Asmodeus Betrays Zerxus| Critical Role | EXU Calamity 4

Spoiler: the Lord of Lies lied. Still, he a savage tho
Exandria Unlimited: Calamity Part 4 • Fire and Ruin | Exandr...
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[@161patox]

I love how when he said "you are trying to atone me... and I didn't do anything wrong!" everybody lost their shit except for Lou, he just stood there like "yep, I saw this one coming" haha Never watched dimension 20 before but seeing Brenan and Lou here makes me want to go watch everything they've done. I see they have various playlists like "fantasy high" and "the unsleeping city", where would anyone recommend I start ?

[@elbruces]

I'd say start with Fantasy High. It's their first campaign IIRC.

[@swiftlymurmurs]

Fantasy High was their first, but it's an anthology show so most of them can be watched in any order (with some spinoff and sequel exceptions you don't have to worry about rn because they're all behind a paywall). The Unsleeping City is my personal favourite, and in that one they're all a little more comfortable with the game in general, so you might prefer that

[@kayleyhodson7079]

Fantasy High is a great place to start. A few personal favorites of mine are Fantasy High Sophomore Year and A Crown of Candy, both touching a little more into Brennan's darker side, although both are only available on Dropout ($6/month, extremely worth it!) D20 is largely more comedy-based as all the players- Brennan included- are primarily improv comedians. So expect many more Bolo moments. All of them are incredibly good though and you will hurt your sides laughing! Brennan and Lou's dynamic here ("how many dice is that, you f***?") is only a sample of the chaos from that crew. That being said, the storytelling and emotional weight are all there too. Brennan is a master at mixing tones

[@kalianaeliart6758]

I would start with Fantasy High if you want more lightness, but if you like this style, go Crown of Candy. Both are very good :)

[@richnewt]

Fantasy High is a fantastic intro to the D20 cast and a great time, if you want something a bit harder with some amazing moments I recommend Crown of Candy

[@jeefberky9101]

Dude threw like 6 of the rawest lines I've ever heard in 3 minutes

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Brennan is one hell of a good writer

[@halfmettlealchemist8076]

That’s Brennan Lee Mulligan for you

[@adami6187]

This was the entirety of calamity tbh. On the opening scene of zerxus' nightmare, there were like 3 or 4 lines that absolutely destroyed me, and that's like the first 10 minutes of the show EDIT: mispelling

[@asingeto]

@@halfmettlealchemist8076 i was here to type this

[@Rainbowcookie03]

Well it is originally 15 minutes and just cut down

[@Dilettante15]

"To reach a hand down to somebody, they need to be BENEATH YOU!" Fucking chills.

[@jonathonbartos3061]

"And I'm beneath NOBODY!"

[@ZoeBateman]

@@jonathonbartos3061 "I am beneath nobody" -guy who lives in the deepest pit of the hells

[@BouncingTribbles]

Lou peeking out from behind his hands is such a mood

[@christophedaniel4286]

Bakugo vibes

[@Richi0h]

@@jonathonbartos3061 His face when he says this is both terrifying and so fitting for Asmodeus. This was my favourite part of Calamity, aside from maybe Cerrit escaping.

[@draxor3664]

Brennan as Asmodeus: I didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone: Shocked Lou: This shit again

[@CrashCanuck537]

Oh yeah, Lou's thousand yard, "here we go" stare definitely sold it

[@micahnewby7964]

Lou: aww, shit. Here we go again. *There. Fixed it for you To be clear, I mean nothing by it. Just seemed a prime opportunity for that line from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, inspired by what you actually said

[@radioactivedetective6876]

Does Brenon do such twists often at Dimension 20 campaigns?

[@dekusi1857]

⁠@@radioactivedetective6876a crown of candy. i'll just say that

[@Michaela_ZC]

@@radioactivedetective6876 he used the line “you want to know what I’ve always hated about *blank*” in a D20 season directed towards Lou. Man’s got betraying his friends down to a science

[@noobtube5153]

My greatest heartbreak.. is that I will only have eternity to punish them. ABSOLUTELY. RAW. FUCKING. LINE.

[@brianclarke9861]

Brennan always killer line drops, reminds me of the 'People don't make choices' rant from dimension20

[@calicojack804]

Dude the concept of Neverending time not being "enough time" speakes so many volumes 😳

[@HellaGust]

@@brianclarke9861 I mean unless someone brings up Three Blind Mice.

[@JB-xl2jc]

There are like thirty seven raw fucking lines in this, it's banger after banger. Goooooooddamn.

[@lessfriendlyJordies]

@@brianclarke9861 way too late, but people don't make choices is such an incredible moment.

[@jimmy_the_squid9456]

Zerxus really said "I can fix him"

[@GZilla311]

To THE DEVIL

[@foolslayer9416]

He deserves to be where he is now. He was too blind, too angry, and too arrogant to see the truth.

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@foolslayer9416 It was a great flaw for Zerxes. He had utterly rejected the gods and any worship of them, and truly believed he knew better than them. The Age of Arcanum is known of the hubris of its citizens at the time. From transporting a flying city and an entire leyline through the planes, having no respect for the gods or the world via the druids, and Zerxes truly believing he knew better than the gods themselves what they were, what mortals were and where they came from.

[@dylans3833]

And Asmodeus said "I can make him worse."

[@bleachbleachBLEACHER]

And he's still saying it 1000 years later.

[@hashslingingslasher97]

Xerxus: believes the ruler of the hells aka the father of lies Asmodeus: lies Xerxus: surprised Pikachu face

[@8Smoker8]

IKR xDDD

[@alejandramunoz6267]

The best of all this is that Asmodeus didn't lie, he was just vague with his answers

[@EmilM-pb2hn]

Zerxus, but yes.

[@lockskelington314]

Also the Original Evil!

[@zippomage]

i don't know how many of us believed that he wasn't lying, per se. The absolute, astonishing, BREATH-TAKING anger is what got me. Dude was motherfuckin PIIIIIIISSSED!

[@maryhales4595]

"This is NOT who you are!" "WHO AM I?!" Chills. Every time.

[@stevespielman]

Not this!!! ... ?

[@maryhales4595]

@@stevespielman I was NOT expecting Brennan and Luis to just full-on SCREAM at each other but it was perfect.

[@dovejuniper780]

That and “…WAKE UP… YOU DID THIS TO ME…!”

[@trajanthegreat2928]

I love that part of the exchange as it showcases another aspect Zerxus’ flawed character: he in reality knows nothing about the real Asmodeus and he’s been drawn in by his own interpretation and projection.

[@DayVid-xc3bi]

cringe american over-acting of lines

[@ghastlyghifin4029]

One underrated bit of this is Marisha poking her head up from hiding under the table to ask "He heals you *again?* "

[@bestofcriticalrole]

I was laughing so much during editing every time I saw Marisha falling and popping out of the table 🤣🤣🤣

[@de3722]

I watches this scene quite a few times and never noticed that. Thanks for pointing that out, that's hilarious!

[@starrlady4254]

@@bestofcriticalrole Marisha has always been chairs optional. Has been at a corner of the tables because of that fact. Also, Lou and her were both out of their chairs the more intense it got...

[@CrashCanuck537]

Now that you point this out the Marisha groundhog move is hilarious. I remember when watching this I was more focused on Lou and not Marisha.

[@BradGreer]

3:08 Aabria likes it too 😆

[@benjaminmatheny6683]

My favorite is the juxtaposition of Asmodeus yelling "I was RIGHT!!!" followed by a calm "and then he pulls the skin off your skull". It makes it sound like this is just another Tuesday, for both Asmodeus and Brennan.

[@DemoBytom]

because it is.. The man just ran another diety in Worlds Beyond Number. A much "lesser" diety, probably an archfey equivalent tbh.. And still ABSOLUTELY killed it at showing how much above mortals it is. Without spoiling the episode, I can't get over how unreal Brennan is at conveying impossible power differencies, between such characters, and mortal PCs/NPCs.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@DemoBytom Yeah, we see so many video games of fighting gods, when this right here is the likely outcome of such a foolish venture. But then again, Zerxes, as honorable as he was, was a fool.

[@tuffy1992]

@@stingerjohnny9951 It takes the boldest of fools to believe he can fix the Lord of Lies himself, let alone attempt it.

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

Because for Zerxes, the day Asmodeus' knife graced his heart was the most important day in his life. But for him, it was Tuesday.

[@stevencooper564]

Matt is an incredible DM, no doubt about it, but the look on Sam's face at 1:48 screams "I miss other dad, this one's real scary"

[@ouroboros3055]

"WAKE UP ZERXUS ! YOU DID THIS TO ME !" Damn... Brennan as Asmodeus means BUSINESS

[@bestofcriticalrole]

I love his intensity. You could really feel the hatred once Asmodeus dropped his mask

[@ouroboros3055]

@@bestofcriticalrole 100% agree with you there, love the zooms you added btw, they really emphasize the intensity of Asmodeus' wrath

[@PassingMaxQ]

He dropped it briefly in episode 2. That was the clue

[@slipknotde]

@@PassingMaxQ where?

[@PassingMaxQ]

@@slipknotde I don’t have a time stamp offhand, but it’s when Zerxus is having his vision with Asmodeus. There’s a point where Asmodeus is describing the Schism from his perspective. At one point he says, “Our promises were to the Primordials, AND WE WERE CALLED BETRAYERS!” It was just a little glimpse of what was to come if Zerxus followed through with his idea that he as a mortal could redeem The Lord of the Hells.

[@starwarsnerd100]

Underrated bit is the "you did something to them" line. The idea that caring for the mortal beings is such an alien concept to Asmodeus. If the other deities care for the mortals, that's not compassion on their part, it's a sign that these mortals are making his fellow gods go crazy! "You're not our children, you're a bad first draft" indeed.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Well put yourself in his shoes. Its implied exandria is not the first version of the creation but the one they got attached to. What changed? He just can't understand it. A god not being able to understand human emotion the same we can't understand godly power is so amazing

[@yiklongtay6029]

Think about humanity like as if thinking about a pet. Asmo and the rest of the betrayers thinks humanity is flawed and that the gods should start over. This is equivalent to putting down a dog for BS reasons. Sure this is bad. But does putting down the pet of your sibling deserves centuries of imprisonment in hell? I kinda get that it's a disproportionate response from siblings that knew you longer than your pet

[@rekkwaffle7668]

I agree. I loooove that line. It is the only time asmo isn't really positive. He doesn't understand what "did something to them" he just hates whatever "it" is. The very concept of compassion is so alien. Asmo is first and foremost the most competent being in the cosmos. But for even him to be befuddled into uncontrolled rage is... so asmo.

[@Akeche]

@@yiklongtay6029 Well, we do tend to imprison people who abuse animals.

[@bricknolty5478]

@@yiklongtay6029 Well, it's like putting down a dog your made out of clay and animated in a magical kiln. I can get the perspective that it's just a sketch, something to be refined. That's also what makes Zerxes's "Why do you hate yourself?" line so good.

[@andrewcabrera505]

The amount of synergy and pure skill you need to have as a GM and player to be fully screaming at each other and it being a sign of everything going right is insane

[@zane4218]

Absolutely. From a dm’s perspective, amazing monologue aside, I could not have handled the screaming and confrontation and testing/denial so amazingly to still keep the villain on top of everyone/everything.

[@ethanhorn6093]

Lou covering his face is peak "Dad is yelling again! I AM SCARED!" Brennan is like "Yeah, I can do Lawful Evil... and somehow I am going to channel pure chaos while I do it."

[@chaytonmiller802]

"I'll tell you why I loath your redemption. To reach a hand down to somebody they need to be BENEATH YOU! And I'm beneath nobody!"

[@Nyrufa]

Meanwhile, Ao is sitting on the couch like "then how do you explain the Time of Troubles?"

[@chadbarentino7146]

Chuckles ironically. “Says the one who got a good view of the Dawn Father’s Balls this morning.”

[@soren5312]

Makes it funnier when you realize this is another lie, Asmodeus is actually below everyone at the very bottom of the deepest layer of the Nine Hells. His true form is that of a gargantuan serpent hundreds of miles long, and any who discover the nature of his true form get killed off instantly.

[@snark6395]

@@Nyrufa I come from the future. Remember, this is a modified version of the deities, hence 'dawn father' not 'morning lord', etc. I'm not even sure Crit Role has a version of Ao.

[@ViniciusSouza-sr4rb]

Time of troubles was a forgotten realms event, Exandria has a different pantheon.

[@Pandamonium626]

Brennan: "The Lord of Hells appears before you." Zerxus: "I can fix him."

[@Personal43546hf]

After he gets his face ripped off, surprise Pikachu face

[@blackanimewerewolf]

"You forget the greatest form of magic is CHRONOMANCY!!!"

[@shinracapangan2658]

Isn't it the power of friendship?

[@jimslim4227]

@@shinracapangan2658 thats just a joke from fantasy high where Brennan is the dean of the school who is a chronomancer

[@mylifeafterbreakfast]

@@shinracapangan2658 Do you think that in a war, if a mother and her child get iced in an alley, they died because they didn't have enough love????

[@yoindianbro]

@@mylifeafterbreakfast they died because they didn't have CHRONOMANCY

[@juliawhitmore3991]

Asmodeus vs Arthur Aeguefort. 1v1, pvp. I'd like to see it.

[@brandon6485]

Brennen Lee Mulligan: Spits one of the most rawest dialogues in DnD history, kills party members multiple times over, refuses to elaborate

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Truly the most Based of DMs

[@guessweredointhis5486]

The Marisharay has two natural stances, within times of extreme stress. One option, is to climb. Climbing, is done to gain some sense of ownership over the situation. In essence, to assess, whilst equally processing the scenario as it unfolds. But in times of dire straights. Sometimes hiding, is the safer choice.

[@balijosu]

It's a bug in her software. She overcompensates on the Y-axis.

[@switters8679]

@@balijosu You know, sometimes you enjoy a video and risk going to the comments to find other viewpoints that can help you appreciate a video in another light. 95% of the time it ends in regret. These 2 comments (OP and one I am replying to) make it worth it. I laughed, and then re-watched because I was not concentrating on the Y-axis enough so I got to enjoy the video again with a new purpose.

[@erelde_]

Read this in David Attenborough's voice

[@qrrbrbirbel2]

@@erelde_ also hilarious if you read it like zefrank1 and follows it by having an argument with Jerry 😂

[@MrPtrlix]

Also a book-hat

[@hipsterbrigadier9428]

aabria's laugh at "he counterspells it with a ninth level spell slot" really gets me every time xD

[@JB-xl2jc]

It just screams "Yep, we fucked with a God and have now entered the 'find out' stage" hahaha

[@dungeonguy88]

@@JB-xl2jc Yeah, one of my players once asked me what the rules were fighting a god were in my campaigns. He was a bit taken aback when I told him: You lose.

[@turtleman5405]

@@dungeonguy88 I think there is a time and a place for battling gods in an actual fight. For example, Critical Role Campaign 1 has the party face off against a god and win without taking away from the gods actual feeling of insane power. Its just a question of the circumstances surrounding the fight and the level of the party involved. Not to mention that this is Asmo fucking DEUS who is like top 5 most dangerous among the gods to my knowledge on par with Pelor the Dawnfather who straight up blasted multiple betrayer gods. They were also only level 15 without any prep for the fight and already suffered the FATTEST L with the explosion so like they weren't just a little screwed they were MEGA screwed. Venca who was the FINAL insane boss fight for a bunch of level 20s who were prepared for the fight and he was a fledgling god weaker than the weakest normal betrayer god who Asmodeus is stronger than. Regardless yes I understand what you are saying but I think writing off gods as unbeatable is kinda lame.

[@dungeonguy88]

@@turtleman5405 Oh, totally. I was answering my player's question in broadstrokes, and I will entertain the idea of potentially fighting a god. But only, as you say, as the culmination of a lot of factors weighing in the favor of the players. A whole lotta things that would have to be explored and acted upon over the course of a full campaign. This was at close to the beginning of the campaign when the player was just asking about the already established gods. At the time, they didn't know that there are a number of significantly lesser gods in my world. Nascent gods, gods-to-be, if the circumstances align. And one of the unknown details of the setting is that one of the major gods had been recently slain in secret. But I felt it was important to establish a...tone when it comes to that kind of question.

[@duncanmc797]

@@dungeonguy88 yes 100% you tell them it's an impossible battle that they could never win. But as a level 20 adventure they figure out how

[@nemanjajovanov]

'He cast the second Time Stop in the first Time Stop'. Some heavy Baldur's Gate flashes right here :D

[@bobloerakker7010]

That lich?

[@nemanjajovanov]

@@bobloerakker7010 I think there was a lich in Shadow of Amn, but it was sooo long ago... I also kinda remember finding a cheat to try out the time stop myself, I used it to terrorize dragons :)

[@MsSarahJosephine]

Brennen's utter psychopath half smile he gives after this as louis/zerxes is still trying to talk him around after this moment is also the most terrifying thing i have ever seen and i could barely look at him when he did it.

[@maxinesenior596]

That smile, on Asmodeus's face, would be him barely holding in a cackling laughter at how gullible he is/mortals are.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

That’s a look that says “I’m going to destroy you, but I’ll let you speak your peace since it amuses me.”

[@superbrony7777]

“My greatest heartbreak is that when I have collected every last mortal soul and all of my siblings into my pit, that I will only have eternity to punish them.” This line legitimately gave me chills.

[@Personal43546hf]

My only issue with it is that it should be the rest of eternity

[@ATMOSK1234]

I love marisha slowly hiding beneath the table until 2:20 when she's just peaking to see if it's safe to stop hiding.

[@Happyhannahping]

To be honest, as someone who fundamentally has the instinct to hide when a man is shouting, I genuinely would have been under the table. I don't know if this was her just doing her stuff (like chair-perching) for dramatic effect or an actual reaction.

[@xEvilRaptorx]

@@Happyhannahping the CR cast seem to be really in tune with emotional moments. If you watch C1 whenever Liam starts romance with Marisha everyone else fades away and hides somehow. They totally did this stuff in the home games too, im sure of it.

[@Lurklen]

Oh man, I love this. The absolute conviction and *HATE* is perfect. Asmodeus, the Lord of Hells, whatever you call him, he is a multifaceted entity, and so many depictions lean heavy on the seduction, but forget there is a powerful and vicious evil behind his actions. It's not enough to manipulate people, that's too easy, they have to know what their trust in him allowed. They have to be totally immersed in their sin. The delight and satisfaction in revealing the lie, in rubbing Zerxus face in it, is perfect.

[@Dragon_Lair]

Even more so is the satisfaction Brennan gave Asmodeus by pointing out to Zerxus that even the Dawn Father was humbler than this godless paladin who felt he knew better than the gods.

[@Lurklen]

@@Dragon_Lair Yeah, I mean I think the next couple centuries are gonna be a major wake up call for all those wizards who are like "The gods ain't a big deal..."

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@Lurklen It also explains the huge anti-magic attitude of Vasselheim. Being the only city to survive the Calamity, it makes sense that they would reject the mages and the level of hubris that permeated the age, and be fully devoted to the gods.

[@Lurklen]

@@Dragon_Lair Oh definitely. A bunch of bozos hopped up on their own sauce nearly end the whole world, and cause centuries of apocalyptic levels of unrest, it's gonna take a loooong time before I stop giving them and anybody who styles themselves after them side eye. I mean who could blame them, they're the only ones who can legitimately say they know the cost of that kind of hubris. It kind of begs the question how, if they were the only city to survive, they didn't put even more of a stamp on the world. I'm surprised there wasn't a Vassalian Empire or something. Missionary style conquest to keep things from getting out of hand again. Of course it could be that the Gods had other plans for them.

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@Lurklen It could also be that they were so damaged and so much devastation reigned over the land that they just couldn't build an empire, they had to rebuild themselves.

[@TonkarzOfSolSystem]

So I'm starting to think this demon lord is a bad guy.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Nooooo, he's just broken. I can fix him

[@HallowedKeeper_]

How dare you insult Asmodeus, The God of Evil! He is no mere "Demon Lord", to call him one may be the 2nd biggest insult, only behind believing that you insignificant mortal ants can do ANYTHING to him, he was THE Archdevil, but he has long since abandoned such a meager title-Asmodeus Fanatic

[@Laban6112]

The best part is Asmodeuses rant and argument (when Zerxus had the first conversation with him) make sense if he were to tell the truth. It's like the gods were painting a picture which is Exandria, he was the one who put the shading and dark tones in, so that the painting is not just a blob of bright colors and then everyone starts saying that the dark tones are evil and must be removed. Even with all meta knowledge I was second guessing myself, such a masterful job by Brennan.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Same. For a moment I thought this was gonna be "The evil gods are evil because they were forced to be evil"

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Nada even during that encounter, Asmodeus tricker Zerxus to "help him" defeat who did that to him. Since for Asmodeus the culprits are the mortals, Zerxus kinda gave him his word to kill mortals, hence became his champion. Devils are often vague with their contracts but Asmodeus tricked Zerxus into doing vague business himself

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@bestofcriticalrole I also love that Asmodeus even went out of his way to tell Zerxus outright that he was the Lord of the Hells, the Father of Lies, and not once did he ever say he wasn't tricking Zerxus. When Zerxus asked if this was all a trick, Asmodeus shrugged and went "What can I say? How can I convince someone you're not tricking them if they are expecting to be tricked?" The only promise he made Zerxus was that he would remember him. Zerxus convinced himself that by talking about his son and how the children should be spared, and that mortals are their children, and that he was so certain that he was right in trying to redeem Asmodeus he just couldn't accept that sometimes a force of pure evil is just that, a force of pure evil. Even in his last moments when he could have freed his soul from Asmodeus' control mere seconds before sunrise, he just couldn't bring himself to do it because he felt he knew better than the gods and that he could "save" him even as he willingly damned his own soul. Luis did an awesome job as Zerxus.

[@TheJerbol]

Ya but Zerxus never had any justification to believe what he was saying any more than the other gods. Surely they were aware of fiends and their evil nature, why is he in love with him so much lmao

[@TheJerbol]

@@Dragon_Lair nearly every one of his choices left me completely baffled. His RP was great but actual character choices were incredibly strange

[@elle.mack.wednesday]

Absolute flashbacks when he says “you know what I’ve always hated about” Lou was dying there for real

[@ItCameFromTheSkyBeLo]

Amethur, the Unfallen. ❤

[@TiliaCordata]

This is (with some cuts) my favourite sequence ever. It's amazing. I love it when Brennan lets his villain loose. You can see the tendrils of insanity coming out of his eyes.

[@bluedotdinosaur]

The whole set-up is an amazing characterization of, and exploration of, Asmodeus. He is said to manipulate with "honeyed words" - but as Brennan portrays him, he is so good at it because as with the best lies they are actually truths - but with context obscured. Asmodeus' gentle words towards Zerxus can be seen as a sincere expression - if he were speaking to one who he considered his equal. He just allows Zerxus to assume that he, a mortal, is worthy of kindness from Asmodeus. And while it might be true that Asmodeus does at some level suffer from misplaced hatred - Zerxus is probably genuinely guilty of a great deal of arrogance in presuming to know the multi-dimensional mind of a deity. One can actually sympathize with Asmodeus to a degree! Mortals (aka, human beings) are given to arrogance and looking down on others to raise themselves up.

[@Chillton]

01:33 Gives me such "What is a man?" vibes. I live for villainous moments like this

[@darkspine1052]

I love Lou's reaction. He is so used to Brennan being manipulative

[@StevenJQuinlan]

That final line from Brennan, that his only regret is that he'll only have eternity to punish them is such a baller line.

[@shoylerk9973]

So if and when they somehow put Asmodeus in TLOVM, Brennan has to voice him, right?

[@elbruces]

I don't recall Azzy showing up in campaign 1.

[@mikelv1]

@@elbruces they could always include flashbacks to the Calamity or the Schism in a way to tell the history

[@LordAaronus]

why not Matt

[@mikelv1]

@@LordAaronus Matt probably would voice the Dawnfather, just so that us nerds can nerd out about it.

[@captainkiwi77]

@@LordAaronus because... this. Frankly Matt does more than enough and spreading the vision is a good thing for him

[@acomet2509]

“To reach a hand down to somebody, they need to be beneath you!” Is such a fucking raw line

[@TBoring]

The explanation in this episode for Asmodeous healing people to prolong their torment is a great motivation for a Life Domain Cleric in an Evil Campaign. “Wait don’t you worship the literal King of the Nine Hells? Why are you healing people?” “To prolong their suffering, duh.”

[@blazerheata6479]

A battle cleric using bonus action healing words to stab their energy again and again when they know they'll be getting a long rest pretty soon

[@yurikana]

Honestly sounds like Kotomine from Fate/.

[@WeAreTheBentusi]

Cleric of the nine hells: "Death is a mercy, and I don't grant mercy!"

[@TedWade73]

An Inquisitor: Now, now, no dying yet, we have not finished our conversation...

[@maxinesenior596]

​​@@TedWade73 a devil leans into your face and asks a question. You refuse. You have a searing pain as it looks into your eyes and burns you to charred bone, skull first. You feel all of it. Your soul is halfway through leaving your body before you are restored to normal and the demon is again leaning towards you. "Now that you know the pain I can offer you... Give me my answer."

[@8Smoker8]

I think this was easily the peak of this miniseries. I did call this from the start, and it was so beautifully enacted. Brennan made some awesome points. A shame we don't have the "The only difference between the Dawnfather and you is that he's a little more humble" line.

[@mylifeafterbreakfast]

SUCH A GREAT LINE!!!!! I have replayed that moment so many times!!!!

[@711Kidflash]

Curse your sudden, but inevitable betrayal.

[@anthonyniemiec9409]

The Lord of Lies: *lies* Everyone else: *Surprised Pikachu face*

[@stingerjohnny9951]

It makes sense honestly. This campaign takes place during the Age of Arcanum, so the characters having their heads firmly jammed up their asses is quite fitting givin mortal society at the time.

[@_____2219]

He didn’t really lie though. He only omitted truths and spoke in half truths.

[@SarJulem]

1:46: Sam's expression "It's like a train wreck, I just can't look away". Travis' expression "oh shiiit... Matt... Maaattt! You seeing this"? 2:22: This is why you don't want to get on a DM's bad side

[@maxinesenior596]

😂😂 sam's look: "it's beautiful in the same way a car crash is beautiful"

[@victorym744]

The shots of Lou standing up from his chair and walking around just kill me so much LMAOOO

[@LemurFrenzy212]

It's these sorts of moments where you remember 'oh yeah right, they're all actors'. The emotion, the power in the voices is just insane. Speaking of which; Brennan gave me serious Pennywise vibes this campaign

[@Gojiraking1]

I think my favorite thing about this is how Asmodeus sees his relationship with the Prime deities. He doesn’t hate them. He doesnt blame them for the schism. They’re his brothers and sisters. He puts the entire blame on mortals who he sees as the beings who corrupted them. Granted he blatantly states he still plans to drag them all into hell and punish them, but I honestly think he’d see it as “fixing” them and correcting their “mistake.”

[@ethanharris1903]

No idea if Brennan intended it, but I'd love it if he did: the line of about redemption and Asmodeus saying he's "beneath nobody," meanwhile he rules the 9 Hells which is -- y'know -- generally depicted to be beneath EVERYTHING.

[@aeashenemby]

Not only that but his domain is in the lowest layer. Hes quite literally at the lowest point.

[@mixmastermind]

@@aeashenemby it's the peak of the universe if you only flip the map the other way

[@radioactivedetective6876]

Asmodeus is egoistic and arrogant.

[@kegmonkey5648]

I would say The Abyss is lower than the hells, but that's just me.

[@ducklink8781]

Brennan is scary good at playing villains I’ve learned so much about playing villains from him

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Same here!!

[@Waluiginumberone]

“This is not who you are!!” “WHO AM I???!!” Gave me chills

[@azteca06]

Where are the Critter Animators on this?! I now want to see this Calamity in 4KHD full animation glory with Brennan as Asmodeus! Let's GOOOOOOO!

[@user-fd5nz5lo7m]

We all saw it comming, but hoped it would never come!

[@bestofcriticalrole]

It was like going to a restaurant. You expect to have a meal but then you end up having a whole 3 course meal *chefs kiss*

[@bigmikebeebee]

Actually I was hoping for Zerxus to get his comeuppance since Episode 1.

[@radioactivedetective6876]

​@@bigmikebeebee What had he done in episode 1?

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@radioactivedetective6876 I like him as a character, but he essentially has the same arrogance as the mages he turns his nose up to (something Asmodeus points out in this dialogue), and his philosophy of “anyone can be redeemed” devolved into the much more arrogant “I can redeem anyone.” Plus acting like you know better than a literal God is honestly just asking to get humbled. 🤷‍♂️

[@aggarius2944]

Nobody talking about it but the last part is my favorite. The eternity not being long enough

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Asmodeus went really metal there

[@Throom]

Alternate title: Redemption Paladin meets a dark God

[@jamesgerth4471]

Brennan is so good at this I don't even have adequate words to properly appreciate this acting Lmao

[@ethrsag735]

Marisha is absolutely adorable how she shrinks beneath the table as the monologue escalates.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Marisha: I hate it when mom and dad fight!

[@bleizy7866]

You've summed up every line that jaw-dropped me during that episode (just missing the dawnfather is more humble part), that's probably the best interpretation and dialogue of Asmodeus yet, and could just be of any devil.

[@raptorjesues1445]

OH GOD, YES. STEP ON ME ASMODADDY

[@Drekromancer]

based

[@henmo24]

Wow. The Lord of Devils is actually evil. This is my shocked face.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

*Pretends to be shocked*

[@MisterSmith00]

My god…Zerxus is roaring like King Leonidas, and Brennan just matches that with his own maddening shrieks. Talk about leaving in all on the TABLE.

[@isaacgraff8288]

"You are a bad first draft." Well... shit.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Asmodeus had the best oneliners

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

That line is so good, fucking Emet-Selch is quaking in his coat.

[@rimurutempest4945]

The Prince of Lies lying about being good? No way, how could this happen?

[@dpacc88]

The absolute commitment of Luis to the role 😂

[@AshlynOne]

I have rewatched this moment again and again and every time it gives me the same chills. Brennan and Luis sold this scene so well. I adored every moment of their raw, unhinged energy firing back and forth. This has taught me that I have so much to aspire to as a DM and honestly I'm going to be taking a lot of lessons from Brennan. He might genuinely be my new favorite DM ever.

[@shyris466]

I periodically come back and watch pieces/ the entirely of this exchange, and I will absolutely never tire of it. Some of the most deliciously written conversations and monologs I've ever heard, and I just have to accept the fact that I'll never be able to deliver lines with near the intensity of Brennan Lee Mulligan.

[@GibsonReal]

A bit late but Asmo’s monologue reminds me a lot or AMs from I Have No Mouth But I Must Scream, “THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR HUMANS AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT FOR YOU. HATE. HATE.”

[@UltimaKeyMaster]

What I would give to have Brennan voice act AM. ....Nah, AM's perfect as is.

[@PassingMaxQ]

He’s the god of evil and lies. This is on you, Zerxus

[@elizabethkblanco4620]

He only has himself to blame for trying to atone the D&D equivalent of The Devil.

[@nellazerclaws7929]

the devil turned into his husband and gave him sad puppy eyes. can we really blame zerxus for falling for it?

[@Xaychedelic]

May I just commend Luis for actually wanting a Betrayer God to be involved in his PC's storyline, like oh man. He suggested it to Brennan, Brennan took it and made it how he hoped it would be that made such an intense scene. Gotta love the trust of the player and the DM in one another.

[@Glmorrs1]

The way he keeps trying to deny what’s happening to him in this moment, that refusal to admit he was wrong, is such a good character moment. He truly believed he could redeem the Lord of the Hells, and even when that Lord is laughing in his face he desperately doesn’t want to accept it. It’s almost heartbreaking. Luis is so, so good at this game.

[@robirb_]

do you mean to tell me that a Betrayer God BETRAYED this paladin???

[@micahnewby7964]

0:42 I love how the various reactions directly correlate with levels of familiarity with Brennan Lee Mulligan: CR cast: AAAAHHHHHHH!!!! (basically shook as f***) Aabria: YEEESSSS!!! (Equal level of emotion, but less surprise and more just straight up excitement) And then there's Lou: straight-faced smirk, cool guy leaning on table pose like "took him long enough" (they go back further than D20)

[@rmcphail2007]

Lou being used to Brennan copes by taking a walk. Great way to get in those steps. Marisha is FULLY hiding under the table.

[@JTNipp2]

Bold statement incoming... (Inhales) I think this is the greatest moment in critical role history. There. I said it. I'm always coming back to this clip.

[@foolslayer9416]

As much as I hate to agree with a demon, Asmodeus was right about Zerxus. He like all the other wizards on Avalir was arrogant and too blind to see the truth. If I was in Asmodeus' place, I would ask this, "Who are you to think you can tell me who I am?"

[@zohaibmehmood3027]

Devil*

[@E-Lykos]

How to piss off a devil 101: Try and forgive them

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@E-Lykos How to prove Asmodeus right about said arrogance: try to teach him a lesson about the divine nature of gods and mortals and claim knowledge and power greater than even Asmodeus can understand.

[@Sashakawaiicat]

🥲 but…I feel so bad for zerxus, he just wanted his husband back.

[@Dragon_Lair]

@@Sashakawaiicat Him wanting his husband back doesn’t change his level of hubris in thinking he knew what was and was not better than the gods themselves, to the point he felt he could lecture Asmodeus and call him a child.

[@ardelianelson2902]

What I also love about the entire implication about this scene is that while Asmodeus is technically classified as LE, and is considered the God of Lies, deceit etc, the fact that Zerxes couldn't atone him proves one of two things, probably both. Either Asmodeus isn't lying, that he didn't do anything wrong. He and the other Betrayers picked a side in the Schism and lost. That doesn't necessarily mean they did anything wrong/sinful, morals are a finicky thing. OR, that the Deities literally do not fall within mortal jurisdiction of "atonement". Zerxus cannot do anything, and has no real right to perform the ritual on a literal GOD(especially since Zerxus oath is to the people, and not to any Deity, which he admits)! Asmodeus gets a saving throw( which he can't intentionally fail per the spell), but its entirely possible Brennen was rolling as a formality, i don't know. Vespin also tried to bind the Betrayers to his will, as he was a Malconvoker, but failed. Ultimately though, its a fantastic scene and I love Brennen

[@JD-wu5pf]

Asmodeus says "I did nothing wrong", sure, but he's evil and the Lord of Lies. Him not believing he did anything wrong isn't the same thing as him being "above morality". He's evil because he does evil things and he's ok with doing evil things because he's evil.

[@josiahklein70]

That was also my take on it. Of course a god would be too powerful to be truly affected by it. The flippant way Brennan looks at the die result. It just wouldn't make sense.

[@stygian1522]

He's a god. And he has to be WILLING. Asmodeus doesn't think he did anything wrong. Ergo, it doesn't matter if Pelor himself cast the spell. The Lord of Sin believes himself above reproach.

[@dharmeshmistry342]

Marisha slowly receding below the table during this whole thing is my favorite part.

[@100nodog]

From the following point of view of the Abrahamic Faiths: Asmodeus is terrifying. Because in the Abrahamic Faiths, the Devil is lesser than God. Asmodeus is God.

[@mattjennings101]

There are so many talented DMs out there that could have been good in this roll, but Brennan was the perfect choice

[@ricardoramos1059]

The best way i can describe it is this is how you do a LEGENDARY villian; the way brennan acts as asmodeus is a true monster, a force of nature , a waking nightmare you truly cant stop. The fear, the dread, the sheer evil that oozes from him is terrifying. This is a masterclass of acting that is facts period

[@ZoeBateman]

"... I am beneath nobody" - Guy who lives at the bottom of a pit

[@ItCameFromTheSkyBeLo]

It's a matter of perspective. A pit is just an inversed mountain.

[@j.j.s.7083]

1:20 "you are a bad first draft" Tells me EVERYTHING I need to know! Aabria's reaction is exactly me. CHILLS

[@benh2339]

The amount of banger chill-inducing lines Brennan brought in this scene is awe-inspiring. Man was born to roleplay. Hot damn.

[@sgxthach]

Marisha hiding under the table from the ferocity of Brennan's monologue is ALL OF US.

[@deltagodangel]

Shoutout to Luis for playing off that so well fucking a man calamity was smth else

[@mikbdee2186]

I have rewatched this particular scene so many times. Brennen did so good!

[@DMofBriseras]

The absolute MADNESS AND MASTERY OF THIS WHOLE EXCHANGE. Fucking brilliant. Like, this is one of the most unhinged performances I've ever seen, and I love every second of it. It's like a Masterclass in villainy.

[@taylorlindner4664]

Wake up Zerksus. YOU DID THIS TO ME! I hope Brennan reads these comments because that was 10/10 for entertainment. That moment transcends dnd or games or whatever. That is as good as any novel or movie. *clap clap clap*

[@Monster_NopeNope]

Brennans unholy ability to switch between dialogue voice and actions voice just ties this all together

[@dumsquirrel]

Everyone is talking about Lou's reaction, but I went back to look at it and he really just does have such a resolved expectant expression of "here we go again, buckle up guys." He's desensitized to Brenan at this point.

[@freelancespartan]

Crit Role seeing Brennan go full villain monologue in person is Wonderful

[@matthewbaker5120]

There are rare moments where you catch a glimpse of someone doing the thing they were truly meant to do in life... Brennan Lee Mulligan is one of these people. I'm just happy to be an observer.

[@dungeonguy88]

I have not been able to rewatch EXU Calamity yet, but only because I don't think I've fully recovered yet from the first time around. This series shows some of the best collaborative work between some of the best minds I've ever seen in roleplaying. This is some of the best storytelling I've come across.

[@tomesofawesome8041]

I keep rewatching this clip. The chills & discomfort on Sam Regal's face. WOW.

[@Jonathan331]

Before this, my favorite Brennan bad guy was Cpt. James Whitclaw. He wasn't a Betrayer god level villain, he just has a rivalry with a PC's father and aims to kill all his children (and be the Pirate King) and he wasn't a bbeg type, even though he's really powerful, but man I like his swag.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Wait he wasn't a BBEG? Cause that sounds like a BBEG .-.

[@Jonathan331]

@@bestofcriticalrole edit: I realized, maybe not everyone has seen Fantasy High. Non-spoiler: Basically he was just kinda like a contractor for the main bad, with a personal vendetta against one of the PC. But he was described kinda like Davy Jones, that's why I like him. spoiler alert, here's my original comment: I mean, it depends on how you define it, I guess. If Leviathan was an arc, he could be the big bad of that. So that counts. To me, season 2's bbeg is the nightmare king, cpt whitclaw was just Arianwen's pawn, which was in turn The Nightmare King's "pawn". He was powerful, but he wasn't a big player. I just like the terror he put on Fabian, so much that he multiclassed into a bard, which is an amazing arc for Fabian, story wise. Also, his description kinda reminds me of Davy Jones. So cool.

[@bestofcriticalrole]

@@Jonathan331 Dont worry about spoilers, Im not too wary of them. I prefer treatment and excitement over surprise and twists. Your original comment makes it more interesting to for me to watch FH now. Gotta check it out!

[@Dreadnaught1985]

The *I didn't do anything wrong..." Turn, was so fucking hot!

[@AdrasAdraki]

Its nice to see how Brennan shows the problem isnt just with the mages, even a paladin disillusioned with the mindset of the mages is just as problematic and indicative of the society.

[@DinoCrazy15]

"To reach a hand down to somebody, they need to be BENEATH YOU!!!, AND I"m Beneath NOBODY!!!

[@mugenyoake]

"WAKE UP ZERXUS" is carved into my brain forever

[@bobbyrabii6119]

The look on Travis and Sam’s face says it all. This was an amazing scene!

[@nspinicelli]

Yeah dude. This was THE most freaking awesome intense brutal scene in all of crit role and I FREAKING LOVED IT!!!

[@inaaraz4327]

Zerxus pulled up with the power of friendship against Satan Made Flesh

[@bestofcriticalrole]

Brennan said: nope, this is calamity for a reason!

[@munchkin275s]

I could rewatch this a million times and still get CHILLS

[@castlecaster]

This was my favourite moment of Calamity and you just went and made it even better

[@EAncients]

"WAKE UP ZERXUS! *YOU* DID THIS TO ME!"