Critical Role Review: C2 Episode 58
By: I.Am.No.Man
Episode 58: Wood and Steel
Episode 58! AKA the return of Ashley Johnson, AKA a Xhorhas shopping adventure. It is always great to have Ashley back at the table, and while the Nein are still travelling in Xhorhas near her home. And that DnD Beyond opening ad was scorching! I don't think anything else in the 4 year history of the show has taken Sam down so hard. #VotewithyourJohnson.
The first half of the episode centers around the Nein splitting up and running various errands around the city. Fjord, Yasha, Nott,and Jester shop for potions and clothes. They meet some fantastic NPC's along the way and Yeza proves valuable while they examine potions, pointing out fakes. We also get a bit of a peek behind Fjord's tough persona as they meet with an orc blacksmith named Wursh. Wursh seems to take to Fjord right away, though Fjord walls himself off.Wursh offers kind words of advice and Fjord opens up a little by talking about his orphan past.
Meanwhile, Beau and Caleb use the Bright Queen's emblems to gain access to the library to meet with Professor Waccoh. They are hoping to find work with the Professor as recommended by the Bright Queen. The eccentric Waccoh is taken aback by the two human visitors and does offer them an interesting job. A group of giants has overtaken a mining camp that was making war machines. The Nein, should they choose to accept this mission, would be responsible for killing the giants, freeing the mine, while simultaneously humiliating the foreman who Waccoh has a personal beef with.
After packing their belongings and deciding that Yeza would be safest holed up in their hotel room while they kill some giants, the Nein make their way onto an unknown path.
The Nein then get to travel through the Ghostlands, which once Matt mentioned them in the last session I knew for certain that the group would venture there. We learned a bit more about the lore of Exandria and the Calamity but there is still much to learn. We also got a small peek at Caduceus' moral and religious beliefs as he wandered through a city of undead.
The Nein are quickly able to locate the mining camp and meet Foreman Bodo. Fjord sets of right away humiliating the foreman in front of the entire camp. Feeling that this part of his contract with Waccoh is fulfilled, Fjord finds himself a guide to lead them to the wining site where the giants are holed up.The Nein plan a tactical maneuver, attempting to circle the camp and sneak in a makeshift side entrance. Unfortunately, Yasha accidentally disturbs an angry badger, alerting the giants to their presence. She gets slammed by a thrown boulder and the Nein see a massive figure peering down at them over the wall.
Don't Miss It!
Ok, of course I have to mention that the Kickstarter has passed $10 million! The unofficial secret goal that Sam made up last week has officially been unlocked. Travis Willingham will go through a haunted house and we will all be along for the ride. This may be my favorite stretch goal. Don't miss the after stream party this Thursday! The cast will celebrate the close of the Kickstarter campaign with special guest Joel Hodgson.
Can we also talk about how talented the Critters are? I am so consistently moved by the art, music, and animation that the fans put out. Like THIS Game of Thrones Vox Machina crossover animation that I have been obsessed with this week. Or THIS magnificent piece of art by Kent Davis that was so epic that the entire cast had to retweet and comment on it. You're all beautiful people and I love it.
