Winter's Crest in Whitestone

is the thirty-sixth episode of the first campaign of Critical Role. The Winter's Crest Festival comes to Whitestone for the first time in five years! Seeing this as a chance to relax after the revolution, Vox Machina partakes in the festivities and exchanges gifts with each other as they enjoy a well-deserved moment of peace.

Part I
In the two weeks before Winter's Crest, Vox Machina help to rebuild the city of Whitestone. They also take time to sort out the new gear they acquired and they make sure that the ziggurat is secure for the time being. Vax contacts Gilmore to ask for his help with reopening trade in Whitestone. Scanlan helps to set up a library and commissions a 20'x6' heroic painting of himself (from a humble artist named Jameson) to hang in Greyskull Keep.

As Percy inspects the sword he took from Sylas Briarwood's body, it speaks to him, saying, "You, are you my new wielder?" He immediately puts it down and thinks it over during the two-week downtime, and it speaks to him each night. Eventually, Grog approaches him and asks about it, offering to trade the Dragon Slayer Longsword for it. Percy agrees, and when he hands it over, the sword immediately speaks to Grog, offering him power, which Grog accepts.

On the day of Winter's Crest, the party awake to see that a thin layer of snow is on the ground. Whitestone has been decorated and a festival is set up in the square. The party arrive and after a few words with Keeper Yennen, disperse to enjoy the festivities. Scanlan, Keyleth, and Percy visit a street magician, who Keyleth believes is an actual sorcerer for a few moments. Percy also has his fortune told (quite badly) by the magician.

Whilst the others look around the stalls and enjoy the shows, Grog and Scanlan head to the arm-wrestling competition. Scanlan is beaten instantly by a farmer named Jaspers, who is later beaten by Grog. A number of matches take place, including pitting a guardswoman, Trish, against the captured Vedmire, who loses. Eventually the final round is between Trish and Grog. After an intense match Grog is beaten, but Trish gives him her prize flask of ale as a sign of respect. Grog acknowledges this and calls Trish a "great warrior".

After some more festivities, the pie-eating competition is announced. As they prepare, a messenger brings a letter and a parcel addressed to Vox Machina. It is from Lillith, who says that she has heard of their good deeds and wants to offer them something to help in their adventures. Lillith also mentions that she has reunited with Zahra, who also sends her well wishes. The letter arrived with a parcel, which contains a gift of two gate stones. They allow the party one-way travel to wherever the other stone is.

Break

 * The break is taken up with the premiere showing of The Story of Vox Machina.

Part II
On hearing of the pie-eating competition, Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia sign up and attempt to enter Trinket, but the referee refuses. Keyleth polymorphs Trinket to look like a large peasant, and he is entered. Over the course of the competition, Vax'ildan, Vex'ahlia, and the other competitors drop out, leaving only a local peasant and the polymorphed Trinket. However, despite Vex's encouragements, both finalists fall over from exhaustion, and they are declared joint winners.

Later on in the day, Keeper Yennen calls for attention and makes a speech, thanking Vox Machina and applauding the bravery of those who fought in the rebellion. He then takes Vox Machina and Cassandra de Rolo quietly aside and they discuss what is to become of Whitestone. Percy proposes that there is a five person council to rule, consisting of Cassandra, Keeper Yennen, a leader of the farming community, a leader of the citizens, and an economic leader. He explains that he cannot join as he has too much to do and does not consider himself fit to rule.

Percy gives Cassandra one of the gate stones in case of emergency and wishes her well.

Vox Machina rejoin the festival, and Vex pulls Vax aside to talk. She says that he seems 'off' and that she noticed that Keyleth was avoiding him. Vax tells her he will talk about it in time, and assures her that he will always be there for her. They hug, and then Vex gives him a present. It is his serpent belt which he lost at the Palace of Emon.

Elsewhere, Keyleth takes Percy to the nearby fields and tells him about how she was walking in the fields a few days ago and found a dead raven. She explains that it reminded her of everything that had happened and how Percy nearly gave into the demon inside him. She gives him the raven's skull, cleaned and polished, and says it is a reminder of what Percy or any of them could have become if they gave in to darkness. Percy thanks her and they return to the festival.

The festivities go on long into the night, and Vox Machina are swept into the joyful atmosphere.

Vox Machina

 * Keyleth
 * Percival de Rolo
 * Scanlan Shorthalt
 * Tiberius Stormwind (absent)
 * Grog Strongjaw
 * Pike Trickfoot (absent)
 * Trinket
 * Vax'ildan
 * Vex'ahlia

New

 * Trish
 * Jaspers, farmer arm-wrestling contestant
 * Jameson
 * Craven Edge

Returning

 * Keeper Yennen
 * Cassandra de Rolo
 * Vedmire

Quotations

 * Matt: So, Grog. As you take up the blade in your hands, you hear coming out of the ether, a gentle, low velvet voice caresses the inside of your head saying, "You, are you to be my wielder?" Grog: What the shit? Craven Edge: "Speak your name, warrior." Grog: Grog. Craven Edge: "Warrior Grog, have you taken up the blade of Craven Edge?" Grog: Is that what this is? Do you have a female setting? Matt: You hear a long, drawn-out sigh. "Do you accept my power?" Grog: There's a power that comes with you? What kind of power? Craven Edge: "Do you enjoy drinking the strength of your foes, watching them beaten before you, and have that very power become your own?" Grog: Sounds pretty good. Craven Edge: "Do you wish the shadows to encase your form and grant you resilience and anger, forcing those to kneel before you in fear?" Grog: The shadows? Craven Edge: "Do you accept, Grog?" Grog: Fuck yeah.
 * Vex'ahlia: (to Trinket) Don't be sad bear, be happy bear!
 * Vax'ildan: (to Vex'ahlia) I pull her into a hug and say, "I love you, Stubby. I'm never going to leave your side, I'm always going to be there. You can always be a pain in the ass like you are. I love you. Always have, always will. Thank you."