Candela Obscura: Needle & Thread | Episode 1 | Eye for an Eye

Years after the Last Great War has ended, five investigators unite and defend the Fairelands against an eldritch invasion.
Download and play the Quickstart Guide for Candela Obscura at darringtonpres...
Candela Obscura is an ongoing monthly horror drama that follows an esoteric order of investigators as they use centuries of knowledge to fight back against a mysterious source of corruption and bleed. Leveraging gaming as a story mechanic, the series features the Candela Obscura tabletop roleplaying game from Darrington Press, which is built on the Illuminated Worlds system.
The second chapter of Candela Obscura will be three episodes long starring Travis Willingham, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Zehra Fazal, Luis Carazo, and Marisha Ray with a story led by gamemaster Spenser Starke.
Twitch subscribers gain instant access to VODs of our shows like Candela Obscura, Critical Role, Exandria Unlimited, and 4-Sided Dive.
The KZbin VOD will be available the following Monday after the episode’s initial broadcast and the podcast version will be available one week following the initial broadcast on your favorite podcast streaming service. Learn more here: critrole.com/h...
Originally Created by Taliesin Jaffe and Chris Lockey
Game Design and Writing by Spenser Starke and Rowan Hall
Directed by Steve Failows
Produced by Maxwell James and Steve Failows
Lightkeeper portrayed by Taliesin Jaffe
Music by Colm McGuinness
Character Art by Lisa Fricke
Due to the improv nature of Candela Obscura and other RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.
Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources, in case it’s useful: bit.ly/PsycomRe...
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[@flandomaltrizian4603]

HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing 1:55 EPISODE STARTS 6:10 The coat 7:45 The monster in the closet 11:50 Cut to the action movie 15:10 Sean Finnerty intro (this is Brennan’s natural accent) 19:45 Marion intro 22:40 Nathaniel Trapp intro 25:55 Auntie Bee intro 26:45 Dr. Jean intro (wait, is her art just Dr. Cuddy from House) 30:00 Standoff 32:00 Not a standoff anymore 37:25 Action movie jump 39:20 Marion’s description (5’9” is short, canon) 44:05 Just want to say, a train car chem lab is … just offensive, from a lab safety standpoint 47:55 Travis is regretting being a charisma main 50:35 Bleed for Nathaniel 53:50 Examining the chickens 54:25 Put the chicken crate in Karlach’s inventory 57:20 Marion goes off 1:00:25 A completely normal NYC subway trip 1:02:25 Sean doesn’t care about science 1:05:35 Sean is the hero of the story 1:10:20 There he goes 1:12:00 Outside the job description 1:16:10 An absolutely genius piece of continuity 1:17:05 Auntie Bee gets that money 1:19:20 Trayvon Kingsley and the androphage 1:26:20 The mission briefing 1:30:00 Travis goes dad 1:35:15 Allison 1:38:05 BREAK STARTS 1:48:05 BREAK ENDS 1:49:40 Nathaniel Trapp reintroduction 1:50:40 Beatrix Monroe reintroduction 1:53:15 Sean Finnerty reintroduction 1:54:35 Dr. Jean Basar reintroduction 1:58:25 Marion reintroduction (it’s hard to even see him though, he’s so small) 2:02:40 Nathaniel gives some backstory 2:11:30 That clari riff kicks in 2:16:45 Hernias and hemorrhoids 2:22:10 No bystanders 2:24:15 Due diligence 2:26:00 Bleed for Dr. Bree 2:31:40 Auntie Bee used to be younger than 55 2:33:45 Marion and Bee have history 2:38:10 Vulnerability to shotguns 2:48:20 Dead bodies are gross 2:51:45 Bee’s bleed 2:57:45 Barbie’s bleed container 2:58:50 Bleed for Dr. Jean 3:00:45 Groundswell Station 3:02:40 Making Trapp delicious 3:03:45 The monster is trespassing 3:06:00 Best circle 3:06:55 Sean and Marion (incredible flashback lighting) 3:12:05 The set is so cool 3:17:00 Sean is a subway expert 3:18:15 Electrical disturbance on set 3:20:55 Front desk 3:25:15 Preacher feature 3:27:30 Ticking clock 3:31:15 Brennan’s gonna kill that dog 3:32:45 Sean absolutely rules 3:37:55 Nathan was expecting more resistance 3:39:20 Sean just has a grenade 3:42:50 Lighthouse lore 3:49:20 Squid dogs 3:52:10 Take me out to the ball game (splatoons) 3:57:10 Brennan kills more dogs 3:58:40 Sean follows orders 4:01:20 Marion wants to pee on Sean (stairways go both ways) 4:05:35 Boss intro 4:08:10 Nathaniel’s memory 4:11:55 Sean’s memory 4:18:30 That’s my girl 4:19:45 There’s something wrong with me (everyone is fine) 4:21:35 Scars 4:23:20 A heartwarming golden shower 4:26:10 Saying goodbye 4:34:20 Episode Ends I do like the directorial DM style Spenser is using, especially in a horror game I think it allows for more vivid description and suspense, and also allows dragging scenes to be cut. Looking forward to seeing more of it. Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?

[@phoebica]

Thank you, Flando

[@thatsmuggamer]

FLANDO YOU LEGEND

[@jeanstark8425]

Thank you, Timekeeper Flando!

[@UrijahHeaton]

Thanks flando!

[@snail6936]

This is so good already Im so excited

[@jovescoves6941]

I like how Brennan says, “Travis, it’s been 3 minutes” as if this wasn’t the same man who opened character introductions with: “Describe your character with the understanding that your mouth is full of blood.”

[@four1629]

NO LITERALLY LMAO

[@The.Abstractionist]

Don't forget that for almost a full hour, he wouldn't give them *one second*

[@ILuvKonata]

Fire, everywhere.

[@DanielleStJohn]

I was *literally* thinking how poetic it is that he is being subjected to his own brand of bullsh*t, and how absolutely delicious it is to my sense of Schadenfreude

[@katteather4599]

what campaign does he do this in?

[@bajes328]

Brennan literally just woke up and chose to be both an MVP player and an Oscar-worthy improv-actor for the whole game.

[@Tezluh]

his improv is what makes him so damn funny the days of college humor helped with his acting we already knew he was a master at tabletop rpgs

[@Zalintis]

Brennan is one of the best in the biz!!!

[@spudthepug]

He’s been doing this since he was 9.

[@Miss_Myth]

I mean, that's just his default mode, I feel like.

[@Naxxiw]

@@Miss_Myth Yeah, I was gonna say. Just sounds like a normal ttrpg-day with Brennan. 😂

[@MythicSierra]

Everyone went all in and deserves praise, but can we give it up for Zehra who gave an amazing performance, but also had to sit square in the middle of not one, but TWO, "do you want me to pee on you?" conversations

[@OG_Mereles]

I don't know, can we?

[@moose1277]

​@@OG_Merelesoh I'm sorry, _may we_?

[@crypticmedicine]

The 'can' vs 'may' myth is still a mainstay of the condescending set, I see...

[@BlastMagicianYGO]

@@crypticmedicine Myth implies that it's a work of fiction, where as the differentiation of what you're able to do and what you are allowed to do is an actual linguistic distinction that people choose to ignore. I'm sorry, if you're going to get butthurt about someone being corrected, then I'm just going to have to correct you as well.

[@crypticmedicine]

@@BlastMagicianYGO You seem like someone who doesn't get out much.

[@kassjames5301]

Travis being absolutely done with the horror 6 minutes in. This is the content we come for.

[@cryophile]

He was really into the action part!

[@Hades8103]

Somewhere in his mind: (remembering Call of Cthulhu) can I leave?

[@wowguy1243]

@@Hades8103 i think its more the haunted house ptsd xD

[@thelocaldork]

honestly same, i got scared already

[@katthemage]

I'm with Travis 100%, Do not start watching this at 11:30 pm when you're trying to wind down for sleep LOLZ

[@xBelzerger]

Everytime Luis plays on CR this poor man is plagued by visions of people dying

[@grandpa6065]

he does it to himself hahaha

[@rosenrot234]

Plagued with visions and consequences

[@pengolddraws]

If I had a nickel for every time… I’d have 2 nickels. Not a lot but weird it happened twice

[@SalvadorFlowers]

Man has a type

[@ausecurity1]

if he had a nickel for everytime he was plagued by people dying he'd have two nickels. Which isnt a lot but its funny that it happened twice

[@couver73]

Just hearing Luis shout out "There's nothing wrong with me!" and just sob really hit me. My god dude, we need more of this man ASAP.

[@Nortarachanges]

The fellas are making me weep today T.T

[@aaronwalker2125]

Can’t wait for the big swings Luis is going to be taking. He’s pretty incredible to watch

[@blueskybelyr]

Literally. I need him and Liam together in a campaign fuckin STAT

[@JefferyPeterson]

CR has had some pretty big acting moments, but I can’t think of anything that powerful happening. That was intense.

[@sirunklydunk8861]

Welcome to the newest episode of "We try to make Travis shit himself."

[@ThatLexPlays]

Today's record: 3 minutes!

[@flanbeau]

@@ThatLexPlays Now, now, his body language changes at 4:20, don't exagerate.

[@obadijahparks]

Ring girl.......

[@roftherealm3418]

I want a heart rate monitor on him, just silently on the screen.

[@ЯАга-я4л]

​@@flanbeaul I mean first 2 minutes are intro, so still legit

[@danteish3re]

Brennans quiet "Travis its been 3 minutes..." 😂

[@henkmalan13]

And this is coming from Brennan Lee "Fire" Mulligan after the intro he pulled on them in ExU: Calamity... 😂

[@tombpunk]

15min later…

[@aircooledalex]

It's absolutely iconic.

[@Nortarachanges]

@@henkmalan13, “I’m in the wrong class. I thought this was freshman Biology”

[@mariahjohnson202]

As if Brennan himself didn’t personally terrorize Travis just last year at this same table… 😒🤣

[@betahammer3566]

I just want to shout out in appreciation at how Talisen is being so open about his personal history through the ages, it can't be easy reliving all of this but it sure is entertaining.

[@moonlight2870]

Today on "nobody knows how to spell Taliesin's name"

[@darrenskeeter4246]

Tallasein really bringing the vibes for the start of these. I love it

[@Lurklen]

Yeah, Tallahasihaen is a river to his people.

[@AgentVamp]

Yeah Tallahassee is really doing well with this story.

[@kiraleadeaux]

Tall good 👍

[@mistamemewide]

Marisha playing a Criminal Grandma is something i did not expect for this chapter.

[@nekoplayer2279]

Me neither. I thought she is gonna be the medium, but nope. The clothes just gave me fortune teller vibes when I saw the trailer, and again when she was introduced before we saw her class.

[@NotJulia101]

Auntie Bee is the criminal grandma we didn't know we needed but we're all glad she's here.

[@travioli9643]

She really took beau's stealing mail bit and turned it to 11

[@rhondabletsch989]

I just wish she didn't play a 50 year old as though she was 75.

[@octolingo1892]

@@rhondabletsch989 I mean I guess in this setting it’s 1907 so maybe being 50 is tough enough that it’s more like being 75? Idk

[@noahmurrayhurley6736]

Can I just say considering that yelling at the normal cr table isn’t a super common, having Luis come in and really bring the loud passion to the table really REALLY cinematic

[@jerryxie4712]

That "THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH MEEEEEE" to that softer "There's nothing wrong with me" that turned into a sob really had me in the middle of my work day

[@countrybumpkinski]

Yah Luis brings the loud, he yelled a lot during Calamity as well, tis superb

[@HIR0SE]

It always reminds me of the first time when Scanlan opens a rift between Vox Machina and Sam just goes fully into it. It scared me at first because I didn't know one could do that at the table.

[@OG_Mereles]

Cinematic is a step down from what Storytelling can be. Sadly is the only language people can relate in current times.

[@Basilililisk]

​@@OG_Mereles I'm curious, in what way do you mean that?

[@gunston07]

I adore how Spenser tells his story as if describing angles and shots from a film script. It's a form of storytelling I've never come across, or considered in TTRPG before, but it's so engaging, and adds so much to the atmosphere. What a beautiful thing you've all created here

[@ThomasUfnalCrowlake]

Aabria also does that a bit, but I'm not sure how much she did that in Exandria Unlimited

[@Zerphses]

It’s not a style I particularly like, but I can see its strengths. Very engaging, just not the way I prefer.

[@LilPugHugs]

It pulls me out of the immersion a little bit, as it feels like he's pitching a story to me vs telling it. Still entertaining though.

[@Ajinic]

I adore it. It makes me imagine this as some horror movie

[@ryanpatrick2814]

@@LilPugHugsI really didn’t care to much for the intro scene but the way he managed the whole train scene really made me visualize it as a movie. Very cinematic.

[@seancain2216]

Zehra goes from driven to slightly cocky to disturbed to full chin quivering, holding back her tears in less than a minute. That is PHENOMENAL role playing/acting. I watched it 6 times in a row to get all the nuances. Stunning.

[@miimo_channel]

timestamp 🥹🙏

[@seancain2216]

4:18:00@@miimo_channel

[@naaziaf7239]

She really is a knockout new guest for this chapter, such brilliant work right off the bat

[@vincentstuart9562]

I love Travis being so comical, my man is really out here just ignoring the fact he's gonna get stabbed because he wants a good scoop

[@emiliobustamante2401]

Get me pictures of bleed!!!

[@silvergreylion]

Yeah, I cannot get over that he chose to be something as useless as a journalist. If nothing else, he'll be comic relief. Should've picked engineer (if possible), considering how he tries to handle enemy encounters.

[@emilymartin5418]

@@silvergreylion yeah, his fun is wrong! /sarcasm

[@jule4772]

Can we appreciate that this episode's most emotional and heartwrenching sentence is "You want me to pee on it?" Gosh, fucking shit I LOVE THIS SHOW

[@optimistprime3192]

Might just be me, but there’s almost a touch of “And also remember the Market of Wonders!” energy to it. I think it’s also fitting for Sean to say, as silly as the line is. Both he and Marion have served as soldiers in war, and obviously there’s trauma there; coming from Sean, I imagine it’s the thought behind it being “my dear war buddy is in mental and emotional crisis from whatever the hell that was, I’m gonna be with him and let him calm down, then I’ll call back to that previous moment in both a comedic jab at him to cheer him up and, more importantly, it will be absurd enough to make him think and bring his mind back to reality”.

[@OG_Mereles]

I don't know, can we? Did you appreciate it? It may well be that "You want me to pee on it?" is this episode's most emotional and heart wrenching sentence, or maybe not. What do you think? Because it is not clear from your comment.

[@four1629]

@@optimistprime3192 also, marion literally screamed "there's nothing wrong with me!!" several times over! sean knows his buddy and himself, and marion would probably hate to be treated like he's fragile even if he's at his freaking limit. a lighthearted joke that also shows attentiveness and care is 100% the best response sean could give, because it makes marion feel normal again without completely ignoring the problem and leaving him to feel damaged and wrong all on his own. really, it's a wonderful demonstration of their relationship, and it's extremely loving for saying "i'll pee on you"

[@emilymartin5418]

@@OG_Mereles oh, get over yourself. You're transparently posturing for superiority, you're adding nothing to the conversation, and you're also wrong; the Oxford English Dictionary says that the permission use of 'can' is not incorrect.

[@Blue_Lunacy]

I hope Zehra became returning guest after this. She did a phenomenal job with this first outing at the table.

[@starmoon2377]

can the set designers get 1000 awards for candela please because WHAT?! EXCUSE ME?! ARE YOU SEEING THIS!?!

[@spacehootle309]

It's forking EXQUISITE

[@NE0PYR0]

I’m always impressed with how they get the tables into Taliesin’s bedroom

[@OG_Mereles]

I don't know, can they?

[@FireWolf583]

Taleisin lent him some of his artifacts as well! The mercury lamps are his and they’re real. There’s a few other pieces he gave them for this campaign. Also that clock piece behind the DM is real, it’s not a green screen

[@Diceverses]

2:27:52 Look at Brennan: this is the face of a man that is desperately holding back a bird fact.

[@TazzleSundress]

He even looks at the camera, because he KNOWS we know!

[@emmakane6848]

For the CR fans who might not know: “It’s called a murmuration!”

[@taliesin.6178]

and earlier at 55:04 lol

[@kayetamayao7612]

I love how Spenser technically ended the episode and started to talk about the scars taken and stuff but the cast were still in character and continued role playing. Everyone's amazing!

[@twothirdsanexplosive]

I think part of that might be due to Spenser's style not leaving much downtime for random RP. That's not a criticism just that it seems his cuts to keep things moving and intense, don't give much room for it, so some denouement happened during that time.

[@aurorablue4468]

@@twothirdsanexplosiveI also think that the style of quick cuts and focusing the party fits the genre better imo. Especially since it feels like he gave the party the needed space after the assignment was done and they were ‘off the clock’.

[@mateusz.w.nawrocki]

Yeah, loved it too. Story first, system second.

[@LawDaddy1700]

Yeah thats the only thing i havent really liked about this episode. everything was great but hes gotta let the players play. they are the ones who ultimately flesh out his story. great start though @@twothirdsanexplosive

[@Minikaatje]

I'm so glad they did that, it didn't feel over after Marion's breakdown.

[@MycoArsenic39]

2:27:08 Sean (Brennan): *Holding the shotgun* Nathaniel (Travis): *Dad mode* “No, no, don’t shoot the flies.” Sean: *Rumbustious teenager mode* “You don’t think I can hit ‘em?”

[@lydiafayre9806]

I knew Brennan's character would inspire the deepest infatuation in me even before I heard the voice he picked and now here we are.

[@ApequH]

Yep, That's one hot character he made up

[@monika1196]

I love chemistry between Brennan and Luis. From Asmodeus/Evandrin and Zerxus, to Sean and Marion. My new ship. In horror story. I'm doomed.

[@RubyDianArts]

We are SO doomed

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

I'm already anticipating some epic fix-it fics, and we haven't even seen what will need to be fixed yet!

[@wilsonkeeler5977]

You want me to pee on it?

[@snail6936]

No real, I scrolled through the comments to see if anyone else was in the same boat

[@acesixshooter333]

Why's everything gotta be a ship and not just you know ..... friends?

[@Astarohath]

you can see Brennan already minmaxed the shit out of this. Getting back resources upon losing resources. Ropes, because adventure. Casually having a nade. Shotgun instead of just pistols. Everyone else came for a tea party, he prepared for war.

[@francoisdumont4105]

I liked the part where he used handcuffs to block the train door.

[@dharmeshmistry342]

I’m usually not a fan of min maxing unless it’s in line with a character. Someone good at “X” should be able to mechanically also perform “X”. He nailed it right on the head.

[@littlelexibaby]

well this is Brennan after all... this guy lives for D&D, love the guy... every single time he gives 10/10 whether its DM, player or doing comedy improv bits

[@leonqubick7716]

min maxing doesnt work so well in a horror setting. real good at guns, not so good at monsters immune to guns. Real good at fighting eldritch horrors with magic, not so good at knife wielding cultists. we learned that in our call of cthulhu games. Our Govenment agent player with the tommy gun was god vs normal dudes, but when the frikkkin space dragon showed up he thought it was an easy kill. until it ate him up ignoring his gun damage...

[@basementdwellergaming6836]

From a combat veteran… THANK YOU Luis and Brennan! Words alone cannot express my gratitude to you both.

[@Bleideris0]

The contrast between Travis shock and Brennan sipping tea while DM describes open chest surgery is priceless 😄😄

[@Peytoneileen]

I just want to comment how EXCITING and REFRESHING it is to see Luis playing a (somewhat?!) lighter and more care free character! It’s nice to see his humor shine through a bit more!!

[@bex1521]

"There's nothing wrong with me!"

[@jannfredryckmatias3545]

You should see the Call of Cthuluhu one-shot from PixelCircus (Aabria is there, too) he was such a hoot there, as well, and an absolute dipshit of an acrobat 😆😆😆 tha's why I'm wishing he plays as a Bard, Rogue, or Fey character at some point as a guest hehehh

[@dalekreject7324]

He's insane to watch. Just WOW every single time I see him.

[@child_of_gaia1836]

Everyone should be so proud of Travis for doing this Candela.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Brennan: It's been three minutes.

[@amymurata]

Travis's reaction to the coat at the beginning is exactly how I reacted during the livestream haha

[@David_Blake91]

"Travis, it's been 3 minutes" :D

[@ForeverWog]

I love Brennan constantly calling Travis’s character “LT” during the chapter. He’s a soldier, through and through.

[@Iron-Oak]

In the hospital and just put this on distract me “Travis, it has been three minutes” cured me of everything

[@octolingo1892]

I hope things get better for you, whatever it was that landed you in the hospital :)

[@CosmicCappybappy]

Hope all is better now, 2 months later! If not, hope you’re having some fun flipping thru the sourcebook now that it’s been released 💙

[@carlosiespinozab]

Are you kidding me? I had held off CO for some stupid reason but WHAT? The set and light/audio cues were INSANE. Marisha and Travis had their proud older brother/sister looks the whole time. Brennan is just a fucking treasure. Every time Zehra talked my jaw just dropped. The eloquence! Luis was just born to play the tortured man. The whole writing crew and Spenser as GM just killed it. 10/10

[@headraline]

I mean, I knew Marisha and Travis would be great, but good god, Brennan, Zehra and Luis were FENOMENAL.

[@smashbrandiscootch719]

.....*phenomenal.

[@caecilius9578]

@@smashbrandiscootch719 maybe bro was so impressed he just spoke in spanish instead

[@captnconfusion280]

"and that's where we'll end this episode" - "ok *continues playing*" is the most pen and paper thing ever

[@SLorraineE]

Marisha playing a 55 year old woman as almost elderly really shows how hard this world is that people age so quickly

[@dharmeshmistry342]

This exactly. Post-war, no resources, Eldritch horrors wearing on her mind and body, taking care of the boys; she’s got so much on her plate and is already feeling old.

[@grailwolf]

As a gentleman of that same age, I was honestly wondering whether it was this or whether Marisha just thinks that 55 is close to death. 🤣

[@glasses6524]

@@grailwolf in 1907? could be both.

[@hannahpetersen1722]

Brennan trying so hard not to give bird facts at 2:27:30 "Um, actually its called a mumuration :)"

[@devorahcohen866]

You can practically SEE him swallowing it

[@user-sh9ww1yk1y]

@@devorahcohen866 SWALLOWing?

[@devorahcohen866]

@@user-sh9ww1yk1y I invited this upon myself, I suppose

[@IsaacMayerCreativeWorks]

“My family is involved in the railroad business. Except for my cousin Mike, he went into correcting people for a living”

[@ellam4415]

AMAZING reference

[@Onehitslay]

@@ellam4415what’s the reference?

[@ellam4415]

@@Onehitslay he’s referring to Mike Trapp, who works at Dropout (formerly College Humor) alongside Brennan. On the platform he hosts his own game show called “Um, Actually” where contestants are given an incorrect fact about a movie/tv show/book/etc. and get points by correcting the fact!

[@IsaacMayerCreativeWorks]

@@Onehitslay Mike Trapp, former College Humor cast member, host of “Um, Actually” on Dropout

[@Mikachann]

@@OnehitslayMike Trapp from Drop Out hosts Um Actually

[@LilidhdAine]

Thank you Luis and Brennan for capturing the bond between two combat veterans! Tears😢

[@neruba2173]

If only was that I would be thrilled, but cmon, this is CR, this is no combat veteran bond...

[@MammalianCreature]

@@neruba2173Nice grammar, buzz kill.

[@veniceismine1]

@@neruba2173why do you even watch this then if you don’t want to see any layered characters? Veterans can be more than just veterans. And it’s also the first episode. We don’t know what’s going on fully. Either way, it’s a good story. Get over it man and just enjoy it. And if you can’t because characters might be gay or bi or whatever, then you need to figure out what your problem is. The issue is with you.

[@neruba2173]

@@veniceismine1 No, the issue is within the minority not the majority, you have been brainwashed my friend.

[@marianelasanchez3818]

Among others, the genuinely unique bond between combat veterans is severely underpresented

[@phoebica]

Spenser and Brennan in sync with these light effects is amazing!

[@laurenjcoates]

Almost magical!

[@hhhanselll]

I listened to the whole thing didn’t watch. Got a timestamp?

[@phoebica]

4:11:35 for instance @@hhhanselll

[@laurenjcoates]

@@hhhanselll any time you hear air raid sirens/when sean talks about the war

[@siobhan-rae]

Brennen and Luis are such a treat to watch roleplay

[@alexiscovey2023]

Anyone else catch Marisha nearly sing "makin' our way" at 3:23:17 and then stop herself just in time? 😆

[@tigerlily2519]

🤣🤣🤣

[@levil3409]

YES! And there was a "making your way before" that they didn't react to, so this time it was harder! 😂

[@MartianHomebody]

Yes! You also see Brennan immediately snap his vision over to Marisha anticipating it then jumping right back.

[@ninjagoggles]

Ha! I thought I imagined that! Good catch.

[@sorellla]

I think I'm missing some context here, why did she have to stop herself?

[@TakeWalker]

at this point, rather than wondering why he's not GM, I realize Taliesin is meant to be some kind of genius loci, a personification of the setting and perhaps even the system so yeah, who was waiting for Travis to just up and die before the game even started? XD very different energy in this group, I love it

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

I wouldn't be surprised if Taliesin is the overall leader or at least upper echelon of Candela.

[@mohammedtahmid6718]

They might be saving him for the final chapter. Taliesin as gm alone could draw more people than ever into co but I'm guessing the final chapter will be his charge

[@didymosstyxx8395]

Spensers establishment of the scene is brilliant. Taking his time to set a scene and making sure to emphasize the points that make it grounded for this world.

[@spacehootle309]

Yes! I just wish he'd stop saying 'in shot'. It's so distracting!

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

"taking his time" he rushed, he spoke so fast he almost tripped over his own words, I could not follow his descriptions to establish a scene takes time, we have to understand the words and then process them emotionally, but this presentation is waaaaay to fast DUDE, speak 3x slower

[@Lunaveon]

@@whattheflyingfuck...wow, just shows how different people can be - he definitely feels faster than Matt, but I still had to speed him up manually until actual dialogue started bcs my brain would take in what he was saying and then wander before the description was even done. Probably not helped by him constantly saying “you can see” “you see” “as you see” etc, but I found it fun and new with how cinematic it was. I guess we’re all just used to Matt lol

[@meowpurpur]

It was a great take on GM-ing hopefully he gets more comfortable. Would love to see him GM another system like Savage Worlds or VTM.

[@meowpurpur]

​@@whattheflyingfuck...I think he may have just been nervous, people tend to lose track of their words when put in a high stakes position for the first time.

[@trezalkapeliskova2121]

I absolutely loved this episode. Spenser's cinematic style of GMing works really well in this setting, everyone in the cast brought their A game and I can't wait to see more of this circle.

[@RLKmedic0315]

Interesting. I can't stand the GM. Not really sure why, but I don't like him or his style at all. Which is a shame because I like the players and the setting.

[@ssliois]

@@mateobarrett6829 small? the episode it the man mostly speaking alone... the characterds didn't have a single conversation between each other

[@BigKlingy]

While I don't think Spenser is as good at dialogue and characters as Matt is, he makes up for it in his cinematic style. I love this, as it's a great showcase of how different DMs do things differently and there's no one perfect way. I LOVED the "action movie prologue" he did, it's a great way to introduce characters and their skillsets.

[@PopesCol]

​@@RLKmedic0315it's probably because the conversations are dull, and he fills every silent space with " Hmmm, Ammm, Ehhhh". I noticed it after the intro cinematic, the amount of fillers should have a counter.

[@mmasque2052]

Instead of “This is better than that,” think of it as a lesson in style. Treat the DM as a director. Most have a particular style that makes them stand out from the others that can inspire the next generation but the next generation can learn from all of them. Prefer detailed action? be like this one. More dialog, try that one instead. Lush visuals, this guy over here.

[@SkilesHasFun]

I've never seen a GM basically narrate the story like we're watching a movie. I fucking love it. Not even ten minutes and I am ALL in on this story. Well done.

[@rebeccabarnet6746]

11 minutes in and already two of my favorite moments: "Travis it's been 3 minutes" and "The base of the neck, you know the really soft part right here...he puts his nail there and slices the man in half." This is gonna be an epic ride. Okay another favorite moment is Travis telling Brennan "stop it!" after he sneezed. Just like Ashley lol

[@ambskater97]

Timestamp for the last bit?

[@rebeccabarnet6746]

@@ambskater97 2:22:56

[@sergioreyes3261]

How in the fuck will these people make it through three episodes with Spencer giving marks like this

[@ThomasUfnalCrowlake]

I love how every time Brennan gets the opportunity to be a player and not GM, he clearly goes as hard as he can to milk every bit of fun he possibly can from his character.

[@christopherlott6805]

Aabria is going to eat this up when her time comes either as a GM or a cast member! This show is just lovely

[@alittleantidote5852]

Narrator voice: She did in fact "eat this up"

[@HippyDigger]

I laughed so hard at Travis' summation of the oncoming catastrophy as 'Ladies and Gentlemen, everything's gone Shitty Bananas'

[@bookwrm626]

Travis's face as Zehra calmly explains seeing a fully functioning eyeball in someone's heart in an alley is just... gold. I came for Marisha and Travis, and now I need Luis in all my episodes. I LOVE how narrative Spencer is with all of this. He brings all of it to life so effortlessly and smoothly. I now need an episode where Brennan, Talisen, Laura, Luis, Liam, Anjali, and Travis play and Spencer is GM. AHHH!

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Liam is going to be devastating in this. Luis AND Liam would leave no survivors. I would love to see Liam and Taliesin both GM and be players in this eventually. I hope they keep rotating GMs and teams!

[@bookwrm626]

@@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll YES. Liam is such a good fit. I love the rotations because we get to see different versions of different rules and situations play out. This particular episode is now gaining a mainstream audience because of how it is dealing with the realities of PTSD and soldiers.

[@soggyghost]

ZEHRAAAAA OMFG 4:17:59 AMAZING i often feel her dialogue is closer to spoken poetry, it’s so succinct and flows so well!!! what an amazing episode and amazing game. this is a fantastic crew, everyone is so strong here. so excited for the next episode!! thank you all so much!!! 😭

[@jamiejankovic]

right!!! i cannot believe she's coming up with this on the spot ~ you truly could not write better dialogue with months to think about it and she's doing it on the spot, absolute class A talent

[@llewtree3013]

Spencer is a brutal gm ! Not for every table but man it makes the stakes high, and the mundane of most tables become cherished commodities, makes for an excellent story, I was absolutely gripped through the train sequence what an excellent action opening to introduce each character after the slow horror of the beginning

[@dharmeshmistry342]

I do like that he raised the stakes but good lord did he throw out way too many marks for even mixed successes. Maybe there’s something I’m missing in terms of the stakes of each situation that determines if a mixed success adds a mark, but it very much felt like even the most mundane things were a death threat. Not to rag on his DMing, I thoroughly enjoyed every second!

[@13thstate]

Spencer was pretty awesome as a storyteller for this new chapter, but boy howdy is he blood thirsty. Even mixed success, which in my mind should be moderately safe, he's giving people bleed, mind, and body damage very frequently. This group is in for a serious fight every episode, if they survive.

[@constantlycomic1290]

Yeah, watching Spencer run this has made me realize how nice Matt was being in chapter 1

[@emiliobustamante2401]

​@@constantlycomic1290 And I thought Matt was beign a bit liberal with handing out scars... granted, at least on S1 I think some of that could be consequences of the players rushing a bit

[@Lersa25]

I mean, on 5 to get the gun broken and the main hand damaged in the first minute of the game... while the bad guy is merely scratched in the shoulder? The chances are already disbalansed, because we have 50% for full failure and only 16% for full success, but those mixed successes seem to be more like not-deadly failures, too.

[@ksolo5382]

@@constantlycomic1290 I mean somewhere in chapter 1, Matt did say that things could've been much worse. I think I now know what that means 😂

[@twothirdsanexplosive]

It felt to me that Matt often decides to either limit results or add an extra challenge instead of brain/bleed/body for mixed success.

[@HIR0SE]

I'm feeling a trend here. When ExU first came, we had Aabria give us many laughs and adventure, for Brennan to plunge us into despair and 'Fire."... Now with Candela, we had Matt with a easy mode horror game and then Spencer just goes up to New Game+

[@charrleschervanik3632]

Brennan's Character is amazing. The grizzled veteran who's seen too much and is trying to reintegrate into society is being portrayed perfectly. This is a real problem that veterans, especially those who've seen combat, have to live with. Edit: The "subtle" line at the end where He's screaming crying 'there's nothing wrong with me' while he is having to essentially look at himself in the mirror and face his reflection, and the atrocities he had committed durring the war is beautifully tragic. Well done Brennan Lee Mulligan

[@Caitydid561]

The "There's nothing wrong with me" was Luis, though, not Brennan...

[@clpumm]

Oh, Brennan and Luis are on Critical Role together? thats great! i love having my heart ripped out of my chest!

[@clpumm]

commenting from the future: to quote Brennan, "... I.... was RIGHT!"

[@mikeyallen6758]

Bravo to everyone at the table, the ptsd flashes, the cry from luis at the end, Travis's memory, Auntie B's stern but loving scolding and the stitching of the rift. On top of all the masterful timing of the lighting, narration and sound effects from spencer. Absolutely god damn fantastic

[@fattymccatcat2]

interesting, Matts DMing is like being read a story, but this guys is like being shown a storyboard.

[@ebonyvoigt7257]

Does anyone else imagine this as the catalyst for Lucas joining Candela when he's older or is that just me??

[@OG_Mereles]

Why would you think is just you?

[@kenodressel6961]

The way that spencer set up that first scene with the monster gave me goose bumps all over. It felt so vivid the way he described it.

[@marianelasanchez3818]

When Matt and Brennan set the scene describe what is seen, smells, sounds, what the players perceive (hot,cold...) Spencer set the scene by describing camera movements and framing, it is amazing how he makes that translate so well in this medium without pulling you out of the story. Amazing!!!!❤

[@eastonnida8213]

Matt does this to he just uses real terms like “push in, pull out, pan over”

[@sofiajohansson1438]

Thank you to the whole cast but especially to Brennan, Luis and Zehra for staying in character and finishing that emotional scene at the end, making very heartfelt role play scenes that felt very important to their characters and were some of the most impactful moments of the whole episode. They were all fantastic through the whole episode and I need them to guest star more often.

[@matthewhennes4477]

Spencer killed this opening. I remember listening to it at work Friday morning after the Broadcast and oscilated from horrified to laughing in the perfect balance. What is horror without small oases of comedy interspersed. Not to mention the clear cinematographer that he is with his descriptions. This circle feels like a true team. Each has their specialties and comes together to make a smooth acting unit. Wonderful casting all along. So excited to keep seeing new faces join the fold.

[@SpidersFace]

YES! Comedic islands make the horror that much scarier!

[@IceMetalPunk]

I was listening to it like, "I don't know who he is, other than the creator of Illuminated Worlds, but he *has* to be a DP or director with all those shot directions in the narration" 😂

[@marisophi]

THIS WAS SO GOOD, i've been thinking about this episode since i watched it on friday. I really enjoyed watching how well this circle already knows how to work together and their interrelational bonds that are already established. they play it so well, that im so invested already in all of these characters. I have never seen zehra before, but i loved her performance so much in this. the speech she improvises is very beautiful. can't wait to see more. That clarinet, that violin, the soundtrack is just beautiful. The production: I think my jaw genuinely dropped when the set lights and soundscapes changed to the flashbacks of marion and sean. And my heart was beating so hard during the tunnel scene, MY GOD i haven't been that tense watching an actual play in a while, sooo good.

[@breebree2842]

3 hours and 42 minutes in, Marisha and Brennan's very short thing actually made me tear up lol. 🥺🥺 You tell him, Auntie B.

[@margaritakhablyuk3471]

Props to Brennan for helping a fellow player gently out of a dramatic and emotional moment at the end. While the hard cut from hysterics to "lighthouse works, all is queit, the end" is beautiful from the narrative point of view, it felt a bit jarring psychologically.

[@bowtiebazaar263]

Came for Brennan. Stayed for the bromance.

[@louisst-amand9207]

bRomance

[@neruba2173]

@@louisst-amand9207 You are the reason we cant have nice things.

[@MammalianCreature]

@@neruba2173I'm scrolling through the comments after watching this delightful little bit of entertainment, and damn. You are quite the Debbie Downer. Jokes get to you, any mention of romance gets to you, someone said something about combat veterans earlier and that got to you as well. You let things get under your skin so easily. This is just observations I have of you from scrolling through this one comment section, are you always like this? Are you okay?

[@neruba2173]

@@MammalianCreature Im sick bud. Im sick of having to pay the stupidity tax every time I want to watch a piece of any content now-a-days. A piece of content that, besides the stupidity tax (pronouns agenda) would make a very nice and ejoyable content. So let me complain about the tax like anyone who has to pay taxes, this tax in particular does not make you more poor, but more stupid.

[@MammalianCreature]

@@neruba2173You are sick, you're correct. A virus invading your mind, making you react so explosively and negatively when you see two words with a slash in the middle. "he/him" GASP!! Oh my goodness!

[@heekoo_8287]

Travis and Marisha lighting up when the lights go red! Theyre so adorable

[@Skylerrose23]

I love that he checks in with everyone at the end! It really feels like a safe environment

[@ericolson6135]

Travis being unnerved within the first 10 minutes of this episode means this chapter is going to be TENSE!!!

[@nickgrout2502]

My dude a cold breeze would unnerve Travis

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Travis, it's been three minutes.

[@konstance13]

Brennan is an absolute expert at describing action scenes.

[@danlaw1991]

Such a fantastic opener to the new chapter and the new circle. Everyone at this table came to play and it shows. The character work is brilliant and I love all the relationship dynamics that are starting to reveal themselves. Spenser does one hell of a job setting the scene and tone as GM. Really excited for ep 2. Also I can’t leave a comment without saying Luis ‘God Damn’ Carazo. Seriously such a talent. That ending 🤯. His interactions with Brennan throughout were incredible and I love how the set/lights were used to elevate those moments.

[@Misfit_Kitten]

Kudos to Travis for making it through the whole thing! Also, it might be historically accurate and all that, but boy, does it make me feel old to see Auntie Bee grumbling and ambling at her advanced age of... *55* .

[@aimeemorgado8715]

I’m gonna go with the notion she’s lying about her age - by 10 years- no Botox back then, but vanity is timeless.

[@emiliobustamante2401]

​@@aimeemorgado8715yeah shes actual 45 but working for Candela is like dog years 1=7

[@henkmalan13]

​@@emiliobustamante2401 Are those normal or squid dogs? 😂

[@genevalawrence801]

Right?! 😆

[@Hellscrap3r]

I love Spenser's DM style. Feels rather unique. He seems to describe everything in a very cinematic way, as though he's directing a camera shot.

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

I am NOT in a movie .... what do I need directors cut-ish techno talk for? maybe Spenser wanted to become a Hollywood star... and all he got was CR ... well, let's leave the Hollywood blather behind

[@calebeaton8777]

​@@whattheflyingfuck...To each their own but I loved the style. It was really different and helped keep things focused and moving. Im probably going to adapt my own GM style just a little based on it.

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

@@calebeaton8777 in our group everyone freaks when it gets railroady in any kind of way

[@takeoparill]

​@@whattheflyingfuck...bruh, why such bitterness?

[@takeoparill]

I'm right there with you. I really enjoyed his style! It's different from what we're used to in CR content, but not only I've enjoyed it but I'm deeply inspired.

[@dharmeshmistry342]

Time and time again Luis brings a tragic experience of a character to life at the table. Every time I’ve seen him I’ve been drawn into him, rooting for him, wanting so badly for him to overcome his challenges. Dude is a legend and I’d love to see more of him!

[@xandostres]

The way everyone handled their respective encounters but ESPECIALLY Travis's 1v2 electro-switchblade throwdown was masterfully narrated it made me mimick the movements and immediately start writing for a Candela chapter of my own.

[@ObstructTheTide]

24:02 OMG when he says "we sit for a moment on the face of Jean." Look at Travis trying to hold that smile back lmao

[@GreyAcumen]

He's married to Laura "hurhurhur" Bailey after all.

[@butHomeisNowhere___]

Lmao that went right over my head 😂

[@bronandsimone]

The absolute joy and pride on Marisha and Travis’ faces because of the awesome effects and how well they enhanced the scene during the combat discussion between Luis and Brennan is amazing to see and totally sweet❤❤ 3:08:25

[@aStudyInTeal]

I know it's only logical that Spenser would be a really good GM for Candela Obscura but I still wasn't prepared for /how/ good he is in this! Such an amazing storyteller. I'm very much looking forward to seeing more of him.

[@mac_sour]

i know!!! im a little disappointed in people being judgemental in his "punishments", i thought he did a really cool job for the train scene at the beginning, i don't think he was being too harsh at all. he made it clear it was a high stakes dangerous moment and he gave them plenty of chances to counter afterwards in interesting ways. AND he gave them 3 gilded dice for free, essentially collective inspirations (unsure if this is for the show or actually part of the system or not, but still cool either way) spenser has honestly grown on me with the way he weaves the narrative under his thumb

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

I don't know that I have ever seen Spencer in anything before but I am really loving this. I also feel like the repeated handing out damage fits the atmosphere very well with normal people fighting against magic and monsters.

[@emiliobustamante2401]

Protect Luis at all costs, hes very precious 😢 (And Brennan showing just a delightful amount of chest, very tasteful)

[@1982evilj]

Zehra is a sleeper. From backstory to being new to DND she did fricking amazing! I expect what I got from the rest of the squad. Just all around fun to consume!

[@keeperoflenneth]

Just take a second to recognize Spenser here. The man has huge shoes to fill following season one with Matt, and giants (fellow DMs, seasoned vet ttrpg players) as his table. Huge bravo for running this so smooth and confidently. Good job! Real talk, i was not used to the cinematic 'shot-by-shot' description style of game mastering but it grew on me fast. Really came to dig it by the end of this. Might try it some time myself.

[@iaslmf]

this episode was so amazing I barely have words to describe! spenser's gming really impressed me, he is FANTASTIC!! and the players were just... chef's kiss, great as always!

[@The_Kaichu]

I agree. He sets up scenes like he's writing a screenplay, and he isn't afraid to really lay in with damage and consequences. Really excellent. I also think that this is a fantastic way for people who have really only ever watched Matt GMing to get exposed to other, slightly different styles without leaving a world that they've already explored with Matt originally.

[@sarahaumick1991]

Spencer went harder than Matt in the horror. Also i really want a lore book for CO

[@spacehootle309]

Funny enough Matt was scarier for me. The more over the top monster amount/violence is more cartoony to me and hence less scary.

[@hhylobates4098]

Rule/setting book is coming November 14th

[@Bigswordenergy-b7u]

Brennan is easily my favorite gm and I think after watching this he might be up there too with some of my favorite players. For his experience in an unfamiliar system this was incredible

[@danamulter]

This was some of the best performative gaming I've ever seen. Spenser is a boss, and the cast is perfect. (edit - putting it on 144p doesn't make it less visceral)

[@JohnMurphy-zl6nj]

No joke Luis is one of my favorite overall actors. Guy is an electric factory

[@TehBuggy]

1:53:09 I loved that Travis was the first one to bring up his pronouns, even though he had forgotten it he went back and corrected himself. I think it’s so important to normalize asking/telling pronouns, but some of my trans/non-binary friends get anxious being the first one to bring it up, and some people still act like only trans/queer/etc people need to talk about their pronouns. So seeing a straight cis man being the one to bring it up, especially a man who seems so “traditionally masculine”, helps a lot with that perception and normalizing it for everyone. The rest of the cast is always good at that kind of thing too, but I just really liked this example of it 💜

[@supernerdlove4979]

It’s funny what hits you hard. Working in a job where you see a lot of terrible things I can relate. The “do you want me to pee on it” joke at the end hit because that is 100% how me an my coworkers cope with these things.

[@EmilyTrytek]

I enjoy Spencer's storytelling. The way the cast is engrossed in the entry scene is incredible. The roller coaster of the first events. Coming into an already existing mission was great. Making these characters make huge, defining decisions from the start. *chef's kiss*

[@EmilyTrytek]

Also, Brennan asking to pee on it...I had to spit my drink out. 🤣🤣

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

I'm kind of tuning out partway through, but I noticed Brennen said Candela Obscura in that kind of English way that I think really fits and I salute him for it. "Candelar Obscura."

[@MrVidau]

Every time I see Luis I feel pure joy.

[@hakkesho12]

6:27 Poor Travis, he needs Aabria here to clutch onto and share horrified reactions with him 😂😂😂

[@KHStar38]

The first episode was great! I think the early action scene helped a lot with bringing everyone into it and Spencer's DMing style is very refreshing and narrative heavy! This already seems like such an interesting group, I'm looking forward to the other episodes!

[@recklessone]

The description and mental imagery of the cast in the last battle was incredible. The flashback, sewing the tear, the revival wake up...incredible. Do kind of wish the GM let Luis have his moment, Brennan looked visibly disappointed in the rushed ending.

[@davidcurry5240]

I saw that too! Reminded me of myself when I first started running games, it’s hard to know when to sit in a moment. Good players will bring it back, though, and Brennan did!

[@kaniamia]

Brennan got me so good with his one last RP moment at the very end. I thought I was about to see a heartfelt emotional moment between Sean and Marion, and then he goes and softly whispers the most hilarious callback! 😆

[@jorenthar9186]

Travis facial expression when mentioning she found an eyeball on the dead womans heart made me chuckle 😅

[@cyte112]

Spenser is out for blood! I hope it works out for the group. I worry he's handing out too much damage very quickly, but I've thought of some counter-points: 1. There are five of them compared to four from S1. 2. Two characters are focused on damage recovery and prevention. 3. Spenser is just more hardcore than Matt. I won't lie though, some of the damage still seems excessive for the situation. Auntie tries to check how a mirror was shattered and takes two damage.

[@MrSeals1000]

Just getting around to starting Ch2. And seeing how freely he hands out damage is a bit hard to get through. It seems like they get hurt for things that they shouldn't? Or at very least, the explanations for the damage don't feel justified. I really enjoy his style, but oof, the damage is a bit urking.

[@MM-qm9ld]

I absolutely love this. Halfway in and I think this is my favorite episode on this channel. Thanks for the entire production - art, music, the cast and dm, the costumes and insights into the characters. This is like an interactive film and I appreciate being transported into this world from my tiny apartment.