Talks Machina 128: The Folding Halls

is the one-hundred twenty-eighth episode of Talks Machina. Taliesin Jaffe and Matthew Mercer discuss with host Brian Wayne Foster.

Synopsis

 * Evan Graham: Matt: Up until now, references to the first campaign have been little more than easter eggs. What made you decide now was the time to introduce the first major character from Campaign 1 in the story, and why did you specifically choose Allura?
 * Alison Hatfield: Taliesin: What was running through your mind when Matt started to describing Allura? Also, on the most meta note, how does it feel to have such a powerful ally show up from the previous campaign? How hard is it to separate what you know from what Cad knows?
 * @Pagerunner_J: To both of you: So just how shocking was that SHOCKING REVEAL! in the whisper after Caduceus' insight check of Allura?
 * @Emognomebody: Matt: You've said before that Allura was almost like your own avatar in the world you had created. How did it feel to have her interact with a new band of adventurers?
 * @CostumerDelight: Taliesin: How long have you been sitting on asking Allura if she was a good or bad mage?
 * CalebsFamilyBBQ: Matt: In honor of the return of the Happy Fun Ball, can we get a quick top 3 "most infuriating nicknames the players have made up for my cool shit" from you right now?

Cosplay of the Week

 * the Raven Queen by Sarah Cook (@sacook03) (photo by Emily aka @emi_d_123)


 * Tracy Parks: Taliesin: Given the arcane nature of the artificial environment of the HFB, what does Caduceus feel about the "nature" of it all. Is he worried that these areas go against the Wild Mother?
 * M_busuttil: Matt: Did Yussa actually tell Wensforth that the stone would call an ally, or is Yussa friendly enough with Allura that he calls her Ally?
 * The_mango55: Taliesin: How does the knowledge that the Bright Queen is spying constantly on the party and may have heard anything or everything they have discussed weigh on Caduceus? Is he reevaluating his feeling about their loyalties and who they should help?
 * TieflingRanger: Matt: You mentioned on a previous Talks that the Heirloom Sphere, AKA the Happy Fun Ball, was never supposed to end up in the Mighty Neins hands. Could you discuss how you went though taking an item they were never supposed to have and tying it into the story so seamlessly?
 * Tessa Widenhofer: For Taliesin: Caduceus seemed to be working to check on his friends moreso then usual once they got into the Happy Fun Ball. Does he have any specific concerns, and if so, does he plan to be forthright with his friends?
 * @ConsideredTired: For Matt: When Allura got her first impression of M9, did she see something of Vox Machina in them? Is that why she was so quick to give them opportunities to earn her trust?
 * Claefer: Taliesin: Cad hasn't been having much luck lately in his conversations with the local flora and fauna. Does this dishearten him, or does he consider it a "success" to make an attempt, regardless of how useful it is?
 * Owl_Seer: Matt: There have been some juicy lore drops lately which has me wonder: In the campaign so far, what's been a piece of lore you've particularly loved giving to TM9 when they rolled high enough?

Fan Art of the Week

 * Essek and Caleb by @Bumblefly02 (link)


 * Ariel VanZandt: Taliesin: What role does Caduceus see himself playing in Fjord's new journey with the Wild Mother? Does he view himself as a spiritual guide, a big brother, or merely an observer?
 * Seedy88: Matt: when the Nein were discussing finding allies outside of the Dynasty and the Empire at the beginning of the episode had you already decided that they could meet Allura through Yussa? What were you thinking while they were having that discussion?
 * @lesbrenian: Taliesin: Caduceus has always believed in following destiny wherever it takes him but the group has been kind of aimless with too many things on their plate. Does he believe that this is just destiny at work, or is he at all worried at their lack of direction?