Episode 9 | Introducing the Tragedy Tally TM

In the final episode of Season 2, the party makes one last push to confront the Nether Brain. Honor mode poses a new kind of challenge, and no one is prepared. Will they fall short after coming so far?Trent, Youssef, and Chris share their final thoughts on the campaign, and on the legacy of Baldur's Gate 3. After such an unexpected turn of events at the end of the run, will the cast need therapy to process all that transpired in the modern masterpiece?

Youssef starts a game and has immediate regrets in the first cutscene. Trent explores a "little known indie title" that sold over 11 million units. Chris is still trying to defend a mid-tier game. The group discusses a controversial addition to Playstation Plus.Things are coming down to the wire on the Path. Our party has the finish line in sight, but they will need more allies to aid in their final fight. Unfortunately, it may be harder to save these allies from themselves than from the forces of evil. Will our adventurers raise the army they need, or will they be stopped short of completing the game on Honor Mode?

Youssef reveals that he's been drawn back into a previous gaming addiction, and we have a lengthy conversation trying to figure out why Chris keeps recommending one particular game. Trent ventures into the real world and discovers a fantastic IRL gaming spot in Greensboro, North Carolina.On the Path, the party has successfully completed their objective in the House of Hope and is now in a race against time to escape before the head of the house returns. Although they now possess a significant advantage in their battle against the Absolute, their victory will be in vain if they fail to find their way back to Baldur's Gate.

This week, the group finds they have all spent more time in some older titles they never got around to playing and Trent sparks a conversation around the challenges for developers to properly balance a game while keeping it fun for players of all skill levels.On the Path, the party is still reeling from a devastating loss and tries to fill the void the only what they know how; loot and XP. As our adventurers tie up some loose ends in Baldur's Gate, one quest will take them to a somewhere from which they may never return.

Trent is working on a D&D book, so Youssef and Chris catch him up on new games and beloved IPs. Chris does some bargain hunting in a recent Playstation Store sale.On the Path, the party arrives in the titular city of Baldur’s Gate, and are immediately embroiled in a web of plots, intrigue, and murders. As tensions rise, one of their own stands accused of a heinous crime— the murder of a cherished companion.

The party discusses winners and controversies from The Game Awards, and share what newly announced titles they are most looking forward to.On the Path, out party thinks they have time to rest after their confrontation with Ketheric Thorm, and learn that at this point in their adventure, no where is safe from threats. New dangers are unveiled, uncovered secrets complicate alliances, and Drobo's ultimate quest is revealed as our adventurers finally approach Baldur's Gate.

Youssef furiously cancels a pre-order, and Chris discovers something new about a prolific series. Trent gets Youssef's reaction to the controversy surrounding one of his favorite games.On the path, the party finds themselves deep in a fleshy hole. Pursuing Ketheric Thorm, they encounter friend and foe alike, while Nornelius and Drobo each develop obsessions with in-game equipment. Will their Honor Mode run survive the notoriously difficult Ketheric fight?

Youssef replays Dragon Age: Origins in anticipation of The Veilguard, and Chris finds more interesting titles on his frugal gamer quest.  Meanwhile, Trent asks about when we have felt the most emotional in video games.On the path, Durge, Drobo, and Nornelius continue their quest to defeat the seemingly immortal Ketheric Thorm.  In search of a weakness to exploit, the party discovers the Gauntlet of Shar.  Still reeling from their former loss, they refuse to take victory for granted again.

Before the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the party discusses thoughts on the series as a whole, and expectations and hopes for the upcoming game. Chris gets pulled back into a game he loves to hate, and Trent explores puzzle games to play with your partner. Returning to the Path, our party speaks with our dead allies to gain closure after the last episode's Massacre at Last Light, and in doing so find a lead on their next quest. Listen as the party seeks vengeance against Ketheric Thorm's entire bloodline for his crimes upon the land.

Youssef tries to fill the massive void left by Destiny 2. Trent picks up something he calls a “simple and joyous game” and says it is “hard to recommend a game more highly.” On the Path, the party gets a little more technical with our discussion of Baldur’s Gate 3 with a breakdown of our current builds, party composition, and strategy to survive Honor Mode. Plus, Trent gives an update on Tabletop vs Video Game Dungeons and Dragons. // Music Contributions by Dorien Johnson