Critical Role: Caleb & Essek

[@CloverEleven]

Liam: "Alright, after last campaign, let's cool it with the intense relationship stuff for a while." Matt: "Here's your new powerful best friend, guys! He's hot, magical, a little damaged and purple-themed. And I totally designed him with no ulterior motive whatsoever!" Liam: *panic sirens*

[@internalwolf2945]

Travis in the background: **intensifying sirens and swirling hand motions**

[@internalwolf2945]

@@Traubengott "ITS DA SOUND OF DA POLICE-"

[@deranged_dragon9471]

God I love this community LMFAOO

[@kimberlyvance3131]

There's nothing like watching liam's character flirt with matt's newest purple magic using npc while the rest of the cast sniggers like a bunch of twelve year olds

[@idontuploadanym0re]

waiting on that for Orym!

[@kaniamia]

@@idontuploadanym0rePumat Sol has entered the chat. (The chat being Campaign 3) 😉 Except let’s face it, Robbie Daymond definitely beat Matt to the punch this time.

[@paulavillar6117]

I love when Liam's bisexual disasters flirt with Matt's handsome mages

[@literatouristin]

I am a bisexual disaster with this whole cast.

[@aconerty6392]

I love these two so much because the first clip is like "oh yeah Caleb definitely would have seduced Essek for power" but then the next clip all Caleb says is "I like learning" and Essek is immediately heart eyes. Idiot wizards, the both of them.

[@EverDreamArt]

Rational Brain: The reason Essek's voice was deeper earlier on and changed a bit was because Matt was still trying to decide what his voice should be. Fangirl Brain: Essek's voice was deeper in the beginning to try and show that he was confident and powerful. It slowly became a softer wizard boi voice as the M9 wore him down. I love Essek's relationship to not only Caleb but to all of the M9 xD

[@keiganbenny3008]

I’ll fanman like a scanlan to that

[@lunahymnpala3081]

You can’t tell me that Essek teaching Caleb Dunamancy wasn’t just entirely flirting

[@nicolasachille4371]

You could say the wizards exchange "notes."

[@Euqoram]

Essek "I'll do it for a 12" Thelyss

[@kuroneko1813]

@@Euqoram that was such a low DC I couldn’t fucking believe it lmao

[@excusemeprincess8252]

Caleb and essek’s story sounds like something that would have been lying around Chastity's Nook. A slow burn romance novel about two awkward wizards who don’t know how to love properly from enemy sides and then they form an unbreakable union. Oh boy- I hope they form a really strong bond whether that be platonic or romantic I think if they worked together they could help each other a lot

[@ReturnAgain1]

something something the courting of the crick

[@breendart134]

@@ReturnAgain1 Wonder what Essek would think if he knew the Nein had a copy...

[@anyperin4921]

I wonder if Jester would write something like this lol

[@nicolasachille4371]

The union of the magicians dune.

[@variantdm5774]

@@breendart134 He does- that was one of the books on the table in each room in the tower, correct?

[@crowjordansart5113]

what’s better than one wizard? two wizards with deeply complicated feelings for one another!!

[@Boundwithflame23]

Mattew Mercer you can’t have the hot purple wizard speak to Caleb in that sultry tone of voice and not predict we’d eventually ship the two. That’s just crazy, man. I love that Caleb got to return the favor with showing Essek his tower after getting to see Essek’s.

[@anam1756]

Showing his … tower 👀

[@Boundwithflame23]

@@anam1756 😏

[@dotmp4353]

I see what you did there

[@forresttherunner4092]

I saw a theory about why Liam’s 12 was a sufficient enough persuasion check to get Essek to teach Caleb some spells, and I found it intriguing. Caleb’s argument was that he was doing this for the Dynasty, specifically because the Empire was perverting the Dynasty’s magic, and he does this in an appeal to Essek because as a higher ranking figure in the Dynasty, Caleb assumes he values nationalism and their country’s religion around the Luxon. Had Caleb rolled high, Essek would have read that Caleb was being genuine and sincere about his loyalty to the Dynasty. But given what we know know that Essek is the traitor, specifically the one who organized the beacons being handed over and is working with the Assembly in the Empire to study them, very frankly against the Dynasty’s interests and *definitely* against the Dynasty’s religion, if Essek had believed Caleb’s statements, it wouldn’t meant very specifically that he *couldn’t* trust Caleb because if he ever found out about his treachery, he would sell him out. But because he rolled a 12, I think Essek reads some insincerity in Caleb, reads he is hiding something or some ulterior motive in wanting to learn Dunimancy, and if Caleb has something to hide, he’s got something to exploit, so teaching him some magic and being owed some favors means that it actually works out for Essek in the future. Sneaky bitches see sneaky bitch behavior and are like “I gotta get in on that”. I think knowing specifically that he *couldn’t* trust Caleb in that moment is what motivated him to take that step. Who knows all that was rushing through his head, what calculations he was doing at the time, but I think had Liam rolled better, the outcome would have actually been less favorable. And the Meta reason is that Matt made some cool spells and wanted to show them off and probably had different DCs for the types of Spells that Caleb would get access to. Oh and while I for sure think Caleb and Essek were attracted to each other early on, I do whole heartedly believe they had that stacked layer upon layer of ulterior motive and secret machinations mixed with mutual paranoia and espionage shit, but that’s why I love it. It’s super intriguing.

[@mitreslupo]

caleb: i‘m going to seduce this man for power essek: jokes on you *flirts aggressively* they’re idiots your honor and i love them

[@seffy6536]

I get the feeling that Matt knows EXACTLY what he is doing when he makes pretty mages

[@sodawax3457]

Oh 100%

[@LydiaTereK]

51:58 Caleb starts mirroring Essek’s hand motion mid convo

[@sodawax3457]

great eye!

[@SableMelody]

Gosh I forgot about the TENSION it's so intense everytime they talk.. and everything is a double entendre lol especially early on in their relationship

[@alexdingley9808]

the amount of shadowgast moments we're getting in the aeor arc is giving me all the serotonin i need 😭🙏🧡💜

[@learninganthropology4748]

Thank you so, so much for compiling the clips that I've been searching for and replaying individually. *** Spoilers for C2 Episode 136 *** Essek to Caleb: "Perhaps if we survive this, we can return and... exchange theories." Jester to Caleb: "I think he's coming on to you." Caleb to Jester: "It's complicated." Jester shoots Essek a thrilled, knowing look. Essek looks confused. Essek, you have no idea what you're in for. Jester just parent-trapped the Gentleman and the Ruby of the Sea. She has plans for you and Caleb...

[@CrusnikAngel]

YES LETS GOOOOOO

[@SeerOfTime577]

Yeeees. Laura, Ashley, and I all gasped in unison at that.

[@Randomness823]

Waitwaitwait YOURE THE SAFETY TOOLS PERSON??? Truly an angel.

[@sodawax3457]

Yep :-) I figured this was a good way to scare away any people who thought I was a serious KZbinr :-) just to go peak ship :-)

[@sundergo7607]

@@sodawax3457 hahaha😂 gotta love your humor☺️🔥

[@breendart134]

I love that the entire video you can hear Jester's excited whispering

[@ammygamer]

8:22 "Let me teach you a few things." I mean, man, that phrase delivered with a knowing grin. Damn it Essek hahaha.

[@Randomness823]

It's... An hour long.... .....gorgeous.

[@discoelysia]

The wizards are pining...

[@maju-57]

[SPOILERS - C2 ep. 141] . . . . . . . . . . . WE BELIEVED AND WE WERE RIGHT 😭

[@MsSarahJosephine]

@Maju no worries we cool - im still excited.

[@Kirayni]

I feel like these two will end up being the typical "we live together and study magic together but we're definitely totally completely not in a serious relationship"... After calling each other darling lmaoooo They just have that weird awkward vibe ?)

[@strixx_-4483]

ummmmm....spoiler but spot on

[@Kirayni]

@@strixx_-4483 Oh boi yes, I just finished it on the rebroadcast and oh my god I'm so mad we didn't at the very least get some affection showing :c poor angsty mage

[@babou4947]

@@Kirayni Read Matt's recent tweet.

[@Kirayni]

@@babou4947 Yeah, I read that after that last comment, I'm already making fanart. It seems I wasn't the only one confused, my friend and I understood two different things, but we're happy with it nevertheless

[@babou4947]

@@Kirayni Glad to hear that, now let me just sit here with a headcanon that-Spoiler for those reading Molly is alive with his memories but choose not to reveal it in order to let the others move on. My denial phase will pass soon enough

[@annak.9483]

THE WIZARDS ARE FLIRTINGGGGG

[@zelamorre1126]

That Dunamancy Die sure did get a lot of hate just for staying loyal to the Dunamancy Wizard.

[@felixb9919]

This AND part 2??? Hell yea.. love the Bisexual Maelstrom that is Caleb Widowgast

[@Maddd17]

You are doing the luxon’s work 🙌🏼 Edit after watching; the ordering of these clips is GENIUS

[@windscar2206]

if they dont get together, im going to riot.

[@Fuckyourselfgoogle]

surely they can't tease and disappoint us with the gay ship twice in a row. right? ...

[@bagels_of_darkness9891]

@@Fuckyourselfgoogle Oh you poor soul you don't know how most fandoms work, they will probably do that

[@MrsMedicate]

Well, good that they did then 😜❤️

[@deranged_dragon9471]

@@MrsMedicate did theeyyyy??? Not really...but yeah it's complicated. They were never official but they definitely had fun when the group split LMFAOO

[@MrsMedicate]

@@deranged_dragon9471 Liam and Matt agreed on them being a thing for a while (but not for super long because Caleb was aging way faster than Essek) after the campaign ended and the players got to say how the characters spend the Rest of their life.

[@RuviGaPo]

Aeor essek is relatable and i love him ;u;

[@sodawax3457]

Ah crap! I watched my own compilation now I'm all up in my feelings!

[@sukhmanilunial3011]

Mood

[@MetFreak42]

All I'm saying is... They don't necessarily have to "change" the past... so to speak. But, if Caleb could go back, and sneak into the back of the burning house without making sight of himself, save his parents, and maybe bring them back to the present... Or, failing that, instruct them to go into hiding until he comes for them years later...

[@TehCakeIzALie1]

And what of everyone else who's suffered tragedy? What makes Caleb more worthy of changing his mistakes?

[@twowalesdiner9135]

I kinda read this fanfiction once

[@Taylermaed]

I wonder what would happen if he just went back and killed trent

[@peytonzehring7964]

I really like the parents feigning death idea to keep the time line from getting screwed up, it would work well with the storytelling

[@koira163]

Funny thing about time travel is that if you change one thing, you might change something drastic in the future. I do not like the idea of Caleb going in time to change his mistakes, because those mistakes lead him to Mighty nein. If he didn't do those things and his parents lived, who knows if he had ever met anyone from M9. Same with Essek not giving the beacon to the Empire. Time travelling is fun and good in theory, but in reality it has way too big of consequences you can't predict.

[@koira163]

If shadowgast would become an endgame thing. That would mean all, but one of my ships would have become reality (rip Molly/Caleb trash). I will die on this ship. It will always live in my head respectfully.

[@bookmarkyourthoughtsblog]

Ugh yes. I’m super happy for Essek but I totally thought Molly and Caleb were gonna have a thing!

[@TwinMediaHunter]

32:00 is most likely the happiest I have, or will ever be, to see a Nat 1. I was going to be so mad if they passed over Essek for Trent. Trent would have just ruined the trip.

[@ispeakmovie]

I never thought two nerdy wizards teaching eachother spells could be so sensual and suggestive. My god Essek calm yourself 😂 "Let me show you a few things" "Or there is this one, which is a bit more of an "influencer" if you will. Are you interested in things such as (deepens voice) density...gravity...things that manipulate the relationships between two objects?" You can see Caleb the whole time is just like "is he...is he still talking about spells or the two of us (o///o)"

[@weirdasfluff]

I imagine Post Campaign that Essek and Caleb are happy little "roommates". Doing happy little roommate things. *wink wink nudge nudge* Im all for that. :)

[@flyingwings7022]

Oh I sure hope so

[@sainttheresa2736]

I love watching these compilations

[@rosywatkins8786]

Shit, where did I put my Shadowgast truther hat??

[@MetFreak42]

Oh man oh man oh man I can't WAIT for freaking Thursday... 😁

[@ahiggy583]

Watching old Caleb and essek videos because of the new episode 😂

[@dotmp4353]

Don't mind me just gonna go grin suspiciously in a corner

[@artistofcybertron]

Essek made me realize how much I love Drow Elves. ❤ Also, this ship is amazing!

[@winksandblinks]

oh my goodness gracious, i am. so fucking excited to watch this

[@sturmklinge9642]

I'm once again back here for the feels, still not over their beautiful story

[@andreasofiavargas2533]

I don't know how many times I will say this, but thank you.

[@tiffany02020]

Today is such a gift!! Loving all these uploads!!

[@sarahdiller6118]

Omg its like an hour im so excited!!

[@cryofpaine]

Is "demiplane" Essek's nickname for Caleb? 😜

[@CloverEleven]

I mean, I'm appreciating all the "research expansion", but damn boy, get on with it! 😉

[@nicolasachille4371]

Foreign exchange program can be a good combo name.

[@RuviGaPo]

I LOVE IT THANK YOU ♡♡♡♡

[@mcmann2243]

1:01, I just realized after so long why Caleb chose the spell he did. Essek specifically asks him to cast his strongest spell, but he’s being wary and keeping the extent of his magic close to the chest. I don’t know if this was intentional, but it’s definitely my headcanon now!

[@mcmann2243]

If I’m correct, he used a 2nd level spell (earthen grasp), when he easily had 4th/5th levels at this point

[@matthewhennes4477]

​@@mcmann2243Due to later castings, I believe he is instead casting Bigbys Hand but the Caleb version Cat's Ire.

[@shirakrause8160]

One of my favorite theories about this choice of spell and why it impressed Essek is that it showed Essek that Caleb wasn't all about a love for power (though that is obviously taken into account), but a love fo pure magic and knowledge. Caleb could've chosen a great fire spell or damage spell to show of, but he chose a spell that not only was harmless to his sorrounding, this showing him taking his environment into account, but it was a spell that Caleb made his own (the cat paw) out of pure enjoyment of magic. A wizard who was power hungry wouldn't bother putting his effort into the costumizing his spells, because the changed don't effect the spells actual doing in any way. It just showed Essek that the man in front of him is truly passionate about magic, like himself and unlike his surroundings.

[@Sappho_One]

You beautiful soul thank you

[@jamiel6005]

That is intriguing.... how do you mean? 😩

[@jamiel6005]

NOTHING IS SEXIER THAN WIZARDS

[@3squareddesigns]

Yes please!

[@Heather117]

Oh man, my ship 😭 no spoilers but those that know, know!

[@Grimmonasunnyday]

Doing the gods work bless, I love this complex pile of gays 😂

[@ProLarrikin]

wizard 🥰 boys 🥰 date 🥰 club

[@amberpenelopevd]

I need moreeeee

[@BabyKrogan]

I was so hoping they would get together, Caleb's epilogue was just too sad for me T_T

[@artemiswallace8716]

they did. it was just explained poorly

[@songdrop_350]

Yeah they're together Mat clarified it on twitter

[@deranged_dragon9471]

@@songdrop_350 WAIT WHERE. I....MISSED THAT AND HAVE SPENT A YEAR WISHING THEY DID

[@deranged_dragon9471]

@@songdrop_350 I saw it. Oh my god

[@songdrop_350]

@@deranged_dragon9471 lol

[@MuraCasardis]

43:13 why is there a KDA ad there? XD Besides that, great compilation and timing!

[@sodawax3457]

It's a render glitch I need to go fix. Thank you :-)

[@shirakrause8160]

24:44 what apisode is this from?

[@sodawax3457]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4u4iGewmbhpms0h54m46s

[@shirakrause8160]

@@sodawax3457 thanks!

[@lukesguywalker]

17:23

[@octobad7834]

👍👍❤👍

[@куртка-в8й]

16:40 20:00

[@Maddd17]

43:15 gave me a heart attack, was that edit intentional?

[@sodawax3457]

No! Man oh man! So many broken clips in this render! Thank you. I'm going to go fix it.

[@sodawax3457]

Its fixed now but will take a few hours for KZbin to deal with it and show the new edit. I do like that my computer had its own gay panic at that scene though :)