Critical Recap: Critical Role C3E115 “To the Arx Creonum”

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 115: To the Arx Creonum!

WHEN THE MOMENT COMES

In Vaterra Kreviris, Bells Hells and the Mighty Nein await word from Allura Vysoren that the Exandrian assault on the Malleus Key has begun. The Hells update the Nein on their issues with the gods, as well as some of the gods’ opinions about the fight – how the Wildmother wants to fight, while the Arch Heart and the Matron want Predathos released. Bells Hells will have to see what happens in the moment. Jester encourages them to embrace chaos.

Caleb agrees that the priority is the death of Ludinus Da’leth. He says that Ludinus’ weak spot is his ego, as well as the back of his neck. Ludinus has always been two steps ahead of everyone, even Beau & Caleb, so prepare for his own preparation. Rashinna, the head of the Volition rebels, arrives and explains the plan – the Volition has prepared explosive devices to attach to the Prime Pillar, which will explode and allow a small team to enter the pillar via cables. The Mighty Nein will join this demolition team in order to enter and find the Weave Mind.

TIME TOGETHER

Bells Hells are going the opposite direction, so it will soon be time for the teams to separate. In their final few minutes together, Dorian makes a toast to the Nein Hells and Jester and Chetney give out tattoos. Veth & Yasha discuss how to keep a relationship fresh, as well as Yasha and Beau’s desires to adopt children in the future. Fjord and Jester discuss their upcoming wedding, inviting Bells Hells to the festivities and asking Dorian to provide the music.

Laudna checks in with Imogen and tells her that all she wants is to support her. This decision rests on Imogen and Fearne. Laudna wants Imogen to promise that if they get there and something feels wrong, they’ll leave, but Imogen can’t promise that. Laudna will follow her anywhere, but asks her to not do anything she doesn’t want to do. They were never meant to be important, but maybe that’s why they’re here. Laudna still wants their cozy cottage some day and they promise to find it together.

With time growing short, Caduceus asks Bells Hells to do what feels kind, when the moment comes. Caleb tells them to lead with their hearts. Braius apologizes to Jester for misjudging her. Laudna requests the Matron’s mask back, though Braius still wants to pray over it. The two pray over it together, though Imogen telekinetically pushes the mask to Laudna. Braius gives her the mask back after this display of divinity.

TOMORROW

As Gaz comes to collect the Mighty Nein, Orym kisses Dorian and asks if he wants to figure out this new dynamic between them. Dorian wants that. Braius comes in with a painting of Orym and sees the two of them together. Ashton asks Fearne to get high on mushrooms with them if they survive this. She would love to. Ashton would do any stupid thing she wants. They really enjoy adventuring together. Braius enters again, a painting of Ashton in hand. Poor Braius. Imogen telepathically thanks Caleb for his hope and he tells her he will see her tomorrow.

Suddenly, Imogen is mentally surrounded by the red storm. She hears her mother Liliana screaming her name. Ludinus has discovered Liliana’s duplicity. Imogen watches her mother begin to crumble away feet first. Liliana tells Imogen to stop Ludinus no matter what happens. Imogen sees several people around Liliana, as well as Ludinus with a funnel to his neck – a new version of the Quintessence Array that is now draining Liliana.

GOING UP

The Mighty Nein take center stage as Gaz and Rashinna lead them through the Vellums. They are still in their Reiloran and Bormodo illusory forms, though this doesn’t aid Caleb in convincing guards to let them pass. Luckily, Jester’s duplicates confuse matters and allow the group to slip away. They are led into a belfry, where they prep to enter the Prime Pillar. Veth and Beau decide to have a race to see who can get to the top first.

Allura messages Caleb, informing him that the assault has begun. Jester casts death ward on Caleb and Caduceus, who gives her a death ward in return. Veth joins the demolition team and sets off the explosives, which rock the Prime Pillar. The Mighty Nein begin their cable ascent up the pillar. Veth and Beau race up the side of the pillar, with Beau winning despite Veth’s lightning cheats.

The Nein have a rough time going up the cables. Jester’s harness breaks and she falls, though a flying Fjord is able to catch her. Yasha falls and is barely caught by a polymorphed Eagle Caleb. Caduceus is the third to fall and Jester casts polymorph on him, turning the healer into a dire beetle that still has his firbolg face. Eventually, the entire group makes it to their designated entrance into the pillar, where they are thrown into a fight with Ruidian soldiers.

FORWARD MOMENTUM

While the fighting commences around them, Eagle!Caleb and Caduceus move into the pillar itself, exploring the area that has been revealed thanks to the explosions, finding layers of halls with rows of intricately carved pillars.

Gaz shows off, killing a juggernaut called the Blade Baron and informing the Nein to keep going – he’s got this. Jester leaves Gaz some honey to enjoy once he finishes his fight and the group heads deeper into the Prime Pillar in search of the Weave Mind.

FINAL THOUGHTS

• And so Bells Hells and the Mighty Nein split, with our first focus being on the Nein! Can they stop the Weave Mind???
• Oh no, what is happening to Liliana?? Will Bells Hells have time to save her??
• The Nein had really bad luck with those cables. I was having flashbacks to the Arbor Exemplar in Xhorhas.
• Kisses and romance abound in Bells Hells! As well as possible swinging with Yasha, Beau, and Veth? Check with Yeza before you agree to anything, Veth. Communication is key.

Catch Episode 116 on Thursday, December 5th 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?