Sword and Scale contains adult themes and violence and is not intended for all audiences.

Listener discretion is advised.

1-9, head over to the ring.

Welcome to Sword and Scale Season 6 Episode 134, a show that reveals that the worst monsters are real.

Well hello there, so glad you're here. First off, I'd like to take a quick minute to explain that you may hear two versions of this episode.

One hosted by myself here on Patreon and one on the free ad-supported feed hosted by a familiar voice for those of you who've been around for a while.

Tricia Griffith, proprietor of Webslooths and close friend, is the new voice of Sword and Scale.

You see, my voice is too triggering for some individuals out there who don't like joke memes.

So the only place you'll be able to hear me for now is right here.

I and the rest of the staff will continue putting out shows regularly behind the paywall on Patreon until we have a new platform built.

But I have personally been booted from the public discourse and it's probably just a matter of time before they conspired to shut me down altogether for saying ugly words.

So you, the supporters who can hear this, you are the ones keeping me on the air.

I want you to know how much I do appreciate that. In fact, not just me, our entire staff, which has all been able to keep working throughout all of this, is immensely thankful for all of your continued support.

And now, the show must go on.

There are sayings that are well known and universal.

That's for a reason. As we traverse continents and study different languages and cultures, we find that a lot of the same universal truths apply.

Some of those truths are as basic as a child's nursery rhyme.

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Other well-known sayings get to the real heart of the matter, such as treat people the way you want to be treated, and respect is earned, not given.

These universal truths extend beyond geographic lines, beyond cultures and time.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius said, without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

We demand respect. Some of us feel entitled to it. But how we act when we feel disrespected or offended says more about our character than anyone's words ever could.

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