#c3ep23 spoilers

[sgt-farron]

but its like so extra sad because in that moment, from Imogen's perspective, Laudna did lie. From the way that Imogen has asked more than once "is she talking to you?" it implies that while Laudna 'hears' Delilah in her head, what's happening isn't really on a mental level and Imogen isn't able to hear Delilah/sense her presence. So everything that Imogen knows of Delilah, of her 'existence' would have come from what Laudna has said and up until now, Imogen would have had no inclination to question it because Laudna's thoughts always matched her actions, Laudna didn't lie like everyone else.

She wasn't thinking rationally in that moment. She was under the corrupting influence of that stone; a stone that exudes warmth and intoxicating comfort, that twist the mind into you keeping it close, keeping it safe. And influence so strong it took a few weeks, extra mounting internal frustrations, and being alone with the person she trusted absolutely asking like really asking how she was doing, to even bring it up, to give voice to that suspicion in the back of her mind that maybe it isn't 'alright' and in same breath being unable to not insist that it 'isn't doing anything' (because it doesn't want you to question it).

And then, Imogen goes as far as to hand it over, because she asked, Laudna asked, and she fought through the paranoia (hesitating, checking they were alone), and even then did not do so with out a clear warning, "Don't do anything with it, Laudna" and Laudna assuring her "I would never do anything with out you permission first."

And then tragedy struck because Laudna didn't, but Delilah did.

Imogen, very vulnerable and fraught with anxiety, paranoia at handing the stone over, watched in a matter of moments it crumble in Laudna's hand, destroyed. Normal, clear headed Imogen would have been able to see Laudna's own distress, see what was happening to know it for truth, but the stone's corruption and influence over her emotional state was not letting her be rational.

It was just her and Laudna, alone in their mind space (from what we can tell) and for the first time, Laudna's words, her promises did not match her actions, and that is what ran a knife through Imogen's very exposed heart.

"You lied."

Hopefully Imogen will be able be able to sleep off the influence of that rock or shake it off soon now that its gone and actually see what happened for what it was, but who knows how long that could take. Clearly it wasn't a clean break, items destroyed and you 'snap out of it' situation.

All of this and I didn't even begin to touch on Laudna's perspective and how absolutely terrifying it was for her to go through that, to have no control (literally), and hurting the one person you care about more than anything, who didn't see you as a monster, and cared for you, too.

To continue to be haunted by your murderer, who ever 30 years later continues to take, take, take everything from you while speaking down to you, calling you 'child' and saying that she is 'handling it', that she has 'taken care of it', like Laudna should be, ought to be grateful for what she did.

The loss of bodily autonomy was just the icing on a very, very sad and emotional cake. I can see this potentially devolving into Laudna questioning even further where the line between her and Delilah is (will she wonder if there even is a line anymore? Or are they truly one and the same? )

I saw on Tumblr a while back about tragedies, about where from the opening act the character was already 'dead'; there fate signaled in a dozen tiny ways right from the get that weren't going to make it to an end where they lived. The super sad gremlin in my brain thought of Laudna immediately (and tbh Imogen to an extent), and not because she was undead. But because of her circumstances generally speaking. She is inextricable tied to Delilah Briarwood, a woman who we now know (thanks Matt) lives somewhere in her spirit, which now has Laudna possibly marching down one of two tragic roads: Delilah corruption succeeds, suppresses Laudna and takes her form or they fight with everything to stop her and in the end, find that they are unshakably linked, one can't exit without the other.

#cr spoilers #critical role spoilers #c3 spoilers #c3ep23 spoilers #laudna #imogen temult #I had so many godamn feeling you guys help

[latuarts]

no thoughts just them

#c3ep23 #imodna #imogen temult #laudna #critical role spoilers

[blorbologist]

New portrait, same old halls

“Orym noted she hasn’t been back to Whitestone since she died,” said Keyleth, leading them along the pebbled paths of Zephrah. She only hesitated a bit on the last word.

“Yes,” grit out Percy, “I think I would have known if a revenant strode into my home. All the guards should remember what one looks like, after all.”

“Percy, she came alone, with my sworn guard vouching for her, looking for help.”

“She’s not alone, I can assure you that. Who else could the voice be, Keyleth? Really?”

Set post C3 episode 23 - following Delilah's little stunt, Laudna reaches out to the last people to deal with the scheming bitch. Revisiting his trauma has never been Percy's strong suit.

“And you’re positive you know how to use the -”

 

“Sending stone?” Vesper’s lips curled into a grin as she mouthed the words into the rock she held - by the way Vex’ahlia blinked, they likely hit their mark. “Yes. Positive, mother.”

 

Vex visibly resisted the urge to roll her eyes at their daughter. Because she was the Lady of Whitestone and a terrible example both. “I know I am beating a dead bush here, dear, but-”

 

“This is a rather big deal,” Percy finished.

 

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo the third never thought he would live to see a free Whitestone. Truthfully, he expected to die bringing it about. So the happy ending - save the world, wife, kids - caught him by surprise with each new chapter he and Vex thumbed through. He had little time to emotionally prepare before each cause for celebration found him and rendered him a blubbering mess.

 

He had known this would come - had ample time to compose himself and understand Vesper’s sound logic. 

 

He was still just shy of a blubbering mess.

(Keep reading on AO3!)

#critical role fic #critical role #spoilers for C3ep23 + Campaign 1 + Tal'Dorei Reborn #percy de rolo #vex'ahlia #laudna #keyleth #perc'ahlia #laudnogen #southerngothic #laudna might get adopted by the de Rolos maybe whose to say

[thelonebookman]

Laudna and Ferne, having a long-term weird-off.

#critical role spoilers #critical role #critical role liveblog #cr spoilers #c3ep23

[pocketbeacon]

Theyre giving it to ashley???

#critical role spoilers #c3ep23

[blorbologist]

New portrait, same old halls - Chapter 2, Cassandra

“Percival - Percy and Vex have extended an invitation,” she said, “to a woman with ties to the Briarwoods. She was made a sacrifice to their cruelty, and your parents intend to honor her as due. There will be a dinner, tomorrow, in her name.”

It took a great breath of air for her to not lose her nerve, to exhale the explanation without snagging on the lump in her throat: “She - the woman is no threat. However, Delilah still might be. It is unlikely, but - not a risk your father will take. None of you - none of the children - are to attend, under any circumstances.”

“Oh.” Vesper understood.

Her armor whined as she asked, “Do you know who it might be?”

“Yes,” said Cass, softly. “We’ve met.”

--

Revisiting her trauma has never been Cass' strong suit either - but she's a bit better at it than her brother. A bit.

Cassandra, as a rule, adored her gaggle of nieces and nephews. 

 

Little Gwendolyn had Whitestone wrapped around her finger, and Cass was no exception. She tried, well and truly, to be firm with the girl when it mattered. When it didn’t, well - Percy could forgive her for a few extra sweets before bed. (She was sure to retrieve any of her brother’s more ornery trinkets Gwennie made off with, though.)

 

The first time little Vax’ildan had noticed her going without a hairpiece, he made her one himself. Since then, it was always his work adoring her crown. They both knew his Druidcraft flowers were not long for the world - but while they were, Cass wore them chin high. And if they ditched his tutors to marvel at a litter of kittens in the hayloft, Vex did not need to know. 

 

Wolfe was a child after her own heart, if poise came to him more naturally than she. With him, Cass shared the very best courtly insults, the way to wield a rapier in close quarters, the in-between places even monsters could not find. He, in turn, shared his dreams of a massive wolf looming over the Raven Queen’s shrine. They stood guard for him, together, some nights when the boy could not sleep.

 

The only one of the brood she was not close to was Leona - head in her books or ducked where it should not be, hunting down secrets with a curious eye. Guidance and safety both were treated as yokes keeping her from discovery. The little lioness would enjoy the Cobalt Soul, thought  Cass - once she was of age and temperament for the work, and if it caught her fancy. 

 

It was with Vesper she had the best relationship, without a doubt. As heir to her seat in the Chamber, Vesper studied under Cassandra when not devoting her time to honing her skills as Erathis’ holy paladin. She was a bold young woman: quick-witted, silver-tongued, eager to find common ground. They spared often, debated daily, and Cass was thrilled to find Vesper matching her blows more and more.

 

Vesper was usually her favorite.

 

Usually.

(Keep reading on AO3!)

#critical role fic #critical role #spoilers for c3ep23 + campaign 1 + tal'dorei reborn #Laudna #laudna cr #cassandra de rolo #Imaudna #imodna #southerngothic #de rolo family #gwendolyn de rolo #vesper de rolo #percival de rolo #cr percy #laudna Has been adopted by the de Rolos she and Cass get to bond over Delilah trauma #behold my many headcanons because i think about these blorbos way too fuckin much!

[thelonebookman]

Chetney: "Before we move on, I would like to cause trouble...in secret."

#critical role spoilers #critical role #critical role liveblog #cr spoilers #c3ep23

[thelonebookman]

Bless you, Sam, for turning 'Keyfish' into a unit of measurement.

#critical role spoilers #critical role #critical role liveblog #cr spoilers #c3ep23