Shaun Gilmore

Shaun Gilmore, commonly known as just Gilmore, is a sorcerer merchant. He owns the Gilmore's Glorious Goods shop in the city of Emon and was at one point planning to open another shop in Westruun. He is the chief sponsor of Vox Machina and provides the group a discount for all of his merchandise. As an NPC, he is played by Matthew Mercer in Critical Role and Aabria Iyengar in Exandria Unlimited.

Appearance
Gilmore is described as a very handsome man with a slight paunch, with long, thick, coarse black hair that he usually ties back into a ponytail. Recently, he has decided to grow out a goatee, which he keeps well-braided. He wears what Matthew Mercer describes as "a wizard's tracksuit", with gold-trimmed purple robes that open up at the chest, and various golden necklaces and medallions.

Personality
Gilmore is charming and amicable with a very "Broadway" personality, often using grandiose gestures and manners of speaking and showing a performative style. He shows confidence in his success as both a businessman and a very adept magic caster, as much of what he creates is out of the ordinary and different from standard enchantments.

He keeps friends and family close, going out of his way to look after the well-being of Vox Machina, compatriots from Emon, and his parents -- who he keeps a literal step away via magic. This includes sharing his confidence and vulnerabilities with those he trusts. This is shown over time in conversations with the party (Vax'ildan in particular) and giving Vox Machina access to his family home.

Despite any partnerships or friendships, Gilmore has shown that he is still shrewd and cautious when it comes to his business. When asked about opening a line of credit with Vox Machina to cover for the goods they wanted, he was willing to do so. However, he would still send people after them should they make this arrangement and not repay him within a month. He also isn't against mischief and has used a customer as a test subject for new kinds of enchantments, as seen with the unfortunate side effects of Scanlan's Potion of Scrying.

Background
Gilmore was born Shaun Geddmore in a small village in Marquet known as Shandal around the year 773 PD. There he lived with his parents, Soren and Opesa Geddmore. Around 796 left for Tal'Dorei to start his own business. There he would change his last name to Gilmore.

Gilmore's sorcerous power comes from his bloodline, being what is known as a "Runechild".

Shaun Gilmore appeared for the first time on the stream as Vox Machina readied for their next adventure and stopped at Gilmore's Glorious Goods, LLC. The party entered Gilmore's shop in Abdar's Promenade, where Vax made a beeline to find the man himself. They were greeted warmly, and Gilmore confided that trade had been good; he was in the process of expanding to a second storefront in Westruun.

Vax asked to take Gilmore out on the town while the rest shopped, and Gilmore agreed. He left Sherri, his assistant, to handle the sales. Gilmore and Vax headed to a romantic botanical garden in the Erudite Quarter, where they shared a glass of wine together. They flirted for a while before returning to the shop, a little drunk.

Back at the shop, sales were concluded, and Vox Machina walked away with a pile of new magical items in return for a large amount of gold, platinum, and dragon scales.

Scanlan returned to Gilmore's shop to have Gilmore create a Potion of Scrying. Tiberius also followed this conversation and asked Gilmore questions regarding magic.

Vox Machina stopped by Gilmore's shop but was told that he was away in Westruun, working on the new branch of Gilmore's Glorious Goods. Keyleth had Sherri send him a message that Vax was in town, and Gilmore teleported immediately into the shop. Vax greeted him with a European-style kiss on the cheek and asked where they could be alone to talk. The two of them went into a back room to trade news; Vax told Gilmore about his recent exploits in the Underdark, and Gilmore told Vax what had been happening in Emon and at the new branch in Westruun.

Noticing the teleportation sigil on the floor of the room, Vax asked Gilmore if it was possible to get access to the sigil for Kraghammer. Although he himself did not have access to the sigil, Gilmore did secure a favor with the Lyceum. Vax then purchased three magic daggers from Gilmore on credit, which he repaid within the week.

Following the execution of Riskel Daxio, the group goes on a pub crawl. They reunite with Gilmore and he gives them more information on Vecna. Vax privately tells Gilmore that he can't continue their flirtation because he's in love with someone else, though Vax doesn't think that person loves him. Gilmore is understanding and suave, as always.

Scanlan Shorthalt had requested a potion from Gilmore, only to find out that he was in Westruun. Sherri had retrieved Gilmore, and a brief discussion on scrying occurred. Gilmore attended Uriel's speech in the Cloudtop District of Emon when the Chroma Conclave attacked. He became separated from Vox Machina and they had to leave without him.

When Vox Machina found Gilmore again, he was near death in the basement of his destroyed shop. Gilmore was injured during the initial attack, when he bravely rescued Salda Tal'Dorei and her children. He was healed and revealed that Sovereign Uriel Tal'Dorei II had fallen. He then spoke of an anomaly on The Cinder King, an obfuscation on the chest that looked like it pulsed with power. Gilmore then aided in defeating some scouting looters on the way back to Greyskull Keep before resting at the keep with Salda and her children.

Gilmore went to Whitestone with the rest of the Emon refugees.

While living as a refugee in Whitestone, Gilmore, with the help of Lady Allura Vysoren and Eskil Ryndarien, was tasked with creating and maintaining a protective barrier over the town, while also investigating the orb left by the Briarwoods. He reunited with Vox Machina and joined Allura and the Realmseer in sharing what they know about the Ziggurat.

During one of Vox Machina's visits to Whitestone, Gilmore was impersonated by a rakshasa named Hotis in an attempt at vengeance on Vax. After Vax and the rest of Vox Machina slew Hotis and his hired assassins, Keyleth searched for the real Gilmore and Allura to ensure their safety. Keyleth managed to find Gilmore—just as he was crushing the body of his would-be assassin using powerful magic.

Gilmore told Vox Machina that he and Pike had been working on the barrier. Gilmore was trying to scry on the other dragons, with no success on Raishan. But he says that the place Vorugal attacked was Draconia, which has been razed. He informed the party of Vorugal's attack and subsequent razing of Draconia along with the state of the surviving dragonborn. Gilmore mentioned that he grew up in Marquet.

Vox Machina arrived at Gilmore's house for information on Marquet and a teleportation circle to the continent. He filled in the party of his history, telling them that he was born in a town nearby called Shandal and that they would need a day's journey to reach Ank'Harel. When Vex asked if a message should be passed on, he passed a silver locket and chain with no other explanation, just saying that she would know who to give it to after she meets them. He was noted to be exhausted by Keyleth and confirmed by Sherri just outside of his house. Sherri worried that he would collapse if he had to hold the portal by himself for much longer. Vox Machina asked Jarett Howarth to keep an eye on him during their trip. They used the teleportation circle, ending up in Gilmore's old and mostly empty bedroom. Some of his old belongings were found by Vex, with the party meeting Opesa and Soren Geddmore.

Vox Machina found Jarett and Gilmore in Whitestone Castle discussing the recent events. They asked Gilmore to Identify Cabal's Ruin and Whisper, and then gave the cloak to Percy and the dagger to Vax. The party then took Jarett and left to go drinking.

Vox Machina decided they had to check in with their friends, so Vax'ildan stealthily headed to Gilmore's house. As Gilmore made them tea, Vax told Gilmore that they killed Vorugal. Vax said he was worried he would be dead in a few days and felt like he needed to apologize to Gilmore, explaining that he cared very deeply for him and loved him as a dear friend. Gilmore told him that he appreciated his honesty and was thankful for the connection they did have. Gilmore told him that he needed to stay alive and keep fighting, cheekily saying Vox Machina needed to keep promoting Gilmore's Glorious Goods. They said their goodbyes and Gilmore made Vax promise he will see him next time.

Vox Machina sought out Gilmore, hoping he’d have a quick way to get to Fort Daxio. They found him as he was leaving the castle on his way home, and asked if he knew anyone from Fort Daxio, or a way to get there quickly. The party concluded that it would be best to send Keyleth there by herself, then get her to use Transport via Plants to allow the rest of them through. Gilmore was unable to help them in that regard, so sent them to Allura.

While preparing for the battle, Percy sought out his sister Cassandra, and found her in her room talking to Gilmore, Drake, Brom and Allura. The room was bustling with activity, as everyone present was preparing for the events to come. After some planning with his sister and accepting some potions from Drake, Percy left and passed Vax at the door, who was coming to speak with Gilmore. Vax asked him to help them "save the world" tomorrow and Gilmore was eager to take vengeance on Thordak for destroying his home. The next morning, Gilmore arrived in noble Marqesian garb, ready for the fight. He travled with Vox Machina to the war camp, and accompanied Vox Machina into the city, via Greyskull Keep. As they stealthily made their way through the city, Gilmore turned himself and the twins invisible.

Gilmore participated in the battle against Thordak. He launched several spell attacks against the dragon, most of which were shrugged off until a powerful Disintegrate spell exposed the heart crystal inside his chest. Gilmore was knocked out during the fight, but Kima brought him back to consciousness with Lay on Hands, and he resumed fighting. As Thordak retreated, Gilmore followed him and the rest of Vox Machina down into the tunnels.

Gilmore fought alongside Vox Machina against Raishan, and used Dispel Magic on Raishan's Greater Invisibility, allowing the rest of the party to take shots at her. He got knocked out twice during the fight, but managed to do as much damage as he could, considering his depleted spell slots from the previous fight. After Raishan fled, Gilmore tried to chase her up the tunnel but there was some sort of barrier blocking them all in the lair. The party saw a flash of light further up the tunnel, and began in earnest trying to break through the barrier. Once they found their way through, they found Raishan and the corpse of Thordak were no longer there. Gilmore then pointed out that the flash was likely Raishan teleporting away.

While the party healed up and figured out what to do now, Gilmore took the opportunity to chat with J'mon Sa Ord, until they were called away by Pike. Gilmore later began looting Thordak’s horde, stating that he had to rebuild somehow, and found some of his own merchandise.

The party asked Gilmore about the glowing rune on his forehead, and he cautiously explained that he was what's known as a Runechild. Grog then had Gilmore Identify his new sword and Gilmore said it's a Dancing Sword that will fight on its own. Upon further prompting, he explained to Vox Machina what a Runechild is, and some of their history of being hunted. Then they asked him if he knew anything about Opash, but he didn't recognise the name. He later accompanied Vox Machina back to Whitestone.

While searching for a way to reach Kaylie to get her to participate in her father’s resurrection ritual, Vex flew off to find Gilmore. Gilmore explained he couldn’t get to Kymal because there was no teleportation sigil there, but he did know someone else who could help. Gilmore and Vex headed to the castle and found Percy there, who gave Vex the Gate Stone. Gilmore asked the guards where Eskil Ryndarien was. They pointed him toward the Ziggurat, and the two met Eskil on the way down. He agreed to take Vex to Kymal, but he couldn’t send them back the same day. Eskil then teleported away with Vex

One morning, Vox Machina summoned Gilmore to look at one of the books they found in Raishan's lair. Gilmore said the book may be informative but would cost something to anyone who read it.

As Vox Machina approached the peak of Entropis, they found three guards blocking their exit, paying no attention to them. Vex and Vax assasinated two of them, while Arkhan struck the third. When they did not respond to Arkhan's hit, Vex called for Arkhan to remove the figure's helmet. He did so, revealing the face of none other than Shaun Gilmore, dressed in cultist armor and standing as if paralyzed.

Horrified that they had been tricked into attacking one of their closest friends, they removed the helmets from the two dead "cultists". The bodies were revealed to be Kaylie, and Cassandra. Pike checked their bodies more closely, but only confirmed that these were really their family members. She removed the circlet that seemed to be holding Gilmore still, and he awakened. Pike cast Revivify on the fallen Kaylie and Cassandra, and as Scanlan hugged his daughter, Gilmore told them what he remembered of being pulled through a doorway while he was in his workshop. Keyleth asked him to get himself, along with the other two, back to Emon.

Before he left, Gilmore cast Haste on Grog, asking them to leave a scar in his name. Scanlan said his goodbye to Kaylie as Gilmore pulled her and Cassandra close for a Teleport. Behind them, coming up the stairs, they heard heavy footsteps. Vecna's death knight came into view. As Arkhan ran to meet the knight, Gilmore began to teleport away. Vax bid him one final goodbye before he vanished with the two girls.

While preparing for their journey to Pandemonium, Vox Machina sought out Gilmore. They found him in the Quadroads, entertaining some young children with simple magic. He was glad to see them, and when they asked he offered a little advice about the dangers of Pandemonium. Gilmore realized the implications of Vax's absence as he spoke to the party. Keyleth, Vex, and Scanlan comforted him, and he embraced them and told them that once they've retrieved Grog, they should get together and reminisce, but for the time being he was going to help the residents of Vasselheim displaced by the Titan.

Gilmore was in attendance at Vex and Percy’s wedding, for once not dressed in purple, instead a beautiful gold, silver and white ensemble. He encouraged Keyleth during her speech, and was knocked unconscious with the rest of the guests at the rehearsal dinner. By the time he and the rest of the recovered party guests reached the fight, it was already over.

In 842 PD, 31 years after the events of the Chroma Crisis, Lorkathar of the Fire Ashari sent the adventuring party that would later be known as the Crown Keepers to seek Gilmore's guidance about the rune that appeared on the newly raised plateau near Flamereach Outpost.

Gilmore teleported in from Marquet to talk with the adventurers. The rune reminded him of those used in the ancient civilization of Qoniira; he offered to help the adventurers get as far as Byroden, and gave them a discount on goods at the store. The adventurers also explained that they had trouble with the Nameless Ones after stealing the Circlet of Barbed Vision and a large quantity of residuum that the thieves' guild considered theirs. Gilmore offered to at least take the evil Vestige off their hands if they desired; when they decided to hold onto it, he gave them a one-use box that would teleport any item to his location in case they changed their minds. When the adventurers were soon afterward hijacked by the Nameless Ones, Dorian Storm lied and said he had sold the stolen goods to Gilmore. As they escaped from the Nameless Ones, Orym used the box to send a message to Gilmore warning that the criminal organization would be coming after him.

Vax'ildan
Vax'ildan and Gilmore enjoy flirting with each other and spending time together. After returning from the Underdark, Vax asked Gilmore out to a meal and a walk, partially to give the rest of Vox Machina time to shop and haggle, but also just to catch up with his friend.

Vax seems to view Gilmore as a confidant, as he told him about Vox Machina's struggles in the Underdark and about the Horn of Orcus, which the party had agreed to keep a secret.

After defeating the Briarwoods and returning to Emon, Vax took a moment to sit down with Gilmore and explain that he was in love with someone else. Gilmore, although saddened by the news, took it very well, and after a final kiss the two parted amicably. They remained close friends. When Gilmore learnt of Vax's death, he was visibly distraught.

Sherri
Sherri is one of Gilmore's employees and the one he seems to trust the most, as she is usually left in charge of the shop when he is away. Although Sherri is sometimes frustrated with her boss, she is incredibly loyal to him. When Gilmore was gravely injured during the Chroma Conclave's attack on Emon, Sherri stayed by his side to protect him and tend to his wounds. She later went with him and the other refugees to Whitestone.

Soren and Opesa Geddmore
Gilmore appears to have a strained relationship with his parents. After moving to Tal'Dorei from Marquet, he hadn't visited them in fifteen years, despite having a Teleportation Circle leading to their house. When Vox Machina told Gilmore that his parents were proud of him, Gilmore said that it's "Taken a while."

Darius
Darius and Shaun are married and he helps him with his business in Marquet. Shaun refers to Darius as "lovely" when speaking about him to Fearne Calloway.

Abilities
Gilmore eventually revealed that he is a Runechild, meaning he is gifted with natural magical abilities through his bloodline.

Sorcerer features

 * Spellcasting
 * Font of Magic (≥13 Sorcery Points)
 * Metamagic
 * Sorcerous Origin: Runechild
 * Essence Runes
 * Glyphs of Aegis
 * Sigilic Augmentation
 * Manifest Inscriptions

Cantrips

 * Prestidigitation

1st-level

 * Identify

2nd-level

 * Invisibility
 * Misty Step

3rd-level

 * Dispel Magic
 * Haste
 * Lightning Bolt

4th-level

 * Blight
 * Dimension Door

5th-level

 * Hold Monster
 * Telekinesis
 * Teleportation circle

6th-level

 * Disintegrate

7th-level

 * Teleport

Notable items

 * Focus Ring
 * Heroes' Feast-creating Wooden Dominoes

Quotations

 * "But if you find a way for me to become a dragon, that would be sexy."
 * "Flattery will get you literally everywhere."

Trivia

 * Shaun Gilmore was actually born Shaun Geddmore, but had his name anglicized when he moved to Tal'Dorei for better business.
 * Gilmore is able to cast the spell Identify, despite it not being a sorcerer spell. A possible explanation for this is that he has the Magic Initiate feat.
 * In the Critical Role Major Arcana Tarot Card Set, he represents X - Wheel of Fortune.
 * Shaun Gilmore is included with Vox Machina in the Critical Role Pack DLC for Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.
 * Gilmore's character stems from a person with a larger-than-life personality who went to high school, and did a lot of theater, with Matt. Gilmore's interest in Vax was improvised after Vex failed terribly on a Persuasion check to barter, and Vax, backing her up, rolled high.