SBR 1.23: TOLLBOOTH

"'Malfunctioning equipment and a baffling message remind Sam Enfield that when it comes to the Arcane Arts, everything has its price...'"

Events of Note

 * Sam reads a message from SillyTilly about arcane interpretations.
 * Several unexplained magical incidents happen.
 * There is an anonymous message left on the Recording Machine

Summary
Sam begins the segment by reading a letter from SillyTilly about the interpretation of messages from arcane beings. They talk about how your emotions affect what sort of spirit you're more likely to reach. Sam elaborates on their point, explaining that humans are messy with their energy, and arcanism is about refining that, but is interrupted by a bulb exploding. Sam worries about Revel, who seems particularly offended that Sam won't let him wander about in the broken glass.

Sam mentions that that's not the first time a bulb has broken recently, but isn't sure of the cause. He continues his thoughts on message interpretation, citing a passage from the Little Book of Big Magic. This caused Sam to notice that several chunks of their version of LBBM are missing. Sam had never realised this before, putting it down to the age of book. He asks the listeners if any of them have a copy, and if they do, asking them to message in about the missing parts.

He then moves on to Kitty and her investigation of the Impossible House. They haven't heard from her, but Sam says that at least she was worried enough by the recording from SBR1.16 that she intended to be cautious.

Sam then talks about one of the other popular points on the forum - the next guest. Sam apologises that he hasn't had any further guests, especially given that listeners enjoyed Rhytidia's interview well enough. They worry aloud about who they would ask onto the show, saying that they'd been in contact with Rhytidia and Stykler & Stykler, though the latter weren't interested in coming in unless there was a job. Sam also mentions that Oliver the Florist's number was there, but that they haven't phoned yet as their sleeping routine has turned them nocturnal.

Sam suddenly remembers that he had found an augury forecast in one of the books in the studio, and reads it out. They finish the forecast, and there is a loud bang, followed by the Recording Machine telling Sam that they have a new message. It has a moment to sulk over the fact that Sam hasn't checked in with it for a while, but concedes when Sam offers to dust it with the fancy feather duster. It then plays the message, which is short and nameless. Sam is sure that they recognise the voice, and asks when it was left. The Recording Machine states that it was left both on Tuesday at 21:04, and also 'just now', as Sam was broadcasting. He asks the Machine to play the message again, and they debate the origin for a moment.

Sam then tells the listeners about their tea that morning, and how the mug shattered in his hand, but the liquid was stationary for a moment. They say that magic cannot happen without intent, that the energy has to be focused. Sam tries to think about other ways that magic can happen, such as ghosts and containment spells gone wrong. Sam gets very worked up, but is interrupted by another bulb exploding. Revel makes another appearance and Sam apologises for scaring him.

Sam continues to have a breakdown, punctuated by Revel meowing. They reach a natural conclusion, and wearily bids the listeners a restful night.

Characters Featured

 * Sam Enfield
 * Revel (Cat)
 * The Recording Machine
 * Scourge
 * Kitty Enfield (mentioned)
 * Rhytidia Delphus (mentioned)
 * Oliver Boleyn (mentioned)
 * Cosmo (Cat) (mentioned)
 * Eggroll (Cat) (mentioned)

Listeners writing in/mentioned:


 * Amy Jeremy, previous letter from SBR 1.22 is mentioned
 * SillyTilly, regarding the Amy Jeremy's letter and the interpretation of spiritual messages

Augury Forecast
See all Augury Forecasts

A breeze in the early hours of of the summer solstice ruffles the feathers of a local dove, and suggests this may be a good time to try a new flavour of ice cream.

''If you have blue eyes, avoid walking next to train tracks this month. Just. Don’t. It’s not worth it.''

''The sock is gone. Give up on the sock. It is not coming back. Retire its brethren.''

Four blackbirds in the garden mean the weather will be unusually balmy in Yorkshire on the coming Tuesday.

''The wind is howling in a minor key. Do not attempt to excise clear out the cupboard under the stairs until it stops. It’s calling to something buried deep in those boxes and bags. You must wait until it slumbers.''

Trivia

 * Go look at Revel's dialogue for this scene in the transcript. Trust me.