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Summary
If Essek were to kill Caleb, he would do it with a spell.
None of the intimate agony of feeling the last flutters of his heart with his own skin. He cannot even afford himself the painful honesty of knowing that if he were to do it, it would be impersonal and practiced, something Essek has done to many before and will do to many others. This knowledge is not enough to stop him imagining it.
In the months following the events of Cognouza and the Somnovem, Essek fails to come to terms with the fact that he is a dangerous man.
Bookmarked by kaeda
22 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Premium-quality Essek angst. If you want to have a lot of feelings about Essek’s guilt and fear and self-loathing, this is the fic for you. If you’re like me and love fics that explore the dynamic of the friendship between Essek and Caduceus, this is DEFINITELY the fic for you! Truly excellent.
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He thinks maybe it should make him more frightened, that he should worry about the liabilities he has allowed these people to become. It does nothing to temper the joy of being trusted, of being someone worthy of friend. It does nothing to diminish the memory of Caleb’s spellbook in his lap this morning, its owner sound asleep before him; the sweet press of concern behind Jester’s words in his mind the night before as she reached out with sending.
A rabbit walks into a snare. The snare closes around its throat, killing it. What is responsible for its death, the stupidity of the rabbit or the viciousness of the snare’s purpose?
The Shadowhand of the Bright Queen walks into the T-Dock, he thinks, and feels sick.Two months after surviving the ruin of Aeor, Caleb and Essek return to tie up loose ends.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 282,898
- Chapters:
- 43/43
- Comments:
- 322
- Kudos:
- 481
- Bookmarks:
- 145
- Hits:
- 22,241
Bookmarked by kaeda
19 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
A long, heady shadowgast slow burn in the ruins of Aeor, getting to know each other while both striving to reach the T-dock for their own purposes. Gorgeous, crisp writing and imagery that will leave you feeling like you're in Aeor with Caleb and Essek, and so many imaginative ideas of what could be hidden there within the ruins! Come for the slow burn, stay for the adventure and the weird magic.
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Summary
His skin feels too tight over his body; like his heart is being pulled forward, like it could burst through his sternum.
“What are you doing?” he breathes, barely audible. The words feel like they’re coming from somewhere else.
“Being brave,” Caleb replies.
*
On the eve of Trent’s trial, Caleb calls Essek and asks for a distraction. He doesn’t specify what kind. Essek has always been good at seeing possibilities.
Bookmarked by kaeda
08 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Sweet and soft and sexy, this fic starts at shadowgast on the cusp of determining what they are together and follows Essek through as both of their desires become manifest. Immersive writing that’s tenderly charming while also hot.
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Summary
Essek Thelyss comes to Soltryce to deliver guest lectures and, on the side, cultivate the brand new Archmage of Domestic Protections. He’s hoping that Caleb Widogast will oblige him by picking up his predecessor’s interest in conspiring to steal Luxon beacons, after so rudely murdering Da’leth mere weeks before the culmination of their schemes.
Essek is prepared for espionage. He is not prepared to find a love that will change the course of his life.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 226,958
- Chapters:
- 20/20
- Comments:
- 938
- Kudos:
- 717
- Bookmarks:
- 289
- Hits:
- 26,141
Bookmarked by kaeda
03 Jan 2026
Bookmarker's Notes
Do you want to read over 200,000 words of Essek learning to be a doper person while also falling head over heels and getting forcefully adopted by the Mighty Nein? This incredible AU is the story for you. Come for the gray morality and stay for the charming Verin, Eadwulf, and Astrid characterizations, the Mighty Nein hijinks, and even some good old fashioned adventuring. Truly a delight.
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Summary
Essek is invited to a multi-reality Essek convention. An Essek Thelyss Dies. An Essek Thelyss investigates.
On possibilities, and confronting what could have been.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 16,346
- Chapters:
- 7/7
- Collections:
- 1
- Comments:
- 93
- Kudos:
- 91
- Bookmarks:
- 14
- Hits:
- 932
Bookmarked by kaeda
27 Dec 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
This premise is so unique and imaginative, the variety of Esseks is so fun, and the various versions of Essek’s backstory and lore are remarkably creative. Such a fun read!
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what doesn't kill me makes me want you more by piecesofsunlight
Fandoms: The Adventure Zone (Podcast)
22 Jun 2021
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Summary
“See ya on Saturday, Kravitz.” And the line goes dead.
Kravitz wipes his sweaty hands on his pants and prays to every god he can think of that whatever necromantic crimes people have planned for the weekend, they have the kindness not to commit them on Saturday.
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Watch these two idiots fall in love, again. The story of their developing relationship post-first date, pre-Story & Song!
Bookmarked by kaeda
14 Sep 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Missing scenes of Taako and Kravitz’s dates between the chug n squeeze and the day of story and song. This is the kind of fic I crave every time I finish a relisten of Balance, and it was SO satisfying to find it. Tender, sweet, and with fantastic characterizations!
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Summary
There was a time Taako really could have taken or left it - life, and the world and whatever. Things aren't like that anymore, he tells himself, luckily, because this whole situation might get to be a real fucking drag otherwise.
Bookmarked by kaeda
02 Sep 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Drop everything and read this immediately. This story is beautiful and poignant and so achingly real. It does a remarkable job of exploring Taako’s struggles with his memory post-finale, his relationship with Kravitz, and Kravitz’s own struggles with adjusting to being in the world of the living again. Features a remarkably sharp and in-character Taako!
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Angus McDonald and the Flight of the Flying V by anonymous_moose
Fandoms: The Adventure Zone (Podcast)
23 May 2017
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Summary
They've come a long way, but even ten years after the world was saved, they're still not quite where they should be. A whim, a missing painting, and a handful of near-death experiences help a flip wizard and his apprentice bridge the gap.
Taako does his best. Angus takes some risks. Introductions are made, bonds are tested, and lessons are learned — better late than never.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 56,174
- Chapters:
- 24/24
- Comments:
- 527
- Kudos:
- 963
- Bookmarks:
- 241
- Hits:
- 12,135
Bookmarked by kaeda
01 Sep 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Interesting case fic, but the real star of the show is the way this story digs into Taako’s family relationships, especially with how he relates to Angus. Funny, smart, and heart wrenching all at once.
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Summary
Famous musician Kravitz hasn't put out an album for a hot minute, so his agent decides to push him into a big publicity gambit he's not entirely sure about: pretending to be engaged to beloved but infamous celebrity chef Taako. Taako couldn't be more excited. It'll be a lot of fun to pretend to be in love, and surely nothing could possibly happen between the proposal and the wedding that might challenge them.
You know, like falling in love for real.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 66,505
- Chapters:
- 28/28
- Comments:
- 880
- Kudos:
- 668
- Bookmarks:
- 117
- Hits:
- 11,426
Bookmarked by kaeda
25 Aug 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Charming and delightful fake dating fic with copious amounts of pining and these two outrageously in love with each other. This story is a lot of fun!
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Summary
Echoes of the seven of them stretch into infinity, and now there’s Kravitz, a parallel line that they keep crossing despite all physical laws. Taako can see how they are bound together, he and Lup and the rest of the crew, white shimmering cords that stretch between them, between himself and Kravitz, and every aspect of Kravitz and every aspect of the Raven Queen in every world, all existing simultaneously. The Light falling to countless worlds at once, the Hunger descending over it all, the same patterns into infinity and nothing to stop it except for a silver ship, a bright beacon, unique among it all. He can see all of it.
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They’re hunted by two immensely powerful creatures now, the Hunger and the Raven Queen’s servant. It's too bad Taako can't seem to stay out of harm's way.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 179,714
- Chapters:
- 17/17
- Comments:
- 577
- Kudos:
- 846
- Bookmarks:
- 249
- Hits:
- 11,042
Bookmarked by kaeda
30 Jul 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
This is a beautiful, haunting story about finding a person you love and then choosing them over and over again. It doesn't shy away from Taako's prickly nature or his issues with feelings, it has great interactions with Taako and the rest of IPRE, and Taako and Kravitz's relationship throughout the stolen century and into the present is SO lovely. I cried multiple times when reading this, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Definitely check this out!
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Summary
Seven members of the IPRE still board the Starblaster, still spend one hundred years searching for a way to save every world they've ever set foot on, it's just... not quite what you remember hearing.
(There's a certain not-so-grim and not-currently reaper in charge of necromancy on the ship, and he's very handsome, and very awkward, and Taako's very into it, too much to actually say anything in fact, but it's alright; they've all got time.)
- Words:
- 27,680
- Works:
- 2
- Bookmarks:
- 31
Bookmarked by kaeda
26 Jul 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
A beautiful canon AU where Taako and Kravitz are the ones to fall in love over decades rather than Barry and Lup. Read for SO much pining, but they’re also just incredibly sweet together.
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never for the last time by unprofessionalbard
Fandoms: The Adventure Zone (Podcast), The Adventure Zone: Balance - Fandom
14 Oct 2017
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Summary
It's nice to have quiet days sometimes.
Days where they’re up early and Taako hums along with the radio while he cooks breakfast. Where Kravitz leans against the counter while Taako asks him to pass something or hold something. Where neither of them have anywhere to be other than here. A small break in their busy lives; unplanned and beautiful.
Bookmarked by kaeda
13 Jul 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Incredibly sweet and charming. Taako and Kravitz have such a lovely dynamic with one another here, and their love for one another is so clear throughout!
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Summary
The book shudders violently in his hands, then. It's a signal that only means one thing; that he has a new, powerful target, one he can't ignore.
Kravitz opens it and, very quietly, swears. Then he summons his scythe and goes to track down the man who used to be the hunger.
***
Taako rebuilds his brand. John sulks his way through the afterlife. Kravitz is the arbiter of life and death, but that doesn't mean he's good at making decisions.
Bookmarked by kaeda
06 Jul 2025
Bookmarker's Notes
Lovely fic from Kravitz’s point of view, navigating his relationship with Taako, the Day of Story and Song, and John’s fate in the afterlife. Very poignant and warm.
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Summary
Six months ago, Beau adopted a teenager who loves the Cobalt Soul, but can't stand her. Ten minutes ago, Caleb accidentally summoned his own teenage self into his living room. So you know, they're both going though some shit.
At least Caleb's got experience befriending novice monks with attitude problems. And Beau's got experience befriending Caleb.
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 103,670
- Chapters:
- 24/24
- Comments:
- 1,009
- Kudos:
- 985
- Bookmarks:
- 278
- Hits:
- 19,158
Bookmarked by kaeda
11 Oct 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
Such a fantastic look at the deep friendship of Caleb and Beau through two teenaged foils. Watching young Bren grow and change is delightful, and getting to experience Beau and Yasha’s journey through parenthood is so rewarding. Just overall an amazing, heartwarming fic.
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Summary
“You accused me of treating this like a game. I am sorry if I’ve led you to believe that it is only a game—though I won't deny that part of it is.” Bren gives a disarming smile. “My life is either games or murder, after all.”
“Or mail fraud,” Thelyss says dryly, not even a little disarmed.
“The mail fraud is a sort of game as well.”
A sigh. “Is this your way of telling me that you intend to continue playing?”
Bren smiles again, sharper. “If you would let me.”(In which Bren Aldric Ermendrud decides to seduce the Shadowhand and finds that the best way to convince someone to be vulnerable with you is to be vulnerable in turn.)
Series
- Part 1 of aBiA
- Language:
- English
- Words:
- 103,603
- Chapters:
- 20/20
- Comments:
- 895
- Kudos:
- 1,441
- Bookmarks:
- 402
- Hits:
- 33,344
Bookmarked by kaeda
08 Oct 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
This story features a fantastic feral and snarky Bren. The crimes only go up from mail fraud.
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From the Ground We Look Like Lightning by thetickingclock
Fandoms: Critical Role (Web Series)
07 Jul 2024
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Summary
Eadwulf takes a deep breath as if he is surfacing from underwater, as if he’s drowning. He lets it out slow and long. Is he crying? He might be crying. Or maybe it’s just the rain. He says quietly, “Lion, are you ready?”
(Beau and her wizards, caught in the bloody shards of war only they can know about. Or: the bitter, breaking work of trying to leave the world better than you found it.)
Bookmarked by kaeda
27 Sep 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
This story captures the exactness of the endless slog of fighting to change a brutal world, while also featuring incredible Beau + wizard interactions. Poignant with a little bit of a gut-punch, but in the very best way.
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Summary
“Beau’s in the shit with him,” Veth says. “She could probably give you better advice.”
He tilts his head to the side, and she remembers him as they’d first met, suddenly, all dangerous glamour and raw ambition: a wizard playing the game well, blood and magic staining his hands. There’s a pause, a stuttering of breath, an almost-smile twisting his expression into something that looks like it hurts. Essek says, “Beau doesn’t love him like we do.”
Essek and Veth, toward the end of everything.
Bookmarked by kaeda
08 Jun 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
My favorite genre of fics is "Essek's friendships with the Nein" and this story delivers so incredibly well. It digs so richly into Veth and Essek's shared love for Caleb, the pain of loving someone so much, of loving so many people so much - and of course, the grief of lifespan angst. Lovely and devastating in the best way.
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Summary
“Beauregard – you said she is outside?” Essek half-turns in the direction of the front door. “Should we invite her in?”
It feels like there is something stuck in his throat. “In a moment. She is, ah – giving us some space.”
Essek turns back to stare at him. Repeats quietly, dangerously, “Space.”
Caleb forces himself to swallow. “Yes.”
Essek’s attention is a palpable thing now, sharp like a knife’s edge against his cheek. “Explain.”
One moment makes all the difference during the battle at Blumenthal. In the aftermath, the Nein grapple with what comes next.
Bookmarked by kaeda
28 May 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
Looking for a story that hurts SO good, asks deep existential questions about the meaning of life, and contains an incredible amount of the Mighty Nein as found family? This is the fic for you. Melancholy with a bright ending - and there are lines that will take your breath away.
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Summary
He was wearing a large sunhat and sunglasses that fit poorly to his whole image, and he had tucked his hands into his loose sleeves, as was his habit. He was smiling now because Astrid made him uncomfortable.
Astrid is surprised when Essek seeks her out for a conversation.
Bookmarked by kaeda
27 Apr 2024
Bookmarker's Notes
There's nothing I love more than Astrid and Essek together in one place, sniping at each other. This was such a perfect snapshot of that - and the changing rhythm of their relationship with each other. Delightful.
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whims and days colored orange by lakrisrot (enheduane)
Fandoms: Critical Role (Web Series)
14 Jun 2023
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Summary
Caleb reunites with his traveling husband in a bright seaside city.
Bookmarked by kaeda
18 Oct 2023
Bookmarker's Notes
An atmospheric and lovely look at a future married Caleb and Essek. This fic has it all: seaside hotels, attempted piercings, and kissing in alleyways.