Ep. 98 — Chapter 3 from "Baptism of Fire"
Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tension that, ultimately, goes nowhere; the right time to wallow; the best drunk intentions; family lore; flipping Arthurian legends, ‘love eggplants’, and the Smelly, Farting Elder of Mahakam.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:28] Introduction
[2:49] Guest Introductions
[13:05] Chapter Recap
[14:55] Overall Thoughts
[20:35] How Perspective Influences Approach
[25:20] Tensions at Fen Carn
[30:47] Geralt’s Pain and Struggles
[37:03] Folk Tales and Magic
[45:38] Cultural Integration
[50:05] Geralt’s Outburst
[57:03] Ciri’s Loss of Innocence
[1:04:43] Closing Thoughts
[1:11:26] Outro
[1:12:44] 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]
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[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Charli from Austria, Gintare from the UK, and Gosia from Ronin of Rivia call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Join us as we discuss Ronin of Rivia, the combined analysis of Japanese studies and the Witcher; the appearance of a fan-favorite character whose increasingly absurd qualities create tension that, ultimately, goes nowhere; the right time to wallow; the best drunk intentions; family lore; flipping Arthurian legends, ‘love eggplants’, and the Smelly, Farting Elder of Mahakam.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER): In Chapter 3 of Baptism of Fire, Geralt, Zoltan, and their shared company continue through the war-torn Continent by way of the Old Road. They’re passed by Cahir’s bloodstained, riderless horse and assume the Nilfgaardian is dead. The group debates their route, eventually opting to travel through the forest over more visible highways. Their journey takes a rough turn when their wagon of goods is lost in a ravine. Half of the dwarven crew stays behind to bury their belongings, while the others, now on foot, become lost.
They stumble upon Fen Carn, an ancient elven cemetery. This eerie setting puts the group on edge and Percival even claims to see a ghoul. Instead, they encounter a man—oddly out of place—who smells of herbs and introduces himself as Emiel Regis, a barber-surgeon from Dilligen. Regis invites them to stay at his cottage rather than camp among the graves, which they gratefully accept.
Regis offers them moonshine made of mandrake. Although Geralt initially disapproves, the company indulges and makes themselves comfortable in the cottage. Regis impresses Geralt by correctly deducing the witcher had been treated by the dryads in Brokilon. The increasingly rowdy conversation covers a range of topics, from mandrake's legendary properties to Geralt's personal life, leading to a particularly sensitive topic: Ciri. Frustrated by their slow progress toward Nilfgaard and the constant focus on his past, Geralt storms out of the cottage. Geralt vents his impatience to Milva, asking why the archer has chosen to accompany him. She admits she’s no longer sure. When they return, they find Regis has agreed to join their growing company.
Elsewhere, Ciri (now Falka) and the Rats crash a village fair. Despite initial wariness from the villagers, Ciri and Iskra dance wildly on a table, with Ciri laughing through her tears, lost in her new identity as Falka.
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 Charli, Gintare, and Gosia for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
Transcriptionist: Charlie Lim
Editor: John Matthew Sarong, Krizia Marrie Casil