The Tomb of the Heretic Saint | Age of Umbra Episode 8 Part 2

Summary

Critical Role Podcast Summary: "The Tomb of the Heretic Saint | Age of Umbra Episode 8 Part 2"

Release Date: August 5, 2025

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Introduction

In the riveting continuation of the Age of Umbra campaign, Episode 8 Part 2 of The Tomb of the Heretic Saint delves deeper into the harrowing journey of our heroes—Brixton, Idol, and their companions—as they navigate the treacherous aftermath of their recent sacrifices to save Desper Lock from impending darkness. This episode masterfully blends intense role-playing, strategic decision-making, and emotional depth, showcasing the collaborative storytelling that Critical Role is renowned for.

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The Aftermath of the Battle ([03:13] - [08:42])

Following the catastrophic battle against the returned Saint Hilyar, the group grapples with the physical and emotional toll of their sacrifices. As Matthew Mercer sets the scene:

"Here in the weighty silence following the destruction of the returned Saint Hilyar, their acolytes and three of your allies sacrificed towards the struggle of the salvation of Desper Lock..." ([03:13])

The protagonists find themselves in possession of one of the remaining blessed branches, a symbol of hope crucial for their mission. The immediate focus shifts to honoring their fallen comrades by placing their bodies in caskets and igniting them, creating a somber yet poetic tribute to those who gave their lives.

---

The Struggle to Return Home ([08:42] - [15:16])

As night deepens, the group contemplates their next move—whether to risk continuing their journey under the cover of darkness or to seek shelter and regain strength. The tension is palpable as they weigh their limited time against the advancing umbral winds.

Brixton muses, "About what time of day is it now? Deep into night." ([08:42])

A crucial dice roll determines that they have two days left to return home, pushing them into a sprint against time. The decision to navigate through familiar yet perilous territories underscores the group's resilience and determination.

---

Overcoming Obstacles ([15:16] - [30:37])

Navigating the Screaming Forest and the Ashen Sea presents both physical and supernatural challenges. The group's strategic choices, such as opting for a strength-based sprint and utilizing magical artifacts like the blessed branch, highlight their resourcefulness.

Matthew Mercer narrates, "Flying creatures are coming towards you as you charge and run." ([24:00])

A series of intense encounters, including dodging pelican-like creatures and overcoming environmental hazards, test the heroes' endurance and teamwork. Their perseverance culminates in a narrow escape, barely making it back to the safety of the Celsian Athenaeum as dawn breaks.

---

The Final Stand to Save Desper Lock ([30:37] - [46:15])

Upon returning to Desper Lock, the protagonists face the ultimate challenge: setting up the sacred pyre to protect the city from the encroaching umbral storm. The emotional weight of their actions is evident as Brixton reflects on the lives lost and the heavy burden of leadership.

Brixton states, "Six versus 300. But that number... will always be etched in the back of her brain." ([55:44])

In a climactic sequence, Matthew Mercer and Brixton perform heroic acts to ignite the pyre, culminating in a divine intervention that disperses the darkness. The city erupts in a mix of relief and sorrow as the storm passes, leaving the heroes physically exhausted but victorious.

---

Reflections and Moving Forward ([46:15] - [77:16])

In the aftermath, Brixton grapples with the moral complexities of leadership and the value of life. Her interactions with fellow characters like Emerald and Sheena provide poignant moments of support and introspection.

Emerald emphasizes, "It's not about it being a sacrifice that you've made or any of us have. It's just the unfortunate nature of this world." ([60:23])

The episode concludes with plans for rebuilding Desper Lock, training new pyre keepers, and venturing into unexplored territories to ensure the city's continued safety. The bonds forged through shared hardship and the enduring hope for a better future shine through, setting the stage for future adventures.

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Notable Quotes

• "I think she struggled a lot, wondering if it really was worth it." — Matthew Mercer on Brixton's internal conflict ([55:44])

• "You are older in age, at least for the lifespan of one in the Halcyon domain." — Matthew Mercer describing Brixton's dedication ([57:37])

• "If you've been beyond the walls, you will come a day where I have to as well." — Idol to Brixton, highlighting their shared burdens ([70:21])

• "What do we do to cross this gap?" — Matthew Mercer during a critical moment of action ([40:58])

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Conclusion

Episode 8 Part 2 of The Tomb of the Heretic Saint is a testament to Critical Role's ability to weave complex narratives filled with emotional depth, strategic gameplay, and memorable character arcs. As Brixton and Idol return to their duties, the episode leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their quest to protect Desper Lock and uncover the mysteries of the Age of Umbra.

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For those who haven't listened, this episode offers a gripping tale of sacrifice, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. It's a must-listen for fans of deep storytelling and immersive role-playing experiences.

Transcript

[Brixton]

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[Idol]

T Mobile has the best mobile Network in the US based on analysis by Ookla of speed test intelligence data 1H 2020 25CT mobile.comnetwork Morning. One sausage McMuffin with egg please.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay, your total is.

[Brixton]

Wait.

[Idol]

Let's negotiate. How's about you throw in hash browns for a dollar?

[Ashley Johnson]

Well yes sir, that price is already a dollar.

[Idol]

Take it or leave it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Take it I guess. Buy one, add one for a dollar on sausage McMuffin with egg, hash browns and more with McValue. Most locations open 5am or earlier. Price and participation may vary. Limited time only. Valid for item of equal or lesser value.

[Brixton]

Hey there Critters. This year marks our 10 year anniversary of Critical Role and we are partnering with Fathom Entertainment to bring our 2025 tour to movie theaters across the US and Canada. Head to theater to see the Wedding of the Year coming to theaters on October 15th with an iconic Jester and Ford wedding at our New York City live show. Visit fathomentertainment.com criticalrole to find tickets in theaters near you. That's fathomentertainment.com CriticalRole.

[Idol]

Hey there critter Podcast listeners. We have a special new membership service at Beacon TV where you get early access to all new podcast episodes including Critical Role. For the first time ever. Beacon members also get things like live event, pre sales, merch discounts, access to a private community discord, and new exclusive series like Critical Role Cooldown. Think of it as our digital Critical Role land. Head on over to Beacon TV to check it out for yourself and start a seven day free trial. Thank you so much for your support for being a podcast listener and for being a part of our community.

[Ashley Johnson]

Hey there critters. This is Ashley Johnson and Telus and Jeffe and we're popping in here to talk about our new podcast on Beacon. Weird Kids.

[Brixton]

In this series, we're diving into our.

[Idol]

Lives as former child actors, from unraveling our eccentric upbringings to embracing all the delightfully odd interests we still have today.

[Ashley Johnson]

We're covering so many topics like antique toys, taxidermy, Japanese pop culture, and honestly, anything else we come up with.

[Brixton]

Weird Kids is available exclusively on Beacon. But good news, we're offering a one.

[Idol]

Month free trial on Beacon TV so.

[Brixton]

You can take a look before you become a member.

[Idol]

Just use the code weirdosacon TV to start the trial.

[Ashley Johnson]

You can also find fellow weirdos by following the series on our heirdkids pod Instagram and using the hashtag weirdkids.

[Idol]

So, to all the misfits, outcasts and weirdos out there, come take a seat at our table and celebrate all things unconventional, nostalgic and wonderfully weird. Welcome to Weird Kids.

[Ashley Johnson]

New episodes release every Tuesday.

[Idol]

Hey there. Matthew Mercer here, and you're listening to part two of this episode of Age of Umbra, a dark tale in camera setting from our recently released tabletop RPG Daggerheart from Darrington Press. If you haven't checked out part one yet, pause this now and head over there first. Otherwise, let's return to our adventurers striving against the darkness in part two. Welcome back. Here in the weighty silence following the destruction of the returned Saint Hilyar, their acolytes and three of your allies sacrificed towards the struggle of the salvation of Desper Lock, and all within the same moment, you try and process the adrenaline that's still pumping through your system, the burning exhaustion that sits in your joints and your muscles, the emotional depth of the sorrow of losing so much. And the reality as you look over across that stonework not far from Snix's body's hand. One of the few, one of the only remaining blessed branches known to the realm is yours. You both make eye contact for the first time since the silence took.

[Brixton]

You. All right?

[Idol]

No.

[Matthew Mercer]

But I will be. How about you? Are you. Are you wounded?

[Brixton]

Sure. I can't remember the last time I wasn't. Yeah, the branch. Yeah, the scepter.

[Matthew Mercer]

I go over and grab the branch first, pick up the scepter and toss it to idle.

[Brixton]

Notice. Anything about it strange or just. Metallic scepter.

[Idol]

Metallic scepter that seems to have carried historical significance to the events that led you here. Historical and otherwise that led you here.

[Brixton]

I'll look down from the scepter to where Snix is and look over at Brixton. You know what we have to do.

[Matthew Mercer]

I do. Perhaps we can at least give them the guise of an honorable death and a funeral and utilize these caskets that are still here. And then light them.

[Brixton]

Yeah. Help me.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right.

[Brixton]

Start moving the bodies into the casket.

[Idol]

Oddly poetic. Three wooden caskets when you arrived empty, and three wooden caskets once again full.

[Brixton]

That's messed up.

[Idol]

As you close the lids upon them, the final lid locked in, you Hear the faintest scratch from inside one of them. But you've latched it closed. And with as much stoic emotion as a life here in the domain can allow you, you expand your torches and light them. Aflame.

[Brixton]

Thanks, Nex. Thank you, Misty. Scree find happier times.

[Matthew Mercer]

Pretty poetic here on hallowed ground. Release them back into the Aetherweave. Believe Scree even came back. He had no personal investment in this cause.

[Brixton]

Nothing if not determined. Now we have to just complete that little task of getting back. Making it all the way home.

[Matthew Mercer]

We were granted sanctuary at Silcian Athenium. Maybe we can stay more than just a single night, regain our strength. Hell, maybe even other pilgrims might want to make the journey with us back to Desperlock.

[Brixton]

I think if you open the invitation, you might be surprised at how many take you up on it.

[Matthew Mercer]

It's fair.

[Brixton]

About what time of day is it now? Deep into night.

[Idol]

It would have been probably by this point into the midnight. Yeah, you took a short rest before you entered, and you had already traveled through the wood in the Cinnabar after leaving the Athenaeum before your last long rest. So I'd say, yeah.

[Brixton]

Chance it. Or take shelter for the eve and start at first light.

[Matthew Mercer]

Um, part of me wants to chance it and get the fuck out of here.

[Brixton]

There are people waiting on us.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah. Yeah, maybe just a short rest and then we'll sleep in. Celsius Athenian.

[Brixton]

Yeah, the of the rest.

[Idol]

Okay, you both settle in, gather yourselves, gather your resolve, and say your final goodbyes before you pick up once more and head out into the starless nights of the realm. Trekking back through the wooded path that still lays open, the one that you earned and trust with the Fangwarden trying the best to retrace your steps. I would like one of you to roll a D4 for me.

[Matthew Mercer]

Ooh.

[Idol]

All right.

[Brixton]

Just normal hope and fear. Yeah. Oh, D20.

[Idol]

You said D4.

[Brixton]

Oh, D4.

[Idol]

D4, yes.

[Brixton]

How do you cock a D4?

[Idol]

That's impressive.

[Brixton]

One.

[Idol]

Okay, so this is now your fourth night since you left.

[Brixton]

Right? Yes.

[Idol]

You have just added only one more evening to the length of time in which the umbral winds will reach Vesperlock.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay, so lower is better.

[Idol]

Lower was better. Yeah, it was.

[Brixton]

Jeez, Tom got four. He rolls.

[Idol]

Also, it was a week before. Since you left before the wind arrives on your fourth night, that only shortened to six. You have two days to sprint and return home to beat the wind.

[Brixton]

So if I had rolled higher, that would have been better because it would have added it Would have added.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, I thought you were adding to the wind coming.

[Brixton]

No, we got him.

[Idol]

So you are now in a sprint.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right, well, fuck. An extended vacation at the Celsius Athenium.

[Idol]

Yep.

[Brixton]

At least we got clarity.

[Matthew Mercer]

Fuck that. Yep. All right.

[Brixton]

Anyway, the dwarf with the rings and stuff. I'll find her later.

[Idol]

So to that point.

[Brixton]

Oh, man.

[Idol]

I'm marking over here. Just two more nights, you all the progress clock here set.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, my God.

[Idol]

To make the journey back to Desperlock in time. Okay, so over the next two days, how were you planning to make this sprint?

[Brixton]

Can we say we grabbed Snix's satchel, the scepter, any other packages he had.

[Matthew Mercer]

That stamina potion that was on Screeve the crystal still have the arcane shard? Yeah.

[Brixton]

I'm gonna look at Brixa and I'm gonna slap her. Slaps me back.

[Matthew Mercer]

But why?

[Brixton]

Let's go.

[Idol]

Okay.

[Brixton]

And it's like on the hop. Not a full run, but we are. We're moving.

[Matthew Mercer]

And I say we take. We take that bridge.

[Brixton]

Yeah, I think you're right.

[Matthew Mercer]

We take the bridge.

[Brixton]

The speed option.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yep.

[Brixton]

Fully exposed speed option.

[Idol]

The benefit is the majority of your return track is downhill.

[Brixton]

Actually, having done endurance races, that's the best thing I've ever heard. It's music. Oh, God. Thank you.

[Idol]

All right, so who is helming this first leg of the return sprint through the middle of the night?

[Matthew Mercer]

Still you. Still you.

[Brixton]

It's my fault, basically.

[Idol]

I would like you to roll an instinct or knowledge roll to either recall the path you took that is safest or sense it on the return trip.

[Brixton]

I will try and sense it. Twelve with hope.

[Idol]

Twelve with hope. Okay. Now, at this point, this portion of the forest which has been cleansed, the difficulty was lowered for this because of the previous ones. That is just barely a success.

[Brixton]

Okay. Okay. Okay.

[Idol]

You take that hope that clicks down the progress you trek through the majority of the night. Coming back to the exterior, the Cinnabar quarter, you remember and recall the path that you took to the top. Now you can either try and clamber up and through the district once more as you see the faintest bit of light cresting over the horizon. The promise of a sunrise just around the corner. And maybe the district could be fairly quiet at this early morning hour.

[Matthew Mercer]

They did party.

[Idol]

Or you could attempt to find another way around. Climb on the outside of the sheer wall that drops hundreds of feet down into the valley below. Choice is yours.

[Brixton]

Call it.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm going to put my money on the fact that it was. What's her name, the Damask queens.

[Brixton]

Farrah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Farah. It was Farah's birthday and they've probably been up all night toe up.

[Brixton]

Yep.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes. And that they are passed out fucking drunk.

[Brixton]

Tattoos and stuff.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, passed out in a drunken stupid.

[Brixton]

Mustaches on their faces.

[Matthew Mercer]

Uh huh.

[Idol]

Okay, so for this I'll allow you to make a group finesse or agility roll. One of you wants to lead it, the choice is yours.

[Matthew Mercer]

Agility for me?

[Brixton]

Yeah. I'm only plus one. Go for it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Idol]

All right, so you go ahead and roll yours first to see if you add or subtract from her final roll.

[Brixton]

Yo, that's a 20 with. It's a 20.

[Idol]

All right, that's a reaction. So add a plus one to your final roll here.

[Matthew Mercer]

Come on, come on. Okay, well, so 12 and a 1. And that's with adding my Angelius. 12, 14, 15, 16 total.

[Idol]

The difficulty was 15. No. So as you both clamber up onto the top of the outer wall and go skulking along it as quickly as you can, you can still see you saw just the one mark set up, but there are multiple camps still burning. Bonfires that are still crackling in the middle of this district. And yet they've been partying all night. And they're still partying.

[Brixton]

Damn.

[Idol]

As you begin to run past, you can still hear the sounds of instruments that no one's really bothered to learn how to play. But still plucking away drunken here in the wee hours of the morning now, turning into the rising sun beyond the clouded skies, you hear shouts, you hear fist fights. You glance over to the left and you can see that there's a fight ring that is. And people are just watching others beat the shit out of each other. Who knows how much liquor and wine has been recovered as they've torn through someone's subterranean basement and are celebrating a proper birthday, like Farah likes to do whenever she feels it, or days. But there is enough distraction amongst this continued revelry that you both continue along the wall and from this perspective, manage to avoid being spotted. Just as it grows light enough, where your concern grows too high, you jump down past the other gate where you had returned and make a charge towards the Athenian running excerpts. With that, as you begin to approach, it grows slightly lighter and the morning has truly come. As you approach, you hear the shout of a guard above you. Who is that running your weapons?

[Brixton]

We're running by it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Run.

[Idol]

We're going. No, you hear that from the athenium. Sorry. The guards above see you approaching and rushing towards their gate.

[Matthew Mercer]

And they're shouting, it's Brixton and Idol. We've returned.

[Idol]

They don't recognize that name.

[Brixton]

Oh, we're supposed to tell Commander Kieran we have passes. Brixton and Idol have returned.

[Matthew Mercer]

As for Sir Darren.

[Idol]

All right, you dropped the name. Commander Kieran. I would like one of you to make a presence roll here and the other support same. All right, so who's supporting the other?

[Matthew Mercer]

I'll support you.

[Idol]

All right, so go ahead and roll reaction roll here for presents.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's good. That's good. That's gonna be 21.

[Idol]

So plus one on your roll.

[Brixton]

Plus one. Hey. 17 plus one. 18. All right.

[Idol]

With hope. Between the agility roll to get through that district and your and your success on that persuasion that brings the progress counter down to a three. You come to the edge and the gates open for you. No arrows are loosed, though no less than two dozen were aimed at the two of you as you sprinted. You rush inside the athenaeum and there make contact and are allowed a night's rest. They offer to keep you for some time, but indeed you don't have time.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Idol]

But you are exhausted and need a full sleep.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Idol]

So with that, you rest through the rest of the day and awaken as night falls. Because now your circadian rhythm is completely fine after a full night of travel. So you do take your long rest here.

[Matthew Mercer]

I get unstoppable back.

[Idol]

You do. I'm so sorry about that. But sometimes the timing of using abilities.

[Brixton]

I know I'm going to bind the scepter to my glaive just for shits and giggles. But that's how I'll prepare to gain a hope.

[Idol]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Brixton]

I'll kind of extend my magic through it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Clear my stress. And I'm also preparing to gain hope. So we can get two hope, right? If we prepare to hope.

[Idol]

If you prepare together, you can gain two hope.

[Matthew Mercer]

So we can get two hope as we affix bayonets. Yeah, pretty much.

[Brixton]

Yeah.

[Idol]

Basically, you do not have to keep watch because you are within the safety of the sacred pyre here. You can't help but continuously check on the branch as you. Before you go to sleep and before you wake up. There's an obsession of just ensuring that it's nearby, that it's safe, that nobody else sees it.

[Matthew Mercer]

I feel like, because I've got this anointed chain armor, I've got my breastplate, so it's tucked under my breastplate, latched down under my undergarments it is basically duct taped to my chest.

[Idol]

All right.

[Brixton]

You're smuggling it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Idol]

With that, the next night is upon you. You're now on the fifth night of your journey.

[Brixton]

One day.

[Idol]

And there's one day.

[Matthew Mercer]

Fuck.

[Idol]

Fuck. So the evening is yours. Do you want to tread back through the Drowned Sprawl or do you wish to attempt to go along? Since you are up or above, you could try and go across the rampart top, but you have no concept of what to expect of there. Whereas at least with the drowned sprawl, you know what to expect in this journey. The choice is yours.

[Brixton]

From what we could tell as we were preparing to head up though, is the rampart more of a straight shot?

[Idol]

It's certainly a straight shot along the large outer perimeter wall. You've just also seen many flying creatures of different sizes. You couldn't tell that distance that seem to perch and nest up there.

[Brixton]

But time.

[Matthew Mercer]

But time. I know.

[Brixton]

Yeah, we've gotta go.

[Matthew Mercer]

How much time would it add onto our journey?

[Brixton]

I thought it took two days for us to get. We were on the second day to get up to the Ashcall Quarter or to the Drowns brawl. Sorry. Yeah, we were in our second day. So, like, unless we got luckier than we could possibly fathom, we're not going to make it back. We have to go the shorter way.

[Idol]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Idol]

You both at the first start of night, hoping that the shadow will be enough to keep any predators at bay. You give a nod to the commander and you let out the gates on the southern side of the athenium. And the two of you, a small troop, attempt to go under cover of night and rush along the parapets of the outer wall of the drowned sprawl. Which one of you is helming? Are you going on a full sprint or are you going stealthily? Quickly, but stealthily. One is going to be the fastest but might draw attention. The other is a little slower but safer.

[Brixton]

I think we're forcing fate.

[Matthew Mercer]

I think so too. I think we got to go fast.

[Brixton]

Yeah, we're sprinting.

[Idol]

All right. This will be a strength roll to see how long you can keep the endurance of your run as things chase you along the way.

[Matthew Mercer]

Great.

[Idol]

Cause they will see you.

[Brixton]

Lungs pump battery acid.

[Idol]

Yeah. So who is assisting on part of this group action and which one is helping it?

[Brixton]

I'll assist you.

[Idol]

Okay. All right, go ahead and roll strength on your end there. Whoa.

[Brixton]

20 puck four.

[Idol]

That's a plus one to your roll, Brixton. You can apply any experiences you have.

[Matthew Mercer]

To spend A hope to use calloused hands because that is manual labor. That is stamina, that is long nights guarding the world.

[Idol]

I'll allow it. In the context of the ramparts aren't just a straight shot. There's a lot of jumping, climbing, having to clamber up onto upper ledges and continuing to run the other up.

[Brixton]

I would spend a hope in you shining a light in the dark which is like a. So that our, our terrain is more illuminated.

[Idol]

It does illuminate it more and it makes you more of a target for those that hunt you. And you hit well.

[Brixton]

Better choice.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right, let's see what happens.

[Idol]

Flying creatures are coming towards you as you charge and run.

[Matthew Mercer]

That was almost a crit. Okay, you said plus one from you.

[Brixton]

Could I spend that hope to use that experience to give her advantage?

[Idol]

Yeah, if you want to.

[Brixton]

That was it.

[Idol]

We'll check one thing real fast. Yeah, I'll allow it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay, so that's 10, 15, 21 needed.

[Idol]

To beat a 15. Okay, fleet on with fear.

[Matthew Mercer]

Unfortunately it's almost a crit.

[Idol]

So you continue to run as you're being dive bombed by these massive bat like creatures. You watch as they swoop down. Their mouth itself consumes most of its torso. It opens up to the side. It's meant to scoop you up. It doesn't have talons to grab you. It has legs to land on. But it is like a pelican that is filled with teeth as it tries to scoop to grab you. You both sprint and run and grab the edge of platforms, pull your way through, run across an open bridge that goes from one section of the parapet to the other. Both leaping off as one swarps towards you. It just barely misses as you both land hard on your ankles. Roll and get up. Oh, that's going to hurt tomorrow. But if tomorrow comes and you're home, then that's all that's going to matter. And you keep running. You keep running. The pain in your lungs there. Other streaks come. Other creatures begin to climb up the sides. Called by the yelling of the other predators. Shapes that you can't even pay attention to because you're just looking ahead and going, I'm going to spend 2 fear and I need you both to roll D4s for me.

[Brixton]

Oh, not the one I rolled before. That one betrayed me. One three.

[Idol]

You mark three stress. Oh, shut.

[Matthew Mercer]

You never know.

[Idol]

As the physical exertion and mental exertion of this activity has driven you past any limits you thought conceivable. But the memory of those that gave their Lives to get you there and back home holds strong as you both charge to the edge of the rampart. Until eventually, still chasing you, you glance down and recognize the path below. To the left of you. Down below is the beginning of the Imperium Bridge. To the right is the path you took to the Screaming Forest. Which means you are above the Amber Gate. You begin to climb down. You find an entryway that leads to a series of staircases that go down into the sides of the Amber Gate until eventually you emerge from the side and charge back through. The creatures are still searching the top of the gate while you all hide amongst the scrub and coast along the outer rim of the surrounding Ashen sea marshes. So who's helming the push into the Screaming Forest?

[Matthew Mercer]

I took the last one, so I'll help you now.

[Idol]

You did succeed on that, so I'm going to count that down to a progress clock of two.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. What is this one? What is this roll?

[Idol]

So for this tier, you're trying to lead back. Okay, so here's the question I'm going to ask. Are you going to go back through the familiar space of the Screaming Forest that you last went through knowing that mother is dead, but it has its own challenges? Or do you wish to coast along the side of the Ashen Sea that you know is also extremely haunted and you manage to avoid notice from the spirits before but are present strongly throughout the night. Which path do you take.

[Matthew Mercer]

Once again? Which runs faster?

[Idol]

They're both about the. The sea might be faster, but it is definitely the.

[Brixton]

Also unknown. And I think we made up some time there, so maybe we can.

[Matthew Mercer]

I think we do the same.

[Brixton]

Hedge some. We can hedge a little.

[Matthew Mercer]

Agreed.

[Idol]

Okay. So following the familiar path you trudge into the Screaming Forest. Your eyes pick up some landmarks and you can see from this descending hillside that's leading down into the divot that the forest encompasses right here. Before the marsh takes over, you can see the sinkhole that had emerged to your first time back. And that immediately kicks you into knowledge of the position you need to continue to travel. I need you or whoever's helming this to make an instinct or knowledge roll based on if you want to keep your eyes open and sense those landmarks or analyze and recall the exact path that you took and just keep that attention to detail driving you forward.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'll help you.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

And then I can pick either or.

[Idol]

Pick either one.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'll pick knowledge. I'll go from a knowledge perspective here. Okay.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Thirteen.

[Idol]

Thirteen. That's a minus one.

[Brixton]

Minus one. I'm going to use my instinct to navigate and perceive and sense our way through. Through the lands that we've been through once before.

[Idol]

Come on. Come on.

[Matthew Mercer]

Come on.

[Brixton]

That's cocked. Okay. Okay. That is 16 with hope.

[Idol]

16 with hope. That is a success. That counts the progress counter down to A1. As you charge through the screaming forest, you can see the fungus that you had previously encountered seem to shift with your footfalls. But since you are in a full sprint by the time it acknowledges you, its sound vanishes. You can feel the forest coming alive. But by its own nature, it doesn't come alive quite as quick as those as determined as you are. Most people that travel through this forest have to take it somewhat slow for the fear of unknown, for the fear of the hive, for the fear of things that ever hunt and seek here. But you've already been through here and have more important matters. So you can hear the screaming forest beginning to rouse behind you. But you are keeping pace enough where it's just one step behind. You hear the distant sounds of a buzzing network 4:12 this low.

[Brixton]

Oh God.

[Idol]

Oh my God. Of a cloud of winged entities likely bent through hunger or vengeance, trying to follow suit. But you break free from the southern treeline and begin to break for the trees that surround the exterior of Okoro. And with that, the threat of the screaming forest is behind you.

[Brixton]

Oh God.

[Matthew Mercer]

We're like right there.

[Brixton]

Volkoro and the sunken rampart.

[Idol]

You are exhausted just as the light of day begins to creep into the morning.

[Matthew Mercer]

You think I still have a stamina potion if you need it.

[Brixton]

And as we. I'm okay. I'm okay. As we hit Volcoro or the outsides of it, can we check the skies? How does it look?

[Idol]

I mean, the skies look fine. It's the sound. It's the sound. A sound you're familiar with because umbral winds are a recurring presence in this realm. No one knows quite what or why the umbra is, but wherever it goes, it goes with intent and hunger. And where it goes, the screams, the squeals, the distant high pitched whines. The sound of a thousand souls crying out at once. And it's getting louder and louder and louder. Do you rest or do you continue to go? Keep going, baby.

[Brixton]

We keep going.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Brixton]

And I also just say we have to consider the possibility that we might have to create a new pyre if we can't get there in time. And we could bring people to it. But if we're lost, also there's. There's no hope for desperlock. But we push through.

[Matthew Mercer]

You're right. You're right. Last resort.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Idol]

As you rush around Vokoru, the soldiers shout, we have arrivals. Hello. Who goes? Hello. Arc past and then start rushing westward.

[Brixton]

Stay inside. Danger's coming.

[Idol]

You see, looking up there they are battening things down. They're. Previously there was a whole battalion of scouts. Now there's just maybe four. And you can see they're closing windows. And where the bustling city once was, it is silent.

[Brixton]

Yeah.

[Idol]

Everyone is preparing for the coming storm and it will hit them first. But they live under the protection of.

[Matthew Mercer]

A pyre trying to get home before a hurricane hits.

[Brixton]

Yeah. On your little BMX bike.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Idol]

As the two of you go spin, sprinting out across the sunken rampart, the somewhat broken path of crumbling history, the crash of ocean 50ft below filled with jagged rocks. Who is spearheading this? Hopefully, maybe final portion of the trek with success.

[Brixton]

This is an ad by BetterHelp. The wellness space online can feel pretty overwhelming these days. Between endless medical articles and conflicting mental health advice, it's easy to get lost in all the information and wonder what actually applies to your specific situation. Using trusted resources and talking to live therapists can get you personalized recommendations and help you break through the noise. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. BetterHelp is also designed to be convenient, so you can join a therapy session with just a click of a button. Plus, they'll even let you change therapists until you find the right fit for your needs. As the largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Talk it out with BetterHelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com criticalrole that's betterhelp.com criticalrole.

[Idol]

Introducing Family Freedom from T Mobile. We'll pay off four phones up to $3200 and give you four free phones, all on America's largest 5G network. Visit T mobile.com familyfreedom up to 800 per line via virtual prepaid card typically takes 15 days. Free phones via 24 monthly bill credits with finance agreement. Example Apple iPhone 16128 gigs 829.99 eligible trade in. Example iPhone 11 Pro for well qualified credits end and balance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Contact us. Morning. One sausage McMuffin with egg, please.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay, your total is.

[Brixton]

Wait.

[Idol]

Let's Negotiate. How's about you throw in hash browns for a dollar?

[Ashley Johnson]

Well, yes sir, that price is already a dollar.

[Idol]

Take it or leave it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Take it, I guess. Buy one, add one for a dollar on sausage McMuffin with egg hash browns and more with McValue. Most locations open 5am or earlier. Price and participation may vary. Limited time only. Valid for item of equal or lesser value. Hello, it's Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong and.

[Idol]

Will Friedle from the podcast Pod Meets World.

[Ashley Johnson]

But you may know us best as Topanga, Sean and eric from the 90s TV show Boy Meets World.

[Idol]

Just over 30 years since the show debuted, we're sitting down as adults to re watch the whole series. And some of us are doing that for the first time ever.

[Ashley Johnson]

And you won't believe some of the things we have uncovered.

[Idol]

Like, I swear they invited inmates to join our live studio audience before we had enough fans to fill it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Still can't prove that one.

[Idol]

I mean, not like violent crime offenders. We did however, confirm that our stage manager hid a stuffed animal lobster in every episode for the last two seasons. And now we're obsessed with finding it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Whether Sean joined a cult, the students of John Adams Higher being stalked by a scream esque bad guy, or it's just Corey being borderline manipulative to Topanga.

[Idol]

We'Re breaking it all down episode by episode with stories and analysis you've never heard before. Straight from the horse's mouth. We have a horse?

[Ashley Johnson]

Not yet, but you should all listen to find out if we end up getting one.

[Idol]

Follow us on social media odmeatsworld show. Check out Pod Meets World on Apple Podcasts, the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts and join the fun today.

[Matthew Mercer]

Damn it. It's you again, baby. Or did you.

[Brixton]

Okay. Are you gonna assist me?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, 100%.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Idol]

All right, so go ahead. I will say for this you can either use either use knowledge to recall the exact path you took, to remind you of where the best step points are, the strongest footholds, and to know where to know where pain beasts are hunting.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Idol]

Or you could try and go for finesse to make the jumps better, but danger might find you along the way. The choice is yours.

[Brixton]

My finesse sucks. Go on. Knowledge.

[Matthew Mercer]

Go with knowledge.

[Idol]

All right, go ahead and roll knowledge first as part of the group action. Roll.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay, 15 for me.

[Idol]

15? Yeah, it's a plus one. I'm going to spend my last fear as the shrieks and screaming of the coming umbra just gets louder. You can't help after focusing forward as hard as you can, like the necessity to look forward as you charge the.

[Brixton]

It's like Hadestown.

[Idol]

Yeah, I was about to say don't look back. It's very much that moment of knowing you don't want to look. And you can't help but look over your shoulder and you can see the darkened swell of shadow that swirls and swarms. And you have disadvantage on this roll.

[Matthew Mercer]

Wait, can I spend hope to give him advantage and negate that?

[Idol]

If you have a hope to spend.

[Matthew Mercer]

I do.

[Brixton]

You have one left?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, I have two left.

[Brixton]

I got one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, I'm gonna spend a hope. And I'm just praying she's full zealot praying over the course of this.

[Idol]

15 is the difficulty on this okay, straight roll.

[Brixton]

Knowledge is zero plus one.

[Idol]

With her help, plus one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Must be the pale gods. Please do not forsake us, cursed way. The umbra wins.

[Idol]

Twelve with hope.

[Matthew Mercer]

With hope.

[Idol]

You take a hope. So the progress clock does not continue. The umbra grows closer. The exhaustion is peering through you. And you get halfway across the rampart before part of the rampart crumbles. And you watch as idol begins to slip.

[Matthew Mercer]

No. Can I grab him?

[Idol]

You grab his hand and keep him there, held. You pull him up on the edge. But you both realize this jump that's ahead of you is the wide jump that your troop had battled the pain beasts before. And this is a jump that's a little too far unless you really try and rally with this. I need you both to mark two stress with the approach of the umbra.

[Brixton]

Okay?

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God, we're so close.

[Idol]

You're one success away from finishing this progress clock.

[Matthew Mercer]

One success away.

[Idol]

But if either of you. How close are you both to becoming out of stress?

[Brixton]

I have two stress left.

[Matthew Mercer]

I have three stress left.

[Idol]

Okay, okay. We'll see. We'll see. You might have one or two more chances, including this one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Are we able to pop those stamina potions or.

[Idol]

If you got a stamina potion.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, I'll pop a stamina potion if it's not gonna belabor us.

[Idol]

No, you just grab it as you run.

[Matthew Mercer]

I toss you one.

[Brixton]

Do you want one?

[Matthew Mercer]

Because we still have that one that was on screen.

[Idol]

One. Whatever. You take that. So one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Jeez. Well, it's something.

[Idol]

It's something. All right. So both of you stand here and you hear the. The entire western sky is darkness in the late morning. And just the minute you glance over again, you swear you can see it shifting. And for a split second, you can see this monstrous face, and it just.

[Brixton]

No, no.

[Idol]

You blink and it's gone. And you look away and you're like, fuck. Fuck, fuck. What do you do to cross this gap?

[Matthew Mercer]

What do we do to cross this gap? What do we do to cross this gap? Okay, I have a pitch.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Do we still have that rope?

[Brixton]

We do.

[Matthew Mercer]

I toss. Idle the end of the rope.

[Brixton]

Okay, Toss me.

[Idol]

Toss. Idol. The rope.

[Matthew Mercer]

Toss.

[Idol]

Toss me the idol.

[Matthew Mercer]

Toss me the rope. On the count of three, I want you to jump as hard as you can, and I'm going to try and give you a little boost.

[Brixton]

Okay?

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. Ready? One, two, three. And right as he does his arc, I want to try and do forceful push and see if I can launch him the rest of the way across in the air.

[Idol]

I love that. All right, so. So what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna have you do a strength action roll, but the difficulty is gonna be lowered to a 10 because of your forceful push.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay. Okay.

[Idol]

That costs you a hope or a stress.

[Matthew Mercer]

Well, a technically attack thing. So it's an attack roll situation that I'm doing.

[Idol]

I'm gonna say it takes a stress for you to do this in the middle of this chaos.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's great. I can do that.

[Idol]

I'll call that easy. So What'd you roll?

[Brixton]

22 with fear.

[Matthew Mercer]

Ooh.

[Idol]

As you leap, you slam him with the shield. And almost like you push off the shield as it hits you, you tumble and spin in the air, and your torso catches the edge and you're about to slide, you grab the stone and pull yourself up. And now you both hold both ends of this tether across the way as the approaching umbra. Still miles away, Tens of miles away, hundreds of miles away. It's. It's hard to tell at this scale.

[Brixton]

I actually find a pillar on the other edge of the bench. Wrap it around, Throw it around my waist. Fucking jump. I got you.

[Idol]

You run and you leap. You get across the way, the rope easily enough to grab you there. You both are now on the opposite side of the rampart. You also hear at this point.

[Brixton]

Come on, man.

[Idol]

The sound of a pain. Beast had heard your shouts and is now giving chase as well as you both run. So going back into a continued sprint.

[Brixton]

Oh, God.

[Idol]

You now have a pain beast.

[Brixton]

I'll fire just over my shoulder, a beacon bolt, like, just kind of like.

[Idol]

Go ahead and roll for your spellcast on that 13.

[Brixton]

That's a nine plus four, which is 13, plus three is 16, which hits 16 with. With hope.

[Idol]

With hope.

[Brixton]

Nine on the hope die.

[Idol]

Okay, that will finish the progress clock because with a failure with the failure that would have marked down the last one of them for the final one here so cavalierly.

[Brixton]

Just shot that over my shoulder.

[Idol]

I know. But as the pain beast leaps to pounce onto Brixton in the air, you blast back with the bolt. It hits it in the chest and knocks it just off enough of its arc axis that it misses both Brixton and the wall and tumbles down into the ocean below. You hear both impact and water and rock as it breaks against one of the shoal stones below. And you just continue to run as as hard as you can. It gets darker and darker and darker. What should be a noonday sun is now a dark and clouded sky. The winds rush past you as you breach the outside of the jungle Navydor. Instinctually, instinctually, you look for the flame of the sacred pyre that carries you home before you have to remind yourself there is none. The winds are getting louder.

[Matthew Mercer]

Brixton gets the blessed branch out and is clutching it in her hand now.

[Idol]

You fear you might be lost. You fear as you run and charge forward. The path before you. The broken bridge in the path. You both leap over the water as best you can, get about waist deep and it continue to push forward, the iciness of it soaking through your armor and your pants. We're so close anyway. Both of you together grab onto the edge of the riverbank and lift up onto the. The wind blowing past even louder still. You can't hear yourselves unless you shout now. The wind is so strong once again. You look back and see that face rushing towards you, breaking through the jungle line and pushing down the path. You go. You go. You feel your vision start to tunnel. You feel the exhaustion creep in. You feel like maybe your body's a about to give out. Maybe it's not enough. Maybe it was worth a shot and you did your best. But there are limits to everything. And you just get a glimmer of the slag wall as you rush towards it. Your mouth is dry, your lips are cracked, your voice. You try and utter a noise and it comes out like a. A squeak. And as you run towards it, you see two figures themselves, battened down and fearful. You see five figures. You see the vigil, the vigil that remains standing on the wall, ready to accept the terror of the storm that's about to consume them.

[Brixton]

Open the gates.

[Idol]

They all turn and look.

[Matthew Mercer]

I just push. I push. Pumped the blessed branch up into the air.

[Idol]

They all look back in disbelief as a hand reaches forward and you see standing there, ghost hook, where his right hand was, is now gone. Instead, a blade is affixed to it, having returned. And by the sign of no pyre without a branch, looks down and goes open the gate. All of a sudden they'll begin to mobilize the civilization on the brink of destruction, accepting their own demise with what strength and honor they had left. Suddenly move with a glimmer of a last moment of hope. They reach over and grab the chains. The gates open. The wind is pumping against the sides of the wall. You hear the whistle of it creeping through the nooks and crannies of the stone and slag. You charge into the middle as the society, the civilization of Desper Lock is now gathered in troops huddled trying to help the families. The crying, the acceptance of their end in these final moments just leaning on each other. Look to the sound of yells as the two of you rush in.

[Matthew Mercer]

Ember Warden.

[Idol]

As you charge forward, you see the Ember warden runs out. My God. From the fire. The wind's picking up. Shh. You swear you can see tendrils of shadow reaching over the slag walls as the storm begins to push. The shrieks deafening now. Your voice barely peeks out from the wailing of this storm.

[Brixton]

Brixton. I just fire a thunderbolt through the weapon. Just into the clouds.

[Idol]

Swallowed in nothing. Run. You glance up and where it was swallowed, you see the cloud close like a mouth. That face once more turns into a void. Turns into a dark doorway. A precipice of oblivion. An echo of what you've seen haunt you in your dreams. Beyond the angel, beyond destiny. Here is where the darkness takes you. And as the cloud of the storm reaches out to swallow you and the families around you, you rush towards the pyre. The Ember Warden reaches forward, sparks the flint as you set the branch outward.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just like fucking dunk it full of flames.

[Idol]

Flames burst into a massive inferno around a light that not fire can create, but a flicker of divine prominence. A momentary image of the old world's protection returns as the fire burns upward. And the shriek of the umbral storm becomes a shriek of agony. The sky threatens to tear itself apart as the shadow dissipates. And then quiet. The winds progress. And you hear the sound of the umbra passing by, dividing around you like a stone in a river as it rushes into the jungle beyond. The entirety of the city stands still, locked 300 people in disbelief as they all turn and see the flickering beacon of safety that carried all of them and you from the accepted precipice of oblivion. The silence breaks with crying and cheering and sobbing and yelling and back pats the entirety of desperate luck clambers forward and embraces you, embraces each other, a communal sigh of relief.

[Brixton]

Hail the pyre warrior.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, Brixton just takes her sword, drops it, similarly collapses.

[Idol]

As the shadow of unconscious darkness claims you both. Here in the darkness, dreamless forever. Perhaps that was it. Maybe that was your final act, and this is the sweet release of death, finally letting you rest. But the flame flickers in that shadow, and the call of the pyre keepers burn brighter and brighter. As you glance up, you see the faces of the children you grew up with. You see the faces of your chosen brethren who came into this position with you, those lost and those still here. You. That dark oblivion passes. And whereas the visions of late have been of dark destiny or confusing promise, now it's just thoughts, quiet spiritual prayers in your silence of sleep for those that gave it all so you could do this. No golden omens, just memory.

[Brixton]

For years, everyone thought Verizon had the best network because they did. But now the best mobile network in the US Is T Mobile. T Mobile's network has the most advanced 5G with more towers, and their signal reaches further than ever. So you can text an Insta talk and say, you won't believe where I am.

[Idol]

T Mobile is the best mobile network in the US based on analysis by Ookla of speed test intelligence data 1H2025CT mobile.com network Morning. One Sausage McMuffin with Eggplace.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay, your total is.

[Brixton]

Wait.

[Idol]

Let's negotiate. How's about you throw in hash browns for a.

[Matthew Mercer]

A dollar?

[Ashley Johnson]

Well, yes sir, that price is already a dollar.

[Idol]

Take it or leave it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Take it, I guess. Buy one, add one for a dollar on sausage McMuffin with egg hash browns and more with McValue. Most locations open 5am or earlier. Price and participation may vary. Limited time only. Valid for item of equal or lesser value. Hello, it's Danielle Fishel, Ryder Strong and.

[Idol]

Will Friedle from the podcast Pod Meets World.

[Ashley Johnson]

But you may know us best as Topanga, Sean, and eric from the 90s TV show Boy Meets World.

[Idol]

Just over 30 years since the show debuted, we're sitting down as adults to rewatch the whole series. And some of us are doing that for the first time ever.

[Ashley Johnson]

And you won't believe some of the things we have uncovered.

[Idol]

Like, I swear, they invited inmates to join our live studio audience before we had enough fans to fill it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Still can't prove that one.

[Idol]

I mean, not like violent crime offenders. We did, however, confirm that our stage manager hid a stuffed animal lobster in every episode for the last two seasons and now we're obsessed with finding it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Whether Sean joined a cult, the students of John Adams Higher being stalked by a scream esque bad guy, or it's just Corey being borderline manipulative to Topanga.

[Idol]

We'Re breaking it all down, episode by episode with stories and analysis you've never heard before. Straight from the horse's mouth. We have a horse?

[Ashley Johnson]

Not yet, but you should all listen to find out if we end up getting one.

[Idol]

Follow us on social media odmeatsworldshow check out Pod Meets World on Apple Podcasts, the iHeartRadio app, or wherever you get your podcasts and join the fun. Today, weeks have passed and Desperlock reclaims its norm. We'll see as much as any settlement can here in this dark century. But Brixton, where do we find you here in the times that follow your charge and return to Desperlock.

[Matthew Mercer]

Brixton has put a lot of thought into the value of a life, the cost of others, and saving those. I think she struggled a lot, wondering if it really was worth it. You can weigh one life, two lives, three, half a dozen, and say their sacrifice was worth it. That's just in the numbers. Six versus 300. But that number, the five fellow companions that she was with, gods knows how many more from Ghost Hook's team. That number will always be etched in the back of her brain. She returns to her duties as a pyre keeper. But that lingering thought, the crying faces of the Celsian Athenaeum, a settlement arguably far more fortunate than Desperlock in the pervasive misery that still plagued them. Her thoughts about Oakland in the gardens and Adelia's life that never was.

[Idol]

Her.

[Matthew Mercer]

Romanticization of the life, of an adventure, of being chosen. But the grass was never greener on the other side. This is the Idol Hollows. There never was grass to begin with. Brixton is older in age, at least for the lifespan of one in the Halcyon domain. She doesn't know how many more years she has left, but she dedicates the rest of her time to being a pyre keeper, to scouting newer pyre keepers for those that we lost, training them, teaching them the scriptures and our tenants and our ways. And maybe if she has time on the side, builds tiny little pocket monuments, maybe, maybe a little wall of remembrance in a little corner of the Slag wall of Desperlock. To all those that we've lost. Not just Misty in August and Screeve and Adelia and Snyx, but also the poor pyre keepers Corbin and Romand. Those we've lost from all of the Delvers, all of the vigil. Five lives for 300. But it's still too many.

[Idol]

As you. As you're caught in this thought, your face tense hand clasps your shoulder and you hear the voice of Emerald and Sheena. I know that look all too well. It's a way to the surviving, enduring bear the longer we live.

[Matthew Mercer]

I've seen it on your face.

[Idol]

Hence why it's so recognizable. I know the thoughts going through your head because they've gone through mine many a time. I must remind you, it's not about it being a sacrifice that you've made or any of us have. It's just the unfortunate nature of this world. We do our best and we endure and continue to live and teach and laugh and tell stories and farm and garden. Because those who are born brave enough will do whatever it takes to give us that opportunity. Is it fair? Never. But would you want your memory sullied with others concerned about whether or not your sacrifice for these children was worthy? I didn't think so. So when you leave these offerings here and she gestures to your little shrines, do so with gratefulness. It's never fair, but it is incredible.

[Matthew Mercer]

As the Amber Warden's words wash over Brixton and she hears the laughter of the children, there's almost the faintest, briefest moment where she thinks she hears.

[Idol]

Violet.

[Matthew Mercer]

And she turns, shakes her off. Just the laughter of children.

[Idol]

Idol, in the weeks months to come, the recovery and regrowth of Desperlock, where do you find yourself? I think.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, and Aaron. Can't forget about Aaron. She's in there too.

[Brixton]

All in there.

[Matthew Mercer]

6. They're all in there. Sorry.

[Brixton]

I think. Idol takes some time at Garruk's place to reconnect, but also realizes that the time for hiding his light has passed. He joins up with Ghost Hook and gets a debrief on everything that happened at the Gilded Shambles. Because if a blessed branch indeed resides there, failure should not deter them. Resources are resources. He's also going to work with Idrovacan and Trevor Ostok within the Triarch to work with the scholars of Luzil and the Delvers because the monastery remains unexplored. And the only way that that blessed branch that they found in the Barrow of Blind Repose was Even located in the first place, was because there was bravery that came before them and knowledge that was returned at great cost. So he will work on continuing to delve within the monastery and in his time in Desperlock, he will also work with the youth. Because it's not just about hiding who you are because you think others may have a judgment, a feeling about what it is that your gifts are. He. He tells the story of August, of Misty, of Snix, and of how the most assuming of folks can turn out to be exactly what you need in the darkest of times. It just matters how you put the pieces together.

[Idol]

One afternoon, as you're walking away from Garruk's place himself, probably a little toasty after a long conversation where he lost track of. Of how many cups he had poured himself of some recovered wine that he traded off of one of the Delvers and walks alongside you. I got to tell you, boy, it's real. It's real special what we have out here to the east. I know it's always hard for some of us. Life hard and mend. Some times show deep emotion. But I just wanted to say my appreciation for all you've done for everyone here. Please don't. Don't think I hold anything against you. I still miss Aaron a whole lot. And I see her in every kid's face here. And I hear her laugh when they laugh. And a little part of her lives on in all of us.

[Brixton]

I don't think it would surprise you if every time I'm out, I think of her little laugh and how it was absolutely impossible to keep up with her or to try and sneak out without her. So I think it's fair to say that she's with us everywhere we go.

[Idol]

I'm just toasty enough to go tender my rash. So I'll see you around. Patsy on the shoulder and walks off. As you continue on through the city. Where do you head?

[Brixton]

If it's a night of rest? I'll probably make my way down by the pyre just to see if Brixton is around.

[Idol]

Along the way there, a voice goes eigel Eternity Ghost Hook is approaching you. Stoic, tense Ghost Hook. We've been talking with some of our compatriots. And while I know that the challenges in which we faced in the shambles were based in a very challenged timeline, a part of me still thinks that there is something there to find.

[Brixton]

If you didn't make it in far enough to confirm that there is nothing there, then that is the definition of unexplored my friend. And there are very few that can do what we do.

[Idol]

Then maybe we, in a few weeks.

[Brixton]

Time.

[Idol]

Go back for a round two.

[Brixton]

Maybe. Let's get smarter first. Let's make sure we leave in strength, with numbers and well rounded. Of course, leadership has its place, but I think there are diamonds in the rough around here.

[Idol]

Are you trying to teach me lessons now, Eilo?

[Brixton]

What's that saying about old dogs?

[Idol]

You've never seen him crack a smile, but a little grin, Peeks the side, gives you a nod, pats your shoulder.

[Brixton]

Oh, fucking granny. And walks off.

[Idol]

You continue on to the pyre here in the afternoon, where Brixton currently finishes instructing one of the newer pyre keepers.

[Matthew Mercer]

You see these sticks?

[Idol]

Yeah. Yes, of course.

[Matthew Mercer]

You take the sticks, throw them onto the fire.

[Idol]

All of them.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just a little at a time.

[Idol]

Okay? Right.

[Matthew Mercer]

It doesn't need a lot.

[Idol]

Right. Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

A fuel.

[Brixton]

Go ahead.

[Idol]

Yay.

[Brixton]

No, no. How many did you throw on there? How did you throw on?

[Idol]

Like, did you throw. No, I. I thought it was supposed to be like.

[Brixton]

You threw on more than one.

[Idol]

I'm sorry.

[Brixton]

Good.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hey. You did good. There's honestly not a lot to it. It's more of. It's more of a philosophical sense station.

[Idol]

If you've been beyond the walls, you will come a day where I have to as well.

[Matthew Mercer]

If the Veiled gods have any. Any say in that, I certainly hope not.

[Idol]

I'll stay here then. I'm going to go change my.

[Brixton]

Is it still Pyre Keeper? Or is it Ember Warden now?

[Idol]

Sheena's still around, but you get the sense that Sheena's probably looking for retirement soon.

[Matthew Mercer]

I think it's just Pirate Keeper for now.

[Brixton]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Plus, there's not too many of us. Fair. But maybe in time. We'll see. If I last that long.

[Brixton]

Would it surprise you if I told you that Ghost Hook wants to take another quarry out to the gilded shambles? Because infernal and demons are just so easy.

[Matthew Mercer]

You're gonna go with him?

[Idol]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

You should. It suits you.

[Brixton]

But I'm only as strong as the people around me, so I think I'll wait until you feel like the pyre is protected enough.

[Ashley Johnson]

Well.

[Matthew Mercer]

You know me. I am your shield.

[Brixton]

Yes. Ad nauseam.

[Matthew Mercer]

Who is? What's the name of that old. That old coot who had the wine? That Snicks always got him.

[Idol]

Referring to Hilaren the sot Hallarin.

[Matthew Mercer]

You think he'd bum us a little bit of wine?

[Brixton]

I think he has to at this point.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah. Isn't it a year we saved his life.

[Brixton]

Yeah. I think it's. Everything within a year from the new pyre is free. That's what I heard.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, I feel like I heard that too.

[Idol]

As you both walk in tandem to go acquire some ode wine from an old member of the Praxis collective, we leave Desperlocke still clinging to its happy happiness in a very, very unhappy realm. But that's the purpose of the Enduring is to continuously find the light in that dark and rally against it. It's a dying realm. As long as you let it. The two of you and the others who bravely gave everything alongside you our proof. And that will end our tale of this part of the history of the Age of Umbra. But one small journey of a vast land. Perhaps one day we we will get to see another.

[Brixton]

But you don't get to play again. If you died once.

[Matthew Mercer]

Once you die in the halcyon domain, you die for good.

[Idol]

That'll close our story. Thank you guys so much. So much fun. That was so fun. I love this ship. Oh, this game.

[Matthew Mercer]

Part miniseries. I'm still getting all choked up here in the end, man.

[Idol]

Before we go here, I do have a series of thank yous to give to a lot of people who help make this happen. I want to give a big shout out to Sean Ellis who did the incredible set design that you see around here. He's amazing artist through a multitude of the Daggerheart book. So many of the pieces there you'll see are his staple. Incredible talent alongside him. The set fabrication was done by Knox Wyler Boeuf Knox, incredible talent who also is part of our painting team helped paint that final boss Mini. So Nox. Thank you so much. Anthony Jones AJ is our amazing art director for Daggerheart and did the wonderful character art for our troupe of spooky and fun players through this story. The opening theme of this was orchestrated and put together by Omar Fadal who has done wonderful series of tracks for us here at Critical Role for a number of years now. Thank you so much, Omar. The PC miniatures by the players were provided by Hero Forge, our friends at Hero Forge. They look fantastic. Thank you so much for your help there. The Minis themselves for the monsters and stuff. Big thank you to best games.com who had such amazing sculpts that helped inspire a lot of these encounters and creatures. Thank you so much for your designs as well as myresin3d.com for helping get some of those to me very quickly on a fast turnaround. So big shout out to them. Myresin3d.com we also have our wonderful miniature painters that helped on this. We have Ko Lacibal, who's done a lot of these amazing bosses. Our own Kayo here at the studio has kicked ass at this. A lot of the train pieces too, are painted by some of these people. Our longtime friend, Iron Tusk Ian, who's done so much great painting on this. Angela Bassett. Not that one, but an incredibly talented painter who has done a lot of wonderful work on both Minis and terrain with us. Thank you so much, Angela, Eric Longquist. Thank you so much, Eric, for helping with this painting work. And of course, Knox with the boss Mini. All these painters does such an amazing job bringing these creatures and terrifying entities to life. And of course, our amazing crew, Schmidt, Athena, Chris, Stevie, Taylor and Parker. They've all been busting their ass behind the scenes here to get this production moving forward. Thank you all so much.

[Matthew Mercer]

Shout out to our producers.

[Idol]

Producers made all this work.

[Matthew Mercer]

Production Vinny Singh, all of our post.

[Idol]

Daggerheart, our post team, the, the wonderful folks who helped build this game from our publishing wing, Darrington Press, created the harm, et cetera. If you guys try it out, I fucking love the system so much.

[Brixton]

I want to do another frame.

[Idol]

So. I know, I know I said I.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hated it earlier, but that's not true.

[Idol]

And a big thank you to all of our wonderful players who came in, who will come in here to talk about this after the cooldown here in just a moment afterward on Beacon.

[Matthew Mercer]

So I think they're waiting in the wings. Want to come on in here?

[Idol]

Come on and give away.

[Matthew Mercer]

Cool down.

[Idol]

Give a wave before we go to cool down before so we can finish out this finale.

[Matthew Mercer]

And once again, for. For anyone who's still alive, alive, for anyone who doesn't know, we have an amazing after show that is exclusive to Beacon called Cool Down. So you can come and check it out, see all of our thoughts.

[Idol]

I'm going to tell all my backstory and then.

[Matthew Mercer]

And Sam's going to read his backstory.

[Ashley Johnson]

I guess we could tell our backstories.

[Idol]

Yeah, we can do that. So me. But thank you all so much for joining us on this Age of Umbra series. Very special for me because this game, Daggerheart, has been such a hard bit of work for so many wonderfully talented people. But also this setting was something that I was really excited to put into the book as a campaign frame. Not thinking I'd have the opportunity to actually explore it here and really, really enjoyed this.

[Matthew Mercer]

More Humbies, more Humbies.

[Idol]

Hope you enjoyed it too. If you if you like it, please watch it. Tell your friends because if it does, well, maybe we'll do more down the road. But once again, thank you all so much for joining us. We love you very much and Is it Thursday? Good night. And we finished up this episode. Thanks for coming along on this wild journey with us. If you like the adventure, consider leaving a review on your podcast platform of choice. We're always looking for new critters to share our stories with, and your review may help a new batch of wayward adventurers discover the show. See you next time.

[Brixton]

Morning.

[Idol]

One sausage McMuffin with eggplace.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay, your total is.

[Brixton]

Wait.

[Idol]

Let's negotiate. How's about you throw in hash browns for a dollar?

[Ashley Johnson]

Well, yes, sir. That price is already. Betty. A dollar?

[Idol]

Take it or leave it.

[Ashley Johnson]

Take it, I guess. Buy one, add one for a dollar on sausage McBuffin with egg, hash browns and more with McValue. Most locations open 5aM or earlier. Price and participation may vary. Limited time only. Valid for item of equal or lesser value. Bada ba ba ba.