Ep. 97 — Chapter 2 from "Baptism of Fire"
Bolo from Poland and Sophie from Morocco join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2. Very important bits include: examining different aspects of war, judging Geralt’s actions as admirable or reckless, inverting circumstances for the next phase of life, Sapkowski’s masterful dialogue, doing specific good, an enjoyable parade of nothing really, and the big pile of poop jokes we missed.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[0:47] Introduction
[2:05] Guest Introductions
[8:32] Chapter Recap
[10:21] Overall Thoughts
[12:42] ‘Half Century of Poetry’ Opening
[17:39] Geralt’s New Stage of Life
[21:47] Geralt’s Goals and Milva’s Skepticism
[28:03] Indifference to War
[32:47] Rebuilding After Hardship
[37:06] Unbridled Altruism and ‘Specific Good’
[40:52] Humor and Levity
[48:47] Closing Thoughts
[52:36] Outro
[53:15] 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!
[Patron Announcements]
This episode, we welcome Parissa and Jimmy to our hanza on Patreon! Thank you to our patrons and our producer-level patrons: 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.
If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Bolo from Poland and Sophie from Morocco call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2. Join us as we examine various aspects of war, judge Geralt’s actions as admirable or reckless, and discuss inverting circumstances for the next phase of life, Sapkowski’s masterful dialogue, doing specific good, the enjoyable parade of nothing-really-happening, and the big pile of poop jokes we missed.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 2.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): In Chapter 2 of Baptism of Fire, Geralt, Dandelion, and Milva find themselves navigating the chaos of war as they continue their journey south toward Nilfgaard, chasing rumors that Ciri is there. As they seek shelter from the rain, Geralt and Dandelion encounter a hawker who mistakes them for elves. Before long, Nilfgaardian soldiers arrive for a prisoner exchange. Things take a violent turn, and after a brief skirmish, the group discovers that the prisoner-in-question is none other than Cahir, the Nilfgaardian knight who tried to abduct Ciri on Thanedd. Milva is skeptical that he succeeded if he’s a prisoner now. The group leave him to fend for himself and take off into the trees. Cahir later reappears asking to join their group, but Geralt and Milva refuse and send him away.
The trio witnesses the brutality of war firsthand, watching a battle unfold between Verden and Brugge forces, with Nilfgaardian and Scoia’tael reinforcements eventually overwhelming the defenders. Despite the grim realities around them, Geralt remains determined to reach Nilfgaard and Milva agrees to guide them to the Yaruga. Along the way, Geralt becomes increasingly irritable, especially as Dandelion and Milva question Ciri’s fate. He reveals that he’s been having recurring dreams in which Ciri rides with bandits, leaving death in her wake.
On the road, they abruptly encounter Zoltan Chivay and his eclectic band of dwarves, refugees, and their talkative parrot, Field Marshal Windbag. The larger company lifts their spirits and makes the journey more bearable. However, the company faces more violence when they witness marauders raid a small settlement and attack a young woman there. Geralt, Milva, and Zoltan kill all of the attackers. In a surprising turn, Cahir reappears, saving the group by killing one of the marauders, but his presence raises more questions about his true intentions.
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 Bolo and Sophie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil