The Momentum of Murder

is the 39th episode of the third campaign of Critical Role. Bells Hells must contend with the bureaucracy of being murder suspects before they can begin their turbulent travels to southern Marquet...

Pre-show
Vince McSam continues his questionable practices at the Finger Championship Games. Also, The Nine Eyes of Lucien is out this week!

Part I
Bells Hells discuss their next steps at the Spire by Fire in the evening. Their first thought is to break the news to Evelyn Wress, but while Imogen worries that she's in danger, Ashton and Chetney are worried that the party is under suspicion. Orym suggests that as Eshteross trusted Orlana Seshadri, they go to her, as a government official, and give her all the letters.

Imogen blames herself and the party for getting Eshteross killed, but Ashton tells her not to; it would not have been hard to trace it back to him, and Otohan reading Orym's mind was not their fault. FCG, however, agrees with Imogen. Ashton tells her that they are Eshteross's revenge, which Imogen is able to get behind. Meanwhile, Fearne laments that they never got any of his recipes, to which Chetney responds that he did leave his maple-ginger cookie recipe.

Having discussed their options, Imogen casts Sending to Mistress Seshadri, telling her that Eshteross has been killed, that his body is still at his home, and that they have documents for her. Mistress Seshadri expresses her concern and worry and tells Imogen to meet her either at his home or at a place of their choosing. Imogen responds with their room number at the Spire by Fire and urges discretion as Ashton goes to get a bottle of whiskey from the bar. FCG messages Evelyn telling her something terrible has happened to Eshteross and not to return, to which Evelyn responds that she hopes he is okay. The party considers clarifying the situation, but ultimately does not. They discuss how they wish to handle the letters; Imogen agrees with Orym that they should give them all to Mistress Seshadri, though Ashton is less sure.

Bells Hells then ask Laudna, who has been quiet, how she is doing. She thanks them and tells them that she's alright, but feels somewhat indebted for what they had to go through to resurrect her. Imogen and Ashton assure her that there is no debt nor burden. The party also asks her about the name Matilda, to which Laudna responds that she was born Matilda Bradbury, but at some point after her initial death, as she was hiding outside a town with only Pâté de Rolo for company, she came up with the name "Laudna" after singing to him.

Laudna is not able to sense Delilah, but is not sure she's entirely gone, either. Ashton offers to let her hit them with some magic, and Laudna is able to to Eldritch Blast them. She says it feels the same as it has in the past. Imogen points out that Laudna did already have powers prior to Delilah.

The discussion is then interrupted by a knock from the Green Seekers. Olly informs Bells Hells that they are under investigation for Eshteross's murder, but that if they come quietly, they can hopefully be quickly exonerated. The party asks that the Green Seekers confirm their identities and FCG asks Gus about his relationship, which embarrasses Gus but does serve as confirmation. Bells Hells asks for a moment and promises they will not try to escape. They then attempt to read the letter to Mistress Seshadri, first by holding it up to a light, but then Chetney opens it. The letter includes reminiscences of Eshteross working for Seshadri in the past, and ends with a summary of Bells Hells' findings in their investigation and the request that Seshadri permit them to continue their work without interference. Laudna then Mends the seal on the letter and the party goes with the Green Seekers. As they do, FCG offers to return the Pearl of Power to Laudna, who tells him to keep it. They are all escorted to Eshteross's home, along with six members of the Wardens of Jrusar. Ashton and Imogen warn Olly that the actual murder is extremely dangerous and to be on alert, which Olly appreciates.

Outside of Eshteross's house is Orlana Seshadri and a number of armed officers both of the Wilders and the Chandei Quorum, as well as an unknown individual in a black cloak. Mistress Seshadri thanks Bells Hells for coming as two Wilders bring out Eshteross's body. At this point, the woman in the black cloak comes forward and begins casting something on Eshteross's corpse. Seshadri introduces her as Grave Mystic Weva Vudol, a follower of the Duskmaven who often helps in the investigation of high-profile murders. Weva casts Speak with Dead and asks Eshteross her questions. Eshteross was killed less than a day ago by the Legend of the Peaks, Otohan Thull; Bells Hells were not responsible for his death. She asks him for his final requests, which are to be buried next to Mistress Prudaj in the Lucent Memorial Mausoleum.

The Green Seekers ask Seshadri if they can do anything now that Bells Hells have been exonerated. She asks them to hunt down Otohan, which Gus and Olly turn down as it is "above their pay grade". Seshadri then asks Bells Hells, as they had Eshteross's endorsement and had shown they were capable in returning Armand Treshi. Orym agrees on behalf of the group. The party then asks for more information on Otohan's title, Legend of the Peaks. Seshadri tells them that it comes from the Apex War, in which Otohan made her name fighting for the Stratos Throne, which sits in Sruwargas in the Coven Peaks of the Taloned Highlands. Imogen vaguely recalls battles in and around Gelvaan, her hometown in the Taloned Highlands, from when she was very young.

Seshadri and the Green Seekers prepare to do the paperwork to confirm Bells Hells' innocence, and Chetney hands her Eshteross's will so that she can help start the transfer of ownership of the Silver Sun. He then reluctantly hands over the rest of the sealed letters and admits he opened hers out of suspicion; she is impressed by how well it is resealed. As this happens, Weva finishes preparing Eshteross's body for burial. Bells Hells speak to her and learn she works for Mistress Seshadri as well as in and around Jrusar for various other officials. Weva is fascinated by Laudna, to the point that Laudna becomes slightly uncomfortable and FCG helps her to establish some boundaries. Chetney uses Hunter's Bane and confirms Weva is not herself undead, nor a fey nor fiend, and Orym uses Know Your Enemy and learns that Weva is much more powerful than the party. Weva tells Laudna there is something "familiar" about her, and that she's a bit "darker" at the edges. After a moment, she tells Laudna "welcome back". She then goes to leave. Imogen telepathically messages her and ask if she saw anything else around Laudna, to which Weva replies that she had not looked that far, but is curious about the mystery. Imogen says that perhaps they can discuss in more depth later.

The party tells Seshadri they plan to leave for Yios as soon as the skyship is ready, and to be discreet, as they'd prefer not many people know where they are going. She agrees this is wise. After some discussion the party plans to stay at the Soot and Swill until they leave the city. Orym and Imogen pay their respects to Eshteross's body, with Orym Druidcrafting a black violet and Imogen promising to avenge him. Fearne goes through Eshteross's pockets, but is quickly noticed. Laudna decides to take some of Eshteross's spices so she can make the cookies, and uses Pâté to get some ginger from the kitchen. He successfully does so without being noticed, though he takes multiple spices and not just the ginger. Orym and Imogen take daggers from Eshteross's home, and Ashton snaps off a small carving of a talon as a keepsake.

They then go to the Soot and Swill and get two rooms to take their rest. They awaken in late morning. Orym discusses the toxin that he was able to smell on Eshteross, and how it prevents resurrection magic. They speculate on why it was not used when Otohan attacked them; Orym surmises that while Zephrah and Eshteross were planned attacks, they were unexpected. Chetney asks why Zephrah was attacked, and Orym admits that while there had been some theorizing about ley lines, they aren't sure. Meanwhile, FCG casts Identify on the toxin and is able to verify that they have never seen it before nor heard of it, and it is not magical, nor is it natural. Imogen wonders if it's tied to Ruidus. FCG also identifies Turmoil, Eshteross's weapon he bequeathed to them. Chetney and Ashton are both interested in it.

Bells Hells then go downstairs for breakfast, and see Pretty again. He is still dating around, and gracefully skirts FCG mentioning that Fearne, Imogen, and Laudna are all still single, instead discussing how romance is best if it is organic, and not everyone wants romance in the first place.

Part II
Bells Hells goes to the Aerie Spire, where the skyship port is located, and speak to Port Captain Tang to find out the status of the Silver Sun. He tells them the paperwork will be ready in a few minutes, and directs them to the ship, where they meet with First Mate Khalil Benes. Khalil confirms that the crew is aware of the change of ownership and then sends them to Captain Xandis, who welcomes them back and greets the now-living Laudna. The skyship is in the process of being repaired from the damage it took in the last storm. Bells Hells discuss how to best get to Yios, which is a long journey, particularly if you take the trade route rather than the more dangerous shortcut over the Hellcatch Valley. As they discuss, they check the orb tied to the locator ring, which remains dark.

Orym and Chetney ask if they can stop in the Gloomed Jungles with an eye towards meeting the Gorgynei, to which Xandis replies that it is on the way as Yios is within Aeshanadoor. The party, realizing how quickly Otohan reached Jrusar, decides to take the faster and more hazardous route over the Hellcatch. After further discussion, they decided that they will also take a day in Jrusar to gather some supplies - primarily diamonds and other spell components - and to allow Chetney to help the crew of the Silver Sun repair the broken sail and mast rather than trying to fix it en route. FCG gets diamonds and a commemorative coin, Imogen gets a ruby worth 400 gold, and Imogen also gives Laudna her share of the bounty from Treshi's capture.

The first two days of travel go by smoothly, and the locator orb remains dark, but another dust storm kicks up on the third. Chetney cuts up a length of rope so the party can tie themselves to the railings, and Orym ties himself to a mast, which prevents them from falling as most of them do lose their grip and end up hanging from the ship. Laudna is able to cast Feather Fall to prevent the ropes from snapping, and they are all able to make it back onto the ship without incident, but it does add time to their travel.

The fourth day also passes by smoothly, but that evening, there is a Ruidus flare. Imogen at first dreams of baking with Laudna in a hut; the room then becomes lit with deep red. Imogen goes outside into the storm as the hut begins to break apart in the wind. She sees a figure in front of her with what appears to be long dark hair, whom she first thinks to be Laudna. She hurries to catch up to the figure, and sees that the "dark hair" is actually a funeral cloak, and the person has lavender hair: it is Liliana Temult, who tells her to run.

Meanwhile, on the deck, Chetney begins to feel an itch as the moon flares, despite his lycanthropy typically being tied to Catha. Orym and Fearne, also on deck, notice him doubling over. Chetney fails his save to retain control, and transforms into his werewolf form, then attacks Orym, who had moved closer to him. Orym and Chetney exchange attacks, and Xandis notices but Fearne assures them it's okay. Fearne casts Daylight on Chetney, which appears to help him begin to regain control, but is not sufficient at first. The fight continues, unheard by the rest of the party, who are below decks. Chetney begins to regain control, but as he has taken enough damage to be below half health, he still lashes out against Orym before finally transforming back to his gnomish form. Chetney immediately apologizes and worriedly asks Orym if he bit him. Orym confirms he did not; Fearne expresses some regret that she wasn't bitten. Chetney offers to tend Fearne's wounds, to which she responds that at a later date, perhaps, but not while he is struggling to control his lycanthropy. They all wonder if they should check on Imogen.

Back in Imogen's dream, her mother's form dissipates, and Imogen can see Ruidus overhead through the storm. She cannot see Otohan or any other figures. She wills herself to fly into the air, destroying the hut with a lightning bolt as she does. She flies into the air for some time, and can see the stars, but then the flare recedes and she begins to fall, waking just before impact. She immediate casts Sending to her mother, asking Liliana if she's there. Liliana responds with "Imogen?"

Bells Hells

 * Ashton Greymoore
 * Chetney Pock O'Pea
 * Fearne Calloway
 * Fresh Cut Grass
 * Imogen Temult
 * Laudna
 * Orym

Returning
These characters previously appeared in Campaign 3 or any other Critical Role work.
 * Ariks Eshteross, via Speak with Dead
 * Evelyn Wress, via Sending
 * Gus
 * Khalil Benes
 * Liliana Temult, via Sending
 * Olly
 * Orlana Seshadri
 * Pâté de Rolo
 * Preio Madali
 * Pretty
 * Port Captain Tang
 * Xandis

New
These character have not previously appeared in Campaign 3 or any other Critical Role work, though they may have been previously mentioned.
 * Grave Mystic Weva Vudol

Mentioned

 * Bertrand Bell
 * Delilah Briarwood
 * Gordi
 * Otohan Thull
 * Percival de Rolo
 * Prudaj
 * Terana
 * Vex'ahlia de Rolo
 * Zhudanna