Critical Recap: Critical Role C3E121 “A New Age Begins”

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 121: A New Age Begins!

SUMMONING HEROES

Back on Ruidus, the Mighty Nein search for Bells Hells, unable to find them. Essek contacts Caleb, letting them know to return to Vasselheim immediately. Caleb then contacts Orym, who confirms that the group is headed to Vasselheim and also tells him to return quickly. Meanwhile in Whitestone, Keyleth is awoken from her lonely slumber by Allura, who informs her that she and Vox Machina are also needed in Vasselheim.

Keyleth finds Vex, who spent the entire night talking with Vax, and confirms that he has vanished, returned to the service of the Matron of Ravens. Keyleth promises Vex she will be okay and that they can hope for good news in Vasselheim. They find the others, who all had much better nights than Keyleth did, and head to Vasselheim together.

Bells Hells are brought to the base of the Heavens Stair Mountain and are questioned by the people, led by Highbearer Vord. The group tries to explain that they must speak with the gods and have no time for the bureaucracy of Vasselheim. Imogen can feel Predathos inside her and knows that her place as a vessel is very, very temporary. Vord demands clarity, but the Veil Mistresses of the Matron arrive and summon the Matron herself, who protects Bells Hells and explains that they are here to protect the future.

COUNCIL OF THE GODS

The Matron’s cloak encompasses Bells Hells and she summons the members of the pantheon to convene and converse with the group. The gods are terrified of Imogen and the god-eater she carries and revert to the burning beings of light that they were when they first arrived to Exandria. They question what to do with Imogen, if they should run, and finally allow Bells Hells to speak. Imogen offers them a chance of survival by becoming mortals on Exandria, invisible to Predathos and safe amongst their children.

The gods are shocked by the offer but the Matron explains that she has rewritten the Rites of Ascension to be the Rites of Catatheosis. The gods can bind themselves to the world of Exandria in a similar way that the Kryn bind themselves to the Luxon beacon. This will loosen their grasp on the world and allow a balance to replace it. Orym says, if they love this world and its children, then live among the people and there will be no need to tear the gods from the sky.

RUN OR LIVE

Spurred by Orym, each member of Bells Hells argues for why the gods should become mortal. Braius speaks to the Lord of the Hells, urging him to take this opportunity to reconnect with his family and rejecting the Lord of the Hells’ influence – he vows to find Braius. Laudna tells the gods to lean on their followers, that their children will tend to their domains and uphold their promises. Fearne reminds the Everlight of their desire to be family.

Imogen thinks the gods have forgotten the joy of meeting someone new. They can find each other again. Dorian urges them to embrace not knowing what comes next and live their lives for themselves and be free. Ashton calls those who wish to run cowards, angering The Scaled Tyrant. The Moonweaver calls out Chetney, who says that he doesn’t fear death. Their choices are to live or run. Running will catch up to them, but living is open-ended.

Imogen, enhanced by Fearne’s magic, tells the gods that whatever they choose – to run and keep their power or survive without it – they must make their decision quickly, because Predathos is getting hungry. The Matron tells them to join the mortals or join the annihilation that took Tengar, their original home. Thanks to a Natural 20 Persuasion roll from Laura Bailey, each god agrees. Bells Hells return to the streets of Vasselheim, where a thunderous crack denotes the shattering of the Divine Gate. The gods once more walk Exandria.

A SACRIFICE

The Matron demands a beacon from the Kryn Dynasty. The ritual requires a beacon to work. The Bright Queen refuses, but Ashton steps up – their head is a beacon. Bells Hells protest, but Ashton is positive on this. This is why they’re here. He is Ashton Greymoore of Bassuras and he is nobody’s child. Fearne hugs them and says how proud she is and how wonderful they are. Ashton tells Bells Hells that he loves them all very much before being jettisoned into the sky, a spark in the spiderweb of magic.

The Matron removes her mask and looks to the crowd as the Dawnfather walks in the distance and gray clouds roil. They will return. The horizon brightens, horns blare, another cracking sound – and then it’s gone. And Orym sees Ashton plummeting to the ground. Bells Hells spring into action, everyone attempting some desperate maneuver to save Ashton in their freefall. Orym, on Fearne’s shoebill shaped back, catches Ashton’s jacket with Seedling, which gives Chetney time to cast banishment.

With this extra time, the Mighty Nein and Vox Machina run up to assist. Caleb catches Ashton with telekinesis when they reappear, able to gently return them to the ground. Unfortunately, the side of Ashton’s head is shattered open like a geode. Ashton is dead, surrounded by his friends, and there are three clerics present with no ability to resurrect a person made of dunamancy.

WHAT ONCE WAS BROKEN

Caleb, however, has his transmuter’s stone, which can cast raise dead, and an understanding of dunamancy. This will require an expert, though. Essek, still in disguise, joins Caleb at Ashton’s side. The two conjure the dunamancy needed to restore Ashton to life. The force of the spell blasts them back and Essek’s illusion drops. The spell worked, but Essek is revealed in front of the Bright Queen. Soldiers move to arrest him, but Essek teleports away.

Ashton is awake and alive, to Bells Hells’ relief. They saved the gods! Or destroyed them, however he wants to look at it. Imogen can feel Predathos wanting out. Pain erupts in her body and the group escorts her to the top of the mountain. There, Imogen releases Predathos and tells the entity that there is nothing for it here. There is nothing for a god eater to eat. Predathos rages, but its consciousness drifts back into the stars from whence it came.

DARK AND LIGHT

Vax’ildan awakens in the dark and familiar realm of the Matron of Ravens. The two discuss the uncertain future and she introduces him to Morrighan, member of the Crown Keepers. The Matron officially makes Morrighan a second Champion and explains the plan for the gods to become mortal and soulbound to Exandria. Vax and Morrighan will be the guardians of her realm now. The threads must hold.

The Matron specifically tasks Vax to walk Exandria as her symbol and seek out her mortal self. She also wants him to enjoy the fruits of his long labor, saying she has been greedy in keeping him to herself. He is loyal to so many and she urges him to take rest and solace in his loved ones. In “her” – his lost love Keyleth. The Matron touches Vax and returns some of his color and his heart beats in his chest once more. They will meet again, but there is more to his duty now.

In Vasselheim, Deanna (ally of Bells Hells) is visited by the Dawnfather. He too informs her of the deal the gods have made. She just doesn’t want him to feel alone. She hugs her god and he apologizes for his distance. Deanna understands that he was doing his best for his family and his children. She urges him to find people, as they are who make a mortal life worth it. The Dawnfather has no idea where he is going – but that’s a good thing.

REUNION

When Deanna exits the vision, she sees other faithful people grappling with their own visions of their gods’ goodbyes. She and F.R.I.D.A. see Ashton fall from the sky and give pursuit, finding Bells Hells after Imogen releases Predathos. Ashton tells them about his new brain and how it doesn’t quite fit right in his head, yet. But Ashton is still themself, so that’s a relief. Introductions abound for Dorian, Deanna, F.R.I.D.A. and Braius.

Imogen gently tells F.R.I.D.A. what happened to FCG – they already know, having felt FCG’s passing. Laudna wants to take F.R.I.D.A. to Jrusar to aid in finding FCG’s lost Coin of Delving. Deanna is mad that Chetney gave away her resurrection ring but is glad it saved Ashton. Chetney gives her a whale toy to make up for it. F.R.I.D.A. informs Chetney that they are now a werewolf due to his bite, having turned when FCG died. Chetney promises to mentor them.

While discussing Braius and his relationship with the Lord of the Hells, Fearne summons Teven Klask to see if he is still Hell’s Champion. Teven is planning to find the Lord of the Hells again and was instructed to keep the temples safe. Fearne asks if her mark will go away and he says that their contracts are eternal. Teven leaves and the mark on Fearne’s finger spreads across her hand. She isn’t overly bothered by it, merely remarking that now it’s pretty. (Fey, y’all.)

SAFE PASSAGE

Fearne asks to check in on Opal, so Imogen messages her. Opal is in Vassselheim, her head finally quiet. Dorian casts a thunderclap so she can find them and Fearne, Dorian, Orym, and Opal tearfully reunite. Opal is still bound to the Spider Queen, but she feels more in control now. Like she has a say in things. She is going to find the Spider Queen in honor of Dorian’s fallen brother Cyrus.

Bells Hells head to the Platinum Sanctuary to once more meet with the Exandrian Accord to discuss the Ruidians. Members of the three parties argue for the Ruidians and it is decided they will be granted safe passage in exchange for their knowledge. Multiple cities agree to be sanctuary cities for the Ruidians, including Whitestone and Zephrah. A base will be set up on Ruidus so that Ruidians who do not wish to leave can be aided and so that the science of Ruidus can be studied. Prisoners who aided the Ruby Vanguard will have a chance to atone.

Orym finds Planerider Ryn, using Seedling’s magic to regenerate their lost arm. Braius is threatened once more by the Lord of the Hells, who asks if his lies were merely of the mouth or truly of the soul. Braius is tempted, but sticks with Bells Hells, believing they will keep him safe. Paintings are handed out and Braius considers worshiping the Traveler for protection.

LIFE ANEW

Laudna and Imogen go to Lieve’tel, as Laudna feels drawn to the Matron and has questions. Lieve’tel offers Laudna to stay with them for awhile and Laudna is intrigued. Mostly she wants to know if she will ever be able to age. It is a terrible thing to not age alongside her love. Lieve’tel takes Laudna and Imogen’s hands, casting Divine Inspiration to ensure that they age and die together.

With no divine being to answer, the request is answered from within. Golden thread wraps their hands and Imogen feels a chill while Laudna feels warmth. They are tied together now – was this a marriage? Laudna does wear Imogen’s ring, so they’re pretty sure it was. They find Liliana, who is hidden and convalescing. Mother and daughter find some peace together.

Dorian privately goes to the Silken Squall and finds his mother. She calls him Dorian, which surprises him, but she’d heard that was the name he preferred now. His mother comforts him about the death of Cyrus and she holds him like a child. Dorian finally lets himself truly grieve in the arms of his mother.

BACK TO THE START

In the aftermath, Bells Hells take F.R.I.D.A. to Jrusar. Laudna and Imogen reunite with their landlady Zhudanna, who is boarding Prism Grimpoppy. Prism is studying at the Starpoint Conservatory now. Bells Hells get a drink at the Soot & Swill, reuniting with Pretty the cook. Ashton takes F.R.I.D.A. to the Krook House to meet Milo. They explore FCG’s room, finding a strange chip that no one recognizes. Ashton gets an upgrade from Milo and F.R.I.D.A. plays a recording of FCG’s voice. They toast to their friend, who always honored the best in people.

Orym and Dorian choose to stay together, taking it all day by day. Ashton and Fearne discuss their plans. Fearne wants to study with Nana Morri and get to know her parents, find Chetney’s eggs, live a life of whimsy. Ashton wants to travel and find out what is going on with his head. Fearne wants to come, but Ashton says not yet. They want to make sure Fearne knows what she wants and is serious about them. That they are both ready to be whatever they are to each other. Fearne respects that request.

Orym takes Dorian, Fearne, and Opal to Zephrah, where they reunite with Dariax, who reunites with his former almost-fiancee Deni$e. Dariax apologizes to Deni$e for leaving her and the two get back on the right, unusual foot. Orym finds Keyleth and thanks her for having faith in him. Orym wants to stay on the road, which Keyleth supports. He is eager to spend more time with Dorian and grow in their relationship. They have dinner with Orym’s mother and see a Reiloran family exploring Zephrah.

ONE BY ONE

Chetney takes F.R.I.D.A. to the Gorgynei so they can train and assists his friends with what they need, before returning to Uthodurn and training young woodworkers in the Pock O’Pea Path of apprenticeship. Fearne returns home to the Fey Realm and learns how to use Nana Morri’s fate skein. Ira informs Fearne that the Unseelie are looking for, since she killed Sorrowlord Zathuda, but Fearne is more concerned with collecting Chetney’s eggs, gaining 3 of the 5.

Ashton seeks Essek’s aid in learning about their head and eventually makes a fey bargain to travel to Xhorhas and get out safely. They help Essek at excavation sites and work as a hired hand with Braius, visiting Fearne and traveling everywhere. They go to the moon repeatedly and become another story. Braius becomes a successful painter, featuring in Jester’s art gallery and catching the eye of the Traveler. Orym and Dorian spend their days together, intertwined. Orym splits his time with his family and their travels. Orym returns to Nana Morri, but she informs him they never had a deal – no archfey could keep people alive on Ruidus.

Dorian gets into trouble on his own, loyal to Orym but true to his own desires. His friends give his life meaning and he becomes the man binding the group together. Laudna and Imogen build their little cottage in the Taloned Heights woods, going on adventures and vacationing in the Fey Realm. They have a stable, where Imogen teaches Laudna to ride a horse and a mule. Imogen also purchases her beloved horse Flora from her former boss, Mr. Faramore. Imogen and Liliana keep in touch via dreams and visits.

THE ERA OF RECLAMATION

Jester and Fjord discuss their wedding, with Jester putting everyone into her wedding party after Fjord declares that Beau is his best man. The two playfully argue over the Traveler officiating, but both affirm how excited they are to get married. Caleb comes up with an exit plan for himself and Essek, worried about the Bright Queen finding his partner. He eventually scrys on Ludinus, seeing him making tea in a home in the Shattered Teeth. Caleb makes more plans, but Beau plans to take the summer off to be a camp counselor at Veth’s camp with Yasha, since the two have been considering adoption.

Grog travels to Ruidus, where he meets Gaz Tomo and the two form an immediate friendship based on muscles. Scanlan, who has been helping Cerkonos pursue Lieve’tel, tells him to just be himself. Cerkonos hooks up with Lieve’tel, who tells him he was overthinking it – she just needs the heat. Percival and Vex’ahlia thrive in Whitestone, with residuum becoming more useful in this new era. Percy wishes to locate the gods, but Keyleth keeps him away from that knowledge.

Pike feels lost after losing the Everlight. She continues to tend to the temples and fifteen years later, an acolyte comes to her with the belief that the Everlight has been located. Before then, however, she is visited by Scanlan. He misses her and they both still love each other. They agree to adventure together again, this time both as centaurs. And thus the Era of Reclamation comes to an end – the time between the end of the Divergence and the welcome of the Ruidians.

SECTION TITLE

A week after the end of this Era, there is a knock at Keyleth’s door. Vax’ildan has arrived to see her. He explains that he has returned to Exandria proper, that he is home, though he still has a duty to the Matron. Inside, he asks her if they can start over. He has loved her fiercely through life and the beyond.

Keyleth thinks it would have to be a beginning. She has been in freefall for all this time, waiting for her devilish rogue in wings to appear and scoop her back up. Maybe they can go on a date. Keyleth re-introduces herself. Her name is Keyleth – and he is the love of her life. Vax says that if she will have him, he is hers. They share a glass of wine together, as well as a loving kiss.

Keyleth continues to lead her people and Exandria, and Vax seeks the Matron to guide her in her new life. But every now and then – Keyleth’s champion comes to visit. And she can work with that.

That is it for Episode 121 of Critical Role!

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Seeing all three groups of Exandrian heroes working together to save the life of Ashton – a person who believed themself broken – was incredibly powerful and moving.
• A new chapter for Exandria! Where are the gods? Who will rise to ensure Exandria’s protection next? And who will rise to plan its destruction?
• I wept while writing this. All my love to the cast, the crew, everyone who has ever loved Critical Role over the past 10 years. To Vox Machina, the Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells. To Exandria. Is it Thursday yet?

Catch Episode 1 of ExU: Divergence on Thursday, February 13th 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?