Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry: Starter Kit - Advanced D&D

Episode: Part 5: Descent to Danger

Release Date: December 1, 2025
Host/DM: David Nett
Players: Leona, Eraviel, Igneous, Narlak, Shywin (with supporting voices by Tom Kavanaugh and others)

Overview

In "Descent to Danger," the Starter Kit party investigates chilling evidence of shapechanger rituals infiltrating the city. After surviving a perilous ambush, the diverse team of adventurers regroups, examines the bodies of mysterious foes, and interrogates a traumatized young man at the heart of the conspiracy. The investigation leads the party to a dangerous plan: to infiltrate a cult’s lair in the sewers, just hours before a transformative full moon ritual, hoping to learn the source of these horrific transformations—and to stop them.

This episode is rich with character roleplay, mystery-solving, and tactical planning, spotlighting both the emotional stakes and teamwork found at the heart of an Advanced D&D campaign.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Aftermath of the Ambush & Night of Rest

• The party returns from a deadly alley ambush, carefully transporting two bodies: a female River thug and one of the shapeshifting "giant rats" (now reverted to human form).
• Each player’s character background is briefly described, setting the stage for their different reactions to the city’s underbelly:
  • Igneous lives in ancient city catacombs
  • Eraviel, a wood elf, lives in the Slum Quarter
  • Leona is near the university for blacksmithing
  • Narlak hails from the Foreign Quarter
  • Shywin, ever the loner, chooses affordable shack town living
• [04:42] Leona quips: "Rent is cheaper," encapsulating the setting’s gritty realism.

2. Grisly Discoveries in the Morgue

• Down in the precinct’s morgue, Medical Examiner Tylel shows the party the autopsied bodies.
  • The River thug: an undernourished, scarred halfling
  • The shapechanger: A teenage boy, whose loose, burnt-edged skin seems “pasted” over his real flesh, with disturbing runic scars carved into his liver and internal organs.
• [08:15] Tylel reveals: "There are some marks, scar marks carved into his liver... little weird rune almost."
• Players roll arcana checks—eventually, Eraviel (with help from her warlock patron) discerns that these runes come from an extra-planar language, hinting at dark, otherworldly forces.
  • [10:25] Eraviel: “I can’t identify it directly, but it is definitely not of this world.”

3. Runes, Rituals, and Suspicions

• The party attempts to research the runes and discusses possible translation via magical means or consulting the precinct’s limited magical resources.
• The seriousness of the case is underlined as they are summoned to Smiles’ office.

4. Interview with Young Liam, the Tormented Shapechanger

• The party meets Liam, a terrified teen wracked with guilt over his violent transformations.
• Liam reveals key details:
  • He was chosen and transformed by Shiren and her mysterious associate Grontok during a monthly ritual.
  • "I didn't want to be a changer... Sheeran told me I was special and that I would be the best of us..." [12:59] (Liam)
  • The ritual is performed during the full moon. Many of the Rivers gang, especially orphans, are selected for the transformation.
  • The party learns that the next full moon—and by implication, the next ritual—is tonight.
  • [16:09] “She found me at an orphanage.” (Liam)
• The party grows especially incensed at the exploitation of vulnerable children.
• [17:13] Shywin’s motivations: "She joined the City Watch because she is a champion for those who can't help themselves."

5. Planning the Infiltration: Location of the Ritual

• Liam draws a map to the Rivers’ lair in the sewers, warning of dangerous crocodiles (“the angry logs”) near the entrance.
  • [21:19] The sewer pipes by the West Wharf are revealed as the point of ingress.
  • Discussion of the lair’s layout, ritual timing, and the potential number of opponents—a formidable gang.
• The party debates the proper timing of their assault: ambush before or during the ritual to face fewer enemies or lure Grontok into a trap.

6. Preparation for the Sewers: Teamwork & Approach

• The party moves to the sewer entrance, utilizing Shywin’s “Pass Without a Trace” spell to cloak themselves in near-invisibility.
  • [30:01] The group navigates the bustling wharf unseen before slipping into the sewers.
• Inside, the party encounters a pool teeming with crocodiles, identifying them with sharp perception checks.
  • [33:21] “Crocs floating in the water.” (Igneous)
• Igneous uses his “Animal Friendship” spell to charm a crocodile, cleverly persuading it and its ilk to attack any pursuers, thus securing the party’s rear.
  • [39:00] Crocodile (to Igneous): “How can I help?”
  • [40:19] Igneous: “If other humans come in here behind us, attack them.”

7. Navigating the Danger: Traversing the Slippery Ledge

• The group takes careful precautions crossing the perilous walkway, employing both teamwork and individual dexterity. Tension runs high, with each player making dex checks to avoid the deadly crocodile-infested water.
• [42:23] Leona explains, “It would be wise for us all to hold on to each other so that we can pull anyone out of the water.”

8. Deeper Into the Dark: Advancing Toward the Lair

• Boosted into the next pipe, the party prepares for what lies ahead. With Narlak casting “Light” on his staff, they venture further, guided by their map and their resolve to put an end to this citywide threat.
• The session ends on a cliffhanger as they draw near to the Rivers’ lair—a showdown with the cult and their monstrous rituals inevitable.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [08:15] Tylel: “There are some marks, scar marks carved into his liver... like a little weird rune almost.”
• [10:25] Eraviel: “I can’t identify it directly, but it is definitely not of this world.”
• [12:59] Liam: “I didn't want to be a changer... Sheeran told me I was special and that I would be the best of us...”
• [16:09] Liam: “She found me at an orphanage. Yes. About six months ago... She took care of me.”
• [17:13] (Narrator): “She joined the City Watch because she is a champion for those who can't help themselves.”
• [33:21] Igneous: “Crocs floating in the water.”
• [39:00] Crocodile: “How can I help?”
• [40:19] Igneous: “If other humans come in here behind us, attack them.”
• [42:23] Leona: “It would be wise for us all to hold on to each other so that we can pull anyone out of the water.”
• [44:38] Teaser for Next Episode: “The sun will be down in moments, and he'll begin his ceremony... Your people escaped us a century ago. How fitting that you should bring yourself to me now.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:40–04:42: Recap, party backgrounds, and aftermath of ambush.
• 06:04–10:25: Morgue discoveries, autopsy details, and runic investigation.
• 12:18–17:13: Interrogation of Liam, revelation of rituals.
• 21:19–23:20: Mapping out the sewer entrance and lair logistics.
• 30:00–32:28: Entry into sewers; Pass Without a Trace spell and stealth mechanics.
• 33:21–40:19: Crocodile encounter; Animal Friendship spell and strategic alliance.
• 41:41–43:10: Crossing the ledge; dexterity checks and teamwork.
• 44:03–End: Illuminated advance deeper into the sewers, party ready for the lair.

Tone and Style

• The episode balances investigative suspense, grim horror, and moments of levity—driven by the party’s camaraderie and the DM’s atmospheric narration.
• There’s a clear D&D improvisational energy with in-character banter, tense planning, and satisfaction in clever problem-solving (notably, the crocodile alliance).
• The players oscillate between gallows humor (about “angry logs” and “cheap rent”) and sincere investment in the plight of exploited orphans.

Summary Takeaway

This episode is a pivotal escalation—transforming the party’s personal survival into a determined quest to tackle the heart of a monstrous conspiracy. With thorough investigation, emotional depth, and a thrilling descent into the unknown, the party prepares for a fateful confrontation beneath the city. The stakes could not be higher, for both their own lives and the soul of their city.

To see if their descent ends in triumph or tragedy, tune in to the next installment of Starter Kit—when the full moon rises, and the Rivers’ dark secrets are revealed.