The Sun Tree | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 28

[@ArenKae]

I was wondering what Liam was talking about in the beginning of the episode - the difficult, personal problems he was experiencing in his life and how the fans helped him through that. I finally found a thread about it on Twitter; he'd just lost his mother to cancer. I feel terribly for him in this episode. He's such a sweet man, and you can tell it's had its affect. I'm so happy the community was there for him. Here's his thread, for those who are interested (posted in 2018): "My mother battled with cancer on and off throughout her life. In the lead up to her passing two years ago, it robbed her of her personality, and finally, stole her from our lives. It was the hardest, darkest moment of my life. It was exactly at that moment a snap decision in this little game of ours lead the story into a direction heavily layered with death & dying. One that lasted to the end of the campaign. The intersection of life & the game was uncanny to me, & the two bled into each other. In the weeks following her passing, I felt pretty swallowed up by loss, but spending time with my trusted friends every week, exploring the very thing that I was haunted by…. taught me volumes. Sometimes art is just entertainment. But it’s often much more."

[@thegreenlee5941]

Liam seriously seems like such a sweet guy. I hope his life is a very happy one.

[@ArenKae]

@@thegreenlee5941 He deserves all the happy things.

[@superlolgal555]

My heart. He deserves all the love!

[@lacedaisies]

This wasn't the episode after he lost his mom. He is referring to the episode The Sunken Tomb, in which (spoilers if you haven't made it that far) he makes a deal with the Raven Queen to bring back Vex when she dies. Matt brought up on Talks, maybe in the campaign wrap up, that the Fate Touched thing was created after that because he knew Liam was going through a rough time and wanted to give him some hope amid all the difficulties.

[@azarinevil]

And here I am in 2019 finally watching Critical Role because I lost my mom to cancer a month and half ago, looking for an escape to help me laugh and get through the same thing. Amazing how Critters helped Liam get through and being a Critter is doing the same for me. So glad I saw this comment.. made me cry, but it's the first time since my mom ended up in hospice and I had to hold everything together for my family.

[@smout844]

Sam to Taliesin's character: We're not gonna live in a cemetery that's super creepy Taliesen's character, 2 years later: I used to live in a cemetery

[@alexv3357]

Vox Machina: Finds the Raven Queen's temples super creepy The Mighty Nein: Dead people tea

[@sethlost424]

@@heyheykimbee *garden

[@kelly4187]

@Alex V: I've noticed that s1 is much more jokey in parts. Liam in particular is a lot more open and laughs a lot. S2 has him really gloomy. I know he's in character but it's really noticeable now that I watch s1

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I love how much the first campaign was mined for elements that made up the second. Though I may appreciate all that more when I actually get there.

[@darkvizardking69]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue not sure if you got there yet, but there is alot you'll see for c2. There's quite a few far reaching elements both in game as set pieces and as character creation choices.

[@Quiverpen]

Never quite noticed how often Matt gets interrupted until it wasn't happening anymore.

[@airawolf4261]

Right? The story is so much smoother

[@sumnergurl19]

I liked Tiberious when he was silly and adorable and quite helpful with his spells. but it was rare and far-between. so I agree, the story is so much smoother now and I'm loving it.

[@Quiverpen]

Love the character, hate the execution.

[@sumnergurl19]

just saw someone's comment on another ep: "I love Tiberius as a character. I don't like Orion as a player."

[@hotscottrulz]

LadySumner13 Hey, I think that's my comment! Yay!

[@gallaetha_matt]

Grog's natural 20 on his intelligence roll brought me so much joy

[@johneve6744]

Me too

[@PugsleyThePear]

"I did something SMART!"

[@jonathanpeterson1189]

Episode 1: I have an intelligence of six. I know what I’m doing.

[@xenonbart5526]

he is of course easily the brains of the group

[@johnnye87]

The way he roleplayed his 1 for stealth was also hilarious

[@runzumarun4925]

I like how sam sees Travis happy and just says it out loud not a care in the world "no more shopping today" as Travis goes warhammer happy

[@timfrank7461]

They spent THREE hours shopping ...

[@DrugsAreForWinners]

Timothy Joseph Franklind No no no, fucking Orion spent 3 hours shopping.

[@runzumarun4925]

@@timfrank7461 you legit can go back and watch the whole episode and see him be the only one trying to buy stuff...even had matt face palm the desk

[@timfrank7461]

@@runzumarun4925 a few other people buy stuff, grog buys a shovel and pick axe, Vax buys for daggers and stalks their fan, scanlan goes to Gilmores. But yes I agree tibs did have a lot shit he wanted to do and wasted a LOT of time which in a week would have been impossible and as he liked to say #okidontdothat and wasted even more time

[@LycanB64]

The difference in demeanor in Travis last episode and this one is stunning. He's practically giddy for the first half.

[@theidiotwithacontroller2410]

Taliesin now: Speak with plants? Lame Taliesin in campaign 2: Ya but can I flirt with seaweed?

[@mashit13]

Taliesin now, making fun of how Aquaman talks to fish: Hi Aquaman! Hi Aquaman! Hi Aquaman! Taliesin's character in campaign 2 talking to bees: Hi Caduceus! Hi Caduceus! Hi Caduceus!

[@sandragoodhew2885]

He did flirt with grass... successfully! 😁

[@deffdefying4803]

"This moss is like, attuned to my soul"

[@aurora5481]

Taliesin in C1: Aquaman's powers are pathetic Taliesin in C2: **asks help from fish and avoids a ship battle with control water**

[@Quadraxis]

I reeeeeally want Percy and Caduceus to meet one day.

[@HellsRaven4444]

So I don't have to scroll way down 13:12 - Game begins 15:16 - Mercer's Beard Check 24:36 - English Grog 28:05 - Scanlan Casts Guilt 35:20 - Scanlan Inspiration Song 48:26 - Bigsby's Stooge Hand 49:33 - Scanlan "Inspires" Percy 56:27 - Grog vs Behir 1:07:12 - MatTiberius 1:08:08 - lol, love Matt as the DM. 1:14:05 - Grog Intelligence Check 1:16:10 - Mercer is Magic 1:22:37 - Scanlan sings that there are giants in the sky 1:24:25 - Brain Fart 1:24:43 - Sigil/Taunting the DM 1:34:22 - CSI: Scanlan 1:36:12 - Ozzy Grogsbourne 1:37:55 - Break starts and ends [they did a jump cut] 1:39:00 - Whitestone Map 1:50:58 - Scanlan "Holds On" 2:09:28 - Grog vs Lemon Trees? 2:21:50 - SCATlan 2:39:13 - The Sun Tree 2:40:56 - My mind is blown. 2:58:35 - Game ends

[@Narokh]

English Grog had me in tears! Also, thumbs up for this list!

[@graceh7685]

+

[@ryboflavin42]

Bump

[@quietlodestar]

Isn't grog's accent already english?

[@imhulki463]

I know this may not be the right place to ask this, but this is my first time going through campaign 1 and I skipped all the episodes that orion was in (ep 11 to 27). I'm just wondering, what's going on right now, what's this arc about?

[@tiril6681]

Shout-out to Marisha for stopping the group's squabbling to give Taliesin a chance to speak when only she could hear him. He doesn't talk up much, even when it's his own storyline, so I'm glad he was given room to make the plan for infiltrating Whitestone. Also super happy to see the whole group unquestionably go along with it like yep, alright, Percy has a plan and we might not know everything yet but that's okay and we'll follow his lead. Taliesin professing how much he loves these guys after felt really genuine, bless them all.

[@isidorex]

I wish I had a separate sound feed just for Taliesin. I feel like I miss a lot of quiet brilliant asides that get shouted over...

[@shelliedisalvo6559]

He finally got a chance TO speak during this arc

[@chrismanuel9768]

I think he's really shy and, combined with his tremor, makes him just really reserved and quiet overall. He's actually a great character actor and I wish he took center stage more

[@lavenderwalrus9875]

@@chrismanuel9768 He has previously said that the reason he switched from the on camera acting he did as a child to voice acting was because he hated the feeling of being on camera. He has since said that for crit role it feels different and he feels more comfortable with it but I imagine it did probably take some time for him to get to that point

[@fugosfork7907]

Travis does it too

[@fiendlyghost]

i always get whiplash at the beginning because i expect travis to come in after matt does the intro with “W E P L A Y D U N G E O N S A N D D R A G O O O N S”

[@jaredwilkinson2679]

I just kinda say it at this point lmao

[@megancurtis349]

ME TOOOOOOO. I say it to myself, out loud.

[@calebivanmorenovazquez8103]

Same, I just say it in my head

[@MaxximusfireDC]

I do it myself at this point

[@lemnlyme]

hello! i’m caught up on campaign 2 , starting campaign 1! i can confirm i get severe whiplash at the silence 😔

[@VoxolotlDays]

I know everyone says Orion leaving makes a difference... I just want to add that Sam is sooo much happier. He did not hide his disdain for Orion whenever he did something shitty, he was so done with him since the beholder fight.

[@wanghoul1090]

This is my first watch through of any of the gang's campaigns, after the beholder fight I skipped through to this episode because I just couldn't stand his behaviour. It's a shame really but I wasn't enjoying watching it with him there

[@PoetaRossa]

Travis is much happier, too

[@NobleMonster]

Orion was alright before that point then, idk he just went nuts. Played selfishly, and just was an ass who took the joy out of the game for everyone else. Sucks it had to end that way, buuuut hey 🤷

[@jakecollin5499]

@@wanghoul1090 I did the exact same thing.

[@SnufkinTM]

@@jakecollin5499 Me too

[@Th3Ruhl]

Rewatching Campaign 1 makes me miss the god of timestamps, Flando

[@jessespeers5357]

Yes sir!

[@emperorg9910]

We take for granted the boon that he bestows. Such great work.

[@sonicmoth8340]

@@emperorg9910 should I wait to discover the meaning of this, or ought I to know? I just began this campaign a couple weeks ago

[@TheJaysimus]

@@sonicmoth8340 you shall learn, soon enough

[@N7AslansHobbit_Ry]

@@sonicmoth8340 have you watched campaign 2 or are you just starting with CR with this?

[@brettcardon4552]

If you've watched the first 27 episodes, congratulations, you've made it.

[@leandromendoza5835]

Glory, happiness, victory... At last. Now it gets good baby, LETS GOOO! P.D: If you see this, don't read chat, now chat are simps that think the cast are their friends and not entertainers that want their money.... back then they were rude mf who insulted everyone and called roleplaying metagame and being bored a reason to leave the game forever. Weirdest shit.

[@samhachmeister9876]

I got to like 12 before I just had to skip to 27... dude just got untrinketable.

[@austinhaltiner1489]

@@samhachmeister9876 Thanks, you made me spit my drink from laughing.

[@leandromendoza5835]

@@samhachmeister9876 Nooo! You skipped out on a lot of good shit dude, mostly things Orion is not in tbh. I'm in ep 45, and it was worth it

[@namewarvergeben]

@@samhachmeister9876 He is not in episodes 18 and 19, and both are really fun episodes with some great RP! Other than that, he improves a little in or around 22-25. They clearly had a talk with him around that time, gave him a chance. But honestly, every episode has some great moments, even 26 and 27. Half the crew disguising themselves as cows, or Taliesin "translating" for a water elemental for example :D

[@TheTaiylorWallace]

As a DM, I love Talesin's play style. He's super amiable with Matt and he knows his character and his abilities incredibly well, and he knows when and when not to challenge the DM's rulings. The other players here are pretty good about it as well because they know Matt knows best, but I find Talesin is sort of the non-problem child over all. Not to mention his great character that doesn't Mary Sue the shit out of his sad backstory.

[@LaughingStorm]

Talesin and Vax are some of the best players I've ever seen, I would pay to have players like that.

[@neverlandhunter6988]

I agree that Taleisin is a very group friendly player. He's laid back and doesn't mind taking the backseat or allowing his f*cking awesome quips to go unnoticed (they don't Taleisin-- you're awesome). Liam is also very good, but I'd actually applaud Sam, though he likes to be front and center, for being awesome with committing to not metagaming/only knowing what his character would and for Travis's idiot act commitment.

[@neerGdyahS]

Massive agreement. But I have to say Percy does at least skirt *Gary* *Stu* status.

[@grilledleeks6514]

@@LaughingStorm vax in particular is my ideal party member. Hes fun, plays well, and causes drama to move the story on . I dig it

[@gangr3l]

I feel this goes for the entire party after Orion/Tibs left.

[@spencercox7931]

Grog "I have an intelligence of 6, I know what I'm doing" Strongjaw: *looks over at an odd fort* *rolls a 20 and says* oh, that's a stone giant fortress" *like it was the most obvious thing ever*

[@elbruces]

He is a Goliath so...

[@jasonbuckley4118]

He is a mountain Goliath with history with mountain giants.

[@chrism6315]

Yeah, because intelligence of 6 doesn't mean you're a dribbling idiot.

[@mistresspheonix854]

He's just child like. It would be something similar to a kid who grew up in the country and a kid from the city pointing at a grain storage facility and despite being the same age one of them instantly knowing what it was due to familiarity and the other having no clue due to no prior knowledge of this kind of building.

[@MrSHADOWANGEL999]

it's a shape in a color probably filled with shiny things, of course he would be an expert

[@Timberella3003]

1:50:17 "If she was a little older, Tiberius would kill her." Ah, Scanlan, you know how to make the unacceptable hilarious!

[@lezzleee]

Poor Edna!

[@alexandercross9081]

Also known as proper intonation, and timing, deceptively simple aspects that require a very high charisma score to pull off

[@Nunofurbiznus]

Sam: is the body that is supposed to be mine… attractive? Matt: it’s a nine year old boy- Sam: Oh God.

[@dravidpaiva686]

It's funny to come from campaign 2 and see how well Laura takes care of trinket, as compared to the probably dead weasel wrapped around her neck as jester.

[@Ekkaisara]

Sprinkle? Sprinkles been dead for centuries...

[@hxlvys]

Also how much she loves cure wounds! Lmaoooo

[@austinboylan5476]

Might have been intentional on Laura’s part; Jester was different in just about every other way from Vex

[@fatherflow4030]

it's a good thing sprinkle is an avatar of the traveler

[@infinityseven5924]

@@austinboylan5476 I don't think so. It seemed like she genuinely forgot about the weasel. It just had so little utility and relevance most of the time. Trinket has been with Vax since the beginning (or close to) so she probably just got used to him being around and having to take care of him. Plus he's more useful so he would spring to mind more often.

[@invertin]

What demon did Matt sign a contract with that he can do such perfect impersonations of the party members!? I swear, if this was a podcast, Matt could do the whole thing solo and nobody would even notice.

[@OrphanHart]

Nah, there's only one Laura Bailey. No one can impersonate the goddess.

[@Stormingmonkey]

Taliesin does an amazing grog

[@Balin93]

His impression of Percy was excellent last episode.

[@SirZortron]

They would notice, because he's not dumb :P

[@hariman7727]

...Matt would also have to practice a LOT to do a good Mary McGlynn impression. It's not easy being more badass than everyone else in the room! "Are you gonna just keep running away?" "Running away? ... I'm not running..."

[@Roguekriger]

It's FASCINATING the sheer shift in dynamic from the last episode to this one. It was so gradual it was hard to see how much he affected the mood in the room until he was suddenly gone

[@golvic1436]

It’s almost like there was a tension and suddenly it was gone.

[@BitigoBlack]

I mean, last episode was pretty bad...out of all of the other episodes. It was obvious. I believe had episode 27 not happened like that.....things would've been different. Because before episode 27, things were on the mend for some (not all) the cast members.

[@joes6507]

@@BitigoBlack Ep 26 had all the stuff with Marisha though. Liam tried to have a talk with him in character, but then he immediately got drunk and then the whole thing with Marisha happened.

[@HelloThere.....]

How much he affected the mood? No lol, if someone is affecting you that negatively, it's YOU. The fact that you're that weak that you can't enjoy a game because someone takes an extra 5-10 minutes over the other people is ridiculous. To me, everyone is an asshole to Tiberius, super quick to judge him, super slow to forgive, and on high horses like they don’t make mistakes too.

[@thefiresworddragon927]

@@HelloThere..... And everyone notices his sexual movements he directly states towards other members, taking advantage of things he isn't supposed to know or have, and having temper fits over just the basic presence of things. Tell me, kid, are you saying Orion did nothing that was not egregious?

[@ragethedivinedraconicdemon2149]

Did you know that if a crow is found dead, the rest of the flock will search the body and surrounding area looking for threats. In other words they hold an autopsy and investigation. I guess you could call it a MURDER investigation.

[@danielmcgillis270]

Now this was bad. I am stealing it.

[@professorscarf4898]

I'm contractually obligated by the pact I signed with the God of Puns to applaud you. And I do so with gusto

[@Yensil]

Old but gold

[@mortuos557]

I don't get it... I am not native so that might be it...

[@Yensil]

@@mortuos557 a group of crows is referred to as a "murder" of crows. There are a lot of terms like this: a clouder of cats, a pack of dogs, a pride of lions, a school of fish, a pod of whales. The ones for vermin tend to be quite colourful: a mischief of rats, an unkindness of ravens, a parliament of rooks. Less officially, there are even terms for mythical creatures: a tyranny of dragons for example. A full list of official terms can be found here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_terms_of_venery,_by_animal

[@BlunderMunchkin]

*D&D Players:* We scoff at death *Matt Mercer:* Let me describe these eight bodies... *D&D Players:* *brains explode*

[@billbill3915]

Such a fuckin' cool moment. As soon as I realized what was happening, goosebumps everywhere. Mercer is a champ.

[@privpi]

There is a difference between seeing some random bodies, and your enemies sending a message. And this was a strong message

[@GrndAdmiralThrawn]

Ok, I only just now got to this episode. That was an amazing moment, but did anybody catch that he only described 7 bodies? I guess it can be inferred that the 8th is supposed to look like Percy, but I still wish he would have said.

[@RpgamesBe]

what an epic moment! Best episode so far!

[@dillon2130]

@@GrndAdmiralThrawn the 8th Body was a bear,

[@ju5t_0nl1ne7]

Whitestone kinda feels like that level 30 area you accidentally stumble into at level 6 in a video game. And then you're just like nope! I'm out!

[@Surge-kk6ew]

Hell yea especially now that a certain someone isn’t casting 2 fireballs per turn

[@crowwithashortcake]

but if you fight through it youll get some killer loot thatll let you breeze through earlier sections of the game (at least thats how ive played select games *cough*hollowknight)

[@talleywa5772]

Or you crack your knuckles and try anyway....then get smeared across time and space.

[@shawnawilliamson5321]

Dark souls perhaps

[@AshRain-nu3vz]

Accurate representation of accidentally ending up in Caelid in Elden Ring.

[@melparchment1851]

“Don’t throw around the ‘D-word’ unless it’s the ‘D-word’ time” is maybe my favorite thing Travis has ever uttered

[@onecrazypig8423]

I like to imagine that Grog alone has the power to break the fourth wall and talk as Travis, but is too dumb to realize it.

[@Albatross0913]

i like to think Grog actually hears matt's answers to stuff in his head, the way travis and matt communicate make it super charming to think of it as an inner voice

[@GrndAdmiralThrawn]

That part where he gives the stats for the weapon then says "Oh, I blacked out for a second" is officially headcanon

[@magpie8351]

Yeah I'll incorporate that into my headcanons

[@QUEENVIONNA]

@@Albatross0913 lol love your pfp

[@connorroe9267]

At 58:18 when vex calms grog out of a rage, all I could think was her saying “Hey big fella, the sun’s getting real low”

[@paramitch]

That was genius!

[@Jackie_Tikki_Tavi]

@@paramitch oh man i didn't even notice that it wasn't actually "sun's getting low". Brain fart.

[@coralhausa9301]

Fun fact: Laura has actually voiced black widow in the past.

[@ACAB.forcutie]

Same! 😂

[@Veritas_Boz]

Grog gets grappled "I'm not stuck here with you, YOU'RE stuck here with ME."

[@davidbergfors6820]

continues to prove that by biting off a scale from the beast!

[@connerbixby6532]

Best part in this episode was Taliesin casting telekinesis at the beginning to get the camera adjusted.

[@youshallnotpass567]

Finally a good use of that spell haven’t seen that in the campaign yet

[@angus69]

Do you have the time stamp maybe please?

[@monsjeuoet]

@@angus69 a bit overdue, but I laughed way too hard about it... it's at 13:37

[@sweebos]

😄

[@anthonydavis5288]

​@@monsjeuoetMuch appreciated from the podcast listeners. I like working while listening and reading comments on breaks. Super appreciated.

[@drago2021]

Jesus Christ. I was listening to this while working on a presentation, and when Matt started imitating Tiberius, I *genuinely* thought Orion was back. Matt is a wonderful voice actor.

[@awesomechainsaw]

Dajjal Ashmedi Yeah all of the voice actors are fucking amazing. It’s always a treat when someone else does the voice of another character. I also liked his portrayal of Tib’s constant shopping as a horder-liker character flaw in that moment.

[@VaSoapman]

the funniest part was how he also RP'd the Metagaming into it.

[@philkovach948]

He nailed it when he had Tiberius cast Stoneskin on himself then hide

[@timfrank7461]

@@philkovach948 😂😅😂😭😂😅😭😂😅

[@julian7247]

His Travis is indistinguishable from the real deal

[@fauna575]

Taliesin going "bats actually have very reasonable eyesight" is incredibly blessed energy. Of course he would know, he can talk to them

[@joshhaworth2155]

I imagine he becomes one regularly when he needs to quickly return to his coffin.

[@commie_vick]

Owlbear😎

[@zacbohannon9553]

Tourist: Man Whitestone suc-(undead giant walks around corner) cessfully has married gothic decor with an agricultural cityscape.

[@kasiamleczarska9078]

I laughed so hard at that, thank you

[@edfreeman4202]

When Laura said "I'm so angry right now", and Travis said "And not at me for once", I about lost it! I feel you big guy

[@patrickbateman3146]

He's so whipped.

[@goldbirdie]

@@patrickbateman3146 do you comment in character?

[@raddest_toddler]

22:29 "Which one? Dead or unconscious?" "Unconscious" "Don't throw around the D word unless is the D word time!"

[@4D4plus4is4D8]

It's funny that it was Travis having that reaction. He said during a Q&A panel once that he's terrified that Trinket will die during a game and ruin his life by making Laura so sad that flowers wilt in her presence :)

[@dndbasement2370]

its far worse then that. he said later on that if that bear dies, laura is gonna die too. and he'll have to to mope her up the floor to shape again. he truly dont want to see that bear die and literally begged matthew to not kill trinket. and i know the feeling, i had a player play a ranger in 3e and when his wolf died, his father told me he cryed a river back at his home and his father truly didn't like that. i was like, sorry to hear that, didn't know he was so attached to his imaginary wolf. and i told his father that next companion he gets i'll try not to kill it. and his father told me, no... he must learn that its just a game, nothing else. by the way that player was 12 at the time. now he's 14 still plays a ranger and he does still play with a pet. even though we're in 5e now.

[@mischa2643]

DnD Basement I play a 5e Druid but our GM home ruled it so that I've got an animal companion-a wolf as well. I cut him from his dying mum and I confess I'm very attached. I'd be a mess if he died.

[@dndbasement2370]

that's the problem though, they easily die if attacked and it removes the illusion if all badguys acts as if he wasn't there. and somehow the other players including the healer feels bad when healing the wolf instead of players. so he always ends up not being healed.

[@mischa2643]

DnD Basement oh he hits and he gets hit and when he's looking rough he gets healed. He's well armoured-allosaurus, plesiosaur and dragon scales with a dragon fang set into the forehead for a special attack (no metal, as mum is a Druid)-so he doesn't get hit terribly often, but he DOES get hit, and because he's valuable to the party he gets help. If not from others, than from me. Druids heal, after all.

[@jeffferguson6338]

Marisha "HELL YEAH! I look like an Ed Hardy Tattoo!" Matt "I regret everything."

[@jamesabbott6425]

matt quoting everyone who got an ed hardy style tattoo

[@professionalyusukesimp]

It honestly kinda surprised me when Travis started speaking in his posh voice at 24:42 , since he’s pretty heavily built and plays a Goliath barbarian I sometimes forget that he’s a professional voice actor with range

[@isidorex]

Have you seen Campaign 2 and 3 yet? If not, just you wait...

[@sidc2083]

You should see him in Song of the Lorelei. So so different than anything i grew to expect from one Travis Willingham

[@militarykid5]

I really have gotten so used to his Grog voice even a slight change to his voice makes me blink

[@JnEricsonx]

@@sidc2083 Hell, SAM stunned me at that. I was like....Sam...WTF happened to your voice...?

[@LeileyWow]

I wasn't watching the stream doing chores, and when I first heard the voice I thought it was Sam xD or literally anyone besides Travis

[@xaviermolina6742]

Tiberius: -Buys 35 small mirrors -Ask his father to start a war -refuses to elaborate -leaves

[@blablah6958]

And this is the moment the show stops to be enjoyable and starts being great

[@RollInish]

He was attempting to replicate the Archimede's Death ray. There was a myth that they used mirrors to ignite a Roman warship on fire (which has been debunked btw). He was basically Metagaming to destroy Lord Briarwood using Keyleth's Daylight spell that she never used yet, but he knew druids could learn it.

[@Rudeus04]

@@RollInish wouldnt work tho since its just bright light not actual sunlight unless they use the dawn spell

[@RollInish]

@@Rudeus04 bright flashlights start fires all the time. He either didn't understand that it wasn't sunlight or fire was good enough. He also thought he was dealing with a Lich and fire and radiant are some of the only damage types it's not resistant to. Either way, I was simply answering the question so many critters have: Why tf is he buying all these mirrors?

[@Rudeus04]

@@RollInish no no i just mentioned since you said metagaming which im pretty sure he is but sadly his metagame wouldnt help since it aint sunlight but just a really really bright light altho i wonder how much damage a concentrated sunlight would deal (archimedes death ray) vs a vampire since dawn would deal 4d10 as is

[@NoBrAinHeRe]

Travis is such in a better mood than last episode... Two words appart

[@SaltBucketBeckett2597]

Shopping and combat

[@MrNerdboy97]

Well he is killing things so

[@sammyjf]

Orion and Norion

[@chrisparker6517]

@@sammyjf 😂😂😂

[@ataberkdedemen9802]

@SJF, your comment made my day.

[@mancerayder8010]

Wow. Tiberius style of play has gotten a lot better in this episode. Quick, concise, and efficient. Great job Tibs..... its like hes a different person here

[@yaredkokeb5362]

Must feel good ripping on the man several years after he left

[@Bunthepariah]

@@yaredkokeb5362 we're all thinking it

[@daozhang]

​@@yaredkokeb5362it does actually. it's really funny

[@kinsan89]

​​@@yaredkokeb5362it feels amazing, you should try it

[@kieran2king]

@@yaredkokeb5362 People come back and watch previous campaigns... I started with C2 and am watching C1 then will go to C3... so yeah, people will comment many years later and hopefully for many years to come. If you've watched the earlier episodes of this campaign you can clearly see how different the show is without him, for the better, so expect to keep seeing comments like this, it's a pretty fair comment too OP is not even being mean.

[@Hazearil]

Matt still asking everyone to wish Orion a happy birthday is honestly very sweet of him.

[@kidigus]

It was. I would still love to get a full breakdown of what happened. I think we have mostly pieced it all together, but some of the unconfirmed stories about the break up are weird.

[@pinkunicorn8794]

@@kidigus Yeh, I guess. It's just none of our business :D And I'm also kinda happy they have kept it private, even if I am curious about it too.

[@kidigus]

@@pinkunicorn8794 I know full well that it is none of my business, but I struggle when my brain takes in data and forms patterns but there are pieces missing. I feel like this when walking through grocery stores too. I see a gap on the shelf and I want to fill it.

[@rat4582]

@@kidigus Bestie I'm sorry to say it but I don't think that makes you special I think it just makes you nosy

[@kidigus]

@@rat4582 I wish I had a nickel for every time I was told I am not special 😅

[@rebeccagiraffe225]

having watched C2 first, every time Matt says 'making your way' and the cast don't sing I cry inside

[@Rotblondeshaar]

Me too!

[@RavenNiffler]

I relate

[@bensongailey7329]

Same, and with the neins

[@rizahawkeyepierce1380]

I sing it for them

[@SkoloT]

i know its so trippy xD

[@taylorforsyth4278]

I love how Liam basically pulled a Willy Wonka "Wait, stop, come back" when Tiberius left

[@AnxietyRat]

100% 🤣

[@thebraindeadbarista4180]

"I have fire resistance; it's okay." Matt Mercer is a Tiefling. Confirmed.

[@virginiamooney4105]

that would explain the charisma and intelligence

[@The_Sharktocrab]

He must be a warlock with mask of many faces

[@_____2219]

The Sharktocrab with bard multi-class

[@nicolassalinas1385]

dont forget professional Night hag

[@LoLotov]

Aha, the long hair is explained. Covers up the horns.

[@DanCheaptrix]

"Tiberius has a Glaive?" "It's the Granny Grinder!" I died laughing at that one.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

So did Granny.

[@someghosthunter]

​@@ReblwitoutacauseAWWWW SNAP

[@yomommashaus]

@@Reblwitoutacause (granny was practically gushing.....) not proud.. kinda proud...

[@Xune2000]

I loved watching the realisation of what was hanging from the tree slowly dawn on the cast. 2:39:12 Taliesin gets it very quickly, then it hits Marisha as she's writing the descriptions down. Laura starts to get it and tells Travis not long after. When Marisha dramatically stops Matt it clicks with Sam. Meanwhile Liam just looks constipated, either he has a great poker face or he was wrapped up in Matt's delivery.

[@annafantasia]

I wonder if maybe Tal thought it was Percy's family?? the chat room certainly did. I don't think Laura got it until Marisha and Sam said something, I'd guess she was just looking horrified at the idea of hanging civilian bodies. Liam has SUCH a good poker face!

[@Xune2000]

@@annafantasia Wow, has it really been three years? Re-watching, I think you're right, Laura doesn't get it until Marisha and Sam speak up.

[@annafantasia]

@@Xune2000 Haha oh wow, I dug up a real old comment of yours! Ah well, nice to see you :D

[@phoebica]

well... one word: Larkin

[@JelenedraKTulsa]

Matt's face when they are contemplating reviving the Sun Tree... You could see him going "oooh that's cool"

[@wx7fm]

He was probably thinking about it being revived after the vampires are killed, but doing it the other way is SO AWESOME. I hope they get to do that and help those pore farmers. No spoilers

[@BBTManiac]

Matt@Tiberius: I have an idea Marisha chuckles Matt@Tiberius: I'll be back in a few days Sam fails to hold back a chuckle Sam: Oh... no... don't leave......

[@Ancr0ss]

*insert Willy Wonka meme

[@leonmayne797]

@@Ancr0ss Willy Wonka is basically Critical Role with four Tiberiuses and one everybody else.

[@NicholasVernem-GroovyNickyLee]

@@leonmayne797 way to dunk on Roald Dahl man 😂

[@meribor]

What timestamp is this?

[@dolphin64575]

I love seeing who figured out the bodies of the tree when. Taliesin's face and the "I'm walking away" followed by Marisha's "no no no no no no no" and Matt just Keeps Going. I love how he made this more fucked up than even Taliesin expected.

[@mb2001]

From what I've heard, Taliesin had been in a dark TTRPG moment before the Sun Tree here?

[@KingSolace99]

im watching for the first time, and if you look at his hand when he is asking about what else is around, hes actually shaking

[@LiAmTrAnSdEmOn]

​@@KingSolace99 he actually just has a tremor in his hands

[@totallyrealname6376]

Scanlan: "Like a mark?" Percy: "Like a mark." Scanlan "Like a mark. Like our mark?" Percy: "Not our mark." Scanlan: "The Resistance?" Percy: 'The Resistance." Scanlan: "I need a beret!"

[@MrYoyojuan]

Scanbo is born

[@Albatross0913]

i don't get this joke but i really want to get this joke

[@antibee84]

@@Albatross0913 Sam played as Gavroche in a production of Les Misérables as a child (traveled and all). The character is shown to wear a beret and helped the resistance. So it's a call back to that character.

[@67nearmint]

@@antibee84 also, Che Guevara.

[@alihart7849]

This job calls for Scanlan the Revolutionary

[@smOVERCOMINGITALL]

Oh you can 100% see that the tension in this game is lifted. Breath of fresh air honestly. Love tibs as a character though he will be missed. Such a cool character and i hope even 3 years later orion is doing better in his personal life. I have no ill feelings towards him, but it is pretty obvious the group feels better.

[@achimsinn7782]

I'm binge watching this after seeing the 2nd campaign. Judging from that when they started Tiberius was fine and Orion was just as likeable as all the others. But then his tendency to interrupt the game started to get worse and it spiraled out of control in the last 5 - 10 episodes. I'm pretty sure Orion is a much usually a much nicer person, but at that time he sadly became unbarable.

[@Marpaws]

@@achimsinn7782 very unbearable.

[@Mephiston]

@@achimsinn7782 I'm sure he was nice up until gaslighting multiple girlfriends, stealing from charity and being a metagamey control freak. I'm not even counting the stuff that may or may not have been under his control like the drug abuse and shit.

[@paulineisme]

Same here. I recently saw another comment where a viewer was basically saying that it's actually kind of sad. Which it is. I mean, yes he took the fun out of everyone else at many points, and made it about himself which was really shitty. At the same time, for example when he had his intelligence reduced to 1 he looked like he was trying to be nice. I think he was just going through a lot of shit and did not really know how to deal with it, and he was ignoring the signs that he was being annoying to the rest of them but wasn't a bad person overall. Really sad, Tiberius could have been an amazing comic relief, AND a very impactful character.

[@Cormalek]

@@Mephiston Not sure about that. Like many others I really liked Tiberius in the beginning. But I've made a critical error of looking up why he was no longer part of the cast. So hindsight definitely biased me, but I really wanted to enjoy the character regardless of what I've learned about the player. But by episode 7 I thought "oof, thin ice", and by episode 13 I re-did the search to check WHEN he finally leaves. Based entirely on the on-stream actions, he'd have been kicked off probably even sooner.

[@shannanigan7]

Welcome to the “I Survived to Episode 28” club, now you may unclench your jaw and go forth from here in peace.

[@-Songbird]

Thank you! OMG it was awful 😭 I hope the rest of the campaign provides healing ❤️‍🩹

[@brettcardon4552]

It's a great feeling. It only gets better from here.

[@cussundriakneal9904]

Its funny, when i first watched campaign 1, i got through all of the episodes with very little issues and annoyance. Sure, Orion got on my nerves, but it was fine. Now? Four years later, trying to get through those first 28 episodes? I-I can't, i can't at all. Orion is so bad... its honestly astonishing how much he disrupted the group dynamic, and how intently he tried to be the main character. I'm never going back, even though there were some amazing moments in the previous episodes. T-T

[@volternoomi]

Truly was a battle geing here. Very good to instantly see the party being relaxed and comfortable again

[@chriscanfly6386]

@@cussundriakneal9904 1-10 he was fine, he threw a piss fit at 11, and that kept up till 21 22 and 23 where he was alright (but hed left a bad taste in our mouths by that point) followed by a drastic return to his madness

[@tlesser-aase7394]

Matt breaking the 4th wall to Vax about Tiberius leaving was gold. That exit strategy was brilliant and, as Sam points out, very in character for him.

[@TheOriginalMrH]

Matt is such a Genius. The whole Atmosphere of Whitestone was so immersive from the first second on. I havent felt that uncomfortable about a fictional Place in a long Time. And the dressed up Bodies on the Tree were just ingenius.

[@SaraTiggs]

At first I thought he was describing the bodies of Percy's family...until they got to the bear.

[@BottleWaterson]

tripmanusaify what tipped me were the two dark haired, leather clad doppelgangers

[@antwone94250]

TheOriginalMrH after a long day at work I was dozing off while watching this...when he was describing the bodies it woke me up and gave me the chills! he's an AMAZING dm!

[@TheOnlyFin]

That's because he took the atmosphere from Ravenloft. He's run that game before and has said it's one of his favorites.

[@raeganrobinson1336]

Late, but I absolutely lost my mind watching this. Watched it in class and my friends were asking me if I was okay. I’ve had the chills all day, so a round of applause to Matt!

[@thebookworm0143]

Scanlan- "I don't hurt things very well" Percy- "You hurt feelings" Taliesin's muttered quips throughout every session are pure gold and don't get enough appreciation.

[@dallasapollo]

Understated, underrated, underappreciated.

[@R0XAZ_]

So little appreciation that under literally every episode so far, there is a comment like yours. I love Percy's character as well, but these comments are becoming silly to me.

[@novaiscool1]

Aren't Percy's quips and snide remarks like the thing everyone thinks of when they think of Percy aside from the guns and sexy voice?

[@MrBrachiatingApe]

We need to start a fan-club. I'm a new viewer but he's quietly become my favorite (albeit barely...) and I wonder how people do not laugh more at everything Percy says (maybe because Taliesin has perfected delivery of asides so well his jokes don't register so quickly...?)

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

"You guilted her up on a another level."

[@Canadian_Zac]

Trinket's armour gives resistance to bludgeoning! And his AC is 20. Damnit Vex, you gave him the Bullet armour.

[@BurnTheNuance]

Kharn The Betrayer No, the AC is 18, but has a bonus for bludgeoning. The reason why she had (20) written like that. They went over it in the episode when she first has it made.

[@yusukeurameshi7744]

BurnThePope trinkets ac is actually 20 with the new armour. Just another example of these guys forgetting important info Matt tells them like 30 secs later...

[@johnwspeck]

@@Ajscatwhisperer You're absolutely correct. it's supposed to be say "boo-lay"

[@sharktoothman11]

You can see the horror in Marisha’s face after he finished describing the body for Vex as she stops taking notes for a second and then her look towards Travis when he described Grog’s and the full blown panic at Trinket 😱 Matt’s setup was so good

[@mintylynava]

Didn't the body turn out to be Laudna too? The character Marisha plays in C3

[@JnEricsonx]

@@mintylynava I believe that was the groundwork that stuck in Marisha's head!

[@djambogaming]

You can see it when Matt says he’s shaved bald, Marisha looks at Travis seeing Grogs character and it finally clicks.

[@emac2759]

I knew Orion left, but I am noticing the difference of the general mood and chemistry immediately.

[@cartoonking1895]

Because they are having fun now

[@oscarbrazil9922]

I'm the 69th person to give this comment a like.

[@cartoonking1895]

@@oscarbrazil9922 nice

[@ChevaliersEmeraude]

I mean, it's not perfect: they are still missing an Ashley for the chemistry to reach perfection! But yeah, major improvement from this point forward! :)

[@danielboatright8887]

@@oscarbrazil9922 niiiice

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

*Sam shaming Marisha for only using first-level Cure Wounds* Taliesin: "You guiltied her up to another level." Travis, bursting out more laughter: "That was the best."

[@gwynstark]

And then Sam immediately adding “I would have [only] used a cantrip.”

[@emilyrosehauer9804]

Scanlan: The body of my guy. Is he....handsome?? Matt: He is an 8-year-old boy. Scanlan: Oh god. *immediate regret*

[@short7440]

He's going to jail!

[@reptiliangeek8414]

@@short7440 horny jail of you would.

[@forsaken696]

@@reptiliangeek8414 no, regular jail

[@spenceroneil4747]

Matt winking at Travis was what allowed Grog to roll a Nat 20. Also the 4th wall was shattered in this episode

[@larissassm]

I love travis being matt's biggest fangirl in the episode, urgh him freaking out that matt winked to him is just perfection 1:12:50

[@grumpycloud30]

It's probably my small screen but, I just can't catch the wink.

[@torntrof]

@@grumpycloud30 Might be the video quality, 'cause neither can I, even on a decently sized screen

[@inexalign]

@@torntrof His right eye (viewer left), right after the nod, at the exact moment that Laura starts talking (“Yeah yeah yeah.”)

[@ShadyMilksYoutube]

to be fair, i would combust

[@johnwong4952]

THAT description of those bodies hanging on the tree and the realization who they were representing gave me chills!

[@GlitchxxxSlapshock]

+John Wong I absolutely agree, We just got absorbed at the story telling.

[@thearc3909]

+John Wong at what time was that?

[@Oiilluj]

+Miguel Quiroz 2:39:14

[@InanimatedAnimation]

+Julio Cesar it dawned on me when he mentioned the bear, i felt terrified

[@Raphtyr]

+John Wong He never describes Percy though....

[@technoviking5490]

So much joke-flirting between Travis and Matt oh my god.

[@swfzpbzdolvr]

Joke???

[@theopkingdom3433]

Fast forward years to Avantika's cabin...

[@Nortarachanges]

“He winked at me!” *giggle* gotta love Travis’s enthusiasm ^_^

[@philkovach948]

That's how true bros behave toward each other

[@queenofbabble24]

Travis getting so excited that his Nat 20 intelligence check for Grog worked out is the cutest, purest thing even so many years later.

[@godspeedhero3671]

Yeah, it's super sweett. :)

[@-Songbird]

His adhd childlike joy is seriously so adorable, and for me, SO relatable 😂😅

[@blueskyinfiniti]

Watching the donations, "They wanted to donate 20 dollars for each episode since they just got caught up." Cast: wow that's a lot. That's a lot of episodes. Me, in 2019: ha. Ha. Help me.

[@alexisk.nielson9985]

We suffer together my dude, hope your caught up now 😆

[@mortuos557]

20 dollars for each episode... With or without one shots?

[@mortuos557]

Without one shots it's currently 202*20 bucks =4040 Dollars...

[@maruvail]

Quarantine means I can finally watch campaign 1!

[@stijndevries6175]

This comment is going to keep getting funnier every year, hopefully for years to come and I kinda love that

[@c15page]

I'm catching up to the podcast now, and I just got to this episode and new I had to see the stream just for the Sun Tree scene. Watching everyone put it together, and the horror and confusion. Taliesin got it almost immediately, it strikes Laura the moment they mention a bear. It's damned powerful of a delivery and Matt Mercer is a terrifyingly brilliant GM. Bravo.

[@EnDSchultz1]

He is a genius.

[@alyssagorski7538]

And Marisha once he describes Vex.

[@davidbergfors6820]

Matt Mercer for DGM - Dungeon Grand Master!

[@s.e.danforth1150]

44:03 "You grabbed me- You ASK first." Henry Crabgrass has entered the chat-

[@procrastinator99]

LOL

[@GeassEnabler]

Imagine if Matt used Grog's voice for Henry

[@procrastinator99]

@@GeassEnabler lol

[@jonniipalos]

it's been weird watching Travis, Tal, and Liam swap facial hair every few episodes

[@MubangaDNB]

Grog: I see birds Party: the might be spies Grog: Yeah I spy birds

[@lespie98]

THE BIRDS WORK FOR THE BORGWASEE

[@captainbirch2.079]

@@lespie98 birdgeoisie?

[@newtonianlaw3249]

@@captainbirch2.079 Good job on the pun

[@billbill3915]

Keyleth the Druid: "I see birds which have not seen us, and are flying away. I must kill them."

[@bobertg5339]

@@billbill3915 the birds definitely did see them. Grog rolled a nat 1 stealth while standing outside

[@Cieltee22]

8 figures in the tree, 1 being a bear. None were described to look like Percy. It was for Percy. That's both creepy and genius.

[@sammiehopkins9408]

HOLY SHIT!!! I NEVER REALIZED HE WASNT THERE!!!!!! YOURE SO RIGHT!!!!!!!😱

[@Neutral_Tired]

pretty sure they didn't know about him, he was disguised, but this could also be it

[@lukehicks6722]

@@Neutral_Tired they knew, in the fight outside the palace Lord Briarwood said "look darling, the pup survived"

[@RJMeta]

Of the figures, only seven were described. There was no Pike, given how there was only one child on that tree, so I think it's safe to assume the 8th and undescribed figure was Percy.

[@The_Sharktocrab]

@@Neutral_Tired I guess you forgot the part where percy screamed "SYLUS!" 2 times

[@felixzyrna1407]

Shout out to Matt's creepy af description of the Sun Tree bodies.

[@Unprotagonist]

It sounded like his voice was breaking on some of them. Such an incredible moment when you see each of them get it.

[@hoods_hairy_ballz]

I was a little sad that he said 8 bodies but never described Percy's body

[@LeileyWow]

It gave me literal chills when he was describing it omg. Such good storytelling & delivery, and the moment when Marisha realized it was them, and the fact that it bothered Percy/Taliesin so much that he stepped away early

[@imaEnVideo]

I just love at 13:45 when they readjust the camera and Taliesin's going like "I'm magneto i'm moving the camera".

[@Donnygeddon]

13:12 - Game begins 15:16 - Mercer's Beard Check 28:05 - Scanlan Casts Guilt 35:20 - Scanlan Inspiration Song 48:26 - Bigsby's Stooge Hand 49:33 - Scanlan "Inspires" Percy 56:27 - Grog vs Behir 1:07:12 - MatTiberius 1:08:08 - lol, love Matt as the DM. 1:14:05 - Grog Intelligence Check 1:16:10 - Mercer is Magic 1:22:37 - Scanlan sings that there are giants in the sky 1:24:25 - Brain Fart 1:34:22 - CSI: Scanlan 1:36:12 - Ozzy Grogsbourne 1:37:55 - Break starts and ends [they did a jump cut] 1:39:00 - Whitestone Map 1:50:58 - Scanlan "Holds On" 2:09:28 - Grog vs Lemon Trees? 2:21:50 - SCATlan 2:39:13 - The Sun Tree 2:40:56 - My mind is blown. 2:58:35 - Game ends I stole this just fyi but I wanted to easily get timestamps at the top of comments. Credit to kysshack

[@ZeroKelvin440]

Huge thanks to you and all the other people who timestamp these things. CR has the best community.

[@slamduncan3376]

2:27:12 Guardians of the Galaxy reference

[@Peter_Cordes]

2:12:21 Keyleth: "I can do it for up to 8 hours". I'm not sure if Sam was thinking of a "yeah baby" Austin Powers response to that, but I was. Sam kind of scrunches up his face and shakes his head and doesn't say anything, so maybe. English is ridiculous; basically anything can be interpreted as a sexual because we keep making more and more euphemisms for sex instead of just saying "sex". The only solution is to just enjoy the double-entendres as they happen.

[@tank7720]

Thanks for this

[@Galinda33]

It’s so refreshing to get through so much in a tight 3 hours when there isn’t constantly someone trying to perpetuate their own irrelevant side plots. This is the dynamic I’ve missed from C2 watching through the first part of C1.

[@tharfagreinir]

A moment of appreciation for how smoothly Tiberius' exit was handled. Given how erratically he acted and how obsessed he was with coming up with his own solutions to things, it was completely in character to leave the group to try and plead with his father in person. So Orion's behavior becomes his own and his character's downfall in a way that makes sense. He set both for a fall and the DM / rest of the group handled it accordingly. It's kind of poetic to watch the story come to an end like that on two levels at once.

[@johnnye87]

Matt just said he left to get more supplies. I think it was Liam who said he was going to try to raise an army, which I think is both a better story and slightly more charitable than essentially making his exit into another shopping joke. The army-raising thing was the closest thing to actual RP that Tibs did in the back half of that session so sending him off on a sidequest to achieve that is a nice gesture.

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

At the same time, they were really upset about it... You can see that... You can see it when they dealt with his "death" because obviously there wasn't closure, they were really good friends & when someone is struggling you want to help not turn away, but you also have a business, and you could see he was coming in fucked up one day during Critmas Tal had to finish his sentences. Honestly what he said to Laura - wasn't a big deal . Sam literally said the same exact thing to either Laura or Marisha and no one batted an eye... And was way raunchy... I feel bad for him & them. Just recently he thanked Orion it might have been at a con.. He could be very, very funny, came up with some very good ideas but I think also 5e wasn't right for him . Anyway my 0.2. Cancer and substance abuse made it all worse..

[@johnymey4034]

​@@jenny_of_oldstones3523 What was said to laura? I don't remember anything terrible, and frankly I've been wondering why nobody cares about the serious Karen energy laura directs at people too often.

[@hockeykings3793]

@@johnymey4034at around an 1:29:00 in episode 27, he makes a crude remark about vex’s plan giving him a boner. Doesn’t come off well, he doesn’t have the repuatation or delivery that scanlan/Sam have so yea.

[@nosiree7104]

​@@jenny_of_oldstones3523except Tiberius was a toff, a royal, and wouldn't have spoken like that. Scanlan is a debaucherous pervert so that sort of comment is in his wheelhouse so it's obvious that it's a joke.

[@erisplaysgames]

This episode, especially the increased banter between matt and the players feels so much more natural, and so much closer to how I know it having come here from campaign 2. It's such a weight off my chest to have orion gone

[@disneyforthewin]

I miss Tibsy.....but I 100 percent agree with the group.....he was killing the game by ep 27

[@chrish4439]

Omg ya. The difference in attitude of the whole crew, Matt included, is bloody night and day this episode compared to last. Orion leaving was so needed. I've had more fun in the first 20 mins of this episode than the last 3 with tibs lol

[@infinityseven5924]

Im in the same boat. It's great to see them be themselves. Wonder if having Orion gone for an ep was what made them realize he needed to be gone or they made the decision before hand.

[@jjbaczenas5512]

"I didn't ask for science!" - Travis. Priceless!

[@EmilyCortez_283]

Starting the Briarwood arc in the time of Coronavirus and no CR weekly since we are doing some self quarantining. How i missed my Vox Machina ♥️

[@3squareddesigns]

Emily Cortez doing the same!

[@jasonbuckley4118]

Starting C1 since covid-19. Its been an adventure

[@shoop7842]

Ditto

[@taylorspencer4650]

Same!!!

[@SayshalTV]

Same here!

[@RoinDanton]

My farvourite thing about the Briarwood arc is, that Percy went from a character I barely noticed, to probably my favourite character from S1.

[@crona3316]

Yeah it’s really where he gets to shine and he just stays one of the best for a while.

[@jonahyogman6282]

Oh my god. Mercer is a master of horror. That scene with the sun tree evoked a kind of psychological terror I can only dream of creating.

[@keithanderson7590]

He’s truly the best.

[@kamaljohnson2200]

The real weight of it would have gone over my head sadly lol

[@grumpycloud30]

In future episodes, and very much more in C2, Matt evokes some extremely grotesque creepy and disturbing imagery. It's quite messed up.

[@cloud_sauce]

I completely agree! As he started to describe the bodies, the scene was (obviously) already making me uneasy... A few moments later, the realization of what I was "seeing" hit me and my stomach sunk instantly.

[@grumbledore424]

I helped a friend write some DnD for a cursed mansion once. He was shocked at some of the body horror stuff I came up with.

[@jellyminy9113]

I love how Scanlan's (Sam's) normal sized tankard is slowly getting more and more stickers on the bottom

[@jessespeers5357]

Campaign two...................

[@eleuuuuu]

Then Campaign 2 came along... *HOO BOY*

[@sadiemcc9363]

@@eleuuuuu I'm here after the Christmas tree.

[@RedBlitzen]

Sure. "Normal sized."

[@Reepicheep-1]

Then C3 began...

[@ProDoucher]

I was thinking they're are so fast and energetic this episode but then I realised I had my speed set to x1.25.

[@karlmbeal]

is it bad I thought this was going to be a comment about Orion being gone?

[@Thisone109]

@@karlmbeal yes, you this is not the way to deel with an attention seeker. You should not pay him that much attention.

[@okthen623]

Travis' love for Grog is palpable in this campaign and the next but watching him double back whenever saying something too smart and/or clever for Grog makes you appreciate how much of a breath of fresh air Fjords high charisma and tactical intelligence must have been

[@teacupkoala175]

This Sun Tree moment is the thing I'm most excited to see adapted in the animated show. It's such an iconic and legendary villain moment, and it needs to get an equally horrifying adaptation

[@dallasmeade9515]

How did you like it?

[@teacupkoala175]

@@dallasmeade9515 short answer is that it was perfect. The reveal itself isn't a slow realization but a sudden one. The horror is kicked up a notch when the kid is shown right away, although i wish she was shown later to crank up the dread as the details are revealed. But the thing that made it an iconic villain moment is that we meet the people beforehand, and Delilah gaslights the girl. Sylas and Delilah justify their evil in the name of love, but the scene of inviting those people to eat first shows that they enjoy the cruelty. Oh boy does it make them despicable, which is just how i like my villains. 30/10

[@dallasmeade9515]

@teacupkoala i legitimately started to tear up when the revealed the invitees to dinner and my wife asked what was wrong (she hasn't seen campaign one) and all i could say is watch. One of the best part of this animated series is all the flashbacks and pov of the villan moments we get to see. Thank you for the reply btw. I saw your comment and was instantly interested in your reaction.

[@AmerZAC]

This comment aged really well. They did a great job showing the horror in the show. Short of Keyleth puking her guts out, which definitely should've happened.

[@johnyshadow]

@@AmerZAC Would probably make sense, but I had enough of Keylith "puking her guts out" in the first episode. (Not a fan of vomit.)

[@HoboMan6productions]

When keyleth realised what the bodies were i was confused and so i went back and watched the description of each one again and i seriously got chills as matt described each one. That was actually scary for the crew and it definitely showed as they realized

[@alyssagorski7538]

I’ve never felt my heart beat that fast watching Critical Role, including ALL of campaign 2. It really got to me. Still reeling and probably won’t be able to sleep. ^^’

[@bladebitten2766]

Only when they mentioned the bear, I realised. Then I had to rewind and watch that part again. Chills.

[@lenisvegalamberty1808]

I was like.... Red, green clothes. Is that Tiberius? And then it dawned on me and I saw their faces and... It got real and heavy really fast.

[@GrndAdmiralThrawn]

I had seen that scene in clips before, but I finally caught up and I can say it's better in context. One thing was bugging me though. Matt said there were 8 bodies but only described 7. I guess it can be inferred that the 8th is supposed to look like Percy, but it would have been nice to know.

[@DragonTwilight]

1:36:14 Keyleth: “I wanna hear birds hit the floor!” My brain: “Let the birdies hit the floor, let the birdies hit the *beat beat * FLOOOOOOR!!!”

[@copycrow4486]

I wish I could like this but for the sake of everything, (clicks tongue) noice, I shall leave it at the sex number.

[@MasterCrander]

SQUAWK nothing wrong with me HOO nothing wrong with me TWEET nothing wrong with me CAW nothing wrong with me

[@gaijinexec]

The birds work for the bourgeoisie

[@Tonedefff]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5jYiYGCbpiZjck

[@xxindigoAphrodithexx]

Keyleth's animal impressions make me just genuinely happy. It's adorable.

[@jamestuttlebee2498]

i still love to see how happy Matt is when his players do something awesome or roll really well on something. Even though they are "beating his monsters" or "getting around his obstacles" he still is just genuinely happy to see them do well and have fun. Makes me so happy too lol

[@bronathangiant5994]

You can also see how much he cares about their characters when one or more of them are in genuine danger. He gets genuinely worried and often actively roots for them. It’s very sweet

[@Narokh]

I mean, that's the point as a DM, isn't it? You're supposed to set up something that is fun and exciting and rewarding for everyone involved, not "winning" against the players.

[@violet3405]

I remember when they were against K'varn and he said "if we didn't killed him this turn". He didn't want to kill Pike and you can understand that he Is playing with them and not against.

[@wanderdragon1075]

Narokh you would think, but not all DMs are like this...

[@ForeverWarBound]

DMs who feel like they need to "win" against the players make the absolute worst campaigns lol

[@alexkerr3868]

If Wil Wheaton were a gunslinger, he would misfire every other shot lol

[@theoverlander4579]

Alex Kerr every*

[@alexv3357]

If Wil Wheaton were a gunslinger, he would never fire, period

[@Thisone109]

His gun would just be an explosive. That only harms him😆

[@privpi]

But his curse would have to change so he doesn't roll only 1 he could set it to like 19 and his curse might help him then. Maybe he will roll a lot of 19 s and 18 and shit

[@DrugsAreForWinners]

He’d have shot himself.

[@jackh7329]

I legitimately teared up when Matt began to describe the bodies and I initially thought it was Percy's family. Not that the alternative ended up being much better, but holy shit.

[@levihughes9180]

Jack H same here. that look of realisation on Percy's face made me think it was his entire family but when it really hit it was insane

[@Neutral_Tired]

@@levihughes9180 he does say in a talks later "let's just say those weren't the first bodies in that tree" in response to a question about Percy's family, so ya know

[@tsuchikarasu2]

Same

[@tipsygnostalgic3428]

That would have been really sad also really smelly because they've been dead for five years.

[@maceykupfer6027]

Lol Laura going "that's a lot of episodes" in response to a donation where someone said they just caught up, meanwhile I'm starting out seven years late

[@ender6304]

Same lol

[@Faelivrin12]

me too :D

[@volterknight]

Ha, good to know I'm not alone.

[@keishaeverson9208]

Yuuuuup. Me racing through 27 episodes in like 2 weeks 😅

[@Crystal_Gear]

I'm rewatching campaign one and all I can say is best of luck. You guys have got this!!! You have so much to look forward to :D

[@xAlecto]

(rewatching) Sam: 'I don't hurt things very well'. Me: biggest understatement of the Vox Machina campaign ever

[@Sprtschk]

My favorite moment: The twins both roll 20 on their perception and makes a "team Discovery" pose together. Went by too fast.

[@mb2001]

When?

[@martinmcbride4530]

Percy's projectile dysfuction.

[@robertwalker5794]

That was hilarious! LOL!!! 😂😂

[@superlolgal555]

*slow clap*

[@GBS4893]

Me: I'll just stay a bit before going to bed, maybe something will make me feel good Travis: "I bite the bird's head off" Laura: "Grog, no!" Matthew: "It is done, she goes "Grog!" and you go *nom* "

[@HoneyedPeachhes]

This comment brings me much joy I love this moment sm

[@scdef.6009]

ok. I feel bad, but I laughed out loud when Matt RP'd Tiberius deciding to leave, and the whole party reacted like that Willy Wonka scene where he says "stop wait come back."

[@samuraichilton]

I think my favorite thing about this show is that every episode someone does something and I have a new favorite character. Every single one of these guys are so good.

[@Brooke_Corbyn]

jesse chilton amen

[@xhighone]

2:05:57 - Taliesen ad-libbing the Sun Tree story is fantastic. It's short but it's really cool how he asks Matt "Can I go with this?" and Matt kind of gives him the green light and just riffs a cool story about the Sun Tree. It's 2020. It's not getting any better... but going back and re-watching from the Briarwood Arc beginning is helping. Bidet.

[@GirishManjunathMusic]

I read Taliesin as Travis the first time and got so _so_ confused. ⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄෴⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

[@RS-ry4lp]

Bidet to you sir

[@elbruces]

Matt & Taliesin are an advanced-level DM/player technique workshop.

[@JawSnl93]

@Gi Gi iirc, at some point Grog mishears 'good day' for 'bidet' and it kinda stuck around in the community

[@general._.kenobi7919]

Beep beep

[@Tyr_Archalion]

Tiberius: I have an idea. Back in a few days. Scanlan: Stop. Don't. Come back.

[@elijaaaah]

“oh no don’t leave, we love having you here so much •-•”

[@firefi1960]

Help. Police. Murder.

[@rowdeemunkee]

"Stop, don't come back" *

[@HanmaCaleb]

OG Wonka vibes

[@iHaveOneArm]

That moment when Percy says "we shouldn't go in guns blazing" *dying*

[@neerGdyahS]

There was a lot of idiots in the chat. Twitch viewers are slightly dumber than KZbin viewers I guess? Or just have less time to compose an intelligent thought.

[@JP91979]

love how in the back that bear has slowly been getting his armor, and now he finally looks like a battle bear.

[@diavolo5015]

The Critical Role Wiki says if characters are "Alive, Dead, Or Active". According to the WIki, the status of the Sun Tree Is "A-OK"

[@_____2219]

I just checked it and it really does

[@erisplaysgames]

That makes me so happy