The Legend of Vox Machina 2x2 | The Trials of Vasselhiem

[@grifftastic2745]

Percy may be animated, but Talesin is QUITE real. All hail our ancient overlord!

[@OptionZero]

Long may he reign

[@30noir]

Also Taliesin is totally a fantasy name anyway.

[@thewheezingdead]

@@30noir It's a welsh name.

[@Ozgarthefighter]

@@thewheezingdead and Wales is clearly a fantastical place.

[@twiggyb101]

How could it not be a fantasy name? Wales official animal is a dragon. Amazing! 😂

[@allmyhomieshatefreud5501]

The thing about Grog saying his strength comes from his heart is, he was trying to solve a riddle with a clever answer instead of being honest, as evidenced by his little smirk after he said it. It was only after he admitted he had no idea that he passed Groon's trial

[@theanyktos]

i don't think he passed it. yet at least.

[@btgardener39]

@@theanyktos Well, the Storm Lord **is** always testing the strength of those who would devote themselves to his cause.

[@theincrediblefella7984]

And that's what i mean when i say that the show ruins shit for "comedy" reasons. That was one of the few moments that Grog appealed to me in the stream, and the writers made it a "funny" for "comedy" reasons. What a fucking disgrace.

[@cojec]

​@@theincrediblefella7984 I don't think that it was necessarily for comedy. Grog knew that it was a trick question, and that the answer wasn't supposed to be "my arms" or "my muscles". He guessed that he was supposed to say "my heart", just because that's the kind of thing that a lot of people would have expected. That kind of lesson comes up a lot in media, even if it doesn't make sense, so I was half-expecting him to be correct. It wasn't the correct answer, but it was a valid guess as to what he was supposed to say. And bringing up that answer just to shoot it down immediately is a good way to subvert expectations.

[@theincrediblefella7984]

@@cojec it's bad writing. All they had to do was copy the stream. His strength coming from his friends was already subverting expectations because of his "who cares" kind of attitude, and that showed his love for them and what they meant to him. Him saying "i don't know" is lazy and is played as a joke.

[@matthewsteinmetz729]

Most people laugh but some recognize how truly devastating it is for Scanlan to hear no one cares about him, everybody else is hearing their biggest insecurity, why wouldn't he?

[@StealthMarmot_]

Also I imagine one of Sam Riegel's biggest fears.

[@lazydk2654]

Yeah. That one really hits hard.

[@lovethepandainyou]

Well, no one cares about him or his mother's name :P

[@testfire3000]

The Sphinx pulled no punches. Her retort to Scanlan was so much more brutal than simply pointing out his weaknesses. I fear this will have consequences.

[@bouboulroz]

Most laugh because of Scanlan's "damn !" being clearly intended as a joke. Incidentally, that joke is also a prime example of how Scanlan hides his feelings behind humor.

[@mollymawkery]

Bidet! You're not alone, it's been years and the fandom still loves this joke. It's so dumb and we will never let it die.

[@riolkin]

True. Travis is a well of meme material for this community. Beep beep.

[@Erikfran]

Bidet! I believe they said that the trouble with animating Trinket isn't the cost but animators find it is difficult animating some animal's movements so they look natural. They said it is very easy for people to notice something off in the way they move also why you seldom see horses in motion in most animated shows.

[@shanajeangedeon9060]

You're the first reactor to realize how deeply Scanlan's call-out would hurt🥲

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I felt it it cut so deep 😭

[@adela76]

I actually felt how harsh those 4 words were. It was by far the most hurtful one out of the 6.

[@Logan_Baron]

"Bidet" is the proper Critter greeting.

[@8bitcpu]

"I thought Zahra was snail!" had me lmao.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

😂

[@Zerashadow]

I mean i remember Zhara but still thought "why are they showing a snail" when they said her name xD

[@LauchlinM.]

So for context on a certain fan favourite character; Victor the Black Powder Merchant is one of Matt's zaniest characters and so bloody hilarious, while also playing a minor warning of sorts.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I want more of Victor!

[@LauchlinM.]

@@funnylilgalreacts We all do.

[@crimsoneclipse0618]

Best part of Victor that sadly doesn't translate well in thw series is just the out of nowhere voice Matt used for him. Thw unexpectedness of it added so much to his introduction, that Matt was able to bring that voice up out of nowhere is the best part of his introduction.

[@Logan_Baron]

@@funnylilgalreacts I was glad to see Victor, but the episode did not do him justice for how absolutely incredible he was at the table. This was maybe 1% of how incredibly entertaining he was.

[@d.k.t.3380]

@@funnylilgalreacts HIGHLY recommend watching Victor's first appearance at the table in game. The table paused the game for a moment just to give Matt a round of applause at the end of the scene: it was like that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm2ZKage9V8f80

[@Logan_Baron]

Talking about the city of holy people being stuffy, that's what makes Pike so great. She's a Cleric, a Holy person, completely devote, but she breaks the mold from how that would usually be portrayed.

[@BlunderMunchkin]

Wasn't Vex the one who said Vasselheim was stuffy? Pike was eager to see it.

[@Logan_Baron]

@@BlunderMunchkin I didn't say anything about what Pike or Vex said, not Pikes opinions. I refered to a topic brought up in the video and referred to the way Pike is played, not being typical of the standard holy person.

[@TheJerbol]

@@Logan_Baron the way you worded it gives that impression but rereading it I see what you meant

[@cryofpaine]

And it only took her 9 episodes to get to that point. 😁

[@Liesmith424]

I *think* the reason Percy didn't mention Ripley to Vex at the end is that he's no longer consumed by vengeance: he knows that their current mission of defeating the Chroma Conclave is of vital importance, and doesn't want to distract everyone from that goal. That's my take, at least. I don't think he's trying to keep secrets; I think he's trying to let go.

[@Stefan-xt5sk]

According to the sphinx, he's also begging to be trusted again after his possession. Reopening old wounds might cause doubts about his motives. Not wanting to present opportunities for anyone doubting him is definitely another motivation.

[@caffeinedelusions]

Also, notice that all it takes is Vex calling him 'Percy dear' for him to go from 100% anxious and worried to calm happy smiling.

[@Simpelicity]

Osysa was not telling them the truth, she was attacking their insecurities. Vox Machina at the very least clearly cares about Scanlan, what she said to him is patently wrong, but that's still what Scanlan's weakness is and she struck at it.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

She knew how to hurt him

[@Ozgarthefighter]

@@funnylilgalreacts And Osysa's comment about Keyleth's Aramente is both cryptic and concerning.

[@theincrediblefella7984]

@@funnylilgalreacts and this comes entirely out of left field, because not once is this done in the streams. It's manufactured for the sake of "drama" and it's absolutely ridiculous. The more i hear about this show, the more i want to avoid it like the plague.

[@JTKenyon654]

@@theincrediblefella7984 ……Let people enjoy things man. Do they have hundreds of hours to recreate the streams word for word but in animated form? No! They take the best parts of the arcs that everyone loves and has been waiting to see in animated form, they add in some extra flavor and trim the fat, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I love the original streams AND this show. If you don’t like it that much, then go back and rewatch the original streams. But don’t come in and spew negativity on someones video who’s clearly enjoying this story for the first time (and yes, you are spewing negativity, this is like 3rd or 4th negative comment on just this video alone 😑)

[@ForeverDegenerate]

@@JTKenyon654 Not just here either. I've seen this guy all over different reactor videos. Like he sounds like he abject hates this show, but spends all his time watching every reactor react to it.

[@richardbrown3055]

So happy to see this video arrive, I really enjoy your reactions. One of my favourite parts about this episode was how after last episodes dismissive remark about “Monk’s fighting”….Grog meets Earthbreaker Groon.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

He was something. If that’s a monk, I want to see a nun.

[@ForeverDegenerate]

@@funnylilgalreacts You want to see a nun? I believe you know Pike Trickfoot, Nun of The Everlight. And no I'm not joking. Female Clerics are, basically, the nuns of D&D.

[@caffeinedelusions]

@@funnylilgalreacts D&D Monks are inspired less by Brother Cadfael and more by Shaolin monks. They are loaded with ALL of the Kung Fu.

[@xilliaz]

The weird thing is how much better Matt acts out Victor than animation can.

[@petelannen3077]

Zahra and Kashaw are played by the same people that played them in the campaign.

[@09spidy]

Fun fact: "Bidet" has become the official greeting for the Critical Role community.

[@Antenox]

As is “beep beep,” but she hasn’t gotten to that part yet 😂

[@queenannsrevenge100]

And “Hello, Bees” but that one is a VERY long way away 😃

[@vanessaaves3271]

I actually was wondering why people say Bidet when I watch C3! Lol but too shy to ask

[@theincrediblefella7984]

how are they anywhere near that in *season 2*? The pacing of this show is atrocious.

[@cojec]

​@@theincrediblefella7984 Okay, why do you keep leaving comments about how much you hate this show? It's fine if you don't like it, but don't try to ruin it for everyone else. And if you want a genuine answer, they couldn't put everything from the actual campaigns into the show. Part of it was because of copywrite issues, part of it is just because they don't have 300 hours of screen time to cover everything. Of course they'd try to take all of the best parts that fans are looking forward to seeing and putting them together.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

5:28 - there’s the Matt Mercer sighting for this episode 👍 Also, Victor the Black Powder Merchant was one of the favorite NPCs of the Critters from the Vox Machina Campaign (of course Gilmore was first) I think Osysa was tapping into each of VoxMachina’s fears - Scanlan’s fear I believe is being forgotten. If anything, his actions SCREAM for notability.

[@Chaosm03]

If a random guard is going to hassel the party, Matt Mercer will be there.

[@_vinterthorn]

Not to forget that Matt cosplayed Victor in one of the Halloween episodes... and the LOVM character looks spot on. ;)

[@SCUBAguypnw]

You are the only reactor, and I have watched quite a few of them, to immediately remember Ripley. It is actually quite impressive. You catch pretty much everything in every show I have watched you react to. Speaking of Renfairs, I met Hulk Hogan at a Renfair in Florida.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

"Met Hulk Hogan at a Renfair in Florida".... not the sentence I ever expected to see.

[@SCUBAguypnw]

@@funnylilgalreacts Certainly didn't expect to see him there. Think he was with a Make a Wish kid but I wasn't going to disturb them to ask.

[@wtimmins]

It should be noted that D&D monks are like eastern monks, not western monks. As a character class, they can basically fight without weapons or armor; their skin is armor, their hands and feet are weapons. And they gain all sorts of fancy abilities. So when Scanlon dismissed monks and nuns fighting... monks are actually really capable warriors in D&D.

[@binder38us]

As Taryon Darrington once dictated: " Monks are over powered as shit.."

[@JWK1101]

Well, I mean there are also European warrior-monks in D&D - that's what paladins are.

[@alexgerrity5238]

They are truly a formidable class. I mean just the other day our monk beat a chimera by himself while the rest of us were stuck in the other room.

[@ChevaliersEmeraude]

@@alexgerrity5238 Depends on the level though, although that's the case for all classes. Doesn't the Open Hand subclass have this ability that, if it lands, it insta-kills most enemies?

[@wtimmins]

@@JWK1101 Or possibly just clerics. Although D&D religion is a bit... weird compared to most real world religions.

[@MehrGills]

For any critters out there, there was a cameo by (likely) an older sibling or mother Clay going on their family's journey for the wildmother. Almost certainly not Cad, but definitely family

[@AAAndrew]

Oh, I have to go back and look for that little easter egg. Thanks!

[@phoenixdzk]

Sumalee! Yeah I was like 'oh they gender-swapped the Highbearer? Wait it's her!

[@piggybubbles775]

Bidet! Episode two already, yay! 17:12 It's pronounced OH-see-sah 18:49 The music build up in the "it comes from my heart" bit and then the fake out. That was great.

[@AmethystEnd]

I saw your channel recommended on the Critical Role subreddit, and I binged all of your Vox Machina reactions and your Stranger Things reactions today. You're awesome.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

OMG Thank you!!!

[@phoenixdzk]

Mary McGlynn (Zahra) and Will Friedel (Kashaw) guest starred with Vox Machina in the stream just before the Briarwood arc began. The group had to split up and take two contracts with the Slayer's Take. One team took down Rimefang, an adult white dragon, where Zahra got the killshot, and the other went after a tiger-faced devil from Dispater's domain named Hotis. Vax got the kill, and he showed up in Season 1's campfire story

[@mkohlhorst]

I was so looking forward to meeting Victor this season! Matt Mercer was so good with Victor the players literally gave him a standing ovation at the table. If anything Victor has been dialed down from the game. He also cos played the character during a Halloween game.

[@dehro]

Bidet is pretty much how critters say hi now... Viktor the black powder supplier was an absolute favourite NPC (non player character).. voiced and mostly improvised by Matt Mercer... who even did a session dressed like him around halloween. Matt Mercer (and Travis Willingham too) is an absolute genius when it comes to play crotchety old men... he's hilarious.

[@happyslapsgiving5421]

Vex'ahlia has the best "darling" since Lum.

[@billberndtson]

11:09 Ike saying this line (straight from the livestream) gives me chills.

[@Kasino80]

It's incredible that Percy has that effect on people. It was like that in the campaign as well. So many crushes went his way.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Us girls love a broken bird in need of care.

[@Luzarioth]

The thing with Vasselheim... There have already been 2 times in History, where the entire world was burning and Vasselheim stood to be the last survival of Zivilication. Surviving the Apocalypse by not getting involved already worked twice for them, why would they change that ?

[@TheKrstff]

One thing that came up more in the campaign and books is that Vasselhiem is the first city. When the gods tamed the primordial chaos, they created Vasselhiem for their followers. When the Calamity struck and laid waste to the whole world, Vasselhiem is the city that survived and was the place were civilization emerged. Vasselhiem has to survive. It cannot risk weakening its defenses.

[@Brobba7]

Bidet! So glad this reaction is up already, discovered your reaction to the first season and then binged your Expanse reactions. Love how invested you are with our Vox Machina crew!

[@cryptc]

Their water obviously gets Amazon Prime

[@TheRubberDuck77]

Fun Fact: Kash played by Will Friedle (Eric from Boy Meets World, and the voice of Ron on Kim Possible among a bunch of others) and Zahra played by Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, who is also the voice director for the show. Anyways, they were actual guests on the stream and voiced by the same person that played them in the stream. It's awesome seeing them in the show =) I also soooooo hope they have Wil Wheaton's character from the stream, it looks like they skipped over the episodes he was in tho. But I hope they have his character in somewhere else and showcase Wil's dice curse lol, so look out for a dwarven fighter named Thorbir Falbek from his Critical Role Wiki "Wil is known for having very bad dice rolls, most often rolling natural ones and single digit numbers. He refers to this as the "Wheaton Dice Curse". Of the 54 rolls he performed during his guest appearance, 10 were natural ones. A "fair" dice should have rolled an average of 2.7 natural ones in that scenario" Yes, Wil Wheaton breaks math.

[@johnwoodworth9127]

I saw a post on reddit I think from a mathematician who ran the numbers for all the die rolls for Will on the various CR streams, and he determined using fairly advanced math that Will in fact has been cursed by some dark entity from beyond known reality.

[@billbishop6109]

There is a great video out there called "The Wil Wheaton dice curse" that includes his CR visits and a session of a futuristic RPG that uses low rolls on the d20 to determine success. In that game Wil rolled many nat 20s and lots of 17+ as well, proving the curse is real.

[@TheRubberDuck77]

@@billbishop6109 Yep, I saw that video too, that sci-fi ttrpg is ironically called Paranoia lol. And Wil also did a yt show for awhile playing various board games.... it's not just in rpgs.... the best tho was when rolling an insight check he got a nat 20. He was like I want to know is social number, his address, his phone number.... lol

[@C3POwnage]

Bidet!

[@Heavensrun]

Bidet to you as well!

[@darrenl3289]

The first campaign was flawless for how the personal back stories of characters were woven into the main plot. Grog and the sword and also learning from Groon. Vax getting hints of his story arc beginning. Scanlan has his story going the entire time... IF you are paying attention. Percy completed a major chapter and slips back a bit to let them shine, but we are still reminded Ripley is out there and his story isn't done. The whole running gag of "bidet" was directly from the campaign. Travis Willingham brilliantly came up with it and it became a thing for the whole table lol Highly recommend you find the clips of the original game when they meet the black powder merchant. He is one of the funniest NPC's that Matt Mercer did.

[@carpediem3991]

victor the gun powder salesman was one of my favourite characters. When Matt broke out that voice I was dying...

[@testfire3000]

"Is he being led there by the sword, or is he just dumb wandering around"? I choose door #2. Great episode that ended (literally) with a bang! Introducing Victor! A character even voiced by Matt Mercer in this series. Another huge fan favorite like Gilmore (but for totally different reasons obviously). If you get a chance to watch the first appearance of Victor in the live campaign, you will laugh your ass off. Oh, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm2ZKage9V8f80 Spoiler free! You won't see anything that you haven't gathered from this episode. (edit to add: That clip is only 5 1/2 minutes long)

[@charlie53echo]

If no one has introduced you to "The Crap Guide to D&D" you should check it out. He (JoCat) does a bunch of videos that are a riot to watch where he breaks down the classes, among other things. You should be ready to pause it constantly to read the text that flashes past (Xander gets it, lol). Love the Sphynx in this episode. When she calls out Scanlon, she's exposing his self-doubt. Same as she does for everyone. Can't wait for episode 3!

[@johnw8578]

I love the Holly RenFest!!! Michigander here

[@grimm516]

Victor...... VICTOR hahaha 😆 😂

[@LeeCarlson]

I love the introduction of a combat wheelchair to the world of Tal'Dorei.

[@testfire3000]

That was awesome! I am a couple years behind in Critical Role, but when Matt introduced a wheelchair user who was a serious badass, I loved it!

[@TheParagade]

Shout out to mustangsart, who's planning on converting the Combat Wheelchair rules to Pathfinder

[@LeeCarlson]

@@TheParagade, I have the PDF of the rules set for 5E and am pleased to see that the folks at Hero Forge have finally added that option for character minis.

[@brutalchicken]

So that's why you loved Groon! Victor's still my favourite here, the DM from the livestream voices him and it's what I've been waiting for since S1

[@kennethnelson2760]

Why Trinket is always made to stay outside? A big brown bear in plate armor, even if 'under control', is not something a guard will chance having in their city. What if it loses control? Nope. Not chancing it.

[@tlaragihai5953]

>Is he being led there by the sword? I think, this is a full equivalent of the situation in dnd when the game master tells you "you see X" (building, person, accident) for you to try to investigate more, because there`s no way you yourself could think about searching this :DD Vasselheim looks great, with various temples and different aesthetic of the different gods. Amazing. I also would want to be in Wildmother`s temple Groon is everything. I hope Victor is okay. He should be okay.

[@corybishop3084]

I know it feels heartless for Vasselheim to deny them, but it helps to know some of the city’s history. It was the first city built in Exandria, and was the only city in the world to survive The Calamity, the cataclysmic war where the gods trod upon the world and battled each other, causing death and destruction everywhere. When the war had ended and Vasselheim still stood, its people were the seed that repopulated and rebuilt the rest of the world. To Vasselheim, so long as they survive, it doesn’t matter what calamity befalls the rest of the world, humanity can always start again.

[@tegnebjarne4209]

Not a spoiler, but a little history that explains Vasselheim: During the Calamity, when betrayer gods was unleashed upon the material plane, one of their targets was Vasselheim , the birthplace of civilization. In that horrible war where gods and mortals fought nearly half the world was obliterated, but Vasselheim withstood the chaos. So, you can easily imagine how that fact would make Vasselheim very arrogant. "Our walls repelled evil gods, why should we worry about a few dragons?"

[@alftuvik3820]

Yeah, it's the oldest city in the entire world, they have always avoided danger when possible and what danger made its way to them never breached it's walls, so while it's frustrating and annoying... It makes sense from their point of view to not help.

[@PristineTX]

It’s funny you mentioned RenFaire, because the cast of Critical Role (especially Taliesin) were well-known in the LA-area RenFaire scene before Critical Role was even a thing. There are lots of pictures out there on the web of them at events, sometimes with the late Grant Imahara (from TV’s “Mythbusters” fame) and his partner, Jennifer Newman. Also, the voice director for this series, and the actress that played Zahra (Mary Elizabeth McGlynn) can be seen attending events in costume too.

[@jebus7679]

The reason Trinket always has to wait outside is because he's an armored bear. If a town or a city has gone through the trouble of guarding their gates, there's no way they are going to just let a bear walk in let alone an armored one. Having season the later campaigns, I definitely have a fondness for the Wild Mother. So I too would be hanging around by the tree.

[@MoteMayhaps]

The "factions" are the religious focuses- you could call them the churches, the cults, or keep with factions. So, in this world, deities exist and everyone knows that, but you don't have to follow them. Some people pray to the nature deity for harvests and the death deity at a funeral, others dedicate themselves to one deity (like Pike!). I like how the Wildmother (tree faction) is represented, but the deity Osysa and her mate serve, the Knowing Mistress, is also cool!

[@Antenox]

And now you know why Critters say “Bidet” 😝

[@michaelenslein5758]

Love how everyone calls out the rancor pit!

[@jesperstrid4316]

VIKTOR! Oh, I am so happy!

[@micahhill7503]

Grog is just like wrecker! Also, I love your sweater!

[@catindigo9907]

When I need a wheelchair, I want one like that...

[@amazingfool1653]

5:17 I never actually watched original DnD game session or whatever this series is based on, but I assume that at that moment Percy failed his charisma check 😂

[@yiklongtay6029]

I dint recall any time Percy's title ever worked in his favor

[@NilCaelum]

@@yiklongtay6029 one word. “Lady”

[@grimm516]

Don't worry about trinket, somthing from stream will hopefully be coming in soon 😉😉

[@OptionZero]

So, early in the planning stages of the show, the plot for the first two episodes would be that the party would be trapped and forced to confront their fears. This was scrapped when they realized this would be a poor way to introduce the characters to a new audience. We instead got the blue dragon two party, which I think worked out quite nicely Sam Riegel (Scanlan actor and co-exec producer) said in an interview that this episode was inspired by that early concept

[@Stefan-xt5sk]

Interesting. I think that concept works much better now that people are already invested in the characters. Starting out with the inner struggles would have been a tough sell.

[@LeeCarlson]

I would say that Grog's strength comes from his connection to the party.

[@lifeisgood1791]

during the critical role live strems, the audience says hello to each other by saying "Bidet" and where they are watching from.

[@Zerashadow]

Tbh they had to leave Trinket outside all the time during the Campaign as well, usualy people don't want a bear in your store, or in a tavern, or in a town with alot of civillians.

[@manahakume9870]

scanlans biggest fear is that no one will care about him, its very much the 'class clown' mentality, it's why he was like 'you don't have to point out my faults' he's fully aware hes a screw up to most people, his personality is about trying to bring people in so he won't end up alone; osisa(O-sea-sa) was praying on their deepest fears, thus telling him 'no one cares about you and neither do i' would hurt him way more then pointing out he's annoying(which hes kinda proud of) Also i want to note again if you havent yet watched episode 3 PLEASE wait on it! i've seen your reactions the cliffhanger will make you explode! wait AT LEAST until were a day or 2 out from the next drop of episodes! ALSO HOLY SHIT XD yes! i grew up in Michigan we went to renfest often once i got older X3 i know exactly what you mean XD

[@robhall9346]

I love that you've nicknamed Grog 'Groggles' 😄I have a rat named Grog after Critical Role, and Groggles is his nickname too (sometimes Mr. Groggleberry).

[@edwinvanooijen7749]

So something I didn't know and they don't tell in the show, is that Vasselheim is on a different continent than Tal Dorei. I cannot wait for your reaction for the next episode.

[@wildbronco038]

The issue with Trinket isn't so much cost as it is quadripeds tend are extremely difficult to animate (this is also, partly, why the horses were given a gruesome death in Season 1, Episode 5. Killing them that way was kind of cathartic for the animation team lol)

[@Xynflame]

Osysa just might be the greatest shittalker in the prime material plane

[@SciManDjin]

Buckle up for the next episode!

[@GeriatricGamer]

Bidet!!

[@TenebrousFilms]

Percy is animated, but Talie... oh, someone already said it. Well, damn. Anyway, maybe you should watch the livestreamed version of the Briarwood arc? Thirst away. VM had been here once before, delivering an unholy thing to be locked up in a holy place, and they (all) joined the Slayer's Take while they were there. Vax's coolest kill (the tiger guy swearing revenge) was one of the trial contracts, and the sphinx gave them magic tats of membership. Kash and Zahra weren't *as* antagonistic as they are here; Z may have given Vex's backside a bit of a smack with her tail when they met, claimed it had a mind of its own, but Vex didn't seem to mind either way. As for Kash and Kiki... well, I'm expecting to see what happened in the stream... Now that you've met Viktor, you should watch the clips of his scenes. The players' reactions to Matt's performance is not something to miss... in fact, feel free to react to them for us! Matt even dressed as him for a Halloween stream... they all do that every year, one year they dressed as their favourite characters. Travis and Laura as the Briarwoods? *Dayum.*

[@testfire3000]

I second that motion. And I second the second comment: Travis and Laura dressed up as the Briarwoods, Dayum indeed!

[@JulianCommodus]

16:37 Don't worry; Victor's fine. And he'll learn. Eventually.

[@TheEldritchStrom]

Not sure if you've seen the maps for Exandria, the world it's set in. I didn't realize Vasselheim was on a different land mass from the main continent they were at originally. Most of my experience with the world has to do with Wildemount, the other land mass to the North East where Campaign 2 takes place.

[@Gabriel-y2o]

Fun fact, the store owner in the last scene is actually a strong reference (or maybe even the character himself who was transported into another world) to Bumi the King of the Earth Kingdom from Avatar the Last Airbender.

[@PalleRasmussen]

VIKTOR!!! Improvised on the spot. Got applause from the cast. Favourite of everyone. The thing with Grog and Craven Edge, is that Grog is only as smart as a smart dog really. He does not know that a sword is not supposed to whisper in his mind. And Vasselheim survived The Calamity, The Chroma Conclave is nothing compared to that.

[@mjkjelland13]

Bidet, I am glad you are enjoying this series, great things are on their way.

[@stygggian]

Adam from p'Reviewd did a good cosplay of Percy in their s2e1 reaction

[@funnylilgalreacts]

It looked amazing!

[@pauljanetzke]

Not giving away spoilers, but most DnD gamers immediately figured out that Craven's Edge is a sentient weapon. Sentient weapons are some of the more powerful weapons in DnD, but the main problem with sentient weapons is they have the ability and tendency to guide their wielder to fulfill the weapon's desires and can even take over the weilder if the wielder resists the urges of the weapon. They are basically their own character with their own goals, desires and tendencies. When the desires of the wielder and weapon align, you have a powerful duo. When the wielder and weapon do not align, you can have party problems.

[@christophtoifl6848]

So kinda like Percy and his pepperbox in S01?

[@pauljanetzke]

@@christophtoifl6848 They played that a bit differently, Orthax had possessed Percy himself and the "The List" as the pepperbox is known was the document of the pact, for lack of a better description. Once The List was destroyed, the contract was sundered, and Percy was free of possession.

[@Chaosm03]

I bet Scanlan lamented the Sphinx's remarks.

[@deathm3lon642]

I understand that reference

[@krisbarski4226]

Ooh that hurt my heart

[@Chaosm03]

@Kris Barski Don't worry with season 3 already approved there's a chance we might get Tary on the show.

[@krisbarski4226]

@@Chaosm03I like (walking spoiler) but (spoilers) I think he would show in s4. I still watch a certain scene when I need a laugh

[@Chaosm03]

@Kris Barski That's what I mean. With them confirming the season 3 and taking their time with the story. I don't think they are going to cut out one of my most favorite Critical Role character like people were thinking before.

[@JunYuki]

Man I'm so looking forward to the rest of this season. so far it's been amazing! Knowing whats to come, I can't wait to see how they do it!

[@stevencavanagh7990]

Fun fact: at one point in the Game they turned Grog into a giant Eagle, and he got Smarter, as Giant Eagles have an intelligence score of 8, while Grog only has a score of 6. don't feel bad for shittng on Ripely she deserves everything she gets.

[@quillzink6863]

I might have to just go over to your pattreon at this point, I love your reactions so much

[@patrickwaldeck6681]

Love your reaction to Groon. Ultra buff old martial arts masters are, indeed, hotties.

[@neintales1224]

"Does he have to kill someone to satisfy the sword or does the sword give him powers if he kills someone?" Yep.

[@leonielson7138]

9:08 "Is he being led there by the sword, or is he just dumb, wandering around?" I think this is a case of "stupid is as stupid does", and separating from your party in an unfamiliar city is a dumb thing to do. However, he's also too dumb for Osysa's words to really effect him, so encountering Earthbreaker Groon is what he needs to grow as a character. Also, I love that Victor was voiced by Matt Mercer! SPOILER ... ... From what I understand, he was supposed to have been killed by Ripley at some point later in the campaign, but showed up in the 'Trinket's Honey Heist' one-shot, GMed by Marisha Rey, which takes place after Campaign 1, so I believe he survived, moved to Whitestone, and Ripley blew up his shop in anger.

[@thehikingviking2049]

Haven't made it past the intro yet, but I feel obligated to provide you with a little bit of insider hobby drama. Recently (as in, within the past month) D&D's publisher Wizards of the Coast has gotten into some hot water with the community. They are attempting to use parent company Hasbro's army of lawyers to revoke the 23-year-old Open Game License that allowed third-party content creators (like Critical Role, among others) to publish material for the D&D game system without fear of reprisal. In its place, they're penned a (ironically) draconian license that allows them to literally take whatever content they want that was using the previous license, and they can shut down any company they like for any reason without legal recourse. It is a tactical nuke pointed directly at the community itself. I tell you this within the context of the D&D movie. I felt like you ought to know in order to make an informed decision about what you would like to do. Many people advocate for a boycott. Others still want to see the movie, but not support it financially. Still others think that seeing and supporting the movie is the best way to show Hasbro the correct way that they should be monetizing D&D. It's a complex and very fluid situation, but I know that if I were considering seeing a movie with this sort of baggage, I would like to know about it in advance. There's really no objectively right course of action, but it sucks that this is happening in what is otherwise an extremely wholesome community. Now I'm gonna shut up and watch you be rad for a bit.

[@testfire3000]

Very well said my friend. It is a complex and fluid situation. I find myself truly torn. I want to see this movie and support Hasbro/WoTC when they do things the *right* way. But I also know that the most powerful tool we have as consumers is the power of the pocketbook. I just don't know what to do and I appreciate your thoughtful insight.

[@thehikingviking2049]

@@testfire3000 Thank you. Truthfully, I don't know what I'm going to do myself. Secretly hoping that the OGL situation gets resolved before the movie releases, but I doubt it will. Nobody wins from the community being at war, but WotC seems dead set on this path, regardless of the fallout. I tend to overthink everything and wait until I have enough information to make an informed decision, so what is likely to happen is that by the time I decide a course of action, it will be out of theaters anyway.

[@DanielODea]

@@thehikingviking2049 Based on the interviews with the cast... (you know, after it was filmed) my hopes from the trailer of a decent D&D movie took a big hit. So maybe it won't be that difficult decision. If so I'm sure corporate will blame the fans for "protesting" rather than the movie being bad. (and if I'm wrong, and you don't go with your table to see it, hit me up and we can see it together, or at least I'll buy you popcorn)

[@thehikingviking2049]

@@DanielODea Always good to see you in the wild, my friend! If I end up seeing it, I will definitely take you up on your offer. But if you are right and it ends up being just shy of hot garbage, that makes things infinitely easier on me. Ain't nobody got time for bad D&D movies

[@pudgetron420]

Regarding Vasselheim's attitude, there is precedent for that policy from it being the literal First City on Exandria and surviving both the Schism (Good gods duking it out with the Evil gods) and the Calamity (gods punishing people for their hubris). Stupid, unhelpful, isolationist precedent, but precedent nonetheless. Not that you would have any way of knowing all that from just the show. Looking forward to the next one!

[@theanyktos]

Earthbreaker Groon is _so_ cool. And can we appreciate that voice? 🥵 I have a weakness for bassy voices.

[@CarBENbased]

The reason Trinket was more expensive to animate is because he's drawn in the same style as all the other main characters and it just takes more work and time to make it look proper. Osyssa and the dragons however are 3d cgi, which was a style difference they were willing to accept for the larger more difficult creatures in order to get the right feel for them.

[@rellikshootsice]

just wanted to pop in and thank you for the reactions, i came for the Expanse and have stayed for everything else

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Thank you 🖤

[@testfire3000]

I came here for Vox Machina and I am thinking of getting into the Expanse. I watched a few episodes of it a couple years ago... I am not sure why I never followed up. I love that genre. I think I will watch her reactions to get my self refreshed on the story and get caught up again.

[@JackOfBlackPhoenix]

I'm not going to spoil anything but all I'll say is that Vasselheim is a recurring location so in time they'll get to explore it a bit more, some of the funniest bits from the stream involving Grog and Scanlan take place in that very city and I doubt they'd cut them from the show. Earthbreaker Groon is a certified badass it's almost certainly not the last time we'll see him, so there is much to look forward to

[@laurofernandes3744]

I miss seeing Percy and Victor talk, but were is Talesin and Matt trying to keep composure while the rest of the table just cackling and failing to stay in caracter, specially in their first iteraction

[@lifeisgood1791]

This tuesday, Critical Role is going to live stream their reaction to the show and do Q&A. hope to see you there!!!!!

[@markmiller9963]

You really need to look up the bits in campaign 1 w viktor is really hilarious.. you'll love it.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I just watched some and Matt was having such a good time with it!!!

[@Vipre-]

Have you ever seen any of The Gamers movies? If you like Vox Machina then The Gamers: Dorkness Rising is a gem.

[@Kabuki986]

Renfest -- Holly, MI ---> I sense of Vox Machina cosplay meet-up in the works!!

[@jorge943]

The city is made up primarily of 5 distinct factions/districts/religious orders. Each has a deity associated with it, but keep in mind that Critical Role does not use the official names- for example, Pelor is referred to exclusively as the Dawnfather (the one who allegedly planted the Dawntree in Whitestone), or Sarenrae who you would know only as the Everlight (Pike's goddess). For simplicity's sake, I won't include the official names, since they literally won't even be mentioned in the show. The Braving Grounds is where Grog wound up meeting/fighting/getting beat by Groon. It is associated with The Stormlord. As Groon put it, he is concerned with warriors. It's my personal favorite. The Quadroads is in the center. A cross roads at the center of a bazaar has 4 paths each leading to one of the other districts (hence the name). This is where the Slayer's Take is found. The associated deity is The Lawbearer, it's the region that has the double sided Axe emblem. Also, Osysa the Sphynx, patron of the Slayer's Take resides here (obviously)- just making it clear that she is not the Lawbearer. The Abundant Terrace is the domain of the Wildmother. She oversees the wilderness and seas. The Duskmeadow is dedicated to the worship of the Raven Queen. She oversees the domain of death. The Silver Talon's Reach is the location of the Platinum Sanctuary (where they met the Dawn Martials in the show). It is associated with... The Platinum Dragon. I think to avoid confusion (with dragons being the baddies and all) they just kinda glossed over this. Even the guards we see stationed there have the emblem of the Lawbearer instead, making it seem like the Platinum Sanctuary was actually in the Quadroads. I'm not sure if they're just cutting the Platinum Dragon out or if they're waiting to address it later. Obviously they kept the PLATINUM Dragon's PLATINUM Sanctuary, so... who knows?

[@roymustang2239]

Hope 'bidet" become a thing like in the show.... forever

[@krishankumar347]

I mean it makes sense for you to like the tree area (Wildmother's area) and also hate the snow. I'm pretty sure the tree area is one of the only areas that stays warm and snow free all year round!

[@corporealghoul]

No campaign spoilers... but to bring you up to date on a topic mentioned by the sphinx. The Calamity is something we will likely never hear explained in the show. Its something Matt would have mentioned then the group would ask whats the calamity and when matt has them roll a history check hed explain it. The calamity happened long long before this campaign. In this world there were good gods and the gods that wanted to rule with violence. These gods were known as the betrayer god. The calamity was when these two opposing heavenly sides faught each other. It was absolute destruction on the mortal world with many of the gods followers waging wars against other followers. As the aphinx says... the vestiges were made so mortals could fight back against the betrayer god. It took CR like 8 years to finally dive into the calamity. They did a one shot with Brennan Lee Mulligan as the DM but this will likely never get brought up in show.

[@Kabuki986]

BIDET!

[@surlycanadian]

Angela is the horniest reactor. Fits right in with the party.

[@RvBDopp]

I swear I won't keep doing this, but this is one of my favorite parts of the show of all time. Percy meeting Victor the Black Powder Merchant for the first time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGm2ZKage9V8f80

[@RvBDopp]

Ignore the Tiberius in the room...

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Matt is having so much fun 🤣

[@RvBDopp]

@@funnylilgalreacts It's just one of the reasons why I have watched so much of the actual play show. I've seen Campaign 1 twice and am caught up on Campaign 3.