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: “As the walls close in on the Seekers, they are forced to decide if Einfasen’s castle is truly as safe as its lord claims or if they should pursue another haven…”
Cold Open
I’ve been waiting for a flashback Bolaire cold open. I’m not overly excited for the Schemers table but Bolaire is definitely an interesting character. I did not think we’d get an origin story of his current body so soon.
“Since we wrote her [a literal god] out of reality” Bolaire is definitely much more powerful than we currently realise. We know he’s a god killing weapon but the casualness of this statement is pretty cool.
The little bits of body horror in this campaign so far have been incredible. Bolaire’s “he’s enjoying it so much *points to himself*” talking about the person’s body he’s currently wearing (or they’re wearing him I suppose) is chilling. I really hope they continue to lean into the horror elements – these will really set this campaign apart from the previous three.
Castle Klippenblickle
“You’ve been lead here by the Stone of Nightsong, currently held by Vaelus” *Ashley throws up double peace signs*. This is exactly how I would react in this situation. I love her so much. I’m assuming based on the thumbnail for this episode, that we’re going to focus on Vaelus a lot this week.
The lighting in this section is scratching my brain in the best way possible. It’s so beautiful, absolutely the best this campaign has looked so far.
The Eyrie
Brennan’s NPCs have been great so far. No one has beaten the red cap from the Soldiers arc just yet (I can’t remember his name right now) but this little old guy is adorable.
Naked with a Veil
Big shoutout to whoever named this chapter title.
Finding out Vaelus’ veil is because she’s in mourning has broken my heart a little bit. Especially after the cold open a while ago that showed a younger Vaelus playing with her siblings.
Thaisha may be a nepo baby but at least she’s aware of the privileges that gives her. I’m liking her a lot so far. I wasn’t a big fan of Deanna (Aabria’s character in campaign 3), which was more because I hated the split table at the time, so it’s great to be loving Thaisha so far.
Vaelus knows she’s hot and I love that for her.
I’m still obsessed with how Occtis is so awkward around women. I hope this joke continues for a very long time. Alex plays up to it so well.
That’s my Son…
I’m loving the insights we’re getting into more of the characters’ backgrounds in this episode. It’s so interesting to see Julien as an insecure young boy and not the pompous, arrogant man we know today.
We Should Be On Our Way & Schongarten
I’ll admit, I’ve been severely distracted while watching this episode. I have a lot going on in all aspects of my life and watching campaign 4 is unfortunately not a high priority. In an attempt to get through this episode before I need to publish this post, I listened to the episode while completing other tasks, so you can probably guess that I wasn’t fully paying attention.
The few bits I did pick up on, and remember to add to this post, was the whole jumping out of the window ordeal. Vaelus not thinking twice before jumping out was so funny, I feel like a little bit of Fearne’s chaotic recklessness was present in that moment. I also love that Aranessa did a cannonball out the window. It felt both extremely out of character but also exactly what she would do. That’s a contradictory statement but it makes sense to me.
The Seekers table has been so interesting so far, I’m really hoping I’m in a better place to enjoy episode 14.
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Critical Role Review: Campaign 4 Episode 12