"Collecting Legends" (3x105) is the one hundred fifth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells take center stage in the Platinum Sanctuary, where they must prove themselves as worthy potential heroes to the Exandrian Accord...
Synopsis[]
Announcements[]
- Sam is back, and so, therefore, is Nordverse: The ReVerse! Unfortunately, so is a new character: Saily, the eSIM sidekick. Saily, the eSIM, is a real thing available now from Nord VPN.
- The whole cast will be at Anime NYC August 24 and 25. Laura, Travis, and Robbie will be at SacAnime the following weekend, Aug 31-Sept 1.
- Final installment of Moonward is up now on Beacon, next week on Twitch and YouTube.
- Merch Alert! Percival de Rolo pocketless cardigan now available.
Previously on Critical Role[]
So, last we left off, Bells Hells, recently returning to Exandria from the ruins of Aeor to find that the western encampment in the Hellcatch outside of the Malleus Key had been overrun and destroyed. Fleeing to Vasselheim to catch up with Keyleth and the survivors of that incursion, they find that many of the movers and shakers of Exandria have been gathered to Vasselheim to discuss and decide what is to be done here, in the rapidly approaching crux of Ludinus and the Vanguard's plan. as the impending-- what seems to be some sort of incursion or straight up invasion of the Ruidusfolk and the Weave Mind's armies here onto Exandria proper. You were present for a number of arguments and discussions here in the Platinum Sanctuary of Vasselheim, where you presented, upon prompting, the information that you had uncovered both upon the moon and some of the other dangers, such as the information that Ludinus may have uncovered in the ruins of Aeor.
Fan art of Orym's communion with the Wildmother, by ll1ebert.[art 1]
After stepping away for the evening, you were brought by Keyleth to the Birthheart, one of the most holy places of the Wildmother on the surface of the planet, where Orym had a true communion with one of the Pantheon, upon which was gifted a legendary enhancement to Seedling, a blade that carries his past and his hope. After an evening's rest and some weird games of Spin the Bottle, and a brief bout of oversleeping, you caught up to a handful of loose allies that wished to forge a plan to present to the forum of all of these gathered dignitaries, generals, and political leaders. In meeting with them, you presented the specifics of what you found, what your worries may be, the strengths of your knowledge, the strengths of your connection with Ludinus and his plan, and a plot was hatched not to fight through each barrier to get to him, but through the loophole of this singular portal you uncovered, a back door to the Red Moon of Ill Omen, to strike all three points at once. Thus, with this plan semi-forged and ready to be presented for approval to the rest of Exandria, you began to exit the Trial Forge, at which point a familiar and strangely daydream-like psychic incursion takes Imogen's focus as she finds herself pushing through the red dust of her lifelong recurring nightmare, scattered past and reversed to the green wind-tossed fields of the Taloned Highlands, where in this vision her mother has come to her.
Part I[]
Liliana tells Imogen that Ludinus Da'leth has been impatient since returning from Aeor and is keeping her close to him, sending the other Ruidusborn elsewhere. One of his simulacra has gone with Sorrowlord Zathuda to the Fey Realm to make a deal of some kind with the Unseelie Court at the Shrine of Gilded Gifts within the Amethyst Gulch Sierras, saying their help is needed now more than ever. She also shares that the Weave Mind has recently returned from Exandria where they helped create the fortifications around the Malleus Key. Ludinus has been spending a lot of time on Ruidus where they are digging downward but have not yet reached the Hallowed Cage, and has also asked Liliana to channel the broadcast of the gods' memories of the fall of Aeor through a leyline nexus somewhere on Exandria. Imogen asks her to delay if possible but not to put herself in danger.
The group discusses what, if anything, to do with this information while walking to the meeting, and how much other information to share with the gathering. Braius apologizes to Fearne for coming on to her if she's taken, and she protests she's not and doesn't want to be tied down. She asks him about his own love life and he admits he's looking. Meanwhile, Imogen casts Telepathic Bond on the party so they can communicate privately, while Chetney puts on the Monocle of True Essence and casts See Invisibility. Orym scans the crowd and spots someone familiar-looking, calling Dorian over to try privately to show him as well, but the figure disappears into the crowd. Orym tells Dorian the figure looked a lot like him, but older. When they enter the Sanctuary, with his enhanced vision Chetney sees six massive 12-foot-tall platinum golems around the hall, and the ancient silver dragon that was outside the previous evening is now hanging invisibly from the ceiling.
Highbearer Vord addresses the gathered political and religious leaders from all over the world. Keyleth, Allura, and Groon rise to speak, joined by the Bright Queen and Vex'ahlia. They urge taking action, and propose a three-pronged attack: one against the Malleus Key in the Hellcatch Valley, one against the Weave Mind in Kreviris on Ruidus, and the last against Ludinus Da'leth himself at the Ruidian mining site toward the Hallowed Cage holding Predathos. Vord summons the silver dragon Athudashionus from his perch on the ceiling, who casts a Zone of Truth on the entire gathering. Bells Hells all fail to save against it, except Braius, Dorian, and Laudna.
Vex'ahlia proposes the attack against the Malleus Key be done by Vox Machina, known and celebrated heroes. Next, Allura goes over the proposed assassination of the Weave Mind. Their strike team will be joined by Evoroa, getting to the moon via the secret portal under Lake Umamu. She proposes this team be the Mighty Nein of Wildemount, who have saved the world more than once, but quietly, and the Bright Queen vouches for the group. Keyleth then proposes the third attack against Ludinus be carried out by Bells Hells, since they have experience with Ludinus and several Ruidusborn among their number. As the assembly is sceptical, Orym tells them time is short and the party is familiar with the red moon, but this does little to quell some members' suspicions of them. Seeing Ashton about to lose their temper, Dorian telepathically urges him to hold it in a few minutes. Imogen shares that they all hate Ludinus, with mixed success.
The Holy Curator demands to know what gods they worship. Braius steps forward, and without actually lying, manages to suggest he is a devotee of the Platinum Dragon, and shares that the party also holds the might of the Titans, and that one of them was visited by the Wildmother the previous night. At this, Orym holds up Seedling, saying the gods are watching, and the golden gems now in the transformed sword light up. However, Vord is very suspicious of Braius, asking him to tell which saint he walks the path of, and Braius easily responds with the tale of Saint Graham, the Fallen Saint. Vord is somewhat mollified but not totally convinced, and Imogen opens her mind to learn Vord feels faint mistrust and intends to follow up.
High Hierophant Ophera is concerned about the partially dead Laudna, and Laudna defends the practice of necromancy, calling it necessary to fight darkness with darkness, and is supported in this by the three black-veiled members of the Coven of the Veil. Vord asks about the Titan's power that was mentioned. Ashton steps forward and the others telepathically beg him not to fuck them, with Fearne stepping forward with him. Ashton angrily tells the assembly that everyone is under threat and this is no time to bring up ancient enemies or which gods anyone worships. Ashton serves the weak and forgotten. Fearne shares she, too, has a shard of a titan, and thinks the gods deserve to live. Keyleth gestures at them to change their forms, and they both enter their titan forms, impressing all those present. The silver dragon smiles at them.
Galtheid asks what Dorian has to offer, and he tells him the group's strength is that they are normal people in a demanding situation. Cerkonos is unsatisfied, asking what is in Dorian's own heart. In his nervousness, Dorian accidentally casts the spell Find Greater Steed through a song running through his head, summoning a great equine dragon Coriolis, the legendary mount of their family, surprising himself as much as anyone. Dorian declares that he has power and the desire to help his friends, and after a few moments, he allows the mount to leave. Chetney defends his own worth by explaining that his centuries of life give him a perspective that few others have, and unrelenting courage. And also, he can turn into a wolf.
Keyleth stands and urges the assembly to accept Bells Hells as their champions in this, naming each and giving them a title:
- Lady Fearne Calloway, Fey Scion of the Ancient Flame
- Laudna, Veil Mistress of the Shadow Tree
- Ashton the Reforged, Hammer of Paradox
- Chetney Pock O'Pea, High Hunter and Lupine Paragon
- Dorian Storm, Master Muse and Son of the Wind
- Imogen Temult, Exaltant Hope of the Red Storm
- Orym of the Air Ashari, Savior Blade of the Tempest
- Braius Doomseed, Nascent Might of the Platinum's Call
With that, the assembled representatives accept the three groups and the plans for simultaneous assaults. Vord tells them to gather what they need and prepare during the following week. A young pompadoured gnome approaches Chetney and tells him he's been waiting for this moment for so long, startling Chetney. At the same moment, an older man approaches Dorian, calling him "Brontë", and Dorian responds, "Hello, Father." He turns to see his father, Zeru Wyvernwind, his expression sad and surprised.
Break[]
- Exandria Unlimited: Calamity box set minis now available.
- Trailer for Moonward.
- Trailer for The Legend of Vox Machina, Season Three, coming October 3rd.
- Cast at Anime NYC August 24 and 25.
- Queen by Midnight: Quarter Past coming 13 November 2024.
- Merch Alert! Percival de Rolo cardigan, Critical Role rib knit beanie, Candela Obscura journal, Vox Machina weapons button-down shirt, half-crew socks, and tarot sweatshirt and blanket in all shops; healing party and Dreaded Bloom t-shirts not in Australia.
- Enter a sweepstakes to win a copy of Critical Role: Bells Hells - What Doesn't Break.
- Check out The Re-Slayer's Take podcast.
- Candela Obscura Original Soundtrack, Welcome to Tal'Dorei and Welcome to Wildemount albums available now on all digital music platforms.
- Submit fan art and cosplay for possible inclusion in the weekly online gallery.
- Beacon can't help you in an escape room.
Part II[]
Zeru tells Dorian he looks well, and that word of Cyrus's passing has reached them. He is here alone, at the invitation of the Air Ashari, with whom the Silken Squall has close ties. After a few awkward minutes, Zeru simply takes Dorian into his arms, where Dorian collapses against him like a little boy, crying. His parents have been trying to find him, and recognize the danger of the mission he is undertaking. Zeru tells him there would be no shame in coming home instead, but Dorian refuses to abandon this task, asking his father if he believes in him, and growing upset when his father hesitates in answering. When he confronts him over his lack of trust, his father admits it isn't lack of trust, it's fear of losing another son. Dorian promises his father he will come home and the two shake hands, before his father unbuckles the blade at his side and gives it to Dorian, the ceremonial blade of their family: Gambolcleft, the Vortex Blade. In exchange, Dorian gives him Typhonus, the Gambler's Blade from Bertrand Bell. Zeru looks at Dorian proudly before rejoining the crowd.
Meanwhile, the pompadoured gnome asks Chetney if he is the Chetney Pock O'Pea of C-Pop Industries, then tells him he is a great admirer of his work. Massively relieved this is not his unknown son, Chetney listens to him babble about how much he loves his furniture, learning he is Scalebearer Waylon Amaredda. Laudna accepts Waylon's invitation to see his Collection of Chetney's works at his dwelling, and the others join in.
Meanwhile, Highbearer Vord approaches Braius, questioning his motives, and Braius admits he lied and was expelled from the service of the Platinum Dragon at Platinum House in Zadash. However, Braius has kept his broken symbol of the Dragon, and apologizes for his deception. Pike Trickfoot intercedes, arguing for the power of his redemption, and with her help Vord is seemingly convinced of Braius' good intentions. Vord wipes from Braius' chest the paint concealing the symbol of Asmodeus, and tells him he needs armor that truly bears the Dragon's symbol, presenting to him the holy and magical plate armor Truthbearer, which Braius graciously accepts.
Orym catches up with Zeru outside, briefly introducing himself and telling him they will all help protect his son. Ashton apologizes to Dorian for originally thinking he was soft. Keyleth checks in with Imogen, who shares what she learned from her mother about Ludinus' planned meeting with the Unseelie Court, saying she would like to get Liliana out safely if possible and revealing she is herself terrified of getting close to Predathos. Keyleth reveals she committed Vox Machina to this plan without actually clearing it with them first, and agrees to help Fearne and Ashton recover from the exhaustion caused by their usage of the shards.
The party tries to figure out what to do next. Chetney goes back inside, requesting audience with the Bright Queen and asking her for any aid, including her staff. The Bright Queen respects what the party is undertaking but is amused by his audacity. She is, however, very interested in Ashton, asking Chetney to return with more information about Ashton's nature or to bring her Ashton themself when this is over, promising Chetney great rewards if he does so. When Chetney returns to the group, he keeps this information to himself, but Ashton (still in Titan form) quickly kisses Fearne and goes inside to apologize to the Queen for his behavior in the meeting. He offers to share any information she wants. The Bright Queen tells them to return after their mission, and encourages them to explore their powers and imagine what they could become.
Waylon has been patiently waiting and leads them to his home, a shrine and museum dedicated to wood and filled to the brim with Chetney's works. Waylon explains his dedication as a true C-Popper, revealing his most prized possession, a Chetney-created Oblivion Egg worth 800 gold. Chetney is overwhelmed with joy, and Waylon invites him to Pop Con in a few weeks, which invitation Chetney happily accepts. The party agrees to spend the night there so Chetney can continue to bask in his glory.
Featured characters[]
Bells Hells
Returning
- Allura Vysoren
- Cerkonos
- The Coven of the Veil
- Dorian Storm
- Evoroa
- Galtheid
- Groon
- J'mon Sa Ord
- Keyleth
- Leylas Kryn
- Liliana Temult (in a vision)
- Ophera
- Pike Trickfoot
- Vex'ahlia de Rolo
- Vord
- Zhafe Uludan
New
- Holy Curator Adona
- Athudashionus, an ancient silver dragon
- Coriolis (as a spirit)
- Waylon Amaredda
- Zeru Wyvernwind
Mentioned
- The Arch Heart
- Athion Zathuda
- Bertrand Bell (unnamed)
- Cyrus Wyvernwind
- Dorian Storm's mother
- Drixlitch Ovana
- Errevon, the Rimelord
- Graham, the Fallen Saint
- Ira Wendagoth
- Ludinus Da'leth
- Marlow, overseer of Platinum House
- The Matron of Ravens
- The Mighty Nein
- Nana Morri
- Oltgar Dradegon
- Ozo Cruth
- Percival de Rolo
- The Platinum Dragon
- Predathos
- Rau'shan
- Slayer's Take
- Stubborn Stock
- Uther Vendrock
- Vox Machina
- The Weave Mind
- The Wildmother
- The wind spirit of Gambolcleft
- Zan Tal'Dorei
Quotations[]
- Fearne: I can canoodle who I want to canoodle with. I haven't made any decisions yet. I'm sorry. I don't know. It's the end of the world-- it feels like it's the end of the world, and I don't want to put all my eggs in one basket. Maybe I'll put my eggs in all the baskets.
- Braius: How fitting that we stand in the Platinum Sanctuary, the holiest of places that I have devoted my life to. ... I have traveled and known these fellows for many months, and in that time I have realized that it's not just our hatred of Ludinus that binds us together, but its our individual strengths that sets us apart. We have among us the power of a Titan. We have the knowledge of the Ruidusborn. We have ones who are dedicated to family. We have one who has command over the dead itself. And we have a guy who makes chairs.
- Ashton: I serve the weak. I serve the forgotten. I serve the dirt beneath our feet. And if you tell me that that's not enough for you, fine, I will fight on my own.
- Matt: In this beautiful, crystalline moment, the scattered, chaotic minds and people of Exandria have come together. They've come together behind legends. They've come together behind history. They've come together behind you.
- Dorian: (to his father) I know you love me. You have always loved me. But you have never trusted me. One time, without hesitation, your only chance: Do you think I can do this?
Zeru: It's not a question of whether or not I think you can do this. I hesitate, not because of any lack of faith. Yes, I and your mother, are gifted, burdened, living with the responsibilities of guiding our people. But underneath that all, we are a father and a mother, and we don't want to lose another son. So do I hesitate? Yes. But only because I'm scared, because I believe in you. Because I can't nor will stop you. And because I know I have to believe that you can do what needs to be done. I just want you to promise that you'll return. - The Bright Queen: (to Ashton) Perhaps you too could break the very fundamental powers of this universe, if they don't break you first. So find that light, hold onto it, and imagine.
- Braius: I could paint you two together, but I would love a signed Pop.
Chetney: Braius, because you've shown appreciation of my art, 100%.
Braius: And please, don't make it out to me. Just sign it. Because I might put it on D&Dbay.
Inventory[]
| Adjustment | Count | Item | Source | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transferred | Gambolcleft | Zeru Wyvernwind | Dorian | ||
| Transferred | Typhonus | Dorian | Zeru Wyvernwind | ||
| Transferred | Truthbearer | Highbearer Vord | Braius | ||
| Transferred | 1 | Wooden C-Pop coin | Chetney | Waylon |
Trivia[]
- The character who pressed Dorian to state his worth in the proposed mission to stop Ludinus Da'leth was Cerkonos, who was voiced by Robbie Daymond (who plays Dorian) in The Legend of Vox Machina, Season Two in the episode "Pass Through Fire" (LVM2x05). Likewise, Scalebearer Waylon Amaredda is also a character that appeared in Season 2, namely the "Young Dignitary" that directed Vox Machina in the direction of the Slayer's Take in the episode "The Trials of Vasselheim" (LVM2x02).
- Sam's Stanley cup contains a "Missing" poster with a picture of Scanlan Shorthalt.[1]
References[]
Art:
- ↑ Fan art of Orym's communion with the Wildmother, by ll1ebert (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Imogen and Liliana's talk, by SuzySnoo (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Coriolis, by Odd (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Zeru Wyvernwind, by Shrugs (source). Used with permission.
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