Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

is the one hundred twenty-second episode of the second campaign of Critical Role.

Previously on Critical Role
So, last we left off, the Mighty Nein have been making their way across Eiselcross, the Frozen North, trying to outdo the Tombtakers in the retrieval of the threshold crests they are carrying towards the ruins of Aeor for some sort of nefarious purpose that, you assume, deals with the Cognouza.

''After convening with them against your will, you've been traveling with them in an odd, tense social environment. You traversed the lava river that cuts through Eiselcross magically, and before the second to last day of travel came to an end, you made some conversation, you made an offer to read and help Lucien with some of the book that he is apparently unable to completely unravel. You went and plotted a bit within your tower, discussing different possibilities of turning events into your favor. Lucien, however, did knock at the door, wondering what you were all doing in this strange extra-dimensional space. After a brief bit of miscommunication and the door slammed in his face, he cancelled the tower and left you all out in the frozen snow for another night of not-as-comfortable rest.''

''As you all took a moment to adjust to your unfortunate fortune, Jester decided to offer a tarot card reading. Lucien, intrigued, sat and accepted, and after an oddly poignant series of pulls, it had a series of unexpected effects on Lucien before he, mildly unnerved, stood up and walked away.''

So, as you all now adjust to the coming freezing night here in the frozen tundras of the north, you watch as Lucien returns to the campfire naught but thirty-forty feet from where you stand.

The Mighty Nein

 * Beauregard Lionett
 * Caduceus Clay
 * Caleb Widogast
 * Frumpkin
 * Fjord
 * Jester Lavorre
 * Veth Brenatto
 * Yasha Nydoorin

Returning

 * Lucien
 * Cree
 * Zoran Kluthidol
 * Otis Brunkel
 * Tyffial Wase
 * Yudala Fon (via Jester's Sending)
 * Dagen Underthorn (via Jester's Sending)
 * Essek Thelyss (via Jester's Sending)

Quotations
Jester: What do you guys think I talk about all the time — fake stuff? Veth, Yasha, Beau, Fjord: Uhhh... [ ... ] Jester: What, do you think fairies are fake, too, you guys? Veth: No, no, those are clearly real. Caduceus: Fairies are one thing, but a protruding growth on the head of a horse — that's just madness. Caleb: If you are a good boy, we can do this every night. Lucien: I like it when you're condescending. It's attractive. Caduceus: He's always condescending. Veth: He's always attractive. Lucien: That's dangerous. Caleb: It's a memory. Beau: A good one? Caleb: ... Yeah. Beau: Are all of these doors memories? Caleb: What do you think, Beauregard? Beau: I think I'm pretty smart. Caleb: For the same reason that the tavern is up here. Wherever I go, they are with me. [ ... ] I have thought about it so much. I have thought about it so much. I don't even know if it's a good idea to have this. It probably isn't. But it's just my way. I'm just not allowed to forget it. [ ... ] Jester: It feels less like a memory and more like a punishment for yourself, Caleb. Veth: Do you still wish to go back and undo it? Caleb: Of course. I regret it. I regret-- of course. [ ... ] Well, I understand that you all care for me very much, and I am very grateful for it. There is a part of me that will not-- (long pause) So, the tour is almost over.
 * Lucien: (about the Somnovum) When the greatest imaginations become one, and only know suffering over a thousand years, that builds into an extraordinary being without focus, an unstoppable force driven by instinct.
 * Yasha: (about unicorns) I don't think I knew that they were real.
 * Lucien: (admiring Caleb's tower) Not going to lie, this is a very welcome change of pace. My thanks.
 * Beau: (about the book in Astrid's room in the tower) So it's set dressing.
 * Jester: Why did you put all this at the top of your tower?