Campaign synopsis: “Hero to many. Enemy to some. When Thjazi Fang is marked for execution, various figures from across his remarkable life unite to uncover the truth behind his grim fate. In a land still suffering from the fallout of dead gods and living in the shadow of a tumultuous rebellion, these disparate people will come together across the fractured world of Aramán and connect in ways they never imagined.
As hope and victory fade, a question hangs over Aramán. Without the Gods, what great deeds now fall to us? And who, or what, shall grab their crown from themselves?”
Episode synopsis: “The Seekers arrive in Riesingürtle, where they explore the city and parley with Lord Einfasen, the head of the mighty and intimidating House Einfasen…”
Cold Open
I was not expecting this week’s episode to open with Brennan crying like a baby, but if anyone can do it, it’s him.
Imagine how cute a baby half orc is. Calling your child hero feels like an unnecessary expectation.
I thought for a second Brennan was rolling to see if Thjazi drops Hero. That would have been diabolical. It’s great to see more of Thzaji though, the whole reason why these characters are in this mess is because of his death. Seeing his motives that ultimately led to his death is what I’m going to enjoy most about the cold opens.
This makes you wonder how differently things would have played out if Thjazi listened to Hal.
The Adventure of the Seekers
I’m so glad the Seekers are our next table. This is a group I’m really interested in, especially Occtis and Vaelus. Speaking of Vaelus, I wonder if we’ll get a full face reveal at some point. I love her design so I’m not bothered if we don’t – just curious.
I’m so here for Julien butting heads with the rest of the group. It wouldn’t make sense for them all to instantly be friends. I can’t remember if Julien knew Thaisha or Occtis beforehand but Vaelus has known these people for like two days.
Julien choosing Vaelus to help with the perimeter check has my hopes up for potential romance (completely unwarranted, I know). It’s very early days to be pairing people together, but this is one I’d love to see. Plus who doesn’t want to see Matt role play romance as a playable character?
“I know how to talk to horses but I can’t tie knots” Aranessa is going to become a favourite NPC for sure. No one will ever replace my love for Pumat Sol though.
Kappelgarten
Wick is haunting the narrative even when he isn’t at the table. He’d love that for sure. I’m missing him already.
I love that Vaelus has this weird motherly bond with Occtis. Her introduction to the campaign was so intense and badass, but as soon as she came across Occtis she was like “well guess I’m a mom now”.
Ok this table is actually hilarious. What do you mean Thaisha’s comeback to Occtis was “You’d make a stronger point if you weren’t leaking”.
In Trail and Entrails
Whoever named this section of the episode is a genius. Poor Occtis though, the little guy literally pulled his intestines out like a magician with handkerchiefs.
I love that one of Tyranny’s sisters think Wick and Tyranny would be smart enough to disguise themselves as other people. From what we’ve seen of them on the Soldiers table, that’s absolutely not true. Tyranny did pretend to be Occtis but that ended terribly and she was also Dr Finger, and when trying to hide who he is Wick told someone his name was Nick. Clearly they don’t know them very well.
House Einfasen
I feel like everyone is constantly trying to make Occtis feel as awkward as possible when it comes to women and relationships. Alex plays him so well, Occtis is currently my favourite character at this table. Probably because he has the most going on right now but I’m enjoying the lean into body horror – a horror campaign is something I’d love to watch (I know Age of Umbra is pretty dark, I watched the first few episodes but then campaign 4 started so I didn’t finish it).
Values shaking Pin in hopes of being able to talk to Occtis is way too funny. I love that Ashley’s characters are always just a little bit idiotically chaotic.
“Two birds one boulder” is now the correct way to say that phrase. No more stones, we mean business now. Boulders or nothing.
You could see the joy in Brennan’s eyes when he realised he got to roleplay being a bird.
Cooldown
Aabria calling Taisha a nepo baby is the best part of the cooldown. She definitely played into that title during the episode, so at least she’s self aware.
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Critical Role Review: Campaign 4 Episode 11