The Giant's Belt | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 12 Part 2

Summary

Critical Role Campaign 4, Episode 12 Part 2

Title: The Giant’s Belt
Date: February 3, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling continuation of Campaign 4, the party navigates dangerous webs of political intrigue upon arriving at the castle of House Einfausen in Riesengirdl. As Julian and Octys press for answers regarding a forged letter that has led to the imprisonment of their caravan, alliances are tested, secret traitors are uncovered, and a race begins to prevent vital intelligence from falling into enemy hands. The episode balances tense strategy with moments of humor and heart, delving deeply into themes of loyalty, deception, and the burden of leadership.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Moments

1. Morning After and Wounds New & Old

[01:06 – 07:24]

• The day dawns with the party recovering after a difficult night.
• Tycha assists Octys with his injuries using magic (“mending”), physically sealing traumatic wounds and opening a moment for candid discussion on what pain means to the reborn.
• Standout quote:

  “It hurt in a different way. It’s not the same. It takes time for my body to register anything that happens. So nothing is fast. Everything is slow. I have to remind myself to feel things.” —Liam O’Brien as Octys, [07:12]

2. Plans & Politics: Approaching the Castle

[08:22 – 17:34]

• Strategy unfolds as Julian, Octys, and party debate how best to enter House Einfausen’s seat without revealing too much of their hand.
• Disguises are planned, shifting allegiances discussed, and the group rehearses their cover stories.
• Emphasis on who should accompany whom, especially considering political enemies:

  “We are here to help our subjects, not to fly a tall flag to look for revenge.” —Travis Willingham as Lord Einfausen, [15:41]

3. Stealthy Approaches, Marketplace Camaraderie

[16:47 – 18:57]

• The party sneaks expertly into the city, exploiting the bustle and Taliesin Jaffe casting Pass Without Trace.
• Comic relief as they drink “tiny little coffees,” pretending at normality in the middle of tense plotting.
• Meta commentary:

  “It’s the worst brunch ever. Just quiet. Yeah, a lot of swallowing.” —Taliesin Jaffe & Ashley Johnson, [19:56–20:02]

4. Castle Intrigue: Greeted as Nobility

[20:14 – 26:03]

• Octys (in disguise) and Julian are admitted to the castle and reunited with Lady Ingrid, an old acquaintance whose hospitality is both genuine and scrutinizing.
• Social maneuvering ensues as truth and falsehoods blend, while they push for a private audience with Ingrid.

5. The Investigation: The Forged Missive

[26:18 – 39:51]

• In Lady Ingrid's chambers, Julian confronts the mystery of the forged letter that led to the wrongful detainment of his people.
• A tense sequence of deduction, including comparing wax seals and handwriting, leads to the discovery:

  “This is a forgery.” —Travis Willingham (Lord Einfausen), [38:53]

• Julian reveals critical information:

  “My father, the general, is no longer alive. The assassins were not in this caravan. They were awaiting us in Dolmakia. And so we are here now in hopes of finding answers.” —Matthew Mercer as Julian, [39:37]

6. Traitors Among Us: Message Sent, Secrets Outed

[41:10 – 50:12]

• Greta, Ingrid’s handmaiden, is found attempting to send a message from the aviary—proof of an infiltrator.
• In a shocking, brutal moment, Lord Einfausen summarily executes Greta to prevent further security breaches:

  “Faster than you can think... the warhammer is off the Lord’s belt, and he dashes her brains across the floor. He says, this room is no longer suitable for conversation.” —Travis Willingham (narrated by Brennan), [50:07–50:12]

7. Aftermath and New Uncertainties

[51:02 – 65:55]

• The party scrambles to determine where the messenger bird is headed, initiating a magical pursuit with an undead vulture—a last-ditch "Hail Mary" to intercept the message before it reaches Dolmakia.
• Realism of the mechanics is played for laughs:

  “That is fucking crazy. When they are cruising, these dudes do a cool 60 miles an hour. That’s why you have pigeons.” —Brennan Lee Mulligan, [64:58]

8. Regrouping: Alliances, Disguises & Decisions

[66:00 – 74:52]

• The party reunites, debriefs, and negotiates with House Einfausen’s knights.
• Tension arises over Octys’s presence and disguise within the castle; conflicting notions of loyalty, identity, and safety for the group.
• More comedic turns as the team proposes increasingly outlandish methods for Octys to disappear from the castle ("maybe just drop dead"), highlighting the dark humor that permeates their camaraderie.

9. Closing Moments: Hospitality & Hints of Danger

[76:13 – 78:13]

• The entire party is ushered into the castle under the watchful gaze of Lord Einfausen, with veiled threats and deep hospitality commingling.
• Lady Ingrid’s emotional state is called out in a subtle, poignant insight:

  “I think on that insight check, you see that she has been weeping. There’s much to weep about in this world. Something is at work here and you can’t quite put your finger on it…” —Brennan Lee Mulligan, [77:38]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Octys on his condition:
  “It takes time for my body to register anything that happens. So nothing is fast. Everything is slow. I have to remind myself to feel things.” —Liam O’Brien, [07:12]

• Brutal justice:
  “Faster than you can think... the warhammer is off the Lord’s belt, and he dashes her brains across the floor. He says, this room is no longer suitable for conversation.” —Brennan Lee Mulligan/Travis Willingham, [50:07]

• Mage justification humor:
  “I have a way to stop that. I just can’t do it without giving myself away, and it’s driving me nuts.” —Sam Riegel, [52:13]

• Political tension:
  “Above the safety of my house, there can be no other priority. Then allow me to complicate your life a little bit…” —Matthew Mercer, [44:50]

• Desperate magical attempt:
  “A bird has flown to the west carrying a message. Find that bird and take it down.” —Sam Riegel, [63:10]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | [01:06] | Party wakes, Octys' wound, Tycha magic healing | | [08:22] | Discussion: Approaching Einfausen; role strategy | | [16:47] | Stealth into city (Pass Without Trace, coffee break) | | [20:14] | Julian and Octys arrive at castle; Ingrid reunion | | [26:18] | Interview, discussing the forged missive | | [38:53] | Discovery of forgery | | [39:37] | Julian reveals Royce leader is dead | | [50:07] | Execution of handmaiden, heightening stakes | | [64:58] | Magical vulture chase – pigeon speed realization | | [74:52] | Party enters castle, Octys disguise dilemma | | [77:38] | Insight: Lady Ingrid’s grief hints at deeper trouble |

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Tone and Table Chemistry

• Classic Critical Role blend of drama, dark humor, and heart.
• Intricately interwoven character moments and interpersonal connections; careful blend of world-building and roleplay.
• The episode is permeated by tension: the looming threat of betrayal, the need to outwit political adversaries, and moments of personal reflection.
• Moments of levity, especially around the table’s coffee-fueled banter, keep the tone dynamic and engaging.

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For New Listeners:
This episode is rich in court politics, subterfuge, and the tension of found family under pressure. If you enjoy roleplay-heavy sessions, complex intrigue, and the unpredictability of live play, this installment is a stellar example of Critical Role’s signature style.

Transcript

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[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Hello again, it's Brennan Lee Mulligan, and you're listening to part two of this episode of Critical Role. If you haven't checked out part one yet, pause this now and head over there first. What are you doing? Otherwise, let's jump right back into this.

[Travis Willingham]

Adventure and the world of Ahriman.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We return to Riesengirdl the day Riesengertle Riesengirdle.

[Sam Riegel]

My German from high school is flooding back to me.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Following your arrival. It is early in the morning. You see that as you arise, Erinessa awakens. You see, rubs her hands together, looks over at you. Tycha, as she wakes in the morning and goes. Blows some sort of flower petals into her hands and opens her dress and rubs them in her armpits.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, my God.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It's been bad. It's been very bad.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, you know, the anxiety, sweat smells different. You're doing great.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

That means a lot. You do this, you do hard journeys.

[Travis Willingham]

Doing difficult things, things quite a bit.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

So it means a lot coming from.

[Travis Willingham]

You that I'm doing all right, doing great.

[Liam O'Brien]

Octos is looking at the bed.

[Travis Willingham]

How.

[Sam Riegel]

Pulls his dagger out and goes and folds up. If there is a blanket on this bed, I don't know. Folds up the blanket and cuts the bottom of the sheet off.

[Laura Bailey]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Why are you.

[Sam Riegel]

And takes off his jacket and shirt.

[Marisha Ray]

Mm.

[Liam O'Brien]

It's a temporary fix.

[Sam Riegel]

You can see that he is now being shirtless. You can see the whole cut that runs up his entire chest is not healed. It is kind of stitched together still, but open and it's just there. And then you can see in parts of his. Starting in the tips of his fingers, but also in his elbows and other places there's a pinkness where blood is pooling because it doesn't flow anymore. So you just see these pink spots in places. But he takes the bottom of the Bedsheet and wraps it around himself and ties it.

[Marisha Ray]

Can I try something before you?

[Liam O'Brien]

Sure do that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What?

[Marisha Ray]

I want to try mending.

[Liam O'Brien]

Oh, interesting.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Rule as written. It works on things that are formally living material. It literally names a wineskin as something it would work on.

[Ashley Johnson]

That's cool.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And since I'm not worried about healing flesh, just repairing physical damage, I just.

[Marisha Ray]

Want to see if I can.

[Liam O'Brien]

By all means.

[Marisha Ray]

It might hurt a little bit.

[Liam O'Brien]

That's fine. I actually thought about that yesterday, and then I realized I don't know the spell I've got.

[Travis Willingham]

You give me a medicine check.

[Marisha Ray]

Natural twin.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Full narrative reigns. Describe what your spell does to octys body.

[Marisha Ray]

I have a steel spike piercing that goes through two parts of my ear.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

That I'm going to pull out.

[Marisha Ray]

This is gonna hurt. Maybe lay down. All right.

[Liam O'Brien]

Just lays on the floor.

[Marisha Ray]

And that minute of the casting of.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Mending is just me superheating this and making a small puddle of molten metal that I'm going to run down. Like the scar on your chest. And it not quite cauterized, but where the metal flip, flip. Where that liquid metal flows and passes.

[Liam O'Brien]

While you're working on it, he goes before you seal the outside. There's a little bit on the inside that needs it too. The stomach is split.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, okay. Do you want to maybe bring that forward?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Sam Riegel]

And he'll just kind of like you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Told me to get your hand out.

[Sam Riegel]

Of your stomach before he'll both expose the part of him right here.

[Travis Willingham]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Then, yeah, she will pick up the little. And she's like taking burn damage across her hand as she. And you see her just not at all flinching about it. And then, yeah, run it over and seal the tear wound on your stomach.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And then again, pick up that little rivulet and then begin to run it down the almost autopsy like scars across your chest and stomach.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay, it's there. Now I'll have to see if it holds. Thank you. That's better than the fucking bedsheet.

[Marisha Ray]

You can double up if you want.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And then as she's finishing, she'll make this spike, but it's a little bit thinner than it was before. And I want to make a really thin pin. And essentially it's kind of signing her work, but in that same way that druid magic involves blessings and lingering magic, that she's just going to leave you sealed with a little pin.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay, thanks.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And then resolidifies it and pushes it back through her ear, which has healed in the intervening time. So she re Pierces her own ear.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You good?

[Travis Willingham]

Well. Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

I can't feel it. So I think I'm okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

Starts putting his shirt back on.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

And.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, if you want to put the. You already cut the bed sheet.

[Travis Willingham]

I don't care.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm not gonna mend that too.

[Ashley Johnson]

Did you feel that?

[Sam Riegel]

Did I feel warmth or did it actually burn?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Didn't burn. You're feeling pain. But it's because you. There's a consciousness to everything.

[Travis Willingham]

Yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And so when your sense of the touch is still here. But even that requires a little bit of effort. If that makes sense. And you also would be destroying yourself if you couldn't feel pain. But there's no more acute pain. That burning. What it feels like is it's a little bit of tingling and everything is accompanied by soreness or dull ache.

[Liam O'Brien]

It hurt in a different way. It's not the same. It doesn't.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It's like.

[Liam O'Brien]

It takes time for my body to register anything that happens. So nothing is fast. Everything is slow. I have to remind myself to feel things.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Give me an insight check or a medicine check.

[Sam Riegel]

Your practice?

[Liam O'Brien]

Not great. 12.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

12. I think on a 12. Examining the time it takes. The lack of urgency. Your conscious mind is your own, but a deep part of your mind beyond your conscious control. When you wonder why this doesn't hurt. It still hurts, but doesn't hurt more. Is you realize that the greatest emphasis that pain has is a fear of dying.

[Travis Willingham]

And you don't have that.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

So the things that hurt only hurt because of what they do to damage a belonging of yours. Not because you're afraid of dying deep down.

[Liam O'Brien]

We have to. This is too much. We have to go. Sorry.

[Sam Riegel]

And just starts. He does wrap the sheet around himself. Just ties it loosely and puts his shirt on over the top.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You guys head downstairs. You see Erinessa goes to feed the horses and brings them over. Have they just been chilling?

[Travis Willingham]

Yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Just literally been chilling all night. You see they clustered up in a little stack close together being warm. And you see that she looks. Sees some droppings by the horses and says, that's for whoever lives here. And then she. And she looks over and says. To discover our best foot forward.

[Liam O'Brien]

To.

[Travis Willingham]

Determine if.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Our men at arms are still here. I only know how I would have handled it.

[Travis Willingham]

Which would have been to arrive in.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

A carriage of state at the front gate and ask for an audience with Lord Einfausen.

[Travis Willingham]

And we don't have characters.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We're riding up on five horses. I have my signet ring.

[Travis Willingham]

But I'm.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Also Not trying to reveal myself. So doing the version of this dishonestly escapes me a little bit. Julian, you mentioned wishing to go as yourself.

[Matthew Mercer]

I figure at the very least, those of interest that would wish to come after me are likely the ones that I would be looking for anyway. Best they come for me and then you.

[Liam O'Brien]

Are you specifically known to be Lady Aranis Protector?

[Matthew Mercer]

At times, yes.

[Marisha Ray]

Right.

[Liam O'Brien]

What I mean is that the only thing you would be doing? Is it common for you to go do something else? To go on an errand, to pursue?

[Matthew Mercer]

I do many things. No, I'm not trying to.

[Liam O'Brien]

I am not trying to insult you. I'm asking if it is strange that you are out of the company of Lady Erinnessa.

[Matthew Mercer]

Not at all.

[Liam O'Brien]

Great.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

That is, my Lord Taconis raises a valid point, Julian. Last you were known, you were one of the lord knights of Castle Torch, working with the Barrowguard. Are you on that official business here? We also passed through this place.

[Travis Willingham]

Less than a week ago.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Indeed.

[Matthew Mercer]

But it is not whether or not whether they have any information as to why I wouldn't be returning on my own. Perhaps on my way, as we were to convene with the Berengard at Castle Torch.

[Marisha Ray]

Anyway, maybe if you're looking for companions, they would believe that you are sort of wandering about.

[Travis Willingham]

Okay.

[Liam O'Brien]

Did you think of anybody here?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yes, there is someone that I know is not present here right now, but would be welcome here. He was venturing north to help establish the Berylguard up north, but I don't think it would be unusual for him to have returned. There is a young knight of a vassal house that I believe you've seen before, which would be. Do you remember Erlik Kerzingblad, Vassal house of Einfaazen. I believe the last time you might have been younger than I remember, you were maybe 12 or 13. But there was a ball that he was present at that you were also present at. Oh, yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

Yes. I think I remember this man.

[Marisha Ray]

He.

[Liam O'Brien]

He had a little too much to drink and he made a little bit of a fool of himself in front of the Haylovars.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He does that, I think.

[Marisha Ray]

Yes.

[Liam O'Brien]

No, I remember him. Has any intervening between the time when I was 12 and now? Has he lost any limbs, received any scars? No things I should know about. Okay, then when we get close, I can change my appearance.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

All right. You see, she begins to ride out, heading towards the castle and looks at Vaelys and Tysha and says, should we.

[Travis Willingham]

If I'm staying hidden, should I.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I.

[Marisha Ray]

Wonder if it's not Too risky.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You.

[Marisha Ray]

Your connection with Pin.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

If there was any information that NASA would need you to know in the moment, if Pin stayed with us.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I see.

[Liam O'Brien]

Could I use it as an information conduit between the two of our groups? Let me see here.

[Matthew Mercer]

Let me think.

[Liam O'Brien]

As long as I'm within 100ft, I can hear anything. But that's as far as that'll go.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay. I'll stay with Pen. She looks at.

[Marisha Ray]

I'll stay with you.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

My Lady Velis.

[Liam O'Brien]

You are very noticeable.

[Ashley Johnson]

I know, but I feel like I should accompany you.

[Marisha Ray]

Keep in mind, if the demons of House Hayluvar spot you, they might also cause a bit of a scene because they think that you are their sister tyranny.

[Liam O'Brien]

If Pyn will be with you all if we do need you. The conduit works both ways. I can have Pin rudimentarily inform you.

[Matthew Mercer]

To be fair, if she is with us and Halovar wishes to pursue, I doubt they would get far within the walls of the Iron Fazen estate. Given what we saw the night before, sure.

[Travis Willingham]

Okay.

[Liam O'Brien]

Would it. Would it be unusual just in, generally speaking, for an elf to be traveling with people?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No, not unusual for not to be traveling. An elf dressed in the religious garb that Phelis is traveling in is unusual, but seeing an elf, it is comfortably in the middle ground where it is uncommon and not strange.

[Travis Willingham]

Okay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Great.

[Liam O'Brien]

And if you feel better suited to coming with. I don't see.

[Travis Willingham]

I don't know.

[Liam O'Brien]

But if I don't know why, I'm calling the shouts on the shirt. Come with us.

[Sam Riegel]

I don't know.

[Ashley Johnson]

You'll be with him.

[Liam O'Brien]

We'll be together. But if you.

[Marisha Ray]

He gets into a lot of trouble.

[Travis Willingham]

I shall stay with these gentle ladies.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You keep yourself safe. Arce.

[Travis Willingham]

Julian.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We are here to help our.

[Travis Willingham]

Subjects, not to fly a tall flag to look for revenge. In this moment, I am aware.

[Matthew Mercer]

I also would like to at least pose the possible question that information of the attack on a plaza in Dalmarquiar may have already reached their ears. And if so, questions may arise as to what our reaction is to such. So at the very least, let us be prepared to answer such questions should.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

They.

[Matthew Mercer]

Find themselves at our feet.

[Liam O'Brien]

Contingency. Contingency. Contingency plan. If I'm too far away from Pin. If you see a bird fly directly up from the building into the air, help. I'll just.

[Travis Willingham]

As you guys move through the city.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I am going to ask for a group stealth check.

[Marisha Ray]

If we're trying to be stealthy, then.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Would there be time for me to cast. Pass without trace.

[Travis Willingham]

Absolutely.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Nice one. That's got that.

[Liam O'Brien]

I love that happening now. We pass without a trees. 33.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Oh my God.

[Sam Riegel]

A natural 20.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Natural 20. Hell yes. 30, 30.

[Marisha Ray]

29.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

29, 29. Hey. Holy shit. You move completely, completely unseen. Yeah, we do. Through the city. It's a hustle and bustle.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm mirroring you.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm like, oh, this is good.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

This is how you do it.

[Marisha Ray]

This is how she stuck in the.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

City and arriving in front of the massive castle gates. You see that Erinessa turns to you. Tycha gesturing towards a very busy marketplace that it will be effortless to hide totally in broad daylight in plain sight in this large marketplace that also looks down, you see massive wooden cranks the size of Ferris wheels. As these huge platforms begin to lower down the cliffside to the beginning of a long road highway snaking down the rest of the cliffs. You see that Erinessa says, well, shall we stop for a minute?

[Travis Willingham]

Let's grab some.

[Marisha Ray]

We can find some food here.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She says, oh, tiny little coffees. And walks over. She tiny little coffee. She looks over and says, my lady.

[Travis Willingham]

Do you partake in.

[Ashley Johnson]

I would love a cup of coffee.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Splendid. Gets it and says, so where from?

[Travis Willingham]

Where from.

[Marisha Ray]

Do they have trees? Incredible.

[Ashley Johnson]

Not much anymore.

[Travis Willingham]

It's the one. It's the one.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Travis Willingham]

It's the main thing.

[Marisha Ray]

You're doing great.

[Ashley Johnson]

That's okay. I'm awkward too.

[Travis Willingham]

I'm actually not awkward. I'm just. It's very.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

The Shapers War was a distant memory to my father.

[Travis Willingham]

By which I mean he was not even.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He was born the year after the.

[Travis Willingham]

End of the Shapers War.

[Ashley Johnson]

How lucky for him.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm gonna get us more coffees.

[Travis Willingham]

They go fast.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

They should sell them in larger vessels. You see the Julian Octis.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It's the worst brunch ever.

[Ashley Johnson]

Just quiet. Yeah, a lot of swallowing.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It's so much swallow. So much swallowing. It's great.

[Sam Riegel]

I have to take up the position of Laurel Bailey here. And we gotta cut that out.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Julian and Octus. So do you disguise yourself?

[Sam Riegel]

First of all, I will disguise myself as this. Sorry, what was his name?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Erlik Kerzingblad.

[Sam Riegel]

Erlik Kerzingbad.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Curzingblad. You see that? Approaching the gate. The gates standing here in the daytime are wide open. And there are two knights standing guard in this beautiful steel slate blue tabard that has a picture of a gauntleted hammer holding fist in front of a cloud on this blue diamond background. You look over and see that the knights look over and say, welcome, traveler.

[Travis Willingham]

Announce yourself.

[Liam O'Brien]

Good afternoon. My name is Erling Erlik Kerzingblatt.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

My lord Kersingblatt.

[Liam O'Brien]

Hello.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Welcome.

[Travis Willingham]

Welcome.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It is good to see you once.

[Travis Willingham]

Again here in Riesengertel.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Thank you. What reason are you expected?

[Liam O'Brien]

No, I am not. But I was hoping that maybe there would be. This is a little bit of a surprise visit. I have some questions that I need answering.

[Travis Willingham]

Very well. To whom may we direct your questions, my lord?

[Sam Riegel]

Do I know who would be an appropriate person to ask for?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Give me a history check. Okay, call it DC5 to know somebody. DC15 to know the right person.

[Sam Riegel]

Okay, that's 16.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Let's go. 16. Are you looking for someone that you know know is cool or someone are you optimizing for I know this person is cool or are you optimizing for I know this person will have answers.

[Sam Riegel]

I want to optimize for I know someone who wanting someone who would be most willing to help.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yes, There was a young lady of house Einfassen, who when you were a little boy, was only about three years older than you, but always very generous and kind, and was someone who.

[Travis Willingham]

Had.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No fear of the Taconis family and therefore was a very good playmate at a lot of these balls. And the last time you would have known her before you moved to Dalmachiar, she would have been like 17 and I think would have been playfully flirtatious with you in a way a 14 year old would be likely to remember.

[Sam Riegel]

Okay, great.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Her name was the Lady Ingrid.

[Sam Riegel]

The Lady Ingrid.

[Liam O'Brien]

If at all possible, I would love to speak to the Lady Ingrid.

[Travis Willingham]

She is disposed at the moment. Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We will announce you at once. Do you wish for a formal announcement in the great hall or you wish.

[Travis Willingham]

To speak with her immediately?

[Liam O'Brien]

It does not need to be a formal. I would love to speak to her immediately.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Great. Go ahead. Give me deception with advantage.

[Liam O'Brien]

That is 15.

[Sam Riegel]

Sorry.

[Liam O'Brien]

16.

[Travis Willingham]

16. Hell yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Julian, what are you doing during this time?

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm basically stepping as an accompaniment to the back and to the right.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Still.

[Matthew Mercer]

Keeping myself somewhat cloaked. So I'm not eagerly displaying Davinos colors necessarily until the moment of being questioned or approached. I will then reveal myself, but for now I'm just letting octys take the lead.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Great. Sorry. What did you get for that deception?

[Sam Riegel]

16.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

16. You move through with them through the courtyard. They go to one of the smaller side keeps and open it up these vast broad staircases within this tall keep here. You look around and you see Sort of tap. There are pennants waving from these two massive columns. And then you realize that the columns are not columns. They are spears planted in the ground.

[Travis Willingham]

Each about 50ft tall.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

They love a vibe here. We said giants.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We said giants. You. You see walking up there is a massive. This grand staircase goes up to this landing. Massive circular window. The central circular pane of glass is about 25ft diameter and just looks out over the sky, dropping over the country of Helvar. And you see. You see walking down, blonde plaited hair, small sort of bonnet tied around the top of her head, blue gown. Walking down is the Lady Ingrid, who comes down with a handmaiden at her side.

[Travis Willingham]

Looks out and says, Sir Curzingblad.

[Laura Bailey]

Lady Ingrid, it is wonderful to see you again.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It is wonderful to see you. To be called on directly is an honor and a surprise.

[Liam O'Brien]

Well, I just had some questions that I wanted to ask in a very informal manner. That is not necessarily.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that by the way, the two herald guardians are standing here with you as well.

[Sam Riegel]

Yes.

[Laura Bailey]

Not necessarily needing a whole formal to do. Is there somewhere we could talk? Possibly rudiment more in private? I mean, your handmaidens are more than.

[Liam O'Brien]

Welcome to be there. I just.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that?

[Travis Willingham]

She says. Yes. We can retire to my chambers if you wish.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She begins to walk and she pauses for a second and says. If I. Am I being called on? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Sam Riegel]

Not at all. No, absolutely not.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I would be deeply flattered for a man of your station and accomplishments and your especially to look at me as one who I must imagine must seem frightfully young to.

[Laura Bailey]

No, please. I'm so sorry if I gave you a misunderstanding of what I was here for. I am merely here to ask you questions.

[Sam Riegel]

And he just looks into and you.

[Matthew Mercer]

Can see is enjoying, but also steps forward and goes. My Lady, My apologies for not introducing myself. I was allowing the Lord to.

[Travis Willingham]

Take.

[Matthew Mercer]

This as a formal approach. But he is actually here speaking on my behalf as I was the one who wished to meet you.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She looks over now. I'm an ask. I'm going to leave this up to you. But we can also roll for it if that's more fun for you. Have Julian and the Lady Ingrid met before? You are both. She is a member of a true sundered house.

[Matthew Mercer]

No, I know. I believe we have met.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

But I think previously Julian had positively no interest in her and likely didn't engage as much. I would say as aware and acknowledged in the past. At least a passing awareness and interest from her and is now trying his best to lean into that.

[Travis Willingham]

Great.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

But what exactly about her is not your type?

[Matthew Mercer]

We will uncover that as we discuss.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Play to find out.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that she looks over and.

[Travis Willingham]

Says, julian, my shoulders aren't bony.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

That's not true. You see, she looks over.

[Travis Willingham]

She looks.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And says, so Davinos, I'm going to.

[Travis Willingham]

Need insight checks from both of you.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

So sorry I kept you from being a of part.

[Travis Willingham]

It's the funniest thing.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It really is insightful.

[Sam Riegel]

14.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

14, 15. You see that? She looks out and says, sir Delphinos, you. She looks amazing. To the other guards who look, you see that One of the guards says.

[Travis Willingham]

Ser Kersingblad, your protector is Ser Julian of the house Delvinos.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yes. These two men at arms who you see are. These are the guys at the front.

[Travis Willingham]

Gate who maybe haven't seen.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

These are guys that you would have always gone past in a carriage are looking here and you see that they say, my lord, much has transpired since.

[Travis Willingham]

The last time you were here.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see that Lady Ingrid says, very well, Sir Divinos, where have you come from? This is wild.

[Matthew Mercer]

I have come from Dalmarchia in search of the carriages that were to deliver our supplies to our plaza not but a few days before.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She looks at the guards and says.

[Travis Willingham]

Could you go please fetch my father at once.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see that the two guards turn around and leave. You see? The handmaiden says, my lady, do you.

[Travis Willingham]

Wish for me to fetch any other help? She says, no, Greta, please stay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see that?

[Travis Willingham]

She says, but perhaps it would be better for me to go get some help. She says, greta, stay.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see that they turn off.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'm just thinking.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see, she says, we can.

[Travis Willingham]

Retire to my chambers.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She walks up with you.

[Travis Willingham]

She says, my Lord Davinos, your carriages have been impounded. You're many times arrested.

[Matthew Mercer]

Then this is something I would like to hear more about. This is information fresh to my ears.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see. She goes up to her quarters, beautifully appointed. These are massive canopy bed, a small embroidered cushion in front of a large vanity mirror. This is appointed in this fairy tale manner. You see that there's a giant tapestry on the wall that has a massive hand coming out of the clouds to a young princess who is standing on the fingertip of another massive hand outstretched from it. As she's reaching up to take the second hand. You look at her.

[Travis Willingham]

She sits down and says, my understanding is that your carriage, your caravan was stopped here several days ago because we received word from House Royce that there was a traitor, someone, assassins traveling in your caravan and that we were to arrest. Impound the cast carriages and hold under arrest all members of the caravan until such time as we could be certain that you would have the ability to interview them, to ascertain who amongst them had betrayed your trust.

[Matthew Mercer]

So you still have these travelers of our caravan currently held within your grounds.

[Travis Willingham]

Some two score of your men at arms, servants and drivers are currently being held. We have sent word to the Palazzo Divinos in Dolmacchia for clarification on the instructions, which were frightfully vague, which.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

With.

[Travis Willingham]

No due offense meant the Royce occasionally lack specificity, especially in their textual conversations.

[Matthew Mercer]

I will take note of that.

[Travis Willingham]

It is not meant as an insult, merely a criticism.

[Matthew Mercer]

Duly noted.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I died coming back as a nine plus.

[Matthew Mercer]

I love them plenty. Ingrid, I greatly appreciate your candor in this. We've. There have been some challenging reports of misinformation being tossed around, and myself and Erlik here are seeking to suss out where this misinformation might be stemming from.

[Laura Bailey]

Exactly.

[Matthew Mercer]

Do you know whereabouts this missive from Royce was received?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, the handmaiden leans in and.

[Travis Willingham]

Says, my lady, I might run to the central keep and ask if Lord Einfar and has the message for us to actually look and see the handwriting. Perhaps from where it is.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that Ingrid looks and says, yeah.

[Travis Willingham]

Would you be able to recognize your family's handwriting?

[Matthew Mercer]

I should. Very much so, yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that Greta says, by the way? And you see that she takes off and runs down the staircase. You see that Ingrid looks and says, all right, yes.

[Travis Willingham]

My father has been extremely cross these last few days. The instruction was extremely last minute. Obviously there was only, I think, a matter of a single day in between your arrival here about a week ago and the caravan following you into the Dvalmar Pass. So it was an extremely curt response. We wondered why you were aware of this information, thinking you must have become aware of it slightly up the road and then sent word back in a hastily written letter.

[Laura Bailey]

I can see how this would not make sense and cause him to be cross.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Your men have been imprisoned at some small expense.

[Travis Willingham]

Are we to shoulder this cost ourselves or.

[Matthew Mercer]

We will find a way to make this right. But for the time being, you are not wrong to think this is a suspicious timing.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, you guys hear some footsteps.

[Travis Willingham]

Coming up the stairs.

[Laura Bailey]

I am sorry for the confusing nature of my entrance and calling on you specifically. It was just.

[Liam O'Brien]

Trying to make as little to do of this as possible.

[Travis Willingham]

Why did you call on Me specifically.

[Liam O'Brien]

Because I remember you being very kind and very bright.

[Travis Willingham]

Oh, that's very kind of you to say. Is that intended as a compliment?

[Sam Riegel]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Thank you. You see that?

[Travis Willingham]

She.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Walking in the door. You guys see the Lord Otto Einfassen shaved head, absolutely enormous walrus mustache.

[Sam Riegel]

I knew he was going to have one. I don't know why I did.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, he walks in. He has a sort of ceremonial gleaming breastplate over this beautiful brocaded. It's that sort of like Henry V style. Almost like the big sleeves and broad chest and everything he has. There is no fabric on his body that does not look like a heavily embroidered tapestry. There is no fabric that is not. Have a bunch of different materials in it. Some of this could be ceramics. Some of this could be wooden. Just incredibly noisy. Loud. Noble's garment looking like a castle wall, was hot. Looking like a castle. Yeah. Bam. He walks in. You do see that he has a warhammer at his side as well. Walks in and says so. Cursing blood. My lord, it was my understanding that you would be in Aquilane already at this time.

[Travis Willingham]

You have returned.

[Laura Bailey]

Things have changed. My situation has changed and I am helping.

[Matthew Mercer]

Indeed. Lord Ayapharson.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Have you come back here to find this assassin within your ranks?

[Matthew Mercer]

Sir, I have come back to try and suss out where this miscommunication has come from. This missive that has been called by your daughter. It was not sent by myself. It was not sent by our family. There is some confusion here, and I would like to try and understand how this happened.

[Travis Willingham]

He says the missive, it was signed by General Raymond.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, he takes a sort of. He ushers, one of his attendants, they take a missive, he hands it to you.

[Travis Willingham]

Go ahead and give me an investigation check.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And please do so with advantage.

[Marisha Ray]

That die sounds so pretty whenever it clinks against the thing.

[Matthew Mercer]

Not amazing, but I will attempt to tactical mind again.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Here we go.

[Matthew Mercer]

To add a.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

All right. Puts it at a15.15 on a15 investigation. You're looking at being like, okay, my father's handwriting. And you're realizing that all of the drinking and sleeping around that you've done, you don't remember the last time you looked at something your dad wrote down. But I'll tell you what you do know, and that is a crooked break.

[Travis Willingham]

On the wax seal. This is a forgery.

[Matthew Mercer]

I. I hope that our family's dealings in the past, the alliances between the sundered houses that currently sit within this chamber, hold strong. Because this document you put before me, as suspected, is not accurate. And I know this for two reasons. And I point out the broken seal. And two, I pull the gauntlet that's been clipped on my back. That is my father's gauntlet. And I toss it onto the ground. My father, the general, is no longer alive. The assassins were not in this caravan. They were awaiting us in Dolmakia. And so we are here now in hopes of finding answers.

[Travis Willingham]

Go ahead and roll. Persuasion for me. You may do so with advantage.

[Liam O'Brien]

Come on now.

[Matthew Mercer]

19.

[Travis Willingham]

He looks at you and says, you are claiming that this means missive is a forgery?

[Matthew Mercer]

I know it is.

[Travis Willingham]

He hands it off and says, please collect some of the missives from the general of House Royce's forces to determine if there is indeed a visible difference in the quality of the letters. He turns, looks down at the gauntlet.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Picks it up.

[Travis Willingham]

I have seen this gauntlet do its work in the war of Axe and Wein, in the Falchiones rebellion. House Eindwasen and House Royce have never been on different sides of any conflict in either of their histor.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He hands you the gauntlet.

[Travis Willingham]

It is my sincere hope that if your family has been wronged, that those who wronged it are brought to justice. I also sincerely hope that I do not hear any names that are going to make my life harder.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? He turns to his daughter and says.

[Travis Willingham]

We need to speak very carefully and we need to determine what is to be done. Make sure that no one bothers with any of the wagons. And make sure that no one reaches any of those men that are yet imprisoned. Is.

[Sam Riegel]

Ingrid's handmaiden back with us?

[Travis Willingham]

No.

[Laura Bailey]

Ingrid, your handmaiden went to find this.

[Liam O'Brien]

Task but this ladder, did she not?

[Travis Willingham]

Yeah, she did. Oh, yes. Where is Greta?

[Laura Bailey]

We should find her.

[Travis Willingham]

Find her?

[Laura Bailey]

If no one is to go talk to anybody other than the people who are in this room currently. And one of us who knows we are here and that Ser Julian is here has gone.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? Lord Einfasten says.

[Travis Willingham]

Your handmaiden came searching this letter. You see? Ingrid says, yes, she went to the main keep. And you see, he says, she would not have taken an indirect route.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Men find the handmaiden at once. He turns around and says, ah, very well.

[Travis Willingham]

You too, come with me.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Stands up, takes off. And you guys walk down with him.

[Travis Willingham]

I've got a roll.

[Sam Riegel]

Very important roll back over here.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Glycem.

[Liam O'Brien]

Sting. I love this house.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Just one quick flash. Cut back to us. We're all like four coffees deep, just blurry at the edges.

[Sam Riegel]

Just all of sorts.

[Ashley Johnson]

Sweating, sweaty, shaking.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Everyone's just having an anxiety attack. Still have nothing to talk about.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Hell yes. You see that you guys walk off and go to an actual. Not the main throne room necessarily, but a larger council chamber in the main keep. This one has a similarly enormous circular window that looks out over the mountain peaks. And you see that there is an elaborate construction of the moldings that hold the panes of glass. And as you walk to the central table, you see the seat that the lord sits in. The construction of the panes of glass becomes a set of hands holding each side of these massive twin summits in the mountain peaks. You see that as he sits down and looks at both of you, he says.

[Travis Willingham]

Very well. This missive was sent to us falsely. Your men should not have been arrested. No. Who is responsible if indeed your father is dead for his death?

[Matthew Mercer]

You said not but a short time ago that you did not want to hear names that would complicate your life. My question to you is, how well do you want to keep your house safe, your daughter safe.

[Travis Willingham]

Above the safety of my house. There can be no other priority.

[Matthew Mercer]

Then allow me to complicate your life a little bit. And I look over to you, Arctis. There are houses currently that should be held at arm's length and beyond. No trust to come to to Taconis and possibly Halovar as well. But it is at the behest of Hastaconis that Royce has been brought low.

[Laura Bailey]

Indeed.

[Matthew Mercer]

And my house, as far as I'm aware, I cannot yet confirm if my mother and sister are still alive. But the Balaza de Venus in Dalmarkia is no more. We're still trying to suss out the depths and specifics of Taconis plan. But they are the ones responsible. Personally.

[Travis Willingham]

You say this with first hand or second hand knowledge?

[Matthew Mercer]

By the blood that I carved from Primus body as he yanked the life from my father's corpse. Yes.

[Travis Willingham]

While you are in my castle, you are under my protection.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Sir. CursingBlade, how came you to be in.

[Travis Willingham]

Dolmarkia while these events unfolded?

[Laura Bailey]

I encountered Sir Julian on the road. I understand, but found that it would be. I also believed the story that was told and figured that it would behoove him to have somebody escort him back here.

[Matthew Mercer]

He's mostly been just an ally and means to assist in myself and my companions and to bring this information to you.

[Liam O'Brien]

So yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He turns to look and.

[Travis Willingham]

Says, we have had word that the rebel Thiassi Fang is dead. It was you who brought him first to his niece. And he? Falconer's Rebellion.

[Matthew Mercer]

Indeed.

[Travis Willingham]

The Lady Erinessa, therefore, was not successful in her entreaties to the Lord's advisory. My nephew, the others, no.

[Matthew Mercer]

But it seems even Theozzi was tied into quite a complicated net that I can only assume has some deeper connection to what has befallen my family and House Royce as well.

[Travis Willingham]

What has befallen House Royce? Where is the Lady Rhaenysa?

[Matthew Mercer]

She is protected. But she was present when the Palazzo was attacked as well. And was another target to be destroyed had we not escaped.

[Travis Willingham]

So the Taconis have made a move to strike at House Royce directly.

[Matthew Mercer]

I can only assume that were one of many to come, hence why I wish to give you this warning as well.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

The doors open behind you, and you see two guards walk in holding Greta by her elbows. They walk in, you see that? The Lord looks over and says.

[Travis Willingham]

Handmaiden, tell me everything that occurred since the last time you left my daughter's side.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She looks up, weeping.

[Travis Willingham]

You see that? One of the guards says, we found her, my lord, in the aviary, sending a message. We were not able to catch the bird before she sent it to flight, you see? He says, were you instructed to send a message in the aviary by your charge, my daughter, the Lady Ingrid?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

She looks up and says, my Lord, no, but I. Faster than you can think, there is a movement and the warhammer is off the Lord's belt, and he dashes her brains across the floor.

[Travis Willingham]

He says, this room is no longer suitable for conversation.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And stands up and walks.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

How married is this man?

[Sam Riegel]

As a point of I'm assuming I'm far more than 100ft away from where they are, Correct?

[Travis Willingham]

Yes.

[Sam Riegel]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Did we see a bird?

[Sam Riegel]

What direction? We're going to see. This is what I'm worried about.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Give me a perception check.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Can I deal with advantage? Because I've had 96 copies. Jesus.

[Sam Riegel]

That's not bad.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, can I keep that? You went over there. 19 plus. Sorry, perception. Plus seven. 26.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yes, 26. A bird does take off flying west from the castle.

[Sam Riegel]

Did say straight up.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It is not flying straight up.

[Ashley Johnson]

What do you think?

[Marisha Ray]

It's not straight up.

[Ashley Johnson]

No, it's kind of. It's too kind of flying sideways.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ashley Johnson]

We wanna straight up.

[Marisha Ray]

I mean, should we just get close? I think we should get closer.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Hey, and who's got Pin right now?

[Ashley Johnson]

I have pin. I have pin.

[Travis Willingham]

Talk to Pin. Pin.

[Ashley Johnson]

Can you hear me?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Did you just try to talk into his mouth?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

But.

[Ashley Johnson]

Sorry, not you.

[Sam Riegel]

I absolutely cannot.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Sam Riegel]

Are there windows that are open in this room?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Not open, no.

[Liam O'Brien]

I can't do anything about it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Last truly, a Hail Mary.

[Marisha Ray]

Is there any way for me to.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Ascertain, even at this distance, if you. If that is a natural bird or something fae or illusory?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No nature check necessary. It is a carrier pigeon, you see. It is a messenger bird.

[Travis Willingham]

And a natural one.

[Marisha Ray]

I sealed his chest, so I don't.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Know where a bird's flying like an.

[Marisha Ray]

Actual bird's flying out of.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I think that's just a bird.

[Liam O'Brien]

I have a way to stop that.

[Sam Riegel]

I just can't do it without giving myself away, and it's driving me nuts.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You begin to exit the room, following Lord Einflazen. He looks at you and says, it.

[Travis Willingham]

Is a deeply unsettling feeling to know that there are worms crawling around within your body. And indeed, this castle, this kingdom. It is my body. That handmaiden. It's proven that we have become lax. It is my intention to release your men and servants at once. Your carriages as well. I would ask that you remain here with them in my castle for some time until we can straighten all of this out.

[Matthew Mercer]

The difficulty in this, my lord, is that we ourselves are traveling for answers to try and head off this plot by the Taconeses. And the more time that is lost in our journey, the more dangerous their plot becomes in its unknown and continued expanse. I understand what it is you ask, and I would only request that you allow us the capability of keeping us all safe by continuing to follow this thread before it goes thin.

[Travis Willingham]

Yes. This request makes a great deal of sense to me. You wish for safety in traveling? Safety can be provided. But I think at the outset, I have just had it proven to me that there are those close to me that I cannot trust. And moreover, I have your knowledge that this is a forgery. I have your father's garantage on the ground. And other than that, I have your word I cannot act swiftly and accurately. So I would ask that you remain here under my protection, in which you will be much safer than you would on the road. And if the Taconis are to be called up to face judgment, let us act as one to bring that judgment to them. Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

There is wisdom behind what you recommend. Indeed. I would have to convene with my lady of house Royce. That is under my protection as well. She has to pursue her interests as well in her survival of her house. So if I might go meet with her, treat with her, discuss what you now have expressed to us, and return with what is the Best means of moving forward. As well as releasing Mr. Erlik. Lord Erlik onto his endeavors as well as he's already seen through his responsibilities.

[Travis Willingham]

Why did you return in?

[Liam O'Brien]

In order to make sure that Julian made it here safely.

[Travis Willingham]

Give me a deception check.

[Matthew Mercer]

Indeed. He has been very kind and quick. And I do wish not to keep you.

[Sam Riegel]

Patron.

[Liam O'Brien]

20.

[Sam Riegel]

Woo.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Travis Willingham]

Yeah.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? The Lord says.

[Travis Willingham]

Cursing blood. This guy.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see? Big dog. That is the big dog. You see that?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

He.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He says, yeah.

[Travis Willingham]

They will do this. Where your companions are here in the city or up the pass?

[Matthew Mercer]

They are within the city in a safe space.

[Travis Willingham]

Very well. I will send an escort with you to keep you safe.

[Matthew Mercer]

Very well.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Great. You guys get together. The lady Ingrid comes out. You see that she's in a nearby chamber. She comes out and says, father, they.

[Travis Willingham]

Have not been able to.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

They said that they found Greta in the aviary. You see that? The Lord puts a hand on her shoulder and says, we will commence a.

[Travis Willingham]

Search for a new handmaiden at our nearest convenience. My daughter.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? Her eyes just sort of go matte and unfocused.

[Travis Willingham]

And she says, as the one closest to her, I must offer a heartfelt desire to make repropriation to our house for having missed that there was someone untrustworthy in our midst.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Midst. And you see?

[Travis Willingham]

He goes, an honorable request to make.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I will think of a way for.

[Travis Willingham]

You to ministrate your apologies to the family.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? Ingrid turns and says, sersinglad, I am.

[Travis Willingham]

So sorry for the insult that allowing.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

A member of a house.

[Matthew Mercer]

Lady Ingrid and I lean forward and take her hand in mine, bow closely to her. Do not hold yourself responsible. There are walls in everyone's midst. And it is nothing but your kind heart that has seen to our arrival and our protection as an extension of your father's in keeping them safe. So do not hold blame upon yourself. Just know that we are grateful.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? As you kiss her hand, she blushes and says.

[Travis Willingham]

A single question. You mentioned that you were here to see me. Was that to see me about the business of your family? Or was it unrelated?

[Matthew Mercer]

The business was to. That business will have to wait for another time.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Smooth.

[Matthew Mercer]

But for now, let's just say it was business at the utmost importance. But I hope another time arrives so we can have a more extended conversation. My lady.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Give me persuasion with advantage. Let's go.

[Marisha Ray]

He's a charmer.

[Matthew Mercer]

Sixteen.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see? She looks and goes.

[Travis Willingham]

Two birds, one boulder.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Another time then.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So, Julien, I don't want to seek anything. We need to stay in this castle.

[Ashley Johnson]

We should probably stay here.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We all go live.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Whatever this is, I'm here for it.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, she smiles and says, maybe.

[Travis Willingham]

A different handmaiden could get me some gowns that don't expose these shoulders.

[Sam Riegel]

Such a shoulder complex.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You guys take off. You walk out. There is an escort of eight mounted.

[Travis Willingham]

Knights that accompany you guys.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Heavily armored. Two of them look like of House Einfasten, like noble knights. And you see there's a few others of sub vassal houses as well. Ride out with you. Lord Einfasten says please see that you.

[Travis Willingham]

Return well before the noon hour. I wish to know that you are safe and not if I cannot even guarantee the safety of the staff of my castle. I can hardly speak to who in the bustling city of Riesengurtl may wish you ill. So please see that you return swiftly.

[Matthew Mercer]

Of course, my lord.

[Laura Bailey]

If you have this sunder in hand, then I may return to my duties and go back to my business.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Farewell.

[Travis Willingham]

Presently, you'll save the day yet again.

[Sam Riegel]

Thank you.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He brings you in close. He brings you real close and says.

[Travis Willingham]

You do great honor to our house.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And leans back.

[Sam Riegel]

I walk around the corner.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Just leave. Leave. So it's just. Okay, so you just leave. Julian leaves alone with the knights and octys. You vanish somewhere else.

[Sam Riegel]

I go around the corner. Now, the bird left so long ago, so there's no way.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Hello, Octus. You get a ping on the far distance of pin.

[Ashley Johnson]

I just like pick one of the little hairs.

[Sam Riegel]

I don't feel that. I let my consciousness kind of drift into pin. And I nod my head.

[Ashley Johnson]

Oh, oh, oh, he's here.

[Marisha Ray]

Octis, you on the line? Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You good? Did you send a bird in the wrong direction?

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, great.

[Sam Riegel]

And then consciousness drift out on a Hail Mary. Can I make a perception check to see if I can see what might be the trajectory of that bird?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It flew to the west. They saw it. So they saw it flying west.

[Marisha Ray]

Pretend that we said.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Did you think that up was west?

[Sam Riegel]

I just needed to make sure. A distance. Yeah. We're going to try this. It might fall apart and it might not.

[Liam O'Brien]

But.

[Sam Riegel]

Out of his coat, inside of his coat, in the lining, he has pockets, and these are holding spell components. And he pulls out from inside of a pocket a gilded skeleton. It is sort of like it's an amalgamation of what looks like a cat that has wings, but it's not any specific animal. It's an amalgamation of bones in order to be used as a spell component. Sets it on the ground around a Corner. Trying to find a secluded area, places it on the ground. And this lights up this green sigil around it and reaches out and from the gilded bones pulls out the corpse of a vulture that is alive and is a full. I'm casting summon. Undead critter.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Yeah.

[Sam Riegel]

And looks at this completely skeletal undead vulture that sells enough flesh in order to fly and says a bird has.

[Liam O'Brien]

Flown to the west carrying a message. Find that bird and take it down.

[Sam Riegel]

And sends the vulture into the air.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

As vulture takes off. Incredible. I am going to. What is the fly speed?

[Sam Riegel]

The fly speed of that is Adam flyer.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Wait, I have the thing. I know how to do this.

[Sam Riegel]

I set this up.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay.

[Sam Riegel]

Fly speed is 30ft.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Fly speed is 30ft.

[Travis Willingham]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

The most rapid flyers of the AV.

[Sam Riegel]

I know, I know.

[Matthew Mercer]

Alevian realm, the vulture.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

But this thing is undead.

[Sam Riegel]

Okay? Yes, it is undead.

[Travis Willingham]

Hold on one second.

[Sam Riegel]

It gets immune to exhaustion, so it can continue to fly.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's good.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay, we are gonna. This is going to.

[Sam Riegel]

This is the Hail Mary. I know this probably.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

This is the hail Mary. We're gonna resolve this with a Google search, which is faster. And the Google search is not which is faster. It's. How far can a carrier pigeon fly in one day? Oh, because. Because it is about 100 mile. A little over 100 miles to Dolmachyar. So if it has to rest before it gets to Dolmachyar, then we're in a different situation.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay, but what if we see an undead vulter and we're like, that's clearly evil.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We should kill him.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, we should kill him.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

So that is roll electric natural one.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We're both just skeet shooting. Yeah. Boom. It's like that scene in favorite.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just a pile of 70 birds that you've both taken out. Just in case.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, just in case.

[Ashley Johnson]

We're just carrying them when you get back.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Damn, that's so fast. That is fucking crazy. When they are cruising, these dudes do a cool 60 miles an hour. Then they can fly hundreds of miles in a day. I mean, that's why pigeons are. That's why you have pigeons.

[Sam Riegel]

That's why you hire a pigeon.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

It's worth a shot.

[Sam Riegel]

It's worth a shot.

[Travis Willingham]

Whoosh.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

The vulture takes off flying after the bird and heads towards the west.

[Sam Riegel]

Start making my way towards. I saw through Pin's eyes. Saw where you were in the market. And I'm coming back to where you are.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Hell yeah. You move out. Julian arrives a moment. Because you're on horseback, you ride a little. A little bit before. So Octys, you're on the way. There's the three of you, along with these eight knights. And you find in the marketplace the Lady Royce, Tysha and Vaelys.

[Marisha Ray]

Is Ser Julian under arrest?

[Matthew Mercer]

You would like to think that was the case.

[Marisha Ray]

I would.

[Matthew Mercer]

No. We have established allyship re established with House Einfausen, given the circumstances. So we have have protection and a request for conversation.

[Marisha Ray]

Do you want to have this conversation with all of us, or is this.

[Matthew Mercer]

Something between primarily the Lady Erinessa, but we travel together. Circumstances being as they are, I think it would be best if we.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Keep.

[Matthew Mercer]

As much of our hand open as we feel comfortable.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

But not all the cards on the table.

[Travis Willingham]

Understood.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay. Where's Octus?

[Matthew Mercer]

He should, I imagine, show up some point soon.

[Sam Riegel]

I hope.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Octrasith, you arrive.

[Sam Riegel]

Are the armed?

[Travis Willingham]

Yes.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

The knights are here. Two of them have dismounted, the rest are mounted. I look so much like a member of my family.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay, how do I want to play this?

[Sam Riegel]

Okay, disguise self again. But this time I disguise myself as.

[Liam O'Brien]

A.

[Sam Riegel]

Human man who is just very, very. Just mid-20s, very kind of just looks like he works at a stable. Just as a regular looking guy with sandy blond hair and a little bit of peach fuzz beard and walks up and has a backpack that's carrying a bunch of stuff. Looks like he's the guy who's carrying your equipment.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay.

[Sam Riegel]

And just kind of.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Have you ever used this disguise around Tysha?

[Sam Riegel]

Absolutely not.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Great.

[Sam Riegel]

I've made it up.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Who the fuck is. Go away.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

What?

[Marisha Ray]

I'm sorry. There's a copy.

[Liam O'Brien]

Sorry, you ordered me.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

When did you do that?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Can I make an inside check?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, Lady Erinessa says, sorry, I ordered a hireling. And I didn't tell you because it's your birthday and I allowed it to be a surprise. Hello. Hi. Thank you for coming on such short notice.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'm here.

[Sam Riegel]

I'm here in the background. You just let me know what you need and I'll take care of it.

[Marisha Ray]

Great.

[Travis Willingham]

Lovely.

[Matthew Mercer]

Lady Erinessa, I have notified Lord Anfaazen the base details of what has transpired in Dolmarchyar between Kalistaconis and our families.

[Liam O'Brien]

He wishes to speak with you to.

[Matthew Mercer]

Confirm these things and has offered to release all of our Held.

[Travis Willingham]

They're not dead.

[Matthew Mercer]

They're not dead. They were being held on a forged missive, letting them assume there was an assassin amongst their midst. And they were to be held until further instruction. But we have proven such a Miss if was a forgery and they have agreed to return Them to us. Though there is a discussion about how to pay for the intermediary.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

They want to charge us for arresting our men.

[Matthew Mercer]

It is how I am possum. But nevertheless, I let them know that you are safe and under my protection. And at this point, we need more friends than anything. But I follow your lead as to what you think is the best way to handle this.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I.

[Matthew Mercer]

Do. You trust them?

[Travis Willingham]

Ironfassen?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Mm.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Well, it explains why.

[Travis Willingham]

I mean, it explains why the goods were left on the carriages. And if they were not, if they.

[Matthew Mercer]

Were against us, would they have kept them alive?

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No.

[Marisha Ray]

Wouldn't they have just killed you?

[Travis Willingham]

No.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No.

[Travis Willingham]

Exactly.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? Erinessa says if you think it's safest, then.

[Travis Willingham]

Then we need safety. And you're right. We need friends.

[Matthew Mercer]

At least for now.

[Ashley Johnson]

But you were hesitating.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I just know that you're doing great, she says. I just know that my friend Tysha.

[Travis Willingham]

That I have not seen in many.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Years, has business of her own.

[Travis Willingham]

I think my hesitation is in, you.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

See, turns and says, are my companions welcome to be shielded under this hospitality as well?

[Marisha Ray]

It is my birthday now.

[Matthew Mercer]

Mind you, lady, I'm not saying we stay. We have business elsewhere. But you are far better at convincing convincing a lord if his estate have that intent, then. But a vassal house soldier as myself.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that one of the knights.

[Travis Willingham]

Says, your attendants are more than welcome.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And you see that the lady Roy.

[Travis Willingham]

Says, companions.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, she says, I think it would do well for me.

[Travis Willingham]

To speak to Lord Einfausen.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

But.

[Travis Willingham]

I can't compel you to stay if you have business elsewhere.

[Marisha Ray]

I would like to make it through the path as quickly as possible. But I do think if I would have a chance to send a man message back to Dolmakiar, that might be worth a night at least.

[Travis Willingham]

She smiles and says, all right, then.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

We stay a night with Lord Hunphassen.

[Travis Willingham]

I don't think that's a bad idea at all.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I know I just hired you, but would you do you who will figure you out? And you see that she points to you and says, yes, my lady.

[Travis Willingham]

No.

[Marisha Ray]

You were hired for me. I'm your lady.

[Sam Riegel]

Your lady.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see that? She turns to you and says.

[Travis Willingham]

Is.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

A night's stay here welcome? Is that all right?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yes.

[Travis Willingham]

She smiles and says, all right, then.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Let us away with our escort here. You guys head with the knights back towards the Einfausen's castle.

[Marisha Ray]

How long can you get?

[Ashley Johnson]

Keep this up.

[Sam Riegel]

An hour?

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Do you want to attend us? Or maybe spend a night at the sh.

[Travis Willingham]

You could do better than this.

[Liam O'Brien]

Yeah, but.

[Ashley Johnson]

Should we.

[Laura Bailey]

It's fine.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'll just. Let's just go. I'll figure it out.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

No.

[Travis Willingham]

Okay.

[Ashley Johnson]

Should we stay out?

[Liam O'Brien]

If that would be easier. I can't be in there. Not only am I Takonas, but they know now what Taconas did.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay, fair.

[Liam O'Brien]

To be fair to Juliena.

[Sam Riegel]

It's the only way to really get the point across.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, Erinessa sees this conversation and turns to the knights and says, I'm so sorry. I hired a hireling thinking that we were headed east, but we're staying. So I'm going to pay him out and then you can go.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Sam Riegel]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, one of the mountain knights says he is invited. You see that? Lady Royce says. I'm sorry. He says, your hireling is invited.

[Travis Willingham]

All of your companions are welcome to the castle.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Miranessa turns and says, oh, he's. No, he's not part of our party.

[Travis Willingham]

He's welcome to go.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You see, one of the knights goes.

[Travis Willingham]

With respect, Lady Royce, he is not welcome to go. Please. We are excited to extend the hospitality of House Einfassen.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay, great. Well.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

This day just became more interesting.

[Liam O'Brien]

I can do this two more times.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

You walk three hours total. You walk into the Einfausen castle. The gates close behind you. And when does your spell fade? After an hour. Hour.

[Liam O'Brien]

An hour.

[Marisha Ray]

Have you ever considered maybe dropping dead?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, maybe you get sick.

[Liam O'Brien]

Did that.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm saying in.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

While, like this.

[Marisha Ray]

Maybe dropping dead, just.

[Liam O'Brien]

I don't know, just die.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I don't.

[Marisha Ray]

I don't know.

[Liam O'Brien]

Do people do that?

[Marisha Ray]

You did.

[Liam O'Brien]

Someone killed me.

[Marisha Ray]

Do you want me to pretend to slit your throat?

[Liam O'Brien]

I think that's going to. To raise a lot of questions.

[Ashley Johnson]

Well, you pretend to let us. Oh, we could have fun with this.

[Liam O'Brien]

Actually, I'm going to just not make a scene.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Please.

[Marisha Ray]

We're just having a friendly conversation.

[Liam O'Brien]

We're talking about killing me again. I mean, I'm a little sensitive.

[Travis Willingham]

All right, Fair.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

The gates of the castle close. You guys walk into the courtyard. Lord Einfassen walks out and says.

[Travis Willingham]

My Lady Royce, welcome to Riesengertel and Helva. My hospitality and protection is yours. I hope that your stay is comfortable. Before you leave, we will resolve this matter and discover the truth of what has befallen your house. It by my life or death, I can offer you any service. I will, and I hope only that we discover the truth of this matter.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

He nods curtly. Give me an insight check, Titan. Thank you. That's all I want.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Eighteen.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

A raid on the parapets.

[Travis Willingham]

All through throughout are the loyal soldiers of House Einfausen. The Lord stands here before Lady Erinessa.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

They were enthusiastic to extend the hospitality of their house.

[Travis Willingham]

And you see the Lady Ingrid looking.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Out through one of those massive sets of windows, gazing at Lady Royce.

[Travis Willingham]

I think on that insight check, you see that she has been weeping. There's much to weep about in this world.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Something is at work here and you.

[Travis Willingham]

Can'T quite put your finger on it. But it is a long night that awaits you. And perhaps you will discover how to name this strange feeling of vertigo that you have felt ever since crossing the crest of Rhysen Girdle.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

That's all for this episode.

[Sam Riegel]

I feel like I played exactly the same amount as during the overture.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

I want to play more, more, more.

[Ashley Johnson]

We're just getting warmed up too.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

Let me go. Let me.

[Ashley Johnson]

We should have said no, but they.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Wouldn'T have let us say no.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

And finally, of course, yeah. Who. Who knows? How are you guys used? Does it feel. Does it feel good? Does it feel like we made all the good, all the right? Oh, yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We made every right choice.

[Ashley Johnson]

We made all the right. We made all the right choices.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, definitely.

[Travis Willingham]

Definitely.

[Matthew Mercer]

It's gonna go great.

[Brennan Lee Mulligan]

There's only. The only question I've got is, is it Thursday? Ah, there it is, there it is, there it is. You gotta put it up on the prompter for me. Thanks for listening to this episode of Critical Role. If you're enjoying this story, consider leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice. We're always looking for new critters to share our adventures with, and your review may help a new batch of wayward souls find their way to Ahriman, Exandria and beyond. Or if you want to hear what the cast discussed after the episode, head to Beacon TV and check out our exclusive show, Critical Role Cooldown. You'll be right there at the table immediately after we say, is it Thursday yet? And experience our cast's post show reactions.

[Travis Willingham]

We'll see you next time.