The Unforgiving City | Age of Umbra Episode 6 Part 2

Summary

Critical Role Podcast Summary
Title: The Unforgiving City | Age of Umbra Episode 6 Part 2
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Critical Role

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1. Introduction to Episode

Matthew Mercer opens the episode by welcoming listeners back to the Age of Umbra campaign, a dark and intricate tale set in the tabletop RPG universe of Daggerheart by Darrington Press. He prompts listeners who haven't engaged with Part 1 to catch up before continuing the adventure.

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2. Arrival at the Athenium

The adventurers—Brixton, Taliesin, Marisha, Liam, and Ashley—push forward into the darkened inner sanctum of the Athenium. The tension is palpable as fiends become aware of their presence.

Marisha Ray describes the dire situation:

"We're survivors. We're the enduring. I'm a fellow pyre keeper. [04:30]"

As they approach the outer walls, torchlights illuminate the fortress, and guards prepare for potential threats.

---

3. Meeting Commander Kieran

Upon entering, the group is scrutinized due to the charred remains they carry. The citizens and soldiers of the Athenium display a mix of curiosity, hope, and mistrust.

Matthew Mercer narrates the moment:

"You rush into the gate, and a light and warmth hit you... The soldier steps forward. [12:11]"

Commander Ciaran Tolis, an authoritative faun with a stern demeanor, addresses the group:

"You've met my subordinate and he's spoken on your behalf. For the time being, you are guests of the Sellsian Council... [24:33]"

The group is granted temporary sanctuary within the bustling, makeshift community of the Athenium, transformed from a grand college into a self-sustaining stronghold.

---

4. Negotiations and Barter

Realizing the need to trade valuable items for better resources, the adventurers decide to engage with the local merchantile, opting to negotiate with the more elusive criminal elements for greater rewards despite potential risks.

Ashley Johnson leads the negotiation efforts:

"I get advantage when negotiating with criminals. [37:08]"

After a successful presence roll, they secure advantageous trade deals, upgrading their equipment significantly.

Taliesin Jaffe reflects on the successful barter:

"Yeah, this is sick. [45:23]"

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5. Acquiring New Gear

Through their negotiations, the group acquires enhanced weapons and armor, bolstering their capabilities for the challenges ahead.

Marisha Ray acquires an Improved Greatsword:

"I now have a gilded falchion... [47:00]"

Liam O'Brien and Ashley Johnson also secure superior equipment, ensuring the party is well-prepared for impending threats.

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6. Rest and Funeral Rites

As night falls, the group takes time to honor their fallen comrades. They are guided to the burial grounds within the Athenium, where they perform rites to lay their friends to rest respectfully.

Matthew Mercer describes the solemn ceremony:

"You settle him within the alcove and then step back... [64:10]"

Their heartfelt farewell reinforces the bonds within the group and underscores the gravity of their mission.

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7. Ashley's Interaction and Cliffhanger

Later, Ashley Johnson's character faces a moral dilemma when a grieving young girl entrusts her with a potion to save her brother. Despite initial reluctance, she administers the potion, only to be confronted by a dark presence that violently disrupts the moment.

Ashley Johnson narrates the critical action:

"I will use sparing touch to heal two hit points... [70:03]"

The episode culminates in a dramatic cliffhanger as the boy, now partially healed, warns of an impending darkness that threatens to engulf Ashley's character, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

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Notable Quotes

• Marisha Ray:
  "We're survivors. We're the enduring. I'm a fellow pyre keeper." [04:30]

• Matthew Mercer:
  "You've met my subordinate and he's spoken on your behalf. For the time being, you are guests of the Sellsian Council..." [24:33]

• Ashley Johnson:
  "I get advantage when negotiating with criminals." [37:08]

• Taliesin Jaffe:
  "Yeah, this is sick." [45:23]

• Ashley Johnson:
  "I will use sparing touch to heal two hit points..." [70:03]

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Conclusion

In this gripping continuation of the Age of Umbra saga, the adventurers navigate the complexities of alliances, resource management, and personal loss within the fortified walls of the Athenium. The episode skillfully balances intense role-playing with strategic gameplay, setting the stage for future conflicts and character developments. Listeners are left on the edge of their seats, anticipating the resolution of the dark forces threatening the group.

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Join the Adventure:
If you enjoyed this summary, consider listening to the full episode of Critical Role: The Unforgiving City | Age of Umbra Episode 6 Part 2 for an immersive storytelling experience filled with action, emotion, and intricate world-building.

Transcript

[Matthew Mercer]

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[Laura Bailey]

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[Matthew Mercer]

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[Ashley Johnson]

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[Matthew Mercer]

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[Ashley Johnson]

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[Matthew Mercer]

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[Ashley Johnson]

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[Matthew Mercer]

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[Taliesin Jaffe]

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

[Matthew Mercer]

In this series, we're diving into our lives as former child actors, from unraveling our eccentric upbringings to embracing all the delightfully odd interests we still have.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

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

[Matthew Mercer]

Weird Kids is available exclusively on Beacon, but good news, we're offering a one month free trial on Beacon TV so you can take a look before you become a member. Just use the code weirdosacon TV to start the trial.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You can also find fellow weirdos by following the series on our heirdkidspod instagram and using the hashtag weirdkids.

[Matthew Mercer]

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.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

New episodes release every Tuesday.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hey there, Matthew Mercer here, and you're listening to part two of this episode of age of umbra, A dark tale and campaign 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. And welcome back. So, charging into the inner sanctum surrounding the Athenium, the sky gets darker still as you push forward. The sound of heavy impacts, footfalls and growls in the distance. The calls of many of the surrounding entities. The fiends that hunt and search are aware of your presence, and they're coming. As you get close to the outer walls, you can see torchlights alighting along the wall and voices starting to shout. Hey, Hawkeye. Gather to the front, weapons ready.

[Liam O'Brien]

Oh, no.

[Matthew Mercer]

And you start seeing many of the guardian soldiers along the top edges of the fortress walls, arming themselves as well as in this spin to fear.

[Ashley Johnson]

But you don't have to.

[Matthew Mercer]

The arch you all went through. Blasts open from behind a few hundred feet back. And you watch the terror gun.

[Liam O'Brien]

Oh, no.

[Ashley Johnson]

It's chasing us.

[Matthew Mercer]

Help us. Help who?

[Marisha Ray]

We're from desperate luck.

[Matthew Mercer]

Please.

[Marisha Ray]

We're survivors.

[Matthew Mercer]

They're like, enduring.

[Marisha Ray]

We're the enduring. We're the enduring. I'm a fellow pyre keeper.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Good call, good call. All right, I'm going to need you to make a presence roll for me.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

As the current shift guard on this side of the fortress is the one with his hand up. As you glance up and see in the light, he's. He's about to let loose a barrage of arms against you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Before they see me. Do I have a moment to adjust my appearance?

[Matthew Mercer]

I'll allow it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

As you start noticing them, take notice of you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yes. I'm going to make that shift back into.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. Do you have to roll for it?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I do not.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, so you just go ahead and do that.

[Marisha Ray]

I am going to describe, by the.

[Matthew Mercer]

Way, what they see as you change. Are you going back to the previous format?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I'm going back some of my previous young woman, dark hair, brown doe eyes.

[Matthew Mercer]

So like Laura Bailey.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Laura Bailey.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

She's still here with us?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yep.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, she's still here.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm going to use my dedicated orderborn ability to use one of my values, one of my tenants, to help with this presence role, which I haven't used this one yet. No one dies alone in the dark. So as I shout to them, please, it is your duty protect us from the darkness. We don't want to die like this.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right, does anybody else want to help with this?

[Ashley Johnson]

Do you have advantage?

[Marisha Ray]

I don't have advantage. I'm just using a D20.

[Ashley Johnson]

I will spend a hope to use one of my experiences lending aid unnoticed. And I will at your feet, sort of cast a little divine light so that there's this underlighting of divine light underneath you as you shout out.

[Matthew Mercer]

Alright, so he's giving advantage to this.

[Ashley Johnson]

By helping for the presence.

[Marisha Ray]

It just kind of highlights. It's almost like underlay underneath of my pyre keeper robes so that it illuminates them and gives further credence to my claim of being a part of the pyre to my vestments. Okay, come on now. Come on now. I'm gonna roll the. Yeah, we're cooking baby. We're cooking with gas.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

There we go. There we go.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, so that is a banana.

[Matthew Mercer]

Hot bananas.

[Marisha Ray]

That is a 17 for my hope on the D20.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh Lord.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay, so 17 plus 4 from the help. So that is going to be 17 minus 1 from my presence, plus 7 for the fear dice. So that is going to be 27 with hope.

[Matthew Mercer]

27 with hope.

[Liam O'Brien]

Damn.

[Matthew Mercer]

As you're running and the ground beneath you lights up as you're rushing, hearing the behind you, you hear the voices above the wall go. Did she see that? She carries the gift. Let them in. Let them in. Open the gates quickly but close behind them. No.

[Marisha Ray]

They think I can do what you can do and I can't.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh no.

[Matthew Mercer]

You all here. As the nearby gate shifts with the pulling of heavy chains out of sight, a light crack opens across darkness as the warm interior of the fortress athenium opens. You rush around the corner. The sound of the whip slashing and breaking stone and wall behind you. You rush around the corner as you hear air is being loosed, tearing into the fiend charging behind you. Another bully. You hear a dark shape misses the fiend and crashes as an off site catapult launches a massive boulder towards the behemoth. It ducks below, looks over towards it, keeps lurching forward. You all come charging into the gate. As you rush in, a light and warmth here hits You. And as your eyes adjust from the darkness, you see dozens of faces looking back as voices shout, close it. Close it. Close it. The wall behind you and the gate lurches slightly and slowly. You hear it. Here you stand within the stronghold's entry atrium. From this side, many other armed, enduring themselves. Heavy cloaks cross their shoulders, tattered and worn, dirtied. Many of these soldiers are unkept and haggard, the ones that keep the frontmost gates. But beyond just their immediate presence, all the other faces you see and focus on, you realize that you have just stepped into a massive, cramped neighborhood of wooden shafts, tents, huts, large levels of scaffolding built on onto the atrium wall and ceiling of what was once a grand college entry chamber, now a clustered settlement built throughout the halls that remain standing. You see across multiple chains hanging from edge to edge, lanterns that glow gently, little symbols of faith hung amongst them like trinkets or reminders. You see amongst the soldiers, civilians and families of all ages, elderly themselves, wrapped up in heavy robes or blankets, in the process of cooking on kettles, distributing what sort of foods and breads can be kept. And indeed, you smell, for the first time since you began this journey, the smell of fresh food. And everyone's looking, looking at you with attention, with an expectation. Like any minute you might lash out before a soldier comes rushing through. It's all right, she carries the gift. And you see a few faces look up. The soldier steps forward. You see now the hood being pulled back. You see an elven man, probably in his early 30s or so, multiple scars across his chin. One eye looks a bit clouded on the right hand side, but besides that rather handsome fellow with long brown hair that goes past his shoulders, those pointed ears there. One looks like it was cut along the side there, and there's a gap, but other than that, looks like a strong soldier. And the one that you recognize is the voice shouting at the top of the wall, steps forward. You are quite lucky that we caught you when we could. If it's all right, I'd like for you to stay here to ensure that we have clearance to allow you further within our domain. We've not had the best of luck. Through the generations of strangers being let inside, and for the protection of all within. I trust you respect that.

[Ashley Johnson]

Of course. We have similar protocols and desperate laws.

[Marisha Ray]

We understand.

[Matthew Mercer]

Are we.

[Liam O'Brien]

By the way, are we carrying Taliesin's dead body right now?

[Marisha Ray]

I have 100% of his body over his shoulder.

[Ashley Johnson]

August, his upper thoracic.

[Marisha Ray]

Yes, yes, he did pinch a leg.

[Matthew Mercer]

Or two, which you Realize is the other reason everyone's staring. You rushed in your strangers and you are carrying a charred half body.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

The soldier looks at you is this.

[Liam O'Brien]

We lost a friend.

[Marisha Ray]

Two. We lost two companions. And one is missing.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Do you have a place here to have a proper burial?

[Marisha Ray]

We've already burned him. He's not at risk of unlife.

[Matthew Mercer]

There is a. A courtyard of the Athenaeum. It is quite full but we're digging levels lower where we can in tour those who pass and have been freed from the salt light. I will inquire if we have a chamber there. Not quite at capacity.

[Marisha Ray]

Understood.

[Matthew Mercer]

A few moments please.

[Liam O'Brien]

What was your name?

[Matthew Mercer]

Ser Darren'. Thul.

[Liam O'Brien]

Ser Daeron.

[Matthew Mercer]

Ser Darinthal. Darren'. Thal.

[Liam O'Brien]

Darren'.

[Ashley Johnson]

Thal.

[Matthew Mercer]

I will speak to my commander. She will likely be the one to help you or send you on your way. You said Desperlock?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yes. We've been sent by the Triarch to reignite our pyre.

[Matthew Mercer]

You've lost your pyre?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

It has been extinguished.

[Ashley Johnson]

It's desperate times and a few parties have been dispatched.

[Marisha Ray]

How long ago is to seek aid from Volcoro? We've passed through there. It's honestly been quite a long journey.

[Ashley Johnson]

Only a few days. But as you can imagine we've endured heavy losses.

[Matthew Mercer]

Of course.

[Marisha Ray]

I'm just going to heave August's body over and I'm now just cradling him. Take a knee and just rest him in front of us.

[Matthew Mercer]

How long since the pyre was lost?

[Liam O'Brien]

Just a couple of days. But we don't know when the umbra will come. So we're in a hurry.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

We are on a journey to find a blessed branch.

[Matthew Mercer]

Aren't we all? The Umbel winds are moving to the west in a southward direction. Our observers have been keeping an eye through the valley. There is a chance it'll shift eastward towards Tespel Loch. So I know not what time there is. But I'll speak to my commander Kieran. She'll be able to help you more than I could. I'm sorry.

[Marisha Ray]

Your hospitality is already appreciated.

[Matthew Mercer]

I'm glad you could be so convincing. It's not often we open our gates for strangers.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

If there is any way that we can return the favor.

[Matthew Mercer]

We will. Now gracious. Here in the athenum turns around and everyone still there's what we're now dozens of faces. There's now 30, 40, maybe 50 civilians that have all quietly gathered and are standing shoulder to shoulder. You see humans, orcs, elves, dwarves, Halflings. It is just a smattering of the peoples of the domain who have lived here for generations, who have traveled from afar to seek the safety of the Athenium, or fled from other homesteads that themselves fell to the darkness. You don't know, but there are degrees of squalor. But everyone seems at least healthy and they're all just staring.

[Ashley Johnson]

I've seen these types of looks before, some questioning, some hopeful. Can I do a quick scan for the thing that I'm looking for which is not wonder or quizzical or hopeful, but disdain or contempt amongst the rest of the faces?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes, make an instinct. Roll for me, if you don't mind.

[Ashley Johnson]

That is a 17 with fear. Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

You glance through the crowd and while most of the eyes are tense, at the very least just waiting for something to happen, there are a number of faces, those that clutch trinkets around their neck, even one that wears vestments, an older, more portly fellow who has long balding hair gray and wears it a chin beard, who looks upon specifically your troupe with a smile and is muttering under his breath like a silent prayer. Beyond them you see two of the soldiers of similar station and decor, of the one who was helping you, who walked away, and they're both talking amongst themselves and keeping a dark eye on Brixton.

[Ashley Johnson]

Can I sort of mark them in my mind? Can I just remember what they look like?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, you might. One you see is a younger male halfling who has a scruffy beard that's unkept at all and his hair is a big mop, dark brown eyes and he just wears a scowl. The other you see is a very thin female woman, shaved bald head, one massive old white scar that carves across her darker skin. It goes over, across the face and over the head where she must have suffered some serious wound and somehow survived and it healed a little wrong so her head is slightly lopsided at where that mark is. They're both looking towards Brixton with disdain, but I spend a fear. And immediately they catch your glance and then turn and disappear into the crowd.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, motherfucker, I saw you.

[Marisha Ray]

And who were they?

[Ashley Johnson]

Just I was clocking. I was looking for people that weren't curious or hopeful or full of wonder at someone saying she has the gift. I was looking for people that were.

[Matthew Mercer]

Dogging after the soldiers leave, and a few moments pass. The crowd begins to move towards you. Slowly people begin to step forward from the crowd, about a dozen or so, some saying, you're here to save us. Are you? You carry the gift.

[Ashley Johnson]

No Please, it's not safe. I'm sorry. Our friend fell to a terrible ailment.

[Matthew Mercer]

Please, Please, we are starving. Whatever all the gods can bring, what blessings and miracles you can bring upon us might. My child. My child is sick. You have to help my child. Keep your child reaching out and grabbing and reaching towards your bottom in between.

[Ashley Johnson]

Brixton, please.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Please. I will step in.

[Ashley Johnson]

Give her space. There will be time for all of your questions and anything else. We are on a mission of great import and believe me, we understand how you feel. The more that you can help us settle in, the more we'll be able to help you in return.

[Matthew Mercer]

A soft apple hits your chest plate and splatters arced past the crowd. And you glance past. You do not see the source of it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Everyone, they said they were hungry. They're wasting their food.

[Marisha Ray]

I don't even know if Brixton caught people saying she has the gift. She's touched. So I think Brixton is just a little. Doesn't fully even understand what's going on.

[Ashley Johnson]

Idol turns around and goes, they think you're touched. They think you have the gift.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I am going to play a relaxing song and you and your allies within close range clear a hit point. So if you have a hit point, clear a hit point.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, so.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

But I'm just trying to sort of.

[Marisha Ray]

You're the band. As the Titanic is sinking.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yep.

[Marisha Ray]

Everyone is.

[Ashley Johnson]

I can't even heal anybody because we got 30 plus people watching this.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah. I just want to just try to calm everybody down.

[Matthew Mercer]

Describe to me I don't have my wings out. Misty. How this song is played in your current form of a normal human being. Just describe to me how does it sound to the folks around.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Is it possible. Because I don't. Since most of the music comes out of the wings, is it possible to make on top of this an illusion of a little violin?

[Matthew Mercer]

Sure.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

To pretend that that is where the music is coming from.

[Matthew Mercer]

Allow it. So you release some of your musical aetherif through the wings. A pinched tone that sounds like a soft violin. As you make the motion, indeed, as it washes over, many people begin to perk up to it. Many of them haven't heard nice music in a moment or two. People begin to sit up. They're still looking towards you. Those that came towards you and were pushed away and intimidated by idols, they still sit where they're standing and begin to build a circle around you. And as you play the music, more begin to come. This drawn.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Please relax. We have all been through so much we have lost friends. Please give my friend a moment.

[Matthew Mercer]

Some of the children remain sitting and listening to the music, looking up at you. This little maybe 3 year old, 4 year old is sitting, looking up. This very waifish young boy who has scraggly dirty blond hair and bright vibrant blue eyes, dirty smears on his cheeks, listening to you and goes, listens and sways with it. Two other kids come up and listen and you start Pied pipering a small troop of kids that you wonder if they've ever heard music in their so far short lifetime.

[Ashley Johnson]

Come on bro, oh bro, be hoarse.

[Matthew Mercer]

You then hear the shifting of metal plates and people begin to part from the crowd as soldiers return. Amongst them you see a stern looking older female faun. Two large curved horns that go back. Her hair cut very short, silver white across the top. Her adornments match the coloration and symbols of the scavenged armor that you wear. Brixton. A dark green for forest green cloak that's thrown over one shoulder. And she has a well kept looking axe to her side.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

And steps forward. I am Commander Ciaran. Ciaran Tolis. You've met my subordinate and he's spoken on your behalf. For the time being you are guests of the Sellsian Council and within the Athenaeum you will find solace, recovery. And should you have the means to barter materials. We do not have room amongst our halls for more civilians. But you can stay till you can be on your way.

[Ashley Johnson]

That is more than enough. More than we need.

[Liam O'Brien]

And we do have things to barter for certain.

[Marisha Ray]

Yes. This is very generous. It is very appreciated. We are very stalwart on our mission, so we will not stay long.

[Matthew Mercer]

Come with me. She turns and the crowd parts behind her. Expectant of you being escorted by these soldiers into the actual proper Athenaeum. The back of the entry gate still behind you. You haven't made it more than 10ft into the stronghold until this moment. You begin to step and lockstep. The warmth of the interior and the flames beginning to crackle. You see hearths and small fires around that warm the interior. The crowds that part watch you as you pass Brixton. You feel many hands reach out and brush your arm. Many of the townsfolk of the Athenaeum are trying to grasp the one who is touched with the gift.

[Marisha Ray]

I kind of try to reciprocate in a very gentle and benevolent manner. But also I am deeply uncomfortable.

[Matthew Mercer]

You hear a heavy and all the hands pull back and Commander Kieran's turn round. Do not mistake appearances with miracles. They are our Guests briefly. And they will be on their way. Expect nothing more. She turns and continues to lead you through the crowd, which now the Commander's voice, they respect. Though still locked upon your troop, you're led beyond the entryway into what is now the thriving heart of this community. This monstrous college has been completely converted into an interior village. Each classroom, each hallway, each portion of this structure that was used for higher learning in the old world is now small homesteads in shops and alleyways. You can see multiple layers of even homes built up into the tops of the high arched ceilings. There are rope ladders and pulleys that people utilize to get around to the multiple tiers. There are open archways that lead to the interior courtyard where you can see fruit is being grown, where small farmsteads are being expanded upon. This is a self sustained community and you can see why it is so fiercely guarded. Not unlike Desperlock was. Even just looking past into the courtyard, you can see the bright flicker of the sacred pyre from some tower high out of sight, just barely reflected through some of the low tree boughs. But it is here, within the Athenaeum that you have a chance to rest and to maybe seek whatever aid you need for the journey ahead.

[Liam O'Brien]

Do you think that acapella group over there would. Would help us? Or those two guys playing hacky sack in the quad?

[Ashley Johnson]

Not the acapella group. The sign says City boys with a Z.

[Liam O'Brien]

Terrible people have a meal plan, so I don't think we can.

[Ashley Johnson]

My mom didn't reload.

[Marisha Ray]

Credits Snix Yes? Are these gardens. Are these the gardens like Aliana talked about in her letter to me?

[Liam O'Brien]

They are similar. Hers is more humble. I think it is and much more humble. But yes, it has the beauty, the same sort of natural softness of hers.

[Marisha Ray]

If this is the type of life she is living, it is well earned.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

Wow.

[Liam O'Brien]

What do we do? I mean, first of all, what do we do with August?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, I think they were going to check if there was space in that courtyard.

[Liam O'Brien]

Should we take off some of his stuff?

[Marisha Ray]

We should. Let's just get to maybe a safe spot.

[Liam O'Brien]

Sure, sure.

[Marisha Ray]

Before we strip him naked.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, we can dress him.

[Matthew Mercer]

Commander Kiran Tolus leads you to a small chamber that when you approach realize it is often utilized as a hold. What was once a larger storage room that's been affixed with bars. Yeah, it's used as a temporary prison if needed. But it is also a space that feels safe and within the proximity of the rest of the athenium guard to where you may not be bothered unwantedly. So it's left open. They aren't locking you in, but you are given this is your private space for the evening to return to as needed. And you have the walk of the athenium base floor. The upper floors you are not given permission to explore. I wanted the ones up there.

[Marisha Ray]

I know.

[Liam O'Brien]

Well, then, in our privacy, our moment of privacy, we'll gently lay out August's body, maybe wrap him in one of our sleeping bags, and gently and respectfully loot his body. Yes.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. The effects that he carried with him. His needle.

[Liam O'Brien]

The wand.

[Matthew Mercer]

Right, the wand. Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

So he has a wand.

[Matthew Mercer]

He has a grappler, which is like.

[Liam O'Brien]

A sword thing or whatever.

[Marisha Ray]

I like it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah. It's a long bit of heavy thick rope with what looks like a hook, like a barbed hook at the end that can be used to grab and pull things.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay, we can trade that stuff. Unless anyone wants his wand. He also has some fucking amazing armor.

[Marisha Ray]

Fucking amazing armor.

[Liam O'Brien]

Which you should probably take.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah, if I take the. Cause it is. I have a lot of stuff. But also I would get rid of my round shield, which is just a plus one base to armor. And I would get rid of this guardian's crown, which is decreasing my thresholds to just do the armor. So if anyone wanted a round shield, there's this guardian's crown situation which allows you to wield a two handed weapon and something else. But it decreases your threshold.

[Liam O'Brien]

Not interested.

[Ashley Johnson]

Not interested.

[Liam O'Brien]

But I might take the round shield. Do you have. What's your armor?

[Marisha Ray]

My armor, I currently have full plate armor, which gives me not interested.

[Liam O'Brien]

I mean, I'm sure it's good, but it probably.

[Marisha Ray]

It gives you minus two to evasion. So that's why my evasion is shit. So this would boost my evasion, boost my armor, boost my thresholds.

[Ashley Johnson]

Do it, family.

[Marisha Ray]

Use my agility. But also unless anybody else wants it. No, because you're rocking bare body, right?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah. I got bare bones.

[Matthew Mercer]

You got bare bones.

[Liam O'Brien]

Do you want the shield?

[Ashley Johnson]

Nope, I can't use it. I got a two weapon. Two handed weapon.

[Liam O'Brien]

But you could use it if you had this.

[Marisha Ray]

But it decreases your thresholds. That's the only catch about that.

[Ashley Johnson]

Nah, fam. I would be decreasing to increase, which is just.

[Liam O'Brien]

I can use the round shield. I wouldn't have a long range weapon though, because you use a shield as your secondary weapon. Right.

[Marisha Ray]

Could I just for aesthetics though, because my armor is so much a part of my backstory. But use the chain armor almost as a base underneath and still have the breastplate for aesthetics.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes. You can wear it and still carry the breastplate as just the adornment beyond the actual protective measures of the armor. Okay. I'd allow that.

[Marisha Ray]

Unless you want this armor.

[Liam O'Brien]

The full plate. No, thank you.

[Ashley Johnson]

No, nobody wants it.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, okay.

[Liam O'Brien]

Oh, the chain armor. I mean, of course, it's amazing, but you take so much damage for other people. You should have it.

[Marisha Ray]

I think I've taken more damage for Ashley than for myself.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, true.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay. Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Before you equip everything.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

Cause decide what you want or what you want to trade.

[Liam O'Brien]

Yeah, we're gonna. We can trade the crown.

[Marisha Ray]

We can get rid of the crown.

[Liam O'Brien]

We can trade the wand and the grappler.

[Ashley Johnson]

Do we have other items?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, we don't have any other items.

[Matthew Mercer]

I had.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think.

[Marisha Ray]

What did I.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, we have the. Oh, no, that's.

[Matthew Mercer]

That.

[Ashley Johnson]

Is there like a sword or something?

[Marisha Ray]

I have my great sword that I also found that I'm not using anymore. So I could give up a great sword.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Or is this. How much is reasonable, Matt? I guess however much we want to give.

[Matthew Mercer]

However much you want to put up for barter.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Are we going to have to barter.

[Matthew Mercer]

Again.

[Ashley Johnson]

Later in the game?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Later in.

[Ashley Johnson]

We don't know. We might not be alive that long. Barter like there's no tomorrow.

[Marisha Ray]

It's true.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Well, we still have to go through the cinema park. Order this one.

[Matthew Mercer]

Go. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

This is exciting.

[Ashley Johnson]

Butter. Like there's notes in my room.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh my God. I'm so excited. This is. It's huge for me.

[Ashley Johnson]

Changed up.

[Laura Bailey]

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[Ashley Johnson]

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 our game Daggerheart played in Exandria for the first time ever on August 5th. And of course we've got the Wedding of the Year coming to theaters on October 15th with an iconic Jester and Ford wedding. Visit fathomentertainment.com criticalrole to find tickets in theaters near you. That's fathomentertainment.com CriticalRole so Crown Wand, Grappler, Greatsword.

[Matthew Mercer]

Anything else up for barter?

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, my. My halberd. My original halberd.

[Matthew Mercer]

Gotcha.

[Liam O'Brien]

I could ditch the scepter of Elias. Oh, you know what? I had a crossbow that I'm not using anymore. I could get rid of that.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Ashley Johnson]

Scepter Velius was in a big ass lead locked case.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'm sure it's valuable.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I have a dambeson armor that I'm not using.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Laura Bailey]

To an eight.

[Matthew Mercer]

Are you keeping the scepter or are you bartering?

[Liam O'Brien]

I'll keep it for now. Just in case I need it for reasons the guy who owns it might want it.

[Matthew Mercer]

Who is helming the barter with the community of merchants and keepers of goods and traders?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I have presence.

[Marisha Ray]

Minus one to my presence.

[Ashley Johnson]

They just think I'm to negotiate with criminals. But it depends on who we're bartering with.

[Matthew Mercer]

It does depend on who you're bartering with.

[Liam O'Brien]

Are you. You have some presents?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I have presents.

[Matthew Mercer]

If you want to look for a criminal element, you could.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What do you have for presents?

[Liam O'Brien]

Zero.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Liam O'Brien]

But I do trade a lot. So you know, and usually criminals got that.

[Ashley Johnson]

They got that. Good. Good. You know what I mean?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

I feel like you're gonna be good at this.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I can certainly try.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

So are you bartering with the above level merchantile here as opposed to looking for the underground merchantile?

[Liam O'Brien]

You get advantage.

[Ashley Johnson]

I get advantage when negotiating with criminals.

[Liam O'Brien]

I mean that's pretty good.

[Matthew Mercer]

I mean either way could have benefits. But it's up to you which path you want to take.

[Ashley Johnson]

I mean, basically I'm better.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think we should go the criminal route.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah, I do too.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just so you guys are aware if you go the criminal route and you roll really poorly, you may be immediately discovered to be in league with the criminal element after just arriving at the Stronghold. But the benefits could be much bigger. So the choice is yours.

[Ashley Johnson]

Did you just offer me hot sauce for my taco? The answer is yes.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah, let's do that.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, why not? So we're going for the criminal element.

[Ashley Johnson]

Any objections? No. Let's do it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

We can boost it up, right? We can give him advantage and shit.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, well, he gets advantage.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

He gets an advantage.

[Marisha Ray]

You get advantage already.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay, thanks. So, Idol, after you've had a moment to rest and someone was sent to go look into the expanding catacombs beneath the Athenaeum to look for a place where you can inter and give your respects to the friend you've lost that's present and possibly the new friend that you've lost and isn't. You walk through through the crowds, there are looks of a lack of recognition. People that see a new face and follow a little bit and you. Once you make eye contact with them, they back off and leave. A lot of it's based in curiosity. Some of it's based in mistrust and concern. But you can't help but draw an eye here and there. Asked a few couple questions eventually. There's a certain look about someone that tells you they might be a little more into the idea of doing what's necessary to get the upper hand in life, a life that doesn't normally give you much to work with. You see a dwarven woman with a knotted tuft of a beard right at the end of her chin who has two other straps that hang from under her hair, from a headband and for what she wears has very, very, very nice rings on one hand and looks to be sitting back. And the best way you can describe it is casing a thoroughfare.

[Ashley Johnson]

Can I. I'll ask for just a minute. And I will go over and approach, but I won't walk directly up to her. I'll stand maybe 10ft to the side and just turn and look in the same direction she is for a few seconds and then slide a couple steps closer. Is anybody watching her or not at the moment, myself. Take another steps closer. An incredible refuge you have here.

[Matthew Mercer]

You're a new face, ain't you?

[Ashley Johnson]

We sure are. And one that'll probably be gone before the sun rises. I couldn't help but remark on the the beauty you've collected in such dark times.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yakin eyes that extend to your wanderings beyond the wall.

[Ashley Johnson]

Only if I'm lucky.

[Matthew Mercer]

Turns their head towards you, makes eye contact, and your piercing emerald eyes meet yours. And there's a bit of a grin to one side.

[Ashley Johnson]

Give it a little wink.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah. Well, before you shove off, what y' all looking for?

[Ashley Johnson]

Hopefully the best that this pyre has to offer. We can only offer what we came in with, but we are motivated to stack the deck in our favor. I hate to negotiate against myself already, but we are desperate.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh, you can earn your way right quick with a new community by throwing one of their bits of the underbelly to the dogs, can you? Are you trustworthy.

[Ashley Johnson]

To a fault.

[Matthew Mercer]

Roll? A presence roll for me. With advantage. Come on.

[Marisha Ray]

With advantage. Okay. Come on. This is it. This is it.

[Matthew Mercer]

With hope. Do you have any experiences you want to add to this that would apply or not? Probably not, but just checking in, reading.

[Ashley Johnson]

Between the lines.

[Matthew Mercer]

How would you want to apply that?

[Ashley Johnson]

So, in taking stock of her body posture, but also trying to keep a low profile at sort of the edge of the city, keeping all of her marks in front of her, but also still wanting to be noticed by wearing the bling on her fingers, she's not wanting to disappear entirely. So I think she wants to be recognized for the work and station that she's built for herself, but not too easily. Only recognized by those that know.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. If you want to spend a hope, you can add that experience to the roll.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah. That is 10, 15, 16, 17 with hope.

[Matthew Mercer]

All right. 17 with hope. Take that hope back that you just spent.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay.

[Matthew Mercer]

She gives you a look, puts a finger up, licks it, and does a little rotation in the air. And you notice the six other figures that were scattered amongst the crowd that you didn't even pick up until now that were watching this whole exchange that all nod and scatter. And she goes, follow me. I think we can procure quite many things.

[Ashley Johnson]

Things.

[Matthew Mercer]

And she steps away from the wall and back into the crowd. You follow her, and we'll say for the purposes of brevity, I mean, it's a pretty decent roll. And with what you have to offer here, I'll say you can choose.

[Liam O'Brien]

Yes, I think we offered the crown, right?

[Matthew Mercer]

Not too all you're offering the crown. Yeah. Which is quite a bit pretty much like, honestly, for whatever you can carry from these lists. What's all this?

[Liam O'Brien]

This is all better stuff.

[Matthew Mercer]

These are the tier two improved weapons. They're not crazy, but they're a bump up from your level one equipment. All that could be scavenged by Them for the bulk of what you've offered to trade. If you only want a few items, we can pull it one by one. But if you give them all that you have up for trade, you can have you a run of the lot because you rolled pretty high.

[Marisha Ray]

Wow.

[Ashley Johnson]

Whoa. This is sick. Disgusting. Like, very close.

[Marisha Ray]

Well, you might be able to get better shield.

[Matthew Mercer]

I know.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'm going to trade the shield too.

[Ashley Johnson]

Oh, boy.

[Liam O'Brien]

Well, this is the rest of the episode.

[Ashley Johnson]

Can I ask you a question? If when I walked in, because this is the first time we've been in a population with like a large swath of people, the bone hooked Glaive, did that. Did that gather a lot of attention? Like, were people averse to it, or did they recognize that as a weapon from the umbra? Like, did it have a little bit of a bad vibe with it?

[Matthew Mercer]

I'll say they were more entranced with the expectation of a divinely gifted arrival. Sure, a few folks probably gave you a solid look. It didn't help that you're strangers and that mistrust already bred and those that looked at you with mistrust, you couldn't tell if it was because of just you being strangers let in or the weapon you carry. But it's certainly not an inviting weapon.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yep, I would just get a one. But the cool thing about the Bonehook Glade, it's scary. And on a successful attack, which I've been doing, the target must mark as stress. So maybe I should actually use my weapon correctly first before I upgrade. Shit.

[Marisha Ray]

I think I'm going to stay okay with this. Are we able to also request any type of look, there's.

[Matthew Mercer]

There's also armor on there and stuff.

[Ashley Johnson]

Like that, but I do. I'm bare bones, baby.

[Matthew Mercer]

That's right, you're bare bones.

[Ashley Johnson]

No armor.

[Marisha Ray]

My armor that I just got is sick.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I think I'm gonna upgrade my returning blade because it can add a plus three.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

So that would give me a plus four, because my one to damage.

[Marisha Ray]

Is that also possible since we're hooking them up to request any type of like, information, I especially wouldn't mind the information. Just. Just once again, for the sake of brevity from Commander Kieran on information about this armor that I have to learn more about it and.

[Ashley Johnson]

Or any potions they might have potions or could spare in lieu of a.

[Matthew Mercer]

Weapon, armor, or the rest of the hall that they're able to acquire for you. I'll give you in just a moment.

[Ashley Johnson]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay. I think I will take an improved Greatsword. Because now I do. It has plus six. Six to physical damage. So it's 2d10 plus six. And I still would roll three damage.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Ashley Johnson]

Crit with that sucker.

[Marisha Ray]

So I now have a gilded falchion if anyone wants. Gilded falchion. I guess.

[Liam O'Brien]

What's the. It's melee.

[Marisha Ray]

It is melee.

[Ashley Johnson]

I'm very close. Dog.

[Matthew Mercer]

So the armor. The armor that you.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Very close.

[Matthew Mercer]

The armor that you found back in Desperlock. You're referring to the armor you started with?

[Marisha Ray]

Yes. The one that I still want to wear.

[Matthew Mercer]

Correct.

[Marisha Ray]

So I'm wearing it. It's very important to me. It's my destiny.

[Matthew Mercer]

That information comes from somebody looking at the symbols on it. And indeed it was armor of one of the High Guard of Amber Reach. Somebody that was likely higher ranking than the standard captains. Probably worked closer to the core of the very, very upper levels of the Basilica Quarter close to where the God King's throne was. Which means this is armor of somebody of station. So it had visible importance and the markings and connotations of it denote that. Any other information you want to find?

[Marisha Ray]

I guess we get a decent amount of information on where we're going towards the Burrows or to the Barrow. But any other potential information on what we can expect on the rest of our journey.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. You learn that the Astra foundry has been dark since the apostasy. There are rumors that there are lights that occasionally at night can be seen in the distant bits of glass and windows that remain. But the Astro Foundry is more of a. More of a landmark for your journey than a necessary destination. You're welcome to enter it if you like.

[Ashley Johnson]

Because it's just south of the Barrow of blind Repose.

[Matthew Mercer]

Correct. But that's just the point that you then use. Right. Which the wilds are referred to as the Orymweald.

[Ashley Johnson]

The what is it?

[Matthew Mercer]

Orymwield. A U R A U R U M W E A L D the Ormweld is a dense wood of strong Druidic history. A powerful nature spirit has long taken up residence there and had a vast community of revered and respected Druidic aetherweavers who worked in lockstep with Ophidius Council to protect the nature and wilds that surrounded Amber Reach and beyond. Since the apostasy that union crumbled and a curse took up the woods. Some say the spirit still wanders and most avoid it for. For fear of those that attempt to bypass it. Sometimes are never seen again. But certain scouts that keep to the higher peaks sometimes see something Shifting in the wood tall enough to be seen pushing through the boughs and canopy.

[Marisha Ray]

And that's where we're basically avoid the Astro Foundry. But we will have to go through.

[Ashley Johnson]

The Orym Wild over you using the Astro Foundry as like a marker to head towards. And then we're going north.

[Marisha Ray]

Okay.

[Ashley Johnson]

Like hit the Astro foundation and straight up till dawn.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

A bully.

[Matthew Mercer]

So anything, Anything else you want information on possibly while you're here?

[Liam O'Brien]

Anywhere else else we know we're gonna hit on the way out of here that we need to.

[Ashley Johnson]

We're gonna go around the Cinema Bar Quarter. We're going to like hug the water and head up towards the Astral Foundry.

[Liam O'Brien]

We know that that's the best way to do it.

[Ashley Johnson]

It seems like.

[Liam O'Brien]

Is there any tricks or tips there?

[Ashley Johnson]

We're here and the Astro Foundry is here. And the Cinnabar is kind of just off to the side. If we can stay to the outskirts.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah. I guess we could ask. Is there a more safe passage over water or something to water toward the Astro Foundry.

[Matthew Mercer]

From what you hear, all paths that get to the Wood from here through the Cinnabar Quarter are either hugging the inside wall of the quarter or just running straight through. Speed is of essence if you're ever found or discovered. Because the Damask Queens definitely call that region their own.

[Ashley Johnson]

What's the name again? Damask.

[Matthew Mercer]

Damask Queens. And there are factions within the queens, each with their own queen leader.

[Ashley Johnson]

Oh boy. Yeah, sure.

[Marisha Ray]

Damask Queens.

[Matthew Mercer]

The two to look out for are Yuri of the Emerald Crown, who is a duelist and flamboyant showman who certainly loves to talk. Loves the theatricality of cruelty.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

That's her Dukedelia's family.

[Matthew Mercer]

The other one is Farah of the Ruby Crown. Bold and energetic dominatrix of a captain. Her sadism knows no bounds. And the queens that work beneath her enjoy the slow challenge of how long they can stretch an enemy's torture before they expire.

[Ashley Johnson]

Jeez. So you really win either way.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Ashley Johnson]

That's good.

[Marisha Ray]

Great.

[Ashley Johnson]

I feel energized.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You can bypass right by them.

[Ashley Johnson]

I'm ready to go.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Yeah.

[Ashley Johnson]

Excited. Can we also get some Pop Tarts before we hit the road?

[Marisha Ray]

Sure.

[Matthew Mercer]

To that point. S'.

[Marisha Ray]

Mores. Pop Tarts.

[Matthew Mercer]

They do manage to scrounge for you. Two health potions.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yes.

[Matthew Mercer]

Just basic health potions. Three stamina potions.

[Ashley Johnson]

And I have one of those too. Since I can use most of my healing on someone other than myself.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I don't need stress. You guys take the stress.

[Matthew Mercer]

You also get two varric leve pouches.

[Liam O'Brien]

What is that?

[Matthew Mercer]

These are extremely rare treated bay leaves that have a historical connotation for ritualistic use. And they're kept and grown here in the garden for ritualistic use and for keeping the higher command of the guard spry and ready. But they manage to steal a little bit without anyone noticing. So you have two uses of this. You eat them to immediately gain two hope.

[Ashley Johnson]

Whoa.

[Matthew Mercer]

Oh. You have two of them.

[Ashley Johnson]

You can eat these paired leaves to immediately gain two hope. Okay, we'll leave them right here.

[Marisha Ray]

Come here, sinner.

[Matthew Mercer]

And one little piece of crystal that, when you shake it, it almost seems to glow briefly from the inside. And it's cracked in places. It looks like it was just a shard of a broken crystal sculpture of some kind. If not for that slight faint glow. It is an unstable arcane shard. You can make a finesse roll to throw it to a group of adversaries at far range and targets you succeed against. Take 1d20 magic damage.

[Marisha Ray]

Damn.

[Matthew Mercer]

He gave us a holy hand grenade one time.

[Marisha Ray]

Use kind of a thing.

[Matthew Mercer]

Boom. Both of those are good thrower. Cool.

[Marisha Ray]

I am not good.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

What would that be under? That would be strength.

[Matthew Mercer]

Maybe agility or finesse.

[Ashley Johnson]

It says that like it says on the card. Duh.

[Marisha Ray]

I'll take one of those extra stamina potions if that's okay. I just marked it.

[Liam O'Brien]

I already have one.

[Marisha Ray]

So you guys have one.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I don't need a lot of stamina stuff.

[Liam O'Brien]

Do you have a stamina potion?

[Taliesin Jaffe]

No, but I don't. But do you have one?

[Liam O'Brien]

I have one.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Okay, I'll take a stamina, and then.

[Marisha Ray]

I took an extra.

[Liam O'Brien]

So that way we all have a stamina potion.

[Marisha Ray]

Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

You're gonna at least take one of the health. And then who else you want to take one since you're always getting hurt?

[Marisha Ray]

Yes.

[Matthew Mercer]

1D4 chest funding, force dress.

[Marisha Ray]

I can hold on. I'll mark it. And then we also still have one extra. I gave one recovery salve to Amelia.

[Matthew Mercer]

What's that do?

[Marisha Ray]

When you rest, you can use it to get one additional health or stamina. Well, she died. But I have one more. Okay, I have one additional one still in my inventory. Is what I mean. Cause we had gotten two of those in the past.

[Liam O'Brien]

Okay.

[Marisha Ray]

And then I'll. Yeah, as per use, we can always.

[Liam O'Brien]

And Matt, we're allowed to take one of these things or two or what's the.

[Ashley Johnson]

Depends on what you want.

[Matthew Mercer]

It depends on what you want. Like if you.

[Liam O'Brien]

I'll take an imperfect improved gambeson. Armor and an improved glowing rings boomerang. If I'm allowed both things.

[Matthew Mercer]

Nice. You guys traded quite a few things. So you have all this at your disposal. Amazing.

[Ashley Johnson]

Yeah. If I wanted armor it, I know I'd have to get rid of one of the changes, but I don't know when we're leveling up again, so I can't. It's too risky. It's too much exposure. Yeah.

[Marisha Ray]

And I'm taking an improved great sword. Is it okay if I also take a returning ax just to have in my inventory in case we get.

[Matthew Mercer]

It's just constant stress to switch them.

[Marisha Ray]

To switch them. In case we get into some. Like flying again?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah, it's the worst in flying.

[Marisha Ray]

It's the worst.

[Matthew Mercer]

The actual worst. Okay.

[Ashley Johnson]

Oh, those flying bitches. How they did plague our heroes night after night. Bitch after bitch after bitch.

[Matthew Mercer]

Is there anything else you seek before you take your night's rest?

[Ashley Johnson]

Anything else we should seek? I don't think so. We got directions. We got info on the wilds, the orum we wield. Well, excuse me. There's a ghost over there. We traded up. We're going to take a long rest tonight, overnight before we head out.

[Marisha Ray]

Sure. Let's do it.

[Ashley Johnson]

We're waiting on the courtyard. Yeah.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. As you finish up, one more thing. Yeah?

[Ashley Johnson]

Items. Weapons, armor. The finest I've ever seen. Nothing is as valuable as a favor. If I could. Could you keep an eye out for us? We've been getting a bit of the stink eye since we've been here and if you and yours could just keep your nose to the wind, I'd make sure it's worth your while on our return.

[Matthew Mercer]

Glances over now that you've finished your trading, she acknowledges. I've seen your face before, so I know there's a chance you'll be back. I'll put it on the tab. Just know we don't forget.

[Ashley Johnson]

Thank you.

[Matthew Mercer]

She steps back and you are given one guard of their type. You know what? Describe for me the guard that they give you.

[Ashley Johnson]

Very unassuming older gentleman. Very lithe. Needs a cheeseburger badly. Very, very baggy clothes. But within those clothes are contained all manner of blades and weapons and a romance. Dry muscularity that is fast and lethal. And he walks with a limp and in an unassuming way. And never comes any closer than 15 to 20ft of us, but just always seems to be at the periphery.

[Marisha Ray]

Cool.

[Matthew Mercer]

As he approaches, he kind of gets that proximity and grins with a toothless smile and just keeps watch.

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[Ashley Johnson]

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 our game Daggerheart played in Exandria for the first time ever on August 5th. And of course we've got the Wedding of the Year coming to theaters on October 15th with an iconic Jester and Ford wedding. Visit fathomentertainment.com criticalrole to find tickets in theaters near you. That that's fathomentertainment.com CriticalRole.

[Matthew Mercer]

Eventually you're notified that they were able to find a corner of the catacomb in which you can intercourse your friend. You are led below the gardens, through the wine cellar beyond to the deep basements and the now vastly expanded caverns below where you can see some have been sealed off, who knows why in the past and others have been spread. You're led into a small, newer excavation, the small alcoves off to the side. Some are reburied and you can see stone plaques with hand carved names in them in memoriam to people who have been lost, whether buried here or just placed in memory. But you are given one alcove.

[Liam O'Brien]

Have you done a funeral before either?

[Marisha Ray]

Anyone here been present for many? I've never led Them.

[Ashley Johnson]

You lay them to rest. And usually someone says something.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

I haven't put him down yet.

[Marisha Ray]

Lay his body down. I hand the top hat.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, thank you.

[Marisha Ray]

To Misty. He would want you to have it.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Thank you. Before we leave him, I would like to remove bits of him that.

[Matthew Mercer]

Were.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Put on his by the Queen Mother. So I would like to try to unsew the moth from his back and free whatever is left of his body to be back to himself in some ways.

[Matthew Mercer]

Okay. As restful an expression as you've ever seen on August's face.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Fix his coat.

[Matthew Mercer]

You settle him within the alcove and then step back.

[Marisha Ray]

Brixton takes a little bit of the soot that is constant on her from her time working the pyres. She brushes some off that is built up over time off of her vestments. And she takes. And she marks across the. Across his forehead just a little bit of a blessing from a sacred pyre. This isn't just to August, but also to Adelia.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes.

[Marisha Ray]

And blessings to Screeve wherever he may be. Their valiant efforts will be remembered.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

In.

[Marisha Ray]

The happiness, in the tears, in the good times, in the bad, from the sanctity of Desperlock, in the outer reaches beyond. For just because many in our settlement may not know their names does not.

[Matthew Mercer]

Mean.

[Marisha Ray]

That their efforts will not be felt. We can only hope for generations to come.

[Matthew Mercer]

You're good at this.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You are good at this.

[Ashley Johnson]

Beautiful words. Better than we deserve.

[Marisha Ray]

Many years of listening to the ramblings of the other pirate keepers and the Ember wardens. I guess it's rubbed off of me.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You?

[Matthew Mercer]

Maybe.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

You do have a gift.

[Liam O'Brien]

The gods are really smiling on you.

[Marisha Ray]

Hopefully a bit more so in the days to come. That was a rough day.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yeah.

[Liam O'Brien]

We're gonna need all the blessings we can get.

[Ashley Johnson]

We should eat and drink before we rest.

[Marisha Ray]

Do they have wine here?

[Ashley Johnson]

One way to find out.

[Matthew Mercer]

The gravekeeper who led you to the Lower Else takes his shovel and withdraws it from the ground. This man, in his mid-30s, a little hunched with his head forward, says, death is but a door. To suffer is the journey. We are the Enduring. And we do what we must to endure. It begins to fill the grave of your friend.

[Marisha Ray]

To the Enduring.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

To the Enduring.

[Matthew Mercer]

Settle. Off and through your contact, nothing but another that overheard you approaches as you go to rest. Another one of the grave diggers who is nearby approaches. A young girl of 16 who offers a bottle of wines. I was keeping it for a special occasion. Just please save my brother. He's quite over the fever.

[Marisha Ray]

I cannot accept this gift in good conscience. That is not a promise I can make.

[Matthew Mercer]

Please.

[Marisha Ray]

I cannot.

[Matthew Mercer]

I know what you can do. Please. She leaves.

[Taliesin Jaffe]

Oh, boy.

[Ashley Johnson]

I can help. I can help. Let me go.

[Marisha Ray]

I don't want you to reveal yourself.

[Ashley Johnson]

I been hiding for years. I'll be better at it. Plus, you've got to watch. They won't be looking at me as closely. I'll blame it on a potion.

[Marisha Ray]

Tell them a prayer has been said in their honor. Okay. Fucking bottle of wine.

[Matthew Mercer]

Now.

[Ashley Johnson]

Can I. Can I run after the girl and ask to be taken to her brother?

[Matthew Mercer]

Of course. Yeah. This way is.

[Ashley Johnson]

She's gifted you with a very rare relic. A potion that may cure your brother's ills. But we can only find out one way. And please keep it to yourself.

[Matthew Mercer]

Of course. Of course. And she hurries along, leading you through alley to hall to a back tent where she and her younger brother, probably more than 13 or so, lays in a cot, sweaty, feverish, under a blanket, coughing under. Can you help?

[Ashley Johnson]

I can give him some space, though. I don't want you to catch the same fever. And close the door.

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes, yes. She leaves and looks back one more time.

[Ashley Johnson]

Just a moment.

[Matthew Mercer]

And closes the flap.

[Ashley Johnson]

I'll shut the door. Make my way over to the boy. Feel his head. Hot.

[Matthew Mercer]

Extremely hot. You see his darkness under his eyes? He's sunken. He's sallow. He probably doesn't have more than a week or so unless treatment comes.

[Ashley Johnson]

Young man, you are in dire straits. I have something special for you. And I'll take out an emptied health potion. Bottle of Just. Just has water in it. An unstopperid. To your health. And I'll tip it to his lips. But I'll put my hand under the blanket under his arm. And I will use sparing touch to heal two hit points or two stress from them. And infuse whatever divine light that happens. Under the blanket, with my back to the door. And tip the water into his mouth.

[Matthew Mercer]

He drinks of it. And as the glow emanates from below, he. His eyes go wide. Better. He has a slight cough. Yes. How. Dude, keep the.

[Ashley Johnson]

No, no, no. It's just the bottle. Keep it as a memento.

[Matthew Mercer]

Still lying back, he grabs it.

[Ashley Johnson]

And remember, it's important to look out for others besides ourselves. The old gods might be gone, but they're not gone. Gone. I don't know what that means, but we're the best that can be put into the world. So return the favor, will you?

[Matthew Mercer]

Yes, of course. All right.

[Ashley Johnson]

Not stay. Rest. I'll tell your sister to come back in and I'll go to the door.

[Matthew Mercer]

You turn and your arm is snatched from behind. No, you turn around and he is sitting up and grabbing your hand. His eyes unblinking, staring into your face. The void will take you faceless. The darkness will swallow you whole. She is not to be breached. The angels will consume all that you see. You will be darkness. And he passes out. And that's where we're gonna finish this episode.

[Marisha Ray]

Oh, dude, Fox, Why'd you do that?

[Matthew Mercer]

Why'd you do that to me? Oh, my God.

[Liam O'Brien]

Something wants you dead.

[Ashley Johnson]

I'm back.

[Matthew Mercer]

I don't like it.

[Ashley Johnson]

No one's not ready.

[Matthew Mercer]

We'll pick up there next episode. Thank you for joining us. Love you very much. And is it Thursday at 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.