A Dance of Deception

is the thirteenth episode of the third campaign of Critical Role.

Announcements

 * The Nordverse returns! Morpheus (Taliesin Jaffe) gives his power glove to Number Two (Travis Willingham) so that he may receive guidance from the spirit of BlackWillow69 (Sam Riegel), whom he ate as a gleaming cube of cake. BlackWillow69 reveals that Number Two, like all others, must earn his haxxor namesake... by pooping out the cake. See it all the next time Nord VPN sponsors the show.
 * Second sponsor is Ghostfire Gaming's Sunken Isles, a choice-based tabletop roleplaying game. Choose an adventures each week that can result in either reward, or consequences.
 * Upcoming comics: The Tales of Exandria: The Bright Queen 3 releases 14 June 2022, Vox Machina Origins 3 on 18 July, The Mighty Nein Origins: Fjord Stone on 13 July and The Mighty Nein Origins: Nott the Brave on 24 August. Check out critrole.com/darkhorseguide to learn more.
 * Merch Alert! Critter Love T-shirt.
 * The Legend of Vox Machina is out! Catch up on the three previously released episodes and binge the most recent three released on Friday, 11 February 2022. Next Watch Party is 15 February at 7 pm Pacific on Twitch.

Previously on Critical Role
''Last we left off, our group of heroes had, after undergoing numerous investigations of their own, encountering some dangers and some curious, mysterious figures, they found themselves invited alongside their patron, Lord Eshteross to a masquerade ball transpiring at the Chandei Quorum chambers. This presented an opportunity to, one, seek out some possible bits of information that were important to Eshteross' disinterest in the the current ruling class of the city, and specifically, to plant a replica of Armand Treshi's ring onto his hand to replace the one he always wears on his thumb, that can be used then to track his whereabouts after the party. As to how you did that, well, you've proven to be somewhat creative and capable. That is being left to you.''

''So after purchasing some fancy outfits, crafting or receiving unique masks, you are divided into two troops that were set on their path via carriage to the top of the Core Spire. So after you've begun to crest around the sunset time of day, the oranges and purples and golds that begin to spread across the rock and stone dome structure, this massive event hall, you pull up in your separate carriages and watch as the rest of the invitees begin to, or have been emerging from their respective carriages, carts, or just walking from their neighborhoods to the space. They begin to step along the long carpet, through the large golden arches into the interior. However, you are still within your carriages with a few moments to figure out your final plotting and interest.''

Break

 * Trailer for Ghostfire Gaming's Sunken Isles, now live on Kickstarter.
 * Trailer for episodes 4-6 of The Legend of Vox Machina, which releases three episodes each Friday at midnight GMT. Watch Party is on Critical Role on Twitch the Tuesday after each Friday release.
 * Merch Alert! The Legend of Vox Machina t-shirt and hoodie, and Essek chibi pin, now available in all five shops; Critter Love t-shirt and Vax & Veth rogue neck gaiters in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
 * Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn from Darrington Press is available now.
 * Critical Recap every Wednesday on CritRole.com.
 * Submit fan art for possible inclusion in the weekly online gallery at https://www.critrole.com/submit.
 * Sam whispers the benefits of subscribing to Critical Role on Twitch, accompanied by soothing backgrounds and relaxing sounds.

Campaign Three adventuring party

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

Returning

 * Ariks Eshteross
 * Cyrus Wyvernwind
 * Dorian Storm
 * Ela Lumas, matriarch of House Lumas
 * Jiana Hexum
 * Oshad Breshio
 * Preston Drodelon
 * Vali Dertrana

New

 * Armand Treshi
 * Duasad Keef
 * Emoth Kade
 * Gavis Aranda, the Face of the Chandei Quorum
 * Gryz Alakritos, goblin headmaster of the Allegiance of Allsight
 * General Ratanish, leader of the Paragon's Call

Mentioned

 * Ajit Dayal, who potentially has more information on lycanthropy
 * Artana Voe, a bounty hunter
 * Dancer
 * Duskmaven
 * Master Faramore, a shop owner in Gelvaan, Imogen's hometown
 * Ira Wendagoth
 * The Owlbear
 * Tuyen Otwana, proprietor of the Prism Emporium

Quotations
Gryz (a scholar in another subject): Yes, actually. There was one time where I was a mango, but like, it was me, but I wasn't inside of a mango, I just was a mango. [etc.] Marisha: I look at Ashton. Ashton: I'm popping in here. So how does a mango perceive time at that point? Gryz: See, that's what's so odd about it!
 * Laudna: Primarily the study of celestial beings, the stars, and weird-ass dreams. Creepy dreams. Do you know anything about weird dreams?