Ghosts on a Train (No longer hosted on Anchor, please click below under "Where to Listen")

The city of Kethrys (also known as Cloudspire) yields little of value for the Imperium, but what little may be produced is promptly sent away so the inhabitants of the city must fend for themselves. The settlement around the spire's base is surrounded by children, and the older they are the more they may have to do to survive. Cities like this bode well for Line Bulls who are always looking for Side Jobs, as the lack of Imperial investment means someone always needs something done. Andrel meets royalty. Pippin lies to cops. Drix draws a crowd.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta.

"Gemelli's Wonder Wheels" lyrics by Stefen feat. Greg, kazoo instrumentation by Greg. Sebastian remains guiltless for Emeline Gemelli

The city of Kethrys, Imperial designation Cloudspire, is a scabbed over wound left on Iruvia from the Imperium's bolder days. Before the costly Unity War with Skovlan, it was the Immortal Emperor's belief that even sovereign Iruvia would eventually bend to his might as humanity's steward. An entire generation were worked into their graves, killed by Imperial Agents, or sent to die in the decades-long civil war; leaving behind the shell of a city populated by the children they left behind. Andrel is offered an out. Pippin gets to keep ignoring things. Drix sees some rats.

Content Warning for Thalassaphobia from ~54:00 to ~55:30, Andrel has less air than she thinks underwater but doesn't drown.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta.

THE NEXT MAIN EPISODE WILL BE NEXT WEEK, THEN WE'LL STILL BE ON ALTERNATING THURSDAYS FROM THERE.

Greg takes a break from any serious editing to be joined by Stefen and Hannah to just talk about the show so far and where it's going. We talk about why we don't use last names on the show, discuss Content Warnings, and encourage not just Reviews and Suggestions but criticism that can help the show grow. Then the back half is a somewhat self-indulgent discussion of how we expected things to go in the beginning vs. how the podcast is currently going (better than expected).

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta.

The Pride of Duskwall leaves U'duasha for Cloudspire, also known as Kethrys, along one of the rare Lines with an end. This comes with the assurance that the locomotive will make a return, though for a return is never assured for a Line Bull. Regardless, after the Bulls have faced a Demon and prevailed a normal Line should prove no challenge. Drix smells "bon". Andrel learns that adults can be cool (gay). Pip wallows in anguish.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta

The Pride of Duskwall, having been torn and shredded by the Demon Voldranai, enters the Iruvian capital of U'duasha. This octagonal city boasts no lightning barrier, deriving protection from a massive burning spirit well known as the U'du. But the culture shock experienced by a Line Bull entering U'duasha is dulled by the trauma brought on from the demonic encounter. The cruel black wind swirls above the fires of the U'du, an uncomfortable reminder of the last day's events. Drix gets caught in the rain. Pippin makes a hat. Andrel meets a horse.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta

As the Pride of Duskwall approaches U'duasha, a Black Wind roars across the deathlands outside of the train. The supernatural energy in the air manifesting in this strange paranormal event ensures that no spirit could accost the train if it so desired, and yet the Line Bulls have sprung loose the Demon Voldronai inside of the locomotive. Nature itself, and by extension a Demon's power, are warped by the Black Wind, though the clueless Earth Demon is just grasping it's new metal surroundings. Pippin needs a bath. Andrel isn't here to make friends. Ismael loses his head. Drix makes this right. After the main episode, the Line Bulls get a Suggestion from an old man on the Spirit Box that leaves everyone angry.

On the Imperial Railways it is a Line Bull's responsibility to protect the passengers and freight on board the train, from the spirits of the deathlands and in some cases the passengers themselves. In The Pride of Duskwall's case, the Line Bulls hunt a potentially dangerous demon cultist in order to bring forth their demonic master; a risky move that will escalate the danger in the short term but save lives in the future, if successful. Issmael does some explaining. Pippin's suspicions grow. Andrel hangs out with kids her age. Tears fall for Drix.

It's not often that a Line Bull survives to achieve the highest rank of master, and it's even less common for Master Line Bulls to stay in the trade for long afterwards. But exemplary Bulls are often called for exemplary service, such as leaving the safety of a moving train in order to destroy a spirit well. In Bright Harbor, the Pride of Duskwall prepares to leave for Iruvia's capital of U'duasha. Andrel learns to distract herself. Drix must keep a promise. Pippin spends some time on the floor.

Line Bulls do not spend their entire lives on the Imperial Railways, and though the Downtime between Lines is often less exciting than the pulse pounding journeys between cities it is here that the people who work the rails get to be people. In Bright Harbor the Line Bulls of the Pride of Duskwall complete their side jobs as usual, but make use of their idle time in unusual ways. Pip stumbles into another horrid truth. Andrel reads some Hadrathi. Drix tests his valor.

After taking severe damage crossing the Void Sea, the Pride of Duskwall enters Iruvia. This Isle is an autonomous principality that is part of, but not ruled over by, the Imperium. While the locomotive is repaired, the Line Bulls have more Downtime than usual in the Iruvian city of Bright Harbor. Iruvians would know the place as Eldira, but the Imperium maintains a stronger presence in this port town than anywhere else on the island so both names may be heard. Mr. Walker reappears, to congratulate the Line Bulls on completing their apprenticeship. Drix accepts a challenge. Andrel finds herself upset with good news. Pippin is left alone with his thoughts for a moment too long. After the main episode, the Line Bulls receive a reasonable request from a concerned mother in the Suggestion Box.

To encounter a ghost, especially in the deathlands, is to enter a story that long since should have ended. The actions of these spirits are inexplicable to anyone from the present, as the longer a ghosts exists the further it's mind is unraveled. So the Pride of Duskwall must contend with spirits that burn with enmity that is undeserved but must be faced regardless. Drix is the center of a love triangle. Andrel finds out what's really going on here. Pippin saves the day with panache and flare.

The locomotives of the Imperial Railways go where they are needed, carrying whatever passengers and freight are currently in demand with a not insignificant weight given to payment. Line Bulls who can curry Favor in high places can indirectly leverage that influence and change their train's assignment, as Pippin Mckeel has in order to avoid a return to the Imperial City. Pippin is prickly to some newcomers. Andrel takes a moment to be thankful. Drix has a transformation sequence.

We apologize for the audio quality for this episode and the next episode, we tried a new flow and it's not a good fit so the quality will return to normal by the Layover.

After saying goodbye to Camilla Wester, the Line Bulls finally have a chance to step off the Pride of Duskwall and enjoy some Downtime in Southpoint. All of the Bulls are physically and emotionally exhausted, but how long of a break they'll get is yet to be seen. Andrel finds a new conspiracy to unravel. Drix goes fishing. Pippin throttles some rats.

The consequences of Camilla Wester's ill-fated journey on the Iron Mare have come to the Pride of Duskwall, endangering all aboard; but should Camilla alone shoulder this blame? In special guest Yoshiko's last appearance (for now?) the Line Bulls grapple with loyalties. Andrel gives her trust. Pippin dabs. Drix hardly recognizes his friend. Camilla cannot help but be who she is now. After the main episode, Candace reveals a new supplement to the Suggestion Box; the Spirit Box used for voice messages (link below; apologies for the audio quality, we tried a new recording method and it was convenient but wasn't a good fit)

Line Bulls fight ghosts, but only on rare occasions do they seek out and hunt them. Much of a Line Bull's job is simply to protect a train's passengers and freight long enough for it to be out of danger. As the Pride of Duskwall passes through Ravencourt, what can the Line Bulls do against a supernatural effect with no apparent source? Pippin fancies himself a philosopher. Andrel's suspicions reach their peak. Drix bites off more than he can chew. Camilla's dark secrets are revealed.

Content warning for Pica (the eating of inedible objects) throughout

A Line Bull's primary job is to clear ghosts that are entangled in the electric field of a moving locomotive, focusing on keeping ghosts away while the train moves to the next lightning barrier. The casualty rate increases whenever Line Bulls must guard a stopped train, as the time it takes to escape could mean life or death. Who may be at risk when the Pride of Duskwall stops at the behest of a natural philosopher? Andrel gets suspicious. Drix learns to never meet your heroes. Luck fails Pippin. Camilla makes the ultimate sacrifice. After the main episode, The Pride of Duskwall receives a strange missive from the suggestion box (email below)

The abandoned north railroad splits off between Duskwall and Wintercliff, leaving Akoros as it skirts across the surface of the Void Sea. The Imperial Railways are meant to connect the Imperium yet this track leads beyond the Immortal Emperor's sovereignty, where an unfamiliar train meets a grisly fate. Meanwhile, the Pride of Duskwall prepares to leave Wintercliff with a new train car. Drix has an unexpected reunion. Andrel shares a conspiracy theory. Pippin's still got it.

The employees of the Imperial Railways cannot afford to be discerning about the freight they carry or passengers they transport. Loaded with lightning oil, the Pride of Duskwall heads towards Wintercliff while the gang of Line Bulls deal with the demands of their customers. Issues from inside the train might distract from the dangers outside. Andrel spots a familiar face. Drix reads the good book. Pippin helps Trevor out in the locomotive.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta

The Pride of Duskwall safely enters the city of it's namesake, leaving the Line Bulls with a short period of downtime. While ghosts may not threaten their lives, the gang must navigate the more subtle dangers on this side of the lightning barrier. Mr. Walker makes a rare appearance, as Dunvil retiring means his badge name formally goes to Andrel. Drix finds brief employment with a noblewoman who may not share his sensibilities. Pippin drinks to forget a horrible realization.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta

The deathlands is no place for any living soul, lest they wish for their bones to take the rest that their spirits will be denied. Ghosts cannot enter a city from without and any that may come from casualty within are prevented altogether through cremation. So why would Pippin, Andrel, and Drix leave this safety to face down the specter of death? Listen to the creation of our Line Bulls, and then hear how they separately ended up on the Pride of Duskwall from bars, orphanages, and distilleries.

We have continued the main story remotely and that will be up in two weeks, but for now we hope you enjoy this extra episode we recorded before episode 1.

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta

Take a ride on "The Pride of Duskwall", an electric train traveling through peril between cities domed in lightning! The Imperial Railways traverse the deathlands, a sunless expanse covered in rotting flesh where ghosts hunger for the living. But fear not, as for this trip you're protected by our own gang of Line Bulls: Pippin "McKeel", Drix "Coleburn", and Andrel the Trainee under the command of Master Line Bull "Dunvill".

Ghost Lines by John Harper. Music by Sebastian Black. Art by Yoshiko Agresta