Vecna, the Ascended | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 114

[@A5Hellcat]

Six people walked into that room willing to fight a god. One walked in willing to fight two.

[@nathanielranney9163]

A5Hellcat truer words have never been spoken.

[@alanrodriguez6444]

Why you gotta make me cry?!

[@TheShadowcat6969]

Scanlan...was going to use a Wish spell to challenge the Raven Queen for Vax's soul.

[@aniebi]

That's the best comment I've ever seen.

[@shadowstrike7246]

4:54:40 the true climax of the campaign

[@cjvs1604]

And thus. Vox Machina achieved their ultimate goal of destroying the most powerful elderly person they could find. Thanks for the journey.

[@Iwillgotohell2]

And kiki killed a child again maybe

[@justispage3563]

CJ47 I never thought about them slaying Verna that way

[@ninaianni3621]

Oh, my, god. Yes.

[@Anonymus56o]

Iwillgotohell2 definitely killed a kid. But so did Vax and Vex

[@cjvs1604]

Anthony Aranas Scanlan tried to sleep with his own.

[@aqualaguna83]

3:21:00 Travis puts his arm around Ashley's computer, Ashley notices and pretends to put an arm around him too lol they're so cute

[@tellguzzo9848]

I didn’t catch that before! 🥺 Grog and Pike had one of the best relationships in the show. Two monstahs ready to take on the world

[@peolo-499]

Thank you for this treasure of a comment 👏🏻

[@sybariticcupboardrat3763]

@@peolo-499 I second that. That moment was easy to miss with how much happens in this episode. I super appreciate Travis and Ashley still managing to be connected, even through the internet.

[@Langoratti]

They just released the trailer for the animated series and seeing Pike and Grog fighting together is so wholesome

[@elmocheney]

it's almost scale size for their characters too

[@executivelypunk]

sam crying when he couldn't use wish to save vax anymore was the final straw for me. almost everyone but sam has cried before, but seeing him finally break down when he can't save his friend just tore my heart open. god bless you sam riegel, and your heart of solid gold.

[@Nnniclas]

The most beautiful moment throughout all campaigns so far. Man, I thought it wasn’t possible to love that dude any more already.

[@nyxc8481]

i was inconsolable, holy shit

[@Ninjewdi]

Holy shit. First time binging. I was distracted by Grog attacking Vecna and missed that entire exchange. Only learned about it from art in the next episode. Sam barely ever loses his composure and he was WRECKED.

[@countrybumpkinski]

i can literally hold off crying until Liam starts to go, so when Sam broke a bit I wasn't expecting it and then LIAM went too and then everyone else and Jesus Christ.... big old mess 😢❤

[@standingdoor7077]

As we have seen in 3 campaigns now, Sam Riegel crying means everyone cries. I try to not cry because I get headaches, but Sam gets me every time.🫡🤘

[@DaveyJonesPewbacca]

"You were trying to save a wish for me?" *nods* "you broke my heart"

[@iobeygravity]

😭😭😭

[@lourdescabral4763]

5:36:17 leaving this here

[@bookmarkyourthoughtsblog]

a 5 year response lol! but what's so beautiful about this moment and the moments before is Sam ... he's a great player but this is the first time I've really seen him get so emotional playing DnD and it was just amazing to see.

[@limors]

Sam Riegel, the man with the constant smile and the jokes in every inappropriate situation, breaking down and crying after that 9th level spell. That wrecked me.

[@dajordanator]

@Lupinberg if you keep watching during the wrap up, liam asks sam at one point, "you were trying to save a wish for me?" And sam nods, and you see them both go red faced trying to hold it in

[@Lavoye]

4:54:42 When Matt announces that Vecna is gonna teleport. Sam starts thinking about what he can do, makes a search to find out teleport is a lvl 7 spell, therefore can be canceled by a lvl 9 counterspell. But he was saving that lvl 9 slot for a wish to save Liam's life from the death pact he made. That decision broke him to pieces but saved the world. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKubdqKvjbl7jJo for a better explanation.

[@zigzagas1000]

Just watched episode 1 of campaign 1 and tuned in for this part. I am not even attached to these people and I bawled my eyes out... This would honestly destroy me if I followed through every part..

[@drashna]

@@Lavoye The look on Matt's face too. He knew what Sam/Scanlan had planned, and just how profound that 9th level spell was. And the nervous laughter afterwards, too. I'm fairly stoic person, but just ....

[@MysteryFaceX]

It's no wonder they became a couple next campaign. That look of affection from Liam.

[@ArBee123]

Matt "You cant sneak attack a book! It doesnt have a discernible anatomy!" Vax "Its got a spine doesnt it?!"

[@bustedpixelgaming5744]

I see you, Dorkness Rising.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

And then the fumble...

[@willsomething1226]

Maybe he was read the fabric of the human body ;)

[@rogerleo2006]

I thought this same thing lol

[@anthonydavis5288]

Dude that book joke is tear-able

[@Haein-yk6no]

Little known fact, the tome Vecna was holding was a rare first edition of Tusk Love.

[@deanprowell7947]

Joe: It's time to destroy this thing. Also Joe: I'm gonna do what's called a *Pro Gamer Move*

[@stefanandrews5098]

Honestly one of the best moments in the campaign, for me. It’s just such an amazing cliffhanger that lingers, and then gets covered by the more intimate and immediate issue. This is a Bad Guy, who does Bad Things, for Bad People. It happened to align with your goals for a minute, but this is an Oathbreaker in service to the Chaotic Dragon god of the underworld. He just completed a heist in the middle of the apocalypse for the biggest nuke he could find. Absolute legend.

[@DurandalsFate]

Pro Gamers know that Rule of Cool beats the rules of magic item attunement.

[@KurayamiSenpai]

@@DurandalsFate It says "to attune to the hand, you must lop off your left hand at the wrist and press the artifact to the stump." So... he did actually attune to it.

[@DurandalsFate]

@@KurayamiSenpai That's a necessary condition of attuning to the hand, not a sufficient one. The rules state, "Attuning to an item requires a creature to spend a short rest focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it." Attuning to the Hand requires that the contact be with your stump.

[@RobTausteelie]

@@DurandalsFate that rule applies unless specific rules for an item are in play. The specific rules to attune to Vecnas hand don't stipulate that you must attune over a short rest but implement a far more costly price. Having watched an interview with Joe he talks about the amount of prep work he put in to getting away from VM. I imagine that he consulted with Matt also to find out how much he knew about the artifact. RAW essentially states that all rules are subject to the DM. So any RAW is in fact subject to change given circumstances that the DM deems appropriate

[@lowpinglag]

Oh Sam, those real tears when you realize the spell you've been saving all night, you have to use it just to save the campaign, but the one person you were saving the spell for is now going to die...and then Liam says to him without any audible sound...but I love you. Bloody hell, it hit me right in the feels. It almost felt like Sam and Frodo, after destroying the One Ring, they lay at the foot of the mountain. "I'm glad to be with you, Samwise Gamgee, here at the end of all things."

[@soup_and_chili]

lowpinglag This is an underrated comment

[@lowpinglag]

@@soup_and_chili Thank you.

[@lowpinglag]

@ Thank you very much.

[@lowpinglag]

@cak01vej He would have used the spell Wish, it's a 9th level conjuration spell. Players Handbook, page 288 :) I'm sure he would have talked about it with the DM Matt, look at Matts face and reaction, when Sam says he is going to Counter Spell at level 9.

[@lowpinglag]

@cak01vej Ah! My apologies :) What happened to Liams character was a long time ago, so I may remember some of the details wrong, but what happened was his character died, but he made a pact with the Raven Queen (a God?), so that he could continue his fight/quest against Vecna. Once the quest was complete, the Raven Queen would take his soul. Sam was saving that Wish spell, to prevent that from happening. He saved that spell all night long, only to use it, in order to save the world from Vecna...but in turn his friend would die, or be taken away by the Raven Queen. The aftermath when that happens, all of the cast is in tears, even Matt has to wipe away a tear when he is describing the thing unfold. If I got some details wrong I hope someone will chime in and correct me. Hope that clears up the question :) I do not recall if Matt or Sam talked about during Talks Machina, it was so long ago. 5:36:15 Liam says, "Sam, you where trying to save a Wish for me?"

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Oh Sam... the goofball who makes fun of everything and everyone... finally reveals how invested he has become in these characters over the years and cries because his imaginary character can't save his best friend's imaginary character. And half of the table doesn't even notice it. He really is Scanlan in real life...

[@HDloly]

That' seem a bit disrespectful since Sam was trying to give a happy ending to Liam, so he could be at the table in the end of the show.

[@Eorzat]

I think they actually all noticed it if you look at their faces. It’s just that no one called it out.

[@Astraay]

@@Eorzat Some of them saw it, but didn't understand what was happening until Liam whispered to Laura and Marisha "He was saving his Wish for me". After that, both of them I think were affected by Sam's emotions, but also the beginnings of grief as they realized there was really nothing they could do for Vax. I think Matt knew as well, because his reaction was a bit odd. He had that instant of surprise and then a moment later that dawning realization of the deeper repercussions, so I think Sam probably talked to him beforehand about the limits of Wish.

[@nottodaybucko]

oh please stop acting like sam is persecuted, there were so many things going on

[@SassySimian]

Laura: Was he knocked prone? Matt: No, he's immune to prone. Sam: How does he make love?? 🤣🤣🤣

[@zayzo007]

😂😂😂

[@Yasha277]

Thank you for the transcript.

[@nicolapearse4294]

he doesn't, that's why he's so angry 😂😂

[@Introbulus]

"Why do you think I make stupid, stupid decisions all the time?" Oh my god he's been role playing his low wisdom score this *whole time*.

[@Russianninja956]

"Whole time" he says...

[@thefracturedbutwhole5475]

@@Russianninja956 I think they were trying to italicize and failed, " Oh my god he's been role playing his low wisdom score this *whole time* ." is i think what he wanted to write

[@Russianninja956]

@@thefracturedbutwhole5475 I understand what they mean, my point is that Sam Riegel is a masterful roleplayer, but I think he used that low wis more than once to cover himself for not knowing the rules as well as some of the other players do. Which is fine and I think he obviously is MVP in a lot of ways. Just that I can see times when Sam's low wis was reflected in play better than Scanlan's was sometimes. Keep in mind he is Sam Riegel, so he just pulls it of anyway.

[@ryancade3829]

Dude... I started reading this comment just as I skipped to this RANDOM part in the video, and sure enough it's the exact moment. Out of fucking 5 hours and 44 minutes. That's wild

[@Jk-zv6tz]

@@ryancade3829 What's the timestamp?

[@cyntheticconjurer]

Zahra's Hex kept Vecna's Counterspell from preventing Pike's level 9 Mass Heal. That Mass Heal kept them from dying to the last Meteor Swarm. Zahra, in the single round she was there, saved the whole fight.

[@trevorjohnson8684]

Im watching this campaign again and never noticed that Zahra did not say what disadvantage Vecna would have after being hexed.....they just assumed it was intelligence as that is what Percy had...2:49 min...this means it would negate the heal and them defeating vecna?!?!

[@datastorm75]

Perhaps, but remember that a DMs job is to make the game epic. It worked better for the story this way.

[@rolandschulz9799]

@@trevorjohnson8684 yepp, your right, it was once again talesien outright cheatin by saying, int was choosen.. fcking liar

[@spacecowboyeddie6803]

@@trevorjohnson8684 Yeah, Mary absolutely did not state it was intelligence (she didn't state anything for that matter), and they all acted like she had. Matt was SUPER kind and generous with them there...The battle might've been a lot different if he had been stricter.

[@Mr911superstar]

@@spacecowboyeddie6803 to be fair, if you want to be that strict, its on you to have made sure the hex was resolved properly first. But vecna is a wizard and any intelligent caster would choose INT.

[@PancakeMix01]

"He died as he lived: making the world a little bit wetter" I love him.

[@HunterPanoch]

Liam quietly looked at Sam at the end and said, "You were trying to save a wish for me? You broke my heart." and they both started tearing up INSTANTLY I love them so much it's insane

[@SmithASB]

This is from a distant memory of a interview… So Sam and Liam have been friends for a LONG time, in fact Sam living in LA is a major factor for Liam to make the move from the east coast. Also if you ever find a re upload, Sam talks about him and his wife being in NY during 9/11

[@theclassicblunders]

@@SmithASBit was the other way around, actually. Liam was already out west when he and Sam met and became friends back in New York and he told Sam to get in touch when he came to LA. Sam and his wife were already planning to move but Sam said it made it easier knowing he already had a friend there.

[@SmithASB]

@@theclassicblunders that it, thank you for the correction

[@ccherry3340]

"Sam... You were trying to save a Wish for me?" You can catch me in the corner *C R Y I N G*

[@georgekiernan7342]

@Gaawachan Its about 1 minute later You see a confused Joe suddenly realise ....... The Hand ? The Fucking Hand!!!!! 4:58:10

[@zolo49noname45]

While I'm sure Sam really wanted Scanlan to be able to save Vax, I have a feeling Liam much preferred a tragic ending. Or at the very least, he certainly doesn't mind it.

[@mattlowder]

I loved this part too, then I remembered they'd been drinking "gatorade" for over 3 hours.

[@toncizvonic6035]

wait, he had a wish? (im at around the 4h mark rn)

[@yopeepthestyle8308]

Tonći Zvijer hey my dude. im sorry you seem to be in on the loop of DnD. I really dont wanna waste your time. Im very intrigued by Dnd and wanna get into it. Its so intimidating to start. Could I ask some questions and make use of your well versed knowledge as I am so completely lost here?

[@vitsavicky]

After watching (almost) all of Critical Role Campaign 1 I have a confession to make: I apologize to all Bard players for thinking it was a useless class.

[@Fl4m30f3d3n]

right? imo bards are the most op amazing class in 5e

[@KevinLCrawford]

Bards, played properly, are the best support class in the game. Easily able to fill in many gaps a party might have and powerful in their own right.

[@Silehnt]

That's if you have a solid party. Otherwise a bard will be a bit nerfed as they have to make up for too many roles.

[@KevinLCrawford]

Silehnt if you are having to make up for more than 1 rule then you have bigger issues. It's not the Bard fault that party is so wacked they have to fill more than 1 roll at a time

[@Silehnt]

I've had to make up for the party role as a healer because we didn't have any healers, so I multi-classed 1 level in life-cleric. Not exactly the best synergy and it was point buy (official AL) so it hurt my stats a bit. My damage was nerfed significantly as were my support abilities (took healing spirit instead of haste) so I found myself twiddling my thumbs pretty often. (Campaign I was in featured a lot of undead, main big bad was a lich, so any charm stuff just wouldn't work at all.)

[@Koliflower]

Good on Percy for knowing his strengths and taking on “ad duty” during the fight. Nobody else had time to go after the skeletons or gloomstalkers, so he saved everyone the energy and damage.

[@MOLEMITTS12]

Still at the start of the combat so I don’t know exactly how it plays out yet, but he regains grit when he kills something anyways, so if anyone is best suited to focus down weaker minions, it’s Percy

[@sasoridude807]

Dont forget the opportunities he used to break vecnas concentration

[@katybechnikova2821]

I mean in boss fights you have to have allocated DPS to deal with adds. That's gamer moves 101.

[@yp4506]

Aoe dps, most underappreciated role until you don't have one.

[@Laban6112]

Its important to have a support in every fight

[@Reepicheep-1]

_Sam's Mug:_ Anyone who missed it, pre-break it was a "Hey Vecna 🖕🖕" post break it was the "This is Fine" fiery dog meme.

[@cammo353]

Scanlan Shorthalt: The man that trolled a God

[@clickpause8732]

Gnomed a God*

[@curvilinearcube8716]

"You're face to face with a man that trolled a god"

[@V3loCiTy123]

420 likes 😉

[@dougbecktroyd2692]

@@curvilinearcube8716 face to crotch he's a little man

[@ayethe4603]

Didnt he hold his action to use the book once the thing was in?

[@mattbetts01]

0:15 -- Sponsor 16:15 -- Velora 20:30 -- The Vecna mini 23:15 -- There go the temples! 28:35 -- The Tower breaks 30:50 -- Immune to prone 40:10 -- Grog is alone again 44:55 -- Laura puts on the hat 47:05 -- My despair is growing 56:45 -- Uh-oh (immune to lower level spells) 58:15 -- Song 1 59:15 -- Counterspell 1 (Song 2) 1:02:55 -- Velora's down 1:12:55 -- Song 3 (dimension door) 1:16:45 -- Poor Trinket 1:21:45 -- It's FINE! 1:22:25 -- Feeblemind attempt 1 1:23:15 -- Counterspell 2 1:27:10 -- Burt Reynolds returns! 1:28:30 -- Poor Grog 1:35:55 -- Feeblemind attempt 2 1:37:30 -- Matt is displeased 1:39:45 -- Enter J'Mon 1:50:55 -- Grog's back! 2:04:45 -- Matt sings BREAK 2:31:33 -- No, she's not unconscious 2:35:20 -- Vax vs. the Face 2:39:30 -- Immune to fear 2:41:10 -- There's a plan 2:41:40 -- Vax gets a new nickname 2:44:00 -- Hello, Zahra and Kash! 2:51:50 -- A very specific description 2:55:00 -- Grog and Kas 2:57:20 -- Poor Matt 3:01:20 -- Need more platforms! 3:03:55 -- A Laura joke 3:04:45 -- Vecna fails his counterspell 3:06:25 -- Max. hit points for everyone! 3:09:35 -- Goodbye, Zahra and Kash :( 3:25:40 -- Vax feeds Keyleth a potion 3:29:20 -- Scanlan's in danger 3:30:30 -- Hello, Arkhan! 3:37:45 -- Title name drop 3:38:30 -- Oops 3:52:35 -- I don't know how balls work! 3:54:00 -- You just had to say something... 3:57:25 -- Sam and Liam are cute 3:59:55 -- Pelor's Trammel 4:08:00 -- Vecna's hit points? 4:11:45 -- Disintegrate 4:20:50 -- The Raven Queen's Trammel 4:28:05 -- Song 4 4:30:40 -- Haste fades..uh-oh 4:31:25 -- Counterspell 3 (with sass!) 4:33:55 -- Frustrated and proud 4:36:30 -- Vex'Elphaba 4:37:35 -- For the fan art 4:38:25 -- Scanlan's wisdom (also, Foxlan) 4:40:30 -- Vax goes fox hunting (also, Jenga!) 4:46:20 -- Breaking Vecna's concentration 4:47:25 -- Rubbing the thigh 4:48:30 -- Keyleth and Vax running interference 4:50:30 -- Song 5 4:53:25 -- Crafts with Sam and Joe 4:54:20 -- Midnight 4:54:40 -- Teleport attempt (brace for tears) 4:55:30 -- Just watch Sam (Counterspell 4) 4:58:15 -- Ioun's Trammel 5:02:55 -- Because I wasn't sad enough already, thanks Liam 5:04:20 -- Ashley's having some problems 5:08:55 -- Reading the book: Bard edition 5:11:30 -- Song 6 5:12:40 -- Counterspell 5 (wow, that was lucky) 5:14:50 -- More crazy luck 5:18:15 -- Tense adding up damage 5:19:20 -- Seriously, VM has scary amounts of luck 5:21:55 -- Bonus kiss! 5:22:50 -- Hanging off the arms 5:24:25 -- Reading the book: Druid edition 5:26:15 -- HDYWTDT? 5:31:10 -- If you weren't crying yet... 5:32:15 -- Wait, WHAT?! 5:35:15 -- Vecna's remaining hit points 5:36:15 -- Sam and Liam break our hearts again

[@ThorVonElig]

6:28 Recap begins 8:47 Recap ends 2:26:28 Break ends You're welcome.

[@Vampiriz_]

Bumped

[@rkbkirin5975]

Thank you for doing this!

[@SPACEHARICE]

@@ThorVonElig only thing I scroll down for thank you

[@frankponti]

Bump

[@MaxwellKasper]

Just going to throw my 2 cents in and say, as absolutely flawless as this session was as a whole, I don't think Arkhan's betrayal gets nearly the amount of attention that it deserves. It took balls as dense as a black hole for Joe to pull the move he pulled, and him dipping as soon as he did it, knowing full well that it would work, is legendary.

[@unclevivid9028]

Maxi Kay it’s the LAST episode. Go big or go home! He’s Legendary for that one.

[@bigfatcarp93]

Yeah, all the comments are about the Wish, but I'm like "seriously you're all sleeping on Arkhan bailing with the hand!?"

[@dallasmeade9515]

It's also amazing that now that decent has come out, akrkahn is a main npc, with the hand of vecna. This moment literally changed dnd history.

[@FallstarFL]

His mustache should have been enough to clue them in that he would betray them.

[@BisexualWrath]

Joe played an evil character so right. He helped his allies all the while knowing to keep the resource needed to achieve his ultimate goal

[@Mikeztarp]

Matt seemed so emotional from the beginning. I can only imagine how he felt: this was the culmination of literally years of storytelling he led.

[@eyflfla]

There is an interview earlier that day where he cries at the end.

[@atksheu]

@@eyflfla Do you have a link? 🙏

[@urfork1]

@@atksheubump, still hoping for a link

[@YnEoS10]

Link would be good, (or a title since links sometimes get spam filtered)

[@Mouce666]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJWxhnucjcR3odEsi=cyrRtxBIzwDmXEZW

[@naunga9450]

I can’t believe that Vecna was really 6 Kobolds wrapped in a big robe.

[@Dudin4tor]

Not even going to dignify that with an insight check...

[@Rztro1544]

Shhh spoilers man!

[@JOPEYDOPE]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 amazing

[@TheJerbol]

Nice call(forward?)

[@johngraham9154]

The fact that it was all Kobold Dave's idea is even more surprising. He's usually an idiot.

[@gunnerbradley5282]

Grog always did promise his herd this. "Oh, you mistake me, seer of the herd. I do not mean to lead this herd, but rather to empower you to more powerful game. I'm here to inspire your aspirations. Never would I ask you to bend the knee; only would I ask you to live and fight and perhaps die in the most beautiful death you can possibly attain! Join me and my fellows! Come to our aid when I call! And with that, we will chase down dragons, gods, and more!" -Grog Strongjaw

[@JonathanMandrake]

Son of Stonejaw Strongjaw, Wielder of the Titanstone Knuckles and blessed by Kord

[@Hudson_Melpomene]

@Jo Hail Nailed it

[@bonniefazman9065]

He is a Goliath of his word.

[@sifuculreif6448]

*Grog* *Strongjaw,* *The* *Bearded* *King,* *Grand* *Poobah* *de* *Doink* *of* *All* *of* *This* *and* *That,* *Wielder* *of* *Kas,* *Bane* *of* *Vecna*

[@isaiahwelch8066]

By Ioun, this...is beautiful.

[@iloveskittles87]

Time stamps to save you some scrolling (spoilers) 0:15 -- Sponsor 16:15 -- Velora 20:30 -- The Vecna mini 23:15 -- There go the temples! 28:35 -- The Tower breaks 30:50 -- Immune to prone 40:10 -- Grog is alone again 44:55 -- Laura puts on the hat 47:05 -- My despair is growing 56:45 -- Uh-oh (immune to lower level spells) 58:15 -- Song 1 59:15 -- Counterspell 1 (Song 2) 1:02:55 -- Velora's down 1:12:55 -- Song 3 (dimension door) 1:16:45 -- Poor Trinket 1:21:45 -- It's FINE! 1:22:25 -- Feeblemind attempt 1 1:23:15 -- Counterspell 2 1:27:10 -- Burt Reynolds returns! 1:28:30 -- Poor Grog 1:35:55 -- Feeblemind attempt 2 1:37:30 -- Matt is displeased 1:39:45 -- Enter J'Mon 1:50:55 -- Grog's back! 2:04:45 -- Matt sings BREAK 2:31:33 -- No, she's not unconscious 2:35:20 -- Vax vs. the Face 2:39:30 -- Immune to fear 2:41:10 -- There's a plan 2:41:40 -- Vax gets a new nickname 2:44:00 -- Hello, Zahra and Kash! 2:51:50 -- A very specific description 2:55:00 -- Grog and Kas 2:57:20 -- Poor Matt 3:01:20 -- Need more platforms! 3:03:55 -- A Laura joke 3:04:45 -- Vecna fails his counterspell 3:06:25 -- Max. hit points for everyone! 3:09:35 -- Goodbye, Zahra and Kash :( 3:25:40 -- Vax feeds Keyleth a potion 3:29:20 -- Scanlan's in danger 3:30:30 -- Hello, Arkhan! 3:37:45 -- Title name drop 3:38:30 -- Oops 3:52:35 -- I don't know how balls work! 3:54:00 -- You just had to say something... 3:57:25 -- Sam and Liam are cute 3:59:55 -- Pelor's Trammel 4:08:00 -- Vecna's hit points? 4:11:45 -- Disintegrate 4:20:50 -- The Raven Queen's Trammel 4:28:05 -- Song 4 4:30:40 -- Haste fades..uh-oh 4:31:25 -- Counterspell 3 (with sass!) 4:33:55 -- Frustrated and proud 4:36:30 -- Vex'Elphaba 4:37:35 -- For the fan art 4:38:25 -- Scanlan's wisdom (also, Foxlan) 4:40:30 -- Vax goes fox hunting (also, Jenga!) 4:46:20 -- Breaking Vecna's concentration 4:47:25 -- Rubbing the thigh 4:48:30 -- Keyleth and Vax running interference 4:50:30 -- Song 5 4:53:25 -- Crafts with Sam and Joe 4:54:20 -- Midnight 4:54:40 -- Teleport attempt (brace for tears) 4:55:30 -- Just watch Sam (Counterspell 4) 4:58:15 -- Ioun's Trammel 5:02:55 -- Because I wasn't sad enough already, thanks Liam 5:04:20 -- Ashley's having some problems 5:08:55 -- Reading the book: Bard edition 5:11:30 -- Song 6 5:12:40 -- Counterspell 5 (wow, that was lucky) 5:14:50 -- More crazy luck 5:18:15 -- Tense adding up damage 5:19:20 -- Seriously, VM has scary amounts of luck 5:21:55 -- Bonus kiss! 5:22:50 -- Hanging off the arms 5:24:25 -- Reading the book: Druid edition 5:26:15 -- HDYWTDT? 5:31:10 -- If you weren't crying yet... 5:32:15 -- Wait, WHAT?! 5:35:15 -- Vecna's remaining hit points 5:36:15 -- Sam and Liam break our hearts again

[@julimaki3437]

Gods work

[@radoha7538]

+

[@theslenderbacon7261]

Where did Velora even go? She die?

[@Asroan]

Ij&g

[@Son_Of_Perdition]

Underrated comment tbh

[@kitvik]

sam and liam having a moment while everyone is applauding is seared into my brain forever

[@speakingof8106]

Vecna used 3 legendary resistances to ensure he kept Grog away. That’s amazing.

[@craigstarbird6915]

Partly grog, mostly Kas

[@ericgrimm7833]

Vecna was scurd

[@mr.mayhem4054]

@@ericgrimm7833 Hasted, Raging Goliath Barbarian wielding the bloodthirsty Sword of Kas... I'd be scurd too.

[@skyfiresage5980]

To be fair, the first time Grog finally got in melee range he chopped over 100 HP off Vecna in one action so

[@tackyoptic]

I mean, who can blame him? Grog's a unit.

[@hannibustoogfyrre6074]

I love how their code for plans going wrong is Jenga... and Matt started this fight by blowing apart the tower.

[@sebastianrotenberg752]

Never made that connection, but yeah that’s pretty funny

[@hannibustoogfyrre6074]

If you liked that, consider that Vax left by disappearing into a shadow; he stealthed out of the Campaign.

[@davidbergfors6820]

@@hannibustoogfyrre6074 I believe the correct term for all of this is: "Poetic"

[@Companion92]

very fitting

[@katybechnikova2821]

I would like to point out that the tower that got crumpled two times is called Entropis. (Entropy is the actual existing in our universe power of chaos.)

[@squidmaster6752]

Travis: Matt. Matt. Let's just call a truce. Matt: ........No.

[@davidsiegel6982]

when was this?

[@erin75]

@@davidsiegel6982 1:24:40

[@isaac8734]

"We'll give you Antarcti, okay?" 😂

[@Amethystar]

Liam: "You were trying to save a wish for me?" Sam: *nods* I've never been more broken watching this Campaign. I love them all so much!

[@deleria010]

I couldn't hold back the tears any longer.

[@OrangePukeko]

@@deleria010 Neither could Sam.

[@goldencalf13]

Liam is Sam's "one friend" according to a joking response he has given during at least one interview Edit: he essentially said that growing up he only really ever had one friend at a time. Now Liam is that friend. (Or something along those lines)

[@tobiassanders9455]

5:36:16 is the timestamp

[@spaceman9599]

That's Sam and Liam's friendship, right there, beautiful terrible moment.

[@HabarudoD]

How Sam weeps after the 9th level spell really is so touching and beautiful. What makes me cry even harder is that Sam usually tells his kids about the their games, about the story, and imagining him telling his kid that "Scanlan really wanted to save his friend Vax, but he could not make the Wish in the end" really just breaks my soul..

[@juliadandy6019]

Reminded me of when Vax asked Scanlan how could he be so light hearted. And in the end it was Vax that “broke” him here. Truly emotional moment!

[@jurlew4111]

Sam basically never cries, so that totally got me at the end T.T

[@Cabbage-dk6nu]

Liam wanted to climb across that table and hug him *so bad*

[@vincentprice713]

OMG THAT WAS WHY HE WAS CRYING?

[@Itachi056]

All I can say is that Sam Riegel literally made a Gnome Bard, who a few years ago was considered as one of the worst character combinations, into a such a pivotal character in the party and inspired thousands of people to pick up Bard. EDIT: To anybody still replying to this comment, I was referring to the fact that on Liam and Sam's podcast, before they even started critical role, Sam asked Liam for what he thought as the "worst" character to play as. Liam gave him the gnome bard. And the rest is history.

[@mikeharris6429]

Itachi056 I've made two bards just because Sam showed how awesome they are.

[@pestylence31]

Itachi056 .

[@Sentrygun84]

A character combination that is considered bad by absolute min maxing single purpose spell DC pumping power gamer's you mean. Ultimately the difference is 2 charisma and 1 point to spell DC. People put too much stock in class/race combos.

[@Olssonocholsson]

Sam is great but strong disagree on bards though. Earlier editions sure but bards in 5e are top tier class tbh. Full casters with d8 HP, light armor prof, three skill prof inspiration etc..

[@Itachi056]

No you're absolutely right. I meant to say that in the past editions and up til recently with the introduction of 5E, Bard was not a "serious" class, they were sort of a goofy class played for shits and giggles who just ran around inspiring the Fighter to deal damage. In 5E I actually think they straight up rival the Wizard, Cleric, and Druid as the strongest and most impactful full caster class in the game. If Sam was actually more experienced as a player he could've easily taken cantrips and spells from the Warlock class (ELDRITCH BLAST comes to mind) and deal some ungodly amounts of damage.

[@mrcv9576]

Poor Sam, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him actually cry that much in the entire campaign...

[@duckduckgooseberry7051]

He has cries once but it was really subtle. It was during Vex's speech to Percy when they were trying to resurrect him. He really likes Percalia

[@paramitch]

He's cried subtly a few times, but this was the only moment I can remember where he just lost control. And I love him for it. This is the most emotional moment in CR ever for me, and probably always will be. And it's such a testament to his friendship with Liam.

[@lyssatiny102]

Spoilers for 4:54:40 The thing that struck me on the rewatch of scanlan’s legendary 9th level counterspell: Matt says “you’re going to *try* to counterspell?” Sam: “I’ll counterspell.” Such a small moment, but Matt said “try.” He was probably expecting Sam to have to roll for it. He even laughed a bit in disbelief. Understandable, since teleport is so high level. But Sam knows what a 9th level spell means, and he knew it would succeed. Even the way he said it there was no question. I WILL counterspell, he said. Not “try”, *will* . Even before the big reveal, I feel like this little moment showed what was about to happen. But not even the DM saw it coming. No one did.

[@Blackestrose]

seeing matt his smile fall is such a strong emotion

[@user-Aaron-]

I think Matt knew Sam's plan, as Sam would've likely cleared it with Matt first to see if it could even work, and so Matt was instead reacting to the realization of the implication of Sam getting Scanlan to forfeit using Wish to save Vax, knowing full well that it was breaking Sam's heart to do so as Matt knew how much it meant to Sam and they both knew how much it would've meant to everyone else too.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

@@user-Aaron-correct. They have 100% confirmed that Matt knew of Sam’s plans for Wish, and they both knew that burning the 9th Level slot was the inevitable end for Vax. That’s why Matt makes the face of realization he does after Sam says “Nine.”

[@NaivokWolves]

Bro popped off the pen cap before Matt said anything.

[@elfinthekitchen]

I did.

[@najangZ]

When Sam started crying after using his 9th level spell and it made Liam cry as well MAAAAAHHH HEEAAAARTTTTTT

[@aFallOutGirl]

@@sydney4814 Travis's first turn after, you can see he is kind of pissed of.. so I think it did touch him

[@danjasonbugayong16]

Percy pissed me off so much when he kept saying "shh shh it's okay, it's okay, don't worry about it" towards Scanlan. Wow.

[@ayiepersona4]

@@danjasonbugayong16 to be fair, Percy was going to sell his soul to save Vax, that's why he said it was going to be okay and not to worry about it..

[@danjasonbugayong16]

@@ayiepersona4*phew* oh good, all is well... oh wait....

[@BlueVortecz]

Dan Jason Bugayong A secondary reason is that Percy is an experienced player and knows how much Sam would be hurting and he’s just doing what he can to reassure him in the moment

[@aJoats]

While my voice may be just a drop of rain in a vast ocean of voices; I want to say thank you, to all those who made this show possible, the amazing players, and especially to Matthew Mercer. I haven't the words to say what is has meant to me; thank you.

[@aJoats]

+The Boss - The imagery was intentionally chosen to call to mind a storm of comments over the sea (the space below the page break); each one a distinct drop, visible for a moment, only to fall out of view. I appreciate your input though.

[@aidangeis4686]

or tears in the rain :)

[@aJoats]

+Aidan Geis - "All those moments will be lost in time", Intentional or not, nice reference.

[@aidangeis4686]

Thanks (yeah it was intentional :)

[@christianlay7988]

What a ride. Let's do it again.

[@Kikuchan88]

Sam's tears are just breaking my heart in thousand pieces.

[@guidovieira1601]

Oh God, that's tough...

[@Still_who_Iam]

Sam's tears and then Liam's tears in return... killer...

[@izzynana37]

Reposting for convenience 0:15 -- Sponsor 8:45 - Recap Ends 16:15 -- Velora 20:30 -- The Vecna mini 23:15 -- There go the temples! 28:35 -- The Tower breaks 30:50 -- Immune to prone 40:10 -- Grog is alone again 44:55 -- Laura puts on the hat 47:05 -- My despair is growing 56:45 -- Uh-oh (immune to lower level spells) 58:15 -- Song 1 59:15 -- Counterspell 1 (Song 2) 1:02:55 -- Velora's down 1:12:55 -- Song 3 (dimension door) 1:16:45 -- Poor Trinket 1:21:45 -- It's FINE! 1:22:25 -- Feeblemind attempt 1 1:23:15 -- Counterspell 2 1:27:10 -- Burt Reynolds returns! 1:28:30 -- Poor Grog 1:35:55 -- Feeblemind attempt 2 1:37:30 -- Matt is displeased 1:39:45 -- Enter J'Mon 1:50:55 -- Grog's back! 2:04:45 -- Matt sings BREAK 2:26:30 - Break ends 2:31:33 -- No, she's not unconscious 2:35:20 -- Vax vs. the Face 2:39:30 -- Immune to fear 2:41:10 -- There's a plan 2:41:40 -- Vax gets a new nickname 2:44:00 -- Hello, Zahra and Kash! 2:51:50 -- A very specific description 2:55:00 -- Grog and Kas 2:57:20 -- Poor Matt 3:01:20 -- Need more platforms! 3:03:55 -- A Laura joke 3:04:45 -- Vecna fails his counterspell 3:06:25 -- Max. hit points for everyone! 3:09:35 -- Goodbye, Zahra and Kash :( 3:25:40 -- Vax feeds Keyleth a potion 3:29:20 -- Scanlan's in danger 3:30:30 -- Hello, Arkhan! 3:37:45 -- Title name drop 3:38:30 -- Oops 3:52:35 -- I don't know how balls work! 3:54:00 -- You just had to say something... 3:57:25 -- Sam and Liam are cute 3:59:55 -- Pelor's Trammel 4:08:00 -- Vecna's hit points? 4:11:45 -- Disintegrate 4:20:50 -- The Raven Queen's Trammel 4:28:05 -- Song 4 4:30:40 -- Haste fades..uh-oh 4:31:25 -- Counterspell 3 (with sass!) 4:33:55 -- Frustrated and proud 4:36:30 -- Vex'Elphaba 4:37:35 -- For the fan art 4:38:25 -- Scanlan's wisdom (also, Foxlan) 4:40:30 -- Vax goes fox hunting (also, Jenga!) 4:46:20 -- Breaking Vecna's concentration 4:47:25 -- Rubbing the thigh 4:48:30 -- Keyleth and Vax running interference 4:50:30 -- Song 5 4:53:25 -- Crafts with Sam and Joe 4:54:20 -- Midnight 4:54:40 -- Teleport attempt (brace for tears) 4:55:30 -- Just watch Sam (Counterspell 4) 4:58:15 -- Ioun's Trammel 5:02:55 -- Because I wasn't sad enough already, thanks Liam 5:04:20 -- Ashley's having some problems 5:08:55 -- Reading the book: Bard edition 5:11:30 -- Song 6 5:12:40 -- Counterspell 5 (wow, that was lucky) 5:14:50 -- More crazy luck 5:18:15 -- Tense adding up damage 5:19:20 -- Seriously, VM has scary amounts of luck 5:21:55 -- Bonus kiss! 5:22:50 -- Hanging off the arms 5:24:25 -- Reading the book: Druid edition 5:26:15 -- HDYWTDT? 5:31:10 -- If you weren't crying yet... 5:32:15 -- Wait, WHAT?! 5:35:15 -- Vecna's remaining hit points 5:36:15 -- Sam and Liam break our hearts again

[@Evalyne]

Boost

[@canvasinkorporated5832]

boost!!

[@lordofmcflies8982]

why isn't this pinned at the top

[@samnieuwenhuis5555]

BOOOOOOOOOOSSSTTT!!!

[@danielbernardogutierrezguz4959]

Sassy "uhhhhhh" boost

[@modredastal1644]

Sam's emotional journey in the final stages of this fight...good grief. Someone get that man several expensive and well-aerated glasses of wine.

[@ix.of.swords4360]

"We're playing 3 dimensional chess with the Steve Jobs of D&D" is the most beautifully nerdy sentence I've ever heard

[@n8nomad419]

Agreed! 😁

[@riplangsta]

5:36:17 "Sam. You were trying to save a Wish for me?" After FINALLY watching (almost) all of Campaign 1, this was the moment that really got to me. When Scanlan cast the 9th level counter-spell, it was tear-jerking in and of itself. But when Liam, not Vax, asked if Sam was saving his highest level spell for him? Man!! For a show that I first saw on the trending tab on Twitch, binged a couple episodes of, stopped watching for almost two years, randomly searched for again, saw they started a new campaign, watched all of Campaign 2, and then decided that I'd watch over 100 episodes of, that's not too bad. I know that I'm over 2 and half years late, but thank you! This has become one of my favorite shows, and I think that it is one of the best stories ever told. Thank you, Matt. Thank you, Sam, Liam, Talieson, Marisha, Laura, Travis, and Ashley. Thank you to every guest, and to the crew, and to everyone that made the show that it is. Again, I know I'm super late on this campaign and there's almost no chance any of them see this, but thanks :,)

[@SocialistSadako]

Watching so many hours of Campaign 1 was completely worth it for this one moment here. The most heartbreaking moment in Critical Role, and it's not even an in-character one.

[@AKNeal81]

You think YOU'RE late! I JUST finished this episode right now 8/16/2021 I KNEW they fought Vecna, as it was the only spoiler that I couldn't forget about, but it didn't matter bc this was the final boss battle of final boss battles! We're gonna see plenty more like us for years to come, living this story for the first time!

[@lezzleee]

My heart hurt so much. It was such a beautiful moment

[@TheBrywarrior90]

We're never late in the Critical Role fandom, just taking our time.

[@levantdiggerus3473]

4:00:20 Everyone: Fighting for their lives Grog and Arkhan: MUSCLE. UP. RISE AND GRIND. DON'T STOP, WON'T STOP, CAN'T STOP. PAIN IS QUIT LEAVING THE BODY.

[@amaterasuXrising]

4:57:00 "Sorry, bud." "I'm not sorry. I love you." My heart is in pieces.

[@toms1313]

That apology broke me into tears immediately

[@snapefanatic]

I was listening to this while doing something else. Now that I go back and actually watch it...... Oh, my heart

[@derptraveller7146]

You can see Joe being so confused when he notices

[@DaysOffGaming]

I’m confused what happened? I tried going back but couldn’t find it.

[@derptraveller7146]

@@DaysOffGaming Sam wanted Scanalan to use his wish to stop the Raven Queen from taking Vax'ildan. But he used a level 9 counterspell so he wouldn't have access to his wish spell before a long rest.

[@salchi-papa]

I'll say it once and I'll say it again, Scanlan Shorthalt was absolutely unequivocally the MVP of this fight.

[@yadiraaguiar5409]

Of the game!

[@frostreaper1607]

I've not seen C2 or C3 but Sam seems to be the only one with tactical insight at the whole table. I think Travis as well but he couldn't use it because Grog isn't smart enough for Mat to allow it. That said, it did make the whole campaign very interesting tho.

[@evilcleaver]

Amazing turn of “you guys don’t do anything for me” to “KEEP SCANLIN ALIVE”

[@Reblwitoutacause]

@@frostreaper1607he won the one-shot battle royale in this campaign arc with Tary as well. He’s clearly a good strategist!

[@thefonz8373]

Yep. Scanlan Fucking Shorthalt, the man that challenged God and won.. Fucking legend

[@EthalaRide]

4:59:17 Liam keeps looking over at Sam, who's eyes red with tears, and looks like he's about to/starts crying. Even when Matt's explaining the damage they're doing to this would-be god, the final enemy, Liam looks down the line of his friends and when he gets to Sam his heart just breaks! And so does mine!

[@MrZrbrownie]

It's March of 2023. Legend of Vox Machina made me come and watch the first campaign. No regrets for all the hours I've spent watching two and half campaigns now.

[@Drakemaster333]

I'm not alone watching in 2023 ❤

[@Stickeyrain]

@@Drakemaster333I’m doing the same 😅

[@nolanrizzo4901]

Same! I started watching in May. Plus got my wife hooked on it.

[@thai-curry5035]

I started watching in end of march but had to stop on the episode before due to exams I had and so I have just picked it back up

[@mordredvonumbra154]

Same. I unfortunetly knew some things that would happen but it still made for a great story. Ow wait there is one more.

[@Sia1212]

The most heartbreaking level 9 counter spell ever in history :(

[@martijnvandendoorent8868]

so true

[@philipalcorn9361]

The love Sam and Liam have for each other... That's a special friendship right there

[@skinnergames67]

And thus began Scanlan’s search for an artifact granting a Wish to save his friend and brother-in-arms. That could be a whole interesting and involving campaign in itself.

[@hawkeye4205]

Check out Matt Colville's latest video. Does a great job explaining its importance.

[@skinnergames67]

Dantyx1 I know, I was just thinking of something dramatic for future adventures.

[@robertcales8544]

Matt - "For the next round, anyone who has resistance to necrotic damage..." Liam - *raises hand* Matt - "..its negated" Liam - *jaw drop* Travis - HA!!!

[@zackawa3510]

I swear Scanlan is like the ONLY reason they've survived this long (I'm still not done the episode lmao). But holy moly, the "ooooooo, but I counterspelled it at 8th level..." moment was so unbelievably clutch, and hilarious!

[@bishop6218]

Pike's Mass Heal was awfully well timed too !

[@blasalvice]

4:31:13 For anyone wondering :D "Ooouuuuuuuuh" Sam will always be my favorite

[@Draezeth]

I can't help but wonder though, how would this fight have gone with a Beholder on their side?

[@globaldude100]

Scanlin's main role is to counterintelligence, but he counterspelled every clutch moment, 8th, 7th, 8th, 9th

[@ginorvdw]

@@globaldude100 and THAT is because sam is just an amazing player.

[@cheyennemcgregor9777]

Okay but Marisha's comment about the cake stands and Matt's reaction when she asked if they were for their wedding made me laugh

[@littlespade]

The moment Sam started crying....I lost it....I couldn't hold back the tears....that moment broke me so hard...harder than Grog yelling "Fix him!" when Scanlan died....

[@jonathanhamilton6190]

2 hours of Travis just sitting there waiting for 5 Legendary resistances to get wasted.

[@shadowscall7758]

That's one of the risks with playing barbarians. Those kinds of spells are the barbarians weakness and not using them because they stop you from playing makes barbarians more powerful. Also, if I knew a DM was intentionally not using those spells on me, it would ruin the game for me

[@brilobox2]

And then doing like 200 damage in 2 rounds.

[@jonathanhamilton6190]

@@brilobox2 thus warranting him being put in a corner

[@Tucsonwolfman]

So im a newish crit role fan, and finished the campaign a week or two ago, and came back to really see the final battle and watch the biggest moment. Looking at the moment, I think it's safe to say that Sam riegel, is a God damn hero. And I don't mean Sam as scanlan. Sam is scanlan, put that man in the real life equivalent, and he'd save the damn world and bawl his eyes out apologizing for not being able to save one more. Sam riegel, I raise my tankard to you.

[@mattiascrowe2549]

Hes a real jacuzzi splot

[@paramitch]

Beautifully said. I love Sam. He likes to hide behind the laughter, but he's such a kind, loving person. Everyone should read more about what he and Quien suffered in 9/11 (they lost everything, even as she gained notoriety as a photographer). He's such a good person. And I ship he and Liam forever (look, they're all married, so they just need to work some poly thing out, darn it).

[@SocialistSadako]

Sam Riegel is a fucking god. I fucking love him so much.

[@jayclinton2801]

HERE, HERE!! *Drinks*

[@emerald7537]

The "i love you" Liam gives Sam during their Silent exchange still kills me.

[@andrewhinson4323]

It needs to be official canon that Vecna absolutely despises gnomes and bards now.

[@AsmrAmurana]

That explains the latest season of Stranger Things. 😭 (in this analogy gnomes= the kids, because small)

[@northdakota8530]

It also explains the music motif

[@adrenalineunlimited]

I mean, it's canon that Arkhan has the hand

[@exemplar7205]

and is completely terrified of two handed wielding barbarians lol

[@KNDNumbuh343]

I love how after the break, Sam replaced the picture under his drink with the "this is fine." Meme

[@testfire3000]

One of the best played moments of this game 4:31:12 Sam's amazing foresight to prepare for that moment, it caught EVERYONE off guard, especially Matt. The entire team reacts in shock and amazement, not just that he did it, but that he then demonstrated that he had that all planned out. The best part is Ashley Johnson in the background on her screen from NYC, she jumps up from her chair and runs a lap around her room. If you keep listening closely she comes back and after about a minute she says "I blow Scanlan a kiss".

[@juliadandy6019]

I saw the kiss but not her running, thanks 😊

[@thomhitzelberger7876]

Did he have that planned out or was he saving that level 9 slot to try to save Vax with a Wish spell?

[@testfire3000]

@@thomhitzelberger7876 The one I linked was the time he used an 8th level spell slot to counter spell. He had that totally planned out. "That's why I got closer..." he says. Yes, there is a scene where he is later forced to burn his 9th level slot which he indeed was saving to use as a wish for Vax. That scene brought tears to my eyes.

[@Zalied]

He couldn't even explain himself to help prevent Matt from any sort of meta

[@thepotamus7555]

I'm legit impressed with how Percy stuck to getting rid of everything other than the BBEG. Honestly think if he didn't do this the party would have a much harder time

[@ZERAsoulfire006]

Yeah he really stuck to his guns 😄😅

[@Draezeth]

And in doing so he just got more powerful too. Vecna basically handed Percy a grit-recharge power up.

[@vinluman]

@@Draezeth lol it's like when video games spawn a bunch of adds midway through a boss fight mainly for the purpose of dropping ammo

[@TheSolitaryGrape]

Playing support (not necessarily support-focused classes, just support) is so important, and imo Percy and Vex in this fight really demonstrated that. If the whole party is facing towards one enemy, their back is unprotected. Vex and Percy turned away, trusting their team/family to be strong enough to fight a god, to make sure that nothing could stab them in the back. That is damn good teamwork

[@zachcollins4442]

Gotta clear those mobs, man. Lol.

[@G4Spounge]

I remember watching a video a while back with Sam saying he's never played Dungeons and Dragon until Mercer's campaign. And during the one shot to get the ball rolling Sam wanted to be the weakest, worst character there was (basically to goof off) and Liam suggested a Gnome Bard. That little Bard has been on a wild ride throughout this campaign and has been absolutely clutch for Vox Machina in a lot of fights. And Sam has played the game and the character so well.

[@MrCoinReturn]

Bard has always been one of my favorite classes to play. I was surprised how powerful they are in this edition. My current bard/cleric has turned into my favorite Healer I've ever played.

[@lukecarroll4052]

Spounge he want to be the dorkiest character, Liam joked that everyone always picks a "Kate Moss looking character, so I'd love to see someone play a gnome or dwarf or something", and Sam hopped on the gnome immediately, seemed to really be attracted to that, then Liam said he was glad, but he would be playing a Kate Moss looking half-elf xD

[@aaron4832]

@CoinReturn It's still one of the most under-appreciated classes. In my opinion, the reason for it is people see it and then compare it to all the main caster classes and the main offensive classes and think "it's not good at either" and avoid it, or alternatively those that understand that it's a jack of trades "support/control" class, aren't strategically minded, and can't cope with it. I think in Ep.85 when Sam, via Scanlan was basically chewing out VM, and feeling useless etc, I feel like he was channeling his own frustration, maybe, about the class when comparing it (in a similar fashion to my first example) to everyone elses role in the party make-up. But for a coup-de-grace, in this fight, he really showcased what a Bard is capable of - how incredibly crippling they can be to their opponents in the field, and how much of a pivotal role they play in making sure their allies hit their targets. Well played Sam! Masterfully done, hats off to him.

[@benglishchinese6961]

If you listen to the ep85 speech it was a lot more about party make up and how literally everyone pairs up nicely apart from him as well as the situation between him and his daughter not really necessarily just about his power level. Though when there is a druid in a group any other spell caster apart from a min/max wizard will look weak in comparison. With the versatility and power level of druids they dont even need to try and they are still a integral part of any group.

[@jargamund]

Oh man we switched from Pathfinder to 5E, and my bard went from pretty fun and useful in niche ways to I almost always have an option in every situation.

[@vahlok1426]

Grog in the end is a pale skinned, bald man with a thick beard and a sword attached to a chain, fighting a god. Grog is just Kratos.

[@Inogat]

Always have been

[@bennetthibner7551]

OMG just realized that

[@rade-za-enfer6460]

Facts.

[@chrisparker6517]

Kratos is just Grog...🤣

[@amodelmannequin]

Nah, Grog has friends lmfao

[@Twoswordsdrizzt]

Keyleth had it right. He would have lied even if he had 1 hit point left. Sams always "fine" when his friends are still in danger.

[@jayclinton2801]

The Bardic Jackie Chan

[@aliince9372]

What did Keyleth have right?

[@egoraptorschin9412]

@@aliince9372 kids are easy to kill

[@aliince9372]

@@egoraptorschin9412 LOL That's right.

[@riofernandes8891]

Imagine how tense this must be for Ashley! Everyone is at least together laughing and planning and she's just alone in a quiet bubble trying to keep track of everything.

[@user-Aaron-]

And didn't get any hugs afterwards :(

[@solarwest]

plus she's in a different time zone - it's like 4 a.m. for her by the end of the episode. ooof.

[@bitter-bit]

4:55:50 the counter spell that took the ninth level spell slot... the one that took the wish Scanlan was desperately saving for Vax... the one that makes Sam Riegal legitimately cry... God. There cannot be enough art of Scanlan angrily crying as he resigns himself to doing this. 4:56:46 Sam Riegal trying not to cry and just apologizing to his dear friend Liam for not being able to save Vax, like... Christ. "sorry Liam... Sorry bud.."

[@mavoc3094]

Why didn't he just use the wish spell the next day?

[@RamonCerrat]

@@mavoc3094 because the next day the raven queen would have already taken his soul forever

[@mavoc3094]

@@RamonCerrat The Wish spell has the power to undo the raven queen's possession of his soul even after the fact. But I guess Sam and Matt discussed it and Matt told him it was going to work this way.

[@firebat64]

@@mavoc3094 the wish spell doesn't actually have that sort of power, it's up to the DM's discretion

[@kwasib-r2434]

I was wondering why he was crying. I was legitimately worried.

[@Jake-dx7vn]

*book explodes, only to be a journal, a single page falls to the ground "Dear Diary, today I found my hand again..."

[@snappedsquire8479]

"...Those meddling kids called Vox Machina destroyed my eye, but that's alright, I'm a god now, what could possibly go wrong?"

[@st4ne4rmthevill63]

😂😂😂😂

[@MultiJuan182]

wasn't it tary's dairy?

[@Wanderingsage7]

You leave when Burt Reynolds tells you to leave.

[@codyrm86]

Lol

[@Ailieorz]

Cannot appreciate enough how Percy went into support mode taking out the ads instead of going for the big bad. He saved Scanlan from almost certain death more than once so he could do his thang Also not enough people appreciated Sam's fox pun.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

Doesn’t hurt that it was also basically a free Grit farm for Percy

[@Semicolon42]

I'm a simple necromancer. I see Vex, I cast finger of death.

[@jayclinton2801]

I hope Zahra gets possessed one day and casts FoD on Vex too.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

@@jayclinton2801maybe if Vex ever gets squirrelly and pulls the wrong card from a certain deck… 🫣

[@jebodeiasque]

Fun Fact: Vex has taken 5 Finger of Death's, suffering a total of 264 damage.

[@spiceseller9928]

She took the fist of death.

[@ThatDrummaDave]

somewhere in the town below, a group of bards watched the battle and, inspired by Vecna's power, formed the band 5 Finger Death Punch.

[@clevelandreed7013]

@@ThatDrummaDave You beat me to it. I was gonna say she's gotten the Five Finger Death Punch.

[@robinnelsen7869]

Why don't people understand that the plural would be Fingers of Death? Just like it's "points of view" and not "point of views," or "turns of phrase" and not "turn of phrases." Also, why don't people understand that apostrophes aren't used to indicate plural?

[@milenarkioshi4288]

@@robinnelsen7869 For the same reason, you fail to understand that some people don't have English as their mother language :)

[@Evija3000]

Scanlan did have a really crazy fight. He saw his daughter dead right before going in. Then he started it with a copy of himself and falling off the tower immediately after arriving. He teleported right in front of Vecna, counterspelled him several times, got super targeted by him, almost got killed several times, once actually going to zero and coming back, got banished twice, had to give up the one thing that could save his friend's life, attempted to banish a god and I feel like I don't remember the half of it. Overall amazing fight. The map was great, same as seeing the guests. Everyone was on top of their game and I loved seeing all the items and blessings in action. And the emotions were running super high, as they should in the final battle.

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

Evija3000 i like how ray gave him shit for not holding his action when he was clearly trying to get in range for counter spell. Tactics really aren’t her strong suit

[@KevinLCrawford]

Scanlan has been one of the most important members of their group since pretty much day 1. I've lost count of how many times he's saved their asses through smart choices. Sam may not have been the most experienced member of the group but if you watch him during each session he's not goofing off most of the time he's studying his character and figuring out what to do with his abilities. He spends a LOT of time during the fights reading through his options rather than shenanigans like other members do.

[@valkoharja]

@@oopsiepoopsie2898 you miss the point (and fall into misogyny I'd say). _NOBODY_ anticipated what Sam was up to, and that was by design. If any of them had realised it, then Matt would have as well.

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

Mikko Rintasaari how is that misogynistic, Ray was clearly giving him the most shit. Not her character but ray the person. Also tactics are not her strong suit. Have you watched the show?

[@valkoharja]

@@oopsiepoopsie2898 I have indeed "watched the show", but funnily enough I don't have a problem with Marisha, nor with recognising the disproportionate amount of shit she gets. The world is filled with guys who have issues with girls and women. I recommend you work on not being one of them. When something looks like a duck and quacks like a duck... Also you completely failed to address what I said. I guess it didn't fit the narrative you have in your head.

[@noravalio]

Sam spending the whole campaign turning Laura into Elphaba has been one of my favorite little jokes.

[@TexasDevin]

4:58:08 You can tell Joe knows something big is happening under the surface between Sam and Liam, but he doesn't have enough details to understand.

[@paramitch]

Joe was slow to get it, but it was lovely to see him shoulder-hug Sam at the end of the night. Just really sweet.

[@averagegirl7113]

Me in 5 years: "This is my son, Sam. He's named after the funniest, smartest, kindest, most genius and generous man I know." My parents: "Awe! You named him after your brother?" Me, wearing a Scanlan World Tour shirt:"...yes...my brother..."

[@paramitch]

(cries a little)

[@nomad2659]

Dude this made laugh so hard, I think I broke a rib.

[@JonathanMandrake]

Are you Harry Potter? #AlbusSeverusPotter

[@nigelcalpe]

on april 24 2021 a group of people fought each other to earn the name "josh" and soon a group of people will fight each other for to earn the name "sam"

[@whitestoneandy797]

[@SocialistSadako]

I am just floored by the idea that Sam Riegel went into this episode with the conviction that he was going to save his best friend's character. Everyone else had given up except for him, holding on to that one last bit of hope. And then we watched that conviction get absolutely shattered in real time right in front of us. Matt's reaction in that moment was one of absolute shock and horror as he realized what Sam was planning and had given up. Good fucking god. Sam Riegel is an absolute legend.

[@ShadowyFox_86]

And then he spent the next campaign dedicated to making sure his friend's character didn't die again.

[@Nikoli420]

What ever plane Vecna ends up on after this, he will have PTSD about a fucking flashy ass Gnome that kept counterspelling him

[@evilcleaver]

SCANLIN shorthalt, the jester that has the undying grudge from the god of secrets

[@Reblwitoutacause]

A flashy gnome… With chest hair out, a beret, and an outline of a cube…

[@OHaaaiden]

Vecna: incomprehensibly powerful, newly ascended deity. Matt: equally omniscient storyteller and de facto actual God of this whole d&d campaign. And *neither* was prepared. For Scanlan. Mother. Fucking. Shorthalt.

[@joshhaworth2155]

Vecna: I cast Greater Restoration to end the flashbacks Scanlan: (from across the planes) ...counterspelled.

[@tadious9415]

I love how arguably the climax of campaign 1 was when Sam said "9" what a beautiful lead in to campaign 2! :)

[@samueldrew5292]

A true Mighty 9.

[@NaomiKFCHutchin]

I only just realised this!!!! Oh my goodness!!!!

[@codyrm86]

A mightier 9 there never will be

[@ravinsaber]

Nott the Brave, as a halfling or a goblin, it doesn't matter. Sam is such a brilliant player~

[@N7AslansHobbit_Ry]

Someone please make an emotional edit of all the mighty 9s of Critical Role! (And then post the link)

[@mitchellbruderlin8621]

Sam you true despair when you sacrifced your 9th level spell with which you wanted to wish Liam out of his deal was the saddest and most beautiful DnD moment I have ever witnessed !!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS

[@squallloire]

Fun fact: Joe''s character Arkhan was written into official Forgotten Realms lore after this (technically after Joe expanded on what he was doing at a later event). He is a general of Tiamat in the "The Descent into Avernus" adventure.

[@Turovale]

More so planescape lore, as avernus is apart of the dnd multiverse and connects to many planes.

[@iexist3376]

does this mean Exandria cannonically exists in the official lore?

[@bishop6218]

@@iexist3376 it does, Matt wrote a couple campaign setting books, they're available 😊

[@castor9683]

@@bishop6218 That's not true at all. Exandria and the world Matt created are their own canon, they as well as any characters that were created by CR are not part of any of the other big DnD settings/canons as of right now. Arkhan is a weird exception and just because part of his character and story is canon in Forgotten Realms, it doesn't make the rest of Exandria canon there. Just to clarify.

[@leecarter7494]

@@castor9683 Explorers Guide To Wildemount is an official sourcebook published by WotC. If that doesn't make it canon to D&D lore then I don't know what does!

[@whitestoneandy797]

This episode fully shows that Scanlan is the epitome of the fool/jester turned master/hero archetype. May sound a bit silly, but I believe Sam as a man is also a great example of this.

[@beetlejuiceblues12]

Seeing Sam look so miserable for basically the rest of the game after he had to sacrifice his 9th level spell.... I've cried a lot at this story but that really takes it. God, what a choice to make.... I love him a lot.

[@xanderroth]

Vox Machina: *debates for hours how to get Grog to fly* The carpet: “Am I a joke to you?”

[@gwynlefleur]

Wasnt the Carpet destroyed long ago?

[@xanderroth]

@Melvin Melnin I believe they got a new one at some point (not totally sure when but as far as I’m aware they have a carpet at this point)

[@wimpiefan]

@@xanderroth there was a carpet in Thordak's hoard in Emon, that turned out to be bigger and capable of carrying normal-sized Grog. I believe enlarged-sized Grog can't use the carpet, though...

[@xanderroth]

@floodingmind oh yeah good call I forgot about the enlargement

[@ScorchHellfire]

Probably would've been disenchanted by Vecna anyway, causing Grog to take a crap ton of fall damage.

[@gwenfairholm8080]

I love the fact that vecna's mini is so huge that you can see him in every camera

[@NamelessWilkins]

He is overcompensating for his lack of hand.

[@k0pstl939]

At some points he looks like Travis's hat

[@blushworthyspeaks]

A maxiature.

[@mrfuzbear]

5 years ago this episode made me bawl like a baby, seeing Sam start to cry. Tonight I am watching this episode having decided a while back to rewatch season 1. God damn, I love how surreal that moment is, 5 Years later, I can still be brought to tears. Thanks for everything, Critical Role Cast. Truly

[@Glimjii]

At exactly 4:55:34 after asking if he would have a reaction and being advised he would, you can see the conflict in Sam's mind. He can either counter the spell Vecna is casting, or he can attempt to save his friend but he can't have both. A choice, an ultimate choice had to be made, a sacrifice. In that moment, he was a hero for aiding his allies and saving the world but it came with a great cost. The loss of his very good friend. It was in that moment he knew what had to be done but he knew if he did what the cost would be. When Sam breaks down later and starts crying, your heart breaks for him and for Liam. That moment will stay with me forever.

[@Elaksomfan]

I mean he could have done both by rolling the dice. 1d20+6(Cha)+3(jackofall)+1d12(peerless skill)with a dc of 19. The average of that is 26 i think. I dont think Sam really understod all the rules about countering spells nor how busted Lorebards are in that regard

[@simonroberson4295]

Matt is such a great DM he's vindictive enough to represent a really hateful character but also kind enough to support his players when they make a really good move. So much props

[@StretchyPlays]

Damn, did Matt really just bring back the two best guest players just for them to leave after 30 minutes? That's brutal.

[@aaronwilliams8887]

He gave them the chance to use their actions to dash over the platform. but yeah he looked at it and decided what Vecna would do, which is eliminate both of these new threats in one spell, same as when he force caged the adult dragon.

[@Sacredsnow2]

Aaron Williams is correct me if I’m wrong but jimon is an ancient dragon so he’s gargantuan. Isn’t the largest thing possible to fit in the force cage a huge creature? Why not just cage terrasks and pelt them with range for an hour?

[@masonator2526]

michael oltman Vecna’s a God. I’m sure he’d have no issue force caging a tarrasque

[@KaiserSoze679]

Nope. Darin De Paul wasn't on this episode.

[@_claymore]

@@Sacredsnow2 Forcecage works up to 20 by 20 feet. gargantuan size is 20ft., maybe more in certain cases. so a brass dragon being maybe just a little over 20ft. big but Vecna being a god and Matt describing it as the dragon having to squeeze inside the cage, I think it checks out

[@educatedlaziness3268]

Zara and Kash showing up and getting thrown out is the most Dragon Ball Z thing

[@user-Aaron-]

They really were Chiaotzu and Yamcha in this fight lol

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

​@@user-Aaron-Kash definitely landed in the Yamcha crater.

[@grumdiddlydoo3559]

I know this is a stretch, but it reminds me of a scene in the movie Heavy Weights; Tony Perkis : Josh Birnbaum! Step on the scale, son! All right! [high fives Josh] Tony Perkis : [the scale shows that Josh has gained weight] [upset] Tony Perkis : Get off the scale!

[@Kdannyst]

Marisha: is this for our wedding cake? Matt: >.> .......

[@EmilyTotallynotbees]

He could say it was for cake but it would be a lie....

[@Sathinrah]

aperture science approves this message

[@helenkeller9182]

@@EmilyTotallynotbees duuuuude, that comment :D

[@Reblwitoutacause]

@@EmilyTotallynotbeesI see what you did there

[@dragonstired7283]

Catch up crew here... if you’ve made it this far... we’ll congrats. This mountain we have climbed together makes us champions.

[@Foxlawl]

I was good. I held. I was cheering, I was smiling, I was clutching. But the cheering. The cheering made me break, that was my floodgate.

[@benjie128]

Same. I've just binge watched the entire series in like 5 weeks? Finish tomorrow first thing! Then on to C2!

[@AZ-tf2hx]

A little late, but so glad I made it! I’m in tears

[@samaamas9729]

Started listening about a year ago, cutting out for awhile here and there, and coming back scrambling to find where I was. Watching episodes; re-watching episodes I don't remember so clearly... Just got done.

[@clownsoftheearth]

Started in early September, so pleased to be here by December. Maybe I'll actually catch up to live episodes in campaign 2! But I'ma need a few days first. . .

[@DeadAccountdotdotdot]

The shock in Matt’s eyes after that level 9 counterspell

[@kairos4484]

Do you know the reason why?

[@Celedam]

@@kairos4484 Sam and Matt had probably discussed it in advance, that Scanlan was saving his 9th level slot to cast _wish_ for Vax.

[@nemthos2605]

@@Celedam They hadn't exactly discussed saving Vax. Sam asked a few questions as to what is possible with Wish, seeing as it's quite vaguely written. The shock for Matt was a mixture of having forgotten that Scanlan still had his 9th level slot as well as the realization that Sam had planned something big with it, having saved that spell slot till then

[@bonniefazman9065]

Play of the Game: Scanlan Shorthalt

[@alasblacksmith440]

@@nemthos2605 Would the Wish spell be able to break Vax's oath with the Raven Queen? Allowing Vax to say as a fully alive boy.

[@EllaCharlie]

Such a clutch moment for Keyleth to realise she just needed to be able to read the language in the book. Also such a good character moment for her to try and fail with the tremel and be shrouded in guilt then be willing to try again and end up suceeding in finishing it all.

[@TheBoringInvestorMan]

There has been several times where she as a player has gotten on my nerves due to being a bit of a scatter brain and not understanding something or remember something that happened literal seconds before she questions it but it was great to see her get such a critical moment, that and the feeble mind dragon were absolute critical moments

[@DJcs187]

A shame she only got this moment and several others this fight because she conveniently forgot that Shapechange is a concentration spell. Meteor Swarm immediately would've ended it with 101 damage and thus changed the entire dynamic of the fight (lifting Grog, using the trammel, reading the book). She did this all the time this campaign, same with forgetting to cross off wild shapes. I cannot wait for Marisha to play a less complicated class without concentration spells (hopefully) in the Monk. As much as I love her, the fact that she never should've been able to do any of the things she did this fight was so aggravating and took a lot of my enjoyment away. And anyone whining about her just forgetting: Well get better at it, it's been 5years now and your freaking responsibility. Maybe don't drink while playing then. Or get a system to remind yourself, like with special die, a ring, hat or some other tool as a lot of tables do.

[@michael_am]

@@DJcs187getting so angry at her for forgetting while Matt + 6 other players also forgot is just a testament to how much y’all will just bend over backwards to find a reason to hate Marisha.

[@DJcs187]

Not much bending backwards needing to be done to be annoyed by this stuff, it's super apparent if you're knowledgeable about the game. Never said I hate her, not even close. Why would any of the other players know? It's a lvl9 spell and it's exclusive to her. The only other person who could conceivably know is Matt and he has to juggle so much stuff and it's also just not his responsibility. He's already calling her and others out a lot for so much stuff. But it's disheartening to know that so much that happened this fight never should/could have happened if she did not cheat.@@michael_am

[@sonnentausnest]

@@DJcs187 46:45 Vex takes damage, Laura forgets her concentration check for Hunter's Mark. 2:06:59 Percy takes damage, Taliesin forgets his concentration check for Hex. 2:42:44 Vax takes damage, Liam forgets his concentration check for Bless. Those were just a few examples, but I've seen each and every one of them who has a concentration spell forget to make that check. Most of the time Matt catches it eventually. This time he didn't with Keyleth. I understand mistakes can be annoying to some people, but it bothers me how often Marisha gets singled out and only she gets criticized for what they all do.

[@lauraguebert2122]

Evasion just makes me laugh so hard. Every time Vax evades something like Meteor Swarm, I just picture him starfishing into the Ethereal Plane for a second.

[@isaac8734]

I imagine it like aang dodging rocks and arc over them in that fight against boommie

[@alnovera4654]

Sam's absolute utter heartbreak at having to blow his ninth level spot just breaks my heart.

[@gabrielleandsamuel4073]

Timestamps (there will be spoilers): 0:15 -- Sponsor 16:15 -- Velora 20:30 -- The Vecna mini 23:15 -- There go the temples! 28:35 -- The Tower breaks 30:50 -- Immune to prone 40:10 -- Grog is alone again 44:55 -- Laura puts on the hat 47:05 -- My despair is growing 56:45 -- Uh-oh (immune to lower level spells) 58:15 -- Song 1 59:15 -- Counterspell 1 (Song 2) 1:02:55 -- Velora's down 1:12:55 -- Song 3 (dimension door) 1:16:45 -- Poor Trinket 1:21:45 -- It's FINE! 1:22:25 -- Feeblemind attempt 1 1:23:15 -- Counterspell 2 1:27:10 -- Burt Reynolds returns! 1:28:30 -- Poor Grog 1:35:55 -- Feeblemind attempt 2 1:37:30 -- Matt is displeased 1:39:45 -- Enter J'Mon 1:50:55 -- Grog's back! 2:04:45 -- Matt sings BREAK 2:31:33 -- No, she's not unconscious 2:35:20 -- Vax vs. the Face 2:39:30 -- Immune to fear 2:41:10 -- There's a plan 2:41:40 -- Vax gets a new nickname 2:44:00 -- Hello, Zahra and Kash! 2:51:50 -- A very specific description 2:55:00 -- Grog and Kas 2:57:20 -- Poor Matt 3:01:20 -- Need more platforms! 3:03:55 -- A Laura joke 3:04:45 -- Vecna fails his counterspell 3:06:25 -- Max. hit points for everyone! 3:09:35 -- Goodbye, Zahra and Kash :( 3:25:40 -- Vax feeds Keyleth a potion 3:29:20 -- Scanlan's in danger 3:30:30 -- Hello, Arkhan! 3:37:45 -- Title name drop 3:38:30 -- Oops 3:52:35 -- I don't know how balls work! 3:54:00 -- You just had to say something... 3:57:25 -- Sam and Liam are cute 3:59:55 -- Pelor's Trammel 4:08:00 -- Vecna's hit points? 4:11:45 -- Disintegrate 4:20:50 -- The Raven Queen's Trammel 4:28:05 -- Song 4 4:30:40 -- Haste fades..uh-oh 4:31:25 -- Counterspell 3 (with sass!) 4:33:55 -- Frustrated and proud 4:36:30 -- Vex'Elphaba 4:37:35 -- For the fan art 4:38:25 -- Scanlan's wisdom (also, Foxlan) 4:40:30 -- Vax goes fox hunting (also, Jenga!) 4:46:20 -- Breaking Vecna's concentration 4:47:25 -- Rubbing the thigh 4:48:30 -- Keyleth and Vax running interference 4:50:30 -- Song 5 4:53:25 -- Crafts with Sam and Joe 4:54:20 -- Midnight 4:54:40 -- Teleport attempt (brace for tears) 4:55:30 -- Just watch Sam (Counterspell 4) 4:58:15 -- Ioun's Trammel 5:02:55 -- Because I wasn't sad enough already, thanks Liam 5:04:20 -- Ashley's having some problems 5:08:55 -- Reading the book: Bard edition 5:11:30 -- Song 6 5:12:40 -- Counterspell 5 (wow, that was lucky) 5:14:50 -- More crazy luck 5:18:15 -- Tense adding up damage 5:19:20 -- Seriously, VM has scary amounts of luck 5:21:55 -- Bonus kiss! 5:22:50 -- Hanging off the arms 5:24:25 -- Reading the book: Druid edition 5:26:15 -- HDYWTDT? 5:31:10 -- If you weren't crying yet... 5:32:15 -- Wait, WHAT?! 5:35:15 -- Vecna's remaining hit points 5:36:15 -- Sam and Liam break our hearts again

[@MrCaptaincoffee]

You and the other people who do this on every video are amazing.

[@gabrielleandsamuel4073]

Aw, thank you so much!

[@Iwillgotohell2]

Thanks for this, now I can easilly jump to the parts I want to watch again

[@gabrielleandsamuel4073]

You're welcome!

[@JackOfBlackPhoenix]

MVP of the comment section

[@3RacoonsInATrenchCoat]

Coming to CR late but having seen highlights, 3:32:10 caught my attention immediately. Joe mentioned in his interview with D&DB that he planned the viability and logistics of stealing the Hand and ran it all by Matt, to make sure he was doing it above board. When he asks "Did my friend get my signal?" He is referring to his Tortle minion Krull, who was to be in position for Arkhan to teleport to and then Plane Shift him away.

[@cheekybum1513]

That is so fucking cool

[@Zoomscoping]

Arkhan when he sees Vecna's hand: "Aight, Imma bout to head out."

[@nragedchinchilla9406]

SPOILERS!!!!! Let's just take a second to appreciate the fact that Scanlan, the person who felt that he was unappreciated, useless, and didn't belong with Vox Machina is the most valuable member of the battle. He not only screwed over Vecna the entire fight, but he was holding on to his Wish spell to defy a god and save his friend until he was forced to use it. Scanlan proved his Ep. 85 rant wrong, becoming the most valuable member of VM and the person who is the reason the world was saved

[@mezo1994]

true that

[@thygodofrock190]

5:36:15 Sam totally loses it here. First time we've really seen that happen i think. You can tell this game means a lot to them

[@TeensierPython]

Looked like Sam was pretty upset about not being able to save that wish spell.

[@nragedchinchilla9406]

He was going to use it to save Vax, having to use the spell meant that Vax will now die and cannot be brought back.

[@a.o.9594]

Serious is Arkan is going to be some tricky s.o.b. I look forward to what is to come.

[@aoegamesbrasil]

Thank you Matthew Betts. You have our gratitude. 0:15 -- Sponsor 16:15 -- Velora 20:30 -- The Vecna mini 23:15 -- There go the temples! 28:35 -- The Tower breaks 30:50 -- Immune to prone 40:10 -- Grog is alone again 44:55 -- Laura puts on the hat 47:05 -- My despair is growing 56:45 -- Uh-oh (immune to lower level spells) 58:15 -- Song 1 59:15 -- Counterspell 1 (Song 2) 1:02:55 -- Velora's down 1:12:55 -- Song 3 (dimension door) 1:16:45 -- Poor Trinket 1:21:45 -- It's FINE! 1:22:25 -- Feeblemind attempt 1 1:23:15 -- Counterspell 2 1:27:10 -- Burt Reynolds returns! 1:28:30 -- Poor Grog 1:35:55 -- Feeblemind attempt 2 1:37:30 -- Matt is displeased 1:39:45 -- Enter J'Mon 1:50:55 -- Grog's back! 2:04:45 -- Matt sings BREAK 2:31:33 -- No, she's not unconscious 2:35:20 -- Vax vs. the Face 2:39:30 -- Immune to fear 2:41:10 -- There's a plan 2:41:40 -- Vax gets a new nickname 2:44:00 -- Hello, Zahra and Kash! 2:51:50 -- A very specific description 2:55:00 -- Grog and Kas 2:57:20 -- Poor Matt 3:01:20 -- Need more platforms! 3:03:55 -- A Laura joke 3:04:45 -- Vecna fails his counterspell 3:06:25 -- Max. hit points for everyone! 3:09:35 -- Goodbye, Zahra and Kash :( 3:25:40 -- Vax feeds Keyleth a potion 3:29:20 -- Scanlan's in danger 3:30:30 -- Hello, Arkhan! 3:37:45 -- Title name drop 3:38:30 -- Oops 3:52:35 -- I don't know how balls work! 3:54:00 -- You just had to say something... 3:57:25 -- Sam and Liam are cute 3:59:55 -- Pelor's Trammel 4:08:00 -- Vecna's hit points? 4:11:45 -- Disintegrate 4:20:50 -- The Raven Queen's Trammel 4:28:05 -- Song 4 4:30:40 -- Haste fades..uh-oh 4:31:25 -- Counterspell 3 (with sass!) 4:33:55 -- Frustrated and proud 4:36:30 -- Vex'Elphaba 4:37:35 -- For the fan art 4:38:25 -- Scanlan's wisdom (also, Foxlan) 4:40:30 -- Vax goes fox hunting (also, Jenga!) 4:46:20 -- Breaking Vecna's concentration 4:47:25 -- Rubbing the thigh 4:48:30 -- Keyleth and Vax running interference 4:50:30 -- Song 5 4:53:25 -- Crafts with Sam and Joe 4:54:20 -- Midnight 4:54:40 -- Teleport attempt (brace for tears) 4:55:30 -- Just watch Sam (Counterspell 4) 4:58:15 -- Ioun's Trammel 5:02:55 -- Because I wasn't sad enough already, thanks Liam 5:04:20 -- Ashley's having some problems 5:08:55 -- Reading the book: Bard edition 5:11:30 -- Song 6 5:12:40 -- Counterspell 5 (wow, that was lucky) 5:14:50 -- More crazy luck 5:18:15 -- Tense adding up damage 5:19:20 -- Seriously, VM has scary amounts of luck 5:21:55 -- Bonus kiss! 5:22:50 -- Hanging off the arms 5:24:25 -- Reading the book: Druid edition 5:26:15 -- HDYWTDT? 5:31:10 -- If you weren't crying yet... 5:32:15 -- Wait, WHAT?! 5:35:15 -- Vecna's remaining hit points 5:36:15 -- Sam and Liam break our hearts again

[@scottwagner2566]

2:26:27 Break ends.

[@samuelsmith5400]

Usually I look to flando but this will do you so much!

[@aaronstewartyt]

Boost

[@krystopherguadalupe1760]

Boost

[@felixros8439]

thx mate

[@jaseeliegames]

I can not wait for the Legend of Vox Machina animated series to get to this finale fight. It's going to be so beyond epic to see these moments and emotions revisited and captured.