Hunger of the Shadow

Hunger of the Shadow
Fan art of Laudna using Hunger of the Shadow on Bor'Dor, by @cpprcoyote.
Magical Information
Casting time	1 action
Range	Touch
Duration	Instantaneous
Classes	Warlock
Historical Information
Also known as	Hunger of the Shadow Shard
Known users	Laudna

“

Laudna is in a weird headspace and suddenly, she just starts hearing this rushing in her ears, and she can hear the words that Delilah just said about how her friends are going to betray her and how I'm in a dangerous place and how I need to protect myself and my friends are going to betray me and my friends are going to betray me and my friends are going to betray me. I walk up to him and I wrap my hands around his head and I say: "Don't you fucking do this. Wake up!" I'm going to do Hunger of the Shadow.

”

– 

Laudna using the ability on FCG

[!h]

Hunger of the Shadow is a homebrew ability created by Matthew Mercer for use by Laudna in Campaign Three of Critical Role.

Description

The ability requires a melee attack. On a successful hit, it does 4d8 (which had increased to 5d8 as of Laudna being level 13) plus the attacker's Charisma bonus in necrotic damage. It also restores a warlock spell slot on a successful use.

Although it is similar to a spell, it is considered an ability.

Origin

Laudna isn't entirely sure of the origins of this ability (beyond the fact that it is connected to her warlock patron), but has theorized that the energy she absorbed from the gnarlrock fragment that used to belong to Imogen may have activated this power.

History

The first two times Laudna used the ability were in situations where she felt a great sense of betrayal.

The ability's first known use was in "Breaking Point" (3x31), when Fresh Cut Grass lost control for the first time and viciously attacked the party. This happened shortly after Delilah Briarwood's voice had told Laudna, "You wander dangerous paths. Be warned, child. Not everyone's looking out for your well-being like I am. I'll keep you safe." Laudna interpreted this message as, "Your friends are going to betray you," and used Hunger of the Shadow on FCG, critting for 50 damage. As she grasped FCG's face, she heard Delilah's voice saying, "You see, at the end of all things, only yourself can be relied on, when all love is taken." The cold sensation emerged through her fingers in a black shadow dimming the red glow of FCG's eyes and the body seemed to corrode. Laudna felt an overwhelming rush of power and her slow heartbeat for a moment filled with warmth and life. She muttered under her breath, "This isn't who you are."

Fan art of Laudna using the ability on Bor'Dor, by Kaitlyn L-NerdyNostalgia.

The second time Laudna used the ability was when Bor'Dor Dog'Son revealed he was actually a member of the Ruby Vanguard and had cast a Vitriolic Sphere against the party. She told him, "I'm really sorry, Bor'Dor. I just can't stand having anyone else betray me," as she grasped him by the throat and used the ability. A purple light associated with Delilah's influence flashed in her eyes as Bor'Dor's essence was rocked with horrifying pain, and as she exulted in her vengeance, she heard a slow heartbeat in the back of her mind for the first time since Delilah's defeat at the shadowy Sun Tree.

Both of these uses appeared to strengthen Delilah and to increase her influence over Laudna. Also, both uses were against a teammate.

After accepting Delilah's renewed presence in her life, Laudna used the ability against attacking ghosts in the basement of Whitestone Castle, but the creatures were immune to its necrotic damage. However, immediately after the fight, Delilah spoke audibly not only to Laudna, but to Imogen and Fearne who were with her, telling them that she is always present and always watching. She also for the first time explained more of her and Laudna's relationship to each other and to the defeated god Vecna, the Whispered One.

Fan art of Laudna killing Edmuda, by @cpprcoyote.

Laudna cast Hunger of the Shadow on Willmaster Edmuda, intending to kill her. She immediately flashed back to her death on the Sun Tree and felt Delilah's presence along with a hunger that quickly overcame the slight pity she momentarily felt for the Willmaster. Just before Edmuda died, Laudna whispered intensely, "Your power should have been mine and not gone to the halfling!" Delilah's voice spoke to her approvingly, telling her they would now go on to the next. In the battle against Otohan Thull on Ruidus, Laudna attempted to use this ability but for the first time failed to hit, despite leaving her enemy genuinely startled.

When Ludinus Da'leth attempted to toss Laudna/Delilah a strongly magical Ruidian glass gem and Chetney intercepted it, Laudna (no longer in control of her body) used this ability on him, causing him necrotic damage.

Appearances

• Critical Role — Campaign Three: Bells Hells
  • "Breaking Point" (3x31) at 3:07:45
  • "A Haunted Past" (3x63) at 2:53:26
  • "The Promise and the Price" (3x77) at 0:59:24
  • "Intense Interrogations" (3x85) at 2:31:27
  • "True Heroism" (3x91) at 3:11:27 (failed)
  • "Reconciliation" (3x102) at 1:08:50

Trivia

• In "The Promise and the Price" (3x77) and "True Heroism" (3x91), Marisha referred to it as Hunger of the Shadow Shard, but it is unclear if they were intentional references or simply a slip of the tongue.

References

Art: