Broken Wing | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 2 | Part 1

Summary

Critical Role: Campaign 4, Episode 2, Part 1 – “Broken Wing”

Airdate: October 16, 2025
Summary by Critical Role Podcast Summarizer

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Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, the party continues to reel from the fallout of Thiazi’s death and an explosive funeral gathering, while the narrative shifts between present day political machinations in Dolmak Yar and poignant, action-filled flashbacks of the Falconer’s Rebellion. The episode’s central themes are grief, betrayal, and the dangerous web of alliances and secrets swirling within the city. Character relationships deepen, the main plot thickens, and old wounds are reopened as the cast roleplays through tense reunions, personal reckonings, and tantalizing mysteries tied to ancient artifacts and old rebellions.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Opening Flashback to the Falconer's Rebellion

[03:35-15:10]

• The episode opens with a flashback scene to a chaotic battlefield during the rebellion, featuring younger versions of familiar characters: Azune (15), Khadigan, Thimble, Teor, and Loza Blade.
  • Azune and Kadigan are gravely wounded, requiring tense death saving throws.
  • Teor, showcasing first-level inexperience, quickly moves to first aid:
    “Unfortunately for you, my friend, you’re first level. Oh, it’s your turn. What do you do?” – Taliesin Jaffe [06:43]
  • Loza Blade, a hardened veteran, intervenes with young Tunks and faces a necromantic threat overhead.
  • Battlefield chaos: necromancers, summoned drakes, and the party’s desperate attempts at triage.
  • Thimble heroically sneaks up and attacks a powerful sorcerer:
    “I want it right here, up into that soft part of the back of the head...” – Marisha Ray [12:34]
  • The fallen drake, fly-by spellcasters, and escapes are punctuated by the emotional turmoil among the young fighters.
  • The vignette closes as Thiazi’s body is rescued and Loza calls a retreat, setting the tone for the episode’s tension and loss.

2. The Funeral and Its Aftermath

[22:39-54:56]

• Back in the present, the group gathers at Thiazi’s home after the funeral. Family, close friends, and mourners finish the night with music, memories, and unspoken grief.
  • Hal and Hero play “Broken Wing,” a song symbolic of hope and pain from the rebellion.
  • Emotional highlight:
    “I find it pretty appropriate that my brother’s last day is as full of drama as it was in death, even as in life.” – Matthew Mercer [52:04]
  • Thimble’s return is especially poignant as she grieves for Thiazi:
    “You stupid fuck. I’m so sorry. I ruined it. What am I gonna do without you?” – Marisha Ray [59:31]
  • The party, including newcomers and returning companions, shares the air heavy with old alliances and new suspicions.

3. The Mask, the Coffin, and the Unraveling Mystery

[23:59-44:06]

• Upstairs, Tysha and Hal handle fragments of a mysterious mask—remnants of an artifact from Venada, meant for the curator Bolaire.
  • Touching the mask triggers a magical reaction: mist replaces the velvet lining, Tysha falls unconscious, and arcane runes suggest ancient death magic.
  • Bollaire inspects the relic, realizing it’s a halfling-sized coffin tied to the lost afterlives and metaphysics of the world: “You're not looking at a box. You're looking at a coffin. It’s halfling-sized.” – Taliesin Jaffe [34:41]
  • An uneasy truce settles among the group, all aware they possess a powerful, possibly dangerous artifact.

4. Gathering Clues and Facing Betrayal

[71:00-84:46]

• The party investigates Thiazi’s personal effects and uncovers a magical forgery:
  “This is an extremely well constructed forgery… The magical craft of it is very careful… This is a magical aura warping that will fade come morning.” – Taliesin Jaffe [74:00]
• Discussion quickly steers toward who betrayed them; suspicion falls on missing associates Cid and Kasimir, both key to the failed rescue/escape plan.

5. Political Intrigue and Power Struggles

[109:53-142:54]

• The focus shifts to the House of Hailovar.
  • We meet aspirant Tyranny and her sisters (Enmity, Cruelty, Agony)—a family of demon-blooded enforcers with complicated loyalties.
  • Teor Pridesire seeks an audience with Lord Wicander, attempting to form an alliance: “I would like to put my name forward as perhaps a consideration for that protection.” – Liam O’Brien [138:06]
  • A touch of dark comedy as Teor out-muscles a situation, healing an injured servant and impressing the crestfallen Wicander.
  • Wicander’s grandmother, the Fotarch Yanessa, warns of intrigue and danger: “You’re gonna let one of those Torn Banner walk in here and what, ask you about why Theozy Fang is dead? This whole plan has been a mistake.” – Taliesin Jaffe [139:16]
  • The depth of mistrust among the noble houses and their barely-buried histories is made abundantly clear, as is the power struggle with the Taconis family.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the battlefield, loss hits home:
  “I saw how Teor blocks things with his shield and the way that Cadogan fights with his weapon. The noise, the screams. I wasn’t ready for that. And the smell of blood. And I misstepped… the lights were out. I don’t even know what hit me.” – Taliesin Jaffe as Azune [05:22]
• After Tysha is knocked out by the artifact:
  “The fragment drops through the velvet… As the fragments instantaneously form, fall in, until every velvet or lining of this box is instead thick ice-cold mist. The other thing that disappears in this moment is your consciousness.” – Taliesin Jaffe [25:15]
• Loza, the weathered commander:
  “Some things have to go into the shadow, and some things are so important that even in darkness they can’t be thrown away.” – Taliesin Jaffe [106:18]
• Wicander’s grandmother’s cynicism:
  “There are no bygones. There are never bygones… everything is another drumbeat of a drum that’s been ringing since the dawn of time.” – Taliesin Jaffe [140:10]
• Comic relief amidst tension:
  “If I couldn’t eat sugar, I wouldn’t want to live another day, let alone centuries.” – Allgood (to Hal) [108:29]

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Important Timestamps

• [03:35] – Dive into flashback: battlefield, death saves, immediate tension
• [22:39] – Return to present, political/arcane drama at the home
• [34:41] – Realization: the “box” is a halfling coffin, not a simple artifact
• [52:04] – Hal’s speech and “Broken Wing” remembrance song
• [59:31] – Thimble’s emotional farewell to Thiazi
• [71:00, 74:00, 75:53] – Discovery of the forgery and party’s suspicions about betrayal
• [109:53] – Scene shift to House Hailovar; introduction of Tyranny and political threat
• [138:06] – Teor requests to become part of Hailovar’s security, hinting at new alliances
• [139:16] – Fotarch Yanessa warns against trusting the old rebels; city’s doom foreshadowed

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Character Dynamics & Development

• The old rebellion bonds resurface among Teor, Azune, Khadigan, Thimble, and Loza, but new traumas and betrayals test their strength.
• Hal’s grief and leadership are central, balancing family protection with the larger civic tumult.
• Thimble’s sorrow and guilt for not saving Thiazi provides a raw emotional throughline.
• Tysha’s recklessness with the mask and subsequent brush with death raises party alarm and resentment—but ultimately, knowledge gained may prove vital.
• Political players like Lord Wicander and Fotarch Yanessa reveal the high-stakes posturing and lurking paranoia of Dolmak Yar’s ruling class.
• New bonds and veiled threats emerge, especially as the former rebels and nobles weigh mutual fear against necessity, with allegiances likely to shift again.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode skillfully intertwines high fantasy politics, deeply emotional reunions, and classic Critical Role improvisational mischief. The party’s collective past casts a shadow on their present, and as mysteries compound (the coffin, the forged artifact, the missing Crow Keepers), each character’s choices push the plot toward escalating danger. With tensions mounting and alliances uncertain, the concluding promise – “Part two of this episode… drops this Tuesday” – leaves all threads tightly wound and listeners eager for more.

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For first-time listeners or those catching up:
“Broken Wing” Part 1 is rich in lore, character interplay, and setting, demanding careful attention—but rewarding it with both tears and laughter. If you need a single touchstone: it’s the night after a leader’s death, and as friends and enemies return, nothing will ever be the same.

Transcript

[Matthew Mercer]

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[Taliesin Jaffe]

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[Matthew Mercer]

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[Liam O'Brien]

Got donuts.

[Marisha Ray]

Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?

[Liam O'Brien]

Well, I dig the mattress and I.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Want to be in a T Mobile.

[Liam O'Brien]

Commercial like you teach me so Dana.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly AT T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Liam O'Brien]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Marisha Ray]

Nice. Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Liam O'Brien]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible trade in in any condition.

[Liam O'Brien]

So what are we having for launch?

[Marisha Ray]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The 24 month Ebil credit is on Experience beyond for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 device connection charge credits ended balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance Agreement. IPhone 17 Pro 256 gigs $1099.99 and new line minimum $100 plus a month plan with auto pay plus taxes and fees required. Best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Ooklove Speed Test Intelligence data 182025 visit t mobile.com why hello there. I'm Brennan Lee Mulligan and welcome to Campaign 4 of Critical Role. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we explore Ahriman, a world of fractured kingdoms, tumultuous rebellion and sorcery that rises from the graveyard of the Gods, you're listening to part one of this adventure, with part two arriving this upcoming Tuesday. Our episodes typically arrive on the Critical Role podcast network a week after our initial Thursday night streams on Beacon, YouTube and Twitch. But if you'd rather listen to a full podcast episode of Campaign 4 right when it airs without any ads, consider becoming a Beacon member. You'll receive access to exclusive content discounts at all our online Critical Role shops, pre sales for live events and so much more. Start your seven day free trial today at Beacon tv. Now, without further ado, let's begin this episode of Critical Role. I need all of you to roll a D4. What?

[Liam O'Brien]

That's not what I thought was gonna happen.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What'd we get? 442-22-2224. I'm going to need Azune and Kadigan to each give me a death set saving throw. Overhead, arrows fly through the sky nearby. Loza blade, about 12 or 13 years younger than the last time we saw her, cries out as two arrows go into her shoulder. You see that? She takes a small axe off a holster under an arm and hucks it across a battlefield. As an archer commander says, another vault ax in the head falls to the ground. She says, get back under the hill and shoves a young Tunks, the Boarman, who at this point is only about 16 years old. As like a kid. As he grunts and snorts back into the back into the waiting darkness, you see overhead a rippling spiral of green necromantic energy shoot overhead, far away from you, you see your friend Milo looking up and saying, everyone keep moving forward. Skull gone dead to the ground. Death saves from you two.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay, save 19 fail 7.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Kadigan on the ground. Describe your character for us in this moment and describe the injury that is starting to bleed out past the point of repair. Oh yeah, he's sliced. Sliced up basically. He's always fighting low. So all of his injuries are up high in his body, shoulders, neck. He's got puncture wounds super close to lungs and heart. He's jacked from the waist up mostly.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Azunay, where are you and how do you look in this distant memory? I am 15 years old. I'm young, I'm shorter, I'm skinnier. And the last thing I remember before the lights went out was struggling to keep up with my group. These two guys that grown men at this part of my life that I grown to emulate in a way. I saw how Teor blocks things with his shield and the way that Cadogan Fights with his weapon. And the noise, the screams. I wasn't ready for that. And the smell of blood. And I misstepped. And next thing I know, the lights were out. I don't even know what hit me. You see, over your head the sky darkens as two sorcerers of the sundered houses fly under their own power. One of them drops through the sky, looks across the battlefield, a tiny mote of light. As time almost slows down. I'm gonna need everybody here to roll initiative. Oh, Gerry. God, I'm not ready for. What did we get, Azunay?

[Matthew Mercer]

I got a six.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What did we get, Teor?

[Liam O'Brien]

18.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What did we get, Thimble?

[Marisha Ray]

15.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What did we get, Cadigan?

[Marisha Ray]

Quincies.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

18. Much like before, Khadigan and Teor are going to act on the same initiative. I'll remind you, Teor. Big cats. I'll remind you, Teor. Unfortunately for you, my friend, you're first level. Oh, it's your turn. What do you do? I try and spot.

[Matthew Mercer]

Jesus.

[Liam O'Brien]

Can I see both Katagan and Azune.

[Matthew Mercer]

Down on the ground?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes, you can. Give me a medicine check.

[Marisha Ray]

I don't know.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm bleeding out, man. Oh, that's natural. 18 for dirty 20. Dirty 20. Triage. You've learned enough about medicine working for Loza. Over your shoulder, you see a dwarven woman. You see she's got a thick braided beard, an empty upper lip, a thick braided beard. You see that? She leans down, reaches into a satchel, takes out a small dwarven poultice, crushes it in her hand. A red mist surrounds her as she punches into the empty hole created by a spell in your comrade Lucia's chest. She's got an open cavity, ribs exposed. Punches into it and says, all this broken can be mended. Come on, girl. You're not done fighting yet. Rips her fist out and leaves a bunch of the flesh from her own fist, stitching up Lucia's body. As your dwarven medic gets her up on her feet, Norma turns to you and says, remember, look at him. Gut. Bad limbs, they can stay. And as you look out and see Azune and you see Katigon, you see that Azune's injury is all shoulder and chest muscle. And Khadigan's got something that's bad and bleeding. That's your medicine. Check. Got it. I'll try and search the air for Thimble.

[Liam O'Brien]

Any sight of her?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Overhead, you see near where Lo's is, close to the top of the hill, running down the trench as Fast as possible. You see Thimble coursing down towards you with Thiazzi right behind her. You see Thiazzi's got something in a dirty tarp wrapped up over and over and over again. Looks like he's sprinting. He here is about like, you know, late 20s. Just running as fast as he can. You see, he's got about eight gilded gem studded staves and wands wrapped up in a tarp just as fast as he can. But you see, Thimble is way ahead of them.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm lit up and trying to lead the way.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm gonna call out to Thimble, we.

[Matthew Mercer]

Need to close ranks.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I'm gonna run towards Cadyon as fast as I can. And just try and put pressure on the main chest cabin using your action. Go ahead and give me a medicine check. The difficulty is 10. 10.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Natural 16 for an 18. You lean down, reaching into a bag. Norma's magical healing is. And she is one dwarf. And so you reach down and just grab gauze, rag, wrap it around, staunch the bleeding. Katagan stabilizes.

[Liam O'Brien]

Got it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thimble, it is your turn.

[Marisha Ray]

Where am I trying to lead? Thiazi.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thiazi's looking up. He goes. The auxiliaries. The Belladrie. We gotta go. Oh, shit. And you see that? He says, loza. Do they fall back? You see from up on top of the hill, she looks out and you see sees something closing ranks. A sorcerer drops out of the sky. You see this, A third one. You see beautiful white flickering tunic. This is a sorcerer of House Cormoray who puts points at the ground. Runes appear all around Loki. She looks, sees it happening in real time. And bursting up from a nine pointed star is a snarling summoned drake. Like a 15 foot dragon. You see, she goes. They're over the hill. Thiazi didn't fall back. Just takes her axe and thuds it into the side of this massive summoned creature. Thiazzi looks up at you, Thimble, and says, over the top. And just gets his staves. Whispers a little sort of arcane word under his breath. And you see that what is being created by this sort of burning fire in the outer reach of the battlefield hits him. And you see that his shadow splits into three different shadows of himself. And he tosses a bunch of staves to all of them and they all start running over the edge.

[Liam O'Brien]

Awesome.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As fast as he can. Thimble, it is still your turn.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm darting ahead and I'm trying to find one of the sorcerers. And I'm trying to get through the ranks, get up right behind them to the back of their head, while they're distracted with all of the other shit going on.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hell, yes. You see that Cormoray sorcerer looks down, shouting, for the honor of House Cormoray. For the honor of the sunder. Go ahead and give me an attack roll. If you want to do it from hiding, you can.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay. Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, so that's advantage.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. Huh.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, that's 16 plus seven.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

That is a hit. Go ahead and roll damage.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, I know what I'm doing. Oh, good. Eight plus four.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And remember, you only have a D6 because you're first level right now, so you only have one D6. A sneak attack.

[Marisha Ray]

A sneak attack, you're right.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

Plus five is 13. Plus two. 15 points of damage.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

15 points on a natural four. The sorcerer is not felled by this blow, but does drop concentration on the summoned Drake. You reach out with your sword.

[Marisha Ray]

I want it right here, up into that soft part of the back of.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The head, stabbing it under the skull. A little bit of blood seeps into the corner of their eyes as they lurch forward. You see whatever magic item is compelling their flight stays active, but their concentration on this summon dissipates as Loza says, good looking out, Thimble. You look in that exact moment. Ozuni, I'm gonna need a death save from you here. You have one support? Yes. Can I use a luck point for a death save? Yes, you can. Great. So while I'm in this darkness, I see my dad's face. And I see the moment that he had passed me off to the mercenaries way back when, years before this. And the only thing I remember is him telling me that I was lucky, that I was getting a second chance. And that sort of rings in my mind as I hopefully I succeed. Hell, yes. You begin to stabilize. You see your father's face. There's something. It's not going to happen here on a battlefield. Arrows and spells fly overhead. Fyazi runs as he does thimble from behind the sorcerer, you look and see Thiazzi is hit in the side and scatters. His shadows all vanishing as he hits the ground. Looking forward, you see a shape dart from the shadows ahead of him towards his body, seeing an incoming barrage. Flapping wings, wyverns taking to the sky. Loza looks up and says, fall back. Fall back. A shape runs towards Thiazi's body, and at the last moment, you see, gets two arms underneath it, lifts up his body Throws it on his shoulder and rushes forward as fast as he can, thundering with heavy boots, drops into the trench right in front of you, saving Thiazi from the oncoming barrage of these flying wyverns. As you return from the sorcerer, as Liza calls to fall back, the face lifts him up, looks at you. Kasimir smiles. I'll go to him. Let's fall back and we'll find out the fate of our old friend Kasimir on this episode of Critical Roles. You just casually drop it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wait, did we keep going?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We keep going.

[Marisha Ray]

We're still in it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Some things never change.

[Marisha Ray]

So earlier this week, we had our New York live show with Ford and Jester's Wendy. But if you missed it, our partner, Fathom Entertainment, is bringing it to movie theaters across the United States and Canada for one night only on October 15th at 7pm local time. Tickets are available for purchase at Fathom Events.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Nope.

[Marisha Ray]

Fathomentertainment.com criticalrole we're sticking with it, Baby Matt.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thank you, Marisha. We also have a Kickstarter going on right now for the Daggerheart class packs. A new entry point to the game for some. Or a chance to get a second set of cards for your Oops All Seraphs party. Or Oops All Wizards.

[Liam O'Brien]

Or Oops All.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Anything, really. But these packs of cards hold anything.

[Matthew Mercer]

An individual player needs to play their.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Class from level one all the way to level 10. It includes ancestry cards, community cards, subclass cards, and all the cards from the two domains that combine to create each unique class. So check it out now at bit lydhclasspacks and I can't wait for you to check them out. Laura, you're up.

[Marisha Ray]

Guess what? In honor of Ford and Jester. Ow. I hit my elbow. We made some Sherpa fleece jackets. Oh, you're looking yours. This is the Ford one. And this is. This is the Jesse shot. Wait, are they reversible? No, but they just got really soft. Fabulous lining. Wait, no. Give me that Ford. They're so cute. These are so Ashley Johnson. I know, aren't they? They're so super cute. Come on. So anyway, we made the Jester one and we liked it so much, we're like, we have to make a Ford one, too. So there's that mean the Ford one was part of. The Ford one was not the OG The Jester was the OG.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Tiny bee. There's a tiny bee on it.

[Marisha Ray]

But wait, does that one. It has like, an anchor and a wild mother. Actually, it's not wild mother. It's an anchor with the wild mother floor.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The wild anchor.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm afraid this going to make noise with my microphone.

[Liam O'Brien]

Just go for it.

[Marisha Ray]

This is super cool. This next thing I'm going to talk about it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wait, there's more.

[Marisha Ray]

Wait, there's more. You all know spirit Halloween. You've seen them pop up all around your town.

[Matthew Mercer]

The best.

[Marisha Ray]

They just launched the first ever Critical Role costume. That's not true costume for a while.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

But which of my characters is it?

[Marisha Ray]

It's not yours.

[Liam O'Brien]

They picked the popular ones.

[Marisha Ray]

There's a jester one. Wait.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

This.

[Marisha Ray]

This isn't the official packaging. I shouldn't show you this part. There's stuff.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Come on.

[Marisha Ray]

That looks cool. There's so look at it online. Go to spirothalloween.com and you can see them online and you'll see how amazing these costumes are. The jester one. There is another Amali one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

So these are all in. They're all chaotic in here because everybody's been putting them on around me.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. You're presenting them in a. I know. Listen. This is not.

[Marisha Ray]

I didn't look at these ahead of time. They're so cute though. They're quality. They're. Yeah. Get yours today. There's more Halloween.com more designs on the.

[Liam O'Brien]

Coat than there will be in the Animated series.

[Marisha Ray]

I was wearing this around the time. Oh.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It's actually quite comfy.

[Matthew Mercer]

Insane.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Let's put it on. Put it in. They're so cute.

[Marisha Ray]

So cute. I know. Look at the little sleeves on this.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

They did them right. They made the sleeves right. Good job. Thanks.

[Marisha Ray]

Best announcements ever. Yay.

[Matthew Mercer]

What happens now?

[Marisha Ray]

I don't know.

[Matthew Mercer]

Magic something.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I believe. That concludes our announcements here at the.

[Matthew Mercer]

Critical Role Announcement Playhouse.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Let's go ahead and jump on back into Aramon. Final touches. All right. Here we go.

[Matthew Mercer]

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[Taliesin Jaffe]

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[Liam O'Brien]

Financial picture for you, including bill due dates and paydays. Saving for that limited edition mini.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Rocket Money can analyze your accounts to find the best time each month to put extra money aside. Rocket Money will even try to negotiate lower bills for you. Rocket Money's 5 million members have saved.

[Matthew Mercer]

A total of 500 million in canceled.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

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[Liam O'Brien]

The app's premium features.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals. Faster with rocket money. Go to Rocketmoney.com criticalroletoday that's Rocketmoney.com criticalrole.

[Matthew Mercer]

Rocketmoney.com criticalrole Vengeance starts the fire. But in Ghost of Yotei, what follows burns brighter. This PlayStation 5 experience tells the story of Atsu, a lone warrior in a harsh yet beautiful land, chasing justice and discovering something more human. With sweeping visuals, multi weapon combat and powerful storytelling, it delivers a fresh experience for new players and fans of Ghost of Tsushima alike. A friend of the show, Erika Ishii, voices Atsu, A new unforgettable PlayStation hero, Ghost of Yotei is available now on PlayStation 5. Rated M for mature.

[Liam O'Brien]

Morning Zoe. Got donuts.

[Marisha Ray]

Jeff Bridges why are you still living above our garage?

[Liam O'Brien]

Well, I dig the mattress and I want to be in a T Mobile commercial like you.

[Marisha Ray]

Teach me so Dana oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at t mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Liam O'Brien]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T Mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Marisha Ray]

Nice. Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Liam O'Brien]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible trade in in any condition.

[Liam O'Brien]

So what are we having for lunch?

[Marisha Ray]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

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[Marisha Ray]

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[Taliesin Jaffe]

We return here to Dolmar Kyar, the eastern edge of Kahad. That's right. I'm opening the episode with the butt kicker in the table upstairs in Hallendil Fang's office, side by side with Taisha Loy. You stare at shuddering flakes of black ceramic, curved in outline like a shattered mask, dancing under the vibrations of the table. Closer and closer together. Downstairs in the funeral Vaelys wandering elf from the Mournvale, coming and seeking a stolen artifact. Bolaire of the Loy Wing, a curator of artifacts. Murray Magnessen, a dwarven wizard of the Penteveral and ser Julian Davinos, a vassal of the house Royce. All hear a shaking and shuddering elsewhere in the home as you look around and see the guests. Look and see if anything strange or unusual has occurred in this moment. We cut back upstairs. Hal and Tycho. What do you do?

[Marisha Ray]

Hal and you? I don't know what I brought. I'm.

[Matthew Mercer]

What Ty, what are we looking at?

[Marisha Ray]

It looks like a mask. I don't.

[Matthew Mercer]

You brought it.

[Marisha Ray]

Fazzy asked me to get this. This is Octis and I when we were in Vanada. This is what we were meant to find and bring back. I was supposed to hand it off to. I was supposed to hand it off to Volaire.

[Matthew Mercer]

Are we still gm? Are we looking at remnants, still fragments?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Or have they formed? They have no longer formed. But they did, for what it's worth. Shudder inward towards the center, towards each other. If I reach forward with one and.

[Marisha Ray]

Just nudge two pieces together.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Give me a constitution saving throw. Why?

[Marisha Ray]

Natural one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hal's hand did snake out to her wrist. I don't know if that is going.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

To continue if you give me a dc. What's your dexterity? Oh God, I don't know. Oh boy. Not enough. We'll see how quick Hal is on the draw here.

[Marisha Ray]

I got a 13 13.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hal, give me a. You have 13 dexterity. Give me a DC. 13. Sleight of hand, check.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's not great. Hold on.

[Marisha Ray]

Curse. Curse.

[Matthew Mercer]

Curse. That's only a 10.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

10. Got it.

[Marisha Ray]

Die, Die. Die. Die.

[Matthew Mercer]

Die. Best game.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Tycho on a nat. One constant saving throw. Oh no. You warmed up this time. You did this. Oh no. We're gonna be really clear. This is episode two. And I'm going to set a really important. Let's call it precedent. About. About touching stuff. Tycha, you touch one of the flakes and Hal, what you see immediately in this moment is first of all, everybody downstairs hears as Tysha, you touch this fragment in the center. The fragment drops through the velvet which itself the velvet drops into a conical swirling mist. The mist spirals down, spreading as the velvet magically transmutes into mist, swirling down, down, down. As the fragments instantaneously form, fall in until every velvet or lining of this box is instead thick ice cold mist. And amongst the fragments that disappear and the fabric, the other thing that disappears in this moment is your consciousness. As you collapse to the ground. You take one point of falling damage.

[Marisha Ray]

No.

[Matthew Mercer]

So mechanically drop to unconscious.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Drop to unconscious.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right, so Hal falls to his knees, scoops underneath.

[Marisha Ray]

Wait, so he didn't catch me?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No, there was no he. Like we all saw the ten half.

[Matthew Mercer]

Assed trust fall to the ground.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

All right.

[Matthew Mercer]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. And his arms are going to run down along her arms. And he will say one word. And nobody hears it because I'm alone with my unconscious baby mama. But he just says the word stay. But it reverberates. It echoes low as I cast healing word.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Incredible. So you say stay. You heal. One hit point of damage as you say stay. I think Tysha, in unconsciousness. Your eyelids flicker. The sclera and pupils of Tysha's eyes are a roiling cool mist. Everybody downstairs.

[Marisha Ray]

Maybe you should give her mouth somehow.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm down with Baela. She can have whatever she wants. We're going to go back downstairs. Is anybody reacting in this moment?

[Marisha Ray]

I'm going to start with walking upstairs. I'm still holding my cocktail.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Push past, push past. Bayless.

[Matthew Mercer]

This none.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Cause hell no.

[Marisha Ray]

Hey, do you guys think that we should. And there they go. All right. I guess, yeah. I'll follow.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You follow upstairs. As you head up, you see that Shadia is still going to run upstairs as well. You see old good looks. Seeing a bunch of you all head up and goes, ah, nobody else. And you see he just sort of gets on the stairs and tries to play defense. He looks. This is sort of an aging theater producer who looks at this armored elven warrior and is like, I don't think if I say don't go up there, she'll listen and just sort of boxes everybody else out. However. Murray, you want to head up there? Julian, what are you doing? Julian's going to stay below and kind of more or less interpose himself between Lady Aranessa and whatever this might be. Up the stairs. She keeps a keen eye. She says, is everything all right? We don't know yet. But let other people get in the front of danger before us and if it gets bad, we'll leave immediately. She looks up and goes, ever valorous, Sir Julian. She sort of bolair, Bayless and Murray. You rush up the stairs. Shadia looks at you, Hal, and goes, dad, Mom. And reaches down to look into Tysha's eyes, the three of you. Bolair, you see the box mist you do not see there is no longer anything in the box other than mist that stops swirling and now is just lined with thick fog.

[Matthew Mercer]

Can I roll an arcana check to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

See if I know what the fuck is happening? Let's do it. 15 gets you something. 20 gets you more. 25 gets you everything. That's.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hold on.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Double 18s. Yes, double 18s. So that's 19. 21. 25. 25. 24. Sorry, 24. 24. Hell yeah. 24. Great.

[Marisha Ray]

Amazing.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So you look and see here, it's a silver box, it's about yay big, you know. It's not a music box. It's large set, it's not solid silver, but the plates that adorn what you believe to be a wooden box. Just looking at in terms of its construction so it looks more like the silver is in solid plates. It's worked. You recognize this language as an archaic heightened version of Kessian, which is a halfling language interspersed with certain celestial glyphs. You recognized some terms on it. There is a word here. One of the words that's written here is obsidia in celestial, which is an archaic no longer used term for the tenebral reaches. Prior to the Shaper's war, the realm of death was as a shifting veil of shadow. A momentary darkness passed through on the way to the realms of final rest. The halls of the gods. The underworld used to be a metaphysical clearinghouse, a momentary place for souls to travel. And legends of the undead in ages of Ahriman past were the stuff of myth and legend. To have a spirit so powerful that it could resist the resting places ordained by the gods was something of profound magic. Obsidia was a term for that. It was sort of a celestial term for that veil. But you would be well aware that after the Shapers war, what was a curtain expanded slightly as the gods were destroyed. Their realms of rest vanished in the worst instances of catastrophe and doom. Saying by the population. Some believe that they were destroyed and all those eternal souls destroyed due to the hubris of the mortals that rose up against the gods. Others that, you know, the clerics that have come since that work in theoretical metaphysics that Belair would be well aware of, believe that the afterlives are still out there, there, just untethered from Ahriman. Currently that's a matter of theology and conjecture. And a lot of very flustered clerics would tell a worried mortal, we're working on it now. Oh no. Oh no. You realize as you're looking at it, this artifact, the silver plates, are ancient. But you don't believe that this box is ancient. You believe that this was constructed with older materials and you see makes reference to obsidia. And in the parts in Cassian refer to the realms of final rest, which would be a common parlance of the afterlives, the various halls of the gods. And you realize as you're looking at this and looking at this ancient halfling land language on it, you're not looking at a box. You're looking at a coffin. It's halfling. Halfling sized. Oh, big box. It's halfling size. About that big as a coffin for a halfling. Yeah. Oh boy.

[Liam O'Brien]

Morning, Zoe. Got donuts.

[Marisha Ray]

Jeff Bridges. Why are you still living above our garage?

[Liam O'Brien]

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[Marisha Ray]

Oh no, I'm not really prepared. I couldn't possibly at T Mobile get the new iPhone 17 Pro on them. It's designed to be the most powerful iPhone yet and has the ultimate pro camera system.

[Liam O'Brien]

Wow, impressive. Let me try. T mobile is the best place to get iPhone 17 Pro because they've got the best network.

[Marisha Ray]

Nice. Jeffrey, you heard them.

[Liam O'Brien]

T Mobile is the best place to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Get the new iPhone 17 Pro on us with eligible traded in any condition.

[Liam O'Brien]

So what are we having for lunch?

[Marisha Ray]

Dude, my work here is done.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

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[Marisha Ray]

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[Matthew Mercer]

What happened? Tysha just showed me this and she opened it and here we are.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm just saying if you guys wanted to hotbox the place, it would have been nice to Share and get an invite. I don't think you want some of.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The smoke I just got, but thank you.

[Marisha Ray]

Are you okay?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No. Tycha, give me a perception check.

[Liam O'Brien]

Afraid?

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, the dice do go higher.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

How fun.

[Marisha Ray]

Plus 7, 25.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As you look up and see Vaelys, you connect. Mist begins to leave your eyes. But as you look at her, you hear a distant bird's song of a bird that you as a Druid know is not native to this part of the world. You hear the call of a nightingale. Distantly Night song. What happened? What happened? I.

[Marisha Ray]

He already said it. Get out of my face. We opened the box. I touched part of the remnants of what looked like a mask and then I died a little bit. And now I'm here and everyone's a little too close to me right now.

[Matthew Mercer]

One breath at a time.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You touched a mask in an ancient silver coffin. I, I.

[Marisha Ray]

And I've learned an important lesson here. I'm not normally a gambling woman, but I'd be willing to bet my left tit that this has something to do with whatever this fancy lady wants.

[Liam O'Brien]

Right?

[Matthew Mercer]

What is the fancy above table? What's the fancy lady doing right now? In this moment.

[Marisha Ray]

I am taking in the scene, mostly focusing on Hal, Tysha and Shadia, them as a family and watching Shadia care for her mother.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Give me an insight check. Oh boy. Which one do I pick?

[Marisha Ray]

You got it. Okay, okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Don't ask me.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm gonna do this one.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'll also say in this moment of privacy, how you're looking at Bair here. Bair, you're looking at this box. It is. You're on that 24. You know, there are things here that are escaping your attention at the moment. But you know, where you have resources to dig in, where you have research and knowledge specifically about objects of this construction.

[Matthew Mercer]

Is the box closed right now?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It is open. And as you see that roiling mist in there, I think you in particular feel. You feel your stomach gurgle or turn a little bit in a. That on a physical level is jarring. I cannot go through this here.

[Matthew Mercer]

Can anyone close the box without touching it?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, I got you. Just calm down. Everybody calm down. And I use a mage hand to close it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The box latches. And all of you can feel, not immediately, but after a moment or two, the temperature in the room starts to rise, making you feel that enclosing the box, that that mist maybe is not waiting for you in there.

[Matthew Mercer]

My attention is split to multiple people. I am trying to, in this moment, read if Bollaire seems like he knows what's going on and if Vaelys is a threat to my family.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Insight deception. What was your insight roll?

[Marisha Ray]

16.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

16. I think you see that Shadia is very worried. Hal is very worried. I think on a 16 I may actually roll.

[Marisha Ray]

If I feel you tensing up beside me, I'll just reach a hand up.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I'll cast guidance. Shadia rolled a four. Shadia is angry at her mother in this moment. She is bending down caring for her. But as her mother speaks about reaching out into touching this thing, you see that there is a familiar set of well worn lines in this 25 year old half orc woman's face as she looks at her adventurer mother with a look of disappointment and frustration.

[Matthew Mercer]

I think that having helped Tysha not completely eat shit. Hitting the ground and reviving her a bit, her fingers are kind of intertwined in a familiar way and you can feel me tensing up which my hand grips harder and I guess the guidance goes through that and my Insight is a 24 with that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Do you want to give me a deception 17. 17. You've known Baler for a long time on that 17. Getting with a 24 versus 17. Tal. Go ahead and let Liam what he's able to read on Balayr's face. I know something.

[Matthew Mercer]

I am both fascinated and angry at her. Does that also include.

[Marisha Ray]

I think she's a champion.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

She's a hero.

[Marisha Ray]

Legend.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Legend.

[Matthew Mercer]

Same insight for Bayless being a threat to the family.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Is Bayless a threat to the family in this moment?

[Marisha Ray]

Undecided. I think she's a legend.

[Matthew Mercer]

My eyes flash my brother's sword on the desk. Then back to the party here.

[Marisha Ray]

You know I'm looking at Bolaire.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We need to get that out of this house.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, clearly. You know, I, I could. We want to take a minute. I could do a little bit of a, you know, little tinkering, a little scanning, but you know, we are a mixed company. But if it would just make everybody feel better.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I touched the wrong thing.

[Matthew Mercer]

Many years ago and have had this.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thing stuck to me ever since. Half the people at the museum have been maimed touching the wrong thing. Whatever else shows up tonight, do not touch it if you don't know where it came from. Who touched what? Ser Julian has now stepped carefully up to the door frame and entering the scene a little late.

[Matthew Mercer]

Ah, you're still here.

[Marisha Ray]

Where did this come from?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm going to take it away and.

[Matthew Mercer]

You will be the first to know what I know.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Balare, the museum's protective gloves on your hands. A little subtle piece of. Not necessarily anti magic, but at least warding. I'm going to give one of them to use. Cause this is.

[Marisha Ray]

It is big.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

This is big enough that I do not want to accidentally slip and drop it. This is a bomb.

[Marisha Ray]

I think we should take maybe the back streets, get this to the pentagram, get this to my office and then we can do our investigation there.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I may have a carriage. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

And I think in lieu of responding to that well earned castigation, Tysha's hanging back and leaning against Hal and just sort of passively started like. It's not really a whistle. It's like something wheezy in her chest, but it sounds like a nightingale.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

All right, I'm going to.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, on the way, I'm gonna look at everybody. Hal, condolences. We're gonna be in contact. Great funeral. I think the Ozzy would run. I think he'd think this whole thing was really funny. He'd get a kick out of this. We're gonna go. I'll call you. All right, I'm gonna call you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As the two of them head out.

[Marisha Ray]

Yes, Bayless, before you leave. So we investigated the box.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

So all of that information was just on the box. We didn't touch the mask.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

By the time you got up here, there was.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, got it.

[Matthew Mercer]

I broke my chair. I'm so excited.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, big boy, Big boy. There was no mask.

[Marisha Ray]

There was no mask.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The mask.

[Marisha Ray]

So we just saw the box. I am gonna kind of whisper to VALIS before we go out. Look, do me a favor, please try not to murder this family. They've been through enough. They don't need you going on a rampage. All right, I think I can help you. So let's not harass people who are in over their debts. Absolutely. There will be no unnecessary murder here today. Please. You got it. Thank you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Shadia looks over at you and goes, what about necessary murder? Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Why don't you head downstairs and make sure that whoever's left is. Is looked after.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'll head downstairs, dad. All that conversation is happening, sir. Julian has leaned forward and put his hand out towards Tycha and says, looks.

[Matthew Mercer]

Like you took a nasty spill.

[Marisha Ray]

Thank you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I'm going to grip your hand just a little too tight on the way up and pull as Murray and Bellaire head out. You see that? Erinessa turns to you, Hal, and says, are you going to be all right here? And eyes over to Valis. If you need anything. I think Ser Julian and I Will return to the Davinos estate.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm gonna look at Vaelys. No, her visitor and I don't have any grievance.

[Marisha Ray]

We do not.

[Matthew Mercer]

I have nothing to hide in my house.

[Marisha Ray]

That's good to know.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As the night winds down, Julian you see Marie and Bolaire heading off to his carriage and taking off across the river towards the loy wing. And then Julian Aranessa turns to you. Are we done here? I believe our business is concluded. Yes, let us get to safer spaces. I'll turn to Halim out of our.

[Matthew Mercer]

Thank you kindly for your hospitality always and for all.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Murray and Bolaire jump into either side of a carriage headed to the Arkanade across the river in I believe the neighborhood of Da Da Da. This would be. Yeah, this is in Marut all the way. Oh, sorry. No, this is in Lugsash across the river. As you head across the river, think Bellaire, you have a moment in your finery turning to look at the wide brimmed hat of this dwarven wizard across from you. You guys have been in contact before, but now you both head to the museum together.

[Marisha Ray]

Charming night.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Isn't it just? We see another carriage pulling away from the funeral. As Julian, you get into the back of the carriage with the lady Erinessa. Who goes. Who looks and says that dwarven woman with gemstone teeth. She is a lot. You are not wrong. Well, she was absolutely right. Thiazi would have loved all this crazy shit happening at his funeral. Seems like even in death machinations linger. I don't trust what's happening in that house. No, no, I suppose I don't either. But I don't know if I trust what's happening in ours either. General Raymond, I believe should be waiting for us back at the manor. Wonderful. It'll be good to see your father again. It's been a while.

[Matthew Mercer]

Sure.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Were you able to pay your respects? Yes. His demeanor is definitely darkened at the mention of his father. And he just looks out the window at the carriage with his hand on the hilt of his sword. Nose jaw just tensing for the rest. Rest of the ride in quiet and we move from this place. We'll say farewell to our friends Bolaire, Murray and Julian as we move forward in time to the end of the funeral. Many of the last. The fires have died down to ember. Many of the guests have left. It's basically. I think you know how. I don't know who you would. Who would still be. Basically, who would still be here to help clean up at the end. Shadia, all good members of the troupe. Yeah. I think if you're looking at members of the troupe, it's all good. There's a much older woman here, Nevada, who's helping, looking around and saying, an absolutely darling time that you all had here. It's been so tragic. You know, I think theater is at its best when she's got these sort of, like, hair tied up in this gorgeous to do. She's like, it's all black, but it's a lot of frills and puffed shoulders. And he just goes, I've always thought that the theater was at its best when there was a skosh of a criminal element. And to think that Thiazi won't be around anymore. Let me help with these platters. Goes to sort of gather them up.

[Matthew Mercer]

Well, we are one inch removed from my brother's world. I Velis, who's still here with just the closest people to the family still here and trickling out. Just permit me a few more moments. I'd really like to get over the whole strangers thing. One second.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hero, hon? Hero comes over to you. As you see, Elodie is preparing to leave as well. Hiro comes over and goes, dad, do.

[Matthew Mercer]

You have your lyre?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. Do you want me to get it? I can go get it. Yeah, grab it. You see that? She runs over and grabs a small lyre, brings it over. Elodie stands near the door, but seeing this, takes a seat and smiles.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm trying to pass off a platter of cranberry rolls to Elodie.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Elodie goes, oh, I couldn't. I insist. I insist. She looks and sees stacks of cranberry rolls and goes, I'll bring them. Thank you. I'll take them. Thank you. I'll throw these out.

[Matthew Mercer]

I look around at the last few people in the room and taking in as I say this, I find it pretty appropriate that my brother's last day is as full of drama as it was in death, even as in life. I think tensions ran hot in our home today, and there are many things I could say. But instead, I'll let my daughter and.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I.

[Matthew Mercer]

Speaking away, that's best for the Azzi. And I grab my own lyre from off of a mantle piece here. Hero play broken wing. And Hiro starts to play quietly on a lyre, a song that is familiar to anyone who was around for the Falconer's Rebellion. It was played in taverns and halls and military tents early in that conflict, when people were hopeful for the change that was being sought after in the Falconer's Rebellion. And as Hero, my youngest begins to play the main melody of that song, Hal harmonizes and plays around her on his I taught her how to play. We've played for many years together.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As the song lilts. You see Loza Blade still here, waiting for Teor's return, who fought and was Thiazi's commander in the Falconer's Rebellion, a stand taken in this world by the brave. And just when they realized that a world that had risen up against the tyranny of the gods had, in the span of a few short generations, replaced that tyranny with ones of their own devising. Loza, a woman who does not do this lightly does not actually shed a tear. But you see her eyes water as she looks at Thiazi, another name added to a long list of people that she's had to say goodbye to. And here in this place, with family surrounding, the song picks up. She hums along to it. Its meaning has changed over the years from what it meant at the beginning to what it meant at the end to what it means now.

[Matthew Mercer]

I think his howl supports his daughter's playing through his own plucking of the lyre strings. He uses thaumaturgy to dim every in the house down low and lower to nothing except for one that rests close to Thiazi and Talosa, so that that light is shared between the two of them as the world falls away in the heart of that song.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As the song plays. I'd actually love for there to be some other people who get to hear you play this song because I think it will mean a lot to them. I'd love to have our friends come join us who are returning from the Tanners.

[Marisha Ray]

I know I'm moving in because we like an end. Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Let'S fucking die.

[Matthew Mercer]

Which means.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Which means they're entering a very darkened home with only the body of the AZI lit.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Everything I'm doing so loud. Cool table.

[Marisha Ray]

Cool table.

[Liam O'Brien]

Cool table.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Full table. Walking back from the Tanners, all of you have just met Cadogan Vale again after many years being apart from each other. You reviewed the attack on Thiazi and Thimble's hiding place found crow feathers worn as garment left bodies removed. A glass essentially holder container for an artifact shattered. The Stone of Nightsong gone. Thimble, you have with you a letter slightly larger than your body with you with the name Bolaire on it as you return to the rookery. Thimble, you've been to Howl's home many times. But you will be the last guest to arrive at Thiazi's funeral. As all of you you move up, you begin to hear an Azune, Teor, Thimble and Cadigan. You hear two liars playing octis. Give me an insight to check if you'd be so kind. I am not good at those.

[Marisha Ray]

You could do it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Put your back into it.

[Liam O'Brien]

Thank you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Eight Octus. You are unable to read the cause of the shift that happens now. As all of your companions, all of whom fought in the Falconer's Rebellion, hear this song and know what it means. As they approach Howl's home at the top of the rookery. Moving in to the home, all of you see a shift light. And you see Loza and Fiazi laid out on the table, dimly lit in shadow. Hal and Hero are playing on their liars. And you see Loza near Thiazi's body. But as you enter, you can see surrounded candles and light and treasures and beloved artifacts all around. Thimble. You see Thiazi for the first time.

[Marisha Ray]

No.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No.

[Marisha Ray]

And I'll fly over and land on his chest. You stupid fuck. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thaz.

[Marisha Ray]

I. I ruined it. And I'll walk up his chest and place my hand on his. What am I gonna do without you? I'm so sorry, Hal.

[Matthew Mercer]

The song winds its way to the end. And all the light in the room slowly begins. Begins to rise to full. I wasn't sure if I'd see you today. You all right?

[Marisha Ray]

I missed it all. And I look up and I see you. I fly up in the the air and my light starts to glow. Was this you? Did you do this?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I'll fly over.

[Marisha Ray]

I'll go right in your face. Did you bring those people? No.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What people?

[Marisha Ray]

I don't know what you're talking about. I did. Had nothing to do with this. You came for that. You came for your stupid stone. I did. And I. I will get it. You took it from me. It doesn't belong to you. It doesn't belong to him. It belongs to me. It doesn't belong to anyone now. It's gone. What do you mean it's gone? And I'll fly back over and I'll stand on that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

There was some people broke in and ransacked the place.

[Marisha Ray]

Are you okay?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I did before we got there.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm gonna insight check.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, go for it.

[Marisha Ray]

Make sure they're not lying.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

175 people walking into a room is a lot of people to get a story straight with. I think you would take the words as. As true.

[Matthew Mercer]

I want to insight check her as she's inside, checking if she had anything to do with Yaz death.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Go for it. I dare you to read that dice.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, I couldn't tell. I can't. Sorry I made fun of you for your dice all these years.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No, you.

[Marisha Ray]

I can't read.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

A vicious bolster presents itself.

[Marisha Ray]

I have more. I can't read. Give it time.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Just 14 years. It's hard to say, but I think in this moment it occurs to you Tycha, as that song rose up, that nightingale song you still hear and you know it's only in your mind that you can hear it as you speak in this moment to each other. I think the song has diminished, but its last sort of echoes. The lights come up, you see, for Teor and Azune and Kadigan who allow this moment to sort of play out. I think maybe you guys stand over closer to Loza who looks at all of you. Loza doesn't sit, literally doesn't meet. She gives you one moment of eye contact, corner of a smile, and just slides this massive knuckled hand over your shoulders and just brings you in under the crook of her arm. And at the end of the song just goes. I can still hear the falcons cry Hal as you look up. I think as you walk back to land again on Thiazi's chest. Thimble. You look under his chest and you see there's a little. He's a couple different necklaces. He kind of like a lot of thieves and scoundrels, collected little bits of jewelry from here and there. But you see that a silver necklace is bunched up that has his old wedding ring on it that he was wearing around his neck. And I think there's a moment where Hal, you're standing nearby and you just remember being in a tiny little tower room of Castleroyce. Two young guys, orcish commoners from Dolmak Yar and this noble's wedding. And your brother dressed in gifted finery, looking at you and being like nervous. I don't know why I'm so nervous. None of this fits. I'm getting a noble's coat on loan from my fiance's family. And a knock at the door and her hand over her face, the Lady Erinessa going, I'm not looking, I'm not looking. Your brother looking, saying, I can't see you. I can still see you right now if you cover your eyes. And she's Like I don't know how it works. I've never been married before. Holding this gorgeous flower that looks like it's either foxglove or prickle. Poppy. This gorgeous flower. And she says, in our tradition, I'm supposed to. It's for you. It's a wedding gift. You should have it before the ceremony. And the flower opens. And with that ring on a little table beside Thimble. For the very first time in the mortal world. Looking much different than she does today. Appeared in that moment as Thiazi looks down and goes. Hi.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, hi.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Sorry. The Fairy's a gift. I don't agree with any of this.

[Marisha Ray]

You know, I think it's kind of weird myself, but it's.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I don't. Do you want to be a gift? You don't have to be a gift if you don't want to be a gift.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just shut up and say thank you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thank you. Thank you to you. Frankly, I don't know. You see, the innocent, of course it's not like that. She's free. If you wish. Then you marrying into the family have the protection of the Fae. And as our family has enjoyed. Thimble is a warrior Fairy from the gardens.

[Marisha Ray]

I can kill a bunch of mice in your house. Also, I'm really good at breeding hair.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

See? Fiazzi goes.

[Marisha Ray]

It's not.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Is that related? Are those skills from one in the same? No. You know what? Now here's what we really need to do. We need to catch a bunch of mice, braid their hair, keep everybody here on their toes.

[Marisha Ray]

We can do that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We can do anything.

[Marisha Ray]

I look up at Lady Arnessa. I think, I really like it here. I'm gonna really like him. And I'll fly over and land on his shoulder.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Lands on your shoulder and says, Are they giving you a little outfit too?

[Marisha Ray]

I don't like this stuff. So if we can get something different, I'd be thrilled.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We'll go to a dollhouse upstairs and see what they got.

[Matthew Mercer]

Over my shoulder to iron us. I should say. I think you just bought yourself a lot of trouble.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, God. Everything about this is ill advised. And as you hear in this memory, everything about this is ill advised. You're just looking at the stubble on his face, the ring on the necklace. You remember that first little. He would not. The whole wedding was delayed because he wanted to get you something from the dollhouse that you would enjoy wearing before you had to go down the aisle.

[Marisha Ray]

Touch the r. We have to make this right. And nothing's ever gonna be right again. I don't know how to do it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm gonna. Octis walks up next to the body. Next to. Come on.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, we'll figure it out. We can. We can figure it out.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Figure out what went wrong.

[Marisha Ray]

You grew up.

[Matthew Mercer]

I guess.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So did you. Although you're not any bigger.

[Marisha Ray]

I think I'd take that opportunity to make eye contact with Azaneh and Teor. And just not wordlessly, but as quietly as possible to hold space for this moment. Do you know what happened?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We had a plan. I looked at Teor, and I look back towards you, Tycha, and I just give you a nod. And it was the. How's music playing with his daughter? Although it stopped, it still sort of like, still feel it in my ears. And I look over to Hal, and.

[Matthew Mercer]

Suddenly I.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Remember myself, in a way, in Hal's home. And with that music lingering. And this very unexpected reunion of people that I met so many years ago. Part of this rebellion, this fire that Thiazi had lit. And I remember something about that look in Tasha's face. All the different ways that this could have gone wrong. And I walk towards Thiazi.

[Matthew Mercer]

You're still on him, Thimble.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm so sorry, but I need to check him. I need to see if the thing that pinged for me is still on him so I can compare it to the one that we found with you.

[Marisha Ray]

I'll fly up in the air and hover about a foot above his body.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I, as carefully as I can, I just kind of turn him over, because my understanding is that it pinged in his back pocket. So I searched for that which.

[Matthew Mercer]

That thing that pinged.

[Marisha Ray]

I'll light up and try to go down to where Azune's looking and see if I can light up any area that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'll start to search him. And with you nearby, I do turn to you and I say, I'm sorry, Thimble. I lied to you earlier, and I feel really badly about it. The moments that I had with you, it. How's. But they went by so fast.

[Matthew Mercer]

There wasn't much time for him to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Say anything to me about anybody. And I just saw how hurt you were when you realized what had happened. And I just couldn't bear it. So I just wanted you to feel a little bit better.

[Marisha Ray]

It's okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And I'll go back to searching.

[Matthew Mercer]

I was struck by how thick the air in this room is with history and how his brother was something different to every person in this room. I can even tell those I've never met before today. Have a story with my brother. That story has come to a close.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You reach into the back area of his coat. Go ahead and give me an investigation check. That is a 19 small inseam pocket. You know there would be. You can see in and see where the stitching would have been cut. That one of the hems of the coat. You could slip and drop something in to this hidden pocket in the back of the coat. You reach in on a 19 and pull out what looks like a small cheap piece of ceramic. It has something scrawled on it, but it doesn't look. It's not what Thimble made. And it's still registering to you. That residue of magic that was on it. Give me an arcana check. Call it a difficult standing there as well. Can I Go ahead. Yeah. Each of you give me an arcana rule. We'll call it difficulty of honestly. 13. Can I.

[Matthew Mercer]

Since this is intentional, can I guidance.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Myself on this check.

[Matthew Mercer]

Thanks.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

27. 27. I have one thing, one thing. It is now. It is now.

[Matthew Mercer]

It is for me.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

A total of 13. 13. You look at it. This just doesn't look carefully made. I think I'm lost in how this was my part of the assignment. And I believe this to be the right thing. And now I'm faced with this fake. You're looking at it. This is an extremely well constructed forgery. What you notice is the physical craft of this is careless. The magical craft of it is very careful. Almost like someone knew there would be no safe way to actually visibly see the object. But the magical wards around it. You can feel the hum of magic off of it and its illusion and conjuration, which was exactly what Fiazzi needed to be able to make his escape. But you on that 27 peer at that illusion. Oh, that's a perfect cover. Because the conjuration is illusion too. And anyone that would have been looking for illusion would have found it. And they didn't have to work very hard to hide this. This is a magical aura warping that will fade come morning. Azune. You, at least for your part, didn't fuck up. It's exactly what you were looking for. It's just the illusion you were looking for is in fact an illusion. How meant to fool you.

[Marisha Ray]

Somebody betrayed us.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Somebody did betray us. And I have a hunch there's only two people in our group that are unaccounted for. CID and your brother, Casimir.

[Marisha Ray]

They didn't show up. They didn't show up to the execution?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Sid.

[Marisha Ray]

Never.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, obviously he didn't make it to the car that Sid was driving. So CID never showed up for us.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Casimir was a member of the Crow Keepers. This clearly was a setup by someone who knew our plan. They knew every step of what everyone's involvement was going to be.

[Marisha Ray]

They knew where I was gonna be.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

There were feathers in the house. Well, Cadigan found him. Hello.

[Marisha Ray]

Does your need water? I just point at the giant wolf, I guess, just in here that no one said anything about.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. Cadogan has sort of made his way.

[Matthew Mercer]

Over to a chair, and he's just scrounged up the last bit of meat. And he's sitting there eating meat, watching.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

This drama unfold slowly flicking pieces to Wulfric, his wolf in the corner. Yeah. No, he's all right. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

He gets his own water. And I want to just look at the wolf. Oh, okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Is this just like a normal wolf? What am I looking at?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Druid to dog.

[Marisha Ray]

What is happening here?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

He is dog. Yeah, he's a wolf. Like, gray wolf, black fur. He is adorned with armor and a cowl.

[Matthew Mercer]

If you're looking for anything that would stand out on him. He has an empty quiver on his hip that's got nothing in it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

But the one thing that you would.

[Matthew Mercer]

Notice right away is that there's a.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Bracer on his front paw. And where a physical paw would be, there's nothing. And there's this tangible projection of a paw. So in essence, he has a magical prosthetic.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It's really cool. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

This is stupid. So I'll do it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm gonna burn.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm gonna cast speak with animals.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As you could speak with animals. Yeah. As you cast speak with animals, here you see a powerful. Give me actually a religion or nature. Let me roll. We're back. Natural 20. Natural 20.

[Marisha Ray]

Yes.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I fucking gave you that. Die. Thank you. As you attempt to speak with this animal, a potent magical bond between Cadogan and Wulfric. I'll put it this way on a Nat 20. If you attempt to speak with Wulfric in this moment, it'll be the second potent magical thing you have touched this evening. God damn it.

[Liam O'Brien]

The first one went so well.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I've learned nothing.

[Marisha Ray]

It's literally just a. You good. Do you want.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And of course I mean speak with animals is. You're also. I think you cast speak with animals on yourself. Correct? Yeah. So I think that, as you say, are you good? I think that Wulfric just looks back to you and keeps the counsel of his constant companion. Not in a disrespectful way, but in a way that is like. I don't know that you're like. Wulfric may not be wild in the ways that a typical animal that you would speak to would be. There is something that he is within that is potent and magical.

[Marisha Ray]

I just want to sniff out the bond between the two of you. Because I spend time with Octus and.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I know the bond between him and Pin.

[Marisha Ray]

This is something very different. And she'll just linger in the connection of it. And then just the last thing before she like, shuts it off is just. If you need something, don't go in the kitchen. We've already done that. A demon did that earlier. Why am I telling you?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm gonna stop and I just shut it off.

[Liam O'Brien]

You said my brother's name, Sid, was working with you?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

How long has he been a part of your plan to try and save the azi?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

How long? For the past two weeks. I mean, cuz the AZI got arrested two weeks ago. For about two weeks, yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

And he has been a reliable measure in this.

[Marisha Ray]

You say that like we.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

That's surprising to you?

[Liam O'Brien]

It's been years since I've seen my brother. But dependable is not always a word I would use to describe him.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Good. Glad we brought him on board.

[Liam O'Brien]

Perhaps things have changed. But you must be as alarmed as I am to not see him here, yes?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. Yep.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And you haven't seen him since you've entered. It's been.

[Liam O'Brien]

It's been years. No.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You see, Loza, who's right by your side as well goes. Kasimir was young mercenary in the Tauren banner. You know, quiet type. I never knew Kaz that well. By the time Kaz joined up, I was already the commander. I know that Kaz was. He wasn't in Thiazi's unit either. He was, but he worked the mess, so I think he knew everybody. Fiazi struck up a friendship with him. There looks over and goes cid. I know when CID left, he headed west for Dolmakyar. And I knew we'd had a problem with CID in the past. I mean, there were certain things that we weren't supposed to steal. You know, you win a battle, there are certain things that you can take as seized contraband. And there's certain things that you have to leave. And Sid was. This was a long time ago. Sid was much younger. But I found him with stuff on him that he wasn't supposed to have.

[Liam O'Brien]

With sticky fingers.

[Marisha Ray]

I have nothing wrong with sticky fingers.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Who brought him in that? Cause I Don't know anyone, so wasn't me.

[Marisha Ray]

How related were you to the planning.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Of all of this?

[Marisha Ray]

Super related.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

I know everything about it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Start at step one and elaborate all.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The way to the end. Thimble, I think you had almost no time to put this together.

[Marisha Ray]

I didn't have anything to do with it. I was busy. Sorry.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Wait.

[Liam O'Brien]

This is a wild change of story.

[Marisha Ray]

But I would have known when CID came on board, right?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. I think Thimble Kasimir is the one.

[Marisha Ray]

That I feel the least sure about.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Out of all of this, CID was way closer to Thiazi than Kasmir was. The reason you had to use Kasmir is that Kasimir is a smuggler. So he had a wagon. He could get a wagon with a trick compartment. He could get you something, like on a road out. The plan was you get the glyph to Thiazi. Thiazi has a way to basically misty step through the wall into the hidden compartment of the wagon. Kasimir was not gonna be able to show up with the wagon. But CID worked as a driver that was like his above as like, a coach wagon driver. So was gonna get the wagon into position where it would be within that short distance through the wall.

[Marisha Ray]

Wall.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Drive on out of there. And Aktus and Tycha were gonna not be anywhere near the execution because they're highly visible. Tysha's a member of the Circle of Ancients. Octis is a member of the House Taconis. But that would be an asset getting out of the city if you weren't near the execution anymore.

[Marisha Ray]

Did anyone check on the wagon?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We never saw it.

[Matthew Mercer]

The wagon never arrived.

[Marisha Ray]

The wagon wasn't there. You're sure Cid was never there.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I wasn't there. That would be the two of you that were at that post.

[Marisha Ray]

But what about the waiting point? The wagon never showed up to you. But was Cid ever in the place that he was supposed to be?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I don't know.

[Marisha Ray]

We were supposed to stay far enough away. This.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hazana, you would know that there would have been Revolutionary Guard within sight of that area of the wall. You can potentially check in with your fellow Arcane Marshals or Guard members. It's the middle of the night right now, but tomorrow you'd be able to say, did anybody see a wagon pull up to this point? As that light bulb goes off, I'll turn to Teor. I can check in with the Arcane marshals. I know people that had eyes where we expected Cid to be. If you have another way, another Lead to follow. To search for your brother. Tonight. I will go with you. But if you don't, then we can wait until tomorrow morning when I can speak to someone that can give us some information.

[Marisha Ray]

And I should check in with the Thieves Guild, see if Kasimir.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Right. You see, Loza says. I think that's a good idea, Thimble. But if you're going to check on the Thieves Guild, make sure that you're checking on them with some friends in tow. I don't know the city. Haven't been in Dolmag. You see here. She turns to you, Teor, and says, I've had a long night here, Tulmachiar. Teor is. The Grey Tower is asleep at the wheel. I mean, we've known for when the Revolutionary Council failed to come to the aid of the Falconer's Rebellion, we. We knew that things had become bad. But even in the last 12 years, it's worse. The Council's asleep at the wheel. The Sundered Houses have moved in this Chamber of the Lord's Advisory, the only voice slowing they've passed laws against using magic in the marketplace. The only voice within the Sundred Houses that's been any kind of voice for moderation or slowing things down has been House Royce. And I spoke to Lady Erinessa during the funeral. She was made to wait for four hours and then wasn't allowed an audience with the House of Hailuvar. Speaking of which, I made a little inroad for you with the kid. The shiny wicander. Oh, Wicander. He's totally fool. Nincompoop. Mm, can be. Well, he's a lamb amongst lions. I got a bead on the kid and I asked if he required any security, mercenary aid, with his presence in the city and the Ozzy's execution, et cetera. So he seemed amenable to meeting with you tomorrow. If you want to go check on him and see if there's any potential lead there. Haelovar is in this I wouldn't trust. No offense, kid. The Taconis. No, I get it, but Haelovar is in it, but maybe doesn't care as much about Thiazi as the Taconists do. Yeah, whatever happens, if you're trying to run down the Crow Keepers to see what they know, just make sure you don't go along.

[Marisha Ray]

Do we know. Do the Crow Keepers, like, wear.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

Wear feathers. Do they do like a whole crow thing?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. Are they birds? They do a bunch of bird themed performance art. Go ahead and give me Yourself's crimes and do me their. You can give me either insight or history. And you can do it with advantage because this is about your criminal network in the city.

[Liam O'Brien]

Let's go.

[Marisha Ray]

Come on now. All right, let me double check what my history is. 17. I didn't do history. I did investigation. My history is shit.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Gotcha. That's great. Great. Yeah. You've been living in the city for years. Where you would probably want to head to. I think that the Crow Keepers are all over. They are the oldest thieves guild in Dolmakyar, which means that in a weird way, they're actually not the most dangerous. But like hot headed kill people. Thieves guilds don't typically have a long shelf life. You know what I mean? These are guys that have a code of conduct. There's a kind of honor amongst mafia. Yeah, there's an honor amongst thieves. There's a tavern in Caravan Hill called the Guard Tower. Depending on the time that you go, by the time you got there, it's very unlikely that anyone important or knowledgeable would be there. It would be. It would probably be like almost closed down for the night. If you go tomorrow night, it'll be jump in if you go tomorrow. During the day, that's actually typically when most of the Crows Keepers are there. Like they work at night. So during the day they're at the Guard tower getting a meal for free. Because they protect that place, you know, drinking for free, talking to each other, kind of like settling up accounts from the previous night. Okay.

[Liam O'Brien]

You mentioned the Grey Tower before.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

That's like the point of power in Dolmot. Yes, that's the hall of the Revolutionary Guard, the Revolutionary Council. I should say that Crow Keeper tavern in Caravan Hill is where you'd want to go. Okay, I am.

[Marisha Ray]

This is.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I have one slight concern about us in this conversation we're having right now. Well, who are you? We're just talking about all this stuff.

[Marisha Ray]

And I don't know who you are. I push myself off of the wall after hearing all of this and seeing all of this emotion.

[Matthew Mercer]

So.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hello.

[Marisha Ray]

I am Vaelis of the Sisters of Zalandri.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Don't know who that is.

[Marisha Ray]

How sad for you. So what I am gathering here is you tried to stop the execution of Thiazi. He gathered that much. Well, I gathered a lot more. I haven't finished just yet.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Mainly I'm here. I just need one. So I am trying to find that one thing that was stolen.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

And that is the Stone of Nightsong. And it was taken possibly by the Crow keepers. Possibly your brother.

[Liam O'Brien]

Potentially.

[Marisha Ray]

How did you find us? I was trying to find the Aussie. I wasn't looking for any of you. I was trying to find him to take back something that was mine. How did you find our home? I was told. By who? I am not going to say. Why not? We're your best chance of getting that back.

[Liam O'Brien]

It's only friends in here.

[Marisha Ray]

Little trust. We've had our cranberry rolls. Please take some.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I actually haven't had one yet.

[Marisha Ray]

Who did you tell we had it? How did they know we had it? Whoever was looking for that stone. Ruined.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Fuck.

[Marisha Ray]

I don't know. Maybe they just took it. They might not even been looking for the stone. They took everything.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What do you mean?

[Marisha Ray]

They took everything? In the hideout. Where is the hideout? We're not incentivized to tell you that. That's how information works.

[Liam O'Brien]

Give some and get some used to us now.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Either Loza looks over at you and I think makes eyechanter with you. Thimble. And goes. The stone. Were there any wishes for it that Thiazi had before he died? In other words? And I know it's your stone. But I'm saying. Thimble. Is there a reason left to you to cling onto? Or is it something that the use of it has left us along with the Aussie?

[Marisha Ray]

I. I have a letter. I don't know.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I understand. It seems like you don't very much like being here. Amongst these people that were a friend of some who stole from you. And it seems like this stone may not be exactly near and dear to our hearts. Things are rotten in Dolmak Yar right now. There's no need for us to be at cross purposes. It sounds like we have a conversation on the horizon with these crow keepers and you might be on that same side of the that conversation as us.

[Marisha Ray]

I agree.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

How are you with that sensor?

[Marisha Ray]

Great. All right.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

She looks and says it's late. We're in Hal's home. I think it's time we said good night.

[Liam O'Brien]

Thank you for your. I would say hospitality. But thank you for giving us a place to gather.

[Matthew Mercer]

I know my brother would be glad to have you here today.

[Liam O'Brien]

We will follow up in the morning.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm gonna go over to Thimble.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Mm.

[Marisha Ray]

May I speak with you privately? It'll fly up the stairs.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As that happens. I'd like to go over to Cat again. And I say to Cat again. I need a word with you. Please. All right. I see. Sit down in one of the chairs in whatever room we're in. And from behind the chair comes Pin. Walks around. And I go, you keep an eye on her. And my vision goes into Pin's and.

[Matthew Mercer]

He'S gonna follow Vaylis up the stairs.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Cool.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm very sorry. I can see that you cared about this person very much. I'm not here to hurt any of you. You didn't do this. No, I did not. And I try as much as I can to sort of show her that I am not the person that caused his. I'm not the bad guy here. This was something that was taken from me. I think we're on the same side. Someone who did let me in the city. His name is Baulaire. I look down and I see Pan. Give him a wink.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

In the living room. You just hear Shit.

[Marisha Ray]

Did you notice the fox following?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Shut up.

[Marisha Ray]

Anyway, I. I know you were there when the stone was taken. But I also know you were a gift and you probably didn't have a choice. Oh, I have free will. You do? Yeah. What do you think? And I fly up. You're an elf? Yes. You. You know our history. I do. Better than me? Probably. The Aussie was great. He didn't keep me. He was my partner. We were equals. Can you believe that? Equals. I'm sorry I took your stone. I'm sorry it's lost. It's fine. I will find it again. But even need it. I don't fucking care.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Pin walks up being seen. Walks up and stands underneath where Thimble has flown up and sits.

[Marisha Ray]

Hi, Octis.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Give me a perception check with advantage in this moment, if you would, for valis.

[Marisha Ray]

Let's go.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Ooh.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

23. Let's go. 23. Bayless. You look down and see this strange little fox walks in. That's stitched together. It's a little undead thing.

[Marisha Ray]

I am going to crouch down next to it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Where are you going? It has. Now that you've crouched down next to.

[Matthew Mercer]

This fox, you see that its front.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Right leg is of a red fox, but most of it is an arctic fox. And it's got little patches. One of its ears is from a red fox. It's mixed of different pieces of foxes. But its eyes are two purple buttons. And it has a purple scarf around its neck. But it's looking at you. You can tell it sees you. But its eyes aren't real.

[Marisha Ray]

What a beautiful creature.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We move from upstairs. Downstairs. Loza. You see, Hal, it's getting about time for the night to be called. You see, just with the fellow members of the former members of the Torn Banner. Khadigan, Ahzune and Teor. You see, Loza just goes for this meeting with the Hailovar tomorrow. Would you like company on the way there or do you prefer to do that alone?

[Liam O'Brien]

I think it would be best if you stay clear of this. See what we can scrounge up on our own.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

She nods. She looks over to you. Tysha, actually. And sort of invites you over to stand a little closer. Goes. Tomorrow I am retiring. I'm headed west to Dolrunia. Is there anything you want me to tell Grandmama when I see her out there? You're. She was always a peach to me. The whole Blade family.

[Marisha Ray]

You.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Loy's always looked after us.

[Marisha Ray]

So tell her. No. It's okay. I've got this. Go be incredibly old together. You have earned it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The fact that you have compared me to the advanced age of your.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And we say Grandma. But it's not Grandma.

[Marisha Ray]

It's not Grandma. There are so many generations. But she looks great.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

When they call it the Circle of Ancients. They're really not kidding. She looks and says. And just leans in looking over the shoulder at octys. And she just sort of narrows her eyes and says, the Taconis kid. Do the Ancients know you're working with. And you see, she stops herself before she says. One of them.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. Immediate.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No.

[Marisha Ray]

Fiazzi needed something. That fucking box from Venatus. We were thrown together. But he's a good kid.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

All right. If you say so. I trust your insight. I just. That little dead fox running around. Seems like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

Problem is every noble family. These sundered houses. Whatever's happening here will come for the rest. We're running out of friends.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I say we're running out of time.

[Marisha Ray]

Make some new ones.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Eyes completely whited out as just sitting in a chair. All my senses are in pin.

[Marisha Ray]

That's so fucking weird.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You see, the old belle dame of the theater is like. I always find it distasteful when a gentleman doesn't help when there's cleaning going on. Pitch back. You see? You can tell he's a noble. He's not lifting a finger. You see? Loza looks back over it and Cat again specifically. And goes. You been all right? Well, yeah. I've been just beachy. How about you Look a little worse for wear these days.

[Marisha Ray]

Everyone says that to you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Maybe take the note now. I can't discipline her. All right? Her family built the swords that came. Killed the God of war. You on the other hand I will smack at a funeral, no question. No, I know, I heard it. I just took an opening, you see. You see, she just smiles and says, it's good to see you. It's good to see you too. I'm headed west to Green Vines, White Orchards, my family's old farm. Would do me good to know that the banner was still looking out for each other. And here she reaches and says, here, let's head to the inn. We'll head on out. I think as you step out, Teor. She reaches into a interior lining as she's walking with you and says, I'll head out before you wake tomorrow. I'll get out before first light and hands a small scroll case to you. You've seen it amongst her effects for a long time, but she passes it to it's been 12 years since we had to disband as a condition of our, what do they call it, Amnesty or clemency. So we disband it, but I could never get rid of it, you see. She opens it up and you see tattered and threadbare half of a banner.

[Liam O'Brien]

This. You've had this on your person this entire time? Who would you like me to make sure this gets to?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm looking at him. Oh. Cadigan laughs and just claps Teyr on the back and makes his way toward Diazi's coffin while they finish their conversation. I don't know that it'll ever fly again, but I know of everyone who would know if the time ever came. There are things, gifts of yours, Teor, that you have, that I know I can't explain, and I bet you can't either. Just hold onto it. I just. And you see, she looks over at all of the treasures around the on Thiazzi's body. Some things have to go into the shadow, and some things are so important that even in darkness they can't be thrown away.

[Liam O'Brien]

Thank you for everything. I hope the vines of the west repel you with their calm and their peace.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think I'm gonna go fucking crazy, but my knees hurt so what can you do?

[Liam O'Brien]

And.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think as you depart, I think we'll say goodbye to our funeral here and move to the next day, if that's okay, as Baelis leaves.

[Matthew Mercer]

You know, I know it's cold comfort in light of you looking for your special rock, but please take some of these pastries. I really have way too many and we're not going to eat them all.

[Marisha Ray]

I've learned for all of the years that I've been Alive. That sugar is very bad for you. What?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Aren't you immortal?

[Matthew Mercer]

I insist.

[Marisha Ray]

Sort of also.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Calm down.

[Marisha Ray]

Where are you going? I.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Do.

[Marisha Ray]

You need a place to stay? I don't have to stay here. I've got you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Take the fuck.

[Marisha Ray]

Take the pastries.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I got you.

[Matthew Mercer]

And I'm not offering. If you bring that level of threat into my house, near my family again, I promise you, you will live to regret it. Good night.

[Marisha Ray]

Let's shake on it.

[Matthew Mercer]

I put a whole tray of pastries.

[Marisha Ray]

I start. As I walk away, I just leave the pastries on the porch and I sit at the end of the house and I stay there outside for the night.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Not needing rest. You purge in the shadows like a gargoyle, observing the home. You see, I think as she steps out Allgood, your partner over at you, Hal, and goes, if I couldn't eat sugar, I wouldn't want to live another day, let alone centuries.

[Matthew Mercer]

And that is what is wrong with religion.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You see. No sugar Glade. We move from this place and I'll ask everybody except Travis to please depart from the cave. Can we please bring salmon Will Whitney to the table?

[Liam O'Brien]

Feeling comes.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Feel inside. Feel inside.

[Marisha Ray]

If you feel a vibe, go with it. See what happens.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Feel a tickle.

[Marisha Ray]

That's me. It's him.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, the taking and bringing stuff.

[Marisha Ray]

I know, I know, I know, I know, I know.

[Matthew Mercer]

Bust your own tables, folks.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I can't. I can't sit.

[Marisha Ray]

This is going to make me cull my dice collection. All right.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

In the high western ward of the city of Dolmakyar, in the neighborhood of Mirzash, the Via Aurora, the home of the candescent creed. The house of Haylvar is built here in this gorgeous place. Sam, let me ask you if you have any thoughts about how your family would appoint their beautiful home here in the gray city of Dolmachyar.

[Matthew Mercer]

Had not thought of that.

[Marisha Ray]

But.

[Matthew Mercer]

But let's just say that everything is made of white stone or off white stone, built tall, with maybe a central tower or something that has glass prismatic top to it. And on top of it is the symbol of the candescent core, which is sort of like a C shape with rays of the sun coming out of it. Some security around the perimeter of the Via Aurora, but not like heavily super armed guards. They are serene looking with teal robes and you know, they don't want to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Be scary gorgeous walking through a palatial set of windows. One of those exterior almost like Versailles hallways, where it's just enormous window, window, window. The very tops of which have in gold stained glass, the candescent symbol, and then panes of sheer glass. You can see that the normal gray of Dolmak Yar is even slightly alchemically boosted by that gold stained glass, almost like solar lamps. So that within this, there's a little more sunlight coming in than there would otherwise be in Dhul Makyar. Walking down the hallway to answer an appointment at the front gate is the aspirant Tyranny. Tyranny. As you tread the hall by herself. Oh, great. As you tread to go. How is tyranny feeling as she approaches the first?

[Marisha Ray]

I feel good. I mean, I think that last night it didn't go great, but at least Wick got his scimitar. And I think everybody kind of understood that his intentions were good. I'm glad I got him out of there before he got his ass kicked by Lady Aranessa. So I feel all right. Yes, it's really hot in these halls.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As you are walking along with the solar heat coming from the stained glass, you hear a voice to the side walking out of another hallway joins you. Your towering sister Enmity, who is flanked by your other sister, who's a little bit shorter than you, but just stunning. Ruby red lips, small pronged silvery horns, this sort of whipping tail behind her. This is your sister, Cruelty. Cruelty turns to you and goes, tyranny. How'd it go last night? I heard you had to deliver a sword.

[Marisha Ray]

Hi, sister.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hi.

[Marisha Ray]

Ever bright, ever light.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Sure.

[Marisha Ray]

It went okay? Yeah, we gave the sword.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, good. I'm glad you gave it. It's so good for the Lord Wicander to show up at the funeral of someone we just executed. I'm sure it sends a clear message about where our values are. Agony, where are you? And you see that your last sort of small sister, who is very waver. She doesn't look that big. And you see that for being a demon, has spectacles on. And her white robes are much more monkish, sort of like hide her figure. She goes, coming. She's got bright blue skin. Gah. And just hits the deck, Goes.

[Marisha Ray]

Hi, Agony.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hi. How you doing? You okay?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, I'm okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

She gets up. I think I chipped a tooth. Enmity turns and says, the Lord Wakanda, did he acquit himself honorably at the funeral? Did he aspire to the heights of the creed?

[Marisha Ray]

I mean, he sure told everybody to call him by his big boy name. He said he's sorry. I think that he feels really bad, to be honest.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And he is still as devout as ever, he believes in light.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, he believes.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

How far? Fine. You think that's fun, don't you? I mean, he's supposed to be the face of the house, so, I mean, it's sort of lovely in a way that he holds true to those tenets of the whispered light.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, I think that it is. I think it's really fun that he believes in something. I think that he. Well, I know he's the only one, so I don't want to touch it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Are you nervous about. No. You see, Amity says you feel as though your very essence shudders at the approach of some catastrophe.

[Marisha Ray]

Listen, man, I just think that we're here to help and think that your guys are, like, a little bit more cut out for this kind of thing than Wick is and.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I don't know, help Tyranny. Who do you imagine I'm here to help? You see, Cruelty says, yeah, the mortal world is so much more confusing than the pit. It's just important to keep perspective, don't you think?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, I have perspective here to help the family and get them to where they are supposed to be.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You see, Cruelty says, Great. Glad we're on the same page. And Mitty says, we'll leave you to your work. We have other more pressing matters. Tyranny. See that you remember. And you see that she lowers a clawed finger and puts it right on your clavicle here, and digs in enough to draw blood that turns to smoke. Remember where you are from. Her eyes glow red and what you are.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. And by the way, I made a friend last night. As if you care. Her name's Tycha. She's really cool. She's in love.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So you see that? Agony turns around and says, you made a friend? Yeah, I made a. Oh, good. We'll be able to use her to our ends. Right? Oh, sorry. And you see, Emmy says, agony, now with me, whips around and begins to leave as Cruelty sort of waves at you. And Agony trips on her robe and clips against a sort of shell.

[Matthew Mercer]

God.

[Marisha Ray]

Ah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And just gets enmity. Swoops down with a massive clawed hand and just starts to drag Agony down the hallway.

[Liam O'Brien]

Gotta get her a helmet.

[Marisha Ray]

So much.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Proceeding down the hallway, you arrive at the front door. The door opens, revealing Teor Pridesire, with guards on either side. Esperance. Tyranny. Presenting Teor Pridesire, mercenary errant, and, I believe, a compatriot of Loza Blade, a warrior of some renown here in the city of Dormachia, for audience with His Lordship the bright Wicander.

[Marisha Ray]

Sup?

[Liam O'Brien]

It's good to see you again.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. Thanks for coming to the house of the C.C. may the beam reach you.

[Liam O'Brien]

The C.C.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh yeah, the candy creed.

[Liam O'Brien]

The candy cream. Yep, got it. Ah, the candescent cream. How was the rest of your evening after your departure? I take it that the light priest.

[Marisha Ray]

Is well, he is decompressing. Ever strong. He had a really. You know, everyone had sort of a tense day and you know, he went to his cor quarters. I think that all in all pretty good. I think. Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

He looked most distraught as he left. I was only wondering if perhaps a chance for conversation might alleviate any concerns he could possibly be holding onto and maybe shed some light on how such horrible tragedy could be avoided in the future.

[Marisha Ray]

I think he'd love that. I think he has a lot to say. Should I go get him?

[Liam O'Brien]

If you would be so kind. Then my time is yours.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay. Well, I trot down. Clomp clomp clomp clomp clomp clomp.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We see Lord Wicander's. I suppose offices are studying. What does Wickander's work area look like?

[Matthew Mercer]

Sure, yes, I guess he probably has living quarters and study sort of connected in sort of a suite. From behind the closed doors you hear a fumbling and a clanging and he'll throw open the door and you. Tyranny. Notice that his mantle is sort of on backwards. Oh, hello.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hello.

[Matthew Mercer]

Behind him you can see his offices. There's a large desk. There's some paintings of different family members. Some busts. Scripture, lots of scripture everywhere. Scrolls, some handwritten, some seems more bound. And of course, of course behind him a large, not stained glass but prismatic glass window looking out into a courtyard beyond. He looks a little bit disheveled and. Oh, hello. May the beam reach you. How was I? What time is it?

[Marisha Ray]

Are you okay?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes, I was just. I had a rough night last night and I was. I barely slept. It was just such a. I've never had so many people angry at me before, you know?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. Yeah, you almost got your ass kicked too. It's a good thing I puked.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes, it was fortuitous that you got us out of there. But I must say, tyranny at a ceremony, a function like that, an aspirant is meant to protect, observe and obey. Always remember. P o O P o o. Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

All right. Well, thank you for that wisdom. Your radiance. It's really good to see that you are still on the ball in terms of teaching me a lesson. And I have come to Bring you a message. This really big guy that wants to see you, he's very furry, and he looks like he's got really big, strong hands.

[Liam O'Brien]

Oh, dear.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wait, is this the gentleman from last night?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, Teor. Teor before. Hey, listen, he wants to hear you out, and so I assume that you're going to say something.

[Matthew Mercer]

He's a big, strong fighter man, right?

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

What do I do with that?

[Marisha Ray]

I think that you. Okay. I adjust his robes and I say, okay, just take a breath and know that this is a good thing. Right? Because you went in basically to the lion's den and everyone was really, really mad at you. And you managed to not get yourself or me killed, which I appreciate, and sort of just, you know, communicate that this was not to your intention. And so I think that having an audience right now is a good thing.

[Matthew Mercer]

So, yes, he's probably come to make allyship with us. Knowing the strength and the reputation of the Haylovars. He wants my assistance in something or wants to offer his blade to us. And I will gladly accept it. I'll make him ask a few times.

[Marisha Ray]

No, but, yes.

[Matthew Mercer]

Maybe we can find. Find him something to do. I will say this just always trying to be a guide to you into the lion's den might be offensive to his kind. So maybe just don't. I don't know. I don't know how their people work.

[Marisha Ray]

You're so correct for that. And I just wanted to say before we go, the light is all illumination, sparks of faith.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm glad that you're studying.

[Marisha Ray]

There's something in here about. There's something in here about.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You both hear an enormous crash outside. Oh.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, dear. We run out to find out what it is.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Teor. Outside. This place is kind of wild because it's palatial. But you see, there's a huge lowering pathway, gravel strewn. Everything in here is white imported stone gravel. It's like looking out, you see a wagon coming up this from a lower area underneath the palace. There's sort of a walled drive that goes down and a large wagon that you see has the symbol not of the candescent creed, but an older symbol of the house Hailovar that shares some of the same iconography. It's a little bit hard to tell where the faith begins and the noble.

[Liam O'Brien]

House ends, but I would recognize some of House Hailovar.

[Matthew Mercer]

Not as much.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The yes comes out and you see struggling up the driveway. You see, it's heavy. It's low down on the wheels. Someone forgot to fasten the back a Crate slides out, coming up the ramp from down below, lands on someone's foot like one of the workers. And as it does, you see a bone break and something shatters. And this glowing white liquid seeps out through the wooden box and badly burns their leg. They're on the ground rolling and kind of like screaming.

[Liam O'Brien]

I will run over to him immediately. Steady yourself. Can I lift this crate up with.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes, go ahead and give me an Athletics. It's just a DC. We'll call it a DC5. Honestly, just get this crate off.

[Liam O'Brien]

That is a.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

That is a gigantic natural 20.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wow.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Natural 20. I'll say on a natural 20 if you also want to. Yes. You toss this thing off of him and I'll say in the same action if you want to. Also if you have any other abilities you want. You see, he's like, yes. Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

I would lift and also just do a very lay on hands just to try and do a little heal to ease some of his pain.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wick we run out as you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

As you. As you exit the door, you step out into the courtyard and see Teor Pridesire on a NAT20 single handedly lift this crate over his head and reach down. A lion headed emblem at his side glows radiant with light. As you see light extend from his paw. And you watch this man heal an injured guard here in the courtyard. I think on that nat 20. Nat 20 is crazy. On a nat 20 the cloudy city of Dolmak Yar. Momentarily there's a breakthrough and the wagon and surroundings, and Teor in particular are bathed in sunlight. In this moment. As you exit the courtyard, I will.

[Matthew Mercer]

I was rushing out to see what the commotion was, but upon seeing this, the breath is taken out of me and I momentarily stumble and have to just lean on tyranny for a moment because I'm so taken by the almost painterly beauty of the moment. And clearly this man has been touched.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'll also stand and rise and as I turn.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh shit.

[Liam O'Brien]

Mane kind of hits in the wind and the gold of my eyes sort of fades post nat20.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Whoa.

[Marisha Ray]

That was so cool.

[Matthew Mercer]

That was very cool. Yes. What seems to be going on out here?

[Liam O'Brien]

Just a moment and I'll help up.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The hand looks up and says, thank you kindly, sir. Are you. Are you a priest of the light?

[Liam O'Brien]

A friend of the light?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Pleasure, sir. Thank you. That's marvelous. I was worried I lose my leg.

[Liam O'Brien]

They have you transporting horribly hazardous. Lick buttons. What one this that you were moving?

[Matthew Mercer]

It's nothing. No concern of yours. It's just Church business.

[Liam O'Brien]

Church business.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Sorry. The gentleman. Lord Wakander healed my leg so I won't have to miss a shift to work. Everything will be all right. You won't have to worry.

[Matthew Mercer]

Not just take this where it's going to my father or the Lord.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Goddard has already said everything's well to do. We're to ship this out to Azir first thing tomorrow. We're moving it down to Caravan Hill right now.

[Matthew Mercer]

Make it so. Have a bright. Have a ride.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

May the beam reach you, my lord. Thank you so much. I'm sorry for being injured.

[Matthew Mercer]

You see, he accepted.

[Liam O'Brien]

It is a truly wonderful thing to have people that are so devoted to you in their service. You must be an incredible man to work for.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, the best.

[Matthew Mercer]

Please, Tyranny, I must remain humble. Some have called me a great man to work for. Sure. But I don't hear that, nor do I acknowledge it. It's just who I am. And who we all aspire to be.

[Liam O'Brien]

It is wonderful to see you again. Please allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Teor Bridesire. And when I grasp his, it is iron tight and does not let go.

[Matthew Mercer]

Mine is like a raw cut of veal, just sort of clammy and soft.

[Liam O'Brien]

I see one of his pinkies just flirting with the idea of dislocation, but just kind of keeping it there. I was so moved by your concern last night and the raw, pure emotion that you showed over my. My friend, my fellow comrade. And I wanted to thank you for that and see if we could speak a bit further about what it was that was making you so upset.

[Matthew Mercer]

Tyranny.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Offer him your hand.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, can I also shake your hand, actually. This is great.

[Liam O'Brien]

Hi, Tyranny.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Wow.

[Marisha Ray]

Your hands are so big and rough. His hands are so soft. It's crazy soft.

[Matthew Mercer]

Soft with the holiness of the creed. Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you. And yes, thank you for coming. I'm sure we can find a way to assist each other. I can guide you in any way you need to go. And perhaps you could be of assistance to my family as well.

[Liam O'Brien]

I would be very open to any such suggestion. I came here to serve the Loza Blade. But obviously my brother and others that know the Ozzy have. Well, we have been waylaid by this. It is hard to know what to do next. But I saw in you a kindred light.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

A feeling that answers lie in that light. And I knew that if I found you, I could find someone that would help me guide the others to that light.

[Matthew Mercer]

You see, Tyranny, when you carry yourself with goodness and justice, others see it, respect it, and home in on it. Always carry yourself with respect. Self respect.

[Marisha Ray]

Understood? Uranians?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes. I'm sure I can guide you to somewhere where your true heart can do its. A friend of the light is a friend of mine. And please, come inside with us.

[Liam O'Brien]

Thank you. That's most kind.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You enter into the manor and arrive up at your study. The Via Aurora is beautifully appointed and you have a little bit of privacy here to discuss.

[Matthew Mercer]

Well, if I may ask, how were you friends with the. The Aussie?

[Liam O'Brien]

Do you mind if I make myself comfortable?

[Matthew Mercer]

Sure, go ahead.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'll reach back and take the shield that's on my back and take it off. And underneath it you'll see a giant golden flail with an angled head underneath it. And when I put it down, it weighs a lot. Oh, that's much better. The Aussie was a friend, but also a mental. I looked up to him in the torn manner of the Falconer's Rebellion. It meant a lot to me and the people that I served with. But we had gone our separate ways over the years and Eloza, Blade and I were coming back to Dolmakyar and we meant to find him. And my brother, Cid. Do you know him?

[Matthew Mercer]

Do I know Cid?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Cid Pridesart. Give me a history check. Call it a difficulty. 20.

[Liam O'Brien]

Helsudimir.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, nice. History. 16.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

16. The name. The name Pridesire rings a bell. I'll say. On a 16 history. The Falconer's Rebellion. I forget how old Wick is. How old is wick?

[Matthew Mercer]

He's only 28. 29.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So you would have been a kid at the end of the Falconer's Rebellion. The torn banner, you know, on a scene. Which meant that this mercenary in front of you fought on the other side of the war from your family.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh. Oh, dear. Well, forgiveness is one of our central tenets. Do you still harbor resentment or ill will towards the noble houses?

[Liam O'Brien]

Of course not. No. Such things are the ways of the past. All of that has been no remedied. And new power has been instilled, has it not?

[Matthew Mercer]

It has, yes. And we are to bury the old hatchets and move forward with friendship and partnership with even those who fought against us. That's why Tyranny and her sisters work with us, they former shadows. Our faith believes that the light can burn through any shadow. And she and her sisters were once demons.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, I still am a demon, technically, but I'm on my way.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

How redemptive. How many sisters do you have.

[Marisha Ray]

I have three sisters.

[Liam O'Brien]

A handful, to be sure.

[Matthew Mercer]

Do you have siblings besides Sid?

[Liam O'Brien]

Just my brother.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

A small knock on the door, and then, without waiting for a response, the door opens. A number of servants out there, and the foetarch, Vanessa, walks in. Your grandmother? Grandma, yes.

[Matthew Mercer]

I pick up my cane and sort of comport myself.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, she walks in and says, Right, Wick, we need to talk. Hello. And who are you, my friend?

[Liam O'Brien]

I am Teor Pry. Alright. Sire. It is a pleasure to be in your presence. Fotarch.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I understand that there was an accident outside, and that you healed one of our porters.

[Matthew Mercer]

We've not only healed with radiance, he might be luminous or some sort of light touched.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Are you one of the luminous? Are you one of the faithful?

[Liam O'Brien]

This term is new to me. I admit I am new to the candescent creed, but tales of your light has spread far and wide outside of Dolmakjar. I had journeyed into the city to learn more.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Give me, if you feel so inclined to deception or persuasion.

[Liam O'Brien]

Each one of those is better. Oh, it's not going to matter either way.

[Matthew Mercer]

5.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

5. She looks at you and says, how wonderful that news of our order has reached. That the light spreads as it must and always shall. A warrior gifted with innate connection to the light itself. Might I ask. I looked on her register that the inimitable Loza Blade, whose reputation far precedes her, had made an appointment with you.

[Matthew Mercer]

She vouched for Teor here.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, the house Taconis, having arrived for the somber and tragic execution, are currently present, and they believe there may be some danger afoot in the city. I think a bolstering of house security may be prudent. I hate to think of such things. I wish only that peace and justice prudent in the hearts of all. But until such time as the light can fully spread, such that none seek violent response, I think it might be worthy of us to take the word of one such as Loza Blade. If it's all right with you that we increase your security detail, my grandson.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm, of course, more than capable of defending myself. And with tyranny at my side, I have even more protection. However. Absolutely, Fotarch, if you recommend even more security.

[Liam O'Brien]

Fotarch, if I might be so bold. Loza Blade is, well, to be fair, a fan of this honored household. Despite our past differences, we see the good that's been laid and the time spent. If I may, I would like to put my name forward is perhaps a consideration for that protection.

[Matthew Mercer]

I would like dangerous times. And a sturdy fellow is offering himself. That's fortuitous.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, let's take Master Pride, sire servant. Let's say that Master Pridesire is. First of all. Can we not supply a drink or some food or something of that for Master Pridesire?

[Marisha Ray]

That's on me.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Go ahead and take him and we'll send Sir Felonious to you. That would be Mickwick. He's uncle, our head of security.

[Liam O'Brien]

Sir Felonious. Wonderful.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And we'll have that all settled. Thank you so much. The light, as always, moves in all directions. And it is simply for us to open our arms and receive it. Thank you.

[Liam O'Brien]

Thank you, Fotarch.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

See the young Master Pratt's eye to some food aspirant.

[Marisha Ray]

Ah, yes. Photography. Yanessa. All right, let's go get snackies. Are you okay?

[Matthew Mercer]

I think so, yes. Yes, thank you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You are shuttled out. The door closes, so it is just Yanessa and Wakander. Yanessa turns to you and says, get rid of the elf throw rug, would you?

[Matthew Mercer]

The cat man?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, he's up to some funny business. Look, I got no such thing. Why don't you kind of open your eyes and realize that our ass has got enemies loath of play. Was the commander of the torn Banner. Yes, that is the hanged as traitors.

[Matthew Mercer]

I thought that we. We had let bygones be bygones. And we're moving forward with. With friendship.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And there are no bygones. There are never bygones. But everything is another drumbeat of a drum that's been ringing since the dawn of time. The Hail of Oz were the house of priests second only to the royal house of Obra Demia. We were the Golden Crowned. And then the Shapers war cast our homeland into eternal darkness, one after the other. Where the gods fell, the Barrow Dells rose. This. This world is half poisoned. Wastelands, ruins, magic, chaos, eternal night. That's the thanks for killing the gods. And you're gonna let one of those torn banner walk in here and what ask you about why Theozy Fang is dead? This whole plan has been a mistake. This whole plan has been a mistake.

[Matthew Mercer]

Now, I'm sorry. I'm sorry if I've done something. But what plan are you talking about? I thought we were going to spare Thiazi. To show our goodness to the people of this fine city. To earn some of the forgiveness that is baked into our seven shining tenets. If forgiveness is one of them. I thought we were meant to forgive people like the Torn Banner. And like Thiazi Why couldn't we have spared his life?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

The Taconis are moving, and we need to move and keep up. Do you understand? They are our closest allies. Sure. And that means that our backs are right within reach of their knives. Oh, why are they still so strong? Their lands destroyed and sundered halfway between Stormwrack and eternal night. Why? What moves are they making on boards we can't see? Fiazi had to die because the Taconis wanted him to die. And right now we need them close. I still can't get my eyes on what exactly it is that they can do. You. I've done you wrong. I've betrayed you.

[Matthew Mercer]

No, not you. No.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No. No.

[Matthew Mercer]

No. You speak only truth.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I thought. I thought it would be of great benefit to our house that our scion should walk only in the light. But there's nothing solid that doesn't cast a shadow. Yes, I made a mistake and I've been making it. And it's time to set things right. Don't make any plans for tonight when your father returns. Friends, it's time for you to know the truth.

[Matthew Mercer]

You mean to promote me?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, Wiki, you get promoted and she opens the door and leaves. And that's where we'll take our break.

[Liam O'Brien]

Yeah, Wiki, you're getting promoted.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And that's where we'll leave our story for now. Part two of this episode of Campaign 4 drops this Tuesday. Thanks for listening and we'll see you soon for more critical role.