Critical Role Wiki

This wiki contains spoilers for the entirety of Critical Role and The Legend of Vox Machina. Proceed at your own risk!

READ MORE

Critical Role Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Advertisement
Register
Critical Role Wiki
Critical Role Wiki
5,057
pages
in: Campaign Three episodes, Campaign Three Arc 6

The Cradle's Convocation

Sign in to edit

"The Cradle's Convocation" (3x104) is the one hundred fourth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells meet with the Exandrian Accord in Vasselheim, where plans begin to form and connections begin to solidify...

Synopsis[]

Announcements[]

  • Matt and Sam are surrounded by Among Us Crewmates... or are they Imposters? Turns out Taliesin is the only non-Imposter and the others are the usually-anonymous members of the Critical Role crew. Check out the cosmetic pack "Gilmore's Curious Cube" available now through 12 November 2024.
  • Second sponsor is Czepeku, makers of more than 4000 beautiful battle maps for your favorite fantasy TTRPG.
  • VOD for the latest EverythingIsContent (SteamWorld Heist 2) is now up. Beacon Fireside Chat featuring Taliesin on Monday, 19 August.
  • Queen by Midnight will release a standalone expansion pack, Queen by Midnight: Quarter Past on 13 November 2024.
  • Midst: Address Unknown, a comic set in the Midst universe, is now available.
  • Merch Alert! Healing party t-shirt (with bonus Jester) and Critical Role beanie now available.

Previously on Critical Role[]

So, last we left off, Bells Hells, after trekking to the ruins of Aeor, had an encounter with Ludinus Da'leth himself in which he showed you visions of the fall of Aeor in hopes of expressing the dubiousness of the great deities that are considered the prime beings of law and morality in this world. After trying to convince you to come and join him and the Vanguard and their interests, you combated his outlook and combated each other's with some internal strife in communication, after which Laudna's own dark passenger was triggered, and thus, battle ensued with a Delilah-possessed Laudna. You defeated her, and while she was reduced within, used the soul anchor that you had taken from the ruins, and successfully completed a ritual with Essek's help that bound Delilah into the stone, which was then bound within you, reversing the power dynamic between you and Delilah.

After which, you went to go meet up with the Voice of the Tempest and the rest of the troop that was waiting on the western encampment within the Hellcatch Valley. You arrived to find it in ruin, still smoldering, the fallen stone being picked through by Reilorans and Vanguard soldier alike. With rapid reaction teleporting to Vasselheim. There, you were able to maneuver through the city, climb the stairs that lead to the Platinum Sanctuary, where it seems a lot of dignitaries from around Exandria are gathering, along with their compatriot armies and protectors. Upon arrival of that, Essek had to say his goodbyes, for there were tenuous relations with some other figures that were present. Bu upon arriving here on the outskirts of this crowd that had gathered in the central forum of the Platinum Sanctuary, you were trying to push through to get a good view. You saw people from all over Exandria here. You saw within Vasselheim itself, the Highbearer Vord, the Earthbreaker Groon, there's the Holy Curator and the High Hierophant, as well as the Coven of the Veil of the Matron of Ravens present. J'mon Sa Ord, the leader of Ank'Harel and one of the great rulers of the northeastern side of Marquet is present. Keyleth, the Voice of the Tempest, is present, a little battered but other than that looking fine. The Bright Queen of the Kryn Dynasty is present. Gavis Aranda from the Chandei Quorum of Jrusar is present. Guardian Tofor Brotoras is also present from the Council of Tal'Dorei, as well as Mythtaker Qi Mandozi who you met at the encampment before it collapsed. Allura and Kima are present. A number of other figures from all over Exandria are present. As you tried to push your way through, a massive goliath figure with oversized stone gauntlets, a bit of a paunch and a black fuzzy beard with streaks of gray made your announcement loudly, causing the group in front of you to divide slightly and the entire chamber to shift its attention back to you in one moment.

Part I[]

The gathered Exandrian leaders are arguing over strategy, with different attendees pointing out the various looming threats. When Zeddan Graf mentions the possibility that the gods could destroy the Divine Gate and start a new Calamity in their attempt to deal with the threat of Predathos, Ashton laughs out loud, drawing the attention of the room. Keyleth steps forward to introduce Bells Hells and angrily castigate the rest of the assembly for wasting time in argument. She projects an image of the occupied Hellcatch Valley into the room, showing masses of rock imploding upward to form a fortress, the last thing the Accord forces saw as they fled, and urges immediate action. After several representatives voice their willingness to kill all of the Ruidian invaders, Allura Vysoren tries to clarify that Ruidians are people too, but several others disagree angrily.

Keyleth points out that Bells Hells have actually been to the red moon, and they confirm that the people and beliefs there are as complicated as Exandrians are. They also tell the gathered assembly that they encountered Ludinus Da'leth in Aeor, and that he has a recording of the fallen city's last day, including the actions of the mortal avatars of the gods, which he intends to share with everyone. When the Holy Curator suggests Aeor's destruction was justified, Ashton takes issue with him, saying it was the height of the gods' arrogance and calling the assembly unprepared idiots. Chetney and Imogen try to calm Ashton, and Braius persuades many of the assembly that stress can cause even the faithful to stray from the path of goodness. Keyleth then reveals the cloaked and hooded figure of Evoroa, who shows herself to be a bormodo. She shyly addresses the dignitaries, telling them of the longing of her people for freedom and the beauty of Exandria, and release from the draconian control of the Weave Mind working in concert with Ludinus Da'leth. She explains the Weave Mind and Ludinus have been sowing divisions and distrust in Exandria, and begs on behalf of her people for their understanding. Orym and Laudna urge the Accord to make the Ruidians their allies, particularly the Volition.

Laudna showing Delilah to Vex - Elaine Tipping

Fan art of Laudna showing Delilah to Vox Machina, by Elaine Tipping.[art 1]

A representative of "the remains of the Cerberus Assembly" suggests that the Accord cannot trust Bells Hells, and amid the ensuing tumult, Highbearer Vord interrupts to suggest they take a break and meet again in the morning in the Trial Forge to hammer out a war plan, which they will bring to the entire group for approval. As the meeting breaks up, Bells Hells make their way to Keyleth and Allura, who suggest they go elsewhere to talk. As they walk, Allura points out the security arrangements, mentioning that at least three dragons are present at the meeting, and Grog modestly claims he defeated the frozen earth elemental practically by himself. When Fearne inspects his Titanstone Knuckles up close, she feels a pull between them and her primordial Spark of Rau'shan. Pike Trickfoot joins the group while Grog is surreptitiously trying to be sure he's taller than Braius, donning his horned helmet to add height,[1] and Vex'ahlia de Rolo also greets the group. She is at the meeting representing the Tal'Dorei Council. Chetney tells her she's absolutely stunning and asks if she's taken, while Laudna reveals that she now has Delilah Briarwood within her chest. Lady Vex is taken aback by this but accepts their explanation that it's safe, then wants to know if Laudna can torture her somehow. When Laudna focuses inward, she sees a vision of a shackled Delilah who looks at her with hatred, promising to escape and destroy her.

Evoroa and Gona - ariadne-mouse

Fan art of Evoroa and Gona, by ariadne-mouse.[art 2]

Kima, Allura, and Vex go off to other meetings, while Keyleth walks with the group, joined by Evoroa. The others urge Ashton to be more diplomatic with the Accord members. Eventually they reach the central city and Keyleth leads them to the Birthheart in the Abundant Terrace, a tree holy to the Wildmother, where Orym tells Keyleth he has felt the Wildmother's presence recently. They all share that the gods in their viewing of the fall of Aeor were very much like mortals: not all of one mind and not always infallible. Keyleth's concern is that anything causing even minor losses of faith is a distraction they can't afford right now. They discuss again the importance of stopping Ludinus, since his plan endangers people, regardless of whether one supports or is against the gods. Braius cautiously suggests joining with followers of the Betrayer Gods for help, but Keyleth has been to the Hells and isn't enthusiastic.

The group asks if the gods have spoken to any of their holy followers, and are told only the usual signs and visions. Ashton suggests a more direct conversation, and there is discussion as to whether that's even possible. Keyleth shares that she has spoken to a few gods but isn't encouraging about the prospect. She recommends trying prayer first. Many of the party say they used to pray and never got an answer, but Keyleth thinks this is the place to try. She tells them a bit about Vox Machina's battle against Vecna, and says that if there were any god she trusted, they stand now in her garden. As she speaks, Orym Druidcrafts a blossom, which elicits a faint glow from Seedling, and he feels a buzzing warmth from it.

Orym unsheathes the sword and holds it out, seeing that the vines and leaves curling around it are reaching toward the Birthheart, followed by a warm breeze. Orym cautiously approaches the tree, then sees a glow of green among its roots. He addresses a brief prayer to the Wildmother before gently settling Seedling among the roots and kneeling. The roots begin to shift, as vines extend and wrap around Orym, completely covering him in a cluster of flowers and vines.

Break[]

Part II[]

Orym finds himself in a beautiful moonlit glade, with his naked body formed from leaves, a part of the nature surrounding him. The branches part to reveal the smiling face of the Wildmother. Orym apologizes for not being one of her worshipers, and senses there is no need to apologize, and that Will is there, too. He explains they saw the events around the fall of Aeor, and that Ludinus plans to reveal it to everyone, which disturbs the Wildmother. She leads him to a fallen statue similar to the one of Serataani in Aeshanadoor where Seedling was blessed by her.[2] When he tries to create growth around it, he senses warmth and flowers begin to grow.

Suddenly, everything turns red and he sees a vision of a star crashing to the ground, the gods of the Exandrian Pantheon standing towering over the island where it fell, a family gathered around the fallen star. Two of the figures vanish as the star grows brighter and redder. The city on the island where the star fell is swallowed in stone, immense runes jettisoning it into the cosmos along with its screaming inhabitants. Orym briefly senses a primal hunger beyond his understanding as it disappears. The sense of fear felt by the gods overwhelms him and he screams, but the Wildmother apologizes, cradling him in her arms. He senses that within him, something has either broken, or taken root, but he also senses her unconditional love and a request: "Protect us, for we protect you, and together, we protect this."

Orym and Will brief chat - Jenny Dolfen

Fan art of Orym and Will, by Jenny Dolfen.[art 3]

Orym feels a hand on his shoulder, and there beside him, also made of vines, is Will, who tells him he needs him to live and be happy. The others, watching outside, see the shell of vines around Orym crack open, and ask anxiously if he is all right. He tells them he met with the Wildmother, who showed him Predathos and the gods. Chetney scavenges for fallen branches as Orym pulls Seedling from its cradle among the roots, noticing that its blade is longer, it bears more vines, and there are two golden gems held within like eyes guiding its stroke. Chetney, meanwhile, shoves his wood chisel into the tree and a branch falls on him.

Keyleth offers them all overnight quarters within the Birthheart in a large communal chamber, then leaves with Evoroa. Chetney immediately spends several hours carving the branches from the tree. They discuss whether it's safe to destroy the Malleus Key and the Bloody Bridge, and whether they can use their secret back door to Ruidus (through the gate at the bottom of Lake Umamu) to attack from the Ruidus side rather than a direct assault on the Tishtan excavation site. There is also more discussion of the nature of the gods, life, death, the afterlife, and whether Braius is trustworthy. They have him cast Zone of Truth for a game of questions, but add the option to not answer a question by playing "Spin the Bottle" instead.

Playing Spin the Bottle - Melissa Hahn

Fan art of playing "Spin the Bottle", by Melissa Hahn.[art 4]

  • For Braius: Have you been happy serving the Lord of the Hells? It has been the honor of his life, although gods speak in many ways. He feels he has a connection.
  • For Braius: Are you going to fuck us over? Braius chooses to spin the bottle rather than answer, and it lands on Imogen, who isn't quite as into the kiss as he is. The group concludes his betrayal is a possibility.
  • For Ashton: Do you agree with Ludinus? The immediate answer is no, but Ashton backtracks a bit and admits they agree with portions of what he's said, although he has to be stopped.
  • For Braius: Do you have a grudge against the Platinum Dragon? Yes, he was forsaken and abandoned. But his mission is to stop Ludinus and he wouldn't stab them in the back to hurt the god.
  • For Fearne: Would you conspire with Ludinus to save people you love? Fearne spins rather than answer, getting Chetney. As she kisses him she pickpockets the branches from the Birthheart.
  • For Laudna: Would you sacrifice yourself if Imogen were to become a vessel for Predathos? Yes, if she asked. Imogen immediately goes on record as asking, and although it would be the last resort, Laudna agrees. Dorian spins the bottle anyway and gets Chetney, who is impressed by his ability.
  • For Dorian: What about your brother's death? Dorian isn't planning to make any deals with gods to bring him back and this is unimportant in the great scheme of things. For the moment, he's compartmentalizing, and worried that they have little direction at the moment. They all drink to the memory of Cyrus Wyvernwind.
  • Laudna randomly spins the bottle and gets Orym. Their incredibly awkward kiss turns into a hug.
Ashton and Fearne's kiss - Rann

Fan art of Ashton and Fearne's kiss, by Rann.[art 5]

As the party prepares to retire, Ashton follows Fearne and points the bottle (which he is carrying) at her. Braius glares at them, but Imogen uses Telekinesis to hold up a shielding blanket to give them privacy while Ashton kisses her. She responds happily. Ashton pickpockets a small spoon which he immediately returns, and their kisses deepen. Later, as they sleep, Fearne returns the branches she pickpocketed to Chetney.

In the morning, they head to the Trial Forge within the Braving Grounds District, dedicated to the Stormlord, the god of war. The meeting has begun but they are admitted. Present are: Earthbreaker Groon, Vex'ahlia, Allura, Kima, Simone Fruunast, J'mon Sa Ord, the Bright Queen, Tofor Brotoras, Evoroa, and Keyleth. Evoroa explains that the Ruidians were, at Ludinus' urging, attempting to mine toward the core where Predathos lies sleeping within the Hallowed Cage. The Ruidusborn are the keys to opening that cage, and that is their primary goal. Keyleth shares that the fortress at the base of the Malleus Key is fortified with Ruidian troops led by the Sunder King Ozo Cruth, and explains that the Weave Mind are a group of incredibly powerful psychics who rarely leave their stronghold within Kreviris because they can send the power of their minds at a distance. Groon points out that both the Weave Mind and Ozo can be killed, and Laudna displays the globe showing the presumed structure of the moon.

Chetney lets slip that the party knows of a back door to the moon. When the Bright Queen is immediately interested, Fearne displays distrust of her, causing a stir within the room that Leylas dispels by explaining that although her people do not worship the gods, they see the value of a mutually beneficial alliance. The group explains that the back door is a very small forgotten link to Lake Umamu in Issylra, limited to small strike teams rather than armies. Vex'ahlia identifies three targets: the army at the base of the Malleus Key, the Weave mind (either in Kreviris or also at the Malleus Key), and Ludinus' group pushing toward the Hallowed Cage at the center of the red moon. Keyleth knows of a few old legends who might be up to joining an assault on the Malleus Key, and she wants to be a part of it. Allura suggests a simultaneous assault on the Weave Mind, and knows of a group with experience in psychic trauma and attempted mental manipulation who might handle it. That leaves Ludinus and the group nearing the Hallowed Cage, which requires Ruidusborn to traverse, and Ruidusborn to help stop them-- Bells Hells is best suited for this mission.

Everyone agrees to present this plan to the Accord meeting at the Platinum Sanctuary. When the Bright Queen briefly explains the Luxon and the Kryn Dynasty goal of reuniting its pieces, Ashton enters a rage in order to cause the hole in his head to ignite with dunamancy and the Kryn present show both curiosity and concern until it ends. All those present agree, with varying levels of enthusiasm, to participate. Before they leave, Imogen telepathically asks Earthbreaker Groon how to contact the Stormlord, and is discouraged when she is told, "You fight."

Imogen's vision - Nolagranola

Fan art of Imogen's vision, by nolagranola.[art 6]

As they all leave to return to the Platinum Sanctuary, Imogen feels a sudden head pain and sees the beginning of a red storm, which is immediately dispelled. She finds herself standing in the green fields of the Taloned Highlands, her homeland, and she hears her mother's voice, calling her. When Imogen turns, she sees Liliana Temult standing behind her.

Featured characters[]

Quotations[]

  • Braius: In times of great trauma, even purely faithful can fall from the path and make alliances with unholy or terrible entities.
  • Marisha: (after Imogen tries to stop Laudna from bringing up Vax to Keyleth) It's my character. I can bully her if I want to.
  • Orym: (to the Wildmother) I say this with an open heart, but I know you all to be inherently flawed, like me, and all the children that love this world as much as you. Whatever comes next, please let the garden grow.
  • Ashton: We are not heroes. We just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that's what makes us the perfect people for this. The difference between us and the gods when it comes to this is that we're actually-- we're probably going to die in the middle of this, where they know they're not. We are risking ourselves where they never really have.
  • Chetney: We can't really worry about what's going to happen when we all die. We just have to figure out what we do while we're still alive.
  • Dorian: I don't know what's right or wrong anymore, and there's no one here to guide us. We are leaderless, drifting, going on instinct and love, and sometimes that is not enough. I once told you to stay steadfast, but perhaps that was more for me. Everybody finds their strength in different ways, and a smile is mine.

Inventory[]

Adjustment Count Item Source Destination Notes
Acquired
Crafted		 2 Branches from the Birthheart The ground beneath the Birthheart Chetney Chetney spent three hours carving them.

Trivia[]

References[]

  1. ↑ See "Duskmeadow" (1x57) from 1:32:30 through 1:34:21.  Grog acquired the helmet many years ago during Vox Machina's adventures, and wore it proudly and often.
  2. ↑ See "Call of the Wild" (3x41) from 4:02:58 through 4:08:16.
  3. ↑ See "The Cradle's Convocation" (3x104) from 3:03:30 through 3:03:35.

Art:

  1. ↑ Fan art of Laudna showing Delilah to Vox Machina, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
  2. ↑ Fan art of Evoroa and Gona, by ariadne-mouse (source). Used with permission.
  3. ↑ Fan art of Orym and Will, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.
  4. ↑ Fan art of playing "Spin the Bottle", by Melissa Hahn (source). Used with permission.
  5. ↑ Fan art of Ashton and Fearne's kiss, by Rann (source). Used with permission.
  6. ↑ Fan art of Imogen's vision, by nolagranola (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
People
Allies
Antagonists
Other
Places
Creatures
Items
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Advertisement

Fan Feed

More Critical Role Wiki