"Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) is the eighty-second episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. With their Fey Realm tasks complete, Bells Hells turn their attention to the ruddy moon and the foes that block the bridge…
Synopsis[]
Announcements[]
- A haunted Zoltar machine has given Sam an exceptionally young look, and he's stuck that way until he finds a rare meteorite to undo the curse... but he still has to read the ad for Thorum Rings. When Miss Marisha puts the Thorum watch crafted from meteorite on him, the curse is broken!
- 4-Sided Dive next Tuesday, January 16th, at 7 PM Pacific with a special guest host.
- Candela Obscura's Circle of Tide and Bone, GMed by Aabria Iyengar, concludes Thursday, January 25th.
- Merch Alert! Dice Bag of Hoarding in green and The Mighty Nein Reunion: Echoes of the Solstice t-shirt now available.
Previously on Critical Role[]
So, last we left off: Bells Hells, after a brief excursion into the Fey Realm to do some team building exercises after a bit of a fracture happened between their respective friendships before going into a recon mission to the Red Moon of Ill Omen. You acquired some materials. With the help of Allura Vysoren you returned to the Hellcatch Valley to one of the nearby resistance garrisons against the Ruby Vanguard's plot under Ludinus Da'leth to unleash the god-eater Predathos that sits within that moon. Here, you've met with a number of powerful figures, this side of this troop. You were given an opportunity and a heavy distraction to sneak in from the southeastern side of the excavation site, and after being dropped off by Keyleth of the Air Ashari, her summoning a massive storm to give even more challenging power to the distraction that surrounds this site, you all begin to slink in under cover of magical shadow and disguises to appear like members of the Vanguard.
You pushed through the dense sandstorm, the sounds of conflict, explosions, shouts, and bestial war cries echoing from the other side of the massive pit. You approach the outskirts, and here you can see, just from where you stand, the shapes of where the cliff begins to reveal the edge of the excavation site. You see massive ballista now embedded into the side of that weren't there previously, a number of tents set up for individuals that are keeping watch (though you do not see immediately any signs of other figures other than the large, slowly lumbering Vanguard Warder that is peeking around while the majority of the defenses are shifting focus onto the other side of the site.
Part I[]
From Bells Hells' current position on the edge of the excavation pit in the middle of a Keyleth-created dust storm, they can see a patrolling Warder automaton, as well as several ballistas and soldiers, and a Reilora guarding a large arcane defensive device. Through the Telepathic Bond cast by FCG, they discuss possible plans. Chetney casts Invisibility on himself and stealths to the larger of the tents where he sees one nervous Ruby Vanguard trooper, then to a smaller, empty tent. He telepathically summons the others, and they stealthily move through the sandstorm to the inside of the larger tent. The soldier there assumes they are fellow soldiers come to fetch him and leaves to join the fray.
FCG gives Chetney one of the two Percy-built arcane disruption devices,[1] and Chetney sneaks to the patrolling Warder, wedging the device into the automaton with some of FCG's sourdough starter. It detonates one minute later, downing the Warder. One of the patrolling soldiers notices and investigates but while he's distracted the others sneak past and onto the cliff. Laudna summons an invisible Pâté near the Reilora to make a minor distraction, but the familiar is quickly crushed by an immense Reiloran Juggernaut which emerges from another tent.
The group discusses possible ways to reach the bottom of the pit. Eventually Chetney casts Blood Curse of Binding on the juggernaut, then attacks it, while Imogen casts Fly on herself and in full sight of the Juggernaut, faux-commands Chetney to "Stop!" before casting Telekinesis on the gnome to pull him toward her and pretend to snap his neck. Thinking the situation has been dealt with, the juggernaut moves away. The other reilora isn't quite convinced but Imogen summons the others (wearing Ruby Vanguard clothing) and commands them to spread out to look for other infiltrators. Laudna's attempt to appear to be a Vanguard soldier is unconvincing, however, and the Reiloran telepathically attacks her. Orym immediately uses Seedling's Grasping Vines to pull the Reiloran away from the strange arcane device near him while Ashton shoves him over the edge of the pit. Imogen then telekinetically topples the device over on top of the Reiloran, killing him. Bells Hells begins traveling down the switchbacking trail into the excavation pit, pretending to be soldiers.
There are at least two Warders below, but no sign of Otohan Thull's presence when Laudna checks the scryball attuned to the ring planted on her. Around them, a battle is raging. They pass a few groups of Vanguard soldiers but are either able to pass, or to stay out of sight. Halfway down, they overhear a conversation in Marquesian coming from a small cave, discussing if it's more important to stay, or to be seen helping. The other replies: "No, our job is important, we have to stay. Besides, don't leave me alone with them." Imogen realizes the Reilorans are making them uncomfortable. Chetney then uses the Monocle of True Essence to cast Arcane Eye and discover they (plus two Reilorans) are guarding an unconscious shackled prisoner.
Screenshot of Chetney fighting the shrikes from "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) at 1:28:16.[art 1]
Chetney and Imogen enter the cave casually, telling the soldiers it's time for a shift change. Although the soldiers leave, the Reilorans tell Imogen telepathically they don't recognize her and were told by Otohan Thull herself to guard this prisoner. Chetney transforms into a werewolf and grapples one, but the other throws his chained blade at Imogen, hauling her in for close-in blade attacks and wounding her significantly. Fearne, however, is able to successfully cast Charm Person on both. Imogen uses her existing Telekinesis to slam one of Reiloran Shrikes into first the ceiling and then into the other Shrike. As she uses this power, the purple veins on her body glow and the Reiloran's eyes go wide. She follows up with a Lightning Bolt on both. Ashton rages and attacks with his hammer, killing one and seriously wounding the other, and Laudna kills the other with Eldritch Blast.
As a small group of soldiers approaches the outside of the cave, most of Bells Hells hide and Imogen props up one of the dead Reilora, but the soldiers pass on by. The party checks on the prisoner, who is injured and unconscious, so FCG casts Cure Wounds on him to bring him back. They question him quickly, and he explains he is Ishto, a holy warrior of the Lawbearer from the Glistening Spire in Yios in Aeshanadoor who was part of a scouting party of coalition forces that was wiped out, except for him. He warns them of hidden, movable sigils that turn people to stone, and agrees to join them in their scouting mission.
As the group heads out to resume their journey to the base of the pit and the foot of the Bloody Bridge, Chetney uses the Monocle of True Essence to cast See Invisibility. Once there, they notice the ruins have been destroyed to create a military base at the foot of the activated Malleus Key, dominated by the crimson glow of the Bloody Bridge itself.
Break[]
- Thorum Rings, unique rings for unique people.
- Bells Hells Phunny Plushies now available for pre-order.
- Merch Alert! Candela Obscura Core Rulebook, The Mighty Nein Reunion: Echoes of the Solstice t-shirt, Ashton jacket and patches, Imogen and Orym dice sets, ugly Critmas sweater, Jrusar joggers, Bells Hells socks, Critical Role pajamas, Caper Cards: Bells Hells in all five CR shops.
- Intro to "Candela Obscura: The Guardian of Groundswell" (CO3x02). Original Soundtrack now on digital music platforms.
- Promo for Midst Season Two Podcast.
- 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.
- Ashley and Taliesin are playing with the minis and talking about Critical Role Twitch subscriptions.
Part II[]
Through the dust storm, they can see the base of the Malleus Key now has stronger defenses than when they were previously there, and additional patrolling Warders. FCG heals Imogen slightly while Orym spots where Planerider Ryn's petrified body was last, a few hundred feet away. Imogen casts Summon Crimson Shade to summon a Reilora to help them blend in better, causing a red mist to rise from both herself and Fearne, and the purple veins on her body begin to glow. With See Invisibility active, Chetney takes the lead but fails to notice a glyph, triggering it. He succeeds on his Constitution saving throw, however, and avoids being turned to stone, but he gives the Bag of Holding holding the Scroll of Greater Restoration to Fearne to hold. [Matt clarifies they were given components sufficient to cast the spell 5 times before leaving the encampment.] Ishto reiterates that he is willing to do and give anything, including his life, if it will help to protect the world, and is willing to go with them to the moon, although he is somewhat taken aback at the possibility.
As they move onward, Chetney is able to spot and point out four additional glyphs. He is unable to figure out the indicator or protection that helps the soldiers and reilora avoid the traps, however. Orym determines that Ryn's stone body has apparently been moved from its prior location, and sees that a larger stair structure has been added to the base of the Malleus Key tower, guarded by two warders, two ballistas, and a tripod assault ruin-crawler. There are also multiple reiloran and Ruby Vanguard soldiers and guards. Imogen asks her summoned reiloran if they are friends or foes to her, and is told that the Vanguard is aligned with the Imperium.
As the party strategizes, the energy beam flutters and four figures appear at its base: a Reiloran Thought Eater who rises high into the air and begins keeping watch, a tall, thin, elven Ruby Vanguard person of elevated rank, a soldier, and Otohan Thull. She calls to the soldiers to regroup at the Key before leaping 80 feet three times and vanishing into the storm. Laudna confirms her scryball is glowing at Otohan's presence.
In wolf form, Chetney sneaks to one of the arcane machines and determines it could possibly be altered to shoot directionally. FCG discovers he has two bombs in his inventory which he gives to Imogen, and they decide to use them to draw the attention of the guards while they dash for the stairway. Moving stealthily forward, Orym in the lead sets off a glyph and begins turning to stone, but FCG casts Greater Restoration on him. Imogen Twin Spells Catapult on the bombs and sends them 90 feet away as a distraction, while Laudna and Fearne chip in with fire spells. The Warders and guards begin heading toward the explosion while the party runs toward the Key. However, the floating Thought Eater notices their movement. The party aims several spells at him but he is able to telepathically alert all the guards in the area to their presence before Psychic Slamming both Orym and Ishto from a rooftop to the ground and reducing Ishto to 1 hit point.
Fan art of the race to the Bridge, by Melissa Hahn.[art 2]
The party continues to try to reach the tower while aiming attacks at the Thought Eater, doing some damage, but several Warders, crawlers, and Reiloran Juggernauts start moving in, with one perching at the tower's top. Fearne Polymorphs one of the Juggernauts into a possum and reaches the Bloody Bridge first, joined soon after by several others. FCG enters the red beam of light first at the urging of the others, vanishing up the Bloody Bridge. Ishto regains his feet and Divine Smites a soldier, then runs away from the Bridge, trying to distract the others. Laudna Spider Climbs up the tower and enters into the beam, followed by Ashton, who grabs Orym and Fearne with them as they do the same. The polymorphed and angry possum chases Fearne into the bridge.
Fan art of Chetney on the device, by PremArtwork.[art 3]
That leaves Imogen and Chetney. One of the Warders pushes a ruined building over, onto the lightning device Chetney has been firing, injuring him and knocking him prone. Imogen runs over and reads the Scroll of Dimension Door Allura gave them, transporting them both into the bridge. The beam is blinding red light, pulling them rapidly upward and in moments, they each find themselves standing on the receiving point of the Malleus Key, surrounded by red shale and dusty storms. Consuming a quarter of the sky, the globe of Exandria hangs above them.
Featured characters[]
Quotations[]
- Ishto: (after falling off the roof on top of Orym) Do not worry. The Lawbearer looks upon us this day. She will protect us.
- Imogen: Are you aware of a phrase we say here in Exandria, "Curiosity killed the cat"?
Reiloran Shrike: No. Are you familiar with the Ruidian phrase, "To step where uninvited calls immediate malice"? - Thought Eater: We'll come and we'll find you. I would like to taste what's in that mind.
Imogen: I'm going to kill you, and all your friends. - Matt: You can see the dusty plumes of red storms that swirl on the horizon, and just beyond them, above, you can see the endless sea of stars and the entirety of Exandria there, consuming a quarter of the sky above you.
Inventory[]
| Adjustment | Count | Item | Source | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transferred | 1 | Scroll of Greater Restoration | FCG | Fearne | |
|
Transferred Expended |
1 | Arcane disruption device |
FCG Chetney |
Chetney The Warder |
One of two FCG got from Percy. When activated, they scramble or destroy larger mechanical or arcane mechanisms. |
| Acquired | 2 | Reiloran Shrike bladed chain | dead Reilorans | Fearne Ishto |
Fearne took two and gave one to Ishto. |
| Transferred | 1 | Dagger | Imogen | Ishto | |
| Acquired | 1 | Bladed bracer | dead Reilora | Chetney | |
| Expended | 1 | Scroll of Dimension door | Imogen |
Trivia[]
- This episode was almost certainly recorded prior to Critical Role's holiday break, given that Marisha was drinking from a holiday-themed fast food cup and the cast's sarcastic references to having had a long time to plan over the three week break.
- Sam's jerrycan has a red button labelled "TRAVIS Do Not Press This Button": Laura and Ashley try pushing it but nothing happens.[2] Sam brings it out again a couple of times with no result,[3][4] but finally Travis pushes the button whereupon Sam starts counting down from five: at zero someone just off-screen pours packing peanuts on him.[5]
References[]
- ↑ See "The Promise and the Price" (3x77) at 3:21:09.
- ↑ See "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) from 2:26:30 through 2:26:50.
- ↑ See "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) from 3:05:45 through 3:05:55.
- ↑ See "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) from 3:39:45 through 3:39:55.
- ↑ See "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) from 3:59:35 through 4:00:05.
Art:
- ↑ Screenshot of Chetney fighting the shrikes from "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) at 1:28:16. This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Fan art of the race to the Bridge, by Melissa Hahn (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Chetney on the device, by PremArtwork (source). Used with permission.
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