Critical Role Campaign 4, Episode 7 Part 1: "On the Scent"

Date: November 27, 2025
Summary by Critical Role Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

This episode continues the journey of the party as they pursue the traitorous Casimir Gavandale and attempt to locate Cid Tal Sid—a potential victim. Deep within the wilds of Ahriman, the group confronts the aftermath of their battle at the Wraith Tree, uncovers tragic fae bargains, navigates the unique landscape and communities of Timony, and debates the moral cost of vengeance and justice. The party’s bond is tested as they struggle through the haunted woods, interact with wary villagers, and race to intercept a dire prisoner transport.

Key Discussion Points and Story Moments

1. Setting the Scene in Aramahn

Notable Characters & Locations Introduced:

• Dean Cora Kaplan Weisreich (Pentervral): New Dean speaks on legacy and change.
• Bolaire Lothalia & Lady Amaria (Arkanade): Discuss the legendary pariah blades and mysterious weapons used to slay gods.

“Old ways are dying. We represent nothing if not the triumph of the new.” — Dean Cora, [11:00]

2. Recap & Transition to Active Pursuit

[19:24]

• Campaign Recap: After a traumatic loss, the group pursues Casimir Gavandale northward, hoping to rescue Cid, Teor’s younger brother.
• They track through haunted forests toward Timony, where Cid is rumored to be transported as a prisoner.

“That son of a bitch. You killed our friend. And he was your friend. That’s the worst kind of killing, my friend.” — Sam Riegel, [21:44]

3. Aftermath at the Wraith Tree — A Moral Reckoning

[25:40 → 33:32]

• Loot and Reflection: As the cursed Wraith Tree burns, the party loots the fallen, uncovering the grim reality of Hawthorne’s fae bargains—feeding poachers and trespassers to undead to protect the glade.
• Key Loot:
  • Gold, silver, copper from the slain ([27:43])
  • Satyr horns (trophies from murdered fae), mystery potions (likely faerie fluids), with a party debate over their use ([30:22])
  • Wraith's corroded holy symbol—identified as the symbol of Tansul, shaper of the sun ([35:57])

“She sent a lot of people here to die... But maybe in some way, some blame should be reserved for men like this that make those choices necessary.” — Matthew Mercer, [33:38]

Memorable Moment:
Liam O’Brien’s character casually eats a finger from one of the corpses, sparking comic disbelief among the group.
"I mean I don’t do it when we’re back at your family’s house, but it is something I can and will do from time to time." — Liam O'Brien, [36:59]

4. Trying to Find Cid's Trail: Lost in the Woods

[39:23 → 44:44]

• Failed Survival Checks: The group blunders deeper into the forest at night, losing any hope of tracking Cid and forced to seek refuge.
• Camp in the Trees: The party makes a dangerous, short rest up in the canopy to avoid undead, with a poignant bonding moment shared by Fimble and another party member snuggling under a "soft ear" ([46:21]).

“Did we just become best friends?” — Laura Bailey, [47:25]

5. Leaving the Forest — The People and Customs of Timony

[50:59 → 63:09]

• Perception & Insight Checks: The group emerges into the rugged countryside of Timony, noting its poverty, reliance on sheep, and distinctive traditions—such as "fairy marriage charms" tied to trees and cowbell-based undead warning systems ([57:10]).

• Interaction with Locals: The party visits a humble chapel. Wakander poses as a herald of the Candescent Creed, interrogates an acolyte about recent events, and requests resources. There’s friction regarding Creed beliefs and fae prejudice ([66:28], [70:03]).

“All we need is the light.” — Acolyte, [65:43]

• Debate and Subversion: Fimble (Liam O'Brien) needles the acolyte about anti-fae sentiment; Cadogan urges respect for the locals’ pure beliefs, warning against undue harassment ([71:21]).

6. Gathering Intelligence — Shepherds Know All

[75:51 → 85:44]

• Key Lead: Speaking with Tasker, a kindly shepherd, the team learns Cid was taken in chains by an Earl’s Knight, destined for Sloke—a remote, destitute barony whose new Baron is none other than Gavandale, their quarry ([85:44]).

“Well, one who walks in the company of wolves and fairies is fair enough on his own.” — Tasker, [81:33]

• Local Color: Fimble absconds with Tasker and Wendy’s “blessed marriage charm,” only realizing its significance after the visit ([88:10]).

7. Strategy Session: Which Route to Take?

[94:41 → 101:59]

• Options:
  • The direct yet dangerous King's Road (heavily policed, full of Creed activity)
  • Slower but safer cross-country over grazing lands
• Decision: The group opts for speed on the King's Road, reasoning Cid's survival is at stake.
• Side Note: Several magical “chanter’s eggs”—mysterious items for stealth, sickness, or creating distractions—are distributed for potential use ([101:36]).

8. Culture of Timony — Dogs, Druids, and Shrines

[105:05 → 111:19]

• Remarkable Lore Drop:
  • Statues and shrines to hounds are everywhere, reflecting Timony’s druidic roots and central role of dogs in their society ([109:09]).
  • Dogs act as message carriers, linking the country through secret “dog hostels.”

“Timony was founded in that war… so Timony's always… a region, became its own kingdom after King Gus won a war against Argosia… His banner, three red hounds on a white field.” — Matthew Mercer, [107:44]

9. Fast Travel Drama — Horses, Carts, and Spit

[113:01 → 132:26]

• A failed social encounter with a surly cart driver (who spits in Wick’s face) is followed by a successful, gold-greased negotiation with a practical older woman.

“You don’t have to be mean. Just, yeah, be yourself… You can be kind and still be a leader. In fact, that’s what you’re supposed to—supposed to be.” — Liam O'Brien to Sam Riegel, [130:26]

• The group is allowed to rest and catch up overnight in her cart.

10. Clues and Mysteries on the Road to Sloke

[135:46 → 139:12]

• Night Watch: During the night, Thimble spots a rare, giant Timmins Rock mastiff guarding a nearby tavern/shrine, possibly an omen or threat as the group advances.
• Cliffhanger: The dog disappears when alerted, implying a close and possibly supernatural surveillance as the party approaches their goal.

“You better keep Wulfric away from that thing. They are usually guarding important people though… Rare to see one out in a far off boonie of the kingdom like this.” — Matthew Mercer, [138:47]

Notable Quotes

• "She sent a lot of people here to die. But maybe in some way, some blame should be reserved for men like this that make those choices necessary."
  — Matthew Mercer, [33:38]

• “Did we just become best friends?”
  — Laura Bailey, [47:25]

• “…You can be kind and still be a leader. In fact, that’s what you’re supposed to—supposed to be.”
  — Liam O'Brien (to Sam Riegel), [130:32]

• “Only Teor is Teor.”
  — Laura Bailey et al, [131:01]

• "That's great, cause we're looking for both of them. Right? So two birds, one stone."
  — Liam O'Brien, re: Sloke & Cid ([95:47])

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|---------------| | Legacy and numerology in Pentervral | 11:00 | | Recap & party’s mission restated | 19:24 | | Moral reckoning at the Wraith Tree | 25:40-33:32 | | Party gets lost in the woods | 39:23-44:44 | | Bonding in the canopy | 46:21 | | Emerging into Timony, social customs | 50:59-63:09 | | Chapel encounter, fae/Creed tensions | 63:09-71:38 | | Shepherd interaction, learning Cid’s fate| 75:51-85:44 | | Discussion on route, strategy | 94:41-101:59 | | Lore drop: Hounds & Druidic customs | 105:05-111:19 | | Cart drama and leadership advice | 113:01-132:26 | | Night watch—Timmins Rock mastiff | 135:46-139:12 |

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is rich with the unique blend of emotional tension, worldbuilding detail, humor, and dark whimsy characteristic of Critical Role. The party navigates heavy personal stakes, complex moral choices, and comic relief amidst classic “bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors” banter.

Conclusion

The party, exhausted but united, presses northward toward Sloke, riding a cart through the night. They have lost Cid’s trail but gained vital intelligence: their enemy Gavandale now rules the very destination. The looming presence of supernatural guardians hints at even greater perils to come.

End of Part 1. Part 2 drops Tuesday.

“What's a dog doing? Trouble. Danger. Danger.” — Liam O'Brien & Matthew Mercer, [139:14-139:17]