Elisabeth from Norway and Štěpán from the Czech Republic join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski's Baptism of Fire, Chapter 1 (Part 2). Very important bits include: the rhythm of Sapkowski's writing, translations and the application of foreign languages, wartime propaganda, the inclusion of Nilfgaard and the exclusion of men in the Lodge of Sorceresses. Dijkstra and Philippa's Mean Girls Tea Time, and Sea Madam™.

• [0:00] Cold Open
• [1:16] Introduction
• [3:15] Guest Introductions
• [14:59] Chapter Recap
• [17:37] Overall Thoughts
• [24:55] Stakes in the War
• [31:56] Dijkstra, Political Strategy, and Social Commentary
• [40:09] Wartime Propaganda
• [45:13] Unity within the Lodge
• [52:05] The Lodge's Exclusion of Men
• [1:02:35] Acting Upon Instinct, Ambition, and Self-Interest
• [1:10:03] Outro
• [1:13:22] End Credits

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