Thread by @friede

Evening, folks. We jump from one knotty tangle with the nature of divinity courtesy of @matthewmercer right back into another one. Will Team Issylra make it to the Hierophant of the Emerald Tree? Will Prism Scry on Ludi? Who pukes today?

#CriticalRoleSpoilers in an hour(ish).

Shirt by @BitterSouth. Remember: there’s as many meanings to the phrase as there are stars in the sky. Real ones know.

bsgeneralstore.com/products/bless…

Felted Weezard Essek by @mightypiedesign

Tonight's runtime: 4 hours, 2 minutes.
Break at: 2 hours, 41 minutes
(so a lengthy first half)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

As we wait: CR's Legend of Vox Machina, Dimension 20's sibling show Game Changer, TTRPG Actual Play KOllOK, & D&D web series The Party are all up for Emmy consideration. Whatever benevolent power you put faith in, put good energy towards this wave of new media creativity?

Unusually during the party split, only Team Issylra's side of the core cast is all at table (as the others "got shit to do").

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Tonight's ad: DnDBeyond throwback to meme fodder: "guy mansplaining," Tal as Drake meme, Matt as "hot dog on his head" (with hotdog), then pineapple on head ("what the fuck". Liam "hide the pain Herald." Marisha as Doge & "one does simply not" then Salt Bae.
#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Finally Matt is "tricked" into the woman yelling at cat meme exchange via pasta.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"Den Theyless in this Chili's" as Liam does the Laura merch (and gives a lot of fan service for Tumblr) for the Essek dice & his new reaction figure.

("drop & see if it floats")

Liam rips it open to show it floating.
("it's not hot boi unless he floats")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Midst "Sam's baby" ("don't blame this on me")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Tal also tries to channel Laura as he OMGYOUGUYS the Molly Origins graphic novel with "backstory I didn't get to tell because I'm bad at rolling" written by the splendid @Jody_Houser

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

(Correction, I'm tired: Sam was here for ad read, but of course FCG is Sir Not Appearing In This Arc)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Recap starts with the "ragtag thrown-together friends" (who can be heard cackling offscreen), who have "freed" a village from an "influx of Dawnfather faith... by relatively violent means"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Seeking a way to return home (or the people who are your home), they follow a smaller eidolon "wind cougar" toward Hevestro the Hierophant of the Emerald Tree in the Irriam Canyon. 4-5 days travel. A shrine awards, surrounded by blue flora.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Early in the day, they make their way forward. Matt asks if they have anything they're looking for, or whether it's time to roll for the day's events.

They confirm that everything they have is in the Hole, no cart or the like.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"What does our cougar look like?"
"Fran Drescher"
"I was waiting for that"

Seriously: semi-ethereal, opaque wind, kicking up dust, little noise, aside from a guttural growl like wind through a window.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They check their cash (low), discuss inventory. Prism asks what IS the Hole.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism discusses the whole... demon-summoning thing. Y'know, if they have, like, issues.

"You want your flowers?" asks Deni$e.

She's somewhat surprised by their collective nonplussedness.

She has found enablers.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Then they discuss Bor'Dor's farting lightning bolts, possible origins. As with Prism, the party cares what HE feels about it.

He thinks it's when he gets scared.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism offers to help him focus, since at the Soul they use Counterspell which Laudna & she have.

Orym says "nothing to be scared of here, except Laudna"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"Anxiety is just breath before fear"
("don't crochet that")
(too late)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor tries to cast Silvery Barbs at a tree.

(He doesn't have the spell. Nothing happens)

Deni$e & others try imaginary spells they don't have.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna's advice: follow your own truth.
Ash concurs: everyone has their own shit.
Prism offers this as a safe space.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They continue to West Wing-this as they head deeper into the wilderness, which allows Matt to expand in description: dreamlike hue of green, vibrant, feeling welcomed, "but also incredibly small"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They keep eyes on the Ascendant Bridge ahead, a dark monolith.

Emily rolls for Day 1: 17!
("wait, is that bad?")

Matt expands description of the space.

("is this what hiking is always like?" asks Indoor Kid Prism
"I try not to do it" say Deni$e & Ash)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Discussion of comparative shit techniques ensue.

Liam comparing Laudna's excrement to owl pellets wins for yikes on trikes.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

(@aimeecarrero ambergris is a cool old-school perfume component that isn't really used anymore, but if you ever want to smell it... I know a guy)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Familiar flirting (and Dynios third-wheeling reluctantly) ensues. Spinoff fodder.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

("stop making one shots" mutters Tal)
("it's just me at the table? I hate this" snarks Matt)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

(Everytime Pate speaks in this quasi-Austin Powers, it rivals that mega-cringer D&Daddies episode where they had a normie judge their tight fives.)
(Emily is in heaven)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor rolls Survival (15) & finds blueberries (narrowly avoiding the black, toxic ones)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Meanwhile, Deni$e has killed a rabbit with her bare hands.

Does she have to roll? Is it Animal Handling?
She tries: 12.

Matt explains Survival is hunting. AH is coaxing it -- which is worse, man.

Fatal Attraction jokes ensue.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Liam lampshades: "I know you've all beenn playing video games this weekend because all you wanna do is craft..."

"put a rocket on ..."

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Matt prompts conversation:

Ash asks Orym about meditation. Should he like, talk to rocks?

As Orym coaches him, Liam has Tal roll a WIS save.
"you start thinking of waffles"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash's coping strategies up until now: not stopping. Failing that: booze, and people.

He's starting to think about his situation.
"That could apply to so many things"
Basically his origins: what happened to him, the Hishari stuff, etc. Yesterday threw them.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym thinks getting back to their "other half" will help.
(this man has like three groups of "halves" tho)

Ash is trying to think was fixing looks like.

Orym's starting to doubt it.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym slowly starts to massage Ash, taking direction: rapid movements.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism carves the runes she saw on Bor'Dor's crossbow. Matt notes that the Apogee Solstice may aid this.

Her intent: "naked curiosity"
Matt tells her that runs are "cups" to hold magic.
She tries to put Draconic magic in: a Dragon's Breath spell, 4th level.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e tests the shot, & a massive burst of flame in a 15' cone bursts out.

It would singe her eyebrows, but they're painted on.

Emily rolls a D20: 3. The crossbow is ALSO on fire.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

It's functional, but they learn that the heightened magic of the Solstice can capture magic... once. Bad enough roll would destroy the crossbow.

(Marisha's fan tonight: "Allergies Suck")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna tries to Mend it, but it cannot work on magical damage.

Prism offers to tinker with Bor'Dor's crossbow anytime.

They're impressed by her power, but she's never cast a spell in 10 yrs that wasn't Counterspelled by her teachers for poor form.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Book Smarts. Sheep Smarts.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna goes full Victor Frankenstein in the assist for a training dummy for Bor'Dor. Ashton add armor.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

As Prism goes into Explaining Wizard Magic Mode, Liam snaps across the table with energy.

Utkarsh notes that Bor'Dor gets hot
("we know, we've seen your character art")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Crap roll, but with a high modifier & an unmoving dummy means it's engulfed in flames.

Matt asks what else they want to try before they head to rest.

("the biggest lie of D&D is that you get 8 hours sleep" murmurs Tal as Matt nods)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor, having heard Ash 7 Orym's convo, asks to cast (with permission) Calm Emotions Lvl2 on Ash.

For the first time in a while, the buzz of... everything... is gone.

Then he casts it on himself. And Prism. Hell, everyone!
("this is Xanax")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor asks the cougar if he can be her small spoon.

Animal Handling: 17. It rolls up on its side. It's rather light, given it's an air elemental. A buffeting of gentle wind, like a "low level Theragun"
("and looks vaguely like Jennifer Coolidge")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e uses ANOTHER bunny (alive) as an airplane pillow.

("you killed my brother. I can see his bones. I can smell him on your breath")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash, on watch, rolls WIS 14.

For the first time, he almost discorporates a bit, connecting the the stones around him. They can sense the life that suffuses these spaces. Dozens & dozens of curious spirits wandering around their campsite.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Long rest complete without incident, almost like the spirits Ash reached out to kept watch for them. (Prism even slept rather than trance)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Day 2: Aimee rolls NAT20. Matt has her roll a D6: 5.

They come upon a clearing, a 15' divot, 8' deep.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism asks if anyone is curious about the flora growing within (they aren't). She Mage Hands a few, rolls a 16.

Laudna chucks some ball bearings. Some mice skitter off. ("It's infested with RATS")

Orym asks the eidolon. It's not nervous.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym is struck by the absurdity of the peace of the space around them, the quiet prior day & today, in the midst of the world's chaos & threat.

He grows similar flowers as he walks forward, Prism following. The others follow, carefully.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna & Ash gently pull back the roots, revealing something grown over: a petrified skeleton, embedded into the stone of this space. They see a ribcage & spinal column.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna casts Wither & Bloom ("Sorry Orym") revealing a humanoid skeleton splayed out, embedded in the stone. The bone looks like a continuation of the stone, or petrification.

Tal asks if Merge with Stone can interact with it. Matt allows the creative use.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash sinks within the stone, sensing the rest of the skeleton. To remove the skeleton would be a high DC Dexterity, with aid from Deni$e's expertise & Laudna's rock chisel hairpin.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

16 -- it's VERY delicate. While they try to remove the skull in a rapid excavation, the chest cavity collapses.

Prism casts Identify on it. It's human-scaled, but more lithe, thinner, but not elven, though similar. It was a Githzerai ("YES from the sky!")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"This was an extraterrestrial skeleton"

Prism has to explain aliens.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prison-like? ("like prison-meteor?")

Deni$e & Prism Investigate: on Prism's 16:

1. the crater is based on impact that should have shattered the skeleton. Intentional enchantment buffered. This was placed here as a punishment.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

2. what remains is a singular metal band on one finger, still merged with the stone.

They're able to remove it easily because they don't care about the skeleton. It's smooth, shiny, metallic, like malachite? HEMATITE. ("iron from the sky!")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e rolls History 8 -- nada.

Prism asks Denyios. He's not familiar with this kind of nonsense. Before he was a Book...

She interrupts him to cast Identify. Matt hands her a card for Ring of Volcanic Flesh (I love an Axford reading of magic item deets)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They hand it to Ash as Orym threads flowers through Pate's eye sockets.

Prism thinks they should take a selfie.
Deni$e (with Liam support) invents etchies.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Emily Axford is a goddamn quick study, immediately assembling a string board worthy of any Critter.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Based on the context, the skeleton seems to have been here quite some time, not recently. Possibly 100s of years.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

As Day 2 ends, Laudna sends Pate out to scout for a campsite. 15 -- a nice, soft place that smells good.

Prism apologizes for her sass to Denyios.
He's excited a bit in her sass & confidence. "BE MORE SASSY!"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

("you're getting read by a book")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash & Prism smoke.
("I'm a student, of course I smoke" -- she does not)

Tal explains what happens: the smoke stays in front of her, becoming a little cloud, hanging there for some reason. Slowly, it reenacts your most impressive & historic achievement.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"you wanna go there?"

A small stage in the Shadowrealm. A mage comes with Tiny Prism, who makes herself so indispensable to him that he takes her to the Soul, to escape the gloom, to find something more.

"You Spelling Bee'd your way out of your hometown"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"I cleaned his quills -- that's not a euphemism, though if I say it again it will become one..."

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

To be named Prism in a world of shadows IS a bit hippie.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna & Prism chat in Undercommon -- she hasn't lost her accent. Phlegmatic.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna's never been there -- the language just came to her one day.

("you ate somebody?" Bor'Dor interjects, though can he participate in this convo? Nah, son)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Maybe they'll go there together someday. But Prism doesn't have that kind of plane-shifting magic. yet.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna's mom also wanted her to do something like what Prism is doing. She's proud of her.

Prism wants her to be able say someday that it was worth it that she left.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism excuses herself from this emotion to dig a hole to take a shit -- but really, to cry softly.

("take Susan Sarandon with you!")

Bor'Dor hands out his blueberry fruit rollups made earlier.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym on first watch: 26 -- no issue. Glimpses of glowing eyes, oddly soft, not intense. They meet, acknowledge, as comfort washes over him.

"I'm seeing unknown eyes, in dark, & it's comforting?"
"Oddly"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Dozens of small, sprite-like spirits.

"It feels unnatural that you're comforted"

Orym bumps Prism. She rolls Arcana: 26. DAMN.
She thinks these are local spirits of the woods, growing comfortable with their presence.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"I think it truly might be the opposite of a problem. Like a slumber party with the spirits"

She asks about Orym's ties to nature. "My mom" Maybe he's attracting them?

He waves at them.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

The tiny oblong spirit swirls over Laudna, then waves at him, like a raindrop with two points, gliding off.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Some are sitting on the others' chests, watching them sleep.

Prism offers a Bigby's Hand for Orym to dance with them at elevation. It DOES look like a hand from the grave, gliding dexterously.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym surfs, doing a bit of the forms of the Zeph'aeratam.

("that's all he knows" squeaks Marisha)

More gather around him, like a school of fish, eyes brightening like fireflies. Nearly soundless.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym recalls this is the most terrible time, but we find moments of beauty & happiness we must appreciate.

A half smile to Prism. "Breath before fear & anxiety"

"Take a deep breath, there's more anxiety ahead"

He pats the skeletal finger.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"This is such vanilla fantasy, it's been done to death"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Day 3: Utkarsh rolls 16.
("Fantastic" -- Matt hits the lights)

"Sandra Bullock" no "Teri Hatcher" (Margaret Thatcher is rejected) leads them ahead on a warm day, outside the forest, rolling hills of tall grass. A day or 2 away now.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e suns herself, cleavage out as they go.

Ash walks alongside Prism, apologizing but saying "it felt like you needed a brag"

She says it's sweet -- "as sweet as I get" he replies. But the pipe was a long-held surprise to them all.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

He's been doing "this" 8 years, no, more. Since school? He left it "a little early to pursue a very lucrative life of crime" It's fun, except when it isn't.

Prism is also getting a taste for adrenaline.

When it goes poorly it goes very poorly, Ash notes.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna is steepling her hands. she's just looking!

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism offers to Scry since she can now.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor asks Laudna about who they saw in the Scry on the mountain -- they seemed more important. She explains she's been with Imogen the longest. "She kinda saved me. I like to think I saved her as well. Sisters from another mister. Do people say that?"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They've come to learn she is Ruidusborn (we get another character-to-character info dump here)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism knows what Ruidusborn means. Arcana 22 means she also has heard of the figures born under a red moon flare. Classically considered of ill omen -- great but terrible destiny. Rare-- usually.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"Are your friends as powerful as you are?"
"More" Orym & Ash say in unison.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym says they might want to step away ultimately. They're going after the threat.

"I have some plans" Prism notes. Deni$e has her ass-kicking.

"Unless you want to help save the world or whatever"
"That's kinda along the lines of my plans" Prism says.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor has a new possible object: a sling.

Matt lets Emily get a relevant focus (worth 1000 GP) since this spell was granted by the Elder as a boon. A small mirror w/ twisted, hammered brass frame w/ opals.

"a magical ring light around the edge" adds Tal

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism casts, her consciousness pulled from her body & into a heavily wooded area, a cabin -- an empty cabin. Dark, shaded. Empty.

Bor'Dor can see the same in the mirror. That's his brother's house for sure.

Prism looks for signs of occupation (17): none.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"I think we've all learned to not go anywhere without a couple of sentimental objects"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e asks about Ludinus, Prism DOES have the trading card.

They'll try tonight, to save her powers.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

The day turns to night (as does the set).

This might be the last night before they reach their destination.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Will the trading card work?

"I'll defer to Matthew for that"
"Who's Matthew?"

Matt confirms the trading card will work.

Orym helps clarify the image: "he's even more up his own ass" than the pic.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

She is pulled, then stopped by a wall.

He's got anti-Scrying protections (as we know much of the CA does)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor looks for water & finds a river, where he fishes & brings water back. Alas, the fish is wee.

Prism offers to cast Enlarge on the fish.

(Jesus jokes ensue)

"Cook it up real fast" -- alas, at the end of the hour, they're hungry again.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e rolls like a badass to hunt & cook.

She asks for adobo -- they DO have those spices they stole!

Sofrito ensues.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna scootches to Bor'Dor. Is he OK?

He in turn asks if they're strong enough to kill a Godkiller?

They don't look at it that way.

"Or do you want to take down Ludinus who you can't even... scream, erm, Scry on?"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash notes they want to get as many out as they can.

How many did they kill?

They'd say they killed... dozens, what with the airship and all.

Bor'Dor hopes they took out enough.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym isn't sure they know what they're talking about yet.

I will say it is very handy to have guests at this midgame moment in a grey campaign to clarify main character drives.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"I think I want to stop him" Ash notes, because he doesn't want him around in a power vacuum.

Laudna wonders if they have to accept that "Exandria's gotta change" -- maybe not for the better, but "not making it change for the worse"

(let's pin this one)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

While Prism says it would be understandable if they reunited with their friends & relax, Laudna notes, "We know too much now"

"I wish we were like the Hearthmore."

Ash can't walk away either. Too much in.

A gambler's mentality. Sunk cost, Bor'Dor notes.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor doesn't want to DIE because of them (which, the most understandable drive ever). He may not be with them in this fight.

Deni$e is tired of fighting, running. She wants to retire. Lay down everything but the whip.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism is young, invigorated. She's glad to be here. She thinks she has a narrow lane that could help. She doesn't see herself as the one to stab Ludinus in the back.

Bor'Dor would stab him in the back, if it makes the pain go away, ends the complication.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym props the trading card up.

Whatever they each believe, that asshole has to go.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e rolls Insight on Bor'Dor. 9. Hard to read.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash & Bor'Dor talk on watch. He asks for their pipe. Can't say no to that.

His most heroic achievement?
The moment with the dummy & Fire Bolt, feeling like he belongs, for the first time.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash smokes it too -- but it only works magically once a night.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ash thinks its all uphill from here. Nowhere to go but up -- and yes, harder. If he wants.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

In the dead of night, Orym plants Seedling in the dirt, adorned with flowers.

"I don't know if you can hear me, I don't know if you can hear any of us anymore, I hope you can."

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"I've heard too many stories firsthand, & heard too many tales to discount the good that you, many of you have done in this world. I dunno if you have any thing left in you, but I'm praying."

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"We could use a little help down here. And I know you can too & we'll do our best. But any miracle you can spare."

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

And with the rest of the night passing quietly, we go to break (Matt notes again, a bit past when they ought)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Ad roll is the usual DnDBeyond, Essek merch, their upcoming 2 con appearances, & Candela trailer.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

@aimeecarrero initiates what I think is the first Player Whisper ever -- then rolls with Prism's help to get a 13 on a Sleight of Hand check...

"Orym is doing pullups with a 31 Passive Perception"

(the undercurrent of supersonic fart jokes ensues)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

(Things are harder to login to once you've been hacked & have to change all your passwords recently)
("Marisha2")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

So much to say.
Wait... wait... OK!

Deni$e succeeds -- & keeps it in her pocket.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

The three guests joint-roll for the day.

Tal notes "you want low"
"you want trouble"

D6 jointly: 3

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

The treeline reaches a sharp crevasse, 250' across, 120' deep, unclear how wide. The cliff is sheer, like a tectonic collapse, shallow outcroppings.

They see a river below.

Also: the wind cougar walks off ("Meryl STREEP!") walks off & down, waiting.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"DAMNIT CHARLIZE THERON" yells Laudna.

Disc can't elevator down, Prism explains. She COULD Enlarge Mother to ferry folks. If she does, Laudna can aid the rest.

But Enlarged Mother only can get Orym... MAYBE.
("you can certainly try")

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

This IS the Canyon they were seeking -- looking for blue flora.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym & Mother go first, hang glider style.

"You know how Breath of the Wild works"

They plummet...

"I didn't hit that button!"

("we're basically gods" mutters Liam)

STR check for Mother: 16. She picks up the wind & glides.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Orym rolls 2 1s, uses Halfling Luck, then rolls a 30 Perception.

With a moment of elevation, he can see to the northeast, 1/2-3/4 miles away, he sees a flash of blue.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna will be pissed if the cougar then goes up the other side.

"Listen Laura Linney, DON'T FUCK THIS"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Laudna turns to them. "Do you trust me?"

Time to jump! Death drop time!

1...2...3...

Feather Fall. Good she does it quickly -- cos the cliff is at an angle (which has been an issue before)

("long live the goldfish" Matt says, kissing his fingertips up)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Matt calls for a group Athletics/Acrobatics check to navigate their way down.

Bor'Dor rolls 3, Prism 11, Laudna 9, as Deni$e & Ash roll over 20. A little bruised, but safely down.

They follow the cougar again, now through thick clay-like mud.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e leads the way, familiar with this terrain.
Prism casts False Life.
Orym walks alongside Enlarged!Mother.

They hear heavier rushing water ahead.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They see a massive waterfall on the southern side, flowing into a river that moves in two directions. They can just see an oasis patch of blue bushes.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Emily has BOTW Brain, so she sends Denyios behind the waterfall.

He returns with a huff. There is nothing behind the waterfall. He is damp, pointlessly.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They walk cautiously...

Bor'Dor yells.
("That's Opal behavior right there")

"Jodie Foster" is moving forward.

Deni$e consults her Whip of Warning. A faint warmth.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism looks to see if this is all an illusion. Dirty 20. Nothing illusory in immediate surroundings. The hill feels off -- shimmers slightly.

She points it out to everyone.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

As Laudna sends Pate to investigate, "I swear that guy does a bit every time. I don't trust him" mutters Ash.

Pate can't pick a flower (nothing there), flies further in & sees a cavern entrance beneath & through, natural but shaped to be more symmetrical.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Launda can't read the language around the arch, but 21 means she recognizes it as Primordial script.

She tries to write it down -- it doesn't really work, alas.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Deni$e's whip burns on her hip. She tells them there's danger ahead.

("your nails are amazing" says Liam, distracted)

@aimeecarrero brandishes a laminated sheet of... moves?

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

"if we're surrounded we're already fucked"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They decide to follow the cougar ahead, but with Pass without a Trace up.

As they pass the hill, they hear a low breathing. A long, low breath.

"The hill is breathing"
"The hill appears to be breathing"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Unnoticed by ... whatever it was... ("an encounter that will never be seen" *GROAN*)

They come upon the oasis, wreathed in blue, crystal emerging in veins. Natural, semi-opaque, prismatic in color.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Those who can read Primordial can see the enscription now: "within the verdant tomb, we keep her spirit enduring"

Orym keeps an eye on the "hill" as long as he can.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Bor'Dor tries to pry a crystal. NAT20 -- a big chunk pops out. It's semi-opaque, with some perfectly clear parts. Prismatic appearances.

"Maybe we should cast a spell through it."

Ash looks at it, not deja vu but...

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Prism: "Do you mind if I do something weird?"
Ash: "Always"

Prism casts Ray of Frost into it, as quietly as she can.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

("Matthew it's SO quiet"
"it's a shivering queef"
"my lowest moment on the internet. QUIVER & SHIFT is what I was trying to say"
"it broke us for a long time")

(helpless giggles ensue)
("I'm only a little sorry but I am sorry" -- Liam)

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

The Ray of Frost gathers, then refract out in 9 different angles.

"Who here would be standing within... 60 feet? That's all of you."

DEX saves. They duck quickly. The rays weren't as powerful, but it scattered it.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

They follow "Felicity Huffman" as it enters the cavern 10' feet, turns around, bows, & disappears on a gust.

"Bye J-LO, thank you for your service!"

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Orym's perception of the Hill -- it's "something"

Meanwhile, the casters discuss possible uses for the crystal rock, whether they want to chip others out.

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Deni$e has the necessary tools, but should they be taking stuff from here?

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They move forward, Matt calling for marching order.

30' or so, the passage opens up into a large chamber, with other tunnels beyond. There's signs of living quarters, tools, "homey & natural living" -- able to host a small community. No signs of life.

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More geodes are visible around, casting disco-like light.

Orym looks around: 12. He sees 2 stone firepits front & back, with signs of old fires. Bor'Dor's 18 smells mineral-heavy interior, old smoke, nothing recent.

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What to do?

They carefully, cautiously inspect the sleeping alcoves (nada). They say "hello" in Primordial. No signs of traps, but footprints -- bootless, Elven or Half-Elven.
(Wikifeet jokes ensue)
Bor'Dor continues to call out.

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They reach another area, banded by arches of metal as support & decor, more blue plant life.

Deni$e's whip remains warm.

The green light becomes brighter ahead. A majestic chamber is now before them. Water can be heard. More crystal fills the chamber.

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There's a small pool at center. At the apex of stone steps is a glowing green 12' crystal obelisk, shaded/obscured at the center. Smooth, as if carved, set, or formed with cut/refined aesthetic. Glyph-like markings on the walls -- recent.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Drawings Prism notes like markers to channel magical energies. This chamber is a shrine, & prepared for some sort of event, a magical moment.

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Prism tries Identify on the obelisk.

Ash looks for signs of Residuum. Arcana 15 -- it looks verymuch like it.

Prism asks what residuum is. Deni$e has heard of it, maybe seen very small amounts.

Ash explains what "the asshole in the castle" told them.

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Within the obelisk it looks like the space where a figure was.

Amongst the crystals in the ceiling, they'd swear they see a smile.

"NO!"
"I fuckin' knew it!"
"It's so early!"
"It's really not"

#CriticalRoleSpoilers

Above table discussion ensues:
"magic fuckin' battery"
Were they played?

Find out next time!

#CriticalRoleSpoilers