Trial by Firelight

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

Pre-Show
It's the Halloween episode! This year, the cast dressed up as each other: Travis as Sam, Robbie as Matt, Marisha as Taliesin, Sam as Marisha, Ashley as Travis, Laura as Robbie, Liam as Ashley, Taliesin as Liam, and… Matt as a pretty spot-on Laura.

Previously on Critical Role
''On the continent of Marquet, disparate destinies begin to intertwine as a few small groups of companions whose lives have folded together all begin to converge within the center of the Oderan Wilds, amongst the various spires of the central city of Jrusar. Upon wandering your ways through the city streets, suddenly there was a commotion. It looked like a cart-- something had detonated and sent it onto its side, and let loose a cadre of enchanted utensils and furniture. Jumping to the defense of the locals, this ragtag unexpected group of allies managed to throw them to the ground and keep everyone safe, as well as catching the eye of the esteemed -- once esteemed -- fighter, Sir Bertrand Bell. Bertrand then offered to pay for a meal for this crew, assemble them, invite them if they are looking for work and opportunity to a patron that he has a relationship with.''

''After some discussion and a night's rest, you all gathered the next morning and followed him to the estate of Lord Eshteross. Upon being led into the somewhat dusty and dark interior, led by a woman named Evelyn, to a study, you stepped within and were met with a roaring fireplace and a darkly lit, dark wood interior. The individual sitting in a chair facing away from you, Lord Eshteross himself, a well-to-do older orcish gentleman, began to enquire as to what Bertrand's reason was for coming to his estate. And upon pitching yourselves as possible allies, hires, if you will, Lord Eshteross stood from his chair, turned to you all, and said essentially, "Show me." Then, clutching his cane, rushed you.''

Part I
Roll initiative!

Up first, Orym tells Lord Eshteross, "We really don't have to do this," and holds his action, but Laudna has no such reservations and immediately casts Hex and Eldritch Blast on him. The others also attack, landing with both spells and physical attacks, with the exception of Bertrand who retreats across the room and watches, making occasional encouraging comments.

The party does well at first, landing some significant damage while not taking much in return. However, Lord Eshteross uses his three attacks and an Action Surge to good effect to severely wound Orym, damage Laudna, and knock Dorian unconscious to join Orym prone at Eshteross's feet. The party continues to hit Eshteross, while FCG brings Dorian back to consciousness, and Dorian immediately gives Orym badly-needed healing as well.

Lord Eshteross, significantly wounded at this point, says, "Enough!" and moves back to his chair. He admits he is surprised; they indeed do have some skill. As most of the group gathers around, he adjusts the top of his cane and those closest feel a warmth which Dorian only much later realizes was a Zone of Truth. He asks about their goals, saying that these are challenging times and that while the Chandei Quorum promises justice and protection, they have failed. The Ivory Syndicate moves unimpeded through both Jrusar and the Honored Trails of the jungle, and there are rumors of yet darker dangers creeping closer. He offers them a chance to combat these evils in return for payment and a chance to prove the unity of their ideals, but stresses that for both their safety, they cannot reveal for whom they work.

Orym is sold, but FCG suggests they discuss it among themselves first. The party leaves for a tavern where they talk a little about their individual goals and histories, still hiding more than they reveal. Laudna shows them her dead rat with a raven skull that she made herself, named Pâté de Rolo, which she puppets and speaks through. Orym recognizes the de Rolo name, and the party learns that Laudna left Whitestone after the Briarwoods took over but before Vox Machina arrived and restored the de Rolos to their rulership of the city. Bertrand proudly shows them his Vox Machina lapel pin. FCG urges everyone to be open and honest with each other, and Pâté, Orym, and Ashton agree.

They return to Lord Eshteross and tell him they've decided to accept his offer, but want a written contract. Lord Eshteross replies they will do that if this preliminary venture goes well. The Dayal Hall is a privately funded learning center in the Core Spire, and Lord Eshteross has been overseeing its deliveries and supplies storage. Recently, however, there have been thefts. He would like them to go to his storage warehouse in the Lantern Spire, called "Prudaj Textiles", and investigate. They will each receive a 50 gold advance, 150 gold for a "satisfactory conclusion", and 350 gold if the source of the thefts is dealt with. They must not let the warehouse workers know that they work for Lord Eshteross.

On the way out, Fearne tries and fails to steal a "shiny", then tries and fails to lie her way out of it, but Lord Eshteross lets it go. Making their way to the Lantern Spire, they locate Prudaj Textiles, a storage facility. Laudna and Dorian head around its side, Fearne and Ashton guard the front, and Imogen, Orym, and FCG go inside just as several dead rodents are flung out the front door. They are greeted by a worker asking if he can help them. Imogen convincingly tells him they're here on behalf of Madam Zhudanna, who is opening a shop in the Core Spire.

Campaign Three adventuring party

 * Ashton Greymoore
 * Bertrand Bell
 * Fearne Calloway
 * Fresh Cut Grass
 * Imogen Temult
 * Laudna
 * Orym

Returning

 * Dorian Storm
 * Lord Ariks Eshteross
 * Evelyn Wress

New

 * Danas - female gnome supervising Gerudal, Karrock and Otan at Prudaj Textiles
 * Gerudal - female dragonborn
 * Karrock - male human
 * Otan - male dwarf

Mentioned

 * Anni Aughta
 * Madam Zhudanna
 * Milo Krook
 * Mistress Prudaj
 * Percival de Rolo
 * Keyleth
 * Vex'ahlia de Rolo
 * Grog Strongjaw
 * Cassandra de Rolo