In the hallowed Platinum Sanctuary of Vasselheim, Bells Hells stand at the precipice of their greatest challenge yet. As the Exandrian Accord convenes to address the looming threats from Ruidus, our heroes must prove their worth, navigate tense politics, and confront personal demons. This episode weaves together high-stakes diplomacy, emotional reunions, and the promise of a world-altering mission.
Storms of the Mind: Imogen’s Vision
The episode picks up with Imogen caught in a vivid psychic vision, reuniting with her mother Liliana in the wind-swept fields of the Taloned Highlands, wherein crucial intelligence is revealed:
- Ludinus Da’leth, impatient since his return from Aeor, keeps the Ruidusborn close.
- A simulacrum of Ludinus, accompanied by Sorrowlord Zathuda, has ventured to the Fey Realm to broker a deal with the Unseelie Court at the Shrine of Gilded Gifts.
- The Weave Mind has recently fortified the Malleus Key on Exandria.
- Ludinus spends significant time on Ruidus, digging ever closer to the Hallowed Cage.
- Liliana has been tasked with channeling the broadcast of the gods’ memories of Aeor’s fall through a leyline nexus on Exandria.
These revelations set the stage for the high-stakes meeting to come, with Imogen torn between her mission and concern for her mother’s safety. As the group prepares to enter the Sanctuary, Braius apologizes to Fearne for any unwanted advances, leading to an exchange where Fearne asserts her desire for freedom, and Braius admits he’s still looking for love.
A Gathering of Legends
As Bells Hells enter the Platinum Sanctuary, Chetney’s enhanced vision (courtesy of the Monocle of True Essence and See Invisibility) reveals, in a silent display of power, several hidden guardians: six massive platinum golems and an ancient silver dragon, Athudashionus, clinging invisibly to the ceiling. Their presence making it infinitely clear that this a meeting of immense gravity.
Amidst the crowd, Orym catches a glimpse of a familiar figure who bears a striking resemblance to an older Dorian. Before he can point it out, the mysterious individual vanishes, leaving Orym to share the puzzling sighting with a bewildered Dorian.
Highbearer Vord addresses the assembly, and a three-pronged attack plan emerges:
- Vox Machina to assault the Malleus Key in the Hellcatch Valley.
- The Mighty Nein to strike at the Weave Mind in Kreviris on Ruidus.
- Bells Hells to confront Ludinus himself at the Ruidian mining site near the Hallowed Cage.
Trial by Truth
Under the weight of Athudashionus’ Zone of Truth, our heroes face intense scrutiny. Each member of Bells Hells must prove their worth:
- Braius deftly navigates questions about his faith, walking a tightrope of truth and omission. When pressed by a suspicious Highbearer Vord about which saint’s path he follows, Braius smoothly recounts the tale of Saint Graham, the Fallen Saint. While this seems to satisfy Vord, Imogen senses Vord’s lingering mistrust.
- Laudna passionately defends the necessity of necromancy, finding unlikely support from the Coven of the Veil.
- Ashton and Fearne, urged on by Keyleth, reveal their awe-inspiring titanic forms, a display that silences many doubters and evokes a smile from Athudashionus, the silver dragon.
- Chetney leans on his centuries of life experience, emphasizing the unique perspective and unrelenting courage he brings to the team.
- Orym brandishes Seedling, its newly acquired golden gems glowing with divine approval, a testament to the Wildmother’s recent blessing.
- Imogen openly shares the group’s hatred for Ludinus, her sincerity heartfelt even through her mixed success in conveying it.
- Dorian, in a moment of nervousness, accidentally summons Coriolis, a legendary equine dragon mount, in a showcase of unexpected power.
Titles of Destiny
In a rousing moment that turns the tide of opinion, Keyleth champions Bells Hells, bestowing upon each member a title that speaks to their unique strengths:
- Lady Fearne Calloway, Fey Scion of the Ancient Flame
- Ashton the Reforged, Hammer of Paradox
- Chetney Pock O’Pea, High Hunter and Lupine Paragon
- Laudna, Veil Mistress of the Shadow Tree
- Imogen Temult, Exaltant Hope of the Red Storm
- Orym of the Air Ashari, Savior Blade of the Tempest
- Dorian Storm, Master Muse and Son of the Wind
- Braius Doomseed, Nascent Might of the Platinum’s Call
With these powerful monikers echoing through the chamber, the assembly’s doubts are quelled, and the plans are set in motion.
Reunions and Revelations
As the meeting concludes, unexpected encounters await:
- Chetney meets an enthusiastic fan in Scalebearer Waylon Amaredda, leading to a comical and heartwarming visit to a shrine dedicated to Chetney’s woodworking prowess. The encounter culminates in an invitation to “Pop Con,” much to Chetney’s delight.
- Braius faces further questioning from Highbearer Vord, forced to admit his expulsion from the Platinum Dragon’s service. However, with Pike Trickfoot’s impassioned intervention emphasizing the power of redemption, Braius receives the magical armor Truthbearer – a symbol of second chances and renewed faith.
- The Bright Queen shows particular interest in Ashton’s nature, hinting at future revelations. Her cryptic words to Ashton – “Imagine what you could become” – leaves them pondering the extent of their powers and origins. In a surprising moment, Ashton, still in Titan form, quickly kisses Fearne before approaching the Queen to apologize for earlier behavior.
- Dorian comes face-to-face with his father, Zeru Wyvernwind. The two share an embrace, years of tension melting away as Dorian grieves for his lost brother. They exchange blades – Dorian receiving the family’s ceremonial Gambolcleft, while gifting his father Typhonus, a symbol of his growth and the new family he’s found in Bells Hells.
As the dust settles and preparations begin, Bells Hells find themselves on the precipice of their greatest challenge yet. With newfound allies, magical gifts, and the weight of expectation upon them, they must now prepare for a mission that could reshape the fate of Exandria. And what will the rest of the legendary Vox Machina think of this plan since Keyleth admits to the Bells Hells that she committed Vox Machina to this plan without their knowledge?
Questions linger: Can they truly stand against the might of Ludinus and the threats that loom from the red moon? Will Imogen find a way to save her mother without compromising their mission? And what unexpected twists await as they delve deeper into the mysteries that surround them?
TLDR: Bells Hells prove their worth to the Exandrian Accord through a series of trials and revelations, earning grand titles from Keyleth and acceptance for the crucial mission to Ruidus. Dorian shares an emotional reunion with his father, exchanging meaningful blades. Chetney delights in meeting an adoring fan, while Braius faces scrutiny but gains redemptive armor. The Bright Queen’s intriguing interest in Ashton’s nature hints at possible futures as the group steels themselves for the monumental task ahead.
Watch the full episode for free: