Hope | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 56

[@emmacrisp5926]

42:37 "I gave up my life for you. I will have my shoes." is really just. the ultimate and archetypal sibling experience

[@Gwailoh911]

seriously. i grew up not having siblings, but when i was reunited with my father and found out i had two half brothers, we are now always ragging on each other and it's so much fun.

[@timkinney8719]

Sometimes their back and forth gets super tedious and then I remind myself how the back and forth with my siblings is super tedious and I'm like yeah that feels right, carry on.

[@kaityr9693]

Can confirm. I'd die for my brother, but I'd also sell him for a cheeseburger.

[@TheRyndiculous]

I'd simply stop playing with a greedy "ninja looter". Dude lent those to her in good faith. She's not only the worst character mechanically, she's ungrateful af. Literally a WoW huntard.

[@envymordecai4429]

Vex: I’ll give you the boots if you tell me what’s going on with you and Keyleth Vax: GIVE ME MY FUCKING BOOTS

[@0calvin]

"When you level up as a Ranger, you can pick gold as your favorite terrain."

[@kylethomas9130]

Best ranger build there is.

[@danksterdan1682]

Scrooge McDuck is just a really rich ranger that retired and takes baths in his hoard confirmed

[@kingskelett6265]

Dankster Dan well he is able move through what would be difficult terrain with no problem at all.

[@viralium104]

Don't forget about intestines.

[@inspectorme4559]

And you would take poverty as your favourite enemy.

[@Necrogigas]

Percy: "There are things I can do in Vasselheim." Me: "VICTOR! BLACK POWDER!"

[@stevenritter8719]

You always have to visit victor.

[@Haunted_Gallows]

Necrogigas Victor is by far my favorite NPC. I may or may not have completely ripped him for my own campaign setting...

[@patrikg.6320]

there is nothing wrong with borowing other peoples NPC you can learn a lot by doing that

[@davidbeppler3032]

I have a few recurring NPCs that have showed up in D&D, AD&D, Pathfinder, Vampire, Shadowrun, and now Starfinder. ;)

[@alex_ho]

I have a feeling there'll be a run in with a certain middle aged woman.

[@Ekkaisara]

Everyone: cannonball contest! Percy: oh good totally normal con- Kayleth: Earth elemental! Percy: Cowabunga it is.

[@josefzalusky7307]

*Loads kettle with explosive intent*

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Oh so THAT'S how we're are playing, huh? Okay, it's on mother fuckers

[@danielvictorsilvapinheiro3132]

Hahahahahahahaha hahahahahaha.... This comment... Thank you for this comment...

[@channelnotavailable32]

Percy made made me bleed, he wins by default.

[@cnh3109]

"Servents! Fetch me...the KETTLE!"

[@mr_dino4222]

"I rush back to my room to get pure sodium" might be the most terrifying thing Percy has said so far.

[@theanyktos]

My response was "Omg, I love you". Yes, I am aware there might be something wrong with me. I don't really care though. XD

[@Draezeth]

Raw Sodium*

[@goldencalf13]

@Gi Gi remember we are talking about Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III. He doesn't even have a standard amount of name

[@volteer1332]

@@goldencalf13 subtlety is for squares

[@NukerMunkyGames]

Luckily Matt & Percy both forgot about the massive cloud of highly poisonous gas that would've been created in the chemical reaction. In an enclosed space, like i dunno.. a basement steam room, that cloud of poison would've surely killed everyone.

[@shamblingmound6558]

The fact hat Matt didn't even flinch when Marisha asked what the flower of Westruun was just makes me that much more impressed by his world building.

[@ScorchHellfire]

That moment personally left me wondering if him taking a moment to think about it was him trying to recall what he had already designated for it or if he was just trying to make it up on the spot. I guess stuff like that being ambiguous is one of the things that makes him a great DM. xD

[@annafantasia]

@@ScorchHellfire Precisely!!!

[@drewdeckard5753]

ScorchHellfire excellent worldbuilding or excellent improvisation? Or better yet excellent improvisation because he know so much about the world?

[@MrFlourdelis]

Behind the curtain I’d bet it was improvised. No matter what town they’re in that would’ve been their flower

[@discipleofvecna6235]

@@drewdeckard5753 i like to think that. That he has an idea of the world and while some specifics are blurry, he k own enough that if there isn't a clear answer, he can make one.

[@keefegirls22]

2:43:27 "How do you know?" "My girl is there" that line just SLAUGHTERED ME. Scanlan Shorthalt cares so much about his daughter and it makes me so so so happy to see how important she is to him

[@keefegirls22]

also 3:15:02 I just look up, see the twins share a look and then hug and gosh I just love Liam and Laura

[@tylerbarnes8105]

keefegirls22 a

[@tkeil5117]

Scanlan and Kaylee is one of my favorite things! I'm so glad Matt threw that at him.

[@Ailieorz]

Liam purposefully multiclassing into paladin purely because of character arc is just *chef's kiss*

[@riqueoak7256]

It was just a convenient coincidence, he was already planning on becoming a paladin of Sarenrae, but the situation changed the deity he got to serve

[@abrilvonbunny6205]

He had it planned from before, iy turned out wonderfully in character but never underestimate Liam's love for one hit damage... that sneak+divine strike on a crit with an assassin is juuuuuiicyy

[@Ace5004]

He was always going to do it. That's why he had Sarenrae's symbol on his glove. That's why he avoided Pike, he was going for a redemption via Sarenrae to become a Paladin of Sarenrae for his build to combine divine smite+sneak attack+automatic criticals.

[@phluphfy69]

god especially the way he went into the dragon and EMERGED A PALADIN. Talk about an anime transformation amirite!!!

[@simboragames]

@@phluphfy69 When I first watched this in the animation I thought it was changed to appeal more there. But it actually DID happen. I love this! lol

[@gloomberries3191]

Rest of Vox Machina: Lets maybe use some low level spells and fun magic items to try and win the cannonball contest Percy: ITS NERF OF NOTHING

[@darkvizardking69]

When in doubt, use SCIENCE!

[@finchbird2419]

@@darkvizardking69 Bill Nye the science guy

[@mirrorXshard]

God Percy really is the crazy Nerf kid from the 90s commercials all grown up.

[@disciple0flight328]

@@finchbird2419 BILL BILL BILL BILL Bill Nye...... the science guy

[@envymordecai4429]

Honestly the funniest part is that he said “I don’t cannonball.” Then someone suggested they place a bet.

[@EricKingOfScots]

Am I the only one who thinks that Matt is secretly building an army of guest players to come back for the battle against Thordak?

[@wardenoforder5164]

No I'm thinking the same thing as most of the guests they've invited have played some notable roles

[@ABardNamedScandal]

He's actually said during a panel [which is on Critical Scope Channel] That he fully intends to try and get as many guests back for the Final Fight in this arc as he can. though of course Schedules being what they are... yeeeeeeah... we'll see how it works out.

[@wardenoforder5164]

+Watashi Jones hopefully it works out well

[@Haunted_Gallows]

Eric Marshall Do you know of Matthew Colville ever joins in?

[@SHdrummerguy08]

This is an amusing comment to see after having just watched episode 115

[@ShroomRPG]

"My ancestry dates back thousands of years and will continue for thousands more, unless Whitestone falls. This place is the human soul. This is what we have built with our tiny moments. To lose a place like this, we don't feel it immediately, but it would ruin everyone in small ways." -Percival Frederickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III Holy shit man, that's some poetry right there, Taliesin is a god damn genius

[@sschweg08]

And of course the dense person he was talking to is too full of herself to even entertain an idea that doesn't revolve around her imagined bullshit.

[@hannahshark8080]

I love Percy so much. Brilliant character

[@Billaskrill]

@@sschweg08 BuT kEyLeTh'S dUmB So It'S iN cHaRaCtEr!

[@NerdyAngel1989]

Shannon McGowan some of it is self hate and lack of confidence and some of it is the fact that she is going to live for thousands of years if she completes her tests. She honestly doesn’t understand what it means to humans and other short lived people who live so much shorter lives to leave marks like in cities and what not.

[@SomeKindaSpy]

@@NerdyAngel1989 While true, that doesn't endear her to anyone. It may be true to the character and universe, but it doesn't mean anybody likes that or relates to that at all.

[@alleycat2297]

Can't get over how multifaceted and interesting Percy is as a character. He's witty, pragmatic, level-headed and down to earth but he's also a raving lunatic when he wants to be, fiercely competitive, extra, and capable of being very chiding and derisive towards the others, mostly in well-meaning ways but still. He's a self proclaimed asshole but he respects people, histories, lineages. He owns that rich boy backstory real well too while somehow also being emotionally intelligent and capable of empathy, though as any flawed human being, he has blindspots (i.e No Mercy Percy), in general, I think I have to stand by the fact that Percy is my favourite Tal character. I feel like I could dissect all his drastically contradictory personality traits for days, and it would still make perfect sense.

[@pinoyXasian]

The idea of the rest of the conclave finding "One Down" with the tooth in the wall is the most BADASS mental scene ever.

[@niktsam254]

I was kinda hoping they would spike the dragon's head outside his lair. I'm surprised Grog didn't do that, it would be a nice touch.

[@thorn249]

@@niktsam254 I mean, there wasn't much of a head to spike.

[@chaance117]

With the blue dragon they killed wouldn't it be "two down"

[@jaxstacks1253]

I need a fanart of it

[@annafantasia]

@@niktsam254 I kinda like how classy this version is. Subtle.

[@DrFrankenMax]

I'm sorry, but the Cannonball Contest is the best thing I've seen in their campaign so far. Watching them all use their talents (Vex with her bear, Scanlan with his magic, Keyleth with her transformations, Percy with his science, Pike with her gauntlets) to try and cheat their way into beating each other in a cannonball contest of all things, right after having fought a dragon and almost died, as a way to relax after what is probably the most deadly combat encounter they've ever had, while the world is burning around them and they've lost so many people: it's the most wholesome thing ever. This episode being titled "Hope" is so.... fitting. I love this episode for just this little bit alone. Seeing them all connect and enjoy being with each other in the moment is such a good heartwarming moment for Vox Machina. I love it.

[@brandonclark8458]

I "critters up" around the begining of C2, so up until very recently I wasn't SUPER familiar with Vox Machina. But I've seen just about every animated critical role scene i can find on KZbin, its one of the big highlights of each episode for me when they get around to a part I vaguely recognize from animated highlights. I am absolutely flabbergasted that there isn't an animated version of this cannonball contest. Its ridiculous.

[@SuperGoose42]

I never highly about the scene that way, but now I appreciate it all the more

[@kuroneko1813]

This is like the down time/ filler episode when a very big fight happens in anime

[@annafantasia]

Ahhhh yes I absolutely agree

[@Gardow]

It was just so wholesome, and felt like the exact type of distraction these characters needed to take their minds off of their herculean task.

[@danielconner1210]

the demise of blackfoot was one of the greatest surprises. I loved it so much.

[@maddie4834]

Daniel Conner the definition of instant karma

[@MarcSola7]

For those wondering where in the timestamp, it's 1:24:24 I guess you can say that Pike has made the holy bomb of Sarenrae, which is their version of the holy grenade of antioch.

[@jgamer2228]

Y’all really can’t help but post spoilers can you? I see them on every fucking episode

[@dakotatompkins9346]

@@jgamer2228 don't look at the comments then, it's pretty damn simple lol

[@DarkMage501]

@@jgamer2228 I mean they're commenting ABOUT the current episode, under the episode. And it's like 5 years old. That's not a spoiler. If they posted about the future episodes, then it would be a spoiler.

[@little_creecher]

I absolutely adore how Pike is willing to throw hands with the Raven Queen if she fucks with her friend, Pike is the sweetest goddamn thing-

[@Mewchu14]

The cannonball contest singlehandedly changed my impression of Percy. I had envisioned him as just a very serious genius type. But no, he’s just a complete lunatic and I love him even more for it

[@hannahshark8080]

He's taken over Scanlan as my favourite character in a very short amount of time.

[@KingNefiiria]

@@hannahshark8080 He realized the odds were against him in a "fair" cannonball contest against an earth elemental, all bets were off at that point.

[@edamejia0730]

@@KingNefiiria Seems fair

[@Bee-yg6yk]

He's also like,,, 24 lol I think he might be the youngest of the group

[@olga1231]

keyleth is the youngest she is 20

[@xMANinTAN]

"I walk by, eating a chicken and wearing no pants" The group is so much better for having Scanlan there. His comedic timing is impeccable.

[@jgamer2228]

He’s a disgusting sleazebag. They’re all pretty despicable honestly, with the exception of Pike, Keyleth, and Percy.

[@izurokamakura4778]

None of them are perfect.

[@neoodin6298]

@@jgamer2228 lol are we talking the actual people or the in game role playing

[@dananas618]

@@jgamer2228 no one is making you watch?

[@kerrytking]

55:24

[@samuelraymond5852]

Masterful manipulation of expectations by matt here. Laura: I stay outside and keep an eye on the sky. Matt: Ok roll perception. I can imagine everyone at the table and in the audience just thinking "please just don't do anything to them/us please. Just not right now." Matt thinking: Roll perception to see how beautiful the night sky is as you can relax for the first time in a while knowing the threat is gone long enough for you to catch your breath.

[@Companion92]

I was so scared for a moment

[@JtotheMeezy]

@@Companion92 it was such a wonderful moment though. The smile on Laura's face was priceless, you could practically see the scene playing in her eyes

[@zachh6868]

* Queue Shadowbringers music

[@azteca06]

Boost!! 0:30 !Airhorn! 2:20 Unboxing 10:45 Recap begins 13:58 Recap Ends, let the games begin 22:25 Scanlan's got some plans 24:26 Just looking for magic stuff 26:27 Testing out the jug 31:53 Grog can read 37:04 The twins bicker about the boots 38:59 Twin vs. twin 45:45 The earrings don't allow one-to-one communication 53:18 Grog really does care 54:43 Vox Machina Cannonball Contest 1:06:39 Grog and his jug of mayonnaise 1:10:55 Keyleth gets all the good stuff next century 1:24:25 Good kill, good kill. 2:13:12 break starts 2:28:48 break ends 2:30:24 Grog needs to work out how to use the jug 2:34:52 Drunken Scanlan limerick 2:36:53 Unpaid staff = squatters 2:48:33 Residents debate what comes next 2:51:18 Don't try to out-aristocrat Percy (2:52:40 for amused Rothfuss) 2:55:29 A little moral support from Vex 3:07:49 I live as long as Whitestone lives. 3:13:19 Third wheel 3:15:41 Sam breaks the DM. 3:21:30 Scanlan has a heart 3:36:43 Hope. 3:46:04 We're all all kinds of fucked up. 3:47:48 Everyone needs to have a sidebar conversation

[@naughtynome4491]

Thank you!

[@tatianathays7597]

UP UP

[@tatianathays7597]

BOOSTING

[@KnightLight369]

Bump

[@kevinphung1181]

bump

[@nathanvalley7269]

Reginald. He endured torture to not give up Vox Machina. If he had told, they wouldn't have let him go, but it at least would've been quick. But he didn't. He didn't even know them. They might've been lying. They might have died before they could come back. They might've failed to defeat the herd. All Reginald knew was there was a chance... a chance they'd save his daughter. And that was enough. That's not the mark of hero. That's the mark of a true father. Which is so much more amazing.

[@jaxstacks1253]

That made me tear up tbh, Reginalds sacrifice is the thing that let this whole section of this arc happen. If he had gave them up they would've come back to a very prepared herd and they wouldn't have been ready for that

[@kuroneko1813]

It’s the actions of a father that helped Vox Machina accomplish their goal in taking back Westruun

[@SocialistSadako]

VM could've easily saved Reggie by not running off after killing that dude, but noooo they get to be lauded as heroes regardless

[@elliethecat4082]

@@SocialistSadako That's why people say don't meet your heroes. Cause they're very human and make many mistakes. The only difference is that they made something worth celebrating.

[@lalalalalalalalal567]

@@SocialistSadako they wanted information from Horace, and he recognises Grog, so the only thing they could do was killing him at that point (unless you mean before they caught Horace). Grog didn't have a good past with his herd as well so I'd say it was a pretty in-character decision to kill him.

[@DamonFyrian]

Vex: Do you have a jug of mayonnaise now? Grog: No, I ate that, too. I could not stop laughing for the life of me.

[@dubbingsync]

Well none of the cast could either and I know I couldn't stop laughing for several minutes.

[@DamonFyrian]

Rhys Causon There were two reasons I couldn't stop laughing: the idea that Grog ate an entire jug of mayonnaise (I interpreted that as jug and all, which made it even funnier to me), and that he was just sitting there, drunk off his ass, eating a jar of mayonnaise.

[@CountryMusicMann]

I broke down laughing when I saw that live!

[@dubbingsync]

+Damon Fyrian well Grog did want to break it, so I can see where you got that idea from.

[@Tygenja]

I checked my DMG, and he may have ingested 2 gallons of mayo!

[@TheXenatron]

I pull ____ aside real quick. I walk away. I walk by with no pants eating chicken. Vox Machina, ladies and gentlemen.

[@chrisparker6517]

You forgot "I would like to Rage."

[@a.morphous66]

@@chrisparker6517 And Percy’s “I take another shot.”

[@true_plays_games]

@@a.morphous66 and Keyleth’s “I cast a spell I never read and make up what it does”

[@gabrielleeeSK]

@@true_plays_games I've seen you in other vods and comments, how sadder can you become? What's this hate-boner you have against her??

[@jessevancooney6963]

@@gabrielleeeSK we can't have an online community without people having hate boners for random members

[@Beastintheomlet]

At this point I think Keyleth’s current mindset is heartbreaking. She’s afraid to let herself fully love Vax and all of VM because she’s afraid of all the years she’ll live after they’re gone, without realizing what she’s really doing is setting herself up to live those centuries filled with regrets. Loss is hard but living that long knowing you didn’t show people how much you loved them would be unbearable.

[@nousvivons]

This 100%. She's so worried about future heartbreak that she's paralyzed in the present. She's also only a child, really - 19/20 years old, and a sheltered Ashari, at that. All of this is brand new and terrifying.

[@Eli-uu4vt]

It’s the exact inverse of an existential crisis of mortality. You don’t die and shuffle off into the unknown, everyone else does, leaving you alone and abandoned.

[@ladysilkwing]

Yes, "Love them and lose them, or lose them and never have loved them"

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

The thing is she's not thinking... Vax could live hundreds of years as a half elf. They are very long lived (in this case it doesn't happen) but a half elf could live like 1000 years full elves are are damn near immortal. So I'm not sure what her issues were Please remember the difference between character and actor. The reason I'm so freaking annoyed is because of Narisha"s good portrayal of a conflicted person. I admire Narisha as an Artist and for every freaking hat she wears. There would be no CR WITHOUT HER and I'll put up with no hate of her. Debate of a character's motives is cool. Even Invited by most actors. Just don't mix up character with person.

[@itsnochi9447]

@@jenny_of_oldstones3523 I think half elves only live roughly like 200 years vs Kiki’s 2000ish years. It’s pretty thought out fear honestly nobody wants to watch ppl they love die around them while they stay young and healthy.

[@jakeholmes636]

I love the way Liam and Laura play out the Vax and Vex brother sister dynamic. They are both such great actors.

[@IaIaCthulhuFtagn]

O yeah, I love the Vax/Vex dynamic too, its just so believable, and doesn't seem forced like the Keyleth/Vax romantic debacle.

[@73crows]

The entire Vax/Vex twin thing I honestly pretty spot on- not sure with other siblings but with twins that’s how it happens

[@TTOF_JB]

@@IaIaCthulhuFtagn I will say, Laura acting like a teenager about it made it pretty funny though.

[@amywilliams2430]

The whole "I'll give you these boots if you tell me" seems like such a sibling thing

[@christopherarmstrong8255]

I swear Liam and Laura are soul-siblings IRL

[@jnm92]

I love it so much when Matt is impressed with a speech and goes “Make a persuasion check with advantage”

[@caseybaker7935]

Then there's times like Grog's challenge to Kevdak where he didn't even have to roll anything

[@melgibsonafter5beers626]

To be immediately undermined by by Keyleth's incoherent rambling.

[@FaunoAtelie]

To be fair when they roleplay well they shouldn't even have to roll, it's a fucking roleplaying game

[@Nixo66]

@@melgibsonafter5beers626 always!

[@hollow3d]

@@melgibsonafter5beers626 yeah her whole speech was just dumb and pointless. I mean the night before she freaks out when there were a bunch of people around and then all of a sudden she's totally comfortable giving a speech in front of them.

[@NBvagabond]

scanlan's "you think any of my servants are *boys*?" literally almost killed me because I inhaled a piece of pasta thanks sam

[@DamZ1428]

I liked Patrick's character. He had no fight, didn't have a "sidequest", but integrated smoothly in the existing storyline while still having a great impact on the game, mainly with character development.

[@maggray5963]

Great seeing him, Im a big fan of his work ❤

[@andrewascher5888]

Honestly his dash into melee range was what led to one of the three powerful hits that did the dragon in.

[@karismacgregor1409]

I really like him too! I love how engaging he is with Matt and he’s not afraid to put forward his insight. I’m hoping he makes an appearance again 🤞🏼

[@gideonhaming4894]

"Not all of us are lucky enough to have a lineage in a name." "Not all of us are lucky enough to have a lineage in a lifespan." My god Taliesin, that was some perfect roleplaying and improvising.

[@IaIaCthulhuFtagn]

Yeah Keyleth's side of that conversation didn't make sense. I don't see how as leader of the Ashari, a title that's passed through the family, she doesn't have a lineage in a name.

[@brentonwindle8275]

David Haming I just got this this episode and I won’t lie I teared up when I heard that. Taliesins char and improv skills are amazing and most of what his character saids is so powerful

[@alexkerr3868]

@@aeoscampaignsetting8489 3:08:50 is where it happens but you might want to start a minute before that to get the context

[@Elydir]

IaIaCthulhuFtagn Not really though. Some people (in the group particularly Tibs) consider her some royalty, but she's really not. She's not aristocrat as we would understand it, that's what Percy is. Kiki would be the equivalent of Neytiri in the Avatar movie. She is a daughter of the Ashari leader, and she may be princess for the Ashari, but the Ashari are four small tribes. Outside those, she's a nobody. Percy would have way more political pull in the world than the Ashari headmaster Kiki.

[@Golem501]

Keyleth needed being told of... THAT character can be annoying... I know it's role play but the whole thing is getting old... almost wish she'd stayed with the fire ashari to help building that up. .. 😉

[@heathengremlin992]

“Is Vax gonna do a cannonball?” *cut to Vax wearing the Boots of Haste, sheets crumpled around him, snoring loudly in his bed*

[@lilorlybear1146]

I fucking love Pike/Ashley so much. She's just so sweet and goofy and honorable, and yet balances her rough warrior badassness alongside it so believably.

[@pufferwockey]

lilorlybear1146 and she was wearing a misfits t shirt a couple episodes ago. Do you think she'd marry me? Should I ask for her folks blessing? I know it's an antiquated custom with a very sexist undertone but some people think it's classy. Honestly, what's my move.

[@lilorlybear1146]

I think a girl like Ashley would appreciate the respectful gesture while deep down not really giving a shit what her father said about it in the end anyway lol. Just take a note from Scalan and ask her parents in the form of a limerick. At least it'd bring some laughs

[@Lucifronz]

Pulling the "I gave up my life for you" card to get back some boots is just _peak_ sibling energy.

[@blackh9604]

I love the shenanigans in Scanlan's mansion. And clearly, Percy did not learn from Victor's mistakes. Raw sodium in water? Na. (Sorry.)

[@zap4th368]

*begrudgingly upvotes*

[@nanditamenon2219]

*excitedly upvotes*

[@RufusMcTwigglefart]

BlackHangola Don't mind the haters of puns, they're just salty.

[@chalor182]

You win the internet.

[@fhuber7507]

Should have been a bigger boom.... and no save due to hugging the bomb.

[@CJMGalaxy]

As a twin, the twin attack is the most realistic and honest interaction in the campaign so far.

[@toddfromhoen]

Also as a twin they are some of my favorites because of how well they play twins.

[@childkreature8039]

2:44:54 "I may not have lost an ally, but I am a vain dragon." Percy is my favorite sad rich lad

[@nightdweller2902]

"The death of a city is such a blasphemy. It is the murder of the dead, and I am horrified." - Percy Can we just take a second to appreciate how great of a line this is.

[@dignitas01]

Then soon after the "I live as long as Whitestone lives" conversation

[@RomanII1997]

@@dignitas01 he understands the essence of human civilization and the essence of his family tradition

[@Eli-uu4vt]

All I could think of was: How do you murder the dead? They’re not living enough to be murdered.

[@owlcat9692]

@@Eli-uu4vt it's similar to the philosophy that a person dies twice - their true death first, and the second when there is no one left to remember them. a town/city is a collection of work and effort from those who came before.

[@Eli-uu4vt]

@@owlcat9692 The destruction of a city doesn't necessarily "murder" the dead, however. Those dead could conceivably have people to remember them outside the city. Also, those who witness the destruction of a city will recognize the thousands upon thousands of worlds that once existed. there in the form of people. And to show that I know the philosophy you're referring to, at the end of Schindler's List, Oskar Schindler is given a ring inscribed with a quote from the Jewish Talmud that states "He who saves one life saves the world entire." The other half of the statement is "He who destroys one life destroys the world entire." It's the concept that every single human being is capable of creating an entire world unto themselves through their interactions throughout their life.

[@Deskof003Blogspot]

That cannon ball contest is probably one of my favorite scenes in Critical Role. It actually reminds me a whole lot of the Thor's Hammer scene from Age of Ultron. A bunch of heroes using their powers/abilities to turn a ordinary party contest scenario into something much, much cooler. God that's fun.

[@pvic6959]

It really contrasted with the stress and seriousness of the recent episodes. you can really tell they all (characters and players) are a really tight knit group. During that scene I really wanted to be there to experience the fun first hand but i had fun nonetheless.

[@Nebafyer_DandD]

"I knew it!"

[@christopherarmstrong8255]

The cannonball contest was so much fun!

[@omega311888]

best part of this entire episode

[@thatsmuggamer]

Percy’s idea was great though. SCIENCE FOR IOUN TIME

[@ilsearwert]

"she's going to have to deal with me and we're going to have a problem." How is the tiniest, blonde, super cute sweetheart the single most intimidating person in this entire party?

[@epicwalrus7183]

Did you see her last episode (or was it the episode before? Everything's blending together)? One look from her and Grog handed over Kevdak's head, the power of the Mom Friend surpasses all, even Gods XD

[@nikezor1]

Also the fact that she unhesitantly and confidently picks a fight with a god kind of makes her scary.

[@JihminyCricket]

Because Ashley Johnson has the most resale value in real life so these voice actors are intimidated by her...

[@GaleGuardians]

Ilse Arwert I don’t think she is

[@FuqinVanguard]

@@JihminyCricket Resale value?

[@georgeweasley54]

Keyleth and Percy are such a perfectly outlined difference in the viewpoint of someone who will live a short life and leave a legacy versus someone who'll live long enough to watch even legacies fade away and be forgotten so the lives that are present here and now are the only priority (in her mind).

[@Smurphy100]

I've never thought about it like that. That's a really neat way to look at it.

[@RomanII1997]

this is exactly their difference, on a cultural level. opposite ideas of history

[@foolslayer9416]

​@@RomanII1997I'm more inclined to agree with Percy. Every city that ever was and will be will rise and fall, but what matters is the memory that lived there. Every child that ran through its streets, every family that strolled into its shops and businesses, and every pair of lovers that held hands and embraced each other. That would all be for nothing if the city was abandoned and left to decay. Keyleth's standpoint is from one that is natural. Every mountain will last longer than any city, but nature is indifferent as it is beautiful. But it doesn't care about people, all that matters is keeping a balance going.

[@charlesnichols9952]

@@foolslayer9416 Fittingly, we are also human, like Percy. Makes sense that his point of view appeals more than the immortal nature being.

[@ZekeChainz]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊⁰😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊⁰😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊00😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊000😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊000😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊00😊😊😊😊😊😊😊00😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊00😊0😊😊⁰😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊⁰😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊0😊0😊😊00😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊0😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@sarahlizzieful]

Not Scanlan knowing exactly how far away Kymal is because "his girl is there". Such a small moment, but expert character craft from Sam.

[@NinjaWLOG]

So true!!!

[@johnnyoverheaven2045]

I fucking love how Pike casually said she would fight the Raven Queen for Vax

[@scantor8648]

I love how Kerrek guides Keyleth through a panic attack. As a vet with PTSD, what he did REALLY DOES WORK on the real thing. It's an incredibly real depiction of a serious problem some people have.

[@IandAproductioN]

Yes Patrick’s portrayal of that scene is incredible. So touching. If Keyleth had come across as someone with ptsd and not an incredibly short sighted infant it would be perfect. Probably the only point I’ll award to the super lame Keyleth haters other than her approach to the Vax romance. But no ones perfect and everyone has things that annoy the shit outta me.

[@Baelout6059]

Listening to Kerrek's dialogues all resonated with me a lot. He's an incredibly thoughtful character. Hope they bring him back in later episodes (first time watching through)

[@higglybiggly1174]

​@@IandAproductioNbro she's 20.... She lives centuries. She basically is a kid in terms of her kind, and she's seen A LOT of shit in the last few months. A lot of death and a lot of horror that most people won't see over lifetimes.

[@slackerhobo]

​@@higglybiggly1174she is almost the same age as the twins and they have seen just as much or more

[@jenny_of_oldstones3523]

I don't get why Keyleth should be having a panic attack. SORRY... Poor little rich girl!!!

[@Sprtschk]

"The death of a city is such a blasphemy. It is the murder of the dead" - Percy

[@graceharfilder5597]

Vex: I want to take less money The entire universe: surprised pikachu face

[@drewdeckard5753]

I love how this interaction really frames Vex. When she could possibly be swindled or get a better deal without hurting anyone of course she will, but as soon as she is among those in charge? As soon as her actions decide the fates of hundreds of civilians she wants to take the least amount possible

[@burr_ell]

@@drewdeckard5753 YOU. YOU GET IT. hit the nail on the head for why i absolutely adore her, no notes, flawless comment, i hope you spontaneously get a surprise free cookie in your flavor of choice

[@theopkingdom3433]

It was very sweet when Scanlan called Kaylie "Shorthalt". Like he was proud and... Wistful...

[@ehudshapira2745]

I love how Reginald was literally a guy whose generic name Matt had to come up with on the spot because he was just Farmer-107c VM happened to go speak to in the moment, and yet he became this amazing thing in the game.

[@LapisD]

I'm shocked how anyone is talking about the Scanlan scene with his daughter. I literally cried when he gave her the ring, that everyone was thinking that he took to Pike, and give the sword too with the parchment. Sam accepted so well the storyline of Scanlan having a child and is playing it masterfully

[@RadioCharlotte]

The little kid who drew the picture of vox machina. That is what we call a masterstroke by Matthew Mercer.

[@dallasapollo]

And Vex feeling the feels but still adding Trinket. So cute, just gonna add a bear.

[@a.morphous66]

Matt-sterstroke?

[@paulineisme]

Deus ex machina

[@hushedtears]

I dont think we're allowed to talk like that anymore

[@katiethemenace]

@@a.morphous66plppppppppppppppppp

[@ajchromatic]

I love that despite the conflict between Percy and Keyleth that Taliesin and Marisha are the best of buds.

[@ScorchHellfire]

I wouldn't even say they're in conflict. They may disagree on some things, but they help each other out on a lot of other things and seem to be pretty good working friends.

[@copycrow4486]

@@ScorchHellfire Remember when they were in the mansion, just beside each other reading? "We don't really talk to each other very much." "No, we don't." *Both stop talking and continue reading

[@samuelstensgaard4828]

They really play the roles of an idealistic, emotional person vs a colder, pragmatic type, I love it!

[@theanyktos]

Honestly I love both Taliesin and Marisha's friendship and Percy and Keyleth's friendship, Idk if there's a word for shipping a friendship, but that's what I'm doing. I'm shipping them being BFFs.

[@Kris-wo4pj]

@@theanyktos this is late but it's just called shipping. Shipping is just any type of relationship between two characters Canon or not. Just don't put a slash or x when ya put their names together in fanfic websites.

[@TheeCharlieCollective]

I was very lucky to have Patrick Rothfuss as a professor back in college. He's such a cool, laid-back dude, and it's so surreal to see him playing D&D with my fav voice actors.

[@3squareddesigns]

ANoonDayDemon oh my goodness. That’s incredibly lucky! He’s one of my favorite authors.

[@DuncanIdahoTPF]

What kind of course was he teaching?

[@sydney4814]

You saying he left a good impression? his response twitter.com/PatrickRothfuss/status/1168277742078414848

[@ghastlygrapefruit]

​@@3squareddesigns How are you dealing with waiting for the next book 😭😭

[@3squareddesigns]

@@ghastlygrapefruit I’ve given up on it at this point 😭😩

[@tylerchristman1104]

Having been a DM, marisha asking Matt what the flower of westrun is and him answering almost immediately was so impressive. Forget naming the shopkeep, try naming a city's flower on the fly

[@joshuawasielewski5241]

Lol, just make it up on the fly. Then it's cannon.

[@KeldonRaven]

​@@joshuawasielewski5241true but making it up on the fly instantly is the trick, if you improvise that smoothly it comes over as prep. Writing it down as it's now a thing means it's now lore.

[@Lucifronz]

It's just passion for world-building, really. I feel like just about anyone who enjoys that sort of creativity would remember such a pointless and niche detail. Which isn't to say it isn't impressive either way, because it just shows how much he loves making the world his friends are playing in, if it wasn't already incredibly obvious.

[@alphalunablue8918]

​@@LucifronzI also feel like its possible Marisha knew Matt was that detailed in his world building and maybe wanted to let him showcase it as well

[@tannarcrossman9808]

I wouldn't be surprised if he actually already had a flower in mind (it's the kind of obscure detail that I've come to expect from him), but also it's possible he just said the first flower that came to mind. They are all very good at improv like that.

[@NumbFlynn]

"Otherwise it becomes our friend Pike from nowhere." God damn Percy knows how to drive a point home.

[@hannahshark8080]

Percy best boi

[@Darksnakemrniceguy]

He is very good... at convincing people of a terrible point... It dosnt matter where they say pike comes from, as long as her people are there... To risk them to keep a town going that can be rebuilt is lunacy

[@artemiswallace8716]

@@Darksnakemrniceguy but is it really that town anymore? They can build a new town, yes, but that isn't the town it was. It isn't people's homes, their shops, their favourite parks, the step you fell and skint your knee at three, the bench you had your first kiss at 14 on.... Percy isn't arguing for the stonework, but the memories.

[@Darksnakemrniceguy]

@@artemiswallace8716 what's more important, the physical left overs of those memories? Or the people that were part of making those memories? You really want to put your friends at risk, to reduce the risk of the step where you scraped your knee? If the people's live, the history and memories can be preserved within them, but if you put their lives at risk to not risk their history, you possibly end up with a ruined ghost town either way, because it's people died and couldn't keep the town going. While if you put their lives above all that, they can always return, rebuild, preserve their history and memories, rebuild monuments, and cherish the people you made those memories with, rather than the objects... Even if they don't return, but when they live, they can still tell their stories, and preserve their history. Percy is suggesting to put their lives at higher risk in order to reduce the risk to the town, which is nonsense, because dragons could return for vengeance any time killing everyone, and without those people the town becomes a ruin either way... and thinking that a few tunnels is going to protect them from an ancient dragon is also nonsense, as if they can't digg and ripp open the ground. Therefore, doing what ever increases their chances to live is the best option for them, and the future of their town/preserving their history, and staying at a dragon slaying "crime scene" Really isn't the best option here.

[@crowfather3838]

@@Darksnakemrniceguy honestly I don't think there is a wrong or right answer in this situation because both are for the most part correct at least if you were to think of it in real life terms. In the vain of the fact that this is a fantasy world where most races live longer then humans I'm actually more convinced that Percy makes the better point. Elves and Dwarves have ridiculously old cities and nations that have existed for so damn long. But most of human civilization isn't even nearly that old, and humans don't lives over 80 physically. So, you know, for a lot of people legacy is important. Percy is right, as long as the legacy stands, the people involved with said legacy continues to live in some way.

[@FoCNerevar]

"I live as long as Whitestone lives." Gave me some weird nerd chills.

[@whiskeylima4439]

It's oddly inspiring, isn't it? We all live forever, as long as the places we cherish endure.

[@luckycat624]

@@whiskeylima4439 And as long as our memory lives on in the hearts of others, so to do we

[@Peter_Cordes]

Travis had a big reaction to that, too. It was more awesome than he was expecting.

[@shadycactus6146]

that was such an awesome moment

[@tylerdurham6091]

@@whiskeylima4439 "Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?"-Terry Pratchett.

[@ofvulcan]

1:55:52 I love Liam's little "I'm sure you were" when Percy says he wants to join Vex outside - seems like someone's getting back at all the meddling in Vax/Keyleth's early relationship!

[@cyndrigaming]

-Percy, stepping up to speak- "HE DOESNT EVEN GO HERE"

[@mrcv9576]

Vax/ Liam: To lose a parent before their time is no easy thing...I’m very sorry for you. Looking at everyone when he said that...knowing that he’s speaking as Liam...ouch...

[@fsm1137]

oof

[@annafantasia]

Oh..... gosh, right

[@dannyphantom5071]

Just looked into this on his Twitter and. Wow. Jeez. The whole raven queen thing has a new perspective too

[@impastabowl2328]

Mrc V yeah, that hit hard when I realized it.

[@forkysporky7073]

@@dannyphantom5071 Oh man, that one hit me right in the blood pump

[@LongLiveHumour]

2:39:35 "The death of a city is... _such_ a blasphemy. It is... the murder of the dead, and I am horrified ." This line - this whole episode - is terrifically good. Damn, Taliesin. And everybody else too.

[@BryonYoungblood]

And it also reminds us of how Percy is well aware about how Whitestone suffered because of what Sylas and Delilah did, especially because of their end goal was, and all the suffering and pain they had caused.

[@themasterbeanieboy]

Me: Haha! I love the funny D&D show! Marisha: “Are we forever doomed to break more than we fix and leave a wake of destruction behind us, or is there some good we can do in this world?” Me: Haha! The gnome poops sometimes!

[@superlolgal555]

hah

[@jaredphillips129]

I still wanted Scanlan to drop a deuce while inside the Dragon.

[@alexv3357]

@@jaredphillips129 He should have poured the Potion of Dimunition into its stomach while he was inside

[@SocialistSadako]

They could start by not killing innocent civvies...... Or letting innocent people die around them, or standing around looking at ropes while people are being slaughtered in front of you, or killing people who were being forced to loot, or letting people who've been petrified by a basilisk just stay there forever when greater restoration would've saved them......... Etc etc

[@thegaspatthegateway]

yoo this scene made me realize that I've fundamentally overlooked Keyleth because people like her keep these things locked up where no one can see

[@Menstraphobia]

Matt describing Scanlan's hot spring at 46:25 is perfect lol. I love how it seemed to be exactly how Scanlan would make it, even though it was completely improv on Matt's half. 😂

[@vanhende]

"A dragonslayer you say? yet, My only proud accomplishment was an accident... my daughter". Some humble barde.

[@karlmarxjr7049]

"the terrible woman may have a point" Talisan always kills it. He gets better every episode. Not sure if it was a confidence thing, but he's so good the more this series continues.

[@dce040186]

In a minute it was both Taliesen at his finest and Marisha at her worst. Let me take an awesome moment, make it about me and try to negate what this person just built up because it’s not what I think.

[@essexfuzz]

@@dce040186 After Tibs left, Keyleth apparently made it her life's mission to be the most irritating insufferable member of the group.

[@Ston3D.FreeN7]

@@essexfuzz I dunno having contrasting viewpoints is really interesting plus it led to the great kid carving Vox Machina scene.

[@Laurynassi]

@@essexfuzz Yes, somehow she insists on disagreeing on most things, presenting this sort of black-and-white take on rather complex issues. And this is most noticeable when she opposes Percy, who is very inelegant and nuanced. Still, nothing compares to Tibs when it comes to being annoying :D

[@Lucifronz]

His scoffing and calling her "new money" was very Percy-like as well. Just the tiniest bit snobbish still, I love it.

[@Legazn]

Taliesin/Percy never ceases to amaze me with his speeches/monologues. The way he says things are always so captivating and clever. Such a charismatic individual and I love his character. Would vote him for president :P

[@ladyalfhildrforestofvioletmist]

I know, right? Like at first I was just impressed with his speech about lineage in an in-character, in-world sort of way, but then it dawned on me just how much that applies to the real world, too. I actually am currently working with a historical society editing video oral histories of local people, and it just sank in to me how what I'm doing right now is so like what Percy is saying--it's preserving this human story that we're all a part of, and I don't think I ever really realized how beautiful that aspect of my job is until just now. It's like on Doctor Who how they say we're all just stories in the end, but you know, sometimes a story is the best thing we can be, and it's amazing to be a part of safeguarding that for the future.

[@snikerz5886]

He's the anti-Wheaton and the Anti-Keyleth.

[@hannahshark8080]

Taliesin is awesome

[@samardevneo]

Percy and Keyleth in this episode - my goodness. They are playing so well together - Keyleth is so insecure and Marissa plays her really really well. Percy is shining here - guiding her growth really gently along with Kerr. And that child drawing on the memorial - I was tearing up.

[@FlameExecutioner]

I think it was touching to see Liam get a little emotional when Scanlan gives his gifts to his daughter. I know Liam is a dad as is Sam, and I think the potrayal of the love between Scanlan and Kayle is accurate enough to draw some emotion out of Liam.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

Not to mention when Liam / Vax meets with the daughter of the farmer.. he said “no one should have to see a parent die before their time” and I almost began to cry so much. ( a few months prior to time of filming, around when Orion / Tibs left, Liam’s mother passed away )

[@jvwriter9028]

I love when Grog gets high rolls on stuff that he has no reason to know about.

[@drewdeckard5753]

I love how Matt can almost always find an actual reason and e plantation for it. Great stuff

[@jvwriter9028]

Drew Deckard Matt’s always like sure buddy you totally know this and here’s the weird reason why

[@k0pstl939]

@@jvwriter9028 One good one is the stone giant huts

[@DaDunge]

I do that all the time with my barbarian. I never roll under a 15 (with modifier) for intelligence based skills.

[@JtotheMeezy]

He is a master scholar with knowledge of all shapes and colours, after all

[@coreyandrewwright1231]

Pike: "We're all all kinds of f***ed up all the time!..." Scanlan: *walks nearby without wearing any pants* Pike: *gestures to Scanlan* "Exhibit D!"

[@atticcouch]

More like exhibit C for cube

[@executivelypunk]

3:28:28 this whole moment with the twins just feels so good. it really shows how they express their love for each other. vex is showing him eloquently with words. vax doesn't verbally say he loves her, but he gives her s big hug and braids her hair. it's just such a touching moment of connection for them that felt so necessary. and the way vex pretended not to notice him stealth up? MY HEART.

[@MysteryFaceX]

Holy crap, Liam can act. Even when his character didn't develop in the way he expected, he expresses his disappointment through his character. That talk with Pike was so therapeutic.

[@Naya_3193]

You know, Scanlan is definitely my favorite character but god damn, much respect to Percy, his logic, and his speech to Keyleth about the memory of the people and how important is to keep a city alive. He's freaking awesome.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

That's literally the only interesting thing about him being human. And it's something I really never even considered until that moment. Except for grog everybody in the group is going to outlive him. And where grog is a nomadic person by Nature humans lay Deep Roots. In just a couple of minutes Taliesin laid out exactly what it means to be human in a world inhabited by civilized folk that live for hundreds of years and why it is that keyleth could never possibly understand what he's feeling. It really was a masterful piece of Storytelling.

[@connorduquette1432]

Episode 100 Vex: Oh, Scanlan, have you made any changes to the spa? Scanlan: Ah yes, it's been lined with iron to protect against explosions.

[@LadyKross]

Dear god, the emotional moments with Vax like the one with Reginald's daughter just tear me up inside. Liam is an amazing actor and he evokes so much emotion in those moments. Even with that quiet apprehension that his character has, he expresses SO much depth. I also want to point out that it feels like, since making the deal with the Raven Queen, Vax is already becoming more understanding of death in general. Not as dark, evil, or to be feared, but that death is something that just IS. The way he helped with Reginald's final rites and so forth really shows how he is becoming more connected with death as a natural part of things and actually seeming to grow a respect for it. Brilliant storytelling from all involved. I also absolutely love the exchange between Percy and Keyleth about lineage and legacy. Such a lovely exploration of both viewpoints.

[@otahere3431]

As sad as it is, I think Liam also was relatively recently dealing with a death in his family. At the same time that Vax seemed to be coming to terms and getting comfortable with death Liam himself was going through the same process. It makes me feel for him through these little moments even more.

[@cloud_sauce]

Very eloquent insights! It's these kinds of role playing details that bring the magic to their table.

[@veronicab32]

Underrated moment: 3:37:55 Sam: we have an airship to steal Taliesin: Yes! Marisha: No... Taliesin: please?

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

Taliesin's "please" was so little kid asking to go to McDonald's lol

[@nickanderson55]

Keyleth is my least favorite character I don’t hate her she has her moments but man she annoys me lol

[@droidgeist]

@@nickanderson55 There's nothing annoying about that. The airship is a ridiculous toy in a fight against Ancient Dragons.

[@nickanderson55]

@@droidgeist it actually worked number one and number two in general she’s annoying because she ruins everyone else’s fun not sure where you are in the story right now but it gets nuts

[@procrastianArt]

It feels like Kerrek's speech to Keyleth genuinely comes from Pat. I felt like he was talking to me directly, and it was exactly the comforting I needed.

[@hannahshark8080]

I wish he could gave slapped some sense into Keyleth. She's so melodramatic and sometimes deeply insulting.

[@olga1231]

oh shut up already

[@thevillainousdrifter3826]

@@hannahshark8080, more like Hannah Shart, amirite boys?

[@spiceseller9928]

The Villainous Drifter nice

[@juraj1998]

What the hell is she even talking about. They probably killed less than 10 innocent people throughout their journeys. They probably "killed" a few indirectly (like Reginald) but most of those deaths resulted in the salvation of thousands of others.

[@GreenShell212]

Every episode, I constantly have to rethink who my favourite character is. This time, it's Percy. Dude's such a badass. Writing "one down" in the dragon's lair, nearly blowing himself up for the sake of a cannonball contest, arguing to keep the city alive and together, and drawing up the memorial while imparting so much wisdom to Keyleth are some of his best moments and they're all on one episode. Also when that kid drew Vox Machina on the memorial I cried.

[@SeraphielLV75]

I'm surprised the Scene with the Kid and the Chalk doesn't seem to be mentioned more. I shed Tears at this Point too and from the Looks/Comments some of the Cast was at least close as well.

[@wickleman]

It baffled me that Keyleth couldn't understand why Percy would want a city to go on. Knowing what they know now about his hometown and how they all fought so hard to rebuild that city and after seeing the Fire ashari lose their home and how she reacted to that. I would really think she'd be more sympathetic in that moment.

[@cpt.awesome7281]

2:02:33 I'm quite sad to find that there isn't really anyone talking about how expertly Patrick is handling the situation right now. This-what he is talking about right here-is exactly how battlefield PTSD is suggested to be thought about and mentally handled and he does it with _an unbelievable amount tact_ and a deeply authentic wisdom. He even mentions Grog (the guys that seem to actively thrive in combat action) and asks her how she feels about how he behaves. This is all a very real reaction to a very real and terrible subject that some must endure and he speaks *exactly* as somebody who has endured a great many terrible things while in harms way, saw the worst sort of monsters that this (that) world can make...and came home, finding an escape from the horrid memories of events he shouldn't have lived through; the wailing of mothers, and solace in the hammer of a humble blacksmith, keeping careful timing on the anvil in his smithy during one of the many nights in which he found his rest forcefully stolen from him by his own past... *My absolute respect to this man.*

[@850gaming2]

Agreed it was a very good and real interaction between the two. I very much does relate to real life. Patrick is probably my favorite guest so far

[@CallistoTheWarriorQueen]

It reminded me a little of the quote “Ten spears go to battle and nine shatter. Did the war forge the one that remained? No, Amaran. All the war did was identify the spear that would not break.”

[@AedanTheGrey]

The legit anxiety therapy happening here was so unexpected

[@FlorisGerber]

@@CallistoTheWarriorQueen hey could you tell me where that quote is from?

[@IandAproductioN]

Unfortunately I think it had the wrong effect on Keyleth, enforcing her bad perspective rather than remedying it. But it was very sweet.

[@bradleyjudge8674]

VM: To Reggie Me: to crying over NPCs we barely knew. Thanks Matt Mercer.

[@Kasino80]

That drew tears. So well played.

[@frockrock774]

It eaked a singular tear

[@frockrock774]

Many more over Percy and Kiki’s chat

[@Lilmonstermunch]

I'm fairly sure when Matt said 'she wipes away some tears' it was to hide his own; it definitely seems like he was a bit croaky and wiped a second tear away.

[@SocialistSadako]

I wish they'd actually stayed and not irresponsibly left him to an agonizing death, instead of these empty platitudes after they more or less killed him

[@AnneIllustrating]

*Percy goes to join Vex outside* Me: “YES YES YES” *Keyleth pulls him aside* Me: “NO NO NOOO”

[@halfblackbear6256]

So much yes

[@hannahshark8080]

Cock blocked

[@jacobwiley2794]

@Noah Hastings and thats putting it lightly, you forgot buffoon in there somewhere

[@christopherarmstrong8255]

That cockblock was HILARIOUS

[@ScorchHellfire]

Very much an intentional block after all the crap Laura has given them as Vex for their budding romance. Pay attention to what Liam says under his breath both times Taliesin states that Percy wants to go join Vex.

[@DePieks]

It's so wonderful to watch the rest of the group realise that the ring Scanlan got was never meant for Pike, but for Kaylie.

[@Madhattersinjeans]

That was a nice touch.

[@JihminyCricket]

So if Pike would of said yes when asked to marry Scanlan, she would of received another ring then?

[@discipleofvecna6235]

@@JihminyCricket he didn't have the ring when he asked her anyways.

[@yiklongtay6029]

This was the episode where Sam kept surprising the rest every step of the way

[@LifeAsAMusicGamer]

Knowing what I know, Liam's line about "losing a parent before their time is no easy thing" struck a very deep chord in me

[@kmikawawawawa]

When he said that, I literally sarted crying knowing what he had recently just gone through

[@MrFancyFingers]

My parents have been gone 16 and 18 years, and you never forget.

[@MattAngel07]

that broke me knowing what he was going through at the time

[@KendrykWynn13]

I adore that Vax braids Vex's hair.

[@hannuruotsalainen9884]

Percy: " if the emo elf is going to Vasselheim we are going to Vasselheim " Good god I lost it :DD

[@BornAScout]

3:47:01 for anyone looking

[@TJKoopa3018]

1:00:09 “I’ve got a kettle...” Percy’s famous last words for his cannonball

[@heyitslaneyy]

years later. caduceus clay. ready to make tea. "I've got a kettle"

[@blaszaczka]

'If emo elf is going to Vasselheim, we're all going to Vasselheim' Percy you beautiful bastard 😂

[@bookmarkyourthoughtsblog]

Love him. Him and Vax might not always see eye to eye, but they both have really proven how much they care and will do anything for each other. They’re my second favourite duo to watch in this campaign. The first will always be Grog and Pike though ❤

[@dylanl3483]

Minor spoilers Vex-“ So do you just have a jug of mayonnaise now?” Grog- “...I ate that too.” I died laughing

[@nicholasepsilon3534]

1:07:20 Vex; "Do you have a jug a mayonnaise now?" Grog; "No.. I ate that too.." I don't k ow why, but I lost it at that part. XD lmao!

[@kladams707]

I think everyone did.

[@dubbingsync]

I know I did.

[@giklab]

IIIIIIIS BORIS!

[@OrphanHart]

all the fan art of Grog covered in white goo all over will be glorious

[@tazzeightsixfour9721]

Mayonnaise didn't become popular until the Napoleonic era. Who woulda thunk Grog actually invented it....

[@JackisCharming]

01:07:09 Travis telling a mayonnaise joke that had the entire room laughing heartily and after, had Ashley cracking up again whenever she recalled it is one of the my favorite Crit Role moments.

[@virristherogue5005]

I watched that clip so many times, Ashley’s laugh kills me

[@oliviatankinganimation7732]

Percy’s speech on stage is one of my favorite parts. “The terrible woman may have a point.”

[@bogart12]

Is no one going to talk about how sweet and/or sad Grog is when he suggests that the people should be given the choice of staying in Westruun because it's their home? This is considering the fact that he's only ever had a nomadic tribe, a gnome sailor, and a ragtag group of misfits as his home (meaning his "home" is his family, and not a house). Maybe he's empathizing with people's pain of not having a permanent home? Or maybe I'm just overanalyzing this and I should go to bed.

[@Bluecatte]

was nomadic. technically speaking, Westruun was the only "Home" he's ever known. talk about being split.

[@theanyktos]

No please, analyze away, I love it when people find new interpretations of stuff that happens in stories. I realize that sounded sarcastic, but I don't mean it that way.

[@teaganlee4219]

I’m 100% with you, that was my thoughts while watching too

[@emilyedwards4914]

I love that Taliesin knows enough about chemistry and science to role play Percy so SO well! dat Sodium cannonball, doe

[@MisfitSass]

yeah that year 7 level of knowledge really comes in handy

[@leavy]

Sass Master heeeheee

[@leavy]

I paid attention in middle school chemistry one day, /r/iamverysmart

[@pranakhan]

They taught you chemistry is middle school? wow

[@Darksnakemrniceguy]

lol getting praised for meta gaming using his rl knowledge x) i swear all the stuff marisha gets hate for, talies gets celebrated for.... sure, just write a background story that allows you to meta, building 20th century guns. trying to build death rays and exactly knowing what certain chemicals do, using his 21th century science knowledge... seems legit. the double standard in this fan base is amazing.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

I feel like an emergency/battlefield healer needs to tell Keylith something like this: "In times of great calamity, the supply of healing potions dwindles and we are forced to treat wounds through mundane means. I must use a hot iron to cauterize the stump of a lost limb; I must thrust a barbed arrow through the remainder of someone's shoulder; I must use a sharp knife to cut shrapnel from someone's thigh. I cut and I burn, knowing it will cause additional damage and additional pain -- knowing that my actions will leave scars, and that even with my best efforts my patient may still die. But I accept this because, through my action, my patient just might live. You and your friends are like me, but your patient isn't a person; it's the world. Be mindful of where you cut and when, but do not allow that mindfulness to lead to paralysis, for swift action is often required if you're to save a life."

[@Expropriator91]

That's very good. It's a shame that she'd ruin it to cut in with some trite platitude in that breathy voice she does.

[@sschweg08]

So I'm playing a battlefield healer in my campaign right now and this made me clap. Well said.

[@Mr.ShootMe]

Is that from something or did you write that yourself? Incredibly fitting words either way..

[@bojackhorseman4176]

Why would you stab an arrow through a wound? Don't mind me. I get the message, but I'm just curious about the medical procedure.

[@TR-ru7wl]

@@bojackhorseman4176 to get the arrow out. if an arrow is stuck in someone and is barbed, you can't pull it out. you have to push it through.

[@Nissim1795]

"You're not wrong, and you're not crazy, but it's not hopeless either" why is that so perfect?

[@TheChiliconkarma]

Because it gives relief from the existential terror that comes from believing in right and wrong.

[@DBebeful]

So many great moments in this episode, but my favourite one is: 3:36:45 Matt: "As you step away and turn back to the wall, which is mostly done carving with the names and the story bits you and Percy have been working on during this time, that child has returned, and is still drawing with the chalk, and as you look down at the stick figures, you can see one with antlers, two that are smaller than the others, one that is larger than the rest, burlier, thicker around the chest, one that you can barely see, and one that flies across them all on a broom. And then, at the very end, just finishing, one with funny glasses. The kid stands up and looks at it once and goes, "It's done!" And then runs off." Laura: "I just take a little piece of chalk and I add Trinket right on the other side." That is why, for these tiny, innocent moments like this Matt is a wonderful DM, and this is a wonderful team! THANK YOU GUYS FOR THIS HIGH LEVEL OF AMUSEMENT!

[@GigaliaTheGreat]

If you've made it this far, you've watched roughly 192.5 hours of Critical Role (assuming the average episode length is three and a half hours). If you exclusively listen to it at work with an 8 hour work day that's 24 work days.

[@Zeppathy]

Grog- So thats like 6 hours?

[@formdoggie5]

2x speed ftw

[@ataberkdedemen9802]

1,5x gang rise up!

[@ScorchHellfire]

I watched the first 80 episodes of Campaign 2, then switched to this. I'm guessing I'm over double that amount at this point. xD

[@EndlessDraws]

@@ataberkdedemen9802 YOOOO that's a GREAT idea!!!!!!

[@GabrielMajere]

What should have happened: Vax sneaks into Vex's room. Matt describes the servants guarding her. Vax says "That's ok, I'm not going near her." Instead he looks through her things and takes the broom.

[@robertpaulsen2953]

I thought this same thing!

[@alexandrei3108]

Next morning fratricide insues.

[@Pluto137]

That would've been so much more powerful

[@NatyaVT]

That would have been and amazing play.

[@theultrasceptile]

Oh my God that would’ve been ingenious XD

[@ashergettings8785]

I love the moment at 1:55:40 where Vex is concerned about the possibility of a dragon attack and Mercer is just like "Nah, its just pretty." I appreciate giving Vox Machina and the people of Westruun a night of reprieve.

[@Teufeltusken]

These 'aftermath' sessions are as important as the big combat sequences (I think they fought that dragon for six hours or more at the table!)

[@Ajehy]

Klaus Teufel e

[@KodasGarden]

"One Down". That gave me chills.

[@nomadskout9862]

0:30 !Airhorn! 2:20 Unboxing 10:45 Recap begins 13:58 Recap Ends, let the games begin 22:25 Scanlan's got some plans 24:26 Just looking for magic stuff 26:27 Testing out the jug 31:53 Grog can read 37:04 The twins bicker about the boots 38:59 Twin vs. twin 45:45 The earrings don't allow one-to-one communication 53:18 Grog really does care 54:43 Vox Machina Cannonball Contest 1:06:39 Grog and his jug of mayonnaise 1:10:55 Keyleth gets all the good stuff next century 1:24:25 Good kill, good kill. 2:13:12 break starts 2:28:48 break ends 2:30:24 Grog needs to work out how to use the jug 2:34:52 Drunken Scanlan limerick 2:36:53 Unpaid staff = squatters 2:48:33 Residents debate what comes next 2:51:18 Don't try to out-aristocrat Percy (2:52:40 for amused Rothfuss) 2:55:29 A little moral support from Vex 3:07:49 I live as long as Whitestone lives. 3:13:19 Third wheel 3:15:41 Sam breaks the DM. 3:21:30 Scanlan has a heart 3:36:43 Hope. 3:46:04 We're all all kinds of fucked up. 3:47:48 Everyone needs to have a sidebar conversation

[@UnistonenArt]

Bumping for the marathoners! 9 days until Season 2 people, LETS GOOO

[@jaquesmoon]

Booost

[@rainmaker38]

Thanks, bump

[@jrmitchell43]

Boost🎉

[@emmab3122]

boosting

[@Chaboo22]

Tbh Scanlan really is the Unofficial leader of the group lol He's the most reasonable one, with the most logical outlook on things, and the most Charismatic (by far). Additionally, he knows in combat when it's important to support, attack, or heal others.

[@nightelf4161]

"most reasonable, most logical outlook on things" i am afraid that belongs to percy, the brains of the group, though i do agree scanlan is unofficial leader of the group, because he knows how to get things done, is honest, and being the most charismatic, leader role fits him the most.

[@incognitoburrito6020]

​@@R3adybreck What? Are we watching the same show? There's a good reason "attack the monster from the inside" is such a common trope. It's dead effective whether you escape or not, and Scanlan managed to do a decent amount of damage. They one thing they didn't count on was Umbrasyl's stomach having such a high AC, and you could argue it probably shouldn't. Before that, there was the Hold Person during the fight with Kevdak, which completely changed the whole fight dynamic.

[@bloodydove5718]

@@nightelf4161 To be honest, if either of them were members of a five-man band, both definitely fit the smartguy spot, but Scan definitely fits the leader. Like even looking up the different positions... Leader: (lead singer) The leader of the group. Can be a mastermind, charismatic, levelheaded, headstrong, or some combination of the four. The Smart Guy: (keyboardist) The physically weak, but intelligent or clever member. Often nerdy and awkwardly played for comic relief. Sometimes unconventionally young (early- to mid-teens). Sometimes The Trickster and a buddy of the Big Guy

[@ready1take1]

sam is a genius player.

[@vibunja3602]

@@nightelf4161 Not really, he was possessed by a Demon, Scanlan was able to reflect the evil and also detached the demon from Percy as well. While Scanlan is a goof, he is actually the leader. Scanlan does a lot of good calls, even though they are funny as hell and seem irrational and non-metagamey, when he can clearly want to, he tests out his spells and does things his character is not aware even though he is. He is also the one who handles the most negotiations and they tend to do well due to his spells, his charisma, and deception.

[@ragnarokkrdragonash7897]

"New money" OMFG Percival, I love you even more!