The Duck Team investigates a cursed pendant and faces King Ecktar in a Trial by Steel. They discuss scanning books and interacting with an AI voice, explore the history of the Order of the Runny Eye and Conqueror Ultra, and search for followers of Grumsh. The group debates an existential threat and prepares for an upcoming fight, strategizing and casting spells. They witness a trial of steel introduced by King Echtar and engage in a battle against a regenerating enemy. The podcast also mentions upcoming live shows and their Patreon.
The necklace connected to Ultra's helm allows cultists to access the Demiplane prison and strengthen barriers.
Alexander Right has been infiltrating the submarine crew, converting them into sleeper cells under her control.
Defeating Ultra renders the cultists' efforts irrelevant.
During the battle, it is revealed that Ultra draws power from the war god Grumpch and his power is borrowed.
Deep dives
The Necklace and Ultra's Helm
The group discusses the significance of the necklace, which is connected to Ultra's helm. The necklace allows cultists to freely access the Demiplane prison and strengthen the arcane barriers. They also learn that the helm itself, which is much larger, is still in Ultra's possession. It is noted that defeating Ultra's would render the cultists' efforts irrelevant.
Alexander Rights' Infiltration
Albin informs the group that Alexander Right has been infiltrating the mothership sub's crew by replacing employees slowly over time. She is converting them into sleeper cells through the transporters on board the submarine. The group learns that the cells are being replaced with Alexander Right's synthetic cells, gradually giving her control over the entire crew while the employees remain oblivious.
Preparing for Battle
The group discusses their battle plan, emphasizing the importance of defeating Ultra's and protecting Jaina Bronzbeard. They consider using various spells and potions, and they also discuss informing Morgan of the cultists' presence in Ultra's intentions. Before the fight begins, they receive the necklace and goggles from Albin and start preparing for the battle ahead.
Facing the Crowd and King's Forces
As they make their way to the arena, the group is accosted by the crowd, both supporters and detractors. Crimson Knights escort them to the Colosseum and keep guard outside their locker room. They notice Morgan, the king's sister, among a group of Goliath cultists, while the king himself is absent. They prepare for the battle and notice projections of other fights and the main balcony where cultists and Morgan are present, while the king is conspicuously absent.
The battle begins: Ultra versus the party
The party faces off against Ultra, a powerful foe who is channeling the strength of various beings. They attack him with their weapons and magic, with Saul and Cali dealing significant damage. Hardwon engages in a fierce battle with Ultra, exchanging blows and trading insults. The party takes advantage of a momentary crack in the barriers surrounding the helm and begins to fight the mages maintaining them. Jaina manages to smash the first barrier, exposing the first two warlocks.
Calder and Jaina enter the helm
Calder and Jaina find themselves inside the helm, facing off against the cultists who are physically maintaining the barriers. They must defeat the mages one by one and dispel the barriers. Jaina uses her hammer to break the first barrier, revealing two warlocks who are ready to fight. The fate of the battle inside the helm is unknown at this point.
Exciting developments and surprises
Throughout the battle, there are several surprises and revelations. The Goliaths wearing pendants disappear, and it is revealed that Ultra draws power from a war god named Grumpch. Additionally, the party realizes that Ultra's power is borrowed and not truly his own. The battle intensifies as the party continues to fight Ultra and plans to take down the remaining barriers inside the helm.
Duck Team investigates the origin of the cursed pendant, then faces King Ecktar in a Trial by Steel! Sol catches up with a buddy, Hardwon gets a second chance, and Callie confuses the haters. Support us at Patreon.com/Naddpod to get access to the after-show and a bunch of other Naddpod content! Get tickets to our upcoming live shows at naddpod.com/live.
