Dangerous Dealings

"" is the fourth episode of the fourth chapter of Critical Role. Vox Machina, having rescued Gilmore and the surviving members of the Tal'Dorei royal family, must decide how to handle the Chroma Conclave's attacks across Exandria.

Synopsis
Vox Machina discuss who among their allies they can rally to help them defeat Thordak and the Chroma Conclave. Percy wants to make an alliance with the Clasp but Vax doesn't think they can be trusted. Scanlan unequivocally disagrees with a plan for him to spy on Thordak.

Pike and Keyleth scry to the following people and places to discover if they've been affected by the Chroma Conclave:
 * Vasselheim
 * Whitestone
 * Syngorn
 * Air Ashari tribe

It appears that all but Syngorn were untouched and unaware. Syngorn however is gone, possibly transported to the Feywild for safety until the danger is passed.

Now that they know that Whitestone is safe, they plan to move the refugees under their care there and abandon the keep. Percy mentions stealing an airship for fast travel. Scanlan likes this idea but it is temporarily abandoned by the rest of the party in lieu of Keyleth's transportation spells, Transport via Plants or Wind Walk, and the Gate Stones that Percy and Cassandra hold.

Percy travels to Whitestone with the refugees and talks to his sister about making preparations in case the dragons come, and Realmseer Eskil Ryndarien who is researching the Ziggurat.

As Vox Machina make their way to the Clasp's headquarters, they encounter wyverns and their lizardfolk riders. After dispatching them they head to the secret entrance that Garthok showed them.

They speak to one of the Clasp's spirelings (one of their leaders ), asking him to help the people of Emon and spy for them while they get help to defeat the dragon. The spireling requests entrée into Vasselheim, where they have until now been unable to establish a sect. Percy and Scanlan are willing to make the deal, but many of the others are not, for various reasons. Through most of the discussion Vax is quiet but the group elects him to make the final decision. And he decides not to take it. As they leave, they hear the secret entrance being destroyed.

They head back to their keep for the night, Vax and Keyleth spending it together. The next morning they take Gilmore, the Empress, her children, and the remaining refugees to Whitestone.

The next day they travel to Vasselheim and announce themselves at the Slayer's Take.

Trivia

 * Matthew Mercer uses his catchphrase, "How do you want to do this?", and isn't referring to a boss kill.