Critical Role Campaign 3, Episode 10: Prepping for the Ball

Key Announcement and Opening Sponsorship

Sponsor: Beadle & Grimm's Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn box edition. Advertised humorously by Sam and Robbie as relatives of Dave Matthews.
Merch Announcements: New Legend of Vox Machina t-shirts and hoodies available in the Critical Role store.
Series Update: First three episodes of The Legend of Vox Machina are out, with the next three releasing at midnight tonight on Prime Video.

The group deliberates over attending a masquerade ball, organized by the Chandei Quorum. Eshteross has tasks and plans for them.
Objectives: Discover Quorum members, expose corruption, confirm connections to House Treshi, and plant a tracking ring on Armand Treshi.
Party Prep: Purchase outfits and create masks for the event.
- Travis's character, Chetney, notes the importance of hiding/concealing weapons for the ball.

Golden Veil: The party shops for formal attire. Each member selects outfits with different styles (e.g., Chetney's Uthodurnian coat, Laudna’s fur gown, Fearne's lace dress with peach jacket).
Trove of Marwa: They purchase magic items and curios including a personal flair customized for FCG, enchanted potions, and Fearne buys obsidian flakes.

Research & Discussions: Imogen conducts research on sorcerous origins, blood magic, and historical accounts of the Briarwoods and contracts with powerful entities.
Fearne's Background: Shared with Orym inconsistently, revealing some lore about her fey ties and her potential impacts on the story.
Group Dynamics & Nightmares: Imogen and Laudna share moments revealing past traumas and visions connecting various plot threads.
Craft Day: They create personalized masks for the ball, leading to bonding moments and humorous exchanges about skill levels and artisan concerns.

Strategy Meeting with Lord Eshteross: Discussion on how to function at the ball, ensuring they have legitimate covers.
Dividing the Party: Split the party into two groups with specified roles and objectives.
- Group A: Dorian as a noble, Imogen for mental readings, Orym for protection, and Fearne for support and subterfuge.
- Group B: Eshteross's group comprising Ashton (Nightmare King), Chetney for artisan skills, FCG for utility, and Laudna for intimidation and subterfuge.
Plan and Contingencies: Various strategies discussed for switching rings, with Dorian's suave demeanor playing a key role. Mention of multiple plans including flirtation, comparison of jewelry, leveraging alcohol, and potentially utilizing darkness/smoke for distraction.

Arrival at the Ball Location: Sillgoat carriages deliver the groups to the Lucent Spire's summit.
Immediate Observations: A mix of various political figures, aristocrats, and stringent security presences highlighting the event's significance.