The Nox Engine | Critical Role | Campaign 3, Episode 98

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Live at the Greek Theatre! Bells Hells battle the creeping terror of an unleashed demon, but their own darkest thoughts may prove to be the real enemy...
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#CriticalRole #BellsHells #DungeonsAndDragons

[@bitter-bit]

When Sam is introduced it is SO MUCH more impactful now knowing he's beaten cancer and he's walking out to rejoin everyone he loves doing what he loves with them. I can't even imagine how hard it was not to just cry right there. ALSO OH WOW SAM YOUR CHARACTER SUFFERING FROM A LIFE-THREATENING THROAT INJURY ONLY TO BE HEALED BY YOUR FRIENDS AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I LOVE YOU, YOU BRAVE SOUL

[@ashleyreid155]

Seriously. I’m so glad I saw his video before I got caught up to this episode.

[@eric_moore-6126]

SAME​@@ashleyreid155

[@RoosterRecordsInc]

Sam is...the...SHIT! What genius dialog.

[@juniper890]

I am so happy Cancer didn't take another one of my faves.

[@jessevancooney6963]

I watched this after seeing the video and completely overlooked him having a throat injury

[@gollumandeowyn]

1:00 I love how Brennan shouts "FOLKS ARE WE EXCITED?!" and the camera immediately cuts to me in my red hat and my resting bitch face. I SWEAR I WAS REALLY HAPPY TO BE THERE!!!😂

[@mikaschwarzer1977]

Mood.

[@BrutalDongshart]

Amazing, lol. You look like you lost a bet to be there.

[@rappinnate]

You should play poker!

[@ManrayO_O]

You were locked in my dude

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Haha, I feel that so much! Some of us just don't look animated if we don't dedicate explicit processing power to facial animation. Usually because WE'RE BUSY DOING OTHER STUFF!

[@filipahlers6156]

1:01:28 Braius explaining the whole evil plot that the party's already dealing with gives me the same vibe as Taryon reciting his bucket list of adventures that Vox Machina has already had.

[@sigismasigisma]

The fact the rest of the group blanked on every single one of these is kinda depressing

[@curtismurphy6206]

@@sigismasigisma They didn't, buddy

[@Tr3nchAn0n]

@@sigismasigismathey didn’t? They were waiting for Sam to say what he was going to say.

[@TheDarthLuffy]

I love how Matt plays Ludinus. He feels like a really tired teacher dealing with a bunch of 5 year olds for most this fight. “Could you not try to haunt me while I’m killing a demon?” “No, I will not become a hamster for you.” “Please stop shocking me while I’m working.”

[@kaniamia]

Seriously though, I really wonder what would have happened if, in their eagerness to attack Ludinus, they’d inadvertently managed to break his concentration on the Gate spell. Would it have closed with Dominox on the other side, and would that have freed him from his tether to the gem?

[@TheDarthLuffy]

@@kaniamia my guess is that Dominox would’ve been forcibly drawn back to soul anchor, via plane shift or similar means.

[@kientran364]

a precursor of how a fight with Ludinus would go down if he were to face them seriously at current level. He'd storm them so hard it wouldn't even be funny

[@TheDarthLuffy]

@@kientran364 He walked into a room with 10 people that want to kill him and wasn’t concerned at all. And I’m fairly sure it’s the real Ludinus. And Matt would never do it but it would’ve been hilarious, if after having everyone group up so nicely in the hallway, Ludinus simply cast Gravity Fissure or Cone of Cold or something. Orym for sure would’ve been dead.

[@magnetronman298]

​@@TheDarthLuffyfr, the first thing I thought when ludinus said "now that you're all here" was FIREBALL

[@onlyjericho]

I can't love more the fact that D20 and CR are in friendly terms and collaborate quite often. Both of them work great together!

[@Saluno375]

And BLeeM also works together with the McElroys for liveshows... I desire a trifecta crossover of CR, D20 & TAZ.

[@iriandia]

@@Saluno375did you see the Roll20 one shot with Aabria DMing, Travis McElroy and Brennan? It’s hilarious!

[@Samemanthere]

I think they've got enough differences there's not much competition. CRs campaigns are long-term and epic in scope, while D20s campaigns are shorter and *usually* more comedic.

[@jackakimbo5718]

D20 is going to have a live show at Madison Square Garden (yes, that Madison Square Garden). Maybe a certain vest aficionado could be the MC for the evening...?

[@sarcasm6669]

Another amazing story Brennan is dm'ing you should go check out is Worlds Beyond Number!!

[@Amorcea]

"Dude, you're huge." "That's okay :)" I'm dying lmao Sam's ability to pull off a "desperately horny" character and have it be funny instead of creepy is one of the eight wonders of the world

[@espysyn]

Literally horny too.

[@BSG1007]

It just dawned on me that it is a horny minotaur😐🤣🤣🤣

[@oldfrend]

i only wish he'd said, 'don't be afraid of my size' with the biggest shit eating grin of all time XD

[@Foretelling]

Desperately corny. This show is honestly a degenerate homosexual cringe fest at times.

[@AaronBoBaron_]

@@Foretelling Cry harder.

[@michaelj.mccall6530]

That announcer has good energy. I wonder if he’ll ever play dnd one day.

[@sanchez.25]

You’re not gonna believe this one..,

[@lincalmighty]

I think he'd be pretty good at it, tbh.

[@romaneditstwitchvods]

doubt it, he seems to be more of someone who is way more into something neach-like birds than dnd.

[@jasminemiller7485]

Dude needs some almonds, I Guarantee

[@Lyrantes]

@@jasminemiller7485 I don't know, he doesn't seem like the snacking type. I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate a second mouth on the back of his head either.

[@z-beeblebrox]

Short note: at 17:35 if you're wonder why Mercer is looking absolutely stunned it's because during the intro sequence, the audience sang the whole theme song to them. The footage is floating around youtube somewhere if you want to see it

[@JD2jr.]

I was surprised we just got the regular audio and not the audio from the theater.

[@samnieuwenhuis5555]

Aw, that's nice

[@JacksG13]

It's honestly so rude that they cut our gorgeous singing! 😂

[@eric_moore-6126]

I'd heard that happened at Campaign 2 liveshows. Even without having heard anything about it happening here, i already knew that was probably what happened.

[@anothercarttogo1819]

I literally can't find it, if anyone has a link to someone's recording of that, that'd be really awesome!

[@TheRubberDuck77]

The look on Laura, Ashely and Travi's face when he says "blood pouring from his throat" @57:59 has new meaning now... so glad you beat that cancer down Sam! We've missed you!!!

[@mriepi]

yes, this moment is so strong! And 100% Sam Riegel. As usual Laura reacts first, Liam ist last.

[@jackdog06]

55:50 Laura’s “oh no, I’m gonna cry” when she realised what Matt was about to say is my favourite. Wow, carries a very different energy, now.

[@najlashoaib4227]

I cried tooo

[@Weirdbrit]

Now we know why

[@supagirl277]

@@Weirdbrit Wow, and even his character was cut at the throat

[@AceOvrZero]

ashley was too

[@codymarshall587]

@@supagirl277okay, not super great

[@Leukotrieneb4]

Not ashley and laura crying immediately after seeing Sam 😭 Edit: After learning Sam has been dealing with cancer for all this time , it makes sense

[@supagirl277]

I felt like I noticed something about his speech then too, but wow, its crazy. His character even had his throat slit when they found him

[@jacobwilske5665]

⁠@@supagirl277the fact that you could barely even tell is amazing! Dudes a legend, no way the universe can keep him down

[@criticalwhiskey]

To anyone complaining about another break: Liam just had to put Sprigg, his Dachshund, down due to cancer. Giving the timing, I'd imagjne the break allowed him to focus on that and grieve, as well as give everyone else a few weeks off.

[@Hatska2wolf]

Oh no not Sprigg 😢 poor little baby. I’m glad he’ll be getting the time to grieve.

[@RevRa-3]

Plus, they usually don't record on weeks of holidays (which last week was the the week of 4th of July)

[@WarriorViking]

Also Sam had cancer

[@TeniBear10]

Oh no, Sprigg passed away?!

[@criticalwhiskey]

@@WarriorViking I just saw this 😭

[@inteligentidiot7233]

1:02:32 I feel like Orym asking a minotaur who he hitched his wagon to was criminally underappreciated.

[@lnfreeman]

Just got it 😂

[@volteer1332]

I missed that, that's amazing

[@devilishlyseraphic]

i appreciate how sam has had his new character for just two hours, and he's already hit on half the table and an npc. im so proud

[@jkbarber99]

I wanted to like your comment, but it's at 69 likes so I'll just let that stay. lol.

[@ahmadwillis5329]

I need two people to unlike to go back to 240

[@WolfiePH]

Not gonna lie; Fearne getting hitched to a devil *unknowingly,* is the most Fearne thing ever though.

[@GAdmThrawn]

I'm curious to see just how many connections she unknowingly is able to make because of her chaotic nature and so when she dies, her soul is going to be fought over because too many people are going to lay claim to it.

[@samuraiko]

@@GAdmThrawn The Post-Campaign 3 Battle Royale -- all the cast are playing the various factions fighting over Fearne's soul!

[@Ominous_Odyssey]

​@@GAdmThrawn I was actually wondering if this might be a way to undo the damnation of her soul in a sense. Making so many pacts and deals that everyone has to fight to get your soul, only to end up killing each other or deciding it isnt worth it and just letting it go. Not really familiar with how these deals work other than the entity potentially claiming your soul when you die though.

[@xenosaga8436]

@@GAdmThrawn Plot twist. They all fight over her while she's alive and after they all get knocked off one by one Fearne steps in and takes over.

[@alhemičarka]

​​@@Ominous_OdysseyThere's a pretty clear hierarchy when it comes to entities one can make Faustian bargains or deals of any sort with, so i figure the strongest one would win. It would be interesting to see a fight between similarly stationed entities but i mean, one of Fearne's deals is with a major champion of Asmodeus who may only be outranked by our friend Zerxus and Hell Daddy himself. That would be a clear cut case against most.

[@scifititan4201]

“That blue boy is a show off, isn’t he?” And just like that, I wanted Jester and Dorian to meet in a future one shot.

[@matthewletexier]

"Omg, You're BLUE!" "Why yes I am, I see you are as well." "Is the Gentleman your papa too?" "The...the who?"

[@sandeman1776]

Water and Air together. They could make bubbles.

[@Ophelia26s]

@@scifititan4201 welp....

[@emmabirr6078]

Well…

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I love that they've opted to add Live Show status to the thumbnail. Very simple but welcome addition.

[@5452gbc]

1:12:18 Whoever yelled “oh no he’s hot” should feel truly blessed having made Bailey laugh 😂

[@clemclemclem-1]

+

[@mancechappell7956]

First person I expected to see was not, in fact, Brennan Lee Mulligan!

[@bigfatcarp93]

And the second, Brennan Lee Mulligan's belly!

[@shywoofer1620]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@louisst-amand9207]

they had announced he was gonna host the show

[@LazyTitan72]

@@bigfatcarp93 you're such a weirdo for this

[@musstakrakish]

He's literally the best hype man they could of gotten. I hope he keeps doing live shows

[@littlesweetrocky]

Seeing Ashley and Laura cry when Sam comes out on stage is so much more emotional now that you realise they all thought he wouldn't be able to come back for much longer due to his cancer. We love you Sam❤

[@MichelleCahill-qp9mc]

God Bless You, Sam Riegal!!!❤

[@not_ian5543]

I love Taliesin's face of silent appreciation for Sam's goth energy. The student has learned from the master

[@Foretelling]

That shit isn’t Goth lol - he’s obviously themed after Kiss, the band. Y’all are clueless.

[@Dimloep]

He's come a long way from **waves hands dramatically** the Web Weaver

[@MrDad743]

@@Foretelling Not so obvious to everyone who doesn't have the clue, since not all of Crit Role's audience will have the same knowledge as you. You have a choice when replying, have some patience and respect for those that aren't as educated, you're coming off as a really pretentious character.

[@kiedragerl8119]

@@Dimloep Sam's "I don't know what goth's are like I've never met one!" Everyone looks at Tal. Sam: "But like a real goth." The whole cast gasps. Oof...Sam...lol

[@theenigmaticmrwu]

"...and I found something, something you'll want to see..." " And remember the Market of Wonders, specializing in Mercer's Discount Spell Ink, we'll beat the prices of any other ink maker in town or the next bottles free"

[@kayserzoze2459]

Holy shieeeeeeettttt

[@anlemeinthegame1637]

I think about this often. Even the joke is a mini-elegy. It's not "shop at the Market of Wonders." It's not "buy at the Market of Wonders." It's remember.

[@SuperLifestream]

Seelie you later

[@pippastrelle]

Ngl I'm still waiting for that speech to come up in a recording. That and the orb!

[@samrapine4615]

I just cackled.

[@jackdog06]

Brennan, Matt and Aabria continuing their elemental running joke seriously gives me life.

[@ApenasUmLF]

Aabria does it too? I only know of: Brennan - Fire Mercer - Water. And now Brennan again - Light. When did Aabria do it too?

[@66Roses]

@@ApenasUmLF The Dimension 20 series Burrow's End, she starts with Earth.

[@Valemeadows]

@@ApenasUmLF Aabria ran a series on Dimension 20 called Burrows End, and she started it with "Earth"

[@ApenasUmLF]

Thanks, didn't saw that one :)

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

@@ApenasUmLFAlso trust Brenan to swerve with “light” instead of “air” like everyone was expecting! 😂

[@josephbeaulieu1569]

Weird how Taliesin was the only one not in costume

[@stormhawk31]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@FearevuzZz]

Very unprofessional move from him : \

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

@@FearevuzZzIt’s his Sunday semi-formals so it still works imo

[@FearevuzZz]

@@hfar_in_the_sky who are we to judge the eternal entity after all)

[@chrisrudolf9839]

He planned that all ahead, the only reason he wanted to play a barbarian who is basically a fantasy punk was that he could use his normal punk wardrobe for cosplay ;-)

[@Foretelling]

God it's fucking awesome to see how comfortable Matt in particular has got with handling these live shows.

[@MeechySharko9]

Seriously!! Letting the grand demon get his boogie on rather than use a legendary resistance and doing a little jig was amazing and such a good dm moment.

[@garysmith9677]

He seemed Terrified in the original ones but he has found his groove 😊

[@nicksternyr8728]

He was great with everything but bless. Kept letting people roll d4 for checks multiple times, but its saves only. But he definitely looks calm

[@DivineDezi]

@@nicksternyr8728 Bless | 1st level enchantment | You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

[@kirsvald9513]

@@nicksternyr8728 I was 100% sure that bless also works for ability checks. Even more so I believed it works the same way in BG3 :D And you're right, it isn't what the hell...

[@Ominous_Odyssey]

2:23:53 Hearing the crowd shout "NEIN" in response to the cast rolling 9s was an experience. Never been so proud of the audience.

[@voidtearr]

As someone who got to attend, the energy at this show was UNREAL. So full of love and nerdy happiness. I can't even begin to describe how much I adore these folks!

[@wendygoddamndarling7187]

I dont think I could handle the theme song in a room that big full of fellow critters without legit weeping 🥹

[@codayous]

Must be nice to have expendable income and time.

[@wendygoddamndarling7187]

@codayous hey I mean yeah I can't afford shit like this either but we don't need to be better about it :/

[@codayous]

​@@wendygoddamndarling7187maybe if we stop throwing money at rich people, and instead put it back into the community, then less of us would be bitter.

[@KnightFallProd]

​@codayous maybe you should let ppl enjoy things and experiences instead of being an asshole?

[@samminicksm]

56:46 “I hope this doesn’t awaken something in me.” Me too, Liam. Me too. Sam with long black hair, eyeliner, and darkening his goatee is unreasonably hot to me.

[@kungchux9613]

Ummm right!?!?!?! The AUDACITY of that man to add unto my kink list!!

[@RentATurtle]

Litterly never been attracted to Sam until he walked out looking like that for live show 😳

[@localterror]

⁠@@RentATurtlesame!

[@oldfrend]

80s hair metal legend sam riegel everybody!

[@elanurishunter]

Well it did awaken something unholy in me😂

[@qrrbrbirbel2]

1:51:35 "hooves don't really grip very well..." Ibex that can climb almost vertical walls: Are you mocking me?

[@Werewolfoverlord12]

Comparing tomatoes to potatoes. One is made to climb sheer cliffs, the other is flat ground.

[@shadowdragon7347]

The laws of physics dont apply to goats. Everybody knows this

[@PhilBoswell]

Goats and cows don't have the same kind of hoof 🐐🐂

[@Elhuarache]

Sam's new character entering the scene with a bleeding throat hits differently now. 😢

[@OneNerdyAce]

the way lauras face instantly changed at 1:03:41 after braius said "you are very interesting" is fricken awesome i love how in character she gets

[@zlatan_2197]

Out of everything that surprised me, Braius working so well with Dorian was definitely the best. They saved each other bunch of times.

[@undcvr]

2 bards in a party can be very op stacking buffs and debuffs

[@Xaychedelic]

They're gonna be an absolute menace in future battles and I'm excited to see it!

[@ImPapaKnauff]

@@undcvrI thought Braius was a Paladin?

[@zlatan_2197]

@@ImPapaKnauff Paladin/bard multiclass

[@LocalMaple]

@@ImPapaKnauffPaladin: at least level 6 for Aura of Protection. Bard: at least level 3 for his Subclass stuff, as well as Expertise in Deception. That leaves 5 levels unaccounted for.

[@timpaa93]

I love that at every live show Matt mercer always have look of “omg, what’s happening? Is this real? What am I doing here?” Everytime he walks out 😂😂

[@leojamesclune1730]

Its still mind boggling. They started as a home game all those years ago. And now, their post moon stuff M9 live show sold out a stadium with *12,000* seats

[@BLINDrOBOTFILMS]

I mean, it's gotta be surreal every time to walk out onstage to a sold out stadium to play D&D

[@FictionRaider007]

Crazy to think Sam was recovering from cancer during this! Only retrospectively do I now notice the slight slurring of words from the whole "relearning how to talk" thing following the procedures he underwent. Guy did an incredible job, especially since his first time back out since it happened was at a freaking live show of all things. All the love and respect to Riegel.

[@jbreedijk4]

Brennan peak camp leader energy

[@Dimloep]

He comes by it honestly, and uses it brilliantly.

[@karljackson2670]

During the Gamemasters of Exandria roundtable Brennan mentions that he used to do DnD games at summer camp, so that might be where it comes from.

[@garrettjohnson612]

@@karljackson2670 If I'm not mistaken, up until very recently the man would use a large portion of his vacation days to go back to the camp and work free of charge. I doubt he's able to now that he's a new father though.

[@cass_cosplays]

25:01 Robbie saying "GET OFF OF ME!!" shook me to my core. I almost started crying like geez...

[@Xaychedelic]

That was sooo good. From EXU till C3, I don't remember Dorian ever raising his voice towards his friends and that adds an extra bit of heartbreak for me (In EXU, he's more passive aggressive imo, but never raised his voice)

[@cass_cosplays]

@@Xaychedelic I don't think so either. It's heartbreaking for me because he's so upset about his brother's death.

[@jijibunny198]

Oh I need more of it, I eat that shit up! The usually docile and easygoing character becoming so stressed they end up losing it and snapping? Yes please! The TURMOIL, the DRAMA! Gimme! It was like in c2 on the pirate ship when caduceus got visibly angry for the first time when Fjord died. Good stuff.

[@Pyre]

He's never hit that level as Dorian as far as I can remember. And the thing about voice acting is when you go there, to that volume and intensity, you tend to lose character by necessity. It hits so hard, at least partly, because there was more of Robbie in it. Still *performing* , yes. But in character and out, the artifice slipped.

[@Dalmoon98]

Imo it also partially had to do with being on stage instead of a room. They can afford to raise their voices and yell much more easily, on set in the studio they can't unless they wanna blow out their mics lol that being said though, yea I was pretty surprised hearing that

[@flipxd]

I just realized they're all film classic horror creatures. a zombie, a witch, a werewolf, a "constructed man", 2 things with horns, and an air elemental which feels like ghost to me?

[@Wolf-yt5rz]

Air Genasi mostly are descendents of djinn, and the Silken Squall nomadic living style is very Beduin, so more like the Islamic supernatural Jinn than ghosts, in this case, half Jinn.

[@DefnotKali]

and then there's orym

[@madtheline2510]

The 2 things with Horns are also a "Devil" Worshiper and a Child of an Evil Faerie Lord

[@katemorris8442]

@@DefnotKali Orym the Emilio Estevez of this Breakfast Club…

[@snorpenbass4196]

@@DefnotKali He's Van Helsing.

[@MegaJakethesnake1]

Timestamper 15:49 Animation 17:52 Recap 22:30 Start 2:18:26 Break ends

[@TheJavapup]

Thank you!

[@anotherelvis]

Perfect

[@michaelj.mccall6530]

Winner

[@alexandreboutaudvalarini5638]

Timestamp is life!

[@renakellner4448]

I found these stamps just as I got to the break ❤😂

[@samuraiko]

WHAT AN EPISODE this was. :D So good... and sorry to see that Flando still hasn't been able to get the whole timestamps thing resolved, but here's hoping YT eventually lets the Titan of Timestamps return to their great work!

[@rebeccasands1452]

@@samuraiko oh no whats the problem?

[@samuraiko]

@@rebeccasands1452 If Flando tries to post more than 6 timestamps in a comment, YT won't let it post.

[@anothercarttogo1819]

Braius: *exists * The rest of Bells Hells: "We must stay focused brothers, we must stay focused."

[@chrisrudolf9839]

Creepy scary outworldish creature: exists Bell's Hells: You look fun, wanna make a deal?

[@flaminyawn]

This is an ENTIRE PARTY of people who shouldn't be allowed within the same zip code of a big red button.

[@Livee2307]

56:33 Seeing the cast’s reaction to Sam’s return makes a lot more sense now after hearing Sam’s announcement about his health. I had to come back to rewatch it and, while I definitely cried when I watched it the first time, the tears this time around were filled less with selfish excitement and more with relief. Welcome back, Sam ❤

[@creatrotera]

@@Livee2307 and the throat wound???? T~T

[@Baraz_Red]

I loved the idea of the NPC realizing that all their great exposition... was already known by the players... and they are really a PC now. ( I am referring to a specific new comer after 1 hour.)

[@asifloserface]

Oh. My. Gosh. I forgot Essek knew Ludinus!! I didn't even remember he was the guy from the boat ((and LITERALLY my favourite CR episode)) until that awkward hello!!

[@AbadonXXX]

Headcanon: if avalir is fantasy vegas then aeor is fantasy black mesa

[@vanessaaves3271]

Maybe Gordon Freeman will make an appearance

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

What and or where is "Black Mesa"???

[@Lyrantes]

​@@mugi-wharingan8150 Black Mesa is a research facility from the game 'Half-Life'. Basically lots of very weird experiments.

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

@@Lyrantes o i c..........(said the blind man to the deaf dog)

[@SnakeEyes327]

Seeing as how Aeor was more of a Soviet Block style brutalist city, I think more City 17.

[@paradoxified]

I love that Fearne won't go anywhere without Orym. Ugh, I love them so much. 😭

[@delphinium4987]

She doesn't wanna lose him again 😭

[@slvaltva1392]

You know how when travelling into the feywild you are often advised to find a local guide fey who helps you deal with the effects of the fw and explains how stuff works? I like to imagine Fearne had a similar idea with Orym at first, this local who seems to have his shit together(lol) which eventually became a friendship where he is always someone to rely on for her

[@persephonethereaper6938]

I loved this episode my favorite part was Sam’s character hitting on everyone else the reactions to “are you single” made me giggle except Imogene’s that one was more of an awkward laugh. Edit: Absolute favorite interaction (1:14:16-1:14:51) Ashton and Chet’s faces were pure gold when Fearne said “That’s totally fine, bc so am I.”

[@GAdmThrawn]

He's channeling his bard energy that he hasn't used since C1.

[@Xaychedelic]

2:19:37 'I always knew I'd die by a furry.' ROBBIE DAYMOND, PLEASE 😂

[@gabrielamedeirosribeiro3223]

I love that even after so many years Matt still walks onstage and visibly goes “WTF, all this for D&D?!”

[@gabrielamedeirosribeiro3223]

“I only rolled a 4, so 18” Oh No, he’s _Charismatic_ again 😂

[@leojamesclune1730]

​@@gabrielamedeirosribeiro3223Uh oh

[@leojamesclune1730]

​@@gabrielamedeirosribeiro3223that damn gnome and his "I rolled a 2, so 20."

[@gabrielamedeirosribeiro3223]

“24” … “33” _Oh NO, he’s Charismatic again_

[@DanikaLeighEllis]

(spoilers) I love Robbie getting so excited about Riverdance succeeding that he immediately asks Sam if he can kiss him. 3:10:04

[@clemclemclem-1]

+

[@lnfreeman]

I love that Sam went for the lips 😂

[@PatJWilliams]

Sam used moonbeam on a devil that was under Otaluke irresistable dance. Therefore Hell's Bell HAS Danced with the Devil in the pale moon light.

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

*spoilers* Sam going from playing a on the fence cleric of the Change Bringer to playing a fan boy paladin of the Change Bringer’s sworn enemy was both mildly surprising and yet totally on brand for Sam. 😂

[@hydester4923]

OUT HERE COMES BRENDEN LEE MULLIGAN WITH THE STEEL CHAAAAIR

[@stevenrichardbarnett]

BUH GAWD! ITS A DANGED MASSACRE!!!

[@Ugliduckie]

Bah gawd that man has a family!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@kherubim1]

Somebody stop the damn match!

[@Ugliduckie]

Look at the carnage!

[@brushfd]

There is no D in Brennan

[@WhitneyAvalon]

The energy of this live was absolutely ELECTRIC! So much fun being in that audience.

[@faisalhussain2270]

THE BODY HORROR FAN WAS SO COOL

[@chopper6205]

Was looking for dis comment

[@masterjaczor9892]

Timestamp?

[@chopper6205]

@@masterjaczor9892 6:18

[@masterjaczor9892]

I legit thought you were talking about a fan in the audience dressed up as some body horror type of thing but no it was Marisha’s fan.

[@TheMaestro1275]

The Rupaul's Drag Race influence (which she has said she watches) on her entire outfit was STRONG. Like, you would absolutely see that on one of the runways.

[@XawiKrishna]

3:40:19 While Robbie appreciated the question, DORIAN DID NOT!

[@Ryderthe5]

@@XawiKrishna to be fair he did that too when sam ask Lora the same question he look more sad there

[@someone_stole_my_handle]

The fans have been asking Sam to have a in game romance with Liam for years, but Sam "expect the unexpected" Riegel instead decided to steal his man Man, I missed Sam, I can't wait for what running joke or minor detail about Braius is actually secretly heartbreaking.

[@NougetChops]

I didn't even think about the secretly heartbreaking bit! Oh shit. This will be good.

[@TeniBear10]

How about a secret detail about Sam? 😥

[@adamtschupp9825]

This aged like wine

[@trevorriedemann8045]

Liam: "Who'd you hitch your wagon to?" LOL. Totally under appreciated question.

[@samuraiko]

That and the fact that NOBODY reacted to his comment that the PALADIN MINOTAUR being Dominox was "TOO LITERAL!"

[@chrisrudolf9839]

1:53:32 I sensed something terrible. As if thousands of tormented shippers suddenly cried out in unison and started fervently typing ;-)

[@samuraiko]

Cue 9th Level Fix-FIc Swarm.

[@shadowX2121]

A new ship was born on this day. Not by me I swear ;)

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

@@samuraiko The number one reason I love tragedy in my shows is because it's savory in its own right, and the number two reason is because it engenders such delicious fix-its for dessert!

[@zacharyjennings8661]

When I first watched this, I was thinking Sam sounded different. Given his health update it makes sense. Crazy about his character’s slashed throat too. Man, tough as nails that guy.

[@seancain2216]

A: I think this might be the horniest episode (minus the love potion from Campaign 1). B: I love that other than Orym and Braius, only Matt was attacking Dominox.

[@srg08]

Now that Sam is back… anyone else is looking forward to see what his new flask will look like???

[@Forke13]

It's totally impractical, but a drinking horn would be nice

[@captin3149]

A trough?

[@samuraiko]

@@captin3149 I was gonna make the same comment. :D

[@samuraiko]

A milk pail would work nicely. :D

[@sandeman1776]

​@@samuraikothat's a bull, and that ain't milk.

[@Forke13]

Oh my god, Sam's character is the embodyment of the Satanic Panic

[@alphtheor.879]

THE EXANDRIAN FATHER OF LIES BRENNEN LEE MULIGAN??

[@lashier13]

I love having a paladin NPC in combat. They just smite the ever loving shit out of everything they touch.

[@UninspiredArtemis]

The next time Sam casts Bardic Inspiration he has to perform a CR version of Karma by Jojo Siwa

[@Isaaaa_Belle]

Marisha looked INCREDIBLE

[@jonnyso1]

Quite possible Marishas ultimate form right there.

[@Opteisen]

Truly

[@Xaychedelic]

Can't help but see a bit of Orin (from BG3) in her while wearing her amazing fit

[@DarkParagon]

Always does, but especially here. 🤩

[@4203105]

Interesting that Sam describes his character as having blood pour from a wound on his throat. Obviously very deliberate with hindsight.

[@enilec.]

You're so right 😭

[@jackakimbo5718]

He's really good at making it seem like he doesn't know how certain spells & rules work, and like he's just winging it for 90% of the time both mechanically and roleplay-wise, but it's an act. He's EXTREMELY deliberate in probably the majority of things he does at the table and puts SO MUCH thought into it.

[@4203105]

@@jackakimbo5718 I don't think so. He puts a lot of thought into the role playing aspects but doesn't seem very interested in the mechanics. Which I can respect.

[@xMikau]

Drove all the way to LA for this live show and it was as Brennan says "Uh, INCREDIBLE"

[@codayous]

Must be nice to have that kind of time and money.

[@ultrabigfella]

​@@codayous...yeah it probably was pretty nice?😭

[@Fiktro]

Now it makes so much sense why the party found him with blood pouring from his throat. Sam you mad genius!

[@seyeruoynepotsuj]

Sam has an amazing knack when it comes to playing DnD and I've figured out his secret is not letting Matt know what his plans/resources are until he springs them. That way Matt finds it harder to plan against his attacks. Scanlan defeated Vecna that way when Sam closed his distance on Vecna without letting on he was getting within range to use Wish. In the same way here at about 3:16:00 onwards, Sam waits to see if his push is successful before reminding Matt that his shield allows double push distance! Masterful player. I missed him!

[@idahenckel]

I see what you mean even if I wouldn’t have necessarily put it like that, Sam does this really well. Some players aim to do this but fail in that they don’t tell their dm ANY of their plans and almost make up their own equipment ”Oh I’ve been working on this thing for two months and rolled to succeed” like umm no you really need to play with your dm to have a fun game

[@Peter_Cordes]

In range to cast Counterspell at 9th level. He didn't cast Wish in the Vecna fight, having already used his 9th-level slot. Yeah, interesting point that he didn't remind Matt about range or counterspell, leading to Vecna forgetting about it, not moving away on his turn before casting. For the case you mention here, that's maybe a bit cheesy; the push of that power had narratively already happened when Dominox had to choose whether to use a legendary resistance or not. Matt could always have retconned it after finding out the real push distance and using a legendary resistance, if they weren't at a live show and wanting to wrap up the combat quickly. Fun fact: rules-as-written, the Minotaur ability Hammering Horns can only push creatures at most one size category larger than yourself. So no larger than Large, since Braius is Medium. But Dominox is just into the Huge category (about 20 ft tall IIRC, max for Large is 16 ft, or at least was in 3.5e.) If anyone thought a push that far seemed narratively unrealistic even for a Str 20 minotaur, that's why. But at least Braius is near the upper end of Medium and does have Str 20, so it's somewhat close to working. Also, the Hammering Horns bonus action is only usable after hitting a creature with a melee attack as part of the Attack action. But Braius cast Moonbeam on Ludinus that turn. (Maybe because he forgot how Otto's Irresistible Dance worked, not having cast it as Scanlan for years; if he'd known it didn't break on damage he might have just attacked Dominox. But his mission was to kill Ludinus.) Sam was really sloppy with knowing how FCG's stuff worked for a long time, but this is a lot more understandable: first game as a new character and hasn't played in a while. And recovering from cancer he's probably had even less time or energy than usual to spend learning the rules for his new character. At least he remembered he had a shove ability at all is a good thing. If it wasn't a live show, Matt probably would have looked it up to check things, but a live show swings the balance even more in favour of pace vs. rules accuracy than it usually is. Also, fun fact: there's no save against Irresistible Dance when initially cast, only if the creature uses their action on their turn to attempt a save instead of e.g. attacking with disadvantage. So it's good Matt didn't use a legendary resistance after that mis-reading of the spell, and it gave Braius the chance to combo with Dorian by using the Tragedy Bard feature to change the save type to Cha, which hopefully they can do without for the rest of the day... The Irresistible in the spell name is literally true, that's part of what makes it a 6th-level spell despite being single-target and requiring concentration for a minute.

[@MetalManimal420]

I miss Flando…

[@pmf98]

We all do…

[@VisardKing]

Did he quit?

[@MetalManimal420]

@@VisardKing No, but KZbin is shafting him for trying to post his timestamps. Some BS about them thinking of him as a spam account.

[@tallyjones8917]

@@MetalManimal420seriously?! That’s terrible!

[@adam1third]

I’ve been waiting 84 years for this

[@mightymouse654]

I literally went straight to the comments to say something very similar. IDK why but Monday has crawled by while I waited for this

[@JamesBuggemo]

Bertrand?

[@kisekhan2818]

Pushes off old lady boat and grabs the necklace “Yoink , Yahtzee !”

[@shirokomorebi2944]

Sameeee😭

[@masterjaczor9892]

One thing I would really love to do to my party as a DM is just tell them that there are strange runes on a table and when they go to investigate it all it says is "(Name) wuz here."

[@wildoneizzy]

😂

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

There is so much funny ancient graffity. People wrote exactly the same things on toilet walls as they do now.

[@linkomega8326]

Its really funny to see BLM appear for the first time on a campaign episode during a liveshow as an announcer

[@imnotcreative2999]

HAAANK DONT ABREVIATE BRENNAN LEE MULLIGAN OUT OF CONTEXT!!!! HAAAAAAAANKK!!!

[@tangodown69]

BLeeM

[@vanjazed7021]

​@@linkomega8326 breenan's life matters

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@imnotcreative2999 With the Discord closed, this knowledge shall slowly be lost I'm afraid

[@jjj2970]

The bureau of land management?

[@ClandestineSnowman]

Nox Engine?...a...NOX...MACHINA?!?!

[@christopherriley6299]

Ohhhh this hadn’t occurred to me.

[@jameswhitehead9697]

Brennan Lee Mulligan: "Are all excited!!!" Crowd cheers & the camera pans on a couple of dudes the exact opposite of excited. Way to bring the energy, boys! PS - My bad on the spelling of his first name. Took it from a comment in this thread instead of doublechecking it. Corrected.

[@CoolGutrun]

Brenden? lol

[@Danzzy135]

They were giving major 'my partner made me come here' vibes

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

​@@CoolGutrunI know, does he think dude is pronoucing his own name wrong?

[@gollumandeowyn]

That was me in the red hat. Don't shame my resting bitch face. I swear I was actually excited. 😂

[@mugi-wharingan8150]

@@gollumandeowyn if this is true, CLASK

[@Maxx.3104]

Personal Timestamps 5:18 Walkout! 24:28 Dorym Crumbs 51:05 It’s A Door 54:53 via Shave and a Haircut + SAM 1:20:39 Perception Check 2:00:59 - 2:02:44 UH OH 2:59:50 Oryms Turn 3:03:49 All in on Orym 3:39:43 THATS SO CUTE

[@Sammie1053]

Just got to the part where Laudna accidentally hit the asset load trigger for Ludinus in the hallway and my god, my heart is pounding

[@katemcc1]

Ok but travis from 3:17:46 - 3:17:59 has me dying 😂😂 the head turn w the glasses and the “OooOh”

[@alittleantidote5852]

I'm completely in love with Laudna reacting and talking to little girl Dominox ...I'm also lowkey hoping Delilah (through Laudna) gets her hands on that purple rock.

[@jackdog06]

3:50:18 Probably the best “Is it Thursday, yet?” In Critical Role history.

[@noone-ld7pt]

Yes!! Holy fuck what a setup!

[@NaivokWolves]

Considering it's the first one I saw that I have to actually wait for next Thursday is CRAZY!!!

[@sgisme]

I can't fathom the amount of almonds consumed by that announcer before coming out.

[@tcphelan23]

Some say that he actually has a mouth on his back that he can shovel more almonds in to keep himself fueled up.

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

Almonds. All. The. Time.

[@K1LLJ0YPRINC3]

I can only imagine him shoving a fistfuls of almonds only seconds before coming out onto the stage

[@seannichols7474]

"Is it Monday yet?" Just doesn't have the same ring to it

[@M_NIEHAUS]

SAMS NEW CHARACTER HAS ME ON THE FLOOR, IM GAGGED

[@MarioMan2010]

Well he is a Minotaur, he would have anyone gagging

[@cfRafalski]

GAGGED WITH A SPOON?!

[@jeyanraxkkon1091]

​@@cfRafalskiyeah....a spoon

[@Sternraum]

Kinky

[@davidparkes7741]

Well I guess it could be spoon shaped.

[@walnerreyner]

I DID IT! After almost three years, I’ve finally caught up with all Campaigns! I am now a proud Monday Crew Critter! Thanks for being an awesome community! Special thanks to Flando for being there, helping all of us keep track of the episodes’ progress! Much love from Brasil! 🇧🇷

[@fiendishtooth]

Congrats friendo

[@rayebeard]

🎉🎉🎉 welcome to the fam, buddy!🎉 Now we wait between episodes together

[@jeannedz29]

what an episode to catch up on !! congrats !

[@elzaandtk]

oh wow! thats a lot of caching up, which campaign is your favourite at the moment?

[@walnerreyner]

@@elzaandtk all three are special to me, but campaign 2 is the best so far imo. Mighty Nein is an awesome party. The only downside is that Ashley Johnson was still doing Blindspot for a period, so Yasha was not as properly developed as all other characters were, even after the series was cancelled. Really wish things were different and we could see more of her. That being said, I love how raw things were in campaign 1, and the vibe that campaign had. Campaign 3 is also amazing because all of them are fully invested in it, and their characters can/could (love you to the moon - get it? - and back FCG/Sam) be developed. So many great guests are a part of it too, which enriches the story that’s being told. Let’s see how it goes, maybe I’ll change my opinion 😬

[@duncanidaho3740]

I'm pretty sure Sam's new character has greater size and strength than his last three campaign characters combined.

[@stacieransom5677]

I vote that Sam wear this costume for the rest of the campaign. I wouldn't be opposed to everyone wearing these outfits for the rest of the campaign. They're amazing.

[@CSNCSNCSN]

Travis has to actually shave his hair like that.

[@ROBANN88]

i'm usually not one to go "they made a mistake, rabble rabble" but, around 3:09:00 .when Ottos Irresistible Dance is first cast, the creature doesn't even get a save, it just happens. only on their turn can they use their action to save that's what makes it Irresistible

[@caution-monkey4603]

57:16 LMAO the way Laura's face just GLOWS when she hears Sam describe his character

[@tylerplatt2350]

Such a cool thumbnail of Matt. Big final boss energy.

[@Luneowl]

Without his signature leather bracers’ Threw me off for a second: “What’s different….”

[@BigTimeRush14100]

"How do you feel about grand demons" Braius: looks a bit too turned on by the situation.

[@montagoose]

So funny that the new paladin bard meets the party by helping to finish the other bards door percussion

[@JuiceBoxHero13]

This exchange was entirely too unnoticed Imogen and Laudna: "Are you Dominox" Braius: "No I'm not" Orym: "Name's too literal" (Domin-ox, cause he's a minotaur)

[@circlenowsquared]

Sam's return means even more with the recent announcement, no wonder everyone was almost crying! So happy to have him back!

[@7913AJunior]

Live recordings like this really highlight how absolutely essential accurate captions can be, so thank you for providing them!!

[@_henzo3259]

Matt with the interaction between nightmare FCG and Ashton was BRUTAL

[@lapetitecuillereetlepaindo3005]

Fearne's knees go the same way ours do. She just has long feet and walks on her fused nails.

[@Forke13]

I knew someone would do it 😂

[@bassofthe]

Thank you.

[@jamoor5142]

I think it was a reference to Sam's terrible attempt to draw Fearne riding a horse where he gave her backward knees.

[@aniruddhahar]

When they meet Braius, he has blood pouring from his throat. That makes so much sense now.

[@TheRubberDuck77]

And the look on Laura's, Ashley's and Travis' faces when he said it

[@allisonnolan4485]

Travis looking and pointing at (I'm assuming) Aabria during Sam's character description 😂

[@jennywilliams1455]

57:29 for those wondering, like myself 😅