Ep. 96 — Chapter 1 (Part 2) from "Baptism of Fire"
Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the rhythm of Sapkowski’s writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodge of Sorceresses. Dijkstra and Philippa’s Mean Girls Tea Time, and Sea Madam™.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:16] Introduction
[3:15] Guest Introductions
[14:59] Chapter Recap
[17:37] Overall Thoughts
[24:55] Stakes in the War
[31:56] Dijkstra, Political Strategy, and Social Commentary
[40:09] Wartime Propaganda
[45:13] Unity within the Lodge
[52:05] The Lodge’s Exclusion of Men
[1:02:35] Acting Upon Instinct, Ambition, and Self-Interest
[1:10:03] Outro
[1:13:22] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
Transcript to come.
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
Introduction
ALYSSA: Welcome to Breakfast in Beauclair, a global Witcher Podcast. My name is Alyssa from GoodMorhen, and I’ll be your host as you, I, and our international hanza accompany Geralt of Rivia and his destiny, Cirilla of Cintra, across the Continent.
[Announcements]
Happy holidays and a happy new year!
New book, new game announcement!
[Patron Announcements]
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If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Join us as we discuss the rhythm of Sapkowski’s writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodge of Sorceresses. Dijkstra and Philippa’s Mean Girls Tea Time, and Sea Madam™.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2).
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): In Chapter 1 of Baptism of Fire, Milva hunts in Brokilon Forest, contemplating the recent events that have shaken the Continent: a coup among the mages has left the Northern Kingdoms reeling, King Vizimir of Redania is dead, Nilfgaard has begun an aggressive push north, and war wages across the land. As Geralt recovers under the care of the dryads, Milva brings him grim news: Nilfgaard has crushed Lyria and Aedirn; Verden and Temeria have struck deals with the empire; Geralt’s friends, Codringher and Fenn, are dead; and several key figures are wanted, including Geralt and Ciri, who disappeared after the coup.
In Redania, Dijkstra pieces together the complex political puzzle. He writes to Philippa Eilhart, sharing his belief that Ciri has been taken to Nilfgaard and detailing the fragile alliances forming in the shadows. During a meeting with a Nilfgaardian ambassador, the envoy claims that Ciri sought asylum in the empire and, as the reigning Queen of Cintra, her lands and vassal states may soon be allied with Nilfgaard. Francesca Findabair is declared Queen of Dol Blathanna with the empire’s support. The whereabouts of Vilgefortz and Yennefer remain unknown. While the empire is also searching for them, it agrees to exchange the sorcerers for Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach. After the ambassador leaves, Dijkstra sends Philippa the identity of the knight in the plumed helmet and news that the Nilfgaardian secret service are also searching for him. Puzzling over the motive, Dijkstra speculates that the knight betrayed the empire by failing to capture Ciri at Thanedd.
Meanwhile, Philippa proposes the formation of a secret, global assembly of sorceresses including Triss Merigold, Keira Metz, Margarita Laux-Antille, Sabrina Glevissig, and Sheala de Tancarville from the Northern Kingdoms, Francesca Findabair of the elves, and Assire var Anahid of Nilfgaard. This new assembly will replace the former Chapter and Council of sorcerers and operate outside the constraints of kingdoms and war, ensuring that the magical community serves its own interests. The sorceresses plan to reconvene in person in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere, the infamous bandits known as the Rats parade through a village. The group, including Giselher, Iskra, Kayleigh, Asse, Reef, Mistle, and Falka—our Ciri—throw coins to the villagers in a symbolic display of appreciation, defiance, and confidence. However, this reckless behavior comes with consequences: later that evening, soldiers come searching for them, and a local father beats his daughter, Milena, for dressing like Falka.
The rumors of Ciri’s flight to Nilfgaard drive the witcher to abruptly leave Brokilon. As Milva continues her journey, she crosses paths with a Scoia’tael commando preparing for battle, a reminder of the ongoing war between humans and elves. Despite the threat of danger, Milva presses on to catch up with Geralt.
Transcript to come.
Outro & Credits
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
ALYSSA: Thanks for joining us at the breakfast table! For show notes, transcripts of each episode, and a complete list of our social platforms and listening services, head over to breakfastinbeauclair.com.
Breakfast in Beauclair is created by Alyssa from GoodMorhen. It’s hosted by Alyssa. The show is edited by Alyssa with music by Alex Berner.
Breakfast in Beauclair is produced by Alyssa in New York City with Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, Olle from Sweden, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., and RedKite.
Special thanks to Elisabeth and Štěpán for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil