Critical Role’s Downfall trilogy continues in Part Two, where we begin to truly delve into the mysteries of the ancient city of Aeor. DMed by Brennan Lee Mulligan, known for his work on Dimension 20, the episode explores a lull during the Calamity, where powerful individuals, serving as mortal avatars of the divine, embark on a mission to the floating city of Aeor, revealing its deep-seated flaws and virtues.
Unraveling the Divine’s Plan: A Sacred Departure
The episode opens with our heroes standing amidst the sacred Chamber of Seasons in the Opus Ward. This ancient temple, newly lit under the hidden sun, is adorned with carved images of the gods. The group, comprising a motley crew of divine avatars, prepares for a journey into the heart of Aeor. Among them, Asha, The Emissary, and their companions Tishar and Zaharzht plan to investigate the Obtenebrator Engine, a crucial device that conceals the city from divine perception. Meanwhile, SILAHA, an Aeormaton, and Emhira, alongside the halfling archer Umleta, are on a mission to uncover the secrets of the Eravox Protocol, which could preserve Aeor’s knowledge against divine intervention.
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Mysteries in the Temple: Uncovering Hidden Truths
As the team prepares to depart, SILAHA notices strange, web-like threads around Umleta, prompting a tense exchange that hints at deeper conspiracies within Aeor. Meanwhile, The Emissary experiences a poignant vision of the Lawbearer, who expresses sorrow over the state of the world, further highlighting the various internal conflicts among the gods and their avatars who are grappling with the consequences of their divine duties.
Ayden discovers a mysterious book of ancient tales and prayers, tucked away under a bench in the temple. This book, belonging to an archmage concerned for her sick son, Hallis, hints at a lingering faith in the Everlight among Aeor’s citizens. This revelation sets another thread into motion, as the group decides to track down this archmage, hoping to find allies within the city’s ranks.
Secret Allies and Hidden Agendas: The Ars Elysia Nightclub
Meanwhile, SILAHA leads Umleta and Emhira to a secretive nightclub, the Ars Elysia, hidden behind an arcane glass-blowing factory. This opulent establishment, owned by SILAHA, becomes a nexus of intrigue as they encounter Garathran, a planetar angel disillusioned with the gods, and learn about hints of a broader celestial rebellion led by the solar Acastriel.
The group interrogates Garathran, but he self-destructs, underscoring just how much deep division and discontent is brewing within the divine ranks. Emhira, revealing her true identity as The Matron of Ravens, uses her powers to extract crucial information about Acastriel’s plans and allies, setting the stage for an imminent confrontation.
The Race to the Genesis Ward: A Chaotic Battle
As tensions mount, Asha, The Emissary, Tishar, and Zaharzht infiltrate the Genesis Ward, finding themselves in a deadly showdown with Aeor’s magical defenses. The group battles against formidable Spellguard Constructs and a cunning mage, all while trying to prevent the activation of the Obtenebrator Engine. This engine, capable of cloaking the city from divine sight, represents a significant threat to their mission.
The battle reaches its height as the avatars, aided by new arrivals Trist, Father Milo, and Ayden, manage to disable the engine. This victory, however, comes with the realization that Aeor’s true power and its potential threat to the gods are far from fully understood.
The Aftermath: A City in Turmoil
As the episode concludes, the divine avatars narrowly escape through Emhira’s Arcane Gate, leaving behind a city in chaos. Aeor’s Magistri, bewildered by the sudden attack and the sabotage of the Obtenebrator Engine, are left to ponder the implications of this divine intervention. The story leaves off there, leaving us eager to see how the city of Aeor will react and what further revelations lie in store.
Watch the full episode now:
The stakes are higher than ever in Critical Role’s Downfall: Part Two, promising an explosive conclusion that will shape the fate of the world.