Realis 14 - Out of the Burning City Pt. 1

This episode contains discussion of violence, injury, slavery, cannibalism, and disease.

For as long as long had been, the moon of Sapryc was a jewel in the many-leafed crown of the Leo Suzerainty. But in the eternal orbit of Realis, even the endless is obliged to end. And so it is, that one hundred forty years heretofore, the gem of Sapryc—its blue waters and coral mountains, its fields of easy, green grain—was wedged from its slot. No one knows when, exactly, color itself was wiped from this moon, but we suspect we know when the process began:

The Imperial Empest, a once august empire, now voracious, glistening, and insectoid, fell upon the world like the locustal swarm it is, covering its southern pole with terrible speed. Though the Suzerain’s forces held for decades, in time the internal squabbling of their many dukes and marquesses became cracks in the northern continent’s walls. And thus, an opportunity. Not for the Empest, but for the Venerant See, largest church across the moons, those who preach asceticism, and austerity, and the purity of the empty space between orbs, yet who hypocritically hoard wealth and leverage power to their own ends. And thus, Sapryc, a gem on the floor, waiting to be added to their vaults.

Nearly a century and a half later, and Sapryc remains war torn, split in two by the Strait of Cicatrix, with the northern continent of The Trunk and the southern continent of The Root constantly under attack from the forces of the other. Across villages and towns, disease spreads: None as terrible as the Bile, called that not in reference to the humor—no, the symptoms are boils, and fever, and pain—but for the anger riled up in those who catch the disease.

Many have fled—but to do so is harder every day: Only one spaceport remains, in the overpacked city of Krater, along the Trunk’s southern coasts. And it is there that we begin this story, today.

Hosted by Austin Walker (@austinwalker on bluesky)

Featuring Andrew Lee Swan, Jack de Quidt, Janine Hawkins and Sylvi Bullet

Produced by Ali Acampora

Music by Jack de Quidt (available on bandcamp)

Cover Art by by Oddesque

With thanks to Amelia Renee, Arthur B., Aster Maragos, Bill Kaszubski, Cassie Jones, Clark, DB, Daniel Laloggia, Diana Crowley, Edwin Adelsberger, Emrys, Greg Cobb, Ian O'Dea, Ian Urbina, Irina A., Jack Shirai, Jake Strang, Katie Diekhaus, Ken George, Konisforce, Kristina Harris Esq, L Tantivy, Lawson Coleman, Mark Conner, Mike & Ruby, Muna A, Nat Knight, Olive Perry, Quinn Pollock, Robert Lasica, Shawn Drape, Shawn Hall, Summer Rose, TeganEden, Thomas Whitney, Voi, chocoube, deepFlaw, fen, & weakmint

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