Visions of Shadow & Stone | Critical Role | Campaign 4, Episode 16 Part 1

Why, hello there! I'm Brennan Lee Mulligan, and welcome to Campaign 4 of Critical Role. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we explore Aramon, a world of fractured kingdoms, tumultuous rebellion, and sorcery that rises from the graveyard of the gods. You're listening to Part 1 of this adventure, with Part 2 arriving this upcoming Tuesday. Our episodes typically arrive on the Critical Role podcast network a week after our initial Thursday night streams on Beacon, YouTube, and Twitch. But if you'd rather listen to a full podcast episode of Campaign 4 right when it airs, without any ads, consider becoming a Beacon member. You'll receive access to exclusive content, discounts at all our online Critical Role shops, pre-sales for live events, and so much more. Start your seven-day free trial today at Beacon.tv. Now, without further ado, let's begin this episode. of Critical Role. The King's Highway through the Kavrosi Mountains. You have been traveling through Timony back now into the mountains that house Dolmachiar, where our adventures began. And here in a small little hamlet clinging to the side of a cliff, your group carting in a carriage, the petrified body of Talcidimere Pride Sire, being secreted back, has been given a plan of action. Thimble, when you arrive closer to Dolmachiar, is to a light takeoff and land, getting Bolaire Lothalia's attention to find a secret way to get this body where it needs to go. The mountains around you, capped in ice and snow, look out from a cliffside tavern. This is a sort of lovely little shepherd's tavern selling hearty home-brewed ale. The edge of the tavern actually has those stilts. It goes over the cliff's edge and stilts back down as it sort of hangs off precariously. This tavern is called the Caller's Perch. And you sit and buy some refreshments as food and tack are acquired by your fellow adventurers for your mounts now that the long journey up the mountainside now you have an even longer journey heading back down. You're probably now within striking distance like end of tomorrow's journey will get you back to Dolmachiar. Seated at the table Tyranny Jasavi's knife the beautiful knife that Cadigan took rudely and abruptly from you after you rudely and abruptly stole it. I could not. That is rude and everyone is rude. Shimmering, silvery, reflective blade, the steel, polished and well cared for. Even the parts that are scratched seem to be scratched telling a story of the love that was used in its many years of faithful service. and the handle dyed pink with crushed rose petals. Bone taken from the shrine of one of the hounds. You see, there are still, you know, polished and made into a working handle. There's been some care and love put into this blade by a cat again. But even holding the bone in your hand, there's so many things at work here. Rose petals and the sweet smell of flowers. the nourishment of a gift given to a faithful hound loyalty and love looped back over and over and honed like a smith working at a blade you look into the sheen of the knife and you see a beautiful woman she is tall and fair, and you see her in something like a... Give me a perception check, actually, as you peer at the blade. Four. Well... Might as well. Holding the blade, you get a three, and the image fades abruptly. Oh, she's hot. She's really hot. She turns with a kind of relaxed, a blissful exhaustion that marks her as a parent. You see that she looks in the last moment as the vision kind of fades from you. You see her turn around, and for a second, as you sort of lose the vision in this moment, you hear her go, Esme, did you? and the voice is gone. Cadigan, you hear nothing of the sort but just see Tyranny, I think, staring into the steel of this knife across from you. Not that, right? I mean, I didn't know you had such an eye for design. I'm like three Yargaz shots deep right now and I don't know, my eyes are I think playing tricks on me um how did you find time to do this oh you know well you seem to go to bed a bit earlier than I do and you're right I do have an eye for design I saw you pink handle pink yeah yeah it's pink like and I'm pink yeah yeah you got it this isn't a romantic thing right what no okay it's not a romantic you know it's it's funny that you know you see really feel like i could use this knife and it's it's uh it's really beautiful and i love it is the only time anybody's ever given me anything really when i look at it i'm like wow you're such a bad person but I love me? no me when I see it because it reminds me of the bad stuff that I did but I love it and so it's like wow this is such a beautiful gift from a friend and I'm looking at it and I'm like wow you don't deserve anything that's is that I don't know I feel Are you asking me for some sort of advice? No, no, you already listened. I feel like the knife is a symbol of, like, you know, just remember to not be, not steal so much and hurt people's feelings on purpose. But, I don't know, it's just so beautiful. It's such a beautiful item that you made. And it's crazy that every time I look at it, it hurts my feelings about myself. But please don't regret. I love it. It's a great gift. Obviously, that wasn't my intention. No. But you're, uh, how do you say this? You're allowed to feel how you want to feel about it, I guess. And? Yeah, sure. I mean, look, I made it, but it's for you. It means whatever it needs to mean to you. But, um, for what it's worth, I haven't known you very long, but I haven't seen you do anything terrible, I don't think. Okay. I mean, a little nasty, a little weird from time to time. Eating and sniffing and finger eating and all the dirty stuff is not quite for me, but I get it. It's your whole deal. You can be whatever you want to be. I don't care. I will decide to have complicated feelings towards this night because it reminds me of my friend Kat again and also reminds me that I have a responsibility to not hurt people who are nice to me. Cadigan, what are you thinking in this moment? Women are tough. uh tyranny you hear cadigan say women are tough as loud and clear as a yeah yeah what i'm so tough oh was that was that out loud i'm a woman yeah i'm a woman yeah And I'm tough. You're a woman. And I'm tough. You're tough. Thank you so much. Are you tough, though? Oh, fuck. Where's Wick? I don't know. Where is Wick? Go ahead and give me a perception check, if you'd be so kind of had it. Okay, cool. Hey, you and me are equally in our cups, apparently. Perception. A nine. A nine. You look around. Much like they did way back in Tybris Lee, he and Teor are off trying to acquire some amenities somewhere. And I think Tyranny, sort of looking around and being adrift here, give me a perception check if you'd like, but you can also give me an insight check at the same time. Both great. Both great. 11. 11 perception, and then give me an insight check. Two. Two. On that insight check, Kagan, as you look for Wick, what are you thinking? Is he with Teor? He's with Teor, yeah. I probably haven't thought about Wick in a hot minute if he's with Teor. I think that's like putting a child with your most trusted character. So as you make the perception check, what are you actually kind of looking for? Oh, I mean, obviously immediate vicinity, first of all. Definitely not with us, but we have the previous knowledge that he's out about in town. Out and about in town. You look out, this is on the king's highway, but you're into the little hamlet off the road a bit. So all you're seeing are common shepherds and herders. Yeah, he's all right. He's with tail. be fine. They'll be back when they're back. What is it about being without him that makes you so nervous? I feel like he's going to make things so much worse for himself. I mean, I trust her. I think he's going to be fine, but he needs me. He needs me. I invented this new drink, by the way. You take a shot of Yargaz and you drop the whole glass in an ale, and then you have to drink it before the ale curdles. You want to try it? You definitely invented this. No one's ever done this before. I mean, I've invented it for myself. Boink, blank. On that 11 perception, as another shot goes down the hatch to me, you look down at the knife and see within it Teor's reflection right behind Cadigan. And you see Teor and Cadigan but in this reflection Cadigan is like much younger and you see Taylor picking up Cadigan in his arms injured and there's a moment of something they share badly injured but like a laugh or a joke something along those lines and it's again you're looking at it like as you're holding the knife in your hand like you know when you can cast like a little bit of sunlight and kind of direct it with a knife But it's so hard to have the dexterity to catch it perfectly, to send it where you want to send it. That moment of Teor holding Cadigan, as clear as day, like your own reflection in the knife's blade, you lose it again. I've got to be subtle about this. Okay. Cat, Cadigan, are you and Teor are boyfriends? What? I don't know. I just had this thought about you guys holding each other. I don't think about you holding each other but I think about do you guys have some kind of history? Yeah Are you asking if we're lovers? Or we've been lovers in the past? No I don't think I am I don't believe you What else does boyfriends mean to you? I don't know Boyfriends, girlfriends You're just friends that are boys and girls You can't just be anything I guess you tell me what you guys were to each other You guys, clearly, like, there was some, there's something. Because Wicked Knight came in and there was already a dynamic at play. And I'm just trying to get, we're going to be working together. I'm trying to get a sense of. We are, we are battle buddies. Is that what you call it? Come on. Oh, you have to stuff on everyone. Give me a perception check with advantage. Battle buddies. six oh wait what did it say every band perception what so it was actually a four not a six because it was a minus one so I am listen you are drunk as can be so all you see is you look and the blade is starting to sort of honestly fuck up a little bit it's like you're getting weird scrambles of like things Cadigan is not saying out loud you're really altered You look in the blade and you see Cadigan and Teor embracing each other very sensually. You don't think this is the... You think you're kind of inventing this in your mind's eye. I'm watching TV. You're watching TV. But you do see... Sorry, I've got to watch my show. You do see that Teor, in this vision, you're hugging the knife, looks and goes, Cadigan. And you see that Cadigan looks and goes, Marianna. do you see it hey look at this you remember the knife that you got me do you see anything in here is there anything that's happening yeah yeah i'll go a little bit of glue when i put the tang it's no you're not like seeing visions in the knife you're not seeing a beautiful stage plays. I'm not quite that fucked up. Marian? Oh, I said Marianna. Marianna? Marianna? Does that mean anything to you? What do you say? Well, before I say why I know that name, you tell me, because I think that you're not seeing what I'm seeing from this knife. where did you hear that name just now um is it okay you i hope that you believe me it's this is a crazy thing to say but you gave me this knife and i can like see stuff in it it's i like i saw the what i think is the woman who um was married to the guy that i stole this from sorry to him um And then I saw him looking for the knife, and then I saw you and Tara hugging, and then I heard the name Mariana. Cadigan goes to grab the knife, but he doesn't take it. You good? Yeah. Is this thing on? Cadigan. Do I see anything in this knife? Cadigan you do see something in the knife I do okay gave me a perception check and we're going to roll with we're going to roll here and I want you to roll two dice but we're going to take the one farthest from ten so it will either be very good or very bad okay the farthest from ten seven and twelve Seven will be the furthest from ten. You look at the knife and you do see something. A very haggard, drunken man staring back at you. Do I recognize his man? It's you. You? And you see a little bitch. Oh, fuck. That's really savage. You got me. Oh, fuck. You stare into the knife. Whatever magic is of tyranny does not avail itself to you. Whatever speaks to her does not speak to you. And the things which used to speak to you are gone. It's just a knife. if I if I hurt you in some way by saying that I'm trying really hard to not to sometimes things are just happening with me I'm just trying to understand for a minute I'm just trying to understand you said you saw a woman in the knife well yeah I saw a woman but what does she look like she's tall beautiful um and I think that she seemed a little a little tired. I think she was a mom. I think it might have been the mom. Was that Mariana? Or, because Tara was the one saying Mariana. Could you just, um, not say that name for a moment? Sure, I'll say, um... No, you don't have to make up a name. Did she have, um... Did she have freckles? Yeah. So many. and uh uh uh cadigan just starts to sort of devolve in and and uh shut down for lack of a better word i don't know what to do with this information thankfully you've gotten yourself to a level of inebriation where escape is closer by mouth than by foot. And Tyranny, as you look at Cadogan, who you, daughter of the Prince of Suffering, cannot seem but help to hurt those close to you, the last thing we see here in this moment is you feel a sudden nuzzle of a wolf by your side as Wolfric noses at the knife. And that's all for this moment, as we'll continue this adventure on another episode of Critical Role. Finally. Finally, Ike. Finally, I learned something about Shrek. Finally! Yeah! Hello, friends, and welcome to the Critical Role announcement playhouse. We did it. We're very excited to announce our collaboration with Steady Hands. Steady Hands. Steady Hands is known for their wearable fandom design. I'm a huge fan of their stuff already, and so I'm so excited we've partnered with them to create a very special Mighty Nein tribute collection. Each item in the collection references a different party member. including subtle pieces like the frumpkin and flame patterned Caleb one or or a much more direct reference like the cardigan version of Molly's coat look at this there's so many there's so many adjuster gets two because she's special the collection is now available at steady-hands.com Boom! Very cozy. They're so comfy. They're so comfy. Super comfy. Is that a cat? And that's really, really cute. Oh, it's a tutorial. Oh, you're a tutorial. All right. We also just announced Darrington Press' new game, A Familiar Find. It will be available April 7th on the Darrington Press website and critical role shops and at Darrington Press Guild stores. Guys, this is really fucking cute. A Familiar Find is a lighthearted card game where you play as an animal companion, racing across all corners of Exandria to gather magical ingredients. But you're not alone. There are rival familiars looking nearby, attempting to set traps and sabotage your plans at every turn. And packed inside this travel-sized game box are poker-sized cards for easy gameplay on the go, 13 location cards with various effects on the game, and 10 familiar character boards, each with their own unique abilities, including one from the first three campaigns of Critical Role, Trinket, Mister, and Pate. So a familiar find was designed by Ian Zhang, and with art by John Ramsey and Svetlana Kucherevenko. Woo! And if you grab your copy from your local Dairy and Compress Guild store, you'll have a chance to receive unique location promo cards with your purchase. Woo! For info, head over to DairyandImpress.com slash afamiliarfine. Woo! It's really cute. That was fun. Yay! Ashley, you've got something to talk about, too. Hello! All right, so CRF's 10-year anniversary auction was bonkers and more than any of us could have imagined. So thank you so much for all your support. And we hope that all who want are enjoying your Critical Role relics and treasures. With that said, it is a new year, and we are hitting the ground running. So this month, the Critical Role Foundation is highlighting one of our long-term charity partners, First Nations Development Institute. So this means that all donations and CRF merch purchases made in the month of February will be set aside for this organization. With a mission to uplift economies and lifeways of Native communities, the money raised goes to programs that focus on agriculture and food system investments, stewardship of Native lands, and advocacy for Native economic justice. And you have until February 28th. So if you are able to donate or would like to learn more about the First Nations Development Institute, or if you just want to learn more about CRF in general, head on over to critrule.com slash foundation. Yay! Thank you so much, Ashley. I forgot to show this one off, too. This is a Yatcha hoodie. Show the back. And then we got we got a skeleton wing and a furry wing. Or feather wing, not furry. Whatever. That's fine, we got there. Travis, you're up, buddy. Oh, yes, we have something very exciting to show you. It is something some friends of ours have been working really hard on it. Now it is finally here. So please, take a look. Oh. Draw Your Weapons, the tabletop role-playing show where the players literally draw their weapons, among other things. The players will all be recording the moments of the game sessions through hand-drawn depictions of the action and role-play. Let's meet the team that will be making up our adventuring party. The Sean Clayton's shot. Sean Glaze Heather Moller Jason Charles Milgram And the game master of draw your weapons Josh Knapp Without a word just scowls and slaps you across the face I slap her across the face Our special guest this episode is What do you think he has in store for our party, Blaine? We're about to find out Holy shit Critical hit. Let's go. I can't wait to see you spills first blood. Amazing. I can't wait for you guys to check it out. Draw Your Weapons is a new actual play with our friends at Tip Mouse, and it is coming to Beacon. Episodes premiere at 7 p.m. Pacific Standard Time starting February 25th, only on Beacon. Don't miss it. Woo! Woo-hoo! All right. And with that, I think it's time for us to jump back into Aramon. Thank you. The End to tonight's episode of Critical Role. Last we left off, our adventurers had made their way to Castle Torch, borne aloft over the skies of Helva by the eagle Altradler in a sky carriage taken from the druids of the Shongart, your allies in that elder of the Circle of Seasons, Amida, as well as the druids of the Circle of Stone, the Circle of the Hunt, accompanied through a massive fight across the sky between spirits of the dead and the weather itself, lightning called down by Hanon, elven druid, in the form of a mighty hawk. Flying through the night, you arrived outside of Castle Torch in Gerwyn, the far east of Helvar, quite close to the beginning of the Barrow Hotel, a land cursed by the destruction of a god. Castle Torch, you discovered many former paramours of one Julian Devinos. You discovered... Business companions. If I hear you call me a business companion one more time. If you do it in the accent, I'm kind of fine with it. Tell me that now. And you spoke to Captain Luca Phaedron, who discovered there in the room with you at the top of this palisade castle, you discovered that the Barrow Guard, including young Alagar, had been sent out with head ranger Bjerza Cagricovilac into the Eternal Night, given a missive by Petra and Raya to Conus that was told to Dame Gaiasarami was a missive from the Revolutionary Council. So, a little bit of confusion and muddling between the authority of the Sundered Houses and that of the Barrow Guard and its proper authority in the Revolutionary Council atop the Grey Tower in Dolmachiar. Dame Gaia seemed dishonored and ashamed did not tell her commanding officer where the command had actually come from and was relieved of her position and placed under the command of Octus Taconus you also parted ways here with the Lady Aranessa Royce who bid you all fond farewell as she headed north with the half-orc knight, Sir Tonveld Kosingblad, who journeyed north with her to find what fate had befallen the Golden Orchard, the scene of House Royce. We also had, I think, a lovely point of connection in the night between Impaellus and Octus flying aloft over the skies and beautiful parting words between Aranessa and Tysha. her sister, still, who knows that you now go seek her nephew, your son, Alagar Fang, out there somewhere in the wastes. What? Trini. Also an accomplished drinker, which you also didn't know hearing about. Mother should be proud of them. Great deeds. Your horses spur now forward from Castle Torch towards the Shadowlight Waypoint, an area that is held by the Circle of Ancients, by Tysha's order of Druids. We return now to Helvar and the world of Ahriman as your horses speed in the direction of a cursed land in which you must not travel yet well. As you approach the Shadowlight Waypoint on horseback, you see that thin band of nighttime sky that hugs the horizon. It stays thin for quite a while until suddenly you can feel sort of the road bending. there's a moment where you enter into a sunset. Sunset comes sort of fast. Rather than the sun moving suddenly into the western sky, you actually see that the sun begins to sort of fade or peel north. It moves as you are traveling each step of the horse. the sun almost in that way where at the very end of the day the sun seems to move so rapidly that you can almost watch it moving with the naked eye where there's enough humidity that looking directly at the sun no longer hurts your eyes traveling on horseback the sun moves almost as swift as if you were tracing your finger and the movement of an arm towards the north and you hear the busy noise of a campsite up ahead the sun moves almost to the part of the horizon it would be if you were in the far arctic or subarctic reaches of a planet that in other words it hugs a hemisphere as though the equator has moved farther away from where you are you look out see torchlight uh here sort of loud, gregarious voices work. There are some wagons being packed. You look and see a druidic encampment. This place is filled with canvas tents, but also you see that there are less supplies than you would imagine for an encampment of some 200 strong. There is a massive banquet table piled high with kahadi fruit and produce. There's just open food resting out in the center of the campsite. There are a large number of wild animals here. Some can be considered perhaps wild-shaped druids. Others seem to be companions. And you see a number of orcish paladins. You would recognize these Taisha and probably Julian as well from serving in combat as members of the Order of Roses. You see that towards the front of the camp, directing one of the wagons, is a tall, broad-shouldered, handsome, orcish paladin. He has a few sort of levels of scruff or facial, like a very thick mustache, little bit of a goatee that's grown in, and then like a five o'clock shadow where he would normally shave, shaggy black hair, pointed green ears. He is wearing a set of full plate mail that is constructed partially of Dolmachiar steel, but also partially of wood. You see that the plates that are set into it cover sort of the central areas of the wood, but around the edge of the plates, you see that there is painted wood where they're set in. So it's sort of this armor, it looks incredibly light on his body as he's wearing it. And where the wood touches his skin, you see that moss grows into his body. And there are small snow blossoms that run throughout the joints It looks like he is truly wearing a shirt and breeches of moss under the armor with a... Does anyone have flower pants? I'm going to fix this. I have flower pants! You also see that he has his halberd as a thick wooden haft that you can see is green with life, living wood that grows into the head of a halberd. Only the very outer cutting edge and the top spikes are made of steel. The rest of the weapon seems to be made of living wood. And behind you see he's got a big flower tucked behind his ear, as many of the paladins here seem to be decorated or adorned with flowers. And you see that unlike one that is being kept or suddenly wilting, the flower actually extends past his ear twined through his hair with roots growing into the moss that is set into the breastplate of his wooden and steel armor you look over as you approach you see he's directing some of his order towards a set of wagons you see there are these enormous ridge horned water buffalo that are pulling these large sort of caravan carriages. He turns around to see your approach, and you recognize this as Sir Obzaz Klaw. He turns around to behold you approaching, looks over and says, Sir Divinos, do we have some word from Castle Torch? Sir Klaw, we have some word. Um, there is many strange things shifting in the wind as of these recent days, but, uh, we would ask for the time being for at least a moment's respite, as me and my companions here are to continue heading east into shadow. Uh, you see that as you approach, he looks and beholds Tysha. Tysha, you clearly have met Obzaz before. Do you think you, how well would you know someone, like, running the Shadowlight waypoint? I honestly think that she probably has a pretty casual relationship, so it's almost familial, but for the sake of whatever good vibes I have with Sir Julian right now, you can see she's holding back the urge to little cousin. Full paladin heart at work, because she's like, Don't, Auntie, not right now. Hi. You see that he holds a fist to his chest and says, My lady, Tasha. I send a little message. How are you? How is your mom? She's doing okay. She's better now. Great. You see that he turns. I need to shave. What's that? I need to shave. Why? Have you touched your face lately? Your rose is about to get shredded by whatever this is. He looks at this. Yeah. Welcome, welcome. He looks and says, Welcome to the Shadowlight Waypoint. I am Sir Obzaz Klaw. This is... You've come at a time we're probably about another day or two away from heading out to Venatus. Didn't you just come back? Just got back? I will let Sir Julien explain. Well, as much as is needed at the moment, my first question is, have you heard anything from Kagra Kowalak? and their troop that I believe was sent out towards Vanathis not too long ago? Yes. They came through, about 180 strong, heading towards Tanisar. Has there been any sight or word from them since? You see, he says... shrugs and says, it was supposed to be a short-range mission, but we've had no word back. Very well. We are to... Something that large, they weren't going to move fast. I assume that there was a large number of them, far more than a scouting party. Indeed. The pretense of their troubles might have been, dishonest. And so we are to seek on behalf of Castle Torch the Druidic orders and other perspectives to see that they are hopefully safe and returned for both political and personal reasons. So, for that I graciously would ask for a bit of rest within your encampment perhaps any surprise we may additionally require for this venture any suggestions or recommendations for what to look out for beyond the casual trainings understanding of the path to Vanandas he looks to you and says perhaps it would be best for you to speak with Masha he sort of walks into the camp and says By all means, supplies are yours if you wish for them. We're guarding this. We're quite busy. I don't know that we can spare any manpower to come assist you. We are accompanying a caravan of the Candescent Creed to Venatus. There is a shipment of filament moving to a number of gardens. I think we need more individuals because of the essence. and I think we travel fair speed, swiftly as we are. You walk over. Anyone that wants to, if anyone's making any checks as you survey the camp, see what's going on, go ahead and give me perception or insight. Anyone for perception? You see that Masha, who you know well, elder, orcish woman, she is a member of the Circle of Ancients, is speaking to Hanan. Over in the corner. Seven. Seven. You don't see shit. Yeah. You don't see shit. You also look over and see that there is a young halfling woman with spectacles who is wearing a kind of scholar's gown, a buttoned up sort of vest with puffy shoulders, who is surveying a number of artifacts. They're getting loaded onto a wagon of the Order of Roses. you can look at her, you see her looking around and saying, this audience can be packaged more carefully. The translation of the term indicates that to the degree that the stars are present in the sky, starlight can sometimes also mean the ability to reflect starlight in the translation. You see that someone goes over, uh, Obsess sort of rests a, you know, chin on his hand and looks over um new prophecy, so uh, from who? well this, uh, you see he says, Doctor, would you like to come meet a member of the Circle of Ancients you see that this young halfling woman comes over uh, and goes Oh, pleasure to meet you. I am Dr. Amory Tolter of the Totality. Hi, Taisaloy. Hello. Thank you so much. Thank you for your orders, aid and help. Are you the additional support that we requested? I'm not. Oh. But I was just curious about new prophecy. Yes. Well, hardly new. Ancient, actually. But new in that it is untested. Deep breath. Sorry. It may prove to be the winning... She goes, you see, she opens her book, she says, it was discovered in an expedition from the Totality to Ferret, actually in an area that had been largely reclaimed by the Barrowdale there, but we had a venture in, found the text. The translation, obviously it's an ancient text, but the language has changed somewhat, but we believe the translation is, when the sword of sparrows is raised by the Son of Mercy then shall the reign of the bloody king be ended and the sun return okay Abzaz looks at you and says the sun will return uh thank you Dr. Talter I'm taking him to speak to Masha but I appreciate your and he walks off with you and just looks and says It's a 600-year-old prophecy. Great. Hi. Look, it's not like any of my people, our people, have figured out a better way to run at this, so good luck. The totality is helping. So Yeah We'll try it Um He just looks over at you And speaks a little bit of broken druidic Where he just goes like This is the eighth prophecy they have brought From this expedition I At least this one mentions the sun Definitely laugh and try to shrug it off. We're going to have to find something new. I just don't know how to explain to an order that is trying so desperately to remember its roots before the Shapers. I don't think the past is going to save us. You just pick a little bit of moss and make the flowers perk up a little more. He smiles. Thank you. And turns and says, Travelers, what hospitality might I offer to either of you here at our waypoint? This is a place of expedition and peril, but what generosity we have, we are more than glad to offer. Oh, I don't need anything. I appreciate that. I'm fine. Additional torches, please. We need light at all possibilities. He knows what we need. He says, all right, torches. He says, where are you heading? You're heading into the night just the four of you. Yes. And you see he looks over at Gaia behind you, the night of Sarah Miley's travels. He says, well, five. She has not spoken. She just stays at the ready. He says, all right, torches, provisions, everything we can. Are you headed into Venatus? If you wait another day or two, you can travel with us. No, we need to follow the 180 as soon as possible. They, to my knowledge, were not headed to Venatas. Yeah. We're going where they went. That is dangerous. We live in dangerous times. Torches. Yeah. Torches. He looks at you, Taisha, and just sort of goes, with three humans in your company, torches will be necessary for the more dangerous parts of your journey. To the degree, especially when you are under the open sky, that you are able to travel by starlight, I recommend that you do that. Do you have lantern oil? Yes. He says, write me your list of the spots that you wish for, Sir Julian. We'll see you outfitted. He just looks at you, okay, and then druidic, just goes like, bad time for lit torches. And brings you to an older orcish woman you see that Masha sits on a stump sort of smiling and nodding at Hanon who is speaking to her here in this place see Masha's got this crown of beautiful like flower braided hair that's like some braids in an otherwise overwhelming mass of beautiful curly hair that comes down she has some crow's feet around her eyes but also many signs of use, as druids sometimes do, of just living in peace with the natural world. She sits there, big green flowing gown, and you see that she has a... Think of it as some sort of druidic focus for a second because of how she's holding it, which is a turtle shell, until the shell opens up and an actual box turtle looks out for a moment and then closes again. and she looks up and goes, I understand. It is well said. She turns out and says, Tasha, good to see you again. I rush up to embrace her, but also can I make an insight check just to see if Masha... I don't trust that turtle. Fuck that nerd. I just want to check to see if Hanan went full snitch mode and Masha's eyes move naturally towards Octus. Give me full snitch. Same, 21. Or sorry, 19. 19. Her eyes dart to Octus. Yeah. And I just give Hannah a dirty look while I'm going up to hug her. She gives you a big hug. It's good to see you. How fair did you... You were hurrying back. Young man, we didn't get a chance to say much of a greeting the last time you came through here, but... No, no, we didn't. Hello. How are you feeling? Fine. I'm okay. I give you just the little look. That's the, like, eye contact with Hanan, and then back. I... It's new, but I'm alright. You're venturing to Tannisar? Yes. My son is there. I did not have time to see the young lad, but I know that you were venturing after a treasure for his uncle, yes? Yes. Oh, that was returned to Dormachiar. The orders that sent him and the other near 200 that he was with were given under false pretenses. We need to go make sure that they're safe. Very well Uh Obsess If you would help Sir Davinos Gather his belongings Tysha I'd love to speak with you On some matters that concern Of course Our order Um She sort of stands Uh I would like to introduce you to An associate of mine Valus Hello. Nice to meet you. It is a pleasure to meet you, Phyllis. You have been to the Eternal Night before or no? Yes, I have. This is not my first time. Well, we welcome you. And if there is any service I can provide for you in your time here. Please do let me know. Thank you. That is very appreciated. Um, she turns. You see, I think, Phyllis, Hannon's eyes don't leave you in this moment. But that... His eyes are so rancid. Yes, sir. Hannon's eyes don't leave you in this moment. I think you see that there is a have you been an insight check actually I'm just not even going to think about it I'm just going to roll one okay that's not bad that's all it takes I guess 18 18 just roll higher actually you can't let the dice know you want it real bad yeah I don't care I don't even care roll whatever you want roll a little bit I think you see that Masha, the older druid of Taisha's order, is offering a lot of kindness and generosity in this moment. I don't know how much interaction you've had with druids of her order, if at all, But I think that there's a kindness that people extend when they anticipate that they maybe won't receive it in return. And I think you sense some of that. It's not a coldness. It's just a... Druids of her path don't have... Nothing that you believe impacts them, you know what I'm saying? It's just about the fact that she is wondering if you feel the same way, right? Yeah, I think I haven't spent much personal time with druids of this or the Batman nothing I mean listen but I think I'm definitely putting off the same sort of vibes that probably she is but I'm also it's the fact that she is being nice and and and um trying it it registers and it means something it surprises me a little bit she stands up to go speak with Tysha all of a sudden looks at you, Julian, and says let's get you out for this I don't know, I made a list and leaving Hanon here with Octoth and Valus as he stands up you see he's got this like violent shock of red hair out from under that like beaked helm and his skin moves from like a light blue around the center of his features and everywhere it gets close to like a hairline. It goes darker blue into like violet as it approaches the red hair. He just looks and... glowers here for a moment. Let's glow her back. how are you looking me yeah just is office comfortable uncomfortable he's probably he's standing here watching you go two of you and being here with his probably a little a little uncomfortable but it's just kind of starting to accept that that's where he lives now as far as being this thing so he's just kind of like what kind of just shifting back and forth between the two of you watching you glower at each other I think I look back one more time, and I'm going to summon Hala and leave Hala by your side. Can't give you, like, a little, like, in case of emergency whistle, so have an entire dear. So how long have you and Tysha known each other? You see, he looks and says... By reputation I had heard Of the young druid Of the Loy family Yes I met her there In the Shown Garden Same night I met you Oh, you didn't know each other No these lines. Okay. What are you walking in this world seeking? I don't think I know you well enough to tell you that. You wear a veil of mourning, funeral garb. Strange to see one of the sisters of the Shaper doing anything other than weeping for a world good and truly gone. We do a lot more than just weeping. And I think you know that. Your coming to this place is a presage of ill omen. Why? Where you walk A viper sits coiled to strike To return us to a world of darkness I need not know you to know what is in your heart You have garbed yourself in it In the things you hold to be true You've let the world know that this, all of this, is a terrible mistake. Because it is. It's a terrible mistake. And we can see it. He looks at the strange and permanent night sitting like a thick fog unmoving on the world in defiance of the celestial heights. You feel a coldness here in this place that can only get so much sun on the border of this place. You see the trees have changed to almost strange, unnatural colors. Things that should have bright green leaves instead have warped or twisted into having almost like a blood-red underside to them as eternal and profane night hangs here forever. The world is wounded. It is wounded because it was struck. It was struck because it dared to be free. you look at the injuries of those who were wronged and call it proof that those who harmed them were right. Disgusting. That's not what I said. It is, is it not? No. I think it was a mistake. But I don't blame you for it. I don't think what happened to you should have happened to you, but a choice was made. He stands. She has not moved from your side very often, has she? well difficult when you're traveling with someone he turns and walks off into the dark do you want to do you want to make a tower human with me I need a few more during something before we have that conversation I don't know if we bonded that much Masha walks with you Taisha and just says says you wish to walk into the eternal night accompanied by a sister of slandry and the young Takanis who is being sought by his family yes Octus is a friend of mine and is willing to help me find and protect my child. And there is no safer place for him, I think, right now, than at my side. He is not only sought by his family. And there's just a little glance back in Velas' direction. I assume Hannon told you. I don't know what he is. The circle of ancients cares most of all for the healing of this world. That is what we are here to do. that is why we are rallying our forces to march to Venatus once again to hold aloft what we believe might be the sword of sparrows but Tasha I will not meet this moment of fear with more fear whatever threat is posed by the dead walking Aramon the young man in your company does not seek to claw and fang at all living flesh he does not march with the hateful spirit of a shade or wraith but he is a dead thing his time has come he is a dead thing but if his time has come why is he still here why is he himself still these are worthy questions I will not stop a sister of my order from what she believes to be right but I hope You have answers. Do you? This has happened within the space of a week. After losing a man who is, for all intents and purposes, he was a brother to me. it would be irresponsible of me to not own that I made whatever choice I made in the place between places out of emotion. But if we trust anything, we have to trust our instincts. And it felt wrong. What choice did you make in the place between places? Masha, I saw a young boy torn apart. And I told him to get off of the path and go back. Somehow he managed Somehow he managed to do so Had you shepherded him Fully down the path That his soul might come back to know new life in this world. Is it possible that we might be safer from the machinations of the Tukonus than we are right now? Whatever felt wrong in him continuing down the path was not just the loss of a friend or someone who is still so new to this world that his passing seemed an injustice. The manner of his death was strange. It was a part of a plot from his family. And I have to believe that some part of me that cried out to him to go back was to sabotage a plot that I still don't understand. I think the world is safer because he is here. And Primus Taconus is farther from whatever goal he holds. We do not know the goal that he holds. But in Tanisar, the dead have been walking more than usual. The Taconus have been active there. You may be walking into a trap, but you may also be walking with one of the only ones who can provide answers. If the Takanis were busy with their magic doings there, perhaps he will see what we cannot. I see wisdom in doing what you must do, especially while it is safe. With a hundred and eighty barrel guard there, it will be held and be safe when you arrive. Tanisar. But, Tysha, the wheels have begun spinning in what you have done. Could you stand before our circle and say that it should be willed that those called to the beyond when the time was unjust must all be reversed? I would never say that. But you said it for him. There was something different about that moment. I cannot explain it. Death and life and rebirth, the cycle that we protect and uphold and shepherd, it is still sacrosanct to me, but this was something different. And if only because I know I have stepped to the very edge of our path, I still walk it. I still walk it, but this world is changing. we keep looking back to the past for sparrow swords and nightingale stones to save us. New choices, maybe new answers. I will stand in front of any and all who would ask my truth and my belief of me and defend what I did, but it does not change what I believe in my core. Walk the path. You will not have to defend yourself, Tysha. But you will have to explain. And if in wise counsel it comes to pass that your vision of the world cannot reckon with what we hold to be true then you must do what is honorable and right. And if that means you leave us, then you must leave. I do not ask you to wish harm upon one you love and I do not know the circumstances which prompted you to make your choice nor will I say that had I been there I would have had some character some purpose to make a different choice But what I know is that while you wear the garb of our order, you will be called sooner rather than later to explain to someone why it is right for them to accept what you would not. I understand. she gives you a big hug and an embrace and says I wish you the best take care on the road Julian walking with an opposite with a very logistical thing to do he looks out and says what do you require I think for the purposes of this We need four oil canisters, approximately 50 feet of chain if you can spell it, some grappling hooks, at least three lanterns, let's say six torches, just to be ready. I don't know what the way it says, but a place of shadow. It's good to have access to a bit of fire here. Certainly. It's like wrapping some of the chain around his arms so he can get the length in his eyes or just kind of staring off in the distance, kind of lost in thought. He begins to prepare you guys. You see he also gets some extra thick wool blankets on some of your horses and starts to add some stuff. He says, yes, I would get up. It's freezing in the night. Good to know. and looking out he just sort of says if you don't mind my asking it's quite a are you traveling under the authority of the council or under the circle of ancients we're traveling under the authority of revenge. I just go back to continuing to wind my chain. He sort of smiles and says, Fearsome indeed. They are a monthly crew, but they are still useful. He says, he also looks and says, I appreciate the use of the term, sir, when addressing me, but it's also not necessary. You're a knight, true, of House Divinos. Of course, but what is it between knights if not pomp and circumstance? I keep moving oil canisters. Virtue, dedication, honor, commitment, joy, faith, belief in some intrinsic soul that every one of us that has a soul has a small drop of a larger ocean that will one day have the honor of returning to the whole. Good for you. here's the thing virtues hold well until you lose what keeps you virtuous right now you have no idea what I've lost and to be perfectly honest I still don't know all that I've lost but I've lost a lot so I have no interest in your virtue in your roses I appreciate the cantor and I appreciate the assistance but I'm going to ride into the darkness and that's happening we lose everything at the end we lose it all it's an honor to have ever had it's only ever a time you see that he picks a flower off the sort of nape of his neck growing from the moss and hands it to you. Thanks. You're welcome. And he has the instinct, like, as he kind of turns away to, like, that moment where his body almost goes to the motions of throwing it on the side when he's not watching, but he kind of, like, catches himself. And just kind of tucks it in, too. Part of his armor continues packing. You guys finish with that day. I think Tush, you rejoin your companions here. I think at this point, Hala's just constantly head-butting and nuzzling. Stop. Stop. She doesn't stop. You guys get a small couple of tents and a small fire here. You can also rest. Panasar is close enough, but you'll have to rest in the Eternal Night at least once before making it there. But you guys have your gear and everything like that. Is there anything you guys do before the next day, before heading out? So, um... We're going into the night after your son. Yes. Thank you again for coming. That wasn't what I was going for. I just... I'm allowed to thank you. Yeah. Have you, Julian, have you been there before? I've been on the outskirts as part of the training at Castle Torch, but my main purpose at this point is to oversee soldiers to keep the borders safe. To not myself have extensive experience with Indicator directly. Okay. You're going to get it. Yes, we all are. We've been. And you have? Yes. Mostly. Before it was like this. Oh, so you haven't been. You've just been in this part of the world. I've been through... I've been through it. But there's still lots I haven't seen. But I have seen it like this. It's not my favorite place I've ever been. It's a fair assessment. The scars left. By this sheeper. It feels like a parting shot. One last little act of violence. feels like they all did that. Does that feel fair to you? In your last moment, do you think you will curse this world? Maybe. It doesn't feel fair. As someone with experience, I wasn't really thinking about the world. What had happened. A little more thinking about the immediate situation. Um. But yeah. It's, uh... When you die. Not that I've unraveled everything yet. But. you just kind of get you have a snapshot of the last thing that happened and then there was a confusing middle bit I haven't fully figured out yet and I think it's only a middle bit because I woke up again but the actual leaving of this world is abrupt and sudden you're gone Did you see anybody else when you were there? Were there others? I don't know what was actually real in that other part, the place I was. Or what I was seeing was a construct of my mind dealing with the transference between life and death. What's the difference? Well What's the difference between actually something that's tangible and real versus a hallucination? I think people's thoughts are as real to them as the things that they touch and experience Were you scared? Yes, I watched my brother open my whole chest open and take my heart out While five ghouls held me down Are you still scared? difficult feeling doesn't feel the same no it's interesting when I was younger than you it was my first time seeing war and in that time I watched many soldiers some as young as me many decades my senior carved and bleed in the battlefield. Years of training, honor, bravery. And almost consistently in those moments, you always see fear in their eyes before they go. I don't know if it was that way before the gods were dead. Because who knows what awaits on the other side if they aren't embraced by the great druidic path. But if you... have come from death... you're not afraid anymore? They may be ready to keep going this path here. I will offer a caveat that it might be that I'm not scared anymore... because I'm incapable of feeling the feeling. That is also helpful. Hold on to that. I don't know how things... work anymore. nothing works by instinct anymore. I have to consciously activate things. So I haven't figured everything out yet. We'll see. I have all the time in the world to experiment. You do. I still don't understand how... how you were able to stop him from where he was going. I don't think I stopped him. I don't know if that was real or not. Well, it's very strange that you and I would experience something close enough to the same thing and not call it real. Look, I've just been like, I... Was me seeing you while I was crossing over a hallucination, but now that I know that you were... Also dying? Dying at the same time, that makes it seem like there is a place where there is an actual path, which is a whole... thing I knew as a concept, but like actually seeing it, you know. That's quite funny. Not to think about. Your family's dedicated to the passage. Well, they were. They still are. They just like controlling. I think they just like... leads. But one end. I don't really care about the journey anymore. But to answer, Valis, I don't think I did anything but speak to him and tell him to choose something else. The choice was yours. I... A quick hypothesis. You reminded me that I had a choice in the matter and broke me out of the predetermined pathway that my spirit was taking to a place it was supposed to go or was being forced to go. And you allowed me a moment to consider other alternatives. The choice was good. Well, that's the whole point of my path. If we could force people down, we wouldn't have a problem in Venatus and other places with the undead, people who have believed their entire lives, that they are still owed an afterlife from shapers that no longer exist. And their souls, clinging to that belief, even past the point of the existence of their minds, send themselves to where there is no door and then they come back here hungry and howling. There's always a choice. So we're going somewhere nice. Yeah. So I'm assuming, yes. Yeah. There's talk of prophecy earlier today. Right. God, what is a sparrow sword? Well, I'm so tired of birds. Shit. I've got a bird metaphor going on in our lives. Golly. As a druid? Me saying I'm kind of tired of birds is crazy. Yeah. Is the... In that prophecy, is the... The king that we're talking about, the falling, the person falling. Was that the... I think it's a shaper. Yeah, I think it was your shaper. Probably. Or tonsil. I don't mind this bullshit. I just, I mean, it is... You make a thousand prophecies, a few of them are bound to be close to what happens, and they only remember the ones that are close. I don't disagree with you. The rest should become mythological. But we do live in a world where, like, people can write things on paper and it's magic. So... Anyone who wants to, you can give me an arcana or a history check. Whee! I got excited but I'm not playing I don't know why oh my god this is so much that was great what's going to be natural one natural one oh no natural one as well I gotta splinter my finger yeah 24 27 let's go 27 um forgot I minored in nerd yeah Otis as you begin to dig into what this could potentially be on a 27 uh arcana by the way, what would that have been on a history check? On a history check, it would have been a 20, what did I say, 27? It would have been a 25. 25, catch it. How is Octus feeling about this prophecy that he heard right now? On a certain level, the idea that a sword itself could dispel this darkness seems a little bit far-fetched, but then again, there is very powerful magic in the world And if there, the sword may not be a sword, but a key to reintroducing or bringing the life back to the land, using a sword as a metaphor for, you know, fighting back the darkness. Mm-hmm. On a 27 Arcana, you think, like, okay, like, wait a minute. Is there something here? Hearing 600 years ago, I think that you, it would depend, like, you would need to see the text that the prophecy was written in to really understand it. Yeah, just all hypothetical with what I overheard. But if the prophecy is speaking about the Shaper of the Orcs, that would not be referring to this specific place geographically. This was the Shaper of the Elves here, correct? As you are hearing about the Shaper, so this was the old Obra Demian Empire. These were human lands. This was human lands. Okay, sorry. And I think on the 27 Arcana, as you recognize that the Doctor from the Toshari, the Halfling Doctor, had gotten it from Farad, which is the old Gnomish homeland, far to the northwest, and you suddenly think 600 years ago. And on the 27 Arcana, you go, what was going on 600 years ago? And you do remember reading an ancient history pre-Shaper's War of a King Kassarvus who had a 12-year reign as a gnomish monarch in which his reign came to an end because he had used weather magic to make a long winter happen. It was like a three-year winter that he made happen locally. You think this prophecy actually already resolved? You think this is... Hold on. I think the lovely professor, I'm remembering something I read and I think they're on the complete wrong track I just realized that there's a thing that is already completely within history completed itself and this was a prophecy regarding that 600 years ago and it doesn't matter anymore has nothing to do with the chambers I'm not one to kill hope but they are venturing into danger off of a expired prophecy oh my god you want me to do something am i supposed to say something yes help oh all right um you go over uh or rather if you do you go over and see the halfling doctor is over near the lead carriage she's consulting some other books looking around um and you see that she's reviewing this word mercy. You see that she's talking to what looks like a young sort of gnomish sailor who's looking at her. And he's got this ancient rusted sort of sword that you can see is partially destroyed. And it's got this, you see, it does have a pair of wings on the cross guard. This young gnomish sailor is looking at it going like, wait, but if I were to actually take that, so would I just display it? And she's like, well, you know, then it is raised, raised by the Son of Mercy, which means raised in combat. So, Sir Abzaz is going to, at the dueling grounds at Venatus, or is near to where the God of the Son, we believe, was slain. Um, I, sorry, I don't mean to interrupt. Hi, hello. Hello, I'm Dr. Tulter. Yes, uh, Octus. Octus, oh, Octus, uh, my lord Takanis. Yes, it's fine. Yes. Are you accompanying us on the... No, I just... I overheard the prophecy you were speaking of, and I do have some knowledge in that regard. What was the name of the king you said? Hussarvice. Hussarvice. I may be wrong, but this is just a hypothesis. You get head-betted by the deer. but would this prophecy be referring to King Kassarvis I just rolled a nat 20 should I see him cause King Kassarvis oh I'm sorry I'm sorry oh no oh no headbutt again you see I just, I was just thinking when I overheard and then I realized I read something a long time ago and I think that this prophecy is towards that and it's already resolved itself because that all went away 600 years ago. She goes, Yes. Oh, the verse in winter, the, the, the, the sun. It was the sun, the sun. Just they meant the sun. the sun has caught it. The sun returns in spring. It never actually... Because he made the winter last a long time. You see this gnome, and the sailor looks around and says, Wait, what's happening? Am I... I don't mean to throw a wrench into your open, but I want you to go out there and put yourselves in danger for absolutely no reason. She looks over, she looks at the young gnome and says, I'm a fraud. And then just... and walks away. The gnome looks up at you and you see he goes, are you like a wizard or something? Yes. My mom's name isn't actually Mercy. Her name was Mercedes. And she just got called Mercy. Okay. So when they sent him the son of Mercy. Oh. No, it doesn't matter. It's nothing to do with you. Okay, good. Yeah. This didn't feel right. You seem like a very nice man, and it has nothing to do with you. Trying to help. Yes, no, I appreciate that. I think it'll be okay. All right. All right. Do you know if I... Are they going to take me back to Emery? Oh, I don't... I have no idea. Could you ask them? Sure. I am happy to help. they said that maybe I was going to help and bring the son back. And I said, I don't think I'm going to bring the son back. Honestly, I don't think you are either and I'm sorry I'm besmirching you in any way. I will ask if you can get a ride home. What's your name? Clive. Clive. Clive Mercedes. No, no. What? Clive Fisher. My mother's Mercedes. Oh, okay. Yes, I'm sorry, sorry, sorry. Plyfisher, I will ask around. I'm going to try and follow the professor for a minute. You follow the professor. You see that she is weeping in front of Masha right now, who's looking very concerned at her. Sorry. Masha looks up and says, Ah, my Lord Takanis here. I caused this. Young Lord Takanis brought up an excellent point, which is that actually from the time period that the prophecy was in and given that the prophet, it's likely a... To my credit, it is a true prophecy. Yes, it is. It just happened. It did work. Just a long time ago. And you see that Mosh looks and says, Oh, well, we'll jot it down. That's fine. Great. Well, you know, we're in a stage of just ruling them out, mostly at this point, so... I just thought it would be a waste of resources and people to possibly go somewhere dangerous, whereas you didn't need to. Masha looks out at you. Go ahead and give me a persuasion check here. You have natural advantages against persuasion for druids. I'm not at 12. She looks at you and says, Well, I think that we have saved ourselves a trip. You see, she looks at you and says, We still have to accompany the Creed's shipment of filament to Venatus, but, Dr. Talter, you are free to go. And we thank the Totality for its efforts in this regard, and should you procure any other prophecies at all, please let us know at once, or any other means of testing. We appreciate all of your help, Doctor. and you see that behind you Clive sort of... Also, there's a poor man named Clive who... We were going to... Clive, we were always going to take you home. And you see she turns and says, Thank you. This is a kindness. Thank you, Dr. Talter. And you see that the doctor just nods silently and walks off and just starts very softly putting her tools and instruments away. Doctor, I... Please, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to step on your toes or academically do anything. I just... It's all right. It's all right. You're very kind. This feels bad. You ever... There's just so much chaos. Yeah. And... Do you ever find something and you think, maybe this story is about... I just thought I was going to help. I understand. I get that feeling. But, uh... In stories, there's always only one clue. Yeah. That's because it makes a good story. Well, I hate them. And I wish there was a story about whatever I've been doing. You are very intelligent. Keep looking. Doesn't mean just because this one wasn't the one, there isn't a different one. I can't go back. Not like this. I won't frame it different. Just think new information has presented itself and we have to go a different direction. They're going to laugh at me. They're going to laugh at me. It's all right. It's all right. Um... This could be part of your comeback story. I don't know, I'm trying you fail here and then you come back up and you do succeed at the end and it makes a better story well I will have to go back and explain that I did not connect the prophecy to the historical precedent of oh god they call I'm the bloody king in that poem yeah they do oh um thank you it would have been it it is good not to waste the time of these noble knights and of the wise circle of ancients and if there's if you ever find a prophecy Come see me at the totality. I'll be, um, sure, in the archives, sorting texts, because they're never letting me come in one of these again. I appreciate you very much. Uh, if I do find a prophecy, I'll make sure to request you specifically. Um. It's not even actually my, the... It's not even my real area of study prophecy. It's an offshoot because of this find in Farid. Oh, the totality, as you know, are those dedicated to reviving the magic and wonder of clerical studies with a direct connection to the domains of the divine over which the shapers proved themselves as intermediary. Right. And our work there is tackling issues of faith academically and that it is possible to have just as strong of a connection to the numinous and the divine and those domains of the celestial spheres through the lens of study as it is through faith. Well, does that feel moving to you? Well, actually, from personal experience, it is, while different, I have walked a similar path. I had heard a rumor in the totality that a member of the Sundered Houses had sought study at the Pentav. Yes! This is the Great College of Wizardry in Dolmachiar. Yes! Well, there's a lot perhaps to be shared between the totality and the Pentav rule. Obviously the Pentav rule arcane in nature and us divine, but yet we are scholars all. um the and in terms of my clerical uh gifts that you see here she does a a small uh sort of class for hands and there's a small very weak thunderclap distantly oh oh wow uh there you have it uh and And then she turns to me and says, my area of study was on the actual biology. Biology is, of course, a terrible term. I actually think zoology is more correct than biology. But the study of celestials. Ah, I see. and their composition and their nature and why the shapers saw fit to create essentially what are constructs from extraplanar material. Is this like creating a being via this extraplanar material but then infusing it with their own personal essence to make it sort of a sub-creature of themselves. Well, historically, there is some evidence that the creation of these constructs was learned from the primordial partners of the Shapers. Interesting. The Shapers never produced mortal offspring. Although some say that it's actually possible that some of their celestials did, which is a scandalous thought. But, however, the original spirits of service to the Great Shapers were actually the original gene and defeat of the primordials. So the transcript, which we have some indication actually predates the earliest fossilized records, the remains of celestials and those we've been able to find or potentially harvest. But it fascinating So there are a lot of secrets in how the original Celestials were constructed by those, by the Shapers and a lot of indications that there may have been forces that the Shapers were relying on to be able to make those constructions and this whole fascinating field of study Yes. Which I will be returning to. I would take it as a good sign that there is, oh, you have found a way, even in what you just showed me, that there is a way for you to connect to these divine powers, even with the lack of the shapers, even to some lesser degree. But there is a path there to be found, and there is evidence that it exists. She nods in this moment and just looks and says, There is a path. There is. Do you venture yourself with the caravan to Bonadus? No, I'm traveling with a different party to somewhere else. We're just stopping by. She nods. I just happened to overhear everything and thought I would help. Well, that's extraordinarily, that is extraordinarily kind. Your house enjoys a profound reputation as patrons of various areas of study, and I know that we've been very grateful for the help that House Taconus has provided. she looks and says and to to be honest it's a pleasure to meet you because House Toconus has in some ways been actually an area of interesting study of my own how so? well that Toconus comes from the same root word or essentially that the name Toconus as bearers or guides, guardians from one to the other, which almost every other shaper saw fit to bequeath that responsibility to a celestial. And Tansul alone wished that the psychopomps of his domain should be a living house of humans and it is the only shaper to have bequeathed that responsibility to a house of his followers rather than to a celestial. So, House Takonis, sometimes in my head I think to myself, how interesting, an anomaly. It is interesting, it was a great honor bestowed upon my family. Thank you for the kindness. I can't imagine that was easy to say. And if you ever... What use could I be? Thank you very much for your kindness. You have left quite an impression. And I will remember you should I need any help in areas of study that I do not know. You see that she reaches into a... she reaches into a little satchel, and she takes a little piece of parchment and writes her name, Amory Talter, and writes an address located at the Totality in Hargood. Do you like me? Do you like me? Yes, no. I'm sorry. Thank you very much. She smiles and says thank you and gathers her belongings and heads out. You can come back to everybody. That was terrible. I leave the vision of my dear. Wow. So you were fired. Kind of, yeah. Great job. What? Don't encourage that. No, I mean, like, they were banking everything on this thing they had figured out, and I just walked in and went, what if I knock down your whole thing? I mean, what is she going to do? She could still go on the trip if she wanted. She didn't make me feel bad about it. I just feel bad that, like, this was their first time out from, like, their thing to, like, prove themselves. And I just came by with... She can go and be like, we tried. It didn't work. They were just going to get this guy to, like, hold a sword up. Yeah, he's got a sword boy home. Yeah, he's getting sent home. They're giving him a ride. You probably saved a lot of people's lives out there. You know? Yeah. Yeah. We're still doing the full escort mission, though. They are. That's true. Julian, you see the creed wagons over there and recognize some of the locals. I see creed wagons. It's very funny. Creed wagons. Welcome to, hey, up on the creed wagon. No, no, no. You said I had a army wagon. Can you take? I can't afford that. I can't afford that. Three seconds is for you. You look over and see a local, the lux of Garawin helping sort of load the wagons up and getting them ready to head out towards Venatas here. There's a little bit of tension in the camp between the Candace and Creed being present here at this Circle of Ancients waypoint. and looking around if there's nothing else I think you guys will be able to head out go ahead and grab the supplies that I've been kind of bundling and disseminating about so you probably notice since we've gotten here pretty much since traveling from Castle Torch Julian's been pretty terse and to himself and as soon as everything's ready to go, it just kind of meets up to everybody. Anything else you need or shall we be on our way? Um, I don't know if I have... I have extra rations that I'm not using anymore, so if anyone needs anything, it's still in my pack. We'll keep that in mind. Um, look, there's every possibility that we're going to run into another member of my family or more than one. I know. The sun returns. Look, I understand. And I'm not saying you're wrong, Julian, in your actions. It is still a little weird for me. This is my family. And while I don't get along with them and they obviously don't like me very much, I did grow up with them It's weird This is a good question actually As we are about to I was going to say losing daylight But we'll be losing it entirely shortly Before we step into the shadows Of the Barodal Shoulder to shoulder Towards a possibility of death Or re-death If that's a thing I think it's good that we establish why we are doing what we are doing. Because we've been running from things for so long, we are now running towards something. And to be perfectly honest, I still don't know a lot about each of you. You more than most. I know why you're on this for the most part. And we have shared responsibility in your son. I have responsibility to Alagar as well as a number of other soldiers of which I was their mentor at one point or another. And through this tangled web they have been sent to their death for whatever purposes in so much a form tangential to the fall of my own house. Yeah. Now you two. Let's start with you. Baylis. Why are you coming with us? You have your stone. Yes? Yes. But you step into the darkness on the whim to save a bunch of non-believers in the old ways of the Shapers for what? What do you gain from this? I don't believe it's a whim. Then tell me. Why do you follow? What do you want? Look at this. Okay? I want to hear her say it. She won't. What do you want? I want to know what he is. Why? Because I don't know what he is. Why do you care? There are many mysteries in this world. There are many mysteries in this world, but... if he could be brought back. Say it. You wear the mourning of a dead God. Just fucking say it. If he could be brought back. Do you know what that means? I could bring back maybe my family, maybe... Maybe I could bring back Solandri. There it is. What assurances do we have that if this house to Conis is responsible for this very thing, that you would not give all of this up for their secrets to bring back your God? And we are led to the slaughter. Why would I do that? Are we more important to you than your God? And if they can offer you that knowledge? I wouldn't do that. And I know you don't know me, but I wouldn't do that. Why would we believe you? You... You can't. You don't know me. Just as I don't know any of you. You know what we believe. You are so stuck. mourning your God and the life that you lost, what would you put on an altar of sacrifice to get back what you have lost? So many people have lost so many things. Myself, for stars. I would put myself on the block before any of you. Do I believe her? Give me an insight check. I can't say it. Whoa! Ashley, give me a persuasion or deception. You don't have to say which one. Okay. I gotta stand. I gotta stand. I'm just not going to look at this. I'm just going to look at this. Okay. That's terrible. 16. um um 18 no sorry 17. On a 17 I believe that Valis you have the ability to invite Julian to read whatever you would like on your face what does he read in this moment I think from the only being able to see her eyes in this moment. I think you feel you feel an immense amount of pain. And I think it's it's heavy. But from what you can gather and just feeling she's being true um yeah I think from being one hard wall of emotion facing another seeing that bit of deep pain peek through kind of catches him off guard slightly even for a moment you see Jillian kind of I... I... I am an instrument of war. I've been raised to be and honed to be. My effectiveness is only based on the information I have. That's how I make tactical choices. I ask these questions so that I have information. I understand. Not to judge you, but just to ensure that I can keep myself safe and those I trust around me. So I appreciate your honesty as much as we can get. I don't know if I'm going to offer any insights into that particular problem especially Mr. Landry I don't I brought a fox back to life what am I going to do bring a god back do you miss being alive? terribly what if your family could offer that to you? I don't think they would why wouldn't they? you seem very useful to them they seem very focused on you I think they wanted me dead and it didn't work out? perhaps they want to change the plan I'm just offering possibilities here because that's what I do I understand Julian and I would have you remember maybe once or twice that I technically am a noble of a house and you do speak to me with a lot of lack of respect. I speak to the entirety of your house with a lack of respect. I didn't kill your family nor did I have a partner. I lied along with them. Not knowingly? And while you see kind of catches himself a minute and readjusts. I still have a lot of processing to do myself. I understand. And I do know my tendency to lash out. I... It is my firm belief that whatever my family was planning required my death, and specifically my heart, which they took. My death was prevented, but they still have the peace of me that they needed. I don't know what that means or what they were doing with it, but they wanted me dead. And while I technically am I don't think they were counting on me still being awake I don't think them bringing me back to life is part of the plan Nor do I think I ever will And if their plan is foiled They're probably making a new one Probably We don't know what that is We don't So I do not fully know if any of us can truly trust each other and as long as we understand that then at least we are level and we are open we have all the information and we can make the right tactical choices accordingly yeah, I agree I will ask that just to be upfront that if I speak to a member of my family when we encounter them. It is not that I am trying to stop you. But I will be trying to get information and I will be trying to see where every other possible member of my family is aligned in this situation. So it does not mean I am trying to betray you by any means. Of course. You like information. Just putting it out there. You understand? But there is a line. Yeah, sure. Of course. Just don't cross it. I'm sure I'll find it. I don't know if I can ever... help you. But... I could or would. I don't know. It is a completely ridiculous prospect. the idea of bringing not only someone fully back to life but someone who wasn't even a person could or would? I don't know could it was never something I thought about until you brought it up. Primarily, if I ever even got close to anything like that, the priority would be bringing myself back to life. Of course. But, we'll see what happens. The study is going to continue, because it brings me closer to understanding what I am. If you want to help me until then, I'm not going to stop you. And I'm not doing this to try and disobey you. I've given you no orders. But you have been looking. And you've known what I do for a long time. What do you do? You, I've had pins since you've known me. And you know what it is. Yes. And just because I came back to life and defied the laws of your order, And because I was a little uppity with your other druids, you've been giving me looks. You spoke to Julian a minute ago about respect, Ode. I'm not disrespecting you by any means. I'm just saying... You described your own behavior as uppity. Am I not allowed to be defensive of my people? They were going to kill me. Your father wants to destroy our order. Destroy the path entirely. I would not have let them kill you. Yes, I believe you when you say that. I don't know if you could stop them. I trust you entirely. but you are a singular person who can only do what a singular person can do in a situation and if three powerful druids want to kill me they'll probably just end up killing both of us I think you confuse my order with your houses we're not as impetuous as you tend to be but I understand your concern we'll see This is good. A few more cards on the table? I feel a little more confident going into the end of times with you. I'll put one more on the table. I was listening through Hala. Your new friend, the good doctor, who studies celestial anatomy. What's the Stone of Night song made of? It's not stone. It isn't. Do I know? Yes. Wait. Yes. Who did learn that? Mosor. It's not stone. It's bone. That's right. The bone of a celestial. Yep. That's right. Do I know that? Does Bayless know that? Yes. Bayless knows that. Yes. I know exactly what it is. And I've always known. I've read it. All right. Mm. No, that did not slip my mind when I was speaking to them. And there may come a time when we do ask them for help in that area. But I didn't think offering up that information immediately to someone who does not know the situation was a good idea. I also still don't know exactly how I react to either its closer proximity or further proximity from my body. We may all die trying to save my son. She may die heading back to the totality. You don't get a lot of second chances. Travel is not easy. No, but if we die saving our son, why do we care what happens? The world remembers. Sure. Just a thought. I have a contact information and a location. Okay. Should I think? That's a good idea. It's not only your decision. No, I understand. It's just a little bit of a sensitive subject. At this point, as you're having this last little bit, Julian jumps onto his horse and he So, until the eternal night or what? We should go, yes. How long do I think the escort mission to Venatas is going to take? If I had to, like, just spitball... How long it will take for them to reach Venatas? Going slow in a caravan, like, probably three or four days. I don't like the odds on having to track her down later. One thing. I'm going to go find the doctor. Hell yeah. You get on your horse. You see Dame Saramai gets up on her horse as well. She looks to you, Octus, and gives you a look of deep concern. Do you have something to say? Under her breath so that Phelous and Julian cannot hear it As Tysha goes to get the doctor, she looks and says, My lord Takonis, you have been killed by your family. Yeah. You are surrounded by the night of an enemy house, the servant of dead gods, and one who walks a path that would see you destroyed in your current state. Correct. This mission, such as it is, is doomed, my lord. True. She stands up, first sits up straighter on her horse and looks ahead. I appreciate your directness and your candor. I have no interest in... Oh, God. Look, I know you didn't do what you did on purpose. It's an unfortunate situation that you put yourself in, unbeknownst to yourself. But unfortunately, one of the people that you sent off is Lady Tasha's son. And there is nothing in the world that will make her angrier than if you endanger one of her children. Give me a persuasion check. Let's go. 21. It has occurred to me, my lord, given that you have been slaughtered by your family that I should leave this place forthwith and betray you to your house at the nearest possible convenience. Correct. Are you going to? whatever enchantment has been placed to bring together those you travel with, my Lord, who seem moments away from tearing at each other's throats, rightfully so, the pillars of a shattered world who stand tall only in and of themselves and not in relation to each other, then let me add myself to the mix. My loyalty is as confounding as the devotion of your companions. The world is mad. Let us be madder still. I will add to that that I appreciate your loyalty and know that I am already dead and you cannot kill me. And therefore, if you try, you will be dead. My lord. You walk up to Dr. Tolter, who you can see has a bag packed, and there is a small donkey-led wagon. She's sitting on the back of it with a suitcase, and next to her is this gnomish sailor who has an apple. Oh, good God, the apple. My God, look at the slightest. The slightest of your head. And you see that she looks over and says, Yes, Clyde. The apples are large. It's an effect of the Barodal. The orcish Barodal is a region of incredibly lush and vibrant life. The only positive Barodal. Some have posited. Oh, hello. And you see somebody approach. Dr. Dalter, can I speak with you for a moment? Yes, I'm very sorry. And you see she gets off with her suitcase and says, yes. And I'm going to go, like, as much into my, like, circle of ancients bag as possible. I think it's just druid craft that, like, the ground becomes a little more verdant and the smell of, like, grass and distant ocean is kind of carried on the breeze. just trying to flex a little bit. Yeah. I love stories. You were speaking with my companion earlier. All the best fairy tales begin... The best adventures begin with the wrong turn. I acknowledge I have wasted the resources of your order. Okay. I'm in trouble. What's happening? No, not at all. I think it wasn't about a sparrow sword, but I think you were meant to be here. And I think it is a mistake for you to leave now. I think you just took a wrong turn, and now you are on the adventure. What? What? it is unfair of me to ask you to put yourself in danger especially when your original reason for doing so is no longer valid but you said it yourself in stories they only give one clue I think you need to find the clue to find the clue. All right. This is very kind. And you came all the way out here. You risked everything to try to bring the sun back. Thank you. It's okay if you want to go home. Where else would I go? I failed. I have nothing else left to... I think this is just the beginning. The group you were going to go with is still headed to Venatus. You are different than the soldiers and worshipful members of the Candescent Creed that are going there. You can see things that others wouldn't. you might catch the clue that others will miss on the road to Venatus? should I ask Masha to come along regardless? I think that's your call to make alright I'll talk to her It'll be another day or two before the caravan's ready to travel. Whatever you decide, you're not a failure. Thank you for trying. You see, as you turn to leave, she goes, I struggle with mysticism. I struggle with it. Yeah. We're looking for something for people to believe in that won't have to be cloaked in poetry because the shapers cloaked themselves in beautiful songs to the point that we couldn't see what they were doing to us. And so we are trying to bring the light of clarity and truth unshrouded by... I don't believe in the thing past the gods such that they were. I believe in people and I believe in you. All right. No poetry. I'll speak to Masha. Thank you. I'm sorry. And good luck to wherever you're traveling. Yeah, thank you. Are you headed in the direction of Venatus or not? Tenazar. Place of wings. Say more. You see thunder rolls in the distance and her eyes glow white. The place of wings. I think I found the clue. Oh, God. And that's where we'll go to break. And that's where we'll leave our story for now. Part two of this episode of Campaign 4 drops this Tuesday. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you soon for more Critical Role. Loando del Estado