The Mighty Nein
Genre: Action adventure, Comedy drama, Fantasy, Adult animation
Created by: Critical Role Productions
Based on: Critical Role (campaign two) Dungeons & Dragons
Stars (voices): Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, Travis Willingham
The series is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
* * *
Season 1 – Episode 8
Episode title: The Zadash Job
Original release date: December 22, 2025
Episode plot: In a flashback, it is revealed that Yasha was widowed before falling under the control of her current patron. The Mighty Nein regroup, accepting the Gentleman’s job to steal the Beacon, which will be on display at a gala at the Soltryce Academy. At the gala, Beau and Fjord draw Ikithon and the Volstruckers into a distraction, while Jester, with the Traveler’s help, sets off fireworks, prompting Ikithon to have the Beacon returned to its tower for safekeeping. Vess DeRogna recognizes Mollymauk as ‘Lucien’, claiming that she killed him, becoming the new ‘Nonagon’. She tries to kill him again, but her spell reacts with Mollymauk’s eye tattoos, overpowering her. Nott and Caleb infiltrate the tower but are discovered by Ikithon. Kryn agents then storm the tower, escaping with the Beacon; Ikithon manages to subdue one of the agents, who is revealed to be Essek. The Nein flee into the sewers, where they encounter the escaping Kryn agents. Fjord absorbs the eye-shaped crystal into his body, empowering him to singlehandedly kill one of the Kryn agents. The final Kryn agent is beheaded by Yasha, who attempts to pick up the Beacon, which then shocks her and disables her sigil, as she begs for help.
The Mighty Nein – S01E08 – The Zadash Job | Transcript
[peaceful music playing]
Hm.
[breathes deeply]
There’s a storm coming.
How can you always tell?
I can feel it. In my bones.
[chuckles] Like Old Lady Marly?
Hey, don’t make fun of the Stormlord.
I would never. I’m making fun of you.
[laughs] Hm.
[Obann] Remember why you’re here.
[intense music playing]
[Yasha gasps]
[Obann] Orphan maker. Remember your purpose. Remember my plan.
[pulsing, intense music playing]
♪♪
[The Gentleman] All right, this is the plan. The Kryn Artifact…
The one we’re going to steal.
Yes. Will be on display at the Gala of Champions on the last night of the Harvest Close Festival.
In three days!
Pre-Precisely. In the main hall of the Soltryce Academy. Here.
What kind of party are we talking about?
The kind for only the very wealthy or well-connected, I imagine.
And any party we’re not invited to is definitely worth attending.
So, how are we supposed to get in?
Well, you’ll need an invitation. A specially enchanted invitation.
Then we will have to steal one.
And I have the perfect mark.
Lord Sutan.
[snoring]
He hasn’t attended a gala since Lady Sutan died, but he’s always sent an invitation as a matter of propriety. You will need to get in and out without being spotted. But his residence is full of traps.
Visda-Revelo.
[The Gentleman] Regardless, I would advise you leave no trace.
[Caleb] Desk. Top drawer. A spell book.
[Fjord] The Gentleman said, “Leave no trace.”
I need to take this.
[Nott] Hey.
Drop it.
[Fjord] Really? We’re either a team or you’re working for yourselves. Decide.
[stone clanks]
[gears turning]
Well, shit. Aah!
[snorts] [Nott shouting in distance] D’oh, what? [straining] Easy now. I got you.
I got you.
You’re far too weak.
[Caleb] Step back.
You will also need a distraction.
Ooh, I am very distracting.
Yes, but this job feels like it needs more… muscles. The Soltryce Academy is essentially a fortress. To even get onto the grounds requires scaling the outer wall unseen, sneaking past rows of guards and climbing the tallest tower. Every festival ends with a fireworks display fired from that rooftop. If you can make the 20foot leap to the tower and set off the fireworks, you’ll draw everyone to the balcony. And that will be your window to strike.
[Jester] But Beau, can you jump that far?
[scoffs] Yeah. Hah. It’s easy. I mean it’s-it’s all in the quads.
Infiltration will require a more delicate approach. Someone will need to attend the gala.
[Jester squeals]
To be our eyes and ears.
[laughs] Pick me, pick me.
She is the only one here who knows anything about rich people.
Well, then, my dear, it seems you’ll need a dress.
[laughs]
Something delicate and conservative to blend in with Zadash’s elite.
You know me too well, Mr. The Gentleman.
Acquisition of the artifact must happen quickly and stealthily. We use sewer tunnels for smuggling. There is a hidden entrance to the Academy grounds just behind the gala room.
Wait, sewer? As-as in water?
Eh, running liquid, anyway. And since you will need to overcome any protections around the artifact, magical or physical, I suggest you prepare some potions in advance.
We can handle that, ja?
Heh! You bet your soggy bottom.
[The Gentleman] Then that leaves the escape.
Always save the best for last.
[The Gentleman] I have a little fixer-upper that might do the trick. You will have only a few minutes to escape the TriSpire before they lock it down. The getaway must be unnoticed and fast. And remember, the Zadash City Guard are not to be trifled with. You should expect a confrontation.
[Molly] My motto is assume you’re gonna get fucked so you can prepare for the fuckery.
[The Gentleman] [chuckles] I might steal that.
[sighs] I guess we’re really doing this.
Well, then you’ll need supplies.
I think I know a place.
[whimsical music playing]
Oh, my gosh. Look at all the things!
Ooh, so cute!
Welcome to the Invulnerable Vagrant. I am enchanter Pumat Sol.
[Jester] Well, my name is Jester, and we are the Mighty Nein.
[Pumat Sol] Sure you are.
What can I do for you?
Oh! Can you make this so it never runs out of booze?
Oh, for gods’ sake.
Absolutely. That’ll put you out about 180 gold.
[groans] That is a lot, Nott.
I never ask for anything. I want it. I need it!
[groans] [speaking Zemnian] One… Two…
Your shop is amazing.
Three… Four…
I will take all of these, please. Also, what’s this do?
Oh, Pumat Prime is very proud of this one. Sprinkled over an edible substance, it greatly improves the flavor to the point of being downright distracting.
[laughs] Then it shall be mine.
Ah, you sell gear, too?
[Pumat Sol] That is actually a very powerful arcane artifact.
♪♪
Holy shit.
[gasps] How much to make it pink?
[Jester] My first gala! I can’t wait to dance. This dress is so swishy. I love it. Hm. Hey, I know that dickhead.
Which dickhead?
Lord Sharpe. He tried to kill me, it’s so funny. What do these names mean?
Ah, scheisse. That’s the guest list.
And the fuckery begins.
What?
If someone at the party could recognize you, you can’t go.
Huh? No! But II could hold a fan or something. Or… [deep voice] or talk like this.
Jester, it’s too risky.
[regular voice] But I got a dress and everything. [crying]
[door closes]
What do we do, Caleb? The gala starts in a half hour. Without our inside lady, the plan doesn’t work. I’ll break like a two-copper hooker in jail.
[Molly] Easy, girl. Easy.
[groans] Fine. I’ll fuckin’ do it. Jester can climb the tower. I’ll go to the stupid party.
[chuckling]
What? You don’t think I can be a glam rich bitch?
Mm. Beauregard, I mean no offense, but a gala of this caliber requires a certain amount of… authenticity.
These people have a body language honed by years of crushing people’s hopes and dreams. It…
Lionett Family Vineyards.
[Nott] Is that… you?
I have so many questions.
[Jester crying]
[sighs] I’m real sorry, Jester. I know how badly you wanted to go to the ball.
You ever feel like you always see what you want, but you can never quite get it?
Listen, after this payday, we can go to plenty of parties.
That’s not what I mean. [sniffles] I miss Mama, I miss the Traveler, but mostly… I miss just having a friend I could tell everything to, you know? And I thought this party could be our chance to… Oh, never mind. It’s stupid. I’m being stupid.
Hey. Hey. Don’t call my friend “stupid”.
Hm. Thank you. Oskar.
What?
Okay, it is time.
[orchestra playing in distance]
Um, m’lady.
[Beau] Cram it. [muttering] Stupid…
Fuck it…
Stop picking your butt.
[sighs] I think Jester got me the wrong size at the tailor’s.
[chuckles] I don’t think she did.
Good luck. And stay alive.
[suspenseful music playing]
[sighs] Do we regret trying to be good guys yet?
Every day since I met you.
[chuckles]
Willkommen. Right this way. Invitation, please. Welcome to the gala.
[chamber music playing]
Ah, go first. You’re supposed to announce me at these stupid-ass things.
Uh… [clears throat] Lady Beauregard Lionett of the Kamordah Lionetts.
[crowd gasps, exclaims]
A Lionett, here in Zadash.
How rich is your family, exactly?
Rich enough to be assholes and still be popular. Let’s find our mark.
[Molly whistling a tune]
Ah, pizzle. Gentlemen, care to help?
[scoffs] Piss off.
[both chuckling]
Fine, then. I’ll just change an entire wheel by myself.
[intriguing music playing]
[groans] This thing doesn’t even have a cute belt. [groans]
I know Beau’s job isn’t the one you wanted, but you’re still gonna make it special. You are one of a kind. And, of all of us, least in need of an imaginary friend. Go be you.
Give me a little boost?
Hyah! [chuckles]
[Beau] There it is. The relic.
[sighs] There’s a million old fogeys in here. How do we find ours?
Master Ikithon, such a proud moment. I hear King Dwendal owes you much in the latest skirmish.
Well, I guess we found him.
Why do those Volstrucker pricks all look the same?
Cultists always do. It’s a branding thing.
[chuckles]
Such a shame you must dirty your hands fighting those crick monsters.
All right. Maybe we should wait for when he’s more alone… Or now. Yep, yeah, now’s good. Ah, shit.
[indistinct chatter]
[woman laughing]
[Trent] Your Highness. Enjoying the festival?
Aw, damn it.
Halt!
[horse neighs]
Your carriage!
Oh, my word! Well, go fetch the fire brigade, you dolts. Quickly!
[grunts]
[mysterious music playing]
[Molly] Psst. Why buttons?
W-What?
The buttons. You collect them?
Oh, um… uh, they remind me of a boy I once knew.
Well, in case this goes tits up, remember me, will you?
[smoke hisses]
[horse neighs]
[Molly humming a tune]
[ominous music playing]
[gasps]
We’re dead. We’re dead. We missed our chance. There are too many guards.
Keep it together, man. We’ll just make a new plan.
How? It was hard enough to come up with one plan.
Mm, I got an idea. But I’m gonna need your sash.
What? Wait. Beau. What?
[female guard] Four dragons? [scoffs] You’re full of shit.
[male guard] No. My cousin told me. They had some kind of scary name, too. Like the Chromatic Combo.
[female guard] Fuck?
[intriguing music playing]
Traveler? Any advice? Fine. [scoffs] I’m not as climby as Beau, but like Molly said, I am special in other ways. Just… [sighs] …be me. Hm.
[chuckles]
[grunting]
Goddamn it. [grunting]
[exhales sharply]
[chittering] [gasps]
[rats squeaking]
[whimpers]
This is fine. I’m fine.
[gasps]
Nope. Nope. Not fine. Not fine. Um, uh, Caleb, the-the path is flooded, so you’re gonna have to do it all yourself. Sorry. You can reply to this message.
[Caleb] Nott, I am sorry there is water. I know that it scares you, but you must pass through or we will all die. Please, I know you can do this.
[exhales sharply] Okay. Okay.
[clattering]
[rat squeaking]
Aah! [panting] Fuck.
[waltz music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Beau] [laughs] Oh, em goddess. And I thought this party was gonna be, like, a total waste of life.
[soft chuckle] Tracy.
Not interested.
[short chuckle] Queen shit. I mean, why would you be? You’re fascinating, and this place is, like, ugh, so cliché. But you, like, totally scream danger. Am I right?
[groans]
Ugh. Girl, your hair? Fucking enthralling.
Go away.
[laughs] Okay. Rawr.
[Caleb] You ever wonder why he chose us?
Bren?
It was not our talent, Astrid.
[tense music playing]
It was because we already believed the truth he sold us. Deep down, we already believed it. We believed power was worth any cost. But we were wrong.
If you’ll excuse me.
[Astrid] I warned you what would happen if you didn’t stay away.
[Trent] What is it?
Bren. He is here.
Bren? Little Spark, is that you? I’m very glad to know you are still alive.
[Caleb] Not for any lack of trying on your part.
Oh, I-I would not harm my favorite pupil. Huh, Bren? Are you still there?
You told us we must be prepared to do anything for the Empire.
As it would for you.
Then I will not rest until I burn you and everything you have built to the ground. For the Empire.
[dramatic waltz music playing]
Take the Beacon to the Zauberspire.
[Beau] Oh, shit, shit, shit. What is he doing?
[Nott] What am I doing? Hm. [whimpers] [groans] Stop being a fucking coward! They will die because of you! [whimpers]
[quiet, dramatic music playing]
Put on a brave face. [breathing deeply] [shouting] [laughs] Whoo! [laughs] I did it! Yes! [laughs] Oh, fuck you, water!
[pulsing music playing]
[panting] Jester? Jester, can you hear me? Jester, I’m out of the fucking sewer. Five minutes till your distraction. Did you get to the tower yet? You can reply to this message.
Um, yes. Um… nearly there.
[panting] [grunts]
Hm.
[panting] Oh, boy.
[glass breaks]
[man] Hey!
[Beau] Tracy.
[growls]
Whoa. Where are you go…
Take the Beacon up. I need to handle something.
It’s all in the quads. It’s all in the quads.
Did you actually think you could escape me, Bren?
[Fjord’s voice] Uh… nein?
[panting] I don’t need you, Traveler. I just need myself! [yells] [screams] Huh?
[ethereal music playing]
You were saying?
Traveler! [grunts]
Ow!
Why did you leave me?
[laughs] I would never leave you. You’re my favorite.
My friends said I imagined you.
Friends?
Well, I mean, not as good as you.
I would think that impossible. Quite the prank you’ve gotten yourself into, Jester.
I know. Want to help?
[chuckles] I look forward to the show.
Wait! Please don’t leave me again.
Jester, my dear. I am always with you.
[gasps] [chuckles] [snickers]
[Trent] Revelo.
[chuckles]
Howdy.
Where is he?
[grunts] Where is Bren?
[Fjord straining]
[explosion in distance] Huh?
[crowd gasps]
[crowd chattering]
[man] Oh, fireworks.
Where is he?
[grunts]
I will not ask again.
[straining]
[grunting]
Where’s Bren? The real one.
[scoffs] You think I’d tell you?
You think he’s your friend, but he will only betray you.
Okay, first off, “friend” is a strong word. Second, suck my dick.
[grunting]
[grunting]
[propulsive music playing]
Cobalt Soul. Now, that’s fascinating.
[yelling]
Time to crash the party.
[Jester humming a tune]
[fireworks whooshing]
[crowd screaming]
[ominous music playing]
[straining]
Hello, Lucien.
[fireworks exploding in distance]
Master.
Hm?
Okay, let’s see what we’re working with.
Huh?
[Astrid] Eadwulf, where are you?
I’ve lost eyes on Master Ikithon. Well, fuck a duck.
Strange.
Because I most certainly remember killing you, Lucien.
[grunts]
[grunting]
Hm.
Whoa!
[Caleb exhales]
[gasps] Caleb!
It is nice to see you, too, Nott the Brave.
So, um, little problem.
Please say you learned about these magic traps in wizard school.
Yeah.
My teacher taught me quite well.
[Eadwulf] What was that explosion?
A distraction. Where is Master Ikithon?
[Caleb] Maharba, Refinnej.
[pants]
Stand back.
I’ve got this one.
So, what do you think this thing is?
Well, if Trent wants it, it must be quite powerful.
And dangerous.
I wonder what it does.
[Trent] Everything.
[grunts] Now we can speak privately, Bren.
[dark music playing]
I’m sorry.
Have we met?
What did you think you would achieve by coming here?
I am the Nonagon now.
And this time, I will ensure that you stay dead.
[straining]
No, no, it’s not possible.
[shouts]
Uh, Fjord?
[explosion] Fuck.
Shit.
[bells tolling in distance]
[Trent] They call it the Luxon Beacon.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
The Kryn believe it is a fragment of their god.
And what is it, really?
Something new.
A new magic?
Dunamancy.
A new frontier of knowledge that belongs in the hands of the Empire.
This war…
That you started.
Of course I did.
But only to create a permanent peace.
Dunamancy is so powerful it could end all war.
Not even the Kryn would dare cross us if we learn to wield its strength.
Learn.
So… you have no idea what it does.
Not yet. But with your brilliance beside mine, we could discover its secrets and push beyond any arcanist in history.
That’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it, Bren?
The power to change the world.
To change your past.
No. No, Caleb, don’t listen to him.
[whooshing]
[highpitched ringing] [Caleb groaning softly]
[exciting music playing]
[grunting]
Oh, gods.
Nott? I have you, my friend.
[growls]
Nott.
Nott, are you okay?
Get away from me, you traitor.
Nott, I…
No, I saw you. I saw you and that creep.
That was Trent, wasn’t it?
Look, we will discuss this later when we…
Is everyone alive? Did we get the thing?
No, we didn’t.
[Beau] Hey.
Where’s Fjord?
I lost him in the chaos.
Did we get the thing?
No.
No.
Ow!
Damn it, Beau!
Sorry, man.
Did we get the thing?
[Nott, Jester and Beau] No.
Can we please get far away from that before we talk about anything?
Wait, where’s Molly?
Molly?
[Beau] What happened here?
Are you all right?
Damn it. We got maybe two minutes until they close the TriSpire.
We need another way out.
[groans] I hate this.
Everybody into my hole!
Molly?
[gasps]
Sorry, love. I don’t know what, uh…
Itit’s okay. We’ll go together.
[explosions continuing] [people shrieking in distance]
[dramatic music playing]
Eadwulf!
[straining]
[shrieks]
[shrieking]
Aah!
[shouts]
[grunting]
[guard screams]
Retrieve the Beacon!
[shrieks]
♪♪
[gasps]
Essek.
[tense music playing]
Seriously, what were those things?
They looked like huge scary bugs.
Kryn strike force.
Ja, and they have the artifact.
[voice] Consume. Consume! [Beau] Stop.
Everyone stop.
[chittering in distance] You hear that?
[whimpers] I fuckin’ hate the sewers.
Stand aside or be cut down.
Maybe we should listen to the bug man.
No, look.
They have what we need.
Okyo Tenebross! [all exclaiming]
[Fjord] Jester!
[Beau] I can’t see shit!
[Molly] What’s happening?!
[Nott] Caleb!
[Fjord] No!
[Caleb] Where are you?
[grunting]
[chittering]
Jester?
[Jester screams] Jester?
[voice] Consume! [Jester] Fjord, help!
Jester!
[Jester] Help me!
[voice] Consume!
[Jester] Help me!
[voice] Consume!
[grunting, shouting]
[straining]
[Jester panting, shrieking]
[Fjord grunts]
[grunting]
[shouts]
[panting]
[gasps]
I’m sorry.
I don’t know, I… I…
Unoj el! How much do you all have left?
[panting]
Die in a blaze of glory, then?
Is there any other way?
[dramatic music playing]
[shouts]
[footsteps approaching]
[shouts]
[panting]
[whimpering]
Please. Please, help me.
[propulsive music playing]
♪♪
