Jesters Duplicity: That Time Laura Outsmarted Matt

"Will you share my last cupcake?"
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Hello! My name is Jay, and I am a long-time veteran of storytelling and a semi-seasoned DM! I began playing Dungeons and Dragons roughly 5 years ago and began my first ever game as the DM. I figured things out by watching online games and fumbling my way through the rules, and never looked back! I've fallen in love with TTRPG's in general and want to share my experience and thoughts with the world and community I love so much. I currently DM two separate games regularly, and continue to learn every day.
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[@rodrigocampos1302]

I would not call this "Jester's Gambit" or "Jester's Bluff" but simply "Jester's Gift"

[@PlayYourRole]

Jester's Gift is VERY good but I so badly want to keep using the word duplicity

[@abfg616]

@@PlayYourRole jester's bit

[@pepperedbell7363]

Fun fact: “Gift” means poison in German (or at least that’s the word with the most approximate meaning)

[@obiwanpez]

Jester's G(r)ift

[@metallsnubben]

@@pepperedbell7363 In Swedish as well, though only in spelling (we pronounce it jift/yift, no joke)

[@justinswartz2162]

its just soo iconic that jester is the antithesis of Azsharnai, and the way she "tricks" her is through an act of kindness, she offers to share her last cupcake, to a person who has hurt two of her friends and is gong to cause her the greatest misery of her life, and she chooses kindness, and through that kindness takes power away from a being who has only ever taken and taken, and convinces her to give for once. what an absolutely poetic moment

[@ReginaldBiggs]

333 like

[@mr.pompodill1485]

It's not kind to drug someone under the guise of kindness for the sole purpose of manipulation through changing the memories of someone. It's an act of evil. Cool comment though🙄

[@kena4977]

​@mr.pompodill1485 I think what they meant is during the modify memory, Jester could have made the hag believe something awful, she showed her a kindness and gave her a pleasant memory.

[@DracheLehre]

One of the many “If this is somehow not in the animated series, we’ll riot” sequences in CR

[@xleplayVA]

Oh i guarentee you it's gonna be in there. Maybe with added details of her sprinkling the cupcake with the dust in her bag before she pulls it out. But yea its gonna be animated if the series reaches that far, no doubt, just like (SPOILER) Scanlan's breakdown/Lament, which should be in the next season or 2, Scanlan's counterspell The briarwood sun tree message, Grog's nat 20 on kevdak, splitting him in half If the search for grog ever gets adapted, travis' double nat 20 brutal critical hdywtdt And other critical moments as well, but you get the idea haha

[@stacieransom5677]

I guarantee it will be in the show. It can't NOT.

[@icefang111]

"misery loves company" there's a great pun in there somewhere with what Jester did

[@edwardwilson7459]

This comment super underrated

[@nightstar6179]

Fantastic

[@xleplayVA]

If/when the cupcake scene gets animated, jester needs to say that after walking out and everyone asks her if everything is ok, before doing the whole "yea, my hands, their there, wonderful, lets get the fuck out of here!" Lol

[@ClokworkGremlin]

Choosing a third option that lets everyone be happy is really in-character for Jester.

[@bbittercoffee]

21:49 this "Just Nott" shit BROKE ME Like, I don't know how deep Sam thought about all of this, "Nott the Brave" being an anagram of another, believable, name, if that was just a coincidence, if the "not brave, not pretty, not coordinated, just not(t)" was the originator of the character all along, or if it's all just a coincidence from a funny name he thought about for a character that is basically a scam in every way, even in the name, to complement Liam's character, but THIS SINGLE MOMENT was insanely good.

[@StabbeyTheClown]

No, the name was not a coincidence, it was pre-planned, Sam said so on one of the "Talks Machina" episodes. Three times earlier, Sam had Nott give aliases. Those were "Veth," "Bren," and "Otto."

[@FyreDrac]

I literally started to tear up.

[@NewtBeGaming]

Ever since the first episode he hinted at her true self “Im nott, A goblin” Im not a goblin

[@msclrhd]

Notice how when Beau is talking to the hag, Laura is looking on her tablet for something. I think she was formulating her plan at that point and found the dust of deliciousness.

[@matthewmoran1866]

In my opinion, this moment is on par with Scanlan's Counterspell. Moments that are absolutely iconic highlights of the whole campaign.

[@shadowpsykie]

Marisha’s recent counter spell was pretty damn clutch

[@Daltygaming2]

@@shadowpsykieyeah but…Scanlan..

[@Maronicam]

Except I Counterspelled it at 8th level. ooops

[@matthewmoran1866]

@@Maronicam ah yes, the infamous time Scanlan Counterspelled at level...8???

[@Daltygaming2]

@@matthewmoran1866 he casted Counter spell with a 8th level spell slot

[@Landis963]

I specifically want to call out Jester's tone once the plan is set in motion (if you want to skip ahead, it's 33:40). Notice how cold it is, how deadly serious, how wildly divergent it is from Jester's normal happy-go-lucky demeanor. This is the shape of Jester's revenge. You'll betray everything you are for her, and you'll do it with a laugh on your lips and a lie in your heart. "And she hasn't had good company in a very long time."

[@tysondennis1016]

Jester perfectly encapsulated the idea of the Trickery Domain cleric right there.

[@whitevii1533]

She didn't outsmart Matt, she outsmarted the Hag, played by Matt. Matt loved it.

[@PrinceSoph]

And because he enjoyed it, it means he was not outplayed? In what way?

[@GooseMousse]

@@PrinceSophin all of my time DMing I’ve never felt outsmarted as an actual character, all good villains should have dozens of opportunities to exploit a weakness, but even more importantly as a dm my goal isn’t just to bring the players low, it’s to watch them write their own ways to come back up She didn’t outsmart the dm, she just played the game and wrote her part really well

[@GalehaultGaming]

I do want to point out, Matt himself says “I forgot about that damn dust” or something to that effect

[@lyric_lee]

As a DM I once deliberately set up a situation where the players could feel like they outsmarted me. There was a particular item that would nullify the situation I had created, and I made sure they had the opportunity to go shopping shortly after learning the situation. They realized that this item would solve their issues and joyously spent their gold on it, boasting about how they had stymied me, while I pretended to be resentful.

[@pedroalmeida1456]

tbh i think that if laura had told matt what the cupcake was before there would be a skill check like deception or something because isharnai is just a really smart and old hag that would probably be able to notice the magic on the cupcake

[@Allantitan]

Hag: *turns down yashas offer* The gods: so you’ve chosen chaos

[@TheMadMedek]

I think when people say “bad role player” they really mean “I don’t like her role play. Or her character” I personally don’t care for Abria’s style or RP but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. She’s a goat.

[@singingwolf3929]

I think it depends on the character for her. Sometimes I'm like "YES!!!" and sometimes I'm like "Meh". But I do agree with your assessment, she's a goat.

[@WexMajor82]

No, when people say she is a bad roleplayer they refer to when she didn't know what their spell did. Wich is bad. Casting Wind Walk during a fight bad.

[@Dariustoranagaming]

​@@WexMajor82that's not role playing though. That's just rules.

[@39josh05]

Yeah dnd doesn't really support your imagination and sometimes it gets the better of your you spend thirty minutes trying to figure out what happens if you drop a horse from thirty feet up onto a elephant we all know both are probably dead but there are rules you have to follow I know thats very hyper specific example but misunderstanding or mis using a spell because how reality works In your head differs from how the games rules dictate they should work is understandable

[@runa_7022]

@@WexMajor82u dont seem to understand what roleplay is.

[@SalvationKH]

I love Talisen's reaction to the Modify Memory. The way they lose it and hide behind Ashley to laugh and be surprised just makes me laugh. 💀💀💀

[@PlayYourRole]

It cracks me up every time

[@jcbq01]

Its just as good as YOU GAVE A HAG BAKED GOOD. YOU HANSLED HER GRETTLE

[@136jab]

Does Tal use they/them? I mean, I know Ashton does, but I figured it might just be a character choice, like with Sam and FCG.

[@kevwox]

@@136jabnot positive on this, I’ve only watched campaign 2 so far. Mollymauk preferred he/they as well, so maybe it’s a journey Tal’s been going on or maybe just expression for the sake of seeing what fits

[@136jab]

@@kevwox could be, I just didn't know if it had been said before.

[@atomicr4y472]

My friend got to go to a recent comic-con, and she's my best friend. She's had an incredibly rough life. But all the pictures she's sent of her at this con, in her cosplay, meeting other cosplayers, she looks so happy and so excited. It felt great seeing that somebody who is going through shit can have such a good and fun time in spite of everything.

[@PlayYourRole]

Seeing someone enjoy life after getting the shit end of the stick is possibly one of the most amazing feelings in the world

[@Good-ol-Jaz]

Something that went unnoticed at the time, but became so clear to me after that date between Beau and Yasha (where Yasha admitted she fell in love with her after seeing Beau stand up against her father); the hag declined Yasha's desperate offers to save Beau *because leaving would further Yasha's misery.* 😭😬

[@DParkerNunya]

Duplicity is a fantastic substitute for Gambit and Bluff, amazing job

[@PlayYourRole]

Thank you!!!

[@aspecttnd]

This is the guy! Lol

[@Rubymagicalgirl88]

This, Fjords early sacrifice, the laughing hand first fight and Caldbs offering of the relic to the Dynasty are some of my highlights.

[@PlayYourRole]

The laughing hand is something I'll be covering soon! I'm saving Calebs offering of the relic for a... Well, even longer video.

[@singingwolf3929]

I love this episode. One of the best bits for me was after Jester walks out of the cabin and everyone is trying to ask her questions and she's like, "It's taken care of. No time. We gotta go. No. Later. WE GOTTA GO." (Paraphrased)

[@manuelmialdea5127]

Man I really feel for Marisha, she seems to be really upset and I get it.

[@giudalberto]

I didn't remember this being so heartbreaking 😢 I'm crying... again😂

[@PlayYourRole]

I feel bad because it felt like it went super under the Radar. This was my 4th time going through this episode and only THEN did I truly notice

[@WilliamRoop-xt6rp]

What caught my attention was how Liam seemed to be fighting back emotion while Marisha was dealing. Then to watch Talisman's face at Yasha's offer - he KNEW what that book and those flowers meant to her... He blinks. It hits the PLAYER, about the character. This hits even harder when, in the wrap up to campaign 2, Matt discusses this moment and what may or may not be the consequences... No definite answers, just a possibility.

[@leecoffill8425]

As a player... sometimes you made a decision, even a really hard one, for the sake of good roleplay, because you want to see your friends happy. Marissa had already decided to make her trade, for Nott's sake, and was devastated knowing it would cost her her role in the adventure. And then out of nowhere... it was reversed. And that shit can be hard. Like... having a fantastic character moment undermined by someone else's. It happens, and it sucks. But she got past it, and recognized how well Jester played to her character in that moment, that stroke of pure brilliance... and the dedication to friendship that Jester showed in that moment, not only to Nott, but to Bo as well. Especially, at such a great risk - had her persuasion, or her charm, failed... well, it would have been her character losing something important. And this is the shit I watch Critical Roll for.

[@eldiandevil]

I’m confused what happened with Marissa

[@ForeverWog]

Listening to Marisha being willing to give up her character is legitimately heartbreaking. Part of what made Jester’s bluff so uplifting was how close the players were to the abyss.

[@philipdavenport3403]

I've been homeless for the last two years. I made a decision this year to change my life and get it together. I studied my ass off learning about internet security. At a bar I worked at a guy noticed me every time he was in talking about what I was studying. Pretending that he didn't know when he was actually working the job I wanted. After months he decided to tell me what he did before retiring, that he knows somebody he used to work with that I can get an interview with. I started that job two weeks ago. Finally making my life better

[@phyn9665]

congrats

[@doomsdaypantry2072]

That's the kind of wonderful stuff that happens sometimes. I'm happy for you 💜

[@Ivan_D995]

Happy for you, man!

[@shirakrause8160]

Good luck on the job!

[@Unidentifiabelle]

Ive been homeless for several years. Cant go to school because you cant get assistance if youre in school. I had to drop out of school because of this. Im former Military, joined when i was 17. Was injured in the service. Since i got out, its been hard to find a job or keep it. Havent been able to work since around covid. I lost my GI bill bc i had to drop out of college in order to get help. My only hope is to produce a book(S) and hope that i can make enough doing that to survive. This kind of miracle is impossible for me. I will spend forever trying to dig out of a ditch, while thousands splash me with mud as they pass by.

[@nobleknight171]

The beauty of this, too, is that Sam absolutely let it happen when he told Marisha and Ashley to basically leave it alone. They were about to bust in, too. And props to Marisha. She went ALL in for a friend, and then reality sank in. I bet her and Laura hugged it out. And I loved the next episode when Travis basically said never f*cking again. ❤ them all.

[@msclrhd]

I wonder if Sam had an idea on what Laura was planning/considering. You can see both Sam and Laura at 18:45 in this video looking at their tablets intently during Beau's speech -- presumably trying to find something/some way of getting out of the situation they were in. In the next clip, he's clearly frustrated -- presumably because he couldn't find anything, which may have influenced his offer. However, he had to be aware that Laura was still planning something, so when she went in, he had to know that she had a plan of some sort. Hence him making the others let the scene play out.

[@angelofdusk13]

@@msclrhd In a Talks Machina, Sam mentions that Laura asked him who had the Dust of Deliciousness multiple times (I think she was worried it was duplicated in the inventory or something). So, he knew she was up to something--and he knows how strategic of a player Laura is, so he knew it was something smart. I really loved how he spoke up and told the others, "Hey, let her play it out!" Because he trusted that Laura Fucking Bailey had an ace up her sleeve XD

[@ljskizzle]

I remember watching Marisa's reaction while the rest of the crew freaked out and thinking how strong of a character Beau was for being willing to give up everything in her life that made her happy just to give Veth a chance to be with her son and husband and prevent the kind of relationship she had with her father from happening again. Watching her come down from that emotional rollercoaster was heartbreaking and warming at the same time. p.s. Talisen's reaction to what Jester just did is the absolute best.

[@Starryflame]

I remember watching Marisha during this during the stream, a few of us had commented about her reaction and were hoping someone would check in with her after the game cause we could see her grieving her character

[@shadowpsykie]

I keep forgetting that Marisha REALLY was upset (emotionally) about that episode

[@redmaxxs]

I do remember in an interview when she said was having trouble connecting with the character, especially in the early campaign. Others characters had reached out first to Beauregard, which was surprisingly enough Ford and Jester. She was so defensive it was a problem even to her. Even the episode with her parents she wasn't sure if Matt was going to play her parents was the problem or Beauregard was the problem. She said she was thinking about retiring the character she even talked to Matt about. She wanted the character to leave naturally and force it. That's why she's in a state of shock at the end of that episode. That's why after that episode you see so much character development after this.

[@Alixanaa]

That breakdown really reminded me of the "Everybody lives" moment in the Doctor Who two-parter The Empty Child /The Doctor Dances. The moment is well known but I loved your examination of its broader meaning, which is often overlooked. Yes, it really ciments Jester as the savy trickster but it also emphasizes her as the beacon of light and hope for the M9.

[@erickrecinos3197]

The last 3 minutes of this is a straight SERMON! Thanks Jay!

[@Margar02]

He's a pastor's kid, so he certainly has a nack for passionate exposition!

[@PlayYourRole]

I've been discussing recently with my wife because she says I sound like a pastor while recording, and I admitted it's somewhat intentional. I learned all my life how pastors speak manipulatively to force you to feel emotions, and I realized that it's wayyyy better if someone used that skill to encourage people to love themselves instead of convincing them they were doomed eternally. So, yeah, it is a little bit of pastor-speak haha

[@impartialthrone2097]

Damn, I'd completely forgotten that Nott was that close to becoming the woman who lit the fuse that would burn the continent.

[@dragonmiko]

I love that Travis knows his wife. If you watch his face he is enthralled just waiting for the trick. He has no idea what she is planning but he knows she has something up her sleeve.

[@troysaxon8740]

You can see how shocked matt was that he was outsmarted. Hes face dropped when Jester asked if she succeeded

[@cynthiashipley9486]

The good to be celebrated - I'm a teacher, Thursday was a rough day for me (this entire week was due to the anniversary of my father's death), in the hallway I expressed to a coworker that I needed strength. A fifth grader, who has been having emotional problems of their own, stopped walking down the hallway, turned around and gave me a huge hug. I didn't realize it, until writing this right now, how much I needed that hug. The fact that a student, who is not even my student, found me valuable enough to give me a hug, unasked for, is very moving.

[@fenixmeaney6170]

Hey guys, I think there might be some SPOILERS in this video! But seriously, the last thing that made me smile was this video. Thanks for showing us the light.

[@grantbaugh2773]

There should be a warning for that or something, I just got completely spoiled!

[@DnDAddictUK]

Thank you for puting into words what makes this moment so special. This was the moment I think I truly fell in love with the game and the stories told within it. I get to meet my DM of just over a year in person for the first time in less than two weeks to go and see the CR live show in London, two things that make me very very happy indeed

[@robbyjones3175]

...and below all of the misery, pain, and suffering that were contained within Pandora's Box, there was one shinning gift: hope.

[@marshmallowfluff1823]

This scene made my eyes well up and this video reminded me of it, now your comment gos and stabs me in the heart.

[@SLorraineE]

Travis's pretzel arm positions of surprise are a delight. He is so fun to watch during the intense scenes. And Talisen hiding behind Ashley! The whole cast being just in various stages of shock and awe is so incredible!

[@justinhess2747]

Thank you CR for not cw striking him. This was a fantastic journey through this moment. Thank you sir!

[@DParkerNunya]

Jay, this last week has been one of the worst I've had in years. I've been depressed and contemplating suicide and feeling alone and helpless in a world that hasn't cared. And the end of this video is a reminder of why I've pulled myself out of these feelings in the past. Yes, something bad can and probably will happen, but it will get better. It might not happen tomorrow, or the day after, but good will come. Very recently a friend of mine was able to finally get a new vehicle thanks to my help and that feeling has been the saving grace for me this last bit of time, so theres my good. With a little luck and a lot of hope, more is down the line. Thank you.

[@PlayYourRole]

Life always has ups and downs, but its while its going down to remember that is also has ups. I'm so sorry this year has been so hard on you, but from the bottom of my heart: You can do this. Everyone is so much stronger than they realize and if you have gotten through what you have so far, you are absolutely strong enough to make it to the good times. Thank you for being incredible

[@francoiscarrier6751]

I don't know you, but the fact that helping someone is what attach you to life show how good a person you are. The world might not have been good for you, but we need compassionate people like you. Thank you for still being here.

[@NougetChops]

I was on suicide watch at age 22, because I didn't think it was worth it to keep going. If I'd died then, I never would have met my nephews. I never would have met my favorite band, or made the friends I have now. Good will come. It's so hard, so so hard to keep living when you have to fight your brain every day, but I swear it's worth it. It's been 15 years now, and I'm so glad I'm alive. I promise you, life is worth living.

[@matthewletexier]

Jester in this moment ascended to a status so legendary that she goes beyond critical role. She is a Dungeons and Dragons Icon. We have Tensers Floating Disk, Bigbys Hand, and now Jesters Modify Memory. I demand it become official

[@demonderpz7937]

Jester turned this from a horror scene to a girl talk. Absolute love her

[@Luxurio369]

i live with my two best friends who have saved my life multiple times each and today we're going to go look at a house to rent to get us out of a bad situation. i am alive because of them and i live for them and soon we will be safe and happier then we are now. hope is powerful and i hope everyone is safe and happy too.

[@dalekreject7324]

Hope it goes well! And glad you're in a better place!

[@christophercook4819]

Been going through a dark time lately, thanks for the help. My girlfriend and I are having a baby in October it’s one of the things that is bringing me hope and joy. A blessing that’ll bring our blended family closer together

[@MikeDiEva]

I found a tiny little park near my house, and there’s a waterfall just a few steps from the parking area so almost anyone can get to it, and there was an extremely brave little tree growing out of a rock in the middle of the falls, and the leaves are all starting to change, and no one else was around to spoil it for me. Lots of things suck, but not everything.

[@somegirlfromgermany7659]

That is Jester's best prank ever! And it wasn't even for laughs, it was to help someone dear to her. It is always moments like these, where the group is at its lowest, see no more options or had something terrible happen to them, that Jester comes in with her heart of joy and powerful abilities to keep everybody happy! She may be a bad cleric, but also an AMAZING Trickery Cleric!

[@herosam93]

One good thing? How about a life time of good things. My second daughter was born this week, and nothing has become more precious to me then watching my older daughter interact with her baby sister

[@thunderspear2251]

It's so beautifully poetic that Jester, of all people, was the one that turned the table on the hag.

[@azgaard]

I refer to this interaction as "The Great Cupcake Con Job"

[@KaioKenneth4]

The best thing to happen to me recently is actually my most recent D&D session. I’m 21, and I play with my sister’s and her boyfriend’s group, him being the DM and both of them about 30 in age. The rest of the players come from their friend group, so they’re all older than me as well, except for one who’s a year or two younger than me. With everyone older than me and even with the one who isn’t, I’ve been friendly to them and they’ve been friendly to me, but I’ve always felt this distance. I’ve definitely felt like the weird guy at the table, especially since I don’t really have close friends in the other parts of my life either. To be clear, I had been having a lot of fun playing D&D with all of them, it just felt like the connection wasn’t there. That was the case until recently, when we had another weekly D&D session. However, this one was special. It was both our Halloween session and the one to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I brought a gift for her, as did the others, and we all dressed up as our characters, so it was a very festive session. Everyone was in a good mood, there was candy, drinks, and snacks to be had, and my sister had chosen a spooky One Shot to play with our characters from the current campaign. No exaggeration, it was possibly the most fun I’ve ever had, both in the game and just hanging out. And this time, I truly felt like a friend and peer instead of a fellow party member. I felt like an equal. I had great fun making jokes and talking strategy with everyone, and it felt like they listened, and it felt like what I did and what my character did mattered. So, that’s my story. I hope our D&D sessions and my relationships with the others continue to improve. Generally speaking, I’m a busy guy between work and school, but I’m going to try to make time and space to hang out with them outside of the game. I truly think that there’s beautiful friendships waiting to be made.

[@KHBogWitch]

That is amazing! Those sessions where everyone just *clicks* are hard to describe it, but you know it when it’s there. I’m glad you got to experience that🫶😊

[@baydude124]

I don’t know why but for some reason the ending of this was enough to make me tear up seemingly out of nowhere, sometimes you can forget you’re holding on to so much, a memory of something good that’s happened to me recently was when a friend who I haven’t spoken to in a while reached out to me and we started chatting and hung out together, until this point I had held a lot of resentments towards myself for how I handled personal struggles in my life, I was not kind and would push people away and find in people the negative stuff I was expecting out of them and use that as a justification for pushing people away. I was scared that’s all she would see in me, I wrote this very long apology for when we hung out and before I could even get through it she told me that she didn’t remember any of that, all she remembered was someone who was a good friend having a hard time drift away and wishing she hadn’t been too busy to check up with me and reach out. She wasn’t angry at me, she didn’t remember all the little things I did to push her away the way I had been beating myself up about it for almost 10 years now, she just saw the kid who’s life was at a bad place walking away from everyone and that she had been feeling the way I have all these years when I never for a second blamed her for how things went. Instead of lamenting on the past and all of the bad things that have happened or could happen again I spent an afternoon with a close friend who I missed dearly and spoke about all the good things in my life I’ve failed to recognize as she told me the same, it was one of the best days I’ve had in quite some time and will go down as one of my fondest memories. To anyone out there who was like me, there’s always time to reconnect to those people who have been a positive influence in your life, and it’s never to late to forgive yourself and remember you were a kid, and move forward and let yourself be happy and healthy and grown from what you’ve been through. Thank you so much for this video, I didn’t realize that my morning would be this emotional when I clicked on this video but I am all the better for it

[@AValidPointUHave]

I genuinely never noticed how distraught Marisha looked. I wonder if she wasnt having fun as Beau anymore and just wanted to re-roll and saw a good opportunity.

[@theanyktos]

The last thing that made me smile was this video. I've always loved this moment and I've always noticed just how serious and affected Beau/Marisha was, but you put that whole sequence in a new light for me. That it's about daring to assume something good might happen. Not even just about accepting nothing bad _has_ to happen, but that something _good_ might. And as someone _with_ anxiety that is something I'm still working on getting to stick in my brain😅. Maybe thinking of this moment will help me remember in the future.

[@jadedalton2662]

Everybody lives Rose. Just this once, everybody lives! - Ninth Doctor, The Doctor Dances

[@jamesamaral8185]

People who think Marisha is a bad roleplayer lack emotional intelligence.

[@duncanmc797]

Bro Idk how to put this, but I am really not the person to claim something is Racism/Sexism. If forced to give my honest opinions on such things I'm sure some would even consider me sexist. But I swear I don't get why people hate her, all of the things people ride her ass for doing at least one other person also does it at the table. Like about making dumb decisions and combat or not paying attention (which is a weird one considering she almost always is the one with the notes.) Talisen easily matches her. She gets so much hate for everything she does I genuinely cannot see a reason other than the fact she is a woman. If she was a dude and said/did all the same shit people wouldn't say anything.

[@jamesamaral8185]

@duncanmc797 This is an established double standard, and yes, it is based in sexism. Women are often expected to be dainty, soft-spoken, polite, etc. When men are assertive, they're labeled as "confident" while assertive women get labeled as "arrogant" or "brash." Sexism is alive and well in 2023, unfortunately.

[@duncanmc797]

@@jamesamaral8185 i don't disagree with anything you said

[@cryofpaine]

@@duncanmc797 You're 100% right. I think there's a perception of her that makes certain people particularly critical of her. Her being the DM's girlfriend/wife (depending where in the campaign we're talking), the youngest, and the one with the least credits. Plus she embodies her characters, and in campaign 1, her character was naive and inexperienced, so people got the perception that SHE was naive and inexperienced. She's also the most outspokenly feminist. I think all of that together is why she is the target of so much hate by sexists where Laura and Ashley get much less so.

[@connorbelshaw2027]

@@cryofpaine she’s also been typecast or characterised to some degree as the “hot” one and I think the fact she is both a woman and stereotypically attractive and the DM’s partner kinda makes the neckbeards of this world feel like it’s fair game to question the authenticity of her interest in D&D or nerd stuff generally. To them, I feel like the fact they seem to see her as a poser or something makes them feel like it’s justifiable to abuse her, especially in reaction to how vocally feminist she is.

[@link77779]

One of my favorite memories is getting a call from my current partner, but at the time friend. Snow was falling in Texas, and while the winter storm would make things harsh, this first night of snowfall was beautiful. My partner deals with depression and anxiety, and I had quickly become the person they turned to for support once we became friends. So when the phone rang, I was ready to have some kind of hard, emotional talk after what was already a long day. When I answered however, the joy in their voice from seeing snow for the first time in years just warmed my heart. It was such a relief to hear them so happy. For me, that really embodies 'what if something good happened.'

That was great, thank you. I always loved the Hag Interviews for many reasons, one of them is Beau's decision which I felt was so important and so heartbreaking. I truly believed she would just give it all up at that point and it would have been hooorrible. And then Jester does *this*. Thanks for putting into words for me why it was so so powerful. What if something good happened indeed? I think, among all the misery and pain and backstory awfulness of the Mighty Nein, this is why Jester was always so important (and I love love love your video on her too!). What beautiful dynamics. Campaign 2 was really lightning in a bottle, so many perfect moments. Something positive: had a nice, early walk in the sunshine today and a good conversation with an acquaintance I met during that (even though I'm a socially anxious mess haha)

[@rutwijzadpe5054]

For the 1st time in my life, I am actively working on my health both physical and mental. And seeing my friends happy just because I am doing good is such a abstract but wonderful feeling. I hope all of you find the hope and beauty in the life. Thank you so much for this video man.

[@johnvavrin7798]

I think we all need to remind ourselves "sometimes something good happens" thank you for that ❤

[@pharaotix9007]

One time when i needed to get a parking ticket but was short on change, i noticed that some nice person, after using the lot and leaving earlier than expected i guess, left their ticket at the ticket machine for the next person to use. This little anonymous gesture of goodheartedness not only made my day but also made me start to do the same whenever possible. I get strange looks sometimes when approaching the next driver directly instead of just leaving the ticket somewhere, but their reactions afterwards still make my days and are always worth it!

[@deangoffinet2050]

I wanted to watch every part of this video to help support (and to hell with the algorithm lol), but I was riveted and teared up myself and THAT was a great, good memory for me 😂. Thank you Jay!

[@Evaleastaristev]

Thank you for this. I needed this today. It's been a week. So here's my good: Last month, I got to meet internet friends in meat space for the first time at a Convention. It was beautiful, and heartwarming, and was everything I needed it to be. And as a bonus, I also got to see most of Critical Role at the same Con, and that was pure joy.

[@osutuba]

I have two good things that happened to me recently: - I got to take something off my bucket list and finally see one of my favorite bands of all time (Chicago) in concert. The bonus was getting to see them perform with Earth, Wind, & Fire. I still have a smile on my face from the memories of that concert! - I had gastric bypass on March 12. Now, a little over 5 months later, I am on the verge of leaving the 300s for good! This is one of the most incredible moments of any TTRPG that I have ever seen. Thank you, so much, Jay, for adding some very valuable and much needed real-life perspective to this moment.

[@CaptainKirbyCK]

This was a masterfully crafted video for a flagship moment in the Mighty Nien Campaign! Playing with juxtaposition perfectly (as the moments in the series leading up to do as well) with self affirmations at the beginning, then diving into the importance of the despair and misery that some characters had been feeling at this time. Leading to Laura's brilliant move with her character that was the embodiment of Optimistic Chaos into the reminder and message of hope this moment, especially in retrospect, applies to not only the greater narrative of the Mighty Nien but to why Jester was an important part of this brigade. Culminating in a brilliant reminder of hope for the audience, stupendous! I've always enjoyed your videos and even if this gets lost in the comments... this was a brilliant script all around. Bravo!

[@davesunhammer4218]

Forget "200iQ move", this was a 300iQ play. Just... brill

[@user-bx5jo6ky1u]

Imagine an official Hag variant that can be dealt with strictly through cupcakes

[@zauromoun]

I always struggled with eating and drinking enough food/water because of abuse from one of my parents. For a long time, I'd find myself passing out regularly, unable to build much muscle, low in energy, constant headaches and crying with tears so salty they stung like pepper juice. Even after my parents' divorce, and being able to live with my amazing mom, I still struggled for years with it... I knew how to cook a couple of things, but I had a deep-seated fear of messing it up, alongside the aformentioned mental blocks, so I rarely did. One day, though, I found an easy recipe for an omlette. I was nervous about it, so I bought the eggs with my own savings so I wouldn't feel guilty if I wasted them, but... I did it! I made the omelette, and I loved it. With my foot in the door, I started branching out. I learned more simple recipes, and I started making drinks, too - and when I started on drinks, I started to get creative, realizing it was a LOT easier for me to fix a drink that went wrong than a solid meal. I started to actually internalize that my mom meant it when she said it was okay to mess up sometimes. I started to gain confidence. I stopped worrying as much about what could go badly, and started thinking about what could go right. Just recently, I finally got a job - just a beginner job for now, one at a Deli, where I'm learning even more about food - and I had the honor of providing special drinks for some friends' wedding. Said friends helped hook me up with my first car, and though it has its quirks, it works and I'm so happy for it! It's crazy to think of how far things have come... Maybe I'll make some blueberry cupcakes to celebrate :>

[@kokushin55]

My good moment recently... is watching this video on a really shitty day and it bringing a smile to my face. Your emotion at the end of this video is contagious. Thank you.

[@mikelundun]

Beautiful summary of one of the best moments in livestreaming! Thanks for the positive words you finished with!

[@YoffiBeauty]

I was bawling by the end of this video. I'm Israeli, and the war that broke in my country and the massacre that went down last week has made me think that nothing good can ever happen again. But since misery likes company, which in retrospect is an allegory for this entire moment in the MN campaign, at that moment, good company made misery into something good. Good things can still happen, and having hope that they can is all I can hope for right now. Thank you for your sensitivity and message through this RP breakdown. It really means a lot to me. 💗

[@PlayYourRole]

For me to speak on the situation happening elsewhere in the world would be tone deaf and misinformed... However, I absolutely made this video with the hope that it could inspire those feelings in those who need it most. Good things can and will happen, and the best way to move forward is to care for those who need it. Care for people, protect whats good, and inspire what is needed to help us all care for everyone. I wish nothing but love and acceptance on the world and I hope this helps that shine through

[@Nunovski04]

I know the objective was to describe something good that happened, but this week has been extremelly crappy, to put it lightly. So, thank you for reminding me that good things can, indeed, happen. This was the good thing that happened to me this week

[@whitepaws60]

I like how it took less than 23 minutes after uploading to find a better word for the title lol

[@PlayYourRole]

It uploaded with that title I had all of the time editing the video to find it haha

[@elmoonfire]

Wonderful video. I've been putting together a character based on BMO, and had been trying to work out the core motivation to keep away from the simple "always a happy character", and this is it! "What if something good happens?" is gunna be their guiding philosophy, it's such a shining star to aim at. Thank you.

[@foxtoxic9722]

Jay, as someone who has a hard time experiencing emotions in general, thank you for making me cry. I know it’s a weird thing to say but I just really appreciate what you do. I love critical role and I love your in depth analysis of what’s going on at their table. They, and you, have really helped me through some “things” and I just want you to know that you really do make a difference in the world. Thank you.

[@allthingsgood6345]

I truly enjoy these deep dives into CR scenes. You analysis was thorough and well stated. Love it!

[@user-ev7ky3gl7y]

my youngest giggled for the first time just a few days ago.... it was a bittersweet moment because she is my last. That was my last first giggle. BUT the good part to it is..... she has a beautiful laugh.... shes happy.... I've done a good job so far as her and her siblings mother.... i was able to bring joy to my baby. And that has been the highlight of my week.

[@ObiWanKannabis07]

When I clicked on the video I thought you would focus on how a good DM can overlook some of the rules in the book if it serves the story and the progression of his fellow players, which is something I really like. Instead you ended this video with a life lesson about hope, which is quite more I was expecting! Really great video!

[@foxyseven609]

Something food that happened to me recently was with the campaign I DM. I spent ages planning for it (my first time) and at first i was getting really down over it: players weren't focused, they were just following along with my story instead of making any real choices, but then me and a player talked to the table about it and the past two sessions have been amazing! Everyone's been a lot more on track, they've been engaging in the story and making big choices and it's been so much more fun :)

[@leadingblind1629]

Love this moment. Love when you cover these types of things

[@raydaveed]

Well it took half an hour to get to the nitty gritty but that jester move was hilarious, i laughed so hard at this. OMG 😂

[@SuperGoose42]

I recently found my dream job. I worked on a film set as a production assistant (PA), it was only a 3 week gig and I was only an assistant, but I loved every moment of it. I learned so much about the filmmaking process, had deep conversations about my beautiful hometown we were filming in and about filmmaking and about accomplishing life goals and about the greatest films ever made. I made friends with the director, the producer, the lead actor and his girlfriend (also a lead actor), the other PAs, I went to a party with them all and had a moment of charismatic brilliance and got the entire room full of people laughing. I found my people, I formed a core memory, and I solidified my path in life. Now I just have to pursue it. For the record, just two years ago I was depressed and not working at all, a fresh college dropout, and had no prospects in life. Don't ever give up on yourself. With the right mindset and hard work, you can achieve far more than you realize.

[@brianbarrett6316]

I wasn't expecting to be crying by the end of this video, but I actually really needed that. Thank you ❤

[@dalekreject7324]

This ties in with you saying Jester was the heart of this party. She surely was. And for anyone out there who needs it, you are not alone.

[@WolfHreda]

I didn't really get into Critical Role during the Vox Machina days. My first exposure to it was the Campaign 2 characters, and I adore them. Particularly Jester. I find the Trickery Domain Cleric to be mechanically underwhelming, but Laura played one so well, and this moment is probably one of the absolute peaks of such roleplay. Trickery so good that she outwitted a Hag? Genius.

[@jancatperson8329]

Spoiler people - come on. It’s one thing to expect no spoilers for last night’s Critical Role episode, or even last week’s episode. But something that happened years ago? Come on already. I’m only up to around episode 50-something in Campaigns 1 and 2, but I have a general idea of what’s going to happen in both campaigns and I still enjoy watching each new-to-me episode. And I’m going to watch the live London show even though I’m sure it will be full of info about Episodes 55-whatever. Saying you need spoiler warnings for shows from several years ago is like saying, “Don’t tell me who won last year’s Super Bowl, I’ve got it on DVR but haven’t seen it yet.”

[@Khailward]

There are people who are so opposed to spoilers that they'll complain about them for a 100+ year old book. HEY GUYS TURNS OUT DRACULA IS A VAMPIRE

[@ChaosMind10531]

@@Khailward Wait... So you are telling me Alucard is just Dracula backwards?!?! XD

[@DParkerNunya]

Guys, I was looking forward to the end of the Judas arc! How could you spoil the Bible like that!

[@SusanBinks]

What a delightful energy you have for not only your fabulous story analysis, but also your enthusiastic encouragement to hopefulness. Love all of this.

[@hend0wski]

Such a wonderful analysis man. Hell yeah.

[@tiersredlist1511]

After many years of saving, I finally got to buy my very first Smart Doll, it’s one of those simple little things that just makes life easier.

[@jimsongrin7008]

If I remember correctly, there is a moment in the Mighty Nein reunion where they ask if Isharnai is by now aware that Jester modified her memory and Matt answers yes. So I'm quite curious to see how/if that will come back some time in the future

[@synthellaart1587]

Maybe she'll show up at her and Fjords Wedding... Asking for more cupcakes 😂

[@jimsongrin7008]

That would be amazing! And maybe do a modify memory of her own after the wedding as revenge 😅@@synthellaart1587

[@alexsmith9617]

Thank you Jay. I needed to hear what you had to say. 👍🏼

[@christopherglade5693]

The end of this video gave me the courage to send the text that my anxiety prevents me from sending. Giving me my voice back in the face of fear. Regardless of what will happen, what if something good does come. Thank you Jay, this video is a gift.

[@sb9269]

Watching this video made me happy! 😂 It's my first time watching you and this show so thank you sincerely thank you

[@SmokingGlueGuns]

I found Critical Role in one of my darkest moments. I was so inspired that now, my full time job is making dice. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep pushing forward. ❤

[@yursura1992]

My cousin has watched critical role for years, and I tried to get into it a few years ago, and couldn't get past the tiberius era with season 1 (I have watched campaign 3 on Thursdays since it started however.) Last year, I had a rough falling out with a lot of my interpersonal connections, and the Jay Martin's video on the Bard's Lament resonated with me so deeply, I gave campaign 1 a second shot and I just finished the entire campaign just last week. ...Watching what came after the lament even helped me get started on my own journey of forgiveness. ...I think I really needed to hear that good can in fact happen tonight, however. Your videos really are making a difference. Thank you.

[@musicianswife8596]

This is the first video of yours I’ve ever seen. Sir. Thank you for taking entertainment and finding a message we all need to hear. My good is the rain. The part of the world I’m in was recently in an extended drought. We finally got rain and it wasn’t a sudden down pour that washed away. It was two days of slow, steady, soaking rains. The kind of rain that the earth can drink in.

[@leecoffill8425]

This happened while I was watching... literally moments before the end. My girlfriend was at work, and it was a slow day, and she was worried that she wasn't going to earn enough tips to pay her electric bill on time. And then, out of nowhere, her boss showed up. He'd just won $1000 at slots, and tossed her the exact amount she needed for her bills, just because he appreciated her

[@Roshiyu]

For twenty years I've been writing for myself. Every year, I've participated in Nanowrimo, and wrote a novel between 1-50,000 words. But I've never shared a single story. At the beginning of the year, a few bad things happened. My Dad was hospitalized. Family drama blossomed from it. I still have an uncle holding up the guardianship case, threatening to challenge my right unless I manage Dad's assets how he wants them managed(to my Dad's detriment). Needless to say I needed to vent, so I wrote a new story. And for the first time, after months of work... I posted the first chapter. I thought it would be a stupid little fanfic, that barely passed by without notice. Then the next thing I know it's featured, it's getting attention, and other authors, people who have written stories I've enjoyed over the years, are commenting positively about my work. It still makes me teary eyed, thinking about all the people who left compliments, despite my paltry writing skill.

[@suunnebelmond]

This helped me so much right now with my anxiety thx so much for showing this little hope i nearly forgot about this amazing moment in the campaign.

[@miticivisivi]

I stumbled upon your video today. Cannot be a coincidence I was reading Dickinson this morning: "Hope" is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all. Something good will happen indeed, just keep your eyes and heart ready open.

[@searchforsecretdoors]

Mmm, so delicious to re-live this moment. Thank you.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Good news from the future to past you. You found a better title. Jester's Duplicity is much better than bluff.

[@templeofthehut]

Something good: I have a brain tumor. It threw me for a loop and I was in the hospital a long time. But it was the kindness of my friends that kept me going. They visited me, they paused our DnD game until I was well enough to come back, they donated food... It's something I can never repay, but I look forward to trying.