High Rollers: Aerois

[@michaeld6723]

@kim Batman once said if there’s even a 5 percent chance something can happen it has to be treated with 100 percent certainty especially if people’s lives are at stake . Nova truly embodied what it meant to be a hero and to put your self on the line

[@sonyagreen5801]

That hug at the end between Trott and Kim was so sweet

[@m3mori]

I cried watching the Vod… something about the ending broke me and I normally never cry

[@manicgarf]

I cried watching the VOD and I cried watching this again as well

[@alexzanderbeauchaine449]

Same

[@arcticbanana66]

Shansara: "It can't be stopped now that it's been started." Nova: "It's a completely untested system and you didn't put in a failsafe?! That's _rule ONE!"_

[@phaerlax]

Mark not getting that Tom just wanted to fall at around 55min was lowkey maddening XD

[@GothicKitty1313]

Never have I cried so much, and I'm someone who tears up at most movies. What an ending to this year, excited to see what happens in the new year.

[@BobbyTheWallflower]

If an episode has a title like this, I'm getting the tissues ready

[@RandomAndgit]

You were very right to...

[@toasty4000000]

Man I thought it was a positive title, like "Nova saved the day, a true daughter of Vortinssar!" big fucking womp :( lol

[@MFZBitch]

I thinks its so crazy that these two episodes - "Nova Vega" ... "Daughter of Vortinssar" were labeled this before the tragedy.

[@Matt-jp6if]

My favourite part about this show is watching Mark and Kim make each other cry every other session. Now they’re Tian-gone…

[@RaptorAptorYT]

i want ot make the Tian-gone joke to my friends now but i dont know anyone who would get the joke

[@Techstriker1]

Well as the new year dawns, I can't help but wonder one thing: Will Quil get his freezer chest from that crazy wizard?

[@NoobPlaysGame]

SPOILERS: Although the fucking quadruple "no don't sacrifice yourself, I will sacrifice myself !" moment was a bit funny in my eyes, people fighting on the chance to die a hero, the aftermath, when Sentry said "how can I protect her if I don't know where she is" and Kim's "Let her go" note was fucking heartbreaking I fucking love this

[@ryanphillips4123]

It's a shame Katie missed this one...

[@serenitybarry4679]

If nothing else she really comes in handy for last minute saving everyone's asses with some random trinket or idea shes been holding onto for 2 years

[@ryanphillips4123]

@@serenitybarry4679 she's kind've the perfect DnD player lol. Most would totally forget those trinkets or use them up right away. Rarely are good things saved and then used in the perfect moment by DnD players

[@ryanphillips4123]

@@derschwartzadder wdym? The episode was great! One of the best. Peak dramatic ending to the arc! And it's not like Nova can't come back. In DnD, every tragedy is an opportunity

[@YamiYaiba]

@@ryanphillips4123 bruh, spoiler much?

[@ryanphillips4123]

@@YamiYaiba never read the comments of a show like this until after you watch it. I learned that lesson years ago

[@Spraypaintman15]

I wish someone told Tom about the control panel that Quill started this session at Ya know, the one with very helpful mechanics that Tom missed out on last episode. still a great episode anyways

[@skyfire_swe8520]

My thoughts as well...

[@swearimnotarobot3746]

Could he have used divine intervention or is that feature blocked until Siaska is revived?

[@Greenfire714]

did someone cut onions ? certainly i'm not crying. How dare you leave us on this massive cliffhanger. please keep up the amazing work Highrollers and Happy Holidays!

[@Crispi1260]

There are no words. Wow.

[@RossMKitson]

Probably one of the best HR episodes ever. Such an epic story, it has it all. Mark showing how a high level campaign can go. Just wow.

[@captainslender12]

If Sentry got hit by that Maze Spell, she'd have to beat a dc 20 INT check to escape the maze. Sentry has 8 int for a -1 on checks. She would never be able to escape the maze if it was successfuly cast on her due to the fact she could never beat the check so she'd have been taken out for the full duration of 10 minutes or until they broke her concentration.

[@blackh9604]

DAMN! Thats intense. Seems like Lucius taking himself out with a counterspell was actually a decent play

[@Jthomas-gg9pi]

Technically she could bless herself, but it's still really low odds

[@eveolyte9724]

@@Jthomas-gg9pi Bless only affects saving throws and attack rolls, not checks, so it wouldn't have helped. The party would have had to try and break Shansara's concentration

[@quinnsinclair7028]

I believe with how Mark runs things he'd have given her the win on the nat20. But still not good odds.

[@papa-g-123]

Well...this was a hell of a way to end Christmas day. Was working all week so took time today to catch up and by the gods i am emotionally spent. Spoilers: I haven't cried like that in a long time, i held it together till sentry said "i cant protect her if i cant find her" that did me in. Merry Christmas to all and to all, good night

[@thespiderpig2164]

Its a great Christmas present from High Rollers, right?!🥲

[@morganwaas4868]

It was Kim closing her notebook that really got me

[@BlackShadow1991]

Are you serious? You end up the year on an episode like that?! 😢Geez, what a freaking rollercoaster of emotions that was, I mean, fight was cool, epic and intense, but what happened at the end just blew my mind. Amazing roleplay from everyone involved and well, I cannot wait to see how they gonna handle the aftermath. Merry Christmas and stay awesome!

[@markjust86]

I watched this on twitch the other day... get ready for this one people!!!

[@nadissaryuu]

I'm crying so much that I've got snot running down my nose. Kim, I hope people find a way, and I'm sending you all big hugs!

[@purgatory8436]

All I could think this entiree VOD was "Remember how Tiangon said they could reform themselves with immense magic power. Oh look a Ley-Line begging to be diverted"

[@joranvanolphen9892]

Hasta mañana Nova, till we meet again. Don’t know when, don’t know where. But still a merry Christmas and happy new year for the HR crew and fans 💜.

[@ondank]

This was the most emotionally brutal episode since 87. Tiangong had it right. There is only one Nova V'ger.

[@amoraswiftstrike3791]

a FFVIII Reference? I've watched since Episode 1, and thats what finally got me to comment.

[@elec3fying]

I’ve been listening to the podcast for the past 6 months and it’s been one hell of a ride. It’s weird being caught up and what an episode to end the year on. I knew something might happen but mark still got me .

[@Techstriker1]

Hell of a winter finale. Spoilers follow: I do look forward to see how they handle this. Even if they bring her back, I suspect there will be... Consequences.

[@xcmysterioushope7053]

I'm honestly just wondering about her eternal boi.

[@forsakenparadise6828]

Mark has been giving buffs with resurrection this campaign instead of nerfs Sentry’s Plate armor and Quil’s eye both came from it so I imagine that Nova will get a buff as well

[@danielheadhunter9594]

@@forsakenparadise6828 Now that you mention it what if when she comes back the energy has fused the two souls into one and maybe he is lost either (Can't remember how to spell the name of Kim's eterna.)

[@danielheadhunter9594]

Also cried so hard at the end of this episode I gave myself a nosebleed I guess I am a first edition wizard and took 1d4 crying damage lmfao

[@HighRollersDnD]

Sorry for the nosebleed - Kim x

[@Zedgnar]

i have seen this on youtube and heard it on the podcast and i will say that i wish i saw it on youtube first because this shattered me when i heard it. seeing kims face brought me to tears again but the audio ruined me. you all have brought so much emotion into my life with this series and i can't wait to see where you go with this. also thank you so much mark for choosing to let your players do what they wanted to do with their characters. much love to you all and thank you so much for being there when we need you.

[@GothicKitty1313]

Oh also 2:15:29 for the start of the final section as it were, and 2:24:32 for the meat of it, in case anyone wants to have their own weeping fest again 😭💙

[@ShadeWolf09]

Hell of an episode to finish the year out with. Damn. Amazing job, High Rollers. Can't wait for next year's first session.

[@jdk8452]

Its like reading a great book with great characters and they become so "real" to you. HR this broke me. A compliment to your excellent and immersive story telling and playing these wonderful characters. Thank you.

[@nonam3party]

Uff. The story you’re telling is so awesome.

[@i.a.m.g.1862]

I know I'm late, but kust finished this episode. And oh my god, I have not been on such a roller coaster for such a long time Thank you for that, truly

[@ElimLacuna]

1:02:27 Trot, you're amazing, my dude.

[@8BitShadow]

jesus what a time to just catch back up and now we have to wait. what. timing.

[@CosmiccNova]

*SPOILERS* I was holding it together so well until Trott hugged Kim and I broke down. WHOS GONNA TELL THALIA AND ALL OF NOVAS FAMILY??? I’m emotionally destroyed, I need a drink

[@ryanphillips4123]

Not the heros apparently! Since they've run off to resurrect her immediately

[@CJ-hh3gx]

An apt title for an episode if I ever saw one.

[@salamanda550]

Spoilers Below, TLDR, this was amazing Oh my god, as soon as the battle drew to a close, I could tell what Kim was planning... This episode legitimately floored me. I really can't wait to see what's going on beyond this, and...if Kim is going to be bringing a new character when Aerois returns...

[@adrianfajkovic4802]

Holy shiet….. What an artwork… Im speechless

[@TeRRa_Blitz12]

"I can't protect her if I don't know where she is" Rhi, doing Sentry so well and pulling so hard on my heartstrings I watched this before I even started the Vortinssar Arc. I was at heartspire when Nova was desperately trying to save Thalia when I saw something on Twitter and my heart stopped. I watched it back on twitch sobbed so much and then on my lunch break sobbed again. I can't wait to catch up more and know fully what happens next, thank you guys for such an amazing story episode and being the embodiment of the characters so well

[@bunnybean77]

So glad it's a year and a half later and I can just watch the next episode IMMEDIATELY. 😭😭😭

[@locobo580]

I know I am very late, but I still don’t understand why nobody, especially Qill who has a wand of magic missile and had a guaranteed hit, attempted to destroy the mic.

[@galrungancellagon5713]

Holy shit what an episode

[@blankiecat9302]

This is a session to jump in on after 2 years of not watching

[@heartdice2512]

Sincerely: :___: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH What a freaking wonderful story; the level of emotion you hear in Marks voice just brings me to tears ever time. Kim and Mark have made me cry so many times by now, I stopped tracking emotional damage. Gosh I love this show.

[@JustJoe24]

I'm a podcast only viewer because I just can't sit at a pc and watch, because of work. But I stopped listening to the podcast, came home and came to youtube to experience this "in person", wow :(

[@Ryquard1]

ANOTHER OF THOSE OMINOUS TITLES!!! my heart skips a beat everytime i see these kind of titles i hope Nova is Ok now to watch the episode!

[@Ryquard1]

D:

[@morganwaas4868]

Spoilers: One of my favorite things about Nova has always been that sacrificial instinct- it's been there since way back in Aegis V, and even in Jiutou in the Lightfall campaign (maybe it's something I love about Kim as a player, not just about Nova). I'm ugly crying and hope that this isn't the last we'll see of Nova, but if it is then I hope she enjoys her afterlife in the stars. Also not looking forward to potential party discussions with Tornado/Breeze/Thalia etc. Will be crying for those as well I'm sure

[@awakeningvalornetwork1544]

Good one guys. See u in the new year. Thanks for the show

[@KHitsuga]

SPOILERS I don't see anyone else mentioning it, so I will... R.I.P. Fuego.

[@blackh9604]

Spoilers: OH SHIT moments Seriously, don't look unless you're done with the episode 42:43 She done press the button 47:35 Lucius hits CTRL+Z 1:03:15 Lucius makes a big oversight 1:13:28 The unconscious people get yoinked 1:14:19 Shansara hits CTRL+SHIFT+Z 1:20:38 Narrowly missed death save 1:25:43 Rhi's luck: Death save edition 1:28:53 Just real quick, you're on 2 fails right? 1:59:59 Every single brone in Qillek's body gets shattered Homies this episode was doin a number my blood pressure, SHEESH.

[@ryanphillips4123]

It was absolutely EPIC

[@blackh9604]

@@ryanphillips4123 HELL YEAH

[@gothmissstress]

oh my god i did not expect this outcome at all

[@gigrim54495]

Ooooh god, it's good to realize that they hit level 19, because Qillek was only 16 cleric when they were level 18, so he didn't have 9th level cleric spells

[@kylehumbert5735]

There goes DnD making me cry again GOD DA- !!!!

[@Zrosa-og9xm]

Absolutely phenomenal storytelling! Thank you High Rollers!

[@dazzer667]

Don't know if anyone else had this though but I think Kim Missed out on something special at the end in the discussion, she mention her birthday thing and I think it would have been very fitting if her little song went more "It's my birthday and I'll die if I want to" :D

[@stephenpodeschi6052]

Mark still loves 'critting' Tom after all this time........Then it got darker...

[@shanaynaywilliams1721]

SPOILERS AHEAD I have never cried so hard at a character death in my life. I love Nova so much. I have never had a character in media that I have identified so strongly with before. Absolutely beautiful storytelling. Absolutely gutwrenching moment. Kim thank you so much for creating such a wonderful character and tha k you high rollers for the wonderfully story. I'm gonna go and hug my Cat Nova and continue crying! Still can't wait for the next episode.

[@haydenowen2914]

Kim that Age of Empires reference point out line thing you said about the turkey made me so happy to hear. Just because I love that game to absolute hell. All I had to say, love all you nerds from Washington Merica

[@bringmemyflail1321]

Every once in awhile Trott reminds us he is a member of Hat films....😂😂😂

[@GodOfWAAAGH]

Or a Daughtinsar if you will? Eyyy.... *cries mournfully*

[@ondank]

I thought the EXACT same thing when I saw the title. Followed by sheer panic at the implication of the title.

[@lolageez1]

As soon as Rhi rolled that I *knew* it was gonna be a 1 lmao

[@traartadventures]

😭OMFG, what an ending to this yr of Aerois😅😅

[@FyreDrac]

Fuckin. Godamnit. Bah. Yall making me feel fucking emotions again

[@BigCheddarMC]

absolute rollercoaster

[@sanddry738]

Sometimes fights are so rough. But I feel one of the joys of being high level isn’t just the cool shit you can do but the stakes and actions of the characters. SPOILERS Lucious’ wish to the ending promise of divine magic so powerful that it can resurrect without a body. Can’t wait to see what’s next because there’s no way anyone will take the news well (oh god her family ;_;)

[@ItZoTom]

Holy shit, what an episode! Has to be up there as one of the best (so far) for me. SPOILERS: Nova’s sacrifice was a good way to go. I’m sure she’ll be back, but what a legacy to leave behind if not! Can’t wait to catch up so I can experience the emotional rollercoaster live…

[@ItsAmeMARIO8897]

I feel like nova has to come back this late in because not only would it not make sense for kim to play another character since I dont believe there are other lvl 18 people on aerois, and even if she plays a character not from aerois any rp moment between the character and the rest of the party will just kinda feel detached, not enough time to bond in the end game of the campaign

[@Markcrazeer]

You underestimate. The power of storytelling or the consequenses and effects of dnd. If they dont recover her there will be a New one. However this does force their hand. If they are the only aeoisians that can do this they will be forced to call in kalus to deal with attelicus and have him send his greatest champion. Second only to him.

[@animewarrior3]

@@Markcrazeer wish spell

[@Markcrazeer]

@@animewarrior3 yes, that will work, replicate true resurrection. but also she does not have to come back. if they have someone to try true resurrection first then wish might force her but that is undermining player agency. if I were Kim I would not have nova come back without reassurances about tiangong or pleading from thalia and maybe her family.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I have to disagree, it isn't about any degree of underestimation. There are certainly plenty of mechanical ways to explain various resolutions at this level of play. But a substitute with so little left in the campaign becomes fairly hollow. It would be adjacent to replacing Vax'Ildan after the disintegration or not bringing Scanlan back for the final arc. I have absolute faith in Mark and Kim, and to a lesser extant regarding impact the rest of the cast, to weave the story to a satisfying resolution no matter what the ultimate decision turns out to be.

[@TheStartrek99]

Please please tell me she feeds the energy into her sword! Edit: damn it! She could have restored tiengong.

[@IM-Silviu]

Merry Christmas! 🥲🥲🥲

[@Superkoolperson15]

SPOILERS . . . . . . . . . Nova is my favourite character and I was literally, no joke, scream crying, curled up on the ground when Mark said "What afterlife would Nova be in" I was hyperventilating and my husband was panicking Cozy I couldn't breathe. This may sound like an over reaction, Nova is a drastically awkward, normal person whose very smart with a power sugar daddy. She represents the everyman. A character that made me feel seen. Played by a very wonderful person who is queer, a spoonie and so incredibly relatable to me. Then mark says "You're a high enough level to bring her back doh" ... Now I'm just angy I need some paracetamol... my head is banging. I will remember this Mark. If I ever dm for you, play with you or you ever see my games... I will break you emotionally then do a 180. You will know my pain (joking)

[@accade_acaso]

Final fantasy VIII references are obscure now?! I’m old!!!😂😊 love you guys

[@kyleveach3238]

Why didnt Sentry take the microphone from Shansara while she had her grappled?!?! WHY??

[@webs7inger832]

The pain!

[@lindsayallardyce715]

that one hurt SO badly

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Final Fantasy 8 was the majority of my gaming youth. That and Pokemon Blue.

[@doodlejule]

I was gonna comment how happy I was to immediately get the FF8 reference and then finished watching the episode... and suddenly that didn't seem so important any more.

[@kyleweir689]

Shansara confirmed TikTok star, 6 second performances lol

[@gmhchaos]

Kim... your Rinoa of course. And Rhi... she's Selfie of course!!! In my opinion.

[@yuzik01]

Oh. My. God. I have no words.

[@HeyHogla]

Oh I can't take this, my heart ❤😢

[@nyanwizard2735]

SPOILERS Even thought it would be sad, I think that Kim may possibly decide to have nova stay dead.😢

[@incitingariot9925]

If Kim accepts this outcome, so do I.

[@dadriangreen6179]

Merry Christmas guys!

[@mtbrocket]

1. Good DMing Mark for the counter spell. Rule of cool.😊 2. Sorry, the heroes are now war criminals with that attack.😢 3. This was a good ending for the year. Actions should have consequences. The dead should stay dead or there are no stakes.😢 4. I cannot believe that nobody thought the take the microphone away and use it. 😂 5. I look forward to next year. 😊

[@tessraiten2484]

Holy shit I’m sobbing

[@azguarder]

SPOILERS Omg I am absolutely gutted, cried for the last 20 minutes of the episode. Fantastic episode everybody but my soul really was not prepared for this

[@DMtheDM.]

Imagine if they did injuries for going down, man would that have changed the episode.

[@PaulStarhaven]

12:52 Pfft, if you wanted to swap, should've done it when your souls had gotten yote by the knight of death.

[@toasty4000000]

*spoils* Dude Quill had (at least) one eye of the storm charge that WHOLE TIME AND DIDN"T USE IT!!!! Lmao, when the trigger was pulled, when the explosion went off, when the energy starting going crazy, when they arrived on site, I was constantly like "damn it would be a good time to ask xxx, but I guess he must be out of charges" Nova: dies Quill: "EYE OF THE STORM" Me: -_- lol, shit happens

[@toasty4000000]

Also gotta give Mark some love, he continues to be just an amazing story teller, while making up much of it on the fly - so impressive. This story was tragic but deservedly so, the players weren't treated harshly nor were they babied, and despite the obvious implications, Mark let a PC die (in an admittedly awesome yet sad way). He tried to renege on the tiangong interjection but I think that was awesome - it seemed like something he had planned for a while but even if it wasn't I think it totally made sense and just added more feels to Nova and T's relationship.

[@kellygingrich4302]

Spoilers When Mark said 'no' when Tiangong was heading down, I was really hoping that it was Tassadar showing up to veto Tiangong. Or that Tassadar (and maybe even also Alleyah?) had come to protect them after Nova lost consciousness.

[@blonkkiller9113]

Oooo shit Just started watching this one by the comments this Is going to be good. See you at the end of It all

[@blonkkiller9113]

Holy s..... FK wow wp guys

[@RandomAndgit]

WARNING, MASSAVE SPOILERS!!! Does this mean that the eclipse twin blades are just gone? Did they just destroy an artifact level weapon? Will they return if/when Nova and Tiang Gong are revived? I have so many questions.

[@monkeyismadd1825]

I'm much more curious about Tiang gong and what will become of them, we know nova is beyond the cradle, but what about the eterna? Has the symbiosis with Nova bonded their souls? Do they come back with nova? Can they come back?

[@danielheadhunter9594]

@@monkeyismadd1825 I would think the symbiosis and maybe with help from the elements would have fused nova's and tiang gong's souls together and when they revive nova they will find out she now has special powers or something special with tiang gong

[@Daaboo]

I lot of episodes back. Didn't Tiangong say he/they needed huge amount of energy to repair it self? Totally forgot about that or....?

[@YamiYaiba]

If anyone had gone after her mic, especially after Lucius did his thing...sure would have been nice ...

[@webs7inger832]

This is what I was looking for. I'm not here to hate on character action choices, just a little confused why no one tried to just physically take the mic from her.

[@lindsayallardyce715]

Yeah this really bothered me, especially after the players already saw that she WOULD press it, and then sentry grappled her, had another attack and DIDN'T try to take it...I was stunned. but can't fault the way the story turned out was really interesting, they just seemed surprised for some reason when she pressed it again.

[@mtbrocket]

Oh, and this is great!!!

[@jccontinuer5600]

i don't think Kim's +to ht is right she says Dice Roll +8 (5 Charisma and 3 weapon) forgetting prof bonus. I think at least.

[@Starlink28]

If Chris trott had worded it differently, it could have been very different

[@kenneyc]

spoilers Interesting that Quill's vision before they went to this location was a catastrophe, which is why they went, but it's implied that their actions (may have) caused what his vision saw.

[@Jthomas-gg9pi]

Not really. all 4 statues were intact during his vision. It seems like if the button got pressed it was breaking one way or another.

[@Spumawful]

Didn't Quill disable the mic's activation button using the console last session? Am I misremembering? Well, anyway. Great episode, fantastic ending to a fantastic High Rollers year. Happy Birthday Kim!

[@BeingWolfie]

There were two activation switches: one in the microphone, and one in the console. Quill took out the console one.

[@phoenick]

Keep up the great show! Everyone is awesome! What's the music piece playing around 25:00 ?

[@blackh9604]

One of my favorite tracks they use! Protector of the Sky - Jo Wandrini Hope KZbin doesn't hate links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/favMqHd_nNqdoNE

[@toasty4000000]

@@blackh9604 This series is the first interaction I've ever had with DnD so in my mind this soundtrack is THE OFFICIAL DnD fight/action soundtrack lol, thanks for the link

[@blackh9604]

@@toasty4000000 Fr, Trott (or whoever controls them these days) is on point with the musical cues

[@MrZonehawk]

Use the "People's Elbow" Rhi!

[@statickaiinaweirdworld179]

Spoilers . . . . . . . It took 169 episodes, but the cursed dice finally claimed one. (Maybe 2.)

[@levelupdnd8593]

57:23 if she fell out of his 5ft cube. Wouldn’t he have gotten an opportunity attack? And can’t he grapple as an opportunity attack?

[@YayTKhere]

I'm crying