Breakfast in Beauclair

Bo from the US and Gaby from Guatemala join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowskis Baptism of Fire, Chapter 5, Part 2. Very important bits include: the classic fish soup scene, being bratty about who you share destinies with, Geralts motivations, togetherness and camaraderie, and Therapy with a Vampire.

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [1:30] Introduction
• [2:58] Guest Introductions
• [9:37] Chapter Recap
• [11:54] Overall Thoughts
• [16:53] Geralts Hesitancy to Kill
• [22:28] Ciris Cold-Blooded Killing
• [28:21] Shared Prophetic Dreams
• [34:43] Accepting Regis
• [41:14] Geralts Protectiveness
• [47:46] The Fish Soup Scene
• [53:44] Baptisms of Fire
• [1:05:54] Closing Thoughts
• [1:10:43] Outro
• [1:11:04] End Credits

Nicola from Italy and Pauline from Germany join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 3. Very important bits include: the German and Italian translations, analyzing Sapkowski’s swordfighting through an experienced lens, his use of cutaways, the trustworthiness of Nilfgaardians, the ethics of violence and torture, first reactions to the Crossroads of Ravens teaser, the Everyman perspective in a supernatural world, contrasting views on executions, and killing with “mercy.”

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [1:08] Introduction
• [2:20] Guest Introductions
• [9:10] Chapter Recap
• [11:26] Overall Thoughts
• [18:08] Sapkowski’s ‘Crossroads of Ravens’ Sidebar
• [24:55] Milva’s Use of Violence
• [28:50] Cahir’s Trustworthiness
• [34:51] Faoiltiarna’s Torture Tactics
• [42:25] Nilfgaard’s Inclusion in the Lodge
• [46:02] Geralt’s Killings and Traditional heroism
• [55:23] Dandelion’s ‘Everyman’ Perspective
• [1:01:37] Dijkstra vs Vissegerd’s Executions
• [1:08:37] Closing Thoughts
• [1:12:10] Outro
• [1:13:25] End Credits

The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the trial by ordeal, the stupidest D&D group, the threshold that one needs to achieve to drop a hot horseshoe down a priest’s pants, the Nilfgaardian Cavalry workplace comedy we’ve been waiting for, The Filthy Pelican, morality's role in bravery, the definition of justice, and a bold assertion or a defense? You decide.

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [5:05] Introduction
• [6:57] Chapter Recap
• [8:37] The Trial By Ordeal
• [17:31] Vampires in the Witcher
• [23:36] Humor in the Background
• [33:47] Marshal Vissegerd’s Prejudice
• [44:53] Bravery and Morality
• [47:16] Justice and It’s Enforcers
• [58:04] Closing thoughts
• [1:01:17] Sophia’s Predictions
• [1:11:30] Outro
• [1:16:48] End Credits

The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.

Christiaan from Canada and South Africa and Sophia from Australia join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Baptism of Fire, Chapter 4 (Part 1). Very important bits include: how character beliefs contribute to world building, the objectively worst 24 hours, Sapkowski’s favorite foreshadowing tactics, human susceptibility to superstition and the danger of contradicting it, the role of religion in this chapter, swanlike necks, southern hemisphere Christmases, Geralt’s voicemail, and a thrilling guest reveal.

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [1:55] Introduction
• [3:48] Guest Introductions
• [17:58] Chapter Recap
• [19:42] Overall Thoughts
• [39:47] Superstition
• [44:06] Religion
• [57:50] Ep. 100 Teaser
• [58:41] End Credits

The full episode transcript, show notes, merchandise store, and access to our social platforms are available at breakfastinbeauclair.com.