Another Crab's Treasure - #23 - Roland, Venture Crabitalist

[@sirB0nes]

3:58 Thank you, Editor Carrie, for that screen crawl! 15:26 I'm always aware, intellectually, that Firth's voice is very different from the one Dan's been giving him, but Dan's version fits the character so well that, every time I hear the actual voice lines, it's a shock. 22:30 Aww, look at Crestfallen Kril, dragging their fork dejectedly behind them.

[@duncansparks1675]

My god, Nemma is a saint. The world of Dark Souls would instantly be twice as hopeful if there was a character like her in it.

[@essneyallen6777]

I like Nemma a lot. Her archetype is almost unheard of in games, and it's pretty rare in other media too :)

[@timothymclean]

@@essneyallen6777 I disagree. Nemma's archetype is pretty common; she just has character traits outside that archetype.

[@essneyallen6777]

@@timothymclean huh. I guess I must have missed other "kind, wise mother takes up adventure and action and is held up by the narrative as a moral paragon and mentor". Usually that's just a set up for punishing a female character who thought she had value beyond child rearing. She's not even the protagonist, which would have allowed her to be "special".

[@LeoAngora]

The irony: if those bills were not US dollars but Australian, their value in plastic will be inmense for the crabs. Bad luck, I guess.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Or British too, ours have been plastic since 2016 ish

[@ringlhach]

Worst bit is ours isn't even paper- it's cloth.

[@xxtz2007xx]

Or Canadian

[@RidireOiche]

The writing and everything about this game is fantastic. You would not expect such genuine emotional sincerity given the "Dark Souls but crab" premise. It is the events of this episode that really show Krill is a character with depth.

[@bendonatier]

I think it's worth remembering the phrase "crab mentality" where in you don't need to put a lid on a crab bucket, because instinctively they will all pull each other down, trying to bring themselves up. As such crabs make the perfect rebuke to "altruism" as a solution to economic woes. These crabs here are so desperate for their own survival that they will turn on each other at a moments notice. Even if Krill managed to get the treasure from Roland, he would have to fight everyone on the boat for it. They aren't wrong to vilify him for refusing to share, but also take careful note of their own promises to do so "Once I take care of myself you guys can split the rest. Each of them knows they won't need it all to be content, but they sure as shell are going to make sure they get theirs first. Even to the point where Nema implies she will fight Krill when he gest the treasure.

[@xyvazkrown8048]

I was so waiting for the angler fish concept to be executed in the deep dark, I was was not dissapointed

[@joemalo5335]

Had to skip a few episodes thanks to holiday week being 60% more chaos than usual, but I'm glad I clicked this one. The "what are you REALLY fighting for?" moment is one of my favorite tropes.

[@timothymclean]

16:45: He's not even a crab! Roland's an isopod; that's a completely different order of crustacean! 24:40: "Okay, I take full blame for dumping all of us into the abyss, but nothing before that was my fault." 5:30: What a beautiful gag. 7:20, 26:55: Nemma continuing to be the best character. 14:45: Chitan is the only warrior in this band. I hope she'll be fine when there are no more wars to fight. 20:25: Note: Real hermit crabs change shells regularly as they grow up, in part so gulls can't just eat them when they leave their immovably large home to look for food. 36:30: Such a brillian use of the game's visual language. Even though angler fish don't actually do that. I don't know why there was an archaic-looking treasure chest full of modern cash, but it's a fun plot beat. Though the "worthless wet paper" bit rings a little hollow when New Carcinia's bridges are made from receipts, which are even less structurally sound when soaked.

[@Mr.Sparks.173]

Regarding 24:40 - it literally wasn't Krill that suggested the treasure was worth anything - all Krill did was disregard Roland's orders and pursue the treasure himself. He didn't even encourage anyone else to hunt for the treasure, they simply followed Krills example.

[@GameDevYal]

If you look closely at the texture the dollar bills have a large "SPECIMEN" marker of the kind toy / cashier-practice fake money must legally have so it can't be mistaken for real bills, so presumably it's some sort of prop that got dumped in the ocean after outliving its usefulness.

[@timothymclean]

@@Mr.Sparks.173 I'm not arguing that Kril is responsible for anything before dumping everyone into the abyss. I'm arguing that dumping everyone into the abyss is plenty bad in its own right. I'd argue that Kril is more responsible for everyone ending up in the abyss than anyone else on that pinball table.

[@Woodledude]

On the topic of paper's value in the "trash economy" - I don't think I agree that there's other evidence that paper is valued very highly. Yes, they do use it as a building material, relatively frequently, but it's clearly a CHEAP one in most cases. The bebop cup is one of the first shells Firth "trades up" for. Roads are classically built out of the cheapest materials fit to purpose - Asphalt is literally a waste product from the oil refining process, and there's a parallel here in that paper is clearly seen as a *less useful* and *cheaper* trash-based material given how it falls apart so quickly in the ocean. All of the homes in the Lower Crust of Carcinia are based on cardboard, where the Upper Crust use modified glass bottles, plastics, and mostly only resort to paper for, as you pointed out, the bridges. Looking at the saleable trash pickups that are labelled as "being worth something", we find that the smaller ones are small bits of plastic, the larger ones start including more and more metal, and the largest are predominantly metal and rubber. Durability clearly has value. More to the point, the immediate distinction between paper and reinforced cotton might be lost on Firth specifically, or on the ocean creatures in general until they actually try to use the stuff for construction. Firth was hoping for gold, and got lumber instead. And he thinks it's asphalt. That - And there's no way to get it out of the Drain anyway without Roland's barge, robbing it of the value it had as a construction material in the first place. So, he's right, it probably isn't worth the considerable effort of creating a NEW machine with the same power as Roland's barge to attempt to fish it out again, now that they know what it is. Especially as Roland already ripped apart Scuttleport to build the first barge and, unbeknownst to him, lost his power generator in Krill's attempt to chase him.

[@timothymclean]

@Woodledude Last point first-pretty much the only kind of treasure that could be taken from the abyss is a small object of immeasurable value. Anything in that huge treasure chest would be worthless. As to the other points, IIRC Firth's argument was that it was worthless not because paper is cheap, but because waterlogged paper is flimsy. And, in this world, it is not. Paper isn't just used for roads, but _bridges _ You can't build a bridge out of asphalt and gravel.

[@kentonroush]

Kinda hilarious how little Kril thinks through... Well, anything. Kid will fight anyone and anything to get his shell back- Except, you know, the actual thief. Coulda finished this quest ages ago!

[@sofer2230]

If you recall, Kril wasn't fast enough to catch up with the thief, and doesn't realize that the "Loan Shark" and Prawnathan are the same person.

[@userhandle-l]

@@sofer2230 Wow, I must be dumb since I didn't realise that the Loan Shark and Prawnathan are the same either.

[@Woodledude]

@@userhandle-l Fun fact, you can find the Loan Shark "disguise" half-buried behind the Prawn Shop. Kril doesn't notice or comment on it, though.

[@rubenpriority725]

26:57 Speaking as a person with depression, this speech got to me. My story ain't ready to end yet either. Nemma is amazing.

[@thattagen]

I love how the usual Dark Souls themes of rot, greed, madness, and apocalypse are presented in this game. And, knowing our real oceans are similarly endangered makes it really hit home!

[@KingOfJokes95]

23 episodes. 23 episodes in and I just now noticed that Krill in the thumbnail is wearing a Just Shinespark It mug 🤣 Bravo!

[@trondordoesstuff]

I thought we were almost at the end there, but then I remembered this is an indie game and there's an obligatory third-act horror delve. Wonder where Inkerton wound up.

[@EricOrang]

I mean this game had a first act horror delve.

[@timothymclean]

It's a Soulslike. Horror elements are a core component of the genre.

[@Krendar]

I absolutely love how they named the mercenary gunslinger Inkerton. Such a good reference XD

[@1505627]

It's very odd to here Firth's actual voice acting, I've gotten so used to Dan's portrayel

[@sofer2230]

Same with Chitan, though her VA's pretty fantastic.

[@the6ofdiamonds]

0:30 Hesitation is defeat. 5:16 You poor, delusional, fool. 18:55 So, not paying much attention to what this guy's saying... I'm amazed there was actually something there. 21:56 If we're this far down, I'm actually surprised crush depth hasn't kicked in. 22:19 I mean, I didn't because crush depth. I don't know what creatures can actually survive a drop of the shelf like that. 22:41 Marble. 23:06 Yes. 24:05 Mood. Though, that might actually be a usable amount topside. Might even have some leftover after you get it up there. 25:13 Agreed. The world doesn't change if you do nothing to enact that change. 28:05 Literally speaking, you are all down the drain. You called the continental shelf the drain, and it's very up from here.

[@migicalmerwee9018]

Nemma sure got a lot nicer to Kril once it became obvious that he was the only one who could save them. I know that wasn't the intention, I just think it's funny how that worked out.

[@chillypepperjr]

Moral of the story, krill should've just beat the dude who stole his shell and taken it back home(not really but if he still doesn't see whats happening might as well have)

[@Aleteos]

Another fantastic transition at 3:34

[@KitiRama]

4:38 Chitan reminds me of Eileen in Bloodborne.

[@insaincaldo]

Except she constantly discouraged the hunter from following her into trouble. Instead of demanding you fight.

[@JoyceW-Art]

Oohh I'm excited to see the source of the unknown voice, if we even can! I think we're going to get a lot more exposition from and I'm excited to see where this goes!

[@timothymclean]

It definitely seems like some kind of pantheism-but-umami spirit-of-the-ocean voice.

[@erikainharmony4465]

13:17 Bartleby Shoals is a Chad among Crabs.

[@twiexcursori]

damn, the real pollution was the depression we picked up along the way

[@RRandomStuff]

I keep forgetting this game actually has voice acting, I’m so used to Dans voices for everyone’s that it’s a bit jarring for a bit hearing them again, especially after a long stretch of no audible dialog. On a side note, whats the name of the font you guys generally use, like the Editor Carrie notes, it’s really nice. Loving the series Dan!

[@Doomsword0]

4:32 "It looks great!" she says ignoring you looking the other direction

[@timothymclean]

Yeah, _Another Crab's Treasure_ doesn't seem to have any way to make NPCs react to you outside of a handful of cutscenes. Normally it's easy to overlook, but...

[@reagansido5823]

I would not be surprised if his build is even a little bit close to what speedruns do. If it can do THAT to Roland, it can't be far from the META.

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

SpongeBob goes to his highschool reunion and is the only one still alive like wtf

[@firenter]

You think this is the end? Hoho, it is just beginning it seems!

[@linuxstreamer8910]

i get you krill you want to get back to normal but can you sleep knowing you people are dying & could have stopped it & firth i hope you can hear how roland really thinks

[@timothymclean]

I don't think Kril is thinking that far ahead. Yeah, his next sleep would be mere hours after getting his shell back, but he hasn't given much thought to it. He got into this mess when his shell was taken, so after he gets it back everything should go back to normal, right?

[@linuxstreamer8910]

@@timothymclean true but at some moment his will see the cost of the first shell

[@timothymclean]

@@linuxstreamer8910 Serious response: Well yes, but by then he'll realize going back to normal is a pipe dream, and completely out of reach for his new friends. Better response: 999,999,999 microplastics. Didn't you see the Prawn Shop episode?

[@marginaliana]

Wow, this is such a gorgeous area!

[@LeoAngora]

This was a really cool episode to see with headphones.

[@finngswan3732]

This area was the roughest for me to navigate!

[@R00KTheRacoon]

kinda feel bad for Dan, he got to strong and wont be able to see the full fights especially the one with Roland

[@erikainharmony4465]

17:37 yeeah. Once you get a fully upgraded Tactical Tenticle, boss fights basically become another mob. This game is great but this Adaptation is OP and game breaking. Idk if they should patch it, it's fun, but it removes most of the challenge of the game. Edit: I am legit considering replaying the game after I beat it without TT. Just because it's SO game breaking, I've become too reliant on it.

[@erikainharmony4465]

Edit 2: Fully Upgraded Dungeoness Crab Swipe is OP as well. I spam it on most mobs without repercussion.

[@peggyliepmann5248]

You can really tell the similarities between this and the studio's other notable project, Going Under. In particular, there's barely a hint of subtlety to be seen in either of them.

[@safaiaryu12]

I am suddenly afraid that Nemma won't make it through this.

[@andy4an]

fashion souls elden bling what do we call it in ACT?

[@melephs_cap]

Drip

[@ShadowEmpyrean]

Hello, bit off topic but I have been enjoying your videos playing through FFXIV was wondering if you had any plans to play through the rest of the MSQ past Shadowbringers.

[@hollowedbats]

I was wondering how the later fights would go, I did a no level up playthrough and still steamrolled the later half of the game. Seems the power curve is a bit off, but hey being OP has its own appeal

[@Sphagnopsida]

💙

[@rmsgrey]

Anyone else start humming FF9 OST disc 4 track 9 ("You Are Not Alone") this episode?

[@LazyDogJumper]

Im really not a fan of the narrative tropes in this episode. Namely: undercutting the hero having a valid point about doing 90% of the work by having an emotional outburst that causes damage. Now the hero CANT complain because they did something bad. Im glad Firth is the only one that seems to blame Kril for this.

[@essneyallen6777]

Yeah, Firth is the only one that blames Kril and the game has done its best to teach us that he only says bs, so eh, I wouldn't say that trope applies here. I don't think Kril was undercut in his rage, this is just the continuation of things going from bad to worse.

[@LazyDogJumper]

@essneyallen6777 i meant more that it seems, as with many uses of this trope, that Krils valif point will likely be overshadowed by plot progression. He was absolutely right that no one else, except Konche, has helped him even slightly in his quest. He will likely get acclaim for helping but he was absolutely right too. Edit: also, Firth is the one he met first which put him in the mental state of "this is all my fault".

[@essneyallen6777]

@@LazyDogJumper in that sense I kind if agree then, that plot point was not given satisfactory space, but maybe it will come up later, we'll see

[@LazyDogJumper]

@@essneyallen6777 its a pretty common thing to see and it seems like they are going with the "things you thought you wanted were not so great after all", which is a fine message. I dont think the writing is bad in any sense and the trope is not badly used.

[@DamnedM]

Dan is the better Kril voice actor.

[@ICountFrom0]

Anybody starting to expect home to be the lost city of atlanta or something?

[@peterkapchynsky9666]

Hi Dan!

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

Cryied

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

SpongeBob battle for bikini bottom meets Scooby Apocalypse

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

SpongeBob grew up dayum bob got abs

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

Did aggroctab basically monster factory battle 4 bikini bottom until it was so monster it 'came beautiful??

[@alexbistagne1713]

First

[@BillyMowry-j7c]

SpongeBob battle for bikini bottom meets Scooby Apocalypse and I demand all comics or oppossumbly minimally a cuppa hotvanillachocolatetomatopotatocannacoffee