A Gathering of Heroes

"**A Gathering of Heroes**" (3x76) thumbnail featuring Liam O'Brien and Travis Willingham.

### Episode

Campaign Three,​ Episode 76
(C3E76)

### Transcript

Transcript

"**A Gathering of Heroes**" (3x76) is the seventy-sixth episode of the third campaign of *Critical Role*. Bells Hells return to Whitestone in search of allies and refuge, taking time to reflect on the weight of their choices and the path ahead...

## **Synopsis**

### **Announcements**

* It's the **Halloween episode**! The cast is dressed as the Fellowship of the Ring (sans Boromir), with the bottom table playing the four hobbits. They discover once again that fake beards create proble-tunities.
* First sponsor is ***The 7th Guest VR***, the supernatural mystery puzzle game from the 90s now in virtual reality, who've given Sam a sneak peak which he's absolutely not allowed to share. He can describe it, though... sort of.
* The final installment of **Candela Obscura: The Circle of Needle and Thread** airs Thursday, 2 November 2023. Speaking of which, the ***Candela Obscura Core Rulebook*** releases 14 November 2023.
* **Merch alert!** Ligament Manor/Nana Morri glow-in-the-dark t-shirt, Laudna hoodie, Mighty Nein t-shirt collection by HeroesVillain.com now available.
* Bust of Grog Strongjaw, Pike Trickfoot, and Scanlan Shorthalt now on pre-order at Dark Horse Direct.
* Sam (amazingly) correctly identifies each of the characters they've dressed up as.
* New **Bells Hells animated opening**!

### **Previously on *Critical Role***

*So, last we left off: Bells Hells, in trying to gather answers to mysteries and possible power advantages in the coming conflict with the Ruby Vanguard and Ludinus Da'leth and his cronies, sought to look into the past of Ashton, as well as some unanswered questions that may lie within the Shattered Teeth. Traveling there, you befriended a ghost ship,and helped bring romance together. You wandered through the dangerous misty jungles; you spoke to Evontra'vir, the Great Tree of Atrophy, and learned more about the titan blood that flows in your veins, and were sent to where a remaining shard of one of the great primordial titans still currently resided hidden and uncollected.*

*There, you delved through the very tight mountainous caverns beneath the mountain where it was held. You went to the lava pool and retrieved, both Ashton and Fearne together, within the depths of its molten rock, the last remaining spark of Rau'shan, and also seemed to draw the attention of Ludinus and some magically traveling associates. Battle ensued, in which you managed to free Fearne from what seemed to be a intended grasp at having a hostage. After defeating what seemed to be Ludinus, though eager to throw himself into the lava rather than give you information, and maybe not at the full power you expected, you took this fraction with you. Bruised but stalwart, you took the staff of Ludinus and decided to* Teleport *your troop to Whitestone, in hopes that the repaired harness from Ludinus' past might be the answer to unlocking the power of not one, but two primordial titan shards that are within your grasp.*

### **Part I**

The first attempt to *Teleport* is a mishap and the party takes significant damage, but then land successfully at mid-morning at the Sun Tree in Whitestone. The Pale Guard rush up but had been told to expect them and escort them to the castle where they find Lord Percival de Rolo in his workshop with Imahara Joe, Dancer, and Verna the Viper. They have been working on the harness recovered from Ludinus Da'leth's abandoned study in Molaesmyr. Lord Percival assures them the castle is warded against *Scrying*. An older Allura Vysoren enters, and there are introductions all around. The party briefly shares their most recent encounter with Ludinus and Allura believes the cracked opal they recovered from the simulacrum is what allowed the real Ludinus to learn from it. She has heard that he's been seen in many places recently.

Allura approaches the harness, which appears much more vibrant than when they found it, although still inert. She begins magically marking in additional runes that alight, explaining it is a smaller version of a "power still" called a Quintessence Array, used to extract and refine arcane power from natural magical materials, or from living beings although that would be considered extremely amoral. She requests they turn it over to the Tal'Dorei Council or the Cobalt Soul once they have used it in the fight against the Ruby Vanguard.

Ashton shows Allura and the others the spark of Rau'shan. Allura has read about The Tree of Atrophy, and is impressed Ashton is infused with a shard of the Empress Ka'Mort. Laudna sees their purpose as primarily stopping Ludinus and saving the gods is simply a part of that (which Percival agrees with), while FCG points out the gods are worthy of being saved in their own right. Orym asks if they've heard from Keyleth, and is told she should be arriving shortly with some others, and there will be a meeting in the afternoon they should join.

They decide to test the harness by using it to suck the magic from a minor, unwanted magical item, and Chetney volunteers to be the recipient. Percival donates an enchanted set of dishes and they learn details of the properties of the harness, which permanently drains magic from an item or magical creature to grant the wearer hit points, an increase in abilities, or an unspecified unique benefit, depending on the object or creature drained. No one is sure what exactly draining the shard would do, but they warn of the danger of adding it to the power Ashton already carries. Laudna asks Ashton if the crystal in his head is actually his shard, and Allura inspects it, telling him it consists of dunamancy, a term new to them. She explains a bit about the Kryn Dynasty, the Luxon, and the Luxon beacons, telling them Ashton is something of a "half-beacon". The party remembers seeing a beacon as part of the Malleus Key, and Ashton points out one of the symbols on his old coat was a representation of a beacon, about which he's had dreams.

The party decides to take a short rest and eat before the afternoon meeting, but Laudna has Pâté go invisible and remain in the workroom with Percival and Allura. Dancer calls FCG aside and tells him she understands what he did wasn't him. FCG thanks her, telling her he hopes both of them find a path to purpose and happiness. He also asks about D, but she can tell him nothing that they didn't already know.

Meanwhile, Pâté watches Percy tell Allura his concerns about making Whitestone a sanctuary, and the dangers that will bring. She responds that the world itself is in danger, but then notices the invisible Pâté, noting they're being eavesdropped on. Laudna directs Pâté to dance and be charming, but Allura throws him out. The group takes a short rest and eats while discussing their situation.

Eventually, a group of Pale Guard let them know Keyleth has arrived, and escort them to the War Room meeting. Present are Keyleth, Percival, Lady Allura, Professor Ebenold Kai of Grim Verity, and an older woman identified as Vilya, Keyleth's mother.

### **Break**

* ***The 7th Guest VR*** out now.
* Mighty Nein box set now available for pre-order.
* **Available Now: Queen by Midnight** trailer.
* **Merch Alert!** Ligament Manor glow-in-the-dark t-shirt, Laudna hoodie, Caper Cards: Bells Hells, Imogen t-shirt, Mighty Nein Origins Vol. 1 collection, Critical Role retro hoodie and jogger, "Is it Thursday yet?" t-shirt, and tankard wraps in all five CR shops; Bells Hells Phunny Plushes in the US shop only.
* Tickets now on sale for ***The Mighty Nein Reunion: Echoes of the Solstice*** in theaters in the US and Canada October 26 at 7:00pm local time.
* **Candela Obscura: Flesh and Blood** intro. **Original Soundtrack** now on digital music platforms.
* Trailer for **Midst** Season Two Podcast.
* **Welcome to Tal'Dorei** and **Welcome to Wildemount** Critical Role soundtrack albums available now on all digital music platforms.
* **Critical Recap** every Wednesday on CritRole.com. **Submit fan art and cosplay** for possible inclusion in the weekly online gallery.
* President Gale urges **Critical Role Twitch** subscriptions.

### **Part II**

Professor Ebenold Kai tells the meeting that with Vilya's aid, Grim Verity has been able to reach out and gain the support of leaders in Ank'Harel, Yios, and the Tangulan Keep in eastern Marquet, and of the Clovis Concord of the Menagerie Coast. Vilya has contacted allies in Wildemount, but the influence of the Ruby Vanguard is growing. The Arcana Pansophical has confirmed the disruption in communications is caused by the activation of the Malleus Key. The forces of Vasselheim currently surround that area, but the Ruidians have been able to defend it by use of their innate capabilities to diminish divine magic. The Pansophical also believes that there is a cumulative strain on the weave of magic and the leylines of Exandria that increases as the Key holds the peak of the Apogee Solstice in place.

However, the red beam from the Key is also the only way to reach Ruidus, the moon itself. Bells Hells volunteers to scout the moon for the counterforces, based on their previous dreams and visions and the knowledge gained from them. Imogen shares the existence of cities and a population living there that feels bitter and entrapped, and also shares her sense of being drawn to join them. The party asks for items or other aid, and Allura tells them she can prevent them being *Scryed* on for eight hours. They can also aid in transport and in causing a distraction for the party. She will see what else may be available. When she asks if they understand and are willing to accept the risk involved, Laudna tells her most of them accept they might not come back. They've lived chaotic and tragic lives, but it's granted them purpose.

Allura suggests Planerider Ryn would be extremely helpful, and Chetney shares that she was petrified and entrapped at the Malleus Key. Imogen asks about the two strangers from Wildemount (Caleb Widogast and Beauregard Lionett) they met at the key, and Allura recognizes their description. She's been in contact with some of their allies. Keyleth asks Vilya to hold their forces at the ready, and tells the group to prepare what they need for their scouting mission to the moon. Allura will do the same and offer what aid they can spare. FCG specifically requests a jeweled chalice worth 1000 gold (the component for a *Heroes' Feast*), and Percival says he thinks that can be found. Multiple farewells are said among those present. As Keyleth leaves, Orym briefly stops her to thank her for her guidance so far, and Keyleth warns him to keep an eye on Imogen. She knows her mother works for the Ruby Vanguard. Orym, however, has complete faith in her.

The party talks about the possibility of Fearne contacting Teven Klask for help, and discusses what they want to accomplish while in Whitestone. Suddenly, Orym senses they're being watched and notices a small shadow down the hall. He finds Gwendolyn de Rolo lurking, and invites her to meet the others when she says she likes skeletons. Gwendolyn is fascinated by Laudna and by Pâté, and more so when Laudna carves open her own chest with a fingernail. However, when she touches the exposed bone, Gwendolyn suddenly pulls away, excuses herself, and leaves. Fearne realizes she picked up on something within Laudna with the touch and the three women go after Gwendolyn but are unable to coax her out of her room, Gwendolyn telling Laudna, "I'm afraid of you and I don't know why." Imogen realizes Gwendolyn sensed Delilah, and tells Laudna they cannot let Percival know.

Meanwhile, FCG decides to visit the temple of the Changebringer and Orym, Chetney, and Ashton go to the Matron of Ravens. They reach an old graveyard and the small temple there, the Altar of the Raven, and look for water to drink, trying to re-create the experience they had at the Duskmaven's temple in Jrusar, but find only a stairway leading down into pure darkness. The caretaker Othinon greets them and offers some of his lunch. Frustrated, Ashton opens one of the sarcophagi and climbs in, and Orym and Chetney share another. After endless moments of darkness and silence, Orym prays silently, saying, "I'm sorry for your friend. I hope you're holding up. I hope we can help."

Suddenly, all three see a faint white light, and Orym urges them to follow it. They see it shining down on a mound that rises into a humanoid outline, facing away, black-cloaked. It turns, removing its white mask to reveal a black void that pulls them in, and they look up to find themselves at the bottom of a pit. The Raven Queen has chains on her wrists, dangling into the hole. Ashton leads the way climbing a chain upward, but as they reach the top, the chains break. As they fall, giant raven wings appear from her back and she flies upward, breaking into hundreds of black ravens flying free. The three party members are left with a sense of being noticed and appreciated. On their way out, Ashton leaves a copper at the nearby Temple of the Dawnfather to show his disdain.

Meanwhile, FCG visits the Horizon Temple of the Changebringer where he meets Osli Kámyda, who recognizes him immediately. FCG tells Osli he changed his life. He prays, saying he has a bad feeling about the upcoming mission and if something bad happens, make it happen to him instead of the others. He receives a vision of the Changebringer, with crimson tears running down her face. It tells him that dark days are ahead, but the brave can save what they care most about. She assures him they will watch over him always, as all the gods are in danger. FCG tells her they're coming, and that he thinks he's now found a purpose. Her request for his aid this time seems gentler, and FCG senses she is trying another approach to see if it works better.

The party reconvenes at the Sun Tree toward sunset, where they order crepes from a pushcart. Imogen asks the seller's name and when told it is Andrew, they immediately think it is Whitestone Andy, who threw dirt at Laudna when then were children. Imogen and Laudna refuse to take their crepes, but Ashton and Orym pay for them. Imogen angrily tells Andrew he should apologize for throwing dirt clods at little girls, but Andrew doesn't remember doing it fifty-ish years earlier. Struck by a thought, they ask if there were other Andys in town and learn yes, several-- three in his class alone. Feeling guilty, Imogen gives him a gold and apologizes.

Bells Hells return to the castle, and Ashton finds a book on the de Rolo family history as they all head to their beds.

## **Featured characters**

### **Bells Hells**

* Ashton Greymoore
* Chetney Pock O'Pea
* Fearne Calloway
* Fresh Cut Grass
* Imogen Temult
	+ Little Mister
* Laudna
	+ Pâté de Rolo
* Orym

### **Returning**

* Allura Vysoren
* The Changebringer
* Dancer
* Ebenold Kai
* Gwendolyn de Rolo
* Imahara Joe
* Keyleth
* The Matron of Ravens (in a vision)
* Osli Kámyda
* Percival de Rolo
* Verna the Viper
* Vilya

### **New**

* Andrew, who is mistaken for Whitestone Andy
* Othinon, dwarven sexton of the Raven Queen's temple in Whitestone

### **Mentioned**

* Alma
* Beauregard Lionett
* Caleb Widogast
* Captain Emon, a character in a series of plays performed in Exandria
* The Champion of the Raven
* D
* The Dawnfather
* Delilah Briarwood
* Evontra'vir
* Graz'tchar
* Ka'Mort
* The Lord of the Nine Hells
* Ludinus Da'leth
* The Luxon
* Pussy II
* Rau'shan
* Planerider Ryn
* Teven Klask
* The Ventral family, who gifted the de Rolos self-cleaning silverware
* Vex'ahlia de Rolo
* Whitestone Andy

## **Quotations**

* **Allura**: May I?
Percival: Of course. Apparently, I've reached the limitations of *my* usefulness. So show us what you're so good at, my dear.
* **Allura**: *(about the shard)* This is curious. So the intent is to use the power of an ancient enemy of the gods to save them.
* **Ashton**: *(to Fearne)* Want to put a weird fire emperor in you?
Fearne: It wouldn't be the first time. I mean, I could certainly try.
* **FCG**: *(to Dancer)* I think I've just been trying to find meaning for so long now that I forgot that... getting forgiveness from you or validation from a god, or a purpose from deep within my memory banks, that's not really a thing. None of those things will tell me what I am or where to go. I think part of life is just figuring it out as you go, not having a map. Not having a destination.
* **Chetney**: *(about scouting Ruidus)* We'll just have to go look again, find out. Plus we've got one really big advantage: We're expendable!
* **Laudna**: You know, I always wanted to be a Lady.
Gwendolyn: Well, you can't be one, because we're full.
* **The Changebringer**: The road before you is fraught with peril and loss. But that is what it is to be a hero, to be a paragon, to be a child of change. [...] Be safe, and do not forget, if the road ahead is frightening, you can choose to walk another. Freedom, freedom, freedom...
* **FCG**: I feel like I've realized that you're not given a purpose, and you don't choose a purpose. You just sort of make one as you go. And I think I'm ready to make one.

## **Trivia**

* This was the Halloween episode, with the cast costumed as the Fellowship of the Ring:
	+ Travis as Aragorn II
	+ Marisha as Legolas
	+ Sam as Gimli
	+ Ashley as Peregrin "Pippin" Took
	+ Laura as Meriadoc "Merry" Brandybuck
	+ Liam as Frodo Baggins
	+ Taliesin as Samwise "Sam" Gamgee
	+ Matt as Gandalf
* This episode marked the debut of a new intro animated by Kamille and Kevin Areopagita, Mark Adams, and Peggy Shi.
* Sam's jerrycan says "And My" with a can of Axe body spray; later it says "You'll have to toss me" with a picture of a salad.

## **References**

1. ↑ See "The Promise and the Price" (3x77) at 0:17:13.
2. ↑ See "**A Gathering of Heroes**" (3x76) from 1:04:00 through 1:04:15.
3. ↑ See "**A Gathering of Heroes**" (3x76) from 3:10:25 through 3:10:45.

**Art:**

1. ↑ Fan art of Allura and Percival, by Melissa Hahn (source). Used with permission.
2. ↑ Fan art of Orym and Gwendolyn, by Laura Mackenzie@KiwiDrawer (source). Used with permission.
3. ↑ Fan art of Orym and the vision of the Raven Queen, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.