How Critical Role Addressed Harmful Relationships

Fjord and Uk'otoa was an incredible example of harmful relationships
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[@rantdmc]

It's beautiful how when Fjord throws the sword into the lava, Taliesin is celebrating silently. And when Fjord goes back to the group, he looks to Caduceus to heal his physical wounds. Later Fjord discovers that his healing, and starting on the path to Paladin, will be mentored by Caduceus too, his spiritual/psychological healer

[@risperdude]

Great take. His growth through C2 was pretty epic, this however was the moment for me I was legitimately glad Molly had died. Caduceus was absolutely critical to Fjord's hero journey.

[@PlayYourRole]

SO true

[@Margar02]

Agree 100% Ford was so sad and lost and vulnerable, and Caduceus was exactly the brother and compass he needed. Made me so proud of Tal!

[@kazeboiii]

Agreed! Of course I really enjoyed Molly, but if we’re truly honest with ourselves, the story of the Mighty Nein would have been an incredibly different one had Molly not died when he did. Not only was Molly’s impact on the party more potent through death, but it opened the door for Caduceus to enter and, when they were all grieving Molly’s death, Cad was just the person they all needed to help them heal and grow as both a group and individuals. We see this the most, I think, with Fjord and his character arc, but Caduceus was integral to everyone’s healing and growth and it was amazing to watch it all unfurl.

[@LegendStormcrow]

@@kazeboiii I couldn't agree more. Not just this, but Molly wasn't gone, not completely at least. A version of Molly re-emerged and the story was all the better for it, because he had not just his friends, but Cad to help him figure out who he was.

[@HugoGojibiter]

Yeah Molly was an early favourite for me, and I would’ve loved to see what came from his story had he stayed alive, but I absolutely think his death served the story in a lot of great ways

[@DaDinoDM]

“You need me, more than I need you.” Gives me chills everytime. Travis is so amazing. Great breakdown!

[@PlayYourRole]

Hahaha this was not supposed to go out yet, I set the publishing time while in a different timezone. WELL, whatcha gonna do. Hope you guys enjoy!

[@nicholas6836]

Honestly… fjord is probably my favourite CR character out of any of the campaigns. And the weird thing is… I don’t know why. Something about him just makes me love him.

[@joell21]

He’s a mix of fun and deep backstory. His character arc was subtle but still mattered. Plus Travis is a great player

[@PlayYourRole]

It was a more down to earth character and I think that grounding really helped keep things even in the party

[@LegendStormcrow]

Him, Caleb, and the preacher that Travis did are mine. Oddly enough, 2 out of 3 are Travis.

[@blingwraith6951]

Yeah Fjord Caleb and Yasha were my favorite. They all had a bit of tragic majesty

[@dovaqueen1110]

Same. I think it's because I relate to him. Maybe it's because I love his character growth. Regardless, I've grown very attached to Fjord and was very scared after episode 98.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

In a Critical Role fanfic, I wrote that Fjord embodied the idea of integrity. The Warlock breaking away from a toxic patron feels like a trope, a storyline I might have heard before. But I love the direction that Fjord takes it and how Caduceus helps him find a new path. Fjord started out as an orphan and then basically gets adopted into two families: The Clays and the Mighty Nein.

[@PlayYourRole]

Also gotta love Fjords last name being stone. That was always amazing

[@spira-virgo5746]

I would love reading that fic!

[@Dani_77709]

Thank you Wildmother for adopting our lost at sea half-orc

[@TaldrenMGMoonGuard]

I love this moment as well. I divorced someone who abused me for 15 years and it started me on a path that eventually ended in me leaving ALL the toxic people in my life. Seeing this was a satisfying reminder of when I took my first step to freedom and it was well worth it.

[@MorganBondelid]

big congratulations to you 💪🤝❤️‍🔥💌

[@c.w.7167]

00:48 Keep weaving those threads my brother!!! The beauty of story telling is how we interpret different symbols and discuss our perspectives. There is no way CR or anyone could account for all of those points of view, so we NEED to discuss them. It adds to our own stories not just in DND, but through life itself.

[@melinnamba]

I think we can learn unfathomably much about psychology and mental health and whatnot from over analysing fictional characters. And often times the creators don't even know themselves what they put into their characters. And they can't really know because they usually aren't experts in those fields. And sometimes fans see something in a character, but the creators deny the character having that condition untill actual mental health professionals pipe up and say "well, if that character walked into my office, they would most certainly get a diagnosis". I figured out that I am aroace and autistic because people over analysed fictional characters that I strongly identified with. And yes, sure, sometimes fans get it wrong and diffrent people see diffrent things in the same character, but it can still be tremendously helpful to discuss these things for fictional characters. We can learn so much from those discussions and if we get it wrong, there wont be any negative consequence for the characters because it can't affect their lives (which btw is why you should never do that to real people). It can help us understand ourselves and the people around us better. And I do find that fantasy settings are especially great for this, because they make the situations a bit more abstract and can mitigate cognitive biases. So, long story short, I do think videos like this are super important and really fun to watch. And I agree with you. Travis probably didn't intent to make Fjord's story arc an analogy for breaking free from an abusive relationship, but that's what it turned out to be.

[@craigjones7343]

Just because Critical Role does not plan out or intend certain storylines, there ARE going to be stories and moments that are powerful in unintended ways. You are 100% correct in pointing this moment out as a powerful example of a unhealthy, toxic, harmful relationship. They likely did not intend it that way but that is just like life.

[@tackyoptic]

it sort of reminds me of the whole grog and craven edge debacle. that was more comparable to a drug addiction/ substance abuse situation, but the whole dependence thing still stands. in that case, grog didn't get help until it was too late. he talked to scanlan about his worries, sure, but it wasn't enough. grog was 100% addicted tot he power that craven edge gave him. grog continued, pushed it too far, and the inevitable withdrawal literally killed him. he was lucky his friends acted so swiftly to save him. and after the incident, he only understood that he was being used by craven edge until after the connection to the sword was severed and keyleth plane-shifted it away. grog would have 100% kept using it- or as talesin/percy put it, the blade would have kept using him instead. but that was good preparation for the sword of kas later on- he was completely transparent with his friends about the cursed sword and he understood that he had to get rid of it once vecna was dealt with. he even brought scanlan and pike with him when he went to hand it over to those temple people, and the only reason he could get rid of it was because his two bestest buddies were there to help him :) even after all that travis still made a character with a cursed blade and a patron, knowing what struggles and pain it might entail for fjord. you don't need to plan these events out in-depth for them to still be accurate portrayals of real-life issues and scenarios. they just happen, and like you said, that's why i find it so damn entertaining to watch these pros work their magic.

[@MorganBondelid]

the human race has been telling each other stories for millennia - Story can be an immensely powerful healing agent ✨

[@RavenDreamer]

*Sword falls* UK'OTOA HAS CHOSEN A NEW CHAMPION!

[@usxxgrant]

Whispers: 'Uk'otoa!'

[@JayskaTeag]

Also whispers: "Uk'otoa"

[@rogofos]

when looking for meaning in the world you either find that which isn't there or are left disappointed with what actually is its good to sometimes dig a little too deep into media and find meaning that wasn't intended it makes this media more meaningful

[@mctoasty1789]

The point where Fjord returns to be healed is just as important to me. He doesn’t go rummaging through things to find a healing potion. He tells someone what generally happened. This speaks to Fjord’s character, Travis as a player, and our own lives. Mechanically, even with Fjord at 1hp, he could take a long rest and be fine, but Travis chose to roleplay through it. He highlights the importance of keeping friends informed of what you might be going through both in a fantasy roleplay setting, and in reality.

[@samuelgiraudo8748]

I think I remember a commenter under your Fjord and Masculinity video talking about how she interpreted his journey as that of a person leaving a toxic relationship. I'm curious, was that comment the inspiration for this video, or were you already thinking of exploring the topic? Loved the video btw :)

[@OneWingedAngelsBand]

I know Campaign 3 is ongoing, but this needs a sequel. I'd love to hear your take on the third part od Fjord's story. Being ordinary and powerless, until the Wild Mother gave him his powers back as well as Star Razor. 🙂

[@blackwell4701]

"It is an example of something we go through in our lives..." "So they're in a volcano." Man, I remember the last time I was placed in a volcano with my bros, 10/10.

[@cryofpaine]

I can barely stand to watch any other media anymore. It all feels flat. The energy that comes from being in that moment and not knowing what comes next is so unique.

[@LegendStormcrow]

Even if it's organic, it's still worth looking into. Perhaps since it wasn't intended, it's even more worth looking into.

[@saparapatepete]

that's some epic improv if it wasn't planned

[@paulsavas2394]

Such a beautiful moment. Nice video!

[@diablo595]

As much as I loved molly am glad that we got Cad.

[@shadowhell8378]

While everyone else is scared of what's happening Taliesin is so proud

[@dashvash5440]

Really interesting and provoking video. It's easy to lose that concept within epic fantasy where fighting, magic, and God's are around every corner.

[@Pyre]

Huh. I needed this today. Whole lot of thoughts going to almost exactly the places Fjord did in that scene, if not significantly worse. About someone I know, for absolute certain, will always pull the same behavior. The Algorithm is a funny thing. Thanks for.

[@zendikarisparkmage2938]

I admire the Fjord was strong enough, physically and emotionally, to EAT YOUR BEANS.

[@BiggerinRealLife]

After a piece of creation is out there it belongs to the audience and takes on a life of its own. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@unleashed_kollok6582]

*SPOILERS* Not to mention the fact that also on C1 Vex dealt with the guy Saundor and how the others reassured her that what she did wasn’t a bad thing and that he was a bad guy

[@MorganBondelid]

it was so powerful to see the way that his words lingered after the battle, and how her loved ones helped her dismantle the remnants of the abuse

[@dee_the_bee3772]

Thats not only in D&D Roleplaying...in all tabeltops the Roleplay can be so great not only D&D :)

[@Margar02]

You're so obviously a PK. No shade whatsoever. Oratory skills can be used for all sorts of things, and you're using yours for inspiration just as legitimately (arguably moreso) than a minister. ❤️👌 You're probably my favorite CR commentary channel. Keep up the great work!

[@LegendStormcrow]

PK? What does that mean. I agree with the rest, and will likely agree with this as well once I understand it.

[@Stettafire]

​@@LegendStormcrow No idea either. The internet lingo has gotten out of control

[@MorganBondelid]

perhaps “Preacher’s Kid”?

[@Aidscapade71]

Anyone complaining about this... Doesn't know anything about subtext. Many times stories are only given surface level writing. Even these d&d shows are only given surface level stuff. It's when you dekve into the subtext that you can find these underlying stories or themes and he's by no means the only one. Pretty much any loved genre has people who dig into the subtext of things.

[@Ms_Succubus]

Do you have any ideas or thoughts on portraying and playing a character that is addicted to drugs/alcohol/cigarettes or whatever it might be?

[@paraschauhan1603]

Unsleeping City - Part II of Dimension 20 has an addiction recovery system.

[@elbruces]

Nott went through an alcoholic recovery arc.

[@mctoasty1789]

I wish more people flavored a warlock’s abilities as more closely related to a sorcerer. The perception that they absolutely must be tied to a patron who has complete and total power over them makes the class feel almost unplayable to me. So many warlock abilities are incredibly interesting mechanically, but I’ll never try out the class if the DM insists on my character only having power if they willingly, or unwillingly, sign their soul away.

[@vee1267]

You might be interested in the Celestial Patron archetype, then. It’s basically “what if a warlock made a partnership with an angel instead of a contract with a devil?”

[@mctoasty1789]

@@vee1267 I actually have tried this since my comment 3 months ago. I was hoping for the sort of thing you described, but the DM insisted that it was a deal for power instead of a partnership. I was very disappointed. I even spoke to the DM beforehand about it. The other players also were obviously disappointed that a warlock was in the party.

[@vee1267]

@@mctoasty1789 sounds like an issue with your DM being stubborn, sorry it didn’t work out :(

[@lugzgaming5074]

You guys know all this is scripted for them, right? That people are writing all these stories for Mercer and the players? Or do you think this is all organic and improved by the players? Please don't tell me that there are people who think that CR isn't scripted....

[@marcoboscarol2420]

Good God dude....

[@SingingSealRiana]

Hihihi, funny. That's why they can compleatly blindside eachother and often times even themselfs with the shit they pull. Look at liams reactions to Scanlan summening the demon to fight the white dragon. Look at Sam calculating again and again until using his counterspell on the 9th slot and breaking down afterwords to Matts horror and how Liam reacts to it. Look at Scanlans Weddinggift... It is not scripted. They work with Matt so he can prepare some stuff regarding their backstories and how they want to play them, they plan some stuff themselfs but having done their homework does not make the whole thing skripted

[@lugzgaming5074]

@@SingingSealRiana It's called acting....

[@MorganBondelid]

Hello, Person Who Has Never Experienced Improv Theater: **Role playing can be like this.** It's very possible to achieve this level of cohesive story without a script. Especially when you have people who know the game, know their characters, and know each other. Plus they are all theater kids and have literally decades of experience telling stories.