The Howling Mines

is the sixth episode of the second campaign of Critical Role. The group questions the crownsguard for clarity about last night’s attacks, and their hunt for the gnolls leads them to a descent down a mysterious mine.

Announcements

 * Once again this week, our sponsor is our fantastic partner for this campaign: D&D Beyond. They invite Critters to check out "And Beyond": the monthly developer update and Q&A session, hosted by Adam Bradford (D&D Beyond Product Director).  The next stream is tomorrow (February 16, 2018) at 11:00 AM PST, at www.twitch.tv/dndbeyond.
 * Sam has another contest: the first to be able to create a Level 3 character on D&D Beyond wins. Laura is first, but she forgot it had to be *Level 3*, so Taliesin wins.  The prize is a $1 dollar bill on the bottom of Sam's mug...Taliesin grabs it with his teeth.
 * A reminder to those with Amazon Prime: you can get a free monthly subscription to one Twitch channel. If you want early access to the VODs, subscribe to Geek & Sundry's Twitch channel.
 * Talks Machina is next Tuesday at 7:00 PM PST on Twitch and Project Alpha. Laura interrupts because she and Sam are rolling all 1s while resetting her dice.
 * The podcast of last week's episode ("The Open Road") is available on the Critical Role Podcast. For those who missed last episode or want to listen to it during your commute, you can let the audio create your imaginationscape!
 * Liam announces #ScarvesForCaleb. A Critter named Courtney tweeted out a picture of herself wearing a scarf she had made for Caleb.  Liam retweeted it, and the Critters decided to all make scarves as well...not for Caleb, but to donate to homeless shelters, veterans, etc.  They are also making hats and mittens.
 * The fantastic charity 826LA is continued to be supported by Critical Role, as they have since the beginning of the show almost three years ago. They do fantastic work, and if you have the opportunity to give your time to it or donate, Matt recommends it.

Previously on Critical Role
"Last we left off: Our gathering of friends had been traversing northward along the Amber Road, with the distant destination of Zadash - one of the larger cities of the Dwendalian Empire - as your destination.

"Upon traveling, you passed a caravan and spent an evening amongst trees, where you found a wayward cluster of wandering buffalo-like creatures. You continued northward for a second day - rushed on past sunset, to rest in the city of Alfield: a small farming town that's along the way to Zadash.

"However, upon noticing that some of the buildings on the eastern side of town began to light up with what appeared to be flame, you began to approach rather rapidly, seeing members of the city's citizens fleeing, screaming, and apparently there seemed to be some sort of attack. Upon going into the town, you realized that a number of these buildings were being set fire by an incursion of Gnolls.  You were immediately brought in by the Watchmaster, Bryce, who offered to pay your for each set of Gnoll ears that were brought to them, and you jumped into the fray - managed to kill quite a few.  Many of them still left with their quarry, it seems, which happened to be quite a number of bodies and/or citizens (still living)...that were dragged off into the ashen and cloud-covered night.

"Upon returning - many of you bruised, beaten, and (at one point) in danger of worse - you were given an evening's rest at the Feed & Mead Tavern, and were told that if you were interested in pursuing future coin and helping with the current conflict nearing the city, to go ahead and meet Bryce out by the Broad Barn..."

Player Characters

 * Beauregard
 * Fjord
 * Frumpkin
 * Jester
 * Nott
 * Mollymauk Tealeaf
 * Caleb Widogast
 * Yasha (absent)

New

 * Herma (voice only)
 * Starosta Kosh
 * Leiman
 * Reggie

Returning

 * Thadeus Candleglow
 * Winter's Crest
 * Crute
 * Bryce Feelid

Mentioned

 * Reedus Candleglow
 * Jules
 * Kylre
 * Lawmaster Ruben
 * Yeenoghu