By the Road

is the fourth episode of Exandria Unlimited. The adventurers continue their travels south through Tal'Dorei, but the past comes calling for them all in very different ways...

Pre-Show
The cast introduce themselves and their characters. Since they're pre-recorded, Aabria throws to Future Cozy Matt and Omar for announcements.

Announcements

 * First sponsor is Nord VPN, now offering a two-year plan plus a bonus gift at a discount with code "EXU".
 * Second sponsor is Dungeon Dudes and Dungeons of Drakkenheim, a D&D 5e adventure for levels 1-13.
 * While Exandria Unlimited livestreams on both Twitch and YouTube, the moderated community live chat is on Twitch.
 * Past-Aabria points out Future-Matt's daringly asymmetrical facial hair.

Previously on Exandria Unlimited
''The five of you, at Firetamer Lorkathar's behest, managed to-- nope, you didn't sneak. I will not call that a sneak back into Emon. But you arrived nonetheless, and for the most part managed to safely make your way to Gilmore's Glorious Goods, where you spoke with Gilmore, got a little more direction on what to do next. He asked for you all-- partially as a way to get out of Emon because you've got a bit of heat on you-- to head down south to look for the ruins of the Qoniira empire, to find a Rosetta Stone to help him translate the runes that you found at the ash-blown mesa.''

He provided you transport to the edge of town, where you had one last face-off with Poska, and due to an exceptionally well-timed and well-executed Charm Person'' by Fearne, managed to avoid what would have been a lethal encounter in Emon. So your path is set, and you're outside of the city walls, and you're in a glitter-shitting purple vardo, heading south.''

Break

 * Merch Alert! Isharnai's hut puzzle in the US, Canada, and UK shops; Ceramic camping mugs for Nicodranas, Tal'Dorei, and Xhorhas; new bumper sticker sets; Dwendalian Empire minky blankets; Exandria Unlimited t-shirts and journals available in all four Critical role shops.
 * Crew & A Episode 5: Talkin' Bout Titmouse | The Legend of Vox Machina.
 * Commissioned art montage.

Epilogue
''Ted looks down, down into the darkness around her, within her. She feels so close to home, though she can't touch it. She feels so alone, despite her existence beside and within Opal. And now she feels the seed, the spark of recognition, of purpose, of potential. And the seed begins to grow.''

Player Characters

 * Dariax Zaveon
 * Dorian Storm
 * Fearne Calloway
 * Little Mister
 * Fy'ra Rai
 * Opal
 * Orym of the Air Ashari

New

 * Cinna Brightbow
 * Elmenore
 * Henry
 * Jessup Richter
 * Lisle Vester
 * Lurleen
 * Myr'atta Niselor
 * Olivancer Fields
 * Ruby Lee Beckfort
 * War Ringer of Byroden (Mr. Beckfort)

Returning

 * Ted

Mentioned

 * Bumpers
 * Morri Calloway
 * Mr. Johansson
 * Peepers
 * Rosie Beckfort
 * Sweet Pea
 * Tharla Starr
 * Vax'ildan
 * Vex'ahlia de Rolo

Quotations
Fearne: What happened to you? Evil Fearne: I found my power. [...] The Warqueen wants you back. You cannot-- we cannot be the outcasts our parents are. Come home.
 * Dariax: You know, when you come from stagnant farm towns and such, a lot of people tend to just sit and grow moss over time, but everyone's got a little fire in their belly. When it burns bright, you got to see where it takes you.
 * Dorian: I'm just here to see the world. [...] I'll tell you this. I had a good upbringing and a pleasant one.
 * Evil Fearne: It's time to come home. [...] Time is different here. And I am what you should be. Will be, if you come back now.
 * Aabria: (introducing Fy'ra Rai) You watch this from your place, well-hidden in the woods. You're struck suddenly with a strange sense of deja vu, a sickly sweet churning of your stomach that is so distinctly fey, and voices somehow familiar speaking to you in the dark. The flames rise up, and in the space of a blink, you are back in that darkness again. How long were you there and why? The darkness is a blank spot, a lesion on your memories, a burned spot. And that smell, that burning, that sweetness, that wrongness fills your nose as you watch. Your instincts, or this Gift, whatever you want to call it, has sent you across countless miles and across many planes, but always for a purpose: to help others, to help yourself, but never has it brought you back to the same people twice. And you don't recognize these five, but you know that you know them, and whether or not they realize it, they are in danger, and you are here.

Trivia

 * The chiffon outfit Dorian wears during the pageant is inspired by a design included in the first round of concept art by Hannah Friederichs, the official artist for Exandria Unlimited. Though the design moved away from it, the initial images stuck with Robbie.