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Dark Bargains | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 83

Critical Role・199 minutes read

Critical Role's Halloween episode features voice actors in character costumes of roles they've voiced, highlighting a dire situation against Obann, exploring the Folding Halls of Halas, and encountering the mysterious Halas himself within a dreadnought, leading to a risky decision involving the Chained Oblivion and Tharizdun. The group navigates through traps, potential deals with Halas, and revelations about Yasha's situation, culminating in a shocking discovery of the true identity of the Angel of Irons, setting the stage for a new chapter with grave consequences.

Insights

Critical Role is a show featuring voice actors playing Dungeons & Dragons, with the Halloween episode showcasing the cast in character costumes based on roles they have voiced in various media.
The Mighty Nein face a dire situation against Obann, who serves the Angel of Irons, while also navigating through the complex Folding Halls of Halas within the Heirloom Sphere.
Halas, an ancient Zaidelian, communicates telepathically through a ruby, offering help and seeking a leader among the group to converse with.
The group discovers Halas' laboratory filled with arcane tomes, soul manipulation spells, and clues hinting at his attempt to alter his body permanently.
Halas guides the group through his chambers, offering assistance in exchange for release from his gem prison, revealing his interest in extending life without lichdom or undeath.
Yussa, an ally, warns against releasing Halas due to his experiments and questions the group's trustworthiness, leading to a decision to keep the Permaheart safe and leave Halas trapped.
A ritual to reveal the Angel of Irons' deception as the Chained Oblivion shatters, leaving the group shocked and concerned, prompting Allura to inform the council about the grave discovery.
The group returns home after harvesting dragon parts, negotiating their value, and undergoing a ritual that unveils the Chained Oblivion's presence, signaling a dangerous revelation about the Angel of Irons' true nature.

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Recent questions

What is Critical Role?
A show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons.
Who sponsors the Halloween episode?
Eldritch Foundry and D&D Beyond.
What is the theme of the Halloween costumes?
Characters they have voiced in various media.
What is the group's current mission?
To find Yussa and complete their benefactor's mission.
Who is Halas?
An ancient Zaidelian society member.

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Summary

00:00

"Voice actors in character costumes for Halloween"

Critical Role is a show where voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons.
The Halloween episode features the cast in character costumes.
The theme of the costumes is characters they have voiced in various media.
Taliesin is dressed as The Flash, Laura as Kait Diaz from Gears of War 5, and Liam as Gaara from Naruto.
Marisha pays homage to minor voice roles with Soldier B lines.
Travis is dressed as Two-Face from Batman: The Animated Series.
Sam is absent but represents Overwatch as McCree.
Eldritch Foundry sponsors the episode, offering customizable miniatures with a 15% discount using the code critrole.
D&D Beyond is also a sponsor, with Liam toasting their partnership.
Daylight savings time is ending in the US, and upcoming content includes painting episodes and the UnDeadwood series.

12:04

"The Astral Dreadnought's Mysterious Laboratory"

The Mighty Nein were in a dire situation against Obann, who was pursuing a mysterious goal in the name of the Angel of Irons.
Yussa disappeared into the Heirloom Sphere given to him months prior, leading the group to seek help from his ally, Allura Vysoren.
They entered the Folding Halls of Halas within the sphere, a complex of inter-dimensional rooms connected by a twisting tower, with only some areas explored.
Following Yussa's path, they navigated through chambers, battled golems, created golems, and located the Permaheart, a crucial artifact linked to the Laughing Hand's immortality.
They discovered Halas had experimented with cloned bodies and a ritual chamber in a dreadnought, leading them to investigate and find an astral dreadnought chained in the Astral Sea.
By pulling a lever, they opened the astral dreadnought's jaws and entered its mouth.
Inside, they found a cavern with furniture and a body in red robes, prompting cautious exploration.
The laboratory they discovered contained strange instruments, ritual components, tomes, and the mysterious body.
The group split up to surround the laboratory, with some noticing a faint red glow on the ceiling between the pillars.
They proceeded cautiously, with Fjord pointing out the mysterious light above and warning against touching anything in the area.

24:05

Mysterious Encounter with Halas in Sigils

Beauregard points out a faint glow that only a few can see, including a human man in his mid-50s resembling Halas.
The man is sitting on glyphs drawn with black dust and powdered chalk, forming overlapping sigils.
The body appears healthy, with amber eyes, not decaying, and breathing, resembling Halas from portraits.
Nott uses Mage Hand to tickle and search the body, finding gold dust, chalk, blackened soot, and a magical ruby.
Detect Magic reveals magical essence in the ruby and symbols on the floor, which are necromantic.
Halas communicates telepathically with Nott, offering help and seeking a leader to converse with.
Caleb recognizes Halas as a Zaidelian, an ancient society related to Zemnian culture.
Halas requests to speak with a leader or decision-maker among the group.
Caleb warns Jester to put down the ruby as it communicates with her, asking if she is the leader of the group.
Jester sees swirling mist and golden amber eyes in the ruby, indicating a telepathic connection with Halas.

36:16

"Ruby Reliquary Sparks Amusement and Intrigue"

Liam warns not to touch the ruby, as it is a reliquary designed for worship or ritual.
Jester sketches a penis on the ruby, causing amusement.
Caleb casts Identify on the ruby, revealing its purpose as a focus for worship or ritual.
Jester and Nott find books in Zemnian on the table, including spellbooks and research notes.
Caleb examines the books, assisted by Nott, finding arcane symbols and sketches resembling the ruby.
Jester and Caduceus check the body, confirming it appears healthy.
Concerns arise about moving the body out of the sigil area and potential consequences.
Frumpkin is placed near the ruby to alert Caleb of any issues.
Caleb and Nott explore the spellbooks for new spells and information.
Jester suggests calling Caleb "Labia," leading to amusement among the group.

46:26

"Uncovering Ancient Spells of Soul Manipulation"

Investigation check reveals ancient ritual tomes and spells on soul manipulation
Books contain spells like Magic Jar, Trap the Soul, and Clone
Partially developed spells hint at Halas' attempt to alter his body permanently
Spells connect to Halas' work on transforming his body indefinitely
Magic Jar spell requires a focus like a gem to possess individuals within 100 feet
Halas' spell allows placing the soul back into the body within 100 feet
Attempt to scale a pillar to reach a glyph on the ceiling
Fortune's Favor spell cast for a reroll on the athletics check
Successfully climb the pillar to find a red circle with connected symbols
Glyphs appear intentionally placed and permanent

57:47

Deciphering the Mysterious Conjuration Glyph

Tink hits the center of the runes, causing a series of tingling sounds.
The group discusses the need to dispel the rune and speculates on its purpose.
Marisha rolls an arcana check to decipher the conjuration-based glyph.
She identifies it as conjuration-based but is unsure of its exact function.
Marisha slides down a pole and safely lands on the floor with Laura's help.
The group debates the potential summoning of dead entities through the glyph.
Taliesin searches for an exit but finds only darkness in one direction.
Caleb and Sam find valuable spell components in the laboratory.
The group considers using Frumpkin to activate the glyph on the ceiling.
Caleb climbs up to inspect the intricate conjuration-based circle but fails to fully understand its purpose.

01:08:55

"Frumpkin's Fey Essence Scattered, Group Investigates Halas"

Frumpkin begins to float for a second, then is scattered to atoms.
The fey essence of Frumpkin vanishes, leaving behind a cloud of sparkle dust.
The group realizes that the circle does not like cats.
Caleb climbs up to explore the ceiling, finding nothing of note.
The group discusses the possibility of Halas transferring his soul into another body using a ruby.
They consider the idea of the ruby being a failsafe in case of emergency.
The group decides to inspect Halas's body for clues.
They discuss using Zone of Truth to communicate with Halas through the ruby.
Beau volunteers to be the one to communicate with Halas, as she is not a magic user.
The group plans to combine their efforts by creating a dome and having Beau communicate with Halas using the ruby.

01:19:46

Interrogating trapped Halas reveals time manipulation

The group decides to cast Zone of Truth and set up a dome to interrogate Halas, who is trapped in a gem.
They examine Halas' body for any signs of injury or undead presence.
Halas' body appears intact, with a smooth chest and a beating heart, but no scars for his age.
They use magical manacles on Halas and prepare the dome for the interrogation.
Beau communicates with Halas through the gem, learning that he's been trapped due to a sabotaged design.
Halas offers riches and boons in exchange for being released from the gem.
Halas mentions a time dilation effect and a way to adjust the passage of time within the gem.
The group discusses whether to release Halas, considering his promises and the potential risks.
They strategize on how to gather more information from Halas, including asking about the symbols in the room and how to dispel the gem.
Beau continues the conversation with Halas, exploring his motives, the length of his imprisonment, and his ability to manipulate time within the gem.

01:30:54

"Escape Plan: Mighty Nein and Halas"

Marisha acts as the liaison for the Mighty Nein in a conversation with Halas.
The year is 836 PD according to Halas.
Halas is unfamiliar with the term PD and is troubled by the time difference.
The Mighty Nein offer to help Halas in exchange for guidance to escape.
Halas hints at his experiments with necromancy and offers to assist the group.
Halas discusses his interest in extending life without resorting to lichdom or undeath.
The group learns they are in the dreadnought's donjon, a space within the creature's belly.
Halas proposes a way to guide the group out if they take his gem and body with them.
The Mighty Nein agree to take Halas' gem and body to escape the donjon.
The conversation with Halas continues as the group plans their escape.

01:43:42

Escape plan with Halas in dreadnought

Halas will guide the party out in exchange for being released from his gem.
The party is unsure how to release Halas from the gem.
Halas may not have known his actions were wrong if they weren't illegal.
The party is inside a dreadnought and can only escape through a Plane Shift spell.
Caleb can Banish one person to a random spot in their world.
They consider letting Halas guide them out and then deciding what to do.
Allura might be able to help them escape the dreadnought.
Allura advises caution in dealing with Halas and suggests not giving him what he wants until they discuss it in person.
The party plans to make a deal with Halas to ensure everyone's safety.
They consider asking Halas about the Prison of Soot and Yussa's whereabouts.

01:53:59

"Mission to Find Yussa Ends in Mystery"

The group is on a mission to find Yussa, their subject of interest, and complete their benefactor's mission.
They discuss carrying Yussa's body and potential risks of being attacked.
Yussa agrees to help them in exchange for their assistance.
Yussa reveals a Plane Shift circle above the laboratory to take them to his study.
They realize they could have used the Plane Shift circle earlier to escape.
They discuss how to reach the Plane Shift circle, considering options like Polymorph and Reverse Gravity.
Yussa explains that touching the circle will transport them to his study.
They decide to use Polymorph to carry Yussa and his body to the circle.
They successfully transport everyone to the Plane Shift circle, with some close calls.
The group, except for Beau and Laura, vanishes upon touching the circle, leaving their fate uncertain.

02:04:41

Critical decisions and spooky encounters discussed

Taliesin and Brian are discussing a decision made, with Sam supporting Brian's choice.
Jerry reminds Brian of the time elapsed in the show.
Brian asks about a specific episode from campaign two, episode 26.
The group discusses their concerns about Obann's plans and the uncertainty surrounding his intentions.
Taliesin emphasizes the importance of being prepared before engaging in battle.
Sam appreciates the mystery and continuous learning in the campaign.
A winner's photo is shared, sparking admiration and discussion among the group.
Arsequeef interrupts with a humorous exchange and a mention of Mini Primetime with Will Friedle.
A segment from Yee-Haw Game Ranch involving a ghostly encounter with T.N. Tina is recounted.
A tense and spooky gaming experience is described, leading to fear and excitement among the participants.

02:15:35

Travis and group encounter Halas's warnings.

Travis goes under the bed, with Brian urging to reload batteries.
Travis speaks of strangers united by gold, seeking guidance and protection.
Dani expresses a desire to watch Critical Role.
Taliesin portrays a Critter yearning for Critical Role content, mentioning the Twitch Subscription Zone.
The winner of a Wyrmwood giveaway is announced as Notfishhh.
The group finds themselves in a hexagonal chamber with a portrait of Halas and broken mage hunter golem pieces.
Halas advises on avoiding spells of a certain level to evade mage golems and describes the Prison of Soot.
Halas mentions various types of golems in his chambers for different purposes.
The group discovers a hidden door leading to the Circlebound Chamber, housing a horned devil from the Hells.
Halas warns against trusting the horned devil's words and advises caution in dealing with it.

02:43:24

"Exploring Halas' Traps and Dragon Lair"

Perception check requested by Matt, with Travis and Liam rolling for it.
Stained glass portal noticed, shelves empty, items of interest likely taken.
Single brown door and red gold door identified in the chamber.
Trapdoor exposed under the carpet, now askew.
Painting of Halas inspected for differences, none found.
Halas warns against entering his personal bed chambers due to heavy traps.
Discussion on potential dangers in Halas' bedroom, decision to proceed cautiously.
Trapdoor leads to the Fleshmend Facility for injuries.
Thelashas named as the dragon in the dragon's lair.
Prison of Soot described as a containment and information gathering chamber with potential for 27 floors.

02:53:54

Magic, speech, and escape in the Garden.

The usage of magic attracts beings in the Garden.
The vocal cords' vibration from speech draws the soot.
Paints might offer an escape route.
Polymorph abilities allow transitioning between creatures and objects.
Limited ability individuals can acquire useful magic.
The group plans to break someone out of prison in exchange for help.
Stepping into the Circlebound Chamber reveals a dark, charcoal-colored room.
Tapestries depict the Blood War between devils and demons.
A 15-foot circle with leathery wings sits atop a glyph in the room.
A Horned Devil appears, 12-foot tall, with red and brown skin, claws, and horns.

03:06:45

"Green Book Holds Special Poem, Door Opens"

Liam is at the door, overhearing a mention of a tome.
Matt describes four books on a shelf near the entrance.
Nott investigates a locked and trapped door, finding it magical.
Laura questions Halas about the door, learning golems open it.
Sam attempts to disarm the trap on the door but fails.
Liam examines books on the shelf, noticing a green one.
The demon hints at a poem in the green book.
Laura casts Zone of Truth on the demon, learning he doesn't know his name.
The demon claims the green book contains a special poem.
Caleb successfully opens the door with a Knock spell, leading to a staircase downwards.

03:18:22

Group discovers trapped adamantine chests; chaos ensues.

Laura speculates that the chests contain items taken from people.
Sam gestures approval and suggests stealing from the chests.
The group notices the chests are made of adamantine, a strong material.
Sam attempts to pick the lock on one of the chests.
Laura reminds Sam to check for traps before proceeding.
Sam successfully picks the lock but triggers a trap, collapsing as a result.
Nott is revived using a diamond and a spell called Revivify.
The group takes a short rest to recover before continuing.
Beau notices a shift in a depiction of different planes on a platform.
The group proceeds cautiously through the chambers, avoiding further traps.

03:29:42

Mysterious Prison Tower Holds Dark Secrets

The prison tower's floor layout is revealed to have a strange angled arrangement with new stairs replacing the old ones.
Each room on the floor is an extension of the previous one with minor design adjustments.
The floor features two sets of barred prison cells, one on each side, each about 20 by 20 feet, containing bodies.
One cell holds a skeletal body, while the other has a decaying body in nice clothes with a collar around its neck.
Moving to the fourth floor, each cell contains a new body, one dead and rotting, the other appearing to be sleeping.
Both bodies on the fourth floor have collars around their necks.
The bars on the cells are not trapped, but the door is, connected to a hidden line leading upstairs.
The group frees Yussa from his collar by removing it in the study, where he expresses gratitude and mentions missing components.
Yussa learns about Halas being trapped in a gem prison and warns against fulfilling any arrangement with him.
The group decides to take the gem with them and entrust it to Yussa or Allura for safekeeping.

03:40:55

"Deception, Trust, and Decisions: The Halas Dilemma"

35 years have passed since the characters last interacted
A deception check is made, resulting in a natural one
The group discusses the idea of freeing Halas, who created freaks of nature
Yussa expresses appreciation for the group's actions
Concerns arise about Halas' morality and the consequences of freeing him
The group decides not to release Halas and to keep the Permaheart safe
Yussa becomes suspicious of the group, questioning if any of them are Halas
The group debates leaving Halas' body behind and sealing the gem away
Yussa's trustworthiness is questioned, leading to an insight check
The group decides to leave Halas' body in the study and take the gem, while also retrieving the anti-magic manacles

03:52:10

Group Overcomes Challenges, Focuses on Positivity

Last time, the group was in a dire situation, with one member almost dying, but they managed to help each other out.
They express gratitude towards each other for the support provided during their previous encounter.
The group is preparing to return to face challenges but expresses a desire to focus on positive experiences rather than the negative ones.
Caleb shares information from Halas' books with Nott to alleviate her fears.
The group harvests dragon parts, obtaining nine blue dragon's teeth and four claws.
The dragon parts are from a younger blue dragon, and the group decides to negotiate their value.
The group decides to return home through a sphere, emerging in Yussa's study after what seems like a short time but has actually been longer.
Allura arrives, dressed for a formal event, and expresses relief at the group's safe return.
Allura suggests a ritual to gain insight into the Angel of Irons situation, requiring specific items and a personal effect of the target, Yasha.
The group struggles to find a personal item of Yasha's for the ritual, settling on a drawing Jester made of her. The ritual begins, involving incantations and a circle formation, leading to the appearance of a chained form resembling Yasha.

04:06:28

"Revealing the Chained Oblivion: Allura's Revelation"

Allura performs a ritual with the group to reveal the form of her captor, leading to the discovery of a black, lightless void and the presence of the Chained Oblivion, a guise for the mad god Tharizdun.
The ritual is shattered, windows break, and the group feels their arms thrust apart, breaking the connection, as they learn that the Angel of Irons is a deception for the Chained Oblivion, a harbinger of destruction and endless hunger.
Allura decides to inform the council about the revelation, signaling a grave portent and leaving the group shocked and concerned about the implications of their discovery.

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