Test of Pride | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 51

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Scanlan tries to plan a safe escape for his daughter Kaylie, while Grog makes his way to the center of Westrunn for his final confrontation with his uncle Kevdak.
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Thanks to @CRTranscript and all the #critters for closed captions!
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[@benholeman3537]

Grog- “Vax, what would you say is the number one pro tip when fighting someone like me?” Vax- “D-d-don’t?”

[@craigbainton4173]

Ben Holeman. Well he’s not wrong

[@NopeJustPatrick]

That's fair...

[@l0re811]

Keep him at long range.

[@anthonydavis5288]

@@l0re811 I agree. Stay at 65 feet at all times. I think chain of holding is 60 ft if im not mistaken

[@xEvilRaptorx]

@@anthonydavis5288 barbarian have higher move speed (than most) I believe as well.

[@drewbunker]

Vax: "Just...no black birds, okay?" Keyleth: "I turn Percy into a raven...and I turn myself into a raven." Vax: -_-

[@Roiben100]

He told Percy not Keyleth and also neither of them actually know why without meta gaming.

[@fralo1031]

@@Roiben100 I don’t see why that means they didn’t meta game or why it matters

[@Roiben100]

How is that meta gaming? Wouldnt it be meta gaming if she didnt turn Percy into a Raven even though Keyleth would have no idea of why?

[@victornone872]

Yeah they have been talking about ravens a lot in game and Keyleth didn't know he doesn't want them

[@fralo1031]

@@Roiben100 they both suck nuts

[@Figgy5119]

I actually really like that Grog lost Craven Edge right before this big confrontation. Now that he's doing it without his evil crutch, it means so much more.

[@arcticwulf5796]

He finds his strength in his friends.

[@airey8731]

@@arcticwulf5796 the clutch power up from the power of friendship

[@castor9683]

@@airey8731 So as it turns out, the real Craven Edge was the friends we made along the way... or something..

[@zach415]

@@castor9683 where does your strength come from?

[@joedabro9969]

It's like an after school special. And Grog discovered he had the strength all along. The strength of friendship.

[@EnderLord007]

"That totals to uhhhh, let's see... 74" *softly* "That's obscene"

[@CycleKat]

33:55

[@Mistowgan]

Talesin has no right to say that after what Percy did to that godling

[@Snaitf01]

I love how at 17:27 there's an exchange between like 6 voices and it takes two people. XD Kaylie (As Stonejaw): THE MAIN GATE Kaylie (to Scanlan): There's like four gates in the city! Which one?! Scanlan: I'm - I don't - Sam: Do I know which one? Matt: The western gate. Scanlan: The Western gate!! Kaylie (As Stonejaw): THE WESTERN GATE! Random guard: Right then, I'll let him know.

[@blueshift7320]

I'm on my first watch through this campaign, and this is Matt's most impressive moment so far to me. Switching between being Kaylie, being Kaylie's scary voice, and two random guards, while still DMing with Sam is incredible!

[@JoeyGills]

First watch through, this comment is highly underrated!

[@phoogoo]

You might want to check out Phil Hendrie. He regularly juggles 6-8 voices all by himself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXSmmYpnltd_gMk - I would love to see a one shot with Phil running an entire party.

[@deleria010]

So wonderful and hilarious

[@bandi138138]

Pike and Grog together is the cutest thing. Pike makes the vicious Goliath a sweet innocent child.

[@k0pstl939]

@Arusiek90 And that's saying something

[@Loki13M]

And Grog brings out the avenging battleangel in Pike. When she got the ogre gauntlets, you saw what she did to that chicken...

[@PhobosDDeimos]

Pike and Grog are the best!

[@MiaLuce777]

Why do they get me right in the heart every damn time!!!

[@johnmobley9369]

And her a strong, determined little vicious gremlin at the same time

[@ronin7997]

Travis absolutely killed it this session as Grog! Brutally intimidating, mockingly clever, and epically badass!

[@ronin7997]

+Æscræd I'm certain Matt did not intend to have Grog solo Kevdak. Nonetheless, Travis' RPing was spectacular, easily his best performance on the stream.

[@Evija3000]

Weirdly clever for Grog. But I guess barbarian insults is his native tongue.

[@CorwinC73]

He actually has an above average wisdom as well. Knowing how things work, and conventions of a culture (especially his own) can all fall under that. :)

[@tangoxrayniner5659]

Matt gives no shits about Grog, nor having Grog ever have heroic opportunities. He consistently shoves Grog into shit, beats him about the head and shoulders and completely shames him. Session after session. I swear Matt hates that character. Everything that the throws at Grog is bigger, stronger, better, hits harder, takes more hits etc etc. Just shameful.

[@scarlettkara2762]

You have to realize that isn't true, right? Matt loves all of these characters man-- if he hated Grog, he would not make his absolutely brutal, bloody, and horrific HDYWTDT's (T'i, I don't know how to make that plural) so freaking AMAZING. As for the enemies, the DM has to make things challenging; he doesn't do it out of spite. If he didn't throw enemies that weren't equally as or more tough than at Grog (who's the most tank a tank could ever tank), the game wouldn't be fun. Just look at Matt's smile after Grog's speech (~2:14:00)-- the Goliaths would not be smiling after that. That's Matt thinking *That's really f-cking awesome*. Or watch a Talks Machina episode with the two. I assure you that 'shame' is not the case here.

[@wahlflower3517]

I never thought I would see the day when Scanlen Shorthalt becomes a pageant dad coaching his daughter from off stage. XD

[@jamesgarlick4573]

He had to make up for lost time lol

[@thegreenlee5941]

It's great cause Sam has directed one of his children in voice over work.

[@deffdefying4803]

I swear to god I read "pageant" as "pregnant" I never thought I would see the day when Scanlan Shorthalt becomes a pregnant dad.

[@Pointlesschan]

@@deffdefying4803 my poor brain read it that way too 😂

[@techoutsider5631]

@@Pointlesschan I read it as pageant the first time, then I saw your comment and read as pregnant. Thanks a lot 😂

[@Shoob-k5u]

Every time they stealth they should just put Pike in the PokeBall

[@cussundriakneal9904]

Trinket's in there, so... :/

[@BLINDrOBOTFILMS]

@@cussundriakneal9904 Pike and Trinket can cuddle

[@Shoob-k5u]

@@cussundriakneal9904 I think Trinket might be better at stealthing actually

[@mazie1874]

I laughed so hard when I read this.

[@mazie1874]

Shelby Hill I think you’re right. Trinket has 10 stealth (+0) while Pike has 12 (+2) but Pike has disadvantage on stealth checks (because of her armor) so I think Trinket would actually be better at stealthing.

[@pagenein]

17:35 Matt: The western gate. Scanlan: The western gate, the western gate! Matt as Kaylee as Stonejaw: *THE WESTERN GATE*

[@sebastiansweet5911]

Matt Mercer, with a hand full of toothpicks: "I have... PLaaaaans for theese"

[@sambert8719]

I love how Travis RP's Grog. He's a total buffoon until he needs to be more than that, and then he's exactly what the party needs: a thoughtful tactical leader. what an excellent complex character

[@TheKazragore]

His Intelligence might be negative, but his Wisdom is not, and having come from the Heard of Storms, he does have something of a head for combat stratagem.

[@SPACEHARICE]

its because this is personal this isn't some dragon or other fiend or warrior these are the people who cast him out

[@timkinney8719]

Travis plays him really well, the dumb things he says are hilarious and his tactics are simple but always effective.

[@starsgears9200]

I do love that Grog is basically a savant when it comes to wine, violence, and barbarian politics.

[@darkvizardking69]

It's like abridged goku. A total idiot most of the time but when they need to fight he shows how good he is

[@lunahaleraven6011]

"Scanlan, what can you see?!?" "Idiots on broomsticks!!"

[@DimaJeydar]

“Oh shit, that’s us!”

[@SouthernGentBox]

Best lines so far lol

[@HugoGojibiter]

When Scanlan said that only Kaylie could help him I kinda just figured that was simply because that’s his daughter and it’s the most narratively satisfying thing, but Sam actually had a plan for how she could help based on what he’d seen her do before, that was genuinely impressive stuff

[@Jayzor92]

"What do you see around you?" "Uuh... Idiots on broomsticks, flying around." Taliesin nods in agreeance.

[@baktrax]

6:56 Scanlan explains the situation 11:23 Scanlan's plan 13:42 Father/Daughter bonding 22:12 Obligatory advertisement 25:28 Vox Machina always has the same Plan B 26:49 Keyleth speaks too smart for Grog 56:28 All of Scanlan's plans involve some form of subterfuge 58:04 Scanlan tries to be a father 1:02:46 The first time Scanlan's conversational skills are a little rough 1:05:02 Everyone can open doors but Vox Machina 1:19:11 Vox Machina needs to pow wow every two minutes to figure out what the plan is 1:19:24 What was your plan, Scanlan? 1:23:52 All of Scanlan's plans involve making a distraction 1:37:21 Just give Grog a hug, Keyleth 1:38:56 Grog wants to be done with all the touchy feely nonsense 1:41:27 Vex helps Grog in her own way 1:41:49 D'aww Grog and Pike

[@lukasdybala629]

nice summary 😊

[@megatongirl]

Thanks for posting! :]

[@matylinth3qu33n6]

Patricia S ewwwwwwwww brackets

[@sigurdsnstelie7638]

baktrax æ

[@pennding3415]

L

[@piabernardino]

as much as I want to catch up, I'm dreading the time wherein I actually have to wait for thursday to watch a new episode

[@OrphanHart]

That happened to me a few months back. It physically hurts to have to wait Y-Y , but good things come to those who do ;)

[@hotscottrulz]

This guy gets it...

[@overnightgrowth]

It's the bane of binge watching new shows XD

[@toddmclosson]

Pia Bernardino dear lord me too!

[@megans3371]

ikr. but something tells me these next episodes are gonna fly by.

[@spartanchief2]

Grog's speech at 2:12:31 was definitely one of - if not the best moment of Grog. Kudos to Travis for pulling such an awesome speech mid-game. Also, that music timing though?

[@Veloziraptor111]

+Wet Willy Matt's music choices continuously surprise me with how damn well timed they seem- too well to seem like an accident, and yet also too well timed to be deliberate, considering that most of what happens is improvised on the spot. He must simply be a wizard.

[@SpydersByte]

I was going to make this exact timestamp but I was *sure* someone would have already done it. That speech gave me goosebumps. I love when Travis gets to let his actual intellect shine.

[@cornelioyap2280]

do you know what Track is used?

[@MoldyOog]

I love how Laura's just like " I married this man!"

[@mr.stoneheart5952]

Laura’s face during that speech is priceless

[@commonpleasantries1941]

Something that really gets me about this show is since its not scripted I really cant predict it, if this were a normal tv show I'd be thinking 'yeah he'll be fine, hes got plot armor' but in this situation I'm on the edge of my seat really wondering if Grog will die. Its kinda magical

[@KarinaTheWarrior]

A homestuck fan.. here? Cool. Now there's two homestucks reading this comment.

[@jimmydesouza4375]

A couple of episodes before this Grog for no reason at all jumped into a portal to read part of a name, despite grog being completely illiterate and Travis knowing this, so that he would have to use his chain of returning to save himself solely so that he could then stab Pike and progress the cursed sword narrative arc, and this was completely foreshadowed a couple of episodes before that. And you somehow think it is unscripted..?

[@bamaboy146]

@@jimmydesouza4375 how do you figure its scripted?

[@jimmydesouza4375]

@@bamaboy146 I just explained one of several hundred nonsensical things that the party have done in just the last 50 episodes and you somehow still have to ask me that..?

[@nanni5230]

@@jimmydesouza4375 It's not like Matt, as the DM, can force things to happen if he wants it to, thus progressing a story arc when he wants... Noooo, that's not how it works lmfaooo

[@grondhero]

Vax: "What do you see around you?" Scanlan: "Idiots on broomsticks flying around." Vex: "Oh, s--t, that's us!"

[@wolverineaquajock2]

"Some insects called the human race!"

[@andrewbuck171]

Lost in time and lost in space.

[@Larissawesome]

Look at those morons. Oh shit, those are my morons!

[@Kasino80]

@@andrewbuck171 and meaning

[@ALJ9000]

@@wolverineaquajock2 I’d call us parasites or demons

[@robpegler6545]

Pike & Grog are so adorable together it makes my teeth hurt.

[@amandadube156]

*sweet ?

[@OrphanHart]

hot and sexy

[@henrywotton8004]

I got to add the 666th like to this.

[@theblackzodiacqueen6600]

Something you should maybe get looked at????

[@marc-alexandreplouffe505]

I love how Travis has plans (Decent plans) but he always looks like he's holding back because he's Grog and SHOULDN't have plans lol So good! I love this game and these characters but I am secretly looking forward to them rolling new characters... If they ever DO that is.

[@hotscottrulz]

If you haven't already, you should watch the one shots, each of the players play a different character. My favourite was Liam's first one, because Travis, Laura, Sam, and Taliesin are the best characters.

[@wahlflower3517]

The Pathfinder oneshot is my favorite because everyone plays as goblins, really stupid goblins.

[@Wookie_oo7]

I am sure Grizdak the Great would disagree with that.

[@majidktk5988]

Wookie_oo7 '

[@Kickassgrandma911]

Terry Darrington. That is all.

[@kiragon405]

I can't get past the fact that the Trinket statue looks like it's patting Laura's head the entire show.

[@gloomberries3191]

He’s blessing her

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

Awwwwwwww. Cute

[@nidohogg4783]

That's great, I didn't even notice before

[@anamitraroy1681]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[@Dan280974]

cute

[@AllThingsFascinate]

"You are the shadow that stalks the guilty" Good God taleisin

[@colin9174]

Im seriously in love with Mercers improv capabilities. Everybody's talking about Grog this episode. Sure Travis is great. But Matt does impeccable improv every single episode without skipping a beat.

[@PhobosDDeimos]

True.

[@ksad96]

I get this awesome mental image of Percy atop a roof, Bad News on his back, Pepperbox in hand as he watches the battle below, carefully and precisely taking down baddie after baddie, eyes cold and calculating behind his unique glasses, sunset at the back of his rather fancy coat, the elegance failing to completely cover the calm killer underneath as he drops the herd and clan with roar after roar from his incredibly potent weapons... I really like Percy.

[@jbark678]

Kris Doyle He just needs Alucard's hat to make the aesthetic complete.

[@mason_cant_sleep9965]

Respectfully, I think he's more Vash the Stampede than Alucard.

[@BlueDually4x4]

That is the vibe I got, round glasses and trench coat. Even his hair is spiked.

[@Arkatox]

I hate to break it to you... but that ain't the Pepperbox.

[@CorwinC73]

Well, it's A pepperbox (which is a type of gun)... his original (called "The List" officially, though never so in game) was replaced by Ripley's.Retort, another pepperbox firearm

[@zacharypensa246]

46:43 I think its absolutely adorable that Matt has his last name written inside the book. Like he's a kid at school in case someone steals it. Precious.

[@sl00tym4g3]

Zachary Pensa feel like it's pretty common among gamers. I've been in multiple groups who do it, so they can distinguish who's book belongs to who when they are multiple copies of each floating around.

[@teagan_p_999]

Ya, they do have a lot of handbooks floating around there. It seems reasonable.

[@ahenci]

Worst case scenario, someone steals a autographed D&D book.

[@AllThingsFascinate]

@@ahenci best* case depending on who you are lol

[@daneroberts1996]

i noticed that too and had the exact same thought 😂

[@Emilytea]

You IDIOT! I am but a projection! Trying so hard not to wake up my entire family right now by laughing. This is too good.

[@MinecraftMogul17]

I WILL THROW IT HARD

[@CorwinC73]

I was SURE his daughter was gonna repeat when Scanlan said "No no, don't say that!' .... "No NO DON'T SAY THAT! ...er... oops"

[@xEvilRaptorx]

I wonder if matt misspoke or purposely said it... "kevdak is at the west gate, tell kevadk to come"

[@yasminafarih3681]

Didn't something like this happen is All Guardsmen Party XD

[@Kfaircloth13457]

@@yasminafarih3681 "Hey Sarge! I think it's a hologram..."

[@EmilyTotallynotbees]

I love Laura’s face during Travis’s monologue she’s like “THATS MY HUSBAND!!!”

[@PrettyOdd1991]

Oh yes, she is so proud ❤

[@-tr0n]

Quite the pair. I'm in love with both of them!

[@tonybradley2053]

​@@-tr0nrelationship goals are easy for some. Even better when you share hobbies. 👍

[@connorklein7376]

*Vex flashes Grog* Percy - “.......don’t you dare die happy!”

[@ruler3685]

When Matt breaks character and laughs, an angel is born

[@davidcurry5240]

And then when Grog says “my buddy Pike” they get their wings

[@Derek6991]

This whole episode reminds me of Leonard Snart from Flash explaining the 4 steps of a plan: 1. "Make the plan" 2. "Execute the plan" 3. "Expect the plan to go off the rails...." 4. "Throw away the plan"

[@plutoisaplanet19]

Every damn time. Guys, your plan ALWAYS goes to shit. Leonard Snart would disapprove of all this intricacy. They need a few goals, a couple limits (like "leave one alive to question"), and then go for it.

[@WyattTherapysinger]

I love that someone just referenced Captain Cold!!!

[@IIToneAII]

Fairly certain that's life... and *every* game of TTRPG. 😆

[@Stronghand-yw1lk]

You got that right! And Lenny was one of my favorite characters.

[@JohnRed53]

0:01 - Relevent Tech Difficulties 2:00 - Modeling 6:56 - Scanlan explains the situation 7:58 - Father And Daughter 11:23 - Scanlan's plan 13:42 - Father/Daughter bonding 20:00 - Meanwhile 22:12 - Obligatory advertisement 25:28 - Vox Machina always has the same Plan B 26:49 - Keyleth speaks too smart for Grog 27:25 - The Trap Is Sprung 56:28 - All of Scanlan's plans involve some form of subterfuge 58:04 - Scanlan tries to be a father 1:02:46 - The first time Scanlan's conversational skills are a little rough 1:05:02 - Everyone can open doors but Vox Machina 1:06:00 - Daughter Saves The Day 1:19:11 - Vox Machina needs to pow wow every two minutes to figure out what the plan is 1:19:24 - What was your plan, Scanlan? 1:23:52 - All of Scanlan's plans involve making a distraction 1:37:21 - Just give Grog a hug, Keyleth 1:38:56 - Grog wants to be done with all the touchy feely nonsense 1:41:27 - Vex helps Grog in her own way 1:41:49 - D'aww Grog and Pike

[@heathengremlin992]

Does anybody know the song at 1:40:02? They use it a lot and I really want to know what it is!!

[@chasej687]

Bumpy mcbumpface

[@paragonofhope2620]

God, it eats me up inside knowing that Gilmore has stealth armour waiting for Pike but nobody remembers.

[@annikabunnel743]

@@paragonofhope2620 was that before or after Emon got sat on by a dragon? There is no guarantee that the armor wasn’t taken by looters then

[@paragonofhope2620]

@@annikabunnel743 it probably was taken by looters. But they had gone to Gilmore's at least twice after Pike had ordered it. It was a huge missed opportunity.

[@zoedilks9798]

I love how when any player breaks the 4th wall, like making a movie reference, everyone yells at them, but if Grog does it it's just Grog talking nonsense and it works.

[@trapical]

Scanlan: "You killed them? I thought we were only going to distract them! How is that a distraction!?" Keyleth: "We distracted them from their terrible, terrible lives" A lot of people hate on Keyleth, but she has some great one liners.

[@booklover7889]

All that is needed for a traditional Keyleth interaction after that is for her to ask if their the bad guys afterwards 😂

[@Spectralyzed]

The thing I really like about this arc is that Grog is being aware that he isn't always incredibly gifted in terms of intelligence, so he's asking for everyone else's input to get the best outcome. Which frankly, is a really intelligent thing to do. Shows that while Grog might not be as smart as his companions, he's definitely learning.

[@gebdemedici]

He still is wise enough to know that he isn't the smartest.

[@JustVibing4now]

Battle instincts

[@nordyball]

It says alot about how amazing this show is when the camera issues don't even detract from any of the fun.

[@bobbatcher6021]

+Eric Nordstrom It also helped that the crew did an awesome job on the camera switches.

[@Dovaskus]

I don't even watch half the time

[@matthewletexier]

I honestly forgot it was different, I was just absorbed in Travis and Matt

[@macavity7716]

shout out to the geek and sundry crew for a) getting the show up and running at all after the tech difficulties, and b) directing the camera changes in such a way that it didn't interrupt, and actually enhanced, the story. you all had a rough job that night, and you handled it gloriously. :)))))

[@emptyblank3396]

I love and agree with this comment wholeheartedly. But every time I see this :)))) I imagine a person smiling with a double chin x 10

[@thegreenlee5941]

I really enjoyed it, I wish more of the show was shot this way, although I do enjoy the side bits and looks everyone gives each other, so much love and laughter between them all.

[@Jdn33315]

I liked this way shot so much better.

[@xEvilRaptorx]

"A stream is earned!" + "The broom is Gerns" - Live Twitch Chat the whole delay Source: i was there :)

[@bittermaxx]

Ok, percy/taliesin is always told he knows how to use words.. But GROG/TRAVIS most definitely just improvved the top 10 most awesome dialogue for Crit role in this episode alone.. (do u squat when u piss now?)

[@cFull_Rtrd]

grog could not back up those words though xD

[@PhobosDDeimos]

I wonder if he has ideas for these comebacks written down beforehand, but he's probably just awesome at acting in character.

[@DarthRioBarbossa]

So this is years late, but it's worth saying: Shout out to the crew for being MVPs with the technical difficulties. The single-shots from the cameras all episode was really well done and I didn't miss the overlay at all. Rockstars, the lot of them!

[@MaserXIV]

The BEST Father-Daughter bonding, I have EVER seen.

[@bishop6218]

Until the Great Parent Trap of 2021 ! 🤣

[@OmniValor]

Matt Mercers a dude playin' a dude, disguised as another dude

[@asagoldsmith3328]

Scott I KNOW WHAT DUDE I AM

[@deffdefying4803]

That's like Three levels of dude

[@lokombro1553]

Also a refrence from the AbTab group if im not mistaken and i appreciate it : p

[@thevillainousdrifter3826]

@@lokombro1553 Definitely a reference to Tropic Thunder though.

[@LoLotov]

@@asagoldsmith3328 I think you're the dude that thinks he knows what dude he is and really doesnt know what dude he is cause hes so busy being dudes being other dudes cause they're a different dude than the dude they think they are cause... he doesnt know what dude he is?

[@arentol99]

The way Grog talks to Pike. Fantastic role-playing from Travis -- probably the best one of the lot.

[@verbalbbq7976]

I love the continuity and character development of Eartbreaker Groon teaching Grog that his strength lies in his friends and Grog acknowledging in this fight that he needs the rest of Vox Machina

[@chronobeard2101]

Never hated an ending more. That was a damn fine cliffhanger. Thank goodness I'm 2 years late, and I can just pick up the next episode tomorrow morning.

[@megabear37]

moonlime if by tomorrow morning you mean 2am immediately after this one I agree

[@kiwisvideos0]

@@megabear37 SAME

[@FishyDaGamer]

More like this morning as it’s past midnight for me lol

[@damiensteinrich9677]

Lol 4 years late here

[@krisbusch6653]

I’m never late. I arrive precisely when I mean to.

[@Outlander777]

Talesin fangirling at Grog's speech is so awesome!

[@SpydersByte]

yes it was, I loved that! mirroring my own amazement :D

[@kaizen5023]

It was an epic speech, Laura was clearly extra in love with her husband right then :)

[@megabear37]

“How do you want to do this?” Queue giorno piano

[@erisplaysgames]

I read this at the exact moment that happened

[@eruduma]

Me too! Especially because Travis is fangirling at Percy doing stuff a lot of the time too.

[@RevanXIII]

Vox Machina: 95% planning 5%action

[@OrionX700]

100% "Oh shit oh shit we fucked up"

[@colmortimer1066]

Ironically, once the action starts all that planning instantly goes our the window. :)

[@TreeFolkDruid]

and as soon as the action starts, all planning out the window!

[@chipping5640]

In my roleplaying experience this is the common method of play. Whats not common is the silly plans this lot come up with. Here they all listen & follow their brain challenged fighter's plan of going up against a boss monster by himself, with pathetic magic buffs. Then they just sit and watch while the floor is being wiped with him. They even keep forgetting they can talk to each other through the silly but massively powerful walky talky item (which no other roleplayers have).

[@Capn_Slow]

chipping dude, it's good roleplaying in my opinion, Grog sorta believes in the horde's moral, trial by combat actually looks like the right thing to do

[@toastghost9145]

Dadlan is an interesting, and still funny in a whole new way, face of Scanlan Shorthalt.

[@rileylarkin1254]

Dadlan?! Oh my god that made me laugh so hard!! Haha!

[@alecchristiaen4856]

it took me this comment to realise that dadlan was not a typo

[@Nildread]

Riley Larkin did you laugh as hard as that axe was thrown?

[@VixenVolva]

Logan Disappointment I sure did. I tried to stifle my laugh but I critically failed, and I couldn’t help but start snorting. I ended up startling my dog and waking up my 4yo in the process. I found this about a month ago and have been binge watching it ever since, I feel like I’m some crit addict itching for another fix.

[@smiggle_smish]

Lol dadlan

[@ASquared544]

Since it looks like Mythcarver can cut through anything, I hope they use it to cut through stuff like doors.

[@TheInaneAsylum]

Doors are legendary creatures

[@anthonydavis5288]

@@TheInaneAsylum Well played

[@lucu01]

Doors have vox machina resistance, obvs

[@alexv3357]

It takes a mythical artefact for them to open a barred wooden door

[@johncameron1935]

Mythcarver is insufficient for such powerful nemeses as doors. They need to find another Vestige, the Skeleton Key. No wait that's one of the daedric artifacts.

[@bohbro7406]

I just realized...grog background is the plot of lion king 😂

[@tristinanderson6320]

I don't think grogs dad was ever leader of the heard though, so similar but slightly different.

[@dontedoestuff]

Has anybody made a shirt yet that's Uncle Sam but with Matt's face and it says "I WANT YOU... TO ROLL INITIATIVE"

[@LeyCarnifex]

dontedoestuff holy shit yes please

[@jamesgarlick4573]

I will buy 10, just take my money already!

[@ScorchHellfire]

You should've submitted that as a fan design. xD

[@iamtoby653]

Or you know just Sam as Uncle Sam

[@smiggle_smish]

Please I need this

[@MrMcBaine1]

Jaw Jaw's Bizarre Adventure

[@jaellyons4625]

love it

[@NovaStella_]

I felt bad liking this because it already had 69 likes.

[@faefriend5702]

Grog is a hamon user

[@servosmash7588]

Time for the Strongjaw secret technique, GO IN A FRENZY RAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@caffeinesystem]

Please tell me there's fanart for this.

[@WannaComment2]

Isn't Scanlan as a bard proficient with rapiers by default? I kinda like the idea that Scanlan actually know very damn well how to use his melee weapons, but because he perfers to solve problems using his bardic talents and spells he pretends to be clumsy with weapons in front of the party to protect his image while still using them highly effective. Putting on a performance, so to speak.

[@rashkavar]

Scanlan is technically proficient with rapiers unless he and Matt deliberately nerfed his weaponry skills for some reason; Sam, on the other hand, is not proficient with melee attacks in general. You saw how utterly confused he was about how to roll an attack. That said, if there's a class to be like that with, Bard's a good one - most bards have so many options for actions/bonuses/reactions that burning them on melee attacks is typically not the reasonable thing to do.

[@AVJHalonen]

I thought they said it was a longsword?

[@bliss2632]

@@AVJHalonen Bards are also proficient with longswords in 5th edition.

[@jamesgarlick4573]

@@bliss2632 but he's a gnome... wouldn't it be too big? I'm not very proficient in D&D rules...

[@bliss2632]

James Garlick Gnomes are too small for greatswords, but not longswords. Longswords aren’t all that long in DnD 5e!

[@dontmindme1681]

My #1 favorite thing in D&D is when characters get to settle unfinished business from their pasts. Percy's was great, and so far Grog's is just as good.

[@PaddyyYY]

Finally, they remembered they've ordered a silent plate armor!

[@BLINDrOBOTFILMS]

A bit late, but yeah.

[@Stronghand-yw1lk]

Hell man, even I forgot about that crap it was so long ago!

[@theq86]

I bet you anything it was in that pile of loot they let get away after they recused Gilmore.

[@johnwong4952]

Grog was epic! His RP performance was awesome! It's too bad he's not doing so well in the fight with Kevdak. But like the Earthbreaker has taught him, his strength comes from his friends. I hope he'll still take command of the Horde of Storms cause I like the idea of War chief Grog Strongjaw! Also that Dadlan moment with Kaylie as well as the Grog and Pike conversation. Bravo!

[@mattbetts01]

+John Wong I second your opinion. They should have acted sooner. Like the title, Grog's pride keeps him from seeing that he needs his friends.

[@CorwinC73]

I disagree... he made sure his friends kept their own strengths, refusing offers of boots etc. If his friends are his strength, best keep his friends strong.

[@FullCircleStories]

You know one of those humans that joined Scanlan and Kaylee running out of the city disguised as an Orc? Critters, consider making your next D&D character AS one of those humans, with this escape from Westruum as your backstory!

[@maniakb416]

FullCircleStories Westruun. no m.

[@majidktk5988]

[@maximumdm9612]

Yeeeeees

[@someonessidechannel1485]

Good plan

[@JedCapitan]

something tells me that if grog kept craven edge up to this point, suppose he beast kevdak, he wouldn't stop killing everybody in the vicinity, friend or foe, like in his vision.

[@mad636man]

Scanlian is the best. When he’s helping others he’s sooo cocky. But when people try to help him is sooo humble and meek. “Don’t ever worry about me.”

[@Yoder023]

It's also a major flaw in character I'm glad he kept it throughout

[@oliviatankinganimation7732]

I love how Taliesin is always ready to backup Sam’s bard songs with claps, snaps, or backup vocals at the drop of a hat.

[@whitemoonwolf13]

theater nerds

[@sparklegemrose]

Their clapping is impeccably in sync somewhere around 1:42:00, I love it

[@vincentlevarrick6557]

@@sparklegemrose In case you care, the exact timing stamp for the claps is 1:39:50 but the set up for the song starts at 1:39:40

[@totem91]

No-one's ever fetched me a town square...

[@AFLoneWolf]

+Totem PsyClinic You're missing out, man.

[@tinysandwich4686]

"Does (going to Pike's grandfather's) provide us some strategic advantage?"-Scanlan "Well no...but we might be able to see if he's alright."-Grog Grog's response with that voice, coupled with the confused look upon his face is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. 1:25:30

[@BigggusDikkkus]

Yeah like "bro that's your girlfriend grand father..."

[@jessicazimmer8910]

I also think it's canon that Grog got tossed from his herd for saving / protecting Pike's grandfather, and Grog is considered family and vice versa.

[@sophierichmond6714]

Scanlan and Sam by extension are honestly incredible. He does things alone that wouldn't nearly be as amazing if done by anybody else. It's actually amazing he's lived this long.

[@Nightraven26]

Sophie Richmond I haven't watched the full episode yet, only at the seeming plan, but I still don't understand why he didn't cast Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion, ushered the townspeople inside and made the entrance portal invisible (because the spell description says you can do that)

[@stickytim64]

@@Nightraven26 well as good as that could have been, it wouldn't have been anything but a temporary solution. Also I bet he didn't think he wanted to spend 10 minutes casting it.

[@DJenser]

Scanlan is a Gnomish rockstar. Not merely a bard, but a straight-up *ROCKSTAR.* There's literally no other explanation for it.

[@SeventhSavage]

I started a drinking game with my friends for whenever Matt said "What appears to be" and three of my friends died

[@mordyth]

I did the same with "elements of"

[@yannlimarodrigues]

"go ahead and" dead

[@TartarusHimself]

Using "tends to" incorrectly

[@giuliagrosso1804]

Proper

[@erby3027]

@@giuliagrosso1804 I’m so glad that i’m not the only one who recognized that he really loves the word

[@happymanharp1378]

After the elf and the halfling went down, I *really* wanted Vax and Scanlin to take their weapons and just walk back into formation with the goons until they noticed that the wrong people came back.

[@Stronghand-yw1lk]

That would have been obscenely smooth! Just keep walking like shit was normal until shit wasn't normal and let the murder begin.

[@MrSealemon]

I kept waiting for Scanlan to use Alter Self to look like the halfling and join up with them

[@d2beej]

I love how Liam is wearing a shirt with a raven on it, that's awesome.

[@willschwartz6181]

EchoMarauder meh

[@rakkatytam]

The Ravens beat your favorite team?

[@limealemur]

Same!!

[@Sasukefan1230]

I wonder how long Travis has been sitting on those insults he dropped before the fight with Kevdack.

[@Veritas_Boz]

Since growing up with a brother 😆

[@MrFragglerock75]

Really Matt? Grog grabs Kevdaks swollen shaft? No words...

[@superlolgal555]

Ikr I was waiting for Sam to say something

[@DavidA-um1rj]

@@superlolgal555 you see Liam look at Sam that very moment smiling like crazy, they wanted to say something but probably didn't want to interrupt the flow.

[@DJenser]

Matt simply answered with a nat 20, which quickly silenced the snicker-fest.

[@danielfaubert1903]

I cannot watch that new intro video without laughing my ass off when Scanlan casts lighting bolt with a pelvic thrust. And then the look of indignation from Pike before she walks off. Just perfect. Well done everyone.

[@danielfaubert1903]

Also, every other part is amazing as well. I get chills watching grog rage and charge into combat

[@maple3845]

Percy: "We're mean." Vax: "...Efficient."

[@beezer524]

This show never seems to disappoint. The key is they always look like they are having so much fun, and it isn't scripted. You get to see their real reactions to the story-line and take part in it with them. Not to mention how awesome the roleplaying portion of the game is and how awesome a DM Matt is. I never watch it live but I am always itching for Monday when they release the video here on KZbin. Man, I love this show.

[@kinglord7543]

OMG LIAM IS WEARING A RAVEN

[@bobothezitboy]

+King Lord SHITE! Good call

[@4D4plus4is4D8]

Great catch!

[@mernany]

I was hoping someone else noticed!!

[@SapphicSeraphim]

Melany C same!!

[@zacharygadzinski3147]

@@BigGameJames312 That might be the case, but Vax did show some interest in the Raven Queen in a few episodes before he got the Vestige. In one episode he swiped a raven mask and he did mention wanting to visit the temple of the raven queen. So it seemed like it would of worked for either Percy or Vax.

[@EmileVinesh]

This episode actually goes to the Geek & Sundry crew! They did a great job keeping the stream alive, despite the technical problems :) Also I love that Ashley/Pike is back with the group! :D

[@johnnyfive222]

+Emile Vinesh Yeah they saved the night for sure. No wonder the episode was so short.

[@antimonymedusa]

Emile Vinesh I love how with this show three hours is "short". We are so spoiled. I love it.

[@katekursive1370]

I forgot that something was amiss like two minutes into the episode, that's how good they have dealt with technical issues. Amazing

[@ChandleRulz]

I love how Matt allows Laura using Hunter's Mark retroactively because he knows that dropping the concentration on Pass Without a Trace is bigger punishment for not casting Hunter's Mark in advance than not allowing her do it after the hit. E-V-I-L!

[@kylier404]

2:24:34 "It's beautiful...and it's all made out of cake!" You're about 4 years too early for that joke, Sam 😂😂😂

[@cyndrigaming]

He knew. He just freakin knew.😂

[@firecrow7973]

you handled the live cuts pretty good, all the hail the black shirts

[@PorkChoppington]

They did a great job of switching views and I actually preferred the bigger picture. Grog's speech wouldn't have been as good with the top of Travis' head cut off by the frame.

[@Downhaven]

+PorkChoppington Totally agreed! I do like watching particularly Matts reactions to the awesome though.

[@frightenedsoul]

Honestly, this way might be better even. The close-ups of Matt were great as well, something we don't normally get with the traditional production.

[@Nitsua1201]

+Will IV The overview shots should be for reactions while the rest of the time I would love it if they did this. Reminds me of early crit role. I miss the old techs. Had the layout and camera switches on point.

[@Liesmith424]

So, two possibilities: 1) Matt designed Kevdak to be a difficult, but beatable 1v1 challenge for Grog, and everything is now hilariously derailed by having the entire party jump in. or 2) Matt designed Kevdak as a difficult challenge for the entire party, making the 1v1 impossible for Grog to win, and bringing in all of Vox Machina is re-railing everything. I'm leaning towards option 1, since Kevdak didn't use a legendary action to resist Grog's intimidation.

[@esmokems]

I think when a NPC uses Legendary Resistance it shouldn't be mentioned because the players can count down untill they are gone.

[@MCBunkerwelt]

+Liesmith Don't forget: Grog technically lost the duel due to disqualification, which means there's a shit ton of other people joing this battle on Kevdak's side too!

[@esmokems]

+Bunk Grog shouldve concentrated on dealing damage instead trying tactics he is particularly good at when dealing with stronger opponents. trying to rip weapons away from a barbarian who also gets advantage on strength saving throws is bad play. he has the Titan gloves im sure his strength saving throw is in auto save territory.

[@gazelkaxd]

Im coming late but... It was nearly impossible for Grog to defeat Kevdak 1v1. He was 4 levels above him and his hp was almost 3 times that of Grog. He had 1 legendary weapon and 1 almost on the same class. So yeah he was pretty though :D Edit: HP wise i was wrong but still it was 4 lvls and 100HP more :D

[@kaeleastlord]

@@gazelkaxd go watch the end of campaign talks machina. Matt said that the fight was extremely difficult, but winnable. The dice were just not in Grog's favor.

[@TheMrHenriii]

holy shit, i just realized scanlan is eminem, dr.drenzel is dr.dre and kailie is hailie

[@TeeDubable]

+Vieira HOLY SHIT I never realized that last one

[@Sasukefan1230]

+Vieira I laughed so hard when I figured out the connection.

[@wardenoforder5164]

LOL! It makes so much sense as well

[@4D4plus4is4D8]

Mind. BLOWN!

[@megavore97]

Yeah Sam has said he based Scanlan's backstory off of Eminem

[@tobymarol7329]

I love Matt's chuckle every time he rolled a die during the illusion :D

[@iceybunny4931]

By this point I am like, "They are all married, but they all seem to like flirting with one another."

[@SaltBucketBeckett2597]

Squad goals

[@Answerisequal42]

Yeah. Funnily enough Laura does not flirt with travis. Although they are a couple. This changes next campaign as far as i know.

[@Dani-fs5ty]

@@Answerisequal42 She may not flirt with him much, but she does inspire Grog on occasion. Hahaha

[@Thankfuldead]

Role playing is powerful

[@DJenser]

Any actor worth their salt should be able to pull that off, and these people are the real deal. It's almost like they're trying to one-up each other.

[@Houston810]

A part of me actually prefers this single screen thing.

[@teamramrod27]

Grog didn't lose this fight. At least not on a personal level. He overcame his pride.

[@patrickpettibone8805]

teamramrod27. I mean grog as a character values his pride so I respectfully disagree

[@Gheringerbob12345]

patrick pettibone It feels to me like he took the Earthbreaker monk's advice to heart. Instead of relying on his anger and pride to solve all his problems, he draws strength from his friends.

[@Natshuri]

@@Gheringerbob12345 i most admit that even how it hurt to see grog lose, your comment have appease me a bit. on the other hand Grog should have accept every equipment and magical aid his friend was offering him because he new that kevdak was full of magical gear, to me this is where he should have draws strength from his friend and let his pride on the side for a bit

[@mayaenglish5424]

@@Natshuri But that part wasn't about pride, he said he didn't want his friends to cripple themselves for him, that's caring, not pride. That's why he didn't except Vax's boot's but did accept (If begrudgingly) the magical enhancements from pike, keyleth, and Scanlan.

[@kevincoplen1204]

@@Natshuri he cheated for the Hammer fight

[@youshallnotpass567]

Grog talking to pike like he doesn’t brutally murder people on a daily basis is at the same time adorable and hilarious

[@miked8064]

So im 7 years late, but i still need to say it. I love these guys.

[@braddollahite]

Same here

[@TheVoltage2]

I died a bit when Scanlan was inspiring Grog and both he and Percy clap in unison. And yes, I do imagine that was done completely in character for the both of them.

[@mooxim]

I knew I recognised Greenbeard's voice! Mercer voiced a bunch of the orcs in Shadow of Mordor :)

[@tubeplunger]

Beginning: YES FINALLY THEY'RE GONNA FIGHT THIS EPISODE! End: They're so fucked.

[@cosmokid1608]

I'm having a fuckin blast watching this shit and I'm not even a table top gamer. You guys are great.

[@Nerdarchy]

*Creepy cultist voice* Become one of us... Become one of uses.

[@pickybusiness8549]

+Nerdarchy it's one of us, one of us

[@OrphanHart]

+Kenny Graffius unless he didn't want to use that version.

[@Nerdarchy]

+Bunny Rabbit I definitely didn't intend to write "uses"... ah, the typos that become immortalized...

[@jaredbarnhart5640]

there is an "edit" feature...

[@AperioContra]

Am I the only person who imagines Dr Dranzel’s Spectacular Traveling Troup as Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem?

[@backup_bokoblin7398]

Now that I’ve read that, you’re not.

[@rhondacumbo7356]

I will never unsee that.

[@timkinney8719]

I picture them as Dr. Hook. Also, there are doctors in the D&Dverse??

[@spshouppe]

...Well now I do!

[@simonhodge2809]

Scanlan: I don’t know how to thank you guys! Vex: I don’t know why to thank you guys

[@evilbeardedman]

Sam is just amazing. When all plans go to shit(and they always do), he finds an absolutely insane solution and then makes it work.

[@ghostman263]

When the goliaths were hanging on to the edge of the pit all I was thinking of was tweety bird "this little piggy went to the market..."

[@GreenXintent]

If only grog had the falling out with craven AFTER his battle with kevdak it wouldve made for a great show.

[@RhaegarStorm]

Probably not - the 12 DC constitution save of Craven Edge is most likely not very hard for Kevdak, making Craven not a very special sword.

[@The123karate]

+RhaegarStorm but he could have fueled up beforehand

[@Zesprit15]

Yeah, pregaming would have been helpful.

[@TheRealLemon94]

Should have made Stonejaw’s mouth slightly agape. That way he would have been a slackjawed stonejaw strongjaw.

[@moonlight4665]

Nice

[@Shashou1987]

As a Writer I can confirm Matt's descriptions inspire me to make characters.

[@l0re811]

Wonder how many times Matt has had to tell them, "double the dice, add the modifier" ?

[@Kris-wo4pj]

My dm just says double everything so we don't forget.

[@noxin81]

Grog's great improv speech at 2:13:00 is made all the more fantastic watching Laura fair fizz with wonder. Fucking excellent stuff!

[@ianventura8655]

Ashley is mesmerising with the blue hair!

[@Littlewh0]

This sentence is four words too long 😍💜

[@nightflame69]

So beautiful

[@Kurtsg10]

Is it just me or does Liam O'Brien resemble Hugo Weaving/Eldrond in the introduction?

[@ryubiggie]

He voices Red Skull in most animated Avengers shows.

[@boohoow]

13:00 Man, Sam is so good at thinking on his feet :) That whole scene with Scanlan improvising the illusion, and what his daughter Kaylee should say, is just brilliant :D

[@Draezeth]

Grog suddenly realizing the plan probably wouldn't work has made the top 10 list of scenes I want to see animated.