Loose Ends | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 84

[@captaintexican5993]

Ok I did ok until Grog Travis sang to Scanlan to the tune of the Redskins Fight Song.....that's a big deal. He really must want Scanlan's character back. For those who are confused, Travis is a Cowboys Fan and get's agitated at Sam's Redskin's jabs throughout the series lol. In a Friendly way but yeah, that is a very big thing that he did that.

[@ZombiZohm]

Wow, I recall he (temporarily) tossed away an inspiration die given through the tune of that fight song. I don't think he could have made a bigger contribution. I would have loved to see Sam's irl reaction to that.

[@MojoBeast]

I have a feeling that Grog's contribution was probably the second success for this reason. Matt says he sets the DC depending on how appropriate the contribution is. It would have taken a heart of stone to make that more than a DC10!

[@rotimiabiona3234]

Sadly Grog's contribution failed the check so it didn't lower the DC and Scanlan never heard the song... :/

[@Salted_Fysh]

Rotimi Abiona what makes you say that Grog failed? I was of the impression that the Kaylee check was the one that failed. As far as I know Matt sets the DC of each check based on the contribution and Grog had a hell of a contribution with a decently high roll. Kaylee on the other hand had a similar roll but was just doing a straight-up performance and she does not have the emotional bond or history that VM do with Scanlan so I imagine her DC would be higher.

[@ttt3142]

Kaylee check was a nat 20 roll though

[@JohnvanCapel]

The first bit made me cry. Then after that it was hilarious... "Wait, prove that you're you." "Ehmm... No..." "It's you."

[@mr.fluffles1552]

Classic lol

[@MiniHicks]

so i just looked through the campaign guide, Grog's title is indeed there on page 33. Grog Strongjaw, Grand Poobah de Doink, In Charge of All This-and-That _____________________________ Grog is the noble, if simple, warrior of Vox Machina. No one really knows if Grog’s noble title is a real title at all, or if Percy was just joking when he gave it to him. Grog likes it, and that’s good enough for most people.

[@amaralundy7940]

I like to think that Grand Poobah, official tour-guide of Whitestone is an on-going tradition that lasts after Grog.

[@3squareddesigns]

I love it!

[@Answerisequal42]

Yeah I did that just too.

[@thatweirdgirl8466]

Grogory Strongjaw is his full legal name 😂

[@theendicott2838]

I just love the “Sometimes you lose people and they never come back” vibe of Kerr. I think it’s a good contrast to the “we can just do a resurrection ritual” vibe of Vox Machina.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I have to agree with Pike's assessment that they've been extremely lucky. I wonder who Kerrek may have lost along the way that made him take the path he did.

[@baseballjustin5]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue Well it was said that he ran away from Undead after two of his party fell

[@GeorgieChaos]

You're right that it's a good contrast. That said, he knows about Resurrection now and as soon as he found out about it he started asking about the practicalities, and said "I've made a terrible mistake but I know how to fix it". I don't know if we're going to see any more of his story but the implied narrative I'm getting at this point is that Kerr & Samantha & the rest of their party are going to immediately go try to bring back at least one of Kerr's dead friends.

[@xEvilRaptorx]

Kerr is a realist. He doesn't hold much faith in miracles :/

[@bensavedbychrist]

@@GeorgieChaos I got the vibe during the goodbye when Samantha said they had the bodies loaded on carts that he was hoping they would offer to resurrect his fallen compatriots, but wouldn't ask and they missed it. Missing a context clue like that is one of my biggest fears and I do it all the time.

[@threeleggedcat]

“Prove that you’re you” “No” “It’s you” is so funny and honestly such a good insight into both of their characters lmao

[@rhokesh4391]

"How many fingers am I holding up?" "One." 😁

[@spacerogue8382]

@@rhokesh4391 To bad we'll never see that animated, Grog saying 'We'll put braille on his guns' still cracks me up.

[@chriscanfly696]

why not?@@spacerogue8382

[@Lucifronz]

@@rhokesh4391 "Square."

[@Shortlan]

Grog killed me with his talking to Scanlan in the temple. Love their bond.

[@5c5ve]

I think Grog and Scanlan are truly the best characters. Unlike the other characters, they show their emotion through actions instead of words, which I think creates a subtlety in their performances that can really resonate with the audience in a way that the long monologues that the other characters sometimes take can't.

[@blackvial]

bros in this life and the next

[@sethkeown5965]

Shortlan there was just a moment, a split second, where Matt sounded like he was touched by Travis's offering.

[@MagnusGuard]

Seth Keown @ 34:22 you can hear Matt's voice a little chocked up

[@TheShadeSyndicate]

I'd let my own Bear's fan brothers die before I sang Bear Down to bring them back(well... begrudgingly at least)... took me aback for sure! Ever since Dez dropped it tho...

[@partingofways]

"We used to take baths together" more recently than you think vax buddy

[@peterhousen7974]

Holy shit I just got that joke... Thank you.

[@Barnicalsify]

Brilliant! Just... amazing that they didn't make that joke. I guess that's what Liam was getting at.

[@KodasGarden]

@@Barnicalsify they did, that's why Vex laughs so much, and you can see Pike talk to Grog about it quietly.

[@dr.texasman7483]

i watched a clip of this scene before but didn’t realize why it was so funny til I watched up to it

[@themardbard9096]

Laura bursting out laughing maaaaaade that entire scene

[@Drayle88]

Pike taught me to love.... You taught me to laugh. And I don't wanna see what life is like without that. I am bawling right now

[@donrink9486]

Totally. What a great show this is.

[@crazyscotsman9327]

I'm not crying you are crying!

[@Einherjar29]

Watching it for the third time now, and I'm bawling as much this time as I did the first.

[@blacknite555]

me too. god critical role is so important

[@halgrimhelgrimson]

@@crazyscotsman9327 no way, you crying! i never cry!

[@skyfiresage5980]

Not ashamed to say I started crying when Travis started singing or that it got harder when Ashley started reading her poem. God, I just wish Same could have been here for this episode

[@cptsketch13]

Maybe they don't cover him in pudding if he is, maybe we never meet Taryon Darrington if they don't do that.

[@rhysproudmourne1646]

@@cptsketch13 That blow up was going to happen regardless. The entire point Scanlan made in that scene was that they never did anything side quest related for him. I think that was on purpose at some point, because Sam wanted to have that moment and discussed it a few weeks ahead of time with Matt to create Taryon. They both knew the inside story, which made it that much better in the end. Honestly, losing his life, losing his dog and being covered in pudding just made that explosion that much more sweet. Sam even had the names of their parents ahead of time on notes in front of him; you can check him looking at them after Percy says what he says about Whitestone having his parents' names everywhere. Sam steered the conversation to parents on purpose to make that excellent bit of screenplay. It was great acting, and great story for Scanlan's side arc.

[@Itz_Annq]

😮

[@OfficialDreamCloud]

@@rhysproudmourne1646 oh my god, I’m just now getting to that part and came back to this. You are spot on

[@rhysproudmourne1646]

@@OfficialDreamCloud Honestly, when I come back to this on occasion, I like watching the Grog scenes when he’s alone with Scanlan and right before he wakes up. Makes it super heartbreaking.

[@BeinIan]

The first time I watched this campaign, I wondered why Kerrek was in so many episodes, especially skyping in as a guest. Don't get me wrong, I love Patrick, and Kerr's stoic advice had a vital impact on Keyleth's story. But compared to some of the more expressive guests, his quiet, passive roleplaying style was really jarring when juxtaposed with Vox Machina. (Though he seemed to get more comfortable with active roleplay by the time we got to this episode.) But I get it now. That's what makes him so important. In almost every scene, he serves as a reminder that VM is fucking insane. Being unaware of resurrection rituals despite living in this world of magic really drives home how incredible it is that this band of fuckwits keep bringing each other back from death. Getting knocked out immediately by Raishan's first spell reminds us how powerful said fuckwits have become. He's the perfect "normal dude" foil to the "clusterfuck superheroes" of the main cast. I have so much more appreciation for how Patrick plays him on the second watch, and I'm really glad he got the killing blow on Raishan. What a badass guest. I love him.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Well put!

[@spacerogue8382]

Oh my, I didn't even think of that. Would be interesting to see him do his 'useless triage' on Percy and his reaction to it Pike rezzing or healing him in the animation. But I don't believe we will as the series just goes at breakneck speed. It would be realllly nice tho because the recurrence of resurrections might annoy people.

[@bdiax]

He’s my favorite guest so far. My other favorite npc is jarret because again he’s just a normal dude they took to fight a freaking ancient dragon 😂

[@codevii9063]

These fuckwits keep bringing each other back from the dead. How hilariously and accurately stated.

[@THEPELADOMASTER]

Yeah he was level 7. And they took him to fight an ancient dragon which is a level 17 or higher spellcaster.

[@checkmate1860]

hail to scanlan shorthalt hail to victory no one makes me laugh faster please bring him back to me

[@Spn-rh1si]

jesus......the feels

[@ayamamotohaha5235]

It’s how I feel every time SAM isn’t in an episode

[@JustinPrime775]

What a terrible day for rain...

[@3squareddesigns]

Why is it raining all over my face!

[@nourtney2178]

Aaaaaaaaaand I'm crying

[@92NUKE]

"you have the nightgown and you have the pudding, what's the plan" is probably the best out of context quote from this show

[@coranbaker6401]

Vox Machina. Slayer of 6 dragons. Literally scared of a box.

[@YolandaTheBastard]

Coran Baker 7 dragons they killed two before they started doing the stream

[@duranpredur1098]

So, eight with the one they killed for the slayer's take.

[@asagoldsmith3328]

Duran Predur no krieg was before

[@duranpredur1098]

Yup i counted it twice. My bad

[@SamaelHellscrem]

DID YOU LEARN NOTHING FROM PANDORA?!

[@migskatipunero]

So this episode marks the death of the dragons but can we just take a moment and appreciate the genius of Matthew Mercer and the greatness of this whole Chroma Conclave arc. Just brilliant.

[@unicornburger16]

It’s crazy just how he managed to keep the tension going for ~40 episodes while still giving great moments of comedy.

[@BitigoBlack]

And that's just the arc we got because of the actions of VM. I'm still imagining the what ifs and the subsections he had at the ready.

[@dawidpotega882]

@@unicornburger16 their attack on Emon, the whole balance of slice of life being destroyed in seconds, their whole world falling apart was just so good. Kind of underwhelming how they went from not being able to even scratch a single dragon to butchering all 4 of them. But that's just if you sum it up, in reality the journey was great, it was few levels apart and they got these artifacts

[@tonaldinho]

I love Kerrek. >barges into the story >helps Keyleth grow as a person >kills an ancient dragon >walks off into the sunset What a chad.

[@jacobashley9955]

He even gave back a ring that could turn him invisible. I am surprised nobody referenced lord of the rings during that exchange.

[@thehiddenscape9088]

Arguably the best kind of chad ever

[@Jamon-m7z]

Chad Kerr-Bear

[@Xenodude2000]

Grog and Pike made me fucking cry. Wonderful performances

[@incomingbear1334]

Right. Travis and Ashley did their parts so we'll.

[@konstance13]

Man, Pike's poem really hit me hard when her voice broke and Liam started crying.

[@duckduckgoose6977]

Seeing Liam break down was heartbreaking. Watching tho two episodes back to back, I cried through the whole time scanlan was dead

[@ToastyTstdToast]

The look on liams face when he breaks combined with Ashley's voice absolutely kills me

[@robertarrowood3651]

I'll admit my eyes got some dust in them right at that exact time. Really made my eyes water up. Damn dust.

[@Cabbage-dk6nu]

And then on the last line. "see your daughter's face" hit Liam right where he lives too, he was just trying not to *visibly* bawl then

[@benbenoit7209]

This is the saddest part of this campaign so far!!!!

[@Inhandable]

I fucking love Travis as an actor. Seriously, he plays his character so well. Such an amazing voice, so convincing in what he says and how he says it. When he's talking to Scanlan and telling him to get his rest and that it's not over, brilliant.

[@PushkarChintaluri]

Requires a high intelligence to improvise a very low intelligence character

[@commanderbacon6426]

Pushkar Chintaluri so true so true

[@Reblwitoutacause]

And then there’s those subtle Travis / Grog moments, like @ 2:22:16

[@yiklongtay6029]

Acting while keeping up a really forced low baritone is probably like acting while your face is caked with alien prosthetics. A handicap. Really hard to sell unless you are really skilled

[@ParameterGrenze]

@@PushkarChintaluri Travis is the most intelligent person from the whole cast, along with Sam. No wonder he became CEO.

[@brucemccorvey8429]

Im not crying 3 yrs later, I swear....man when Ashley rolled that nat 20 and Matt cracked....that was rough

[@mineola_]

Thanks for pointing Matt out, I totally missed that.

[@sarahwang4644]

and then Liam's kind of awkward almost forced golf clapping as he's crying :'(

[@anonymouspalmtree]

When?

[@ashleylaricci2023]

I love the height difference between Ashley & Travis, like how she has to look up at him when they talk. It just makes them feel so much more like Pike and Grog.

[@krispinkeyes6542]

Grog was ADORABLE this episode. I got emotional earlier than the song. It was when he was asking "Does he look the same?" and put his hand on Scanlan's chest. It was as if Grog had never seen death before and didn't understand it.

[@c0niferal]

I thought it was like he's never really seen death that just seemed.. wrong. I like to think that to him, Scanlan dying just never seemed an option, of course his joyful little friend Scanlan couldn't die, right..?

[@kuroneko1813]

Jesus. Yep started tearing up at that bit too. Like to Grog there’s something WRONG about the thought of Scanlan being dead, not alive, not being able to be with them anymore. It was a simple question but it had a lot of innocent emotion in it. Hats off to Travis.

[@virus640]

I think of it like having a kid's intelligence. He can understand death, but when it's his best friend that's been taken from him, it's hard to process the feeling for someone you care about and can revert to base instinct: anger, fear, inquisitiveness. Travis played that role out so well. I was in tears from the second he called out for Scanlan.

[@mrsc9193]

Agree! Grog and Pike had me in tears!

[@rodneymathews1823]

It has to be that thought of someone u view as immortal dying- my thought on it at least

[@Ghostrebel017]

A paladin and a cleric are convincing a gunslinger that it's ok to go through someone's things without asking them...gold XD

[@oldwolflogan4224]

You make is sound like paladins and clerics are inherently good.

[@christopherarmstrong8255]

Pretty funny and hugely metagaming at the same time; I am so very glad they were distracted from that at least

[@sethescope]

@@oldwolflogan4224 so, there are these things called jokes. and sometimes, you make jokes using commonly-held beliefs that generalize a group of people or things. these commonly held beliefs are called stereotypes and can be super shitty or benign. there's a benign stereotype in the dnd culture that paladins and clerics are lawful good, that they are the moral compasses of the party. so here, they were making a joke based on the stereotype of clerics and paladins being good. the situation is funny because the moral compasses of the party are the ones encouraging someone to do something that is morally questionable. hope that helps!

[@persephonethereaper6938]

@@christopherarmstrong8255 Not metagaming, technically with how Ashley has portrayed Pike that was entirely in character. Pike is easily convinced to do what's considered as morally wrong because she's chaotic neutral and led by whims. So, when Percy mentioned going through Scanlan's things Pike is a very yes and character to bad decisions. Like alcohol and fighting it was even said in the Talks Machina for the last episode that she probably would've tried Suudeif she found out about Scanlan doing drugs. It's why Ashley's characters are always my favorite the level of "But what if we did?"

[@mattlawrence5669]

Fix him, FIX HIM! Wow right in the feels. Made all the more powerful by how Grog acts in the temple

[@danjal87nl]

Not to mention how in-character it is. We've had several emotional moments surrounding character deaths and resurrections but this one is so amazing and accurate!

[@evanremillard5640]

Matt Lawrence when he yelled that it gave me chills. It added so much gravity to the situation and it spoke to grog's understanding of how things work.

[@Aridronev6403]

I cried no joke lol

[@rizzlethegreat9682]

Pretty powerful moment. The Vex Kayleigh moment was pretty emotional too.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

And then there’s those subtle Travis / Grog moments, like @ 2:22:16

[@GildedMoon]

Bringing this back up to the top for the 2021 crew (thanks to Elias Evergreen and Oliver I) 11:29 - Stream Starts 12:10 - Sam's Long distance Lootcrate pitch 15:42 - LET THE GAME BEGIN 17:23 - Recap begins --- Feels Train --- 23:26 - Pike chats with Kaylee 24:57 - Grog "chats" with Scanlan 30:21 - The Ritual Begins 32:23 - Grog's contribution 35:19 - Pike's contribution (37:50 #1) 39:05 - Kaylee Flips in (39:21 Clutch healz) 40:06 - Kaylee Plays (41:38 #2!!) --- ---- --- 51:14 - Vex and Her "Date" 52:10 - Watch Your Hands. 53:36 - Subtle Matt, subtle 57:20 - Vax isn't subtle when it comes to his things 1:08:50 - Kerr makes a big mistake 1:09:00 - Pike Wants In 1:11:15 - Grog's Insight Check 1:13:45 - Swamp Ass 1:15:15 - Percy takes it to a very real place 1:25:45 - Fuckin' Voice Actors! 1:32:45 - Keyleth, the Beavis to Vex's Butt-Head 1:34:30 - Vex Visits Vax 1:47:28 - Sam + Kerr (1:48:30 | Kerrek makes his exit) 1:53:58 - Break - 2:09:21 2:22:15 - Kima Breaks Grog 2:26:02 ‐ To Grayskull Keep 2:28:47 ‐ Grog and the workshop 2:30:20 ‐ Vax chats with Grog 2:34:48 ‐ No unneccesary fights 2:36:59 ‐ Pike checks the box 2:43:48 ‐ Let's go 2:47:07 ‐ Specifics of Speak to the Dead 3:02:15 ‐ Keyleth asks for directions 3:08:41 ‐ Birth Heart faq 3:13:21 ‐ Goodbye box 3:21:11 ‐ Keyleth's self doubt 3:22:35 ‐ Wanna go to the Crucible? 3:26:31 ‐ Grog Heads to The Temple of Kord 3:30:47 ‐ Where they finish for the night

[@WhiteLazuli]

Boost

[@badwolf4134]

3:29:35 guy saying hello/no in the background

[@aaronstewartyt]

Boost

[@Ari_C94]

UP

[@arcannvalerious8022]

Bump

[@Aarongorn]

Travis's/Grog's relatively few serious/solemn scenes are unmatched. He is perfectly in character, his words are perfectly chosen, and he pulls it off without having to drop F-bombs as filler words, because he doesn't need them. He is truly talented at this.

[@Dehalove]

Something tells me “f-bombs” aren’t words you use a lot lol

[@Aarongorn]

@@Dehalove They have their place. But not as often as many use them. Language is art.

[@Aarongorn]

@@salvitore01 Who said anything about enjoyment? I just recognize linguistic laziness when I see it.

[@DeathsHood]

@@Aarongorn It's hardly linguistic laziness. No need to be condescending about your distaste for expletives.

[@Aarongorn]

@@DeathsHood While I’m not terribly interested in debating something I posted a year ago, I will say that, if you have read everything I’ve said, and wish to reduce it to, “distaste for expletives,” then I’m afraid I can’t help you see how and why you are wrong.

[@secxy6787]

Grog's pleading glance at his friends to help understand what Kima was saying. Priceless!

[@SPACEHARICE]

yeah he was narrative MVP of this episode

[@johndotcom9648]

Rolled a 1 on my save against feelings

[@TheSvmurai]

Don't worry, the DC was 20

[@sniper500000]

Sam is Dead With no modifier

[@lucasM005]

we all did my friend... we all did

[@dillonmadrigal3342]

They just keep cutting those damn onions.

[@carlosamponin2704]

I got a nat twenty, don't know what's wrong with y'all

[@kathe.s.268]

2:47:00 "Could you cast Speak to the Dead on a box of ashes?" Matt Mercer is *finished*

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

Yeah that's one of those read the spell moments too

[@RoninXDarknight]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue Or it's just a sign of how paranoid they've become that they're considering something that ridiculous.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

@@RoninXDarknight My point was that the Speak with Dead spell's description already has the answer to their question. You have to have a reasonably intact mouth/jaw for the corpse to speak. There is no or. If they read the damn spell they would know that the spell wouldn't be effective.

[@executivelypunk]

34:13 the way grog's voice started to break at the end of his song just broke my heart oh my god. travis is way too good at portraying grog and now i'm crying

[@ShadowyFox_86]

That broke me. Like Pike and Scanlan are the people he's closest to in the world, and he couldn't imagine a world without him.

[@treesuhhh4238]

@@ShadowyFox_86i love that his two closest buddies are both less than half his size

[@arcaneobject]

@@treesuhhh4238it has to be a D&D thing, we have a war forged barbarian that collects small friends like my fairy 😂

[@TheBigBMoss]

The way Liam quietly breaks down during Pike's poem left me speachless. And honestly, I can without a doubt say that Ashley is an amazing actress after that scene... She sounds like shes breaking down the whole time, but shows the professional control and composure immediately after... **Chef's kiss**

[@PushkarChintaluri]

Meanwhile, there is an airship just floating around somewhere between Fort Daxio, Emon and Whitestone

[@Ginric99]

Which I imagine has got on with the job of trade, or travelled back to claim payment from Jamon.

[@Tenderleaf]

it was present during the fight at Emon wasn't it? shot at Greeny?

[@MowingTheAir]

No lie, I've thought of this airship randomly at night a couple times!

[@Sirax123]

The ship is not some automaton, it's captained and crewed. It's likely they finished the fight, and cleared out for repairs and went on their business as usual

[@ArdensGember]

They were at the emon fight vs thordak

[@getchacrowds6170]

It amuses me when i think back to when they first met Kima. She was a very serious, very dutiful character. At some point she suddenly became a wise cracking and distinctive character amongst the NPC cast. it's really funny.

[@Zesprit15]

Difference between being on duty with strangers and off duty with friends.

[@tzimiscelord8483]

Zesprit15 strangers and friends in general

[@viktorstagnetti7491]

+Zespirit15 And the fact that when they met her, she had just undergone days or weeks of torture. Not much fun to be had in the Underdark.

[@brendancoulter5761]

I always assumed her character became more exaggerated to make her distinct from the other dozen or so NPCs they brought to Whitestone. Matt is good but he is one guy playing sooo many characters, making them more distinct helps.

[@Forfeitdemeanor]

@@viktorstagnetti7491 And they almost ditched her for Clarota, the (not so) friendly mind-flayer.

[@Fairfieldfencer]

I have always been a fan of the big galoot that is Grog, but my goodness did Travis play him perfectly. If acting/improv was an Olympic event, he won gold.

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

he shook Taliesin, all the way across the room. and he's kept a straight face next to Sam.

[@trevorsongary3431]

Travis is the most underrated player/actor of the group because of the character he plays.

[@Adventleft]

Trevor Songary ayeeee someone who’s trying to catch up at close to the same pace I am 😂

[@dudemcfurgusson7179]

@@Adventleft ayyee, you got me beat by a day.

[@gideonthelion4023]

Dude McFurgusson Y'all got me beat by a week.

[@PiroMunkie]

I appreciate that only Kaylie, Grog, and Pike spoke during Scanlan's ritual.

[@GossgamingGG]

As someone who has gotten into watching this series very late, almost when s3 is about to come out for The Amazon prime show for Vox Machina....I find this series to be one of the best ive ever seen of any form of entertainment. Mr. Mercer did a fantastic job running this campaign, and letting them create their own story, in parallel to the one he made for them. Ive fallen in love with this series for a reason, and everyone involved made it this perfect.

[@thedragonwarrior5861]

Same here

[@TheShekspir]

As much as i adore Grog's offering and Scanlans ressurection ritual, i have to say Grog's reaction to Kima's plea to lie to Vord was pure comedic gold - 2:22:38 Travis i salute you!

[@GeraldKatz]

The way everyone else just lost it in laughter tells you how much they appreciate Travis. They get so drama queen and emo with their characters, but Travis does a quick head turn of confusion and they're hysterical.

[@thedragonwarrior5861]

Pretty much read this as it took place

[@sableseraph946]

Vex didn't even barter for that ale. THAT is how happy she is!

[@donrink9486]

Haha I totally missed that.

[@xBlacksStarx]

I started to tear up when Grog said Kaylee looked like Scanlan. It's really nice that Scanlans story is getting more attention. Also Pikes poem had me bawling.

[@starryest6730]

"Prove that it's you." "...No." "Yep, it's you." Ohhhh Percy.

[@AntagonistPrime]

Matt: what's your passive perception? Travis: don't make him roll for- Taliesin: 18 Travis: MAKE HIM ROLL FOR IT! 😂😂

[@jamesradar7009]

Grog literally had his entire table crying. Liam barely held it together. It took me a lot to not break down seeing their reactions.

[@erica5612]

What I saw in Scanlan's ritual was super interesting to me. Thinking back to Percy's ritual, it came down to not many of the party members knowing much about him personally. Not in a way that was super helpful to his resurrection at least. His character was very important to the story, but not a lot of emotional ties had been made with him to the other party members. Throw back to how quiet he was during the Kraghammer arc. Aside from Vex's declaration of love, all of their offerings seemed a little lackluster. But Scanlan, who isn't frequently a part of a lot of drama, has made a lot of deep and important connections that came out during his ritual. They worked so hard to make sure they had something to offer him. Vex gave up being at his side to trade with Kaylie....Really moving & a great start to the episode.

[@themodrnpatriot4354]

Erica Collins it’s silly, but it’s beautiful how Mercer sets these things up and the party participates. I’m not a super emotional type of person, but they make me tear up.

[@sandragoodhew2885]

I actually have to argue with you. And yes, I am using future knowledge so.... Spolier Scandlan has fewer true ties to the group than you think. While Percy had a backstory that made the entire groups involvement necessary, Vex and Vax had to confront their pasts semi publicly, Keyleth had the Arumente, and Grog had the showdown with Kevdack. Pike has a backstory arc later on. The only thing that was touched on with Scandlan is that he had a surprise daughter. Scandlan, unlike the others, never really had their pasts waved in front of the group. Scandlan had to choose to share his past... And he chose to listen to the others pasts instead. He had a few deep connections, but not quite deep enough. I think Pike could have made a difference. If she had been able to say the right words. But blindspot is a thing and she couldn't make it. Grog was a drinking and filandering buddy. Not someone who you share deep secrets with if you're not a chatty drunk. Pike constantly (rightly) rejected Scandlan and never formed that deep deep connection that one would with a lover. The rest of the group to an extent, thought of him as the group dad. I'm 38 and I still don't know a lot of dad's weaknesses. When you have a dad with a tragic past who can't form a deep enough relationship with anyone to share, you get next episode. The pudding thing didn't help either. That was just bad timing and metagaming punishing him for the drugs though.

[@leahsander5490]

@@sandragoodhew2885 Just because you keep repeating it, I feel obliged to point out that his name is Scanlan, not Scandlan.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

@@sandragoodhew2885 it's also worth pointing out, that perhaps a reason scanlan was so keep-to-himself ( aside from it being a personality trait / flaw ) about himself and his life and his feelings in general, is because, well... he is a bard.. they listen to others and tell their stories and sing their tales. Some bards sing only about themselves. And ScanMan sure has those moments. Mostly tho, he's all about the group, and others before himself. To the point that when he finally MUST care for himself, because of his newfound daughter... it kinda breaks him down a bit, a step too far into disastrous ends, even.

[@billionai4871]

@@Reblwitoutacause Scanlan is a broken gnome. He made an implicit promise when he became a dad, a promise that he'd be there for her, a promise that he broke. At least, he feels this way when he found her out, so he made her a new promise, a promise to not die for her. A promise that he broke. He is, now more than ever, a broken man. He rejected all deep connection not just because he chooses to listen - how much are you willing to share with a friend that doesn't share anything with you? - but because he feels unable to create real connection. Before his daughter, he felt like he didn't need to care, and after her he feels unable to care. That's a really hard sign to pick up on (you see how even in meta gaming, no one picks up his call for help and even punish him for asking for help), and one of the most important to pick. Since I haven't finished the campaign, idk if they ever do, but after this ritual, I feel like at least grog and pike should have that deep connection. Also, I know that not all fathers make that implicit promise, a lot of them abandon children and mothers. But I'm talking about scanlan specifically, and he did make that promise.

[@eliasevergreen7763]

11:29 - Stream Starts 12:10 - Sam's Long distance Lootcrate pitch 15:42 - LET THE GAME BEGIN 17:23 - Recap begins --- Feels Train --- 23:26 - Pike chats with Kaylee 24:57 - Grog "chats" with Scanlan 30:21 - The Ritual Begins 32:23 - Grog's contribution 35:19 - Pike's contribution (37:50 #1) 39:05 - Kaylee Flips in (39:21 Clutch healz) 40:06 - Kaylee Plays (41:38 #2!!) --- ---- --- 51:14 - Vex and Her "Date" 52:10 - Watch Your Hands. 53:36 - Subtle Matt, subtle 57:20 - Vax isn't subtle when it comes to his things 1:08:50 - Kerr makes a big mistake 1:09:00 - Pike Wants In 1:11:15 - Grog's Insight Check 1:13:45 - Swamp Ass 1:15:15 - Percy takes it to a very real place 1:25:45 - Fuckin' Voice Actors! 1:32:45 - Keyleth, the Beavis to Vex's Butt-Head 1:34:30 - Vex Visits Vax 1:47:28 - Sam + Kerr (1:48:30 | Kerrek makes his exit) 1:53:58 - Break - 2:09:21 2:22:15 - Kima Breaks Grog 3:27:30 - Grog Heads to The Temple of Kord

[@leavy]

why the hell is this not at the top?!? it’s like 50 threads down >:(

[@AndreBothmaTax]

Abakakabana lakakka z

[@Barnicalsify]

Ooop, there's a typo there. Where it says "Grog's contribution", I think you're meant to put "Travis cuts all the onions."

[@samuelkerr7292]

1:47:28 is my time 😎

[@FFXfever]

+

[@anthonyosborne5856]

The first 30 minutes of this episode are one of the most beautifully heart wrenching DnD scenes ever. Hands down.

[@PaulGuy]

It's been so fun having Rothfuss along for this bit. The guest players are fun, but they're never around long enough to participate in the main story. But Kerr really got to be a part of story history.

[@JtotheMeezy]

Nobody has ever power levelled in such a historical way.

[@UrbanArmada]

Kerr bonked the last Conclave Dragon, I hope he's written into Exandria's lore.

[@wouldiwasshookspeared4087]

He's been an A1 RP guest, I never expected his ass to be so good at combat, considering the difference in levels.

[@atomicbuttocks]

my boy all like kill list: hill giant troll owl bear a funny looking cat an ancient green dragon who assisted in taking over a continent you know normal stuff for an adventurer

[@lordsofmidknight]

As much as i liked Percy and Vex's Resurrection Rituals I think Scanlan's takes the cake

[@3squareddesigns]

Totally agree! I was weeping.

[@danjasonbugayong16]

Did not shed a tear on Vex, laughed at Percy's, cried a bit for Scanlan, Grog made it touching.

[@georgeweasley54]

Vex’s was scary and so fast, Percy’s was just so fucking sad, Scanlan’s was the perfect combination of heartbreaking and funny and sweet.

[@DirtyWeeb]

Certainly closest I’ve come to crying.

[@isaac8734]

I think it also has something to do with matt's description which was far more encompassing this time. The atmospheric details and how he told kaylie part it was very goosebumps inducing.

[@sirpodge]

Ash's poem had me in bits, proper sobbing.

[@katekursive1370]

And when her voice broke? I was done-zo

[@spite_cadet]

Vex: Don't come to my room. Vex: * winks * Everyone: ... Vex: No, SERIOUSLY- comedy gold

[@brokenvow8700]

Timestamp?

[@OBearry]

@@brokenvow8700 55:40 :)

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I think the lady doth protest too much. Comedy gold yes but at a certain point she's digging a hole. Kind of wish Matt had pushed that angle.

[@katieroberts7012]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue ??? Which angle? I just am genuinely confused at what you mean

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

@@katieroberts7012 There is a question there of whether she is joking or not. Vex is deliberately sending mixed signals here and having to deal with the consequences would have been both funny and teach a lesson.

[@ScorchHellfire]

1:51:35 That's how you know Kerrek is a true member of Vox Machina. He ends conversations by walking away. xD

[@RuailleBuaille]

Liam looked so touched by his pulling a Vax lmao

[@TheyCallMeCarg]

The level of mistrust and apprehension over a simple burial of remains is a huge indicator of how thoroughly Matt has broken these people.

[@ParameterGrenze]

It’s a huge indication to Lauras inability as a roleplayer. Everyone was fine with just seeing it through, no matter what comes of it.

[@artemikurski939]

@@ParameterGrenze Not Laura's tough. Pike was the one who suggested to check it for traps, and the group (somewhat reluctantly) picked it up from there. I wouldn't attribute it to Ashley's roleplaying skills, either. She's seen the party suffer the rather bad consequences of seemingly innocent actions and/or carelessness _while she wasn't there,_ so her decision to check if this, too, can backfire is entirely rational - perhaps a bit more from Ashley's perspective than Pike's.

[@antiphon000]

@@ParameterGrenze Huh? Pike was worried first

[@aly6957]

@@ParameterGrenze You mean Ashley's? Either way, there's nothing wrong with be cautious about requests from a super fucking weird guy involved in highly questionable shit. It didn't play out well, obviously, but the initial caution was smart.

[@Benwink2]

@@ParameterGrenzebuddy, it’s literally Ashleigh pioneering the suspicious. Laura / Vex more or less roll with it.

[@Beerbones928]

Travis looked legitimately touched after that little encounter between Grog and Vax 💜💜

[@spite_cadet]

*spoilers* "You taught me to laugh. And I don't wanna see what life is like without that." "But if he's gone forever, I won't be the same." my eyes actually sting from tears right now.

[@aliince9372]

The "I wont be the same" hit hard. The expressions on everyone's faces changed at that line. There's a lot of talk about Grogs part in the ritual, but I think Pike's was perfect.

[@supagirl277]

Just watching Liam whenever those moments happen just breaks my heart

[@NonsenseWithGlasses]

Last episode: "We don't do anything with dignity" This episode: *This box of ashes is up to something!!*

[@JTeenmining]

at least they're consistent

[@andrewc3387]

TO BE FAIR, it feels like everything they trust betrays them. Maybe the box is a trap to poison the trees. There's no telling man >:C

[@jackmack4181]

Pandora’s box anyone

[@DurandalsFate]

Considering that (a.) they were asked to bury a box that is magically locked (b.) where the food is grown for a city that famously deals with major sieges and (c.) this city specifically buries its dead in the Temple of the Raven Queen to prevent anything from being raised inside the walls to attack it, as has been done before, and (d.) burying one's wife is typically not something one puts off for a while and then leaves to a group of strangers, all my alarm bells were ringing during this part of the episode.

[@yoindianbro]

@@DurandalsFate never did sidequests in rpgs huh?

[@nikkbertschman2200]

Grog got me. He got me good. Between last episode and this one he had me tearing up hard. Just his sweet but simple nature. Not knowing what to do but desperately wanting his friend back. It was beautiful. Well done Travis. Grog offered his gauntlets, belt and lovely words but Travis offered that song. That was a big moment. Pike snd Kaley’s too. I don’t want to seem like they weren’t moving as well. That poem was so perfect. Funny snd heartfelt.

[@jeffmann7604]

For real! When he started screaming at everyone "Fix him!" I lost it

[@svensnoek3251]

26:00 just for the sake of it close your eyes. Now you understand why Travis is such a high demand voice actor. Goddamn that voice carries right into your soul.

[@Kfaircloth13457]

I rarely get to watch this. I listen to it at work. Grog in the last episode broke my heart. Vax sounded genuinely heartbroken. It was just wonderful RP from all of them. I even enjoyed how Marisha played Keylith. Trying to be someone who knows that a leader is strong and confident. But unable to think through growing fear and panic. The way most people would be in the same situation. Grasping and trying anything as everything fails and falls apart.

[@jkbarber99]

Oh, wow, I did as you suggested and just. Wow.

[@raediant3307]

EXCELLENT role playing from Travis this ep, oh my god. Especially the bit with Kima after the break :)

[@nik700]

Omg, Liam's face during Pike's poem is brutal

[@Abelhawk]

Man, I was horrified that Scanlan was going to be gone for good. Regardless of any of his effects on combat or anything else, I think he's the most important member of the crew. As a bard, he really should be the last one to die, living to spread word of Vox Machina long after the group has split up or perished. And man, those waterworks when Grog sang his song. :'(

[@sydney4814]

Contrary to what a ton of people say, they are all equally important, people do not give Keyleth nearly the credit she deserves with her Planeshifts and teleport Via plants spells.

[@steveaguilar7510]

Syd Phillius not the point of the original post but you are stating facts.

[@johannmahinay380]

I really think that doing a video based on the StarCraft 2 unit quotes would be a good idea!

[@milanivkovic1680]

@@Ziajin in the actual spell it says that it works here is a chance to fail. And I think Matt roled becous Grogs contribution failed

[@milanivkovic1680]

@@Ziajin In Matt's version there is a chance

[@Klespyrian]

While infrequent and brief, Grog and Percy's interactions are actually some of my favourite throughout this campaign.

[@oliveri3534]

Their fear if the box makes sense when you think of the lid as the door to a very small room.

[@sweebos]

😆

[@ScrubbyBubbles]

Know it's been said but damn Patrick was such a good addition, not just in combat but his overall demeanor and what he added to the story. I was impressed and would love to see him back :-)

[@justadummy8076]

He definitely helps ground the characters and he has good chemistry with them

[@chrisvalentine3122]

I cried so so so hard. So hard. Grog buddy that "please bring him back to me" part was so sincere..............I love you and pike.

[@TurtleWhiskey]

There is now canonically an epidemic of magazine hustlers in Whitestone. Somewhere in the city, a level 2 adventuring party is trying to find the source of this nefarious subscription racket and bring its perpetrators to justice.

[@PaxIesus]

Even better: next time Matt goes off and Liam runs another Evil Campaign, Vox will go a' wheelin' and a' dealin'!

[@PHANTOMCOWGIRL]

I wish this was the campaign my party was playing, but we're currently playing Pathfinder, and currently practically in the front door of the Crypt in the Crypt of the Everflame module.

[@ShadowPhoenix82]

Hahaha, I happened to see this comment before Pike said it. When I got to that point, I died laughing, hahaha

[@katspangler6336]

TIMESTAMPS!!!!!!! ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇ Bringing this back up to the top for the 2022 crew (thanks to Elias Evergreen, Oliver I, & Isabelle Barrett) Some are added by me. Separated by hour. 11:29 - Stream Starts 12:10 - Sam's Long distance Lootcrate pitch 15:42 - LET THE GAME BEGIN 17:23 - Recap begins --- Feels Train --- 20:42 - Part 1 begins 23:26 - Pike chats with Kaylie 24:57 - Grog "chats" with Scanlan 30:21 - The Ritual Begins 32:23 - Grog's contribution 35:19 - Pike's contribution (37:50 #1) 39:05 - Kaylie Flips in (39:21 Clutch healz) 40:06 - Kaylie Plays (41:38 #2!!) --- ---- --- 51:14 - Vex and Her "Date" 52:10 - Watch Your Hands. 53:36 - Subtle Matt, subtle 57:20 - Vax isn't subtle when it comes to his things ~ 1:08:50 - Kerr makes a big mistake 1:09:00 - Pike Wants In 1:11:15 - Grog's Insight Check 1:13:45 - Swamp Ass 1:15:15 - Percy takes it to a very real place 1:26:02 - Fuckin' Voice Actors! 1:32:45 - Keyleth, the Beavis to Vex's Butt-Head 1:34:30 - Vex Visits Vax 1:43:37 - Grand Poobah de Boink 1:44:08 - Taliesin quote 1:47:28 - Sam + Kerr (1:48:30 | Kerrek makes his exit) 1:53:58 - Break - 2:09:21 ~ 2:22:15 - Kima Breaks Grog 2:26:02 ‐ To Greyskull Keep 2:28:47 ‐ Grog and the workshop 2:30:20 ‐ Vax chats with Grog 2:34:48 ‐ No unnecessary fights 2:36:59 ‐ Pike checks the box 2:43:48 ‐ Let's go 2:47:07 ‐ Specifics of Speak to the Dead 2:56:12 - the saddest advantage ~ 3:02:15 ‐ Keyleth asks for directions 3:08:41 ‐ Birth Heart FAQ 3:13:12 - My precious 3:13:21 ‐ Goodbye box 3:16:16 - discussion about Melora's staff 3:19:49-3:21:55 ‐ Keyleth's self-doubt 3:22:35 ‐ Wanna go to the Crucible? 3:26:31 ‐ Grog Heads to The Temple of Kord 3:30:47 ‐ Where they finish for the night/ SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOTTTTTTTTT

[@Picklescape]

Boost!

[@AZ-tf2hx]

Thank you

[@Legion0415]

Bump. And thank you

[@MrExtremeWhite]

Bump

[@moritzmiodek7094]

Boost!

[@tamato5745]

I think this episode cemented that Grog is such a simple yet beautiful soul. Sure he loves to fight, but goddamn. His whole reaction to scanlan and what he did after just hit me so hard. Love that man.

[@-tr0n]

Of mice and men vibes

[@CuriousRobyn]

Matt to Pike: "You're a little thicker than Scanlan. There's nothing wrong with that!" XD

[@sammycritfiddle]

when Pike cries, that's always it for me.

[@benjaminZ20]

Same... Shes so innocent, reminds me of my niece

[@delaraphilip]

benjamin zuniga Ashley’s reaction to her natural 20 is everything.

[@ForeverWog]

When Vax cries, that was it for me.

[@Lockshot84]

Travis is such a great Roleplayer. He floors the party with a look, you sir are an inspiration.

[@Jimmeh0h]

One of the most impressive things about Matt is his ability to keep a straight face

[@angelofdusk13]

I didn't know how deep and thoughtful Grog could be. It's simple, but that's what so beautiful about it. Grog doesn't dress it up, he just says what he feels. I love this and I'm crying.

[@carlosc3753]

You truly can't get enough of Matt's storytelling, the suspense he builds really gets to you and (slight spoiler) the way that he describes Kaylie's playing, it's almost as if you can hear her piece which was beautifully done

[@RDR911]

Carlos C then the entire moment was completely ruined by Marisha metagaming by looking at Matt's dice

[@clevelandreed7013]

I mean he posted it on social media and she had notifications on. The roll already happened and she didn't just yell out "HE MADE IT." You would have to look at her specifically to see it.

[@joshuawilson3388]

I wonder if they asked Lindsey Sterling to play it. That would be epic!

[@cFull_Rtrd]

@@RDR911 oh wow a critical role fan crying about metagaming... seriously though stfu

[@hermesy.c.9668]

These people sometimes are just hilarious. They readily trusted a damn MINDFLAYER at first sight, yet they distrust a box...

[@FunnyFany]

**Victor voice** "Learn from my mistaaaakes..."

[@theanyktos]

To be fair, they've been through some shit since then. And they do (you know, occasionally) learn from their mistakes. Sometimes they just overcompensate a little XD

[@kitten-inside]

See, the box was not looking at them shifty enough.

[@alexhooper6625]

As someone who Roleplays in the third person with his characters, I love Patrick's style. He plays like an author writing a story, and while he doesn't do amazing with dialogue, he gets his points across, and genuinely enjoys the game. He's fun to watch in contrast to the rest of the cast!

[@praisethesun5800]

I like his style too. It makes sense that he plays like he does, since he is an author.

[@evansaschow]

It makes total sense, and I actually quite like it; my only real issue with it though is that it’s a bit jarring compared to how the other PC’s play

[@pestilentsleeper9152]

Evan Chow - it almost makes sense because in a way, he is an outsider playing an outsider

[@marceloescamilla8867]

yeah, its a really good roleplay style. I want to teach it to some of my players who are a bit shy.

[@eirei0789]

Role-playing in third person definitely is much more comfortable for most people. For me, it helps me maintain a certain distance between myself and my PCs. It's interesting how much of a difference in saying "he/she/they" makes as opposed to saying "I". Not saying that role-play in the first person is bad. In fact, that's literally what actors do, as we see with the CR cast all being performers. It allows for better immersion and a deeper connection with the characters. And it certainly requires you to get over feeling incredibly self-conscious (which actors also deal with a lot).

[@elisam.2896]

I mean, jeesh, all the props to Ashley man. Hasnt been there for weeks, wasn't there for the fight or the dying and just comes in, ready to comitt to what is about to happen. To the emotions, to the RPing, to really being there with the others. Her preparing the poem was the cherry on top of that. Also, I gotta say, the relief on their faces when it worked is palpable. They must know Sam is up to something (with the drugs and everything), so I can totally imagine that they don't know what Sam had discussed with Matt regarding Scanlan coming back (same with Talisien for the ritual of Percy). So to have him come back to life, is so layered and awesome.

[@BebeQueens1]

Totally a tiny little moment, but when both Laura and Taliesan started giggling together when Keyleth got a bit upset with Vax about not coming back, it was just so cute if you imagine the two characters both going “oh shit” and giggling

[@kalewolf8504]

i came into the comments looking for someone to say smth abt this AND YESSS I LOVE IT

[@herbertkraft7379]

Wow, this ressurection Ritual was so emotional. Grog and Pike are the best.

[@Pluto137]

most agreed

[@Yuricthebold]

"We used to take baths together." - Vax (Laura begins giggling uncontrollably... guaranteed she thought about Vex and Percy in the bath)

[@Ailieorz]

I have no doubt that's exactly why Liam mentioned it

[@nikkikindinger2718]

Real siblings would avoid bringing that up, ever. :)

[@Alirosa937]

@@nikkikindinger2718 but in canon Vax doesn't know so Liam is doing a little bit of meta humor

[@Naya_3193]

Wow i cried in the previous episode with the "FIX HIM!" and now this ep brought me to tears. Jesus what an amazing show.

[@aliince9372]

Oh boy, have I got news for you about the next episode.

[@warlikemicrobe3058]

Grog's reaction to Scanlan's death is that of a child's. Pure and innocent. The amount of depth this adds to the character makes this so much harder to watch.

[@CERap22]

Bloody Raishan. Wow, what a remarkable villain. She gave the heroes 2 chances to let her be. And when they didn't, she wiped the floor with them. I love it. A truly menacing villain-- the TRUE leader of the Chroma Conclave

[@jesperskov4614]

She didn't really lead the Conclave though, did she? I mean she betrayed them, that's hardly what I'd call leadership.

[@CERap22]

@@jesperskov4614 context is key, my friend. She was the one pulling strings from the jump. Thordak was a force of nature that may have been too much for her to manipulate DIRECTLY-- but manipulate him she did honestly, indeed. That's how a Xanatos Gambit works. You CREATE a perfect outcome from chaos. She thrust VM into a confrontation against Thordak that she would never win alone. And once he died, she had all the tools at her disposal to fulfill her TRUE intentions. She wipes the floor with the heroes both times, and is defeated in the 13th hour by a remarkable stroke of luck. That's a fantastic turn of.events and creates, in my eyes, the most memorable villain in the whole campaign (I personally put her just above the Briarwoods)

[@snarglblargn4986]

I think she had closer ties to vecna than we know

[@jesperskov4614]

@@CERap22 I mean she basically just employed and helped the enemy take down the rest of the conclave. She didn't really lead the Conclave to do anything. She deceived them sure. But at no point did she "lead" them even within the context. The idea of taking Emon and spreading out seemed to be Thordaks. I love the show, Matt is great and all, but I feel like a bunch of people is giving Raishan in particularly credit for stuff she didn't really do, which is a shame since she did do some pretty rad stuff. She didn't masterfully manipulate Thordak and the others to do her bidding, she didn't lead them behind the scenes, she cunningly betrayed and killed them all. Honestly she manipulated Vox Machina more than she did the Conclave, but I would never say she led them.

[@SocialistSadako]

Raishan was the fucking best.

[@thatindiandude4602]

why is Grog to me adorable? he is a violent killing machine.

[@samtrue3]

Because he is a child at heart I hope he can learn how to spell his name someday

[@TheSvmurai]

might be a while with a 4 int lol

[@Atomsk0192]

6. That's almost twice as smart!

[@TheSvmurai]

he has a -2 from pulling from the deck

[@Atomsk0192]

He has a -2 on saves, he still has 6 int

[@Shadow_284]

2:23:56 Grog: "What easy thing can we accomplish?" Cut to an HOUR later..... xD

[@josiahklein70]

Tylerb284 I was so frustrated and impatient that whole time. I wasn't furious, just annoyed that it took a whole hour to perform a relatively simple task.

[@leavy]

Josiah Klein and on the contrary, I was sitting here thinking they weren’t paranoid enough and should spend another hour figuring it out...you can never tell with the Mercerless

[@jameswhitterby6808]

"Steady are the winds caused by the farts of kings." -Lord Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

[@frankyquilavafireblast895]

Here I was thinking Percy was going to go through his stuff and finally find the pistol that was missing

[@Ray_LF]

The look on Matt's face clearly says "Guy just wanted to lay his wifes ashes to rest"

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

The NPC just had a strange demeanor but Matt really let them off the hook and I think that they could hardly believe it. Not to mention that they've lived under the weight of the Chroma Conclave for a great deal of time and are still in a state of wariness.

[@kevinfelton689]

The best McGuffin since Scanlan's spice scene.

[@raized943]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue The NPC had a strange demeanor BECAUSE his wife died and she was literally all he could think about. I remember when he told Vox Machina how long his wife was dead for, and it was something like "x months, x days, x minutes, x seconds". So the dude was just crippled by the fact that he had a perfect memory and could keep track of when his wife died down to science.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

@@raized943 That kind of evolved as play happened though. Senokir's mannerisms wigged them out from the get go and Matt continued to build on that. The point I'm trying to get acrossed here is VM felt something was off AND his request was rather innocuous compared to what he did for them. The funniest thing is Ashley remained unconvinced of the poor fire genasi's complete innocence until Matt gave it to her straight during the campaign wrap-up.

[@eolhinforest7736]

Really, how difficult would it have been to politely ask for a priest of Melora, then lay all their cards on the table and just tell the truth. Explain that they had met this man in the fire plane who did them a good turn, and all he asked in repayment was that they inter the ashes of his wife there. They want to repay their debt to him and respect the wishes of him and his wife, but they don't know him that well, and no one seemed to recognize the name of the wife, who supposedly worked there years ago. They are all paranoid as heck after fighting an ancient green dragon, and are not sure if this is something perfectly safe to do, or if it might be some sinister plot to harm a sacred area. They examined the box (respectfully), and could find nothing wrong with it, but they wouldn't know what might bring harm there. That is all true, and there is nothing shameful or disrespectful in any of it, and the priest could then determine if it was safe, or not, relieving them of some of their burden of paranoia, and it would be kept an eye on even more then it is currently, just in case. They really do over-complicate things. I must admit, my first thought when they were given the box and instructions was that if you wanted to poison or harm that sacred area, and Vasselheim (sp?) overall, that would be the way to do it. Get some innocent dupes to plant something harmful there and starve the city. I can see where their paranoia is coming from, whether it proves true, or not.

[@fartingjellyfish7102]

GROG: is that why god gave us two hands?! XD

[@gabbyb9734]

Grog and Pike had me sobbing this episode. Grogs whole speach to Scanlan was want cracked me and Pike reading the poem when her voice broke when she said she'd never be the same shattered my heart I bawled

[@TheSvmurai]

*Ever-Expanding List of Time Stamps* 12:10 - Sam's Long distance Lootcrate pitch 15:42 - LET THE GAME BEGIN 17:23 - Recap begins --- Feels Train --- 23:26 - Pike chats with Kaylee 24:57 - Grog "chats" with Scanlan 30:21 - The Ritual Begins 32:23 - Grog's contribution 35:19 - Pike's contribution (37:50 #1) 39:05 - Kaylee Flips in (39:21 Clutch healz) 40:06 - Kaylee Plays (41:38 #2!!) --- ---- --- 51:14 - Vex and Her "Date" 52:10 - Watch Your Hands. 53:36 - Subtle Matt, subtle 57:20 - Vax isn't subtle when it comes to his things 1:08:50 - Kerr makes a big mistake 1:09:00 - Pike Wants In 1:11:15 - Grog's Insight Check 1:13:45 - Swamp Ass 1:15:15 - Percy takes it to a very real place 1:25:45 - Fuckin' Voice Actors! 1:32:45 - Keyleth, the Beavis to Vex's Butt-Head 1:34:30 - Vex Visits Vax 1:47:28 - Sam + Kerr (1:48:30 | Kerrek makes his exit) 1:53:58 - Break - 2:09:21 2:22:15 - Kima Breaks Grog 3:27:30 - Grog Heads to The Temple of Kord

[@gunthereinritterdesheilige8436]

1:20:27 pike is thicc confirmed

[@Jamie-fz3zq]

Boost!

[@MrVBros]

I literally cannot decide if Zahra or Kerr is my favorite guest star. Just the interactions Patrick and Mary have with the rest of the cast are so freaking good!

[@garyjorgensen992]

This went from such an emotional episode to the entire party freaking out over a box of ashes. I love D&D

[@copiouskittens3323]

1:35:10 "We used to take baths together" **flashback to the bath scene in episode 82**

[@magiv4205]

Laura, thinking: Now I take baths with someone else Taliesin: *nods knowingly and grins*

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

@@magiv4205 She is flashback to episode 82 as evidenced by her uncontrollable giggling.

[@magiv4205]

@@MorinehtarTheBlue i know lmao

[@jojo22777]

Pretty sure that’s why Liam said it lmao

[@JeshieWafflez]

The one thing I notice a lot that is very interesting, is how unintentionally in-sync the whole group is. 1:26:50 - Without even looking, while Liam was talking about sound effects, Ashley makes the cork pop sound effect at the exact same time Liam hand motions the cork popping off the bottle. xD

[@princessblazena]

She did it?!! I thought Liam was one hell of a ventriloquist, because his mouth didn't move at all 🤣🤣

[@matsh5633]

I think Liam did that with his hands but I'm sooo not sure.

[@kevinopfer116]

Nah, that was Travis, Ashley did a pop sound you do with your lips, but Travis was the one that made the sound you hear.

[@JeshieWafflez]

@@kevinopfer116 Nope. Travis is chewing food. It was Ashley. XD

[@kevinopfer116]

@@JeshieWafflez it's very subtle, but you can see his lips pucker. Ashley attempt at the sound came second later. Look closely, also you have my complete respect for responding to my comment 2+ years later. Well played hahaha

[@BlackChivalrousNerd]

Omg, Grog’s “Hail To Scanlan” Song had me on Me in tears, Pike’s poem just SLAUGHTERED ME.... omg The way these actors truly bring life to these characters... phenomenal

[@Thaxannadrote]

This and the last episode are masterclasses from a godlike voice/improv actor and a legendary storyteller. Travis just destroying anyone and everyone emotionally with Grog's reactions to Scanlan's situation and the fallout. Patrick adding the heartbreak of knowing Kerr has seen this before and known so much loss in his adventures that this is nothing new and he expects all these people he has quickly developed affection for to just be lost at a moments notice and not be savable. And then further learning that there was the potential of saving his own lost companions and desperately wanting to know if he still could save them.

[@DJenser]

The way Travis was asking Matt questions while in character as Grog... Hell, every bit of his dialog... Yeah, I ain't ashamed to admit I got a little choked up. Kudos to you, Travis Willingham. You're one hell of an actor.

[@SPACEHARICE]

I think this is why him and pike hit it off pike sees him differently to how others see him.

[@snarglblargn4986]

I imagine he was choking up singing to Scanlan.

[@l.elizabethcincotta2878]

I like to believe that Grog knows he is in a D&D campaign but is just too dumb to do anything with that information. So like the only way he can think is to ask the mighty DM for permission to do things.

[@trueJEDMAN]

I had to pause the video after Travis' Redskins song and cry for 2 years.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

Halfway through then?

[@wolvo5441]

One more year buddy, keep hydrated!

[@DragothTH]

Damn people beat me to it

[@florian8519]

You need a napkin?

[@paulsimpers7518]

50.00.00 6th 4556664

[@krd24551]

God, between Grog and Pike's offerings, and my love of both Sam and Scanlan, the first 45 minutes of this episode were just tears.

[@codasinger5298]

Congratulations Critical Role, you are the first d&d livestream out of five to keep me entertained for hundreds of hours, provide me with not only an excellent DM but excellent players with excellent characters. And as of now, the first livestream to make me cry, that's hard to do, believe me. You get to me emotionally and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you Critical Role

[@RDR911]

Coda Singer same here! I tried to get into Chris Perkins's Curse of Strahd but the paladin character grinded my gears to no end.

[@puzzlewuzzle6687]

3:16:32 “I found it through a series of very hard and troubling events and circumstances” is a very fantastic quote.

[@renaissancenerd3801]

I love the fact that, since Travis utilized the Redskins fight song as a callback, it shows that Grog wasn't the only one imploring Scanlan to return, Travis was as well. And I doubt this was intended, but I like to think the reason Grog rolled with advantage was because Travis was using the Help action.