Critical Recap: Critical Role C4E12 “The Giant’s Belt”

Hello and welcome to Critical Recap! I’m Jared Deiro, the Critical Role Junior Lore Keeper. Let’s dive into Critical Role Campaign 4 Episode 12 The Giant’s Belt!

A FALCON’S FLIGHT

One early morning, eighteen years before our story begins, Halandil Fang soothes Hero, his infant daughter. Outside, a royal horse gallops to his front door, and the sound of Thjazi calling his name echoes in the night.

Thjazi rushes into the home and tells his older brother, “It’s happening,” and explains to Hal that House Cormoray arrested Mara Weaver, and the Sundered Houses are disbanding the Druidic Council while Warlocks of all kinds are banned from traveling on the Underroad – fae or not.

A rebellion is stirring, and it’s time to go fight.

Reluctant, Hal calls Thjazi ‘insane’ and confesses that he hung up his sword long ago, plus he has three children to take care of. He asks Thjazi to stay with him, with the Rungjani, their people. But Thjazi’s already made up his mind, though he would feel less scared if Hal were with him. Hal can’t go – and so the decision is made. Thimble is raising the banners, and Thjazi needs to rustle up some old war pals. The two brothers hug.

As Thjazi gets on his horse, Hal tries one last time and tells his brother not to go. But Thjazi does what he wishes, “See you next time, brother…”

RIESENGÜRTLE

Entering the mighty gates of present-day Riesingürtle, the five Seekers rush through the icy breezes within the high altitudes of the Kavrosi Mountains.

As evening settles, they enter the lively tavern of Kappelgarten. As the group order their libations and find a place to sit – two guardian soldiers of House Halovar, along with a beautiful blonde Lux, Tamra, join them. Striking up a conversation with Thaisha, Tamra gets curious about Thaisha’s previous meeting with Wick and his Aspirant, Tyranny.

During the interaction, Julien leaves out the back with food for Aranessa, stopping to study the Halovar carriage. Occtis tries his best to eat, but unfortunately, food doesn’t taste like anything.

The young Lux Tamra leaves the tavern and Julien watches her get into the Halovar carriage as two horns extend from her head.

MISSING

Thaisha trails the Halovar carriage to a large Candescent Creed cathedral where she witnesses three aspirant demons interact with one another. Enmity tells Agony and Cruelty that she spoke with Thaisha, and believes Occtis and Vaelus to be Tyranny and Wick in disguise.

Meanwhile, Julien and Vaelus explore further into Riesengürtle to investigate the missing Royce carriages. They eventually find the Einfasen Hold, where Julien recognizes about seven carriages of Davinos and Royce. After triggering an alarm and witnessing the giant’s might of House Einfasen, the two decide to head back to their homebase and discuss their findings with the rest of the group.

Back in the Shepherd’s Shelter, Occtis and Aranessa wait as Aranessa plucks at her small thumb piano. Julien, Vaelus, and Thaisha return from their hunts. Julien tells Aranessa that they located the lost caravan with Einfasen. Aranessa is left with more questions, struggling with the weight of what she does not know, while Julien warns Aranessa to not reveal too much when they speak with the lord.

HOUSE EINFASEN

Early the next morning, Julien and Occtis sneak through the city until they arrive at the gates of House Einfasen. Occtis disguises himself as Erlich Kerzingblad, a Knight of House Kirzingblad, vassal house of Royce. Upon asking for Lady Ingrid Enfasen they two vassal knights are taken to the entrance hall of the Keep.

Ingrid and the Einfasen guards are surprised to see Julien. He tells them that he is in search of the Royce carriages. Extremely confused, Ingrid calls for her father as she tells Julien that the carriages have been impounded, and his men-at-arms arrested.

She had been under the impression that the caravan was stopped because they received word from House Royce of a traitor. Lord Otto Einfasen arrives as Ingrid hands Julien the missive signed by Raimond Davinos. Julien can immediately deduce that the missive is a forgery, and he reveals Raimond’s gauntlet, telling Einfasen of his father’s assassination.

SWIFT RETRIBUTION

Lord Einfasen nervously sends guards to collect more missives they’ve received. He wishes to not hear any names that may make his life harder. Becoming very paranoid, he demands no one get near the caravan prisoners – then, Ingrid notices her handmaiden, Greta, has been gone for some time. Otto sends his guards to search for her.

Julien tells Otto that House Royce and Davinos have fallen at the hands of Tachonis, just as the guards return with Greta, having just found her in the aviary, sending a bird. In one swift motion, Lord Otto Einfasen kills her with his war hammer.

Lord Einfasen feels uneasy with these “worms” crawling in his house. He cannot act accurately, so he wants to keep Julien here for safety. Sir Erlich (Occtis) breaks away from the nobles’ conversation to summon an undead vulture to chase the carrier pigeon that Greta sent east.

Julien gathers Vaelus, Thaisha, and Aranessa, telling them they’ve sealed a short alliance with House Einfasen – though Aranessa is unsure.

Returning to Castle Einfasen’s courtyard, Lord Otto Einfasen welcomes Aranessa. Einfasen is enthusiastic to extend the hospitality of their house. Though high above, Lady Ingrid can be seen weeping.

That is it for Episode 12 of Critical Role!

FINAL THOUGHTS

• Such a beautiful cold open with our Fang brothers. WHY’D THEY HAVE TO TAKE AWAY OUR THJAZI???
• I love the Aspirant Demon Sisters, I really hope we get to see more of them soon
• What strange happenings are forming throughout House Einfasen – do we trust them, gang?

Catch Episode 13 of Critical Role Campaign 4 on Thursday, January 29th 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 in two parts on our podcast. Is it Thursday yet?