Growing Bonds and Teasing Threads

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

Previously on Critical Role
''So, last we left off, the strange crew of wayward adventurers had come together, formed themselves a group helmed by Sir Bertrand Bell, then lost Sir Bertrand Bell and went searching for vengeance on the one that took his life. Through the right questions, the right contacts, located the abode of this strange, dark, seemingly corrupted dwarf and managed to, indeed, find vengeance for him.''

''Upon returning and giving this information to Lord Ariks Eshteross, he thanked you for doing so, paid you a bounty that he thought was necessary and right, given the circumstances, mentioned that he was still working on a few of the requests that were made of the group, but was making headway and should have updates at some point in the near future. You were then, where we left off, heading out into the night air of the city of Jrusar to rest your wounds, and whatever else events you wish to utilize to wind down after a very, very long day.''

Part I
The group heads to the Spire by Fire for food and drink. Ashton orders a bottle of "whatever's cheapest" and they find a private room for a drinking game called "What the Fuck Is Up With That?" Each person must answer a question about themselves truthfully.
 * Dorian reveals he is second in line to inherit in a wealthy noble family. He is trying to fulfill expectations he's put upon himself that he wouldn't be able to fulfill within his family.
 * Ashton isn't sure if they have ever been in love before or not, but there are many different forms of love.
 * Although Fearne has some regrets in her life, she's not comfortable talking about them. As an alternative question, she explains that Dorian, Orym, and she came to town to meet up with some friends, but takes another drink to go on to a third question instead: She steals because she likes having things.
 * Imogen is a little nervous about having had to give her father's name as collateral to the Hubatt Corsairs, but feels that it will probably be all right.
 * Orym is in town representing the people of his home, Zephrah, investigating a possble local link to an attack that took place there months ago.
 * Orym asks FCG if there are more like him and where he comes from, but when FCG tries to answer he glitches out, appearing to be unable to access the information beyond saying that Dancer created him and he was with Dancer for about two years. He has never dreamed.
 * Laudna isn't entirely sure if she's dead or not, but thinks so. She definitely died thirty years ago, and woke up a day or so later in Whitestone in a pile of other corpses. She wandered alone from town to town until she met Imogen about two years ago.

As the party winds down, Dorian plays a song and Laudna gives him a doll of Bertrand Bell she has crafted from chicken bones and Bertrand's hair. They spend the night at the Inn. As Laudna is dozing off, she hears the voice of Delilah Briarwood in her head warning her that some things should be kept secret, but Laudna is unperturbed. When Imogen asks, Laudna tells her that although Delilah has threatened to take back her gift, she has not yet done it. It strengthens their resolve to get into the Starlight Conservatory, however.

In the morning, they gather downstairs and discuss what to do next, eventually deciding to return to the Hubatt Corsairs. Their password gets them safe entry to the hidden safe house where they wake Yash Mangal and report that they killed Dugger. Yash says the Corsairs have confirmed that the party told them the truth and the Corsairs will now stop following them. When they mention Lord Eshteross, Yash tells them of the rumors that Eshteross killed Mistress Prudaj, or that he is a vampire. The group offers to set up a meeting between the Corsairs and Eshteross, but Yash is suspicious of people with money. He will think about it, however, and let them know if the Corsairs decide to move forward.

The party goes back outside. While trying to decide what to do next, Orym shares the name of the person he is seeking: Oshad Breshio. Ashton recalls that "The Anger" was a mercenary who made a name for himself breaking up violent bar brawls, and became a personal bodyguard to one of the Mahaan houses of Jrusar.

Campaign Three adventuring party

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

Returning

 * Anni Aughta
 * Ariks Eshteross
 * Delilah Briarwood (voice only)
 * Dorian Storm
 * Evelyn Wress
 * Heron
 * Ishir
 * Yash Mangal
 * Zhudanna

New

 * Cyrus Wyvernwind
 * Effid the Fallen
 * Siran, dragonborn usher at the Dreamscape Theatre

Mentioned

 * Bertrand Bell
 * The Briarwoods
 * Dancer
 * Dugger
 * Dr. Nesbitt
 * Ephred
 * Kendra's Flying Lauders
 * Keyleth
 * The Lumas twins
 * Morri Calloway
 * Oatmeal, Apple Pie, and Pussy, former automaton companions of FCG
 * Oshad Breshio
 * Ovalia, shopkeeper in the Root Trader Alcove
 * Prudaj
 * Relvin Temult, Imogen's father
 * Stuvan Idrio

Quotations
Laudna: Oh! Oh, hello, it's been so long since I've heard from you. What have you been up to? (Delilah sighs) Oh, come on, D, just tell me. Delilah: Please. Just be careful. Laudna: I didn't say anything that's not public knowledge. So back off. Yash Mangal: Trouble.
 * Fearne: (to FCG) Do you have a small wonder flap somewhere? I'd love to see your insides.
 * Delilah Briarwood: (to Laudna) Careful, dear. Some things are meant to be kept secret.
 * Laudna: (to Yash Mangal) What is the first word that pops into your head when you look at us?

Trivia

 * The party's Level 4 stat cards were shown at the beginning of the episode:
 * Both Dorian and Laudna's stats were unchanged other than hit point increases, suggesting they took feats.
 * FCG increased Constitution and Intelligence.
 * Fearne increased Wisdom and Charisma.
 * Imogen took a half-feat increasing her Dexterity by 1.
 * Orym increased his Dexterity by 2 to 20.
 * Ashton increased both Strength and Dexterity.