Whispers of War | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 18

[@fatebreakerproductions]

"There's people out there who" *Head snaps to Marisha* "Steal the mail" DYING

[@In_TheMoonlight]

Fun Size Productions SAME LMAO

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

I love how the whole top half of the screen just creased up laughing at that.

[@coldfishjess]

Time stamp on this please?

[@alexdavis1943]

2:28:22

[@coldfishjess]

@@alexdavis1943 many thanks

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

I like to imagine the Stubborn Stock has their own DM who's narrating their view of the Mighty Nein's fight: "Suddenly, you hear an almighty, thundering tread, and the ground shakes as an enormous Hill Giant makes it's way into the arena. It's muscular, flabby bulk effortlessly topples a stone pillar as it shoulders it's way into the open air, and you can see from here, that the monster has long barbs driven into it's skin: it has been tortured and goaded to the point of complete and directionless fury. It bellows a challenge, and the Mighty Nein move to engage. The raggedy, dishevelled wizard of their group throws a firebolt as he darts into cover, which bursts almost harmlessly against it's massive barrel chest. The bubbly blue tiefling who had spoken to you earlier gestures through the air, and unexpectedly, a great pink lollipop snaps into existence, and broadsides the giant across the face. Roaring in retaliation, the Giant snatches up a rough handful of shattered masonry and bowls it at the wizard, who just manages to throw up a magic shield to deflect it away. The flamboyant purple tiefling in the red coat, who you had seen carve open a Winter Wolf in the previous bout, draws his scimitars and rushes at the Giant's flank, slashing at it's leg; with a roar, the furious beast swings it's club in an unstoppable arc at it's attacker, and when the dust from the impact clears, the tiefling lies motionless in the dirt. A member of the team wielding a quarterstaff and dressed in a cloak in the colours of the Cobalt Soul flicks out a hand in a flash of metallic light, which resolves itself into a throwing star a moment before it wholly buries itself in the Giant's gut. The half-orc dashes to it's blindside, seemingly unarmed; but as he reaches his target and swings with an empty hand, there's a burst of water and a strange, jagged blade materialises in his grasp, which rends a ragged gash into the Giant's flesh. Without breaking stride, the half-orc just runs on at full tilt, beyond the range of the Giant's retaliatory swing. As he does so, the musclebound, pale-skinned warrior woman, who you had seen grow to gigantic size and slay a otyugh in a single blow in the first round, blindsides the Hill Giant and swings her broadsword devastatingly into it's buttocks. As she does so, the strange, grey cloaked halfling in the team takes two rapid crossbow shots, the first going wide, but as the Giant turns in her direction, the second catches it full in the eye, and it bellows in agony, thrashing out of the path of another firebolt. The tiefling Clerics' spiritual lollipop bashes the Giant on the elbow, but after the attack lands, the enraged and suffering Giant turns and belts the barbarian woman so hard that, even at this distance, you hear the horrendous crack of her shoulder joint popping out of socket, and the second blow sends her into the earth in a slowly spreading pool of blood, clearly in a bad way. The clerics waiting in the wings start to their feet, faces set in concern. Crashing through the ruined walls of the arena, the Giant chases after the fleeing halfling rogue, while the monk tries to yell and draw his attention off her team-mate. As this happens, the half-orc sends out a blast of arcane energy from his sword, searing it's shoulder. Undeterred, the Giant's club clears a massive arc and slams the small form of it's target hard into the wall, where they stay, barely on their feet. The little figure yells out a terrible joke, and for some reason drops pastry crumbs on the ground, and in the slender moment of confusion this causes, gathers herself and dashes as far as she can from the danger. The party is in a bad way by this point, with two of their number down for the count and the rest either wounded or visibly flagging, when the wizard steps out from behind cover, snatches a handful of sand from the arena floor, casts it through the air and chants a spell. As he does so, the enraged Giant pauses... then it staggers. And yawns. Then, to the apparent surprise of everyone, including the wizard, the monster slumps to the ground, snoring, and fast asleep. After a brief moment of confusion, the team rallies, reviving their downed members and healing their wounds, and then slowly take their places around their unconscious target. As the monk stabs the slumbering beast in the eye, waking it and blinding it at the same moment, the rogue fires one last crossbow bolt at the Giant, and the whole shot vanishes into it's gut. Blood pours from the wound, and the Giant slumps back to the ground, and gently comes to a halt, defeated."

[@dysfunctionalcaterpillar790]

Beautiful! You should be a writer! Edit: I know this sounds sarsarcastic but I actually mean it.

[@sarahvanslyke8056]

Here I am, a few years later on my second watch of this season, reading this comment. Beautiful work and brilliant imagery, I love the entire thing!! There's an alternate universe where alternate me is watching the stubborn stocks play through.

[@ThePopeOfAllDope]

You do not have the amount of likes you deserve

[@wmd333]

Simply brilliant

[@scooldrood]

*claps*

[@handfulmousefly]

The moment an NPC picked up Frumpkin and started petting him I smiled so wide. I think Matt felt bad about how many times the poor lil guy was kicked..

[@charlene2280]

i also think it was a callback to a previous episode where TMN were trying to get info from Pumat Sol. iirc Pumat briefly mentioned how the headmaster has a weakness for cute little creatures and then immediately stopped himself from saying more

[@oliverworley5162]

@@charlene2280 your passive perception is very high, I hadn't noticed that

[@klillym1461]

Kicked into oblivion

[@CelestiaLily]

You can see the panic in Liam's eyes as he's like "holy shit which one is picking up my cat - Hass or Trent??? XD

[@epicglitter7218]

@@CelestiaLily though he'd be horrified by Trent, I don't think he's particularly happy to have Hass pick Frumpkin up either. I've gotten the impression Caleb views the overall leadership of the Cerebrus (sp?) Assembly in a very negative light.

[@PedroFelix456]

Liam is a freaking genius actor. But can we talk about how Sam can improvise such touching moments in the spot?

[@elyjahcollier7803]

Liam deserves a freaking Oscar! Wow! He....👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😢👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😢👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@josephwilliams1915]

Not to take away from anyone at all, rather more to showcase the absolute chemistry everyone has. But i think they are only able to shine because of each other, every one is so good at the "yes and" method and they know each other well enough to improv absolute gold too

[@ameliahansen3278]

I was blinking back tears when Liam was revealing Caleb's backstory, but I was a sobbing mess when Sam was comforting him

[@sunnyketchup]

@@josephwilliams1915 yes absolutely! they all work off of each other very well

[@tullyboys6560]

Liam: "I'm going to tell you the story of how I murdered my mother and father." Sam: "ooohhh." *Marisha immediately begins taking notes

[@paulcatalanatto1170]

When was this?

[@capscarlett7859]

@Paul it's about 2 hour 4e min. Liam asks Matt to send most of the cast off, so just Sam, Marisha, Liam and Matt are there.

[@paulcatalanatto1170]

@@capscarlett7859 thank you

[@rlira0908]

Why did I come here

[@ForeverDegenerate]

@Tully Boys More like Marisha sits there slackjawed for a full minute before Liam continues speaking. Also, I haven't seen this mentioned so I'll mention it here, big kudos to Matt Mercer switching the background music once Liam reveals what Caleb is going to talk about. The background music switch really set the mood. Matt Mercer is a freaking legend!

[@dropkick79]

I have a confession to make. I didn't leave the room when everyone was requested to do so.

[@thatonegaminggirl73]

How dare you

[@KickyFut]

I did! ... But I was wearing Bluetooth headphones at the time so... 😅

[@mythicmagics469]

GASP!!!

[@RavenStorm1031]

Lol!

[@enragedgohanyt]

Reported.

[@amberpdavis]

1:17:10 Caleb’s quiet “no” gets lost beneath Fjord’s “sure, yeah” when Yasha asks if everyone is going to speak with Trent. Oh man, Liam’s acting and all the subtle foreshadowing is phenomenal

[@tonyvarin2714]

rebma did he know it was Trent at that moment? When Matt drops the name during Beau and Yasha’s conversation by the window, Caleb freezes hard. You can feel the tenseness that comes over him.

[@angelica1042]

Tony Varin I want to think Matt texted him before, you see Liam glance at his phone a few seconds before. Of course Liam knew and not Caleb so that’s why he reacted later.

[@TheBlackSquirrel]

@@tonyvarin2714 I think he suspected it, but wasn't sure. The way Matt described the two mages they encountered in ep 12, when the Zauber spire fell, seemed to catch Liam's attention (one of them being an older, human male in his 70s, with long, gray hair and bald on top). And in the previous episode, Matt described how the same two individuals were in the audience, so considering Caleb's paranoia, I think he would try his best to avoid those people, just in case it really was Trent. And yeah! That moment he freezes up is kinda nerve wrecking to watch, especially looking back at it and knowing who Trent is and what he did to Caleb. Amazing reaction from Liam!

[@kerrywhitesstrangeworld9059]

Tony Varin it’s his character possibly he’s doing this for bc remember his cat is there to hear. I’m sure he wouldn’t have done this if his cat wasn’t there.

[@StabbeyTheClown]

@@TheBlackSquirrel - I specifically noted that in the previous episode Liam said that Caleb put his hood up over his head after some people in the audience were described, so yes, I think Liam recognized them from the description. EDIT: And going back to episode 2-12, after the mage was described, Liam said "I walk away".

[@MidasStorm]

Nott: *wanders into dungeons completely carefree, sets off multiple traps in the process* Jester gets mail from her mum Nott: Check for traps.

[@despairia]

3:00:59 "What you did was awful. Truly terrible. Despicable and unforgivable. ...Until _you_ can forgive it." **ugly sobbing**

[@ForeverDegenerate]

@@kixmix2450 Well he IS a father himself. So I'm sure he pulled from his own paternal instincts as if speaking to his own son for that.

[@XCrawlFan]

I'm not crying, You're crying!!!

[@Catervarii]

For real.. mad ugly sobbing.

[@carlycchapman]

Sam's entire speech made me bawl my eyes out

[@mr.fluffles1552]

Critical Role really brings the feels sometimes. Damn their acting lol

[@neerGdyahS]

"You talk to them Yasha, you won't draw any suspicion!" ... "Where are you from?" "Xhorhas..."

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Am I the only one who always misread and pronounces it XorKsas?

[@GeassEnabler]

Is it spelled that way??? I always assumed Jorhass

[@redcrow7618]

@@GeassEnabler if you have subtitles on you can see how everything is spelled

[@elijaaaah]

@@GeassEnabler subtitles are an amazing thing

[@GeassEnabler]

That they are

[@skeleton_king6059]

Caleb: "Guten Abend." Grog in the distance: "Yes yes, Bidet, good almonds to you also."

[@stevespielman]

Gluten Almonds

[@bookb1tch837]

IM WHEEZING

[@JonathanMandrake]

Was redet der von nem Bidet? Die spinnen, die Barbaren!

[@livrasyt166]

@@JonathanMandrake genital-hygiene is halt wichtig

[@jaxstacks1253]

Damnn, I so love grog

[@bflan4376]

Ok but the moment Matt mentioned trent’s name, immediately Liam stops and it’s Sovereign Uriel mentioning the briarwoods in the early episodes of campaign 1 all over again with Talisen

[@Cabbage-dk6nu]

I don't know how people live without spoilers, I *rioted* when I heard Trent's name because I had just enough spoiling!

[@IsaacMayerCreativeWorks]

1:22:55

[@finchbird2419]

@@Cabbage-dk6nu I only have Nott spoilers and some Molly spoilers. That's it. I'm going in completely blind with the rest of the gang and I'm loving it

[@steverodgers4307]

1:23:04 you catch Travis catching that Liam froze up.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

I mean, similar level of evil, just imagine how many students Trent had over the years. I doubt Caleb's group was his first, and we know it wasn't his last.

[@Splintr1322]

"Do you consent to this piggy back ride?" - Matthew Mercer

[@malus-pumila_3.142]

c o n s e n t . i s . s e x y .

[@space__girl]

we don’t deserve matt mercer

[@jeohranalfhir8366]

Matthew Mercer, being attached to modern valors. He is a good man, thank him.

[@OmANnIe]

Henry 🖤

[@lunavixrn5651]

I made this 2.1K

[@ieatpie315]

Fjord: Know anyone who's graduated from the Solstryce? Caleb, dying a few feet away:*dial up noises blue screening*

[@orakhol7656]

Wow... The Backstories this campaign.

[@GZilla311]

Ora Khol This campaign is so DARK. It’s so good.

[@Clarebear0925]

Caleb.exe has stopped responding

[@marias5685]

waiting for him to tell fjord is gonna kill me

[@seven-cats-3]

@@marias5685 same

[@CaffeinatedKing]

"This fuuuucking old guy" is probably my favorite description Matt has delivered about an NPC.

[@Kaminkaese]

Wish this fuuuuuucking old guy had a toothy maw

[@Gordyan_Knot]

"this really ffffucking *old* guy"- Matt Mercer, master storyteller.

[@enshrowd]

54:11 if anyone needs the timestamp

[@gin178mk-ii8]

@@enshrowd A hero and a scholar you are

[@roonkolos]

Started watching this campaign about a year ago and this moment *STILL* lives rent free in my head more than just about anything else XD

[@Vertigo6000]

I just love the small panic attack Jester had when Marrion "only" sent 200 gold. You could tell she's been very pampered growing up. She's very down to earth most of the time, but its nice to see her showing some of her privlage, even if she tries hard not to.

[@yiklongtay6029]

And the awareness of the privileges. So she did her best to suppress her knee jerk reaction

[@megasuperdog]

Also part of the fact her mum giving her money is a way of she shows she loves her

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@yiklongtay6029 her apologizing to Caleb about their earlier argument about money also shows she wants to learn from her mistakes and be a better person. She seems like a spoiled sweet kind of girl that is used to privilege but at least genuinely tried to empathize with people less fortunate than her.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@yiklongtay6029 her apologizing to Caleb about their earlier argument about money also shows she wants to learn from her mistakes and be a better person. She seems like a spoiled sweet kind of girl that is used to privilege but at least genuinely tried to empathize with people less fortunate than her.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

I was so ready for her mom to have disowned her at that point, or just to have been lying about her mom being well off.

[@daello8227]

"This is my compatriot, Master Trent Ikithon." Liam.exe has stopped working

[@22PurpleBrains]

1:22:52 Please reboot program

[@joehooper885]

He now knows how Percy felt way back when the Briarwoods were revealed

[@xgozulx]

re-watching that part after the lore dump was amazing

[@okuni12Q]

The panic on his face. His breathing is elevated. Having an actual panic attack 😫

[@dorian4404]

​@@joehooper885 percy blinked so caleb could freeze, eyes open, unable to, in the next campaign.

[@mrskribble]

Yasha "Do you want me to do the talking?" Everyone "Yes." Yasha "I was kidding." Yasha is the best.

[@xXxIMNOTANGELxXx]

They literally sent the 2 worst people to do the talking.

[@crow2535]

sure! send the one with social anxiety to do the talking XD

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

One of the primary rules of D&D: if you're going to suggest a stupid plan that hinges on something your character is not very good at, be prepared to follow through on it.

[@lilahharvey730]

Arne Mortensen the one with social anxiety along with the one who is absolutely awful at diplomacy.

[@user-mu8ok5xf8d]

I love how she is this battle harden worrier but is Super socially awkward

[@anirac1506]

Beau:"Why are you afraid of fire?" Caleb's Mind: "No! I don't want to relife that trauma again, please don't ask me that!" Liam's Mind: "Yes, yes! I've been waiting 18 Episodes to tell my amazing backstory!"

[@corinnebloom7005]

Sounds about right yeah!

[@dankflyingv6345]

Spelling “relive” with an f made me read this in Caleb’s accent, thank you kind commenter

[@anirac1506]

@@dankflyingv6345 Your absoloutely welcome😉😅I am myself actually german and I love the way Liam does Calebs Accent, it is very much like some people talk over here! Don't know if you already watched episode 75, but Liam couldn't be there in person and so Marisha tried to do his accent and it was really funny for me to watch😅 Either if this is your first watch or a rewatch, keep watching and have fun with it😄

[@SeerOfTime577]

So true~

[@Stickarms99]

He’s so damn good at keeping in character

[@wolffe45]

I want an episode where it's entirely just Caleb in a library and Matt talks lore to Liam for 4 hours

[@kiriinnit8319]

I would watch that to fall asleep to every night

[@MrFancyFingers]

Imagine the notebooks Matt probably has filled of lore.

[@bookmarkyourthoughtsblog]

I know eh?! Everyone else is like “mooove on” and I’m here like “I want more lore story telling time in the library!”

[@jonrobison4858]

I have liked this comment. Then unlike it. For 333 makes nein.

[@bookmarkyourthoughtsblog]

@@jonrobison4858 THIS IS AMAZING

[@rebeccajanvrin1228]

Sir, this is my emotional support goblin

[@bartholomewjenkins164]

Rebecca Janvrin this is a phenomenal joke, you should feel proud

[@squircle3593]

I was going to like this comment but I don't want to ruin the numbers

[@rebeccajanvrin1228]

@@squircle3593 welp

[@beafbuger]

says caleb

[@Ajehy]

She really is.

[@comicduo5295]

Matt: mentions a part of Caleb's backstory Liam: Freezes for like a minute

[@jonathansims967]

Its jarring in a campaign when the dm suddenly looks at you and you know you are fucked bc its your backstory time. In my campaign we met the bad guy on the first episode but we didnt know who he was bc he was concealed so later on a few sessions later when we saw him without his cloak and it was my character's mentor/adoptive father i was so shocked i couldn't react for a while bc i was just so surprised.

[@hylophobix]

i just got to that part and im ABSOLUTELY CACKLING at how long he pauses and just does NOT move or speak

[@prpl_lzrd]

​@g3ig3r_ what was the timestamp for that? I completely missed it 😢

[@StormFortress7]

​@@prpl_lzrd1:22:50

[@ceciliaappel7827]

What cracks me up is that NONE of the other players notice him. He doesn't move a muscle for thirty seconds, and nobody is paying enough attention to realize it. Except for Matt, who did a great job of pretending not to. 😋

[@Trakshun18]

Liam just stops being Liam when hes playing and it just breaks my heart when he looks so devastated and shell shocked

[@christopherbacon1077]

Not just Liam. Marisha and Sam as well. Beau showed a surprising amount of wisdom in the advice she gave Caleb.

[@Orodum]

I swear for the first fifteen episodes or so, I wasn't sure if Liam was actually depressed or was just *really* in character - And that questioning was more because I didn't think he'd be on CR if he was than actually seeing flaws in his acting

[@ninjaminerdude]

Liam is a very good actor

[@orakhol7656]

@@ninjaminerdude Yes! He does not get enough credit for it either!!

[@thegamingknight2096]

@@Orodum Liam has struggled with depression for most of his life. The Liam's Quest One-Shot, and his Between the Sheets interview are both great sources of insight into his character.

[@gavinbock8531]

“Your pain is a mask that you wear and you can take it off whenever you want” Both in campaign 1 and now Sam always has the most incredible improv, this one hit me like a brick

[@MaskofFayt]

Liam is an absolutely blessing to Matt, its so rare that a player gives a shit about your world building to the point they actually read things in a library and care about the contents beyond plot hooks.

[@0050-q1b]

yeah,but I would prefer they handled reading books via e-mail

[@QaRajhCreations]

I run a completely custom campaign, based loosely on the Forgoten Realms. My players love lore, and I love writing it for them. As such several journals (by completely regular characters, like a cook's journal, with no impact on the main story-lines whatsoever) have sparked my party's interest, so much that a book sealed by a hardened goop (that the players have learned is something called Mage Rot (homebrewed organic/fungi-like matter, which can appear on items or in areas where magic have been used, hardens to a cement-like paste if left unattended for a couple of months)), have become a central piece of interest to them. Even though said book was found in an old fortress/prison, infested by Goblins, and unlikely to have a mayor impact, though the contents of it COULD lead the players on a pretty important side-quest. I mortified them, as they read through a torturers' notes (a man I had lovingly dubbed the "Tongue-Ripper"). A lot of lore sits dormant, perhaps forever, but if they ask for it and discover it, it'll certainly baffle them.

[@kikisian]

ajs1031 Different players different likes - while I would read any books/scrolls/pages a game gives you my husband will pick them up open and close it to see if the quests update and then sell or drop it.

[@spirit1784]

Showing an interest in the lore is great, this was more taking 45 minutes to progress your own story when 5 others are sat waiting, this for me less awesome.

[@Shmandalf]

I think Matt is more blessed to have such an invested group in general. This is honestly the epitome of roleplaying in my opinion. I'm a mod on a pretty large TTRPG discord server (Over 10k members), and I haven't seen anything like the critical role series in any other game (D&D or otherwise). When talent meets dedication it really, _really_ shows.

[@BetaXeeta]

*Episode 1* Jester: How much silver did I get? Beau: 7! Jester: Woo! *Episode 18* Jester: How much gold? Nott: 233 Jester: Woo!

[@reedk2402]

Kavaskon the Beta *opens package* 200 Jester: ehh only 200

[@EmilM-pb2hn]

228* and 5 silver.

[@cheezeguyLOZ]

228g 5s 7c

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

@@EmilM-pb2hn She didn't "Whoo!" until the silver, so that's probably what she's really interested in.

[@polgora]

Zombiewithabowtie *exchanges all of her gold for the equivalent in Silver

[@nfadaloo]

I like that they’ve all played level twenty characters, but are still amazed by fifth level features

[@awesomeman8385]

Low lvl campaigns are fun for different reasons. At lvl 20 you feel like a god. At lvl 5 every hit has weight to it. The stress makes the game so much fub

[@Wookie_oo7]

They played lvl 20 characters of one class, now they are discovering a new class and as such love it.

[@R3adybreck]

@@awesomeman8385 and we all love fub

[@isaac8734]

Partly because the play other characters and other classes in a different place and story so.they have new capabilities and new skills and places and enemies to explore so although some similar its still new and exciting..

[@theofrankel4836]

@@R3adybreck what a meaningful comment, your comment really brought a lot to the world and really made my day

[@vladyakubets]

Caleb's reaction to Trent being introduced is comparable to Percy first hearing the Briarwoods being mentioned, such a instantaneous response

[@tysondennis1016]

Tal and Liam: *PTSD intensifies*

[@stephanie3349]

I think it's amazing how Liam acted uncomfortable/anxious the entire episode! He never dropped character unless he talked as himself. He is truly the best imo.

[@spencer7117]

Agreed

[@Gray963]

Much agreed. The depth, dedication, and nuance he gives his character is a league above the rest both in acting and story so far. I feel like Caleb is practically the protagonist now. The others haven't revealed their backstories as much yet so they will probably catch up eventually. Still, Caleb and knot feel like the heart of the story and team to me.

[@dedf15]

that's how Liam acts in EVERY episode, so i didn't notice any diffference until after his big scene

[@GeeGe.]

I absolutely agree but Liam O'Brien is one of my life heroes, so I might be a bit biased. Meeting him irl would be, in the literal sense of the word, awesome.

[@stephanie3349]

dedf15 me too. I can't believe I never noticed it, but I went back and saw how his character is getting more and more solemn as the episodes go by.

[@Chopthemonions]

Good lord Sam Riegel is a masterful voice actor. The dialogue after “I give him a hug” was just beautiful. I can’t believe I actually cried over watching a bunch of nerdy ass voice actors sitting around and playing dnd.

[@xray235]

I can believe it, because I was crying too. After spending 70 hours watching these characters grow and evolve, I have become too invested in the to not feel this moment viscerally. It is also a testament to these actor's craft and consistency over 18 weeks of performances.

[@tayanawoodton5475]

I’m glad to know I wasn’t the only one who cried! It felt silly but everything going on just really had me so drawn in.

[@dromankass8655]

It's very good work from all of them, and very easy to become invested in the characters. It's a very simple to imaging their characters when the voice actors speak, with Sam, it's great how he does the voice and mannerism's for Nott.

[@Introbulus]

"What you did was terrible, horrible, disgusting, and unforgivable...until you can forgive yourself". Gave me chills.

[@BNRmatt]

Sam and Liam are the real acting MVPs of this show. The others are talented, no doubt, but Liam and Sam's performances are so utterly evocative. They are both utterly committed to their characters and they bring a gravity and realism to them.

[@socially-ineptnerd4535]

The way Caleb drops his head when Nott begins with, “what you did was awful,” just breaks my heart every time, and the way he holds his hands is like a kid begging for forgiveness or someone on their knees repenting. Anyways- The good news is I watered the plants. The bad news is I used my tears to do so. THERE IS SO MUCH PAIN.

[@vcagande7998]

The fact that he trusts Nott and was probably expecting her to leave him because of his past makes it even sadder Also I had to swim out of my room to get tissues

[@other317]

Wouldn't tears... y'know... kinda kill the plants?

[@NoriMori1992]

This episode taught me that indifference can be a kindness. I think Beau's impassive response to Caleb's backstory was exactly what he needed. She wasn't completely apathetic, but her reaction was incredibly mild and largely neutral - in both directions. She neither condemned him nor consoled him. The closest she gets to expressing sympathy is saying "I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of", and she doesn't push it or even seem to care if he takes it to heart. She insisted on _looking_ at his past, but she keeps a respectful distance and doesn't try to touch it. I also find it interesting what she _did_ care about. She had nothing to say about Caleb's past, or how he should feel about it, or whether he should try to atone. But she _was_ very insistent that he has a responsibility to stop Trent from hurting more people - not to make amends for anything, but because he has knowledge that most don't have.

[@beanofglory1051]

Really good insights.

[@DerpGnome]

I really like this.

[@stevenweller9413]

And in this instant my liking for Beau went way up. Loved Keyleth, love Laudna (campaign 3 currently at like episode 38 or something) but Beau never struck home like this before. Great leap forwards.

[@christenh359]

As a teacher in a public school, they teach us how to react and what to do if a student ever tells us they’re suicidal or being abused … and I wouldn’t put it as indifference… more like concerned, but impassive. A big emotional outburst from the person they’re telling often isn’t comforting to a victim of abuse.

[@rodneyharris3470]

I've been trying hard to like Beau. Like imagine how cool that scene is with Travis in there not interrupting the cool moment constantly with poor timed questions

[@marias5685]

the most painful thing is gonna be waiting for caleb to speak to fjord about the academy

[@sapphic_spidy3207]

noo

[@brittanydiamond6772]

Holy shit, Liam absolutely took that note Matt gave in an earlier episode about asking if a character is lying instead of just calling out 'Insight check!' I realize that's small, but players/people who really listen are so undervalued.

[@Kebutor]

They have also been playing together for over five years, but hey better late then never

[@FulcanMal]

@@Kebutor But Matt never said that during Campaign One, at least not during the 115 recorded episodes. It's only in this campaign where he began making that a point.

[@JaxonBurn]

It’s become something of a running gag to just shout “insight check” which honestly I love and Matt has come to enjoy as well

[@Anna-zi7sx]

It’s so funny to see you here! I know your comment is a year old, but I love your untamed reactions! I’m a patron

[@m1ck3y.m0us3]

Travis did it to in an earlier episode. It’s so nice to

[@whatkindofnameisella682]

can we appreciate how quickly Liam switched from being out of character to in character multiple times this episode?? there are so many but especially the end of the big convo where he jokes to Marisha "but don't leave the table, im not asking you to leave the table" and then IMMEDIATELY goes back into character and laughs, crazed and manic... Liam is such a fantastic actor!

[@azureshenanigans]

Liam has the actor feat, and a charisma of +5 at least

[@R3adybreck]

I mean.... the guy did play gaara after all.

[@LadyBunnyPirate]

Can we also talk about the look on his face when Jester is reading the letter from her mother? Holy crap, so much in-character facial expressions when no one can appreciate it yet.

[@applejuice8271]

Timestamp: 2:58:58 Jester reading letter : 2:24:13 Yeah same, I was so amazed by his acting. Also, nott's lite speech made me tear up 😍😭

[@lexawoods7196]

It's an actor's job. Everyone at this table can do it & does a lot of times, Liam is just super serious about it.

[@TenaciousDealer]

"There's people out there that STEAL THE MAIL" ... I'm deceased Sam

[@Ultralink1001]

Freaking best line. Travis imitating the quick *whipping of the camera back and forth* 😂 genius

[@zengamer321]

"I want to bend reality to my will" Caleb's looking for the 3.5 rulebooks.

[@Squeekysquid]

Probably likely that Liam is thinking about wish, and using that spell to inform his character's word choice. Nevertheless, good joke.

[@deader6]

Isn't everyone?

[@alzoruledura7416]

@@Squeekysquid This.

[@Super_Ammo]

Truth

[@harveyy8387]

@@Squeekysquid time stamp?

[@logan2922]

Liam's sad smile when Jester said that she loved her mother was perfect given what you learn about his backstory not long after

[@Chaz8591_]

I was thinking it might have struck him on a more personal level, not just his Character.

[@jonathansims967]

*sobbing* pog

[@sarahanonymous3770]

@@Chaz8591_ Same, at the begining of the episode when Marisha mentions her mother Liam says something about her still being alive. I didn't notice anyone in the cast picking up on it, but it made me sad.

[@CorvusBelli01]

@@sarahanonymous3770 You misunderstood what Liam meant. He wasn't saying that Marisha's mother was still alive, he was saying that celebrating a birthday is basically saying "hey, mom, I'm still alive."

[@margotmattenson4079]

Beginning of Episode: *Bright eyed* I love you Caleb End of Episode: *Crying and hugging Caleb* I love you Caleb

[@bonniefazman9065]

My Moon Weaver Paladin: *casually sharpening sword* oh it's time to kill a wizard, Trent is monstrous $#!+

[@Loukas_Paquette]

Sam talking to Laura : "I wouldn't want to send 5000 gold over the mail system" looks over at Marisha "There's people out there who steal mail". 🤣

[@misc.3973]

I have to give it to Liam... it was a really clever move getting everyone to leave. They would've behaved COMPLETELY differently for the rest of the episode if they'd known the context for their decisions.

[@korrasmuscles]

They would have been much more into the library "shopping" trip if they actually knew why he had to do it. Liam getting them away from the table was a big mistake. It's not fun for them if they have to leave the table for 20 mins then have to sit around more for Caleb to do things.

[@moanilsson3448]

I agree that it was a good idea for the others to leave. It is much more exciting for the other players if they don't know what their characters don't know. It will also make the story more realistic. That way, they can have a genuine reaction if they find out in the future and they won't act differently because of things they aren't supposed to know about.

[@PrankinaMeatball]

I agree with Korra. I don't think the others appreciated being kept waiting for almost half an hour outside. Travis especially seemed a little irritated right after they came back. At least that's what it seemed like to me.

[@RyanAcidhedzMurphy]

@Meatball Well, considering Travis has had two one on one bits about his dreams, if he was, he had no reason to be. At various points they've all had to sit there and wait for the others to do shit. And, if memory serves, only two of them have had any one on one time. The first bit with Marisha, when she had her Kung Fu "mentor teaches wise ass student a lesson" bit lasted quite a fucking while. Honestly, I think you're full of shit.

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

Well that's just it really. The half hour was a reprieve for them. That and as said it might well have shaped the session that turned out. Sometimes there are deeply personal moments that the characters need to explore and it would have been equally as "awkward" if they were all there unable to do anything. At least they had some time for a short break, catch up on other things and just settle. Personally, I always say do right by the table and I feel it was the right thing to do in that context. Given that a lot of the characters have a lot more complexities going on.

[@ariooreo2294]

no ones talking about jester apologizing to caleb about what she said about the money? i think thats really mature of her, especially seeing how childish she acted when talking about it in the first place.

[@alliakeysor600]

summer- -sunshine thank god someone mentioned that. I thought it was so sweet and showed more of her emotional side that’s normally covered by her bubbly nature.

[@jaredwoods2361]

"Oh, caaaleb... I didn't mean to make you put shit on your face again..." XD

[@Graycata]

You can tell she was hurt by the small amount of money. But she didn't want to have a similar altercation that she did earlier with Caleb.

[@corsicasanova]

true but the issue here is that she was in an entirely different position. She had no package to show, felt isolated and people were acting like she was just spewing bullshit. Now she at least had proof of her mom.

[@marias5685]

it was so considerate and sweet, i love jester

[@Rune_Scholar]

"I'm going to tell you the story of how I murdered my mother and father." Marisha immediately starts taking notes.

[@Crypt1cmyst1c]

Liam's freeze as Matt says Trent Ikithon's name is absolutely FANTASTIC acting. for a minute there I really felt Liam feeling the things Caleb was feeling. that was legitimately impressive.

[@carrionstorm736]

I feel like Liam is doing an excellent job with an interesting character. My too three are him, Sam, and Laura as far as acting out their characters

[@Matty13808]

It immediately reminded me of how he froze when the mages were flying around during the Tri Spire attack, and thanks to him having the same reaction, it hit me that Trent was one of the mages. I went back to check and it’s the same description, and he even talks with the same accent too. I’m glad Liam is so committed and in character all of the time, because I would’ve never realized until I did a rewatch (which is what I’m doing now but that’s unrelated) that Trent had already shown up once

[@inkydoe]

its at 1:22:50

[@zukai2596]

@@inkydoe Thank you!

[@peteshaffer5718]

Oh poor Caleb... they story was so sad 😢

[@fantabulousstar4722]

"So if they're garbage people then I'm like their rare cousin, the trash person." - Beauregard

[@sophidina34]

when Beau says, "He made you executioners..." as if she was trying to absolve caleb of the guilt and caleb just interjects with, "we wanted to be..." man, that broke my heart. These guys are so talented!

[@jamesnagy7136]

Am I the only one who doesn't see Caleb as the victim in his own story? I understand he was somewhat manipulated, but manipulation only goes so far. To me the story speaks of a power hungry young mage willing to do whatever it takes to become more powerful. Yes he was led down a dark path, but he went voluntarily. It was his choice to leave the best mage school to learn under Trent. It was his choice to stay after they started torturing him and his two peers because he thought it would make him stronger. He was ok with killing strangers without knowing what exactly they were guilty of so he would stay in good favor with Trent and continue his learning. It was he who turned on his family at the drop of a hat. I mean we are talking about a really smart person here, and he never questioned why all 3 apprentices parents confessed to being traitors at the same time. He had no problem killing his parents without confronting them and demanding an explanation. Even in his telling of the story, is he more upset about the death of his parents, or the loss of knowledge and power from going crazy? Even to this day, everything he does is to become more powerful and stronger with magic. If he was capable of turning on his parents in the name of more power, could he also turn on the M9? Would he turn on Nott if Trent offered him the knowledge he was looking for in the library?

[@mayaenglish5424]

@@jamesnagy7136 Yes I think you are one of the few people who sees it that way because I think you missed a bit of the story If you've seen all of the campaign, and if you haven't then I don't remember what happens when and I don't want to be THAT asshole who argues with someone who hasn't finished the campaign lol. So let me know If you've watched all of it and then I'll tell you what I think. :)

[@jamesnagy7136]

@@mayaenglish5424 This is my first time watching this campaign so I don't know what else happens later on yet. Obviously I don't think Liam intends for his character to be evil, this is just the first impression that I got after he told his story and based on what we've seen of him up to this point (the greed of holding money back from the rest of the party, trying to claim magical items under the disguise of identitying them, constantly "borrowing" money from Nott). The impression being that I trust him even less now. I was just surprised that I didn't see anyone else here question his motivation after he volunteered to turn his parents in with a garentee sentence of death, based solely on a over heard 15 min conversation. Especially after learning the other two people he is training with experienced the same overheard conversation with their parents at the exact same time. You would think a smart person like Caleb would be able to see through that ruse. Maybe he was too trusting when it came to his teacher (the most likely answer based on how most people play DnD) or maybe he didn't care. We don't know at this point in the story (either way it's good storytelling).

[@mayaenglish5424]

@@jamesnagy7136 Aha! As I have watched the whole campaign, I am not going to be an asshole and debate it with you with details lol. Have fun!

[@TimaeusTeztified]

@@jamesnagy7136 did you miss the part where he was a child when he was brainwashed and tortured to follow the empire and obey Trent? This happened over the course of years - he joined the academy because it would make him a better mage, yes, but he was a kid. He thought what he was doing was going to help save the world - he thought everything the empire told him was true. And "he was ok with killing strangers" yes, because he was brainwashed and had his memory altered as a child soldier. And I think everything you're saying towards the end makes no sense, because even when he incorrectly thought his parents were traitors, killing them and hearing them scream is STILL what broke him and sent him to an insane asylum. And it's pretty clear he's looking to use the Wish spell or some time travel spell to go back in time and stop himself from murdering his parents. Idk seems wild to blame a traumatized, manipulated, tortured, propagandized child soldier and see him as anything other than a victim. The fact that he blames himself and still thinks he's a bad person is even more of a redeeming quality in my eyes tbh

[@AravisX]

Caleb's mask is metaphorical while Nott's mask is physical. One day they can both take off their masks together. They are a great pair

[@katebennett9572]

Great, now I'm crying again

[@NoOne-xt1oz]

Just... Give it about 35 episodes

[@SeerOfTime577]

My HEART.

[@chorum-writes]

It's horribly realistic when Caleb says he's disgusting. The venom behind it was so painfully real, from experience. (2:53:45)

[@dashwood09]

That moment when Caleb (Liam) hear the name and he just freezes, then you can see in his eyes how he starts planning his moves to get away, and he's battling internally with himself, and no one but Matt knows what just happened, and at that point even Liam is breaking, and Caleb starts remembering. Gosh, the imagination and creativity that goes into this. Love it!

[@LunaBirbosa]

Is there a timestamp?

[@LolindirElros]

@@LunaBirbosa around 1:22:40 when Beau and Yasha are talking to them next to the window.

[@mkang8782]

It's so subtle, unless you happen to be paying attention, it's easy to miss. Thank you for pointing that out, and thank you to the person that provided the timestamp.

[@grilledleeks6514]

And then marisha makes your brain bleed with her characters terrible personality -.-

[@hotshowerh2o356]

I saw Caleb doing this but I didn't realize why he was doing it. I was genuinely confused, so thank you for pointing it out.

[@ramblinentertainment1922]

Liam: trying to share Caleb’s tragic backstory Everyone else: has a seven minute conversation about how to cook a rat

[@kariissmol9172]

typical dnd.

[@deleria010]

Balance.

[@okthen623]

Mollymauke walking into a room wearing only a gaudy tapistry around his waist and a fruit platter in hand a la Dionysus the Wine Twink and saying "I am your god, long may I reign" is SO iconic and SO in character plus Beau replying with an emotionless "Long may he reign" its juST SO good

[@ManzanaDeMuerte]

the way he desperately wants to always be the centre of attention is cringe af. How can a character who is so unlikable be so popular

[@JoeThomas-lu6fy]

@@ManzanaDeMuerte He very clearly is likeable, considering so many people like him.

[@isidorex]

​@@ManzanaDeMuerte Molly is effectively two years old. Being impulsive, playful, and uninhibited makes a ton of sense in light of that...and I can think of certain characters who have been far more desperate for attention than Molly that didn't have the excuse of being two-year-olds.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@ManzanaDeMuerte I get the feeling you’re not going to pay attention to any development this character goes through since you already decided to hate him. As such, I’m not going to waste my time with you. The fact you unironically said “cringe af” already says enough.

[@Menstraphobia]

@@ManzanaDeMuerte Yes, Molly is constantly trying to be the center of attention, definitely not Jester who is always interjecting with her jokes/pranks lmfao. I like both characters, but Jesus Christ that was such a shitty take. 😂

[@ryan76043]

What I love most about how Caleb(Liam) gives his story is that you can see how he could become a tragic, redeemed hero... or possibly turn into one of the greatest power hungry villains of all time.

[@c0niferal]

God I hope it's villain 😅

[@herman1francis]

I thought the same throughout the second half of the episode. Caleb's gonna be unable to change his past and turn into a Lich.

[@herman1francis]

@@c0niferal it would be awesome

[@emodragon64321]

When in reality (I believe tell me if I'm wrong) he in the future is doing pretty fricking good.

[@Zekken.00]

Through dunamancy both options are possible

[@mushroomshrub]

Liam may not have Vax and his daggers any more, but man does he still know how to stab thousands of people simultaneously in the heart ;__;

[@GuardianTactician]

Sounds like you weren't prepared...

[@mynameiswritinwater]

well Calebs backstory is.... monstrous and evil, so exceptional, a character so much in need of redemption without going for overblown pathos - breathtaking on so many levels Haven't seen any character background that extreme in 30+ years of active roleplaying. Kudos to Liam for going through with it and the way he actually tells it ingame

[@chriscox8237]

Liam. IS. A. GOD.

[@thomasjoychild4962]

@mynameiswritinwater: Yep, and it's not as simple as "It's not your fault." It IS his fault, the scenario in which he acted was manufactured but what he did based on the presented premise was all him and would have been monstrous (possibly more so) even if his knowledge had been 100% accurate. Not even mentioning all the shit he'd already been an eager participant in, targeted at long succession of people just as real but who he didn't know personally. He knows that, though, and wants to do better, even if what he's done can't be fixed. TL:DR: massive respect to Liam for coming up with and following through with something this nasty and horrific but not grimdark(tm). I was reminded a bit of a certain character from DA:I, incidentally.

[@valasafantastic1055]

New nickname for Caleb; Ultear Itachi!

[@justsomebees5578]

There is a blacksmith still wondering when that blue Tiefling girl is going to pick up her box

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

They never asked Kara for her portion of the payment mostly because they recieved Dolan and Ulog's portion when they went to see Dolan. They always forget something it's just part of their play. EDIT: I misheard the exchange I suppose but confirmed Dolan's payment with the transcript from episode 13.Thanks everybody for insistence and correction. I've deleted some incorrect and now repetitious response from the thread. Sorry for any inconvenience.

[@Dracomancili]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue Dolan gave them their money, Fjord just held onto it for a bit before spreading it out

[@laivaloyola333]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue I thought they got Ulog and Dolan's part from Dolan..?

[@haku8135]

I mean she paid in advance, so he's PROBABLY reasonably happy about it. He can make double the profit on his box.

[@michaeltang9393]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue incorrect. When fjord when to Dolan and Horace. They had Ulaug and Dolan/Horace’s portion. The only part missing was Clara’s

[@Virtualblueart]

Wow. I expected Caleb to have some skeletons in his closet, but this one was dragon sized. Poor guy, to be screwed over by someone power hungry like that. And Liam plays him incredibly. Also, Nott is an amazing creation as well.

[@xWinterstarex7]

Might Nein: We want to lay low..keep our heads down Last Episode: Party, displays of strength and luck, also becoming victors in a monster pit in front of tons of people This episode Mighty Nein: Uggggh why does everyone want to hire us for stuff??? We wanted to stay in the shadows!

[@beauchang4741]

Also the "hey lady we just won the tournament... Give us a dicount"

[@bbeg9374]

Matt: it looks and glares at fjord Travis: ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh Me: remembers when grog headbutted a giant into submission

[@Sirius10117]

All to revenge his Ale.

[@meteorjuice4088]

The two most important character moments happening in the background of other characters' scenes: 1) Caleb's reactions while Yasha is talking to Trent Ikithon 2) Yasha letting Jester give her a piggyback ride when Caleb is talking to Beau at the Tri-Spires

[@joxyver]

Ryan Meteor wait why is Yasha giving jester a piggyback ride important.

[@davidparkes7741]

@@joxyver I dunno about OP but to me it's important due to their obvious size differences lol.

[@Chibipayne]

@@joxyver jester have yasha the piggyback ride and given how anti social and secretive yasha has been, it was her letting her guard down around them and having fun

[@annoy4nce648]

"I want to bend reality to my will" Caleb has big ambitions

[@gallahad711yea8]

Archlichgod Caleb

[@jamesbg314]

Wish, 9th level spell

[@aeonxou1443]

time travel shenanigans

[@jeffreybomba]

Caleb casts a spell and says, "I wish I never went to the Academy." Given his interest in time he obviously wants to undo the murder of his parents.

[@UrsaFrank]

"Wish is the mightiest spell a mortal creature can cast. by simply speaking aloud, you can alter the very foundations of reality in accord with your desires." - The Players Handbook 5e

[@rideth_mochi]

I didn't know Liam could cast Power word Kill on my heart

[@allblazing1160]

I want to hold him and protect him from the world

[@manaphy0993]

I feel like power word pain would be more accurate

[@sintonel133]

can we give liam an award or commendation for his retelling of caleb's backstory? holy shit. the way his voice quakes. the look on his face. its so real, its almost scary. but *wow* is it impressive

[@eternasapphiremoon81]

2:44:03 Caleb's backstory begins... I'm sorry, I got tears at the end of this, especially after Nott's insistence that nothing was Caleb's fault, and that she would be there at his side until he forgives himself. Liam is SUCH a magnificent story-teller and weaver of his character's story!! ((all of them are equally great too, but for this clip seemed Caleb-centric))

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

I love how Beau & Veth become Caleb's 2 best friends. Veth accepts his past but Beau challenges him to be better for the future. .

[@Kyshakk]

1:30 Gunslinger features 4:15 Matt’s commitment to character (also, fanart?) 10:20 Episode Starts 13:40 Battle begins 51:20 HDYWTDT 52:50 Nott a champion 54:05 How old was he? 1:20:35 Yasha being casual 1:24:20 Everybody wonders why they sent Yasha to talk 1:27:25 Beau throws inter-office shade 1:31:05 TFW you see a cat at the party 1:36:15 Plausible Demiability 1:39:20 They are the pullout kings 1:44:40 Jester offers “stress reduction” 1:51:05 Break Starts 2:01:25 Art Montage 2:07:50 Break Ends 2:11:05 Beau segues hard 2:19:55 Nott tries to get info for the shippers 2:22:10 Scholastic fairs are canon, and the Critters will remember 2:24:10 The Ruby of the Sea sends the best May letter 2:28:20 Mail thieves are everywhere 2:30:20 Molly gets some stress reduction 2:35:05 Catchphrase practice 2:42:30 A truly private conversation 2:44:00 Caleb’s story starts here 3:03:10 Molly is a fruit god 3:42:15 The cool kids left Caleb’s nerd ass 3:46:30 Dirty Molly 4:05:05 This woman needs some throat coat

[@YourPalRowan]

These are so helpful. It's nice to be able to skip intros and breaks, and get right to where I left off

[@simsamsammie]

Kyshakk +

[@xp_generic6284]

Facking old guy Matthew Mercer:”*gurgle*”

[@freyastuchbery7130]

This is great, but where's Flando?

[@takamikeigo53]

Kyshakk bless you for this, I appreciate people like you.

[@Zillvr]

54:10 "There's this reeally... FAACKIN' OOOOOLD GUY." Personal timestamp to such a funny delivery that I've rewind to multiple times now.

[@melissametivier4]

TRAVIS, MARISHA, and ASHLEY: Fucking old. MATT: I have no other way to describe him. Me at home: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAaaaaa coffcoffwheeze ow.

[@jd42010]

I was in stitches. I was doing homework and just fucking lost it

[@antonia3001]

@Arusiek90 He said "He conserves them." after Laura asked how that old dude had so many healing spells.

[@Exeedra]

Matt's best character description yet. XD

[@xp_generic6284]

The gurgle from Matt

[@abbygail4143]

caleb: dark, manic laughter after spilling his darkest secrets *5minutes later* liam: sLeEpy TiMe? tHx dAd :D

[@Clownbunnycosplay]

He literally said thanks dad when Matt said he could go to the bathroom

[@applejuice8271]

Timestamp 3:04:00

[@nintendosupernerd]

read to me as him laughing at Beau for saying he was forgivable/it wasnt his fault

[@JohnVanderbeck]

"This is two times I've tried to bail out of this conversation" lol.. Caleb says out loud what every socially awkward person wishes they could just say out loud.

[@JaxonBurn]

Too bad Beau has the sentinel feat.

[@AltrTheEgo]

Imagine sitting on that backstory for 18 weeks

[@fardareismai4495]

Great restraint and sense for narrative drama. Liam really understands narratives and arcs so well, it's beautiful.

[@ChinaTawrey]

im here on a rewatch and man, stuff from caleb's backstory is CONSTANTLY being brought up in these early episodes and liam just goes quiet. 'where is the soltryce academy let's look at the map', 'what's the cerberus assembly', even 'what was that trent ikiwhatever called again', and liam's just there giving nothing away. even when he could ask things like 'do i recognise this person' he doesn't, asking generic questions like 'what's their age' instead. his dedication to keeping his backstory under wraps is wild, AND he's constantly acting through it too so when you rewatch there's like 100 tiny subtle things to notice that make perfect sense with context. it's brilliant

[@schmixes4891]

I’m really trying to learn from Liam when it comes to hinting at backstories without “spoiling” it. He’s really fuckin good at his RP

[@kaelahinson7190]

Gotta say, molly beats them all when it comes to time taken for doing lore dumps

[@MrK133n]

And he wouldn’t have told then if Beau hadn’t put Caleb into a corner!

[@milesmatheson1142]

Liam: "Can I ask everybody to leave the table, please?" Sam: "That means you too, Matt." Me: "LOOK AT ME! ...I am the Dungeon Master now."

[@Iottary]

1:22:53 *You can see Liam still in character of Caleb (Bless him), PTSD freeze at his name.*

[@adamushu]

Caleb.exe has stopped working

[@JEST3R_]

@@adamushu that's some really interesting foreshadowing that I'm glad got revealed later that same episode. I didn't notice it watching but now it's s really good job on Liam's part

[@Introbulus]

Haven't seen such an in-character facial reaction since he mentioned the Briarwoods in passing in Campaign 1.

[@gradientforce761]

@@Introbulus exactly, the only difference being that in Campaign 1 I also froze at the name cause I already knew his backstory. This one was much more Earth-shattering

[@li.theo.4]

Truly!! As a new viewer knowing very little about his backstory except that Trent was a horrible part of it, my eyes immediately snapped to him when I heard the name, and I found myself unable to look away from Liam from that moment all the way until he finished revealing his story. He emotes so brilliantly and so subtly, without stopping at all and without anybody at the table even noticing what is happening, for a full hour and a half before he even gets to send everyone away and start telling his story to Beau and Nott. He's just an incredibly masterful actor. Should he have the inclination to do so, I would love to see him in stage or live-action work. Such an inspiration to us acting-inclined CR fans (as is the whole cast)!

[@TheAstip]

Copying from someone else since it's so far down 1:30 Gunslinger features 4:15 Matt’s commitment to character (also, fanart?) 10:20 Episode Starts 13:40 Battle begins 51:20 HDYWTDT 52:50 Nott a champion 54:05 How old was he? 1:20:35 Yasha being casual 1:24:20 Everybody wonders why they sent Yasha to talk 1:27:25 Beau throws inter-office shade 1:31:05 TFW you see a cat at the party 1:36:15 Plausible Demiability 1:39:20 They are the pullout kings 1:44:40 Jester offers “stress reduction” 1:51:05 Break Starts 2:01:25 Art Montage 2:07:50 Break Ends 2:11:05 Beau segues hard 2:19:55 Nott tries to get info for the shippers 2:22:10 Scholastic fairs are canon, and the Critters will remember 2:24:10 The Ruby of the Sea sends the best May letter 2:28:20 Mail thieves are everywhere 2:30:20 Molly gets some stress reduction 2:35:05 Catchphrase practice 2:42:30 A truly private conversation 2:44:00 Caleb’s story starts here 3:03:10 Molly is a fruit god 3:42:15 The cool kids left Caleb’s nerd ass 3:46:30 Dirty Molly 4:05:05 This woman needs some throat coat

[@drewpfaff2579]

Boost

[@maristotero3352]

+

[@justineb8084]

Bump!!

[@mossbox8852]

thank youuuu

[@tryewa]

-

[@megs9865]

I love how Matt completely gives control of the table to Liam for Caleb's backstory moment. When Liam asks if everyone can leave the room he agrees without a second thought and actively stops Liam and Marisha from rolling insight checks on each other while they were still trying to get into the scene, so they had to trust the other person was being honest. Matt totally stepped out of the DM role and let his players craft their own story. His "how do you want to do this" line is the only way I can think to describe his DMing style in general and it's obvious how much he trusts and loves them all to share in their stories

[@Ailieorz]

And I love how he asked everyone to leave, not only because they would have used the info (because most of them metagame like crazy) but also because their reactions would have spoiled it. I have no doubt Liam loves all of them but he also knows who he's playing with

[@mapleblackoak6192]

Timestamp for Trent Name Drop: (1:22:53) Timestamp for Caleb Lore: (2:42:27) Anybody else need some tissues and a hug after that huge lore drop?

[@sethlost424]

Please D::

[@sarahpsuedonym714]

it looks like Taliesin is looking at liam a lot too...

[@Nicolelsloan]

caleb's backstory made me think of hitler youth spying on their parents, german accent and all

[@sirius4evr]

When Trent’s name is mentioned Caleb freezes for a moment then starts breathing rapidly!! Great acting from Liam

[@marias5685]

just going through these timestamps im starting to tear up again goodness

[@Nessmess001]

Wow. Many people have pointed this out, but Liam's dedication to his character is outstanding. The way he starts acting out caleb visibly becoming more nervous as they enter the "party", fidgeting and asking what every suspicious figure looks like. His quiet "no" at fjord saying they'd all go over to the two wizards by the window. And how he just. Freezes. When he hears Trent's name. Another instance is when he's acting out caleb noticeably lying at 1:40:16 . His dedication and talent are just so awesome

[@rkbkirin5975]

I noticed his strange body language and it was so confusing at the time! Really great to be able to go back and watching knowing what was behind it.

[@rachelbreault700]

Huh I didn’t catch that.

[@izstrella]

Oh my goodness, there’s so much more to catch in hindsight it’s freaking inspiring, ahh!

[@DubhMornie]

having just watch an episode of Dimension20, hearing Matt's apology for rolling well during the giant fight is sooo funny. His and Brennan's energy are so different, I love it

[@EmilyTotallynotbees]

Thinking about when Caleb was freaking out about the guy burning to death in front of him and Beau said “you did that though”. In retrospect that’s just..... ouch

[@Guruc13]

Oh yeah... when was that again?

[@aldovasquez7987]

@@Guruc13 it was when they fought the manticore I think, Caleb burned the priest to death and then had the flashback of memories come over him

[@slvaltva1392]

yeah I like to imagine that this line was along with all other things going through his mind when Nott told him "It wasn't you, it wasn't your fault"

[@user-Aaron-]

​@@Guruc13"Episode 8: The Gates of Zadash" at 14:14

[@Guruc13]

@@user-Aaron- Thank you, all of you!

[@Tarmachan]

3:46:17 "when Caleb did it he was like 'uhhhh I love you mom and dad'... and then he started crying!" - BOY I LOVE DRAMATIC IRONY

[@sosanmia3]

Tarmachan Did you see the grin on his face? HE KNEW 😂

[@ScorchHellfire]

I love how he turns and shares the grin with Marisha. I'm guessing in that moment he was glad that he sent the others away so now they are oblivious to his motivations even though it was openly stated that he wants to control reality and manipulate time.

[@Paladin314]

Was anyone else skeptical about Jester's package ever arriving? (I'm honestly so glad it did though)

[@turingmachine8831]

I've been expecting her to learn her mom has died.

[@Fettman89]

@@turingmachine8831 I was expecting to find out her mom got irritated and annoyed with her and sent her off, far far away

[@zennamok5428]

Should take out the parentheses. Def a crappy thing to do

[@captin3149]

@@zennamok5428 What is? If you're worried about spoilers you probably shouldn't read comments BEFORE watching the video, as people would justifiably be talking about the episode.

[@mr.fluffles1552]

@@zennamok5428 yeah sorry man, but you have to avoid the comment section for Critical Role videos. To be fair though, its been quite a while since this episode came out, so you gotta assume there's spoilers in the comments by now. For future episodes, just dont read the comments until after the episode's over. Its one of the reasons I binged to get caught up, because I dont like randomly seeing spoilers

[@ittybittyrampagingcommittee]

Trent grilling Yasha, Yasha freaking out, and meanwhile Caleb is having a full-blown mindfuck right about now. 😂

[@jonathansims967]

The guy was having a whole panic attack while they were talking to his mega powerful both arcane wise as well as politically abuser

[@anyankacarlson5352]

Read the comment section. They said that Caleb’s backstory was great. I was excited to here it. I was not prepared. We are not prepared. You are not prepared.

[@nejc1821]

Anyanka Carlson god, now I’m scared.

[@willmoshforbeer]

I was not prepared

[@leximertig5030]

It's so true. I was not prepared.

[@dylanh8163]

It’s a strong start, holy shit.

[@cassandragidney7682]

Bonus points to you for integrating all that good Illidan reference into his voice actors story.

[@ArdanTheHalfDragon]

Caleb is a fucking haunting character. I don’t know if everyone else saying he’s a lich-in-the-making as a joke, but I genuinely believe it.

[@timandshannon03]

FoolishAnonymous Caleb is my favorite character, and Nott is a very close second. Their relationship is amazing!

[@kaleidoslug7777]

Let's check the list: *Magically Gifted: Check *Inhumanly Brilliant: Check *Full of Regret: Check *Questionable Moral Compass: At the very least *Mentally Unstable: Duh Yeah, those are the base ingredients. Add in a dose of Necromancy (which thanks to our resident God of Lies would be surprisingly simple) and yeah, we've got a Litch

[@aarroad574]

@@kaleidoslug7777 lich*

[@soundfxmaster]

I don't feel like he would become a lich, but I do think he could have some transformation like that, some drive for knowledge that leads to a darker path or maybe searching for a way to complete some impossible task a lá full metal alchemist

[@cassandragidney7682]

He's trying to learn to transmute reality so that he can travel back in time. If he does become something like a Lich it will be something entirely new, a time Lich of some kind.

[@fairydust1997]

Laura's acting during the letter-reading scene is impeccable, but if you want to see a heartbreaking bit of silent acting watch Liam's face in the background while she reads the letter.

[@CajinVaren]

I guess you can call it acting, its the same pout face Liam has on 80% of the time

[@AlucardFyrestone]

omg....i just teared up going back and watching Liam during that letter reading scene. I can't believe I missed that when they were live on Thursday. Thank you for pointing it out, it is definitely sentimental and something everyone should see if they didn't catch it like me the first time around. T_____T

[@klausgaming7365]

I don't know how to distinguish Liam's acting from depression behavior.

[@RM_3D]

Spolier! Yeh hearing a loving letter from a mother knowing that you have murdered urs must be tough

[@aprilv3217]

Also, Liam's mom in real life, passed away after a terrible struggle with cancer. So this is even more heartbreaking

[@patriciofloresgarcia7200]

“What you did was awful, truly terrible, despicable and unforgivable... until you can forgive it” Wow, this definitely hit hard and I don’t know why. Sometimes in life, we can be our own worst enemies. And with such a simple and quick-witted line; Sam managed to capture that perfectly. This is a truly heartfelt, heavy and amazing moment. I’ll remember this line for many years to come

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

He has to try to go to the moon.

[@wasp8919]

Liam writing a child soldier with such realism just broke my heart, and to be followed by Nott's reaction? I wasn't ready for that. And what's amazing is that it's all just in a D&D campaign! It's so true, too, when you read about the psychological damage and manipulation that people have over child soldiers, even just soldiers in general, to where they are so long gone that they begin to revel and enjoy the acts they commit. It really is moving when you read about the stories of the few rescued child soldiers and what had to face coming back from that, slowly beginning to realize what it was they really did, dealing with the unbelievable guilt and horror, it's horrific. Damn, what a performance.

[@lanestovall1715]

I cried when Knott comforted him!! It was so beautiful

[@alexgulino335]

he wasn't so much a "child soldier" in the way we think of them today(normally pre-pubescent), but I get what you mean. Something to consider is that we don't fully develop our ability to experience empathy until 25ish. It comes along for a while then stops for a decade and finally finishes developing later... why do you think armies enlist around age 18? I get the feeling the delayed empathy was an evolutionary advantage. Your kids will grow up even if you murder some innocent strangers from another tribe... but they won't if you're killed giving them the benefit of the doubt. Don't get me wrong, it's terrible to think about but its just a theory I have considering why that may be the case.

[@matsh5633]

Too bad he was interrupted by Marisha like 10 times *shakes head*

[@Stettafire]

@@alexgulino335 the no empathy until 25 thing is bullshit

[@christopherarmstrong8255]

@@matsh5633 to be fair, that was exactly Beau's character. If I had to pick who I wanted to reveal my haunted past to, Beau would be the immediate bottom vote for her lack of tact and pushiness in asking awkward and unwanted questions.

[@AvianAmerican96]

YOU CAN TOTALLY TELL WHEN LIAM/CALEB RECOGNIZES TRENT'S NAME, OH MY GOD.

[@rosenrot234]

I remember thinking "Oh. Calebs being weird again" when he froze. I DIDNT KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

UpSkyDown I could practically hear the sirens from Kill Bill start blaring when I saw him freeze up.

[@magicrainbowkitties1023]

Just like the Briarwoods!

[@theoneandonlymichaelmccormick]

Jessica Hutchison 1:22:53 Give-or-take.

[@triphide]

Thank you!

[@asherlemmon3153]

"...and my compatriot, Master Trent Ikithon." _Caleb.exe has stopped responding_

[@jennie22.02]

just spamming the error message sound in my brain

[@nicolethebard]

There's a lot to be impressed with regarding Matt's skills, but the speed with which Matt is able to just find whatever he's looking for in the DMG/PHB at any given moment is astounding to me.

[@TheThreeHeadedDragon]

He has the Keen Mind feat in real life.

[@peterrose5373]

Tabs. Tabs are your friend.

[@JanitoRiceMeister]

Imagine if Nott managed to steal Ford's letter Nott: Hey, Caleb, I got you a way into the best magic school ever. The Soltryce Academy! To learn better magic 😊 Caleb: **Internal screaming** CooOOoOol 😐

[@bumblewyn]

oh my god

[@flopilop4596]

Here to add a mandatory yearly response to this comment

[@la_nightlilly]

This is exactly what I was thinking about!

[@xanderlaskey2753]

@@flopilop4596 Got it for this year

[@veryfancypigeon]

​@@flopilop4596as you say

[@2thatonegirl16]

Liam KILLED it with Caleb's backstory. I know it's part of Beau's character, but good golly if I wasn't frustrated by Beau's response. Marisha was totally in character the whole time and everything, and Nott made up for it in the end by slamming the correct level of empathy out of the park. (Sam is continuously surprising me lol) But god damn! these kids do this thing for *fun.* the skill. the talent. the writing! the acting! i'm proud of my kids. my biggest frustration, however, was nobody making the connection that Caleb wants to change reality and time to bring back his parents!!! ugh!! you FOOLS!! also, Matt and Marisha being cute will forever kill me each time it sneaks in there because I love them both so much.

[@smOVERCOMINGITALL]

Lol that was my reaction too! I was like BEAU REALLY.... but god that was SO in character... i couldnt even be that mad bc it was so in character.

[@MagizardInternet]

@@smOVERCOMINGITALL I actually thought Beau was being very empathic to Caleb. But Marisha being good at keeping character, she delivered how a person who has almost zero social skills would give emotional advice so perfectly.

[@poiuytrewqpoiiiiiiuy]

Yeah thought that was the case. I would like to ask who came up with the campaign's story? Is it Mercer or is it premade from somebody else?

[@MagizardInternet]

@@poiuytrewqpoiiiiiiuy The World of Exandria is a creation of Matt Mercer. This is his own story.

[@poiuytrewqpoiiiiiiuy]

@@MagizardInternet god. damn. At first I thought he created it all but then seeing how many details there are to the world I started doubting if he could make it all on his own. Truly amazing!

[@skelletan4543]

"I am going to tell you the story of how I murdered my mother and father" marisha and sam: *poggers*

[@Haven-Polaris]

WhaleMom uvu shame!!! I was looking for time stamps! (Not really tho I’m sure you are a great person and my shaming was purely for humorous effect

[@wenbluepirate3954]

"I am going to tell you the story of how I murdered my mother and father" Beau: "That's nothing to be ashamed of." and that actually happens

[@wenbluepirate3954]

@@Haven-Polaris ???? who- why- eeh?? *edit:* he deleted his comment after my first one. Let's just say he is selective with who he wishes good thoughts. If you catch my drift. He said mean things. :(

[@ecospherex9298]

i don't know why but "do you consent to this piggy-back ride?" is probably the funniest question i've ever had the pleasure of hearing

[@M9Nein]

1:22:54 "This is my compatriot, Trent Ikithon." *Caleb FREEZES*

[@Marpaws]

I just watched it again. Yes he did freeze.

[@StratovariusFTW]

Watched it again too, I absolutely love how Liam reacts to that, he is so absorbed in his character 90% of the time, it's amazing

[@kaseyprime9284]

Caleb.exe has failed, beginning program murder.exe

[@ryanaiden]

He is hyperventilating for a full 8 minutes

[@Picklescape]

Thank you for this time stamp! I literally came to the comments to find this

[@chrisedrington7945]

I was so prepared to have my heart broken when Jester's mom actually sent the package.

[@derekishmael4034]

I thought that Nott sent the package. Only later realized he sent a package to Felderwin.

[@StrapMerf]

Your not the only one who though it was Nott, it was the right about of gold, perfume, ink are this she can make.. i was just waiting for the buttons...

[@klaik30]

3:46:17 😭 This is why I sometimes love when information isn't spread to everyone around the table. Im not sure Laura would pick those words for Jester, even in character, if she was present for Calebs story... It would be SO insensitive once you know the background 💀

[@SCarr8813]

New to the CR fandom, and had been told about this episode.. holy shize. As an RPer, I am so jealous of this table. I love players that focus on RP. Sam and Liam have been slowly building the emotional center of this entire journey. Laura fosters warmth that breaks through any tension, while Tailisen makes sure to foster questioning and never getting stuck in line. And Ashley, I know it's hard when you have someone bouncing in and out, but she is dedicated to this shy giant devastater. But, Liam, Sam, and Marisha, these three specifically have to remind people when their person is talking, not the character. Then during what was a heart clenching performance, Marisha (who has a huge heart IRL) just stone faced it, cold heartless listening, even angry about being emotionally dumped on. That takes dedication when all you want is to hug your friend. Then Matt, holy shit! The best story set up. Let the characters who are having trouble bonding start to set roots, then threaten war but offer serious work. Just, his ability to time these transitions in flow of story.

[@roz9738]

what about travis

[@broke_rat]

Marisha is just a fucking asshole in real life, so this came easy to her

[@mduckernz]

@@broke_rat What the hell gave you that impression?! I've gotten rather the opposite impression - empathetic, joyous, caring, but with a core of steel when pushed

[@marsinator3675]

@@broke_rat thats some dumb shit lmao.

[@Jepysauce]

@@broke_rat Imagine judging an entire person's personality based on what impression you get from their D&D character. How close minded and full of spite can you be? On that note, Beau has been showing a lot of signs of having way more depth than just being blunt and touch as steel about everything in the last handful of episodes. If you haven't seen that maybe you need to stop wanting to hate something (or someone) so badly and just try to stay neutral.

[@treesbiologist8562]

Yasha's utter disappointment when Jester tells her that the very fancy hotel won't cook the pet rat she won at a carnival game 2:37:03

[@R.B.was_taken]

“I love you and Imma get you Taco Bell”~ Matt Mercer aka best Husband ever

[@madsam7582]

And he sounds slightly drunk as he says it! 😄

[@bonniefazman9065]

Caleb: *tells his backstory* Me: ... Welp, time to start a rebellion.

[@oscarpines7927]

"Caleb was like I love you mom and dad!" *Marisha and Sam internally just going Aaaawwww shit.*

[@peg7439]

*Oh god man :(*

[@josied2009]

When I read this comment my instant though was, they are both supposed to be girls, so who is the dad? (For those of you who instantly say Knott because she is played by Sam, Knott supposedly thinks of Caleb like a son and like she is the mom)

[@NonRegnumDei1934]

@@josied2009 Beau's pretty butch so most likely she'd be the masculine parent. Also you kind of answered your own question with that parenthetical aside.

[@lily277]

Liam's physicality gets me every time bro. There are moments when other stuff is going on (eg. Beau and Yasha talking to the men at the window) where he let's Caleb have a moment even though the attention isnt on him and you can see how uncomfortable he is and how much he wants to leave just by staring deadpan across the table and his breath hitching. Truly amazing character work.

[@stephenalley5177]

Spoiler: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I'll be honest, I didn't expect Jester's mom to give two shits about her. That she actually seems to really love her really surprised me. Not that I got the feels or anything.

[@thomasjoychild4962]

I know, right!

[@Johncornwell103]

What if Jester is the creation of a deal her mom made with a demon? Instead of a her soul, Jester's mom had to bear his child? Then what started out as just fulfilling her deal, turned into actual love and that is why she kept her hidden for so long.

[@Deathven1482]

john cornwell damn that’s both dark yet compelling

[@Johncornwell103]

Deathven Ty

[@Evija3000]

Most parents of critical role characters seem to be either dead or jerks. Feels kinda weird to have a nice living one.