Well Beneath | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 54

Critical Role2 minutes read

A Dungeons & Dragons campaign featuring Vox Machina is sponsored by D&D Beyond, with a 25% discount available using codes ISUPPORTSAM or ISUPPORTLIAM. The campaign includes a Kickstarter-funded animated series, with episodes focusing on various characters' missions and interactions.

Insights

  • Critical Role showcases voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons in an engaging manner.
  • D&D Beyond offers a 25% discount through codes ISUPPORTSAM or ISUPPORTLIAM and aids in managing game characters and treasure.
  • A Vox Machina animated series is in development following a successful Kickstarter campaign, featuring a mix of original and established story arcs.
  • The group navigates intricate plots involving espionage, demonic incursions, and mysterious alliances in Xhorhas.
  • Dairon, a dark elf monk, guides the group in uncovering political intrigue and potential betrayal, hinting at deeper connections.
  • The team embarks on a perilous journey, facing ethereal foes, strategic challenges, and the importance of stealth and magic in their quest.

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Recent questions

  • What is Critical Role?

    Critical Role is a show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons, creating immersive storytelling experiences for viewers.

  • How many episodes will the Vox Machina animated series have?

    The Vox Machina animated series will consist of six 22-minute episodes, with the first two featuring a new original story and the rest focusing on the Briarwood Arc.

  • What is D&D Beyond?

    D&D Beyond is a sponsor of Critical Role that offers a 25% discount with codes ISUPPORTSAM or ISUPPORTLIAM, allowing players to manage characters and treasure for Dungeons & Dragons.

  • What is the mission of The Mighty Nein in Xhorhas?

    The Mighty Nein are on a mission to find Nott's kidnapped husband in Xhorhas, encountering rifts, demonic incursions, and challenges in the city of beasts, Asarius.

  • Who is Dairon in Critical Role?

    Dairon is a dark-skinned elf monk and Beauregard's mentor who questions the protagonist's group about their mission, hints at working against the Cerberus Assembly, and advises caution in their endeavors.

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Summary

00:00

"Critical Role: D&D, Animated Series, Adventure"

  • Critical Role is a show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons.
  • D&D Beyond is a sponsor of the show and offers a 25% discount with codes ISUPPORTSAM or ISUPPORTLIAM.
  • D&D Beyond allows managing characters and treasure for Dungeons & Dragons.
  • A Vox Machina animated series is being created due to a successful Kickstarter campaign.
  • The series will have six 22-minute episodes, with the first two featuring a new original story.
  • The rest of the episodes will focus on the Briarwood Arc.
  • The community is encouraged to support other creators in the tabletop gaming community.
  • The Mighty Nein are on a mission to find Nott's kidnapped husband in Xhorhas.
  • They encounter rifts and demonic incursions in Asarius, the city of beasts.
  • The group is tasked with finding a spy and dealing with the demonic incursion to gain favor with the Kryn Dynasty.

14:14

"Ogre joins battle, secrets revealed, allies unite"

  • A large ogre, somewhat damaged from a previous fight, arrogantly joins the battle against the protagonist and a dark elf previously harassed by them.
  • Jester, the ogre, and Beau fall unconscious during the fight.
  • The protagonist is invited to meet a figure in an alley not far from the city, with half the party following and the other half getting lost.
  • The protagonist, Jester, and Caleb make it to a small storage shed where they find Dairon, a dark-skinned elf monk and Beauregard's mentor.
  • Dairon questions the protagonist's group about their mission to infiltrate and their search for a friend abducted by the Kryn army.
  • The protagonist reveals that Lady Vess DeRogna and Archmage Ludinus Da'leth are involved in the abduction.
  • Dairon acknowledges a connection with the protagonist's mission and hints at working against the Cerberus Assembly.
  • The protagonist retrieves the rest of the party, who were lost, and they head towards the small storage shed.
  • The party, including Jester and Beau, receive healing from Jester before heading to the shed.
  • The party, led by Caleb, cautiously makes their way to the shed, with Caduceus drawing some attention due to his colorful attire.

26:16

"Dairon's Investigation into Kryn and Assembly"

  • Liam puts mud on someone's pink hair
  • Dairon is described as wearing dark leathers and elven pieces
  • Dairon is focused on Beauregard and mentions a connection between the Kryn and the Assembly
  • Dairon plans to go to Ghor Dranas to investigate the Assembly's involvement with the Kryn
  • Dairon warns about the Kryn's zealous drive and mysterious magics
  • Dairon suggests staying at the Four Corner's pens and mentions potential availability for accommodation
  • Dairon operates alone and advises against traveling together due to danger
  • The group discusses deceiving Dairon's pursuers and framing someone else as the traitor
  • Dairon advises Caleb on his accent and warns against revealing his Zemnian dialect
  • Dairon plans to head to Ghor Dranas alone but agrees to potential future communication with the group

40:14

"Caution in Trust, Pursuit of Good Deeds"

  • Drow are considered untrustworthy in historical studies.
  • The speaker has lost important people, leading to bias.
  • The speaker sees potential in the listener but advises caution.
  • Doing good deeds without recognition is emphasized.
  • Serving a purpose for the greater good is highlighted.
  • The listener is encouraged to act without seeking approval.
  • Training is arranged for the listener after sunset.
  • The listener is advised to find the trainer on the outskirts behind the Four Corners.
  • The listener is warned about getting too close to friends.
  • The group plans to investigate rifts and a strange plant, discussing their strategy.

52:52

Mysterious Grove and Goblin Rumors Unveiled

  • Laura and Matt discuss a grove near the Ifolon River, with Laura mentioning it's outside of town and Matt expressing ignorance.
  • They encounter a goblin worker at the Four Corners who mentions rumors of screaming, howls, and eyes in the shadows in the neighborhood around the well.
  • The goblin reveals that Ol' Potis, who was killed and fed to pigs, lived in the north center of town.
  • The group plans to investigate the well and the area during the day, then return at night to listen for howls.
  • Laura suggests camping at Ol' Potis' house and taking a long rest before the night investigation.
  • The group splits up to head to the well, with Laura leaving first and the others following later to avoid suspicion.
  • Caleb disguises himself with mud and is confronted by two orcish figures who push him into a mud puddle.
  • Fjord claims Caleb as his servant, leading the orcs to inquire about buying him for 2,500 gold pieces, but they ultimately walk away.
  • The group decides to continue their investigation, with Beau observing the reactions of onlookers, including a family of gnolls.
  • The group plans to explore the area during the day, rest, and return at night to investigate further.

01:05:28

City exploration reveals mysterious figures and wells.

  • Laura likes the mysterious growth and shrink of a humanoid figure.
  • Travis and Liam discuss leaving the town soon.
  • Liam contemplates changing his shape again.
  • Beauregard warns about being watched and the consequences of being from the Empire.
  • Travis praises Liam's restraint in not throwing someone across the square.
  • The group explores the city of Asarius with winding roads and wells.
  • They find a well and investigate its water quality.
  • Fjord questions a bugbear about the well and his suspicious behavior.
  • The group considers checking other wells in the area.
  • Jester casts Detect Good and Evil and searches for any signs of evil intent.

01:17:15

"Neighbor's wolves killed, dreams silenced with bribe"

  • Matt tearfully admits to killing his neighbor's wolves because they told him to do it
  • Travis reassures Matt that he can make the situation go away if he provides more details
  • Matt reveals that the dreams started two weeks ago and he killed the wolves two days prior
  • Travis questions Matt about the dreams and learns they have occurred multiple times
  • Travis offers to help Matt by making his neighbors believe someone else killed the wolves
  • The group stealthily follows Matt to his home in a chaotic spiral neighborhood
  • Matt shows dried meats and potatoes in his cart, revealing his usual supplies
  • Travis instructs Matt to keep quiet about the dreams and gives him a silver coin as a bribe
  • Travis plans to return later to ensure Matt hasn't spoken to anyone
  • Caduceus and Beau investigate the well, discovering a hidden tunnel at a depth of 20-25 feet

01:29:55

Investigation and Deception at Four Corners

  • Matt asks Liam what he found, prompting a discussion about a roll for investigation.
  • Investigation check is mentioned, with Sam adding proficiency modifier due to being an alchemist.
  • The water source is discussed, with deeper water being murkier but still natural.
  • Laura takes out a copper coin and casts a spell to detect good and evil.
  • Laura crawls on the ground to investigate further, drawing attention from onlookers.
  • Beau tries to intercept Laura before she reaches a Kryn soldier.
  • Beau's persuasion check fails, leading to a tense moment with the soldier.
  • Laura deceives the soldier about finding her earring, averting suspicion.
  • Fjord investigates the well, finding a stone pushed towards it and a sulfurous smell.
  • The group decides to rest at the Four Corners hostel, with separate rooms for the men and women.

01:42:54

Critical decisions and training in Xhorhas

  • Jester and Yasha go in together, with Yasha joining Jester.
  • Liam stands indecisively for about eight minutes.
  • Marisha asks about a full rest and learns it will put her conscious around 3:00-4:00 in the morning.
  • Marisha decides on a power nap and using hit dice for a short rest.
  • Marisha plans to leave early for a meeting, while the rest of the party takes a long rest until the middle of the night.
  • The party discusses the timing of dawn and their activities in Xhorhas.
  • Sam prepares his spells for the next day, always using the same ones.
  • Sam attempts to make a tracer arrow but is unable to due to the location.
  • Marisha borrows Nott's glamor armor to blend in and meets Dairon for training.
  • Dairon teaches Marisha some combat techniques, focusing on precision and concentration in attacks.

01:55:28

Marisha's Intense Training and New Techniques

  • Marisha's personal space is invaded, leading to a discussion about learning new techniques.
  • Marisha begins training with Matt, focusing on applying pressure and learning important aspects.
  • The training involves sparring matches to emphasize the importance of finding an opponent's weakness and retaliating quickly.
  • Updates to the Way of the Cobalt Soul are introduced, including changes to Extract Aspects.
  • Marisha's abilities are altered, allowing her to automatically learn an opponent's immunities, resistances, and vulnerabilities.
  • Abilities like Preternatural Counter and Might of Mercury are swapped, with new rules for gaining additional reactions.
  • Marisha undergoes intense training, suffering additional damage but gaining confidence in her abilities.
  • Dairon praises Marisha's progress and emphasizes the importance of patience and listening.
  • Marisha gives Dairon a cipher for covert communication and receives instructions to stay alive and be patient.
  • Marisha returns to her friends, taking a short rest and meditating as they prepare for the next part of their journey.

02:08:57

Funding sought for fantasy show "Vox Machina"

  • Travis and his team are seeking funding for their show, which is about a fantasy adventuring group named Vox Machina based on a game.
  • They need funds for animators, background artists, character designers, sound and picture editors, storyboards, music, special effects, and the writing and recording process for 18 months of production.
  • Travis is confident they can secure the necessary funds due to his experience as a forensic scientist on TV.
  • Laura introduces a clip of their show, "The Legend of Vox Machina," featuring an epic rock music theme song.
  • The team offers campaign-specific rewards and encourages sharing the campaign with others for support.
  • Updates on artwork, animation, and progress reports will be posted, with the final delivery of the show expected in the fall of 2020.
  • The team started as voice actors with a love for storytelling and aims to return to their roots in voiceover animation with the project.
  • Chris Perkins discusses receiving an email demanding the return of Dragonlance, showcasing humorous interactions.
  • The team engages in banter and giveaways, with a winner announced for a Wyrmwood box.
  • The team embarks on a mission to a haunted well, using stealth and magic to navigate the city and encounter evil presences in a building.

02:36:19

Stealthy group infiltrates small house successfully.

  • Taliesin suggests going in the front door
  • Liam proposes attacking from different vantage points
  • Matt confirms the presence of denizens in the area, but they are not paying attention
  • The group is stealthy and unnoticed
  • The house is small with limited entry points
  • Two oval-shaped windows are mentioned, but Nott is the only one who can climb through
  • Yasha kicks in the front door, drawing attention
  • Inside, a bugbear is seen lying on a bed, with two ghostly entities nearby
  • Nott alerts the group about the hidden entities in the room
  • Jester creates an illusion duplicate and casts Spiritual Weapon in the room

02:49:28

Characters strategize and battle in game scenario.

  • Laura sends her duplicate to attack the entity hiding in the corner with Inflict Wounds at 3rd level, dealing 26 points of necrotic damage.
  • Matt and Laura discuss strategies and actions in a game scenario involving various characters.
  • Beau stealthily checks a room with her goggles on, rolling a perception check of 22.
  • Caduceus casts Beacon of Hope, granting advantage on wisdom saving throws and death saving throws, and maximum healing without rolling.
  • Caleb casts Haste on Beauregard, granting her additional speed and an extra action.
  • Yasha listens at a doorway and faces a demonic entity, making a wisdom saving throw and resisting its influence.
  • Fjord enters a chamber and casts Shadow of Moil on himself, creating dark flames around him.
  • Nott attacks an entity next to Fjord with a sneak attack, dealing 26 points of damage, then hides with a stealth roll of 22.
  • Jester's duplicate jumps up to attack an entity in the corner with Inflict Wounds at 3rd level, dealing 26 points of necrotic damage.
  • Various characters take actions and make decisions in a game scenario, facing different challenges and enemies.

03:02:14

Illusionary creature evades attacks and disappears

  • Fjord sees an illusion move around his body and taps the toe angrily before withdrawing further up, causing dust to settle from above.
  • Laura uses her bonus action to swing a spiritual weapon up, but it misses the illusionary Jester.
  • Beau rolls past Fjord into the room, hits the illusion next to Fjord, and deals damage with her attacks.
  • Beau discovers the creature's resistances to cold, fire, lightning, poison, and non-magical weapons.
  • Caduceus sends beetles into the room and casts Light on a coin, lighting up the area.
  • Caleb shoots an arcane arrow at the creature, dealing acid damage.
  • The male creature turns ethereal, negating the acid damage, and both creatures vanish out of sight.
  • Yasha rages and prepares to attack, but the creature escapes out of the window.
  • Fjord Misty Steps towards the creature diving into the well and takes a swipe at the one next to him, but it has no effect.
  • Fjord attempts to strike the creature in the well, but it also has no effect due to its ethereal state.

03:14:31

D&D party engages enemies in battle

  • Fjord finishes his turn after saying "Fuck you."
  • Nott runs around the corner and sees the enemies clustered around a well.
  • Nott dashes towards the enemies, using bonus action to dash further.
  • Nott attempts to cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter on an enemy in the well.
  • Nott's spell fails to affect the intended target.
  • Jester runs out the door, followed by her spiritual weapon.
  • Jester uses her action to double dash and brings her spiritual weapon out.
  • Beau jumps through the window and tries to intimidate the enemies.
  • Caduceus sends his swarm of beetles out the window to find the enemies.
  • Caleb casts Mage Armor and looks out the window, questioning the plan.

03:27:40

Exploring cavern, encountering resistance, chasing Nott

  • Laura makes a strength check, leading to stone crumbling and widening the space by a foot and a half.
  • Marisha checks for observers and notices Umadon, a bugbear, watching.
  • Sam and Taliesin observe a narrow tunnel leading downward, with stalactites and minerals present.
  • Caduceus is hoisted into the chamber, and light is cast to illuminate the cavern.
  • Nott turns invisible and runs down the tunnel stealthily.
  • The group discusses encountering creatures resistant to various elements and magic, deciding to chase after Nott down the tunnel.
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