The Fancy and the Fooled | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 97 - Live from Chicago!

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Live from Chicago! The Mighty Nein return to Nicodranas, where happy reunions and fantastic makeovers are shadowed by revelations about someone close to the party...
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#CriticalRole #DungeonsAndDragon #MightyNein

[@flandomaltrizian4603]

HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing 3:10 Actual fire 4:55 Cast Intros 5:50 Marisha 6:20 Sam 8:30 Top of the morning 11:20 Laura’s No Merch Corner 12:15 Karaoke Intro cinematic 14:05 Episode Starts 15:55 Recap Ends 18:20 Meditation 20:20 New character designs every week 21:00 A bull in the right places 22:05 Make your own pottery 27:00 First roll 27:30 Dogs and babies 29:55 THE BALLEATER 31:10 Testing Marius 32:55 Orly 35:05 Getting allegiances straight 36:20 Tusktooth lives 37:20 Wind of Eons 39:15 Allegiances immediately forgotten 40:30 Righteous groove 44:25 World nearly saved 45:45 It’s been 47:15 Butt check 49:20 Fond memories 52:30 Introducing the Balleater 53:25 Testing Fjord’s ship knowledge 58:15 Delicious Frumpkin 1:01:35 Watching the ocean 1:03:35 The Mole 1:06:00 Sucks to murder him 1:07:10 Beau loves seagulls 1:08:35 Caduceus gets bad vibes 1:12:10 Brilliant disguise 1:14:00 Awkward party 1:15:05 Passive-aggressive attacks 1:17:30 Remember the tattoo for next time 1:18:35 So Cheaters 1:19:45 Nott hearing 1:23:35 We’ve all got issues 1:25:40 Casual carry 1:27:10 The rare Yashter moment 1:29:00 It’s been 1:29:40 Luc is cute 1:31:40 When you tell your parents about your tattoo 1:33:35 No judgement 1:34:35 When you tell your parents about your cult 1:39:25 Marion can handle it 1:41:10 Prep is important 1:43:40 Occupied 1:45:00 Nott’s goodbyes 1:50:20 Veth Brenatto 1:51:10 Clay in the throat 1:53:25 Welcome back 1:55:45 Time to celebrate 1:56:25 Yeza is a short king 1:57:20 It’s been awhile 1:58:30 Break Starts 2:08:30 Art Montage 2:22:10 Break Ends 2:23:45 Transformation kink 2:32:55 Fjord loves fish, canon 2:34:15 When in Vasselheim 2:34:55 Big feather 2:36:25 Veth is occupied 2:37:50 Outfit planning 2:39:25 Yasha and Beau sample some fish 2:41:35 Everyone’s beautiful 2:43:05 Veth rests comfortably 2:44:10 Caleb’s look 2:44:40 Beau’s look 2:45:25 Fjord’s look 2:46:45 Yasha’s look 2:47:20 Veth’s look 2:47:40 Caduceus’s look 2:47:50 Jester’s look 2:48:55 Marion’s look 2:55:20 Yasha interprets some sign language 2:56:10 Jester pranks Lord Sharp 3:00:25 Compliments good, smarm bad 3:05:55 Beau’s best self 3:07:45 Caduceus dopes up Beau 3:11:30 Tail tucking 3:13:50 Fjord’s hat gets roasted 3:16:25 Summon the Balleater 3:17:20 Caleb and Martinet 3:19:30 Trent is a disappointment 3:23:35 Interrogating Dezmin 3:26:05 Drugging Essik’s drink 3:29:25 Gliding Dezmin away 3:32:50 Plans evolve 3:36:05 Watching the Ruby 3:37:15 Beau is always distracted 3:37:45 Beau isn’t doing great 3:38:45 Interrogating an idiot 3:43:00 Dancing to the Ruby 3:44:35 Trouble with messages 3:49:05 Never trust floating hot boys 3:50:20 Essik’s story 4:00:15 Caleb is Essik’s Mollymauk 4:02:30 You can certainly try 4:03:45 Fjord and Beau are back 4:09:05 Essik’s baby debt 4:11:45 Welcome to the Mighty Nein 4:14:55 Episode Ends The in-game start date for the episode was the 26th of Thunsheer 836. Sam’s flask says “Daaaaaaa Bulls” on a picture of the gorgon (The Bulls are Chicago’s basketball team). What an episode. C2E2 was fantastic, there was so much great cosplay. Thanks to the many people who helped me and other Critters, I’m glad to have shared the weekend with you all. Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?

[@Scottjpg]

57 seconds is definitely a new record

[@tommymartin364]

How

[@mentalwriter]

Flando Maltrizian I need to learn your power

[@alecLogan]

Flando Maltrizian Jumped to the 3:59:10 bit to doublecheck on something, seems to be off by a bit. Reckon the bit that got missed by twitch vod is included in this upload. Specifically off by three minutes twenty-ish seconds; that bit pops up around 4:02:32

[@krishnaparmar5735]

THIS WAS UPLOADED 48 MINUTES AGO HOW?!

[@Aplasticjones]

DM Goals - Your players are so invested in your world they remember there’s a tasty fish store next to a wizards tower.

[@ChevaliersEmeraude]

I mean, it is Yasha's favored terrain! :p

[@AGrumpyPanda]

Not to cut down the point, I find players tend to remember random stuff like that more frequently than actual plot points.

[@wolfheardt4169]

Dexter Campbell that means you world building is better than your plot writing. Nothing to be ashamed of, just need to work on that^^

[@Itakeyomoneyfool]

@@wolfheardt4169 this is a wonderful perspective, and i intend to learn from this as well! Thank you kind sir/madam!

[@Micras08]

​@@wolfheardt4169 I'd even go so far to say that if his world building is what resonates so much with his players he should just focus entirely on that and only focus on writing an overarching plot whenever his players stumble upon something they throw a lot of effort into. I suck at doing this myself, but so many great GMs have a way of making the players almost write their own stories. They know their world, the NPCs and factions within it and that's actually enough to get some plot rolling if the players are invested enough :D I would even imagine that this makes the game a lot more enjoyable for the GM as well, seeing as he really has no idea of what the session in question will be about ^^ All that being said, it never hurts to have an idea of what COULD happen.

[@rdckrson]

Turns out the real villain was the friends we made along the way.

[@jamescanjuggle]

So true

[@benedictroberts678]

Underappreciated comment XD

[@MisterTingles]

you just won the internet.

[@tonyb7615]

its only real if you are legit.

[@ikeekieeki]

he threw them under a bridge

[@dustinb4286]

A real heartwrencher that everyone missed: Jester: "You're not going to betray us again are you Essik?" Essik: "Well that depends . . .if you show me a kindness . . . " Jester: "We've . . . we've done nothing but show you kindness? ? ?" Damn right.

[@chloepetron5775]

And Essek's heartbroken "You're not wrong..."

[@LydiaTereK]

Argh can’t find it, I rmb watching this part, time stamp?

[@marneybrillinger6805]

@@LydiaTereK 4:09:39

[@LydiaTereK]

@@marneybrillinger6805 many thanks

[@ryanweaver3348]

Eh, he has been a tool for them. A "Teleport" button they have mashed whenever they felt like it.

[@chubbykraken]

After so long hidden behind a porcelain mask, it's pretty poetic that her rebirth was accompanied by an explosive shattering of porcelain 😭💕

[@Godless_Homunculus]

Good catch 👏

[@draco894]

😂 if I hadn't watched and known it was a tub... the end sounds like something else😅

[@KittyMax97]

😮🥹

[@Ryuunien]

SO TRUE 😍😍

[@Nerdy_prepper]

Beautifully said❤

[@ScarletRayne008]

YOU GUYS -- this is the first time Marion is being PUBLICLY SEEN WITH HER DAUGHTER!!! What a huge step for them! This makes me so happy!

[@mangalores-x_x]

What makes you think that? Not that she has precisely a job where you want to muddle public and private life. But Jester was not locked away and knows the city and apparently people know her as the Ruby's daughter, hence her exile.

[@ScarletRayne008]

@@mangalores-x_x So far the only ppl that know Jester as Marion's daughter, are the ppl she's expressed that knowledge to (and yeah, nobody really questions it when she tells them - but also, nobody has heard Jester's name and been like "you're the Ruby's daughter!"); so Jester's identity as the daughter of the Ruby of the Sea, wasn't public knowledge, and Marian might have done purposely to protect Jester. And, no while Marian didn't lock Jester away in a tower, a big part of Jester's character is that she was lonely as a child, she didn't leave the Chateau, and she didn't mention any friends beyond the staff there. Also, Marian rarely leaves the Chateau, I think Jester mentions that in a much earlier episode. If you want to see the Ruby of the Sea perform, YOU have to come to HER. That's why Jester is so proud of her mom for coming out to the party, and she's also doing it FOR her daughter - two really big steps for Marian.

[@billyjimbobjr]

And her daughter fricken bailed on her to go maybe torture a guy

[@AGrumpyPanda]

@@mangalores-x_x This is absolutely the first time it's happened. For business reasons Marion kept the fact that she had a daughter secret, and also she's almost never in public in general due to being agoraphobic.

[@AND-od5jt]

I hope you won't be too dissapointed when she's revealed to be a true Mata Hari ;)

[@primeemperor9196]

Travis: What happened to messaging Essick and just prank calling him? Matt: *WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY NEIN, TRAVIS!*

[@TheSpencermacdougall]

One of the best lines in this episode.

[@danieloceansmith3156]

Aaron Floyd anyone else kinda worried about Marion who was left at the party mid performance? Like I’m sure she can handle herself, but it feels like they left a wall flower at a party

[@caepancakeroll6695]

The name is Essek not Essick

[@TheCart54321]

Time stamp ?

[@primeemperor9196]

@@TheCart54321 3:32:52

[@Linerunner99]

Ashley is really dialing in on Yasha now that she's been able to play consistently. The deadpan humor and blunt reactions are giving the character a soul that she frankly lacked for most of the campaign by being basically an NPC. Really enjoying it. And everyone was bringing their a-game for this show. Best episode in quite a while for me.

[@thegaspatthegateway]

Linerunner99 "My friends are getting... *squints* smaller?"

[@setlerking]

“Fish is my favourite terrain”

[@rothgartheviking858]

Ashley was great in this episode. They all are fantastic.

[@joeythemoose]

Just don’t ask her to remember Reckless 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@czowiek9625]

@Kel'Thuzad Yeah, it's almost like it's something they do for fun... Could you imagine that... (lol they deleted their comment)

[@Shaderox]

Essek: just a short meeting and a brief social visit to a party, what's the worst that could happen? Dice gods: and i took that personally.

[@setlerking]

2:36:03 Yasha: “what do you mean? I look very approachable!” Cad: “You look like you’re approaching, like all the time”

[@neilweaver2356]

Was that a Jojo reference?

[@zap4th368]

@@neilweaver2356 "i cant beat the shit out of you without getting closer"

[@Drekromancer]

@@zap4th368 I feel like Yasha's footsteps are always *menacing.*

[@samreid6010]

“Laudna, you’re scary” “Yeah but fun scary” “Laudna, you’re scary scary”

[@joshhaworth2155]

The number of times I bring out the Jojo approaching meme when a melee character in our party is out of range is a lot higher than I'd like to admit.

[@InsolentCrow]

The strange man we found in the woods took me into an alley, told me he was going to make me my best self, and then he put mushroom juice in my eyes- Beauregard Lionett, 2020

[@xEvilRaptorx]

835CE* or whatever in game year it is >.> 😄

[@liamgreen1982]

beauregard lionett. badass, fighter of demons and devils, excessive drinker of alchohol. who did drugs with Molly, where she saw into another plane... but Cads product hit a lot harder

[@rebeccacook8149]

@@xEvilRaptorx very close! Per Flando up top (who I'm sure gets his info from critrolestats) it's 836!

[@aidantheraider6324]

Wait is she immune to drugs (because of monk stuff) or...

[@jonasgrant]

Reminds me of the summer of 2007...

[@DrakeAurum]

Oh, wow. Ashley Johnson hitting Matt with a pitch-perfect "You can certainly try" felt like it was a long time coming.

[@joshualeniger]

My favorite line the whole season...fking epic

[@theginger890]

Time stamp?

[@DrakeAurum]

@@theginger890 4:02:26

[@timibershoff494]

I missed Ashley so much.

[@lowkeylonely4265]

That line was so golden ❤❤❤

[@hatchcrazy]

I will never get over how the Mighty Nein just straight-up Shanghai'd Marius LePual and he's like "sure this is what I do now." I want a novel from his PoV.

[@isaacmiller3386]

Big Ishmael from Moby Dick vibes. "I was bored and hated life so now I'm a sailor and now have to deal with some crazy people bullshit. Everything is fine."

[@princessblazena]

I think it helped that he wasn't alone, the one person (according to Orly when they first met him) who cared about him was on the boat too, so he had an amazing mentor 😌🥰

[@christythut3754]

They totally should have taken the Bad Luck Bandits to Nicodranis and put them on the Balleater and told them - 'here now you have gainful employment, we'll pay you and everything - quit trying to rob us!' Especially after they ran into that 3rd time and it appeared they were trying to go straight - and seemed to be pretty bad at it.

[@jonathanfairchild]

@@christythut3754ngl I felt real bad for them when the M9 stole their furs. Like guys, they’re trying to be good don’t steal from them!

[@Alche_mist]

@@christythut3754 Well the Bad Luck Bandits - I love how this is their fan-official name btw - seemed to still for far better for themselves as trappers than as bandits.

[@Rachel-og8jy]

I’d like to point out that a “thane” is basically another word for a lord, so Essek’s fake name is Lord Lord

[@deffdefying4803]

damn it moon-moon

[@CatCheshire]

Creativity level 100

[@MaskedWeirdosChannel]

In Macbeth didn't they call lords thanes? I'm pretty sure they did. So in Scotland , yes

[@gzer0x]

He lives “around”

[@strixx_-4483]

MaskedWeirdosChannel i literally started reading macbeth yesterday lmao

[@uwukotoa]

The pure, absolute sibling energy Fjord and Beau share along with their one singular shared brain cell is absolutely beautiful.

[@AdiTwriteon]

I think what’s great about it is that rearranging the seating really brought that about. There was little to no interaction between Keyleth and Grog, but Fjord and Beau are besties. I love it.

[@jakeharvey6692]

I saw this immediately after 3:30:15 lol

[@tibot4228]

I love that *Fjord* acts as the brakes to the group, but as soon as *Travis* interacts with Beau, he takes on Travis's chaotic daredevil personality lol

[@andrewbrowning1931]

@@jakeharvey6692 yyghvgg0

[@TheDeist100]

@@tibot4228 ju1 write

[@thewidogasts6527]

Honestly, the fact that the first ever time one of the most powerful transmutation spells in existence, developed by multiple powerful mages over centuries being cast successfully for the first time in some bathtub is so on brand

[@CassieCarryd]

Your name and picture are so awfully great. I hate and love it.

[@lowkeylonely4265]

Oh my God this comment 😂 OH MY GOD YOUR NAME 😱

[@jasonreed7522]

I love how the first casting was so momentus and triumphant and "cinematic" with the failure. And the second casting was done in a 5 star hotel's bathroom. (Medieval 5 star) This is very on brand, and i love it.

[@kamfinley6325]

You cant just have a KZbin name like that

[@OnitaFreeze]

Inside of a brothel no less

[@honeyjackalope]

Of course the most crucial episode of Nott's backstory is when Sam is dressed like a damn Leprechaun.

[@nataliekidd2135]

The best part is it’s pretty tame compared to some of the other live shows.

[@joshhaworth2155]

I mean, that's exactly what I would expect from Sam, to be fair.

[@whitevii1533]

Unfortunately@@joshhaworth2155

[@jonathanfairchild]

It’s a law of critical role. If some deep emotional content is going to happen Sam dresses as a damn fool😂😂

[@Sylarkinesis]

"I long for the simpler days." -Matt Mercer, March 2, 2020 You have no idea..

[@dirttrackart]

Felt that one in my soul

[@BKupchuck57]

Makes me sad now to wonder if we'll ever get a live ep like this again.

[@Serit0nin]

It was actually Feb 27th I think. It was recorded on a Thursday and posted here 4 days later.

[@GMPetti]

Yup. Came here to find a comment like this. Sigh.

[@arlomiller5254]

For every month it's been since you posted this, your comment gets both funnier and sadder.

[@Raichulula]

First time casting transformation spell - In the tower of a foreign wizard ally with an intricately carved ritual circle Second time casting transformation spell - In mom's bathtub wrapped in a green cloak

[@chrisrudolf9839]

Marion Lavore: Probably the only mother in the world who'd simply say "Have fun", when her daughter is off to the bathroom with 3 guys, 2 girls and 50 pounds of clay

[@neerGdyahS]

@@chrisrudolf9839 Didn't take her too long to relax about her daughter being visited by a non-god man her whole life either, after Beau said Jester was in control of things.

[@darkvizardking69]

@@neerGdyahS considering what she does for a living, the idea of her daughter being in control of things is very, promising.

[@neerGdyahS]

@@darkvizardking69 What the Ruby does for a living or Jester? Because that's useful for courtesans, adventurers, and friends of archfey in general. Actually just plain being in control of things is always useful.

[@darkvizardking69]

@@neerGdyahS ruby of course, and knowing that jester is very in control of her life is very fitting.

[@ThatGreyGentleman]

Honestly though, “Ball Eater” is such a brilliant name. Imagine you’re a decorated commander, and you come under fire from the Nein’s ship. Imagine you lose, survive even. Now you have to go back to your king, or your commanding officer, and tell them that you were taken down...by “The Ball Eater”. The shame and humiliation would follow you for the rest of your days. Your reputation would be, in a word, castrated. THAT is why “The Ball Eater” should be feared: because if you suffer defeat at her hands, it literally robs you of your pride. Just a thought.

[@CatCheshire]

Never thought of it, but now I know, what I will do...

[@joshualeniger]

Also it can eat cannon balls and keep sailing/fighting aka unsinkable. Hasn't been proved yet but no one knows that lol

[@fran3ro]

Like those pirates who were defeated in a second with the control water spell in the way back from Darktow.

[@orrusfellin5150]

And you can't be proud of defeating such foe too. - I have defeated the Ball Eater! - ... - What? - We are at war and you are fighting port whores?

[@weaponizedcynicism8021]

Or since its DnD Bhaal the Lord of Murder is a thing since he is taking inspiration from the pantheon.

[@karlwilker579]

I love how one of the Mighty Nein's smoothest plans ever, the capturing of Essek, was basically completely improvised.

[@echoc7213]

I've noticed since of their most badass moments of teamwork have been completely off-the-cuff and improvised, like stealing the beacon back from the guards early on. It's when they start trying to plan and overthink and over- complicate things that it all goes to shit XD

[@Direwolf181]

honestly every time they try and plan it goes to shit XD

[@karlwilker579]

@@Direwolf181 Exhibit A: Sarsaparilla.

[@Direwolf181]

@@karlwilker579 I mean it worked... they just horribly and brutally murdered some guards

[@Dracon350]

@@echoc7213 well the problem arises when they execute a plan, ONE thing goes wrong, and one of them immediately over-corrects (see nott back in uthodurn) and the whole things goes out the window

[@Tyfreaky13]

What caught me off guard was when M9 had a straight up INTERVENTION for Essik, not a "You betrayed us and now have to make up for it or die". It was just straight up a bunch of people trying to figure out the best way to help their friend. You could tell even Matt was caught off guard, trying to make Essik appear like a weasel squirming his way out, and the 9 just kept treating him like a friend who needed help. Matt had no defenses for that whatsoever.

[@neotagatg3238]

I Love how they all let Caleb lead the tone on it and caleb could of gone anywhere, but he went with a straight up if I can become better you can let's be better together. It fit his character so much and shows that caleb has grown a ton as a better person.

[@d4n4nable]

How did he betray them?

[@Tyfreaky13]

@@d4n4nable Watch the episode, its damn near at the beginning 1:03:35 Flando Maltrizian also has it under the heading: The Mole

[@JScorpioN96]

@@spooked_glitch As soon as Liam specified that it was right in the middle of the forehead I realised what he was trying to do, because it was the exact same thing Molly did to Caleb after the Manticore fight. And now excuse me while I go wipe the tears from my face.

[@pokabrows]

Yeah it made me so happy though. Especially for Caleb. That's growth. I remember Liam talking about how he didn't expect Caleb to make so much progress and like this is Caleb showing us just how much he has been able to heal and grow with them.

[@harshpeter]

I think it's safe to say, after turning into a halfling, Veth got *Lucky* .

[@MKelly-gj1tu]

take my like and gtfo...

[@oribennett6520]

Lol, this is excellent

[@Dimloep]

Zing!

[@thearbiterofwv8314]

Atleast she won’t shoot herself with her own crossbow anymore.

[@harshpeter]

@@thearbiterofwv8314 Yeah somebody else can *hit* that now.

[@ShiningwingX]

Lorenzo: Supposed to be a recurring villain according to Matt, Mighty Nein take him down on their very next encounter. Asharnai: The source of Nott/Veth's metamorphosis and clearly intended as an important 'Boss fight'. Beaten with a cupcake. Now Essek: Everything about him suggests that if things had gone differently, he'd have become a villain. Yet because the MN befriended him, he's begun the road to change. I could be missing a few, but it seems to me that the Mighty Nein's method of overcoming villains is snuffing them out before they have a chance to become major threats. Rather it's through strength, guile, or any other means available to them they always cut out the rot before it has a chance to dig in deep. About the only one who came close was Obann, and even then they stopped him short of bringing his plan to fruition. I just love these glorious idiots. They aren't heroes. Heroes clean up the mess. The Mighty Nein don't let the mess form in the first place.

[@neji2401]

As a DM, i imagine Matt taking his notes on how essek was gonna betray the group and gloat surrounded in crackling arcane power - and burning them in a pyre. There's few groups that can befriend a villain to death.

[@ob6733]

Just wait, the inevitable friend is coming

[@itsmetonie]

They got rid of Avantica by talking to her superior... Also, the Mighty Nein might not let the mess form in the first place, but they are a mess (in the best way possible) :D

[@ShiningwingX]

Oh yeah, that's right. And Uka'toa as well by essentially ignoring him. Their greatest foes at this point are their own demons... I can't wait to see how they handle those.

[@ikeekieeki]

they're doing it all for Clarota

[@chrismjkelly]

I find it weirdly symmetrical and comforting that Veth returned to being a halfling in her best friend's mom's bathtub, maybe one of the safest places to be in the water.

[@Drekromancer]

Oh damn. That's really wonderful.

[@OmANnIe]

🥰🥰🥰

[@paramitch]

That's such a beautiful idea. I love it.

[@alishamulford5077]

I didnt need to cry right now.

[@necropious3273]

symmetrical..? I don't think that was the word you were going for.

[@CBeach-vy2xc]

I haven't noticed anyone pointing out Caleb's low-key threat: "We have a limited amount of time, and I would love for you to... see the sunrise." Intense.

[@laurenhawes7201]

Also nobody taliing about the 4 minutes of beau and fjord chaos high on mushrooms

[@poofballoon]

He said that with such sorrow, too. Essek really means a lot to Caleb.

[@samtrue3]

Caleb is the master of threats *think back to when he threatened the bandits*

[@Artrysa]

He sounded a lot like Vax to me.

[@shephawke91]

i still remember how he said 'we're all tired. i'm tired. ... Buuuut... I will go to work if i need to' to that poor sailor that was incredible, Caleb is amazing at threats like that

[@MysticSybil]

Revealing herself to a man who wants her dead because hes perving on her friend is PEAK Jester She SAW Obann being creepy to Yasha when she was mind controlled and know how deeply uncomfortable this has to be for her Jester is a good friend

[@vicorintian]

That was my favorite moment! Jester is so great.

[@Drekromancer]

He's not just a man who wants her dead. He's LITERALLY the man who forced Jester to leave home in the first place. Her entire experience with the M9 never would have happened if this man hadn't threatened her into leaving. But in spite of that, the moment he caused Yasha trouble, Jester jumped out to confront him. No fear, no hesitation - just sheer loyalty. What a good friend.

[@darklord884]

Pranking him yet again is peak foolishness however. Not that he could do much to her most likely, considering her role in the peace talks, but still, meeting him and deterring him from hitting on Yasha is one thing, charming him is...acceptable, but then going out of her way to prank him in the same way when the first one caused her to be forced to leave home, well...dangerous, definitely dangerous. Although I guess that's why we love Jester, she does lots of dangerous, foolish things sometimes. That's how we got the cupcake-hag.

[@melusineshade8538]

@@darklord884 but you know... "fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me"

[@darklord884]

@@melusineshade8538 Except "charming me to effectively brainwash me into doing what she tells me" is a little difficult for me to see as "shame on me." If he trusted her on his own, I'd agree with you, but you seemed to forget she actually charmed him into stepping into her trap.

[@NopeJustPatrick]

I love the personality Ashley has settled into with Yasha, that gentle, almost accidental intimidation that can turn 100% intentional at the drop of a hat. I mean, I know it was always there, but I feel like she's become much more confident in it since she came back.

[@jlokison]

As she said in the fist fight with a feral barbarian, she breaks people. Yasha seems very deliberate for a barbarian at times, when she breaks someone it's not just physically, she goes for the mind and soul as well.

[@willnelson9906]

@@jlokison she broke that one barbarian she fought in fight club without really hurting her, which is something

[@liamgreen1982]

she is a very differnt type of barbarian than grog was. and im all for it. accidental intimidation, but not in any sort of aggressive way. it almost feels naive and poor social skills, that she then just switches on

[@KumaoftheForest]

Yasha’s avoidance to compliments and physical touch

[@Drekromancer]

@@liamgreen1982 Yeah. It's almost like a survival strategy. She developed her strength and intimidating persona to keep herself safe through all the trauma she's experienced. But in spite of it all, deep down, she's quiet, sensitive, fearful, and rather sad. That's what makes her so compelling to me these days: I've realized that her clumsy attempts at being normal are a sign that she's trying to be more than the monster she had to become in order to survive. So when I see her keep trying to be nice, and kind, and gentle - in spite of how often she fails - I see how motivated she is to become something different. And now, I'm rooting for her. She's had a hard, sad life, and she's afraid she'll never get better - but she's holding out hope anyway. That makes me feel like she deserves it.

[@denny-raycarstens5783]

Best quote on episode. “If he says it out loud, then he’s going to have to hear what it is and he’s not going to like who he is when he hears it. I know you’re a good man…. But avarice and fear can often disguise themselves in a good man as strength and righteousness until he’s forced to unveil them in front of people that he trusts. Just say it. We’re here.” - Cadeuceus 3:52:25 ish.

[@thebeaverpope3538]

Fjord doing this Dread Pirate Roberts schtick, "Have you killed anyone yet?" "good afternoon Marius, Have you killed anyone yet?" "good night Marius, Have you killed anyone yet?" "Fine knot tying Marius, Have you killed anyone yet?"

[@tenacityxl]

“Nice swordplay Marius, you killed anyone yet?”

[@jcprofit]

Good night Marius, good work, sleep well, have you killed anyone yet

[@Gaawachan]

@@jcprofit You'll most likely kill someone in the morning.

[@hostile_prof]

Travis' genuine confusion at some of the things Laura does in character is something only marriage can create

[@Lucarioguild7]

Whenever I see that i think about how on Talks when Brian described Jester as Laura's pure id as a tiefling so seeing his reactions to her shenanigans is even more hilarious

[@Levsa399]

My favorite was when she did something and Travis just looked up in disbelief and just went, “… my wife… mother of my son!”

[@jiangju2206]

@@Levsa399 can find the link for me please?

[@Levsa399]

jiang ju

[@calebcraven7409]

@@Levsa399 Isn't after "She comes alone..... But she comes more with another person!" when they were messaging Obann?

[@autisticlizard5468]

"You were told that you weren't needed there, but you insisted regardless-" The life of a DM...

[@jeanvalero1597]

I felt this in my soul

[@Drakoni23]

And it lead to one of my alltime favourite sequence of events in CR.

[@iansminchak5695]

“We are often the last thing something hears before they die… that’s just what I sound like.” Cad is legendary

[@stingerjohnny9951]

Plus it makes sense given he is a Grave Cleric.

[@bartholen]

The reveal moment about [A CERTAIN CHARACTER] just makes me realize what a wholly unique position Mercer occupies in these live shows as a storyteller: he's creating a sprawling fantasy epic, purely from his own imagination without filter or editors, in real time, but he also gets to see the reaction of the audience right then and there. Imagine if G.R.R. Martin read the Red Wedding out loud to an audience of thousands, and that would have been the first time anyone ever knew of it. That's the level we're at.

[@Acenchious]

...and Mercers characters act on themselves.

[@princemills6022]

WoW

[@constantchange1145]

Yeah pretty unique way to create a story

[@darkecofreak23]

I hope Mr. Tolkien would enjoy Matt’s method of storytelling.

[@Xiatter]

I know naysayers get tired of the influence Matt and Critical role have and may point out every flaw and nitpick, but come on. This is such incredibly impressive storytelling.

[@medramonmasquedecendres2966]

Now that Essek is in their debt, they should be asking him who is in the Tal'Dorei Council as thanks

[@ozymandias7392]

medramon masque de cendres Enter the next campaign saga “Return of the Dragons” the Taldorei council burns to the ground

[@slvaltva1392]

"yeah it's a bit of a complicated question actually, since members of the council started mysteriously dying one by one, so it's hard to say really"

[@makaylakraus1897]

I love how Liam just dresses up like Caleb every single time

[@secretlyditto7716]

It brings me so much joy~

[@M00nSlippers]

I'm pretty sure Caleb and Liam share 80% their dna.

[@eastoforion]

when you create a character that is just the real you 😁

[@kariissmol9172]

@@M00nSlippers so does a banana.

[@EmilyGrace-gw7im]

And it is so worthit and I need my own book holsters

[@deshonrivers3217]

I never thought as a grown up another grown man in a leprechaun suit pretending to be a Goblin girl could make me cry but here I am. In tears.

[@KimCarter]

So much crying!!! I wasn’t expecting to feel that way!

[@Heavensrun]

Halfling girl. ;p

[@cloakedfigures1368]

"Maybe you should try friends sometimes" *loads crossbow* "Shame"

[@NecoANONYMOOSE]

*chk tchk*

[@MangoTurtlenova]

Hot Fuzz reference Love it

[@sqwark4523]

Dead 😂

[@DParkerNunya]

"Nott, he might have good intentions." *cocks crossbow again* "Fluffernutter."

[@MysticSybil]

"I hide behind fjord" and now I'm just imagining fjord standing there with a totally inconspicuous GIANT HOT PINK PRINCESS SKIRT sticking out on either side of him

[@blackknight177]

I need to draw this now

[@matthewrobinett1012]

I was gonna like it but it has 666 likes so I’ll leave it exactly where it’s at

[@anastacianikitina5080]

And also she's canonically more ripped than him so it's possible her shoulders are also visible on both sides of Fjord

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@anastacianikitina5080 She’s stronger than him, but she’s canonically skinny and waifish. She’s got that thin, wiry muscle, which I think is hilarious. Imagine being a 200 pound dude and a petite young lady lifts you UP with a big ol smile XD

[@lokilucario]

@@stingerjohnny9951 he's 170ish but yeah still hilarious

[@koljaleffek7290]

2:24:08 "someone" Jester:"DAAAAD, mum needs a new bathtub, she might be happy about a GIFT. Gentleman: "gift? I got you"

[@u.s.s.chucklefucker1657]

MY INSTANTANEOUS THOUGHTS! YESSSSSSSSSS

[@sarahanonymous3770]

Yes! I'm so hopeing she does that (first time watcher, no spoilers please)

[@kjj26k]

The Gentleman: "I bring many gifts"

[@squishmac]

This has to be my absolute favorite episode of the entire series. It has everything: the Essek reveal, Veth's transformation, the best NPCs in Marion, Luc, and Yeza, the Mighty Nein's crazy antics, and Caleb's incredible speech bringing things full circle back to Molly. This episode encapsulates why I love this show and its incredibly talented cast so much.

[@acomet2509]

To Molly? How did it relate to Molly?

[@squishmac]

@@acomet2509 Caleb kisses Essek on the forehead like Molly did to him when he was spiraling early on in the series, and he also references Molly's "Leave things better than he found it" line

[@acomet2509]

@@squishmac oooooh

[@drengr2759]

@@squishmac Oh dang I totally forgot that.

[@AWindy94]

The only NPC that wasn't there, that's a fave of mine, is Pumat; but he did get a mention.

[@JohnDoe-nq4du]

"Villains beware, 'cause you're about to be dead." Or worse, fed a blueberry cupcake.

[@Danny191]

I’m never going to look at cupcakes the same way again after that trick

[@yasminafarih3681]

The best cupcake of your life!

[@WanderingWallflower97]

“Villains beware, ‘cause you’re about to be fed.”

[@joshhaworth2155]

@@WanderingWallflower97 Beat me to it.

[@ScorchHellfire]

And then have their memories tampered with by a trickster cleric.

[@meganpierson7137]

On the bright side they don't owe Essik any favors anymore

[@MrK133n]

He owes them.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I was thinking the same thing. Then I realized it goes beyond debt because as pure as their intentions may be this has a huge potential to turn in to blackmail.

[@CompassRoseCreates]

I love how with every passing Episode Fjord is slowly becoming Sokka

[@chrisstone1064]

I’ve had that thought at least 50 times

[@Will_Grey]

I had so much respect for him for the first like 10-30 episodes.

[@quinnlee-newbury9003]

Omg lol. Except Sokka gets more and more badass and Fjord (tho I love him dearly) is getting more and more silly

[@bdletoast09]

@@quinnlee-newbury9003 He still has his badass moments. I love how Travis decided that Fjord having finished his personnel quest is now just here to be present for the rest of the Nein. He has a cool big bro vibe that I really dig.

[@phillipriehl8974]

Prof. Toast “finished”

[@sfvgrol3533]

Yasha: "You can certainly try" Matt: "You dare use my own spells against me, Orphan Maker?"

[@alishamulford5077]

Timestamp?

[@bekbowen8671]

@@alishamulford5077 4:02:40

[@Rellyks]

"Do not cite the old magic to me, witch. I was there when it was written!"

[@thecreator6568]

the lil fist bump was the greatest

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@Rellyks Remind me what that’s from?

[@kaelahinson7190]

Caleb episode 20: *runs when he hears ikethons name* Caleb episode 97: *asks for a meeting with ikethon* Now thats what i call character development

[@NWolfsson]

Brian W. D. Foster: Jogging murderer/dealer Sam Riegel: Leprechaun Laura Bailey: Cute flowery lady Taliesin: Shiny mohawked goth Ashley: Elvira, Mistress of the Moths Matt: Basically Artagan Marisha: Green Princess of the 9th Dimension Liam: Basically Caleb ... Travis: Didn't get the memo.

[@AllHailSp00nRiver]

Usually it's Sam who doesn't get the memo. I'm imagining there is a secret memo that everyone has to skip the memo each memo.

[@teacooper6485]

I suggest a different name for Travis : buff nerd dad type vibe

[@lucasm.3864]

Travis: Travis

[@natalieharmon3491]

I THINK MATT WAS GREEN YASHA

[@RevanZim]

Maybe he just... fjorgot.

[@stryde4421]

Oh no, Marion is going to finish her performance and find herself left at a party she didn't want to go to, had terrible anxiety about, and discover her daughter, the reason she pushed herself to overcome that fear, left the party without her

[@homieseaotter5190]

Great, now I’m sad

[@dungeonlessdm6914]

what is the timestamp for this? cus I don't know if that happens this episode.

[@monsta6501]

Jester and Fjord went back for her in the next episode. She was ok

[@DaDinoDM]

was thinking of this the ENTIRE TIME after they left her singing! She must be so scared! Her Mighty Nein Escort just vanishes. :/

[@jayclinton2801]

I just commented on the same topic having only just caught up, I'm SO glad there are others

[@syberskiwolfmoon9807]

Matt trying so hard to have Essek escape, and Caduceus just hits him with Command. That was just failed rolls on Essek's part and successes on the Nein so many times that it was actually hilarious.

[@alhemičarka]

Gotta love when the dice WANT to go with the story

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@alhemičarka The Spirits that Haunt this Show out of Boredom: No no…let’s see where this goes.

[@nataliekidd2135]

The reserved sigh as the cuffs landed on his hands got me so good. 😂😂😂

[@DaveTpletsch]

Ashley Johnson is KILLING it with those one liners!!! she destroys me every time she opens her mouth.

[@Overdonespawn]

I feel they are a sign that she's is starting to get comfortable as a full time member of the cast again

[@woutv.m.808]

Let's hope so, cuz I'm not really feeling her character. I'm not sure if it's the awkward lack of improv in contrast with everyone else's abundance that's funny or if Yasha is really meant to be this flat & generally not very aware of what everyone else is talking about.

[@Attentiv4k]

@@Overdonespawn I agree. Must have been hard being away ( and out of character ) for such long periods of time. I think she kills it every time with Yasha now ( pun intended)

[@murdeoc]

We haven't had any backstory either since she broke free from Obann did we?

[@elfireii328]

were getting bits of insight on yashas character with the bar fight and hag. hopfully well get more of that as the story progresses.

[@navohari9434]

I would just like to point out we went from debating if dogs or babies tasted better and 3000 people screaming “BALLEATER” to a horrible betrayal, family reuniting, a character tripping balls in public and then ending on a heartfelt group intervention. In a single episode. Welcome to the Mighty Nein.

[@zackgeldhof1206]

Welcome to the Mighty Nein! XD

[@tonyb7615]

context tho. i work a gas station. i serve crack heads and meth heads. but they can tell i despise them.

[@deffdefying4803]

@@tonyb7615 ok...?

[@lilypad852]

Yup yup yup yup yup yup. Classic in the making.

[@LuckasSilver]

XD Sam's first "Did it work?" before the "Clay in my throat" comment made me realize he probably could do a feminine voice the entire campaign and instead chose the Nott/Veth voice we all know and love. It also made me realize that he could probably play a sexy female character and I don't know what to do with this information. Edit: I wasn't expecting this comment to get this much attention. Thanks to all the like-minded people!

[@MisterTingles]

it's a mildly challenging wank, especially with that outfit to look at...

[@roseclouds5838]

any holes a goal if you’re brave enough

[@davidparkes7741]

What if you're Nott Brave? (Intentional misspelling is intentional).

[@Baraz_Red]

I hope he does smooth out the voice *a bit* for the Hobbit form.

[@johnevans8752]

Sam as a femme fatale. Oh my

[@dragonite77]

"You should just apologize to everyone you've ever met." is such a brutal burn and I love it.

[@SinerAthin]

Who would win: An organization of the most skilled, powerful, resourceful and ambitious high level magi in the whole nation or 1 first-level summon familiar spell

[@yasminafarih3681]

I was sincerely surprised that work. I was SURE they would've had caught/destroyed Frumkin

[@evanwilson9493]

I mean, it wouldn't be dispelled, and frumpkin doesn't have good stats and easily could have been discovered with a mediocre roll. This episode almost went very differently.

[@ozymandias7392]

Damia Savon Best way to play such high tier masters of the arcane. So sure of the intricacies in the plans and antics to spy on them that they dare not even begin to think of the million other ways to be searched upon.

[@jtroxler8]

What, you guys DONT make wisdom your dump stat when you make a wizard?

[@TheSpencermacdougall]

@@jtroxler8 I know this was a joke,but to answer the rhetorical question,no,l make strength the dump stat.

[@jodracona2722]

A wizard-on-wizard athletics skill challenge was truly up to the dice, huh?

[@lowkeylonely4265]

😂😂 Two spaghetti noodles arm wrestling

[@bumblewyn]

literally what i was thinking 🤣

[@deleria010]

The dice wanted Essek to stay.

[@namespara6669]

" You are a broken person who had ill intentions and wandered aimlessly into a path that you had no idea how to complete. And yet, somehow, along the way, you found a heart. You sound like ALL of us. " Nott didn't say much but that is definitly the most wholesome thing she said during the conversation. Welcome to the mighty nein.

[@matthijsclaessen8152]

Sam's not my favourite by far. But that gave me goosebumps. Perfect.

[@Baraz_Red]

Wizard of Oz popped inside my mind of course, but the M9 inclusion was a sweet surprise to seal the deal. Nice ending punch.

[@Suralin0]

Don't you mean Veth?

[@namespara6669]

@@Suralin0 Damn yea you're right! Force of habit i guess haha

[@philsajor6724]

what an epic way to end the show. truly one of the most emotional and memorable lines of this campaign. WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY NEIN!

[@konstance13]

I really like when Nott is saying her potential goodbyes, it seemed like she and Yasha are just joking around, but they end on the serious note of her offering Nott alcohol as one last test and Nott finally declining it. Really lovely moment of growth.

[@RuailleBuaille]

You can see that Sam's tearing up while Matt's describing the bathtub transformation. It's must have been very hard for him to say goodbye to Nott as she was after embodying her for so long.

[@coleallen8425]

Matt: I give you the chance to name your one and only fanta- Liam: Hey guys what’s the ship called again? Crowd: THE BALL EATER!!! Matt: Shame... I really liked Caleb.

[@gaminggambeson6553]

Correction, Matt: Shame, I really liked *Liam*

[@TehBunnieh]

C1 - Percy & Taryon: "Science Bros" C2 - Caleb & Essek: "Arcane Bros"

[@poofballoon]

"bros"

[@C_Bat]

Fjord & Cadeuceus: "Wild Bros"

[@TehBunnieh]

@@C_Bat maybe not bros but how about a literal take on "Forces of Nature" haha

[@lukaszboczar2441]

@@TehBunnieh fjorces

[@TehBunnieh]

@@lukaszboczar2441 Hahaha, I'd say that's a bit one sided to fjord, but technically cadeuces ends with ces hahaha

[@ethanharris1903]

1:46:00 Man dressed as leprechaun roleplays as alcoholic goblin woman telling a human parent-killing wizard that she loves him. DnD my guys, it doesn't get better than this

[@ace0071000]

They entertained a plan which would make a voice actor play a half-orc warlock, who plays a drow wizard, who plays a Dwendolian noble

[@twmundt]

@@ace0071000 I'm a dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude.

[@shinybugg9156]

The part that really impresses me is that they are so good at it that it's still a touching scene

[@phoenixdzk]

Nott rolled a 30 sleight of hand Matt: no one could've noticed that! Flashback to C1's final live show of Vex screaming ' I have a passive perception of 34, Scanlan!'

[@slywolfe]

How is that even possible? :0

[@DespadaPlaysGames]

@@slywolfe She has Expertise in Perception along with the Observant feat, taking into account her decent Wisdom stat, it's not surprising that her Passive Perception is so high.

[@GravityAP]

I didn’t watch C1 but did she have a wisdom of 24 or passive advantage on perception? Cuz max passive you can build for is 10+5+5+6+6 for 32

[@phoenixdzk]

@@GravityAP she got a boost from a blessing, it's a story milestone

[@JRTIntervencion]

Also C1 is weird because it started as a pathfinder game, so there're some crazy high numbers at times XD

[@SamuraiPanda201]

Chicago live show outfits: Laura: Springtime Sunday Best Jester Taliesin: Fab vampire Ashley: Velveteen sky cat Sam: A Fey-Touched Leprechaun Liam: Indiana Jones Caleb Travis: Dad taking his kids trick-or-treating Matt: The Traveller Marisha: Artagan of the Gaywild Brian: Retired pirate, now a work-from-home Dad

[@erencanaslan7989]

Artagan of the GAYWILD HAHAHSHSHSHSH

[@Kasukilex]

I'm cackling over "Artagan of the Gaywild"!!

[@babblingmongoose]

"velveteen sky cat" is just so extremely perfect!!

[@platinumraven118]

As a DM, I adore the Mighty Nein dropping 25 plat on their formal wear, because nothing says successful adventures like showing up to a palace party in true finery, and just being eccentrics.

[@jamescanjuggle]

I love how this episode happened as a direct consequence of the M9 deciding they would go down a hole for a few days.

[@alecLogan]

James Trotman Stretching it further back, a consequence of them bending a sympathetic ear to a drow that had moments before tried to kill them in the sewers, and stealing a shiny rock from under the noses of armed guards.

[@jamescanjuggle]

@@alecLogan oh wow your right, even though they killed the guy, M9 did carry out his dying wish xD

[@wesleybradshaw2609]

This whole time I thought drow were bug people

[@duffman2625]

Half the episodes so far have happened as a direct consequence of that, but especially this one

[@Pakkuzou]

@@jamescanjuggle They didnt kill him, they decided to let him go, only to find out he got caught and killed anyway. So they stole the beacon.

[@SquishyPanda003]

I'm so impressed and proud of how Jester's Mom did her best to face her Agoraphobia in support of her daughter. I know it's a very small moment but I just wanted to take a moment to honor her because that is very powerful.

[@wolfnote6679]

More love to this comment. Tbh when the campaign started I thought I wouldn't like jesters mom and then we met her and I'm like this is the coolest lady ever

[@imperialknight3942]

And then abandoned by Jester..... dun dun duhhhn.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@wolfnote6679 im guessing by Jester’s childish behavior, you assumed she was neglectful and Jester just deluded herself into idolizing her? I was worried about the same thing, and I’m SO glad Matt didn’t go that route, even if it would make sense with the theme of “blood vs found family.” Marion is one of my favorite NPCs in campaign two, and I’m glad she got a happy ending.

[@wolfnote6679]

@@stingerjohnny9951 Exactly that. I was like this is a 28(?) year old adult??? NANI DA fuq did your mom not love you? Are you starved for attention? Do you need a hug!? But instead... Naw jesters just jester. A Marion turned out to be such a multi level npc with a intricate backstory woven into it.

[@MATTHEWTESAR-k5d]

Are we just glossing over the fact that MARION NEVER TOOK JESTER OUT OF THE HOUSE? the reason the traveler was so easy to influence jester was because jester had no friends of her age and no outside contact beyond her 4 walls.

[@user-kt9mu2fo7f]

Liams’s face when Ashley calls it the fish market her favored terrain kills meeee

[@szylaj]

hi, im not native in english and this whole fish market joke kinda didnt conect with me, what was it about?

[@leandroa3833]

@@szylaj because she's lesbian and fish is a way to refer to da pussy

[@Ross_mo]

@@szylaj I missed it too at first. It's... a joke about eating girls out. cos people often say that pussies smell like fish

[@gavinlangston603]

It's a triple entendre because I think she played a ranger in the first campaign? I have seen maybe half of an episode of C1

[@lauralide4804]

@@gavinlangston603 Not exactly! She was a cleric. Laura played a ranger though!

[@lucasm.3864]

His first mistake was thinking he could predict what The Mighty Nein we’re going to do. Not even *they* know what they are going to do. I hope someone picks Marion back up from the party.

[@herz5159]

Laura said she knows Marion is at the party and will come back for her

[@artygunnar]

Me too!

[@amandajohnson3531]

@@herz5159 Oh thank the gods, the chat was freaking out about them leaving her.

[@Chibipayne]

@@amandajohnson3531 the chat freaks out about anything and everything lol

[@princessblazena]

@@Chibipayne true! But it does make being in the chat exciting!!😁🤣

[@andrewjustice210]

For anybody interested, the paralyzing agent that Veth used on Essek was from a Shoosuva. And technically it’s DC is a 14CON, so Matt was pretty dang close for *nott* knowing where it came from. They obtained it in “Feral Business” C2x52 at approx the 3hr 25min mark

[@slywolfe]

Thank you! This needs way more likes.

[@CallistoTheWarriorQueen]

He also says it would become diluted over time so it makes sense that the DC would be lower now, even though it was by accident.

[@Bojack361]

Solid research Brother

[@violet7773]

Moral of the story is make sure you note down what monster you collect stuff from so your DM can get the DC right when you pull it out a year later for shenanigans

[@isidorex]

Caleb: Kisses Essek on the forehead Me: can hear the sound of thousands of pens hitting paper all the way from Canada

[@forgemakesstuff2734]

WRITE THAT DOWN!! WRITE THAT DOWNNNNNN!

[@nikkikindinger2718]

The whole audience got excited at that moment. I think everyone is wanting Caleb and Essek to hook up.

[@slvaltva1392]

I mean nott and jester started with the ship like 10 episodes ago

[@kimmyyy1164]

I actually laughed so hard I started coughing

[@mosslings]

I loooove that everyone comes out to dramatically reveal their special clothes and costumes, and then Travis storms out in his usual jeans and hoodie! It's so cute! Also would wear Ashley's outfit to work 10/10

[@Caitydid561]

I want to know where Ashley found that dress! It's freaking gorgeous!

[@rosiecooper8030]

@@Caitydid561 I think there's a crit role closet page on Instagram that found it

[@AM-hf9kk]

Yeah, I was going "WTF is on their faces?" and then Travis is just... Travis. Gotta love Liam though; barely outside of what he might wear on the street, but it screams Caleb.

[@darkecofreak23]

Travis is absolutely my favorite for that. I would show up just like that, too.

[@Clayer001]

@@Caitydid561 I'm late to this cause I've been catching up but her dress is from 'fashion brand company' Big fan of the brand and I've noticed her wearing a few of their other stuff like 'daddy shirt' a few eps ago. so sick.

[@jennaguthrie1673]

"it gonna feel real bad when we kill him!" pls no sir thats my emotional support evil wizard ;-;

[@CD_BB]

No he’s good don’t call him evil he’s still good!!!

[@mistamemewide]

-Caleb Widogast

[@DaWhiteWolffie]

This made me want to laugh and cry at the same time! haha :(

[@Xander77Ru]

@@CD_BB It's just a little light treason, he's still good, he's still good. Just a minor war with a few thousand casualties, he's still good, he's still good!

[@bignumbers]

It's Caleb who's evil tbh

[@josescalcagno]

That moment when you realize Veth, who has a loving and suporting family, is controlling her drinking and is no longer a Goblin, has basically become the character with less issues in the party.

[@flawlix]

José Solís Though given the incident the paralysis vial, poor impulse control seems to be a Veth thing rather than a goblin thing. (Not that I’m complaining, that led to some great moments.)

[@sofer2230]

@@flawlix For Nott, drinking was never an impulse. It was her wanting to feel like a halfling again (advantage on saving throws against being frightened).

[@habama1077]

@@sofer2230 I doubt it was specifically to feel halfling (One gameplay element the character doesn't even know). Some people just turn to drink when they have issues, and Nott happened to have lots of them during her goblin life.

[@flawlix]

Shai Ofer That’s not exactly true. Sam has commented previously that being a goblin sort of concentrated things about Veth’s personality that were present before (e.g., a tendency to collect things became kleptomania; enjoying wine became alcoholism). Makes sense that it would be the same for her impulse control.

[@novaiscool1]

@@habama1077 if you had an incident that dramatically changed you, you would still remember things about the old you. Nott would still remember being more brave than she was as a goblin, and knowing that when she's drunk gets back that feeling of bravery. If it was as easy as becoming an alcoholic to restore the things I've lost over my life I would be hammered at all hours.

[@artemis7913]

A room filled with 3000+ people. Completely silent, listening to Liam O´Brien. Look at this f+cking actor, everybody.

[@h0n0lulu83]

Fully agree. I noticed I had to take a really deep breath when Matt broke that interaction - because I had been breathing so shallowly throughout the whole interaction, eyes glued to the screen so as not to miss even the tiniest thing 😮

[@gregissimo6700]

My favorite moment by far - random soldier giving into dancing with the M9.

[@mkang8782]

Harkens back to the "Cuban Pete" scene in "The Mask".

[@gregissimo6700]

@@mkang8782 you're so damn right. :D

[@czowiek9625]

Timestamp?

[@ShardReaper]

I love this episode for being just a narrative and gameplay delight...and also hate it because one of top 5 moments of the campaign now involves its central character dressed like he murdered the Lucky Charms mascot and stole his identity

[@thoronbar]

Boosting for that analogy

[@David_Blake91]

I mean even Liam said that he did not imagined this moment like this! :D

[@alecLogan]

ShardReaper Is it not on-brand for the character? I’m confused.

[@Kay_Sea251]

@@alecLogan It's more on brand for Sam, honestly.

[@jargamund]

Perfect.

[@JamiTake2]

3000 people Yelling "The Ball-Eater" must feel so surreal. like that's 3000 people saying the joke name of a make-believe ship 7 nerds created with playing dnd. like when you really think about it that must be an incredible.

[@fisharepeopletoo9653]

I just think the fact that they're playing dnd with an audience at all is incredible! Obviously what you said too, but I've played dnd for years and no one has cared lol

[@c0niferal]

That moment at the end when they all bow really rammed that home for me, like they suddenly just became a group of really good friends that give so much joy to so many people. Idk, just how surreal it must be for them really struck me 😅

[@darkecofreak23]

The Mole: After what I did, you can just... The M9 to the Mole: Do you really think we care for you so little that betraying us would make a difference?

[@LiquidxAngel]

oh man... best crossover tie-in. I felt that one.

[@dull_demon4717]

best use of that quote

[@eater_of_grass_beater_of_ass]

Ok I just wanted to say thank you for not putting their name because I saw this comment like 4 minutes in at first 😅

[@ryanbradley5557]

Man that is an amazing pull.

[@kjj26k]

Man, what's that fron again?

[@Willlovespeanutbutter]

Caleb: I’m looking for protection. Jester: from? Caleb: death. Yasha: we all die at some point. Me watching at home: So why not subscribe? *clock noises*

[@subsonic6642]

Memento mori.

[@alexisross9343]

Unus. Annus. unus. ANNUS.

[@nerdy-kat1293]

Momento Mori I've found my people

[@alexwantsbeans2230]

Memento Mori.

[@merpac_]

even on critical role, they are here...

[@leo_the_deer4007]

Travis: " I thought we were messaging Essek and doing a prank with him!" Matt: *"WELCOME TO THE MIGHTY NEIN TRAVIS"* (3:32:52 btw) And hey wow thanks people :0

[@waywardh9528]

That was such a great moment

[@stanbrusky85]

This needs more likes and comments people, that was matt 100% as a dm just venting right then. Also timestamp please if flando didn't already.

[@waywardh9528]

Agreed! It's the 3:32:50 timestamp btw

[@murdeoc]

100% that was Matt showing us what it's like to be him :)

[@xAugustx11]

the whole time I was like "BUT WHY THOUGH SAM, WHY PARALYZE HIM WHAT DOES THAT DO?!?!"... 30seconds later "BUT WHY LIAM, WHY SHACKLE HIM, WHAT DOES THAT DOOOO?!"

[@TANKFORST1]

I want a shirt that says "Its gonna feel real bad when we kill him" and on the back "#NottMyBestfriend"

[@georginamcmahon5660]

yes!!! I need that so bad

[@narcolepticcow807]

Matt ages ago, giving the party a bunch of situational magic items: they could do something fun with these. Matt now, watching the party use them all for this one situation: I regret everything.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Hate to say it, but Matt regretted everything when a certain hag ate a cupcake. Which was topped with a situational magic item... ...and we all know how _that_ went. Lol

[@stingerjohnny9951]

@@isaiahwelch8066 We are often the architects of our own destruction 🤣

[@sethclark6593]

"This is the year, we reclaim our dignity!" Liam O'Brian (S2 E1) "Is this the year, we reclaim our dignity?" Liam O'Brian (S2 97) @2:40:0

[@johngaller9277]

"I forgot to ask Martinet if he wanted a tattoo.". We really don't deserve Laura Bailey.

[@andruloni]

The sigh and all that. perfect

[@ScarletxKitsune]

"I cast charm person." THE BALLS ON JESTER.

[@fellith4295]

Her balls are so huge they had to put them on her chest

[@afinchinthedark]

@@fellith4295 thats why they call them "chesticles"

[@kitten-inside]

Scanlan would be so proud.

[@phoenixdzk]

Wow, Essek's floating game is so strong even dispel magic can't bring him down

[@nikkithesim1518]

Essek to Ludinus: Maybe... you should try friends sometime.😔 Nott: It's gonna feel real bad when we kill him! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@OmANnIe]

It was deserved at that moment

[@StevoM08]

"Do you have a bath tub?" "I have a very nice bath tub." "Can we fill it with clay?" *looks at Caduceus "Just clean out the drain, yeah?"

[@toshomni9478]

Cut to them exploding the bathtub an hour later. The M9 are the worst guests ever.

[@Mixtape804]

3:28:45 "Beyond the eyes of the gods behind the Divine Gates, their watching Nott going, "oh shit. How'd that happen"

[@jlokison]

Well Jester has been flabbergasting them for awhile, they should start expecting shocks from this group.

[@robertbartley2409]

Unless you have 20 wisdom +5 perception expertise which is +12 observant feat which is +5 which gives a 22 bonus so you just need an 8 or higher

[@jovianarsenic6893]

@@robertbartley2409 Usually stealth is against passive perception (also observant is only for passive perception and investigation, but it works this time). So a +20 to perception would do it. With expertise, observant and wis of +5, it's possible at level 13 (proficiency of 5 * 2).

[@ghostwider7111]

@@jovianarsenic6893 Doesn't factor in that Nott was also invisible?

[@Drekromancer]

@@ghostwider7111 Good point. That means they probably need to roll with disadvantage, and still get the values listed earlier.

[@saintmace9183]

Beau: if he has good intentions why is he hiding? The irony is Even when the MN is on official business they lie about it to the authorities

[@danielle5384]

The auto closed captions calls Nicodranas "naked rawness" and this is now my head cannon.

[@alexwantsbeans2230]

Danielle Gooden direct translation

[@dangaulzetti2923]

Yeah I'm used to the CC being exceptionally good on CR youtube. This one got even easy words wrong

[@BrennanFensling]

@@dangaulzetti2923 I think it's because they used to have people that would go over the CCs, but now they just push them through directly from auto-captions

[@NewtNova]

@@BrennanFensling I have seen episodes that initially had this auto-captions and then were replaced by actual good CC touched by a human being xD so I assumed they would eventually do the same for this episode but... it's been months now :l

[@00Fiddlesticks00]

If only the CR crew knew about his

[@hfar_in_the_sky]

A different note, this episode has just confirmed for me that Fjord and Beau are basically a buddy cop duo and I love it! XD

[@Scaramanga7]

A pity Travis never told her he's too old for this ...

[@Daedalus1231]

This episode is quite possibly the greatest episode of Critical Role ever. Beautiful emotions mixed with hilarious comedy where each character has their moment to shine. Plus it's live so the audience reactions make it all the more spectacular.

[@ChinaTawrey]

this 100%. hard to believe it's not like 7 hrs long considering how much happens & how many amazing moments there are, this episode is a gem in every way

[@OnyxGaming_]

Definitely up there a one of the best, some of the recent ones have been true works of art tho

[@brettpetty7840]

I love the live ones, seems like they get even more silly in front of a crowd

[@oliviahaglund8978]

Exactly. I usually hate live episodes but this one was....iconic.

[@dirkboch128]

@@brettpetty7840 This is exactly the reason I dislike the live shows. This was ok however, the end saved it.

[@isaacgraff8288]

"What are you doing?" Essek: Getting kidnapped apparently.

[@Feyolen]

I LOVE how Mercer has now accidentally ended up with a DMPC

[@shinykitsunelive]

"Did they put alcohol IN your fish?" -Fjord Stone

[@JohnDoe-nq4du]

Well, he would know about fish and other wildlife having unusual properties... I mean, being a Stone and all...

[@Baraz_Red]

One minor error in Fjord's response... Drunk = "You are my best friends ; I love you all" High = "You are all so beautiful man !". Ergo, they were slightly high from something in the fish ; a natural drug I am guessing. That or it is the tea that Caduceus makes the M9 drink in the morning to make them more melo (less risk of the M9 killing people).

[@B3RyL]

SPOILERS: Caleb's speech to Essek: One of the best redemption stories ever for Caleb. There was no agenda on Caleb's part, no deception, no hurt. It was just one friend trying to save another from diving too deep into things they had no control over. And all of that built on a lifetime of hurt and deception and agenda, based on diving too deep into things they had no control over. Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Also, Laura's: "We've done nothing but shown you kindness" = Emotional Fatality Also, Veth adopting Essek on behalf on the Mighty Nein was the purest thing I've ever seen. Screw puppy videos, I need more more of Veth being a good mom.

[@blueshoals]

3:36:00 to 3:48:00 What an incredible performance by Travis and Marisha. Definitely one of my all-time favorite moments in all of Critical Role.

[@antsman6795]

It's absolutely hilarious sequence. To be fair the whole episode is but this is where I laughed myself to tears.

[@caseybaker7935]

Every time Fjord and Beau are alone together is just comedy gold

[@riv7509]

Literally I couldn’t breathe

[@neonal18]

There was so much in this episode that happened that was earth-shattering and dramatic and may change the party's relationships forever...but my favorite moment was still the nervous gay chuckle that Yasha made after Jester talked about having intimate knowledge of her bicep. The Lavorre Charm has claimed another victim.

[@MisterTingles]

must've been something in the air that day, all kinds of nets being cast this episode... maybe it's those ethereal fish creatures that Beau saw... sexy horny ghost fish... IT'S CANON NOW!

[@neonal18]

@cannotthinkofaname Oh trust me, I've been on board the Yashter Express for a long time now. Honestly the fact that some people weren't after the mural happened just baffles me. Just wanted to bring up this episode's prime example, since it was so overt.

[@flawlix]

Petition to change the group’s name from the “Mighty Nein” to “Jester and her Harem”

[@Micras08]

@@neonal18 I myself am more partial to the Caleb angle that would never in a thousand worlds happen unless Jester makes a move ^^ But I think it really speaks to how much life Jester brings into the group that almost everyone seems to have a thing for her :)

[@janelantestaverde2018]

@@neonal18 Maybe some people just don't like shipping people.

[@alastrined4187]

OH MY GOD. firstly spoilers. secondly OH MY GOD I just realised that Caleb's line to Essik "...and leave it better than it was before" was a call back to Molly leaving every place better than he found it.

[@LetTheBodyFall]

this is giving me more feelings

[@magicrainbowkitties1023]

And the kiss on the forehead. Let's not forget that.

[@NidoKnight]

...omg... I didn’t think about that. I’m fucking crying, THANKS!!

[@ikeekieeki]

long may he reign 🌟

[@mirandacole314]

MagicRainbow Kitties The forehead is also where you place the pearl when casting fortune’s favor, the spell he learned from essek. He’s giving him a second chance.

[@jetpizzashere1228]

Jester: *describes outfits* Me: the artpocolypse has begun

[@princemills6022]

hehehe #ChaosCrew