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Wood and Steel | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 58

Critical Role・162 minutes read

The Critical Role cast engages in a D&D Beyond election campaign, with Ashley Johnson delivering a supportive speech for Liam O'Brien, resulting in banter and jokes. The group embarks on a journey to face giants after purchasing gear, encountering challenges and making strategic decisions along the way.

Insights

Ashley Johnson's return to Critical Role is met with warmth from the cast, emphasizing the camaraderie among the members.
The episode showcases a blend of humor and election banter, adding a light-hearted tone to the narrative.
The group engages in shopping for essential items, including gems and clothing, setting the stage for their upcoming journey.
Negotiations with Professor Waccoh offer insights into the challenges faced by the group, highlighting the complexity of their mission.
The episode features moments of emotional depth, such as Laura and Sam's heartfelt goodbyes to their son, adding a human touch to the adventure.
The session ends with a focus on strategic planning and scouting for the upcoming encounter with giants, building anticipation for future developments.

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Recent questions

What is Critical Role?
Critical Role is a show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons, engaging in storytelling and role-playing adventures.
Who is running for president of D&D Beyond?
Sam is running for president of D&D Beyond in the sponsored episode of Critical Role.
What is the ongoing Kickstarter campaign about?
The ongoing Kickstarter campaign involves raising funds for the Legend of Vox Machina animated series, aiming to enhance the show with additional effects, colors, and vocal talent.
What is the group tasked with in the Deepriver Mining Camp?
The group is tasked with killing giants and humiliating a rival named Foreman Bodo in the Deepriver Mining Camp.
What is the group's plan for handling the giants in the forest?
The group plans to utilize deception, scouting, and recruitment of a guide familiar with the mines to aid in their mission of facing the giants in the forest.

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Summary

00:00

Critical Role: Election Banter and Merchandise Updates

Introduction to Critical Role, a show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons.
Ashley Johnson returns to the show, greeted warmly by the cast.
D&D Beyond sponsors the episode, with Sam running for president of D&D Beyond.
Liam O'Brien announces Ashley Johnson as his running mate in the D&D Beyond election.
Ashley Johnson delivers a speech supporting Liam O'Brien's campaign, highlighting his character and their joint candidacy.
The cast engages in banter and jokes about the election and their roles in it.
Matt announces the end of the season finale of Pub Draw and the availability of Critical Role shows on podcasts.
Details about the ongoing Kickstarter campaign and a special guest appearance by Joel Hodgson from Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Merchandise updates, including the restocking of dice sets and a new beanie prototype.
Recap of the previous episode's events in Critical Role, involving the rescue of Yeza and gaining favor with the Bright Queen in Xhorhas.

14:22

"Exploring Gallimaufry: Shopping, Spells, and Shenanigans"

Given leads for possible work or ways to advance within the Dynasty
Provided accommodation at Dim's Inn in the Gallimaufry district
After planning for the next day, everyone rested for the night
Woke up to a dark sky despite it being mid-morning
Had breakfast and conversations downstairs
Decided on errands for the day: library, blacksmith, groceries
Discussed pooling money for diamonds, with contributions from each member
Split into groups for shopping and library visits
Requested to buy a diamond for Revivify spell
Jester asked Beau to draw inappropriate images in library books

25:43

Discussion and laughter in a fantasy world.

Marisha and Laura discuss blending in with ass trumpeters in the margins of a drawing.
Travis and Sam discuss meeting back at the inn at high 12 o'clock.
Sam reminds Laura and Liam to have their medallions of protection ready.
Sam advises them to keep the medallions in their front pockets for easy access.
Travis questions Marisha about a random stick in her armpit.
The group jokes about Marisha needing a bath after various activities.
The group breaks for a moment, with some confusion and laughter.
Travis and Taliesin head towards the conservatory, the Marble Tomes.
Taliesin seeks a blacksmith to work on a blade he found.
Fjord helps Taliesin find the Hammered Call, where they meet a tall half-orc blacksmith with intricate tattoos.

38:40

"Friends of Dynasty seek jewelry in Menagerie"

The finer weaponry with gem adornments is handled internally by the Dynasty.
The speaker is trained but not a master craftsman and is not allowed in all the firing forges.
The group appreciates the time taken by the person they are speaking with.
Jester offers to do tattoos for the person they are speaking with, who declines.
They reveal they are friends of the Dynasty and staying at the Den's Inn.
The person they are speaking with is named Wursh the Tapper.
Wursh advises Fjord not to let anger define him and to be confident in who he is.
Fjord reveals he grew up in Menagerie Coast and has no knowledge of his family.
They discuss Driftwood Asylum, where Fjord grew up as an orphan.
The group plans to find shoes for Sam's husband and look for a jeweler or someone who sells jewels.

52:06

Intrigue at Umavi: Meeting Professor Waccoh

Guards approach the group, hands near their blades, questioning their presence.
The group claims to be guests of the Umavi and requests to see Professor Waccoh.
Despite initial skepticism, the guards allow them entry to the Marble Tomes Conservatory.
Inside, they encounter a dark elf woman at a desk who communicates telepathically.
They are escorted to Professor Waccoh's chamber, where they meet a female orc professor.
The professor inspects the group physically and questions their motives for being there.
The group reveals they are from the Empire and claim to be dynasty enthusiasts.
The professor suspects them of being double agents and questions their loyalty.
The group hints at potentially working for the Bright Queen as war machines.
The professor offers them drinks, showing curiosity and caution towards their intentions.

01:06:22

"Dark glass bottles, giants, and magical items"

Dark glass bottles are present, and a brackish liquor is poured into glasses for a toast.
The Bright Queen requested a meeting with Waccoh for assistance with muscle.
Waccoh is designing weapons for intense destruction, with the last batch heading westward.
The Deepriver Mining Camp at the Icozrin Steelworks needs help due to a giant attack.
The Steelworks were built around the mining camp when the war began.
The giants' attack was unexpected, causing chaos and minimal bloodshed.
The mine contains iron and copper essential for designs, with a problematic foreman named Bodo.
Waccoh offers 8,650 gold worth of gems or two magical items: a Ring of Evasion, a Robe of Far Patterns, and a Staff of Withering.
The broken sword blade has a faint magical essence, and the group debates on the gem or item choice.
Negotiations occur on the gem or item selection, with the option to return for the remaining choice after completing the task.

01:19:27

"Negotiating Gems and Deals in the Dynasty"

Liam and Marisha discuss taking items from a place, considering various options like a robe, ring, staff, and gems.
They decide to take the gems and possibly return for more items later.
Marisha negotiates with a woman for a deal involving gems and items, but fails due to a low persuasion roll.
The woman shows them a robe that can scare off attackers when attuned.
Liam negotiates a deal for half gems and half items, finalizing the agreement.
They agree to embarrass the foreman for an additional reward.
Marisha draws a dick in a book to demonstrate public embarrassment.
They finalize the deal with the woman and leave the place.
They shop for clothing and shoes for Yeza, noticing unique elvish and dwarven designs in the Dynasty.
They pass by unique dwarves with gray skin and different hair colors in the streets.
They visit Turmin's Tinctures and Tonics before heading to Fadden's Gems to acquire gems.

01:32:37

"Negotiating Diamonds with Dark Elf Woman"

Display of different gem cuts and jewelry with glass globes giving off a faint glow
Dark elf woman, seemingly napping, catches Laura's hand as she tries to wake her
Laura requests diamonds from the woman, specifically 800 gold worth of loose gems
Woman shows off diamonds, including a well-cut clear diamond worth 500-600 gold
Negotiation for diamonds worth 850 gold, including a 500 gold piece diamond and assorted gems
Laura inquires about shattered diamonds turning to dust, but the woman assures her of her careful cuts
Laura tries to leverage their connection with the Bright Queen for a discount, but the woman declines
Purchase of diamonds for 850 gold, with contributions from Laura, Taliesin, and Fjord
Laura and Yasha visit Turmin's Tinctures and Tonics for potions, encountering a variety of scents and potions
Turmin offers potions for virility and drive, leading to a humorous misunderstanding about their purpose

01:45:43

Encounter with Turmin: Healing Potions and More

Matt and Sam encounter Turmin, a chemist, who offers healing potions for sale.
Turmin has basic healing potions and a greater healing potion for sale.
Turmin also has an Elixir of Health that cures various ailments for 1,000 gold pieces.
The group negotiates with Turmin and eventually agrees to purchase all the smaller healing potions for 200 gold pieces.
Sam attempts to steal some vials while Turmin is distracted, successfully taking two crystal vials.
Yasha purchases a straight razor from Turmin for one gold piece.
The group also buys high-quality paper and ink for 200 gold pieces.
The keyword for the Wyrmwood Giveaway is "reunion."
The group plans their next steps and discusses their purchases as they prepare to continue their adventure.
The episode ends with a break, highlighting the shopping aspect of the session.

01:58:26

"Darktow Sail, Love Letter, Gaming Session Fun"

Marisha plans to set sail for Darktow soon, possibly next Thursday, and expresses her eternal love for her husband in a heartfelt letter.
Marisha mentions a faux leather journal of the Cobalt Soul, rich with memories and blessings from the Knowing Mistress.
Marisha circled Darktow on a map of the Menagerie Coast created by Deven Rue, indicating her potential return.
T.N.Tina interrupts a gaming session, discussing a war caused by a feline warlock named Bast'alar in the gameverse.
T.N.Tina instructs the players to play games, turn the wheel, heal the rift, and look to the stars, emphasizing the importance of the chosen one.
T.N.Tina refers to Travis as the chosen one and Brian as a liability, highlighting their roles in the game.
Sam and Matt engage in a humorous conversation about goblin/halfling sexual sessions and epic battles.
The group celebrates reaching $8.8 million for the Legend of Vox Machina animated series, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
The group plans to enhance the animated series with additional funds, promising more effects, colors, fight sequences, and vocal talent.
The group thanks fans for their support, expressing love and excitement for the project, and announces a game DMed by Ashley.

02:25:00

"Group plans journey to kill giants"

Marisha drew a dick and only got one in due to time constraints.
Caleb received a straight razor from Ashley and she had been carrying it in her pocket.
Caleb thanked Ashley for the sharp razor and mentioned a traditional shave for old time's sake.
The group discussed items to take, including a staff, robe, ring, and broken sword.
They were tasked with killing giants and humiliating a rival named Foreman Bodo.
The giants were described as normally staying in the mountains and hills but were found in a forest mining camp.
The group decided to leave first thing in the morning for the journey, which was estimated to be over 60 miles.
They purchased outfits of the Dynasty and provisions for the journey, including food and supplies.
Yeza was hesitant to stay alone but felt better with the company of Nugget and Sprinkle, Laura's pets.
The group planned to travel on moorbounders at a medium pace to reach their destination in just over a day.

02:36:33

"Training Nugget, emotional goodbyes, moorbounder journey"

Nugget needs to stay close to Matt, and Laura suggests training him to respond to a command to blink.
Laura advises Matt to try commands that sound like blinking to help Nugget understand.
Laura instructs Matt to call Old Lady Edith to check on their son and gives him a message to relay.
Matt calls Old Lady Edith and relays a message to their son, Luc, ensuring he knows they are safe.
Laura and Sam prepare to leave, ensuring their pets are cared for and leaving money for their caretaker.
Sam and Laura exchange emotional goodbyes with their son, expressing love and care before departing.
Laura urges Sam to go back and express his love more loudly to their son, ensuring he knows before they leave.
The group prepares to ride their moorbounders towards the northwest, seeking directions and discussing their travel arrangements.
Yasha shaves Caleb with a sword, accidentally nicking his ear, prompting him to switch to a straight razor to finish the job.
Laura trains Nugget to respond to the command "home" before the group sets off on their moorbounders, attracting attention as they speed through the Gallimaufry.

02:49:28

Exploring the Coronas: Encounter with Ghosts

The group exits the Gallimaufry and enters the Coronas, a poorer area of the city where non-drows reside.
They encounter goblin domiciles, mud/clay homes for ogres, and exterior walls separating the Coronas from the Ghostlands.
Approaching the main gate, they are questioned by Aurora Watch guards who ask about their business and destination.
The guards use anointed spears to keep ghosts at bay and explain the history of the area as a final battleground of the gods.
The group heads towards the Deepriver Mining Camp, passing through ruins and encountering scavenging bugbears and goblins.
They witness ghostly figures and lights along the road, with guards dispatching some of them with silvered spears.
The guards patrol only to the perimeter of the Ghostlands, leaving travelers to continue on their own.
The group sets up camp off the road for the night, using Caleb's dome spell for protection.
In the morning, they wake to a light sky, with Frumpkin the cat purring in Jester's clothes and enjoying a pastry.
Jester asks Caleb if she can keep Frumpkin, and they greet each other good morning before continuing their journey.

03:04:25

Group investigates giant attack in mine.

The group, including Laura, Sam, Marisha, Ashley, and Taliesin, discuss the presence of a giant in the mine.
They consider talking to people in the mines for more information.
Laura offers a hand-warming rod to combat the chilly morning.
The moorbounders have fed on a large wolf carcass, leaving blood-slick bones.
Taliesin uses a cantrip to decompose the remains and grow moss.
The group continues their journey towards the Vermaloc, a forest with unique purple-barked trees.
Yasha, familiar with the trees, mentions living close by but not in the immediate area.
They spot smoke ahead, leading to a cluster of tents and workers in the valley.
They encounter the foreman, who explains a giant attack and lack of success in repelling them.
Fjord intimidates the foreman, demanding more information and a firsthand account from a worker who witnessed the attack.

03:19:01

"Facing Giants: Strategy, Deception, and Recruitment"

Unexpected attack by giants in the forest, lacking defense means.
Offer made by a man to join under Den Icozrin's banner for more pay.
Intimidation tactics used to secure a deal for increased payment.
Decision made to proceed with the task of facing giants.
Discussion on strategies to handle the giants, including potential deception and scouting.
Lack of familiarity with the gray giants and the need for more information.
Utilizing a moorbounder to track and scout the giants.
Recruitment of a guide familiar with the mines to aid in the mission.
Journey through the unique Vermaloc forest with a hobgoblin guide.
Arrival at the Steelworks fort, observing its layout and potential challenges.

03:33:48

Giants Spotted on Wall, Stealth Plan discussed.

Rocks are seen on top of a wall, with sections showing damage.
Perception check is made by Caduceus, Jester, and Caleb.
Natural 20 is rolled by Jester.
Giants are spotted looking over the wall.
Two giants are visible, one with eyes glancing over.
Giants are seen scanning the area and then disappearing.
A gate is described as ten feet tall and currently closed.
Heavy rocks are observed against the wall.
A plan is discussed to deal with the giants, involving stealth and luring them out.
The group splits up to scout the area, with some members failing stealth checks.

03:47:45

Critical Role Kickstarter concludes with dramatic return.

Ashley expresses happiness about returning.
Taliesin reacts dramatically.
Matt announces the return next Thursday to conclude the Kickstarter campaign.
Matt thanks the audience for joining the session and expresses love for them.
The session ends with a dramatic orchestral music cue.

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