Dark Portents

is the 29th episode of the third campaign of Critical Role.

Part I
Dusk apologizes to the party for lying about their true form, and tells Birdie to explain what she is doing. Multiple members of Bells Hells have questions - Laudna wants to know about the arcane batteries, Imogen wants to know about the Unseelie Court, and Orym wants an explanation for Dusk's behavior. Birdie tells Fearne to run and goes invisible but does not manage to escape Dusk's grasp. Orym holds his sword to Dusk's back. Dusk tells the party that Birdie is a thief, which the invisible Birdie does not deny. Dusk then shifts into the appearance of a very attractive half-elf man and makes a pass towards Orym, who stabs her.

Dusk repeats that Birdie stole from the courts, which Birdie confirms is true, but that she had good reasons for doing so. Dusk also reveals that their name is Yu Saffiad, not Dusk. Birdie breaks free from them, but Imogen and Ashton block the doors. Yu repeats that they just want the artifact that Birdie stole. Fearne asks her mother about the strange difference in the time passed between the two - six vs. 90 years - and Birdie cannot answer. Most of the party continue to demand answers, with Yu continuing to repeat that Birdie stole from the courts and telling Birdie to explain. Birdie then breaks her invisibility when she stabs Yu. The party prepares for a fight, and Orym is able to steal Yu's rapier. Chetney asks Birdie to back up and explain what she was initially trying to do, and Birdie begins by telling him that Fearne was born in Exandria, during a Ruidus flare and that Ruidus has begun to appear in the Feywild. At this, Fearne casts Flame Blade and stabs Yu, and a brief fight begins. In it, Yu shifts into Imogen's form to manipulate Laudna. Imogen meanwhile casts Detect Thoughts on Birdie and learns information that leads her to call for more talking. Ashton grapples Birdie and Chetney stands between Yu and Fearne to prevent the fighting. Once everyone stops, Imogen asks Birdie why she is working with the Nightmare King.

Birdie reveals that until seven years ago, the only moonlight in the Feywild was that of Catha, never Ruidus. Ruidus then began to appear, and Birdie and Olly believe the Unseelie Court is trying to use it, but that it will bring destruction to the Feywild. The Calloways had asked the courts for help, but were denied, and so took matters into their own hands.

Through further discussion, it comes out that Birdie and Olly stole the Moontide Crown, which is what Yu is attempting to take back. The crown is needed for a machine that Ira is helping build and which is to be activated in a month, on 21 Fessuran, an apogee solstice. Birdie isn't particularly familiar with how it works, but Hondir, an ally in Bassuras, can explain it if the party will go with her to visit him. While she and Olly don't particularly like Ira, and were unaware of his activities in Jrusar in the employ of Armand Treshi, they were under a tight timeline to save Fearne and the Feywild and needed someone with very particular skills for help and Ira was the only person they knew. Birdie also tells Fearne that she didn't know about the time dilation, and that Morri is very powerful and might be behind it. Additionally, Fearne shows Birdie the gem Morri gave her, which Fresh Cut Grass identifies as a Weave lens.

Through this, Yu continues to repeat that Birdie stole the crown, that other assassins from the courts will come for her and will be less forgiving. They invite everyone to the Feywild, and try to appeal to Imogen's interest in the gnarlrock.

Chetney suggests that, as Birdie and Olly only need the crown for another month, Yu stall for a month with her superiors, let them activate the device, and then come back to claim the crown and take the Calloways. Birdie agrees, on the grounds that if the machine works, she will have done what she needs to do, and if it doesn't, being taken by the Unseelie Court would be the least of her worries. The party argues for some time after, but eventually returns to this as a sufficient compromise. Ashton angrily tells Yu to leave, which they equally angrily do.

Player characters

 * Ashton Greymoore
 * Chetney Pock O'Pea
 * Fearne
 * Little Mister
 * Fresh Cut Grass
 * Imogen Temult
 * Laudna
 * Orym

Returning

 * Birdie Calloway
 * Yu Suffiad

New

 * Hondir

Mentioned

 * Ira Wendagoth
 * Balan and Zeyar Lumas
 * Otohan Thull
 * Ollie Calloway
 * Ryn
 * Roe Estani
 * Keyleth (unnamed)
 * Liliana Temult
 * Sehanine