Nigel's Fate

**Brett Ultimus** as Aelith Malcolm

> *"Is that what we've been doing wrong all this time? The cost of one life, in exchange for so much..."*
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> -Aelith Malcom
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**Nigel's Fate** is a special one-off event in which Alice, navigator of the Miss Demeanor, and Aelith Malcolm discuss what is to be done about the boy Nigel Valiensworth.

The event serves as a side story starring Dodger as Alice and BrettUltimus, the Dungeon Master for the World of Io, as Aelith Malcolm. The event first aired on the BrettUltimus Twitch channel on December 15th, 2021.

## Summary

Upon being freed from petrification in the Altered Library of Atlas, Alice discovers his crew has left for the oncoming battle with his crewmate, Aelith Malcolm, staying behind to restore him. Aelith Malcolm and Alice then engage in a debate on what to do about the polymorphed Nigel Valiensworth, and to find an answer to the pressing question: is it truly right to give up one life for all the world?

## Episodes

 After being petrified by the Beholder in the Altered Library of Atlas, Alice is restored by Aelith Malcolm. Malcolm informs Alice the rest of his crew have set off to Asmodia to confront Asmodeus, leaving them to join the Goblins fighting off against Asura. Alice notices Malcolm is visibly uncomfortable and inquires as to why. Malcolm admits that he and the rest of the crew talked about what should be done with Nigel Valiensworth. The son of Asura, currently polymorphed into a book, possess a large portion of the Devil Lord's power. The sacrifice of Nigel would be enough to greatly weaken Asura and allow them to be killed outright, tipping the fight in their favour. After some debate, the crew narrowly voted in favour of sacrificing Nigel for the greater good.

Appalled, Alice declared he would do no such thing. Malcolm, crestfallen, relayed the points favouring Nigel's sacrifice, reminding Alice of the nature of the threat they face. Undeterred, Alice counterargues. Alice argues that Nigel has no say in what happens to him, and that his opinion on the matter should be the most important of all. He states Nigel could do great things for mankind if he is saved and future generations can be better prepared to fight off against the threat of the Shadow. Malcolm rebuttals, stating Alice's course of action could risk their lives and the lives of their crew.

It is at this point that Alice reveals to Malcolm that he intends to become a teacher, to open a school that would make people feel safe and to learn magic without the expection of using it for violence; the way he himself and Nigel had been denied under Asura. Alice explains that he cannot in good conscience build that future if it means treating lives as if they are expendible, a tool to further their own ends. Malcom is moved by Alice's words, but once again points out that saving Nigel might risk everything they are trying to achieve. Alice calmly reassures him that he has faith in both them and their crew, and that this is the right course of action.
Relieved by this, Malcolm agrees to follow Alice's course of action and save Nigel, even if it puts them all at risk. He informs him they require 4 wizards to help undo the enchantment on Nigel and the Goblins might be able to assit in that. The two mages agree to obscure the other options from the Goblins and only present the freeing of Nigel to them, in the hopes the boy will choose to help them. The two then head out from the library to join the Goblins at the Exodus Academy to free Nigel and confront Asura.

## Etymology

The event title refers to Nigel Valiensworth, and to the decision that must be made regarding whether he is to be saved or sacrificed.

## Trivia

* This one-off event was made as, due to external circumstances, Dodger was unable to contribute to the initial discussion regarding Nigel in Miss Demeanor Season 3 Episode 14. For sake of fairness, this session allowed her to voice her character's opinion on the matter and ultimately decide the outcome.
* This one-off event immediately transitions into Goblins of Io Episode 43, which deals with the consequences of this decision.