Ioun chooses her champion | Critical Role | Ep 106

Spoilers.
I own nothing, just sharing an awesome moment from an awesome show.
Watch full episodes of Critical Role on geekandsundry.com/shows/critic...

[@forceoflazy]

"You are a storyteller, and I am the keeper of all stories." This still give me chills...

[@dealinginfiction]

Loki?

[@virgiljericho664]

The god of Wisdom named a gnome with 7 wisdom as her champion. Never let anyone tell you anything is impossible.

[@xyriskalamax]

I like how Matt flat out says the party would have died long ago if it wasn't for scanlan.

[@Aikrehn]

And Grog's 100% agreement

[@xxliew]

Laura, Travis, and Liam are so supportive of Scanlan here it makes me so happy

[@johnr797]

I mean, he's not wrong. Even til the second last episode Scanlan was clutch

[@leocitywrestling7029]

I believe Sam asked Matt what was the lowest race & class combo when he started Kinda going what would give the least impact to the campaign and now it’s come to a head that’s he’s the one who’s held them together

[@leocitywrestling7029]

And died doesn’t just mean death Disbandment of a team also kills the reputation of its members

[@ronin7997]

Matt Mercer trolling Grog as a potential vessel of Ioun was hilarious.

[@bdeamon1]

i mean, an empty vessel is easily filled right?

[@kladams707]

Bdeamo N na not if it's a bottomless void

[@High-LordHarza]

There's a hole in the bottom of the vessel

[@ShadowyFox_86]

As soon as Matt says Grog's full name, Sam is just over here going "Oh wow." 😂 I am dying.

[@julianaayu]

"What a roller coaster. I was going up and went back down."

[@Pro_Butcher_Amateur_Human]

Everyone else accepted Ioun's statements without question. Scanlan asked why, he sought clarification - he sought deeper knowledge. That alone shows he was the perfect choice.

[@peteralexandergraae2830]

one could argue that such a large head... with so much space... would be perfect for a godess. Grog X Ioun OTP

[@erickremers3986]

"Scanlan Shorthalt... You... Are a buffoon." I cracked up at that part :D

[@nathanhettinger538]

One of the party members in my group's Tal'Dorei campaign literally has a song on the fiddle she calls "The Buffoon of Ioun."

[@BornAScout]

I always loved this moment. Scanlan reminds me of a court jester, unafraid of telling truth to power. It makes sense that Ioun would choose him as the vessel to tell truth to Vecna, to go up against the power hungry egomaniac with his own wonderful brand of wisdom.

[@vaibhavguptawho]

This was such, such, such a cool and unforeseen moment. I believed, as I'm sure many believed that Percy was earmarked for this, and Matt led us on till the last possible moment too, before the swerve. And the swerve came after such a long period of Scanlan doubting his usefulness and worth. It was incredible.

[@yiklongtay6029]

Tal himself expected the blessing and was clearly paving the road. He made Percy super excited to browse Ioun's library

[@myrixica4222]

Love how Matt had to keep looking at his notes with Percy's name.

[@hawkeye4205]

If Grog got a boost as a champion...sophisticated Grog wouldve been a gem.

[@antonionunez3759]

+hawkeye 2124 That would have been mind blowing!!!

[@C_Bat]

*Bidet. How do you did?*

[@alexanderbyrne9684]

It would have put him at 8 intelligence which is still below average but a huge leap for him

[@askthepizzaguy]

"Uh, I'm a Champion of Ioun, with an Intelligence of 8, I think I know what I'm doing! I just learned how to read, after all..."

[@mrcv9576]

I love Laura/Vex’s facial expression when Ioun gets to Percy. She was so expecting Percy to get the blessing until Ioun says, “but-“ and then her face just reads: Wait what

[@michaeliglesias2806]

Thanks for pointing that out

[@xxliew]

i think people underestimate how knowledgeable you have to be and how much research you have to do in order to be a good storyteller. just ask any half-decent writer about their google search history, and this is not even counting the more hardcore research that more professional writers do. rewatching campaign 1, there are so many moments where scanlan is described as knowing a lot of different lore and history and facts and stories due to getting information from his travels and being a bard... basic research aside, and even his skills such as jack of trades and his arcane secrets is about him picking up info and skills from a wide variety of sources. just because he doesn't flaunt his boner for knowledge in an elitist way like percy does, doesn't mean he doesn't have an equally voracious appetite for learning new things. just because the things he likes to learn include bawdy songs and lowbrow jokes doesn't mean that he likes leaning things less. and another thing about percy - in a world where gods literally exist, taliesin literally describes percy's attitude towards gods as "i dont understand/can't control them, and therefore i don't like them", whereas scanlan was at least open-minded enough to try praying to pike's god. That kind of openness to new experiences is yet another crucial part of being a knowledge-seeker, as opposed to being closed off to what you don't understand.

[@Pro_Butcher_Amateur_Human]

True. Some of my Google searches and Wikipedia dives would raise a few eyebrows. It must cover everything from obscure mythology, the strength and melting points of various metals, the history of piracy in the Americas, and Republican Rome government structure. And I'm only writing Harry Potter fanfiction.

[@FlapJacques]

All i could think about when Matt was describing these grandiose stories were the really dirty limericks Scalan quoted.

[@diegofernandez1013]

Sam is the best

[@nox_tech_]

i'm just imagining ioun thumbing through that same book of limericks, and quietly chuckling.

[@ShadowyFox_86]

I get the feel that she was good naturedly rolling her eyes at the dirty limericks like "yep...this tracks." 😂

[@lukekoenig6609]

My favorite part of this is the smirk on Darin. He looks SO proud of Matt. It warms my heart.

[@lonegear]

"Scanlan... You'll do"

[@FinnMcRiangabra]

That is Burt Reynolds, and you can leave when Burt Reynolds says you can.

[@yiklongtay6029]

Was that a kyle rainer reference?

[@HozukiHangetsu]

I love how Darin de Paul just straight up quotes Doctor Who (specifically 11/Matt Smith), and I totally missed it the first time.

[@alexanderbyrne9684]

They both play the Ancient mad man who's childish and has done and seen horrible things so it makes sense

[@mattfox5806]

Wasn't that a back to the future quote

[@Croecho]

As soon as Scanlan started to question her choice, I had this flash of Prince of Egypt. "Who made man's mouth?! Who made the deaf, the mute, the seeing or the blind?! Did not I?! Now go!" Never question a deity's choice... Granted, this deity seems to one that loves questions by her very nature.

[@a7xguitar666]

good fucking movie

[@jalontf2]

Oh my God yes!!

[@giraffedragon6110]

Amazing movie, still my pick for top 5

[@wolfofsummerbreeze]

I think... It's because he would be willing to ask clarification from even a god. That's why he would be chosen by the god of knowledge.

[@shadowX2121]

I'm glad it was Scanlan who was chosen to be her champion and not Percy. A lot of people from last episode thought it was going to be Percy who would have been chosen but he never fit with Ioun since he like keeping knowledge to himself most of the time.

[@LafunkSamZ]

Alex Omega Agreed

[@zachp2034]

Alex Omega ioun also had her secret something's are too dangerous

[@flux_casey]

Ioun is a goddess of knowledge so should understand knowledge can be dangerous. Hell, she clearly does because she's keeping shtum about the ritual of ascension. But then finds Percy lacking because he does the same thing. It would have been interesting for him to call her out on that little hypocrisy but it would have gone against their goals to do so. It's interesting because in a lot of campaign settings followers of gods of knowledge tend to keep knowledge but also hoard it. The dichotomy of a god of knowledge and a god of secrets is causing some odd mental gymnastics to appear. It's weird.

[@Chris_Meade]

Flux Casey In Talks Machina, Matt explained that Ioun did understand why he kept the knowledge of his guns secret. That's not why she passed him over. She didn't like him because he only used his knowledge for himself and bc he enjoyed knowing things that others did not (a follower of Ioun would not take pleasure in being smarter than others). Basically, his arrogance lost him the chance

[@shadowX2121]

Exactly and look how salty him and Keyleth were afterward those would not have been good chosen one for Ioun.

[@skuney4851]

The direct Doctor Who quote there "we're all stories in the end. just make sure yours is a good one." Bless.

[@jackdog06]

Only the god of Knowledge and Secrets could correctly pronounce Percy’s full name.

[@Mothman1992]

Even Mercer had to check his name again

[@cade11071994]

I loved how salty Keyleth and Percy were about this afterwords.

[@shadowX2121]

I laugh at that too.

[@ShadowyFox_86]

I always expected that Percy wouldn't be her choice. That none of the gods would choose him. He's as close to an atheist as you could be in that world, and he's kept an almost antagonist relationship with almost every god he's come across. His ego is part of what I find fascinating about him and what makes him really such a flawed individual.

[@leigh3693]

Who is this adorable man quoting Doctor Who in a business suit next to our heroes?!?!

[@Shortlan]

that would be darin de paul!

[@MichelleCLight]

His character was actually from another campaign, that he played with Matthew Mercer's mother.

[@Rokkiteer]

@@MichelleCLight I didn't know that. That's cool

[@TimeturnerJ]

As sweet as the quote was, Matt looked a little peeved that his flow was interrupted. Never interrupt the monologueing DM/deity. ;D

[@Logan_Baron]

@@Rokkiteer Even more amazing, at first he didn't realize that his old group was with Matthews mom. Matthew Mercer being his actors name rather than his given name. Like it was just meant to be.

[@Comicsluvr]

Scanlan: I'm really powerful...and humble...!

[@Jedicake]

So fuckin perfect. I watch this show for the sole reason of Sam Riegel.

[@xxliew]

same. i would've stopped watching a long time ago without him. love our boy

[@gmacwizard8890]

Tiberius must be spinning in his grave

[@jumanjicostco3248]

Of course he would know, he meta games. XD It's a joke it's a joke it's a joke it's a joke

[@virtzilla]

It's a joke, yes. One that is extremely accurate though. Tiberius was the crown prince of meta-gaming.

[@booklover7889]

I love seeing both the old and new comments for this! And while I do agree with the many people that it felt like this would have been the perfect choice for Percy, I also love the reason why they DIDN'T choose him. Great storytelling on Matt's part. ☺️ But it would have been a wonderful opportunity for Percy to have a positive relationship with the Gods. But!!!! I read a post someone made that I absolutely love!!!! What if a different deity had chosen our Percy? Like the Goddess of trickery and moonlight, Sehanin Moonbow. The perfect reflection of our Vex and Pelor!!!!! Not cannon but I love the thought!

[@kalewintermute28]

This just looks like critical role got a surprise visit by the auditor.

[@leocitywrestling7029]

So from what i gathered of those who Ioun rejected: Grog isnt smart enough Keyleth's station is that of a diplomat, which means her responsibities lie with her people over enlightenment (though her aramente is a journey of one) Percy doesnt share info

[@ShadowyFox_86]

Plus Percy lords his knowledge over others. It's an ego thing with Percy. I think too his actions with Craven Edge likely factored in. Ioun is tasked with protecting dangerous knowledge from falling into the wrong hands. Percy figured out what Craven Edge was and still gave it to Grog, a decision which eventually led to Grog's death. That's pretty well the opposite of keeping something dangerous out of the wrong hands.

[@leocitywrestling7029]

@@ShadowyFox_86 ironically I think it’s also a human thing for him like he’s Batman in a medieval justice league (which is ironic as he too did play as exandria’s Batman: Owlbearman)

[@leocitywrestling7029]

⁠@@ShadowyFox_86 Ioun is not about withholding information but sharing it, if say he told Grog bout how dangerous the sword is regardless of Grog’s choice to use it, Percy may have had some candidacy

[@leocitywrestling7029]

@@ShadowyFox_86 knowledge is dangerous when it has meaning to it Like a carriage riding into town To any villager it means nothing, but to some nobles it may mean everything

[@leocitywrestling7029]

@@ShadowyFox_86 or say it is known a dragon lives in the mountain Many will avoid the mountain knowing the dragon is there but some will choose to pursue it

[@dragonettiification]

I listened on Spotify for both camps then I went back and watched both the little gestures and winks and nods make it a whole different story

[@CreativeUsernameEh]

I feel so sad for Keyleth and Percy. They both thought they'd be the one to receive blessings, but because they never had faith the gods didn't have faith in them and they chose different champions.

[@bradleywesterman218]

CreativeUsernameEh It's not really like Scanlan or Vex had faith either though lol

[@CreativeUsernameEh]

Scanlan was: He started praying to Saranrae. And Vex, while never being strictly religious, never denied or doubted the Gods, I think she was one of the few people who wanted to take Kima's side vs. Clarota. Percy and Keyleth always had this strange denial thing going on when it came to religion. The point is, they were open to it and Percy/Keyleth weren't.

[@northernsoul6895]

I wish there was a clip of when Keyleth wanted to be the Dawn Father's champion, but was denied

[@jumanjicostco3248]

Grimm. Yeah, Keyleth kinda wanted to go all Mary Sue. She forgot that Matt already gave her so much power-ups thanks to the Aramente, adding a God's blessing on top of that would be overkill.

[@Jake007123]

They got what they deserved. They neglected the gods, so it's only fitting that they are the ones that not get any blessing from them. 100% in line with what a god should be (at least in D&D).

[@yiklongtay6029]

Great writing. Percy's intelligence is such a sh*t reason by comparison. Great idea to gift the blessing to the unconventional Scanlan

[@Omega1867]

I love Liam’s quiet “Grog just invented amusement parks!” And Sam’s hissed “she knows everything!” 😁🥰 Seriously though, Scanlan was the perfect choice for many reasons that others in these comments already said, the first being that Scanlan asks further clarification questions which mean he’s seeking deeper knowledge. Percy is not a good choice ultimately because he prefers to keep too many secrets and that is the antithesis of what Ioun is.

[@johnhurley8918]

Wait- what's Reinhart doing there?

[@MrEddie4679]

i dont know, but considering all of them are voice actors, i think they know eachother.

[@michaelliggett1622]

Darin has not only worked with almost every cast of critical role he is also their friend

[@yiklongtay6029]

FUn fact, Derin played DnD with Matt's mother.

[@p31babii]

I didn’t pick the dr who quote earlier

[@MetalGirlbuscus]

Was that a Doctor Who quote

[@tadious9415]

Yeah they had so many quotes and references this episode XD

[@TheUberMeister2009]

Anybody else hear that skyrim bgm?

[@jazzvieadnan3779]

3:13 is that a fuckin Doctor Who reference because wow

[@thebrowneyedgirl97]

SCANLAN

[@pashasalih730]

Who is the guy in the Suite?

[@trentl3492]

Sorry about the delete...whole comment didn't copy/paste properly. Darin De Paul Recently he was/is the voice of Reinhardt from Overwatch, which Matt was/is also a part of. www.imdb.com/name/nm0210875/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

[@EsquilaxM]

What she said about Percy always came off as VERY hypocritical to me. The whole reason they're there in the first place is because Ioun is hoarding these secret tomes that they need access to.

[@jamesgorman5692]

Who's the gentleman on the left?

[@trentl3492]

Darin De Paul Recently he was/is the voice of Reinhardt from Overwatch, which Matt was/is also a part of. www.imdb.com/name/nm0210875/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

[@MrUmakemelaff]

@@trentl3492 I figured he was a voice actor...ofc I also thought he was their tax accountant or an undertaker...

[@jamesgorman5692]

@@MrUmakemelaff he does have that kind of look.

[@youngrossie]

Is travis balding? Check his hair at 3:56 when he bows down.

[@TheDistractingGamer]

it could be the light... or it could be balding holy shit dude at least he's still fuckin ripped

[@caraelliott9909]

If it is balding, then he can really cosplay Grog XD

[@vishaansingh1019]

I mean he's in the second half of his 30s, it's hardly unprecedented

[@sarahs.6667]

Ah, Ioun the Annoying Mistress.

[@texteel]

"Percival - you lie about your discoveries, because they are dangerous. Grow up" "Scanlan - you lie about being smart. Nice" Not something I can ever can get behind

[@darkhorseash4337]

Yeah this always rubbed me a bit wrong. Like...percy was trying to protect people. That's not a bad thing.

[@ezrablock3218]

@@darkhorseash4337 The eradication of ideas is never for the good of others. Obscurantism doesn't protect people, it blinds them to the truth and allows them to be manipulated by those who have access to the information.

[@darkhorseash4337]

@@ezrablock3218 I disagree. I don't think anyone benefits from having firearms in the world.

[@ezrablock3218]

@@darkhorseash4337 He wasn't making it that no one had guns he was trying to make it that only he and his allies had guns.

[@nthnthms1212]

@@darkhorseash4337 LOL