Critical Recap: Critical Role C3E107 “Under the Arch Heart’s Eye”

Hello! Welcome to Critical Recap! I’m Dani Carr, the Critical Role Lore Keeper. Let’s dive into our recap of Critical Role Campaign 3 Episode 107: Under the Arch Heart’s Eye!

FEY CONFRONTATION

Bells Hells are launched into a fight with Ludinus’ simulacrum, Sorrowlord Zathuda, and the three Unseelie emissaries as the temple of the Arch Heart slowly begins to crumble around them. Fearne attempts to convince her father Zathuda that Ludinus is lying to him, asking him to leave with her. Zathuda is intrigued, wanting Fearne, and his distraction allows Imogen to mount Gloamglut’s saddle. Ashton kills the Ludinus simulacrum, allowing Fearne to take center stage.

Fearne explains that Ludinus has spent years killing the fey. She gives her proof to the lead emissary, showing him Ludinus’ old journal. The lead emissary demands to hear from Zathuda, who explains that the Unseelie Court knew some of this and found Ludinus to be a necessary evil; hence why Zathuda was sent to keep a close eye on Ludinus’ work. His plans can be achieved, but Ludinus wants it to be Fearne that controls the narrative. Fearne is the future and her destiny awaits.

Zathuda wants them all to play their parts. When the moment is right, they will slay Ludinus and Fearne will be the vessel of the future. Zathuda knows that Ludinus believes him to be undependable and unremarkable, which Zathuda has used to his advantage. Fearne, however, doesn’t want to kill any god. She doesn’t know what being a vessel means. The Unseelie are surprised by her attitude, while Zathuda says Fearne will learn. He believes there is a hunger inside her that wants to be free.

COLLAPSE

Dorian quietly asks Fearne who she thinks of when she hears the word Father: she thinks of Nana Morri. Fearne pets Gloamglut and, in a gambit to continue Bells Hells’ original plan, whispers to Zathuda that she would like to learn and wants him to show her. Unfortunately, the emissaries are beginning to leave and time is running out. Bells Hells return to combat against Zathuda and the emissaries, with Imogen stunning Zathuda via psychic lance.

Gloamglut’s angry thrashing causes the temple to crumble faster. Dorian grabs the unconscious lead emissary and casts dimension door, going outside. Laudna and Imogen knock Zathuda unconscious and Gloamglut flees. Everyone runs, trying to escape the crumbling, collapsing temple. As Braius runs, he smashes the image of the Arch Heart on the floor. Ashton uses his gravity abilities to pull people closer to the exit, but Imogen and Braius are caught in the falling debris and buried in the rubble of the temple.

As Bells Hells try to shift debris and Dorian distracts the remaining guards, Imogen and Braius find themselves in a protective cavity, safe from the rubble. The stones magically shift and pull away and the temple reconstructs itself, the cracks still present but the temple whole once again. The group senses a presence and they walk to a golden light in the hallway. The statue of the Arch Heart reforms and its head turns to look down upon them all as Matt leaves the table and Abubakar Salim takes his place to perform the Arch Heart.

THE GOD OF ART AND BEAUTY

The statue regards Braius, curious why he needed to smash the image of the Arch Heart. Braius’ god and the Arch Heart don’t get along. Where did Braius hear that? Bells Hells then hear the sound of their own births, the days they each entered the world. They find themselves in a beautiful field with stars above, greeted by a figure of starlight – the Arch Heart. They speak to Braius, asking about family and telling Braius to swear fealty to them. Braius refuses, having already pledged to another who does not wish to be betrayed again.

The Arch Heart is amused and welcomes everyone to their realm. They are pleased to learn that Bells Hells have seen what happened in Aeor, that they know what the gods are capable of and that the gods know what their children are capable of. What do they plan to do with that knowledge? Orym explains Ludinus’ goals, to show the others what happened in Aeor and if that will break the balance that exists now. The Arch Heart wonders if this balance needs to be broken.

There needs to be change. The Arch Heart has no wish to die, particularly not from Predathos, but their children keep rebelling. It is a perpetual cycle and the Divine Gate’s separation is not enough. Ashton asks what the gods want and the Arch Heart explains that the gods won’t let go. The Arch Heart, however, wants to let go. The vessel of Predathos is an opportunity. There are two gods that want to let go: the Arch Heart and another. The others are debating whether or not to intervene. To tear down the Divine Gate and cause another Calamity to combat the gods’ fear of death.

SACRIFICE

No matter what happens, lives will be lost to preserve the gods. It’s selfish and the Arch Heart though their family could change, but they couldn’t. The only solution they see is in what Ludinus desires, but to have Fearne or Imogen control Predathos and chase the gods away. To sneak in before Ludinus does and gain control. All Predathos wants is the gods, but Imogen knows how strong Predathos is. The Arch Heart believes that mortals can only grow and evolve if the gods are not there to intervene: but they will only run if there is something to fear.

The Arch Heart admits to not knowing what will happen to the vessel of Predathos, but if they truly care about family, then sacrifices need to be made. The children will learn. And if they don’t act fast enough, then the Calamity will happen again, the gate will be rebuilt, the cycle will repeat. Dorian questions the Arch Heart’s desire for them to sacrifice themselves when the goal is for the gods to live. They claim it to be for the greater good. What happens to magic when the gods run? The Arch Heart doesn’t know.

Chetney asks if the Arch Heart had this same talk with Ludinus. No, they did not talk with Ludinus. He is power hungry and too caught up in himself. The Arch Heart does not know what will happen if the gods leave, but change is beautiful and balance will come. The gods are waiting for the battle to begin, so they can step in. Predathos will not turn on humanity and cares only for the gods, but Orym does not believe that mortals won’t be collateral damage. The gods will flee with all their family: even the Betrayers.

WHAT THOU WILT

The power is in the hands of Bells Hells. All the Arch Heart can do is make suggestions. They have suggested running now, but the others refuse to leave their children. There is a divide in the family about acting, but they will run if pushed. There is no guarantee that the vessel can truly control Predathos. The Arch Heart is delighted to not have the answers, to not know what will happen next – unless they go to war. Unless Predathos is unleashed when the gods expect it. So get ahead of everyone, before the gods make the decision for them.

Dorian will never care for the gods, but he will take this deal if it allows him and his friends the freedom to live their lives. This is an opportunity to unleash Predathos, control it, and get rid of the gods. The Arch Heart cannot aid them, but they can at least give them something. The Arch Heart pulls a star from the sky. The star radiates power. There is a face, burning, whispering a wish. This is Selena: S.I.L.A.H.A.’s creator. She was dear to the Arch Heart once, but now is no longer needed.

The Arch Heart directs them to pluck a hair from the corner of her mouth. Imogen takes it and it wraps around her finger. The star dissipates, sighing in relief. A flash of light explodes around them, both in force and euphoria. At the same time, Laudna smells winter. She sees a mask and black feathers. She hears a whisper: ‘come find me’. Bells Hells awaken in the reforged temple, the final words of the Arch Heart ringing in their ears: “You have heard my side. You have not much time. Do what you believe is right.”

That is it for Episode 107 of Critical Role!

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Welp. That was quite intense. But also – HOLY WOW, ABUBAKAR SALIM! What an incredible surprise!!
• The hair around Imogen’s finger became a golden ring – the Ring of Rembrance, which offers a boost to AC and spells. It also gives a chance to either cast meteor swarm or take a TON of fire damage. Use with caution!
• Who is the other dissenting god? And what will Bells Hells do now?

Catch Episode 108 on Thursday, September 19th at 7pm Pacific on beacon.tv, where Beacon members get access to the entire episode, podcast included! The episode will also release on twitch.tv/criticalrole and on youtube.com/criticalrole and a week later on our podcast. Is it Thursday yet?