Vaelus is an elf paladin played by Ashley Johnson in Campaign Four.
Description[]
Official art of Vaelus, by Loren Hontanilla.[art 2]
Appearance[]
Vaelus is extremely tall,[1] and she has visible facial scarring that appears to have been caused by arcane magic. She dresses in deep obsidian, including snug black leather chest armor and robes, with a black hood and pale white lace that goes to the top of her throat. She carries a long chain with a censer that emits smoke. She wears a veil of mourning that appears to be made of chainmail.[3] Ashley Johnson described her as a "nun assassin".[11]
Personality[]
Vaelus has a cold and calm demeanor. She was driven by her goal to find the Stone of Nightsong but she could show patience in order to obtain what she wanted. Finding and protecting every relic of Sylandri is very important to her. The feelings that she has for the lost goddess are what drives her. She is drawn to Occtis's magic because he has returned from the dead.[12]
Biography[]
Background[]
Vaelus was once a very happy and joyful elf who spent her time in celebrations and activities with her family, honoring their creator goddess, Sylandri.[13] However, in the Shapers' War, seventy years before Campaign Four, Vaelus watched the death of the last of the Shapers;[14] after that she spent decades of mourning and prayer with the Sisters of Sylandri, occasionally fighting the undead alongside them.[15]
"The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01)[]
Vaelus came to Halandil Fang's house at nightfall, searching for the Stone of Nightsong and claiming that Thjazi Fang stole it from her; she was rude and insensitive, and angered some of the people there, including the widow, Lady Aranessa Royce. While Halandil and Thaisha Lloy were searching Thjazi's belongings, Vaelus agreed to wait patiently downstairs with the guests and even shared a drink with Murray Mag'Nesson and Bolaire Lathalia; the latter quietly scolded her for her behavior, being the one who had helped her enter the city. Shortly after, Vaelus asked where Thjazi's fey partner was, causing others to ask about the whereabouts of Thimble.
"Broken Wing" (4x02)[]
After a noise was heard upstairs, Vaelus joined Shadia and some of the guests as they went to investigate, finding an alarmed Hal and a slowly recovering Thaisha on the floor, after she touched a strange box. The elf observed in silence how people interacted with Thaisha (noticing that her daughter seemed angry at her for her recklessness), and she heard a sound similar to a nightingale's song. Since people were nervous Vaelus promised there wouldn't be any unnecessary murder that night; when Shadia heard that, she asked about necessary murder instead.
When they went downstairs and the funeral came to a close, with Hal and his youngest daughter, Hero, playing Broken Wing, Thimble finally arrived; after some moments with Thjazi's body the pixie noticed Vaelus and immediately asked if she had something to do with her friend's death, but the elf denied it, saying she just wanted her stone; in response, Thimble said it was gone (worrying the elf), and Occtis Tachonis proceeded to explain how Thimble had been attacked and her hiding place sacked. When the wizard asked who Vaelus was and admitted he didn't know about the Sisters of Sylandri, the elf considered that very sad; she also refused to tell Thimble how she found them (even though Thaisha advised her to share information so she would receive some back). The now-irritated fairy, in turn, declared that she didn't know where the stone had been taken, and for what she knew maybe the thieves didn't want the relic specifically, since they had stolen more stuff. Loza Blade managed to calm things down a little, convincing Vaelus that given the circumstances, and the fact that Thjazi didn't have a known purpose for the Stone of Nightsong, they were all on the same side trying to find out what had happened. Later, Vaelus and Thimble went upstairs to speak privately, and the former told the latter she was sorry for her loss, and admitted Bolaire had helped her enter the city. She also misinterpreted the relationship between Thimble and Thjazi by assuming the pixie didn't have free will when the Stone of Nightsong was stolen; Thimble immediately corrected her, commenting how an elf like Vaelus should be aware of the history of her people, and emphasising how special it was for her to be Thjazi's equal. She apologized for taking the artifact from the Sisters of Sylandri, although she immediately added that she didn't really care about why Vaelus wanted it back. When Vaelus noticed Pincushion had followed them she winked at the fox, declaring it was a beautiful creature. Right before Vaelus left Hal spoke to her and told her that if she ever threatened his family again she would regret it; respectfully, and somewhat amused by this, the elf tried to shake hands with him, but the host used that chance to give her some cranberry rolls (even though she had told them she didn't want them). After she left, Vaelus left the pastries outside and spent the night hiding nearby, watching the house of the Fang family like a gargoyle.
"The Snipping of Shears" (4x03)[]
The next morning Vaelus followed Thimble, Occtis, and Kattigan to the Guard Tower, where they were supposed to talk to them about Casimir Gavendale. When a battle ensued, the elf entered the tavern to help the group, cutting the throat of a thief trying to capture Thimble, and then using her Guiding Bolt to kill the leader, Solomon; thus, when she told the rest to flee they obeyed, and only Gavrey stayed (at Vaelus and Thimble's request) for interrogation. The thief told them that Casimir had been dealing with dangerous people and had sold the things he had stolen from Thimble (including the Stone of Nightsong) to pay his debts before leaving the city; before leaving the place Vaelus requested to have a copy of the list of people that owed money to the Crow Keepers, like Cas, and Gavrey gave it to her.
Fan art of Vaelus and Pin, by Elaine Tipping.[art 4]
Vaelus went with the group back to Hal's home. When they arrived, they found Sir Julien Davinos looking for Occtis (who was Disguised at the moment). He had a brief but intense argument with Thimble, but then focused on Vaelus, asking her if she knew where the boy was since he might be in danger. When Julien walked away, Vaelus supported the idea of Occtis speaking to him and ended up accompanying him. As they walked the elf asked questions about Pin's creation, unexpectedly delighted by the undead fox, and was curious about Occtis's powers (wondering if he would be able to reanimate an entire body instead of fragments of an animal). After a conversation between Julien and Occtis the latter agreed to speak with Lady Aranessa in the Palazzo Davinos, and Vaelus joined them. When they arrived, she apologized to Aranessa for her bluntness during the funeral but then left her alone with Occtis, staying with Pin in the garden area. While she was there, she heard a wolf howling in the distance, and sensed the song of a nightingale. She realized that Thaisha in wolf form was approaching, and felt the urge to grant her access as her heart started beating faster and an emotion was stuck in her throat, so she Commanded Devin, one of the guards, to open the door. While she waited for Thaisha, Julien asked what she was doing, and then shared his concerns with her, explaining he felt something shifting. Vaelus, using her Divine Sense, noticed that the knight's shadow was darker than normal, a sign of him being cursed, and that the garden was filled with hidden undead specters. Before anyone could do anything, the two of them saw General Raimond Davinos, who was approaching to talk to his son, brutally murdered by Lord Primus Tachonis.
"Stone-Faced" (4x04)[]
As Julien started attacking Primus Thaisha arrived to the palace, just in time to see how Pincushion, still with Vaelus, suddenly broke into pieces; the paladin told Thaisha where Occtis was, and the druid went inside, just as Lord Primus summoned a wave of undead with his Circle of Death. Vaelus attacked the nobleman with a Guiding Bolt, surprising him, and then started fighting the shades (recognizing them from previous battles alongside her sisters); the undead spirits tried to attack her, but they were unable to properly steal the elf's immortal essence, recoiling for the most part.
Fan art of Vaelus fighting, by Lap Pun Cheung.[art 5]
Even so, Vaelus felt herself surrounded by a deadly cold, and thought of Sylandri, wondering if the goddess had been feeling that same sensation since she fell. The paladin nodded to Sir Julien so that he could leave and look for Lady Aranessa, while she stayed behind facing the undead; she felt the song of a nightingale, and moments later, through her Divine Sense, she noticed a flock of fairies of death manifesting and preventing more undead spirits from crossing the veil. The elven paladin kept fighting and Smiting her foes until she was joined by Sir Julien again, as he, Thaisha, and Lady Aranessa had been magically transported outside the palace and now intended to move towards the nearby bridge, where the barrier between life and death was stronger. Vaelus and Julien started fighting the undead together, trying to convince each other to leave, both without success; however, when the elf declared that even if they destroyed all the enemies that wouldn't make Julien feel better, the latter agreed to leave with her (taking a moment to take his father's gauntlet first).
All of them managed to flee successfully, and took refuge in the Lloyd Estate. Out in the garden, while Thaisha and Aranessa tended to Occtis's body, Vaelus and Julien were keeping watch; soon they were joined by Bolaire, Murray Mag'Nesson, Hal, and Azune Nayar, and they learned about what had happened in the Palazzo Davinos. They then focused on the dead man, and combining Bolaire's tools with Murray's Mage Hand and Portent, and supported by Hal's Bardic Inspiration and Thaisha's Guidance, they successfully removed the Stone of Nightsong from inside Occtis, and he started breathing again as the ground shook and his body started repairing itself, with Pincushion coming out of his closing wound. Vaelus approached, and asked for permission to touch the young wizard's chest; she did so gently, using Lay On Hands as she tried to feel some sensation connected to the Green Mother, and perceiving only something very faint and distant, as well as Occtis's lack of heartbeat. The paladin, realizing she didn't want to return back to the north, where she would spend her time praying and mourning, openly declared that the resurrection of Occtis Tachonis was something remarkable (even if Julien was angered by it at first, given his recent resentment towards House Tachonis).
"Branching Paths" (4x05)[]
In the period before dawn, the group discussed Occtis's status and the implications for House Tachonis, as well as the repercussions for other political forces in the city; they gradually defined a plan, with the newly resurrected necromancer leaving Dol-Makjar with an escort to seek answers about his post-mortem visions, while the rest stayed behind to sound out the Sundered Houses and look for ways to weaken them. During that conversation Vaelus felt that the Stone of Nightsong not only had avoided destruction after being involved in a dark ritual, but it was also connected to Occtis now, even if his existence didn't depend on it; she tried to grab it and Bolaire stopped her, going as far as to cast Command on her to do so (although she resisted some of it). They argued for a bit until the elf promised that she wouldn't leave with the relic, and that she didn't intend to abandon Occtis either. Aranessa spoke in favor of Vaelus traveling with them eastward, having seen her might in combat, which contributed to the others allowing her to carry the Stone of Nightsong (which she grabbed carefully, using the fabric of her skirt). After that, Vaelus, Thaisha, Occtis, Sir Julien, and Aranessa left with the steeds Rohor brought them.
Relationships[]
Sylandri[]
Vaelus still mourns the Green Mother and follows her ways. She believes that some part of her remains, wondering if she still feels things, even in death,[16] and if through acts of life and death (such as a resurrection) a connection to the goddess can be found.[17]
Bolaire Lathalia[]
Bolaire met Vaelus prior to her arrival at Halandil Fang's house. He helped her get into the city of Dol-Makjar but he wasn't expecting her to come to Thjazi Fang's funeral.[18] In fact, his original plan was just for her to cause enough trouble for Thjazi that it would allow Bolaire to escape their deal.[19]
Thimble[]
When Thimble arrived at Halandil's house and paid her respect to Thjazi, she noticed Vaelus. Thimble immediatly accused the elf to have something to do with Thjazi's death, to which Vaelus calmly denied and explained she's only here for the Stone of Nightsong.[20] However, after some conversations between them the hatred and suspiciousness faded, and the two women started showing some cordiality, with the fairy even trusting Vaelus around her friends.
Occtis Tachonis[]
Vaelus is very interested in the abilities of the necromancer, and after he himself returned to life she became even more invested in his well-being, due to his new connection to the Stone of Nightsong.[21] They have bonded over their now mutual lack of sleep, since she trances and he has lost the ability to rest normally as a Hollow One.[22]
Character information[]
Fan art of Vaelus, by BlackSalander.[art 6]
Notable items[]
- Censer whip: censer with little blades on a long chain[23]
- Multiple aromatic elements burning inside, including palo santo[24]
- A ledger with "the gibbet", a list of people who owe money to the Crow Keepers, taken from Solomon's corpse and given to her by Gavrey[25]
Abilities[]
Unless otherwise noted, the following abilities are assumed from the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook[26]
Elf abilities[]
Feats[]
Proficiencies[]
Paladin abilities[]
- Lay on Hands (15 points)
- Spellcasting (charisma-based ability)
- Weapon Mastery
- Fighting Style
- Paladin's Smite
- Channel Divinity
- Divine Sense
- Sacred Oath: Oath of Vengeance[presumed]
Oath spells[]
Vaelus always has access to her Oath Spells.
Paladin spells[]
In addition to her Oath spells and as a 3rd-level paladin, Vaelus should know four leveled spells as well as Divine Smite as part of the Paladin's Smite feature.
| Spell level | Spell | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (cantrip) | Dancing Lights[presumed] | Elven Lineage |
| 1st | Command[28] | |
| 1st | Divine Smite[29] | Paladin's Smite |
| 1st | Faerie Fire[presumed] | Elven Lineage |
| 1st | Guiding Bolt[30] | Magic Initiate (Cleric)[presumed] |
| 1st | Hunter's Mark[31] | Oath Spells[presumed] |
| 1st | Shield of Faith[31] | Mentioned, but not cast |
Appearances and mentions[]
- Campaign Four
- "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) (first appearance)
- "Broken Wing" (4x02)
- "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03)
- "Stone-Faced" (4x04)
- "Branching Paths" (4x05)
- "Knives and Thorns" (4x06)
Quotations[]
- "There will be no unnecessary murder here today."[32]
Trivia[]
- As of October 2025, Vaelus is the oldest player character in Critical Role thus far being over 800 years old. The previous record holder was Chetney Pock O'Pea in Campaign Three: Bells Hells, at about 400 years old, followed by Lieve'tel Toluse in "The Search For Grog" (Sx42), at 350 years old.
- Vaelus' magic used to be green and growing, but now is as dark as midnight since the power she believes in is long dead.[33]
- Every night she revisits a memory of her playing with her siblings before a celebration to honor the Green Mother.[34]
- Aabria Iyengar has joked about how the reason of Vaelus staying with Occtis Tachonis is that she, like the other older woman he meets, knows that he needs a mother.[35]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 See "What's Your C4 Character's Vibe? 👀" at 0:12.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 2:50:28.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:07:37.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:11:19.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:28:12. Ashley used the spell "Hunter’s Mark", a spell only obtained for Paladins through the Oath of Vengeance subclass.
- ↑ See
Critical Recap: Critical Role C4E01 “The Fall of Thjazi Fang” on CritRole.com . Dani Carr confirms Vaelus is 800 years old.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 5:02:19. Brennan says Vaelus has been alive for more than 800 years.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:13:19.
- ↑ See "Knives and Thorns" (4x06) at 0:01:17.
- ↑ See "Overview of the Overture | Campaign 4 | Ep 1-4 Recap" at 16:20.
- ↑ See "Overview of the Overture | Campaign 4 | Ep 1-4 Recap" at 14:19.
- ↑ See "Overview of the Overture | Campaign 4 | Ep 1-4 Recap" at 15:07.
- ↑ See "Knives and Thorns" (4x06) at 0:03:04.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:16:33.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 1:23:45.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 1:38:10.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 4:59:47.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:19:42.
- ↑ See "Branching Paths" (4x05) at 1:36:14.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 0:56:55.
- ↑ See "Branching Paths" (4x05) at 0:44:23.
- ↑ See "Knives and Thorns" (4x06) at 0:06:39.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:23:23.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 4:17:55.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:51:03.
- ↑ See D&D: Player's Handbook (2024), 5th ed., p. 109 and 190.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 1:44:06.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 4:43:09.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:25:40.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:37:14.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:27:57.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 0:41:40.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:38:28.
- ↑ See "Knives and Thorns" (4x06) at 0:05:18.
- ↑
CR Cooldown C4 E003 at 2:40 (subscription required) (Transcript).
Art:
- ↑ Official art of Vaelus, cropped from a larger image, by Loren Hontanilla (source). 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.
- ↑ Official art of Vaelus, by Loren Hontanilla (source). 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 Thimble and Vaelus, by 6ix.ty4 (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Vaelus and Pin, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Vaelus fighting, by Lap Pun Cheung (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Vaelus, by BlackSalander (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Vaelus, by rabentanz (source). Used with permission.
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