It’s time for BARBARIAN

okay, okay, okay, NOW it’s time for BARBARIAN

Episode Digest: 

So, we’re heading off, finally. I’m glad that Essek shot that idea down - and I can’t believe that they made Caleb be the one to try to convince him of the idea to work with Trent. Thank FUCK that dumbass idea failed before it took off. I feel like they’re taking this ‘we need allies’ thing too far. On what bloody level was Trent ever ally material!? He will push you off a cliff the first chance he gets and go onward to join Lucien willingly. 

(Apparently many people were pissed with the M9 for entertaining this thought, rightfully so, but I also understand the idea being tossed around, and the inherent draw of the drama it would create. Realistically, this is terrible. In a narrative format, I can see how they might consider it for the ‘let’s get someone with some pull in order to save the world, and then kill him when we have the chance’. It makes sense. I still don’t like it, and am glad it did not happen.)

1) Gets Yasha attuned to the Holy Avenger.

2) Gives the group a fun low-stress combat...as a treat.

3) Teaches Ashley about her Barbarian abilities: a refresher tutorial of sorts (she has totally forgotten to heal from zero...though the way it has been phrased does make it a little more confusing.).

I also like how

1) All the bludgeoning damage lets her show off what rage can do.

2) Ditto all the strength and dex saving throws she got advantage on.

3) The death explosions from the storm elementals meant she didn't have to kill -everything- herself (which would have taken longer).

-VM didn't pair up with her on their own accord, she literally snuck into their hideout and forced their meeting, willingness to hear her out, and agreement based on the threat that she could easily kill all of them and destroy Whitestone and everyone in it.

-They hated Raishan just as much but it was less personal connection with her versus Trent is Caleb's childhood abuser on top of everything else. This is more as if VM planned/discussed to team up with Thordak despite knowing he killed the twins mother and having another option instead.

-She was not at risk of either willingly or unwillingly joining the other side the way Trent is. There is zero reason to think Trent would not become involved in bringing the city back. He is just as if not more power hungry than Vess who fell in its sway. Two of their own party accidently got eyes not even seeking them out so they know its a possibility even if Trent isn't knowingly swayed. With an inexplicable level of confidence they claimed to be prepared for that possibility despite already being so outmatched by Tombtakers they barely fled the last fight with their lives and traveled across Exandria trying to get help for the upcoming fight. Just imagine adding Trent on top of that. They absolutely could not handle.

-Not two days ago did they decide Trent was worth taking a 4 y.o. and two unarmed civilians into the fire plane to escape from him he's that shitty by their own measure. They have no reason to think they can out manipulate the man who has made his career off of manipulating and taking advantage of others trust.