"Fractures" (3x78) is the seventy-eighth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells face interparty turmoil as they grapple with the consequences of choices made and broken trust at a crucial crossroads...
Synopsis[]
Announcements[]
- Liam O'Brien is missing for this session.
- Sam's a dog-- maybe. He's suspiciously cat-like,[1] and Marisha thinks he's bluffing-- which is a big part of Ravensburger's new party game That's Not a Hat. Matt, meow to you.
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- Next up is Atlus and their new game Persona 5 Tactica, where you can experience an emotional revolution in a combat adventure. Check out the Persona 5 One-Shot airing Friday, 17 November 2023.
- The Candela Obscura Core Rulebook is out in both standard and deluxe editions at CR shops, Darrington Press guild stores, and game shops.
- The Circle of Needle & Thread Session Zero is up on YouTube right now. On 21 November, Crafting a Mystery with Spenser Starke will be released.
- No Critical Role next Thursday, 23 November. The following Thursday (30 November) will feature the premiere of the next circle of Candela Obscura. Bells Hells return on 7 December.
- Demiplane has released digital tools for Candela Obscura.
- The Critical Role Foundation Red Nose Day one-shot will stream Tuesday, 28 November at 5:00pm Pacific.
- Second annual Critmas sale with major merch discounts in the Critical Role shops runs Monday, 20 November through 1 December.
Previously on Critical Role[]
So, last we left off: Bells Hells, after an extended excursion to the Shattered Teeth, learning more and more about the history of Ashton's youthful transformation into what you now know to be some sort of elemental humanoid, genasi-esque it seems, carrying within them a dormant seed, a broken shard, of one of the ancient primordial titans. You made your path through these islands, acquired another chunk of one of these primordial titans that might be used to awaken this dormant shard. Given numerous bits of information about its history, the possible power within and warnings attached, returned to Whitestone to both convey the information you gathered to the allies that you've made, who are hoping to soon wage a massive front against the Malleus Key, but they lack information about what resides on the opposite side of the moon, and the worry of destroying the key before knowing too much could leave Ludinus completely left to his own machinations, unable to be stopped. So the bridge must be maintained for now and information is to be gathered.
You, Bells Hells, volunteered to be the recon mission to the moon and back. You gathered materials from your allies, Arcanist Allura Vysoren, member of the Tal'Dorei Council, making your acquaintance and providing what materials were on hand to help hopefully aid you on this recon mission. Before you left, Fearne and Ashton had a discussion to find a way to awaken the dormant shard of the titan within. In asking for a space to do this, you were shown to a subterranean layer beneath Whitestone where there seemed to be an ancient ziggurat, itself coated with layers of residuum glass. This platform of power at the top was where the two of you brought the harness and asked for some privacy. While your friends waited out of sight and Allura put up a barrier to protect any wayward magical energies from damaging the surrounding cavern and Whitestone above, Ashton decided to take the shard into himself. The words from Evontra'vir, the Tree of Atrophy, echoing in the mind of those around that both shards within one vessel would likely destroy it, and upon the process beginning, Ashton's physical form was brought, not just to its limits, but past it, twice. Thanks to some careful preparatory spellcasting and a ring taken by an old flame, and some fucking lucky rolls at the end, Ashton lost an arm and then gained a new one, bouncing back and forth on the cusp of death before eventually the process completed, and with just a shred of consciousness to you, you looked upon your newly formed molten rock arm before Fearne kicked you in the head and knocked you unconscious.
Part I[]
The heat continues fading from Ashton's unconscious body but Fearne is still furious. The others confront her and she admits she knew Ashton was going to do that. She didn't want the shard because it scared her, even though everything had warned them Ashton shouldn't have both shards. FCG casts Cure Wounds bringing Ashton back to consciousness, but Fearne immediately tries to hit him with his hammer, missing but repeatedly slamming it into the ground by his head until FCG catches it and tells her to stop. Fearne grabs the harness and stalks down the ziggurat stairs. Chetney runs after her.
Fan art of Ashton and the shard, by Melissa Hahn.[art 1]
Laudna is more quietly furious, battling her deep sense of betrayal. Imogen's Detect Thoughts learns that Ashton is realizing there is a pattern in his life of hubris and blaming others, particularly his father, for the horrors in his past, but it took him only one week to do the exact same thing they did. As FCG sits Ashton up, the dormant earth shard within Ashton seems to start strengthening, creating a burning pain within him that eventually causes the violent expulsion of the flame shard, reformed into a glowing, burning orange crystal (and permanently reducing Ashton's CON score by 2). His right arm is now made of jagged, black volcanic rock.
Laudna is hearing the pulsing heartbeat of Delilah in her mind and is trying to resist her anger at Ashton's betrayal, admitting everything is telling her Ashton should have died. Delilah's voice tells her, "Ignore the fool. Your focus is before you." Her eyes drift to the crystal before Laudna forces them away. Saying Ashton can't be trusted anymore, Laudna walks off, succeeding on a Wisdom saving throw to walk away from the crystal.
FCG asks Ashton why they did that, saying it wasn't stupid, it was power hungry. Ashton's explanation is very confused and it's clear they aren't quite sure what they wanted, aside from hoping maybe it would fix them. Instead, it made everything worse. Ashton apologizes, finally saying they just wanted someone to blame. Imogen tells him that what just happened is his fault, but what happened to him earlier in his life, he needs to let go. Although Ashton thought the shard would make him better and stronger to help the rest of the group, Imogen tells him he doesn't need power to be better, and FCG suggests he start by talking to Fearne.
Meanwhile, Chetney catches up to Fearne in the tunnels beneath Whitestone. She wants to destroy the harness. Chetney asks her what happened, and she explains she never wanted the shard and when Ashton did, she just went along with it. She was scared because she's seen bad versions of herself[2][3] and she was afraid the shard might make her into one. She knows it was really dumb, but she's furious at both Ashton and herself. Chetney surreptitiously slips the harness away from her while she talks. She admits she likes Ashton a little bit, and maybe she went along with it to make him happy. Chetney tells her Ashton's really cool and he likes him too, but sometimes you need to seize an opportunity. Fearne would use the shard for at least 50% good reasons, and the group would be there to guide her. And Fearne can always talk to him. If she still feels like breaking something, the castle has a lot of windows.
Meanwhile, Laudna is still walking away through the tunnels, transforming into her Form of Dread as soon as she's out of sight. Imogen, FCG, and Ashton tell Allura Vysoren they won't be leaving this afternoon as planned. Imogen goes in fruitless search of Laudna, while FCG and Ashton talk briefly and Ashton admits he needs to start caring about himself. FCG pledges that they'll help each other and get through this.
Chetney and Fearne are throwing rocks through the windows of the castle. Eventually Fearne decides to go for a walk, and Chetney makes her promise not to leave. She goes to the temple of the Matron of Ravens, telling the statue of her Champion they're trying to get him out as she passes. Fearne goes to the altar and prays, telling the Matron she's scared of what she could turn into and is seeking guidance. She leaves the postcards she had believed were from her parents on the altar as an offering. As she leaves, she sees a young one-legged raven being brought food by its parents.
Laudna has found her way into the woods, while Ashton finds Lord de Rolo standing among the shards of glass in the garden. They talk, and Ashton admits he's fucked up hard, and doesn't know if he's worth trusting. Percival tells him to do everything he can to make up for it, punish himself as much as he needs to, but don't drag the others down with him.
At dinnertime, Fearne and Laudna still haven't returned. Imogen speaks to Allura, who tells them to take the time they need to feel confident and cohesive as a group again. Chetney casts Grim Psychometry on the shard, seeing a vision of an inferno in a time when the elements ruled Exandria, the growth of a civilization destroyed in warfare with the deities, endless time tethered under a mountain to be freed and joined with another for an instant before sudden nothingness. Imogen is very worried about Laudna, and FCG promises he'll use a spell to find her in the morning if she hasn't returned, and flips the Coin of the Changebringer to confirm she is currrently safe.
Chetney abruptly tells Ashton he should leave. If Ashton wants to do dangerous things on his own, he can, but he shouldn't put the rest of them in danger. Chetney doesn't trust Ashton; he could have hurt Fearne. Ashton doesn't know if he's going or staying, and in the end it isn't his decision. If they let him stay, if Chetney ever hurts people, Ashton will help him clean it up and Chetney will get no shit from him.
In the forest, Laudna hears Delilah's voice: "Just like old times, Laudna. Others come and go but I am always here. Just you and me, always." Laudna asks her about love; is it always pain? Is it ever worth it? Laudna has seen the pain: Delilah lost her love, Imogen's father couldn't look at his daughter after his wife left, Orym is defined by losing his husband, Keyleth can't get away from her past. Delilah replies that the strong find a way to fix the pain, to change their fortunes, and hurt those who hurt them. Ashton has barely figured out who they are, and is still a child. Laudna doesn't want to hurt children; she loves them. She decides to make Ashton a doll, and finds her way to her old cabin.
Break[]
- Tutorial for That's Not a Hat.
- Hit Point Press presents The Fablemaker's Animated Tarot.
- Persona 5 Tactica, a combat-based video game, now available.
- New wave of Wizkids CR minis now available. Use code CRITHIT2023 to save 10%.
- Candela Obscura Core Rulebook now available.
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- Merch Alert! Candela Obscura Core Rulebook, Jrusar joggers, Bells Hells socks, Critical Role pajamas, ugly Critmas sweater, Ligament Manor glow-in-the-dark t-shirt, Laudna hoodie, Caper Cards: Bells Hells, Imogen t-shirt in all five CR shops; Ruidus dice in the UK, EU, and US shops.
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- Trailer for Candela Obscura Chapter 3: Circle of Tide & Bone. Original Soundtrack now on digital music platforms.
- Trailer for Midst Season Two Podcast.
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- Marisha unpacks the benefits of Critical Role Twitch subscriptions.
Part II[]
As evening falls, Fearne creates a sleeping space in the woods resembling her bedroom in Ligament Manor, while Laudna finds her old burned hut. Delilah urges her to build again, but Laudna is more focused on creating a doll for Ashton. She carves a graffitied curse word from the wall and crafts a doll with scraps and the skull of a chipmunk. When it is finished, Delilah suggests she could trade it for the shard, because power helps both of them. Perhaps Laudna needs to teach Ashton a lesson. Matilda is dead, and Laudna is something more. As Laudna falls asleep, she holds the Ashton doll close.
In the morning, Fearne and Laudna both head back toward the castle, but in the meantime Imogen has panicked and has FCG cast Locate Creature. She admits Delilah came back the previous day and she's very worried. Chetney and Ashton meet in the breakfast room, where Chetney transforms into a werewolf and attacks him to "test his new arm", but there doesn't seem to be much difference with an unarmed strike. Chetney goes back to gnome form and they go in search of the others. FCG eventually gets a magical ping on Laudna's location and they run into Fearne (acting perfectly normal) on the way. However, when Laudna sees Ashton in the group approaching her, she turns and runs.
Chetney is able to easily catch up with her, tackling her to the ground. Laudna tells him to keep her away from Ashton or she's going to kill him. Imogen approaches and they apologize to each other before Laudna tells her the same thing, but she is childlike and confused. Imogen telepathically orders Ashton back to the castle and he quietly retreats. Launda admits she's been talking to Delilah and that Delilah wants the shard, but Laudna thinks it's Fearne's, and demands to know if Ashton hurt or manipulated her into going along with his plans. Fearne denies this, saying it was her fault, and Imogen assures Laudna that Ashton is not a bad person, just dumb. She telepathically tells FCG she's never seen Laudna like this - it's like she's reverted, and FCG agrees, saying they can't go forward with their mission while everyone is this messed up.
Chetney tells the others that he told Ashton to leave the night before, but the fact that Ashton stayed means something. Fearne suggests that if they need a little more time, they could go to Nana Morri's in the Fey Realm and use its time anomalies to their advantage. Plus, she admits she's a little homesick. Maybe Lady Vysoren can get them there. Laudna shows them the doll, but she hasn't decided whether she's going to give it to Ashton yet. They decide to go in search of them.
Fan art of Laudna's doll, by Misha Leigh.[art 3]
When the group finds Ashton, Imogen refuses to tell Laudna who's holding the shard. Laudna, without looking at Ashton, holds out the doll, telling him that dolls are for children, and he's a child. Ashton replies that he's never had a doll before. It's the nicest thing anyone's ever given him. Still herself very childlike, Laudna asks if he really likes it and is thrilled when he says he does. Ashton apologizes to her, and promises to try their best not to be that person if they let them stay. No matter what, they will not walk away. Ashton doesn't know what love is, but they'll go with this. Laudna says love is pain, but then adds it's also warmth, and Imogen hugs her. FCG hugs Ashton. Laudna admits she's still mad and doesn't trust Ashton, but thanks them for the apology.
FCG announces they're going to take a day off and have fun together in the Fey Realm. They check with Allura, finding her in the library, who while a little surprised by the timing, is happy to Plane Shift with them if that's what they need to bring them back together. She reminds them, however, the clock is ticking and they don't know how much time they have. Imogen's pretty sure Nana Morri will help with that, and Allura is surprised to learn Fearne's grandmother is The Fatestitcher. She telepathically tells Imogen that Morrigan is one of the more notorious figures of the Fey Realm.
While Allura leaves to tell Percival their plans, Ashton takes Fearne into a private corner, telling her he needs a book on apologies. Fearne was just being a good friend, and he took advantage. He wants her to know she didn't do anything wrong and he's going to try very hard for it never to happen again. He just wants everyone to be safe. Fearne tells him it was awful to watch. She thinks she's still really mad and can't really talk about it all yet, because she doesn't really like him right now. And she has the feeling he feels the same way about himself. But she's glad he's still alive.
Fan art of Allura in her travel clothes, by Sami Jen.[art 4]
Allura returns, dressed for travel, has them hold hands, and casts the spell, pulling them into the Fey Realm and in front of Ligament Manor. Fearne is thrilled to be home, and greets Peepers with delight. From elsewhere in the house, they hear Nana Morri's voice, as well as that of Birdie Calloway, Fearne's mother. Nana is still recovering from her injuries received the last time they were in the Feywild. There's a large crystal ball on the table that Morri explains is being used to peer in on someone she likes to watch fail. Birdie explains that Ollie's Squint ability to see the future told them the Hideaway was about to be besieged. They buried it so it would remain unfound and found the nearest gate to the Fey Realm.
Fearne introduces a very nervous Allura, and FCG confirms Morri can get them back to the Prime Material Plane without time having passed there. They also ask her help in putting together a scavenger hunt, which excites her. She is also interested to hear they're planning to visit Ruidus, and uses the crystal ball to show them the strain on the ley lines being created by the moon's static position. Being able to influence fate doesn't mean she can know the outcome; it's more being able to predict the ripples a tug or a knot will cause in the threads. She can affect thinner threads more, but some threads are very taut and bound to history. Only the Raven Queen can affect-- or cut-- those. Fearne's fate is in flux, but Morri has known since her birth that she is a beautiful paradox who must be kept safe. Fearne's true heritage required Morri's attention, and she's happy to help. Maybe they're at the end of the string.
Fearne is taken aback. She tells Morri she saw a bad version of herself once and it frightened her. Morri agrees she needs answers, but they are not hers to give. Fearne's mother keeps a deep, dark secret that Fearne deserves to know, and speaking with her might be illuminating. Fearne asks about the Matron, and is told she's complicated. Morri doesn't see eye to eye with her but they have an understanding. Fearne then asks about Asmodeus and tells her grandmother about the kiss and promise from Teven Klask.[4] Commenting that Fearne and her mother are more alike than Fearne knows, Morri explains the mark is a promise and a chance for a trade, but such trades rarely end in one's favor.
Birdie and Ollie come downstairs and Ollie hugs Fearne happily. Chetney uses Hunter's Bane, learning Morri gives off "dirty fey" vibes. Ollie begins preparing a meal and Morri grows a new chamber for them all.
Featured characters[]
Bells Hells
Returning
New
Mentioned
- Andrew, a man mistaken for Whitestone Andy
- Asmodeus
- The Changebringer
- Dark Fearne
- Keyleth
- Hondir
- Ira Wendagoth
- The Matron of Ravens
- Sylas Briarwood
- Teven Klask
- Will
Quotations[]
- Imogen: You'd better say something profound, Ashton, to make it worth it.
Ashton: I think I might have fucked up a lot? - Ashton: (Ashton's thoughts) The realization of hubris and temptation and blame. This sudden realization, this epiphany of violent levels of projecting responsibility. Just this very wide thought of so many moments in life of not being responsible for what happened and suddenly going through that, one by one. It took one week of vaguely knowing where I came from, and the only thing I really knew about these people was that they fucked up in this very particular way and it took me one week to do the exact fucking same thing, because I was so desperate to have it and so desperate to have something that I lost so that I could be mad at someone for taking it.
- FCG: (to Ashton): You found me in a moment when I had done something really bad, and you didn't judge me. And so I'm going to try not to do that to you, but-- What the fuck were you doing?
Ashton: It seemed like a good idea at the time. - Ashton: I thought I was going to help. I thought it would help.
FCG: Who? You don't care about anybody.
Ashton: You don't know that.
FCG: Who? Name one person you care about.
Ashton: You. - Chetney: (to Fearne) I was nobody for hundreds of years and now I am the greatest wolf that has ever lived. All it took was seizing that opportunity. Here's the thing: there are so many people that would use that shard for horrible reasons, and I know that yours would at least be 50-50 horrible reasons. That means 50 really good reasons.[...] Helping somebody to destroy themselves is never a good way to win them over.
- Ashton: (to FCG) I care about all of you so much. I care about anything I can see. I just don't think I care about me... at all. And I think that might be a problem.
- Percival: (to Ashton) The moment I met you, I knew you were destined for stupidity.
- Ashton: What did you do [before you could control your lycanthropy]? How did you handle it? What did you do?
Chetney: I killed things. I hurt people, a lot. - Delilah: This world is filled with two kinds of people: those that get hurt and accept it, and those that get hurt and retaliate.
- Ashton: No matter what happens, I won't leave if I'm allowed to stay. I will, no matter what we do, no matter what mistakes we make, no matter what we have, I will stay and I will be there and I will not-- I will not walk away. I don't know what love is, but I'm going with this.
- Ashton: (to Fearne) You're the only person I even vaguely understand in this group of people. And it's weird because I think I really like them, or love them. I don't know. I just want everyone to be safe from everything.
Inventory[]
| Adjustment | Count | Item | Source | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recovered | Shard of Fire | Ashton | the Bag of Holding | When Ashton's body ejected it, it was transformed into a burning hot orange crystal. | |
| Relinquished | Postcards | Fearne | the altar of the Matron of Ravens | ||
| Crafted | 1 | Doll | Laudna | Ashton | Built from what she found in her burned cabin. |
Trivia[]
- Sam's jerrycan shows Marisha in her Legolas costume[5] using a computer, labelled "ENROLL TODAY!" and "Rivendell Online University!"[6].
References[]
- ↑ See "The Threat Between the Walls" (3x05) at 0:00:18. Also see "Blood and Dust" (3x33) at 0:00:19.
- ↑ See "By the Road" (E1x04) at 0:45:10.
- ↑ See "A Test of Worth" (E1x05) at 3:45:41.
- ↑ See "Bloody Flowers" (3x67) at 4:29:32.
- ↑ See "A Gathering of Heroes" (3x76).
- ↑ See "Fractures" (3x78) from 1:05:20 through 1:05:40.
Art:
- ↑ Fan art of Ashton and the shard, by Melissa Hahn (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Laudna sleeping, by Mintywolf (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Laudna's doll, by Misha Leigh (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Allura in her travel clothes, by Sami Jen (source). Used with permission.
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