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in: Campaign Three episodes, Campaign Three Arc 6

In the Shadow of War

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"In the Shadow of War" (3x110) is the one hundred tenth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells reel from their recent conversations with the divine and seek out calmer heads and resolute monoliths within the city of Vasselheim...

Synopsis[]

Announcements[]

  • There's a cat here to talk about sponsor Thorum, makers of fine jewelry using unexpected materials. Unfortunately, it has a litter of kittens (as portrayed by several members of the production crew) that have to be herded offstage.
  • First episode of Unend is now available on most podcast platforms.
  • Critical Role: Bells Hells - What Doesn't Break, a novel exploring Laudna's backstory, is now available.
  • Merch Alert! Keyleth cropped hoodie now in the Critical Role shops.

Previously on Critical Role[]

So, last we left off, Bells Hells, after returning from their trek to the Fey Realm and thwarting this meeting between the Vanguard and the Unseelie to possibly put them in an advantageous position to defend themselves against the powers of Exandria, you succeeded in speaking with the Arch Heart within his abandoned temple, as well as bringing the unfortunately slain body of Zathuda back to Nana Morri's where he was turned into a piece of furniture. After having some time to think of the recent events, you returned, with Morri's help, back to Exandria, within Vasselheim, one of the core locations where the war effort for the coming assault on Ruidus, the Vanguard, and what lies beyond has been building and mounting.

You stopped into the Duskmeadow, the region of Vasselheim where the Matron of Ravens holds dominion. You went into the Raven's Crest, the great citadel of the Matron, met with some of the high priestesses and all of you delved into the pool of blood to have communion with the Matron of Ravens. There, she was short, threatening, and eager to lead you on an unkind trial where you were forced to face a figure of dark Exandrian history long passed, and two very familiar ones still entwined in your current fates. After which, you learned quite a bit of her history, perhaps long hidden, and her opinion of the goings on in this wild, tangled gods' experience that seems to be mounting towards the red moon in the sky. After this conflict and conversation, you all were sent back to Exandria proper, where you all clambered out of the blood pool and onto the darkened polished floors of the interior of the Raven's Crest.

Part I[]

Lieve'tel greets the party back in Raven's Crest, the Matron of Ravens' temple in Vasselheim. As they leave the temple, they contact Keyleth, who is still gathering her party, but tells them Allura should be at the Platinum Sanctuary. Ashton asks where they could commune with a Primordial Titan, but they are all dead and Keyleth doesn't know. Imogen also contacts her mother learning that so far, she has managed to keep putting Ludinus Da'leth off from sending his message to the population of what the gods did to the city of Aeor.

The city is preparing for war. As they move through it, they are exuberantly greeted by Captain Xandis, who has been awarded a new skyship to command in the coming assault on the Malleus Key. Dorian shares with the party the vision he received of Opal at the Hellcatch Valley encampment. At the Platinum Sanctuary they meet with Allura and fill her in on their success preventing the emissary of the Unseelie from returning to his Court, and the death of Sorrowlord Zathuda. Allura tells them they can begin their part of the plan whenever they're ready, but the sooner the better. The Mighty Nein, who will travel with them, will arrive at Lake Umamu within a day. From there, the Nein will go to the Arx Creonum in the Prime Pillar of Kreviris, while Bells Hells travels into the mines to confront Ludinus Da'leth, Liliana, and the Ruby Vanguard. Allura gives them three large healing potions, and Chetney asks for and receives 400 platinum pieces.

The party splits up for their last minute errands. Imogen asks Chetney for some of the gold to buy diamonds, and after Dorian uses Charm Person on him, he gives them half the cash to use. The shopping team eventually locates "Cidrick's Shines and Keepsakes", a somewhat ramshackle shop where Cidrick Gillsman at first claims to be out of everything but when he learns they have money, happily sells them 900 gold pieces worth of diamond dust, some art supplies, and some fusaka.

Meanwhile, Dorian moves through the military encampments (which remind him of his boyhood) singing songs to the soldiers of the heroic deeds of Bells Hells, bringing them happiness and comfort.

Fearne, Laudna, and Ashton head to the frozen Primordial Titan in the center of town.

Break[]

Part II[]

The Primordial Titan[1] has staircases running up within its legs, which Fearne, Ashton, and Laudna climb up. The titan seems to have been turned into a thriving neighborhood of some of the less upstanding and devout members of society. Eventually they reach a quiet spot within the chest area and settle down. Ashton builds a fire, and, holding Fearne, allows their titan arm to sink into the substance of the petrified titan. When nothing further happens, Ashton assumes their shard form-- but to those around them, it appears Ashton has not changed at all, although unresponsive.

Ashton, however, feels himself sinking into the titan, alone. Eventually he senses a presence and sees images of earth, mountains, and valleys. Ashton calls out to the presence, telling it that he might be able to chase off the gods. He is able at last to free himself of the shell of rock holding him, and finds himself standing in a valley, with immense mountains rising into the sky before him. Ashton tells them he is part of them, and they reply "She is part of you." They identify themselves as the rock and stone, this world. Ashton asks that if he is successful in driving off the gods, what do they want? How can they remake the world? The reply is that the primordials are lost and scattered but have always existed, and everything is cyclical. Ashton senses he is not conversing with the titan he is within, but with the voices of "the hearts of what was once the living breath of the land, now shattered and lost to its own vacant memory."

Ashton with the gem eye - Zhellers

Fan art of Ashton with the gem eye, by @zhellers.[art 1]

Ashton wants to restore the titans, fixing what is now broken, by removing the gods. He repeatedly asks what they would have him do to accomplish this, but the response is simply "Lost" repeated over and over. The mountains withdraw, leaving Ashton upon a mighty peak looking down at infinity. He cries out, "This doesn't feel lost! I'm not lost! If we make them leave, we can find you." A hand rises from the peak underneath and grasps him, holding him before a single burning green gem of an eye, the specter of Ka'Mort. A voice says, "You are my memory. We are lost. You are not." When Ashton holds the eye to his head, he sees visions of the chaos of geology and the cycle of creation and destruction, and is told the world has survived being remade before and will again. Its final words: "Remake yourself. Never stop changing."

Ashton tumbles out of the vision back to where Fearne and Laudna wait. He believes the vision meant the world is ready for more chaos and they can make it happen. The three head to Shank's Bar for a drink, but when Laudna messages Imogen to join them, she reminds her that for every moment they delay more people die. They manage to scrape up the 5 silver for their drinks and rejoin the others. While they were gone, Chetney works on new toys and Braius works on an art project.

As the group stands on the street, several Kryn Dynasty warriors approach, surrounding an older female goblin who introduces herself as Skysybil Mirimm and presents them with a Sphere of Dunamantic Restoration and two Potions of Possibility, gifts from the Dynasty to aid them in their mission.

On their way to the Platinum Sanctuary, they run into Allura who sends for Leeta and Maeve, Orym's sisters-in-law, to transport them to Lake Umamu via Transport via Plants. There is a small Zephran tent encampment there and the party takes up a comfortable waiting spot in an abandoned inn where they can keep watch. Orym goes to speak to Maeve and learns the Zephrans' assignment is to guard the lake while the two groups are on their missions to Ruidus. Orym then pulls Imogen aside and asks her to send a message to his mother: "Hi from Vasselheim. With my friends, where I'm meant to be. I love you. You're the best mom in the world." When Orym leaves, Imogen Sends to her father: "Daddy? Things are crazy. I love you, no matter what. Thank you for doing your best." He replies that he hopes she's happy, and the horses miss her as much as he does.

Dorian and Braius' talk - Kaw

Fan art of Dorian and Braius' talk, by Kaw.[art 2]

Braius pulls Dorian aside and confides that he thinks most of the team doesn't trust him. He wants to know how to earn their trust. Dorian suggests he stop lying, and trying to fuck everyone. Braius isn't sure about this advice, and suggests if he can win over Orym, the others will follow. Dorian agrees that Orym is the best of them, and that he leads them in ways he doesn't realize, but when Braius suggests that he'll stop trying to fuck everyone but might still try for Orym, Dorian says they'll talk about it later. He also suggests that Braius stop thinking in terms of "them" and himself, and start thinking of "us". Braius agrees to try this.

Laudna suggests Imogen Send a goodbye to Zhudanna, but Imogen is reluctant to spend her spell slots, so they simply send her a mental prayer. Ashton talks to Dorian, apologizing for treating him badly, and telling him he seems very well-adjusted. He asks about Opal, saying he's afraid they're going to see her.

Keeping watch, Chetney sees the flash of an arcane apparition and seven figures appear. They go downstairs and arrange themselves artistically to greet the new arrivals. Caleb Widogast notices them, while Jester Lavorre is still upset they couldn't go to the cooler city of Vasselheim instead. Beauregard Lionett is not impressed by these rookies, and Yasha Nydoorin agrees many of them are very small while Caduceus Clay thinks most people are small. Veth Brenatto is in awe of the handsome minotaur in the group, and Fjord recognizes that minotaurs are her weakness. Jester just loves the cute little old man and runs up to him, introducing herself as "Pirate Jester". Chetney introduces Bells Hells and welcomes them, while they all start getting to know one another.

Featured characters[]

Quotations[]

  • Dorian: (to Chetney) I know you love certain things. You love wood, you love money, you love vague sexual innuendo...
  • The Titans: We are lost. We are scattered. We are everything. [...] We've always been. Everything is cyclical.
  • Maeve: (to Orym) You okay?
    Orym: Yeah. Your father taught me well.
    Maeve: Dad wasn't the best at sharing his true emotions, so I guess he did.
  • Braius: Orym seems to be very deliberate, very convicted. He's hard to sway. I figure if I can sway him to my side, if I can gain his trust somehow, win him over, the others will fall.
    Dorian: Fall? Hold on, fall, or--?
    Braius: Fall, I mean-- boy, I'm so used to talking Evil that I don't know how to talk Good.
  • Ashton: I was given a thousand reasons to not trust anybody in my life and not a lot of good reasons to trust anybody in my life. I'm learning.
    Dorian: Would it be the greatest tragedy if you became more... likable?
  • Laudna: So wait, you all are the Mighty Nein. Why are there only seven of you?

Inventory[]

Adjustment Count Item Source Destination Notes
Transferred 3 Healing potions Allura the party
Transferred 400
200		 platinum pieces Allura
Chetney		 Chetney
the party
Transferred 69 gold pieces Fearne the party
Acquired 900 gp worth diamond dust Cidrick Gillsman the party The party paid 1200 gold.
Transferred art supplies Cidrick Braius
Acquired 1/2 box Fusaka Cidrick Chetney From Ank'Harel. Chetney paid 200 gold for it.
Crafted 2 Finely crafted toys Chetney Chetney The toys were finely crafted and took two hours to create.
Crafted 1 Painting Braius Braius The piece will take a few more attempts to finish.
Transferred 2 Potion of Possibility Abrianna Mirimm the party Presented on behalf of the Kryn Dynasty.
Transferred 1 Sphere of Dunamantic Restoration Abrianna Mirimm the party Presented on behalf of the Kryn Dynasty.

Trivia[]

References[]

  1. ↑ The titan advanced on Vasselheim just after Vecna's ascension.  See "The Ominous March" (1x109).
  2. ↑ See "In the Shadow of War" (3x110) from 2:55:25 through 2:56:05.

Art:

  1. ↑ Fan art of Ashton with the gem eye, by @zhellers (source). Used with permission.
  2. ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Braius' talk, by Kaw (source). Used with permission.
v • d • e
Campaign Three Arc 6 episodes
<< Arc 5: Downfall Campaign Three Arc 6
"Reconciliation" (3x102) • "Cages" (3x103) • "The Cradle's Convocation" (3x104) • "Collecting Legends" (3x105) • "Unseelie Interrupted" (3x106)
"Under the Arch Heart's Eye" (3x107) • "Looming" (3x108) • "A Test of Fate" (3x109) • "In the Shadow of War" (3x110)
v • d • e
Campaign Three Arc 6
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