In episode 107, Bells Hells find themselves at the epicenter of cosmic conflict. What begins as a daring attempt to disrupt an alliance between Ludinus Da’leth and the Unseelie Court evolves into a desperate battle for survival and an encounter with divinity itself. As the Shrine of Gilded Gifts crumbles around them, Bells Hells must navigate unexpected alliances and ultimately a god’s unsettling proposition of worldly consequences.
A Dance of Deception and Destruction
The episode picks up mid-battle within the Shrine of Gilded Gifts, with Fearne at its heart. Laudna assumes her Form of Dread on the roof, while Chetney and Braius bolster Fearne with strategic items. Dorian‘s Forcecage provides momentary protection as Laudna counters Ludinus‘ attempt to stun Fearne.
In a deceptive move, Fearne convinces Sorrowlord Zathuda of Ludinus‘ betrayal, while Imogen attempts to control the fearsome Gloamglut. The battle then turns as Ashton delivers the killing blow to Ludinus‘ simulacrum, triggering an explosion that destabilizes the temple’s structure.
Shifting Rubble, Shifting Alliances
As the temple begins to crumble, Zathuda proposes an alliance, positioning Fearne as “She Who Ate the Gods.” The party debates their next move telepathically, torn between playing along and confronting their foes directly.
“Ludinus deserves nothing. He’s a brilliant mind without true vision, brilliance locked within a damaged soul who’s been trantruming for a thousand years. But your destiny awaits, as she who ate the gods, inferno embrace and caster of the deepest shadows. You are the future, Fearne Calloway, Lady Fearne Zathuda.” – Zathuda
Imogen breaks the stalemate with a well-timed Psychic Lance on Zathuda, while Orym secures the Unseelie emissary. The continued battle is a frantic amalgamation of spells, attacks, and close escapes as Bells Hells fight for survival in the collapsing structure.
An Escape Most Desperate
With the temple falling around them, Bells Hells make frantic attempts to flee. Braius uses Thunderwave to propel Fearne to safety, while Dorian Dimension Doors out with the unconscious emissary. Laudna unleashes a devastating combo on Zathuda, leaving him on the brink of death.
In a last-ditch effort, Ashton uses their Singularity Assault, creating a gravity well that pulls most of the party to safety. However, Braius, Imogen, and the unconscious Zathuda remain trapped as the temple collapses around them.
Divine Intervention and Cosmic Proposals
But then, miraculously, the temple reconstructs, revealing the presence of the Arch Heart. The god, appearing as a figure painted with constellations, engages the party in an unexpected discourse on the nature of divinity, mortality, and the looming threat of another Calamity.
The Arch Heart proposes a solution: use either Fearne or Imogen as a vessel to control Predathos, the god-eater, and drive the gods from Exandria. This plan, he argues, would prevent another Calamity and allow mortals to flourish without divine interference.
“I feel that there are more important things than life. Who you swear your allegiance to, who you consider your family, who takes care of you in your worst times: those matter more than the fleeting life of a mortal. So no, I will not pledge myself to you, for I am already pledged to another, and he would not be happy with me nor you were he to be betrayed. Again” – Braius
Bells Hells grapple with the enormity of this proposition, questioning its consequences and the Arch Heart‘s motivations.
When questioned about Predathos‘ potential threat to humanity, the Arch Heart assures, “He will not turn on humanity.” Fearne skeptically asks, “How do you know?” The deity responds, “Because you are nothing to Predathos. You are simply specks of dust to Predathos.” Orym voices his concern, “I step on ants every day because I don’t know they’re there. I’m a little worried about the same thing. Lord.”
The discussion continues, touching on the nature of godhood, the potential for a new Calamity, and the balance of power between mortals and deities.
A Gift of the Heart
The episode concludes with the Arch Heart offering Imogen a mystical gift – a golden ring formed from the essence of a star bearing Selena Erenves‘ face. As Bells Hells awaken on the cold stone floor of the reconstructed temple, they find themselves at a crossroads. With Imogen‘s new ring, Zathuda‘s uncertain fate, and the weight of the Arch Heart‘s proposition bearing down on them, our heroes must decide their next move in a cosmic game where the stakes have never been higher.
TLDR: Bells Hells battle Sorrowlord Zathuda, Gloamglut, and Unseelie forces in a crumbling temple. After a narrow escape, they encounter the Arch Heart, who proposes using Fearne or Imogen as a vessel for Predathos to drive the gods from Exandria. The episode ends with Imogen receiving a mysterious ring, setting the stage for monumental decisions ahead.
Watch the full episode here:
