Visions of Shadow & Stone | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 16 Part 1

Summary

Critical Role: Campaign 4, Episode 16 Part 1 – “Visions of Shadow & Stone”

Date: February 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this installment of Campaign 4, the party journeys through high mountain passes and into the shadowed lands of Ahriman, carrying both literal and figurative burdens from past adventures. The episode is rich in personal revelations, interpersonal conflict, and explorations of prophecy and identity amidst a world still healing from divine cataclysms. Emotional honesty is on full display, as party members confess desires, express mistrust, and challenge each other's motives and morality—all against the looming threat of undead-tinged lands and political instability.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Aftermath on the King's Highway (Starts ~01:26)

• The party travels through the Kavrosi Mountains, returning toward Dolmakyar with the petrified body of Talsetimir Pride. Plans are laid to return the body in secret, relying on local contacts for a safe passage.
• The group stops at a mountaintop tavern, “The Caller’s Perch,” reflecting on travel hardship, morale, and the storied weapon in their possession.
• Tyranny inspects Jasavi’s Knife (a gift from Cadigan), triggering visions and memories intertwined with guilt, regret, and questions of self-worth.

Notable Quote:

“This knife… it’s so beautiful. It’s such a beautiful item that you made. And it’s crazy that every time I look at it, it hurts my feelings about myself.”
— Tyranny (07:59)

• Reflections in the blade reveal glimpses of loved ones and forgotten memories, fueling speculation about the blade’s connection to the past and its possible magic or curse.
• Dialogue between Cadigan and Tyranny delves into personal responsibility, complex friendships, and the weight of past actions.

Timestamps:

• [06:01] Tyranny sees visions of a woman in the blade; the fleeting nature of magic and memory is emphasized.
• [13:54] Tyranny bluntly: “Cadigan, do you and Teor—are you boyfriends?” A hilariously awkward but touching moment.

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2. Arrival at Shadowlight Waypoint (34:13)

• The party reaches a large druidic encampment (Shadowlight Waypoint), bustling with rituals, animal companions, and supplies being loaded for a journey into the cursed Barrow Dell.

Description Highlights:

• Ser Obzaz Klaw, a moss-adorned orc paladin in armor grown with living wood, greets the party and provides news: a Barrowguard troop of 180 left for Tanasar, but has not returned.

Interaction Samples:

• Tysha exchanges familial, playful banter with Obzaz; updates are shared about mutual friends and comrades lost or dispatched.
• Supplies are discussed, focusing on how to survive in perpetual night (torches, lanterns, etc.).

“You’ve come at a time where we’re probably about another day or two away from heading out to Venatus. Didn’t you just come back?”
— Ser Obzaz Klaw (41:13)

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3. Prophecy and Its True Meaning (47:43+, especially ~94:13)

• Dr. Amrie Talter, a halfling scholar, introduces a revived ancient prophecy:
  “When the sword of sparrows is raised by the Son of Mercy, then shall the reign of the Bloody King be ended and the sun return.”
• Party members initially consider what power or hope the prophecy might represent. Octis (with an exceptional Arcana check) recognizes the prophecy references a 600-year-old event, not their current crisis—it has already come to pass.

Memorable Exchange:

“I think the lovely professor... I think they’re on the complete wrong track. This prophecy is already resolved.”
— Octis (94:13)

• Octis helps prevent the party—and others—from chasing a false hope, sparing resources and potentially lives.
• Dr. Talter is shaken, but receives encouragement from Tysha to remain receptive for “the real clue,” suggesting that sometimes mistaken detours are adventures themselves.

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4. Private Conversations and Heavy Questions (81:22+)

• By the campfire, party members (Julian, Tysha, Vaelys, Octis) share motives, misgivings, and personal pain.
• Topics include:
  • The trauma of death and resurrection (Octis relates the horror of his family’s betrayal and the moment his heart was removed).
  • The limits and burdens of prophecy, duty, and the blurry line between fate and free will.
  • Vaelys’s secret longing to know if the power that brought Octis back could restore her own lost god, Silandri.
  • The distrust bred by personal loss and grief, especially as Julian challenges each companion to reveal their true stake in the quest.

Notable Quotes:

“Do you know what that means? I could bring back—maybe I could bring back my family. Maybe. Maybe I could bring back Silandri.”
— Vaelys (119:33)

“We are traveling under the authority of revenge.”
— Julian (77:31)

• An honesty check among the party anchors a vital moment of shared vulnerability and intentionality.

Timestamps:

• [119:05] Vaelys’s confession about her interest in Octis’s undead state.
• [121:06] Vaelys: “Myself, for starters. I would put myself on the block before any of you.”
• [127:13] Octis reminds the group: if he speaks to a member of his family, he’s seeking information, not betraying the others.
• [129:28] Octis: “The study is going to continue because it brings me closer to understanding what I am.”

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5. Worldbuilding & Lore Drops

• The stone of Nightsong is revealed to be not stone, but the bone of a celestial (131:38), tying personal quests to deep world secrets.
• The origin of House Taconis as a living psychopomp lineage, versus other shapers relying on celestial servants, is explored.
• Dr. Talter shares her study of celestials and how the shapers fashioned them:

“My area of study was on the actual biology... of celestials and their composition—why the Shapers saw fit to create essentially what are constructs from extraplanar material.”
— Dr. Talter (107:18)

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6. Setting Off, and Hints of Destiny (133:41-end)

• The group gears up for travel, with all supplies and final words shared. Julian’s terse leadership, conflicting allegiances, and deep wounds—as well as those of the party—are underscored.
• Tysha, in a final moment of subtle magic and encouragement, convinces Dr. Talter that her supposed “failure” is only the start of her true path.
• As thunder rolls, Dr. Talter receives a vision: “The place of wings. I think I found the clue. Oh, God.” (143:33)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

Comic Relief:

• “Cadigan, do you and Teor—are you boyfriends?” (13:54, Tyranny)

Emotional Clarity:

• “This knife… it’s so beautiful... every time I look at it, it hurts my feelings about myself.” (07:59, Tyranny)

Philosophical:

• “Virtues hold well until you lose what keeps you virtuous. Right now you have no idea what I’ve lost. And...I still don’t know all that I’ve lost.” (78:54, Julian)

Revelation:

• “Do you know what that means? I could bring back—maybe I could bring back my family. Maybe...maybe I could bring back Silandri.” (119:33, Vaelys)

Self-Knowledge:

• “The study is going to continue because it brings me closer to understanding what I am. If you want to help me until then… I’m not going to stop you.” (129:28, Octis)

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Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|--------------------| | 01:26 | The party on the King’s Highway; reflections on the knife and vision sequence | | 06:01 | Tyranny’s vision in the knife, deepening group tension | | 13:50 | Teor and Cadigan’s relationship is questioned | | 34:13 | Arrival at Shadowlight Waypoint (Druidic camp) | | 41:13 | Ser Obzaz Klaw’s welcome, updates on Barrowguard troop | | 47:43 | Prophecy discussion with Dr. Amrie Talter | | 94:13 | Octis realizes prophecy is a solved historical event, averts dangerous excursion | | 107:18 | Dr. Talter’s research into celestials explained | | 119:05 | Vaelys’s confession about her personal motives and the lure of resurrection | | 121:06 | Vaelys’s emotional honesty (“I would put myself on the block...”) | | 131:38 | Revelation that the Stone of Nightsong is celestial bone | | 143:33 | Dr. Talter’s vision: “The place of wings. I think I found the clue...” |

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Conclusion

This episode is a character-driven, lore-rich chapter, making significant headway in group cohesion (and fissure), worldbuilding, and the unraveling of ancient mysteries. While the party gears up to plunge into literal and metaphorical darkness—with necromancy, prophecy, and loyalty on the line—moments of vulnerability and decision clarify just how high the stakes truly are. The episode closes on the precipice of adventure, with hope, bitterness, and redemption all in play.

Next up: Part 2 drops Tuesday. Expect fallout from revealed secrets, moral tests, and the party’s journey into the Barrow Dell’s eternal night.

Transcript

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[A]

Why hello there. I'm Brennan Lee Mulligan and welcome to Campaign 4 of Critical Role. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we explore Ahriman, a world of fractured kingdoms, tumultuous rebellion and sorcery that rises from the graveyard of the gods. You're listening to part one of this adventure, with Part two arriving this upcoming Tuesday. Our episodes typically arrive on the Critical Role Podcast Network a week after our initial Thursday night streams on Beacon, YouTube and Twitch. But if you'd rather listen to a full podcast episode of Campaign 4 Right When it airs without any ads, consider becoming a Beacon member. You'll receive access to exclusive content discounts at all our online Critical Role shops, pre sales for live events, and so much more. Start your seven day free trial today at Beacon tv. Now, without further ado, let's begin this episode of Critical Role, The King's highway through the Kavrosi Mountains. You have been traveling through Timini, back now into the mountains that house Dolmakyar, where our adventures began. And here in a small little hamlet clinging to the side of a cliff, your group carting In a carriage. The petrified body of Talsetimir pride. Sire. Being secreted back, has been given a plan of action. Thimble when you arrive closer to Dolmakyar is to alight, take off and land. Getting Balare Lothalia's attention. To find a secret way to get this body where it needs to go. The mountains around you capped in ice and snow. Look out from a cliffside tavern. This is a lovely little shepherd's tavern selling hearty home brewed ale. The edge of the tavern actually has those stilts that goes over the cliff's edge and stilts back down as it hangs off precariously. This tavern is called the Caller's Perch. Ooh. You sit in piping some refreshments as food and tack are acquired by your fellow adventurers for your mounts. Now that the long journey up the mountainside. Now you have an even longer journey heading back down. You're probably now within striking distance. End of tomorrow's journey will get you back to Dolmak Yar. Seated at the table. Tyranny. Jasavi's knife. The beautiful knife that Cadigan took rudely and abruptly from you after you rudely and abruptly stole it. I could not lie.

[B]

Everyone is rude and everyone is rude.

[A]

He's abrupt. The shimmering silvery reflective blade. The steel polished and well cared for. Even the parts of it that are scratched seem to be scratched. Telling a story of the love that was used in its many years of faithful service. And the handle dyed pink with crushed rose petals. Bone taken from the shrine of one of the hounds. You see there are still polished and made into a working handle. There's been some care and love put into this blade by Cadogan. But even holding the bone in your hand, there's so many things at work here. Rose petals and the sweet smell of flowers. The nourishment of a gift given to a faithful hound. Loyalty and love looped back over and over and honed like a smith working at a blade. You look into the sheen of the knife and you see a beautiful woman. She's tall and fair. And you see her in something like a. Give me a perception check. Actually, as you peer at the blade

[E]

four.

[B]

Well,

[E]

minus one.

[A]

Holding the blade, you get a three. And the image fades abruptly.

[B]

She's hot.

[A]

She's really hot. She turns with a kind of relaxed, a blissful exhaustion that marks her as a parent. You see that she looks in the last moment as the vision fades from you. You see her turn around. And for a second, as you lose the vision in this moment, you hear her go, esme, did you. And the voice is gone. Cadigan. You hear nothing of the sort, but just see tyranny, I think, staring into the steel of this knife across from you. Not bad, right?

[B]

I mean, I didn't know you had such an eye for design. I'm like, three Yargoz shots deep right now, and I don't know, my eyes are, I think, playing tricks on me. When did you find time to do this?

[A]

You know, lot of you tend to

[C]

go to bed a bit earlier than I do. And you're right.

[A]

I do have an eye for design.

[C]

I saw you. Pink handle. Pink.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, it's pink and I'm pink.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, you got it.

[B]

This isn't a romantic thing, right?

[A]

What? No.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

It's not a romantic thing.

[B]

You know, it's funny that, you know, you see, really feel like I could have used this knife. And it's really beautiful, and I love it. It's the only time anybody's ever given me anything, really. When I look at it, I'm like, wow, you're such a bad person, but I love you.

[E]

No, me?

[C]

Oh, you.

[E]

I see it.

[B]

Cause it reminds me of the bad stuff that I did, but I love it. And so it's like, wow, this is such a beautiful gift from a friend. And I'm looking at it, and I'm like, wow, you don't deserve anything that's.

[A]

Is that.

[B]

I don't know. I feel.

[C]

Are you asking me for some sort of advice or.

[B]

No, no. You already listen. I feel like the knife is a symbol of, you know, just remember to not be. Not steal so much and hurt people's feelings on purpose. But I don't know. It's just. It's so beautiful. It's such a beautiful item that you made. And it's crazy that every time I look at it, it hurts my feelings about myself. But please don't regret. I love it. It's a great gift.

[C]

Obviously, that wasn't my intention.

[A]

No, but you're.

[C]

How do you say this? You're allowed to feel how you want

[A]

to feel about it. I guess I am. Yeah, sure.

[C]

I mean, look, I made it, but it's for you. It means whatever it needs to mean to you.

[A]

But for what it's worth, I haven't

[C]

known you very long, but I haven't seen you do anything terrible, I don't think.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

I mean, a little nasty, a little weird from time to time. Eating and sniffing and finger eating and

[A]

all the dirty stuff is not Quite for me. But I get it. It's your whole deal. You can be whatever you want to be. I don't care.

[B]

I will decide to have complicated feelings towards this knife because it reminds me of my friend Katican. And it also reminds me that I have a responsibility to not hurt people who are nice to me.

[A]

Cadigan, what are you thinking in this moment? Women are tough. Tyranny. You hear Catigan say women are tough? As loud and clear as a dog. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

What?

[B]

I'm so tough.

[A]

Oh, you're so. Was that out loud?

[B]

I'm a woman.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm a woman.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I'm tough.

[C]

You're a woman and I'm.

[A]

You're tough.

[B]

Thank you so much.

[A]

Good. Are you tough, though? Oh, fuck.

[B]

Where's Wick?

[A]

I don't know. Where is Wick? Go ahead and give me a perception check, if you'd be so kind, Pat. Again. Cool. Hey, you and me are equally in our cups, apparently. Perception. A9. A9. You look around much like they did way back in Tybre's Lee. He and Teor are off trying to acquire some amenities somewhere, and I think tyranny. Looking around and being adrift here. Give me a perception check if you'd like, but you can also give me an insight check at the same time. Both great. Both great.

[B]

11.

[A]

11. Perception. And then give me an insight check.

[D]

Two.

[A]

Two. Almost.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah, I guess so.

[A]

On that insight check, Cadigan, as you look for Wick, what are you thinking?

[C]

He's with Teor.

[A]

He's with Teor.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

I probably haven't thought about Wick in a hot minute.

[C]

If he's with Teor, like, I think

[A]

that's like putting with your most trusted caretaker. So as you make the perception check, what are you actually looking for in the. Oh, I mean, obviously immediate vicinity, first of all, Definitely not with us, but we have the previous knowledge that he's

[C]

out about in town.

[A]

Out and about in town. You look out. This is like a very. This is on the King's Highway. But you're into the little hamlet off the road a bit, so all you're seeing are common shepherds and herders in here and things like that. Yeah, he's all right.

[C]

He's with tail.

[A]

He'll be fine. They'll be back when they're back. What is it about being without him that makes you so nervous?

[B]

I feel like he's gonna. I feel like he's gonna make things so much worse for himself. I mean, I trust Tayor. I think he's gonna be fine. But he needs me. He needs me. I invented this new drink, by the way. You take a shot of Yarga's and you drop the whole glass in an ale. And then you have to drink it before the ale curdles. Do you wanna try it?

[C]

You definitely invented this. Yeah. No one's.

[B]

And I've invented it for myself.

[C]

Boink.

[A]

Blank on that. 11. Perception. As another shot goes down the hatch. Tyranny. You look down at the knife and see within it Teor's reflection right behind Cadigan. And you see Teor and Cadigan, but in this reflection, Katakan is like, much younger. And you see Teor picking up Cadogan in his arms, injured. And there's a moment of something they share. Badly injured. But a laugh or a joke, something along those lines. And it's again, you're looking at it as you're holding the knife in your hand. You know when you can catch a little bit of sunlight and direct it with a knife, but it's so hard to have the dexterity to catch it perfectly, to send it where you want to send it. That moment of Teor holding Cadigan as clear as day, like your own reflection in the knife's blade. You lose it again.

[B]

I gotta be subtle about this.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

Kat. Cadigan, do you and Tay are boyfriends?

[A]

What?

[B]

I don't know. I just had this thought about you guys holding each other that came out. I don't think about you holding each other, but I think about. Do you guys have some kind of history? Well, yeah.

[C]

Are you asking if we're lovers or we've been lovers in the past?

[A]

No.

[B]

No, I don't think I am, but I'm.

[A]

I don't believe you. Well, what else does boyfriends mean to you?

[B]

I don't know. Boyfriends, girlfriends. You guys just friends that are boys and girls. You could just be anything you want.

[A]

What?

[B]

I mean, I guess you could basically tell me what you guys were to each other. You guys clearly, like, there was some. There's something. Cause Wick and I came in and there was already a dynamic at play. And I'm just trying to get. We're gonna be working together. I'm trying to get a sense of it.

[A]

We are. We are Battle buddies. Is that what you call it?

[C]

Come on.

[A]

You this stuff on everyone. Give me a perception check with Advantage Battle Buddies

[C]

6.

[E]

Oh, wait.

[B]

They say I did perception one, so it was actually a four, not a six because it was a minus one.

[A]

Gosh.

[B]

So I am.

[A]

Listen, you are drunk as can be. So all you see is you look. And the blade is starting to sort of honestly fuck up a little bit. It's like you're getting weird scrambles of, like, things Cadogan is not saying out loud. You're really altered. You look in the blade and you see Cadogan and Teor embracing each other very sensually. You don't think this is. You think you're kind of inventing this in your mind's eye. You're watching tv. You're watching tv, but you do see.

[B]

Sorry, I gotta watch my show.

[A]

You do see that Teor set. Look in this vision you're having in the knife. Looks and goes, cutting in, and you see that Cadigan looks and goes, Marianna,

[B]

Do you see it? Hey, look at this. You remember the knife that you got me?

[E]

Do you see any.

[B]

Did you see anything in there? Is there anything that's happening?

[C]

Yeah, I've got a little bit of glue when I put the tang.

[B]

No, you're not, like, seeing visions in the knife. You're not seeing a beautiful stage play of.

[D]

I'm not quite that fucked up, Marion.

[A]

Oh, I said Mariana.

[B]

Mariana. Mariana. Does that name mean anything to you?

[A]

What did you say?

[B]

Well, before I say why I know that name, you tell me. Because I think that you're not seeing what I'm seeing from this knife.

[A]

Where did you hear that name?

[B]

Just now. Is it okay? I hope that you believe me. This is a crazy thing to say, but you gave me this knife, and I can see stuff in it. I saw what I think is the woman who was married to the guy that I stole this from. Sorry. To him. And then I saw him looking for the knife. And then I saw you and Taylor hugging. And then I heard the name Mariana.

[C]

Cadigan goes to grab the knife, but he doesn't take it.

[B]

You good?

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

Is this thing on?

[C]

Cadigan, do I see anything in this knife?

[A]

Cadigan, you do see something in the knife?

[C]

I do.

[A]

Okay, give me a perception check. And we're gonna roll with. We're gonna roll here, and I want you to roll two dice, but we're gonna take the one farthest from 10. So it will either be very good or very bad.

[E]

Okay,

[A]

the furthest from 10, 7 and 12. Seven will be the furthest from 10. You look at the knife and you do see something. A very haggard, drunken man staring back at you. Do I recognize this man? It's you.

[B]

You.

[A]

Brennan.

[B]

And you. You see a little bitch.

[A]

Oh, fuck. That's really savage. You got me. Oh, fuck. You stare into the knife. Whatever magic is of tyranny does not avail itself to you. Whatever speaks to her does not speak to you. And the things which used to speak to you are gone.

[C]

Come on. It's just a knife.

[B]

If I. If I hurt you in some way by saying that. I'm trying really hard to not to. Sometimes things are just happening with me, Em.

[A]

I'm just trying to understand for a minute. I'm just trying to understand.

[C]

You said you saw

[A]

one woman in the knife?

[B]

Yeah, I saw a woman in.

[A]

But what does she look like?

[B]

She's tall, beautiful, and I think that she seemed a little. A little tired. I think she was a mom. I think it might have been the mom. Was that Mariana or. Cause Taylor was the one saying Mariana.

[C]

Could you just not say that name for a moment?

[B]

Sure, I'll say.

[A]

You don't have to make up a name. Did she have.

[C]

Did she have freckles?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So many.

[A]

And

[C]

Cadogan just starts to sort of

[A]

devolve in and shut down, for lack of a better word. I don't know what to do with this information. You're always upsetting people. Thankfully, you have gotten yourself to a level of inebriation where escape is closer by mouth than by foot. And tyranny. As you look at Cadogan, who you, daughter of the Prince of Suffering, cannot seem but help to hurt those close to you. The last thing we see here in this moment is you feel a sudden nuzzle of a wolf by your side as Wulfric noses at the knife. And that's all for this moment as we'll continue this adventure on another episode of Critical Role.

[B]

Finally. Finally, finally I learned something about your ass.

[A]

Finally.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

Hello, friends, and welcome to the Critic Role Announcement Playhouse.

[A]

We did it.

[B]

We're very excited to announce our collaboration with Steady Hands.

[A]

Steady Hands.

[B]

Steady Hands is known for their wearable fandom designs. I'm a huge fan of their stuff already, and so I'm so, so excited. We've partnered with them to create a

[E]

very special Mighty Nein tribute collection.

[B]

Each item in the collection references a different party, remember, Including subtle pieces like the Frumpkin and Flame Patterned Caleb one. Or a much more direct reference like the cardigan version of Molly's coat. Look at this. They're so many. There's so many. And Jester gets two. Cause it's so perfect.

[E]

She's special.

[B]

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[A]

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[B]

They're so comfy.

[A]

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[D]

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[C]

Don't you guys?

[A]

Territorial? All right. So soft.

[C]

We also just announced Darrington Press's new game A Familiar Find.

[A]

It will be available April 7 on

[C]

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[A]

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[C]

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[D]

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[C]

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[D]

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[C]

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[A]

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[C]

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[D]

Yay.

[A]

It's a half hour place.

[C]

Ashley. You got something to talk about too.

[A]

Hello.

[B]

All right, so CRF's 10 year anniversary auction was bonkers and more than any of us could have imagined. So thank you so much for all your support and we hope that all who won are enjoying your Critical Role relics and treasures. With that said, it is a new year and we are hitting the ground running. So this month the Critical Role foundation is highlighting one of our long term charity partners, First Nations Development Institute. So this means that all donations and CRF merch purchases made in the month of February will be set aside for this organization with a mission to uplift economies and lifeways of Native communities. The money raised goes to programs that focus on agriculture and food system investments, stewardship of native lands and advocacy for Native economic justice. And you have until February 28th. So if you are able to donate or would like to learn more about the First Nations Development Institute, or if you just want to learn more about CRF in general, head on over to critrole.com foundation.

[A]

Yay.

[C]

Thank you so much, Ashley.

[B]

I forgot to show this one off too. This is a Yasha hoodie.

[E]

Show the back.

[B]

And then we got bony wing action. We got skeleton wing and a furry wing or feather wing, not fur, whatever.

[C]

That's fine.

[A]

We got there.

[C]

We know. Okay, Travis, you're up buddy.

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I slap her across the face. And our special guest this episode is. What do you think he has in store for our party, Blaine? We're about to find out. Holy shit. Critical hit. Let's go. I can't wait to see who spills first blood. Amazing. It's so good.

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Can't wait for you guys to check it out.

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Draw youw Weapons is a new actual play with our friends at Titmouse and it is coming to Beacon. Episodes premiere at 7pm Pacific Standard Time starting February 25th only on Beacon. Don't miss it.

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Woo woo hoo.

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All right. And with that, I think it's time for us to jump back into Aramon.

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[A]

hello and welcome to tonight's episode of Critical Role. Last we left off, our adventurers had made their way to Castle Torch, borne aloft over the skies of Helva by the Eagle Altradler in a sky carriage taken from the Druids of the Shongarten, your allies in that Elder of the Circle of Seasons, Amida, as well as the Druids of the Circle of Stone, the Circle of the Hunt, accompanied through a massive fight across the sky between Spirits of the Dead and the weather itself lightning called down by Hanon Elven Druid in the form of a mighty hawk. Flying through the night, you arrived outside of Castle Torch in Girwyn, the far east of Helvar, quite close to the beginning of the Barrow Dell, a land cursed by the destruction of a God, Castle Torch you discovered many former paramours of one Julian Davinos. You discover business companions. Business These are my if I hear you call me a business companion one

[B]

more time, but if you do it

[E]

in the accent, I'm kind of fine with it.

[A]

And you spoke to Captain Luca Phaedron, who discovered there in the room with you at the top of this palisade castle, you discovered that the Barrowguard, including young Alagar, had been sent out with Head Ranger Bierza Kagrakovelek into the eternal night, given a missive by Petra and Raya to Conanus that was told to Dame Gaia Saremai, was a missive from the Revolutionary Council. So a little bit of confusion and muddling between the authority of the Sundered Houses and that of the Barrowguard and its proper authority in the Revolutionary Council atop the Gray Tower in Dolmakyar, Dame Gaia seemed dishonored and ashamed, did not tell her commanding officer where the command had actually come from, and was relieved of her position and placed under the command of of Octys Taconis. You also parted ways here with the lady Erinnessa Royce, who bid you all a fond farewell as she headed north with the half orc knight, Sir Tonveld Kerzingblad, who journeyed north with her to find what fate had befallen the golden orchard, the seat of House Royce. We also had, I think, a lovely point of connection in the night between Phaelys and Octys flying aloft over the skies, and beautiful parting words between Erinessa and Tysha, her sister. Still, who knows that you now go seek her nephew, your son, Alagar Fang, out there somewhere in the Wastes. What?

[C]

Trainee.

[A]

Trainee. Also an accomplished drinker, which you also didn't like hearing about.

[C]

Mother should be proud of their great deeds.

[A]

Your horses spur now forward from castle torch towards the shadow light waypoint, an area that is held by the circle of Ancients, by Tysha's order of Druids. We return now to Helvar and the world of Ahriman. As your horses speed in the direction of a cursed land in which you must not travel yet will.

[C]

As you approach

[A]

the shadow light waypoint, on horseback, you see that thin band of nighttime sky that hugs the horizon. It stays thin for quite a while until suddenly you can feel the road bending. There's a moment where you enter into a sunset. Sunset comes fast. Rather than the sun moving suddenly into the western sky, you actually see that the sun begins to fade or peel north. It moves as you are traveling each step of the horse, the sun almost in that way where at the very end of the day, the sun seems to move so. So rapidly that you can almost watch it moving with the naked eye, where there's enough humidity that looking directly at the sun no longer hurts your eyes. Traveling on horseback, the sun moves almost as swift as if you were tracing your finger in the movement of an arm towards the north. And you hear the busy noise of a campsite up ahead. The sun moves almost to the part of the horizon it would be if you were in the far arctic or sub arctic reaches of a planet that, in other words, it hugs a hemisphere as though the equator has moved farther away from where you are. You look out, see torchlight, hear loud, gregarious voices, work. There are some wagons being packed. You look and see a Druidic encampment. This place is filled with canvas tents, but also you see that there are less supplies than you would imagine for an encampment of some 200 strong. There is a massive banquet table piled high with kahati fruit and produce. There's just open food resting out in the center of the campsite. There are a large number of wild animals here. Some that can be considered perhaps wild shaped druids. Others seem to be companions. And you see a number of orcish paladins. You would recognize these Tycha and probably Julian as well, from serving in combat as members of the Order of Roses. See that towards the front of the camp, directing one of the wagons is a tall, broad shouldered, handsome orcish paladin. He has a few sort of levels of scruff or facial. A very thick mustache, little bit of a goatee that's grown in, and then a five o' clock shadow where he would normally shave. Shaggy black hair, pointed green ears. He is wearing a set of full plate mail that is constructed partially of dhulmakiar steel, but also partially of wood. You see that the plates that are set into it cover the central areas of the wood. But around the edge of the plates you see that there is paint where they're set in. So it's this armor. It looks incredibly light on his body as he's wearing it. And where the wood touches his skin, you see that moss grows into his body and there are small snow white blossoms that run throughout the joints. It looks like he is truly wearing a shirt and breeches of moss under the armor with a.

[E]

Does anyone else want flower pants? I'm gonna figure out I want flower pants.

[A]

You also see that he has his halberd as a thick wooden haft that you can see is green with life. Living wood that grows into the head of a halberd. Only the very outer cutting edge and the top spikes are made of steel. The rest of the weapon seems to be made of living wood. And behind you see he's got a big flower tucked behind his ear. As many of the paladins here seem to be decorated or adorned with flowers. You see that unlike one that is being kept or suddenly wilting, the flower actually extends past his ear, twined through his hair with roots growing into the moss that is set into the breastplate of his wooden and steel armor. You look over as you approach, you see he's directing some of his order towards a set of wagons. You see there are these enormous ridge horned water buffalo that are pulling these large caravan carriages. He turns around to see your approach and you recognize this as Ser Obz Claw. He turns around to behold you approaching, looks over and Says Serenos. Do we have some word from Castle Torch?

[C]

Sir Cla, we have some word. There is many strange things shifting in the wind as a distance recent days. But we would ask for the time being, for at least a moment's respite as me and my companions here are to continue heading east into Shadow.

[A]

You see that as you approach, he looks and beholds. Tysha. Tysha, you clearly have met Abzaz before. Do you think you. How well would you know someone running the Shadowlight Waypoint?

[E]

I honestly think that she probably has a pretty casual relationship, so it's almost familial. But for the sake of whatever good vibes I have with Ser Julian right now, you can see she's holding back the urge to Little cousin

[A]

a full

[E]

paladin hard at work.

[A]

And she's just like, don't, Auntie, not right now.

[E]

Hi.

[A]

You see that? He holds a fist to his chest and says, my Lady Tycha and I

[E]

send a little message.

[D]

How are you?

[E]

How is your mom?

[A]

She's doing okay. She's better now.

[E]

Great.

[A]

You see that? He turns.

[E]

You need to shave.

[A]

What's that?

[E]

You need to shave.

[A]

Why?

[E]

Have you touched your face lately? Well, your rose is about to get shredded by whatever this is.

[A]

He looks and says, yeah, welcome. Welcome. He looks and says, welcome to the Shadow Light Waypoint. I am Ser Obzaz Klaw. This is. You've come at a time where probably about another day or two away from heading out to Venatus. Didn't you just come back?

[E]

Just got back. I will let Ser Julian explain.

[C]

Well, as much as is needed at the moment, my first question is, have you heard anything from Kagaracov' ach and their troop that I believe was sent out towards Vanatas not too long ago?

[A]

Yes, they came through about 180 strong, heading towards Tanasar.

[C]

Has there been any sight or word from them since?

[A]

You see? He says, Ta ta Ta shrugs and says, it was supposed to be a short range mission, but we've had no word back.

[C]

Very well.

[A]

We are to something that large, they weren't going to move fast. I assumed that there was a large number of them. Far more than a scouting party.

[C]

Indeed, the pretense of their travels might have been dishonest. And so we are to seek on behalf of Castle Torch, the Druidic orders and other perspectives to see that they are hopefully safe and returned. For both political and personal reasons.

[A]

Yes.

[C]

So for that we graciously would ask for a bit of rest within your encampment. Perhaps any supplies you may additionally require for this venture, and any suggestions or recommendations for what to look out for beyond the casual training's understanding of the path to Venatas.

[A]

He looks at you and says, perhaps it would be best for you to speak with Masha. He walks into the camp and says, by all means. Supplies are yours if you wish for them. We're guarding this. We're quite busy. I don't know that we can spare any manpower to come assist you. We are accompanying a caravan of the Candescent Creed to Venatus. There is a shipment of filament moving to a number of gardens and I

[C]

think we need more individual speeders of the essence. And I think we travel fair speed

[B]

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You've made it on time for the McDonald's breakfast menu. You think to yourself, finally, I could start my day with my perfect breakfast. But what if breakfast could be even more perfect with the hot honey sausage egg biscuit it finally is. This won't last forever, so go to McDonald's and get it while you can. Ba da ba ba ba.

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[A]

you walk over anyone that wants to. If anyone's making any checks as you survey the camp, see what's going on, go ahead and give me Perception or Insight21 for Perception. You see that Masha, who you know well, elder Orcish woman, she is a member of the Circle of Ancients, is speaking to Hanon over in the corner. Okay.

[D]

Seven.

[A]

Seven. You don't see shit. You also look over and see that there is a young halfling woman with special who is wearing a scholar's gown, a buttoned up vest with puffy shoulders, who is surveying a number of artifacts that look they are getting loaded onto a wagon of the Order of Roses. You can look at her and you see her looking around and saying, this all needs to be packaged more carefully. The translation of the term indicates that to the degree that the stars are present in the sky, star light can sometimes also mean the ability to reflect starlight. In the translation, you see that someone goes over, obsess, rests a chin on his hand and looks over. New prophecy. So from who? Well, you see, he says, doctor, would you like to come meet a member of the Circle of Ancients? You see that? This young halfling woman comes over and goes, oh, pleasure to meet you. I am Dr. Amrie Talter of the Totality. It's a pleasure.

[E]

Hi. Tycha Loy.

[D]

Hello.

[A]

Thank you so much. And thank you for your orders, aid and help. Are you the additional support that we requested?

[E]

I'm not, but I was just curious about new prophecy.

[A]

Yes, well, hardly new Ancient, actually, but new in that it is untested, deeper and it may. Sorry, it may prove to be the winning. She goes, you see, she opens her book. She says it was discovered in an expedition from the Totality to Ferret, actually in an area that had been largely reclaimed by the Barrowdell there. But we had to venture in and found the text. The translation. Obviously it's an ancient text, but the language has changed somewhat. But we believe the translation is when the sword of sparrows is raised by the Son of Mercy, then shall the reign of the Bloody King be ended and the sun return.

[E]

Okay.

[A]

Abzaz looks at you and says, the sun will return. Thank you, Dr. Talter. I'm taking him to speak to Masha, but appreciate your. And he walks off with you and just looks and says, it's a 600-year-old prophecy.

[E]

Great.

[A]

I.

[E]

Look, it's not like any of my people. Our people have figured out a better way to run at this. So good luck.

[A]

The Totality is helping. So, yeah, we'll try it he just looks over at you and speaks a little bit of broken Druidic, where he just goes like, this is the eighth prophecy they've brought from this expedition. At least this one mentions the sun.

[E]

Definitely laugh, then try to shrug it off. We're gonna have to find something new. I just don't know how to explain to an order that is trying so desperately to remember its roots before the shapers. I don't think the past is gonna save us. He'd just pick a little of moss and make the flowers perk up a little more.

[A]

He smiles, thank you, and turns and says, travelers, what hospitality might I offer to either of you here at our waypoint? This is a place of expedition and peril, but what generosity we have, we are more than glad to offer.

[B]

Oh, I don't need anything.

[D]

I appreciate that. I'm fine, thank you.

[C]

Additional torches, please. We need light at all possibilities.

[D]

He knows what we need.

[A]

He says, all right, Torches. He says, where are you heading? You're heading into the night, just the four of you? He looks over at Gaia behind you. The Knight of Sarah Mai's Traveling, says, well, 5. 5. She has not spoken. She just stays. He says, all right, Torches, provisions, everything we can. Are you headed into Vanadas? If you wait another day or two, you can travel with us.

[E]

No, we need to follow the180 as soon as possible.

[A]

They, to my knowledge, were not headed to Vanadas.

[E]

Yeah, we're going where they went.

[A]

That is dangerous.

[E]

We live in dangerous times.

[A]

Torches. Yeah, Torches. He looks at you, Tycha, and just sort of goes, With three humans in your company, torches will be necessary for the more dangerous parts of your journey, to the degree, especially when you are under the open sky, that you are able to travel by starlight. I recommend that you do that.

[C]

Do you have lantern and lantern oil?

[A]

Yes. He says, write me your list of the supplies that you wish for, Ser Julian, and we'll see you outfitted. He just looks at you again, and Druidic just goes like, bad time for lit torches. And brings you to an older Orcish woman. You see that Masha sits on a stump, sort of smiling and nodding at Hanon, who is speaking to her here in this place. See, Masha's got this crown of beautiful flower braided hair that's like some braids in an otherwise overwhelming mass of beautiful curly hair that comes down. She has some crow's feet around her eyes, but also many signs of youth, as dreams Druids sometimes do of just living in peace with the natural world. She sits there, big green flowing gown. And you see that she has a. Think of it as some sort of Druidic focus for a second because of how she's holding it, which is a turtle shell. Until the shell opens up and an actual box turtle looks out for a moment and then closes again. And she looks up and goes, I understand. It is well said. She turns out and says,

[E]

taisha, Tasha,

[A]

good to see you again.

[E]

I rush up to embrace her, but also, can I make an insight check just to see if Moshe's lying. I don't trust that turtle. Fuck that nerd. I just want to check to. To see if Hanon went full snitch mode. And Masha's eyes moved naturally towards octis.

[A]

Give me full snitch mode. Same 21 or. Sorry, 1919. Her eyes dart to octus.

[E]

Yeah. And I just give Hannah a dirty look while going up to hug her.

[A]

She gives you a big hug. It's good to see you. How fared it? You were hurrying back, young man. We didn't get a chance to say much of a greeting the last time you came through here, but.

[D]

No, no, we didn't. Hello.

[A]

How are you feeling?

[D]

Fine. I'm okay.

[E]

I give you just the little look. That's the eye contact with Hanon and then back.

[A]

I.

[D]

It's new, but I'm all right.

[A]

You're eventually venturing to Tanasar?

[E]

Yes. My son is there.

[A]

I did not have time to see the young lad, but. But I know that you were venturing after a treasure for his uncle. Yes, yes.

[D]

Oh.

[E]

That was returned to Dulmakiar. The orders that sent him and the other near 200 that he was with were given under false pretenses. We need to go make sure that they're safe.

[A]

Very well. Obsaz, if you would help Ser Davinas gather his belongings, Tysha, I'd love to speak with you on some matters that concern our order. She sort of stands.

[E]

I would like to introduce you to an associate of mine, Vaelys.

[B]

Hello.

[E]

Pleased to meet you.

[A]

It is a pleasure to meet you, Vaelys. You have been to the eternal night before, or no?

[B]

Yes, I have. This is not my first time.

[A]

Well, we welcome you. And if there is any service I can provide for you in your time here, please do let me know.

[B]

Thank you. That is very appreciated.

[A]

She turns. You see, I think Veyola Hanan's eyes don't leave you in this moment, but

[B]

that this guy's been so rancid.

[A]

Yes. Hannon's eyes don't leave you in this moment. I think you see that there is a. You made an insight check.

[E]

Actually, I'm just not even going to think about it.

[A]

I'm just going to roll one.

[B]

Okay, that's not bad.

[E]

There you go.

[A]

Love that.

[B]

That's all it takes, I guess. 18.

[A]

18.

[E]

Just roll higher.

[A]

Ashley discovered the secret of D and D. Just don't give a shit.

[E]

You can't let the dice know you want it real bad.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, I don't care.

[A]

I don't even care.

[B]

Roll whatever you want.

[A]

I'll eat them a little bit.

[B]

They like that.

[A]

They're shit at rolling. I think you see that Masha, the older Druid of Tysha's order, is offering a lot of kindness and generosity in this moment. I don't know how much interaction you've had with Druids of her order, if at all, but I think that there's a. There's a kindness that people extend when they anticipate that they maybe won't receive it in return. And I think you sense some of that. It's not a coldness, it's just a. Druids of her path don't have nothing that you believe impacts them. You know what I'm saying? It's just about the fact that she is wondering if you feel the same way. Right?

[B]

Yeah. I think I haven't spent much personal time with Druids of this herb, the bath men, nothing. I mean, listen. But I think I'm definitely putting off the same sort of vibes that probably she is, but I'm also. It's the fact that she is being nice and trying. It registers and it means something. It surprises me a little bit.

[A]

She stands up to go speak with Tysha Abzazz looks at you, Julian, and says, let's get you outfitted.

[D]

There you go.

[C]

I made a list.

[A]

And leaving Hanon here with octys and velis. As he stands up, you see he's got this violent shock of red hair out from under that beaked helm. And his skin moves from a light blue around the center of his features. And everywhere it gets close to a hairline, it goes darker blue into violet. As it approaches the red hair, he just looks and. Glowers here for a moment.

[E]

Just glower back. How are you looking?

[C]

Me?

[E]

Yeah. Is Octis comfortable? Uncomfortable.

[D]

He's probably standing here watching you go, the two of you. And being here with Vael, he's probably a little uncomfortable, but is just starting to accept that that's where he lives now. As far as being this thing. So he's just shifting back and forth between the two of you, watching you glower at each other.

[E]

I think I look back one more time and I'm going to summon Hala and leave Hala by your side. Can't give you a little in case of emergency, whistle, so have an entire deer.

[B]

So how long have you and Tysha known each other?

[A]

You see, he looks and says. By reputation. I had heard of the young Druid of the Loy family, Yes. I met her there in the Shawn garden. The same night I met you.

[B]

Oh, you didn't know each other Previously.

[A]

Okay. What are you walking in this world seeking?

[B]

I don't think I know you well enough to tell you that.

[A]

You wear a veil of mourning funeral garb. Strange to see one of the sisters of the Shaper doing anything other than weeping for a world good and truly gone.

[B]

We do a lot more than just weeping. And I think you know that.

[A]

Your coming to this place is a presage of ill omen.

[E]

Why?

[A]

Where you walk, a viper sits, coiled to strike. To return us to a world of darkness. I need not know you to know what is in your heart. You have garbed yourself in it. In the things you hold to be true. You've let the world know that this, all of this, is a terrible mistake.

[B]

Cause it is. It's a terrible mistake. And we can see it.

[A]

He looks at the strange and permanent night sitting like a thick fog, unmoving on the world in defiance of the celestial heights. You feel a coldness here in this place that can only. Only get so much sun. On the border of this place, you see the trees have changed to almost strange, unnatural colors. Things that should have bright green leaves instead have warped or twisted into having a blood red underside to them as eternal and profane night hangs here forever. The world is wounded. It is wounded because it was struck. It was struck because it dared to be free. You look at the injuries of those who were wronged and call it proof that those who harmed them were right. Disgusting.

[B]

That's not what I said.

[A]

It is. Is it not?

[B]

No. I think it was a mistake. But I don't blame you for it. I don't think what happened to you should have happened to you. But a choice was made.

[A]

He stands. She has not moved from your side very often, has she?

[D]

Well, difficult when you're traveling with someone.

[A]

He turns and walks off into the dark.

[E]

Do you want an Eiffel Tower unit with me?

[C]

I need a few more drinks on me. Before we have that conversation, I don't know if we bonded that much.

[A]

Masha walks with you, Tysha, and just says. Says

[E]

you.

[A]

You wish to walk into the eternal night accompanied by a sister of Slandry and the young Tacomis who is being sought by his family.

[E]

Yes. Octis is a friend of mine and is willing to help me find and protect my child. And there is no safer place for him, I think right now than at my side. He is not only sought by his family and there's just a little glance back in Vaelys direction. I assume Hanan told you. I don't know what he is.

[A]

The circle of ancients cares most of all for the healing of this world. That is what we are here to do. That is why we are rallying our forces to march to Venatus once again. To hold aloft what we believe might be the sword of sparrows. But. Tysha, I will not meet this moment of fear with more fear. Whatever threat is posed by the dead walking Ahriman, the young man in your company does not seek to claw and fang at all living flesh. He does not march with the hateful spirit of a Shade or Wraith. But he is a dead thing. His time has come.

[E]

He is a dead thing. But if his time has come, why is he still here? Why is he himself still?

[A]

These are worthy questions. I will not stop a sister of my order from what she believes to be right. But I hope you have answers. Do you?

[E]

This has happened within the space of a week after losing a man who is, for all intents and purposes, he was a brother to me. It would be irresponsible of me to not own that. I made whatever choice I made in the place between places. Out of emotion. But if we trust anything, we have to trust our instincts. And it felt wrong.

[A]

What choice did you make in the place between places,

[E]

Masha? I saw a young boy torn apart. And I told him to get off of the path and go back. Somehow he managed. Somehow he managed to do so.

[A]

Had you shepherded him fully down the path that his soul might come back to know new life in this world. Is it possible that we might be safer from the machinations of the Taconis than we are right now?

[E]

Whatever felt wrong in him continuing down the path was not just the loss of a friend or someone who was still so new to this world that his passing seemed an injustice. The manner of the his death was strange. It was a part of a plot from his family. And I have to believe that some part of me that cried out to him to go back was to sabotage a plot that I still don't understand. I think the world is safer because he is here. And Primus Taconis is far from whatever goal he holds.

[A]

We do not know the goal that he holds. But in Tanasar, the dead have been walking more than usual. The Taconis have been active there. You may be walking into a trap, but you may also be walking with one of the only ones who can provide answers. If the Tuconis were busy with their magic doings there, perhaps he will see what we cannot. I see wisdom in doing what you must do. Especially while it is safe with 180 Barrow Guard there. It will be held and be safe when you arrive in Tanasar. But, Tysha, the wheels have begun spinning in what you have done. Could you stand before our circle and say that it should be willed that those called to the beyond and when the time was unjust, must all be reversed?

[E]

I would never say that.

[A]

But you said it. For him,

[E]

There was something different about that moment. I cannot explain it. Death and life and rebirth. The cycle that we protect and uphold and shepherd. It is still sacrosanct to me. But this was something different. And if only because I know I have stepped to the very edge of our path. I still walk it, I think. Still walk it. But this world is changing. And we keep looking back to the past for sparrow swords and nightingale stones to save us. New choices. Maybe new answers. I will stand in front of any and all who would ask my truth and my belief of me and defend what I did. But it does not change what I believe in my core. Walk the path.

[A]

You will not have to to defend yourself, Tysha. But you will have to explain. And if in wise counsel it comes to pass that your vision of the world cannot reckon with what we hold to be true, then you must do what is honorable and right. And if that means you leave us, then you must leave. I do not ask you to wish harm upon one you love. And I do not know the circumstances which prompted you to make your choice. Nor. Nor will I say that had I been there, I would have had some character, some purpose, to make a different choice. But what I know is that while you wear the garb of our order, you will be called sooner rather than later, to explain to someone why it is right for them to accept what you would not.

[E]

I understand.

[A]

She gives you a big hug and an embrace and says, I wish you the best. Take care on the road, Julian. Walking with Abza with a very logistical thing to do. He looks out and says, what do you require?

[C]

I think for the purposes of this we need four oil canisters, approximately 50ft of chain if you can spare it, some grappling hooks, at least three lanterns, say six torches just to be ready. I don't know what awaits us, but a place of shadow. It's good to have access to a bit of fire here.

[A]

Certainly.

[C]

Wrapping some of the chain around his arm so we can get the length and his eyes are staring off in the distance, lost in thought.

[A]

He begins to prepare you guys. And you see he also gets some extra thick wool blankets on some of your horses and starts to add some stuff. He says, yes, I want would gear up. It's freezing in the night.

[C]

Good to know.

[A]

And looking out, he just sort of says, if you don't mind my asking, it's quite a Are you traveling under the authority of the Council or under the circle of Ancients?

[C]

We are traveling under the authority of revenge. I just go back to continuing to wind my chain.

[A]

He sort of smiles and says, fearsome indeed

[C]

they are a motley crew, but they are still useful,

[A]

he says. He also looks and says, I appreciate the use of the term sir when addressing me, but it's also not necessary. You're a knight, true of house divinos,

[C]

of course, but what is it between knights if not pomp and circumstance? I keep moving oil canisters.

[A]

Virtue, dedication, honor, commitment, joy, faith, belief in some intrinsic soul that every one of us that has a soul has a small drop of a larger ocean that we will one day have the honor of returning to the whole.

[C]

Good for you. Here's the thing. Virtues hold well until you lose what keeps you virtuous. Right now you have no idea what I've lost. And to be perfectly honest, I still don't know all that I've lost.

[A]

But I've lost a lot.

[C]

So I have no interest in your virtue, in your roses. I appreciate the candor. And I appreciate the assistance. But I'm going to ride into the darkness and that's that.

[A]

We lose everything at the end. We lose it all. It's an honor to have ever had. It's only ever a time you see that he picks a flower off the nape of his neck, growing from the moss, and hands it to you.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

You're welcome.

[C]

I think he has the instinct as he turns away to that moment where his body almost goes through the motions of throwing it on the side when he's not watching. But he Catches himself and just tucks it into part of his armor. Continues packing.

[A]

You guys finish for that day, and I think, Tasha, you rejoin your companions here.

[E]

I think at this point, Hala's just constantly headbutting and nuzzling you.

[A]

Stop.

[D]

What? What?

[E]

She doesn't stop.

[A]

You guys get a small. A couple of tents and a small fire here. You can also rest. Tanasar is close enough, but you'll have to rest in the eternal night at least once before making it there. But you guys have your gear and everything like that. Is there anything you guys do before this? The next day before heading out.

[D]

So. We're going into the night after your son?

[E]

Yes. Thank you again for coming.

[D]

That wasn't what I was going for. I just.

[E]

I'm allowed to thank you.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Have you, Julian, have you been there before?

[C]

I've been on the outskirts as part of the training at Castle Torch. But my main purpose at this point is to oversee soldiers to keep the borders safe. Do not myself have extensive experience within the Verda directly.

[D]

Okay, you're gonna get it.

[C]

Yes, we all are.

[E]

We've been. And you have.

[B]

Yes. Mostly before it was like this.

[E]

Oh, so you haven't been. You've just been in this part of my life.

[B]

I've been through. I've been through it, but there's still lots I haven't seen. But I have seen it like this. It's not my favorite place I've ever been.

[E]

That's a fair assessment. The scars left by this sheeper. It feels like a parting shot. One last little act of violence.

[B]

Feels like they all did that.

[E]

Does that feel fair to you? In your last moment? Do you think you will curse this world?

[A]

Maybe.

[B]

It doesn't feel fair.

[D]

As someone with experience, I wasn't really thinking about the world when it happened. A little more thinking about the immediate situation. But yeah, it's when you die. Not that I've unraveled everything yet, but. You just kind of get. You have a snapshot of the last thing that happened. Then there was a confusing middle bit I haven't fully figured out yet. I think it's only a middle bit because I woke up again. But the actual leaving of this world is abrupt and sudden, and you're gone.

[B]

Did you see anybody else when you were there? Were there others?

[D]

I don't know what was actually real

[E]

in that other part.

[D]

The place I was or what I was seeing was a construct of my mind dealing with the transference between life and death.

[E]

What's the difference?

[A]

Well,

[D]

what's the Difference between actually something that's tangible and real versus a hallucination.

[E]

I think people's thoughts are as real to them as the things that they touch and experience.

[C]

Well, were you scared?

[D]

Yes. I watched my brother open my whole chest open and take my heart out while five ghouls help me down.

[C]

Are you still scared?

[A]

Mmm.

[D]

Difficult feeling. Doesn't feel the same, no.

[C]

It's interesting. When I was younger than you, it was my first time seeing war. And in that time I watched many soldiers, some as young as me, many decades my senior, carved and bleed in the battlefield. Years of training, honor, bravery. And almost consistently in those moments

[A]

you

[C]

always see fear in them are before they go. I don't know if it was that way before the gods were dead. Cause who knows what awaits on the other side if they aren't embraced by the great Druidic path. But if you have come from death, you're not afraid anymore. They may be ready to keep going this path here.

[D]

I will offer a caveat that it might be that I'm not scared it anymore because I'm incapable of feeling the

[C]

feeling that is also helpful. Hold on to that.

[D]

I don't know how things work anymore. Nothing works by instinct anymore. I have to consciously activate things. So I haven't figured everything out yet. We'll see. I have all the time in the world to experiment.

[E]

You do?

[B]

I still don't understand how. How you were able to stop him from where he was going.

[E]

I don't think I stopped him.

[D]

I don't know if that was real or not.

[E]

Well, it's very strange that you and I would experience something close enough to the same thing and not call it real.

[D]

Well, I just been like was me seeing you while I was crossing over a hallucination. But now that I know that you were also dying. Dying at the same time, that makes it seem like there is a place where there is an actual path. Which is a whole thing I knew was a constant. But actually seeing it, you know,

[E]

quite funny.

[D]

A lot to think about.

[E]

Your family's dedicated to the passage.

[D]

Well, they were.

[E]

They still are. They just like controlling.

[D]

I think they just like the road leads the one end. Well, you don't really care about the journey anymore.

[E]

But to answer Vaelys, I don't think I did anything but speak to him and tell him to choose something else. The choice was yours.

[D]

I A quick hypothesis. You reminded me that I had a choice in the matter and broke me out of the predetermined pathway that my spirit was taking. To a place it was supposed to go or was being forced to go. You allowed me a moment to consider other alternatives.

[C]

Choice is good.

[E]

Well, that's the whole point of my path. If we could force people down it, we wouldn't have a problem in Venatus and other places with the undead. People who have believed their entire lives that they are still owed an afterlife from shapers that no longer exist. And their souls, clinging to that belief, even past the point of the existence of their minds, send themselves to. To where there is no door. And then they come back here, hungry and howling. There's always a choice.

[D]

So we're going somewhere nice?

[C]

Sort of assumed, yes. This talk of prophecy earlier today.

[D]

Right.

[E]

God, what is a sparrow sword? I'm so tired of birds.

[A]

Shit.

[D]

Seems like a bird metaphor going on in our lives.

[E]

Golly.

[A]

As a druid, me saying I'm kind

[E]

of tired of birds is crazy. Yeah.

[D]

In that prophecy, is that the king they were talking about the falling. The person falling. Was that the.

[E]

I assume it's a shaper.

[D]

Yeah, I think it was your shaper, probably.

[E]

Or Tansu.

[C]

Pay no mind to this bullshit.

[E]

I just.

[D]

I mean, it is.

[C]

You make a thousand prophecies. A few of them are bound to be close to what happens. And they only remember the ones that are close.

[D]

I don't disagree with you.

[C]

The rest just become mythology.

[D]

But we do live in a world where, like, people can write things on paper and it's magic. So.

[A]

Anyone who wants to can give me an Arcana or a history check.

[E]

I got excited, but I'm not playing a wizard, so I don't know why I'm excited.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[D]

This is so much.

[E]

Okay. My Arcana's great. It's going to be natural one.

[B]

Got that out of the hole.

[A]

Oh, no.

[C]

Natural one as well. I got a splinter in my finger.

[A]

Natural one.

[E]

24.

[D]

27.

[A]

27.

[E]

I forgot I minored in nerd Octus.

[A]

As you begin to dig into what this could potentially be on a 27 arcana, by the way. What would that have been on a history check?

[D]

If you'd done anything on a history check, it would have been a 20.

[A]

What?

[D]

Did I say? 27. It would have been a 25.

[A]

25. Gotcha. How is Octis feeling about this prophecy that he heard right now?

[D]

On a certain level, the idea that a sword itself could dispel this darkness seems a little bit far fetched. But then again, there is very powerful magic in the world, and the sword may not be a sword, but a

[E]

key to

[D]

reintroducing or bringing the life back to the land, using a sword as a metaphor for fighting back the darkness.

[A]

On a 27 arcana, you think, okay, wait a minute. Is there something here? Hearing 600 years ago, I think that you. It would depend. You would need to see the text that the prophecy was written in to really understand it.

[D]

Yeah, it's just all hypothetical with what I overheard. But if the prophecy is speaking about the shaper of the orcs, that would not be referring to this specific place geographically. This was the shaper of the elves here. Correct.

[A]

As you are hearing about the shaper. So this was the old Obra Demian empire. These were human lands.

[D]

This was human lands. Okay, yeah, sorry.

[A]

And I think as you on the 27 arcana, as you recognize that the doctor from the totality of the halfling Doctor had gotten it from Farid, which is the old gnomish homeland far to the northwest. And you suddenly think 600 years ago. And on a 27 arcana you go, what was going on 600 years ago? And you do remember reading an ancient history pre Shapers war of a king Kasarvis who had a 12 year reign as a gnomish monarch in which his reign came to an end because he had used weather magic to make a long winter happen. There's like a three year winter that he made happen locally. You think this prophecy actually already resolved? You think that this.

[D]

Hold on, I'm. I think the lovely professor. I'm remembering something I read and I think they're on the complete wrong track. I just realized that there's a thing that has already completely within history completed itself. And this was a prophecy regarding that 600 years ago. And it doesn't matter anymore. Has nothing to do with the Shapers.

[E]

I'm not one to kill hope, but they are venturing into danger off of an expired prophecy.

[D]

Oh my God. Do you want me to do something? Am I supposed to say something?

[E]

Yes. Help.

[D]

Oh, all right.

[A]

Just kind of.

[D]

How am I supposed to explain that I know this game.

[A]

You go over, or rather if you do, you go over and see the halfling doctor is over near the lead carriage. She's consulting some other books, looking around, and you see that she's reviewing this word mercy. You see that she's talking to what looks like a young gnomish sailor who's looking at her. And he's got this ancient rusted sword that you can see is partially destroyed. And it's got this. You see, it does have a Pair of wings on the crossguard. This young gnomish sailor is looking at it, going like, but if I were to actually take that, so would I just display it? And she's like, well, then it is raised. Raised by the sign of mercy, which means raised in combat. So Ser Abzaz is going to. At the dueling grounds at Venatus, or as near to where the God of the sun, we believe was slain.

[E]

I.

[D]

Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt.

[A]

Hi.

[D]

Hello. Hello.

[A]

Hello. I'm Dr. Talter.

[D]

Yes. Octis.

[A]

Octus. Oh, Octys. My lord, Tarkonis.

[D]

Yes, it's fine.

[A]

Yes. Are you accompanying us on the.

[D]

No, I just. I overheard the prophecy you were speaking of, and I do have some knowledge in that regard. What was the name of the king you said?

[A]

Cassarvis Casarvus.

[D]

I may be wrong, and this is just a hypothesis.

[E]

You get headbutted by the deer.

[D]

But could this prophecy be referring to King Kasar?

[A]

Travis, I just rolled a Nat 20. She looks at you and goes, kinks.

[D]

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[A]

I'm sorry.

[C]

I'm sorry.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

Oh, no.

[C]

Oh, no.

[A]

Headbutt again. You see, I just.

[D]

I was just thinking when I overheard, and then I realized I read something a long time ago, and I think that this prophecy is towards that, and it's already resolved itself because that all went away 600 years ago.

[A]

She goes, Yes. Oh, the first in winter. The sun. It was the sun. Just. They meant the sun has kind of tea. The sun returns in spring. It never actually.

[D]

Because he made the winter last a long time.

[A]

You see, the Snomish sailor looks around and says, right. What's happening?

[D]

Am I. I don't mean to throw a wrench into your whole plan, but I just want you to go out there and put yourselves in danger for absolutely no reason.

[A]

She looks over, she looks at the young gnome and says, I'm a fraud. And then just. And walks away. The gnome looks up at you and you see, he goes, are you a wizard or something?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

My mom's name isn't actually Mercy. Her name was Mercedes and she just got called Mercy. Okay, so when they said I'm the son of Mercy.

[D]

Oh, no, it doesn't matter. It's nothing to do with you.

[A]

Okay, good. Yeah, this didn't feel right.

[D]

You seem like a very nice man, and it has nothing to do with trying to help. Yes, No, I appreciate that. I think it'll be okay.

[A]

All right. All right. Do you know if I. Are they Am I. Are they gonna take me back to Emory? Oh, I have.

[D]

I don't. I have no idea.

[A]

Could you ask them?

[E]

Sure.

[A]

What's the. I am happy to help. They said that maybe I was gonna help.

[D]

Right.

[A]

And bring the sun back. And I said, I don't think I'm gonna bring the son back.

[D]

Honestly, I don't think you are either. And I'm sorry, it's not besmirching you in any way.

[B]

I just.

[D]

I will ask if you can get a ride home. What's your name?

[A]

Clive.

[D]

Clive. Clive. Mercedes.

[A]

No, no. What? Clive Fisher. My mother's Mercedes.

[D]

Oh, okay. Yes. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Clive Fisher. I will ask around. I'm gonna try and follow the professor for a minute.

[A]

You follow the professor. You see that she is weeping in front of Masha right now, who's looking very concerned at her.

[E]

Sorry.

[A]

Mosh looks up and says, ah, my Lord Tokonis is. I think I caused this. Young Lord Tokonis brought up an excellent point, which is that actually from the time period that the prophecy was in, and given that the prophet. It's likely a. To my credit, it is a true prophecy. Yes, it is just. It happened.

[D]

It did work just a long time ago.

[A]

And you see that Mash looks and says, oh, well, we'll jot it down. That's fine. Great. Well, you know, we're in a stage of just ruling them out mostly at this point, so I just thought it

[D]

would be a waste of resources and people to possibly go somewhere dangerous where you didn't need to.

[A]

Masha looks out at you. Go ahead and give me a. A persuasion check here.

[E]

You have natural advantages against persuasion for Druids.

[A]

You're good. Not this time.

[D]

12.

[A]

12. She looks at you and says, well, I think that we have saved ourselves a trip. You see, she looks at it and says, we still have to accompany the Creed's shipment of filament to venatus. But Dr. Talter, you are free to go. And we thank the Totality for its efforts in this regard. And should you procure any other prophecies at all, please let us know at once. Or any other means of testing. We appreciate all of your help, Doctor. And you see that behind you, Clive, sort of.

[D]

Also, there's a poor man named Clive

[A]

who we were going to. Clive, we were always going to take you home. And you see, she turns and says, thank you. This is a kindness. Thank you, Dr. Talter. And you see that the doctor just nods silently and walks off and just starts very soft, putting her tools and Instruments away.

[D]

Doctor, I. Please. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to step on your toes or academically. I just.

[A]

It's all right. You're very kind.

[E]

This feels bad.

[A]

You ever. There's just so much chaos and. You ever find something and you think maybe this story is about. I just thought I was gonna help.

[D]

I understand. I get that feeling.

[A]

But in stories there's always only one clue. Yeah,

[D]

that's cause it makes a good story.

[A]

Well, I hate them. Yeah. And I wish there was a story about whatever I've been doing. You are

[D]

very intelligent. Keep looking. Doesn't mean just. Cause this one wasn't the one. There isn't a different one.

[A]

I can't go back. Not like this.

[D]

Frame it different. Just think new information has presented itself and we have to go a different direction.

[A]

Are going to laugh at me. Laugh at me. It's all right. It's all right.

[D]

It could be part of your comeback story. I don't know. I'm trying. You fail here and then you come back up and you do succeed at the end and makes a better story.

[A]

Well, I will have to go back and explain that I did not connect the prophecy to the historical precedent of. Oh, God, they call him the bloody King in that poem.

[D]

Yeah, they do.

[A]

Oh, Thank you. It would have have been. It is good not to waste the time of these noble knights and of the wise circle of ancients. And if there's. If you ever find a prophecy, come see me at the Totality. I'll be sure in the archives sorting texts, because they're never letting me come in one of these again. I appreciate you very much.

[D]

If I do find a prophecy, I'll make sure to request you specifically.

[A]

It's not even actually my. The. It's not even my real area of study, prophecy. It's an offshoot because of this find in the infared.

[D]

What do you really study?

[A]

Oh, the. Well, the Totality, as you know, are those dedicated to reviving the magic and wonder of clerical studies with a direct connection to the domains of the divine over which the shapers proved themselves as intermediary. And our work there is tackling issues of faith academically and that it is possible to have just as strong of a connection to the numinous and the divine and those domains of the celestial spheres through the lens of study as it is through faith. Well, does that feel moving to you?

[D]

Well, actually, from personal experience, it is while different. I have walked a similar path.

[A]

I had heard a rumor in the Totality that a Member of the sundered houses had sought study at the Pentavrel. Yes. This is the great college of wizardry in Dolmakyar. Yes. Yes. Well, there's a lot perhaps to be shared between the totality and the pentevoril. Obviously the pentevral arcane in nature and us divine. But yet we are scholars all in terms of my clerical gift. And you see here she does a small clasp of her hands and there is a small, very weak thunderclap distantly.

[D]

Oh, wow.

[A]

There you have it. Except for the day. Yeah. And then she gasp on camera. She turns to you and says. My area of study was on the actual biology. Biology is of course a terrible term. I actually think zoology is more correct than biology. But the study of celestials.

[D]

Ah, I see.

[A]

And their composition and their nature and why the Shapers saw fit to create essentially what are constructs from extraplanar material?

[D]

Is this like creating a being via this extra planar material, but then infusing it with their own personal essence to make it sort of a sub creature of themselves?

[A]

Well, historically there is some evidence that the creation of of these constructs was learned from the primordial partners of the Shapers.

[D]

Interesting

[A]

that the Shapers never produced mortal offspring. Although some say that it's actually possible that some of their Celestials did. It's a scandalous thought, but. However, the original spirits of service to the great Shapers were actually the original Jinn and efreet of the Primordials, which we have some indication actually predates the earliest fossilized records the. The remains of Celestials and those we've been able to find or potentially harvest. But it's a fascinating. So there are a lot of secrets in how the original Celestials were constructed by the Shapers and a lot of indications that there may have been forces that the Shapers were relying on to be able to make those constructions. And there's a whole fascinating field of study.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Which I will be returning to.

[D]

I would take it as a good selling. You have found a way, even in what you just showed me, that there is a way for you to connect to these divine powers, even with the lack of the Shapers, even to some lesser degree. But there is a path there to be found and there is evidence that it exists.

[A]

She nods in this moment and looks and says. There is a path. There is. Do you venture yourself with the caravan to Venatus or.

[D]

No, I'm traveling with a different party too. Somewhere else or just stopping by?

[A]

She nods.

[D]

I just Happened to overhear everything and thought I would help.

[A]

Well, that's extraordinarily. That is extraordinarily kind. Your house enjoys a profound reputation as patrons of various areas of study. And I know that we've been very grateful for the help that House of Taconis has provided. She looks and says, and to be honest, it's a pleasure to meet you because House Taconis has in some ways been actually an area of interesting study of my own.

[D]

How so?

[A]

Well, that Tokonis comes from the same root word or essentially that the name to Konis as bearers or guides, guardians from one to the other, which almost every other shaper saw fit to bequeath that responsibility to a celestial. And Tansul alone wished that the psychopomps of his domain should be a living house of humans. And it is the only shaper to have bequeathed that responsibility to a house of his followers rather than to a celestial. So, House Taconis. Sometimes in my head I. I think to myself how interesting an anomaly it is.

[D]

Interesting. It was a great honor bestowed upon my family.

[A]

Thank you for the kindness. I can't imagine that was easy to say. And if you ever. What use could I be? Thank you very much for. For your kindness.

[D]

I left quite an impression. And I will remember you should I need any help in areas of study that I do not know.

[A]

You see that? She reaches into a. She reaches into a little satchel and she takes a peely little piece of parchment and writes her name, Amri Talter, and writes an address located at the Totality in Hargood. Do you like me? Do you like me? Yes.

[E]

No.

[D]

Thank you very much.

[A]

She smiles and says thank you and gathers her belongings and heads out.

[D]

You can come back to everybody. That was terrible.

[E]

I leave. I leave the vision of my dear. Wow.

[B]

So you're fired?

[D]

Kinda. Yeah.

[E]

Great job. Yeah. What? Don't encourage that.

[D]

No, I mean, they were banking everything on this thing they had figured out. And I just walked in and went, what if I knocked down your whole thing?

[E]

I mean, what does she want to do? She could still go on the trip if she wants.

[A]

She didn't make me feel bad about it.

[D]

I just feel bad that this was their first time out from their thing to prove themselves. And I just came by, went, she

[E]

can go and be like, we tried. It didn't work.

[D]

Maybe she just kind of get this guy to hold a sword up.

[E]

You can send sword boy home.

[D]

Yeah, he's getting sent home.

[E]

Give him a ride.

[B]

You probably saved a lot of people's lives out there, you know?

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[E]

They're still doing the full escort mission though.

[D]

They are.

[B]

That's true.

[A]

Julian, you see the. The. The Creed wagons over there and recognize some of the locals. Creed wagon is very funny. Creed wagons. Welcome to. Hey, up on the Creed wagon, Can you take. I can't afford that. I can't afford that. Three seconds is fair use. You look over and see a local, the Lux of Gawain, helping load the wagons up and getting them ready to head out towards Venatus here. There's a little bit of tension in the camp between the Candescent Creed being present here at this circle of ancients waypoint and looking around. If there's nothing else, I think you guys will be able to head out,

[C]

go ahead and grab the supplies that I've been bundling and disseminating about. You probably noticed since we've gotten here, pretty much since traveling from Castle Torch, Julian's been pretty terse and to himself. As soon as everything's ready to go, just meets up to everybody. Anything else you need or shall we be on our way?

[D]

How long did you go? I don't know if I have. I have extra rations that I'm not using anymore, so if anyone needs anything still in my pack.

[E]

We'll keep that in mind.

[D]

Look, there's every possibility that. That we're gonna run into another member of my family, or more than one.

[C]

I'm counting on it.

[D]

I know.

[B]

The sun returns.

[D]

Look, I understand. And I'm not saying you're wrong, Julian, in your actions. It is still a little weird for me. This is my family. And while I don't get along with them and they obviously don't like me very much, I did grow up with them. It's weird.

[C]

This is a good question, actually. As we are about to. I was going to say losing daylight, but we'll be losing it entirely shortly before we step into the shadows of the Barodel. Shoulder to shoulder towards a possibility of death or redeath, if that's a thing. I think it's good that we establish why we are doing what we are doing. Because we've been running from things for so long, we are now running towards something. And to be perfectly honest, I still don't know a lot about each of you. You more than most. I know why you're on this for the most point. And we have shared responsibility in your son. Yes, I have responsibility to Alagar as well as a number of other soldiers, of which I was their mentor at one point or Another. Through this tangled web, they have been sent to their death for whatever purposes, in some way, shape or form, tangential to the fall of my own house.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Now, you two, Let's start with you. Laylis. Why are you coming with us? You have your stone,

[A]

yes?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

But you step into the darkness on the whim to save a bunch of non believers in the old ways of the shapers. For what? What do you gain from this?

[B]

I don't believe it's a whim.

[C]

Then tell me. Why do you follow? What do you want?

[E]

Octis, eh?

[C]

I want to hear her say it.

[A]

She won't.

[C]

What do you want?

[B]

I want to know what he is.

[C]

Why?

[B]

Because I don't know what he is.

[E]

Why do you care?

[C]

There are many mysteries in this world.

[B]

There are many mysteries in this world.

[E]

But

[B]

if he could be brought back.

[E]

Say it. You wear the mourning of a dead God.

[A]

Cheerful.

[E]

He could be brought back.

[B]

Do you know what that means? I could bring back maybe my family. Maybe. Maybe I could bring back Salandry.

[E]

There it is.

[C]

What assurances do we have that if this house Taconis is responsible for this very thing, that you would not give all of this up for their secrets to bring back your God and we are led to the slaughter.

[B]

Why would I do that?

[C]

Are we more important to you than your God? And if they can offer you that knowledge?

[B]

I wouldn't do that. And I know you don't know me, but I wouldn't do that.

[E]

Why would we believe you? You.

[B]

You can't. You don't know me. Just as I don't know any of you.

[E]

You know what we believe? You are so stuck mourning your God and the life of that you lost. What would you put on an altar of sacrifice to get back what you have lost? So many people have lost so many things.

[B]

Myself, for starters. I would put myself on the block before any of you do.

[C]

I believe her.

[A]

Give me an insight check.

[E]

I cast guidance.

[A]

Ashley. Give me a. Persuasion or deception. You don't have to say which one.

[E]

Okay, I gotta stand. I gotta stand.

[D]

I'm just not gonna look. I'm just gonna pick one.

[A]

Okay?

[B]

That's not terrible.

[C]

16.

[E]

Eighteen.

[B]

No, sorry. Seventeen.

[D]

You're closer.

[E]

Still got him, though.

[A]

On a 17. I believe that Vaylis, you have the ability to invite Julian to read whatever you would like on your face. What does he read? In this moment?

[B]

I think from the only being able to see her eyes in this moment.

[E]

Ooh.

[B]

I think you feel. You feel an immense amount of pain. And I think it's heavy.

[E]

But

[B]

from what you can gather and just feeling, it's. She's being true.

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

I think from being one hard wall of emotion facing another, seeing that bit of deep pain peek through catches him off guard slightly. And even for a moment. You see, Julian,

[A]

I.

[C]

I am an instrument of war. I've been raised to be and honed to be. My effectiveness is only based on the information I have. That's how I make tactical choices. I ask these questions so that I have information. I understand not to judge you, but just to ensure that I can keep myself safe and those I trust around me. So I appreciate your honesty. As much as we can get.

[A]

I don't know if

[D]

I'm gonna offer any insights into that particular problem. Especially with Silandri. I don't. I brought a fox back to life. What am I gonna do? Bring a God back?

[C]

Do you miss being alive?

[D]

Terribly.

[C]

What if your family could offer that to you?

[D]

I don't think they would.

[C]

Why wouldn't they? You seem very useful to them. They seem very focused on you.

[D]

I think they wanted me dead and

[C]

it didn't work out. Perhaps they want to change the plan. I'm just offering possibilities here because that's what I do.

[D]

I understand, Julian. And I would have you remember maybe once or twice that I. Technically, I am a noble of a house. And you do speak to me with a lot of lack of respect.

[C]

I speak to the entirety of your house with a lack of respect.

[D]

I didn't kill your family, nor did I have apartment I died along with them. Not knowingly.

[C]

And while you see kind of catches himself a minute and readjusts, I still have a lot of processing to do myself.

[D]

I understand.

[C]

And I do know my tendency to glashot.

[D]

I. It is my firm belief that whatever my family was planning required my death. And specifically my heart, which they took. My death was prevented. But they still have the peace of me that they need. I don't know what that means or what they were doing with it, but they wanted me dead. And while I technically am, I don't think they were counting on me still being awake. I don't think them bringing me back to life is part of the plan, nor do I think I ever will.

[C]

And if their plan is foiled, they have probably mixed making a new one.

[D]

Probably.

[C]

We don't know what that is.

[A]

We don't.

[C]

So I do not fully know if any of us can truly trust each other. And as long as we understand that, then at least we are level. And we are Open. We have all the information, and we can make the right tactical choices accordingly.

[D]

Yeah, I agree. I will ask that, just to be up front, that if I speak to a member of my family when we encounter them, it is not that I am trying to stop you, but I will be trying to get information. And I will be trying to see where every other possible member of my family is alive in this situation. So it does not mean I'm trying to betray you by any means.

[E]

Of course we lack information.

[D]

Just putting it out there.

[C]

I understand. But there is a line.

[D]

Yeah, sure, of course.

[C]

Just don't cross it.

[D]

I'm sure I'll find it. I don't know if I can ever

[E]

help you, but could or would?

[D]

I don't know. It is a completely ridiculous prospect. The idea of bringing not only someone fully back to life, but someone who wasn't even a person.

[E]

Coderwood.

[D]

I don't know.

[E]

Could.

[D]

It was never something I thought about until you brought it up. Primarily, if I ever even got close to. To anything like that, the priority would be bringing myself back to life.

[A]

Of course.

[D]

But. We'll see what happens. The study is going to continue because it brings me closer to understanding what I am. If you want to help me until then. Not going to stop you. And I'm not doing this to try and disobey you.

[E]

I've given you no orders.

[D]

But you have been looking. And you've known what I do for a long time.

[E]

What do you do?

[D]

I've had pins since you've known me. And you know what it is. And just because I can, I came back to life and defied the laws of your order. And because I was a little uppity with your other druids, you've been giving me looks.

[E]

You spoke to Julian a minute ago about respect. Ode.

[D]

I'm not disrespecting you by any means.

[E]

I'm just saying you described your own behavior as epity. Am I not allowed to be defensive of my people?

[D]

They were going to kill me.

[E]

Your father wants to destroy our order. Destroy the path entirely. I would not have let them kill you.

[D]

Yes, I believe you when you say that. I don't know if you could stop them. Okay, I trust you entirely. But you are a singular person who can only do what a singular person can do in a situation. And if three powerful druids want to kill me, they'll probably just end up killing both of us.

[E]

I think you confuse my order with your houses. We're not as impetuous as you tend to Be. But I understand your concern.

[D]

Will see.

[C]

This is good. A few more cards on the table. I feel a little more confident going into the end of times with you.

[E]

I'll put one more on the table. I was listening through Hala. Your new friend and the good doctor who studies celestial anatomy. What's the Stone of Nightsong made of? It's not stone.

[D]

It isn't?

[B]

Do I know?

[E]

We.

[A]

Yes.

[E]

Wait.

[B]

Yes. We did learn this.

[A]

Mozor said it's not stone. It's bone.

[B]

That's right.

[E]

The bone of a Celestial.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

That's right.

[B]

Right. Do I know that? Does Bayless know this?

[A]

Bayless knows that?

[E]

Yes.

[B]

I know exactly what it is.

[A]

And I've always known.

[E]

I've read it. All right.

[D]

No. That did not slip my mind when I was speaking to them. There may come a time where we do ask them for help in that area. But I didn't think offering up that information immediately to someone who does not know the situation was a good idea. I also still don't know exactly how I react to either its closer proximity or further proximity from my body.

[E]

We may all die trying to save my son. She may die heading back to the total.

[A]

Mm.

[E]

You don't get a lot of second chances. Travel's not easy.

[D]

No. But if we die saving your son, why do we care what happens?

[E]

The world remembers.

[B]

Ugh.

[A]

Sure.

[E]

Just a thought.

[D]

I have her contact information and our location.

[E]

Okay.

[A]

Should.

[C]

I think

[D]

that's a good idea.

[E]

It's not only your decision to.

[D]

I know. I understand. It's just a little bit of a sensitive subject

[C]

at this point. As you were having this last little bit. Julian jumps onto his horse and like so into the eternal night. Or what?

[A]

We should go.

[D]

Yes.

[E]

How long do I think the escort mission to Venatus is gonna take? If I had to, like, just spitball

[A]

how long it will take them to reach Venatus? Going slow in a caravan, like probably three or four days.

[E]

I don't like the odds on having to track her down later. One thing. I'm going to go find the doctor.

[A]

Hell, yeah. You get on your horse. You see, Dame Saramai gets up on her horse as well. She looks to you, Octis, and gives you a look of deep concern.

[D]

Do you have something to say

[A]

under her breath so that Phelis and Julian cannot hear it? As Tysha goes to get the doctor, she looks and says, my Lord Taconis, You have been killed by your family.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

You are surrounded by the knight of an enemy house, the servant of dead gods. And one who walks a path that would see you destroyed in your current state.

[D]

Correct.

[A]

This mission, such as it is, is doomed, my lord.

[E]

True.

[A]

She stands up first, sits up straighter on her horse and looks ahead.

[D]

I appreciate your directness and your candor. I have no interest in. God. Look, I know you didn't do what you did on purpose. It's an unfortunate situation that you've put yourself in, unbeknownst to yourself. But unfortunately, one of the people that you sent off is Lady Tysha's son. And there is nothing in the world that will make her angrier than if you endanger one of her children.

[A]

Give me a persuasion check. Let's go.

[D]

21.

[A]

It has occurred to me, my lord, given that you have been slaughtered by your family, that I should leave this place forthwith and betray you to your house at the nearest possible convenience.

[D]

Correct. Are you going to.

[A]

Whatever enchantment has been placed to bring together those you travel with, my Lord, who seem moments away from tearing at each other's throats. Rightfully so. The pillars of a shattered world. Who stand tall only in and of themselves and not in relation to each other. Then let me add myself to the mix. My loyalty is as confounding as the devotion of your companions. The world is mad. Let us be madder still.

[D]

I will add to that that I appreciate your loyalty and know that I am already dead and you cannot kill me. And therefore, if you try, you will be dead.

[A]

My lord. Tycha. You walk up to Dr. Talter who you can see has a bag packed and there is a small donkey led wagon. You see that she's sitting on the back of it with a suitcase. And next to her is this gnomish sailor who has an apple. Good apple. My God, look at the sizes. The size of your head. And you see that she looks over and says, yes, Clyde, the apples are large. It's an effect of the Barrow Dell. The orcish. Barrow Dell is a region of incredibly lush and vibrant life. The only positive Barrowdell some have posited. Oh, hello. And you see some as you approach.

[E]

Dr. Talter, can I speak with you for a moment?

[A]

Yes. I'm very sorry. And you see she gets off with her suitcase, says yes, and I'm going

[E]

to go as much into my circle of ancients bag as possible. I think it's just druid craft that the ground becomes a little more verdant and the smell of grass and distant ocean is carried on the breeze. Just trying to flex a little bit.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

I love Stories? You were speaking with my companion earlier. All the best fairy tales begin. The best adventures begin with a wrong turn.

[A]

I acknowledge I have wasted the resources of your order. Okay, I'm in trouble. What's happening?

[E]

Not at all. I think it wasn't about a sparrow sword. But I think you were meant to be here. And I think it is a mistake for you to leave. I think you just took a wrong turn and now you are on the adventure.

[A]

What?

[E]

It is unfair of me to ask you to put yourself in danger, especially when your original reason for doing so is no longer valid. But you said it yourself. In stories, I only give one clue. I think you need to find the clue.

[A]

The find the clue. All right. This is very kind. And you.

[E]

You came all the way out here. You risked everything to try to bring the sun back. Thank you. It's okay if you want to go home.

[A]

Where else would I go? I failed. I have nothing else left to.

[E]

I think this is just the beginning. The group you were going to go with is still headed to Vanadas. You are different than the soldiers and worshipful members of the Candescent Creed that are going there. You can see things that others wouldn't. You might catch the clue that others will miss

[A]

on the road to Venatus. Should I ask Masha to come along regardless?

[E]

I think that's your call to make.

[A]

All right. I'll talk to her. It'll be another day or two before the caravan's ready to travel.

[E]

Whatever you decide, you're not a failure. Thank you for trying.

[A]

You see, as you turn to leaf, she goes. I struggle with mysticism. I struggle with it.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

We're looking for something for people to believe in that won't have to be cloaked in poetry. Because the shapers cloaked themselves in beautiful songs to the point that we couldn't see what they were doing to us. And so we are trying to bring the light of clarity and truth unshrouded by.

[E]

I don't believe in the thing past the gods, such that they were. I believe in people and I believe in you.

[A]

All right.

[E]

No poetry.

[A]

I'll speak to Masha.

[E]

Thank you. I'm sorry.

[A]

And good luck. Good luck to wherever you're traveling.

[E]

Yeah. Thank you.

[A]

Are you headed in the direction of Venatus or.

[E]

No. Tenazar.

[A]

Place of wings.

[E]

Say more.

[A]

You see, thunder rolls in the distance and her eyes glow white. The place of wings. I think I found the clue. Oh, God. And that's where we'll go to break. And that's where we'll leave our story for now. Part two of this episode of Campaign 4 drops this Tuesday. Thanks for listening and we'll see you soon for more Critical Role. With Venmo Stache a taco in one

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