Hand & Wheel | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 19 Part 1

Summary

Critical Role – Campaign 4, Episode 19 Part 1: “Hand & Wheel”

Podcast Air Date: March 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Critical Role, hosted by Brennan Lee Mulligan, marks the nineteenth installment in Campaign 4’s ever-deepening tale. Set in the tumultuous, magic-laced world of Ahriman, the party finds themselves embroiled in intrigue, grief, and political uncertainty as the ripple effects of Thiazi Fang’s execution reverberate through the city of Dolmachyar. The episode weaves together moments of personal reckoning at a snowy mountain campfire, the navigation of city politics by the surviving heroes, and mysterious developments involving forged spell glyphs, all leading toward a tense night under watchful eyes.

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Key Story Threads & Discussions

1. Grief and Friendship at the Campfire [02:22–07:47]

• Setting: A cold night in the Cavorosi mountains, the party—Teor, Cadigan, Catagan, Thimble, Belair—takes shift at camp, with slept companions and the petrified body of Telsidimir Pride Sire in their carriage.
• Discussion: Catagan and Cadigan reflect on their journey, haunted by memories and regrets.
  • Cadigan wrestles with a recent painful loss involving “Mariana,” expressing bitterness and the emptiness of past adventures (“Is it still an adventure if you find the treasure and you lose it? Or is it just a sad fucking life?” – Cadigan, [06:19]).
  • Catagan gently inquires about Cadigan’s past, showing empathy and camaraderie.
  • Both characters demonstrate vulnerability—Catagan apologizes for only now asking about Mariana: “Sorry it took so long.” ([08:28]).

2. The Dead Man’s Letter and Unraveling Riddles [09:20–14:00]

• Thimble inventories possessions, pondering a possibly cursed letter meant for the late Thiazi.
• The group recalls a warning from Jouf, a fairy met twelve episodes prior: “It’s bad luck carrying a dead man’s letter. Oh, shit.” ([10:06])
• The letter contains cryptic instructions apparently meant for a clandestine operation: “…until a stable trinity of bridges are built, it is vital that the blood be protected…” ([11:50])
• The party deliberates on the possible meaning, but doubts their own ability: “There’s also the distinct possibility that we’re not smart enough to figure this out.” – Cadigan ([13:39])

3. City Intrigue & The Hand and Wheel Conspiracy [19:25–43:45]

• The scene shifts back to Dolmachyar, catching up with Murray, Azune, Hal, Belair, and the others as political tensions rise.
• Reflections on Thiazi Fang’s execution linger for Hal and his circle. The group assesses the situation with the spell glyphs—one genuine, one a high-quality forgery—believed linked to tangled merchant and magical interests.
• Notable discovery: The “Hand & Wheel” emblem is traced to Oras’s merchant family. They reveal a wagon of blank spell glyphs was recently stolen, likely for illicit magical crafting ([37:16–38:18]).
  • “Whoever made [the forgery] has the ability to make real ones at scale.” – Oras ([40:02–40:56])
  • The real glyph has Fae influences, hinting at a deeper arcane conspiracy.
  • “Hand and wheel… This is us, Hand and wheel. Ceramic margins.” ([36:01]) – Oras ties the mystery directly to his family’s business.
  • The investigation uncovers a batch of paint amphorae—possibly magical in nature—bearing the same mark as the spell glyphs ([52:12–52:29]).
    • “There’s something magic about the paints. ...We gotta dump these gallons of paints and see what’s in them.” – Murray, [52:29]

4. Interpersonal Connections and Threads for the Coming Days [54:03–60:57]

• The party discusses next steps, including leveraging Octis’s signet ring and handwriting to orchestrate political misdirection.
• Plans form to investigate the mysterious paints and manage the fallout from the spell glyph theft.
• The need for money and support among the surviving bands of the Revolutionary Guard surfaces, as does anxiety about aligning or splitting the city’s fracturing factions.
  • “We need money. ...We can sell something on the black market... We’re already going to be raided anyway.” – Belair ([57:46])

5. A Tense Return Home and Unseen Threats [69:43–98:56]

• Hal and Azune’s Approach: After the group disperses, Hal and Azune walk in heavy silence toward Hal’s family home. Azune is caught in memories of Thiazi’s kindness and their youth.
• Supernatural Senses: Azune, on a natural 20 perception, senses danger before reaching Hal’s home—a noble carriage, house Hailifar’s, is parked across the street, seemingly surveilling the neighborhood ([76:32–81:40]).
• Stealth and Caution: The two carefully avoid approaching together. Azune offers quiet reassurance to Hal and bardic inspiration ([82:05]).
• Confrontation: Azune, acting as a Revolutionary Guard marshal, is questioned by Sir Fallonius Hailovar of the Lords Advisory, accompanied by imposing hounds. Azune deflects scrutiny with a deft deception check ([88:48–91:46]).
  • “We need more like you. More of the faithful that know that we cannot simply walk the path of the light. But we must be able to peer into the darkness. Good man.” – Sir Fallonius Hailovar ([91:12])
• Escape and Subterfuge: Hal stealthily enters through his daughter’s window; Azune uses illusions to mislead the pursuing dogs ([97:02–97:55]). The tension releases as both find sanctuary inside.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Cadigan on loss: “Is it still an adventure if you find the treasure and you lose it? Or is it just a sad fucking life?” ([06:19])
• Jouf’s warning: “It’s bad luck carrying a dead man’s letter. Oh, shit.” ([10:06])
• Investigating the letter: “There's also the distinct possibility that we're not smart enough to figure this out.” – Cadigan ([13:39])
• Oras on the glyphs: “Whoever made it has the ability to make real ones at scale… this is Hand and Wheel, ceramic margins.” ([36:01–40:02])
• Revelation about the paints: “There’s something magic about the paints. ...We gotta dump these gallons of paints and see what’s in them.” – Murray ([52:29])
• Sir Fallonius Hailovar: “We need more like you. More of the faithful that know that we cannot simply walk the path of the light. But we must be able to peer into the darkness.” ([91:12])
• Bardic inspiration: “I’m not my brother, but I have your back.” ([82:04])
• Azune’s illusion: “I weave my hands in the dark… and an illusion of a cat appears on the railing… and …the dogs tear off after this illusory cat.” ([97:12–97:55])

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Timeline of Important Segments

• Campfire discussion & past trauma: [03:42–08:29]
• The dead man’s letter & its cryptic message: [09:20–14:00]
• Dolmachyar intrigue & the Hand and Wheel: [19:25–43:45]
  • Identification of spell glyphs and forgeries (Hand & Wheel): [33:16–43:44]
  • Questions about magical paints: [52:12–53:08]
• Plans and rumors in the city: [54:03–60:57]
• Return to Hal’s home and danger sensed: [76:32–81:40]
• Stealth, interrogation, and infiltration: [87:00–98:47]
• Illusion & escape: [97:12–98:32]
• Episode ends/break: [98:56–99:02]

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Tone, Character, and Atmosphere

The tone is intense, atmospheric, and laced with gallows humor, camaraderie, and palpable grief. Moments of laughter intermingle with anxiety and dread, especially as protagonists realize the scale of political and magical subterfuge at play. The episode is marked by deft improvisation, memorable one-liners, and intricate character interplay—all familiar hallmarks of Critical Role.

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Next Steps

The party stands on the precipice of new investigations: the mystery of the magical paints, the source and intent of the forged glyphs, and the ever-tightening political noose. With old alliances fraying and dangers lurking in the city’s dark corners, the next episode promises more intrigue and revelations.

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End of Part 1. Part 2 will continue the story on Tuesday.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

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[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Why hello there, I'm Brennan Lee Mulligan and welcome to Campaign 4 of Critical Role. Thank you for joining us on this

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

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 the this upcoming Tuesday.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Our episodes typically arrive on the Critical Role Podcast network a week after our

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

initial Thursday night streams on Beacon, YouTube and Twitch. But if you'd rather listen to a

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

becoming a Beacon member.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You'll receive access to exclusive content discounts

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at all our online Critical Role shops,

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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

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

episode of Critical Role. On the Mountainside high in the peaks of the Cavorosi, the great mountains that separate the ancient empire of old Breadhmia from Kahad and indeed its easternmost metropolis, Dolmachyar, the city to which you now return. We find on a snowy cliffside, parked safely, a carriage containing your sleeping companions and the stone body of Telsidimir Pride. Sire. At the campfire, we find Teor and Kadigan keeping watch throughout the night. You are on the king's highway even in the dead of night in this dangerous turn high in the peaks, where on the other side of the road there is a steep drop some 200ft down into icy darkness. It is still possible that there will be travelers traveling these icy highways at night, and so some watch must be kept just to keep yourself safe. What state do we find our twin cats of the Falconer's Rebellion in here? Keeping.

[Character - Catagan]

I would have thought that after all this travel, I would feel a bit more secure in what we are doing and feel a bit more assurance in our accomplishments. But it is hard to feel safe.

[Character - Cadigan]

How many. How much time has passed since the tavern with tyranny?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It's probably been about six hours. Six or seven hours.

[Character - Cadigan]

Same day.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Same day.

[Character - Cadigan]

Same day, yeah. Cat again is thousand yard stare straight into the core of the fire, just locked in on the embers. But his hands are working furiously and he's carving out fresh bolts for his.

[Character - Catagan]

Yeah, my friend Cat again. You have always been a man of focus, but you seem particularly disturbed.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yeah, I'm just thinking about a hunt I gave up on a long time ago.

[Character - Catagan]

Give up on my friend? I admit I have been hesitant to ask. It has been so long, so. So many years. And of course, if it is better not to, then you can say the word and that will be forgotten.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Come on.

[Character - Cadigan]

You were never one to mince words. Out with it.

[Character - Catagan]

Before I saw you around the Aussie's body. The last time we met, you were off to find a new adventure with her. Mariana.

[Character - Cadigan]

Oh, man. It's like a gut punch. Twice in the same day.

[Character - Azune]

And

[Character - Cadigan]

Cadigan hasn't heard that name in years. Half a decade.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Fuck.

[Character - Cadigan]

It's twice in the same day.

[Character - Azune]

Okay, all right. Okay.

[Character - Catagan]

I seem to have struck a chord.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Sometimes you have to laugh the pain away.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yeah, yeah. Adventure, sure. All those years we spent fighting together, I. I never considered myself an adventurer. You're supposed to see glory or treasure or something in a. Is it still an adventure if you find the treasure and you lose it? Or is it just a sad fucking life? No, there's there's no adventure.

[Character - Catagan]

Lose it.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yeah. She's gone. Teal.

[Character - Catagan]

I am sorry to hear. I know how much she meant and what it cost you in order to.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yeah,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

yeah.

[Character - Catagan]

May I ask what happened? I mean, you moved heaven and earth to change the entire course of your life.

[Character - Cadigan]

No, no, fuck that. No man can move heaven and earth. A man can barely brush a tree branch aside. She was taken from me and there's nothing I can do about it. Can we leave it at that for now? Is that all right?

[Character - Catagan]

Of course.

[Character - Cadigan]

Maybe another day, another campfire.

[Character - Azune]

But

[Character - Cadigan]

thank you for asking. No one has ever asked.

[Character - Catagan]

Sorry it took so long.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yeah, well, it's all right. How do you think your brother's doing back there? Knock on the cart. Is he still with us in the cart?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Sid is sleeping soundly. Made of stone.

[Character - Thimble]

Chilling.

[Character - Catagan]

I think he's probably catching up on some much needed rest. Do you need anything, brother?

[Character - Belair]

Oh,

[Character - Cadigan]

no. I think he's all right.

[Character - Catagan]

He was never meant for the finer things. I feel like I should at least take some inventory of what we have. I was speaking with Thimble earlier about heading back into Do Machiar. It is not going to be easy stocking up.

[Character - Cadigan]

I'll keep whittling away at my bolts.

[Character - Thimble]

Can I grab just a little knapsack that I have, that's got a collection of stuff and just do a quick little inventory of what I've got?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The torn banner kept in its scroll case, given to you by Loza. Blade that gets its own spot. Your lion's head emblem you behold. I don't know if you're still wearing them after the bracers. Yes, yes.

[Character - Thimble]

I think I left them on after helping load up the brow.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You had an attempt at attuning to them with Thimble on the road back in Timini, and it did not go very well. You seem. You have to wonder if you haven't been somewhat cursed.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yeah. Or if there hasn't been some period

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

of unluck and the voice of a fairy comes back to you. It's bad luck carrying a dead man's letter. Oh, shit. Oh.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Oh, shit.

[Character - Belair]

Yes.

[Character - Marisha]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. For those viewers at home that don't mind, 12 episode callback. Oh, no. Wait, wait, wait, wait. The jof.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Jowf.

[Character - Murray]

Jowf.

[Character - Catagan]

Jouf.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Jowlf. The balka. He's sort of fairies that have a

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

dedicated animal form they can take.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Jouf was you met in Hawthorne's glade before you had even found the wraith tree.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Before you'd even gotten To Sloke.

[Character - Thimble]

He had the owl cloak.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He had the owl cloak.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He had sort of a jacket, like a long jacket hung over his shoulders

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that was in the form of sort of an owl's plumage and an owl like mass. So he had a little porcelain chin that seemed humanoid, but then this sort of like owl covering over his eyes and nose. We were separate for that, right? Yeah.

[Character - Azune]

We were off on different adventures.

[Character - Thimble]

Healed him because he had a kind of a fever or an illness or something.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

They had a broken wing.

[Character - Thimble]

And in return he asked if we knew Thiazi. We mentioned he passed and he said it's bad luck to hold a dead man's letter.

[Character - Catagan]

What's that? I forgot that this little.

[Character - Thimble]

This little owl fairy, he handed me

[Character - Catagan]

a letter for Thiazi.

[Character - Cadigan]

Are you ready yet?

[Character - Catagan]

No.

[Character - Cadigan]

Come on then. What are we waiting for?

[Character - Catagan]

Well, what is worse luck? Carrying a dead man's letter or reading

[Character - Thimble]

the dead man's letter?

[Character - Cadigan]

What the fuck are you talking about? Carrying a dead man's letter's bad luck, apparently.

[Character - Marisha]

Where'd you hear that?

[Character - Catagan]

Would explain the shit roles I've been having.

[Metro Customer 1]

I guess it can't get any fucking worse.

[Character - Catagan]

Oh, shit.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oh, shit.

[Character - Belair]

Oh, shit.

[Character - Unknown Narrator or Minor Character]

Okay, Shadow.

[Character - Thimble]

True Shadow, if all has gone well, you have the stone in hand, we'll need the steel. And you said you can convince her to reshape it into an anchor. If not, anyone in the family can make plowshares. Once it's done, the next step is to bring it to the field. Our wings are leading a charge across the border to draw the locals from the site. That hot shot I mentioned will meet you there and help prepare the arch from steel to stone. Please try to temper his confidence with pragmatism. Yes, I know. You are precisely the wrong person for that. Still remember, until a stable trinity of bridges are built, it is vital that the blood be protected. I trust that you have disguised it well. With any luck, the next time I see your face, we will have undone the damage of our first attempt. More than one door will be open to us from there. Until then, I search for suitable anchors for the remaining four. We may need more hands soon after. Signed, Professor.

[Character - Cadigan]

Professor. That's pretty cryptic without any context, isn't it? Ever was good at riddles. What do you think it means?

[Character - Catagan]

I. I don't know. But knowing that this came from someone of Thimble's background. I mean, we have to assume that it could be anything from Ferry. It could be some sort of a connection, some sort of subversion from.

[Character - Cadigan]

I never went to College, you know any professors?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

No. Right.

[Character - Catagan]

And also in a letter, they have to assume that it could be intercepted. So this is code.

[Character - Cadigan]

You think it's like a secret talk or something?

[Character - Catagan]

Has to be bridges,

[Character - Thimble]

wings, steel to stone and archway.

[Character - Cadigan]

There's also the distinct possibility that we're not smart enough to figure this out.

[Character - Catagan]

It's probably a fair possibility.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

We move out from this campfire as the snow blows over the two soldiers peering into the depth of conspiracy.

[Character - Thimble]

It's between us.

[Character - Catagan]

We're dumb as fuck.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Check my stats.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It's okay. Me too.

[Character - Azune]

Me too.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Okay, good, good.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

However, Katigan's instinct that the letter or Sorry, I believe Teor mentioned that the letter being intercepted would have had to have been a thought that occurred to the one writing it.

[Character - Cadigan]

And

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

it occurs to you that a letter bound for Thiazi Fang does not bear his name, merely the word shadow. We will discover more of these secrets

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

on another episode of Critical Role.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

We'll see you then.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Hello and welcome back to the Critical Role Announcement Playhouse.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

There, I hit it.

[Character - Cadigan]

Before we get into tonight's episode of

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Naramon, we do have some announcements to get through. Tell us.

[Character - Marisha]

Well, we recently announced a brand new partnership with the wondrous board game publishers at CGE to create a Critical Role version of of codenames. This is a fully cooperative reimagining of the game where one player steps into the role of a gm, guiding their party with clues through perilous missions, each with its own twists and challenges. You'll get to build your party with iconic heroes from all three Critical Role campaigns and journey through three separate adventures where you'll level up your characters, unlock unique abilities and even equip items as you progress. Pre order codenames. Critical Role Adventures now [e-mail] and look forward to expansion packs dropping at Gen Con.

[Character - Azune]

Wow.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yeah, awesome games.

[Character - Marisha]

Very logical.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think that concludes our announcements. So with that being said, let's all set a question.

[Character - Azune]

Oh yeah.

[Character - Murray]

Oh woah. The things I do for this company.

[Character - Azune]

Looks like last of us three down there.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Let's go back into Aramon, please.

[Metro Customer 1]

Oh joy. Another day, another buzz delayed.

[Metro Customer 2]

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You don't mind running late.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

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[Character - Unknown Narrator or Minor Character]

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[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

welcome to the first episode of the Schemers Table. Here. Critical role. Critical role. Literal coal. Literal cold. We return to Dolmakyar. That's right. We return to the beginning of the same week that we started six months ago.

[Character - Murray]

I've been slept in six months.

[Character - Marisha]

Who needs a short rest? We don't take short rests.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

We don't take long rest. We don't take long rest. We don't take short rest. We don't take any rest. True stun.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Unbelievable. We return now to the seven stars looking down at Hallendil Fang who has just been playing the harpsichord for a

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

laughing crowd of merry partygoers who have

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

returned from a strange reception at the Palazzo divinos.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The past 48 hours have been remarkably eventful.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The execution of Thiazi Fang, the holding of his Farav.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The quick departing of Cadogan Vale Teor Pride Sire Thimble with Wicander Hailovar and tyranny in tow, after discovering something horrifying

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that they did not share before making their way north to seek revenge on

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Kasimir Gavndale and to seek the rescue

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

or recovery of Thalcidamir Pridesire, Teor's younger brother.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The Seekers table headed east with the mother of Hal and her children, Tyisha

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Loy, heading with the late Octus Taconis in tow with Julian Davinos and the Elven warrior Valis headed east in search of the fate of the Royce family and the Divinos in the attack on their house by the dreaded house Taconis, as well as pursuing a vision across the veil held by Octys Taconis of an orcish warrior in a strange land in what looked like the ruins of old Obrademia, an orcish warrior that Tysha believed might well be your and her son Alagar. We return to those who hold some stake in this fair city.

[Character - Murray]

The employed table.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The employed table. Welcome to the employees table where you guys have just had after the night

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

where you discovered the empty Palazzo Divinos, where Azune asked a melted candle to

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

remember itself and followed the footsteps of

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

a spectral fox to the Loy estate where Murray and Balaire on. Ooh. A portentous, literally and figuratively, NAT20 created the first, at least in your understanding, of the history of Ahriman. The first Revenant or Hollow 1, the first undead that while not living, was fully possessed of its heart, mind and maybe soul. Tbd. You're welcome.

[Character - Murray]

The Nobel Peace Prize.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Give us the Nobel Peace Prize.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

After Dean Cora Kaplan Viserek's inauguration, Horondus Einfassen's dismissal of the bulk of the Revolutionary Guard, the Lady Amaria Dasan Cormoray's investigation with her own very hands of the pariah blade that Shay Claw used to kill the God of war, and Hal's day of rehearsal with his troupe at the hallowed round.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

By the way, Hal, let me ask you something. I actually have shout out to our

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

incredible lorekeepers, Dani Carr, and also to

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Jared for putting together. Jared put together an amazing timeline here.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Woo. The question I have for you is how many days is it until your play's opening night? Is it like a weekend? Is it like two weeks away? A week and a half away?

[Character - Azune]

I think it's just over. It's like seven or eight days away.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Seven or eight days away. I love that.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I'll go ahead.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah, we're gonna go now. We get box seats, cop tickets. I'm gonna go ahead and say, yeah. And now I'm gonna say that, yeah,

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

you've got it coming up maybe between

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

eight to ten days away. Sounds good to me.

[Character - Azune]

Theater countdown.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Theater countdown.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You are gathered here in this space

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

in the seven stars to talk about what is happening to your city. But also, this has just come up. We're going to return to the exact moment we left from our scene, I believe, in episode 11 to Azune and Murray at the top of the staircase, looking down at the common room, where

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Bolaire just pulled Hal away to speak of controversial changes to the play. Murray, you look at Azaneh, who has

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

just gotten this big question, which is Orys Blade, a merchant of a potter's company here in Dolmakyard, who just shared with you his suspicions around this strange gala at the Palazzo Divinos. Oras confided in you and said that there are many in the city who see Thiazi as one of theirs and that his execution is a bridge too far to stomach.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

That

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

essentially said, if I hear something, can I bring it here to Lockmir? As he said that, Azana, you looking at him break that sea invisibility spell glyph. Had to ask yourself, how did Thiazi know that the spell glyph was a dud if he didn't break it? What happened?

[Character - Murray]

I had detect magic up as well. So, yes, that was me and Azune having this little moment.

[P]

I have that glyph in my hand.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Mm.

[P]

And I show it to you, Murray, through the seam that's at the center of this. That's the part that it's there, so it's easy to break, right? He didn't break it.

[Character - Murray]

I didn't go to the execution based on principle alone. What did you see?

[P]

I saw him. He gave a speech, in a way, and he looked up. And then I kept waiting for him to disappear. And it never happened. And next thing I know, I see him hanging. Ah. Why wouldn't he try to break it? I need to talk to Hal. And I need to talk to that

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

guy that they're talking to that we saw break.

[Character - Murray]

Well, why don't we see if we can bring this guy upstairs? He seems like he could be a good ally, but we shouldn't talk about it down here.

[P]

No, I don't want to be seen down there. There's too many people that are noble, people that aren't normally here don't want to be seen by them.

[Character - Murray]

Is it smart to bring this stranger, this new guy, up into our little secret hideaway?

[P]

I pull out That I believe I have on my person is the actual glyph that Thimble was supposed to deliver to Thiazi. I need that man to take a look at these two glyphs. And they can only happen up here. It can't happen down there.

[Character - Murray]

All right, all right. I'll go get him. Just go upstairs, okay? And collect yourself. You're clearly flustered, so just take a deep breath. Give yourself a minute. All right. I go downstairs to Hallander Fang.

[Character - Belair]

Mm.

[Character - Azune]

It's been a minute. Where have we left off? Am I still at the harpsichord, or did Bolaire pull away?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I think that Bolair maybe pulled you away at this point. But you see that Oras is preparing to leave, nods at you across the bar, takes Camilla, his paramour, and they head off into the Night tower.

[Character - Murray]

Before he leaves. Before he leaves, I go downstairs. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I kind of grab him. I am trying to help our beloved Lockmir get a fresh keg out of the top. And it is just so. It's a little too heavy for my dainty little hands. Can I. I just need a couple strong men really quick to come in. Lifted box.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Happy, go ahead and give me a persuasion check.

[Character - Murray]

Okay. Okay. I'm gonna use this. I'm gonna use a fan. Gave me this as a Murray day. Okay. First thing, yeah?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yeah.

[Character - Murray]

Okay. What did you say? Persuasion.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Persuasion.

[Character - Murray]

That's not too bad. 15.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

15. Great.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He says, I'd be happy to help.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think on a 15 he agrees.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

But you see that Camilla over his shoulder goes. Need a big strong man to come help you.

[Character - Murray]

Yeah, I'm four foot two.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Convenient. You see?

[Character - Azune]

Oh, you got one strong man. And I'm here, too.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You see, Oras helps get the table

[Character - Murray]

up just real quick. If we can just go upstairs and just follow me really quick.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Just one little top of the stairs.

[P]

Got it.

[Character - Murray]

Top of the stairs. It'll be three seconds, sweetheart.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Mr. Fang, do you want to take the take back?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Should I go back up, or do

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

you want to go.

[Character - Azune]

I know this place. I'll go backwards.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Okay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And he gets up under you going up with the table?

[Character - Murray]

Yeah, I've just got to get it upstairs. I'm sorry, Belair, do you mind you helping us as well? Can have someone. Just need someone to hold the door open for us.

[Character - Belair]

No, of course. Yeah. One moment.

[Character - Murray]

All right, get this guy upstairs.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You walk upstairs, he sees Azune up here. And I think anyone who wants to

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

give me an insight check.

[Character - Belair]

Oh, always.

[P]

I'm always ready.

[Character - Catagan]

For that?

[P]

Yeah,

[Character - Murray]

you guys go for it.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Nope.

[Character - Azune]

Off of him.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Off of Oras.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah, I'm looking right at him. That sucks.

[Character - Belair]

That sucked.

[Character - Murray]

I'm trying to make people lift tables upstairs.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The one thing I do well, and I did it.

[Character - Belair]

7.

[P]

16.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

16.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You walk in. Here's the thing.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You're ready for it.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Because it's a look you see all the time. He walks in. This guy was just down there talking about hearing the Falcons cry with a notable actor and has been asked so suddenly to walk upstairs, and there's a

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

cop waiting for him.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

So you see, he goes,

[P]

relax, relax, relax. We're friends here.

[Character - Azune]

Oh, he's family.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oh, got it.

[Character - Azune]

You're all right.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Hello.

[Character - Murray]

Sure we can trust this guy?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Lieutenant.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Captain. Hello, Lieutenant. Lieutenant.

[P]

But that doesn't matter right now. Azunate. And your name?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

My name is Oris. My name is Oris.

[P]

I'm sorry to take you by surprise, but time is of the essence.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

What?

[P]

I saw you activate something below.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

That's actually.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

That wasn't mine.

[P]

That's okay. No one is going to report you. You're at ease here. We are friends.

[Character - Murray]

We need you to take a look at another one of those sigils that you have. If you don't mind, tell us if you recognize it.

[P]

I'm going to pull out. Well, I'm going to pull them both out.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

All right, what are we looking at here? He takes a look at both of them.

[P]

The glyph that I found on Thyazzi. That is apparently the false glyph, the fake and the real one that that Thimble was meant to hand to him. That would have activated the Misty Step.

[Character - Murray]

He didn't break it.

[Character - Azune]

Okay.

[Character - Murray]

The Aussie didn't break it.

[Character - Belair]

Really?

[Character - Murray]

Why?

[Character - Belair]

There's a lot of reasons why, if you think about it.

[Character - Murray]

Well,

[P]

investigating that right now.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Well, this one's a fake. And he holds up the one that was on Fiasi's person.

[P]

Okay. And this other one, I am actually watching him look at it because I'm wondering if it was his God.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He made it. Go ahead. Give me another insight check as you look at him in this moment.

[Character - Belair]

So, Murray, your detect magic is not up right now.

[Character - Murray]

It should still be up.

[Character - Belair]

Okay. So you would be able to see if some. May.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I lost foot.

[Character - Murray]

10 minutes and I just might be reaching the end, but it can't. Yeah.

[Character - Belair]

So you would be able to see if something wasn't what it said it was.

[Character - Murray]

Correct.

[P]

Since it's intentional, and I know that I am inviting him up. Would you allow me to guidance myself as I watch him.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yes, I will.

[Character - Cadigan]

Okay.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Okay.

[P]

Oh, no. That is a 10.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

A 10.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Okay.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He's looking at the glyphs. He says, this one is a forgery. It's just a little bit too dense in the hand, but it's been made to look exactly like spellgliff. Very high quality forgery. If I hadn't held a thousand of these, I wouldn't. It's very high quality forgery. That's very true.

[P]

Someone that has that ability.

[Character - Belair]

I know four people who have that ability. Five if you can count me the.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Well, it's just very interesting to put this amount of work into. The magic of. So both of these are meant to be spell glyphs for a short range traveling, skating across the interplay between fairy and Just outside of this realm where you can. My understanding is skate along the surface. And I'm not a magician myself, but I work with them to produce these. The issue is this one is a forgery that can't. This is too dense to hold this spell, but it's of a quality that it's meant to hold enchantment. So why wouldn't you just make it to hold the right.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

It's like this was made to be

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

enchanted with not this spell. It was made to be enchanted with something else.

[P]

I don't know.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I don't know what.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

But it's strange to. This is an expensive.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

This is an expensive forgery. And if you're making an expensive forgery, why not make the real thing? The people that would have the ability to make this. A forgery like this costs, I think, what, two gold pieces and five silver to produce. But the machinery needed to build it means you're losing money if you make less than 200. So in other words, not anybody with two and a half gold pieces could make that.

[Character - Murray]

You could buy the entire infrastructure or to buy the.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yes.

[Character - Belair]

Bloody 3D printers.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

So this on the other hand is. I. I think he just tosses it in his hand and goes. This is hand and wheel. This is us, Hand and wheel.

[P]

And two Wheel.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Hand and wheel. Ceramic margins.

[Character - Belair]

Have any of us heard of them before?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Hal. This is his family company. This is the.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

One of the many blade families.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Because blade is a very common surname. You wouldn't use it as the name of your merchant company.

[Character - Azune]

So is this like a well known.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

This is like business in woods. A well known business. This is like hardworking dolmachyar orcs that made that like had their own clay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Like clay quarry essentially, like off of

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Lake Nahanni this is like a. Everything gets sourced from the lake, everything gets made in town. They pay good wages.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

It's a pretty stand up thing.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And they've begun to ship out further afield. They have. Elodie introduced you to Oras's family at a gathering or function because she works in the same circles as them.

[Character - Murray]

Do you know of anyone else who would have that type of infrastructure, or at least access to that type of infrastructure in order to be able to make something like this?

[Character - Azune]

Or knowledge about Adoris? I understand you're just applying the raw material to press glyphs into.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Well, here's the issue. When we try to, for legal reasons, with the sundered houses, with the Chamber of Lords advisory, we now have to bring everything in house and it has to get all approved. However, they have specifically forbidden us from continuing to make this spellglyph. So anything that's still printed we can sell, but we can't make any new ones. However, about a week ago we had a wagon get knocked over on the way from the kiln to the press. So a bunch of blanks went missing about a week ago. We think it might have been Crow Keepers, you know. But you see, he looks at it again and says, There are some people in the arcane underground that pay a large amount of money for blanks,

[Character - Murray]

by the way. I just feel like it should be said, we were friends of Thiazzi, so we're not. We're trying to help. We're not gonna rat you out or anything like that.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

So far I haven't said anything other than public information. So I think that it's all. What I'll say is this. This glyph he points at the forgery would require tremendous wealth and private work areas to be able to produce this one. If my theory is correct and it's on a stolen blank could get put produced by just someone that knew how to carve the rune. I will also say, looking at this glyph work, there's a little bit of a flourish here which I. The seraphs placed on this, which is written in Brunyani. The seraphs don't normally go there if they're being done by an orcish spell artisan. An orcish magician reads a little fae to me.

[Character - Murray]

Right, right.

[P]

And this is the fake glyph that you're referring to?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oh no, he's referring to Thimble's one. The one that she got. That was supposed to be the real one.

[Character - Murray]

Oh yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

So the one that Thimble sourced He's

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

saying had some Fae component to it.

[Character - Azune]

And he's just finished talking about how these are often used for skating back and forth between Faye and.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah. He's describing essentially like a misty step

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

spell that this would have been like

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

a short range teleportation.

[Character - Murray]

And that's on the forgery or on the real one?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

That's on the real one.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The forgery's made to look like it's supposed to be misty step.

[Character - Murray]

Okay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The other one is a real misty step one.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He says.

[Character - Murray]

I see.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You see?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He looks and says essentially this is the genuine article. Even though it got made by a criminal. This one. This is. Someone stole a blank from us because we're not allowed to make this spell anymore. And it is dangerous. Long range teleportation will kill you. But the short range stuff is typically pretty safe. That is not our handwriting. So someone took a blank and put their own spell on it and they did it. I would guess sometime in the last week. This one over here is not a teleportation spellcliff. It's just made to look like one. But whoever made it has the ability to make real ones at scale.

[P]

Okay.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The fake ones. The fake one is expensive. The forgeries.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The real deal is stolen.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I know.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

That's sort of a cross.

[Character - Belair]

No, it's. It tracks.

[P]

So to keep my wires from crossing. The wagon that got knocked over was where they stole the blanks to make the forgery or was it where they stole the blanks?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I would guess azune that the wagon that got knocked over, the blanks were stolen to make the genuine

[Character - Belair]

like fake money. If you have the real printing pieces,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

it might as well be real.

[P]

I have another question for you. You clearly understand the weight of this fake one. It's very important that you don't break it. But can you assess whether it's breakable?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He looks at it.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Looks at the perforation on it. Says it's impossible to say with certainty unless I break it. But that appears to be a completely normal, although unenchanted spell glyph that appears to be breakable to me.

[Character - Azune]

Okay.

[Character - Belair]

Okay, I thought. But we'll save them for a moment.

[P]

What do you do with those pieces that you discard once you've used it?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oh, the broken pieces. They are safe to discard publicly. They don't. There's no possibility of re enchanting them once perfect.

[P]

Can I have those?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

My shards.

[P]

The ones that you've used up in your pocket.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He sort of blanches.

[Character - Murray]

He's not going to arrest You.

[P]

In fact, I want to make sure that this can't be traced back to you. Is there a way that you can scrub it a little bit so that it cannot be identified as something that came from your shop?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yep, absolutely. Yeah. And you see that he goes over, flips it onto this backside of the. The mark.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And you see that he looks over

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

and you see how he saw all this in that his finished one has

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

a small press of the sort of

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

emblem of the Hand and Wheel, which is his merchant company. He scrapes that small thing off and

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

you realize the one that Thimble had

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

with a real misty step cast into it, never went to the real printing press. And so it never got through.

[Character - Belair]

Never got the official.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Never got the official seal on it. You see, the other forgery also does not appear to have the emblem on it either, which is sort of a.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

So he takes his and scrapes his

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

emblem off, hands it to you.

[Character - Belair]

Look at you. You're paranoid. I'm so proud of you.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He looks at you and says, have I given offense to you in this moment?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Not at all.

[Character - Belair]

Quite the opposite.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Whatever this is, if Hand and Wheel is implicated in any of it, we will turn over our books. We have submitted records to the Revolutionary Guard of the wagon going missing. Everything we do is transparent and accountable to the city and to the Revolutionary Guard and Council.

[Character - Murray]

Yeah, quite the contrary. Everything that you're looking at right now is very off the books. So I would actually appreciate it very much, Mr. Oras, if you did not talk about this moment to anyone. It never happened. You understand?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I can see no advantage in sharing what has transpired as I helped move a table upstairs.

[Character - Murray]

Inside check. On that note, while he does that, inside check, I kick a crate really loudly next to me. Just go like, oh, man, you're going away. What a heavy bastard that is. And make a little bit more noise like, we're still moving shit around 12.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

12 insight. Oras seems to be on a 12.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Insight.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Orra seems to be a pretty cool customer who's very flustered because he's speaking to people that he doesn't understand why they are associated with each other.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He's speaking to one of the masked

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

curators of the Arkanade, a member of the Revolutionary Guard.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And I think that there's a little

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

bit of him going. He's in a state of peak because of this execution. And also you just heard him like, yeah, he's like, fiazzi's one of ours.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

But also this guy just told you,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

like, my company just had a Source of income outlawed.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

We just got told that we can't print.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

What do you mean we can't print this?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You know what I mean? So you can tell he has a genuine aversion to the sundered houses, but

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

he's gone from being in merchants quarters where they're like, well, it seems these sundered houses have no problems printing spell glyphs.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

What's good for the goose.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Clearly not so good for the gander.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think I have some strong words to share. And then came upstairs to a room

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

where four people were like, what do you know about crimes?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And he's like, ah, this was. I was more. I think on a 12 year. Like, this guy had more bravado, talking shit before he was in a shadowy aviary with a bunch of people being like, how do you know about this broken stuff? That was being broken. So you see, he is a man

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

who shares your alignments and ideologies, but maybe doesn't share your similar temperature of conviction. At this moment, I'm going to plant

[Character - Azune]

my hand on his shoulder. Boris, from fang to blade, you have our trust and I hope we have yours. You are safe here. We are located. I am looking for answers at a time of tragedy in my family's life. I thank you for your time.

[Character - Murray]

Damn, that sounds so cool for a thing to.

[Character - Belair]

And if you need anything, I assume you know where to find me.

[Character - Cadigan]

I owe you a favor.

[Character - Belair]

And especially if anyone. If anyone wonders how strong you are, if you were to carry a table or otherwise up a set of stairs at the end, they feel that you are not strong enough for such an endeavor, just let us know and we'll

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

take care of it.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He laughs With a help action from Valere.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Give me persuasion.

[Character - Azune]

Okay, Okay, that would be.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And with advantage because of the help action.

[Character - Cadigan]

Yep,

[Character - Azune]

way better. That would be 27.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oris smiles at you and goes,

[P]

I

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

am very glad to know. I am sorry to have not made your acquaintance, madam. Nor yours yet, sir. But the fact that there are professors, curators, merchants and thespians all here in this attic sharing common cause is testament to how truly lawless and reckless these Lords advisory have become. So I wish you a pleasant, safe and fruitful evening. Thank you.

[Character - Murray]

And remember, if you say anything, I'm gonna tell your lady that you tried to kiss me.

[Character - Cadigan]

Hup.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He turns around and walks out of the. I feel like you could do better. Huh?

[Character - Belair]

I feel like you could do better.

[Character - Murray]

Fuck off, Belair.

[Character - Belair]

No, I mean really. That's barely a threat.

[Character - Murray]

It's not about him. It's about his jealous little you see

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

little tater tot that he has quickly heads to you guys from the open aviary. See him walking out on the street

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

and Camilla's like trying to find the best corner for that table. You're up there for a half hour

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

and you see walks off.

[Metro Customer 1]

Oh joy. Another day, another buzz delayed.

[Metro Customer 2]

Look on the bright side, you can finally catch up on podcasts.

[Metro Customer 1]

You don't mind running late.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

What's your deal?

[Metro Customer 2]

What's my deal? I saved at Metro with no activation Fees. I got one line of 5G for just $25 a month. Kept the phone I love and a 5 year price guarantee for my talk text.

[Metro Customer 1]

$25. I'm going to Metro when we hop off.

[Metro by T-Mobile Ad Voice / Kelly Clarkson / Charles Barkley]

Get that more for your money feeling only a Metro by T Mobile. Just bring your number. $30 first month and $25 after with autopay price guarantee exceptions apply C Site

[Metro Customer 1]

for details Adobe Acrobat your team's home base. Collaborate within a shared PDF space. You've got your docs, your plans, your specs and then invite the crew to build what's next.

[Character - Azune]

Talk up the teamwork.

[Metro Customer 1]

They think that this design could be a contender. It went so somebody wonders what's the next steps? AI helps you finish the rest.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Bolts are tight now.

[Metro Customer 1]

Your plan's refined. Run a smoother business when you're on the line.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Do that with Acrobat. Learn [e-mail] do that with Acrobat Walmart

[Walmart Express Delivery Ad Voice]

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[Character - Unknown Narrator or Minor Character]

Owning a home is full of surprises. Some wonderful, some not so much. And when something breaks, it can feel like the whole day unravels. That's why HomeServe exists. For as little as $4.99 a month, you'll always have someone to call. A trusted professional ready to help, bringing peace of mind to four and a half million homeowners nationwide. For plans starting at just 499amonth, go to homeserve.com that's homeserve.com not available everywhere. Most plans range between 499 to 1199amonth. Your first year terms apply on covered repairs.

[Character - Belair]

It's important to support local business that's quite honest.

[Character - Murray]

It really is.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Anyone who oras walks away. Anyone who wants to go ahead and give me a DC20 or.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Actually. I'm actually only gonna ask this from Bolarin.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Hal. Actually give me a DC20 history check.

[Character - Azune]

Come on.

[Character - Murray]

Hey.

[Character - Azune]

25. 23. I know my shit.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

25 and 23. As you guys look at that spell

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

glyph that he scrubbed the emblem off of. He heads out into town and you guys each have this moment. You've seen that emblem within the past two days. Not on a spellcliff.

[Character - Murray]

Was it on the paint?

[Character - Belair]

Or was it on the paint? Or was it on the sarcophagus?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It was not on the sarcophagus. It was not on the coffin. But the amphora of painting were hand and wheel. Shit.

[Character - Murray]

There's.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

What's with the paints?

[Character - Murray]

There's something magic about the paints. Aside from just the paints. We gotta dump these gallons of paints and see what's in them. Or something. Marisha is saying over the table. This is Marisha.

[Character - Marisha]

It's hard to tell because the energy is very similar. And I can hear the accent leaking through.

[Character - Unknown Narrator or Minor Character]

Yeah.

[Character - Marisha]

Travis Ford Vibe.

[Character - Azune]

They turn to each other and simultaneously go. The paint.

[Character - Belair]

It's the paint. Why wouldn't your brother give me a vat of paint? We have to figure out what the fuck is up with it.

[Character - Murray]

Have you been using those paints at all?

[Character - Azune]

My daughter has a little bit. She started to painting over at the round.

[Character - Belair]

Interesting. I doubt he would give you anything dangerous.

[Character - Murray]

I don't have energy for another field trip tonight.

[Character - Belair]

That's why we're not going to take a field trip. Other than to our beds. There is nothing good that can come of this.

[Character - Murray]

I'm so tired.

[Character - Azune]

But maybe it would be good.

[Character - Belair]

Clearly.

[P]

Tomorrow.

[Character - Murray]

I feel like I haven't slept in six months.

[P]

Again.

[Character - Azune]

Marisha. Or it's going to tell you.

[Character - Belair]

Yes.

[P]

Time.

[Character - Murray]

Time.

[Character - Azune]

Once you've gotten your dwarf hours in. Wake up. Tomorrow we take another look.

[Character - Murray]

What day would tomorrow theoretically be? Is it another workday? Do I need to be sitting at my desk tomorrow?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And I'm going to go and consult our wonderful timeline here.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Hold.

[Character - Azune]

And is it merely the evening or is it late?

[Character - Catagan]

Late.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

This is going to be. Hold on one second. Here we go.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Okay.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Today is Smith's Day. Which means that tomorrow will be Farmer's Day. Which will be a work day.

[P]

Of course it is.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Fuck. Well.

[Character - Belair]

I can get you out of work if we need to. Murray.

[Character - Murray]

You know. Honestly. I need to talk to Dean Cleven Vicerecht. Anyway. I've Got to apologize.

[Character - Belair]

Would you like a conscription to the museum for a bit? We could use the help quite a bit. We, of course, are packing up everything. And someone with your talents would be both useful and would keep you away from the school, which I imagine would be beneficial.

[Character - Murray]

You know what? Actually, Belair, I think that's a great idea. Maybe you could write a little doctor's note for me. A little letter. Say you know how valuable I am and that I'll play nice.

[Character - Belair]

I'll make it believable.

[Character - Murray]

Thank you.

[P]

I need an assignment. I'm sorry, but I can't. I can't keep up with you all with the kind of more abstract conversations that you're having about plans. I. I need a task.

[Character - Murray]

Well, your task was to continue to remain useful, Remember?

[P]

Yeah, we need.

[Character - Belair]

I need to reconvene tomorrow morning. I would love to take a poke at that paint.

[Character - Murray]

How about this?

[Character - Belair]

We meet at the theater.

[Character - Murray]

Perhaps I'll go into work. I'll come crawling in with my tail between my legs to Dean Cora. I'll have a little chat and then we can meet up with you guys afterwards. Azune, we gotta keep all of those Revolutionary Guard from joining these private military. Whatever the hell the Einfassens are trying to do.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I don't.

[P]

Yeah.

[Character - Murray]

I feel like you need to talk to your guys.

[P]

I'm gonna do that. I'm gonna do what I can. I gave you someone.

[Character - Murray]

You did.

[P]

I'll see if I can get him tomorrow morning.

[Character - Azune]

Yeah.

[P]

Varen. Belair. We need money. I know that you. I know where you stand. I'm not trying to build an army. But I hear what you're saying. It's too soon.

[Character - Belair]

It will not take too long. I have a funny feeling that once I get the schedule, it's going to be quick.

[P]

They need to know that they've not been abandoned. And at the very least, at least a small sum so I can recruit some of them on our behalf. Could be working under the radar for us.

[Character - Belair]

I'm not very liquid at the moment, but I'm sure I can get some money out of them very quickly.

[P]

If it's coming, the promise of it will be good enough. Will have to be. For now.

[Character - Belair]

It's coming. Worst case scenario, we can sell something on the black market or some such. We're already going to be raided anyway.

[Character - Murray]

Speaking of, I think I need to get in contact with De Vrasi at some point in time and see if there's anything that's been moved. Especially now that we know more about these blank Spell glyphs. See if he's been able to track those. I mean, with the blank spell glyphs. Depending on how many have entered into the black market, that could honestly end up being a counterfeit currency that we can continue to track and see, potentially figure out the veins and the rivers of where these things have been flowing.

[Character - Belair]

There's a lot of options there.

[P]

Right.

[Character - Belair]

Out of curiosity, would the body I'm writing from, what I know of him have any information, would possibly have any interconnection to any of this skulduggery?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Quite possibly.

[Character - Belair]

All right, I'll have to irritate him later then.

[Character - Azune]

Sounds like we all have our own individual threads to pull at tomorrow to start. Why don't we.

[Character - Belair]

We'll be quick.

[Character - Azune]

Run errands and meet up in the afternoon, early evening.

[Character - Belair]

Make sure we have paint brushes and smocks.

[Character - Murray]

I imagine early afternoon.

[Character - Catagan]

All right.

[Character - Murray]

Meet at the theater.

[P]

Yes. I will make the penteveril a stop that I make tomorrow just to see how things are going with you in case you run into any trouble.

[Character - Murray]

All right. I can put up appearances and

[P]

Belair. Well, I had on my list a couple other things, but I may be indisposed tomorrow. I don't know what's in store for me at work. I know this is more of a silver arrow down the road, but I think that. Something to keep in mind. We have a Takona signet ring. I think it's still a part of our plan. I think an important part is for us to exploit the Houses and try to find a way to turn them against each other. I think a confession in the hand of a Taconis suggesting that they are turning on a real one or a

[Character - Belair]

fake one or does it matter?

[P]

Doesn't matter as long as it's convincing. I think my favorite kind. I would like Einfassen to think that he's next. As they start to realize that House Royce has been eliminated. If they already know or not, I want them to believe that House Deconis is going to eventually devour them. A confession may be in Octis hand.

[Character - Catagan]

Well, it.

[Character - Belair]

We first just need to know what they know. And that will be the first trick

[P]

I know down the road. A silver arrow.

[Character - Belair]

But yes, it's there.

[Character - Azune]

I do have my company members, sister. Remember working?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Oh, yes.

[Character - Murray]

I do have samples of Octys's handwriting.

[Character - Belair]

Oh, yes.

[P]

Might be too soon to make that move, but I trust your judgment.

[Character - Belair]

It's good to know what we have ready to fire when it's necessary.

[Character - Azune]

Well, this sister I mentioned maybe will have some idea what the Einfassen family is thinking. Feeling good before we monkey with their minds.

[Character - Murray]

Azuna, you look like a trapped bird that's about to vibrate out of a cage and give itself a little mini heart attack. What is going on? You gotta calm down.

[Character - Azune]

I agree. Why don't you stay at the rookery tonight for old times sake. You stay with me.

[P]

Okay.

[Character - Murray]

Looks like your pants are gonna fall off of you because you are shaking so much.

[P]

How would they fall?

[Character - Murray]

It's an expression. I got to teach you about creative expression.

[P]

Pants have been undone this entire time

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

and I've been unaware of it. We blush a little.

[Character - Murray]

Meets your flies.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Your breaches are exactly where they're supposed to be.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

However the hours late.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Murray, you are fucking exhausted.

[Character - Murray]

I've got. You know when you haven't slept and you're starting to get halos. Like you look at a light source and it kind of blurs imblin. So I've got. Everything is kind of pulsing.

[Character - Belair]

I don't know if this is terrible or not. I'm still trying to remember what is appropriate. I could put you to sleep if you like. Slowly. It wouldn't give you time to take care of everything.

[P]

What would that entail exactly?

[Character - Belair]

That would be just. I would offer some advice of how to relax and fall asleep. Just very specific advice. Tomorrow night, please sleep and. No. We'll see if tomorrow night is available.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

But yes.

[Character - Murray]

All right. I'll see you all tomorrow. I'm going to go. Let's all make sure we leave separately. Give it a little bit of a gap.

[P]

Is there a back exit or is the only way to where we are the stairs that lead down to where everyone else is?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

There's only one staircase that goes down. But you are in a aviary that is under a dome that has open access to these slanted roofs. Down.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

It's hyperdramatic. But you could.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You could slide down to the roof and drop down. There's like a stack.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

There's a barrel on a large crate

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that is literally a step down from the roof's edge.

[P]

That's my way down.

[Character - Azune]

I'm going to catch Murray's tired shoulder before she exits the room. I don't know why my brother wanted me to help you.

[Character - Catagan]

But I will.

[Character - Murray]

I don't know why you want that either. Or with what seems. Even in death that motherfucker is always three steps ahead of everybody. Including us.

[Character - Azune]

Tormented me when I was a kid and he's doing it from beyond the grave.

[Character - Murray]

Well, I think we're just Getting started.

[Character - Belair]

I'm sorry for everything, Hal.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

All of this.

[Character - Belair]

It's not fair to you.

[Character - Murray]

Where's your brother being interred? Do you know?

[Character - Azune]

What a great question.

[Character - Belair]

Probably a family crypt, I imagine. Maybe not.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

There are plots and family graves in the Tintasi Wood, and there are some smaller graveyards and places like that closer to the rookery.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

looking at the map of Dulmakia here,

[Character - Azune]

would he have told me what he wanted, or would the family

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

have been Fiazi frustratingly changed his answer every time you spoke to him. So when he was a kid, he was like, I want the.

[P]

Oh, man.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He's like, I want them to bury me under the guardian wall with the other heroes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And then the next time you asked him in the war of Axe and Vought, when you guys were like kids, you know, fighting, and it was like death was around the corner, there was

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

a moment where he was blood covering the entire side of his face. He'd been hit in the head by some kind of arrow or bolt that was glancing. And you thought he was gone.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He was sort of like catatonic. And talking him back through it, you. If the worst were to happen, and

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

he looked at you and went, I'm never going to die.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And there's another time after that. There was another time after that where he. And then there was a time where he was, like. Where he was the most in love

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

with Erinessa he could be. And he said, there's a beautiful tree, and they'll bury us there, and our

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

souls will go to Faerie together, and we'll live with the fairies and all this stuff. And then the last time you said spoke with him, he was like. The very last time he spoke, he

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

probably said near dad, who is in a small cemetery, I think, probably closer to the rookery, like up the Bright Brook a little bit into the mountains.

[Character - Murray]

Mm

[P]

hmm.

[Character - Azune]

Well, that's an interesting question. Which location? Gosh. I guess I have to make time for that.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah.

[Character - Azune]

There's a hill above the city

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I

[Character - Azune]

have in mind

[Character - Murray]

befitting. He'll like that.

[Character - Azune]

Continue to watch over him.

[Character - Catagan]

Us.

[Character - Azune]

All right, so tomorrow at the theater, early afternoon. Is your name.

[Character - Murray]

Mm.

[P]

Okay.

[Character - Azune]

Let's get you some rest. Go to bed.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Bye.

[Character - Murray]

Murray stumbles out first.

[Character - Belair]

I hand you a. A piece of paper on the way out.

[Character - Murray]

Thank you.

[Character - Belair]

It's close enough to finish.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I'll give you the rest of it.

[Character - Murray]

All right, Great.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Marie, you head off back to the Pentevral Bolir.

[Character - Belair]

I'm going to go to my apartment because I do not want to see the museum right now. I need a breather.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

What neighborhood is your apartment in?

[Character - Belair]

That would be. It's not. What's upper middle class these days?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I would say that probably Rosegar is upper middle class.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Oh, yeah, look at that.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah. Say Rosicar. Yeah.

[Character - Belair]

That's not too far from the museum either.

[P]

Yeah, right next to.

[Character - Belair]

Okay, yeah, I'm going to go to my. Reasonable. Very sparse. Well, what would be the.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The phrase

[Character - Belair]

slightly modern, minimalist, minimalist apartment. Yeah, it's a minimalist apartment. I keep my mess in my office.

[Character - Murray]

You would brutalist, minimalist apartment do quiet.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Do I live at the Brethren Hall?

[Character - Murray]

Looks like Kim and his amazing house.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I don't think so. I think you would have your own home.

[P]

That would be so bleak.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Oh, my God, yes.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah, I think you have your own home.

[P]

Okay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You have your own.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Your own home, I think.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Baler, Murray, you get back to the pentevral. You have.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

There are.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

There's free room and board for the sleeping quarters.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yeah, sleeping quarters.

[Character - Belair]

Most expensive squares money can buy is what my impairment is.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And I think you look down at.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think your little flat, minimalist flat

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

is probably within the bounds of Ser Orgrimock's marketplace, which at this time of night used to have a little mummer's troupe outside that would do little arcane busking and little bardic enhanced music. But it has been dreadfully silent ever since they outlawed arcane magic in the marketplace for Hal and Azune. After a few minutes, you guys head off together, headed towards the rookery.

[P]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Great. As you guys are walking to the rookery, are you guys engaged in conversation or what are you doing?

[Character - Azune]

I'm turning thoughts over in my head, but I'm not offering on the way.

[P]

I'm not talking unless I'm spoken to.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You guys walk side by side, Silent for the most part, lost in thought. Azunay, you only know Hal through his brother.

[P]

I'm not looking at him, I'm walking next to him. And I have him in my periphery.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You turn the corner and see there's a little wind. You can't see the road. It winds too much in this part of town. But you can see the little top of Hal's house. And you can see that there's a little window to Shadia's room that has been closed up. And you can see that there is a small cloth bed sheet tied together, hanging out of it. So she's headed out for the night. Her little symbol to you essentially, of. I've dipped out of here and I'm on my way over to the other house.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

As an acrobat, she likes to show

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

off by heading out over the roofs and doing her thing.

[Character - Azune]

Immediately I feel 15 pounds lighter seeing

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that she's vacated the house Azune, you see the top of the house where Fiazi also partially grew up. And I think there's a moment. Let me ask you a question here. Who of the torn banner took in a young Azune when he first started the Falconer's Rebellion in another mercenary company? Who was the person that got him or that was collected me. Collected you? Essentially it was the Ozzy. I think you just see this smiling, stubbly face as you've been essentially like the gallows choir. The mercenary company started working, basically left you abandoned at the first large place. They took a contract. They left with maiali. And standing there as honestly this happened quickly. You were still 12. You just see this handsome sort of swashbuckling orcish who's aged out of being the young 19 year old hero of the war of axe and vine and is now this sort of mustier seen more of the world hero of the Falconer's Rebellion looking down at you in the midst of this busy marketplace like

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

busy cross section where different mercenary companies

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

are saddling up with different groups. Someone's saying they'll be here on the morrow, the new company is coming. And you just see him looking at you going, soldier, how old are you?

[P]

I'm old enough to use this. And I draw the sword that I have.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He looks and goes, all right,

[Character - Cadigan]

are

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

you old enough to use this? And you see, he points over at a small. We gotta get a bunch of sacks of potatoes back over to the wagons and they're stored in this granary over here. He puts a hand on your shoulder. I don't doubt your bravery at all. You should not be here.

[P]

I have nowhere else to be.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

We need someone who can work quick and help out behind the lines moving gear and equipment, food. All right. And if you need someone to help teach you how to use that thing. And he gestures to the sword.

[P]

How long since that company left?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Probably you've been standing on this corner for like a day and a half.

[P]

I'll do whatever it takes.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He looks down. It's gonna take a lot of us feeling that same way. Come on, we'll get you some food.

[P]

At that my eye is get giant and I feel my stomach rumble and I follow him. And that all comes to me as I'm looking at this house.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You Hal, give Me a perception check.

[Character - Azune]

It's not very good. It is a 10.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Okay, Azune, can you give me a perception check?

[P]

Natural 20.

[Character - Murray]

Ho, ho, ho. What's up, baby?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You hear a voice as you are lost in that memory, looking up at the house, that the man who saved your life. The man who saved your life again and again after that. The man who then, as you got older, you saved his life multiple times. You look up at the house where he and this guy next to you who maybe you guys will get chances to save each other's lives. You look up and you hear a voice like it's present, like it's in the air. Say,

[Character - Thimble]

remember.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

On a nat 20, on a 10 perception, how you see that a bit of light is cast forward from somewhere? And as you look up, you could almost swear that some daylight was emerging from Azune's eyes, like a sun setting behind an ocean. And then the light is gone on that nat20. Azune, something bad is waiting around the corner from here in front of the fang home. Oh. I immediately

[P]

take a couple quick steps forward, put my hand slowly out low, so it's not up and obvious, but just low. And I'll point towards Hal and send a message. There's danger up ahead.

[Character - Azune]

I don't say anything out loud. I just nod.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Ah, man.

[P]

As soon as you point, I follow the order. I'm so used to it. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Metro Customer 1]

Okay, good.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Okay, here we go.

[Character - Azune]

Pointing for clarification.

[P]

Yes.

[Character - Azune]

So let me do the phase two.

[P]

Kyld message to you up ahead in the house or around the corner from the house.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

No, on that NAT20 perception, there was something. On that NAP20 perception, something's going on. You've been so. You've had a hard time keeping a handle on yourself. The weight is all too much. It's like you've been at attention for your whole life because some general forgot to say at ease. And you're looking out and nearby, there's something. There's danger. But also you said remember to that candle. Why did you notice say that? And then you watched Bolaire and Murray. You were. You're supposed to stay close to them. But that's something Thiazi didn't tell you to do that. That's not. But Theazi is gone. But you know there's something there. You just see them. It's like a feeling of deja vu. Like you're looking at them and you're like, oh. And you go back and in this moment, you look and you know how Sometimes you'll experience deja vu even when you aren't seeing the thing that you're feeling again. You have that feeling of deja vu, of watching Murray and Baler bring octys back. And looking at that moment, there was this thing where Murray's teeth were buzzing and that glass scalpel in Belair's hand was buzzing at the same frequency. These crystalline things. And you were looking down, realizing Murray knew there was something. Murray. Things that are important can sometimes hold so much weight in the flow of time that they can be felt before they happen, like a stone in a river that sends ripples upstream. And I think you feel like your presence at what happened with Octis has rattled you somehow. You're in a state of heightened feeling. And on that NAT20 perception without being able to physically see it. There is a carriage of house Hailifar parked outside of Hal's home. Your mortal eyes can't see it. You can't hear it, you can't smell it.

[P]

I feel it in a way. Yeah. And that's where I get the sense of danger.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yes. And the danger I think you feel on the highest possible role is a danger that is ambient but not acute. And I think you realize that they are dangerous people and it is a dangerous time. But it will not be dangerous for Hal to return home. He lives there. The danger you actually realize you've already prevented, which was just not walking around the corner together. Ha.

[P]

I'm gonna gesture to the doorway to your home. The carriage that I'm feeling is in front of that doorway, not out.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Parked across the street.

[P]

Parked across the street.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

So it's visible. It's making no effort to hide. It's parked there. Four white horses, large carriage, just out

[Character - Azune]

of our view at this point.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Out of your view at this point.

[Character - Azune]

Out of your view. So we don't see my front door.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You don't see your front door either.

[Character - Azune]

Okay. I grab your shoulder and then pull in very close to your ear. I don't have message. And mutter very quietly, I am not my brother, but I have your back. And on that word, back, it reverses, reverberates at the base of your skull, and you receive bardic inspiration. A D6.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Thank you.

[P]

I want to go. I want to keep heading towards your front door. And as I'm feeling this sort of presence, I'm going to stand in the spot that that carriage delivered Thiazi's body.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Body, yeah.

[P]

And I'm going to let myself actually catch up to myself in a way as I stand in the place that we brought him here, just to feel whatever that reverberation is.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah.

[P]

And just take a breath in also. There's a part of me that wants whatever that danger is, if it's watching me right now, I want them to see me standing there, strong, unafraid.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You walk by yourself leaving Hal, correct or no, you're both walking together.

[P]

If Hal's accompanying as he would normally head home, that's fine.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Okay.

[P]

I won't stop you.

[Character - Azune]

Well, what's the read? I'm playing this off of your reaction.

[P]

I just give you a nod and I start to walk towards your home.

[Character - Azune]

Okay. But no communication, that it's dicey for me to go towards the home.

[P]

No.

[Character - Azune]

Okay. All right, then I follow.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You follow. Do you stay close behind Azune or do you walk side by side with him?

[Character - Azune]

Side by side, you turn around, walk

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

up the street, and you see the carriage of the Hailifar. Hey, Olavar. As you approach Azune, you see that as you approach the door, I think you see that there's a coachman and a footman on the carriage who regards you. As you walk up there, parked on the other side of the street, what do you do? You get to your front door, you can smell the sweet flowers Tysha's druidicism have filled your home with.

[Character - Azune]

And there's a coachman outside with the wagon.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

With the wagon. And no one's at your door. They're just parked across the street from your home. They're technically in front of Sketch, bro. They're technically in front of the home. One of your neighbor's homes across the street.

[Character - Murray]

The fucking feds are watching.

[Character - Azune]

And it's dark out and there is a person there, or there's no person

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

there, no one in your front door.

[Character - Azune]

Oh, hell no.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Your home is.

[Character - Azune]

There was like a man waiting.

[Character - Catagan]

Okay.

[Character - Murray]

No, there are coffee and donuts.

[P]

Like the person said, I will send message to you, Hal. And I will say, is it safe for you here? I doubt it.

[Character - Azune]

And I can reply to these messages.

[P]

Can reply.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It's been a while.

[Character - Azune]

You can reply.

[P]

Yes, you can reply.

[Character - Azune]

She just heard my voice say, friend, hell if I know.

[P]

If we run, they'll know something.

[Character - Azune]

Here's what I'd like to do. I just whip my head and I start to backtrack a little bit and go back around the edge, other side of the house to below my daughter's window. And I give that sheet a good tug. Is it secure?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It is secure, yeah.

[Character - Azune]

I'm going to scale the wall up to the window.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Give me a D.C. could you call it DC8 athletics or acrobatics?

[Character - Azune]

Okay, okay, okay. DC8, you say? Yes, we're all right, folks, it is a 15.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

15. Up you go. Azune, you're posted at the front, correct?

[P]

Yes.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

As Hal goes to walk around, it's a little bit of another. That path isn't seeable by anybody else, so you just sort of vanish around into another part of the rookery as you. You walk up and Azuna, you post up at the front door. What is your stance as you post up there?

[P]

I'm now giving this sort of. It's like I'm at work.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah.

[P]

Like I'm scanning this place and I'll

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

actually

[P]

burn a spell slot and I'll use detect magic so that it looks like I'm doing precisely what I would do on a patrol. Just assessing the magical signatures that are in this area.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The door to the carriage opens as you post up two enormous hounds on chains. Oh my God. And a knight of house Hailifar. I remember these doggies come out the dogs and walking across the street, filamental tattoos glowing, is an older knight of the house of Halovar who looks at you and says, good evening, soldier. You are. Marshal of the Revolutionary Guard?

[P]

Yes, I am indeed.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The gentleman you approached with, is he the resident of this home?

[P]

He is. Ah.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Do you know where he has gone?

[P]

I do not.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I understand. I am Sir Fallonius Hailovar, a member of the Chamber of Lords advisory. May I ask what business of the Revolutionary Guard brings you here tonight?

[P]

Our patrols have been extended. Occasional night patrols are now in order. I just do as I'm told.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Go ahead and give me perception or persuasion or deception.

[Character - Murray]

Come on.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

They're the same score.

[Character - Belair]

Yep. I love that. I love it when it doesn't matter.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I thought they were already in the house.

[P]

2020.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Dirty 20.

[Character - Belair]

Who let the dogs in.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And just for flavor, do you feel

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that's more persuasion or deception?

[P]

Oh, I mean deception.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah, I love that. You see, he nods and says, good man. Following orders.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Well,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

that gentleman, Hallndil Fang, were you set to accompany him to this point or is he under arrest?

[P]

No, he's not. I saw an individual walking alone. And as a part of my duty here to protect the citizens, I followed closely as a part of my patrol. Was on my way anyway.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Are you currently standing watch over this house and see jesters to Hal's house?

[P]

No, just doing my normal scans. Are you standing watch?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Ah,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

such as it is always the light is ever watchful. Well, it's an exciting time. Candle feast is almost upon us.

[P]

It is indeed.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

I do. You celebrate?

[P]

When I'm allowed. Usually I'm on duty.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It is a godless town.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Yes, when we are allowed.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

That's exactly right. When we are allowed. They shun us. They do. You see?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

He clasped your shoulder and squeezes your upper arm.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Good man. Good man. What's your name, soldier? Azune. Azune, Good man.

[P]

I can assure you this trip will be safe. There's no need for you to guard the fine citizens here with your illustrious light, I'm sure.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And you are an arcane marshal?

[P]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

We need more like you. More of the faithful that know that we cannot simply walk the path of the light. But we must be able to peer into the darkness. Good man.

[P]

Thank you, sir. You flatter me. We do need more like me. It's just really hard to make more like me.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Pride goeth before you.

[P]

I'm sorry, it's unbecoming of me and my job to suggest.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

No, no, no, no. A little bit of plain speech is needed from time to time. Well, I'll not keep you on your rounds. If that gentleman shows up again, please let him know that he is invited to come and speak with Her Radiance Photarch Yanessa at the Via Aurora.

[P]

Are you in need of an escort?

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He looks down at his dogs. Never. I am my own escort, so to speak. Well, I'll leave you to your rounds. Do let Master Fang know we are interested in speaking to him. You haven't by any chance seen a warrior of the Nama, A Lionfolk?

[P]

Not tonight. Whose name? So I can keep an ear out.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

The individual, we believe may have many aliases, but the one which we are searching out is Pridesire. You see, he stops for a second. Teor or Taral? Sidmir, either.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Good man.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And though we are not yet upon it, I hope that you have indeed a very blessed candle feast.

[P]

Same to you, good sir.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

He turns around, gets into the carriage, and the carriage pulls away off down the street.

[P]

As they're pulling away, I will make like I'm walking to continue my rounds. And as soon as they're out of sight, I will turn back around and head towards Hal.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You get into your home. It's dark legend. Fucking.

[Character - Murray]

I think you gotta keep the lights off, don't.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The light of the paint this road, y' all home.

[Character - Azune]

In that lapse of time, if I didn't encounter anything, and the goal was to get up there and listen for anything in the house, yeah, but if I heard nothing, I would have been at a window on the second floor halfway through that conversation, watching and listening, my man.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

One of the nice things about the way that you can tell this is an Orcish city is that light is exclusively in places of beauty and community. Because you do not need lights on to see in your own home. Oh, that's right.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

So get.

[Character - Azune]

Not these. I mean, I love Lego. Not the random ones on my floor.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Not the random ones on my floor. Exactly. I'm never stepping on a default.

[Character - Murray]

I was just gonna say.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You ever step on one of these guys? Terrible. Terrible even. I love hard edged dice, but if you're a dice maker, you gotta let people know if the D4 are also going to be at the sharp edge. Oh God, they're the ones. Hal, go ahead and give me a. Give me perception with advantage, actually.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Give me perception with advantage.

[Character - Azune]

Yeah. All righty.

[Character - Murray]

Our Christian is lowkey. One of the the best abilities.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

It's amazing.

[P]

Dungeons and Dragons, it's perception.

[Character - Belair]

I like being the one person without it.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

18.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

You catch.

[P]

I know.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I think you catch that entire interaction from the point where unbelievably to you, this guy Felonious Haylovar is like the moment that he squeezes Azune's arm and

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

is like, good man, good man. And catch everything. From that point on Azune, the carriage takes off. Go ahead and give me a. If you'd be so kind, a stealth check. And you can do so with advantage here.

[Character - Azune]

That is only a 13.

[P]

Okay,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

copy that. You see that the carriage begins to pull away, gets to the corner and

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

you see that in the direction you walked. In the direction you walked. The guy gets out of the carriage,

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

down the street with the dogs, and you see the dogs begin sniffing around.

[Character - Azune]

I start to quickly tiptoe back through the house and I get to my daughter's window and I'm like.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

And pull the thing up.

[Character - Azune]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Great. Hell yeah. As you pull the thing up, staying up there in the dark, a few

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

moments later, this guy Felonius comes to the alleyway with the two dogs. They get to the bottom of the

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

wall, sniff where your tracks went, but

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

suddenly there is no blanket there and they go

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

and start to look up and around.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

You see Filonius down there again, not being able to look up in the dark and see you just goes. Arcanist must have made his way away somewhere.

[Character - Azune]

I weave my hands in the dark from inside of Shadia's room and an illusion of a cat appears on the railing of her balcony and goes. And I create the sound of a cat scurrying up the side of the building.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Hell yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Go ahead and give me deception.

[Character - Azune]

Okay. Oh, crap. I'll roll an advantage because of the liar's blade.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Ooh, the liar's blade.

[Character - Azune]

That is. 22.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

22. On a natural one.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

The dogs turn. Oh, code, you found the set. After it, boys. And the dogs tear off after this illusory cat into the rookery, vanishing from your doorstep. Oh, gosh.

[Character - Azune]

All just adrenaline dumping through my entire body. And I will slowly, in a daze, walk down the stairs and creep to the front door. There's windows to look out. And I see Azune there and no one else.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Azune there and no one else.

[P]

Yeah, I would have definitely steered clear

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

from him as the dogs go, taking

[P]

him in an opposite direction.

[Character - Azune]

But I'm going to quietly open the door. I don't know if we're gonna make it to opening night. Get inside, follow.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

I follow Al inside, you jump inside. And that's where we're gonna take our break.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

And that's where we'll leave our story for now.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan / Critical Role Host]

Part two of this episode of Campaign 4 drops this Tuesday.

[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

Thanks for listening and we'll see you soon for more critical role.

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[Narrator / Dungeon Master]

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