"Hope Within History" (3x55) is the fifty-fifth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells' Team Wildemount meets with the King and Queen of Uthodurn, where insight on Ludinus Da'leth reveals a new focus and destination for the group...
Synopsis[]
Announcements[]
- No sponsor tonight.
- The first three episodes of the Midst podcast are now up on Critical Role's YouTube channel.
- Marisha Ray's fight for charity will take place 15 April 2023 at 6 pm Eastern in Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Tickets still available for both the live event and the livestream at the Creator Clash website.
Previously on Critical Role[]
So, last we left off: Half of Bells Hells had encountered two new allies, some with ancient histories, and some with more ancient histories. Upon searching for a means of reaching out to the other half of your unknown troop, magic is changing. Ancient enchantments seem to have been undone and a bit of disarray is beginning to unravel, even here in the town of Uthodurn in the Flotket Alps. Upon searching around for answers, you happened to save a lot of members of the town from one such enchantment that held a petrified forest spirit from the Veluthil Forest and upon doing so, were granted an audience to come with the king and queen of the Diarchy here in Uthodurn.
In the interim time, you rested for the evening here at Deanna's house, enjoyed a fine breakfast, and went to drop by D&O's Toy Emporium where you found yourself radically and rapidly hired to deal with other such bits of chaos that seemed to have gotten free within the toy store. You battled some of these firebugs within, and the strangely mutated, terrifying mascot of the toy emporium, which had now become a terrifying arachnid-type creature. You did battle with it in the upper region of the toy store, turned it back into its baby form for about an hour, quickly ran out into the snow and left it to be dealt with by the Glassblades as you rushed back in. Since then, you reconvened and had a bit of a somewhat conversation of closure with Oltgar, of which you had previously seen when you stabbed him in the hand and fled from Uthodurn many years ago, sending him on his way to bring the joy of his toys to children around Exandria.
Part I[]
Since it's now midday, the party travels to the Grandcast Citadel, on the way speculating on the nature of the relationship between the king and queen, the status of the possibly-released-by-magic's-weakening-but-now-armless Planerider Ryn, and what they actually want to gain from this audience. When they reach the Citadel, they notice repairs are almost complete. Fearne approaches a very well-dressed older male dwarf, Desavon Kamash, who is leaving the throne room and while doing some mild flirting, manages to pickpocket a ring woven into his beard.
Fan art of the meeting with the Diarchy, by Cha Cha Rae.[art 1]
The king and queen greet them warmly and give them the titles of "Protectors of the Diarchy" plus a monetary reward, and offer to grant reasonable requests. Chetney presents them with a wooden bull he carved, and the king explains that Umudara had been a spirit that watched over the citizens when they still lived in the Veluthil Forest, before the corruption began. The Queen tells them that along with the other magical disruptions, resurrection magics are not working due to the Apogee Solstice, and they have sent magical practitioners to other cities to investigate. Those mages seem to have teleported successfully and are due back within a week or so, at which time they could hopefully transport the party where they wish to go. FRIDA tells the rulers about Drixlitch's illicit activities and they promise to deal with him.
The party also shares that they saw the events on Marquet that probably contributed to the issues with magic, and tells them that Ludinus Da'leth was involved. Imathan shares a bit of the history of the corruption of the city of Molaesmyr, which he and Ludinus both survived, and which took place during a previous Apogee Solstice. The rulers also confirm that this solstice seems to be continuous: whereas it should have ended a day or two ago, the effects on the ley lines are continuing and show no signs of lessening, and Ruidus has disappeared. The party proposes to the rulers that they travel to the ruins of Molaesmyr to see if they can learn more there, and the king offers travel advice and gives them a map. It will take a little over a week each direction. The rulers also give them a set of mithral half plate armor and a gift certificate to a clothing shop.
On their way up to the Vellum Steeple, FRIDA checks in with Deanna and shares during their conversation that they think they have a crush on Fresh Cut Grass. For the first time, they feel understood. Deanna reassures them she thinks it's wonderful and wants nothing but happiness for FRIDA. FRIDA and FCG decide to split from the rest of the group and visit Jaquoby Macyl, while the rest proceed to the Steeple.
At the Steeple, they meet with Ressia Uvesic who gives them a dossier on Ludinus Da'leth. The party also requests information about the Savalirwood and Molaesmyr, and Ressia refers them to Keenash Serevoldin, Chief Auditor of the Woodset Auditors. When Keenash warns them it is dangerous, Deanna shares that she and FRIDA have just returned from the even-more-dangerous Eiselcross, and survived. He tells them the creatures shift and mutate, the shadows speak into your mind, and there are many ghosts. The corruption seems to emanate from deep beneath the city where some of the final research had been in progress. The group reads the dossier on Ludinus while traveling onward to the clothing shop, learning he came to Wildemount from the elven town of Ivaadel in Issylra when young, and rose to prominence in the Dwendalian Empire when he helped stop the violence of the Eve of Crimson Midnight.
Fan art of the kiss, by Sabira Langevin.[art 2]
Meanwhile, FRIDA and FCG go to the workshop of Jaquoby Macyl, a tinkerer who has worked on FRIDA. Before they go in, FCG thanks FRIDA for their help, and both of them share how wonderful it is to meet someone like themselves. FCG asks FRIDA if Deanna is special to them, and FRIDA responds they love her very much, but when FCG seems a bit disappointed, FRIDA hurries to reassure him that while she's a person in their life, she's not their person. FRIDA then asks if FCG has a person, and is told that there used to be someone, but he tried to kill her. FRIDA asks him if FRIDA were FCG's special person, would he try to kill them, and FCG assures them not. FRIDA kisses him, before knocking on the door.
They are exuberantly greeted by Jaquoby in his cluttered shop, where FCG gives him the mithral armor, asking if the metal can be integrated into an armor upgrade to his chassis. While inspecting him to figure out ways to possibly add legs or other means of locomotion, Jaquoby removes his faceplate, reading the name inscribed within: "Faithful Care-Giver".
Break[]
- Trailer for the new Midst Podcast.
- Update on the Critical Role Foundation.
- Trailer for Till the Last Gasp, a 2-player storytelling game of duels, now in all Critical Role shops and Darrington Press Guild stores.
- Merch Alert! Midst logo t-shirt and pin, Pop Pop t-shirt, and Bells Hells puzzle in the US shop only; Ashton Greymoore leggings, Calamity woven blanket, Yasha Nydoorin slash-sleeve sweatshirt, and Critical Role dice tome rolling tray in all five shops.
- Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Library Edition Volume 1 is scheduled to release in September 2023.
- Wizkids Critical Role Mighty Nein Box Set available for pre-order now.
- Welcome to Tal'Dorei and Welcome to Wildemount Critical Role soundtrack albums available now on all digital music platforms.
- Critical Recap every Wednesday on CritRole.com.
- Submit fan art and cosplay for possible inclusion in the weekly online gallery.
- Taliesin and Ashley play with minis and chat about Critical Role Twitch subscriptions.
Part II[]
As they walk toward the clothing shop, Chetney asks Imogen how she's feeling about the encounter with her mother at the Malleus Key. Imogen shares that it's been difficult, since in the past her mother's voice in her dreams was so comforting in urging her away from the storm, and in the confrontation with Ludinus Da'leth, she was fighting for it. Imogen is grappling with the reality that when push came to shove, Lilliana helped make it all happen. Imogen also wonders what happened to her mother: whether she is one of the reilora she saw in her dream, or was sent away as the party was, or is just gone.
Meanwhile, back at Jaquoby's, FRIDA is admiring FCG's upgraded armor. They ask Jaquoby about using their power core as a battery for other enchantments, and is told it might be possible. Jaquoby gives them some cables for experimentation, and a package of various scrap metal for snacks.
On the way upward, Deanna quietly slips into a temple to the Dawnfather and finds Evodon Leeds, one of the priests she knows. He tells her it seems that, while the gods are still there, they have turned away, which makes him feel alone and abandoned. But he is now convinced the temple should remain open, and Deanna gives him 500 gold, promising to help more when she returns. As she leaves, he invites the people outside in.
Fan art of the party's new clothes, by Lap Pun Cheung.[art 3]
Eventually, everyone gathers at Catlyn's Clothier where they show her the note from the king and queen giving them full credit there. After initial suspicion, she greets them warmly. Chetney orders a velvety, strechable hooded track suit; Imogen gets a floor-length long-sleeved flowy dress with a leather body piece underneath and a cropped leather hooded overcoat; FCG gets a long leather duster jacket like FRIDA's in blue rather than green; Deanna gets a stretch green bodysuit; FRIDA has their ripped coat repaired and FCG's name added inside it; Fearne asks for the finest top drawer fabrics to be made up for her, but legless, since hers are furry. The women also decide to get matching corsets, including one for the missing Laudna. Chetney asks Deanna to knit him sweatbands and Fearne requests a knit wrap. The clothing is ready shortly.
The others ask FRIDA and FCG how their date went. FCG seems a little embarassed, but FRIDA holds his hand and he admits, "Yeah, this is happening." Chetney asks what Deanna and FRIDA were doing in Eiselcross. They were seeking a connection with FRIDA's dreams but it was crawling with soldiers and monsters, so they left, hoping to come back when they were better prepared. Chetney asks if they're sure they want to come with them to Molaesmyr, and they are, but they point out that without resurrection magic, if they need to run, they should.
Fan art of FCG posing for FRIDA, by Jenny Dolfen.[art 4]
They sleep at Deanna's house, but before bed Fearne makes an excuse and ducks out to visit the shrine of the Wildmother. There, she addresses a statue of the Wildmother: "Hey, bitch." She confesses she doesn't know how to do this and Melora may be dead or non-existent, but if she's there, please watch over Orym and let him know they're okay. There is no response, but Fearne apologizes for calling her a bitch. When she gets back to Deanna's, she wakes Chetney and tells him, "If you don't make a move on that woman, I'm going to." She goes upstairs and admits to the other women that she went to the Wildmother's temple, and they all have a discussion about the nature of happiness mixed with sadness, and speculating what FCG and FRIDA might be up to in the adjacent room behind the very thin wall. However, they are simply talking, and FRIDA draws FCG. They decide to power off together holding hands after telling each other, "I like you."
In the morning, FCG Identifies the gloves Chetney found the previous day as Weavepiercer Gloves, and Imogen takes them. They head first to the small temple of the Matron of Ravens, where Chetney asks the priests if they can feel the Matron. They respond that she remains, though her thoughts are distant. The party then heads upward to buy and name six flot goats, using the letter of credit from the king and queen, before loading up and setting off into a clear, cold morning in the Flotket Alps.
Featured characters[]
Bells Hells
Ashton Greymoore(absent, mentioned)- Chetney Pock O'Pea
- Fearne Calloway
- Fresh Cut Grass
- Imogen Temult
Laudna(absent, mentioned)Orym(absent, mentioned)
Returning
- Deanna Leimert
- F.R.I.D.A.
- Imathan Talviel
- Jerena, a guard wounded by Umudara
- Ressia Uvesic
- Simone Fruunast
New
- Catlyn Delafin
- Desavon Kamash
- Evodon Leeds
- Jaquoby Macyl
- Keenash Serevoldin
- Virginia, a gnomish seamstress at Catlyn's
Mentioned
- Aramond Tuestrel, Grand-Conservator of Molaesmyr when it fell
- The Changebringer
- Dancer (unnamed)
- The Dawnfather
- Drixlitch Ovana
- Imahara Joe
- Judessa Fruunast
- The Lawbearer
- Liliana Temult
- Ludinus Da'leth
- Marney, Deanna's daughter (unnamed)
- The Matron of Ravens
- Oltgar Dradegon
- Predathos
- Pretty
- Pussy
- Planerider Ryn
- Triya, a keeper of the temple of the Dawnfather in Uthodurn
- Umudara the Sentinel Beast
- The Wildmother
Quotations[]
- Deanna: It's like a body language, like when you're physically comfortable in a space with someone.
FCG: You can tell that?
Deanna: Yeah, can't you?
Imogen: Well, then how come y'all [Chetney and Deanna] seem so awkward together?
Deanna: Yeah, there's banged it out, and then there's, "You know too much."
Chetney: Yeah, plus 200 years on top of that, you know? - FRIDA: (to Deanna) I don't know exactly if I'm feeling the exact feeling, but I think I have a crush on FCG. I didn't even know I could. But the other night, in my room, we got very close. It was special.
- FCG: I feel like I've been so focused on figuring out who I am for the past several months that I haven't really been open to letting someone else get to know me, or letting someone else in, I suppose. Seems like you knew me right from the moment we started talking.
FRIDA: I hope it's not too much to say, but I feel very similarly. [...] I think I wasn't afraid of anything because I'd already imagined the worst, but I was wrong. I think that the worst would be something happening to Deanna... and now, you. - FRIDA: (to FCG) Do you have a person?
FCG: I had a person, but I don't-- I mean, I tried to kill her.
FRIDA: Do you do that often?
FCG: No, not very often. But it has been known to happen. [...]
FRIDA: If I were your special person, would you try to kill me?
FCG: Of course not. No, of course not. In fact, I think knowing that I had someone would probably make me a little more calm in general. But we've got stuff to do, so we should probably just go do it, right?
Christian: And I'll lean in quickly and kiss FCG. - Chetney: (to Imogen, about her mother) If we're lucky enough to get another shot, I don't want to miss the second time.
Imogen: I understand. If our friends are gone -- if Laudna and Orym and Ash are gone because of that, then yeah, let's take her down. - FRIDA: (to FCG} You have a meat tongue?
FCG: It's weird. It's like a Schrödinger's tongue. It's like if you try to perceive it, it's not there. It's real, but only in quantum space.
Inventory[]
| Adjustment | Count | Item | Source | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Crafted Transferred |
1 | Wooden bull | Chetney | King Imathan & Queen Simone |
Chetney carved it on the way to the party's audience. |
| Pickpocketed | 1 | Jeweled beard ring | Desavon Kamash | Fearne | Non-magical but worth about 300-500 gold. |
| Transferred | 1 | Map of the Greying Wildlands | The rulers | The party | |
| Transferred | 1 | Mithral half plate armor +1 |
The rulers FCG |
FCG Jaquoby Macyl |
Integrated (along with its enchantment) into FCG's body armor, making him 1 point stealthier and no longer at disadvantage. |
| Transferred | 2 | Arcane cables | Jaquoby | FRIDA | One was four feet and one was 1.5 feet in length. |
| Transferred | 500 | Gold pieces | Deanna | Evodon Leeds | |
| Acquired | Clothing | Catlyn's Clothier | The party | ||
| Identified | 1 pair | Weavepiercer Gloves | Drixlitch's room | Imogen | Chetney found them the previous day and FCG Identified them. |
| Acquired | 6 | Flot goats | Gruffside Livery | The party | Named Jerry, Musky, Fabio, Belle, Patchwork, and Donnie Boy. |
Trivia[]
- While Matt was mentioning the deities that had temples in Uthodurn he mentioned Erathis by her name,[1] a rare thing since it is now more common for the gods to be mentioned only by their titles during the sessions.
- Sam's jerrycan says "Fearney Poppins Nanny for Hire, Specialties: Flaming Monkeys, Baby Worm Monsters. Drop Offs Welcome. You will FALL in love with her parenting skills."[2] Aabria and Ashley each tear off a strip which, instead of the usual contact details, show quotes including "Sending spells aren't working. Maybe just scream really loud."[3]
References[]
Art:
- ↑ Fan art of the meeting with the Diarchy, by Cha Cha Rae (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of the kiss, by Sabira Langevin (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of the party's new clothes, by Lap Pun Cheung (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of FCG posing for FRIDA, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.
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