Critical Role - C3E13 A Dance of Deception

Episode Date: February 17, 2022

With a heist somewhat planned, the group attends the masquerade ball but have trouble keeping a low profile as various complications arise...Due to the improv nature of Critical Role and other RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode. Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it’s useful: http://bit.ly/PsycomResourcesWatch Critical Role live Thursdays at 7pm PT on https://twitch.tv/criticalrole and https://youtube.com/criticalrole. To join our live and moderated community chat, watch the broadcast on our Twitch channel.

Hello, spellcasters, sages, and spectators. I'm Ashley Johnson, and you're listening to the Critical Role Podcast Network. Tap into our magical narrative by watching Critical Role as it airs on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Pacific on twitch.tv slash criticalrole or youtube.com slash criticalrole. Twitch subscribers can watch the video on demand right away, or you can catch it the following Monday on YouTube. As always, Critical Role will be available right here in podcast form on Thursdays,

a week after the initial broadcast. And now, let's scry into the story and see what mysteries it holds for us, shall we? Hello, everyone, and welcome to tonight's episode of Critical Role, where a bunch of us nerdy-ass voice actors sit around and play Dungeons & Dragons. We play Dungeons & Dragons! Indeed. Before we jump into tonight's episode,

we do have some announcements to get through, including the first of our two sponsors. God help me. NordVPN. Travis? Number two. Our set has been infected by the sickest virus In the Nordverse

The cyber war has begun We need Black Willow 69 But Morpheus he was sliced His hacker spirit turned into a gleaming cube of cake Which I ate Which is why you must meditate On how to restore him Focus your gigabytes

On hacking the answer. I will give you my power glove to aid you. Master, I am not ready to wield such a weapon. You've always been ready. Now go. Make me 001101001110101110. That's binary. We're proud.

Black Willow 69, I don't know if you can hear me, but we need you. Okay, fine. I need you. This whole thing is fragged. I just feel so helpless, so alone. But I guess in a way, we're all alone on the internet, clicking away the hours, hoping we'll get enough likes to be happy,

scrolling for something honest, searching for meaning. But you made me believe that despite its fault, the World Wide Web can make our lives better. You're my hero. And maybe that's why I hate you. Because you were real. You gave me hope. Black Willow, you were the best of the web.

And now I know it was all a lie. Trolls like Siddy will always make the internet a garbage place. They insult you, flame you, they meme you, all for the lulz, and now, just like pets.com, you're just gone! Maybe I should just unplug, de-boot, and log off! No number two.

There is always hope on the internet. Blackwillow69? Are you a ghost? A digital copy of myself. A disk image written on your brain mainframe projected from the Power Glove's revolutionary haptics. Then we can use your knowledge to defeat SETI. Affirmatron. I contain a powerful rootkit of the original software code for NordVPN.

Providers of the highest quality encryption for your internet traffic and hides your IP and physical location. With more than 5,400 servers in 59 countries, it's easy to get better speed and protection with one simple click. And it's available on every major platform including Windows, iOS and Linux go to Nord VPN comm slash critical role or use code critical role to get a two-year plan plus a bonus gift with a huge discount however to use it you must jack me in great I'll get Morpheus a motherboard a 10-pin adapter screw it an 11-pin adapter? Ah, screw it. An 11-pin adapter! No. Only you can bring me back. Me? But how? Elite Hacksaw once said, A name is earned.

The same is true for you. My name? Travis? Your hacker handle. Number two? Think about it. To bring you back, I have to earn the name number two? It's a little gross.

Wait, you mean the only way to hack the set, to save the planet, is by pooping you out of my body? I guess we'll find out the next time LordVPN sponsors the show. Matt, hack to you.

No. I hate this place. Wow. Travis and Sam, can I use that monologue at my next audition? Just pay some royalties, it'll be fine. Oh my goodness. Well, thank you, NordVPN, for feeding this man's

unstoppable appetite for insanity. I don't know what to do anymore. I don't know what to do anymore. Yeah, we'll go back. Come back here, get back. Come on, come on. We have normalcy. All right, all right.

Our second sponsor tonight is Ghostfire Gaming. Woo! And their new campaign in partnership with Eldermancy, Sunken Isles. Sunken Isles is a unique adventure that allows the party to choose between two or more adventures every week, and each choice will leave players

with either a reward or a consequence. The adventure begins with the introduction of a volcanic spirit, an undead dwarven king, a bloated pirate captain, and an ancient being, and the roaming creator of the Isles. Each of these forces immediately sets out with their own plans, and it's up to you and your party to forge new alliances to fight back against their armies.

Check out everything now at sunkenisles.com, and thank you so much for supporting the show. Well done, Matt. That's it. It's hard to follow such fine, like, visceral black box theater like that. That was like me. I'm in monologue.

That was totally monologue. Yes. Especially like how you linked up with the 5,400. Yeah. 5,400. 5,400. Putting that BA to good use. Liam, you got some announcements to talk about?

Oh boy, it's time for comic book news. Our library is growing. Our recently announced collections are available now, not now, for pre-order soon. The Tales of Exandria to start, The Bright Queen. The Tales of Exandria, The Bright Queen. Oh yeah. Releases June 14th, which collects the entire

four-issue mini-series into one beautiful book. Then the assholes in Vox Machina Origins Volume 3 releases July 18th, which collects Vox Machina Origins Series 3 Volumes 1 through 6, I'm Chopping Invisible Onions. Recently announced, the Mighty Nein Origins graphic novels. Yeah! Yes.

Mighty Nein Origins, Forged Stone. Ooh! The Hot Green Man himself on July 13th, and then Not the Brave on August 24th. Woo! So we have books coming hot and heavy. To get the most up-to-date information, check out our article at critroll.com

slash darkhorseguide. Nice. Thank you, Liam, for that. Nice. That was a really good monologue, too. But it fits with the table, so. It was drama. I like the shirt. Awesome.

Laura, you got that thing to talk about. You guys. You've got the thing to talk about. We got a shirt. We got a shirt. But this shirt is inspired by Critter Hug. Yeah! Yeah, and we wanted to make a Critter Love shirt.

Oh, that's really nice. So it's a shirt for Chris. Oh! He's a big bear hug. Give it up for him! That's so cute. Yeah, I think it's really great. It's available now, check it out.

Me too. It's really cool. This is my sweet little bear. So's available now, check it out. Me too. It's really cool. What? It's a sweet little bear. I'm going to want one. So cute. Is he sleeping? Yeah. He's just, he's so happy. He's cuddling.

He's clinging. He's playing in a bear now. He had a big meal. Yeah. Now he's just like, oh, food, baby. Been there. Thank you, Laura. Thank you. Travis.

Oh yes, guys! Episodes one through six of The Legend of Vox Machina are out now on Prime Video! You've seen them! One through six, you're halfway done! Episodes seven, eight, and nine release at 12 a.m. Pacific on February 11th. That's midnight tonight!

What's happening? Not going to want to miss this, Vash. I know you guys are as stoked as we are. I think it's real. It only builds. The next watch party is Tuesday, February 15th at 7 p.m. Pacific on our CR Twitch channel.

Yep. Join us. Yay! Perfect. Thank you, Travis. You're welcome. With that, I think we are done with our announcements for the evening. So let us go ahead and jump into

tonight's episode of Critical Role. Critical. It's Thursday night. It's Thursday night. One by one we climb until we reach the top. Two by two we fall. Will we meet our end or meet our destiny? Hold your breath and roll. How do you want to do this? Come join us, it's time to continue our flight There is magic and mystery Who knows what will happen in life

But one thing's for sure We never give up on the fight From the healer to the renegade We all share the same goal. Adding more allies, taking more chances, hold your breath and roll. You can certainly try. It's Thursday night. All ye critters come join us, it's time to continue our play.

It's Thursday There is magic and mystery From darkness our friendship will rise But one thing's for sure We never give up on the fight Oh, get ready It's Thursday night! And welcome back. So, last we left off, our group of heroes had,

after undergoing numerous investigations of their own, encountering some dangers and some curious, mysterious figures, they found themselves invited alongside their patron, Lord Eshteross, to a masquerade ball transpiring at the Quorum Chambers, the Shandley Quorum Chambers. This presented an opportunity to, one, seek out some possible bits of information

that were important to Eshteross' disinterest in the current ruling class of the city, and specifically, to plant a replica of Armon Treshi's ring onto his hand to replace the one he always wears in his thumb that can be used then to track his whereabouts after the party. As to how you did that, well,

you've proven to be somewhat creative and capable. That is being left to you. So after purchasing some fancy outfits, crafting or receiving unique masks, you were divided into two troops that were set on their path via carriage to the top of the Core Spire. So.

After you've begun to crest around the sunset time of day, the oranges and purples and golds that begin to spread across the rock and stone-domed structure, this massive event hall, you pull up in your separate carriages and watch as the rest of the invitees begin to, or have been, emerging from their respective carriages, carts,

or just walking from their neighborhoods to the space. They begin to step along the long carpet through the large golden arches into the interior. However, you are still within your carriages with a few moments to figure out your final plotting and interest, so. Everyone dies. No, that wasn't the plan.

Us or them. So we've got to figure out, oh, we're in separate carriages. Are we in separate carriages? We can't talk out, oh, we're in separate carriages. Are we in separate carriages? So we can't talk to the people in separate carriages. The groups were Dorian, Fearne, Orym, and who was our fourth? Me. You.

Okay, yeah. And then Ashton, FCG, Laudna, Chetney. Yeah. The group. Dorian, Fearne. Group Eshteross. Yeah. So our goal, first we need to read Armand, get an idea of what his desires are. Right? Yes, yes.

And try to distract him in that way. Maybe FCG will be able to be a good distraction in the room, I'm not sure. Are we going to try to slip the ring off of his hand through? Oh boy. That sounds so hard. Don't you steal things all the time?

I do, but it feels so different when it's on somebody, and then you have to also put it back on, right? The other one. The hands, they've got the most nerves. They're sensitive. I do have, I mean, I have this, you know, and I'm going to just pick up, I don't know, what the fuck. Are you wearing a mask or some shit? Is it next to you?

I'm going to pick up the mask next to you and lift it up and drift it over to you. Oh. I could try to use telekinesis and pull it off of his hand. Now, if I can do that, maybe somebody else could say it fell and you could pick it up for him and hand him the decoy. That I can do.

Swap one for the other without him noticing. I think I can do that. Can you do it without gesturing at him, or is it obvious? Yeah, it's completely, you're not here, but I assume you can hear me through the window talking. God damn it. Yes. He wears it all the time.

He wears it all the time. What if it's snug, though? I mean. I mean, that's a possibility. I assume at least Master Faramore had dressers at... So all of his jewelry was removed every single night the same way that, you know. I mean, that's a maybe. Eshteross says he has it on all the time. I mean, but Master Faramore would put on the same rings.

He had crests and everything that he would put back on every day to show who he was. I don't know. It's the most dicey part of the mission, so I think that no matter where we do it, we should try to get him somewhere away from the main party, if possible. Potentially, yeah.

The more distracted he is, the easier it'll be to pull something off of him, for sure. Whatever we do, can we figure out what he likes and show him a good time for a while? Definitely. Give him a couple glasses. No remnant left. Trust, yes. Yeah, and cups. See what can distract.

Any kind of big distraction, we may be able to pull it off of his hand. We could always try a What the Fuck is That About? Is anybody wearing rings right now? Oh, that would work. Yeah. Is anybody wearing jewelry? Are you wearing rings? I borrowed these from Eshteross. Here, I'm going to try to use my mage hand.

Let me get one that's tighter. All right, I'm going to really put it on my thumb. Oh gosh, okay. I'm going to try to use telekinesis to pull it off of his thumb and see if it works. Okay. Is that obscene? Obscene.

Sorry. If you don't mind, go ahead and make a charisma check for me. Charisma? Charisma check. Let's go, first roll the knight. Come on, set us up. As it is the basis of your arcane power and your innate capability,

just roll a d20 and add your creature modifier. Jesus! Jesus! Indicator of things to be done tonight. 17. 17? Nacho cheese. It's pretty snug on there

for a piece of joy that's been placed, you know, freshly. So it doesn't have necessarily the tightness of a piece of ring or a brace that has been held for an extended period of time where the body begins to shape its way around it. But as snug as you have placed it upon yourself, you feel it begin to pull gently on the finger before it does eventually come loose and come off, not in a way that you

wouldn't be aware of. Didn't notice, yeah. It works. I definitely felt that. But maybe it was because I was anticipating it. I mean, gosh. Maybe, I mean. Worst case scenario, I could pull it off the thumb and drop it to the ground. If you could pick it up really fast,

you'd be able to switch it. Yeah, I mean, I don't have any experience with this, but I believe that this thing, this kind of thing works when you're getting smacked from the side, when there's like a, you're being distracted. You're already feeling something else, yeah. So maybe if you want to go with this,

I'm a little iffy on it, but if you want to go with it, maybe if somebody can check him pretty hard at the same moment, he'd be less likely to notice. Then you can pick it up and hand it back to him. I mean, I could check him for sure. I could just trip on my hooves and, I don't know. Fall into him. Yes, let's use it!

Have you? But just in all honesty. Ha! Halfway through, I was like, Best! But just in all honesty. Halfway through, I was like, best plan is just falling into it. Yeah. Have you ever in your entire life been bumped so hard your ring fell off? I mean.

An honest question. Your entire life? Yes. I'm not trying to throw a monkey wrench in the bumping plan, I promise. I have thrown my hands wildly enough that one came off. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We'll work on it.

We'll workshop, we'll workshop. You know, it's starting to come loose. I mean, it was a big ring, if I'm being honest. It was a little big and loose. It was a little loose anyway. Yeah, thumbs are weird, because it's a big knuckle and. I mean, and if he does wear it 24-7, that doesn't happen here in Exandria, does it?

22-6? 22-6, yeah. There are 24 hours a day. There are seven days a week. It's the months in the calendar that gets a little weird. It's just much easier to keep track of it that way. I didn't want to make you guys hate me that much. They're 11. Oh, see, I knew there was something.

325 days. Regardless, continue. It's an option. I don't know, I mean, these two are really charming. Really charming, so. Are you pointing at me? Thank you so much. I mean, you're great, but. No, I get it.

Ah, I stepped in it now. If the goal is to distract and to charm, I think that could be our job. Certainly. Certainly. You, yeah. I mean, I can lie really good, though, I swear. I feel like that, I know. I'm wondering if good, though, I swear. I feel like that, I know. I'm wondering if Imogen should be your date.

No, no, no, no, no. You should definitely be his date. Because I feel like, weirdly. If you don't want to be my date, that's fine. No, I would love to. I absolutely would love to. Sure. I'm better at background. I just, I just,

I realize I'm not as good at lying as I thought. Which is weird because I do it all the time. I always use it. Because when, remember yours was? Oh, yeah. Well, I don't know. Maybe you can just persuade him. What's your persuasion? I can persuade anybody. Yeah, just persuade him.

You don't have to lie. Just be really charming. Can you flirt him into taking that ring off so you can give him a hand massage, a palm reading? I can certainly try. Yes. Well, then I should be the solo noble, then. It's not because my feelings are hurt

because you don't want to go on a date with me. It's fine. No, I do. I absolutely do. If you're going to flirt with him, it would be't want to go on a date with me. It's fine. No, I do. I absolutely do. It's okay. If you're going to flirt with him, it would be strange if you were my partner for the ball. Unless you guys went that way. That's true. Maybe that's why I'm there. Why you're there?

I'm standing right next to you. Isn't that weird? Because maybe we're all dating together. Maybe I'm security. That's, is that, I don't know. It sounds good to me, but it's more up to you. You guys got both of you there? Because with Imogen's input.

Do we have to play anymore? What is this plan about? What is this plan? I like it. Oh fuck. Were we just talking? Pretty much. We were.

That's one way to work your way to level six, I guess. Pretty done fucked y'all up. I understand what you're saying. At least the two of you sidle up to this guy and, right? Because it could be a thing. And then Imogen tilts it left or right. Yeah, exactly, and I'll be able to tell you. But maybe I could be your...

You know how, well, I guess the men at the court, you know how they have a maid? Hmm? To carry things and to help you with your clothing and to bring you drinks or take care of you and fan you. Ooh. Does that make you feel weird? It feels a bit dated, a little passe, maybe.

Ah, but this is getting very complicated. I think we've lost sight of the goal. Okay, okay. We're on a date. Yes. Not a date, you're just my, you are my plus one, and you are my entourage. Okay. Staff.

Please. Okay. Are you okay with that? No, it's fine. Is this hurting your feelings now? No, it's fine. Are you sure? I'm sure. You don't seem okay. Next thing I was at Southern, bless your heart.

That's so sweet. That's so sweet. No, I'm fine, I'm staying. All right, all right. This is going to be, this is going to go well. It's going to go great. Yeah, I feel good about it. Good. Meanwhile, in the other carriage,

Eshteross is looking over, like, No way. You seem like you've come together as a solid team. That's true. Yeah! Strong sense of planning and teamwork. The other carriage definitely has this in hand. They know exactly what they're doing.

They're confident in their capabilities. Yes. I just hope that they very much realize that they probably have to get Armand to take the ring off willingly himself, because that was a thing that we talked about last night. So I'm sure that they're going to get it. Flying rats!

Sure they've already got a dozen different ways to get him to do that. Including just maybe trying to show off the phenomenal telekinetic power of how an object that he knows couldn't have been tampered with can float in the air and maybe fly out towards, Yeah, that would be good and simple. Fearne could give him a nice palm reading or something,

or Dorian could just compare jewelry with Armand. Yeah, these are extremely simple plans. Yeah, they've thought about it. They figured that out. Absolutely. That's the same it. They figured that out. Absolutely. That's the same plan! It's the same plan! But better.

The same-ish. For our team, we're going to be, our mission is to work the perimeter and try to hear whispers and try to figure out who might be in the Shanday Quorum, who might be in the Shanday Quorum, who might be... What was the fellow who is the ninth member of the Quorum? The face?

Speaks for them, Gavis Aranda? Gavis Aranda. Aranda. So we're trying to get face time with that fellow? Then perhaps anybody else that seems to have strong connections there and about. Now, these events are rife with agreements, promises, rumors,

all sorts of petty encounters. So, keeping your ears and eyes open, when an opportunity presents itself to push, push. Wait, like gossip? Push a little drama? If it seems like it is befitting of our goals, yes, but also not to be too much of a spectacle either, as you are all here as my guests.

Actually, that's- And are unknown figures within these circles. That's a very good question. Who are we to you? The papers that I have brought upon and the preparation I've done assigns you as personal guards of mine. I can work with that.

Hell yeah. And Lord Eshteross. Yes? Some of us have the ability to communicate either telepathically or at a distance with creepy whispers. I don't really know your skill set other than you're a badass and kind of rich.

Do you have any way of signaling us silently or anything? Or any magic at your disposal? I am not a practitioner of the arcane arts, but I am a somewhat aged, capable master of the martial. He grabs his heavy cane off to the side and you remember a number of you taking some heavy whalves from it in the past

and smacks it on the ground a bit and it gives this reverberating ring as it impacts. Just. Mysterious, bad-ass, rich. It's like Owlbear Man. I mean, if you think about it, it's basically Owlbear Man. I've heard those stories. Yeah, it's my favorite Scrum of the Hope.

Okay, that's great. Our Bear Man does not exist. I've heard those stories. Yeah, it's my favorite Scrum of the Hope. Okay, that's great. Our bear man does not exist. He's a folk tale. A way to scare children on the outskirts of rural villages. And criminals. And criminals. Such a thing does not exist. But I thought he was a criminal himself, right? Which makes him cool.

He's like a vigilante. I know, I mean, growing up, clearly. Just to be clear, if we come across Gavis or Rhonda, do you want some face time with the face? Or are we just supposed to... This is for FCG's sake. Oh. If I'm going to be perfectly honest,

I am not as practiced or nuanced when it comes to social engagements. A number of these individuals, I am keeping all of my emotions in check to not deck them in the jar. So I'm certain I will likely be approached. There will be propositions or engagements

in the intent of making alliances, and that immediately, to me, sets my nerfs on end. Understood. We're supposed to detect the unspoken members of the Chandei Quorum, but with this Gavis Aranda, if we do somehow come across him and strike up conversation,

is there anything you want us to push other than my detailing chisel into his neck? I would not raise any weapons. Oh, don't worry, I won't have it in my hand. I'm going to tuck it back. I think what he's trying to say is if you want anybody to just suddenly become punched, we all excel at that quite a bit.

Let's see how the evening progresses. Putting the option out there. I have a list I'm keeping in my head. Very exciting. And let us be honest, as the evening continues and drinks are had, there may be a few opportunities to subtly take a few individuals down a peg or three.

I hope you understand. You just skipped past the second peg. That's amazing. If you hit hard enough, you might skip the fourth. Do you allow us to negotiate on your behalf? Depends on what you're negotiating, what you have in mind. I'll take that as a yes.

Don't worry, your business can only thrive. No business negotiations. Fair enough. Understood. No one would believe him anyway. I wouldn't worry about it. Very well. Chet. Chet. Give me that spare chisel.

I'll put it in my hair for you. You want the long one, like the one with the file on it, or the teeny tiny? Do the one with the file. I think it'll go good in my hair. You got it. Now while you will be my personal guard, you are capable of wearing any subtle armor

that you may have, leathers and such, simple metals or breastplates. None of you seem to be those who partake in such elements and you are a piece of metal in your own right. Natural armor, yeah. Yes, so we should be all right. Weaponry will be another endeavor entirely. Do you think they'll make me leave my backpack?

Your backpack should likely stay within the carriage. So whatever you wish to take with you, take it now. Attachments. Can you put them inside? Have you Can you put them inside your mouth? Have you ever tried putting them in your mouth? Oh yeah, what's inside of you? I've never looked. Did you have a,

I don't mean to be indelicate, like a hatch? My mouth and gullet are my hatch. Oh, okay. And we've established that I can hold at least a bottle of wine worth of liquid, so I feel like at least a bottle of wine worth of liquid. I feel like there's a cylinder. Can I get up and take a look? Sure. I jump up on his shoulder.

Open your mouth! Ah! Make a perception check. Yeah! Natural 18 for a 19. 19. Glancing down within the gullet of fresh cut grass, you see beyond the pinch of the throat,

there does appear to be an empty chamber within, lightless as it is. It looks almost like shelf portions that you immediately surmise is where the exterior of the torso pushes inward. Yeah, it just looks to be essentially a containment unit. It's like a small cubby. That's available space or packed and cramped

with machinery and stuff? No, it's open. It's amazing. It's a glove box. There's a face in there screaming, Release me! We could totally store some stuff inside you. You just have to it down and we'll be set. Sure, is there anything that you want me to sneak in?

To shoot? What is that? This is a mid-sized woodchill, good for detailing and edging. Open wide. Slow or fast? I think slow. You don't have to act it out.

You're right, you're right. Relax! Relax! That's not what you're asking, Matt. You're right, you're right. Relax! Relax! I love the sound you're asking, man. Relax. You're fine. Relax the throat, relax the throat! Ah! Wow.

Oh boy. Hey, look, it's there. We went there. Yep. Now, there, wow. You hear it on the inside. Oh shit. Now, if I shake you a little, does it rattle unnecessarily?

A little bit. Okay. About to get that fixed later. Ow. Oh, nice. You know, with any luck, it won't dissolve and get just turned into more spare parts. That's true. I just got that. Well, is that a possibility? Oh, that's true. Son of a bitch.

If my body may reclaim it, if it's a precious enough metal. It would be a welcome donation to your person. Besides, I desire to negotiate with Tua once again. All right. Okay. So our side's ready to go. We're ready, we know exactly what we're doing, right? What do you do with your weapon?

It is a bit challenging to hide. There's a check, right? There is, yes. All right, I've also like, I've painted, I put some bullshit on it to make it look old and drab and like a piece of shit. So it does not look, it looks like filth at the moment. I'll check it.

Think I can get in with a dagger? If you hide it well enough, you will be searched upon entry. Butt cheeks. You have to waddle a little bit, but with a little practice, it looks pretty normal. Just keep your heels together. His pants are really tight. I don't...

You know, I'm sure I can scrounge up something if it comes to it. Very well. So? It's a style I am familiar with. What if they make Ian a check all of him? up something if it comes to it. Very well. So. It's a style I am familiar with. What if they make us check all of him? We're approaching soon. Two carriages until we exit.

Get your masks at the ready. I hate these things. Just in case, also, just don't use my name while we're in there. Oh shit. Okay, what should we call you? Oh, was it Aaron? Yeah, that one I messed up.

That was your nom-de-gater? I think I can hold up with Bennett. I was trying a few things out. Bennett might be a better. Bennett. Bennett. Unless Aaron's easier for you, I don't know. Well, we should really just pick one. Aaron is close to Ashton.

Yeah, I was just worried he might. But maybe that's bad. Maybe that's bad. That's why I was like. We'll see what comes out. Yeah, I was just worried you might. But maybe that's bad. Maybe that's bad, that's why I was like. We'll see what comes out. Hey, you will work, too, just because. Aaron or Bennett. Just because, yeah, I don't, getting recognized.

You never know who's in here. The name should strike fear upon hearing it. You should call him Growler or something. Mr. Ossa fixes a face mask on as he ties it behind. Oh, it's not a mask up? It's pressed like a dark leather. It looks like a heavy, almost oni brow with these horns that curve up.

Oh, wow. Got my mask ready. What? What? That is amazing. It's my human skin mask. This detail at the top is amazing. Yeah. The whole thing is amazing.

Even the mustache on a fake head is already coming off. I love this. Oh my god. Oh man. It's horrifying. Yeah. I think it's beautiful.

It's a statement. Eshteross, if you- That's fine. He wasn't going to say anything important. No, no, no. Oh, no. He's distracted by the fine. He wasn't going to say anything important. No, no, no! Oh, no! He's distracted by the masks. What were you going to say? No, it's not important.

No, no, no! Don't believe him! What is he saying? Oh, we're here. Oh! I want to hear what his mask looks like. You know what I mean? I was describing the mask. I know what it looks like! I did, I described it.

It looks like a heavy-browed, leather Oni mask with horns curled on the side, just covers the bulk of the top of the face. He puts it on and wipes his fingers and goes like, I hate they've introduced this. Mast events like this were introduced by foreign dignitaries and have become favored for the anonymity it presides in certain spaces.

Makes people feel more bold in their interests. Just out of curiosity, last question. No one would ever make a play on your life or anything. You don't need one of us to hang by your hip just to watch your sex, do you? There's a reason you are my personal guard. I can probably handle myself, but as long as I have one of you by my side.

I'll do it. All right. Yeah. I guess if you need anything, or you're in an awkward conversation, maybe tap twice or something with your cane, and then we'll know that you need us. You'll know. Or you could just shout, yeah, that's fine too.

Yes, that's also, that's great. Are we all your personal guards? You are not in his carriage. Are we? Are we? Above board? Above, above. We're not. So no, you are his. We're just, we have no connection to him.

We don't know him. But once you're in the party, you could mingle and stay. You're a whole separate poop plant. We're a whole separate thing. Okay. It's right there. It's right there. So, last second pitch before we go in.

Oh no. No, just, oh wow. Thanks for the confidence. I'll be the serving man. Let me hold the ring. I am a halfling. You two lay it on thick. Just keep his eyes off me.

You hand me the ring and keep him busy, and then I can just, I'm short, I'm out of the way, I'll switch it and hand it back. Then if you can't carry it, he can carry you. Carry you? Po-te-toes. Po-te-toes. It was like an oncoming train.

That's putting it all on you, Orym. That's putting it all on you. That's like- It's putting none of it on me. It's all on them. They just have to keep his face occupied. But I thought Dorian was handling the slot of hand of the switcheroo, but now you're handling the switcheroo? Not if he's rubbing his hand.

There is no one more capable or qualified to hold onto this than Orym. Then I'll give him the tracking. Is it tracking ring? Track? Yes, yeah, the decoy ring. I'm just holding the thing. It's on them. If he's not looking at me, I don't have to be slick.

The carriage has come to a stop and the door opens up and you can see the steps below and there is an attendant there, they're ready, dressed in a fine, billowing blouse-like presentation. They do not make eye contact, just enter and give a nod, and their hand addresses the interior members of the event to exit and become part of it.

And we will march right in. Similar experience on your end as you are the next to pursue. Comes to a stop as the sill goats get restless at the front. The door opens and Eshteross gives you all a look before nodding and exits for you to follow suit. Eagle's moving.

Stepping out, you can see a long, beautiful, deep navy blue rich carpet that extends from the very edge of the stone road out here that stretches onward towards the large golden arches that rise up and then billow out into a large circle. And within, you can see the warm light that gives this inviting atmosphere within. You can see the beautiful chandeliers

of glass and crystal, multiple of them just barely visible already across the large dome ceiling within. You can see the hundreds and hundreds of feet of colored glass. You're not quite sure if it's just shapes or if there's just shapes or if there's a presentation of actual art

or scene involved from this perspective, but already it looks beautiful, ostentatious almost. You can see other well-dressed individuals that are making their way within, holding arm in arm. Not paying much attention to you yet, but as you get closer and closer, you do see that there is, to the right, a clerical desk,

looks to be a storage chamber, and a number of really well-adorned, like more than any wardens you've ever experienced. They wear the same elements of their armor that gives you the connotation that they are wardens, but their station is well-decorated and there are extremely well-worn cloaks on their back with beautiful trim. You can see their decorative designs

to their mantles and shoulder armor, definitely giving a show of station or at least proximity to the chambers. You watch as people enter and they give a look around. They inspect within any sort of containment pouches or any pockets, coats, as they're making an entrance. You can watch as people are flagged through properly. They head inside and are announced shortly thereafter

by somebody who begins shouting the various names of entrants. The first troop would be yours, heading to the check-in. As you get close, you can see there's a clerk right there. This elven fellow looks to be probably what would be the human equivalent of in his late 30s, receding hairline with a very tight ponytail that drifts down

to at his mid-back. He's wearing a nice vest and big billowy sleeves, and he has a large, large leather book in front and is in the process of accepting papers and invitations and setting them into a place where they're marking everything. He looks up towards your troop and goes, accepting papers and invitations and sending them into a placement and marking everything. He looks up towards your troop and goes, Uh, right. What is your name?

Oh, um, this is my entourage. This is Fearne Calloway. Yes, hello, very nice to meet you. Calloway. I believe it should be under my name. Oh, and what is your name? Bronte, the Second Sun Wyvernwind. Bronte, Second Sun Wyvernwind.

Oh, that was a last minute addition. Very well. Well, notify the doorman of your name and preferred means of introduction, and do you have anything to check in? Any? No, thank you. Looks over to the guards,

and the guards begin to do a walk around. Now, what is on you? Essentially, what are you leaving behind, and what do you have on you? Orym has got his shield ceremoniously attached to his back and he has a sheathed dagger wrapped to the inside of his inner thigh in the pants.

Okay. In the pants. Dorian cannot carry a giant lute with a scimitar on the back or a handaxe. But if you were to look, if you were to look in his belt, he has a very long, slim rapier that has been very recently decorated with some jewelry to make it look bombastic and like a ceremonial piece.

But if you were to look very close, you would recognize it as the Gambler's Blade. Oh. Sick. One of the guards looks around. Uh, this, is this part of your ensemble? Weaponry is not allowed, aside from approved guards of? I'm so sorry, this is not weaponry.

I'd like to introduce you to Tufanis. It's been in my family for 17 generations, merely an ornamental blade. Make a deception check. Come on! Big money, big money. Ooh, 16. That's not bad, that's not bad.

16. Want it better. Very well. Keep it sheathed at all times. If it is ever seen removed from the scabbard, it will be confiscated and you will be interrogated. Honestly, I don't even know if it comes out of this thing. Thank you.

Only approved duels and provided weaponry within the grounds. Of course. And looks at you, doesn't seem to take much notice, takes the edge of a long prodding stick, essentially, that they're using to go ahead and move bits of clothing to the side, and lifts the shield up underneath in the back, just glancing to see what's on your back,

but you said it's hidden within the shield? No, it's on the inside of my thigh in my underwears. Oh, got you. You didn't put it in the shield. Next to his little beans. Yeah, checked underneath there. Sup, Tate? Branks and mates apart. Glances run.

Ready to go. I have my hands tucked inside of my big bell sleeves that you described, so you can't see any of my electrical markings. And I've got no weapons on me. Mm-hmm. I left my nuncicle in the carriage. All righty.

That's my whip. That's what I have on me. That's visible. Gives it to the other guard, gives a nod to the clerk. They step aside, and you begin to step in towards the entryway. Behind you, the other troop,

Eshteross goes ahead and gives a nod, presents his name, and hands over a piece of paper to the clerk. Yes, of course, Mr. Eshteross. Marked here, very well. And these are your... These are my personal regards for the event. You know I despise these events.

Of course, sir. Very well, I kind of... And an automaton. I will get the master drinks. It was a gift from a friend. I'm still getting used to his presence. Very well, an uncommon sight at these events, but, hmm. Red or white, master?

Not now, we're not at the event, automaton. My apologies. He's a strange one. Or Rosé. So redaction. Right, very well, enjoy the evening. Next. Calls over Eshteross.

Folds his cloak, heads over to the two guards who begin to do an inspection around. So what is on each of you? The bull is on parade. I've got horns, right? Yes. So you have on yourself, aside from your silver dress.

My silver dress, no sleeves. I've got my breastplate, my little harness on underneath, and nothing but me, baby. All right. I emptied the butt cheeks. Might need to move. Okay, you do a jig for the guards. No, no, be thorough.

Be thorough. Glances over at you, Laudna. I've just got my big, billowy chocolate silky gown with my fox fur. I did not, I'm just having, I got hands and no backpack. I left it behind. All righty.

I left everything behind, and I am just going to fucking skeleton anyone comes anywhere near touching any of my shit. I give a nod after glancing over at Eshteross, who holds his walking stick and leans on it like he needs it. Nice, nice, nice. Thank you kindly for keeping us safe,

he says to the guards. As he really wonka, fake, limps his way past them. Now, the first troop, as you approach, there is the voice of the party, essentially, the announcer who sits there at the ready. As you begin to head across the blue carpet, the soft music in the interior chamber

begins to swell a bit. The sun now has come to a set, and the night begins to carry you into the event. You see a halfling with a very barrel chest in a similar outfit as the clerk that took your weapons, or checked you in at the beginning and took any sort of necessary elements, turns to you.

You can see what looks to be a pointed bit of chin, facial hair, very, very slickly, palmated, short, almost like a bouffant in the front that is pushed into a wave and then slicked back at that point. Spins around. How would you like to be announced?

I'm going to look over at Imogen, and can I make a psychic connection? Yep, I've got it. Do we ever decide on a name? Tell me your exact title and I'll give it to him. My exact title? Yes, you're going as yourself. I am, it is my literal middle name. I'm the second son, I don't have a official title.

Bronte. Yes. Second Son. The Silken Squall. Are we not going to use the cool name? Bronte, Second Son of the Silken Squall. That's right. I'm sorry. Entering Bronte Secondson of the Silken Squall.

You can see, as you begin to walk in, about a dozen or so other individuals that are on the closer end of this massive chamber turn around and give a look. I'm going to take Fearne and present her to the room and spin her around for all to see. I'll do a beautiful curtsy. It's been a while since I've been in court.

You never would notice. Oh, I want to stand very sternly behind him like this. And Orym will always be three or four feet ahead as a three-foot-three security detail. Okay. The next team follows in from behind. I'm a serpent, I guess. You hear in your fucking head.

I knew you were mad, I knew it! It's fine. And how would you like to be introduced? Lord Eryx Eshteross. And we'll leave it at that. Lord Eryx Estoros gives a bow. A number of faces turn.

In fact, a lot of figures shift over with a look of what on their face. There's some clapping, but mostly a confusion, surprise across some of the crowd. Who is that? Do we clock anything that looks nervous or afraid? Make an insight check. Make an insight check.

Can I do a scan as well? You may. 16. 16, okay. 22. 22. Nothing that immediately. 22. 22. Nothing that immediately catches you is nervous. If anything, everyone, and you both clock this,

just seem genuinely surprised to see him here. And that immediately makes you think of, one, your first meetings with him, how he lives, and previous times that he's mentioned, he generally keeps to himself and booby traps his abode. You get the sense that his appearance here was not expected and is a very, very rare sight in a public celebration.

As an add-on, it wasn't the entire room that turned and looked, but a good portion of the people that were closest to the parker. Yeah, I'd say probably the nearest 40 or so people that were even close enough to be nodding gross in other conversations through the party that all just turned and looked and all went about their business.

There's a few whispers and a few people tugging sleeves and leading attention over in that direction. You can already see, within that short time, the whisper network in this room at work. Holy shit. I'm not telling you who the fuck are you. Apparently an unexpected guest. Oh fuck.

Sweet. Sorry. So you guys stepping in immediately clock them arriving afterward. While you keep a distance, you can make eye contact and engage them. You're still generally close enough to each other to where you are a unit at the moment. Looking throughout the room, it is beautiful.

Indeed, you count eight different chandeliers that are hung at different heights and themselves at different sizes that are lit with some sort of network of arcane glowing lights and baubles, like flames that flicker ever so gently and shift up and down, giving a gentle underwater sensation

when you look up into the starlit sky beyond the bits of colored glass that loom overhead. You can see there are little walkways that head across and stretch across different portions of the dome that lead to secondary floors at the far edges of each point. Every now and then, you can see one individual

walking by, keeping an eye, looking down, various wardens and guards just keeping things safe, keeping an eye on things. There are all manner of tables and chairs. There's an open, it looks like a dance or social space in the very center of the dome. You can see there are two massive bars set off to each side of the arrangement.

There's a stage with what looks to be a band, some sort of a group of musicians that are setting up. There is music present, but it is sourceless. And you gather as you turn around and move, it's actually slightly shifting with the light of the central chandelier. It seems to be magically emanating the music presently there.

That's cool. But. It's got a sink box. That's great. But there is a group of musicians that are setting up on a foreign stage. There is a sound of laughter and the woman goes, Yes?

What's the leather like? Glancing around, you see two familiar faces immediately, a bit into the chamber. You see, currently engaged in a conversation on the opposite end, Gienang Elulunas is present. With Oshad. Oshad is present, and while dressed nice, is also wearing a breastplate

and is also holding a heavy cane in this very similar reflection of Eshteross. They haven't noticed your presence yet, but they are present for the event. Okay, he's packing. Scanning the horizon a bit, you catch at the event. Yeah.

Jiana Hexum is present, a little further into the room. And as soon as your eyes glance over, she's in middle conversation, meets your gaze, gives a nod of, really? And continues the conversation that she's currently in. Those are the immediate individuals that catch your eye amongst the room.

In addition to all these things we're tracking, I think Orym is scanning the room, too, for anyone who might be eyeballing Dorian, just because of the way Artana Vo sized him up for looking similar. So he's just on the lookout for anyone who might be thinking of bagging a score tonight. Certainly. All right.

Make a perception check for me. This is why I brought the shield. That's real good. That's a 24. 24, okay. Okay, so we'll say that is your scanning perception as you continue to walk through the event, and we'll keep that in mind as you go.

Can I be on the lookout for a tall dwarf? You can, make a perception check yourself. Nine. This mask is covering my face. It does, yeah. It's a little small for your face. You're only catching the edges of the eye holes. Because I rolled it so low on my dex when I was making it.

It's already giving you a headache a little bit. You're like, this is a bad idea. I'm a bridge of the nose. I should have taken one of Eshteross's. I knew it. It's a little overwhelming. You've never ever been present to an event like this before. How many people generally is this?

Between the servants that are present, the guests that are present, and there are already people that are still arriving past since you did, the room already sits at about 150 people. Oh fuck. That's pretty bad. They invited 200 knowing that 50 wouldn't count.

Yeah. Extra goodie bags. In the interim, what would you like to do? Well, Lord Eshteross, should we mingle? Do you think it's time to mingle, or is cocktail hour more of just a low-key affair? I wish I could tell you with certainty. I myself am a bit out of my depth,

but a drink sounds lovely. Perhaps a cocktail hour is necessary. I will go fetch you one, master. Thank you kindly, automaton. All right, I'm just joking. Does it look like it's a standing event, or are there tables and chairs to the fringe of the room? There are tables and chairs, but they're on the fringe.

Got it. The social space, everyone is standing. In the middle. Yes. And that seems to be the central focus of the congregation. One bar, two bars, several? There are two large bars on opposite ends. Food.

Oh, Jesus, this guy. Food is important. I'm trying to build a map. I'm building a map. Fair enough. At the tables that line the exterior, you can see there are a number of hors d'oeuvre arrangements there that are ready for the grabbing,

and there are servants walking around with trays that are serving and presenting them to various individuals that have come to the event, should they require it. Okay. What kind of food? There are all manner. How many different past hors d'oeuvres are there? There are imported smoked cheeses.

Are there vegan options? There are vegan options, if that's what you're looking for. There are all manner of, what are you looking for? Just kidding. Because they probably have some of it there. I was mostly curious if there was anywhere that had tableware, just in case, because I'm trying to map if I want to grab anything

that's stabby. Oh, like a knife or something? Yeah, if they were carving meat or something, I'd just like to. Yes, there is, actually. Okay, so there's a sharp thing over there. Good to know. There is. Currently being held by somebody who is like. They're holding it for me.

Yeah, it's an upscale portion of what you'd find on a cruise buffet, where the person is just standing there the whole party with a knife and a big fork, just waiting for someone to come by. What do you have? A knife! I'm going to scoot my way. Scooting my way.

Across to one of the bar, the far bar. Okay. To order some cocktails. As I scoot, I'm going to cast Detect Magic and just do a scan as I go. What do, what do, what do, what do, what do? You cast Detect Magic and So much.

You are nearly blinded. Oh, Jesus! An unexpected arrangement of glowing sources across so many of the guests here. There are all manner of protective jewelry and bracelets and rings and amulets and earrings. It is just, not only are people here showing off what they've acquired over the years

for the purposes of looking visibly powerful and interesting, but a lot of it seems to have some sort of function as well. Okay. So you get that sense. Nothing stands out as being, I can just see glows, right? I can't see outlines or anything.

It's just magical glows everywhere. Magical glows everywhere. If you're looking for something in particular, I can specify, but I'm not going to sit here and describe the individual pieces of jewelry. If I see anyone particularly interesting, maybe I'll zoom in on them, but for now, I'll just generally keep an eye.

All right. I'm going to lean over, sorry, to Orym really fast. Actually, I'm not going to lean. I don't need to lean. I'm going to tilt my head towards Orym, and you're going to hear, it's been a while. ROAR!

I think. Yeah, you think. Since I've been around, it's been never since I've been around a ground quite this large, so. What do you need? Nothing, just if things go south with me, just help me get out.

I've done that a lot. All right. Done deal. Can I look around for a tall dwarf as well? You may. Okay. Dwarf? Tall, dark, and handsome. Dwarf. You win, you win. Okay. Dwarf? Tall, dark, and handsome. Or mom is a dwarf. Cat. What the hell? How does it do that?

Thank you. That's good. What is that? That's a 10. I think that's an eight. No, it's a what? What is that? I don't know what that is. That's a 10! No, that's a 10!

No? Or is it an eight, or is it a three, or is it a what? What is that? I don't know what that is. That's a 10. No, that's a 10. No? Or is it an eight? Or is it a three? Or is it a six? That's a lowercase a. That's a 10. Look, it's a 10. Should I hen? That's a 10? Okay. So that would be it. I'm so angry!

Ashley, these two shapes are exactly the same. Okay, should I just do one roll? Yeah, that's a 10 right there, so that wasn't a 10 that you rolled. All those numbers you named don't look the same. This feels like a Sesame Street ad. Is it a three? I think it's an eight. Is it an eight? I think it's an eight.

Roll another dice, Ashley. Roll one of the ones that has numbers on it. Okay. Natural one. Oh! There we go. None of us have Palmer. Currently, nobody who has been looking deeply

between the two of you, especially the two from groups, has found anyone that resembles Arman. He's got masks on. Things are hard. Yeah, it's hard. It is. Very hard. You do hear another introduction that catches your attention, as well as a few other people in the room.

You hear the same voice billow out from the entranceway. General Ratanish of the Paragon's Call. Ooh! You glance over and you walk. Oh no. You watch as five individuals walk in. Oh gosh.

You thought you could have looked pretty rough and tumble. But there is a distinctly, like somebody tried to dress up a group of Mad Max extras. You see a very tough-looking group of ruffians that come walking in, and they are wearing very, very used leather braces and dirty pants, but each of them has a shirt that's gone over it,

and that's about all the effort that was put into it. Picturing Vox Machina versus Mighty Nein walking in. Yeah, yeah, more or less. It's the Thunderdome Winter Fulmer right in. Yeah, yeah, more or less. It's the Thunderdome Winter formal right now. Yeah, yeah. Looks like there is some effort to dress up to a certain degree, but all of it across the board looks to be an afterthought.

The bare minimum done to say that they dressed up. But the waltz and wearing all manner of patchwork, hide armor, leathers, definitely do not belong. You thought some whispers went through when Eshteross came in. The chamber becomes abuzz with conversation and attention.

Is there anyone in the audience that looks pleased that they're there? Like, yeah, thumbs my boys. Make a perception check. General Atanish. Th, yeah. Thumbs, my boys. Make a perception check. General Atanish. Thumbs, my boys. Thumbs, my boys. Ratanish. Oy, yucky! This ball sucks.

It's eight. Eight. It's hard to tell. The whispers are hushed, and it seems to be, from what you can gather, just an interest of this display in such a formal upper crust event. Those ruffians, ooh. I say to add to the chatter.

Walla walla walla. Well done. Piece of carrots, piece of carrots. But the General Watanish, who is being introduced, you see is a very tall male half giant, a goliath in his 40s. Broad shoulders, but definitely bows with an exaggerated flourish at their introduction.

Yes. Most of the hair is gone, except for this deep red and gray, long hair in the back that's braided into this long braid that finishes with a metallic iron ring right around where the waist is, and swings as he walks forward. Is it half-jointed? Yeah.

He's going to beat us with that. I know. What the hell? So they're definitely armed, it feels like. You don't see any weapons on them at first glance. They're just definitely showing their attire, which does look to be possibly serviceable and has served many a physical encounter

based on the gashes, scars, and chips across the metal and leathers. But they're not making any interest in talking yet and go straight for the bar. Aaron. Yeah? Should we shuffle into the crowd, just listen to the whispers, see if we pick anything up?

Sure. This is a lot. Yeah, yeah, okay. It is. Yep, all right. All right. Just get in. I want to get in a group so that as people come in, I can maybe hear some of the whispers. Okay.

You catch a couple of elements, keeping the same perception check. Uh-oh. Since it's been pretty quickly after that scenario. But you pick up some elements. Some whispers seem to be about, they'll let anyone at these events these days. So now it's being like,

oh, interesting. Hellcatch Valley has representatives now. Wonderful. Some individuals are like, do you think they're up to something? I don't know. You think they're going to kill someone? Someone going to die tonight?

Someone's just like, well, I certainly hope so. I'm bored out of my mind. But it sits in that similar space. It's more about just questioning their appearance, questioning their background, and, I don't know, an air of excitement that it's changed things a bit as well.

Around this time, you said you've retrieved some drinks? I went and ordered a couple of cocktails. I was not told what kind of cocktails to get. So I'll just ask the bartender, is there a standard drink or is there a house special? Or just, what do you, I don't really care. I just want to. Wine. I was told to get a cocktail, too, actually.

Is there anything harder than that? Begins mixing a drink. Doesn't even say anything. Right. Please. Just looking for magic. Bronte, should we go get a drink? Um. No?

Yes. Okay. That's a good idea. Let's work our way through the crowd. Let's work our way through the crowd. And as we're walking through the crowd, since we don't through the crowd, since we don't really know anybody, I want to look for, instead of a specific face,

I want to look for a circle of people that might be surrounding the most popular person in the room. You ever go to a party and you scan and you're like, over there, something's going on over there. Like a bright dancer in the middle? Yeah, maybe.

Some kind of dance circle. No, but someone who potentially might be surrounded with sycophants and onlookers, that sort of thing. Any art. Yeah. Don't make me sing. I don't make me sing. You still make me sing. Make a perception check for me, Dorian.

Perception check. I love a good night. Oh. Yeah, this is going to be a long night. That's a five. It's the only thing we need. Kyle, do we have any sage? Wow, it's a different one. You're right.

It's a different one. You're usually good at reading a crowd. It's something that you've spent a lot of your recent years, especially being amongst and utilizing your skill towards. But that's usually based in performing arts and music. Conversationally, that's still an odd space for you to traverse, and you're having a hard time

locating any shift in the grouping of these attendees that marks you to a specific location, at least this point in the evening. You do all feel like you're set adrift for a bit. The first half an hour of the party goes by, and a lot of it is just trying to find your sea legs, if you will. It's a lot to the senses. It's a lot of odd stares.

It's a lot of conversations happening around you that you really have no comfortable place of entry, and you can't help but feel this little sinking in the back of your mind that says, was this a mistake? Then you hear an announcement at the front. Lord Armand Treshi of Mahon House Treshi. Nice, nice. You can see a number of faces turn, Mahon Treshi of Mahon House Treshi.

Nice, nice, nice. You can see a number of faces turn, some more claps and cheers from around. At the front, you see, walking in, two figures. You see a male dwarf burly in the shoulders, though thin in midsection, taller than most orbs, probably just pushing past, a few inches past five feet.

Uncertain if that may be the shoes he's wearing or not, and at a glance, those are some pretty high shoes. Definitely trying to present for his station. New rocks. Yeah. You do see his dark hair is slicked directly back on the face. The facial hair is manicured.

There is a big toothy smile upon the entry, and in his arm is a woman who looks to be a half-elf in her mid-20s. Young, like a way fish-looking woman, pale, who looks to be a half-elf in her mid-20s. Young, a way fish-looking woman, pale, dark hair that curls intensely to the point where she probably has very long hair, but it all bunches up at the sides to give this almost buoyant bush of hair around her head.

It's a frame. Hey, main driver, there you go. almost like a buoyant bush of hair around her head. Frame. Hey, main driver, there you go. She's wearing a long gray dress that her bony shoulders protrude from and it hangs around her sides and drags behind her. It's a Tim Burton-esque look to it, if anything. But he bows, she holds her position and looks around.

They both enter arm in arm and almost immediately break off into two different parts of the party and begin to mingle. Can you tell me again what the color of her garment? Gray. Like a medium gray, with almost a silvery sheen to it

as you watch her move through the lighting. We imagine. Like when you're wearing a dress. We imagine. it as you watch her move through the lighting. They're similar to yours. Like when you're wearing a dress. We match. Yes, you match. Who weren't better? Yeah. It can only be one. Heroes, they're just like us.

Time to remove the competition. So no other bodyguards at all. He's by himself with her and they broke off? No bodyguards on him, it looks like. I should wear red. All right. What's his dress? What's he wearing? He's wearing what looks to be

a really, really nice black shawani coat with gold filigree trim all throughout. It is detailed immaculately. Very well tailored to his form with matching pants. and you can see clustered platinum and gold and silver bracelets around each wrist that barely protrude from the edge of his sleeves.

You can see rings across every finger and each thumb. You can see necklaces that adorn the exterior of his collar. Definitely presenting his wealth and station within the event. Okay, that's good. That's good. Is anybody else at the party wearing that much jewelry? Or is he the top of the? No, it doesn't feel comparatively out of place.

Some people more than others, but this is an event where people go all out. And there definitely seems to be, at least in this chamber and in these social circles, a bit of a contest, a subtle, quiet peacocking, if you will, of wealth amongst some of the nobles. Not sure of cocking.

Not sure of cocking. Not sure of cocking. That's exactly where my brain went. A few more drinks and midnight hits. It's a whole different party. Just as FCG's at the bar and the other two's are wandering, I'm just going to give Lord Eshteross

a little bit of space, like 10, 15 feet, and act like I'm checking out other people, but just give him a radius so I can see who might be checking him out. All right. No worries. Make a perception check. 13. 14.

14. You watch as most folks are just keeping almost like a curious distance from Eshteross, though folks are keeping, they're clocking him, but no one seems to be interested in approaching or at least has a reason to at the moment. You do see one male goblin in what would be probably his 50s or so, wearing long, white,

and bronze-colored trim robes, with what looks to be a mantle that ties over in the front and goes into these long tassels that drag to the ground. It's like a light olive skin with these spectacles over his eyes, the ears that point out to the sides, and a soft smile on his face, and adjusts the glasses and looks up at Lord Eshteross from about 30 feet away and begins stepping across the floor

in his direction, and a few people step out of the way, approaches Eshteross. I am sorry to impose. I just, it is good to see someone else who is as uncomfortable in this space as I am. What is your name, if I might ask? Lord Eshteross uncrosses his arms a bit. Eryx. Eryx Eshteross.

You are? Oh, I am Headmaster Agrees a la Kratos. I work along with the Allegiance of Allsight in Ank'Harel. I was invited to this event, and I just hate it. I hate this whole thing. I regret coming, and it does good to see that I'm not the only one,

as he looks over the rest of the troops surrounding him. Agris, last name? Grease? Yeah, Grease, G-R-Y-Z. G-R-Y-Z. Alacritos. Alacritos. And where did he say he was?

The headmaster, Grease Alacritos. No, the Allegiance of Allsight. Allegiance. Allegsight. Allegiance. Allegiance. Allegiance. Of Allsight. Of Allsight. Allegiance of Allsight? Interesting. I remember, Oesteros gives a chuckle.

You are quite astute in your observation. Allsight. I'm astute in your observation. I'm astute. This is a pomp and circumstance that I avoid like the plague. He says, but you'll find yourself here anyway. Well, you'll endure, I guess, at least with some semblance of commiseration. Takes the glasses off and cleans them a bit off

one of the insides of the robe. I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything. I make my way over. Shari! Is it your first time at one of these events? Yes, yes, this is more of my friend's deal, but I was invited and here I am, and this will be the last time I do this.

A strange collection of individuals. Who did you come with? A friend of mine is a member of the Horned Houses here. Ajit Dayal. Oh. Has Dayal here in this city. Very good man, very good man. Much better at these than I am,

and I think you understand if I leave early. Oh no, I have the same feeling. I think we're just making an appearance, keeping up appearances. That's for you. He's part of the Gorgonai. Oh! Early!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't hear it if you're supposed to be listening. Ajit dial, Ajit dial. Oh shit, fuck! Anus, okay. Oh, very interesting. He said ajit, but Ajit dial. Ajit dial.

I hear you. Yeah, it's quite boring. Well, my lord here is not one for conversation, but perhaps some interesting convo will go a long way. If you don't mind keeping him company, perhaps I could entertain your friend for a bit, and then when those conversations stale, we could call it an evening.

Certainly, certainly. I know he's often about shaking hands in the light, but when he returns, I will happily introduce Lord Eshterasi and your, what's your name? My name is C. C-pop. And C. C-pop. C-pop, word working, yes. Where are you from?

Oh, Uthodurn, by way of Jrusar. I have franchises. Interesting. Yes. All right, well. Boutique things. You're not in the market for any excellent, you know, wood feature pieces in your headmaster, you said. Yes, I myself might not be,

but I have compatriots in Ancarelle. Perhaps there's some interest there. Ancarelle, yes. My pieces are very highly sought after. I'll give you a business card later. Just remember, C-Pop. I will thank you, C.C. Pop. The pleasure is mine.

Meanwhile. Can I ask Orym? Orym is keeping one eye on Arman's lady companion. Does she seem to be legitimately mingling or is she acting casual? Keeping with your perception check from earlier, she is avoiding the room. You watch as Arman begins to introduce himself,

begins to say hello to individuals that he recognizes, shaking hands, hugs, laughter, boisterous, catching up. There's definitely an individual that thrives in this space. She makes herself smaller. Once they broke off, shuffles off out of the main social space, goes and gets a glass of wine and stands off to the side

and sips it a bit. Is she legitimately wallflowering it or does she look like she's washing the room? Looks like she's washing the room. And wallflowering it. I mean she look like she's watching the room? Looks like she's watching the room. And wallflowering it. I mean, she's at a distance, but it could be either or both. All righty.

She would've definitely been the one I clocked, too. I need a drink. Where did Grass go? Come here. I come back with the cocktails. I cook. Here you go. Hey, everybody's magic here. There's all kinds of magic things everywhere. All right. Here you go. Hey, everybody's magic here. There's all kinds of magic things everywhere.

All right. Oh, okay. I took a second, all right. I didn't. It's not very helpful, but just so you know, even if someone's not armed, they might have magic. Why don't you actually? An automatonlessly talking automaton. Well done.

Well, smiley day to you. Intentionally. How are you, sir? Well, I am quite intrigued, actually. Sorry, I... Oh, I get this a lot. It's all right. You can give me a once over and look me over if you like. If you don't mind.

I'll just do a little 360. Hmm. Who is your creator? Oh, she's dead. I'm sorry. Her name was Dancer. Do you want to know the backstory? I would very much be interested.

Well, I have to get my friends here another drink, I think, so I might do another. What was your name? Hello. This is Headmaster, I got it, Grizz Alaktorus. The pleasure to make both of your acquaintance. Darned. Hello, yes, hi. Yes. What do you teach?

I don't teach, necessarily. I oversee research. Of what kind? Of ancient histories. And ruins. Oh. That's pretty cool. That could be useful.

And are you local? Do you live here? I am not. I am based out of Ank'Harel, within the Rumudam Desert to the east of here. Well, you know, it's interesting. We were actually just contemplating taking a little trip to the Hardmoor. I'm not terribly familiar with the Hardmoor.

Damn it. I know of it, but I've not visited there. This is one of the first times I've been to the O'Deeran Wilds. Really? Yes. What do you know about the Heartmoor, if anything? I know that it supposedly has some unique properties

to its local growth. It's a very swampy land, and I know that a number of compatriots of mine in the past have paid a top dollar for some of the imported goods that have been farmed there. A number of the tubers and strange undergrowth seem to have interest in alchemical circles. None that I've encountered in my experience, but that's about as much as I can recall off the top of my head.

Okay, okay. Not one of my specialities, I apologize recall off the top of my head. Okay, okay. Not one of my specialities, I apologize. The ear twitches a bit and he gets a little nervously apologetic. What else can he help us with? Anything? Yeah, you know, me and another compatriot,

we were new studies at the Starlight Academy. I've heard you have connections there in Ank'Harel. Oh, in the Conservatory? Yes. Well, we have mutual exchanges between different studies there, yes. Perhaps we can collaborate. Certainly. What is your speciality there?

What is your... Oh, well, primarily the study of celestial beings, the stars, and weird-ass dreams. Creepy dreams. Hmm. Do you know anything about weird dreams? Yes, actually. Really?

He leans in close. Oh no. There was one time where I- Oh fuck, he's going to tell me about a dream. I was- You did this to yourself. I was a mango, but like, it was me.

I wasn't inside of a mango. I just was a mango. Wow. I began to understand what the perspective of life was from the point of being a mango. While it seems so simple, the philosophy of it all told me that all living beings, all living creatures, like Xandria, are connected in a unique way.

I'm popping in here. So how does a mango perceive time at that point? I mean, are you just moving? See, that's what's so odd about it. While I was a mango, I still retained the life experiences that I had as a goblin, and as such, I could perceive time passing, and I couldn't necessarily move

until someone plucked me from my space. And they began to dine upon me, and it didn't hurt. If anything, I was a bit sad to lose my form, but I understood it was part of the cycle. For when they devoured me, I also became part of them. You die in your dreams, you die in real life. I'm sorry. It's not very on Elm Street.

No, that's the Matrix. This is so similar to some shit that I, yeah. I'm going to get another round. Can I get you anything, Headmaster? Oh, I don't drink, thank you, though. All right. Actually, if you could, there's a woman standing in the corner over there.

Just see if you can get close enough to Clock if she's shiny, blowing anything on her that might be. I don't know if my thing is still up, my detect magic. You said we were here for like an hour or so. How long was that dream? Yeah. We were here about half an hour. Took my last breath, 10 minutes, right? 10 minutes. Oh.

I'd say it's probably faded by now. All right, never mind then. Well, I'm going to do another scan just for other stuff. Okay, there's a couple people worth paying attention to, and she's making me a little nervous. Okay. All right. I will leave the group, this time making a wide arc around the room,

going back to get another drink. This time, casting Detect Evil and Good. Ooh. Okay. Detect Evil and Good. Using all the fun ones. The room glows dark purple. Yeah. Celestial, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead.

I want to wear your face. Good to know, good to know. Okay. All right, that'll last for 10 minutes as you concentrate. Yep. You've suffered. All right. Shall we? Yeah. Ah!

As you're doing that, and the other conversations are happening, a tall man in his 60s begins to approach you, Dorian. a tall man in his 60s begins to approach you, Dorian. You can see him, he's heavy set with almost like a bullfrog neck, I would say. Most of his hair is thinned away and wears clothing that is not of Marquette necessarily,

but definitely wears jewelry that is of Marquesian design, approaches and extends his hand. I'm sorry, I just, uh. Oh, hello. I have not seen you around before. I'm wanting to make your acquaintance. Oh. Hello, hello, how are you? Bronte, very nice to meet you.

Bronte, Bronte. I'm Lord Preston Drodelon. Oh, wow. Preston Drodelon. Yes, yes. Your name precedes you. It is quite a name, isn't it? Yes. This is Fearne Calloway. Hello. My accompaniment for the night. And these are my servants, Copernicus and Maud.

Copernicus and Maud. I stand up right now. I keep laughing at Santa, then I wouldn't fuck off the camera. Which one of you is Maud? I missed the part of that introduction. That would be me. Maud. My lord. A pleasure to meet you, Maud.

And you, fine, small Copernicus. Sure. This is antithetical to all that is Vax. And Fearne Galloway. Well, the pleasure is mine. Takes your hand and this little kiss and eye contact. Oh. Very nice to meet you.

So how might we know you? I'm new to the area, and tell us a little bit about yourself. You're new to the area? Yes, just. So not from Mark, I've been. Ah, broader than that, surrounding areas, nearby, though. Hmm.

Well, I, as I said, I'm Lord Drodelon. I'm a lord. I've been for some time. You hear him? I'm a... How long have you been a lord? Well, a lord of... Does that happen when you're born?

No, no. This was acquired through blood, sweat, and hard work. Oh. Making the right alliances. And I'm a self-made man, is what I'm saying. Oh, I imagine you had to kill a lot of people to get there. Anyway. He's just a gorshat! So I originally made my fortune

in a faraway city in Issylra, and was for a time the Lord of the Quadroads there. And after deciding that I needed a change of pace, I moved on to the city of Eos in Eishenador, where I currently reside. And yes, I like it here. Yes, it is quite lovely. It's, you know, we haven't been here for very long.

We're just sort of passing through and exploring, you know, part of the world. Well, that is amazing. I'm blown away by that. You are spellbinding. Oh, thank you so much. This city is just so full of interesting types. I like your story. Right, right.

You know who? It's a long laugh. You know who I just saw walk in? It was Amon Treshi. Oh, yes. Do you know anything about him? We've heard his name bandied about, and just curious.

Make a persuasion check. Oh! I can't do that. Yes. Finally. Ay, yi-yip-yip-yip-yip. 24. 24, okay. It's hard to concentrate for a second.

Oh my god. I love it. I love it, Matt. I've had a few conversations with you, Treshi, and you're not from around here, you said, right? Not really, no. Not the inner city workings I'm not familiar with, no. He's kind of a putz, to be honest. A putz? You think he's a putz?

He's not very approachable. He seems to be very important, self-important at least, and I hate people like that. I understand. It's hard to place it, really, but he... I just flick a little bit of spit out of my eye. As he's talking, I'm looking around and seeing if other people's impressions of this lord

and whether or not it's good or bad in social standing to be talking to him this long. Fair enough. As you're taking that in, he goes, He was initially known as the Black Sheep of the Treshi family. So those types have to work extra hard for their station. And I think you can see it, obviously.

What a tryhard, am I right? Right. But I'm sure he has his uses. Oh, Drusar politics are so boring. Especially for someone who's a master at it like you. Oh, I am far from a master. I'm more of a hero of a... just a friendly handshaker.

I'm a mover, if you will. A mover and a shaker. Indeed. Wait, where did you say you were originally from? Well, originally, I was to the continent of Isil, rather. You may have heard of it. It's a fantastical historical city where many great people have come from called Vasselheim.

Oh, I don't know if I'm familiar. It's the oldest city in Exandria. It's where the gods once resided. It's where heroes were still born. Whoa. That sounds incredible. But I grew bored of it, so I moved on. Oh, wow.

Do you ever wish for anything more? I do. Often. Do they ever come true? Occasionally. He gives you a wink. Like, he's completely cut off any acknowledgment of Dorian.

Well, I think we should get a, should we get a beverage? I'm almost dry. You know this area in the bar. What's the signature drink? Yes. Oh, I just told them to pour me something strong. We'll do the same.

Strong drinks for a strong fellow. I'm going to punch him in the arm. Ow. Well, Preston, may I call you Preston? You may call me Preston. Ah, lovely. We'll see you soon. We'll circle back around. All right, Bronte. Correct.

As we're leaving. Meshuggah now. And Fearne Calloway. Lord Pressy. No. What? And Fenn Cull. Lord Pressy, we will see you around. All right. Before we leave, can I just lean into Lord Preston and say, For my master's sake, is there anyone here that we should be paying more attention to?

Miss Fores. For my master's sake, is there anyone here that we should be paying more attention to? As far as? Importance, stand-in, things you would know a lot about. He points over and you see there is a halfling rocking this Bowiesque androgyny who is in a lively conversation, ought to be probably in their early 40s, but aging gracefully.

You can see they're wearing this gold, wide-shouldered ensemble with a wide breast that folds over and then no socks and just these simple flat shoes beneath that match the same golden sparkle. Fantastic eye makeup. That is Gavisarond. They are the voice of the Quorum.

And if you're looking to get anything done, they're the one to connect you. Thank you so much. Of course. Come on, look over at Imogen, make contact. Can you send a message to the other squad? I can when I see them. All right. Preston said that Armand is difficult to approach,

so I think this is going to be more difficult than just walking up and introducing ourselves and making small talk. We're going to have to go big if we're going to get more difficult than just walking up and introducing ourselves and making small talk. We're going to have to go big if we're going to get his attention. I have an idea. Oh yeah. Okay. Yeah, I have an idea.

Are you in this? Okay. No, I'm not in your heads, but I'm just saying. That'd be great if it was a trio of heads. I'm going to stop talking to you all because I'm, okay. Oh no, we're talking. No, you're not talking to us. We're talking to you. Am I in there, too?

Yeah. Okay. I have an idea. Oh no, we're not talking. No, yeah, talk, do something. We're talking. Am I in there, too? Yeah. Okay. I have an idea. Oh, what is happening? Oh! Whispers! What do you get when you roll a perception check? Hubbub, hubbub, hubbub. He's doing whispers. Don't you need to do a thing?

Oh, oh yes. What was the sponsor? NordVPN. You know, we did them enough. Watch The Legend of Vox Machina. Yay! Episodes one through six on Amazon Prime right now. It's real good. It's real good.

It gets better. Let some shit happen. Oh man. I think episode seven... No, Sam! No spoilers? Are you kidding me? Don't, don't. It's real good.

That cliffhanger at the end of six, though. What did you have in mind? I don't have anything in mind, but I just know it's not going to be as simple as simply introducing ourselves. He's cut off. He's going to be tough to... Maybe if we can find somebody of importance,

they can introduce us. Okay. Any ideas? Well, the voice. Oh. Can we see him from where we're at? Which one in particular? Gavis. Gavis, yeah, it's hard not to.

And while you didn't notice it earlier, but the more people have arrived, the social clicks are beginning to emerge. You can see the evening starting to comfortably step into business talk and connections and more and more overt handshakes. But at all times, there is definitely a small audience surrounding this Gavis individual

that you've been pointed towards. He seems friendly enough. I don't know. I mean, he might be difficult, too, but. That's a good idea. I don't know, I mean, he might be difficult, too, but. It's a good idea. I turn towards these three, who I think are just thinking at each other. It was a small conversation, because I can't talk to two people.

My lord, if I may. Your brother is here. Oh. Check your three o'clock. Why would he do that? That is the stupidest fucking thing. He's a real dumb guy. He's so dumb. Don't do it.

You glance over, and as you see, the pale woman that entered with Armand, that splintered off and became this wallflower off to the side, has now been joined by another man that is wearing an ivory suit, really well tailored, looks like it may be a bit small for his frame, mask up and hair pulled back,

but definitely both in form, physique, and presence reminds you of your brother. But masked. Yes. Thank you. Should I go talk to him? No. My dog, I hear it.

Thank you, you should. Okay. I have to later. Yes. Sure. Let's complete the mission before you do that. Maybe. Okay. Sure. Let's complete the mission before you do that. Maybe. Okay. Maybe. Okay, just go with me on this for two seconds. Armand seems to be somebody who likes a presentation.

Do you happen to know the parley twist dance from a court dance? When I was a teenager, maybe. No one's done that in 10 years. How old are you again? 112. Well, we used to do it at our court all the time, but listen,

if we just do it, it's a beautiful dance between two people and really turn it up. Okay. Bring the attention to us. Yeah. Kind of dance by Armand. Sure, by Armand? And maybe he'll be like,

wow, they're amazing. They're beautiful. Look at this. You both are very attractive. That could work. Should we do it by Armand or by Gavis? Who would be more likely to appreciate it? I feel like Gavis would appreciate it

based on their appearance. Well, if we do a good job. Okay. Dance of Seduction? Maybe every, yeah, it's like that. It's like a tango. I don't remember. You have to walk me through the steps again. It's been a while. About this time.

The musicians are set on the stage, but still holding. And people in the crowd begin to shift a bit and you can hear the movement of chairs or heavy objects of some kind. And you can see there are a number of the servants of the event are now pushing a small set of stairs towards the center. You hear the hitting of glass,

ting, ting, ting, ting, ting, ting, ringing throughout the chamber. Everyone begins to glance over and gather a bit. These stairs are placed in the center and Gavis goes and takes their cloak and throws it over their shoulder, steps up to the top and is now tall enough to look over the entire crowd and then some,

holding a glass of what looks to be some sort of a wine or light champagne in one hand, and you look a bunch at the crowd and go, Friends, all of you, thank you for attending tonight. It is really a wonderful sight to see all of your faces here this eve. Puts the drink out and spins around, everyone raises their glasses in acknowledgment.

Now, we are here to celebrate the union of friendship of Guild, Mahon House, and a unified future for Drusar. And I see many faces here that have proven that we have the strength to continue to show the rest of Marquet that we mean business and business well. There's some clapping. I'm proud of you all for keeping us strong, for keeping us working well with our allies

abroad and nearby, and maintaining the prosperity of open shipping and sky trade roads across all of Exandria, along with our allies in Ank'Harel, and looks out at some of the crowd towards some folk. A couple of clapping there. And I want to ask you to join me in your goodwill with some folk, a couple of clapping there. And I want to ask you to join me in your goodwill throughout the evening for our friends

across the mountains and seas and beyond. Whether it be with a nod or it be pleased, I want you to drink in the health and honor for the night. And by keeping peoples of this region safe, secure, and profitable. You hear a voice off in the side go, Safe! What are the attacks? What is the Quorum's plan to bolster the Wardens?

Oh, I don't know. Right, he's going around. He's going around, he's like, of course. Well, society always has its curious challenges, but everything is being handled, and handled rightly. The voice goes, I saw what I'm hearing in the streets. There's concern, there's rumors, worry.

What are you doing about it? What's the Quorum doing about it? Yeah, what are you doing about it? Whispers go a bit. It is being considered. Much is being considered. And if you are concerned, indeed, you are welcome to speak with me,

and as such, the Quorum in private. considered. And if you are concerned, indeed, you are welcome to speak with me, and as such, the quorum, in private. But for now." You can see the crowd shifts a bit, and General Ratanish steps a little bit closer in the crowd and crosses his arms and looms large with his crew in the center of this group, looking up right towards Gavis, who

A toast to the glory of our city, to the Five Spires, and to all of you who keep it alive. Everyone cheers, drinks, and then the music begins from the band. There's a beautiful arrangement of strings and percussion and the center of this, you see a young female Qatari, a thin lioness look with a heavy fur collar

of a much darker color that doesn't look like it's part of her actual fur, but a coat she's wearing. She's holding a lute-like instrument called a rhubarb that is this beautiful long neck with metallic instruments and hanging decor on it. It has a very wonderful, unique sound as she plucks and strums at it that mingles with the music. While the music had been atmospheric at this point,

it is now a beautiful arrangement that, amongst the chaos of that, it almost serves as an immediate distraction. That tension that began to build there seems to set away as folks begin to pay attention to the music and continue the conversations they had going previously. So, what would you like to do? Where is Rotanish heading? He's up at the front, right? He's up at the front.

Up at the front, yeah. The stairs are being pulled back now, and you can see Gavis, they've stepped down a bit. Going to keep eyes on Rotanish. Okay. Can I see FCG in the crowd? Mm-hmm. I'm going to send him.

I'm going to talk to him. I think Dorian and Fearne are about to do something flashy, so you might want to give him a bump if you can. I can think this, right? Yeah. I'll be right over. I'm just picking up some drinks and I'll head over there. Can I get you anything? Oh no, I'm abstaining tonight.

Thank you so much. Oh, because you're the service. Yeah. As you are passing through the crowd, with your passive perception, which is pretty solid, Fresh New Brass, you're the one who's doing the most groundwork throughout the crowd here. You hear a couple of odd conversations

that pass your ears. Somebody mentions, apparently the Stratos throne turned down the invitation. Strange, high and mighty bumpkins. Bumpkins? Wait. You hear somebody else say, no, it was a burglary. What? A burglary?

It was a burglary. The tower was fallen to cover the tracks. Is that so? Apparently. That's what I heard, at least. But you eventually come back around to where the rest of your group is. Did I detect any evil or good? You detected nothing in the realm of aberrations,

celestials, elementals, Fae, or Fiends. So no. Or Undead. Or Undead. Or Undead, sorry. I thought you were notoriously leaving it out. Except for our old party. Yeah, I mean, you definitely pick up Laudna on that. Legitimately, Laudna's a beacon in that,

and that worries you. If anybody else can do the same. That's true. Have you done that and seen that yet? That's the first time I cast that spell, but it's horrifying. Laudna definitely is giving off this dark necromantic aura and reads to you as undead.

You just, as I'm off on my own, you just see me peek under my dress to patay, and I just pat him a little bit, just not thinking anybody's watching. Lord Eric's Eshteross did not give off any of those. Okay, good. Good to know. But yeah, I'll head towards the Dorian group. All right.

Is Armand's date still hanging in the corner? Armand's date is no longer there. Shit. If you want to make a perception check to see if you can find it amongst the crowd. That'll be funny. 20. 20?

Nice. Apparently, anxiety pays off. All right. There? 20. Nice. Apparently, anxiety pays off. All right. There you go. So as the crowd begins to, not disperse, but settle into a social ring around this center of the chamber, you can glance over and see where she was. No longer there.

Moved on towards the back, where two of the double major exit doors are into the rest of the Chandaekoram chambers of the event are, she's sitting down in a chair and is still holding the singular glass. Alone or with company? Alone.

What's the energy? Bored, scanning the crowd. I'm trying to figure out if- Make an insight check. Yeah, I'm just giving off the security vibe. Oh, that's funnier. All right. I love these. 21.

Oh. Why do you? Because I rolled a natural 20 on a thing that I should not be able to do, but apparently I don't know what's happening. These are where all my good rolls are going. Now, you pick up on this because it's an energy you're very familiar with.

Oh yeah. This is someone who is waiting for a cue. Waiting for a cue? That's what I thought. Are we still together? She's posted up by the doors that lead to the rest of the Quorum Quarters, away from the rest of the group, right? By herself?

By herself. Hey, Lord, we might have a problem. In what way? Armon's friend is giving me a feeling, like... Armon, his friend? He came in with someone, and she's over in the back right now, giving off the waiting for...

He glances over and is, oh, that is Lady Emoth Cad. Emoth Cad. She's an apprentice in the Goldgild of the Treshies. She was assigned by her house, I think, as an extended alliance of his lower family house, not of Strong Station. Well, why is she nervous,

and then why is she waiting for something to clearly go the fuck down? Do you think that they might try to stage an attack, keep in theme? I don't know, she's making me really fucking nervous. Let's go and settle it. Start up a combo. I'm following your lead.

I'm not the conversationalist on this. I'm interested in going and talking to this General Rotanish. Maybe you go talk to the creepy girl, and I can talk to him. All right. I'll keep an eye on. All right, I'm going to check in with you and your heads. Cool.

All right, you, who all's heading towards Lady Emoth? All right, so you go ahead and begin to strike a brisk walk through the crowd, across the chambers to essentially the back from where the entrance is. Is there a bar on the way there? No, it's separate on the other side. She's scooted away. She started off near the bar

and then now has scooted towards the far end of the chamber, toward the back. That leads into the, you wouldn't know this because you haven't been there, but it leads into more of the hallways that seem to comprise the rest of the chambers. So you carefully or overtly? I think it's slightly,

somewhere in the middle. Okay. And I lose him as soon as he leaves because I'm at people's knees, right? Sea of bodies. Yeah, if you're just standing still, yes. If you wanted to track somebody through the crowd, you could do it pretty well. No, I'm standing here.

Okay. So you begin to push through, glancing over, locking eyes in that direction, and you watch as she's sitting, hand across the lap, holding the glass, not sipping from it, but just looking through the crowd. Makes eye contact with you. I know that look. Who with you? I know that look. Who are you?

Aaron. Make a deception check. Isn't he terrible at deception? Yeah, this is what I'm good at, too. Very well, Aaron, what do you want? Going to lean back. I hate this. I'm fucking bored. All of these people make me nervous.

And I get the feeling you feel that way, too, and I just want to know how you are so relaxed about it. I want to leave. I don't like these people. She shows you the glass that she's holding. There is alcohol for a reason. I have a lot of tolerance. Then you would be happy to know that it is an open bar.

I'm also working. Then you should get to work. Oh man. I'm doing it right now. Who are you with? Couple people, actually. I double booked. Technically true. She looks past you, towards the crowd,

and seems to begin to phase you out of her periphery. I'm not even looking at her anymore, and I'm just hanging next to her, just also scanning the crowd. She gets up and begins to walk around into the crowd a bit, but still keeping an exterior path. All right, I just keep an eye out.

Okay. Okay. While that's happening, the other half of the group, which was... Where are we now? Still these four, but I'm heading their way. And they're alone, right? You're not locked in conversation with anyone fancy?

No, just us right now, but as soon as I spot you, would you look at that? Oh, hello, stranger. Would you like a that? Oh, hello, stranger. Would you like a drink? Wow. You are a sight. Mm-hmm. All right. Stunned.

All right, what's going on? I think they need a boost or something. They're going to try to do a dance. They're doing a dance, so you need... We don't have to do the dance. Do you think it's a good idea? I don't know, but I would love to do the dance. Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's do the dance. Do you think it's a good idea? I don't know, but I would love to do the dance. Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's do the dance.

Sure, sure. We're trying to get Gavis' attention. That's the plan. Gavis does not have the ring. No, no. Or Arlon's attention. He can introduce us. But how are you getting the ring off?

Oh my god, I wish I could drink. It's a waste of time. How are you getting the ring off of the guy? Step one, step two, we have to meet him first. Yeah, but he's hard to get introductions. I understand. He's very, he's like, ooh, don't talk to me. This is hard. I want to make sure

that this, hold these. I want to make sure that this spell helps. I mean, I can. Listen. Ah, shit. They're empty, they're empty. We drank them. They're empty. Fingers just holding empty glasses. I'll just put them on the table.

All right. All right, you need help with the dance first. Yes? Yes. And then possibly with a little pickety-pockety later? Potentially. Yes, how many times can you give us? I could do it twice.

I could do it twice. First, dancing is definitely a charisma thing. It is, it's a performance thing. The crowd begins to part a little bit just beyond where you are, and you see, as they do, Gavis Aranda approaches, looking directly at you. He goes,

I'm going to quickly, as he's walking over, I just touch them both and give him charisma. Well, it's a concentration spell. Yeah. On one target? On two if I cast it at level three. Oh, that's true. Okay, so you cast level three. You got it.

Three. You got it. Oh boy. Okay. It's just an advantage on all charisma checks. Oh boy. Okay, okay. I'm terribly sorry. I saw you from across the room when I was speaking and I have not quite seen a construct like this before. This is amazing workmanship.

Who is responsible for the creation of such? We were just wondering the same thing. My goodness. Isn't he incredible? Oh, Fearne, by the way. Fearne, Gavis, a pleasure to meet you. I love your whole look. Oh, you as well. This presentation is very, um.

Can I see the back? Oh, of course. There's a flourish turn and a flourish turn. I just, I mean... Yes, we were talking about how just incredible this is. Indeed. I was supposed to deliver drinks to my master, but in speaking to these two individuals,

I found myself wrapped up in their conversation. I'm sorry, and what's your name? Bra-Bron, Bronte. You can call me Bronte. Sorry, sometimes I... It's all right, I had that effect on many people the first time they meet me. They do.

They know, they know. He very rarely has to make introductions himself. Hmm. This is my- He's usually presented. Sorry, that is Maud's specialty. This is my servant, Maud, and my bodyguard, Copernicus. Copernicus? Yes.

Very well. And what was your name one more time? I know you made a grand introduction. Oh, you are definitely not from around here. I'm not. You need to know who I am, but that's fine. Gavis Aranda of the Aranda Guild of Beautification, responsible for keeping this fine city

looking as fine as it does. You sure do a good job. I also speak on behalf of the Quorum. So let's be friends, because you want to be friends. I love friends. Yes you want to be friends. I love friends. Yes. We do love friends. Wonderful. Could you get me a drink, if you don't mind?

Of course. Oh my god! I do. What would you like? Something pink and flowery, please. I do accept all pronouns, so just to get that out of the way. Oh, great, okay. Mimes.

Mimes. Side by side by side. I walk off. Wonderful, wonderful. So Bronte. Yes. Well, as Fearne mentioned, and you so astutely pointed out, we are new to the area from the wilds and the surrounding area.

We don't know anyone. We're like on the... So are thumbs. I mean, it's right on all of you. We've just been exploring and it's fascinating. It's refreshing. Oh! These events become so stale so easily.

So I'm very appreciative that you would come and bring your energy to the space. Oh, thank you. It really is a lovely party. Hmm. Is there, since we're new, is there anyone, is there anyone we should meet? You know, or just you?

Glances around and kind of, well. Before you arrived, they were speaking about how beneficial the Paragon's Call sounded. Right. I... What? Are you?

You are just an endless, interesting pit of curiosities. I have not met an automaton that could speak so well, let alone exhibit personal interest in localized politics. I have been. Who is this? What joke is being played on me? Who's this? Who's automaton is this? I will pay good money. I will pay 50 gold right now if you tell me this is yours.

I just want this mystery solved. I hate mysteries. I'm lying, I love them, but I will still pay. He could just be parroting things that he hears. We don't know. I am instructed to keep conversations going. We have been hearing, those are your feet? That is, well, disappointing,

given the rest of your creation, but you know, like 8.5 out of 10. Wait, so what is the Paragon's Call? They're, um... Is that anything we should know or know? They are a very accomplished group of soldiers. Oh, okay. Warriors. That hail from the Hellcatch Valley.

Been working there for quite some time. While they maybe had a less than savory track record, they have been rebranding in recent years and have proven to be quite effective to those who can afford them. And the presence has grown quite a bit. There has been discussions about concerns of security in the city and, well,

we want to keep our civilians safe, but the Quorum is discussing many things at the time and it is uncertain if this is a pressing matter. But as part of a respectful extension of these conversations, they were invited to the event, partially for their own enjoyment and partially for us to keep an eye. It seems as if we've brought down the mood.

I can see the shift in your demeanor. I appreciate you picking up on that, and please change the subject. I apologize, I can see the shift in your demeanor. I appreciate you picking up on that. Please change the subject. I apologize, I apologize. You know, we just want to talk about current events since we're so new here. I thought we would just sound smart if we talked about politics or something.

Yeah, don't do that. Okay. Changel, what's your favorite part of the evening? Is there anything you're looking forward to? Is there anything we should be looking forward to? I think you should. The Dance of the Crossroads comes soon. That's my favorite. You have been part of the Dance of the Crossroads.

I have. But you said you weren't from around here. Well, I'm not, but I know about it, the dance. Because where I'm from, we've done a lot of those. What's your favorite part about it? Probably the spinning and then the jumping part that happens in the second half. Hold on, hold on.

Regional differences, I suppose, yes. Maybe, maybe. I don't know anything about this. What kind of dance is it? Is it a promenade or is it a sort of? It was developed as a way to force socialization. It is intended to be a dance in which partners are given short times to pair off,

and then trade partners with others, and is essentially a round table, forced socializing event. It's kind of like, have you ever gone to something where it's like speed dating? No. You sit down for like two minutes with somebody

and then you go to the next area and you talk to other people. It's great for just getting everybody loosened up and hanging out. Do all the lords and ladies participate? It is not required, but those who wish to be here for professional reasons or want to make new friends, it is a nice icebreaker.

Well, we love to dance. We do love to dance. Wonderful, so do I. Maybe I'll see you then. I'm bored now. Respect. And just wanders off into the castle. Oh my goodness, Jarl! And just dives into another conversation.

Whoa, he was a lot. Guess we didn't do much to get his attention. No, and Imogen, he never got the drink, so. Imogen is gone. Only Maud remains. This is her arc. Get ready. No, I walked off and went to the side of the room

and am staying as far outside of the crowd as I can for a while, just separating myself. Very well, very well. Armand's still in sight? Armand is still in sight. Ladyfriend's still in her corner? Mm-mm. No, she's moved. She's gone in a Cyrus- She's in the crowds of way. Yeah.

I'm trying to keep an eye, but I'm probably lost. Make another perception check. You're keeping an eye on a couple of individuals that are- Trying to track everything. Yeah, but trying to maybe not be followed. That's not as good. That's a 14. 14? Okay. So there's a dance.

Okay, so. I want you to make a perception check as well, if you don't mind, since you were following the rest of the crowd. Why did I roll a die I can't read? Nine. Okay. Both of you lose Lady Emoth in the crowd.

She is small enough and quick enough, when she means to, that she begins to weave between conversational groups, and before long, all of a sudden, you're like, I can't even get a bead on that dress anymore. She's lost in the crowd. Assassin creed. The individual looks like Cyrus,

not doing as well, not with that natural one, who currently is not too far from Armand and is listening in intensely on a couple of other conversations and nodding along and shaking a hand. He seems to be looking through the crowd himself or something.

Oh my god. But he's close to our mom. Yeah, about 25 feet away, 30 feet away. It's really interesting that your brother decided to come and be in a public space. Yeah, great choice. Super smart. Yeah. We're going to need to do something soon. We need Maude.

Who's Maude? Sorry. Oh. Are you ready to make a move? I've removed my mask and I'm standing over on the side. Hand against the wall, just breathing. How far into the party does it feel like we are? People aren't starting to leave yet or anything?

No, no, the dance hasn't happened yet. You get the sense, based on the energy and the conversations around, that it's really hitting its stride now. You probably have another couple hours or so before the event really begins to peter off. And Headmaster Gryz Alactris has not met up with Ajit Dyle, right?

Ajit, no. Ajit. Great. Your brother's a wild card, though. If he sees you in the middle of our operation, he could throw a wrench and things. He's... He might not seem the most smart. But I don't think that he would just come out of the...

Oh god, he might. Where's Chetney? Is he in sight? Are you in sight? I'm about 10, 15 feet from Eshteross. Yeah. You can see where Eshteross is, and Eshteross is like a beacon to the crowd. Stands head and almost shoulders

over a lot of the people nearby, and being able to clock him to the crowd. Stands head and shoulders over a lot of the people nearby and being able to clock him in the crowd, you can quickly clock in the vicinity Chetney. Right. We're going to move soon. I'll be right back. I scuttle off through the crowd and make my way over to Eshteross and Chetney.

How goes it on your end? Not getting along as much as I would like. I think we've got to go fast. Come here. Good evening. Good evening. Come here. Oh, okay. I'll be back, don't. You see that big, thick guy there

with the mask all in white? Yeah. Yeah. We need him out of the picture. Can you go take him off to the side and talk Aziraph? Yeah, Yeah. We need him out of the picture. Can you go take him off to the side and talk Azir off? Yeah, sure. You're talking about Treshi or Gavis? Cyrus. Which one?

I point to a blue-skinned man in a mask. Got it, got it, got it, got it. Looking around like a goober. I'll take care of it. Do you want him out of the picture or do you want him out? Oh my god. No, man, just talk to him about woodwork, okay?

Okay, distraction. Yes. Okay. Somewhere on the outskirts. Got it. I go now? Yes, please. I'm on it. Okay. Sir? Then I jog off, looking for Imogen. Okay, just as you begin to jog off

and just as you separate from Eshteross, the music, boom, boom, boom, boom, the percussion begins to hit and the band begins to pick up with an intent. You see the look of recognition in everyone's eyes. This is a song that apparently most individuals who have been to events like this recognize.

And immediately, the crowds begin to, almost like watching ice particles align in a pattern, people begin to instinctually look for a partner, and you can see individuals clasping hands, taking hands, as you assume at this point, the Dance of the Crossroads is about to begin. That's where we're going to take a break. Oh!

I wanted it! Let's go! We can use the break to rehearse. Oh, okay, yes. No, this is bad, this is bad. Yeah, it's good, it's it! Let's go! We can use the break to rehearse. Oh, okay, yes. No, this is bad, this is bad. No, it's good, it's good, it's good! No, Gorum's got the f- No, but it's good.

What if- We're good, we're doing great. Okay, we'll talk about it. You guys call up to somebody and come back. We're going to take a break. There's a lot of shit happening. We'll see you back here in a few minutes. We interrupt this Critical Role Podcast Network broadcast to bring you news of dangerous treasures that lie sealed within the Critical Role shops.

Only the heartiest of adventurers should dare seek them out. In all seriousness, though, I'm Matthew Mercer, and we've made some very cool things that we really like and hope you will, too. If you'd like to support the show, please consider visiting any of our Critical Role online shops through the shop tab at critrole.com and see if anything catches your eye. Okay, back to the show. And welcome back. So, as we return, the Dance of the Crossroads seems about to initiate. Individuals of which you've been keeping your eye on

and have met or have lost in the crowd have now begun to coalesce and scatter towards the center of the domed chamber. What do you do? I'm going after Osiris Wyvernwind, right? I'm heading towards Rotanish. Maybe I can ask his hand to dance. All right.

So we'll start with those bits then. You go seeking through the crowd, keeping an eye out. It's not too easy to, it's not too hard to spot Rhtanesh and his entourage. He does traveling with four other figures. You can see there is an intense-looking human. There is a, when you saw them walk in, you couldn't tell from the helmet there,

it looked like an amazing horned mask, but you get closer and you realize this is a small minotaur that is accompanying him. It's not a mask. That's actually the head with a small mask over it. Oh! There is a tough-looking half-orc and a scrappy gnome, a young gnome

that is sitting in the process of, what looks like they're almost peeling their fingernails off their fingers out of nerves. Ew! Don't do that. Wait, that's what you do. You'll hurt yourself. I'm just going to get it. That is what I do.

But you see, Tanisha, nobody's approaching them. They're almost stepping off at the side with a disinterest. I would ask for your hand to dance, but you don't seem like the dancing type. Rutanish turns, big smile. I apologize, are you asking me to dance with you? I don't know, am I?

Guess it depends if you're the dancing type. The other men that he's with all take a step back. It's like Wednesday Addams smiling and then something of value is there, all just like. Big tough guys that are like, I'm scared. It's like,

I don't know what that's like, so. Well, it would be inappropriate not to accept it. Come, let us dance. Well, it would be inappropriate not to accept it. Come, let us dance. SAM and LAURA, SAM and LAURA, and SAM and LAURA, Sloth. Yeah, takes your arm. It's firm, but not aggressive, and begins to pull you over into the crowd.

Getting closer, you can see the eyes are a little yellowed in the whites, to pull you over into the crowd. Getting closer, you can see the eyes are a little yellowed in the whites, probably from, it looks like one of them actually has probably taken a little bit of damage in the past, the coloration's a little off. At a closer look, you can see deep scars, but a very intense smile on this individual,

this half giant who is just locked in with you and begins to walk into the dancing crowd. I'm so nervous. I don't know. Your really intense smile for everybody the entire campaign makes them nervous. That's true. So while you continue to shuffle off

into the rest of the dance, you are looking for? Cyrus Wyvernwyn. Correct. You see him. He rolled a one on his stealth check. It might even make you roll. But yeah, he's not going into the dance yet, and he's looking around.

Ah, ah, my lord? Ha ha ha! Can I help you? Yes, my master would speak with you, please. It's of urgent Wyvernwind business. I am... I have no idea what that is. I am... No, no, I know.

This is important. Move your stupid ass over here to the side of the room. Cyrus. Kind of leans in a bit and looks at you. You heard me. My lord, if you would do me the honor of accompanying me to the side. Of course, I'm curious to have this conversation.

Most gracious of you, this way. And begins walking over with you off to the side. What the fuck are you doing here? What are you doing here? Well, listen, we're on work, but I thought you were. Who else is with you? Everyone! We're scattered around.

I mean, you can't see them because we're wearing masks, but listen, you're supposed to be giving a low profile. I am. What are you doing with her? I'm Lord D'Artagnan. Lord D'Artagnan? Okay, who are you? I'm taking care of my things.

You're taking care of your things? You mean your thing? My thing. Like, is she taking care of your thing? Who's she? Yeah, she's with Lady Emoth, right? He was with her. You're on your own, buddy.

Okay. Stop it. You're not supposed to be here! I say, yo, yo. Is anybody looking, clocking at us at all? Have we managed to kind of? I'll say no, most people's focus right now is on the dance as it begins to swell

and people are still reaching out and gathering their partners. It's the very early stages of it as the music begins to pick up. Okay. Your brother is here and is on a very important mission. Can you please not tell him I'm here? Hmm, what's it worth to you?

60 gold? What'd you say? 70 gold? 70 gold? 70 gold? Just keep your damn money. Come with me. I'm meeting someone. No, you're not. Come with me. It'll only take a moment, but I need you to hurry.

I lead him away from wherever he was, just in a clockwise motion around the room. Okay, so as that begins to happen. I'm running to find Imogen at the motion around the room. Okay, so as that begins to happen. I'm running to find Imogen at the side of the room. And right as the music started to shift, I shook out of my shit, and Orym hears my voice in his head. Sorry, I needed a moment.

Okay, are you good now? I think we're going. Yeah, I'm on my way back. Should we get close to the circle, yeah? Close to the dance floor? Yeah, yeah, I have the ring. I think they're going to do what we talked about in the carriage, I'm not sure,

but let's just get over there. All right. I start heading towards that area and meet up with Orym on the way. Okay. As you all begin to- I'm staying on the periphery of the dance floor so I can get to Dorian as soon as possible. Okay. I'm trying to clock

Gianna Hexum just before this all begins as well. Talking to Fearne. This could be our chance. Do you think we should try? This is our chance. I'm going to rip off my cape and . Okay. Oh.

Oh shit. Make a perception check. I failed my save. Eight? Eight. You did not see Jiona in the crowd right now. Just so I have my notes right, Arman Treshi came with Lady Emoth Cad, right? And Cyrus, your brother, came in with? No one, he was just in the corner chatting her up.

Yeah, you didn't see him enter. He may have already been here, but then did go over and was seemingly talking with her for a bit. Lady Emoth. Yes. Got it, okay. Guest him. He's there, he's there. Goal!

Nope, nope, he's right there. Shitballs! He's above your head! Slap Ashley right now, slap Ashley! That's low. I'm going to try and circle around, get the best view, and if I can get close to the catering, that'd be great. Okay, okay. So as you're doing that, you're leading him away.

You're about to dance. You both are trying to head over and discover where who is. We're trying to get close to them. I'm trying to watch as much as I can while ducking between people and staying within eight to 10 feet of Fearne and Dorian. Okay. It takes you a moment to try and find them because of just your shorter stature.

You can get a bead pretty quickly with your mind. With my mind. Laura. I'm sorry. I had the wonderful teacher calling on you in the classroom, your not paying attention moment. Oh yeah. I hate that. That makes me sweat.

What, huh? My guess? Literally, my armpits started sweating immediately. Fucks sake. There was a bug, I swear. In trying to mentally reach out to Dorian or Fearne in that moment, as you you push into the crowd, there's a moment where all of a sudden

a lot of voices begin to push in and you have to steady yourself, realizing that the proximity of very active minds and conversations and intent interests around here is a very oppressive sense to your ability. And you just have to take a little care in this density. But you do eventually find that because there is a whoosh, a whoosh of cloth and a faint snapping sound

as Fearne is preparing a glorious entry into the Dance of the Cross. That was my phone on the table. It's just toots. It's not your night, Bailey. It's just toots. It's not your night. What are you finally doing? Do you know how many people just heard you rip ass?

Yes, I have been! On the table, I swear! I know, when you're nervous, guys. There's a lot of voices in my head. I can only concentrate on one thing. You probably want to keep moving to the crowd. There's a lot of people around you. Yeah, spread it out.

Hey! Yeah, a little crop dust. Crossroads. I would like to think that it's- Yeah, a little crossroads. I would like to think that. I dropped an oob stone. Also, I want to keep an eye out to see if Varmond is joining the dance. Make a perception check.

Uh-huh. Yes. Come on. We got a good one. Lord of the Dance. Natural one! No! You begin to look out into the crowd, and once again, the voices and whispers

of so many thoughts begin to push in, and even just keeping them at bay from taking over, your vision blurs a bit, and you have to rub your eyes and your temples for a second. You're having a hard time concentrating. All right, well, that's happening, and you're both gliding through the crowd

to try and find them, and you see Fearne, and you see Dorian both preparing to engage with this dance in the center of the dome. What are you doing, Fresh Cut Rats? My eyes are on specifically Dorian. I'm going to move in if I see Dorian start to dance with or near Armand.

Wait, it would probably be a paired female-male, right? Probably, but who knows? Actually, at a glance at the room, it's... It doesn't matter? No, genders constantly shift around. It's less about any sort of odd, unnecessarily placed gender roles and more about a means of socialization.

It is a networking dance. Of course. Great, great, great. Cool, great. Then I got eyes on Dorian. Networking dance, but make it sexy. All right, so what are you two doing? All right, what's the plan? If only this were linked in.

Okay, do you want to start with each other so I can show you a little bit of the dance? No, no, no, what's our plan? Oh, oh, oh, oh, sorry. I was distracted by her performance. Okay. If you dance with him first. Okay.

Maybe try to loosen it a little bit. Okay. And then put it back on him? I don't know. I don't think you should. Wait, am I just dancing with him just to dance with him? Should I do anything? How could you think you would?

Would you be able to? Yeah. All right. Does it? Who has the ring? I trust you. Okay, great. All right.

Wait, wait, Imogen is going to do something. Yes. She can help us, maybe with the wiggling it around. That's a good idea. With the ring. But we have the second ring, and I'm going to scan the room for Orym, yes. She can help us, maybe with the wiggling it around. That's a good idea. But we have the second ring. I'm going to scan the room for Orym. I'm not too far. He's standing right next to you.

I'm eight feet away, tracking you, yeah. Okay. Orym, Orym! He's right near you. Okay, come to me. I walk up to the dance floor. Yes. Getting pretty sassy.

He's literally right next to you. Okay, I'm still in certain mode, but it's like a big, everyone's dancing in the center, right? It's just your head, but I'm gesticulating. They are, but you are on the outskirts. There are still people outside that don't want to engage. Some people, they're just talking and shooting barbs

at people in the dance to each other. There are conversations outside of it, but there's probably at least 60 to 70 people that are actively dancing. It's happening already. It's beginning. People are pulling and finding partners and dragging them in.

You can see now the first round is starting to shift in partners. You see the actual dance itself. It's like an arm-in-arm, a turn, a turn. It's very simple, and there are conversation bits, there are introductions being done. There's a turn and a spin, and then it reverses around. They come back together, and then they talk some more.

And you can see the dance is intentionally slow. It's not a fast-paced tango or anything. It is meant to give room and space for introductions and for a very succinct opportunity to pedal whatever it is you're pedaling or introduce whatever you want to introduce. And then at the moment where things seem to get the most exciting or interesting,

maybe about 30, 40 seconds into those turns and spins, you hear the beat culminate with a cymbal crash. And then suddenly everyone shifts to whoever's nearest to them and pick somebody. And then all of a sudden, hands are clasped and partners are resituated. For some people, they're lost on their own and they scramble to try and find somebody who's available

and then wander out of the crowd a bit dejected. It's high school shit. Yeah, kind of. Definitely. But. One of you loosen it, one of you put it back on, man. Well, you loosen it, one of us takes it, and then the other one puts it back on. Or we've got a plan, we're going to go for the ring right now.

It's our chance. I'm hearing this in my head or? I'm talking to you. We're in the dance floor, the dance floor, okay. Are we on the outskirts? We're on the outskirts of it, right? Yeah, yeah, we're at a... One more time? Whoever gets to Armon first

is going to try to take the ring after Imogen loosens it with her mind, and then you're going to toss the fake ring to the second. No, that's way too complicated. No, it's not! It's a two-part, it's a three-part plan. Kevin, just give you the fucking ring to the second. No, that's way too complicated. No, it's not! It's a two-part, it's a three-part plan. Have him just give you the fucking ring.

Just get the ring! But we don't know who's going to dance with him first. You've got to do it. Just figure it out. Well, one of you gets there first. It's a coin toss. We'll dance with each other if, oh wait. Right. I know. It's a battle of better and picking pockets.

Give the ring to Fearne. No! You're better with your fingers! Give the ring to me! Yeah. Yeah. If you do it first, just try to replace it right away. If you get to him first, take the ring and you put it back on. Oh shit. Do I need to?

I have the one that's going to go to shh. Fuck it, this song is, how long is this song? Wait, am I tapping you guys? Yes, tap him. Do you tap her? Tap him. Just him? My flat hand's really good.

All right, fine, go! Shit! I've got the ring. Yeah. Oh fuck. I'm dropping their charisma boost and wasting my third level spell and giving him a dex boost instead. You've got it, okay.

Our lives are in your hands and you've got Butterfingers? Orym's thinking about all the things they talked about and how none of them are happening and he just watches Dorian go waltzing away. With a flourish. I'm in the dance with Fearne on my hands as my first partner.

All right. Fearne on the fire. Can we see Armand in the dance, can we see Armand in the dance with Fearne on my hands as my first partner. All right. Fearne on the fire. Can we see Armand in the dance? Can we see Armand in the dance? You can indeed. Armand, you can see, is currently paired off with an older gentleman with a higher turnover collar, and they're both turning and talking and turning, and you can see the conversation's probably not going

as well as the other individual wishes. Armand is still smiling, and they're talking until eventually the transition point begins to crest into. The symbol crashes again and you can see Arman spins around and there's Gianna Hexum is right there and catches his hand. And now they begin to engage and answer.

What do you guys do? Trying to get a little closer to him. I'm going to swing you his way. Great. Ready? I'm in. I'm the one. So with the crash, you both remain partners? No, I'm going to pass her off way. Great. Ready? I'm in. So it's a crash. You both remain partners? No, I'm going to pass her off into the mix closer to Arman.

Great. Okay. So I'll go to whoever is close to that area. So I'll be next in line. I'll turn away from them and look for a new partner. Okay, you turn to the left and immediately are greeted with a male human in his early 40s. Great. are greeted with a male human in his early 40s.

Looks to be acrobatic in build. Very warm smile. The hair is pulled up to the side with a flower-like bun. And the outfit is a fine, shimmering, dark bronze coloration to it with a pale blue shirt beneath and looks to you with a smile.

I do not believe we have met before. I am so pleased to meet you now. Bronte Secondson of the Silken Squall. Master Dusadkeef of Port Damali, Menagerie Coast. Pardon for my ignorance, I'm not familiar with the name. What's your family's business? Oh, the family's business is not quite my business. My business deals more with emotions

and helping individuals work through challenges in life. Well, I can tell from your touch, you're very empathetic. I'm going to glance over at Fearne and try to move. Now, Fearne, as you turn, you can see there is a young noblewoman in a nice, floofy dress who spins, makes eye contact with you,

and reaches out as an arm pushes in and grabs your hand and you see Lord Preston Drodelon grasps your hand. Preston. My dear. I apologize. I am amazed that luck keeps bringing us together. Well, I don't know if it's luck as much as you cutting in line.

Fascinating. If you ever find your way in Eos, please. You're a guest of honor at my abode. Well, I absolutely will look you up. Please do. Once we go there, which will probably be pretty soon. Wonderful. Yes. Please do let me know.

I'll take it. Yeah? How close are they getting to Armand? They're about 15 or so feet away, and as the dance is shifting, and you can see now, while the dance is localized, some people are engaged in close conversation, some people are making conversation while trying to ch-

Oh my gosh, guys. Congratulations. Some people are making sparse conversation while trying to adjust the dance towards someone they're hoping to talk to. It's a very unique chess game of people utilizing the space to try and get to individuals and hopefully catch them at the right time.

So there is an aggressive waiting for the right moment at the right place at the right time arrangement to it. But yeah, Armand is about 10 or so feet away. Okay. So are you, is that blue boy your partner? Well, boy, it is complicated. I like complicated.

Well, it's so complicated. It's really just, it's really just, it's, yes. Yes, we are. We're a thing. Exclusively? Oh. What do you mean by that?

I agree. The fact that you have to ask means that... I mean, there's a little bit of a wiggle room there, but it just depends on, you know. I'm dying. I happen to like to find room to wiggle. Oh! Oh!

No, no, no! Oh no. This guy's a little meh. Come on. He's a, he's definitely an older gentleman. He hasn't taken care of himself. And now that you're close up and look at it, you can see that his clothing

definitely holds the air of regality. But now that you're looking him over, he's a little tattered at the seams a bit. Yeah. There's an element of, I don't know, passing prestige to his energy that almost makes you feel guilty. Almost.

Nothing good comes from not loving others. I think I'm going to pick a flower and I'm going to give it to him. Just put it in his, near his lapel. I'm going to be honest with you. I think I'm a bit old for you. But you're delightful. Well.

And I hope you find what you're looking for. Well, I hope you come find me if you find yourself an Aishanandor. Aishanandor. Okay. I think Aishanandor's in use. The region is Aishanandor and the city is used. Oh, sorry. All the way around.

Yeah, that's right. It's actually 90210. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Dense. While you are continuing to dance, you can hear the music beginning to change. While this is happening, actually, Chetney. So much of the evening.

Where are you bringing Cyrus? I was working him clockwise, fuck, around the room, but it's moving. It's fluid. I'm a little combobulated. I turn to Cyrus and say, ah, hold on, we'll just have to find him ourselves. I won't keep you long.

Who are you supposed to be meeting? She's around. Lady Emoth Kade. Oh. Why are you meeting her? I got friends. Friends? I mean, what kind of friends? Look, we're on an honesty basis here. We don't have time for bullshit.

She's helping me out, okay? Is she paying off your, hm? She did some work in the past with the Corsairs, and I was looking for a possible way to pay up some of these debts. Okay. Are you working protection detail? No, she's giving me some information about a few scores I can make

while the folks here are distracted later in the evening. Oh, a little side hustle. Which I was about to dive into until you distracted me. At this point, a hand touches his shoulder and he's like, oh, and you can see a woman grabbing his hand, a pale woman, shoulders and arms exposed in a gray dress.

Lady Emoth taking his hand. This dance. Oh, but he was with. I'm sorry, the lady speaks. Lady Emoth taking his hand. This dance. Oh, but he was with... I'm sorry, the lady speaks. Your dress is elegant, bitch. The last thing you hear him say is, thank you, and they both merge into the dancing apparatus.

Oh, the prodigal son. Do I go invisible? He's like, the nerks. No. Tom I go invisible? He's like, Eric's? No. Tom Holtz in Parenthood, you know, like the? Yes. Yes, yeah. Emaw Tad was the one that was against the wall

that you went and talked to. Yep. He came in with Armand. Okay, when she takes him off into the dance, I'm going to back up all the way to the wall. Okay. Which wall are you next to? I don't know, whichever one's just behind me.

At this point, with the cluckers you were doing, you're probably near one of the food tables, not too far from one of the bars on the other side of the room as you were trying to pull them around the other way. I'll save it. I'm just going to keep an eye on Cyrus and Lady Emothgad. Okay, make a perception check.

Oh, I know what it is. Natural 20. Ooh! Hey! Okay, good to know. We'll come back to that. In your head, Fearne. You here. Are you going to be able to make it to him on this next turn?

I think so. I think so. I'm going to, let me, let me, let me get over there. Okay. Okay. Get over there. So you're tugging towards Arman's direction. You can see he's starting to move a little bit away, and you can already gauge

that there are a couple of other partners that are trying to maneuver into position. I'm just going to get right in. I'm just going to maneuver myself in front of them. Lord Preston Rodolon is still engaging with you. It hasn't happened yet. Next, next, I'm going to make my move. Not this time. Next symbol crash?

Next symbol crash. You begin to hear the music pick up right as you say that. The next symbol crashes, but seconds away, now that you're picking up the cadence of the song. I'm going to, to the side, I'm going to try to use Telekinesis on Armand, and as the music starts to swell,

I'm going to try to time it with the cymbal crash and loosen up the thumb ring. You're still outside of the dance ring? Yes. What's the range on your? It's 30 feet, but if I have to, I'll double that distance. You could probably get, you think within range or not.

I'm just going to be safe and I'm going to spend a sorcery point. Okay. All righty. Big play. I'm just going to grab any glass off of a table and just have it with me filled with booze and I'm going to start making my way onto the dance floor. Just in case.

All right. If you can go ahead and roll a charisma check for me. That's a nice card. That's not a thing. A lot of nines tonight. Yeah, 17. Nine. 17. All right of nines tonight. Yeah, 17. Nine? 17.

All right, so you watch as he's dancing and dancing, and there's a spin with his current partner and his hand comes back a bit and he shakes a little bit and continues into the dance. Looks like it wasn't enough. Ah, fuck. That's all right.

It's just around that slow pull, the strength of the slow pull you tried earlier on Dorian. They were just a little bit under what was needed to try and pull that. All right. So at that moment, the symbol crash. Lord Preston, you better give me the biggest spin of your life. You better believe it.

He takes your arm, and right as the Simulcrash hits, it swirls you, and you, in the spin, have to try and guide yourself in the right direction. I want you to roll either a dexterity check, a dexterity saving throw, I'll say, for this one. Okay. Let's go, Herbs. Or a perception check with disadvantage, because you're either hoping to guide yourself there

based on memory of where you were, or trying to look through your spin to still get to your destination. So either one roll of- One dexterity saving throw, or perception with disadvantage. Your choice. That's me. You're going with eyes, or you're going with instant.

Okay. Come on. I'm going to go with perception. Come on. Okay. Because it's high. Bold, bold, bold. Bold. Bold. Okay. 12. Okay.

That's not great, but that's not bad. I'm going to roll for the other person who's trying to get his position. Sorry, 11. Okay, that's fine. They rolled a natural one. Yeah. You are a super ful- I'm going to take a picture of that. Some of that's on a truck.

You can see it right there, the metal one right there. I love it. I'll take a picture anyway, because it's fun. Focus. There we go. I got a nice, nice mantra. I got a nice mantra. You never know when I'll need it. I'll take a picture anyway, because it's fun. Focus. There we go. I got a nice, nice, nice, nice. I got a nice, nice, nice. You never know when I'll need it. It's a good sound. It's a good dance.

So as the other individual tries to push in to grasp for his hand as Lord Armand disengages from his previous partner, seems to turn towards their way, they stumble and fall down to the ground and catch themselves. And Armand withdraws his hand. And right as he does, he looks up towards you. Right as you spin into place and he catches you. Oh, thank you.

Hello. The pleasure is mine, my dear. And your name is? I am Lord Armand Threshi, of the Mahaan House Threshi. And who do I have the pleasure of dancing with? My name is Fearne Calloway of the Feywild. Interesting, a fey creature.

Huh, well, you seemed intent coming to me, so let us drop any sort of charade or pretense. What do you want of House Treshi? What do I want? Yes. Spins you around for a second, comes back and clasps your eyes. I want lots of things.

Well, pick one or two. We haven't much time. You spin him around, comes back and catches your arms and you're both now locked against once more. He's listening. Oh god. Can I detect thoughts?

You can, yeah, if you'd like to. Wisdom saving throw. Mm-hmm. He... He didn't roll great, but still puts him at 14? 15. 15, okay, then yeah. So the first thoughts you get are this jumble of intriguing,

beautiful, but odd, unexpected. What does she want? What does she want? Who is she with? Then as you delve deeper into it, it is a deep read of a lot of feys of late. I don't trust it. I don't trust it at all. Is she connected with him?

Did he send someone else? Leaving that mess behind. I haven't really fucked up recently. I don't know if I have the wherewithal to work with a fey again. You just have this whole inner monologue picked up recently. I don't know if I have the wherewithal to work with a Fae again. You just like this whole inner monologue dealing with and touching on the Nightmare King

and connecting the two of them as Fae being so quickly back to back after what happened at the Moon Tower. Fuck, I'm going to send that to Fearne. He's untrusting towards you. Shit. I thought that would be a good inn, okay? I don't want anything from you.

I just, I'm just dancing. Nobody is here just to dance. Everybody here wants something. Now, be honest with me, for once. You're too pretty to be dishonest. It spins you. Well. Oh god, is that so dark?

You've transitioned, by the way, to another dancing partner not too far off and you're deeply invested. The partner's talking to you and is like, well, you know, my dad, he was involved in the spice trade up north. It was wonderful. You look like a little.

Thank you. I'm going to send a message to Imogen. Is she doing it? Is she taking it? I am fully connected with Fearne right now. So I get static? Fuck! You can see out of the point of your eye that she is actively dancing with our mom.

The person you're calling right now is not a mom. Please hang up and try again. He seems intimidated by the Nightmare King. It shook him. Do you happen to be friends with Gavis? We have been acquaintances for quite some time, yes. Why do you wish to meet them? Well, I've already met them, but I just,

I so badly would love to work with him and learn from him, but I can't seem to... I don't know if this is the place to talk with him or if I should meet him at another time, but... You know, I mean, should meet him at another time, but. You know, and he begins to turn you around. You may have found the exact perfect time. And he turns you into him, and your head's next to his, and he guides you over,

and you can see Gavis turning not too far away. Looking over in your direction, Armand gives a nod and Gavis perks up. As we're looking over. And you can see he's now maneuvering to pass you off towards Gavis in the next transition. As we're looking over, I'm going to try to just twist the ring and try to take it off.

Come. Okay. Make a sleight of hand check. No! He's on guard! My soul just left my body. Yep. Yeah.

This is it. This is what I'm here for, though. This is it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bring it! Let the fates decide. Up to the dice. Let chaos reign across all campaigns. It's punching time. Fuck.

Oh. Is it? It's good, it's good. Oh, it's good, it's good, it's good. 21. As you spin, the music kicks up. There's a crescendo and a crash of the cymbal, and he spins you, and as he does,

you grab just a little bit tighter than was expected on his thumb, and you feel a pop, like you had popped the thumb out of a socket a little bit, and the ring slips off in your grasp. So while it doesn't go unnoticed, it didn't seem overt and he reaches down for a second, takes the hand and looks up at you with a.

Who's got the ring? You got the ring? Yeah, I got the ring. At which point, Gavis is now coming towards you to take your hand. While you feel the ring in your left, what do you do? Drop it, Fearne. Fearne. Ping, ping. Oh, Jesus.

Drop it! Dorian, Dorian, Dorian, pick up the ring! This is the moment of transition. As the cymbal crash is hit, and you're transitioning out of it, you see Fearne being tossed away from Armand and a little point of silver just on the ground.

I'm going to pretend I don't notice and start dancing with Gavis. On my feet? Notice it. Notice it! Save the day! Why do I need to pick up the ring? I have the right one! Dorian, notice he dropped it and save the day. Fine! Swing the ring.

And I will... Is this a transition? It is. This is just happening right at the middle of the transition point. This is the perfect spot of hand fish. Is it the transition? It is. This is just happening right at the middle of the transition. You got some side of hand! I will push past everyone. Oh god!

And walk straight up to him in a tango-esque fashion. No, no, no, pick up the ring from the fucking ground! I have the correct ring, trust me! Nobody has to see that you picked it up! Trust me, Imogen! And can I shot her out of my brain? You can. I will shot shot her out of my brain? You can. I will shot Imogen out of my brain.

As I approach. Armaud has spun around holding his thumb and is looking on the ground at this point over in the loose vicinity before glancing over at you as you approach. I have, in the transition, pulled the tracking ring out of my pocket and I have it in my dancing hand,

and I approach Armand, and as I do, I clock the ring and I try to kick it off the dance floor, his ring, just get it out of view. Make a sleight of hand check. This is going to be with advantage. With advantage because of the spell. Yes. All right. Terrible?

Come on. I know. It's got to be better. It's got to be better than that. No, no, it's a one. No, it's not good. That was an 11. Okay. An 11, okay. It's a couple digits.

So as Arman turns towards you, glancing over, you see a look of recognition on the ground. Hasn't quite acknowledged your presence quite yet. Knows you're coming, but is more interested in where the ring went. Just as you kick the ring and it, he goes, shit, and is now beginning to ignore you to go after the ring that has now begun

to be tossed around in the crowd. My lord, my lord, my lord, the dance, the dance! Please, please, one round, one round. I've been waiting all night to see you, please. Bronte, Bronte's second son. Make a persuasion check. In the middle of this conversation, you're seeing he's in the process of clocking right now

if you're even worth bothering. Like bothering with right now while he's lost his ring. He's changing dice. What was it? Persuasion? Persuasion. Seeing them lock eyes like that. Fuck me! Nine.

Nine. Just a moment, I have something to deal with. Here, and he looks over and takes somebody else's hand who's coming towards him and connects both of you aggressively and says, Ha, there. You can see other people are now looking confused.

You see he's starting to push the crowd, still holding his thumb. As you can see, it hurt from the process, but he's still looking around. I'm looking for it. I'm telling FCG to look for it. Is it going to anybody in my party that I see? He just told me to look for the ring,

so I'm going to do a perception check to try to find it. Can I guide myself? You can. I will guide myself. You no longer. Make a perception check. Can I guide myself? You can. I will guide myself. You no longer have advantage on dex. We do need it because he noticed it fucking move. He saw it get kicked out of the way.

We have the one that we need to give him. But you have to show that you picked up the one that fell first. The other one's identical. 18. He saw it with his own eyes. 18. You do see, and it got kicked by Dorian,

it got kicked into the crowd, which in the middle of the dance got kicked by numerous others, and has now been lost in the shuffle. They haven't noticed, nobody else has noticed, the people that were nearby are just wondering why Armand's acting strange.

Nobody saw the ring or noticed any oddness about it. As Armand's just now starting to push the crowd, you just barely catch out a glimmer of something rolling through the dance and just towards the exterior of the central cluster of people. Just going to make a beeline for it. All right. You speed over towards it.

Weeping through the dancers. Yep, as you head off to the side, you can see one of the servants is also now clocking it and is now starting to reach over to pick it up. I'm going to try to beat him to it. Okay, go ahead and roll. Oh! Just go ahead and roll a dexterity check. Can I cross through and shoulder check that person?

You may. I would like, I would like, no, also, you just give this person a disadvantage. You do manage to shoulder check them, but they get a disadvantage on their. I accidentally bump into them. You got it. Dexterity check?

Yeah, just roll and add your dexterity modifier. It's just a straight 11. Can I guide myself again? Or no, that doesn't work. Can I do that every time? You can guide yourself on any check. I will guide myself again. Usually you guide in advance of the roll.

Sure, sure, sure, sorry. It doesn't matter. The disadvantage you gave made a difference. They rolled an eight total. So they go for it. Watch for your... They glance over and you snatch made a difference. They rolled an eight total. So they go for it. Watch for your, they glance over and you snatch up the ring. Okay. And I'm going to keep going.

Okay. I'm bringing your drink. Okay, so you're now heading where? I guess. Did you see it? They're both on the dance floor, right? He goes on the dance floor, and Armand is still on the dance floor, but is pushing his way in the direction of the exterior on the dance floor, right? He goes on the dance floor, and Armand is still on the dance floor,

but is pushing his way in the direction of the exterior of the dance floor, still looking for his ring. So do I have eyes on Orym or Imogen? You do. Orym, you just saw, after bumping into the guy you were racing against. Oh yeah, he just checked past me. I'm going to go to Imogen. Imogen's a little ways

beyond him and is focused inward towards the dance floor. I'm just over my shoulder and find Dorian and go. And keep going. I'm heading to Imogen. Okay. So you head over towards Imogen. What are you doing in the middle of all this? Am I locked in with whoever I got passed off to? That's up to you.

As you got passed over, somebody reached out to take your hand in the middle of the Armand elements. And this is all going super quickly? Yeah. I reference to the floor as I kept going, locking eyes with you, and then turned and went. Who's the closest on my team to Armaud? Closest to your team beyond Armaud would be probably her.

Who? It would be Fearne. Frizzed. Though he's getting farther and farther away from both of you because he's pushing outside of the dancer. This is... Though he's getting farther and farther away from both of you because he's pushing outside of the dance room. This is so stupid. I'm going to try to throw the tracking ring to Fearne. I'm going to try to toss it to her.

I love it. I love it! I'm going to try to toss it to her. All right. No one crimes you. All right. So in the middle of this chaos, you lock eyes with Fearne and you, as the person's about to reach towards you.

I reach for them and try to, no, just try to skyhook it over to her. Okay. I would like, You're doing giant jumps! I would like you, That's how we're going to do it. I would like you, Dorian,

to just roll a d20 and add your strength modifier. Okay. Come on, bud. Well, that still gets to the best roll you've done tonight. It's fine. Not great. 13. 13's okay. You, with a quick little flick of the wrist and having experience throwing axes

and lobbing things at around this distance towards a specific target, you feel pretty confident with the go, now it's your responsibility to catch it. As there is somebody now reaching to try and engage with you in a dance. Okay. What do you do? As you glance over and see those things, they just, you glance over and see them do this,

throws the ring right as you feel this hand pulled, and somebody has already taken you up as their dance partner. So uncomfortable. So you need to roll a dexterity check to try and grab it from the air. Okay. So just roll a d20 and add your dexterity modifier. Okay.

Catch it. Let the water just flow. Catch it. Fucking catch it. 12. 12. These are all borderline rolls. Doing okay.

Doing okay. So you get grabbed and pulled, Oof. These are all borderline rules. Doing oof. Doing o-kay. So you get grabbed and pulled, and as you do, your hand catches it, but also loosens it, and flies a little bit further in the air. You try and catch it again. It gets knocked up again, and a third time, you do manage to catch it.

As you hold it, the person who's holding your hand and is pulling you to dance goes like, Fascinating. He just proposed. Oh, congratulations! I'm like, that's incredible! I'm so sorry, I have to go tell my girlfriends.

Oh, okay. I'm going to leave. As you disengage, you can see people nearby being like, did she just get married? And you've left him there, and the guy in the back is like, and he looks around and everybody else

is already with partners, so he just waits. In my head, Imogen, Imogen, where are you? I'm over here, I'm over here, I'm over here. I have the ring, I have the ring, I have the ring. Bring it here, bring it here, bring it here. I'm going to get down on the ground and start crawling around like I'm looking for it. Yes, yes, I'm over here. I have the ring, I have the ring, I have the ring. Bring it here, bring it here, bring it here. I'm going to get down on the ground and start crawling around like I'm looking for it. Yes, yes, yes.

Okay, what are you doing? Make your way to me. What are you doing? Make your way to me. I'm still tracking Lady Emoth Cad with Cyrus and just making sure they're not doing shady shit. Okay. Just move, get the fuck out of the way.

Moving people as I can just track them and make sure that I'm 25 feet, wherever they are, in the dance of it all. Okay, cool. So you watch them move through the dance floor and people shift and you see something shine in the air for a moment and then shine again and shine again. And they're staying together-ish? They're staying together and you can see

other people are shifting partners, and they disengage and then re-engage. And then they move through towards the back. That's great. That's fine. And as you're pushing, you are a small person moving through a large crowd of dancing folk. One time! You do roll a really high perception check,

which means you do clock them for most of it. You do clock them leaving the group. They leave the dance. We'll come back to that in a second. Laudna, are you doing anything specific? I was dancing with Rotanish, but none of that feels important to what is happening, so.

So just chatting. I'm just talking with him. All right, so we'll save it for the dance of Rotanish. Is there anything in particular that you ask or mention as he's turning you and? We're going to pause in the middle of all this for my dumbass conversation? All right, all right.

Back to role playing. What was he doing? We give a turn to this if you're not ready. Um, yeah, sorry. So distracted. Quite the rebel-rousers in the audience tonight. You're not kidding. But rebel-rousing is what our specialties are, so. It works out quite well.

The audacity of them to question the Paragon's Call and your motivations. So you seem to have heard of our work before. I have. Have you hired us before? The Paragon's Call and your motivations. So you seem to have heard of our work before. I have. Have you hired us before? No, but I'm quite the fan. I wish I would have had fellows like you back in the day. Back from where I'm from. People don't understand how important it is to have.

Turns you and brings you close in. As you spin back around, it inches from you. Not like a romantic connection way, in a reading you as quickly and as intensely as possible. The importance of having people like you around. I imagine it can be quite difficult to persuade the masses. I have a curious air about you.

And as he's dancing with you, he pulls up from underneath the armor what looks to be a leather band, and at the edge of it, you see a symbol. It's a golden mask that comes into a curved beak at the edge. Roll a religion check for me. A golden mask with a curved beak at the edge. Roll a religion check for me. Golden mask with a curved beak?

What the fuck? A religion check? Oh shit. You got this, you got this. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. My religion's not good. Golden beak. I don't have it. I'm not in it to help. But he's rolling great. I don't want that one. That one's dumb.

Ooh, ooh! 20 total, dirty 20. Dirty 20. With that, you pick up on it. And maybe it's because of your nature that both you understand this, and maybe because of your nature, something he saw in you,

but that is a symbol of the Duskmaven. Oh! Oh! Raven Queen shit. As he tucks it back away and looks at you again, he's like, I see you respect the natural boundaries of life and death. I see you walk between them, it appears.

You're quite perceptive. As are you. Hmm. Symbol crash, and you get spun back off into the ground. That was a good conversation. Mm. Now. As I get spun around, I'm suddenly like,

I had a group, I had a job. I look around, Where are my people? You see this mousy, thin, older, noble gentleman, his spine is almost as twisted as yours, but in a forward way, and as you turn around, he looks up at you and goes, and just walks back and stops dancing. Great. Where are my people?

I clock them. All right, so you get caught up in the situation, watching it all unfold. What are you doing now? As you have the ring in your hand. I'm crawling around on the floor, looking for the ring. Both me and Fearne were going towards Imogen. Who's going to get there first?

All right, so you're on the ground. I'm crawling on the ground. I've called Fearne over to me. Right. It's a little easier for you've called Fearne over to me. Right. It's a little easier for you because nobody's actively trying to dance with you. You, however, are having to. Is someone following me still, or no?

Did they leave me? They left you. Okay, great. The servant got knocked out of the way. They have no investment in it. They were just wondering what the hell that was. If you're trying to push the crowd, how do you want to try and avoid people getting in your way? Are you just muscling through?

Are you trying to scare them off? Are you trying to convince them that you have to pee? What are you doing? I am going to cast Primal Savagery on myself. Okay. And my fangs come out. And my eyes turn crazy. I don't want to dance with you. Shh, shh, sh, sh.

Three people who are swooping in to try, after they watched you dancing with Armand, and even that moment with Armand really caught the attention of the crowd around. Done. Suddenly, you became a point of interest in the middle of this circle, this strange fauna, a fey being in the middle of this dance

that was engaged with Armand. And so as soon as you, the whole ring thing scenario, there's a shine in the air and you end up dancing with folk and you begin pushing through, people rush in. As you do that, my god! I wouldn't let anyone into this dance these days. I'm done and I just got engaged.

From the takeoff. I was going to tell her congratulations. Let's go. I am going to walk towards where Imogen is. Now, Imogen, as you are on the ground at this point, looking around, two hands hit the ground, and you look up to see Armand there, and goes like, Did you find it?

I'm looking everywhere, sir. Look harder. You see him, he's telling people, move out of the way! Looking everywhere, sir. Oh god. You see him, he's telling people, move out of the way! People shifting back and starting to call the space. I'm on Carrie's enough weight, it seems, in these spaces where when he uses that tone of voice, people listen, whether or not they're considered equals

in the front of social exchange. And he is now looking around. I'm going to crawl towards Fearne as she's walking towards me. Okay. Orym walks up. He's face to face, even though he's not crouching down. Are you looking for, I just saw a ring

and I point in the opposite direction that I kicked it in. I just saw it go flinging down the floor that way. Make an deception check. Yep. Am I at Fearne yet? You will be in just a moment. 16. 16. Oh boy. Looks at you intently.

Glances over at what looks to be one of the, specifically the minotaur figure of the Paragon's Call and goes, keep an eye on this one, and does not follow your world really high and is inside. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And not only doesn't believe you, but now is interested. Yeah, he's driving

to the Medivh Wars. Shit. While that's happening, you and Fearne begin to head towards each other. Keep it in your hand, Fearne. As I stand up, I'm going to say, begin to head towards each other. Keep it in your hand, Fearne. As I stand up, I'm going to say, I found it! And grab it out of Fearne's hand.

Yes. I'm going to walk by and we'll just do a quick, Sir! Stands up. I don't know why I got so excited. Roll deception check. Come on, bitch! Come on, baby, come on. Come on!

He's looking real anxious. Do it. 18. 18. Kind of gives you a look. Sorry, I don't... Oh! It's hard to get good help these days.

If you're looking. He just completely closes off to you and turns over to see you and goes, You are an extremely clumsy dancer. Well, rude. Good one. Sure fucking told him. Yeah.

Your face is clumsy. So is somebody else in the crowd. Just trying not to bring more attention. As Armand, as you can see, he's trying to calm down a little bit. The intensity built up. There was some sort of, whether it be sentimental value or importance to this ring, he's trying to calm down a little bit. The intensity built up. There was some sort of, whether it be sentimental value

or importance to this ring, he seemed really flustered to lose it, and now has it back on and is calming down. As he is, somebody in the car goes like, Sir, she just got engaged, come. They get into some maneuver back into the crowd. Where's Eshteross in all this? Eshteross is not dancing. Eshteross is sitting outside of the crowd. Currently's Eshteross in all this? I am not. Eshteross is not dancing.

Eshteross is just sitting outside of the crowd. And currently, you are all engaged elsewhere in this event, so Eshteross is looking at what you're doing from a distance, but also keeping a very close eye and holding his cane very tightly. He's keeping an eye on every exit. He's looking at every person that comes nearby.

He has a look of somebody who's expecting to be stabbed in the back at any minute. I'm going to edge that way. Okay. Now that this seems to be chilling out a bit. Can I try and reach out to see if anyone's at the switchboard for Imogen? I go, Imogen!

I have to make the connection. Oh yeah. Imogen, please. He is praying. Balls? That's my prayer. I'm going to break away from the dance floor and go to the restroom.

Okay, go for it. While you're having this conversation, you watch as Imoth and Cyrus have left the dance floor. Cyrus currently has walked over to one of the chairs right by where some of the food on the left-hand side of the entire chamber was before you entered. Takes a snack and looking out over it all, keeping his mask on.

Imoth, you can see, heads through the double doors into the halls beyond the dance chamber and closes the door behind her. I walk over quickly to Cyrus. What was that about? What? I mean, that's her, right? What were you talking about?

I'm working. Please don't ruin it. Don't trust her. I head off after Lady Emoth. You head off after Lady Emoth? All right, go on. She went to the double doors that go into the chambers, and we don't know where they go.

Correct, yeah, beyond the chamber. Are there wardens on either side of that door? There are. It's not the rest. They're keeping tabs more on the group inside. When she walks by, they barely acknowledge and they're more interested at all the debutantes and political figures

that are dancing. Doors open or closed and she has to push them to get through? They push inward. They push inward. And she just pushes one. She's small enough and she barely slips through and it closes with no noise or fuss. Right, I'll just walk out casually.

SAM and LAURA, SAM and LAURA. Okay. You push in. Just make a deception check. SAM and LAURA, SAM and LAURA, Okay. You push in. Just make a deception check. This is more your physicality and how you present yourself because they seem to recognize Lady Emoth. She- Fourteen. One of the guards lowers his shield

and a spear crosses in front of you and goes, Yeah? What is your business? I don't recognize you. I have to take a piss. Whatever. Men in tees are on the left. Hurry back, or I'll send somebody.

Thank you. Almost got a shave. Nice weapon. Okay, and as you move past, you. Who's got a shave? Nice weapon. Okay, and as you move past, you can see there's a brief conversation. You've caught their interest. But you head into the hallway, and you can see now as you move past,

this is a long circular hallway that goes both sides, and on the opposite side, you can see glass that opens out into the city of Jrusar below. There are gardens beyond it, and you can see there's bushes and trees. There's a whole courtyard garden that surrounds this entire expanse, and there are some doors that lead out into it,

it looks like. Then the cliff just ends, and then beyond that, you can see the spires, and you can see the Prakash Pyre that is burning, this massive, 100-plus-foot flame that is visible off in the distance and glowing like a beacon in the night sky. Beyond that, you can see the darkened jungles,

the faint glow of Ruidus in the sky. That way, Katha has just returned on the opposite side for this time of night, and there's a bit of a white glow that's hitting the mist, so you can just begin to make out the shape of the jungles below. It's a view you weren't expecting,

but nevertheless, the hallway goes both to the right and left, and there are doors inward and beyond. Which way are you going? A Knight for Lovers. Make a perception check, actually, to see if you can pursue where Lady Imoth went. Perception? Yep.

There are faint bits of, looks like magical torchlight set up on different parts. So it's still darkly lit, but enough to lead your way through if you need to. 17 plus one. 18. 18. Okay. You were a bit delayed by the conversation,

and she sees you moving with a hustle, and you scoot into the hallway. You see her to the right. You hear a door close. Is there anybody else that I see in the hallway? You see a set of two guards that are a little ways, maybe 30 or 40 feet down from where you heard the door close, that are walking in your direction.

Oh shit, and he said the bathroom is in to the left, right? Yeah. We're in a hallway. Are there any... It's like a tea hall. You just came into it and it goes right and left. Are there any plants or pots or anything that a gnome could just step behind and break visual sight for a second?

There are tables, little side tables in the hallway about every 30, 40 feet or so. Some of them have decor on them, little planters. Some of them are just empty or with a plate. I walk over, I stand behind one of the tables and I go invisible. Okay. You go invisible. Okay. You are invisible.

And I will use my boots to move silently down the right side of the hallway after Lady Enoch. Okay, go ahead and roll a stealth check with advantage because it is sound-based. Yes. And because you're invisible, so. Are you fucking shitting me? Ooh!

A one and a two. Wow. Four total of? Seven. Seven. Eight, sorry. Okay, so as you turn invisible, the guards pass the door that you heard close and are heading your direction. You confidently, deftly begin to maneuver past them.

And as you get maybe about 10 feet beyond them, you don't realize that your hip hits the edge of one of the tables and bumps it hard. The tables goes. One of the planners set up on it falls on the ground. Both guards just go. They both immediately shields up, spears down, and they're both now looking very intensely in the region.

We'll come back to that in a second. Is Ashton around? Ashton is over with Lord Eshteross. I just made my way. Okay. So is over with Lord Eshteross. I just made my way. Okay. So as you approach Lord Eshteross, you both are glancing over it all. Is this your normal anxiety,

or are you getting the vibe here, because I just don't like it? It's a combination of it all, trust me. Where are the rest of them? I've clocked a few, but you've scattered quite a bit. I just hope it's worth it, and I hope it succeeded. Otherwise, there's going to be a lot of conversations

I don't want to have in the morning. There's some people acting real weird here. Do I see any of them? I'm scanning for all of them and Hex. Yeah, you can see Dorian, Fearne have both now, I assume, exiting the dance floor? Yes. Yeah. Yes.

Orym's just trying to tie up loose ends and is looking for the old ring. Okay. Go ahead and make a perception or investigation check. Your choice. I love it. Oh yeah, I have to see his. Did I just roll two 16s? I did, plus five, so 21.

21. You're small enough and quick enough, not just in your servant's garb as well, that nobody questions it in the middle of this dance as you quickly and nimbly, deftly leap through the shifting crowd without bumping or bothering anybody, glancing around as quick as you can until right there, you see the silver ring. Nope. No, you don't.

FCG has it. I have it. Oh, you have it. You found the old one? Yeah. I have it in my hand. That's right. You look inside FCG's butthole in there. That's right. No, you do see it. You see it in the hand of Fresh Cut Grass. I'm motoring over to Ashton, sorry,

Aaron and Eshteross. I'll follow along. Yeah, I'm going to go over to Ashton. Okay, so you all begin to reconvene over to that space. What's Rotanish doing? Rotanish is now in the process of dancing with other dance partners, and is bouncing between them.

Am I caught in the dance? You were for a moment, but then the minute that you were, the person that asked you disengaged, you were given an opening to leave, or you can continue in there and dance with more people if you wanted to. I'll keep dancing. Okay, anyone in particular you're looking for?

Unspoken members, remember? In fact. That. In fact. That, I'm looking for members. Well, the first person you see that catches your eye because they're familiar on this opposite side of the dance floor is Vali D'Artana. Oh.

Oh. Uh-oh. Oh, Vali. Uh-oh. The fucking guy. Uh-oh, the one you scared? The business merchant. The one you scared as it go. Yes. We scared him. Yes. Oh.

Uh-oh. Working with Ira. Now you see them. They're looking past you off to the side. They've stopped dancing, and they're just glancing beyond. Oh boy. You gauge their eyeline, and they're looking at the mask.

I am very well covered, by the way. Other than the purple, there's nothing else showing. But you're rocking that Nightmare King mask. Yeah, oh, that's right. Yeah. All right, I'm in. Bring it. That's it. Oh my god.

All right. Totally incognito. Yep. Oh no! Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you! Oh shit! Oh no! I'm so excited.

You bet. Do I notice? Oh yeah, you notice. You're keeping an eye on everybody. You look over and get the look. It's one of Oh yeah, you notice, because you're keeping an eye and everybody, you look over and get the look. It's one of those things where you glance over, you see Laudna, see her eye over, see Vali, and Vali's looking right at you with this like... Excuse me for one second.

I just take a couple steps forward. Yeah, that's a gesture of shit. steps forward. Creaky. Yeah, that's a gesture machine. Vali begins to maneuver through the crowd, away from you, and is now heading deeper into the... Let's see who he finds. I'm going to just start quietly trying to track. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Keep your eyes

on that motherfucker. That was the whole point, wasn't it? Yeah. Ashton! See, wasn't it? Yeah. Ashton! See who they talk to. Fuck. I get really close to Ashton. Open your jacket, please. I think you've been wanting this.

I'm going to put the ornamental saber inside of his jacket. Okay. On the back. Okay. I'm just going to, I'm going to, definitely, I'm just going to, as many of us who can keep an eye on who he seems to talk to, that would be fine.

Clearly, he's going to be paying attention to me. I'm just going to keep my distance and keep an eye on him and see if he's brave enough. You watch as the dances come in. It's now like, it's been going on for about five or so minutes, six or so minutes now. You're like, how long is this dance going to go? But all that happened in five minutes?

Jesus fuck. Yeah. It's a week. It was a chaos. It all happens quickly. The conversations are rapid. The musician in you can hear the construction of the song and it's gone through ascending measures and it feels like it's coming to a near crescendo.

The way the instruments are building, you get the sense it's hitting that upbeat anticipation for a final crash. And as this is happening, you're glancing over and seeing Vali push the crowd, glances over in the direction of Armand, who is currently caught up with the dance, looks over and beelines it to Ratanish.

Who does? Armand? No, Vali does. Vali. Vali does. That's from the last one. Vali goes to Ratanish., Vali does. Vali. Vali does. That's from the Rattanish. Vali goes to Rattanish. 100% he does. They begin to talk for a minute.

Rattanish is already in the middle of a dance. Vali, can I go to Rattanish? Gives a nod and prematurely breaks the dance. He's in, turns and looks to Vali. Vali has a conversation and points over to you. Then Rattanish goes, Shit. Oh no. They both separate. Shit. and points over to you. And Rutanish goes, shit. Oh no.

And they both separate. Shit. I'll follow Rutanish. I'll follow Vali. You'll follow Rutanish. Just clocking. Okay, it's easy for you to follow Rutanish, because Rutanish is coming to you. Oh no.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. While this is happening, the guards are in the hallway. Oh jeez. Oh my god, there's so much happening. There is so much. I mean, it's... My boots are velvet. Who goes there?

Oh shit. They don't make any sound when I move. Oh, I rolled an eight, it was balls. The door opens back on the edge of the hall. They figure Voxen. Who is it? Oh, sorry. I'm just using the bathroom.

Down the hall. And they both start quietly splitting up and one continues passing down, circling where the table is. And they're both now looking around underneath it, looking over it, and they're getting the sense that something's off about this.

Mm-hmm, yeah. I will do my best to try and split the distance with them. I usually don't make a sound when I move, but if I'm clumsy and I bumped into shit. You didn't make a sound. Yeah. The other things did. I will try and thread the needle between the two of them with three feet

and just try and stay out of spear point or whatever weapon it is they have and just try and silently waltz with them. I pictured a full Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment. Yes! With the butt up in the air. Oh my god. Arch my back.

So I'm going to need you to make two rolls for me. Because the spears, like, They're doing this, right? Yeah. They're coming around, and it looks like they're doing it quickly, because now that they've zeroed in this heavy movement, it wasn't like they heard a sound.

They watched a table mysteriously bump and things fall over when there's nothing around it. So you get the sense that something's up. They both triangulate around it and they're now wiping their spears through at the same time. I need you to roll an acrobatics check. Okay.

And a stealth check with disadvantage. However, you do have advantage because you're invisible, so it's just a straight roll. So a straight acrobatics and a straight stealth. The DC is relatively high on both of these. Okay, okay, okay, okay. 21 on acrobatics. As both of the spears sweep past the area

where you're hiding, yeah, you leap to the side, just coast between them. One of them brushes past the hair on the other, the little fluff of hair. Oh! And you catch yourself without a sound on the ground, depending. Roll your stealth check for me, please.

17. 17. You bring the spears back around. One of them goes over and lifts the table to look underneath, and that's your moment where you see an opportunity and you dart past and curve around. Oh my god.

I let out a little tiny fart that's silent. But deadly. But it's potent. Perfect. Just to let them argue about who did it. Okay. So now they're both frustrated, and after looking at the table and seeing nothing there, one of them is now poking the upper corners of the hallway

with the spear, and the other one is picked up the pieces, put them on the table, and is now starting to head back down the hall, getting the sense that you're going where you're going, or at least in that direction. What are you doing? Down the right side of the hall? Yeah, where they came from. Did I see the door close that Lady Emoth was going into,

or did I just hear it? I'd say... I guess there are a shitload of doors down there. There's a lot of doors. You heard the sound. How about this? You rolled pretty decent on perception. Because she came up and talked to Cyrus when I was right there,

can I try and smell her scent around one of the doors? Your wolfing senses are quite strong with smell. Go ahead and roll perception with advantage to see if you can pick up her scent. Okay. Wolfing? 16. 16, smear. Yeah. 16. 16. So first things first,

you hadn't really thought about it before because you were just overblown with senses while you're in the chamber, but now you focus in on the smell that was distinctly hers that you pick up again in this hallway. It's like perfume, but there's an underlying mustiness to it,

like an odd... It smells almost like a mold or like an odd, odd earthy smell. But it is something that you connect both with her in the room and this hallway. And it's not the first door on your left. And you do see now, the glass windows stop

and along the hall, there is now doors. And just beyond the way, you can see there are now chambers, suites that align. And you remember Eshteross mentioning that chambers were going to be provided for the evening for guests so they wouldn't wander drunkly through the streets. So you get the sense these are likely rooms

of different attendees for the event. Okay. But it's not the first one on the left. It's the second one on the left. Can I go up to the second one? Do I see a keyhole outside of the door? I'm not going to mess with it yet. I just want to see it and maybe,

if there's a keyhole, and listen from outside the door. There is a keyhole, yes. Do I hear anything from outside the door if I press up against it? Make a perception check. With my hearing or smell? Mm-hmm. Your wolfen ears perk up.

Yes. 15. 15. You listen carefully and you hear Bless you. Something grinding with some sort of like a, it sounds like something heavy against something heavy. What the fuck?

Like almost grinding in a squeak. It's hard to place. I'll just lightly try the handle to see if there's resistance or if it just goes all the way. Okay. The handle goes, but there is definitely... Actually, no. it just opens up.

I know, I don't know why. Okay. Yeah, fuck it. I'll let the door slowly just move open, and I'll see what I can see, but I won't enter, and I'll base my next move off of whatever'll see what I can see, but I won't enter and I'll base my next move off of whatever happens from what I see. Okay.

The door opens. Are you doing it carefully? Yeah, just slowly so that it could be like a drafty door blew open. If she tries to rush the door to close it, I might try and sneak in before she closes it. Okay. The door opens up ever so carefully. I'll say roll a dexterity check for me to see how deftly you can prevent her and closes it. Okay. The door opens up ever so carefully.

I'll say roll a dexterity check for me to see how deftly you can prevent it from making any sort of noise. Okay, just straight up dexterity. Yep. That's cocked. Oh, 11. 11. Great rolls.

Great rolls, Jai. Just the faintest squeak as it does. With inside, it's low-lit. This is a sweet chamber. You can see there are carpets adorning it. It's pretty sweet. You can see chests and large baggage,

like luggage chests that are set on the far back wall. There's a desk. There's what looks to be an opening with a balcony that leads outward and a door that heads off to another part of the chamber. You hear nothing.

And you see a shape. Look through. It was an open door. Just as you walk in, you look across the way, and there is an opening and a balcony that leads outside. You can see Jrusar beyond in this chamber. To the right, in this entryway, there's some candelabra glowing.

There is a door that leads into another room, a smaller connected room, and the door is open, and you see a figure glance through. Almost instinctively, I know I'm invisible, but I just pull my head back. With unnatural speed, the figure darts over to the door and where are you standing? If I open the door like this and that head pops out,

I go like and just try and just pull myself out of the doorway visually, but I'm right by the doorjamb. Right, so you're like. So if they come up to the doorway, I'm like, Yes, so you're in the hallway, right by it. So as you do that, you hold that. The figure looks out and you see,

for a split second here in the low light, Lady Emoth. You can see sweat on her face. She glances off down the hall, towards where the other guards are. Carefully, she closes the door and locks it. Sweat. Is there anything you do in this moment? No. Okay.

No. I fucked her, I don't know. I will, I'll... I'll slowly make my way back towards the entrance out to the area, remembering the door. And can I take one really big sniff of the door? As soon as it closes, I just want to get one big breath

of whatever that smell is and just lock it in. You take it in, and now that you're this close and you're paying attention, it's off. It's that horrible combination of a sweet saccharine perfume that's used to mask something. And the smell that it's masking as it fades off is...

Earthy or more decaying flesh? More earthy and moldy. It doesn't smell like decaying flesh or rot as much as it smells like... It smells like mold and must. That's the only way I can describe it. Okay, yeah, I'll start heading back towards that entrance. Smells.

Okay. So begin to head that way. The two guards now have separated and they're now going down the hall and investigating, and you just like, wait, they go. That's the one, yeah. Go by, and you're now back at the doorways to lead back into the dance.

And I will, still invisible, just open the door and walk right through and just let it swing open. As it swings open, one of the guards is like, Shit. Closes it. Was that you? And the other guy's like, No, no, wait!

Oh god! They both start flying in the air as you dart back in towards the group. While that's transpiring, Metunish Oh god. Begins to step over you, not quickly, but definitely with an air of

taking up more space than they were in the chamber. Their head turns to one side as they approach. Friend, I have not found the chance to ask your name. "'Who are you?' I don't usually really give it. I'm just working, man. What do you need? Orym is making his way over to the crowd.

"'I am. "'I'm a fan of that unique ensemble you are wearing. Where did you procure this ghastly mask you wear? It was a gift. I don't know. This is all, it's not my stuff. I don't know, someone said a mask would be funny or something, I don't know. Make said a mask would be funny or something, I don't know. Make a deception check.

Come on. Oh yeah. One of us has got to roll well. How did he die? Ooh, that's real good. Seven. Seven. I'm not really trying.

What is it? First. This has been a rough night of rolls, y'all. Right. Pardon. Might I inquire as to which friend you borrowed these from? I, you know.

You're the Knuckles. I wouldn't get hired for my services if I just went around willy-nilly giving people's names, but you know, I am available for hire. What services do you offer? Usually whatever services someone needs, especially if it's apparently standing around in a costume.

Hmm. They lean close to you. Rip the mask from your face. It's tied. It'll be a... I know. I'll have to pull. He's a big ol' goliath. I think it'll strike the mask. It's made of ice.

It's paper-mushed scraps. Leather thongs, leather. It is tied. But this is a strong, little jewel. It snaps. He's a halfongs, leather. It is tied, but this is a strong. It snaps. It snaps. He's a half giant, right? Yeah. Holding the mask, like the fingers,

but they're not even looking at the mask, they're just looking at you. I... Here it comes. Wait, what did he see? What was it? Pulled the mask. He's wearing another mask, everybody. I'm going to start.

Mask all the way down. He's excited. I'm going to start rolling overast all the way down. He's just excited. I'm going to start rolling over there. I think the cr- I'm going for a weird response. I'm going to slap him. Oh shit! Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Roll an attack roll.

Oh god. Guys, when you have a Barbarian in your class, you can count on a certain number of things. Where are my, okay, I got to see my, where are my attacks? Just roll and add your strength modifier. Oh no, yeah, I see it. There.

24. Sir! Sir. Please. I like you. Goes to slap you back. Oh no! Slap fight. We're playing slap scenes.

We do! It's that point. 16? Yeah. That's my AC. Only one thing to do. You do take a point of damage. Did he take a point of damage, too, or no? I don't think he, you didn't say

you slapped with the intent to hurt. No, I didn't. He is. I hit, I hit, I don't want to insult the guy, so I, you know. Yeah. He slapped to do just a little bit of damage, just to escalate. Sir.

I like you, too. It's a pleasure. You can keep that if you like, I suppose, if it really offended you. This is your response. I mean, we can keep going if you like, but you know, slap fighting, slap fighting. I'd want a drink for it if we're going to make this the game.

I think the initiation is enough to begin slapping. Well, it is children's games. Wow. But you drew blood originally. You see now the teeth are now red

from where you hit right in the lip. You broke some blood vessels. Wow, I didn't think that would hit that hard. I figured you could take a little more. You see, when I taste blood, it's hard to get it out of my mind. But we take this outside. I don't know what the rules around here are.

We take this outside. If you do not have a weapon, it will be provided. Are we doing weapons, or do we just do this with, you know, the good old boy? Make a persuasion check. All right. I don't want to stop this.

Is this working? Do you want to stop it? I don't know. I want a fist fight, man. I want to see where it goes. I feel like if we stop it, it'll add to the suspicion. Tiny Minotaur, a half orc, and a human. 12.

Three within? And a human, four. Okay. Three within? That's fine. And a human, four. And what was the human descriptor? You saw this scrappy-looking, pale human. A lot of the hair is, it would be braided back, but there are heavy scars across the head that break up the pattern,

so the hair itself is braided in a zigzag to match it. Okay. Five in total for lackeys. Yes. Got it. You can see now, they're starting to take note and look over. They're not interfering, but they're definitely clocking this exchange.

What'd you roll? 12. 12. You prefer fists. I mean, again, this is fancy. It seems the way to go. And I feel like you want something. So let's put a wager on it. What do you want for this wager?

Oh. I don't know. What do you want from me? You came up, yeah. Talk to me. What do you want? If I would, I'll take what I want. Then slaps the hand on your shoulder and begins to push you in the direction of the entrance. I shove that hand off

and start walking towards the entrance, taking my jacket, yeah. Make a strength check. They're dueling? Oh yeah, they did say something about approved dueling. Approved dueling, yeah. But it has to be outside. Certain people work out their disagreements in public environments.

Natural 20. You slap the hand off and continue on with your grace and pride. What is the reaction of the room to this? Oh, the dancing has begun to die down and about 15 to 20 people are all now watching this happen and already whispers are starting to shoot to the crowd. This is taking the attention of the room very quickly. Oh, I don't like that.

Do we need to steal any more rings? This is a good time. We should accomplish. You come back into this and you can watch the music's still playing, but the crowd's all looking in a direction and you can see off in the distance, Ashton's currently exiting the room and what looks to be flanked by a member of,

the central member of the Paragon's Call that's present. Ha. Hmm. Hmm. Do I see anyone else from either A-Team or B-Team before I decide to go after Ashton? Do I see anyone? Orym is trailing in case things go south.

You see youth members, they've reconvened with Eshteross and they're all watching this and beginning to step in the direction, following. So Eshteross and the entire group are starting to trail Ashton or just Orym and FCG? So far, I think it's just me and Orym that are actively moving.

They're actively moving in that direction. Eshteross is watching this happen. The moment they begin to walk out, he's like, I cannot leave you behind. Yeah, I'll hurry up to Orym and invisibly tug on his elbow skin. My elbow, my elbow. Yeah.

Oh, wow. It's me, it's me. What the low? Yeah. Oh, wow. It's me, it's me. What the fuck? Where's he going? Outside fucking Duel, I guess. All right, you stay with him. I'm going to go get the others. By the way, Lady Emoth of Cad was sweating. She went to the bathroom.

It must've been terrible, but she smelled moldy. We'll dissect it later. I'll be back. Talk too much for right now. Get the guys. I'll over to where Eshteross and the others are. Can I look at Eshteross from across the room? Mm-hmm. Should we try to put a stop to this, or let it play out?

I think it's too late for that. I think this is something that needs to work its way to try and get involved at this point would be more suspicious. We just have to be ready to pick up the pieces. After all. The Ashton pieces. He's under my name.

Oh shit. Oh shit. That's right. Wait, what'd he say? Yeah, he's with Eshteross' group. Do we? He's with Wind. Are we allowed to go watch? Are's with Eshteross' group. Do we? He's a wind. Are we allowed to go watch? Are you approaching Eshteross at this point?

I think I was in that vicinity because I was here. Okay, Eshteross says, Ashton. I'm going to. He begins to walk to follow, because the crowd is now starting to shift in that direction. People are about to watch a fucking fight.

Are you kidding me? I am hiding everything. I'm bunching up all of my stuff and taking it out, like taking off my jacket and just, which of you is around right now? We should keep the group. Who's separate? Yeah. I agree. I've been trailing you,

so if you need me to hold something for you, I can. Yeah, I'm going to hand you the pile of fabric and the thing that's wrapped in there. I'll be your second. I'm going to keep taking a wide orbit through all this as well and listening. I'm going to try to see what Gavis is doing. What are the fucking rules for this?

Are there rules for this? I don't know how the fuck this goes. We'll find out. I figured I'd go next. Gavis, like most of the attendees, is now in rapture at the idea of some bloodshed in the middle of an evening that, probably to a certain point,

wasn't expected to get very interesting. And there is an air of excitement in the crowd. As one, many people are interested to see what this brutish Rutanish is capable of doing in person. And I mean, let's be honest, nobody knows who you are. They just want to see Rutanish beat the shit out of you. All right. As I take their stuff,

I'm going to do a little sympathetic binding so that I'm connected to Aaron Bennett Ashton. You got it. That'll last for the next? I think it lasts for the, oh, only for the next minute. Is it a minute or? I don't know. Double check. Just look at the...

Regardless. Mm-hmm. Who all is going to watch this? Who all is doing anything else? Or are you all moving in to watch this? What's Valili doing now? Make a perception check. Okay. Wow, we are just sucking it up.

10 total. 10 total. You don't see Vahli in the crowd. Dick. All right. All right. I still want to fucking find out who the Quorum members are. I know, I'm trying. That's why I was keeping an eye on Gavis,

because I thought maybe he was talking to somebody. Maybe they'll talk during the fucking talking on side list. That's the thing, I want to see. So all right, all right. I want to try and just stay with the crowd, but I want to listen for the whispers, the rumors, the chatters of like, you know, ooh, what's going on? Ooh, maybe he's a good candidate for the Parispers, the rumors, the chatters of like,

ooh, what's going on? Ooh, maybe he's a good candidate for the Paragon's Call. Ooh, maybe I'm a Quorum person. I don't know. Okay. So you're on team, listen to whispers and seek any information that might be incriminating. Mm-hmm. Okay.

Anybody else? How many people are still inside? I mean, there's still probably 100 or so people inside, but a lot of them are shifting out. It looks like other than maybe 30 or so stragglers that are just staying behind because they're disinterested in this

or are in the process of engaging in business they find more important, everyone else is moving outside, following the two of them because people are excited for a show. Orym is going to stay at the front of the gawkers, and a fight is a fight, that's fine, but if this guy tries to murder

Aaron, then Orym's going to get involved. But maybe it's just a fight. Staying close. Okay. I assume this commotion broke up the dance as it dwindled out, and I'm going to make it? The dance has come to completion and shortly after that, this shifted the focus.

Everyone went from like, okay, what's next? We're doing this. That's next. I stayed, unfortunately, engaged in the dance to the very end and broke my way off the dance floor over to Fearne. I'm going to break him awake. Break him awake.

I turn on the lights on. I latch arms with her and I go, What's going on? Well, the Rotanish guy, he got really upset with Ashton. He pulled off his mask, obviously recognized him, and they're fighting outside. Fighting outside?

Yeah, should we go? All right. Yeah, let's go. We'll just walk with her, following the flow of everything. Okay. After I pulled on Orym's elbow skin and was going to make over to Eshteross, they all started to move, so I stopped,

remembered where I was, and looked back towards the table where I last saw Cyrus sitting at that table. Is he still there? No. Do I see him anywhere? Make a perception check. Come on. Nope, this is not a,

this is just a single roll, right? Yeah, this is just your vision. Natural 19 for a dirty 20. Dirty 20. You glance through the crowd and keenly come to the conclusion that he is not among them. You recall that person that entered the hallway and asked about the bathroom that helped you escape.

Oh. That sounded like him. Fuck! Stupid brother! Bronto! Fuck! Stupid brother! Bottle! Fuck! Fuck! SAM and LAURA grunt.

I don't care, I don't care, I don't care! She's smacking it like mold! I'm going to go back to the door. Okay. You head back to the door and the guards are there. They can't leave their posts, but they're definitely trying to get whatever they can from the distance. They're like,

what's going on? Are they going to fight outside? Shit, I can't believe we're posted this far away. This is bullshit. They're both frustrated. They can't leave their post. You push through the door. Fuck. Fuck. Do you push through the door?

Fuck! Fuck! Yeah, I'll just give it a shove and see what they do. The door's open. They both look back and they see one there. Hello? Tough check. If they're just turning and, yeah. I'll make it with advantage. They're definitely looking in that direction, so.

Yeah, 22. Much better this time. You scoot by, they don't seem to notice, and they're like, the last thing you hear before the door is closed is like, I didn't feel any wind. And the doors close again. Fucking Cyrus, goddammit.

Turn to the left. Okay. Bathroom. Okay. You go down that direction. There are more doors down the way, and one of them you do see is marked as a water closet, AWC. You go ahead and enter.

This will be on the left-hand side, actually, as you move in. And nobody in here. Cyrus! Cyrus! Cyrus! Nothing. Nothing. God damn it. So many things happening.

And I didn't see him walk out of the room? He might not be. No, it's pretty still and quiet. Most everyone's been drawn out there. You're just looking, you're now just at the entry to this bathroom and there's a hallway with doors. Are there the two guards in the hallway still? It looks like they've moved further down the hall

and are now just, they're still actively glancing around, but they're not opening any doors. Fucking Dorian. God! Down the hallway, back to the door where Moldy Lady was. Okay. Are they past that door?

So I might have an opportunity to work some lockpick. You can certainly try. I will, if I have a moment to try and lockpick the- You have a moment. I'll try. I will try. That is just a sleight of hand check, right? Correct. Because he didn't tell anyone where he was going.

Nope. It says maybe. What was it? 15. 15's okay. It looks like the lock on this was already previously busted a little bit. Not the first.

Like recently. Oh. So while it was locked, it's partially damaged. So you actually have an easier time getting through than you expected you would, and unlocks. I'll try and softly open this fucking creaky-ass door that needs some WD-40. That's a cantrip, actually.

But in fact, because I know it's so creaky, as I open it, I'll also just let it fall open, but I'll slip inside. Okay. You head into it as it gives it one little creak, and the first thing you notice is there's a very faint commotion in the room. It sounds like things moving and shifting. You glance across the way as you move inside

and look over and you can see the desk in the far corner, the drawers are pulled out, and you see a figure is currently scooping things out of the drawers. Is it Lady Emoth? It's smaller. It's a cloaked figure. scooping things out of the drawers. Is it Lady Emoth? It's smaller. It's a cloaked figure.

Looks your size, if a little bit smaller than your size, actually, maybe a foot or so smaller. You can see it's currently filling a rough satchel. A foot or so smaller. Do I smell anything? Familiar smell? Musty smell, very strong. Any sign of Cyrus?

Not in this room, no. You hear something else on the way, and across the way in the other room, you see two more little humanoid creatures cloaked, rushing through, and they're just grabbing things. What the fuck? Wild.

Yeah. The one finishes and turns around, and you see now, in the light coming through from the catherlit evening on the distant balcony, this figure's hood back, gray, pale skin, black eyes, sharp teeth in the mouth, and clawed arms underneath. You've not seen a creature like this before.

It's clustering and drags it, and you see two more come through and growl at each other. You can see there's now four of them in this room. Four? And around the way, you see Lady Emoth, her eyes black. You can see darkened veins on the side of her neck.

She goes towards them. You can see her arms are a little bit longer and that sweat is dripping off in a thicker, mucusy pattern. They all look to her and she goes, and they all grab their satchels and drag them off into the room

around the corner where she was. Okay. Does she follow with them? They all go in the other room? They all go in the other room. You hear the dragging sound. You hear the shifting of furniture and she like, you watch as bones snap into place, and her skin tone reaffirms itself, and she

begins to walk around the corner to see the door open and goes, I'm out, before she can close it. As you rush back towards the event with what you've just witnessed, and you head out to the opposite side of the domed event to showdown with the local leader of the Paragon's Call representing here

for some sort of a bloody throwdown, and the rest of you gather in hopes preventing your friend from being smashed to death. Yeah. We're going to. There. Oh my god! That was a hit! No! Dammit!

Of course. Oh, come on. I thought this was some dick throwing. Now I'm worried. Wow! Maybe, but nobody else knows. There's your brother! What did he do?

I thought he was going to fuck in the bathroom. That was my guess. Like a shade creeper-esque? He had never encountered a shade creeper. No. But the way it was described, it was more or less similar to some of the elements you saw in Dugger.

Yeah. And also. You guys got Dugger. Yeah. And also. You guys got Dugger, right? It all comes back to furniture. Mm-hmm. It all comes back to furniture. I don't want to get killed by the same character once. Maybe we should be the moving crew.

Let's do that if we have to leave town next episode. Just the moving crew. We got to get out. we're the moving crew. It's pretty good. We do the job, we leave. We leave real fast. We're not causing any problems, it's fine. I have apparently. Man, this has went all sorts of fun directions

and I'm excited to pick this up next time. Matt, that was so much to keep track of. There was so much happening. My head is vibrating. You handled a ball. People dancing. Not done yet. I'm sweating. I'm sweating. It's not. My head is vibrating. You handled a ball. People dancing. It's not done yet. I'm sweating. I'm sweating. It's not done yet.

And we'll pick it up there. Thank you so much for joining us. We love you very much. Is it Thursday yet? Good night. Good night. Thank you for listening to this episode of Critical Role. If you've enjoyed this ever weaving story,

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