Trial by Firelight
Trial by Firelight
is the second episode of Chapter 1 of Campaign 3.Starring:
- Travis Willingham as Sir Bertrand Bell note
- Marisha Ray as Laudna note
- Taliesin Jaffe as Ashton Greymoore note
- Ashley Johnson as Fearne Calowaynote
- Sam Riegel as Fresh Cut Grass (F.C.G.) note
- Liam O'Brien as Orymnote
- Laura Bailey as Imogen Temultnote
- And Matthew Mercer as the Dungeon Master
Guest Starring:
- Robbie Daymond as Dorian Stormnote
Led by Sir Bertrand Bell, the group has been brought before their prospective employer Lord Eshteross, who attacks them to test their skill. Despite the battle being seven against one (Bertrand having elected to sip brandy by the fireplace), the lord proves a formidable opponent. However, our heroes manage to fight back, earning his approval. Eshteross explains that he is interested in protecting the people of the region against threats such as the criminal Ivory Syndicate, and that he wishes to hire the group to act as his hand, or at least eyes and ears.
Having being given some time to think about the lord's offer, everyone grabs a late breakfast and talks a bit more. Orym admits that he, Fearne and Dorian are in Jrusar looking for someone, but refrains from disclosing additional information for the time being. Laudna reveals that she was in Whitestone around the time it was taken over by the Briarwoods, but left before Vox Machina reclaimed the city. She then spent a lot of time in isolation, hearing a voice in her head and talking to a rat skeleton with a raven's skull she has named Pâté De Rolo.
Returning to Lord Eshteross, the group accepts their first mission: lately, there has been a string of thefts from a warehouse storing supplies meant for Dayal Hall, a charitable organisation supported by the orc lord. Eshteross wishes to learn the cause of these thefts and, if possible, for the perpetrators to be dealt with. He gives everyone a stipend of gold and sends them on their way.
Upon arriving at the Prudaj Textiles warehouse, the group splits. While Fearne and Bertrand keep watch and exchange awkward small talk, Ashton, Dorian and Laudna investigate the outside of the warehouse, discovering a sealed back entrance. Meanwhile, Fresh Cut Grass, Imogen and Orym venture inside, posing as merchants. They find a couple of crates that look like they have been broken into, but very little seems to be actually missing. Both crates also contain traces of brumestone, a rare mineral that allows skyships to float. While reading the employees' thoughts it becomes apparent that Danas, the gnome overseer, feels particularly anxious about the group's presence.
Everyone reconvenes outside and decides to stake out the warehouse after sundown. Ashton, F.C.G, Fearne and Laudna stand by the sealed back door. Made invisible by Dorian, Orym sneaks into the warehouse just as Danas is locking it for the night. The jittery gnome takes something out of the tampered crates and leaves hurriedly, with Bertrand and Imogen following behind...
