires that stretched out into the North Sea. At the very end was a squat to maskuna, with a tiny bit of fragrant smoke wafting from its deck. Bennu and Evangeline boarded the salty crow, the sailing ship of one Angus McKay, whose recipe for beer and his general affability caused Evangeline to frequently charter his ship whenever she came to the surface. Often she preferred travel with a mortal's only, but sometimes it was nice to just let Angus do the work, and pretend they had little else to worry them. The captain had a small crew, as per Evangeline's specifications, and Angus did all the cooking himself for his esteemed passengers. Angus long suspected his eccentric passengers were more than simple nobles, but he had not been informed of just how special they were. He assumed Evangeline was a member of royalty, escaping an unwanted marriage, or in moments of drunken imagination, wondered whether she was a gorgeous criminal fleeing a terrible crime. Regardless, she paid obscenely well, and was friendly, not to mention exquisitely beautiful to look at during the slow times. When the weather was clear and there was nothing to do but give menial tasks to his nephew and first mate. Lady Evangeline, Bennu! I thought I had footsteps. How did you meet Engol? Are we set to set sail immediately like last time? Haha, no. No, Angus, but thank you for being ready. A messenger came by earlier to drop this off for you Lady Evangeline. Angus handed Evangeline a small letter that she opened. What does it say? Another outbreak of the plague, a few days north of Edinburgh. It's getting closer Bennu. Should I set sail, Malaydi? No, not yet. We are at least staying the night. On the contrary, we're going to be hosting a very important priest for another evening. So I'm going to ask that you prepare your best meal. You're in luck, Malaydi. I just restocked the ship. We can do shrimp if you like, but I did just buy some beautiful fresh leg of lamb and some root vegetables. The lamb would be lovely, Angus. We have a couple of hours left before evening masses over, so you should have enough time to cook it. I don't have to starve it for another hour. No point in it being tough. Can I tempt you with an afternoon libation? You always know what I need, Angus. Bennu, join us? I think I will retire until dinner, but thank you. As you wish. That Bennu is a sorrowful fellow. He'll do well to relax over a pint or four. Would you care for my red lager? I've told him as much, and yes, please. From the travels I've taken you on, the two of you seem to have an unusual relationship. Almost odd if you don't mind me saying so. Odd? How do you mean? Well, it's clear you're not lovers. Ha ha. You're certainly astute. No, we're not. Although it's also clear he would like to be. Now in that, you're mistaken. He's my second, my aid, if you will. A good and loyal friend. Nothing more. As you say, miss. Still, I've seen how he looks at you. You can see his eyes through that hood. I'm on the exhibits of emotion in more than his eyes. You're all he has, and he knows that. I suppose that's true. I wouldn't have thought it that way there. May I ask how the two of you became traveling partners? Well, it's a complicated story and not a pretty one, but it started many years ago. Let's just say that we were first enemies, and I was in a position to let him die or help him. I had too many sins weighing down my soul. Certainly for that day anyway. And I had a chance to help, no, redeem him. I mean, me, I decided to help him at a time when he needed help most. At first, he was not grateful, but he was bound to my side for the debt of my aid, and through that, we gradually developed a working relationship. He's been in my employ ever since. Quite a tale. You've certainly lived a full life for someone so young. I'm older than I look, Angus. Now, enough delving into my sword had passed. You need to fetch me another of your lovely pines, and then get started on that lamb. Our priest will require the best care we can offer in order to convince him to work with us. Certainly miss. Angus went back into the ship's kitchen to prepare the lamb for dinner, while Evangeline looked deeply into the swalls of her glass and conjured memories that she so often suppressed. Memories from so many centuries ago. That's great. That's great. You have grateful souls. Let us sum a turn to ask. Evangeline stormed through the smoldering remains of the village she used to call home. Hours before she had been burned alive at the stake branded a heretic of the church, only the small stars don't she held in her pocket who protected her from the flames that she had used to set somnatoch on fire. It had fueled her anger and given her a supernatural strength. As she angrily walked among the blazing buildings, she heard something that stopped her in her park and pierced her soul. No, no, not children. At the far end of the village was a small dwelling still burning in about to collapse. A small stone path had prevented the fire from reaching the small house sooner, but now the beams that supported the structure were beginning to collapse. Evangeline's body ached from her ordeal, but she sprinted to the house. Children, children, I'm here. I'll save you. I'm going to come in. A flurry of sparks flew violently into the pale sky as the building collapsed and crushed those within it. Oh no, God is... What have I done? Evangeline turned to view the entire town of somnatoch that she had just destroyed. Someone else has to be alive. Someone! I am here. I do not slaughter. Is the role of the Christian. It's not the Velkiri. Oh, the children. The innocent man, blood. Oh, my hands. I will have the bite of the fight. Evangeline walked urgently through the ruins of somnatoch, looking with horror at her slaughtered neighbors and the blooded remains of their children. With her head in her hands, she returned to the town center, the origin of the carnage. There's nothing. She stepped carefully over the stream bodies until she reached the still smoldering pyre where she was meant to meet her death. Who would have I had died there? Would that children would still walk and laugh at these streets? God, it's... Who could have been? She glanced at the gruesome body palm nearby where at the bottom lay her hated nemesis, Krigasen. She walked over to the pile and began lifting the bodies up. Her cosmic strength waning, but still enough to easily lift a grown man. The impaled body of Krigasen lay at the bottom, burned and bloody, as accusatory eyes closed at last. Krigasen, may the goddess show you more mercy than I was able to. Halt! Halt! Evangeline jumped backwards and surprises as his body stirred suddenly. Against all odds, Krigasen was still alive, although clearly hovering close to death. You speak of her blessing now. Halt! The irony is almost amusing. You still live. Krigasen, I am no better than you. You slaughtered the scourdoth. I slaughtered your christmas. It seems we are one and the same. Kill me, Evangeline. Then it's your work here. If you have a shred of mercy left in your blackened soul, end my life. Evangeline was only half-listening, though, feeling the power of the starstone pulse in her pocket again. It whispered to her, letting her feel a power that was positive and good instead of hateful destruction she'd felt earlier. No, no more bloodshed. You witch! You thrice damn it, bitch! Have you not done enough that you must have killed torture to your sins? Kill me. Give me mercy. I will do more than that, Krigasen. I will save you and your mental soul. Oh, Savior, like Christ, that would be rich. My life saved by a pig and witch lived on with pain and disfigurement. I will not live in your debt. And would you have saved me as I laid a death-store? They are in that pire. No, Krigasen, you will live and you will serve me so that I can show you a world where mercy and reason can reign over the worship of an invisible God who espouses love with one word and orders the slaughter of innocence with another. Evangeline! No! As Krigasen lost consciousness, Evangeline removed the stastome from her pocket. The searing heat having been reduced to a simply a warm glow, with close proximity to the dying man. It increased its power to emit the other worldly energy to knit together the punctured flesh, to stop the internal bleeding and to heal his brain injuries. But as Evangeline saw the burns begin to heal, and the bone structure of Krigasen's handsome proud face returning, she frowned and shook her head. As Evangeline would forever carry the deep scars on her soul from the memory of the atrocities she committed, Krigasen would also carry his own scars to remember what he had done to her and what he owed her. You have been listening to The Rogue Plague, a Leviathan Chronicles story. This episode was made possible by the generous support of our listeners, to listen ad-free and get exclusive bonus content and behind the scenes footage, become a subscriber at patreon.com slash Leviathan Chronicles. The Rogue Plague was written by Merlafty and Christoph LePucca, directed by Nobi Nakanishi, produced by Robin Shaw, executive produced by Elis Johnny, original music by Luke Allen, sound design and editing by Luke Allen and Robin Shaw. Starring Laura Post as Evangeline LeFrick, Max Vogler, as Benou, William T.N. Hall as Harlequin, Top Butera as Angus McKay and Samantha Parker as the narrator. For a full cast list and to learn more about our other audio productions, go to Leviathanaudioproductions.com or follow us on social media. Thank you for supporting The Biathan Audio and thank you for listening. The Biathan Audio Production The war is over and both sides lost. Kingdoms were reduced to cinders and armies scattered like bones in the dust. Now the survivors claw to what's left of a broken world praying. The darkness chooses someone else tonight, but in the shadow dark, the darkness always wins. This is old school adventuring and it's most cruel. Your torch ticks down in real time and when that flame dies, something else rises to finish the job. This is a brutal rules light nightmare with a story that emerges organically based on the decisions that the characters make. This is what it felt like to play RPGs in the 80s and man, it is so good to be back. Join the Glass Cannon podcast as we plunge into the shadow dark. Every Thursday night at 8 p.m. Eastern on youtube.com, slash the glass cannon with the podcast version dropping the next day. See what everybody's talking about and join us in the dark. Hi, this is Rob Benedict. And I am Richard Spate. We were both on a little show you might know called Supernatural. It had a pretty good run, 15 seasons, 327 episodes. And though we have seen of course every episode many times, we figured, hey, now that we're wrapped, let's watch it all again. And we can't do that alone. So we're inviting the cast and crew that made the show along for the ride. We've got writers, producers, composers, directors, and we'll of course have some actors on as well, including some certain guys that played some certain pretty iconic brothers. It was kind of a little bit of a left field choice in the best way possible. The note from Krypki was, he's great, we love him, but we're looking for like a really intelligent decovny type. With 15 seasons to explore, it's going to be the road trip of several lifetimes. So please join us and subscribe to Supernatural, then and now.