Compulsions | Critical Role | Campaign 3, Episode 40

[@flandomaltrizian4603]

HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing 0:30 A dramatic radio play 5:20 Laura’s merch corner 9:35 Intro cinematic 11:20 EPISODE STARTS 14:20 Recap Ends 15:30 Imogen doesn’t know, but Laura knows 17:25 Messaging Imogen’s mom 20:55 Returned sending 22:50 Imogen and Laudna 24:30 Sleeping in the janitor closet (going up on deck) 25:25 Chetney wears stretchy clothes 30:55 Healing Chetney 34:10 Raise your hand if you’ll turn on the group 37:25 Pate ruins the moment 41:30 Orym messages Dorian (Ashton and Orym) 48:45 Travel day 4 50:15 Travel day 5 51:10 Travel day 6 56:05 Chetney goes bondage style 56:45 Travel day 7 58:50 A dozen is 20 1:01:20 Map out 1:04:00 Battle begins 1:14:00 Sorcery point song 1:16:15 Ronan made a good choice 1:21:20 New form of dread confirmed 1:28:55 Spiritual butcher knife 1:33:35 Scorching Ray 1:36:25 Mister’s first shot 1:40:30 Imogen summons… something 1:56:05 Sam messes up the reference 1:57:15 HDYWTDT 2:01:35 Every toy order in the world 2:06:05 Laura’s drawing 2:07:05 BREAK STARTS 2:17:25 Art Montage 2:19:25 BREAK ENDS (mouth fart) 2:20:30 Travel day 8 2:23:40 Camp in the studio 2:26:55 Everyone’s smells 2:28:00 Furgle Rock 2:32:20 Some Chetney backstory 2:36:35 How old is Chetney 2:37:45 A cabin 2:38:40 Be the alpha you wish to see in the world 2:41:05 Same question 2:42:20 Incense 2:44:15 Sam’s flask 2:46:30 Chetney’s Pate impression 2:51:05 Everyone goes wolf 2:57:20 Interpretive dance 2:59:40 Weretiger 3:02:15 All of the lycanthropes look so cool 3:04:35 Magic Mike 3:10:00 Which were creature is your fantasy? 3:14:00 The humanoid forms 3:15:55 Barinak 3:21:00 Talking to the Gorgynai 3:32:45 Sahyaadon 3:49:10 Yeyah 3:50:55 Werehorses 3:52:45 Were these furs people? 3:54:05 Twee cave 3:56:15 Episode Ends The in-game start date for the episode was the 30th of Sydenstar in the year 843. Sam’s gas can has a picture of him holding an Emmy, and a quill with chalk on the end is attached to the front. There is some debate as to what this is supposed to mean. It seems relevant to point out that there are active Critical Role communities on Reddit and Tumblr. There are a lot of great fan creators and commentators on Twitter, I’m worried about losing track of them if people migrate to other sites. Maybe drop some of your favorite creators in the comments. Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?

[@william2154]

Dude you are speedy gonzales!

[@johnh9661]

You’re so fast!

[@philliplane5683]

How?

[@jessehenley6415]

Literally how ,, you are a God

[@captainunitato8552]

brother in christ, you did it in a minute

[@elbruces]

"Raise your hand if you think you might turn on everybody in the group." Five hands go up, Fearne blatantly lies, and Orym looks depressed.

[@riverkath]

Average DND group

[@troikas3353]

Cue the curb your enthusiasm music

[@TORBIN0]

Turn on or turn on?

[@SomethingWellesian]

@@TORBIN0 When I was studying to be an English teacher, my favourite demonstration of the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs was “he turned on me” vs “he turned me on”.

[@sheevpalpatine1105]

@@TORBIN0 both

[@jirimothejzik5389]

"Changebringer, give me a sign?" *sends cockatrices that change you into stone*

[@henkmalan13]

How's that saying go again? "Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it." 😅

[@FouEliane]

HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME

[@vikingvarn4919]

Gotta love the Stone Turkeys, always a danger

[@kaycee1076]

Well, he did ask the _Changebringer_ and the cockatrices did try to change him. Granted, into stone, but still!

[@mar30999]

not only that... Sends.... BIRDS!

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

“Ronin chose this one!” Matt already teaching Travis and Laura’s son how to be a killer DM!

[@TheBottegaChannel]

I loved that, ngl. Matt just pulled the " Cool Uncle" hat trick.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

This kid is gonna be a MENACE when he grows up!

[@Neurodivergent-j1f]

It's one of the reasons why I love this group. They are such a family.

[@Memokkeen]

My heart when he said that! 😭💕

[@Chaos0310]

Matt Mercer as my badass voice actor uncle? How fucking dope man.

[@caitlynglambrecht]

“Ronan picked this one” is PRECIOUS but my favorite part of that interaction was Matt saying “I just taught him about the Chimera”. This means that cool Uncle Matt is legit teaching this kid about all the D&D things and I love it.

[@nickwood1623]

and if you didn't hear at the same time Uncle Talesin said "I watched that conversation"... which sounds like that they are all family

[@Brilchan]

That is the cutest thing EVER both Matt telling his friend's kiddo about Greek myth and Talesin watching it happens truly a great friendship

[@maxinesenior596]

@@Brilchan Matt can teach him greek myth, and Taliesin can teach him primary source information about ancient Egypt.

[@thesaturdayproject6345]

Matt is already training the next dm

[@theonionqueen3519]

Nothing warms my heart than the gang being friends. Like, Matt being like a cool uncle to Ronan, or all of them getting excited over a sleepover. That shit is adorable.

[@wolfnote6679]

I love that every couple episodes Liam still remembers to send Dorian a message just to keep him up to date

[@electricbluetiramisu3713]

Classic Liam role-playing, such attention to detail that makes these characters and their lives seem so weighted and real despite the fantastical setting and scenarios

[@wolfnote6679]

@@electricbluetiramisu3713 I really inspire to be like Liam with my own role play in dnd. He has such a way with words and detail like you said.

[@konstance13]

I do hope we eventually get Dorian back, if only for a few episodes.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@wolfnote6679 If I may, humbly, advise to make sure the rest of your table is OK with that. Some people are unconfortable with overly intense RP. Don't get me wrong, Liam is a joy to watch, but I wouldn't stand playing with the man. Or someone equally as intense. And I know I'm not the only one. Hope that helps.

[@wolfnote6679]

@@davidgomes4408 we're a rp heavy group!

[@narrawa2650]

Fun fact if you have watch all of CR 1,2,3 up to this point you have surpassed 1000 hours of CR. This does not count breaks or any ExU and one shot items. Thx to Critrolestats

[@Alphasoldier]

All 1000 of them worth it!

[@TheReaver1234]

Wish I could do it again

[@davidjennings2179]

That's about a month an a half of constant watching, two months if you leave time for some sleep. @@TheReaver1234 they're recorded so if you really want to, you can do it all again.

[@TheReaver1234]

@@davidjennings2179 sorry i should have specified, i meant do it again for the first time.

[@HeroKiro]

Please shut up I don't need more evidence I watch too much critical role ahfuwbrishwjfucbammeigpqlrbfis

[@Heatstruct]

i love that you can see the moment Travis realizes "Holy shit, Chet's happy place *IS* a cabin" and he never thought about it.

[@davidgomes4408]

Or, by the same criteria, a coffin.

[@nielr6922]

Give him a cabin in the woods

[@neerGdyahS]

@@davidgomes4408 You can fit a coffin in a cabin. Actually you can fit a lot of coffins in a cabin. ... That's a creepier thing to say than it's supposed to be in context.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@neerGdyahS "many coffins in a cabin the middle of the woods" is usually reserved as a setting for slasher movies or RE games. 🤔 Which, weirdly enough, kinda tracks with C3 so far.

[@Heatstruct]

@@davidgomes4408 this is true and that's what I love about C3 right now

[@jaredjarvis5264]

"Let's take the quicker path!" *proceeds to take the same amount of time as the safe route*

[@maximum14ft]

Safe route could have taken longer if they rolled badly on that as well.

[@Deathnotefan97]

@@maximum14ft Safe route probably would have had less possibility for events that slow them down

[@snorkelorange7624]

Yeah but safe route is boring ;p

[@danielcastillo591]

​@@Deathnotefan97 Well a natural 3 is probably pretty bad in either table

[@ProperlyGaming]

Nobody plays dnd for safe routes. The more dangerous the more fun

[@michael1567]

"Glad you're not here. Wish you were anyway." are you for REAL Liam?????? Why do you do these things to our heartsssss

[@BenjaminBIGCA7]

@michael1567 foreal! I was like.. is this the most succinct and eloquent sending of cr so far? Liam must have written it out and counted. Either way he's a goat 🔥

[@AncientSkullKid]

Laudna's form of dread changing to become more like the bark of the sun tree, a former symbol of her fear, but now a symbol of her hope... that has become one of my favorite character arcs.

[@Direwolf181]

It also makes ne winder if the suntree is her patron now

[@AncientSkullKid]

@@Direwolf181 oh! I love that idea.

[@Direwolf181]

@@AncientSkullKid it's a feeling I've had since she touched the tree it'd be nice for her to have a kind patron mot one who brutally murdered her

[@countrybumpkinski]

aaw I didn’t even think of this when marisha described her new form of dread, that’s so lovely 🥲🥲

[@jabisdumb]

I’ve also seen it pointed out that the descriptions are less about breaking her bones and tearing her skin now, they’re about plant growth. Bark growing, leaves growing, growing growing growing, instead of breaking, instead of hurting. It’s about life now, not death.

[@Griffolion0]

Travis talking about being surrounded by wood in the forest and Taliesin just going "that's a cabin" fucking sent me.

[@samuelpeters5210]

For real, i wanna see that whole scene animated so bad lol

[@stainsbykingsby1889]

I was in pain laughing at this part 😂🤣

[@PancakeMonster359]

47:36 Ashton: "You have pain long enough, it just becomes background noises anyway." Orym: "I hear that." The pain on the outside and the pain on the inside

[@samuraiko]

Yet another reason why I love it when Liam and Taliesin act off each other. Poetry happens.

[@maconleiper8359]

Damn, I needed that tonight.

[@henkmalan13]

"Just cause you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there..." -- Linkin Park, One More Light

[@efadfa3]

As someone who suffers from chronic pain and emotional pain a lot... I wish the physical one would become background noise like the mental one did, but it doesn't.

[@kingcaz1990]

And this is why Ashton is my favorite this campaign

[@thenopegun9294]

Another Taliesin gem: "The large print giveth, the small print taketh away."

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

That's a Tom Waits quote - he's used it before with credit given. :)

[@Gerod253]

Step right up Step right up Everything’s a bargains galore.

[@Dimloep]

🎶Get on the business end of our going out of business sale🎶

[@phildureau1279]

I think I remember that from an old MASH episode. Probably pre-Tom Waits.

[@Dimloep]

It's been in use since at least 1941.

[@balorthetiny]

I've never seen anyone portray the difficulty in being the "good one" like Orym and Ashton did. I'm glad someone said it. I'm glad it was them.

[@davidgomes4408]

For natural "good ones", it's never difficult. They'll instinctively know when to stop being a pushover and start being assertive. For "meek ones" being good out of social/moral obligation, yeah, it's always another day at the office. Eventually, it does wear you out. It's a pity that the former's rarity makes the latter are a cruel necessity for social stability. Hope that helps.

[@formes2388]

@@davidgomes4408 When you are different - in any way - trying to conform to fit in, is something that is expected of you as a kid to the point you think you just have to pretend all the time. Ya, it wears you down, it eats you inside, until you either break or realize other people don't have to and stop. The way people react is astounding when that "nice quiet kid" blows up and shows a wrath that is absolutely horrifying. Too many "if you just applied yourself" or "I know you know it so just do the home work" without understanding or trying. The reality is, good people aren't rare - it's the norm. What is rare is for understanding people that try to meet you half way - because if you don't conform to society you are told you are bad as a kid, told you aren't trying, told that you are lazy, but it's not that - it's very rarely that. What it is, is an inability to focus. It's an inability to understand easily what is in front of you. It's not about being good or evil - it's simply a matter of seeing the world differently. And if there is a thing this world does not like, it is difference. And that truth has been with us since the days of hunter/gatherer tribes. What changed through the formation of civilization is the types and ways we appreciate certain predispositions. We label difference not as something to be understood, but something that needs to be "fixed" and that is not often the case. Given the choice, MOST people will do the right thing. Given the choice, MOST people will avoid doing the wrong thing. And it's not for fear of punishment (though that may cross people's mind) but for guilt. The reason their are people who are meek, is more to do with them not being enabled and allowed to figure out who they are, what they value, and as a result - they do not really have a strong foundation to stand upon and project from. Having that foundation is necessary - and that foundation must be strong. If that foundation is made brittle by a lfetime of trauma and abuse - how can you be strong? And you know what the worst type of person in my experience is? The "Good" ones - the ones who proclaim themselves all that is good and the adjudicators of it. So perhaps, before you choose to pass judgement: Look in the mirror, and ask yourself - why do you view the world the way you do? Why do you hold the values you have? And are those values truly yours - or ones pushed upon you that have never been questioned?

[@davidgomes4408]

@@formes2388 Thanks for the reply. From your last paragraph, I'm gonna assume you believe I count myself among the "good ones". I don't. Neither the natural ones I describe, nor the meek ones. We just spent a century documenting, through TV, free press and now the Internet, all forms of civil unrest derivated from the need to question "good". Successive forms of Protests born from the suppressed angers of successive generations of youth going through the angst you describe. It has happened so regularly that it is now generalised and happens constantly thanks to the net. Are all of those protests worthwhile? Hell no. What most of them produce is just a cringey new batch of edge Lords. But some of them show that, nowadays, you are afforded the *opportunity* to entirely ignore "what you should do" and focus on "what you want to do". Still, that most people can't cross that bridge, be it because of their confort zone or social obligations, is a boon that keeps society working. I *by no means* look down on the meek. It does rub me the wrong way, however, when the trully good and kind people are assimilated with them. And that's the bit we disagree on. If I understand you correctly, then the ones you call the "good ones" are what I see as the "ones best suited to their environment". The ones who won the social lottery, not something as simple as being born with money (plenty of rich kids in rehab), but born on the right track. The time and place that best suited their size and rhythm (their predispositions, if you will) . A track they'll never need to question (not before midlife crisis, anyway). And good for them! Life is hard, you should enjoy any freeby you can get. But they are not who I called the natural "good ones". Naturally altruistic (which is what I, naively, associate with *good* ) people that just as instinctively know when and how to defend themselves exist. And they're rare. Nothing much to add to that. You either know, because you've experienced their company, or you don't. If you've never been blessed with meeting one (or cursed. The Introspection their very existence forces on you is...unpleasant), then it follows that my point seems shallow and I'd fully understand that I look like a judgemental prick. On that very last point though, I would, respectfully, agree to disagree. ... Did I really just write all that to agree to disagree in the end? Fuck me. I'm dumb. Just ignore me, it's fine. Anyway, hope that helps.

[@zackmuravev2730]

@@forsaken696 well, maybe you should read it before making the decision?

[@michaelbyrd1674]

@@zackmuravev2730 There are a few things David Gomes says right off the bat that would invalidate his whole argument if you don't buy into them, like the idea that there is such a thing as a "natural" good one.

[@Jack.A.C]

1:13:14 the subtitles saying "(impressively realistic chicken bawking)" is a perfect example of why I always watch these with subtitles on

[@henkmalan13]

That's the second-funniest caption I've seen in a Critical Role episode... 😅 The funniest was in the Darrington Brigade one-shot (IIRC) where at one point it said something like "TRAVIS: [singing like a bike horn]"... 🤣

[@MynameisThirteen]

I KNOW! Guys if you are watching without the captions you are missing out. Not only do you get little details that you didn't catch before, but sometimes get very interesting descriptions of what is happening like (impressively realistic door noise)

[@DervishDean]

I think one of the first caption I caught was for Taliesin's "eerily good crow impersonation" love the caption writer(s).

[@AubDenashi]

@@DervishDean his crow impression was just amazing. I thought it was a soundboard for a bit since I watch with just sound while working usually

[@EightThreeEight]

My favourite subtitles are from Campaign 1 when Keyleth and Percy got drunk on Sandkheg's Hide: LIAM: Can you feel this? TALIESIN AND MARISHA: (affirmative grunt) TRAVIS: Does it taste good? TALIESIN AND MARISHA: (dissentive grunt) LIAM: Do you recommend it? TALIESIN AND MARISHA: (non-committal grunt) (laughter)

[@krisbarski4226]

1:16:05 Laura: It's a chimera Marisha: I blame your son. Laura:He has an obsession with these things right now

[@clydefish1613]

It's only been out half an hour how can you watch to over 1 hour

[@Tylerjb123100]

@@clydefish1613 probarly watched it on twitch first

[@krisbarski4226]

@@Tylerjb123100 correct. KZbin is still the best place to interact with other Critters

[@TheBottegaChannel]

Yup. Matt just pulled " The cool uncle" hat trick. I hope he keeps Ronin on as a " Apprentice content advisor" for picking out cool MOTW ( Monsters Of The Week) and pays him in candy bars.... XD

[@MystraRavenwind]

@@TheBottegaChannel my dad had a dm buddy that had me do that as a kid back before 3e and 3.5e... my favorite was bugbears and bullywugs.

[@GothiQhaQer]

Marisha’s face when Matt as Imogen’s mom kept avoiding the “where are you?” question 😂😂😂

[@trickykondo1021]

30:10 Laudna: I'm sure any mother would love to check on her child... Fearne: ...

[@braken63]

@@alexandertiberius1098 her own parents are the problem

[@sandpiperr]

Yet another reminder that Fearne's mom had a dark fey erasing her memories in order to keep her from going back to check on Fearne. Liliana willingly left and willingly stayed away. Yet somehow fandom has still decided that Fearne's parents are evil and Liliana is "yas qween!"

[@tomisabum]

Matt: (Deadly swarm encounter) Bells Hells: LOOKIT ALL THEM CHIKENS

[@K_i_t_t_y84]

🤣🤣🤣☠

[@Mars34582]

I think the right term would be *clears voice - takes the old vine in* "Look at all those chickens!"

[@munchkin5679]

2:23:50 It makes me really happy that when they were talking about camping in the studio, they all said no when Sam joked about streaming it. I know it's small but I'm so glad they still take time together to just do fun best friend things connected to this all.

[@rachelarpin9664]

I loved how excited they got. They were in such awe of the studio space and how cool it is. Love that childlike wonder they have!

[@sageschmalenberger4542]

I humbly request the next merch drop to include Bells Hells candles all based on how each member smells to Chetney. I'm really looking forward to you figuring out what "just dead" smells like. Thank you in advance.

[@Markcrazeer]

I think that candle would smell like marisha with rotting fruity undertones.

[@flintyoungblood]

It would smell like rotting leaves and tree bark. She's tree-based.

[@psicowysiwyg]

Does Fearne's candle include Mister? Cos the smell of burning poop is going to be great for those romantic candle lit dinners

[@icarushobbeson919]

"I'm really looking forward to you figuring out what "just dead" smells like." Look up durian fruit.

[@Pro_Butcher_Amateur_Human]

@Icarus Hobbeson Or asafoetida. In Latin it means "fetid gum". The dried herb from the plant is an essential curry ingredient. One chef who I follow said he could only compare the smell of the plant to a time in college when a cat got into the walls of his apartment building and died. It was during the summer, in Arizona.

[@michalberanek2783]

Fearne in CR: "I would *never!"* Also Fearne in ExU: [has an Avengers level threat alter]

[@lucascerqueira202]

Omg I forgot about that!

[@andywoods941]

What is that a reference to again?

[@michalberanek2783]

@@andywoods941 Exandria: Unlimited episode 4, around the 45 minute mark

[@Peter_Cordes]

@@andywoods941 - ExU spoiler: Presumably referring to what Michal Beránek timestamped: the encounter with Dark Fearne from the future(?), wearing the crown of thorns, at the portal to the feywild. A vestige of divergence isn't quite an infinity stone, but is still a pretty big threat alert, like Avengers level.

[@darkvizardking69]

@@Peter_Cordes especially when it's more on the darker side with ties to the betrayer gods

[@tremkl]

I really want Beau’s action figure to say it comes with Professor Thaddeus, but then even you open the box he’s not there.

[@webhead4414]

As amazing and lore fitting as that would be, advertising laws wouldn't allow that I'm guessing

[@danielcastillo591]

​@@webhead4414 "MAYBE includes professor Thaddeus!" in every box, and like 1/500 has him

[@thaddeuskent8185]

My name is Thaddeus, so I love this

[@lefterismplanas4977]

They could have fun art with Professor thadious, but have a disclaimer saying "anniong shityy bird not included"

[@altig.804]

Do love the collective instinctual fear that all of us have forever of Gelidon appearing from nowhere during travel

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

"You feel the temperature start to drop-" Arrrgh! "You hear the sound of wings-" ARRRGH!! "White-" *ARRRGH!!!*

[@Reepicheep-1]

"😮 I rolled a DRAGON??" never gets old!

[@jasonreed7522]

Every travel day you have a (1/20)(1/8) = 1/160 chance to fight Gelidon again. For reference liam has already rolled a 1/400 chance double natural ones this campaign to negate his halfling luck.

[@djsndifn]

Ashley going “I summoned this bitch I’m gonna END her” is one of my favorite moments in CR

[@mayaenglish5424]

1:16:52 Uncle Matt teaching Ronin About Magic and Monsters is so cute I can't stand it! He's obsessed with The Chimera and Matt let him pick the next thing they were going to fight. I'm dying of cuteness!

[@TheBottegaChannel]

Right?! He needs to keep Ronin on as an " Apprentice Content Advisor" and pay him in candy bars.

[@amaeve1950]

It was definitely Travis as Derek. I think it was Marisha doing her "Laura giving birth to her son who is the light of the world" voice as Rachel. I was really torn on the third voice though. Matt, Taliesin and Liam are all very capable of that range.

[@filblo503]

@@amaeve1950 I feel like you might have accidentally responded to the wrong comment xD

[@amaeve1950]

@@filblo503 you are 100% correct 😖

[@alexdillahunt6908]

How old in Ronin now? In my mind, he was still a toddler.

[@emmasuiter8130]

Matt playing Pate interprative dancing is the lifegiving moment I didn't know I needed. 14/10

[@andrewbversfeld]

I love the respect Matt has for his players. He never makes anyone feel dumb for missunderstading something, or not knowing something about their characters. Its always, "No worries." or "I got you." or "You're all good".

[@jacobw.6744]

"guys, we get to make money playing make believe with each other in front of millions of audience members. It's no worries, keep the vibes warm. Have fun."

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

I love when Chet has everyone howl with him. This is his little pack. He really realizes he can depend on them.

[@seanread5556]

In this episode: Chetney continues to find new and horrifying ways to transform, Orymm continues to be the saddest little guy and Matt continues to flaunt his fetish for powerful women in positions of authority!

[@vinnysant0sdesouza341]

And Captain Xandis continues to be the best lol

[@CraigUntlNytTym]

Top Gear intro?

[@lordriffington]

@@CraigUntlNytTym Matt introduces his new NPC, Dacia Sandero.

[@ronaldmackillop1561]

“Speaking of pretty, Laura you’re up!” - these guys are so adorable like AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!

[@clinhin]

@@GrassPunk0512 5:14

[@wilsonkeeler5977]

I mean, she's gorgeous

[@elderflower2133]

45:06 was tearing up during this moment only to glance up and see travis also tearing up. solidarity. I'm WEEPING.

[@Star-pl1xs]

literally scrolled to the comments to make sure someone mentioned that

[@brunofant3562]

Thanks for pointing it out, it was a lovely moment that I completely missed the first time around.

[@antoniak7771]

Matt and marisha look like they’re having so much fun playing out the Laudna pate dynamic it’s adorable

[@yahoo3097]

I loved Orym in this episode. He’s going through a lot and is still actively trying to be the best he can be. Thank you, Liam O’Brian, for this wonderful gift.

[@roxana5490]

"Always check on your happy friends too" vibes

[@pyrosianheir]

I love that when Ashton asks the party to raise their hands if they worry they might turn on the rest of the group, they immediately call out Fearne when she tries to say she would never. XD Very good back and forth.

[@RomnilWater]

I am really adoring the Orym/Ashton dynamic right now. There's odd moments of emotional maturity from the Earth Genasi (considering he's the Barbarian). It's not what I was expecting but I'm all for it.

[@subparugly9374]

Same it's like he's a barbarian because of he's past and the negitive things he's experienced has hardened him into the barbarian he is...compared to just being big, dumb and strong! Haha

[@samuraiko]

You and me both. They both understand pain (Orym emotional, Ashton physical), they both feel 'abandoned' (Orym unintentionally via the deaths of his husband and father-in-law, Ashton intentionally by the Nobodies), and they both have (in their own ways) more of a moral code than any of the rest of the Hells. I love writing for the two of them, and I'm so glad I figured Ashton as the one to be the moral support for the guy who tries to be the moral support for everyone else. And I think Ashton is going to be the one to really help Orym cope when thoughts of revenge start to overtake him.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@samuraiko Love your take. That said, I don't think Ashton will try and rein-in the vengeance impulses of Orym. Quite the opposite actualy. I fully expect them to be the one to say "sometimes, you should hold a fucking grudge" and teach Orym that it's OK to be angry and selfish sometimes.

[@Abyrae]

@@davidgomes4408 Sometimes, accepting your anger is a form of coping. Orym has a tendancy to bottle it all up because he feels obligated to be the responsible one of the group. Ashton making him realize that he needs to let it out once in a while may just be what keeps Orym sane.

[@EchoMirage72]

Barbarian doesn't mean emotionally unintelligent. It's sad that it's played like that regularly though.

[@abydosianchulac2]

I think this is the first time I've seen a barbarian acting as a support class and having such a huge effect on a battle. Damn, no wonder why Taliesin is always hoping for probability rage.

[@davidgomes4408]

Well, the man's favorite spells are bless and bane. That rage gives him both, at the same time, to an unlimited number of target within 10 ft, without having to play the on-duty sucke...ehm..cleric. Hope that helps.

[@davidgomes4408]

@View Bot Come now, friend, t'was merely an innocent jest. Playing on stereotype to throw a cheap taunt out there for comedic purpices. You should nott fall for petty provocations like this one. They're not all intended as innocently as mine. So, no: Cleric is not a sucker. Barb is not an idiot. Fighter is not basic. Wizard is not that guy. Monk is not the b*tch of the game. And everyone does not hate Bard...🤔 Nah, I'm sorry, everyone hates Bards. It's like, a fact. Hope that helps.

[@Peter_Cordes]

​@@davidgomes4408 - That rage gives AoE Bless, but not Bane. The -1d4 effect on the chimera was from Laudna actually casting Bane on it and a couple cockatrices in the turn after she and Chet ate the breath weapon. It's still very very good in a large party, especially with two other melee guys and casters that sometimes get stuck in close, especially without taking up anyone's concentration.

[@dozencatfish1667]

@View Bot joke or not it should be pointed out: you can't play dnd wrong by having class preferences.

[@AnxietyRat]

@View Bot yeah, this interaction is just another indication of how greatly important tone indicators are when communicating via text online. They aren't just helpful for neurodivergent people ...they're helpful for EVERYBODY because tone can just be misread through text. Regardless of if a person is neurodivergent or not. So the next time this person decides to "joke around lightheartedly" but not give ANY indication that they're joking around via emojis. I hope that they use a fucking tone indicator. So that this shitty miscommunication doesn't happen again because it's annoying and a waste of energy for everyone involved.

[@matteohee9193]

"Ashley: (impressively realistic chicken bawking)" is possibly my favorite close captioning of all time. (1:13:14)

[@nickswensen1549]

It’s giving “Taliesin: (uncannily accurate crow noises)” from campaign 1 😂

[@impofstpete727]

That heart to heart with Orym and Ashton was great. I don't think those two have had a moment like that yet.

[@EE-sw3uh]

I love Fearne’s conscious decision not to heal Chet after the attack. Her selective druidic healing is a treat 😂

[@DaniGeez]

Ronin’s picking monsters to kill his parents characters already. *wipes tear* They grow up so fast…too fast. Ronin slow down

[@InexplicableInside]

"Ronin, what should they fight next?" "Tiamat!"

[@tylerschoen5643]

My son was born at the same time and they are growing too fast. I love how they are all involved

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

@@tylerschoen5643 similar here. My son is 3.5 or a touch over. I imagine somebody asking him.

[@LadyLier17]

He was born killing a PC it is just fitting he will continue trying to kill the rest XD

[@gabrielleeeSK]

Don't tell him about the Tarrasque

[@MowingTheAir]

Pate immediately making FCG question souls again is priceless!!

[@goldosprey]

34:20 Ashton: Rasie your hand if you feel like you could turn on the group Everyone except Orym: *raises hand* Orym: Yeah dont worry about me Me: protect the Halfling

[@goose1415]

"Protect the lil 'uns"

[@joshhaworth2155]

If everyone turns on Orym at once, it's the same as if he turned on the party.

[@KingsBard]

I know Matt doesn't wear vests all the time but I'm still always surprised when he isn't while behind the DM screen

[@phild1986]

Love watching the cast play and start to have theories. Seen it around the 23:10 when something clicked for Travis about Imogene's mom. Can't wait to see how it unfurls

[@Terahnee]

Yup. I was like "Oooo, Travis has an idea" and then he wrote something down. We'll see 🙂

[@logophilelyss4390]

Speaking as someone who constantly experiences pain, specifically pain in my skin which is tenfold when people touch/hug me. Applause, Tal, for loyal portrayal, although I wish it wasn't from experience :/

[@nathanielmcclaflin1374]

"Draw me like one of your terrain maps" Gotta love those throwaway lines XD. 2:06:10

[@parker2121]

Orym feels like a really good example of how your character doesn't have to be a complete dysfunctional mess to be a fun addition to the party dynamic with their own irreplaceable brand of charm and interest If you don't know how to play it straight and still have fun, that's a creativity problem tbh Ashley kinda did this with Pike, too, and every Pike moment still put the biggest, dumbest grin on my face

[@Glmorrs1]

You always need one player to play the straight guy to everyone else’s chaos to put it in perspective and show just how much chaos there is. Liam is going at it, but Robbie was amazing at it.

[@padenbang7375]

Yeah, I feel like it's a crutch for a lot of players and most of the cast. "Trauma=Entertainment" as a concept is so tiring at this point. I can be cool when it's done well, like anything, but I end up rolling my eyes at most of it. An example for me is Launda vs Imogen. Laudna's backstory is neatly sewn into the history of Tal'Dorei and C1 with some very cool repercussions for being tied to that history. Fits nicely into the overall narrative of Exandria, without screaming "Look at me, I'm very important!" Imogen, on the other hand, is heavily tied into the main plot of C3 and is pretty clearly the main character. Drama for the sake of adding drama to the story and a reason for Matt to lean on Laura's abilities as an actress, which she no doubt possesses, but comes off very hamfisted and inorganic.

[@georgegregory6083]

the "I'm a tiger" referencing Sam's "i'm a cat" had me LOL

[@fazlasessiz]

fun fact: "Barınak" means "shelter" in Turkish and it usually used as an animal shelter

[@feratt0]

I thought the same thing! Also Vali Dertrana's name "Vali" means governor in turkish

[@lemonjelly2619]

aşırı tatlış detay olmuş cidden

[@codyneedham6070]

The look of “oh shit” on Travis face when he heard “2d6” after trying to pet the entity was hilarious

[@yourlocalzetti]

So I’m still catching up from campaign one, but I wanted to check how campaign three was going, I clicked on this episode and I am so happy to know that sam’s sponsorships only get better

[@kuroneko1813]

Nice. Every once in a while I get the itch to watch C1 and C2 all over again. Especially after I caught up to C3. You still have a lot to watch and enjoy 😊

[@d4s0n282]

@@kuroneko1813 im going backwards lol, its hard enough just not being caught up to c3 all the time xd

[@earthariss]

Or worse depending on your perspective(s) 😂

[@hallowfish691]

No hesitation on the beatboxing, immediately starts interpretive dancing in his chair, ready to describe this undead rat's beautiful performance. DM instincts kick in and rolls that Performance check. "Oh no, it's real bad" I fucking lost it.

[@jorgeianfernandez9885]

I cannot wait til Crit Role gets sponsored by a vest making company just to make Matt happy.

[@pmf98]

It would be a worthwhile in-vest-ment.

[@thathiefsandiego]

@@pmf98 holy shit hahahahah thank u for making me laugh out loud

[@MrResetti33]

Never mind that d&d crap, does Roger get away?? IS RACHEL OKAY?!

[@Atlas-si2jp]

I need to know how the story ends!!!!

[@samuraiko]

I am so hoping this turns into another longer-running ad skit...

[@hankfortwel]

*lone popcorn sound cue in the face of our investment*

[@stevenweller9413]

Agree completely. Always try to watch Thursday while I do stuff but watch it more closely Monday. This add is the main reason this week!

[@greg.murphy]

Stay tuned for The Search for Roger one shot.

[@tomawen5916]

The CR crew is always entertaining but Sam trying to do a commerical but keeps splicing in the elements of a 1940's radio serial noir with various members of the CR cast (Travis as Derrick, Matt as Roger and I think Marisha as Rachel) participating in a betrayal and murder. Laughing my head off!

[@jackwriter1908]

By now I can't even say which is my favorite ad, but this one is somewhere at the top.

[@patdlinkinparkqrl]

I'm trying to discern who the voices were, and I think it was Travis as Derek, Marisha as Rachel, and Liam as Roger? What do you guys think? :D

[@GothiQhaQer]

Travis and Marisha for sure but I couldn’t tell who Roger was

[@tomawen5916]

I listened several times and I agree Travis is Derrick. Could swear its Matt playing Roger and I thought it was Laura who played the cheating wife but now agree it has to be Marisha.....

[@ShonenJake13]

Travis is Derrick, Marisha is Rachel, and Matt is Roger

[@georgetourloukis7194]

1:49:46 As a HEMA person it was so satisfying seeing Matt pretend to hold a scythe, as an actual scythe and not a big axe.

[@PeppoMusic]

Wouldn't a warscythe basically be a halberd in usage and wielded as such however?

[@davidjennings2179]

@@PeppoMusic Yeah, they certainly didn't look like the farming sycthes.

[@flutteringazure]

Okay I have to ask, I hope that’s okay, what does HEMA mean in this context? When I google it, I just get hits for the Dutch department store of that same name 😅

[@davidjennings2179]

@@flutteringazure Historical European Martial Arts - I had to Google it too. Think they're like a battle reenactment/LARPing (live action role play) group.

[@georgebalderas4942]

@@davidjennings2179 not really LARPing more akin to kendo practitioners

[@CassBlast5]

Taliesin with the goatee, purple hair, and eyes of nine shirt is giving mad vibes

[@boygrrrl]

“glad youre not here wish you were anyway” i am about to cry

[@elliekitabjian2069]

The group howl brought me so much joy

[@CalderoHechicero29]

Same!

[@beedlebur]

45:08 i love this moment between orym and ashton but I also loved watching travis's eyes

[@aislinncampbell3151]

Who remembers Cobalt Soul archivist Sunlash in Uthodurn who was researching Ruidis in campaign 2?

[@scrumpors8706]

I can't remember specifically but there's tons of times Matt dropped some moon lore. He's been sitting on this one for a while

[@Glmorrs1]

@@scrumpors8706I feel like this campaign is pulling a lot of dropped threads from campaigns 1 and 2. It feels like the first two campaigns were the set up for some really big, crazy stuff to happen this campaign.

[@daimonclarke]

I love watching Travis sitting quietly in the corner while his mind as at work on theories.

[@wolfnote6679]

, look at Ashton breaking out of his shell this episode now that's character development

[@thekaijusleeps]

Watching Travis's reactions, from the teary smile he has listening in on Orym and Ashton's moment on the deck, to the sheer beaming look of childlike joy on his face when the Gorgynei arrive...I love that watching all of this is as much a joy for the cast as it is for us as fans 😊

[@NickTheCat_DieGoettlichenZehn]

Everybody checking out the connection between Travis, Laura and Taliesin: Travis wearing the barbarian shirt (Taliesin is the barbarian), Laura is wearing Chetney's head (Travis is Chetney), and Taliesin has the purple hair of Laura's Imogen. Kinda funny-cool.

[@Ashton_Speaks]

They definitely be supporting each other

[@Hazearil]

Just to make the connection further, they all have the flesh tongue of FCG.

[@nobleknight171]

@@Hazearil THAT'S NOT CANON!!! - says Matt. Lol

[@nobleknight171]

Travis is the biggest hype man. I love when he responds to the cool things happening at the table.

[@owensoto1373]

As someone living with arthritis for 14 years "When you have pain long enough it just becomes background noise" hits home so hard

[@ettinakitten5047]

As someone with joint hypermobility, same.

[@legendswarble2845]

I've got fibromyalgia and same. Taliesin's portrayal is deeply relatable.

[@SedaiMaster]

Before today I had never heard my two dogs howl together! they were super curious after Travis’ first howl. Joined in on the group howl shortly after 😂

[@garrettmartin4750]

Yooooo! How's it goin Monday Crew!!

[@joshtownsend19961]

Monday crew rise up!

[@Paris1Crystllyn2]

✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

[@MrFlashpoint1978]

@@joshtownsend19961 I'd rather just put my hand up politely and offer some biscuits out.

[@rhinodoesstuff9477]

I love it here

[@luandarodriguez3655]

Riiise

[@jehrad0]

Now I’m waiting for Sam to shout “natural dozen!”

[@davidgomes4408]

And have FCG be afraid of dogs.

[@henkmalan13]

Reminds me of a scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves... [Edited for clarity] Robin: "How many?" Azeem: "Twenty." Robin: "Twenty?!" Bull (to Robin): "How many?" Robin (to Bull): "...Five." Azeem gives Robin a look... Robin (to Azeem): "They can't count anyway. Why scare them?" Azeem: "And they call ME 'Barbarian'." 😅

[@Math28l]

40 ep in and Im still amazed by the rain and the other efects on the background

[@henkmalan13]

Have you watched the Generation Nord one-shot yet? Not to spoil the surprise, but they managed to do something pretty cool with the background projection close to the end of the episode... 😎

[@MynameisThirteen]

Dude I know! Specifically the rain looks so good!

[@thathiefsandiego]

I wish they used more.

[@devindenman526]

Loved the moment at the end of the last episode when Matt just says "Imogen" as the lights dim to Ruidus Red, and Laura's just like, "Oh fuck..."

[@Cookie_Empress]

Wait, Ronin is already four years old? Now i feel old...

[@cholulahotsauce6166]

Ikr

[@xaderalert]

Seriously. Feels like just yesterday that Sam was helping hide Laura's belly prior to the announcement...

[@slktool]

00:38:45 Marisha drops wisdom as Laudna. The meaning of life comes from within not from without.

[@moistnugget141]

Really wanna see more heart to hearts of orym and ash. that was heartbreaking an beautiful at the same time

[@samuraiko]

They are my favorite duo to write for. Nothing romantic, but they understand each other so well.

[@sarahlanger2605]

@@samuraiko But why nothing romantic? Could totally work ;)

[@davidgomes4408]

@@sarahlanger2605 Orym and Dorian are secretly a thing since ExU.

[@samuraiko]

@@sarahlanger2605 Just coz there are already plenty of folks who will happily write/ship them. I personally enjoy writing them more as confidants. (That's not to say the shippers are wrong... there's plenty of room in the fleet for all manner of ships.)

[@EchoMirage72]

Chetney certainly embraced his "beast" when he scared that shop keeper into charging a fair price lmao

[@KM6408x]

I understand Imogen’s moms reasons for staying away, but man does it hurt to see Imogen so upset about it :(

[@darkxwizzard]

I feel it might’ve been different if Imogen mentioned meeting Ottohan. Probably spurred Mom into action.

[@abydosianchulac2]

@@darkxwizzard Yeah, I don't get why all of them are being so cagey with the info they have and almost always refuse to speak plainly.

[@MasterCrander]

@@abydosianchulac2 likely because anyone could be in on it and sell them out. It may also be in-character to not in certain situations Tangential to OP's topic; anyone know what Travis deduced shortly after that? He wrote some stuff down and seemed to have a revelation. I gotta know what his detective eyes saw

[@NinjaDeathSlap]

@@darkxwizzard yeah I was begging Laura to name drop her just once, like "bitch, I'm being hunted by the Legend of the God-Damned Peaks! You think *you're* dangerous? Good! Get down here and be dangerous to *her*!"

[@Markcrazeer]

Yes, my next message would be something along the lines of can’t protect mercenaries with a focus on the ruidus conspiracy during the apogee solstice going after thul, daleth, and the unseely. Want to help? Meet where?

[@gunmen145]

Pate the familiar always makes me think of Pain, the imp that serves Hades in the Hercules movie

[@countrybumpkinski]

2:05:18 very sweet moment unseen by the rest of the cast- travis giggling at a dumb face his wife pulls, i think without realising he’s watching her do it 😂😂❤

[@MrZrbrownie]

I tell my daughter every night "I love you, more than you'll ever know", so that same line from Imogens mother yanked on my heartstrings.

[@margowinterlake]

@@davidgomes4408 I've seen you in the replies of close to 5 different people while scrolling casually through the comments section, and all of your comments have been you poking at people and questioning the validity of their emotions and perspectives. I'd suggest rethinking what kind of a mark you're making here. Be kind to people. Your first reaction when someone shares how they care for their child (especially in a vulnerable, honest manner like this) should not be to question their love or imply that what they're doing is harmful. Respectfully, let people feel what they feel and love who they love without giving your 2 cents.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@margowinterlake message erased. You win this one.

[@margowinterlake]

@@davidgomes4408 Thank you for deleting, but this is not about winning. It never was. It's about exercising empathy in your daily life. Makes life simpler for you and others.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@margowinterlake Winning was, indeed, a poor choice of words. I'll also admit that I went *way* too far on this one. That said, being a dick(-ish) around KZbin when I've had a shitty day is a guilty pleasure of mine. So, for what it's worth, I'm thankful you helped me remember that shitty jokes *can* hurt people. It's real easy to forget when online. Take care.

[@ChrissyPlus]

Wow. That's such an impactful mirror. The difference in meaning in that statement coming from different types of parents is so enlightening. You're there with your daughter every day, showing her to the best of your ability how much you love her - So when you tell her you love her even more than she can know, you're genuinely showing her how limitless and overflowing your love and support for her is. Meanwhile, Imogen's mother abandoned and neglected her. She left Imogen in the care of a parent who despises her for her similarities to her mother, despite that bond being completely severed and spurned by the mother - she had no parent treat her with love all her life and was punished for the potential connection that she doesn't even get to share. Even the presence of a loving parent in a limited capacity would have made a huge difference, like receiving a Sending every day (or consistently) as she grew up. In this context, to be told, "I love you more than you can ever know," means that not only has she grown up without the care of a loving parent, but never will. Her mother has no intention of ever being there for her.

[@03a3.]

The fact that everyone just breaks out into beatboxing mid game is peak chaos for me i love it

[@_Squiddy]

Roger and Rachel are my parents' names, so Sam's opening ad hits different 😂

[@davidgomes4408]

Is there an "Uncle Derek" story that everyone avoids mentioning at thanksgiving?

[@Dimloep]

I'm sorry you had to find out this way

[@alwaysleaping]

Did anyone else catch Liam/Travis’ fight club reference? “You hit me in the ear!” “Ah I fucked it up.” So fleeting, but so perfect.

[@henkmalan13]

2:30:20 Matt: Describes an abandoned broken-down stone watch tower. Me: "This was once the great watch tower of Amon Sûl..." 😅

[@foolslayer9416]

Happy Critical Role Monday, love seeing y'all here. I'll just wait for the guy who makes all the times.

[@davidschmidt5507]

This is a good group

[@MrFlashpoint1978]

Just above you

[@michaelyoung7261]

Happy to meet up with the Critter Monday Gang

[@curtisd5864]

Flando really is the best

[@dude59974]

Sam's opening bit read like he was trying to recreate Loquatius' final message

[@dannykent6190]

He was just being Seelie.

[@davidgomes4408]

@@dannykent6190 I Seelie what you did there.

[@R0DAPR0]

Matts Voice for the Weretiger is so damn impressive! It almost sounded like an actual cat purring mixed with language!

[@aqacefan]

1:54:56 A “goating” attack. I see what Liam did there.

[@CodeNameX001]

There are sonmany moments where I imagine Orym looks straight into the camera, like Jim for The Office.

[@holyhotcakes]

I'm finally caught up with every single campaign. What a ride

[@krisbarski4226]

Welcome to the torment of Is it Thursday yet

[@miggylikeciggy]

congrats! now you have to wait for the episodes to roll out each week lol

[@timfrank7461]

Still behind on exu and collapse

[@tylerschoen5643]

Hell yeah! 1000 hours of just campaigns lol. I’ve watched 1 three times, 2 twice, and this twice. Don’t be me

[@nobleknight171]

Oh, I'm jealous. Got here late. Still on the catch-up crew!! Can't wait to catch up to the live-streams!

[@uhkingdom]

45:12 Travis’ expression is mine. This is Ashton showing some real vulnerability and it’s huge

[@fredhowe1148]

This is the episode where I can say I've finally caught up with critical role!

[@tylerframpton2113]

Congrats, its an achievement but nothing hits harder than having to wait a week for the next episode

[@southernbadgirl92]

Same

[@xaderalert]

I'm nearly there. And I'm dreading it.

[@Hypnos3GG]

You know you won't have to worry on your battles when you are with Taliesin "Within 10 Feet of Me" Jaffe.

[@VirtueandSin]

I like to think that in the spirit of matt learning dnd from his mom and her friends, Ronin will learn from his mom and her friends and be an amazing DM when hes older

[@TheToneBender]

59:39 Sam saying "Go away or we will be forced ... to harm you" kind of has the same tone as Tenacious D's Wonderboy "How about the power ... to move you?" (*powowow wowowowow*)

[@marcovargas3372]

At the begining of the campaign I though Imogen was going to be the Jean Grey- Fenix villian of this campain.... Now seeing all those hands raised, the only thing I can be sure of is that neither Orn nor Ashton can be the badies, they are such sweet bois.

[@Star-pl1xs]

lowkey?? such a good look on taliesin this ep, it suits him rly well

[@nemdragon6445]

Ashton now has had deep talks with Imogen, Laudna, and Orym! I love this so much and can’t wait for him to make his way through the rest of Bells Hells. Reminds me a bit of Zuko taking each friend on an adventure one at a time.

[@madameghostie]

I’m really glad they survived that Chimera battle. Goats usually devour fresh cut grass. Hehehe. 🌾🐐

[@cloud_sauce]

Sigh... Take my like and get out.

[@megans4211]

+

[@baie_nuuskierig]

46 minutes in and Orym and Ashton is making me cry. And then giggling like an absolute loon. But they are both right. When hurting, don't do it alone.