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The Nein Hells

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"The Nein Hells" (3x111) is the one hundred eleventh episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells meet their new allies on the road to Kreviris and learn just what makes this team so mighty...

Synopsis[]

Announcements[]

  • While advertising Assassin's Creed Shadows (coming 14 February 2025), Sam gets a death threat from hidden ninjas and bails on the reading. When the others pitch in, they're picked off with blowgun darts until Sam, the sole survivor, bravely finishes the read.
  • Narrative Telephone is back as a monthly series, now on Beacon and coming to YouTube 30 October 2024.
  • The first nine (nein!) episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina, Season Three are now available. The final three release next week and a wrap party discussing the second half of the season releases 29 October 2024.
  • Limited edition Critical Role hockey jerseys from Geeky Jerseys now available to order. Green CR hoodie and jogger set now in CR shops.
  • Tickets for the Daggerheart Live Show in December are still available.

Previously on Critical Role[]

So, last we left off, Bells Hells had returned to Vasselheim, having thwarted, it seems, the Unseelie reunion with the Vanguard, and in doing so, eliminated one of the powerful associates of Ludinus Da'leth, the Sorrowlord Zathuda himself, the blood father to Fearne. With the information you have, you walked through the city, you gathered some supplies, and prepared yourselves for what is the looming return to the surface of Ruidus, where you and another troop are to secretly traverse once more towards the capital city of Kreviris, to delve beneath its surface into a hidden spot before infiltrating the core of the city to notify those back on Exandria that you are in position so the assault can begin and distract the enemy forces and factions, to best enable both of your teams to succeed at their goals.

BH meet the M9 - Savs Creates

Fan art of Bells Hells greeting the Mighty Nein, by Savs Creates.[art 1]

After you gathered your things and said some goodbyes, ordered some alcohol, climbed into a dead titan's ass crack bar, you met up with two familiar Zephran family members of Orym, who escorted you to Lake Umamu on the far western side of Issylra, where you had uncovered that secret underwater portal, the backdoor entrance to Ruidus and its hidden tunnel, unknown to most but just a few. As you arrived in the familiar abandoned fishing village, now partially taken over by the Zephran forces in preparation for your arrival, you set up within the nearby inn where you had stayed before, and talked amongst yourselves until your companion team arrived, one you've met a couple members of but had been told they're referred to as the Mighty Nein.

Part I[]

Laudna is immediately charmed by Sprinkle, Jester's red weasel, and temporarily trades Pâté to her for him. With one admiring eye on Braius, Veth tries to say she has an open relationship with her husband but Caleb sees through this misrepresentation. Veth is still pretty upset about her son Luc running off to adventure with the Mighty Nein a few weeks earlier.[1]

The two parties introduce themselves to one another, and try to figure out what they should do next and whether to travel to Ruidus today or wait until morning. Caduceus goes to fix dinner while they think about it. Braius' eyes keep going to Jester, since he has a nagging feeling he's seen her before, and in the ensuing conversation Veth reveals that she and Jester at one time vandalized the temple of the Platinum Dragon in Zadash. Braius immediately realizes these are the two vandals who ruined his life, but Jester is oblivious and invites him to worship the Traveler (who is not in danger of being eaten if Predathos is released). The situation escalates and Yasha and Braius both pull their weapons, on the verge of settling the issue through violence, but Fjord manages to calm the situation down a bit and Caduceus serves up dinner.

Orym and Caduceus - Myrling

Fan art of Orym and Caduceus, by Myrling.[art 2]

Caleb is fascinated by the dunamantic hole in Ashton's head. Bells Hells share with the Mighty Nein what little they know about the Weave Mind that the latter will be fighting on the red moon. Caduceus tries to bring up their mutual belief in the gods with Braius, but the conversation devolves again into hostility between Braius and Jester, with Veth taking cover behind the fact that she hasn't been recognized because she was a goblin at the time of the incident. Eventually Veth leads Braius away with a promise of booze. The groups discuss where would be best to try to Teleport to when they reach Ruidus, and whether to start their missions tomorrow or tonight.

Jester apologizes to Braius for ruining his life, and in the conversation they discover they are both artists. Jester points out he discovered his artistic talent because of being thrown out of the church, but to Braius that doesn't make up for the loss of his "awesome" fiancée Suzy, who left him when he lost his position. Jester offers to send her a message for him, and tells her that Braius misses her, but he's become super-important and is going on a secret mission. Unfortunately, these messages come to her in the middle of the night, waking her, and Suzy responds that she doesn't know who this is, but it was long ago - leave her alone. Jester tells Braius she sounds like she's let herself go but was very impressed. Braius admits he no longer wants to fight Yasha, unless it's just a fun fight to release tension.

Eventually they all decide to travel through the lake portal immediately and spend the night on Ruidus. They find Maeve and Leeta and Orym says goodbye to them. The Zephran druids gather and clear a path through the water of the lake to the portal, and the two adventuring parties run to it, traveling through the now-drained tunnel to the cavern beneath the surface of the red moon. Dorian and Veth are very excited that they're on Ruidus now but thankfully their shouting doesn't seem to attract any creatures. Imogen Sends to Zhesh, the owner of the shop in Kreviris with which they're familiar, saying they need a safe haven, and Zhesh responds that things are "very intense" but it's safe at the moment.

Fjord suggests to Jester that they could take their honeymoon on the moon, and she points out that they could die in this battle, so maybe they should get married right now. Fjord is somewhat taken aback and prevaricates that surely Jester needs more time to prepare a beautiful ceremony.

Eventually Chetney (using the Staff of Dark Odyssey) and Caleb Teleport the group to the basement of the shop in Kreviris. While the group stands squished together in the cramped space, Caleb casts Widogast's Nascent Nein-Sided Tower and welcomes them all inside. He has modified the second floor to hold nine individual cabana bedrooms for their guests. Laudna immediately casts Spider Climb on herself and begins exploring, following one of the many spectral cats into a tiny service tunnel.

Break[]

Part II[]

Caduceus and Jester go to prepare some pastries, and Dorian asks about a musical instrument and is directed to a harpsichord in the salon, accompanied by Yasha on the harp. Laudna follows the sound of music to find her way out of the tunnels and join the others. Veth asks Braius to dance, and he tells her that Jester freaks him out a little. Veth admits she has a husband and they're very happy, but she has a thing for minotaurs. The group all shares a Heroes' Feast and Caleb casts Mind Blank on Yasha and himself.

Caleb joins Orym for a quiet conversation, telling him he should be with his friends, having sensed that Orym is struggling, but Orym doesn't want to burden them. Laudna approaches Beau, but Beau declines to talk to her. Ashton asks Yasha for relationship advice because he seems to be off his game pursuing Fearne, but she is clueless, and Jester breaks in to offer advice, handing him a copy of Tusk Love and telling him to just go for it. She then takes her own advice and kisses Fjord passionately.

Fearne comes in, turns into a cat, and wanders off. Jester immediately Polymorphs herself and follows as they go exploring, knocking over things in Caleb's study. Beau speaks to the highly allergic Fjord, confirming that he sees Bells Hells as cannon fodder unlikely to survive. Both of them believe they should take care of the Mighty Nein first and foremost, but maybe they could bribe one of the Hells to come over to their group.

Fearne stealing Caleb's egg - Elaine Tipping

Fan art of Fearne stealing Caleb's egg, by Elaine Tipping.[art 3]

Caleb approaches the also-highly-allergic Chetney, telling him he is extremely honored to have him here. He grew up near Rexxentrum, and used to look at Pock O'Pea toys longingly, though his family could never afford them. As an adult, however, he collects them. Chetney is very gratified to hear this, and agrees to carve a wooden shield in commemoration of the occasion, emblazoned with the words "Nein Hells". Caleb then goes to fetch his collection of C-Pop originals, including one of the five precious wooden eggs Chetney created.[2] Fearne asks to hold the egg, and Caleb reluctantly hands it over but secretly keeps a telekinetic bond on it. Fearne immediately tries to steal it but is noticed as she stuffs it in her bosom, and reluctantly returns it.

Caduceus approaches Braius, telling him he senses Braius is the token man of faith in his group. Caduceus senses his conflict, and this is a bad time to be conflicted. He presses Braius on whether he still worships the Platinum Dragon, and Braius eventually admits he has recently found solace in an evil god, although his friendship with Bells Hells is pushing him back to the Dragon. Caduceus suggests it wasn't the Dragon that failed him; it was people, which is harder. Eventually Braius admits that Asmodeus gave him strength, purpose, and power, which felt good. Caduceus advises him, "That's a good place to heal sometimes. You just don't want to get stuck there." Maybe it's time to move on. He shares that when he joined the Mighty Nein, it took a while to realize he was what they needed. Maybe Braius is what Bells Hells need.

One by one, the group retires to their respective rooms. Caleb knocks on Imogen and Laudna's door and leads them up to the ninth floor Possibility Room, where he tells Imogen he knows who her mother is, and how close Imogen is to the situation. He advises her, in making her decisions tomorrow, to follow her heart. She asks if he has learned of any possible ways to knock Ludinus Da'leth off-balance, and he suggest mockery can work with powerful men. He gives her an Intuit charge he has saved since the Mighty Nein was in Aeor.

Meanwhile, Jester asks Fjord if he wouldn't like just a little side marriage before they set out tomorrow, since they might die. She sensed his earlier reluctance. Fjord says he just wants Jester to have the beautiful real thing, and this is a vote of confidence in their survival. Jester suddenly remembers with horror she traded Sprinkle to Laudna for Pâté, and when the familiar speaks up unexpectedly Fjord Eldritch Blasts him, scattering him to dust. They decide to reclaim Sprinkle in the morning. Braius creates a painting before retiring, and Chetney carves a toy.

Dorian with Orym - Jenny Dolfen

Fan art of Dorian with Orym, by Jenny Dolfen.[art 4]

Dorian knocks on Orym's door and joins him. Orym's been trying to walk over to his door for twenty minutes. Dorian has noticed Orym's been quiet lately, and Orym confesses he has feelings for Dorian. Dorian returns those feelings. Orym is the reason he's here, and he simply wants to hold him tonight, and comfort him. They curl on the bed together, and as Dorian sleeps, holding Orym close, Orym tells himself that this is okay before slipping into sleep himself.

Featured characters[]

Quotations[]

Nein Hells - Shara Maestache

Fan art of the Nein Hells, by Shara Maestache.[art 5]

  • Dorian: This is so cool. I feel like I have thousands of hours to catch up on.
  • Caduceus: I like your armor.
    Braius: I like your fur.
    Caduceus: Thank you. The black and white is fun. You're a creature of faith as well, aren't you?
    Braius: I am.
    Caduceus: I could tell because you're scowling.
  • Jester: So because I ruined your life, you were able to become such an amazing artist?
    Braius: I guess so, yes, technically. But I also lost my purpose in life and also my fiancée left me.
    Jester: Because you lost your job at the Sanctuary? She sounds like a total bitch.
    Braius: She was awesome.
  • Beau: (about Bells Hells) If they tried to get into hand-to-hand combat, the best thing they should do is just go fetal. [...] The one that's like a deer, she seems pretty pliable. I feel like I could give her a sucker and she would come over with us.
  • Caleb: I couldn't help but notice that you put my very priceless Pock O'Pea heirloom into your bosom.
    Fearne: Shit.
    Caleb: I would very much like to keep it, if that is okay.
    Fearne: I would too! What if we die? It's all I want. (reluctantly returns it)
    Chetney: Fearne, if it means so much to you, I could make you your--
    Fearne (flatly) I want one of the five.
  • Braius: (politely, as Caduceus approaches) Moo.
    Caduceus: Sure.
  • Caduceus: I've found that people come to faith in a variety of ways. Sometimes it's because they have a question, and sometimes it's because they've found an answer.
  • Laudna: As Lady Vysoren said, not goodbye.
    Caleb: Bis später.
    Laudna: Fish baiter.
  • Orym: I haven't been honest with you. I have feelings for you, I think, almost from the day I met you. And I'm way out of practice, and always worried about being a burden, but I'm so happy that we got to see each other again before whatever the hell happens tomorrow. [...]
    Dorian: I feel like the worlds have kept us apart ever since I've been back, and I've just wanted the tiniest moment with you, and I couldn't sleep either. You are the reason I'm here. You've always been the reason I'm here, and I've known it, and I've been grateful. You held us together in the past, and you made me feel like I was a part of this group. You. And if it were up to me, there would be no responsibilities. [...] I don't know what this is. I've never felt anything like this. I've been closed off for so long, and who knows? Maybe you're just the first beautiful, kind face that I have ever seen. But I don't care. I could never ask anything of you, but tonight, may I simply hold you? I want nothing more. Just... let me comfort you for once. Please.

Inventory[]

Adjustment Count Item Source Destination Notes
Transferred 1 Tusk Love Jester Ashton Jester gave it to Ashton to offer relationship advice.
Crafted 1 Carved wooden shield Caleb Chetney Caleb asked Chetney to carve it in commemoration of the Nein Hells.
Traded 1 Wooden alligator Chetney Caleb Chetney traded him a newly-carved alligator in exchange for an older lizard.
Transferred 1 Intuit charge Caleb Imogen
Crafted 1 Painting Braius
Crafted 1 Wooden toy Chetney

Trivia[]

  • Bells Hells reached level 15 just before this episode began and rolled for hit points.[3]
    • Fearne rolled a 3 and took her 5th level in Rogue, gaining Uncanny Dodge and a third d6 for Sneak Attack.
    • Braius rolled a 2, taking his 12th Paladin level and gaining a feat.
    • Imogen rolled a 3 and took the level in Sorcerer, gaining an 8th level spell slot.
    • Dorian rolled a 7 and took the level in Bard, gaining an 8th level spell slot, and his inspiration dice are now d12s.
    • Orym rolled a 2 and took another Fighter level, gaining the Relentless ability.
    • Laudna rolled a 2 and took her 12th level in Sorcerer, increasing her Dexterity by 2 points.
    • Ashton rolled an 8 and continued taking Barbarian levels, gaining the Persistent Rage ability.
    • Chetney rolled a 6 and took his 14th level in Blood hunter, gaining the Hardened Soul feature and learning an additional Crimson Rite.
  • Marisha's fan had Laudna's name written on one side with the colors of the bisexual flag, and Beau's name written on the other side with the colors of the gay flag (those specific colors are usually associated with gay men, but conveniently match Beau's classic color scheme with blues and greens).[4] This was a reference to the previous episode's conversation about using items to indicate which of the characters at the table was speaking.
  • This is the twelfth episode in which at least one player plays multiple characters (with the players (except for Robbie) once again reprising their Mighty Nein characters on top of playing Bells Hells), following "A Bard's Lament" (1x85), "Masquerade" (1x99), "Unfinished Business" (1x100), "Thar Amphala" (1x101), "Race to the Tower" (1x102), "The Search For Grog" (Sx42), "The Search For Bob" (Sx45), "Dalen's Closet" (Sx47), "Long May He Reign" (2x140), "Fond Farewells" (2x141) and "In the Shadow of War" (3x110).
  • Sam's Stanley cup reads: "Got MILF?"[5].

References[]

  1. ↑ See "The Mighty Nein Reunion: Echoes of the Solstice" (Sx79).
  2. ↑ See "Collecting Legends" (3x105) at 3:36:34.  It was not stated whether this was one of the four eggs already known to collectors, or the fifth egg Chetney said he had created.
  3. ↑ Twitter logo Critical Role (@CriticalRole) on Twitter: "LEVEL UP AS EPISODE 111 BEGINS 🎲 ✨ It's Thursday night! Join Bells Hells as they choose their Level 15 upgrades and abilities as a mighty encounter kicks off this evening's adventure... 🔔 🔥 ROLL WITH US ⬇️" (2024-10-17).
  4. ↑ See "The Nein Hells" (3x111) at 0:41:19.
  5. ↑ See "The Nein Hells" (3x111) from 2:21:00 through 2:21:20.

Art:

  1. ↑ Fan art of Bells Hells greeting the Mighty Nein, by Savs Creates (source). Used with permission.
  2. ↑ Fan art of Orym and Caduceus, by Myrling (source). Used with permission.
  3. ↑ Fan art of Fearne stealing Caleb's egg, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
  4. ↑ Fan art of Dorian with Orym, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.
  5. ↑ Fan art of the Nein Hells, by Shara Maestache (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)
"The Nein Hells" (3x111) • "The Assembling of Legends" (3x112) • "Assault on the Malleus Key" (3x113) • "Fight for the Bloody Bridge" (3x114) • "To the Arx Creonum" (3x115)
v • d • e
Campaign Three Arc 6
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