Critical Role - C2E97 The Fancy and the Fooled

Episode Date: March 5, 2020

Live from Chicago! The Mighty Nein return to Nicodranas where happy reunions and fantastic makeovers are shadowed by revelations about someone close to the party...Watch Critical Role live Thursdays at 7pm PT on https://www.twitch.tv/criticalrole

Hello, bees! This is Laura Bailey, here to welcome you to the Critical Role podcast. If you'd like to tune into the show as it airs, you can watch Critical Role Thursdays at 7 p.m. Pacific on twitch.tv slash criticalrole and youtube.com slash criticalrole. Our lovely Twitch subscribers can view the episode on demand right away. Or you can find it on YouTube Mondays at 12pm Pacific. And of course, for all you fantastic podcast listeners, Critical Role episodes hit feeds on Thursday mornings, a week after the episode first airs. With all that said, let's get into another episode of Critical Role. Uh-oh, that's a little, oh boy, okay. Thank you all for showing up.

That's too many people, sorry. No, thank you so much for waiting outside in the cold everybody and for being so patient thank you seriously we wanted to get as many of you in as possible so as always thank you for being the best community based on uh from a dnd show uh from a home game based on a thing with the um what do you guys think of this outfit? I look like... Yes, thank you. Yeah, I mean, it's expensive, but we can try it after the show.

I feel like I look like that uncle that says that he coaches kids' soccer, but he actually just disposes of bodies in the lake. Or... that he coaches kids soccer, but he actually just disposes of bodies in the lake? Or, what was we were talking about earlier? Oh, I look like a youth pastor on the first night of camp. Do you guys ever do that?

I used to do that. I guess what I'm saying is, I guess what I'm saying is, I guess what I'm saying is, if you see someone dressed like me in the audience tonight, call the fucking police at once. Okay, so we have a couple of little ground rules to go over. If you haven't been to a Critical Role live show before, welcome.

It's fun. It's fun. We want you to have a good experience tonight. We want all the folks at home watching all around the world to have a good experience, and on YouTube later and all that. So we ask a few things of you in attendance at this live show. Please don't shout anything out to the players or to each other during the show. A lot of people think it's cool to be like,

you forgot Hunter's Mark, you know, from the 39th row. I'm not going to have any of that shit tonight. Let them make their own mistakes. That's my favorite part of the show. No need to correct anyone. Also, don't yell out anything you think might be funny. Take it from someone who knows there's nothing worse than bombing in front of 3,875 people. The only thing that you should yell during the show, besides if there's an actual 20 or an actual one or something

that's actually, you know, happening, is if there's a fire, you are welcome to yell. We just ask that you yell the word fire or maybe actual fire. Yell actual fire. That way we know it's an actual fucking fire and we don't end up with another Caleb's family situation on our hands. You guys don't understand.

If a room is 50% laughs and 50% groans, Taliesin adds five years to my life. There's a reason they had me stand this far back, too. There is going to be a break, so we do ask that you try to keep your sitting and standing up to a minimum. We don't want to block anyone's view of Sam's hot pink crotch. Which is why you're all here this evening. And last but most important, don't forget to love each other. I know that they're serving booze to you filthy animals.

And I just want to say, please be respectful of the critters around you, especially if they're in cosplay. That can be kind of tricky. Just be careful when you're getting up and be respectful. Don't be the drunk guy who says shit and gets in a fight. Let me do that. It's my favorite part of coming to these things. And, yeah, don't be an asshole is the bottom line. That's my job so without further ado I would like to introduce the cast of Critical Role

Laura Bailey. Taliesin Jeffries. It's Ashley Johnson! Travis Willingham. Marisha Ray. Can you answer the call? Digging deep in your soul As the legend unfolds Now it's your turn Liam O'Brien It's Sam Riegel! Oh!

And here to save us all, it's Matthew Merce. And they rise from the flames for the madder side Their hands be round cause you're back to me Well, that's an injection of adrenaline to all of our systems. Welcome to Critical Role. Where a bunch of us nerdy-ass voice actors sit around and play Dungeons & Dragons. Dungeons & Dragons! And tonight we played in Chicago. Super excited to be here with you guys. Wow. Oh, there are the nerves.

Thank you guys so much for joining us. Thank you all for being so patient. We've had some challenges tonight. A lot of you were out there in the cold for a long time. So sorry. We really appreciate your patience. It's much warmer in here. So welcome. And I guess that's what we get for defying an arch phase wishes of avoiding the theater.

It was only a matter of time. But so before we get into tonight's session, we do have some announcements to get through, beginning first and foremost with the first of our two sponsors tonight, our friends at World Anvil. Sam. Top of the morning to ya! And...

Top of the morning to you and happy St. Patrick's Day. Tonight's live St. Patty's Day episode is brought to you by the color green, the luck of the Irish, and by World Anvil, world building software that allows you to

homebrew worlds for your adventures. So grab some cabbage, Guinness, and boil a potato, because World Anvil allows storytellers to create interactive maps by dropping pins to keep track of the locations in your world. And you'll dance a jig while you craft timelines and calendars for your locations for your adventuring party. Oh, what is the accent turning into? Yellow moons, purple horseshoes, green clover.

World Anvil is compatible with any RPG system and any setting from fantasy to sci-fi to hoity-toity-toity. I may kiss the Blarney Stone because they have a special promo for you critters. 20% off all six or 12-month memberships when you use code CRITROLL at checkout at worldanvil.com.

It's a digital pot of gold! Ryanair! Frank McCourt! The Cranberries! Liam Neeson! Bono! World Anvil I I still love you

It's going to be okay Thank you World Anvil andain. Thank you, Sam. Second sponsor tonight, our friends from the beginning of this campaign, D&D Beyond. There you go. You've heard of them. Cool. Thank you guys so much for continuing to support the show. And once again, if you haven't checked them out yet, check them out at dndbeyond.link slash Critical Role. We're nearing C2E2 this weekend. Which is kind of fantastic.

So those of you who are going to be there, we have a panel on Saturday at 11 a.m. on the main stage. Super stoked about that. So if you're going to come, please come see us. I know we have some friends in the audience here from Rebels of Waterdeep as well. There we go. On this Sunday, they're also doing an awesome live show at noon in room S404, so definitely check them out if you guys get the chance. They're fantastic. I think, let's see if we have any other announcements. Laura, you have an announcement.

Oh, hi! Yeah, so there's no merch here tonight, but guess what, you guys? There's merch at C2E2, so if you don't have any, if you don't have some CR goodies, go to the C2E2 booth, and there's going to be some. There.

There you go. Thank you for the encouragement. I really appreciate it. All righty. Thanks, babe. Heads up, too, for those at home, there will not be a Wyrmwood sweepstakes tonight during the chip break, so don't wait for it, but I'm sure they'll be back up real soon.

I think that's all of our announcements, so I think let's go ahead. Let's go ahead and jump into tonight's episode of Critical Role. Shh! Hello up there The adventure begins, they were always beside you Your nerdy best friends, and the DM to guide you, and they rise from the flames for the

battles ahead villains beware cause you're about to be dead they got magic and flair they got factions and cunning they don't see over, there's a monster incoming Inspiration is waiting, don't think twice What you're feeling, your hands dig, that shake's rolling dice

Can you answer the call, digging deep in your soul 가즈아! 가즈아! 가즈아! Oh! Oh, it was surreal. Welcome back. So as we last left off, the Mighty Nein had made their way down to the White Dawn Lagoon in search of the whereabouts of Caduceus Clay's family, who had long one by one vanished over time in search of this familial task that was put upon them

by their patron deity, the Wildmother. Upon discovering the family and many others turned to stone by some sort of a miscath mutation of a gorgon, you managed to save most of the people who were necessary, and then, through a clever use of magic and some really high medicine rolls, did save the one who got shattered

in the middle of the battle. Completed what seemed to be the final leg of this vision quest, and sent the now safe family of Caduceus Clay back to their home at the Blooming Grove. You guys then made your way to Nicodranas to go ahead and figure out how to prepare yourselves for the coming negotiation between the Kryn Dynasty

and the Dundalian Empire during the ceasefire, of which you were told you don't need to be there. But you insisted regardless. And as such, you've teleported without forewarning into the Tidepeak Tower of Yussa in Nicodranas. And that's where we left off last.

So, as you guys all arrive into the darkened chamber, the inside of Yussa's tower, what would you like to do? Ah! Ah! Here we are!

I'm assuming the butler's going to come in about three, two... Oh, shit! One. So close. You were so close. Hello? What's going on? Oh, hi! Hello. Right, I figured it was that much.

Um... Need to be let out? Yes, please. All right. Come on downstairs. Oh, hi! Hello. Right, I figured it was that much. Need to be let out? Yes, please. That'd be nice. Come on downstairs. The goblin rushes off and leads you guys down this marble staircase. We don't need to let them know.

He expects this now. All right. You make your way down to the base of the tower. The door opens on its own as you approach, and you can see the sunlight now pouring through to the base of the tower. The door opens on its own as you approach, and you can see the sunlight now pouring through from the exterior of the midday, bright coastal city of Nicodranas.

The smell of sea spray and various coastal breezes pouring through. You can hear the sound of gulls off in the distance, and the day is yours. What would you like to do? I love you, Pelican! That's sweet, but remember what Brian said. I suppose we should go check on the ship,

unless, or I suppose you want to say hi to your mom. Well, always, yes, but yeah, we should check on the ship, too. Yeah, why don't we start at the ship, see what we are doing, when we can depart, and then finish up any business we have in here in town. Yeah. Okay.

Should we start at the ship and then head to your mother's? Sure. All right. That way you can see your family. Yes. Hey. Yes. We should. Oddly comforting to be back here. You okay, Nott? I mean, I'm okay, yeah.

We're near the water, so that's real fun. I was thinking, I was, I thought it was way deeper. I'm sorry. No, no, you're not wrong. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I sort of promised Yeza that the next time I saw him, it wouldn't be like this, so. Oh. Do you want to do this spell before we go see your family?

Yeah, you set the timetable on that. We could do it on the ship. I've been doing some meditating, you know. Wow. I mean, it's not that surprising, but sure. I just assumed that you meant drinking by that, but either way, I'm okay. No, I've been thinking about it, and most of the time when I meditate,

I just fall asleep. It's really just napping. Kind of. But I like napping a great deal. You can kind of find like a lucid state where you're kind of just letting your brain wander. I'll take your word for it. But in some of my naps, I've had good dreams.

And in the last one, I had a really nice dream about Luke and Yeza. And I was with them, and it was just nice. You were with them as Veth? Yeah. So I'm thinking I had a nap vision, You were with them as Veth? Yeah. So I'm thinking, I had a nap vision and... It's time. Can you just remind the rest of the group,

not me, but the rest of the group, what the components might, again, that you need. We needed, well, you know. Lots of clay. And gem dust. Like a fuck ton of clay. Yeah. Do we have any gem? Was it 50 pounds or something like that?

It was 50 pounds of clay. One pound per pound of the actual person's body. And how many gems? Oh, like it was like 300. 300 gold worth of gem dust? Yeah. I'm sure there are gems around here that we could purchase of that. He's the one who has the spell, you have to ask him.

I am looking it up in my shit. It's 150 gold worth of crushed gem dust. Oh, even better. Yeah. It's cheap, really. I mean, that's next to nothing. We could all change our bodies if we wanted to. I could do it like every Thursday or something.

Yeah. Like, oh, maybe this week I'll be a Minotaur or something, you know? Ooh! Technically, once the spell's been cast on you, it can't be cast on you for another year. A year, yeah. It's worth trying.

Also, Nott, you have a little something right, like right here. Right here? Did I get it? Mostly. Okay. Yeah, it's fine. I mean, if you did want to become a Minotaur,

you could always go back up to Xhorhas for like, I don't know, a year and just have a fling with old Captain Thunderbolt. Fuck, that sounds amazing. I mean. We would cover for you. He was, he was a bull in all the right places. Woo! As tempting as that sound,

I need to listen to my nap vision, and I think it's time. But again, we can go check out the ball eater first, and then I guess go a-digging. Maybe we can get some gem dust on the way to the ball eater, yeah? All right, sure. Because we're passing by some shops, I'm assuming. You know this town very well, and there are jewelers and, you know, sellers of all sorts of beautiful gems, both cut and uncut. So yeah, that can definitely be done

while you're cruising the town. If there are rivers that lead into the ocean, I'm sure there's clay there that we can find. It shouldn't be too hard. For this particular coastal area, there isn't a river nearby that opens into the ocean. Sorry. So you might have to buy it.

You've got to have that kind of pottery thing where you make your own pot, then bake it. Those are always, it's just pottery. It's called pottery. Yeah, but this place, you can color it. And then you color it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. They give you paints and stuff.

It's really cute. It's all, all. You can make a picture frame for your mom, you can do all sorts of things. You've all done this pottery thing? I haven't, but. Yeah. Pretty standard. I've heard about it. Okay.

I made a piggy bank once. With green horns, you and me. Yeah, okay. That would actually be a fun afternoon. Just painting, painting piggybacks. Get a little day drunk, it's nice. So, to the Ball Eater, and we'll keep an eye out for jewelers on the way.

Yeah. All right. All right. Justin. As you make your way towards the southern coastline and the meeting of the Open Key, and... Quay, it's Quay now. Take it. And the Restless Wharf, you can already see. It's actually pronounced quinoa. No, no, don't, no, no, too early, too early, too early!

Oh no. That's metal, that would've hurt. You do notice in the inlet and the harbor, numerous ships. You can see an organized array of naval ships You do notice in the inlet and the harbor, numerous ships. You can see an organized array of naval ships bearing the Dundalian crest across their crimson flags arranged within this harbor, flanked by the protective armada of the Concord itself. These ships are beginning their loading,

it looks like, in preparation for a journey to come. And you knowing the size of these ships and taking a quick look past it, they're not immediately ready to go. They're probably a number of days off. And if you want to ask a few questions around the harbor, it seems that everyone's looking to leave within about four or five days.

Right. I suppose I could try and find a harbor master and see if there's any sort of news or urgency or anything that we've missed while we've been away. Sure. Could I try and locate a harbor master? You can actually, Wharfmaster Ignis. You've briefly had conversation with before,

right before you stole a ship. But you so well. You find that the older Dwarven Wharfmaster who's right now, you can see in his eyes, he's both frenetic with the amount of processing and organization he's having to tend to. But he's also stoic and showing exactly why he's been the Wharfmaster as long as he has been. And he's like, okay, go that way. Make sure that ship is being done. Excuse me.

I'm sorry. It seems you're quite busy at the moment. Yes, I quite am, actually. What do you require from me? I noticed that there's more Empire ships here than there normally are. Is there any news on this potential meeting between the Dynasty and the Empire?

They are currently presenting a large swat of ships to make their way eastward for this meeting between them and the Dynasty. That is all that I know, and that's all that I'm being paid for. Excuse me. Yes. No, you're doing it wrong!

Turn into him! I just meant to ask, is there any particular vendor that we should be paying attention to that the Empire might be using? Is there a particular shop that's getting a lot of traffic these days? That is not my job.

And he just walks away. Right, yep. They're real busy. You know, it's super busy times. You said, like, the Ball Eater has a place of pride here in the harbor, which is good, it's real good. Oh, it's good, bro. Yeah, the Ball Eater.

Such a smooth talker fort. Yeah. You do notice, perusing the docks, and maybe in your conversations as you walk through the city here, the presence of the Selezo and the Shore Wardens in particular, which are moreusing the docks, and maybe in your conversations as you walk through the city here, the presence of the Slazo and the shore wardens in particular, which are more of the front military, are much stronger as everyone's preparing

for this coming journey. Mingling with righteous brand soldiers that are coming on and off ships. You can see them coming in and out of the various taverns themselves, enjoying the brief vacation before they go to what is a very tense political gathering, you do see what looks to be the largest of the ships

in the harbor right now that's being loaded up with materials alongside the name is the Blue Heaven, and it carries the Dwendalian crests on it, but in doing so, the crests are the most decorated and it has the most military around it. Ooh, that's where the important people are. Yeah, I know. I should have asked the Wharfmaster what that ship is for.

Yeah. Caleb. Yeah. Not far from the Blue Heaven, there is a smaller redwood sailing ship that is visibly very different in make and style than the other ships around, and it carries the Cerberus Assembly flag

across the top of it. How distant is it from us at the moment? From where you are now, it's probably like four or 500 feet. And do I see anyone that I recognize? Make a perception check. Quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack, quack. First roll of the night.

No! Traveler Con 3000! We're waiting, what did you roll? No, you do not. You see nobody of interest or memory. You got distracted looking towards the ship and instead found a cute little puppy that looks lost on the side.

It's a strange place for a dog. Oh, you are a good boy. I will call you Henry. Oh, the goodest of boys. Are there any Dwindalian ships? Numerous, actually. Are there any Dwindalian ships? Numerous, actually. Sorry, not Dwindalian. Johassian ships?

No. Okay. No, there are none. That would be super bad. Henry looks like a nice lunch. I thought we were past that months ago. I just, it's my last day, so... I just want that sweet, sweet dog flesh.

Yeah, I actually know very good dog recipes, if that is not the answer to your last question. Oh, really? Is it grilled? Grilled or fried? No, we don't eat dogs in The Mighty Nein. Well, everything is a meal if you prepare it correctly. Oh, wow. It's not entirely untrue. I'd try it.

It is better than babies, though, I suppose. Babies are very tender. What the? I quickly walk over to one of the closest and say, excuse me, if I might trouble you. That large ship over there, Blue Heaven, I see. Whose vessel is that? That would be Captain Dremi.

I think the Lord's, the emissary from the Empire is on that one. Captain Dremi? Yes, Dremi. Dremi. Oh, thank you very much, appreciate that. You're welcome. And he goes back to work. Can I see the ball eater?

You can, actually. It's a little, it's actually quite a ways away. It's kind of tucked off to the far eastern side of the docks. It looks like it's been there for a little while. Keeping a low profile. You got to tuck that ball eater, yeah. Yeah. But nevertheless, it is there

and available for you to find. Shall we make our way over to it? Sure, sure, sure, though. Do I see any gem dust on the way there? Do I see 50 pounds of clay? Right there. Did we pass a jeweler? I'm keeping an eye out.

Not in the docks, unfortunately. You guys would have to go more into town to the more marketing. I will do that later then. Okay. So later when you want to go to the marketing region of Nicodranas, we can go ahead and do that. Okay.

All right, so you make your way towards the ball eater. The ball eater. Yes, the ball eater. the ball eater. The ball eater. Yes, the ball eater. The ball eater. Yes. Yes, the custom ship I worked really hard to have custom made and present to you guys with a cool opportunity to name your one fantasy ship. Hey guys, what's that boat called again?

Ball eater! That's the one. Holy fuck. Yeah, yeah. Never had 3,000 people shout that at you before. That's a new one. As you approach, though, you can see it's probably been docked for the better part of a week or so. And kind of on the deck,

sitting back in a chair and eating what looks to be a sausage of some kind is Marius Lapual, the half-elven figure with his blonde flop. He looks like he's growing a bit of a stubbly beard now. He looks up at you guys. And it's like a stubbly beard

meaning that as much as an elf could really manage with weeks and weeks and weeks at. And it's like a stubbly beard, meaning that as much as an elf could really manage with weeks and weeks and weeks at sea, it's like a... But looks up and kind of gives a wave and goes, Oi! Look alive. Look at you. You look very seaworthy, rugged even.

Oh, thank you, thank you. It's been a journey. I've learned a lot. Have you killed anyone in the time we've been away? No. Was I supposed to? Yasha, I need you to speak to him later. I didn't. Yeah. What did I do?

I'm sorry, I didn't. Well, it's not a journey if people were not killed along the way. That's just how I view things, but maybe you are just. No, I thought it was, it's not a journey unless you're shilled along the way, right? Shilled? Yeah, like, you know, nevermind.

What do his clothes look like? Are they fancy still or are they rugged? It looks like his sense of style hasn't waned, though he's now wearing them a little tattered. He's going for that, like, I was once nobility, but now the world is my oyster kind of look. Yes. You know?

Yeah. And the close look, as you guys kind of approach upon the game plank to get onto the actual deck of the ship, it all looks to be intentionally tattered. Like, it's not actually weathered from being at sea. Like, he sat there at night and just, like, rubbed it really hard, and yeah. It's like those fancy jeans from being at sea. He sat there at night and just rubbed it really hard. It's like those fancy jeans you buy. Yeah, stress wash jeans.

Perfect. Very much his theme. But no, welcome, welcome. Yeah, as far as we're gathering here, we have a little ways before the Armada is leaving. Do we need to leave early? Do they know we're coming? What's the deal here? Should I go get the captain? I mean, you're the captain now. Yes, I am.

It's quite fluid, actually. I mean, is the boat prepared to leave? Do you need rations? No, no, we've loaded everything up. It is like a very loud finger whistle. And then a short time later, you hear the looming up to the deck of the ship. Bring it. Orly shell crests over

into the ship. Bring it. Orly shell crests over into the sunlight. We're real happy to see all y'all coming back around here. Ship has been prepared for our journey, huh? I run up and hug Orly. Mm-hmm. Might have found a seal there. You too. I run up and hug Orly. Mighty fine to see you, Orly. You too. So great to see you, Orly.

You as well. Thank you for taking such excellent care of the ship. Marius looks quite weathered. Yeah, we're working on him. I figure about maybe three more years. That's quite a bit of time. Yeah, he's not going to make it, Orly. Uh-uh.

I've broken in less men before. Watch me. And how is our seafaring vessel? We are ready to go, the drop of a hat? Already. We've supplied up and able to go to see one elbow. Great. I guess we'll just wait for everyone else to go and and then we'll go, and then we'll just sail along with them,

and then we'll, you know, watch them. I'd recommend maybe letting them know you're coming. Oh, wow, yeah, I was thinking the same thing. That's good. That's really smart. Otherwise, we're liable to get, you know, blown out of the water. Right. Good call.

I should send a message to the Bright Queen and let her know to let them know. What? Or we could... No, I don't know if we... That seems like a step too many. Maybe we just send a message to this Captain Dremi and tell them that we're seeking an audience?

Oh yeah, and then we just tell him we know the Bride Queen, she's a super-auror, and then we show her things. Or that we also know King Dwendal and, what was your? Oh shit! That's right, we're not. That would be really bad. I didn't think about that part. I highly recommend you get all that straight.

I thought there was a reason, but there wasn't. Ludinus. Yeah, Ludinus, Ludinus Delef. Correct. Yeah, he's probably the one we should really check in with. Yeah, yeah, I'll send a message to Ludinus, and then Ludinus, Ludinus Delef. Correct. Yeah, he's probably the one we should really check in with. Yeah, yeah, I'll send a message to Ludinus, and then he can let the captain know that we're coming. That would be excellent.

We could also just walk over to the boat. Look, it's right over there. And I was thinking perhaps one of the things on our to-do list today is to have a face-to-face there. Sure, yeah. Okay. Now's a good-to-face there. Sure, yeah. Okay. Now's a good time. We're here. Yeah, we could try. If they turn us away, then we can do the match that, yeah.

Okay. Thank you for keeping the ship in such excellent shape. We have a few more things to tie up, and then we'll be back. Well, captain, happy to be back to your navigator. Welcome to us navigator. Welcome, Tusktooth. The ship is yours. And he slowly stomps back under deck.

Tusktooth. He lives! Yes, he does. Do you think Ludinus would allow me to tattoo him? I do not. I'm going to ask. You know, you just never know. Oh, I, um... It's okay.

Okay. Shall we make our way over, then? Let's go. We will make our way across the docks towards the Blue Heaven. The Blue Heaven? No, the red wood ship, the smaller one, We will make our way across the docks towards the Blue Heaven. The Blue Heaven, or the? No, the red wood ship, the smaller one,

is where the Cerberus Assembly is. Oh, that's where you want to go. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. You make your way a little ways down, down the wharf to the redwood ship. As you approach, you now can see,

the title of it is The Wind of Eons. What is it, Beau? I just heard you make a... It's just a wind of eons. Fucking how up your own ass can you be? Right. It's just the name of a ship, so... Yeah, but she's right.

I mean... The ball eater is like... You know what it is. It's classy. It sticks with you. The ball eater makes an impression. That's right. Bad aftertaste, though.

It's that sea salt, you know? Stop it with the mouth. Stop it. No! Stop it! Don't. Oh my God. Are we getting banned on Twitch right now?

Stop. Sam. Oh, for the love of God. I'm having the weirdest Planet of the Ape fantasy right now. Oh my God. Right to the winds of Eon. As you continue walking along the dock to the front of Aeon! As you continue walking along the dock to the front of the ship, the first thing that greets you

is about a half dozen Righteous Brand soldiers that immediately begin to flank up at the front of the gangplank that leads onto the ship as you approach. I will reach into one of my satchels and pull out the symbol of the Bright Queen, but I will keep it close, close to the middle of my chest, flanked by both of my arms and just keep it in front.

Okay. And say, we request an audience. All right. Don't we have, didn't we have a symbol from the Empire? We have a symbol from the Bright Queen. I'm sorry, yes, I did say that. You said Bright Queen. You did it, too, you did it, too! You fucking did it, too!

It's my fault. It's contagious. So would you like to correct the symbol you've prepared? Yes, retconned. There you go. Okay. Yeah, we would like to request a meeting with Martinet, Daleth, and Master Ikithon, if they are present.

They look at each other. The one who looks to be a little more decorated with Martinet, Daleth, and Master Ikithon, if they are present. They look at each other. The one who looks to be a little more decorated just goes forth and goes, and who might you be, if I could ask, please? We're the Mighty Nein. They are expecting us. We're here as liaisons to the meeting.

I'll return momentarily. Do not move or make any sort of aggressive actions, please. What about just like dancing? Can we just dance? If our hands are down at our sides the whole time? They all check in with eye contact once more. I think that would be allowed, yeah.

Alright, we'll be here. And that commends. He turns around and walks under the ship. We're gonna die. He watches the five other righteous friend soldiers kind of stand there staring awkwardly, and one of them kind of starts to kind of get into the group. I... You watch as the five other Righteous Fran soldiers stand there staring awkwardly, and one of them starts to get into the groove, too.

Before the others notice and slap his armor, and he's like, back into place. That's why they call him Righteous. Eventually, the one returns and goes, you may step aboard. Steps aside, and you guys are able to step onto the gangplank, onto the Wind of Aeons. There, the ship deck is mostly clear, beautifully made.

The inlay along the edges of the deck itself and the handles have a, whether it's gold-leafed or at least painted to look gold, it's garish in the way that you would expect from the Cerberus Assembly's singular ship, but it's so rarely used that they have to make an impression when they do go to sea. Gross.

Which to a certain extent, is probably a step down from those who can jump from place to place in the world without issue. So if they're going to do it, they have to do it in style. But there on the deck, you see three figures in the middle of a conversation. You see Ludinus Delef, the older elven figure there in the middle of a conversation

with two other individuals. You see a human male in maybe his late 40s or so in this long black robe with silver and blue detailing on it. maybe his late 40s or so, in this long black robe with silver and blue detailing on it. He has this salt and pepper hair that's a little long

and it's got this curl to it pushed to one side. You can see he's very much a mage who wants to put together a good impression in a social space. Can we get a history check, both Beauregard and Caleb, for me? 16.

19. Okay. Caleb, you know this from your studies, and you as well would know from reading about it in some couple of, especially this individual. This is Lord Aethesius Uludam. Yeah! Who is the Archmage of Diplomatic Union. It is the member of the Cerberus Assembly

that largely goes out as the ambassador of the Assembly to foreign powers and foreign interests and noble circles that are beyond the Empire, even within the Empire, that need some smoothing over. You could already see in the way that he's talking to the martinet, there's a half-cocked grin to his expression and very much a practiced, very smooth, tailored persona to a social,

charismatic, and persuasive interaction. The third individual you see looks to be another male elf, though younger, pale skin and silver and teal robes. The hair is a faint, dirty blonde and very short, coming to a point in the front. Neither of you recognize this figure, but this figure seems to be engaged in conversation as they're all talking.

The Amartan head notices you as you step aboard and goes, Oh, hello, so glad you could make it. You were expecting us to be here, were you not? Well, you discussed the possibility of joining, so welcome. I'm sorry, my manners. This is Lord Aethisius Uludon, who bows and goes, It is a pleasure to meet all of you. What is your name?

We're the Mighty Nine. Mighty Nine? We're a band of heroes who has set out to save the world, and we're Don Tootin nearly done. Well, that is mighty impressive. I am extremely humbled by your presence. I think we've heard of you, actually. Really? I did not know that my name got around in goblin circles. This is very exciting.

Yeah, we talk. Well, whoever cares tells them that I say hello. We are less familiar with your friend over here. Oh, this is Lord Desran Thane. He points over and the other figures, the old figures, the tall goes, My apologies for not introducing myself. I am just one of the lords of here, Nicodranas. And I'm meeting with some friends in preparation for the journey ahead.

Would I recognize him then? Make a history check. Has he been to your mom's house? Has he done a lot of fucking? Just five. You do not recognize this person at all. It's been a couple of years, you know, so. Has it been? I don't know how long it's been.

It's been years. It's been... Don't. All right. Caduceus and Caleb. Yeah. This elven figure does seem a bit nervous in your presence upon meeting.

Is he bullshitting us? You don't know. Just the person immediately seems to be like, like when you approached, the expression was like, what the? But nevertheless, it is a pleasure to meet you, Mighty Nein. I apologize, I must be off. And the marketer says.

Are you going to be joining us for the voyage? No, I will be staying here with my homie Nicodranas, but I wish you all luck on the journey. Have a good day. How do you get your hair so pointy? And as he casts the dictation, you watch the hair continue to find a majestic spire, seemingly almost pointing southward.

While Yasha does that, and he's distracted, can I case him a little bit? Can I do, like, a once-over? Okay, what are you trying to discern? I want to discern? I want to discern. How firm his buttocks are? I want to see if he's hiding anything on his belt, if he looks like he has any papers or anything.

Sure, go ahead. A weapon or something like that. I think go make a perception check for me. I'm going to look at his butt while she's doing that. Make a perception check for me. Roll better going to look at this butt while she's doing that. Make a perception check for me. Roll better. Balls. Roll better. Balls eater.

Roll better. Eight. Eight. Eight! Oh. Eight! You both find the butt. Just look at Jester and... It's not a bad butt, but that's about all you discern. The martinet goes,

Of course, Desvern. We will see you tomorrow. When is the actual event happening, if you don't mind me requesting? And the Lord of the Aesirs goes, Oh yes, actually, if you're interested in coming at all, there is an event, a party that is to happen. This is in two nights from now,

before we head out, if you're interested. We'd love to have such esteemed individuals who are saving the world around here, and Martinette has spoken of you, I believe, previously. So if you'd like to come, the actual information regarding this is at the Marquis Zaif's domain, which you know, that's the Marquis of Nicodranas.

Whoa. His domain is this small palace in the Opal Archways. Yeah, yeah. That's not far from where your mother worked. That's a really fancy house. It's super fancy. And it's where largely all the major diplomatic events and parties happen within Nicodranas,

and where a lot of the political business between the Empire and the Concord tend to happen at Zaefstan. I think Mama got asked to perform there one time at a party, but she didn't end up accepting. Why not? You know, she didn't end up accepting. Why not? You know, she didn't want to. Who is your mother, then?

The Ruby of the Sea? Insight check, what was that look? Make an insight check. 23. Whoa! That is a look of immediate recognition, and then a person immediately falling into a series of fond memories. Okay.

I am quite familiar with your mother. She is a brilliant performer, and I am... She was never, I believe, denied an invitation. Oh, no, no, she was asked to go. She just was unable to attend. Well, I apologize that our personage does not meet her standards. Not at all.

No, she was very ill. Beyond myself, of course. And so she wasn't able to leave at that time. Well, if she would like to come and perform, perhaps for this event, if my cousin is holding, that would be wonderful. No, and Jester's just being nice. It's about the standards. No, it's not, no.

It's really not, it's really not. No, my mama, she would love to go. I'm not offended, my cousin is a dead dog, but I mean, I've been by the chateau myself a number of times, she is a wonderful woman. It is a pleasure to meet you. You too. Gives you a kiss on the finger. How far are we from the docks where we are?

Oh, you guys are out on the wharf docks themselves and you're on the ship as it's set there in the harbor. Are we close-ish from where we are to the docks? I'd say walking on the docks, you're probably a good 80 or so to 100 feet away from the shore itself. Away from the shore. But are we on board the boat, or are we?

You're on the boat, you're on the deck of the boat. Okay, would I be able to summon Frumpkin the monkey on the docks, not on the boat? Maybe behind some schmutz there? Sure, as you begin, I assume there's somatic components to this as well as your own. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. As you begin, I assume there's somatic components to this as well as verbal? Uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, well, summoning him for the first time, but I don't know about bringing him in and out.

Just an action? Yeah. Uh, if you just spam the mountain in, I'd say you're fine. Okay. So yeah, you can definitely do that. Okay, so he is sitting behind a crate or some other sort of shipping stuff in the dock. Okay. Okay. All right.

Ludinus looks towards Desrin and goes, Actually, Desrin, if we could have a conversation before you leave, that would be wonderful. And if you will attend, I think that would be a glorious event to introduce you to some of the more important figures that are going to be part of this negotiation, as well as the local society here in Nicodranas. That is an excellent idea. We want to become more familiar with each other before we set out. Of course. We are going to be working together. It is going to be wonderful. What is your means of transportation?

I apologize, there is not room for more passengers. Oh, we've got our own ship. It's really, really fancy. Don't you worry about us. All right. If I might have the name of the ship to ensure that there is approval from the Wharfmaster.

We travel by ball. Captain, would you, you can introduce your ship. I know it's a place of great pride for you. You're the captain of the ship? Oh, so you've traveled the Lucidian Ocean quite a bit, I see. Impressive. Yeah, yeah.

Grand vessel by the name of the Balling. All three of them look at each other I'm terribly sorry I did not catch that what was the name of it? oh I'm so sorry yes it was the bowling I'm afraid you're sneezing mid-sentence I'm not catching the final the ball eater

the silence hangs. As a gentle ocean wind kind of... Blows through. A wind of eons, maybe? Martinet, there is no man alive who knows more about the sea and ships specifically than this man before you. You should quiz him.

The sailing turns that he knows is really spectacular. Oh, you know what? I think I ate something that disagreed with me. I'm going to just, if you don't, pardon me, and I walk off the ship. Lord Aethius follows you and goes, Do not worry, friend, but please do come. It would be a pleasure to have you

and to introduce you to the delights of Nicodranas. I would love to go to a party. Wonderful. Two nights from now, then? Yes, tomorrow night. Oh, tomorrow night? Oh, man. Oh, like tonight, tomorrow.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That makes sense. Do we just show up, or are we on the list? Do we need to bring an invite, or what? I'll go ahead and ensure that the doorman is aware of your arrival and what to look for.

Okay. Dress nicely, please. Now is probably a good time to state that the Bright Queen, who we are here on behalf of, has requested that we inspect the artifact in question

before setting sail to make sure that it is intact. That can certainly be arranged. Caduceus, you notice that Desiren's eyes kind of dart back and forth a bit. Certainly. Immediately, Caduceus, you notice that Deseran's eyes dart back and forth a bit. Certainly. Immediately, before the end of the voyage, we'll be happy to allow you a moment

to inspect the artifact. I was hoping to look at it maybe before the party. Perhaps tomorrow midday, then. Very well. Why can't we look at it now? It's not currently on the ship, and it's in the process of being prepared for the journey. Before we set sail, at the very least. Not to worry, it'll be provided, I promise.

All right. All right, well, good luck, enjoy your preparation, and safe voyage to all of you. Can I insight check him based on what he said about preparing it, not being on the ship, and all that shit? Sure, go ahead and make an insight check. Come on, come on.

Get it, girl. Okay. Oh, that's five. Okay, 13. 13. 2013. 2013. Much better year.

Long for the simpler things. So yes, you, he seems upfront and honest as best as you can tell. He's hard to read in general, but he is, there's no signs of any sort of deviousness or deception. Okay. But enjoy, and if you require anything, I believe you can just let me know, look towards you, Jester.

Toodles. Most gracious. Hi. Desmond. And the two of them leave below deck. What would you like to do? Where did Thane go? Thane went below deck with the martenette. All right.

While we're standing there, I telepathically tell Frumpkin to keep an eye on the boat and keep an eye out for Thane and to follow Thane around town. Does this boat have, like, porthole windows or anything like that? It looks like there are a few wooden kind of window elements for a gun deck.

Though you're unsure if it's outfitted, they are currently closed, but they are currently designed to be opened. Are we, I don't want to be in earshot. So as we step away, I don't want to be by guards. Okay, so you move a bit past the guards and you're now back onto the dock, probably a good 40, 50 feet from where they were standing.

Caleb. Yeah? I want to know that conversation. I want to know what's being said. You think you can get Frumpkin in there? Or at least over on these cannon docks over there? You see what I'm... Here, look, look at my eyeline.

Look down. You see that? And you Here, look. Look at my eyeline. Look down. You see that? And you see how there might be, like, a little opening that maybe Frumpkin can get in? Yeah, my cat could probably climb over there and open it up with his little cat monkey paws. He's got a little monkey hand? Yeah.

I want to know what's being said, man. Is it a cat or a monkey? It's a cat. He's just in the shape of a monkey. He's a Frumpki. What? Can you do it? Yeah.

All right, well, let's... Let's get away from the boat, yeah? All right. Hey, Caleb! I step away from the rest of the group and whisper to Caleb. You know what you could do? What? You could let Nott eat Frumpkin tonight.

That's a lot to process. Just because, you know, you can bring him back really easy and Nott would really appreciate getting to eat a monkey. I mean, just from a flavor and culinary angle, I am not sure he tastes the way Nott is accustomed to cat tasting. Well, I remember you saying that Nott used to try to eat fromk and all the time. Yeah, but she was never satisfied.

Yeah, and also, there's not much to eat, right? I mean, Frumpkin doesn't have that much health. You just take a bite, and it's like... That's true. That's a good point, Fjord. My cat is as healthy as any fucking cat in the Empire or Nicodranas or anywhere. You want to test that?

Well, he's not a Tarrasque, but for cats, he's pretty good. Can you get your monkey cat into the cannon? He's already going. Okay. So I have told Frumpkin to try to monkey along underneath the gangplank and try to find his way over to the porthole.

Can we be walking away at the same time as these shenanigans? We're not staring at the boat as it's happening? Completely inconspicuously slow walking away. Yeah, just to tie your shoe about 90 feet away from the side of the boat. Okay, tell me when. Is about 90 feet away from the side of the boat. Okay. Okay. Tell me when.

Is this 90 feet? Okay. Is anybody watching us or following us? Are we being, are we being? No, the guard, I mean, the guards are watching you leave, but they're not like intensely casing you. Anybody even just following us? Just, I want to keep an eye out for a tail the next hour.

Keeping an eye out, no worries. Okay. If you could, go ahead and roll a stealth check for Frumpkin. Oh, come on. Come on. Frumpkin always fucks it up. Ooh, good. Oh, okay, I've got a baboon prepped for Frumpkin.

Hold on. The stealthiest of creatures. 18. Hey! That's a good, right? Good. That's okay. He's actually a baboon.

I thought he was like a teeny tiny spider monkey. I just searched 5e monkey on Google. That's what they taught me at Soul Triss Academy. That's huge, Caleb. A baboon is really big. Well, he's using the stats to that effect. Well, I rolled 16. All right.

And baboon says plus two, so just go with it, okay? The Righteous Brand, unaware, you can sense Frumpkin complete the journey beneath the gangplank, onto the edge of the ship, and then grasping onto the rougher edges of the outside of the actual ship hull itself, make his way to the edge of one of the gunship portholes, slowly open it and slip barely inside.

I put my arm on Beauregard's shoulder and say, just look at the ocean. It is so beautiful. What a beautiful sight to behold. Yeah. So gorgeous. Wow. So Bloom.

Just take it all in. What's he saying? Can he hear anything? Okay, so as you- Don't forget that I cannot hear anything, so if you try to talk to me, I can't hear you. This'll be interesting. Oh fuck. Focusing through Frumpkin's eyes,

you look into the interior of this darkened gun deck of the ship. There are two cannons within there. It looks like it was built from multiple, multiple cannons, but there's only two in there. A very beautiful make. And immediately, just at a glance, you can see these are not standard cannonball-based cannons. These are arcane in nature,

and who knows what they're capable of when fired. It is very dark, and you watch two figures waltz in with haste. You hear one voice, Ludinus, say, I couldn't help but gauge your discomfort with the conversation. And the other figure goes, well, I just wasn't expecting to see them.

And Ludinus goes, shh, hold on. Does some hand motions. And as he releases what looks to be a simple spell, there's this faint shockwave that dissipates within a radius of them. Uncertain what it does, though you gather in the moment that it's probably some sort of a radial dispel to lock down or destroy any localized magic. However, the illusion around Lord Desryn Thane vanishes.

And there standing in his place is a gently floating male drow with short hair. No. No. Oh! The traitor! He's the troll!

So blue. so beautiful. Look at this, the waves are so beautiful. To which the revealed Essek responds. No! No, buddy, don't! No! Buddy, don't! Of course I am uncomfortable with this. I did not know they were going to be coming directly here.

You can see there's conflict in his eyes, and Ludinus goes, I understand, but it's extremely important how we enforce and oversee the control and the exchange of the prisoners and the delivery of the beacon." Vessek thinks for a second. I agree. Ludinus goes, we each have what we want.

And when this business is behind us, we need not interact ever again. The Assembly will share its research for the deal and beyond, and we never have to speak." And Essek sits and thinks for a second and goes, I look forward to never seeing your face again. But we're too far in at this point.

It's taken a lot of effort to ensure the tracks have been covered, and no one undeserving was hurt. But I want no further part in this once this is done. Ludinus steps forward and goes, I'm surprised to see such affection from such a previously cold individual. Nessa turns a glance away and goes, Well, I'm surprised myself.

Maybe you should try friends sometime. It's going to feel real bad when we kill him. SAM and LAURA laugh. Ludinus goes, Hold it together for the time being. We cannot have you mysteriously disappearing with that poor, attempted hiding your discomfort area. Do your part. All right. Nessa nods.

I hate parties. And turns around and you watch as the illusion takes over once more as his feet touch the ground and heads back out to the deck of the ship man look at the seagulls

just a pinnacle of beauty they are you know what you're saying is actually worse than if you were just commenting pinnacle of beauty they are. You know what you're saying is actually worse than if you were just commenting on the ocean, making it more suspicious. These are genuine comments. So if Frumpkin peeks back out of the pothole

that he crawled into, is this friend of ours leaving the ship? Yes. I send Frumpkin to follow him at a distance. All right. As you guys are walking away from the docks, you hear the footfalls quickly approaching of the Lord Desranthane,

who gives a nod. Hello. Oh, hey again. Hey. Have a good day. See you at the party. See you tomorrow night. Yes, indeed, see you then. Pleasure meeting you.

You as well. And continues on past you with a hurried pace. If you feel like visiting the Lava Chateau, you can go there and see my mama perform. No response. Well. So I ask, are we walking now or definitely away from? Nope, let's walk and talk.

Yeah, I don't normally say this, but man, I have not seen such an untrustworthy group of people on all of, as far as I can remember, there were some shifty people on there. Oh god, I thought't normally say this, but man, I have not seen such an untrustworthy group of people. And as far as I can remember, there were some shifty people on. Oh, God, I thought you were talking about us for one second. I mean, normally that'd be fair, but yeah, that was, everybody was very nervous. You know, perhaps would be a good time to stop back at the ball eater. All right.

Back to the ship now? Yeah. Did you get something? I just have a hankering to examine the ship top to bottom, make sure that it's in working order. All right. Sure. All right.

Let's go inspect the ship again. We'll head back to the ball eater. All right. You guys make your way back to the ball eater and you can see Marius Lepoile is there in the process of tying one of the sails back up onto the main mast. He glances over and goes, ah, back so soon. Have you killed anyone yet?

He gradually begins to pull a short sword. Well, speak to Yasha. She's very disappointed. We'll be below decks if you need us. Yeah, the captain would like to inspect his quarters. Of course, of course. I was just kidding about the short sword. You're kidding about the killing part, right? Do I look like I'm kidding?

You had, like, 20 whole minutes. Aye, aye, Captain. Better get ready for the week, Marius. Okay, Mighty Nein's back. And Marius? Yes? Don't get caught. You're hazing me, right?

Like, you're not serious. Of course not. Yeah, we're serious. We're not serious. I'm going to get a drink. And he just heads right into the Restless Wharf. Oh, man. Below decks? Yeah.

You found your guys' way. You head down to the gun deck, or there's the cargo hold below, which is where a lot of the bedrooms are as well. There's bedrooms on both ends. Looks like everything's in order. What did you want to inspect? Shut the door, please. Shut the door. Should we check and make sure no one's following us along?

Hey, Fjord, maybe you can do your thing where you can see if there's orbs following us. Oh, yes, good point. I'll summon the Star Razor, and I will cast Sea Invisibility. You got it, all right. Do I see anything? Glancing around the interior of the chamber right now,

you do not see any sort of a scrying bobble or glowing orb that would lead you to believe you're being scryed upon. God, there are orbs everywhere. We're in terrible danger. No, I'm kidding you, we're fine. Oh, all right. Caleb starts putting his necklace back under his shirt.

What do you hear? What do you see? Desren Thane. He's actually our good friend, Essek Thales. What do you mean? He's working for... It is a disguise. But he was walking. It's kind of a brilliant disguise, if you think about it.

Always looking at the guy's feet, never really. Are you sure? I elaborate and recount everything that. Holy shit! I mean, it oddly makes a lot of sense. Does he? When you look back at everything. And he said we were friends?

Hard to read. Hard to read. Ugh! Hard to read. But to what end? What is he trying to gain out of this? Research was mentioned. I don't entirely understand the context. What? You mentioned an exchange.

It sounded like the beacon for... Did you say prisoners? Yeah. Well, we know there's a prisoner exchange. Yeah. That was part of the deal always. But it seems like the beacon is... is either not what it appears to be,

or it's going into Essek's hand instead of the hands of the queen. No, but Essek is probably the one that delivered it. He's the guy that leaked the beacons in the first place. All the bells are ringing. Every fear we have seems to be coming true. This is some sort of ploy. Well, we just need to ask him.

Oh! I mean, why not? You know, he really likes us. He could probably tell us the truth once we know. This is going to be a very weird party. Caleb, how do you feel? I feel like a fool. Why? Because he didn't loop us in?

No, I worried about him for ages, thinking that he was perhaps the mole we were worried about, and when I finally did away with that fear. I had it confirmed. He seemed somewhat conflicted, but not enough to slow his pursuit. Maybe sense could be talked to him,

but I worry that if we confront him, he will stop whatever they're doing. Oh my god, you know what we could do? I have the perfect plan. Let's go to the party, and while we're there, and he's like kind of around, we can talk about Essek.

And we'll just, you know? We'll just be like talking about oh my gosh you know who I wish was here is Essek I love him so much I'm so glad that we're such good friends

with him now I never knew that anyone could be so wonderful you know and then after a few moments he'll say

it's me I'm Essek yeah I can't take it anymore either one he'll feel really guilty or number two he'll want to it's me, I'm missing! I can't take it anymore! Either one, he'll feel really guilty, or number two, he'll want to take credit for it all. Because he's so un... Maybe.

I think it's a really good idea. Well, we definitely need to go to this party and see what else we can find. Yeah. Tail him, or investigate him, or knock him out or something. Do we have any poison? Can we poison him? Well, if we

remove him from the equation None of this happens. None of this happens. He's integral to this entire thing. But he said he wasn't even coming. I mean, he was another guy. But Ford could disguise himself as Desrin Thane.

Whoa. Yeah! And then we'd have a mole on the ship. Yeah! Oh, my God, that's really good. We'd take out Essek, and we'd replace him with one of us. Yeah, yeah. And Martinet already knows that there's an illusion,

so he would be like, oh, I see that it's an illusion, so he wouldn't realize it's another person in the illusion. Except that the other person would be in the same room. I mean, then he would definitely know it was an illusion. I'm doing my math right. No, we take out Essek. We're going to knock him out with some sort of poison. And Essek isn't at the meeting then?

What? Four it is. Well, four would be Essek as Daelys Thane. Wow. This is complicated. So, but is not bad of a plan, as that is. Wait, wait, wait! What? We do not have near enough information

for any of that to be pulled off smoothly. That is true. Good point. And we are also dealing with the most intelligent, ruthless, and cunning practitioners of the arcane in all of the Empire. Ah! He's not, I don't think he's talking about us. No, I know, I forgot to ask Martinet

if he wanted a tattoo. That, that is unfortunate. That sounds like party chit-chat to me. Okay, so tomorrow night, before we weigh doing any of this crazy bullshit, we have a night to prepare. Nott, do you still want to go forward with your... I mean, I'm a little distracted

now that we've been betrayed. Also, Essek is the one who gave us this, you know, who helped unlock the secret of this spell. I mean, we can... Is it... Is it a bad... I thought of a really good idea. Oh, no. Does it involve tattoos? No. Oh, my God.

While we're around Deseret 3, I'm going to send a message to Essek. That's so cheaters of you. That's pretty good. That's so cheaters of you. That's pretty good. That's amazing. It's actually a very good idea. Hey, Jester.

Yes. Your tattoos. Yeah. How much did Orly teach you about making, like, enchanted tattoos? Oh, well, he started to. Mm-hmm. And then I think I remember noticing how many wrinkles were on his neck. And I couldn't tell, like, where it goes, when his head goes in there, does it come?

I don't know, I just got, I remember not hearing what he was saying. What did he say not? Ah, ah, ah. That was good. That was good. Good one. Wait, I, ah. That was good. That was good. Good one. Wait, I'm confused.

So we're betrayed because Essek is going to take the beacon back to the Dynasty. We don't know enough. And the Empire is going to get their prisoners. No, he, oh. Right? He said he wanted the research. And the beacon.

Remember when he came over and we pressured him into getting into the hot tub? Yeah. And we, like, bonded? Yeah. He was talking about his pursuits and about how badly he wants to see how far he can take Dunamancy. Yeah. And how far he could reach beyond what is sanctioned or structured within the Empire.

Yeah, and we know the Empire has been monkeying around with it, yeah? Yeah. So perhaps Essek is trying to learn more about their own artifact from the Empire, what the Empire has twisted it into. Maybe, oh man, maybe. I mean, in theory, there's a second beacon. Maybe he knows.

And do we know for sure if those prisoners were executed? Back, back in the... Back when we were... Like his friends? Yeah. I mean, we don't really know, do we? This could be a second deal. Well, if they're exchanging the prisoners, the prisoners

are high-ranking members of the Assembly and the Empire. Maybe this is just another deal. It is another deal. That's exactly what it is, but if you put it under the guise of a prisoner exchange, it becomes acceptable. Right, but we trust

Essek. We have to at least give him the opportunity to fail, right? I mean, he might be altruistic. He might be doing this for good reasons. Or at least give him the opportunity to explain himself and then maybe give us the opportunity to... Kill him. What?

Or cover and try and help make sure that everything goes well for everybody. I mean, I respect the initiative. I see it as a choice between are we going to confront Essek before this journey or just tag along in the journey and hope to learn more?

But he said he wasn't coming. I mean, he said Lord Thane wasn't coming on the journey. He's clearly coming. He's coming. He wouldn't be here if he wasn't coming. He would maybe be disguised

as someone else. All we know is that there is a lot we do not know. And we can't endanger him at this party, and that's not the opportunity to confront him. It should be some other time. We don't want to put him in danger if his intentions are good. He did say we were friends. If his intentions are good, then why is he hiding it?

It's possible he is playing your home country. It's also possible, you know, that he thinks we're kind of fuck-ups, and we might ruin his plan if we knew about it. I just worry if we confront him or take him out of the picture, all of this deal will fall on its face. No, we have to let him go. And intentions and actions are rarely connected. They're distant cousins.

I mean, it's true. Think about everybody here. This is a whole group of people with... I mean, I'll just say it. We have some issues. All right. We're going to this party. We can learn more there, possibly.

In the meantime, let's go see your mom. Okay. Eye out for gems. Eye out for clay. You what. Eye out for gems, eye out for clay. You what? Eye out for gems, eye out for clay. Everyone keep their eyes open. All right.

We should do this. Oh my gosh. This is important. I'm a sapphire. You're a Caduceus clay. We already found them. So I just have to grind you guys up and lie down in you? All the work.

Yeah. That's wonderfully poetic and not intentional at all. I love that. So you guys head back into the Opal Archways. You pass through the market on the way. It's easy enough for you to gather numerous gems, or you can get a singular gem for the cost of 150 or a little higher than that.

And with your jewelers kit, you can crush it down. Okay. So we need to purchase? You do. We don't have it. Unless you have a gem that you want to try and crush down that's worth one. No, I want to keep the gems that we have. I would prefer to buy these gems.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We'll make them really colorful. Sure, yeah. Just a bunch of little ones, all different colors. So it's like fun glitter, like on Beau right now. Okay. And there are a number of individuals who work in pottery

and various clay-based decor. So you can acquire relatively cheaply about the 50 pounds of clay that you require, just the equal amount of physical body weight to roughly what Nott is. Yeah, how much will that run? 50 pounds of clay, I'd put it at like maybe a gold and a half.

Wow, listen. I can carry it. So can I, no big deal. Yeah, me too. Fuck. Now it's only like 15 pounds each. That's not cool. You have it. Oh, no big deal. Yeah, me too. Now it's only like 15 pounds each. That's not cool. You have it.

I don't. No big deal. I can carry it with you if it's too heavy. Not a problem. You look like you've gotten shorter because of the weight. No, it's my casual way of walking. This means I don't care. Yeah, that's pretty good, actually.

Yeah, it's working. It's working. Is it? Yep. I feel like I have to fart. Oh, on that, I run up to Jester. Hey, that tattoo thing. Oh, yeah. I'm just curious. Okay, I have a weird question. Okay.

I like weird questions. Sometimes when you go to these fancy upper echelon parties, there's a tattoo artist there giving out free tattoos. And after a few drinks, people are like, I think I do want a tattoo. If you tattoo someone,

can you then scry on that tattoo? Is that like, since it's using ink and stuff? I mean, I would have intimate knowledge of something on their body, so yeah, I probably could scry pretty easy.

What if we just pick up some henna? I think it works better if it's like permanent. Wait, what do you mean you'll have intimate knowledge of their body? Did I, sorry, am I misunderstanding what you said? Oh, I'm not saying I sleep with people when I tattoo them. I'm saying... Not like you tattoo them and then you see everything? No, I just would not, like if I tattooed your b'm saying, I'm saying. You don't like you tattoo them and then you see everything? No, I just would not,

like if I tattooed your bicep, Yasha, I would have intimate knowledge of your bicep. Oh. That's a cool trick. I'm going to keep carrying this clay. All right, are you guys making your way to the Lava Chateau, then? Yes.

Okay, okay. You make your way through the entrance to the archways. The streets are beautiful. The multicolored stonework that lays across the roads in front of you are matched by the large multicolored banners that stretch across the different squares and the large tall buildings where all the nobles either own establishments to stay in

or there are rentable establishments, those who are traveling through Nicodranas, since it is kind of a hub of travel along the coast and to the Empire. It's beautiful in the daylight as it is in the night, though a different type of more colorful aesthetic. And there you see the Lavish Chateau, the welcoming architecture

of the multi-tiered, beautiful home to Meria, the mother of Jester. As you enter the interior of it, it's early enough in the day, I mean, you're pushing afternoon-ish now, I'd say. It's early enough in the day where there isn't a lot of patronage yet. You see Carlos Rometty,

who's the keeper of the bar down below, looks over towards you with his thicker mustache and his combed-over hair. He's like, Hi, welcome. It's good to see you, Jester. It's been a while. And your friends as well?

You're at Spoon? No. Does your mother know you're coming? My who? Your mother. No. Oh, he's surprising her. Yeah.

Very nice, very nice. Well, she's probably upstairs if you want to. At which point you hear, and you see running down the upstairs, if you want. At which point you hear and you see, running down the stairs, lighter footfalls. And coming down, you see what looks to be halfling feet. Oh, I go invisible! Okay.

And down the stairs, you see, holding a wooden sword, you see Luc running down and kind of like, oh, hi. Hello, little fellow. Hi, Luke. Long time no see. Yeah, where's mom?

Is mom with you guys? She is on her way. She'll be here very soon. Yeah, she wanted to get super pretty to see you. Okay. Yeah. And he hits the banister and dents it, and you can see Carlos be like, hey, hey, what are you doing?

Oh, my gosh, Luke. I punished that. This kid is driving me crazy. I'm gonna... Luke, Luke, Luke, come here. I take him by the hand. Yeah. I want to show you my paint stash that I left here.

You can make additions all over the chateau. Okay. I'll bring him. Oh, well, I guess I'll wait until we get into the room. It's hiding in my room. Okay, okay. As you head upstairs, you can see Carlos looking at Lucas as he goes up the stairs there. He kind of looks back at him

and goes, he kind of looks up at him and you make your way up. You see Blood there is in the process of smoking a pipe in his immense minotaur form, kind of leaning against the door and kind of Oh, Jester.

Stands up and opens the door to your mom's chambers. Thank you. Is she... She's available. Okay. And as you walk inside, you can see the balcony door is open, the breeze is blowing through, the silk curtains are

slowly swaying with each gust. She's sat up on her bed with a book open, and she immediately looks up and closes it and sets it aside. Chester? Hey, Mama. Oh, my sweet Sapphire. And she jumps off the bed and runs up

and just gives you a big hug and lifts you up and spins you a bit. Mama. Yes? I got a tattoo. There's a brief look of like, oh, and then a look of like, well, show me. It's really big.

That is beautiful, my Sapphire, I love it. See, it sparkles. It does. Oh, bring is beautiful, my Sapphire. I love it. See, it sparkles. It does. Oh, bring it here, bring it here. And she pulls you over towards where the light is coming in from the window, and I see kind of a glittering. And I go, ah.

See, you are the gem you were always meant to be. My friends. It's a pleasure to see you all again. Hello. Good to see you all again. Hello. Hi. Oh, I kneel down, and I say, Look, go in my room. Look behind the bookshelf.

There's a loose plank on the wall. If you open it, you'll find a treat. And he runs off. That's not a pastry you left here like four years ago, is it? No, no, no, it's a box of paint. It's a box of paint. Okay, okay. I don't, no, it's a box of paint. It's a box of paint. Oh, okay, okay. I don't, should I tell him not to eat it? No, he's not an idiot.

Oh, hi, love. Oh. I'm over here. Wow. Sorry, I'm here, I'm here too. Ruby of the sea, Mrs. Where is this sound coming from? Oh, sorry, I'm over here.

I pick up a pillow and just kind of wave it around. Oh. All right. Oh, the small girl. Yes. It's good to see you again. Do you have a bathtub? I have quite a nice bathtub, actually.

Could we fill it with clay? Her expression darts throughout the group and then back to Jester. We'll cover it with fabric before we do. It won't get stained. Very well. As long as you promise not to harm the bathtub, then, you know, I'm not one to kink shame.

Just make sure you clean up when you're done. Yes, it's not like that, but thank you. No judgment. Thank you. The pillow just sort of nods. That is a bit expensive, however, and she takes the pillow and... You'll be happy to know your daughter has been quite the adventurer.

She's accomplished quite a bit. Really? Oh, I knew she would. What have you done? Oh... Well... You remember the traveler? I remember you talking quite a bit about him, since you were very little, yes.

Turns out he's not a god. Every child comes to a point in their lives where things, fleets of fancy and imagination from childhood I mean he's a real mama he's still real of course sorry to interject

not a god but we have all in fact fact, met this individual. It's true. Yeah. Who is it? Is she safe? I told you to take care of her. No, I did. No, we've taken that very seriously. She is quite safe.

It's a little predatory, though, let's be honest. No. No, that's, no. A grown man was sneaking into a young girl's bedroom all the time, what's, what's, what? I mean, it turned out okay. Like, it's fine, but. She's actually, she's fine, but...

She's actually in more control than you might imagine. She actually is dictating quite a bit what happens in this relationship. Yeah, if anything, she's the god. That's my girl. And you. No, but seriously, he is an ancient fae being. It's complicated.

Kind of like Frumpkin. But like a man. And like really old and has lots of power. But looks young. Super handsome. I know all about that. Wait a minute, Mama, did you ever, okay. You remember how I told you he had no face, like I couldn't see his face?

Right. I know what he looks like now. Oh. Did you ever meet a man who had fiery red hair, super fluffy, and he had very handsome, vibrant green eyes and really large eyebrows, but in a good way. I have seen such a man occasionally downstairs in the chateau, but not as a client.

That is him! I don't know if this makes it less weird. But it's good to have a face to the name, I suppose. Are you okay? Well, I'm kind of glad that he wasn't ever a client. In hindsight, me as well. Hey, you're invited to a party. Do you want to come? Uh, mm-hmm. What kind of a party is this? invited to a party. Do you want to come?

What kind of a party? There's a party tomorrow at the Marquis' domain. Yeah. They said you can come perform if you want to. I, uh... That's a few blocks. I know. Are you going to this?

Yeah. I would go with you if you wanted. And you going to this? Yeah. I would go with you if you wanted. And you're all going? Yeah. We can keep you safe. Oh, that's a... What's wrong, Caduceus? I thought we all agreed that this was a little tricky going into this party.

Are we sure we want to just treat it like a party, or were we going to be... Yeah, I think everyone who is attending this event wants it to go smoothly, for it to be a lovely evening, and Jester, your mother, is very talented

and beautiful, and everyone in this town obviously is fascinated with her, and she would be an excellent... Oh. Don't let me stop you. I feel so much better. Yasha just kept mentioning killing people, so I just assumed

things were gonna just go. Well, my point is... I don't know. My point being, who could take their eyes off of the ruby of the sea at a party like this? Very true. Plus, going to a party with your mom is a pretty great cover.

Oh, I should have asked if Lord Sharp was going to be there. Ah, there's probably a good chance of him being there, seeing as how he is one of the more powerful nobles of Nicodranas, and if he's a party that is in the Opal Archway,

so there's a good chance he'll be there, so maybe he'll be the same. We certainly don't want to make you uncomfortable. Your daughter has helped broker peace between the two of you. Oh, Sharp I can handle, don't worry. I you uncomfortable. Your daughter has helped broker peace between us. Oh, sharp I can handle. Don't worry. I handle men like him all the time. And they are very easy to handle.

Just be careful, if you don't mind. Okay. If you are all going to be there, and you and Sapphire are going to be there, and she reaches out and takes your hand and squeezes it. Then I can be there. Yeah!

I give her a big hug. This party's going to be dope. I'm so proud of you, Mama. I'm so proud of you. Well, we're not there yet, so don't speak up. But I'm going to work on it. I've been working on my excursions a bit, so. And at this point, you can hear from the steps coming up,

I couldn't find any bread that was as fresh as we hoped for. And you hear Yeza as he's coming up the stairs. What about that pillow? Oh. Oh, wow. You're all Veth's friends. Hi.

Yeza, hello. It's good to see you. It's good to see you again. Caleb, Beauregard, oh, you're all Veth's friends, hi. Yes, hello, it is so good to see you again. Caleb Beauregard. Nailed it. Fjord, Yasha, Caduceus, Jester, of course. It's so good to see you guys. Where's my wife? Soon following on our heels. She will be here soon. Yeah. Wonderful, I got to go put these groceries away.

Marion, got it all taken care of. I'll just give you the bill, and I'll be back in a little bit. Bye. And you see him now, kind of heads back downstairs, a little spring in his step. Oh, I bet he's going to go wash his junk off. What do you mean, what?

Oh, oh. Because he knows that I'm coming. What? Oh, oh. Because he knows that I'm coming. Yeah. Oh, okay. Like a little, a little prep. Yeah. I better do the same. Yeah, well, we're going to a bathroom.

You know, just a little bit of revivification. Mm-hmm. Oh, my God. Well, I was not performing tonight I was planning to perform at the chateau tomorrow But I can I can cancel that easily Are you ready for this party?

Of course I run this place Are you kidding me? Well Thank you for keeping her safe And I look forward to this event tomorrow night. And of course, Jester, it's so good to see you.

You too, Mama. All right, well, I should, or at least I want to finish my book, if you don't mind. Of course, we'll go to the bathroom. Right. Okay. Have fun. She goes and lays back in her bed and pulls open her book.

We should turn on a fan or something. This bathroom is enormous. Yeah, it's pretty wonderful. Should I put this in the tub? Hold on, hold on. I'm just going to lay one of the green cloaks in the tub, just to keep the tub from getting stained with the clay.

Okay. You lay the cloak down within the tub, and it's a beautiful tub, it's one of those, you know, classic, long, like, claw-footed bathtubs. Kind of like a silver rim on the edge. You can see this was probably a gift to Marion. It's beautiful. We're about to demolish this tub.

No, no, no! No. You set the cloak within. Put the clay in there. Kind of situate a small pocket of it where Nott can kind of lay into. And it is, like, it's a very there, kind of situate a small pocket of it where Nott can kind of lay into. And it is like, it's a very, very kind of tiny element that smells like a tub within a tub.

And Nott, you can get into there fairly easily. Sure, yeah. I'll break invisibility and go in. This is going to take a while, and I pull out a bit of red ribbon and tighten a bow on the knob on the outside of the door and close it.

Smart. What's that for? They'll know. We need about an hour of privacy. They'll... They won't come in. All right. Nott, as you settle into the clay,

you kind of find this thin pocket. It kind of bends around you, because it's not terribly thick, but enough where you can at least feel like you're cradled within. Caleb, what do I do with all this glitter? Hold on a moment, and I hold out my hand to Nott. You sure you are ready? No.

But I'm going to do it anyway. And I'm not sure what will happen afterwards, but, you know, no matter what, you guys will help me get through it. And if for some reason I don't come back or come back different or leave or something, you know how much you all mean to me. And, Jester, I hope we have more adventures together.

Me too. I give Nott a kiss on the nose. Caduceus, thank you for being honest and showing us that you can be scared too, and that's okay. Yasha, I'm like 60% sure you're not evil now. That should be a lower percentage. Would you like a sip of your wine?

No thanks. Ford, I'm sorry that I always call you weak, but I only do that because I know you're strong enough to take it. Beau, thank you for taking care of Mr. Caleb. And Caleb, you know, I love you. And you're the second love of my life. Thank you for being with me. I love you too. Veth the Brave.

Well, we'll see. All right, glitter me, Jester! Can I? Can I? Can I? Glitter me, Chester! Can I? Can I? Can I? Glitter bomb! That was more of an antiquing than I was anticipating. It will do the job. All right, everybody have a seat. This is going to take a while.

Okay. As you all situate into this now somewhat cramped bathroom, you go ahead and begin to set up the necessary ritual components, making the appropriate sigils on the floor, setting up the candles, having Beau aid you in burning the proper incense to begin to get the energy itself centered and focused on this particular tub. As you initiate the first rites of this ritual, you can see some of these symbols begin to glow

that same faint color you saw in Essex Tower. And as they begin to grow brighter and brighter, you can see the clay begin to slowly form on its own around Nott's body. As at that moment, as the clay kind of creates this thin barrier around the entirety of Nott's form, eventually covering the face and the eyes, you, Caleb, can feel yourself connecting

on a very mental, psychic, emotional level as part of this with Nott. And in that connection, you urge Nott to think of her true form, who she always was, and hopefully always will be. As you both sit there and concentrate, pushing into the next level of glyphs on the ground, glowing brighter and brighter,

the clay begins to harden and warm up, and you can feel the clay getting hot on your body to a point where it's alarming, but not too much to take. And it's extended for minutes and minutes and minutes. This heat is there, but you hold tight to the trust. That's part of this, and all of you quietly just watch on as Caleb mutters the incantations under his breath, his eyes in a trance.

Eventually the clay begins to go orange hot. It doesn't burn you, but it begins to just brighten and brighten and brighten. The outside light of the small glass windows in the chamber begin to slightly darken, the chamber itself becoming fainter and fainter. As the shadow swells around it, the glowing clay form of Natsukaba's body begins to emit this bright orange light.

You push into the next wave of incantations, getting louder and louder, the windows themselves seeming to black out at this point. There is no daylight making its way in. The only light source you see are the glowing glyphs steadily circling the base of this tub and the slightly lifting clay form of Nott. As you finish the final rites, you finish the incantation with a shout.

The clay shatters across the room. All of you are pushed back from the impact of this arcane shockwave. You feel the wood beneath your feet growl and moan. The bathtub shatters. Oh! But that same orange glow is maintained. While the clay is gone, there is still an orange form.

Healthier and more halfling. As the light begins to fade and the body drifts down into the numerous pieces of shattered porcelain, there laying before you is Veth Bernardo. You are not the goblin I first met. Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah. Did it work? Oh!

Sorry, sorry. I had some, there was some clay in my throat there. Fuck. It's dry. Did it work? I pick up one of the mirrors from Mariam's... Bathroom.

Bathroom. Counter. Cabinet. Just hold it up. It is good to meet you again. Hi. Hi. Hi.

Hey. Sup? I'll do a little curtsy. Well. And just sort of twist my hair a bit. And just sort of... Just hug Caleb. Aww. I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you.

You can do anything. Um, well, I love you all, but I really want to go see my family now, so, um, I'm sorry about your mom's bathtub. It's okay. I really don't think it is okay, but... Oh, shit! Is everyone okay in there? I heard a commotion.

Hang on, we're getting dressed. I'll swing open the door. You see there a look of panic in his eyes, your husband, who immediately goes from like a, Hi. Hi. Hi. I'll just grab him and tilt him back and kiss him. Wait, after he breaks apart, wait. Wait.

After he breaks apart. Wait. Felt different, right? There's not a bunch of teeth. No, no. There's like a regular amount of teeth. And he just grabs you and kisses you again. And then...

I'm, uh... I'm me again. I'm back. Well, I'm so happy to have you back. And you can see tears coming down his face. Let's go find Luke. You immediately get hit in the forehead with a wooden crossbow bolt. You've been learning, huh?

I've been practicing. Yeah, you have. That was good. That was good. I'll teach you about how to keep below the neck for indoor shots. Oh, okay. Hey, come here!

And he runs up and gives you a big hug. As he's holding you, you can see your husband just looking back at you with a smile and then looks briefly at all of you and goes, I... Thank you. I, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing her with us as long as you have.

She's been amazing. The bravest halfling we've ever met. That's the truth. Thank you. halfling we've ever met. That's the truth. I do feel a little bit braver. A little bit weaker, too. I might need to lie down. Yeah, no, of course, which, by the way, both of you guys do have a point of exhaustion

from the completion of the spell. Great. Of course, right this way. Leads you to the side bed chambers where... Have fun. I'll go pick up some dog to celebrate. I've imagined this moment a hundred times and none of those times where you dress like a leprechaun.

Kept thinking that. A tighty, tighty, tighty, tighty. After she's helped to lay down for a second, he watches, he comes back in and kind of looks to you and says, I hate to correct you, but I haven't lent her to you guys. She's not mine. She's done far more than I ever could. I mean, heck, I kind of really mucked things up.

So, uh... I mean, if anything, I'm just glad she's there to clean up my messes. And you guys, too. I'm ready, Yeza! You know, you should go. Could you guys watch Luke for a little bit? Yeah, I'm going to go get some... I'm sure it's been a while.

I'll go get some ice for your bowl, Eta. It's been a while. All right, as they adjourn, you help Luke down the stairs, and we'll go to our break. Yay! Oh! Oh, shit!

You're a halfling! I've got less hit points, and I'm slower, and I have less constitution. But you can reroll your ones. Your impervious to ones, almost. Did you lose Fury of the Small, too? Yeah.

Oh, I lose Fury of the Small? You do, yeah. That's a goblin ability, man. Change back! Change back! Change back! But you can now hide behind your party members, which is kind of cool.

That's pretty cool. Can you lead us to a pot of gold? We'll find out when we come back. We'll see you guys here in just a little bit. Why, hello there. This is Critical Role's resident art dad, also known as Liam O'Brien. We are continuously amazed

at the artwork this community creates. That's why each Thursday at 8 a.m. Pacific, we share a curated gallery of submitted fan art over on CritRoll.com. If you'd like to submit your art for consideration, visit CritRoll.com slash submit. And thank you to all of the incredible artists who share their talents with us week after week. And welcome back.

All righty. So, is there anything you guys wish to accomplish as you leave Beth Bernado at the chateau for a while. Oh. I just want to quickly say that whoever's sitting in seat G52 way up in the gallery should look under their seat for a little gift.

That's all. Is it a pair of underwear or something? It's Veth's used underwear. Now if it was uses. Oh, I am going to just quickly tell Mama what happened with the bathtub. Yeah, and I'm going to start cleaning it up. She is understanding.

Is there any way we can try to mend it or something, Jester? I will do that. I'm going to mend two pieces together. Hmm, and give it to her. That is extremely kind. You're welcome. It ended up being very useful though. Okay.

Did you see, did you see, not is not not anymore? I, you are mildly confusing me, but I'll go along with it. The goblin? Right. She's not a goblin anymore. She's a halfling. Oh. Because of your bathtub. It's a sub-genre of

kink. Well, then it was a worthy sacrifice. I'll replace it. Okay. How much was it? I don't know, it was a gift. I'm going to find somebody else to give you one. Fair enough. So you guys have, and you can include yourself in this as well, you guys have an evening and another day to handle any other business you would like here

in Nicodranas. Is there anything else you would like to do while you're here before the party? Are we going to fast-track through a little to-do list? If you'd like to, yeah. The next day, I would like to ask Jester if she could lead me to a shop with magical wares. Do you know of any here?

Of course I do, yeah. I'll lead into one. Okay. That's better than rolling dice. Ah, let's see. As far as magical wares go here in Nicodranas, there is, that you would know. There is the... Meandering treasure.

The meandering treasure. There is... That's in the Restless Wharf. Oh, that's in the Restless Wharf. You would know of the Seafloor's Bounty, which I think you did. The Seafloor's Bounty is a good one. Which is more like a pawn shop, but sometimes it's this weird, interesting thing. Kind of a pawn shop.

I'm looking more for spells for sale. Spells for sale, like scrolls and stuff? Scrolls, yes, I need fine quality paper and ink as well. Oh, you want paper. Well, that as well, but I'm looking for something new. Ooh, what? Protection. From?

Death. Okay. Yeah, that's important. You can find that in a store? In the right store, yeah. I mean, we all die at some point, so... Yeah, but I don't want it to be tomorrow, so... Ah. I'm just looking for something to push that back a few days.

Do I know of one with scrolls? There isn't, like, a magic shop here in Nicodranas, per se. Mm-hmm. Most of what comes through here would be probably traded in one of the venues that I mentioned earlier. There isn't a heavy magic-based establishment akin to, let's say, Pumat's or anything in this city. It's kind of whatever gets picked up

by the other eclectic odds and end stores, and they're kept as some of their favorite special items to sell to passers-through. Well, we can try the pawn shop. I mean, we can ask Yussa. Maybe he has a spell he would sell you. Yeah, we could do that. That's a good idea.

You think that's more likely than the shops here in town? Well, it's hard to find something specific. You know, at a pawn shop, you just have to deal with what they have. All right. Should we go see Yussa? Let's talk to Yussa, and maybe he can help me, and if not, perhaps he can point us somewhere,

and maybe it's a lost cause. Let's give it a shot. A lot to get done. We'll swing by. Okay. Anybody else going with them to the Tidepeak Tower, or just the two of them? Oh, yeah, I'll go, yes, of course. All righty. There's that fish place you like right across from the tower.

That's true. All right. You make your way to Tidepeak. After going through Wensforth IV once more, eventually Yussa greets you down in the familiar kind of gathering chamber at the base of the tower as he descends in his elegant and somewhat aloof way. He looks towards you, Caleb.

So it would seem that you have come requesting something from me, yes? This seems like a bit of a stretch. I was hoping to find somewhere in town to do a bit of shopping, but I'm used to Vrexentrum, which is very thick with, you know... Magic. Rare, rare magic. But I, you know, in all my noodling about, I have heard of a way of shielding yourself

specifically from fairly powerful magic, creating a bit of a, not really a shield, but like a sphere of protection, a globe, if you will. I don't know if that rings any bells for you, but I do have coin, or I could trade in favor. I do have a few things, and maybe it is presumptuous of me to ask, but here I am. As I am looking at the specific spell in question here.

Is that a globe of no death? What spell? I'm like, which spell specifically? Globe of invulnerability is what I'm looking for. Gotcha. Like, do you want to be like a superhuman? Like, really? No, I'm very human.

I'm your basic garden-variety human, but humans like to kill each other, and the ones we are dealing with are very powerful magically, so I'm looking for specific protection against that, against my old friends. Right. It would indeed be difficult to locate

this sort of magic in the streets of the city. Most trade passes through to other destinations. But? I do. Such as you. Have such a spell. But powerful magics are guarded intentionally. I will trade you.

I will allow you to copy this spell. I will supply the materials. Yes. But I keep the golem. It has been extremely useful to me in this time since you left last, and Wensforth is limited by being just one individual. Having two, especially the one

that does not occasionally talk back, would be wonderful. You have yourself a deal. Then follow me. Okay. And as that, Yussa leads you up into the familiar research chamber. We had previously had a discussion

and presents to you the spell and the parchment and such to copy the spell, but does require you to inscribe your crafted golem from the Halls of Halas onto him as the master as opposed to yourself. Yeah, is that time consuming? Copying the spell will take a little bit. That will take the day, I think,

but handing over Vili. I'd say it'd take about an hour. I'm saying spitballing here, about an hour or so to complete the process of transitioning that ownership. Okay, and the party's tonight? No, the party's tomorrow night. Tomorrow night, correct, yeah. Excellent suggestion. I think I'm going to be here for the day,

and I don't want to stop you, you know? Maybe you want to spend more time with your mother, or... Yeah, yeah, totally. Fort, do you want to go to the fish market, or... I mean, are you hungry? I don't know. Maybe.

Are we going to need something to wear for tomorrow? We need dresses! Oh my god, good juices! I need a new hat. I don't know about anything beyond that. Caleb, you're occupied. I will get you something very nice to wear. Don't worry.

I give her five platinum. Whoa. Why don't you choose something for me? Going to the Met Gala? What? Dignified because we are hobnobbing with the elite people.

Yes. So not flashy, but, you know, understated, but you know what to do. I fully know... exactly what you're talking about. Okay. Okay. Ford, enjoy the fish. One time. I went there one time.

Yeah, man. I had two cloaks. Get used to it. That shit happens. All right. Go to one fish market, yeah. So you guys can go ahead, and if you're looking to spend the rest of the evening finding clothing for yourselves and perhaps the rest of your compatriots

for tomorrow night's party event, you're welcome to do so. I actually don't... I don't think I need it. I'll just, you know, make something else appear while I'm there. No, I feel like I'm dressed okay. But won't people, like, you know, know that it's an illusion?

There's a lot of magic people. Don't you want to, like, you know, know that it's an illusion? There's a lot of magic people. Don't you want to, like, have actual clothes? No, why would I care if they know it's an illusion? Well, if it's fancy clothes for real, you can have fancy clothes for real. And then if it gets dispelled, you just look terrible. Well, you don't look terrible for it. You just look... Caduceus, do you think I look terrible. Well, you don't look terrible for it. You just look...

Caduceus, do you think I look terrible? No, I mean, I think you look great, but, you know, there's something to be said about, you know, when in Vasselheim, you know, you gotta dress for where you are. That's what they say, right?

That's what I wanted. Right there. Thank you. They do now. Canon. Canon. Sure. All right.

I certainly don't want to look terrible. We want to look like we want to talk to people. We want people to talk to us, to approach us. You want to be approachable. You could get like a really, really nice like pirate-y looking captain's coat. No, I don't think so.

But like a captain's coat. No, you know, I'll... Big feather. Like real big feather. I'll get you something common. They do say the bigger the feather, the closer to Ukatoa. That's true. The bigger the feather, the closer to Ukatoa.

Makes no sense, really, when you think about it. Right, so I would want no feather. I don't know. I didn't make up the saying. Just, since you're already so gung-ho about shopping, why don't you just pick something out for me as well? I'll try and keep her real, then. Okay. You got it, Vord.

I don't know what to wear to look approachable, so please dress me, too. Holy shit. Why are you looking at me? I look very approachable. You look like you're approaching me, like, all the time. One night.

Okay, pick me out something. I don't like shopping. You do it. This is going to be so much fun. I'm so excited for this. We'll get something for Veth, too, since she's occupied. Yeah, very. Yeah. Wait, very. Yeah.

Wait, we're not going to get to the fish market? Stop! Oh, shit. He's always after me, Lucky Charms. Oh my god. How come you get everybody first? I need it. Oh my god. Fixation.

I don't know if I'll remember. For the 3,000. Yeah, I know, I see that. All righty, so. Thank you for watching the video. Spending the remainder of the evening gathering outfits for the rest of your party. Yes.

How much are you willing to spend total? It's only money. It's only money. It's only money. Kill things and make more. Well, we've got the five platinum from Caleb. Yes. If I put another 10 platinum in.

Buy some nice outfits. Only if it's necessary, and I might only throw it away, but. Depends, it's necessary, you know? I'm not going to throw it away, but... Depends, it's up to you, like I said. Do it! All right. Okay. All right. Are you purchasing them all at an even price, or are you putting more into Caleb's

because you put more money in, or? Get ready to be trapped in the character creation menu for hours. How much are you putting in? I'm putting in ten. I'll just put in another ten and then we got it going. Oh my god. Caduceus doesn't spend his money,

it just piles up. You buy me a Lady Gaga meat dress or do not come home. Oh my god. So what's the platinum total on this then? That would be 25 platinum. Okay, that's 250 gold. Alrighty, you can buy some nice outfits, pretty much whatever your imagination can muster.

Fabulous. And because we're giving so much money, we can get it super speedy. It'll be ready by tomorrow. That's enough time. That's great. As it is, largely already completed outfits that you are now choosing

and then having them tailored overnight to the specific requirements and measurements to those of which you think you can recall. Okay. Oh, brother. Can you all just spend the rest of your evening researching and taking down the spell? Is there anything else anybody else wants to accomplish before the evening's done, or do you want to move on to the next day, the day of the party?

Fish market? Fish market? It is my favorite terrain. Maybe I should just excuse myself. No, no. No, let's go. I love it. Let's go.

Yeah, girl. All right. Yeah. We go to the fish market. You do? You get some nice fish? It's very good here in Nicodranas. It's a coastal city.

They pride themselves. The fishermen here do a fine job. It is fresh. It is, well. Great lobster taco. Yeah. I like shellfish a lot. Yeah.

Yeah. But it's really, like, hard to crack. I'm talking about shellfish. Uh-huh. Yeah. Ford. I'm thinking about a shellfish. Uh-huh. Fjord? Do you have a favorite fish dish? Am I here?

Yeah, I thought you... I just checked the fuck out, like... Deep stare, deep stare. Will you pass me the butter? Thank you. Well, best turn in. Yeah, I guess it's time.

I really wonder what they're going to come back with for our clothes. Hopefully it's nothing colorful for me. I wouldn't put that out into the universe. Yeah. You know, you don't like bright colors. Well, I just like to, you know, just wear simple, I don't know, nothing flashy. You like flowers. Yeah, but...

So you like color. That's like a, those are beautiful. I mean, you are too. Oh, Jesus. Well, you're gorgeous, too, Fjord. Yeah, Fjord, you're great. You're both very beautiful. You're both very beautiful, very gorgeous.

Beau, you're so beautiful. Mm-hmm. Did they put alcohol in your fish? Shall we head back now? Yeah, we can head back. We can head back. Yeah, it's late. After a raucous night at the fish market,

you return to find your rooms prepared at the Labish Chateau. Is this the year we reclaim our dignity? Never. There's never going to be a year. Further away. So, as you all gather for the night, your orders are in. The clothing of your preferred request and acquisitions

will be ready tomorrow midday, in time for the party. Let's go to the party! All right. It's tomorrow. Yeah, fast forward to that. Oh, okay. All right. You rest for the evening, comfortably, for the first time in a while, not out in the open. Jesus Christ, Sam.

Oh my god! I regret everything. Okay. Get it, Dr. Zayas. It's the forbidden zone! The next day, it looks like more and more of the armada in the harbor is getting prepared. The days are growing quickly to the exit

from Nicodranas to the east to meet Hortus' negotiation. After you have a fine morning meal, and the day is yours, Jester and Caduceus return with outfits prepared for the night's event. If you'd like to let them know and show off what you purchased. Yes, we pull out for Caleb

a long, black-fitted coat that goes almost to the floor, a la Snape, I think that kind of a look, with silver embroidery on it, but it's lined with a red and gold damask, like, silky lining. Ooh. Ooh. a red and gold damask, like, silky lining. Ooh! You have done well. I will fit in. You look really nice, Caleb.

Thank you, both of you. For Beau, we got her a very well-tailored, fitted men's suit. I'm listening. In slate gray and cobalt blue ascot. That's no shit. I just give them both a big hug.

Oh, and fitted boots that go up to the knee. Yeah, it's going to look fucking sick. For Fjord. I'm going to have to buy her this for Christmas. No, you're right. Physical reaction happening over there. I'm so happy.

For Fjord. Yes. We got you Well number one Some fitted pants to Look very nice on your butt And then we got you A navy Suit coat Very captain-esque

Right With leather trim on it Double breasted Square shoulders to show off your frame Very nice boots Very nice Shiny black boots Double-breasted, square shoulders to show off your frame. Very nice boots. Very nice shiny black boots. Super, super shiny. Thank you.

Biggest pirate hat they could make. This hat puts Avantika to shame. You don't have to wear it for, that was more just for fun. I wear it with fucking pride. Do us a favor and walk through that doorway. Can you make it through that doorway with that hat on? Oh, shit.

Just tilt your head, tilt your head. Just be careful of any strong gust of wind, and you'll be fine. Right. For Yasha, we got you a beautiful, long, black velvet fitted evening dress. Oh! Yeah.

Ooh. Sharp silver lining that just, that runs the whole. The cut goes across your chest like this, so your shoulders are out, and it's got long sleeves that open. It's my favorite color, too. Thank you very much. For Veth, we got you a yellow evening gown. Wonderful.

Almost with a princess cut. Oh. Yes. Double- a princess cut. Oh. Yes. Double-breasted. And it's got silver buttons. Aw. That's so nice. Lots of buttons.

Extra fun. Thank you. I love it. Caduceus. I've got a sort of mint green frock coat with nice pants and boots and a nice little vest. I feel pretty good. You look very nice. Thank you.

Oh, I got a long pink evening gown that's very fitted through the bodice, and then it flares out in very flowy chiffon all the way to the ground. There. Looks like the Mighty Nein's ready for a formal occasion. Yeah. All righty.

Is there anything else you guys wish to accomplish, or do you want to move on to the evening's party? Let's do it. Let's do it. All righty. You guys make your way to the Marquis de Maine. So here, within the opal archways,

not too far from the Lavish Chateau, you come upon the gated estate. Wait, wait, wait. Oh, oh, oh. What's Mama wearing? Oh. Yeah. Good call. She has a number of? Oh. Yeah. Good call.

She has a number of dresses at her disposal. I figured. She picks out one to contrast, but also mirror the design that you had purchased and brought along, except for it's in a deep purple velvet, and whereas yours kind of flares out into the chiffon, hers hugs her legs like an upside-down wine glass.

Kind of Jessica Rabbit-esque, I guess you would say, with the arm gloves there. Beautiful jewelry right around the neck and shoulder area. I'm not as great at explaining dress wear as you are, but she looks really nice. She looks amazing. Yeah. You guys kind of help her.

She takes your hand, and you help her pass the threshold of the chateau, and you step into the cold night air of Nicodranas, and with each few steps, she takes another deep breath, another deep breath, until eventually you find yourselves outside of the Marquis de Maine. I'm holding her hand very tight.

She is holding your hand very tight, too. You see what is essentially a small palace draped in white silks with candlelit lanterns that hang from all around the premises, numerous somewhat gaudy fountains that sit in the entryway, which is arched like the Opal Archway, but almost in a competitive sense with more color and detailed decoration.

As you guys are brought to the front, the guards there at the event seem to be expecting you. As upon you arrive, they don't question. They just step aside and open the gate for you to enter. You can already see there's probably about three dozen or so figures that are all lounging in the main courtyard area. There are servants coming around to fill drinks. There are food plates set out on small tables are being delivered around. There's a gentle music playing in the air, sourceless at the moment.

But as you begin to walk in, a number of figures, many of them you do not recognize, glance over and take a look. A few of them seem caught off guard and wondering who you are. A handful see Marion and are surprised and delighted, and a handful of individuals are like, Marion LeFou, I had no idea we were going to be here tonight. This is incredible.

Did you hear the Ruby of the Sea's going to be performing tonight? The whispers. Did you hear the ruby? The sea's going to be performing tonight. And the whispers start going out throughout the chamber. Making your way partway in, you can see there as part of the event, you see Lord Desranthane, not too far from the martinet Ludinus himself. You can see there is a stout, gravelly-looking dwarf with a shock of gray hair,

almost silver hair, his ruddy skin. He looks like he's dressed really well and he just hates the party there. He's just not talking to anybody. You can see, as part of that arrangement there, I get some of my notes out of my way because I get in my way very easily. You see Lord Aethesius Ullodon as well, who in the middle of a conversation sees you and makes an acknowledgment that you're here, but is finishing his current conversation. So the party is yours to peruse.

It mostly seems conversation-based. There's no real events happening at the moment. And in a short time, Marion excuses herself, saying, Pardon me, I need to go and prepare for my performance. Thank you. Gives a wink to Jester and is led into the main building itself, the palace, which the courtyard itself immerses itself partway into the building. And there is this beautiful glass ceiling above everybody where you can see the stars,

and where more of these lanterns hang, and the silks cross over each other in this intentionally unbalanced way that seems very artistic and avant-garde. Some conversations are kept quiet, muttering. Some of them you can hear loosely are about who the hell these strange figures are that entered the party.

Some other folks actually pick up and be like, I've used to see those Mighty Nein individuals. I heard that they, like the description of them, they did something in Rexxentrum recently. Wads gotten around. You do see greeting with a kiss on the hand to Merry and as she wanders by being escorted by the servants of the premises to get ready.

Lord Robert Sharp with his thin, creepy mustache, his receding hairline, this man in his late 50s who looks like he's desperately trying to cling to an element of his youth, and in doing so ends up looking far older than he would if he just embraced it. Well-dressed, kisses Marion's hand,

and as she walks by, turns towards your troop, kind of gives a glance over. I hide behind Fjord. I hide behind Fjord. Roll a stealth check for me. Okay. Okay. Okay. 14.

Okay, you hide behind Fjord as best as you think so. Lord Sharpe just seems to glance over the group and notices Yasha and walks over, and as he approaches, My apologies, it seems we have not been introduced. I am Robert Sharp, one of the many figureheads here of what business goes about successfully within Icadranas. You look like you're from, are not around here. What is your name?

You gorgeous creature. And he puts his hand out. Oh, my name is Yasha. Well, the pleasure is mine. He takes your hand and pulls it in, like kind of abruptly, and does a full-on kiss. Where did you hail from, Yasha?

I hail from Jorhas. Where are you from? I've been here my entire life. But no, seriously, where are you from? I've been here my entire life But no seriously where are you from? He is ignoring all of you The rest of the group does not exist Kind of a benefit to you at the moment Jester Yeah I look over at Jester

You don't know where Jester is. Not the castle. I'm sorry, are you shy? Yes. You don't have to. Oh, well, I think my friends are getting smaller. That's not what I meant to say. They're over there, and I think I need to go over to there. Yeah.

Well, let me escort you. And he kind of scoops his arm into yours. That's it, I step out from behind Fjord. Okay. Leave it alone, creep. Pulls his hand out from your arm and goes, interesting. Yep, I'm here. What are you going to do about it?

You'll find out soon enough. And he walks away. I guess charm person. I think a six is a failure, so... He walks away, and kind of like, I am terribly sorry, that was very rude of me. No, it's fine. It's fine. I feel like we got off on the wrong foot a long time ago. We really did.

And you know what you should do is one still to this day. Yeah. Would you like a drink? Nope. Anything else I could get you? No, you know what you could do, though? Hmm? I left my gloves. I've got though? Hmm? I left my gloves.

I've got no gloves on. I left my gloves out on the balcony. I was wondering if you could go fetch them for me. What, upstairs? Uh, yes. Which balcony? There are several. You see that one over there?

That one right there. That one. I was standing outside earlier, and I left them there. It would mean so much if you could get them for me. I am a fan of burying such hatchets. I'll be back. Okay. Could I get you anything?

You could just go away. And he exits to search for your gloves. What's the play here, Jester? Are we gonna go up there in the balcony and kill him? No, I'm going to watch when he goes up there. Uh-huh. It takes about six or seven minutes or so, but eventually you see him wander out onto the balcony after opening the sliding door that leads out.

I go up there really fast, and shut the door and I lock it. You back away just in time as you see the door as it kind of slides over and latches. You're going to... Oh, no. I'll come up next to her and say, let me jibby the lock. No, no, no. I'll come up next to her and say, let me jibby the lock. No, no, no. And I'll stick the dagger in. Oh!

Could you please explain what the dagger does for those who aren't aware? The dagger of denial. I can place the point of the blade into any keyhole and seal it shut. The keyhole sealed in this way cannot be unlocked until the dagger is placed into the keyhole once more. It's locked forever. Or until you use the dagger again. But you now feel the...

Just enjoying some air, don't worry. He's going to be so pissed, you guys. So pissed. I'm never wearing this dress again. No, you look really good, Yasha. I've never had that happen to me before, and that was... Next time it happens, feel free to just punch the guy. Yeah.

Punch him. So if a guy comes up to you and says nice things... No, if he compliments you, it's fine, but if he's smart about it and if he's grabbing you, fucking punch him. Yeah. Yeah, I don't think the press enters into it, really. No. There's no excuse. I'm very proud of this right now.

No, it's beautiful. It's great. It's great. We could still kill him. I'm kind of with Yasha's idea here. I think we have more pressing concerns. That's right. What's our play here?

We're decided, by the way. Did I have time yesterday to just go by like 20 to 50 GP worth of magical, of just magic stuff to cast spells? Components? Yeah, components just magic stuff to cast spells. Components? Yeah, components. Sure, if you want. Cool.

Thank you. Put that in. We got to find... Desryn Thane, right? Oh, do we see him? Yes, you've seen him at the party, as well as Lysias, as well as the Martinet Ludinus. They are present.

Are there any Volstreks here? You do not notice any Volstreka. You do not notice Trent Ikithon. You do see the emissary lord Zedengraf, who is a member of the Dwendalian Empire and acts as an emissary, similar to what Elysius does for the Cerberus Assembly, Zedengraf does for the Dundalian Empire.

Okay. So they're two different social representatives here. But Athesius Uludan is the one who's related to the person who's running this party and owns this place, which is... Marquis. Yeah, the Marquis of Nicodranas. Do we see him?

You do, yeah. The Marquis is Yeah, the Marquis of Nicodranas. Do we see him? You do, yeah. The Marquis is currently holding court amongst a number of other nobles as more people filter in, and he goes to greet them as they enter, eventually noticing your group, and as he approaches, you can see he's a stout but strong-looking man,

probably in his mid-50s, dark hair that is kind of greased back on top and then falls down to almost his mid-back below, and he wears this soft white cloth hat on top that kind of raises up into a point with a beautiful gem emblazoned on the front of it. He has a mustache that is kept, almost becomes a full kind of stone wall type mustache point,

but it's carved in the center there, so it just is this really awful floppy mustache. But as he approaches and extends his hand to you all, well, I do not know these people necessarily before me, but I have been told that your rival is friends of the Assembly, which makes you friends of the Marquis. So, who are you? Oh, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

We are known as the Mighty Nein. Well, Mighty Nein, enjoy of the delights we have placed before you. Have a wonderful night. Do not break anything. Never. Probably not. Thank you.

And he goes and immediately shrugs you off, has lost his interest in conversation with you almost as fast as you made your introductions. Any interesting pairings? Anyone having hushed side conversations? Any weird looks? You do notice within a short time that Lord Desryn Thane notices your arrival.

And about maybe 20 or so minutes, 30 or so minutes into your stay, you notice him keeping entirely on the opposite side of the party to you guys. Every time you shift somewhere, he shifts to keep elsewhere. There is definitely kind of an intentional dance to avoid you all.

Lord Dane! That's one way to do it. Hi. Hi. Hi, good to see you again. Come here. Come on, come to see you again. Come here. Come on, come on, come on. Gets a drink off one of the platters.

Jester. What? Jester. What? Maybe we should play it a little cooler, all right? Maybe when your mom is performing, we can go over and like zone of truth him or charm him or do one of your tricks.

You have lots of great tricks. Yeah, I can do that. Sure. I mean, otherwise, are we just going to eavesdrop? Yes. Okay. Yeah, I'm real fucking good at it, actually. Do you want me to go invisible?

Do you want me to sneak around and listen to some convos? I think we should all kind of split up and mingle. Okay. Ooh, good idea. Beau, when you're ready, I can do a pretty neat trick, but it only lasts an hour, so I want to save it.

What does it do? How will I know when I'm ready? I don't know, but if you, I don't know. That's, no. How would you like an hour of being your best self? Sounds like meth. It seems like, so. I don't know if I'm ready to see that.

Really, really quick. Just come with me to a balcony. Not that balcony. One of the other... Not that one. You realize this is how... You sound like the last thing people hear sometimes. We often are the last thing people hear sometimes. Yeah, that's fair. I think it's kind of what we sound like.

Okay, yeah. If we're going to split up and mingle, just because we don't seem to know much about these people, can I cast Divine Sense and see if there are any celestial fiend or undead within 60 feet of this room? Okay, yeah.

You focus and close your eyes and fling the light fade from your vision as your intent expands out around you. No? Nobody of that essence catches your attention, which is comforting. Yeah. Did you guys scatter a bit?

Yeah. Yeah, we'll scatter. I go with Caduceus. You'll like it. I'm going to find a little vestibule and go invisible. Okay. And then wander close around to where Thane is, just sort of see if I can pick up some convos. Okay.

I'm going to cast Enhance Ability on myself and cast Owl's Wisdom to increase my perception. Okay, all righty. You go ahead and take Beau around one of the nooks of this interior courtyard to where most anybody would be able to see. I cast Tongues. And just make out with him.

Yeah, no, it's not that kind of... I see what you mean by my best self now. Yeah, yeah. You're fucking insightful. I take this little mushroom ball out of my stash, and I squeeze just a little bit of juice from it, and I just flick it into your eyes.

And I cast true seeing. So for the next hour, you can understand every language. If you speak, you're also understood, so be careful. Also, you're also understood, so be careful. Also, you can,

for an hour, you have true sight. You can see secret doors that are hidden by magic, and you can see into the ethereal plane for up to 120 feet. So, Saboregard. He flicks this in your eyes, you go, ow, and as you open them,

there is a sea of strange purplish-blue color around you. You see... Yep, it's meth! It's meth! Odd shapes of a few smattering sky-floating ethereal creatures, like elongated ghost fish.

I cast Calm Emotions. You're cool. Yeah. Let's do this. Get out there and do your thing. All right. All right. Wow.

All right. So the party is your oyster. Many individuals talking about you can see... One, you can see Lord Desryn Thane very clearly, Essek. The illusion is bypassed entirely. I have a hard time not staring at him in a weird way. Fair enough. And then I try to break. You do glance over and see

about four of the individuals here are using glamour illusion magic to make themselves look about 30 pounds lighter. And their clothing, much shinier and much more expensive looking. I immediately point all of them out to Jester. Really? Yeah.

What? Shh. You see one figure that's in the middle of a conversation Yeah. What? Shh! You see one figure that's in the middle of a conversation that the illusion that's put over them is that of a very debonair-looking, Dwendalian noble-type individual, but it is an illusion, and behind that, you see instead a black-scaled dragonborn with a long tail.

Trohasian? with a long tail. Trollhassian? Make a history check. The clothing is actually what they're wearing, but the form itself is different. I'm too high. Apparently. But yeah, so it's unique. Looking at this event, there is a lot of false... A lot of falsehoods being presented.

I point out the Dragonborn disguised to Fjord. Dragonborn. Not Dwindallion. Okay. Oh, what's his tail doing? Oh, what's his tail doing? Like, what's his tail doing? What's his tail doing? How are people not tripping on it?

Does he have a tail? He does, and it's like curled around the side to not cause that problem. He's tucking. This is everything I wanted. But yeah, so you get the sense... What else? Secret doors? Secret passages? In this immediate courtyard, you don't see any secret doors or secret passages, no.

Inside? Do you want to go explore the house? Yeah. Got an hour. What? Can you want to go explore the house? Yeah. Got an hour. What? Can I get inside? Oh god. You can certainly try. Wait, but we're not here to explore.

Stick to the plan. Stick to the pla... Okay. Next time. 20 more minutes. Next time. There are minutes. Next time. There are lots of people in military garb. Anyone that might be denoted as a captain, maybe of the Blue Heaven, per se?

Actually, you do see, briefly talking to the rather intense-looking dwarf that was unhappy there. Another dwarf is talking to him, who is dressed in a very familiar captain attire of the Empire. Oh shit, can I make my way over to that dwarf? Sure. As you approach, you can see it's a male dwarf,

kind of salt and pepper hair. It's short on top, kind of a smooth beard that comes to a little golden ring at the bottom that is a little tuft at the end of it. He has a number of decorations in the front of his lapel. It's buttoned over, and they're both sitting there next to each other.

You can see the one with the silver hair is really, really grumpy. He's slamming wine flute after wine flute and is starting to get rowdy. The other one's like, Hold it back, hold it back. Don't worry, don't worry. The captain-looking fellow,

does he have a huge hat as well? No. Captain Dremi, I presume. And who's asking? Oh, Captain Tusktooth. That's a fine hat you got there, Captain Tusktooth. Yes, where is yours? I left it with me mum when I was 14. The dwarf goes like,

Ah, don't bother him as much. He's fine. It's a nice hat. I like it. Thank you. It was a gift. I've just been admiring the Blue Heaven out in the docks. Absolutely magnificent vessel.

Why, thank you. I'm sure you've seen a truly impressive ship out there as well, the Ball Eater. I'm sure you've seen a truly impressive ship out there as well, the Ball Eater. I'm sure you've noticed it. I can't say I have, but a curious name, nonetheless. Oh! Well, you know... Ball Eater.

Ha! I love that, actually. That's unique. You should name the love of it, actually. It's unique. It should name your ship something funny, asshole. Yes, it's funny. Ahem. I was just wondering if you were expecting any sort of resistance or challenges as you make your way out in a few days.

Well, I certainly hope not. We've come prepared. Our cannon's already unloaded. We've come prepared, our cannons are already unloaded, we've got numerous ships at our sides. The waters are ours, so woe be unto those who try and step in front. It's very impressive. Is your duty to safeguard the item,

or are you just providing firepower? Make a persuasion check. 14. Yeah, that's not bad, that's not bad. One eye kind of twitches a little bit, he goes, that's a curious question. Oh, I'm sorry to speak so frankly, it's just we've been tasked with a very important

responsibility ourselves, and I was just curious where we should turn in times of unexpected peril. Just stay behind the gunships. I think you'll be okay. We're bringing along important individuals. I see. Those are helping the negotiation.

Ah, very well. Well, if we can be of any service before we disembark, please don't hesitate to ask. I know our vessel is unassuming, but we're quite capable. I appreciate the offer. Should things turn sour,

we'll gladly send up the flag to summon the ball eater. The ball eater is at your disposal, sir. Then I'm guessing we best be getting hungry. Short Arby is such an asshole, don't worry about him, he's a broken prank. Oh, he's earned it. His reputation is sterling. I'll take my leave now, thank you.

No reason to have any friends. And then you just argue a bit as you leave away? I just hold my hat for the rest of the party. Oh. Oh no! Is the martinet floating about? Yes. I am going to go over and chat him up. All right.

As you approach. Ah, Mr. Widowgast. Good to see you. Good evening. Good evening. The performance should be beginning shortly. Good to see you. Good evening. Good evening. Um... The performance should be beginning shortly. Well, I'll be brief.

We are about to embark on quite an historic undertaking. Right. I'm wondering... We are within reach of a possible end to this conflict. Cheers. Cheers to that. Yeah. It will be good

to finish this war. Indeed it will be. I commend you on seeing the reason in cooperation and negotiation. I believe it is important to stem the tide of lives lost

and to instead focus on the livelihood of those within the Empire and for us to pursue more important things in base conflict and disagreements. I couldn't agree more. The Empire, we all love the Empire. To an extent. And he gives you a keen look.

How much have you spoken to my master about me, I wonder? I assume you're referring to Mr. Ikithon. Of course. Well, a little bit. He briefed me on your history and I must say, it is rather impressive to see someone who has

gone through, escaped, and shucked the chains of the Volstrucker, and returned as you have with your friends. Well, I am a disappointment to my teacher, I am sure, as well as many of my peers. Your teacher's a disappointment to many others. Yes, his use is... But... Ah, people are complicated, are they not? He has his uses, but... Ah, people are complicated, are they not?

That they are. How much do you know about his teaching methods, I wonder? Quite a bit. He, uh... He put forth his designs and they were approved by the assembly and they first began developing the program for the Volstrucker.

Though the extent of these things were not entirely part of the initial presentation, I understand that sometimes desperate requirements might call for unsavory methods. You are fully aware of these methods now, is that what you are telling me? I believe so. The program goes on.

The program has changed many times. Are you alone on the ship? Trent is not accompanying none of his protégés. He thankfully has no interest in such political endeavors. And he would be, he looks around the party, let's just say a terrible guest in a social environment. I don't think he would agree with me, but I am a patriot, sir. For this country, and I dearly hope for a true end to this conflict.

Are you on the right path. Do you think we could say goodbye to this hardship in the next weeks? I think we can. Inside check. Make an inside check. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Hmm. Mm-mm. Twelve. 12. He is a stoic individual who chooses his words carefully, eloquently, and in doing so,

manages to maintain a barrier that you cannot read past. Nothing about it seems insincere, but who knows? You've been around people like this before. My father and mother died for this country. Ours. Many have, many more will. I hope your intentions are true.

It's very much why my friends and I are here. Well then. Best of luck on the travel ahead. I am looking forward to the journey together. Enjoy the party. You as well. While this is happening, you are under the table.

Desren is saying nothing. Desren is backed up against the table you're hiding under, invisible, and is barely even drinking the drink that he has, and is just looking about nervously. I'm going to go up to Desren. You are one of the... Mighty Nein, I met you yesterday!

Yes, introduced yesterday. You're a lord here? What, what, what? You're a lord here in town? Yes, yes, I am. Where do you live? Around... Around here?

Yes. The Marquis? Well, not here specifically, but I'm... I move after I travel. It gets boring. I'm so sorry. I'm not feeling well. I should probably get going. Oh, do you have stomach issues? Oh, terribly, yes. Oh, no. But you can't leave.

Ah, but I must. But my mom is about to perform. Have you ever been to the Lavish Chateau? No. She is one of the most famous performers ever. You know, I can help heal you if you have stomach issues. I'm a cleric. That way you don't have to go anywhere, you know. I will happily stay for the performance.

Oh, wonderful. Can I link my arm in his? Does it feel like his clothes feel different than what I'm touching? It's hard to tell. It's material. Okay. It's not so much he's wearing a whole different dimension of an outfit.

It's just the coloration's mostly different. What dimensions would be slightly different don't really show through the illusion. It's meant to be close to what he's actually presenting. Okay. I think she's performing over here. Oh, my gosh. I can't believe you live here and you've never come to see her.

She's amazing. I am what you would refer to as an introvert. She is too. It's surprising, I know, because she's so outgoing and everything, but she likes to stay at home. Do you? Oh.

Yes. And begins to drink the wine. At which point, as you're following and listening in, there is an announcement. Everyone gives a round of claps, and the music begins. As some of the performers, their violins begin to kick in, and Marion descends the curved stairway

that spirals around the interior. As she approaches and focus is pulled, I'm going to very subtly and stealthily try to drop a vial of liquid into Essek's drink. Many months ago, we recovered a vial of paralysis from a monster. I don't remember what the monster was. But we got some paralyzing stuff. Make us a hand check with advantage.

30. 30. I don't know. All this shit coming back to bite me in the ass. All right. Okay. Marion's voice begins to carry beautifully throughout the night air, singing entirely

a song in Zemnian, though she does not know the language. She has learned this song as a way to present and bring in all the different dignitaries of the Dahlian Empire that are here visiting before they set out to sea. It is gorgeous. And you've seen her perform a number of times, but each time is a fresh, entrancing experience, as her voice seems to carry with this clarity and this sense of almost magical melody behind it that you know why she's once again established herself

as one of the foremost performers on the Menagerie Coast. The people are entranced in watching Essek drinks of his drink. Lord Thane, do you speak Xemnian? I do not myself, as I have not visited the Empire. Oh. Wait, what?

Oh, you've never been to the Empire? No. But we always travel to the Empire. I mean, it's so common. Not, I don't go out very often. Oh, right. What's the DC on it? Oh boy, I didn't write that down.

Okay. Okay. We'll say... I forget what monster it was, but... We'll say it's a 12. Okay. Constitution save. Okay. Constitution safe. Great.

What did you roll? That's a six. You really should get out more. I mean, I know it's hard a lot of times. Lortain, are you okay? What's going on? Lortain? Is it your stomach? Did I see Nott?

No, no, Nott's invisible in Roll a 30. Nobody could have seen Nott! Beyond the eyes of the gods behind the divine gate. They're watching Nott going, oh shit, how'd that happen? Oh god, oh god, are you okay? I'm gonna float near there just to keep an eye on Jessica. I'm going to rub his belly. Is it your stomach?

Is it your stomach? Other people are kind of looking over. I mean, I'm going to keep it down. I'm going to keep... Pay attention to the song. She's performing. God, stop looking at me. I'm going to try to pull him out of the room.

Okay. Weirdly enough, just kind of glides. It's like when you're playing an MMO and suddenly you get a lag spike and your character just kind of just moves across the floor. I'm going to trail. Yeah, but I'm going to trail as well. All right, the music is getting louder

and people are enthralled, and as you guys are keeping an eye on this, you can see Jester slowly dragging a very mannequin-still Desrin. I don't know what happened! I don't know what happened! What's going on? I'm going to follow out. I'm staying in. Mm-hmm.

It's no good. I'm going to go with Jester behind her. Okay. Who else is going with Jester? All right, so everybody but you two stay behind. Yeah. All righty. What are we doing here?

This is not exactly the plan that we talked about. I don't know. I don't know. What did you do to him? I didn't do anything. I was just talking to him. Hi. Hi.

Oh, hi. Hi. He can hear us. I know. It's just Lord Dane. Are you okay? All of a sudden turned. That's very weird.

This gentleman has had some sort of a seizure of some sort. Oh, no. We should do our best to... Should I cast Greater Restoration on him or something? Maybe, but let's try some other things first. As you guys are dragging him out of the party, his body... Why is he floating?

The muscles now come loose once more as the paralysis is over. Are you okay? Oh my gosh, you had me so worried. I have to go. Hold on a minute. I don't think so. Click. I put the Manacles of Stasis on his wrists.

Sixth level. Go ahead and make an athletics check for me, if you don't mind. Oh boy. This should go well. 15? It's a natural five. Five. They clack onto his wrists.

And immediately, What are you doing? What are you doing? Do I need to roll to see if he falls asleep? He falls asleep? That's what the manacles of stasis from back in Lorenzo's basement do. Oh, these aren't the... Manacles...

Yes, they're right. ...of stasis. That's right. Six level, which means 15d8 against his HP. Yes, you do, you have to roll a 15d8. Okay.

What is happening? Oh, I have to go look up his HP now. Hold on a second. What happened to just messaging Essek and fucking prank calling him? Welcome to the Mighty Nein, Travis! I was just talking to him. I didn't do anything.

Something happened in that bedroom, didn't it, Veth? Something became unhinged. Everything feels different. That's a lot of numbers. That's 20. Yo, Liam! That's it. That's it? That's it. That's it?

That's 73. Jeepers. It's not enough. Okay. Sorry. Do they still hold his wrists? Yeah, the manacles clap onto his wrists and you watch him almost stumble for a second, the eyes lulling before he rights himself.

Caleb, what are you doing? What are you doing? What are you talking about? I was just talking to Lord Thane here. He vanishes from the handcuffs and appears 30 feet away on the outside of the gate of the establishment. 30 feet away?

Yes. I'm just going to say, stop, and I'm going to try command. Stop. Stop. Oh my god. Oh my god. It's a party now. Stop. All right, you say, and then their guards are there, and as you say stop, they turn towards you

as you shout and point. Stop. All right, and you go and then their guards are there, and as you say stop, they turn towards you as you shout and point. Stop. All right, and you go, wisdom saving throw. 17. 15. Cool. It worked? Yeah.

It worked. It doesn't work for a long time. No, it lasts for a round. So when it comes back to his next turn, he's just going to not do anything. Yeah, so I'm going to head on over there. All right, the guards kind of look confused. Are you guys following Caduceus?

Yeah. Sure, yeah, yeah, yeah. It's fine, we just have to finish the conversation. Sorry, friends are too much to drink. We're a conversation. All right, make a deception check. Oh, Jesus. I mean, I'm not lying. Make a deception check. Ooh. Where's my deception? 16 for me. Oh, Jesus. I mean, I'm not lying. Make a deception check.

Where's my deception? 16 for me. All the while, my mother is singing. 20. I'm not lying. It's less about the lying and more the intent of what's going on, trying to keep it from sounding like there's conflict going on, which you seem to do

as the guards just nod and open the gate for you. So you step by as Lord Desrin's just standing there going. You really do want to talk to us. I think it's very important. You do. A lot at stake here. A lot.

Fine, then show me where. Let's find a place to talk that's quiet. While this is happening, what are you two doing? Watching the Ruby of the sea! It's incredible! She's so good, dude. I'm telling you. God.

Fuck. I mean, she has strength to hold that position for that long. And how long did it take her to do her makeup? I don't know. What's wild, too, is her voice is so powerful that it's going, it's having an effect on those strange ethereal fish creatures as they're now kind of like circling her

in this beautiful kind of aerial from Little Mermaid type dance. But only you can see it. You don't understand, man. She's like one with the sea. When they say she's the ruby of the sea, they were like fucking literal. It's very from beyond right now.

Wait, wait, wait. My horniness is so distracting. The dragonborn, the dragonborn. Oh, yes. The Swindollian guy. Yes, where, where is he? See, he's gotta be a mole.

Right. I don't know, maybe we should go check it out. Hang on. Should we press him for answers? Should we act like we're part of a security detail? Yeah, I think it's like, uh, man, this job's fucking, you gotta, like, be sober while everyone else is drunk. Like, sucks, man, right?

Are you okay? I don't know what Caduceus did to me, dude. Caduceus, like, took me in an alleyway and then told me that he was gonna make me my best self. I assumed you could hold your shit. I'm so sorry.

Amateur. I mean, I just want to talk to this fellow. You think you can manage? Yeah, I can manage. Maybe I'll do the talking? Yeah, I'll be your first mate. I'll be like your yes man. I'll just hype you, you know?

We'll make our way over to the gentleman. I can just like see if he's like not pure of heart and if he's not connected. So I'll just be there as like a bullshit meter. You know? Maybe you should stay here. No.

All right, let's go. You need me. All right. Let's go. We find the person. Yeah, he's over there. All right. Don't point. You see him shuffling in a derb into his mouth and like, not in the middle of a conversation

at the moment, he's watching the performance. He goes, this is him? Yeah. Okay. Tall, tall gentleman. Oh, hello. Hello. Greetings.

Oh, hello to you. Captain Toshtooth, nice to meet you. I'm watching a performance, if you do not mind. Oh, no, I'm sorry. She's amazing, is she not? It's very incredible. So good. So how did you get an invite to this party?

Shh! You're sure? Okay. I'm sorry, so you're going to need to come with us. What? We're part of a security detail at the Marquis. I need you to come with me right now. Make a deception check.

20. Peace! Like, mid-second, I was like... We're in disguise. Don't mind the fucking hat. You're in disguise, too. Sorry. I can just... I know... Immediately the expression drops on his face.

It kind of puts the half-eaten, what looks like a small tart down and goes, I do not understand the problem, but of course. Just shut up. He's coming. Come with us. Go out to a hallway. All right. You guys are kind of in the main courtyard area, which is partially open with the glass ceiling that leads out into where the fountains are and the open grass.

You can lead him out there. You can lead him inside the house if you want to. It's up to you. There are guards posted. My friend here, Ro, she can see everything about you and through you, so be very honest. Why are you pretending, my friend? Make a persuasion check.

Or intimidation, this would be intimidation. With advantage, right? This would be intimidation. Because I'm here. check. Or intimidation, this would be intimidation. With advantage, right? This would be intimidation. Because I'm here. 28. Oh! Ooh! That's what I'm taking. It's the hat.

Peacock in it. Look, I mean, there's no issues. I mean nothing wrong. I am a hiding previous member of the Draconian nobility. I am just, I want to be left alone and not be discovered or found. Are you living here in Nicodranas? Yes, yes, I am.

Have you come to many of these parties before? No, it's only been a few recently. It's difficult to work your way into such events like this. Insight check, please. Make an insight check. Natural one. Seems pretty honest. I believe you.

So you're in hiding. Well, I'm just not wanting to call too much attention to me. Strange place to go if you're not trying to gather attention. Well, I've gathered, you know, not gathered attention, but also live it up a little. Going to confer with Ro my all-seeing life. Of course, of course. What do you think? Oh, shit.

Do you need some water, orange juice? Oh, I can't mouth. Your jaw is going crazy right now. Am I doing that? I mean, he's clearly hiding something. Why would he be here? Why would he be in hiding? I don't know.

He's got to be like, push harder. Why are you in hiding? Oh, yeah, you do it. Let's go. Hey, why are you in hiding? He's gone. Fuck! He got away!

I was looking at you! I was looking at you! I was looking at you! I might turn to look at you! You're supposed to look behind me when I look at you! What? Where is he? He rolled really high on his stealth check. Is he invisible?

No, but one of the guards is looking at you, flailing the air, and is like, The Ruby of the guards is looking at you, flailing the air, and is like, The Ruby of the Sea. Oh, Jesus. She's the one for me. You know you want her to, don't lie. What the fuck? Are we going to find this guy are we gonna find this guy as he aspires? He just like, could do the... No, he's gone, is what he is.

God damn it. One of the little fishes comes by your face, just barely moves past your nose. What are you doing? This performance, man. It's like artistic expression in a way that I didn't know I could discover. We're not even in the room of the performance. What is wrong with you?

Let's go back in so people don't think you're tripping balls. Let's go. I speak through a wire Towards Beauregard and say Are you frosty? We are going to the ball eater Come now Man, Marianne LaFleur Is so good

She like talked to me Just now and she sounded like Caleb I don't know if it's part of the performance Did Caleb hear the first part of that? She, like, talked to me just now, and she sounded like Caleb. I don't know if it's part of the performance. Did Caleb hear the first part of that? Yeah. Oh, shit, she's high again. Ford, we are going to the ball eater. Bring Beauregard quickly.

Did you start by hearing voices or seeing things? Are you feeling it too? Fjord, this is Caleb. I heard that. I am speaking to you. I am Caleb.jord, this is Caleb. I heard that. I am speaking to you. I am Caleb. You may reply to this message. We got, uh...

I think it's because, like, everything's connected. Caleb, shut up! We're coming. Where are you? Where can you... Oh, shit. No one sends me messages. You can...

It's Caleb. We're supposed to go. What? Yeah, they're not here. Shit, where are they? It's good. I told Fjord they're coming. You told him a couple times. He got them. I'm pretty sure if we just wait one second, we'll get one more.

Okay, okay. Maybe they'll know. All right, let's go. About 15 minutes passed without any response from Caleb. I feel like I missed something in the message. Maybe we should just go. Let's just go. Let's just go. Okay, let's go.

Where are you guys going? Um... They were dragging that guy that looked like Essek. Where were they? Okay, let's think like we were them. Oh, right, Jester took the guy up to the balcony, so let's go up. All right, let's go to the balcony.

Okay. All right, you head to the balcony where, all right, you head upstairs and the balcony door doesn't open and you hear somebody on the side go like, hey, please, could you help me? Yes. Can I see through the wall? With Truesight, Can I see through the wall? Huh?

With Truesight, can I see through the wall? Truesight, I think, lets you see through walls. It's not like super X-ray. I can see everything vision. But you can see true forms. You can see an ethereal plane. Oh, yes. It's probably wearing off.

I don't think that's Caleb. I think we're in the wrong place. The voice is definitely not Caleb. Fuck! Okay. We should just leave. All right, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Caleb, where are they? You said they were coming.

He did, Fjord said they were coming. Let's go to the street. The street, all right. We're too far away. Can we send them a message? I'll send them a message. Yeah, you read. Yeah, okay. I'm going to send Fjord a message. Fjord! We just go, ah, wait!

What's taking you guys so long? We're going to the volleys, or sheesh. Do do do do do do do. It is so much weirder when you're a receipt of one of those messages. I honestly thought she was going to ask if I was pooping. Did she hear all that? Oh, I keep forgetting that they can hear us. They're at the Paulina. Let's go.

All right. Stupid. Well played. Fucking worthless. Oh. It's the best six-level spell I've ever burned. Yeah. It's so good. The rest of you, as you carefully escort Lord Desren Thane across the Wrecks of Swarf,

eventually across the gangplank to the deck and below the deck of the Ball Eater, you find your way to a comfortable space, away from prying eyes, and as the figure, shoulders slumped, turns around, the illusion fades. Yasha, please guard the door. Oh my gosh, it's Essek, but what?

It's like I said, never trust floaty hot boys. What are you doing? Yes, friend, what are you doing? Yes, friend, what are you doing? I'm sorry. You all weren't part of the plan. Well, you know, we have a limited amount of time,

and I would love for you to see the sunrise, so... If there is a reasonable explanation, we would love to hear it. It's complicated to express. I figured that much. Do you want to sit down? For this, yes. We have all night.

It may take as much. And he, like, moves his hand this way, and one of the crates kind of scoots, and he sits upon it. Still cool, still fucking cool. I... I have a lot I want to accomplish. And only one person

who understood and believed in that idea, and that's me. I've done terrible things in my life. As I know many of you have as well, things you regret, things you think you're doing for the right reasons. I cannot say I regret what I've done. I just regret how things have changed since I made that decision. You weren't part of the plan. changed since I made that decision. You weren't part of the plan.

Well, number one, what did you want to accomplish? Number two, just fucking explain the plan, because we've been guessing, and it's, I don't know, for right, it's... He doesn't want to say it out loud.

You want to write it down? You want to draw it? You want... No. You want to play charades? No, he... First word, world domination? If he says it out loud, then he's going to have to hear what it is. And he's not going to like who he is when he hears it.

I know you're a good man. You are. We know you, Essek. And I am but a humble, selfish creature. But avarice and fear can often disguise themselves in a good man as strength and righteousness until he's forced to unveil them in front of people that he trusts. Just say it.

We're here. I'm sorry. Sorry that you've all been pulled into this web of lies. When I first saw you arrive with the beacon, one of the two that I gave. I know I had to be near you to protect what we had done.

I had to make sure that you did not get too close to the truth. Backfired. If I could control the direction of your meanderings near this endeavor, perhaps it would have been safer. That didn't account for was, liking you all.

And there's nothing worse than betraying those you come to care about before you even came to care about them. At least not in my experience. Regret is a very new sensation. The pain is somewhat comforting, because I am my own punishment. Do you still want what you started out wanting? I've spent my life working towards it.

I think things got a little out of hand. What do you want? I've already told you. It's got a little out of hand. What do you want? I've already told you. There are so many mysteries around these beacons, around Dunamis, what it's capable of. My entire life I've been propped up to be perhaps worthy of being one to break those boundaries, to find applications for it that could change everything.

And if I don't do it, the first person who does, I don't trust them. I drop Dalmon to my knees in front of him and turn his face to mine. The person who does, I don't trust them. I drop down onto my knees in front of him and turn his face to mine. You listen to me. I know what you are talking about.

I know. And the difference between you and I is thinner than a razor. I know what it means to have other people complicate your desires and wishes. And I was like you. Was. was. I know what a fool I have been for years.

And I'm looking at him as if I am looking in a mirror. You didn't account for us. Good. That is life. Shit hits you sideways in life, and no one is prepared. No one is ready. These people changed me.

These people can change you. You were not born with venom in your veins. You learned it. You learned it. You have a rare opportunity here, Thales. One chance to save yourself. And we are offering it. And I am, I place a hand on his shoulder, and I am pleading with you

to find your better self. He is still there. There is no path to redemption for me. If There is no path to redemption for me. If... If what has been done comes to light, if what you are seemingly looking to correct, is known, then I am a dead man.

I lean in and kiss him right here. And say, maybe you and I are both damned, but we can choose to do something and leave it better than it was before. You un-p part of the plan And now you're all in Terrible danger for the things that you know

So be it I've not cared for anyone but myself for the century I've been alive I hold his hand who are you today not then right now it's all that matters

it can be disorienting having friends get under your skin. I cannot be here. I cannot be here. We have to know what's coming. We have to... We need to know what you paid. What you've set in motion. We... We're gonna have to take care of it.

If I tell you, will you let me go? I don't know, but... Well, I won't let you leave until you do. You can only try. We are returning the right beacon, the one that I gave. And they are keeping the one that they found. Their research is to continue. And we are to correspond as the research progresses.

There is intent to end this war. It has run its purpose. They have what they want. I'll have what I want. And everyone out there will have what they want and end to this conflict. So what's the bad stuff? The bad stuff is if you tell anyone

or try to stop it. This beacon, it goes back to the bright queen and it's totally fine it's unsinkable so you guys have come back now oh quietly crept in behind for the tail end

acid what whoa Essek! What? Whoa! Too much? There is no great plan. There is no espionage. There is no great plan. There is no espionage. There is no anything.

We're just putting all the pieces back in hopes that nobody notices. Then why is it bad? Why would we tell anyone? You're stopping the war. You're getting what you want. Then you won't. Well, I can't say I have a lot of faith in... the Empire's intentions...

in this situation. Can I insight check Essek to see if he feels like he was. Yes, you may. Easy roll, easy roll. Can I, ooh, do I still have, per se, ooh, do I still have Endurance, the thingy? I would say it's on the cusp of probably fading at this point. Sure, why not? In the final moments.

Yeah! Choo-choo-choo-choo-choo! Ooh, good. Uh, that's a 22. Okay. He seems to be bearing it all. Okay. I mean, this doesn't really change our plans.

This doesn't change what we really, what we knew before. We just, you know, want to make sure that the beacon that's going back isn't going to try to explode everyone. You don't need to worry about that. We were coming along to ensure that outside interests that may wish to

see the war continue are kept at bay. Who all knows of your plans? Oh. Myself and a few select members of the Assembly. The Martinet. The Martinet. What about Ikki? I believe Trent is also aware. That guy's a fuckhole.

You're not wrong. And what do you want with the prisoners? What's with the prisoner exchange? Who are all the prisoners? Is it the ones we know of, or are there secret prisoners? There are only two prisoners as part of this agreement that will be passed over. You didn't kill them, did you?

No, part of the agreement was to not have our prisoner killed and not theirs, so. Yeah. Vence is being passed over to us. Yeah. And the prisoner which we've already spoken to is to be passed over to the Empire. You said we were in danger because of what we know.

Who knows what we know? Just you, right? Just myself, the martinet, and Trent. Well, there was one more, though I have not met her. Met her? Astrid? No. Was her name Astrid?

She's another member of the Assembly. Vestra? Vess? Drogna? Drogna. That's the name. She was commanding a period of experimentation with it. As far as I know, those are the only one. But we hold a tense,

mutually assured self-destruction. So you lot started this war and now you're going to finish it. Yes. And we're just supposed to turn the other way and pretend like you're not all a bunch of traitors. Yes.

I mean, I like you, but the other ones, we're just gonna let them get away with it? They always have. Thousands have died, Essek. Thousands of innocents.

And I know for a fact that one of the people you have been negotiating with would throw you, me, any one of us, any member of the country he helps govern into the fire. Anyone. I think your intentions are good, but I think perhaps your vision has been clouded. My intentions were never good.

They were important. You're going to have to make a lot of babies. Not sure that's, well. So many, it just. It is. So. So... Let's talk about what we are going to do next. Obviously, this plan needs to move forward. Yes.

Optimally, yes. Yeah. You're not going to betray us again, I said. You're not going to, like, leave here and tell everyone that we know and then get us killed. That depends. You show me a kindness. We've done nothing but show you kindness. Yeah, that's right.

We're going to need a certain amount of honesty going forward. Rebuild some trust. Otherwise, well, Yasha, I mean, she's better at that part. I'm not going to... You have been spilling secrets to people on the assembly. Now you can spill secrets to us. And we will

move forward with this plan. And I am telling you, there is a very high likelihood that the people that you are dancing with mean to cut your throat and leave you in the dust with many others.

Then perhaps it is best that I surround myself with friends to protect me. For the enemy of my friend is my enemy indeed, yes? Is this charade at sea what it really

appears to be? No tricks, no double-crosses, no twists or turns? No tampering with the artifact. Not from us. We have nothing to gain by it going awry. Well, you have a plan in place, and you think that we'll end this conflict.

I don't know that we agree. However, we move forward. Can we count on you when the deal sours? I have far more allegiance to you than I do any empire or dynasty.

For I've not had any for either. You are a broken person. Who had ill intentions and wandered aimlessly into a path that you had no intention or no idea how to complete. And yet somehow along the way you found a heart. You sound like all of us. Yes. Welcome to the Mighty Nein. And we're going to go ahead and end it there.

Yeah! What the? Oh, man. This shit's getting complicated. Oh my god, you guys. It's almost two in the morning. Thank you for hanging out with us. Thank you all so much for joining us.

Late at home on the internet, late here in Chicago. Don't forget, guys, we love you all very much. And is it Thursday yet? Good night. Get home safe! My dear God. My dear God. Get home safe! My dear God. My dear God. Ha ha ha! Oh hey, Ashley Johnson here, and I sure do hope you're enjoying the adventure.

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