Fireside Chat & NPC Build with Matthew Mercer

[@cattatra]

00:02:40 Pumat Sol Cosplay talk 00:04:00 How long did take for the team to make you up to look like Pumat Sol? 00:05:13 What are your favorite qualities in a player? 00:06:35 How many hours of work did the party foist upon you by killing Lorenzo early? 00:08:36 How do you determine who wins in NPC battles? 00:10:20 How do you go about setting up recurring villans to create an invested narrative 00:12:13 What is your process for planning campain arcs and how do you recover from derailing events like lorenzo failing to escape? 00:13:45 Has there been anything with having your own studio you didn't expect, good or bad? 00:15:05 What has been your favorite part of sharing D&D with your spouse? 00:16:50 Do you plan on any solo sessions, on stream or off, with Laura, Travis and Ashley? 00:18:00 As someone who is playing an Order of the Lycan Bloodhunter in my homegame do you have any tips or advise on how to add some unique flare so it's not a steriotypical Werewolf character? 00:19:28 NPC BUILD 00:23:28 Brian inturrupts the Master 00:25:55 Did you expect the Critters to pick up on Lorenzo being an Oni? 00:26:54 What gave you the initial idea for the Lingering Soul class along with its subclasses? 00:29:53 Who needed the Taco Bell more after the last episode, you or Marisha? 00:30:22 What was Lorenzo eating? 00:30:35 What was the first Homebrew class you created? 00:32:13 Is Trent Icathon an NPC you came up with and threw at the players as part of the Wildmount worldbuilding they could have known or was it a character Liam has thrown at you in Calebs backgroud and you integrated him into the world? 00:33:31 Just how much did you enjoy the many layers of Meta in the Dwarven Forge game at GenCon? 00:34:41 Everybody walk the Dinosaur! 00:35:00 How do you avoid making every Dwarf Scottish? 00:35:43 What's your craziest dream for Critical Role? 00:37:31 What's your favorite part of the Sam shirt? 00:37:55 Terry Crews WoW game talk & WoW talk 00:40:31 Thoughts on the Adventure Zone? 00:41:25 Of the many planes that exits in the multiverse do you have a personal favorite or one you would particularly like to make your players explore? 00:42:32 How do you make magic items with interesting backstory and magic items with mind and self-consiousness? 00:44:37 How did Shakaste end up captured by the Iron Shepherds? 00:47:11 How open are you about playing an evil player character? 00:48:50 How do you name characters on the spot? 00:50:10 Are you excited to have two very different Clerics in the party? 00:51:29 Can we resurrect Phill? 00:51:46 What is your favorite type of terrain to have battles on and why? 00:53:07 How's the Molly tattoo coming? 00:53:32 Have we passed by or seen any mimics? 00:53:45 What is your process for NPC voices? 00:55:54 Will Yasha, Jester and Fjord level up even though they weren't part of the Lorenzo arc? 00:57:00 Was Pumat Sol intended to be Canadian? 00:58:44 Visit Australia please? 00:59:13 Will Nott ever meet another Furbolg that does know Pumat Sol? 00:59:52 Do you ever wish to mix up accents? 01:00:34 What would you do with three simulacra of yourself? 01:00:55 Can Viktor come back please? 01:02:06 Shakaste has been met in mostly underground settings, is he linked to an underground railway? 01:02:38 I know you dont want to give too much away but who came up with the Wisdom Saving Throw for Caleb? 01:03:24 If the party happens to miss a story or plot element do you transplant the element, recycle it and use it later, do you leave it as an unsolved mystery or does it vary from case to case? 01:05:04 Do you have any plans for the Shattered Teeth? 01:05:38 Why was Lorenzo Southen?

[@Idofphoenix]

You're a hero amongst the rabbble

[@thelandofnod2269]

well done

[@Tasarlin]

Thank you so much for this, bless you 🙏🏻

[@Justpastawesome]

Love the timestampers, respect.

[@oolongpepsi3552]

WOW! bless your soul for these wonderful time stamps

[@michaelayen2973]

OMG how did I never notice before. When Matt goes to 'seductive' he slips into 'Gilmore' as a persona. Shaun Gilmore is an important, beautiful part of Matt, and we are lucky to see him shine.

[@Shadowmib]

DM in the streets, Gilmore in the sheets.

[@TheShadow717]

This made me profoundly sad. Sad and proud. I can't get the scene Matt portrayed out of my head about Victor dying. He's downstairs, the door breaks in. He hears the necromancers and their undead lackeys break in, shuffling unwittingly into his shop. They couldn't have known what the black powder was that laced the room, or the barrels flanking the entrance. He hears them get farther in, crouched below with his remaining fingers hovering erratically over a handheld switch while glancing at the hand Percy made him, whispering "I learn from my mistakes". With a cackle and flipping the switch, our Victor gives those cultists what they deserve. Rest in peace, sweet prince. May the angels of ingenuity sing thee to thy rest.

[@Classicbutterscotch]

Tyler Teixeira This comment is a year old, but it perfectly worded my feelings about it. Victor was hilarious, by far one of my favorite NPCs right up there with Gilmore. The idea of him remembering Percy and the group (to the best of his ability), of going out in a fucking *blaze* of glory, fighting with the thing he dedicated his life to and laughing all the way? It’s both the best ending for him I could ever ask for and still one of the most heartbreaking. Give ‘em hell Victor, you glorious madman.

[@mowzrascal2350]

Spoilers yooo??!!!!

[@dull_demon4717]

@@mowzrascal2350 dont read comments if you dont want to see spoilers, especially with how old the vox machina series is

[@dieyng]

@@dull_demon4717 Lol. Some people, right? 3-year-old video, complains about spoilers in the comments.

[@dungeonlessdm6914]

see; i always thought he'd be crouched on top of a pile of barrels and crates, before the undead soldier burst through the door. He lets them climb the pile and cuts as many down as he can; jumping through the rafters and such of his little shop, as he seems like quite the spry fellow despite his age. He then lands behind the counter of his desk, and snaps the fingers of his metal hand; making a spark as he ignites the single flask of alchemists' fire that he got from Percy as a contingency after Victor gave his specific formula for potent black powder to Percy for safe keeping. I like him whispering "I learn from my mistakes." before igniting the flask; that was a really nice touch. He then springs up on top of the counter as he laughs like the mad genius he is as he holds the flaming alchemist fire molitov "YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE YOU MOTHER FUCKERS!!!!!" he shouts as he throws the flask at the massive pile of crates and barrells of black powder in the far corner; blowing up over 40 undead soldiers and their necromancer masters

[@alexforrester8090]

I didn’t realize that Orley was made by the community

[@Madlaph]

me neither

[@Marpaws]

Same

[@Kimismic]

I haven’t watched this until today. And when he said “Tortle” I thought... oh I wonder if this is Orley. I also had no idea Orley was a bard. Suddenly the bagpipes make more sense.

[@mrjuarez530]

Just found out today. I had a feeling it was my fav char from the campaign. I'd like to thank all the people who voted. Orley is amazing, his voice, his skills, his wisdom and bags all, truly amazing.

[@amethyst1226]

I didn’t either! I wish we’d gotten to see his bard skills in action more

[@MissFotini]

Matt looking Mighty Fein in that robe... I'm not sorry.

[@kawaiiuwusenpai2421]

That was amazing

[@croutoncrouton5227]

Fein is the German word for fine, or also elegant, so you managed two word plays at the same time

[@MrFlashpoint1978]

You should not be sorry for witty wordplay that is not base or crass. In fact, you win todays internet

[@theyprophet3752]

That was funny as hell

[@HeathcliffVaren]

... take my like :'3

[@spartan4451]

49:40 I introduced a character named Mirakas to my D&D group. He was an elven man they'd saved from a goblin attack. As soon as I said his name, they asked, "If I shake him, do beans fall out?" I FEEL YOUR PAIN MERCER

[@TheSolitaryGrape]

Okay that took me a second, the first time I said it I pronounced it "MIRA-kas" and was very confused. Then "mir-AH-kas OHHHHHHHHH" 💀

[@СветкаВолков]

"What I appreciate as a DM? Players who aren't too careful" **Insert chair**

[@ankokuraven]

"Hope i can do justice to this NPC" Little did he know... One of the best voices in the series.

[@adambirch6466]

Wow, MAtt's a prolific voice actor and world class DM and he grew up with a stutter... that's fantastic. Do what you love people.

[@Pedro-tl7jg]

I dont usually "love" people over the internet or you know just be a fan in general... But this guy is so genuine and talented... I'm a fan.

[@sil-chrisredd2099]

Matt: "it's Pumat Prime!" Me, having only seen C2 Ep2: "does... does this character have anime upgrades as the show progresses???"

[@kinamiya1]

hopefully you already reached the last episodes : )

[@elbruces]

Yes.

[@ruki4929]

I Feel like Terry Crews would make a great Paladin. "POWEEERRRR!" *Slices Orc in Half*

[@thezerowulf2046]

Ruan Coetzee he did an orcish blacksmith warrior.

[@lawrencemoesker7617]

Look up terry crews paladin in google images, you won't be disappointed.

[@ruki4929]

I know I won't - that's how I got the idea to begin with.

[@EnDSchultz1]

“PUMAT SPICE BODY WASH, SO POWERFUL IT MAKES AN ORC SMELL GOOD! WHAT, THAT’S RACIST? I DON’T CARE, YOU’RE DEAD! AAAAAH!” * levitates up out of frame, sword and body wash in hands *

[@sirderpington7704]

terry loves his blade! TERRY BLESS YOU WITH THE POWER OF HIS MUSCLES!!!!! he would sell you old spice too.

[@jacobstephens2845]

3 years later and the answer to The Shattered Teeth question became relevant. I freaking love how everything is so tied in and well worth the wait to find out. All the hints at Avalir are amazing.

[@Mach1048]

Terry Crews being on Critical Role, meeting with the Mighty Nein so he can say Nine-Nine! Yep, I'd watch the hell out of that.

[@GregPivo87]

Nein-Nein!

[@krenze1164]

@@GregPivo87 doch-doch!

[@meganlovejoy7189]

the second i heard "enchanted tatooist" my mind went "molly is gonna have a field day oh boy" and then reality hit me and i almost cried but picture this:: yasha, taking after her dear friend molly, gets a simplistic tattoo on her wrist. an outline of the familiar curved horns of the tiefling who brought life to everywhere he went, a memorial to the colorful vibrance that matched her monochrome, the demonic to her angelic, and the flamboyant to rival her softspokenness. A simple reminder of the lovely tiefling who left every place- and everyone- better than he found them.

[@dieyng]

Well, it was Beau who had a tattoo made to honour Molly with, but you sort of got your wish.

[@Calumba1904]

With the hair and the Cajun accent, why hasn’t Matt been cast as Gambit yet?

[@browniv4]

Calumba 1904 because didn’t they get Channing Tatum as gambit?

[@caileanm2009]

Maybe his agent hasn’t been able to introduce him to those at Marvel, or might be Matt isn’t interested in Live action work

[@benjaminfrost2780]

I agree that Matt would make a fantastic Gambit on the big screen though. Far better than Channing Tatum will considering Channing lacks the vocal ability to pull off a proper cajun creole style smooth accent.

[@ellamartell728]

because that movie is in purgatory

[@markdasaro9045]

Matthew Mercer would be a great Gambit.

[@andrewholaway4113]

"With this or my mouth?" Good people of the internet, I have my new favorite BWF quote.

[@thespacecowboy44]

Sometimes I question if I truly exist or if I'm just an Npc in Matt Mercer 's campaign

[@blurryface5926]

thespacecowboy44 what if we all are NPCs in gods campaign...

[@LRMRULES]

@@blurryface5926 then who are the main characters

[@paulrhodes6564]

thespacecowboy44 I’m here to confirm that you are indeed just an NPC in Matt Mercer’s campaign.

[@You-kd4qq]

Na, you're voice isn't good enough. I'm not serious.

[@hargrimza1310]

Seeing how strong the port is - "I'm gonna have to slow down on that" Immediately takes another sip

[@Rastislav000]

"We had a cleric that didn't like healing. That was unique." From my experience that's not unique at all. Clerics in my games always want to wreck some stuff... or people. Never heal. :D

[@argo5625]

Matt: "I love this, this is fun" That was cute And Brian interrupting the mighty DM was hilarious after watching the between the sheets. I love Brian.

[@aurinsaint9058]

Thank you for these Matthew. I appreciate all the work you have done and the inspiration you give. You are a true bard. Love you man!

[@selcouth86]

"Clean the finger, clean the finger!" "With this or my mouth?" XD

[@katiesharpe1624]

My meditative "happy place" when I need to de-stress is essentially this...cosy fire-side conversation with a hot guy in a fancy robe...

[@MrockDragon99]

Ahhh, nothing like the warmth of a TV fire...

[@ParadoxEngineer]

A blue TV fire...

[@irosencrantz882]

Mrock Dragon, Ha! I didn't even note that it was a television, because I have a tendency for looking at people's eyes when they are speaking. (And let's face it, Matt is dreamy. 😍🙃😜)

[@hcob76]

port is getting warm

[@falcychead8198]

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

[@Lukos0036]

I think the blood hunter could use some sustain by way of gaining health from drawing their enemies blood. That balances out the loss of hit points from other skills and makes them a little more vampiric and kind of "life force as a weapon" like. Also port is awesome.

[@Deathven1482]

Lukos0036 to home brewing we go!

[@Lukos0036]

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[@cronasilegionttrpg]

I actually have a class similar to The Blood Hunter that rather than spending initial hit points and hit point max, they spend hit dice making it so they can't recover during a long rest.

[@lafken2]

Tipsy Matt is even sweeter and more delightful than usual :')

[@liamoen6952]

Matt Mercer is too good for this world

[@jamesbaird128]

A one eyed, Cajun, tortle with a stutter. The Water Tortle.

[@cadecook8067]

Jester is gonna get a tramp stamp from the tortle bard

[@jamestrotman3238]

oh god😂

[@SouthernVagabond904]

~~OSKAR~~

[@hunterxsky3019]

I really hope that Yasha or Jester gets a tattoo of peacock feathers.

[@roticet]

To see this comment in the future. Lol

[@alexforrester8090]

Too bad they are like 3000 gold pieces

[@magnesiummonky7389]

I could listen to Matt talk forever, he has so many wonderful and wise things to say

[@mythstakes]

The Mcelroys guest-starring as three kobolds in a trench coat is still the dream

[@lieutenantofgames2637]

omg can you guys imagine at a con where all the cast cosplays their characters and there's certain little like....cubicles???? and you can go and "meet" both the cast member and character!!! that would be soooo dope! i would totally go to that con just to meet the whole cast/characters haha

[@NerdyAngel1989]

Lieutenant Ofgames as long as at some point Matt as Gilmore shows up I am with you lol.

[@grymhild]

what if they all cosplayed each OTHERS characters? :)

[@MiniHicks]

Travis as Yasha, the only one with the muscles for it :P

[@deffdefying4803]

+Ross Hickin No no no, you don't get it. Travis as Nott.

[@rtdrtd123321]

Lieutenant Ofgames I hope they dress up as their characters for haloweeen

[@delta8405]

loved Ashley as Keg, I hope she will be back😄

[@aurinsaint9058]

Preferred her as Piglett the goblin barbarian. But keg was good.

[@OneEyedJack01]

Just give us more Ashly, period.

[@robpaul7544]

Yes.. just yes

[@IronBear88]

Ashly is a great person but I'd toss Keg out the window.

[@mattmark94]

Keg was Ashley's worst character imho

[@Raintalon89]

Love how Jester is an offensive cleric and Cadeuces (sp?) is more of a buff/health-restoring cleric. :D

[@Feelosopher__]

GypsyTimeLady89 Grave clerics have a surprising balance between offense and support. I'm playing one and can basically turn him into a mini tank, buff my fellow players, or just deal a decent chunk of damage. It's a lot of fun to alter play style to whatever situation the party is in.

[@MrZindo5]

I am just so glad Jester is back! she is my everything and I just love her energy!

[@HeapOfBones]

I think that fits their personalities pretty adequately as well. Jester has seemed to be a bit reluctant healer, while Caduceus seems more willing. :D

[@MrZindo5]

HeapOfBones I mean Jester is a Tiefling after all 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@deffdefying4803]

Why did my brain immediately jump to "lmao she heals people by offending them" like no

[@Emmmmmms]

Shikaste works for the Darington brigade. Shikaste works for the darington brigade! SHIKASTE WORKS FOR THE DARINGTON BRIGADE

[@browniv4]

Alex Emms you som of a bitch.,,,

[@indianchicklol]

if you're gonna repeat something you should probably at least spell it right

[@phaerlax]

it's (sadly) more likely that he works with the Golden Grin

[@darklorddysart]

Is this true?

[@TheBloodypimp]

Raphael Ferreroni the what now?

[@groofay]

I saw most of this live, I'm just clicking in to see if he did the "Oh. Hi. I didn't see you there" again. I was quite satisfied.

[@viktorayy]

Another Fireside Chat? Do I have to brace myself just in case I cry again?

[@Eaglefield_]

I'm about to start myself. I'm gonna brace just in case.

[@girlishgamer1]

I saw it live, you don't.

[@manriquemata1650]

What? I cried for Victor!

[@azer8308]

who?

[@crazymonkey982]

What is the bet that Beau will get some kind of Molly-centric tattoo?

[@silverackerman394]

If molly had a peacock tattoo that matched his personality...Beau should get that owl tattooed on her neck and torso

[@smout844]

wow u were right

[@shywoofer1620]

You called it! Gem infused Molly tattoo!

[@CompassRoseCreates]

With a little something extra now...

[@TheOliv1991]

40:33

[@treeaboo]

These are wonderful, would be amazing to have more of these in the future, whether with Matt or other cast members, thanks for this :)

[@Argetlam3002]

I can't believe this took me so long to find. Hearing from experienced Dungeon Masters is something that really helps me stay inspired to create/run my own games. Thanks for throwing this out there and engaging with the community! You guys at CR are the best!

[@clenister7519]

Matthew is such an incredible human being, I love him!

[@DragonaxFilms]

So uh I didn't realize how recently this was uploaded and um _oof those are some spoilers right there that's what those are_

[@StippenWulf]

You grew up a stutterer?? Mathew Mercer if that isn't inspirational for people with a stutter I don't know what is!

[@tylerschoen5643]

Please watch his Between The Pages

[@mineola_]

Matt strongly calls to my nurturing instincts. Whenever I see him sharing something private about himself and being vulnerable I just wanna hug him. Such a brave boy. Look how far you've come.

[@airdash_armadillo5072]

Thank you Matthew for being an inspiration. I just started my own d&d campaign with my friends too and being a dm is fun :D

[@LafunkSamZ]

I want Will Friedle and Mary in Campaign 2 as guest with new characters please

[@scj2232]

Agreed!

[@blackstag9366]

Will Friedle needs to be placed in an episode thick with strategem or combat. That's where the man truly shines, his tactical plays are supposed to be stunning apparently.

[@GlitterxJunkiexo]

Mary should totally be The Ruby of the Sea!

[@Kasino80]

Yeah they definitely need to come back.

[@theanyktos]

@@GlitterxJunkiexo OH GODS, YES!! I didn't know I needed to see that until just now, but now I waaaaaaaaant iiiiiiitttt!!!

[@KaldwinUnderscore]

I love the bit about Lycan Blood Hunters! I'm currently playing a Lycan Blood Hunter named Jayri, she's a Fallen Aasimar who woke up with Amnesia after taking the Hunter's Bane, she has no idea who she was before, what led her to the Blood Hunters, or why she fell, and she's trying to get her grace back, because she doesn't want to be evil, she doesn't want to be a bad person. She is currently separated from her order, having been brought across a violent sea that is impossible to cross, so I have that nice mix of her in control of her Lycan form, but also we have this storyline that Lycan blood hunters who stray from the pack begin to become "primed" to become an Alpha, so Jayri is becoming more aggressive, more irritable, more volatile, and it terrifies her. Also that line about maybe they're just occasionally a dog that likes to be pet, one little flavor thing I have for Jayri is that the more levels she takes in Lycan Blood Hunter, the more traits of her hybrid form she gets in her Aasimar form. She's level 11 right now, so her canines are growing, she's been known to growl when she's angry, she's fiercely protective of her friends and her girlfriend, and she's also been known to chase balls (even when Valencia acts like she's throwing a ball but just holds it behind her back >:( But that's only happened now 4 times...... maybe 5....)

[@BuitreMaster]

I find this so enjoyable, some chill talk at the fire with the great Matthew Mercer, the elder scrolls soundtrack in the back. Oh man if i could just ask for more time to be up to date for Critical Role. Los amo, cheers from México.

[@TheJerbol]

I forgot that the enchanted tattoist was a part of the chat vote! I wonder if there were other - as equally impactful - occupations that he could've been

[@sithyq3480]

Im just so proud of this group for evolving Critical Role into what it is now. It takes a lot of know how and organization to build such a brand.

[@kemvaros5031]

Thats a nat20 in a Seduction check.

[@allthestuffwelove]

You are all GENIUS! I cant wait for the new Crit Role experience!!!

[@runemaster4511]

Anyone else kinda want a Matt Mercer ASMR now or is it just me?

[@ScoffMathews]

Fund it!!!1!

[@iDivinity117]

This is the kind of content I wish Matt did more of!

[@GaretheDen]

Not gonna lie...I wanted to see Brian go to town on Matt's finger.

[@MothmanGaming]

I am really wondering of 1 question, is Calianna a descendant of Umbrasyl/Umbrasyl's Heritage

[@TheDragonQueensLair]

Critical Role got my husband into D&D and I was SO happy that it's now something we share together.

[@Plokia66]

I think Matt might be the most endearing person I've ever come across.

[@KreativAce]

God not even 10 seconds in and already Matthew slays me.

[@greenfrogonspeed8169]

Matthew Mercer ASMR... Never knew that was something I'd want/need in my live. Just that silky, smooth Voice. But I guess that is to be expected from such a wonderful VA and DM

[@jelleluyten5017]

He looks like a g'damn BBEG awaiting the party I fully expect him to Eldritch Blast the camera

[@adamantiumpandas701]

I found Critical Role (and D&D in general) last June, I started watching this video but stopped because of spoilers and because Matt recommended I watch it later on VOD. 3 months later, I'm finally back and I can actually listen to this fireside chat in its entirety, thanks for the warning, guy!!

[@BiggySn1p3r]

Matt should get some pointers from Jim Cummings (Ray - Princess and the frog) on that Cajun accent.

[@Klespyrian]

As a relatively new DM, Matt's pure enthusiasm and positive attitude really helps keep my mindset in check when things get stressful.

[@huntahman80]

"20% abv. Oh im gonna slow down on that." "No I'm not... Happy Tuesday!"

[@zelbarnap]

just saw this AFTER hearing the NPC in season 2. wow. just wow! so awesome!

[@KeiKei-Beans]

[Spoilers?] I fairly recently watched the episode where the party met Orley and OH MY GOD I DIDN'T REALIZE HE WAS CROWDSOURCED CAUSE I WASNT HERE FOR THE POLLS

[@psychotech3927]

This has come such a long way.. can't wait to see how much further and longer it will continue.. so glad.

[@HappyBrontosaurus]

Oh man, watching this now, I had no idea Orley was community-built! :D

[@cloud97402]

oh Matt. When you started talking about WoW - "fking owned people outside of Ironforge! just saying" You sir - are an amazing human being. Thank you for sharing yourself with the world.

[@ZttackFrmBhind]

My character watched her mother and her entire tribe burn to death, I also gave her a Will Save (Pathfinder) to not revert back to that terrified little girl when she sees people burn to death.

[@aydensauvageau9393]

Cool idea but what was the last character who did not have an edgy backstory

[@ZttackFrmBhind]

My first character, I made, actually had a really nice backstory :) He was a Half-Elf Rogue who grew up in the forest with his Mother (Elf), Father (Human) and twin sister. His Mother loved the beauty of the forest and his father was a highly skilled Bowyer. As he grew up he took to the shadows and mystery of the forest while his sister took to the plants and animals of the forest. She ended up being a Ranger. It was really funny when a year later Crit Role started to come out and Vex and Vax were Half-Elf twins a Rogue and a Ranger.

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Lol - I just stumbled across this video and found out about the crowd-sourced NPC Tortle (I won't give any details for those people who haven't yet made it that far in the series). That was a great idea and I think it ended up working out really well for the campaign in terms of the characters bonding with this special NPC. Great video as always - I just now caught up with the series after starting with episode 1 about a month ago. For health reasons I've had a bit of down time (yeah, so actually a lot of time, given I've watched every episode in that time period ;-) ) and so the series has provided a great source of escape and distraction. I've been a role-player since I was a little kid (8-9ish) and now, pushing 40, I don't get to play much but still get enthralled by watching/listening to others play. Just came upon Critical Role about a month ago and checking out the various series and shows has been a great process of discovery (absolutely loved the CoC one shot run by Talesin - hope you guys can maybe do another some time). Haven't yet checked out Vox Machina, but depending on how things progress I may start my way through that campaign as well - but definitely excited to see where the Might Nein's adventure takes them. Again, excellent content all around and thanks for the great stories - look forward to continue exploring the "back-catalog" and for new stories to come. Thanks, Matt (me).

[@Aloemancer]

The prospect of having one of the McElroy brothers on as a guest has me nearly convulsing with joy

[@JC-ln6on]

Jeeeesus Christ what an NPC we created... Second time I’m watching this and that progression is still one of my favorite parts.

[@Ragestatus]

So we're getting Bobby Boucher from The Waterboy as an NPC?

[@MrTheMighty]

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha! Oh man, I don't know if that was supposed to make folks not want the character to be that way or not, but it only makes me want it to happen more.

[@Evija3000]

Oh, Victor... loved that info. I remember thinking Matt gave a lot of details on the battle below and wondered if there's some aditional meaning to it.

[@tobyembling6107]

Matts glass was on fire the hole time guess that’s just how “lit” he is

[@knehren]

Matthew's just so humble, it's inspiring. He seems never to get used to the kind of success the show is having, and he never take anything for granted. Amazing.

[@x7ogforever]

Wow, coming back to this to see my favorite npc Orly being born *.*

[@limors]

Got to this pretty late, but I'm glad I finally had a chance to watch it. Really interesting stuff, especially as someone who's only knowledge of D&D is from watching CR and a few other very basic things.

[@bradwiepert6511]

Is it weird that Matt’s voice is like ASMR for me?

[@brenen7412]

Brad Wiepert no.

[@TheUnborne]

dont even need the voice, just watching him drink port infront of a warm TV fire is enough

[@aenorist2431]

I mean, he has a good voice and listening to someone who talks as a job talking is nice. No need for vodoo :D

[@meganthehero2383]

You’re not wrong. His voice is beautiful.

[@Eunostos]

It's not weird to find a professionally trained voice pleasant, but it ~is~ weird to be melodramatic and pseudosciencey about it. EDIT: Or at least it would be if you weren't expanding on a joke he made himself, making me the 'comments before watching' jackass for which leaving the OP unedited is my penance.

[@TiliaCordata]

Thanks Matt, now any time Victor comes up, I'm going to bawl my eyes out instead of laughing. The finale of the last campaign was heartbreaking enough as it was. Sheesh. (PS I mean it, but I also understand - kinda - and I love you Matt! But seriously, whyyyy??)

[@cleptronoceras]

This is the Merriam-Webster definition of euphoria

[@symphony_in_plaid4592]

bro accents are my JAM. I love hearing someone whose work I'm already super into talk about accents and dialects like this. 😍

[@reallunacy]

If you can ever swing Terry Crews on Critical Roll I would absolutely love it. If money is the issue I would totally contribute some for it to happen.

[@pablomerar-l9f]

Matt you are one of my favorite people, keep being you please.

[@oldnotweak]

53:00 lol only mercer would think "who built this and why" in minecraft XD

[@TheAbbyNormal]

"what is your craziest dream for critical role" Me, watching after season 2 of the animated series aired, with M9 animated, several books, and a whole bunch more happening: 🥺

[@greeneyesgirl467]

"it's going so fast!" lol oh he picked up a Marisha voice quirk 😂

[@Dumballa]

Thanks so much for doing this Matt ~ you were really great at it. Luv you Sam 😜

[@Prudenthermit]

can we please just have an hour of brian serving matt lol

[@greentop1239]

Ah damn Matt, I admire you a great deal. Sometimes, I cannot comprehend how you are such a pleasant person all of the time. Not only that, but I can't believe your ability and knack for world building. Truly inspiring.

[@JRTIntervencion]

I'm really into Brian's humour. It's my style :D

[@mrlucius57]

"keep putting Good and Light out there". Bless you, Matt.

[@corbyrobinson3640]

I tried to find, and vote for the NPC stuff, as well as find the scheduling for this fireside conversation hoping to see it live, but I couldn't find either of those. :(

[@a.o.9594]

Same here but I am looking forward to what is to be. I’m not on social media so perhaps that is why I couldn’t find.

[@LeWebslinger]

I don't comment often on KZbin but you all deserve as much resonance as possible. I love your work (and your play). Best wishes :)

[@welchj2]

So we are going to have a Tortle version of Foghorn Leghorn? YES!!!!

[@nickwilliams8302]

Great advice for creating a recurring villain from @10:25. Yeah, don't keep having an NPC fight the party unless you're cool with them dying. You can get away with it once. The second time around, you're going to either have a dead villain or a TPK. Players _hate_ it when villains get away. Have the villain at one or more removes. First have them be just a rumor, a name. When the PCs first interact directly with the villain, it should be on the other side of a magical communication device or something. So the villain can taunt the PCs and order minions to slay them, without you risking an early kill.