The Sunken Tomb moment - From the Original Campaign to Legend of Vox Machina

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

Matt’s look is one of the few times you see where he is like “oh no, I have to do this now”

[@Banquet42]

Have you seen the Q & A where they are discussing it after a viewing and Laura talks about how much it upset her and someone (Liam? Travis?) just says "Should've rolled better"!

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

@@Banquet42 yes! So good.

[@PhyreSpore]

As a fairly "soft on my players" DM this is such a weird funny feeling to set a dangerous trap and have the players actually fall into it. Like, "Yay! The thing I made worked, but also oh No your character!!"

[@EstebanBrenesV]

Been there in some tables, once I had to kill 2 characters on a session, one which spell backfired harshly and another one sacrified for the others to escape

[@EveryTimeIDavid]

@@PhyreSpore that’s the part of DMing I struggle with. I really enjoy one-shots for this purpose. I can make a fun, challenging adventure and nobody is worried about using their characters again. Granted some get re-hashed, but it’s known these are the suicide squad. Don’t get attached.

[@sammy431]

I will never forget Laura’s face when Matt asked “does that bring you below 0?” A moment burned into my memory for so many reasons

[@ccgod]

That moment when you realize necrotic damage kills you if it drops you below zero.

[@gabriel__opazo]

As a DM, i can say this: even when you prepare the situation in which a PC could die, the shock of actually killing a PC for real gets you every time. It's a mixture of victory, since your plan actually worked, and sadness, because you're potentially ending part of your player's journey

[@CheshireMask]

@@ccgod But it doesn't...only in certain cases that specifically say so otherwise it's just a damage flair...

[@The_Scryer]

@@ccgod Specific spells that use necrotic energy will instakill, not all of them. For example, Inflict Wounds. It will not instantly kill someone that is knocked unconscious by it.

[@ccgod]

@Scryer_569 isn't it a CR homebrew rule? I know some spells insta kill but I don't believe a specific spell was tide to that trap.

[@Amanofan7777]

I'd argue that this was the single most important die roll of campaign 1. The armor was clearly designed for Percy, and Vax was on his way to becoming a Paladin of Serenrae until this happened. Vex, Vax, and Percy all changed dramatically because of this.

[@flyinngbleubunni362]

Omg it had never occurred to me that the armour was meant for Percy

[@3triplezero0]

Wait why was the armor clearly designed for Percy?

[@Amanofan7777]

@μshu_jiang Percy had the whole death and crows theme to him.

[@Static-EN-]

holy crap, yeah, now that I think about it, it really does feel like a Percy vestige, and how the campaign might have gone a different direction if Vex didn't die

[@Asbelix0000]

I seem to remember there being a Q&A or panel somewhere, where Mercer stated that he had no idea who the armor would go to, that there were multiple options.

[@Ibanezmaster123]

The fact that Sam literally said "Instant Death." And well....

[@Reblwitoutacause]

When Scan-Man speaks, things happen!

[@andrewwebb3248]

Sam really does have a knack for calling things out ahead of time.

[@Griffex394]

@@andrewwebb3248 Well when you call off random things constantly, eventually you'll get something right

[@cornflakemonkey]

The prophet

[@danielmcgillis270]

Foot meet mouth.

[@herz5159]

I like that they still kept it "Percy's fault" because Laura said Vex was checking for traps and when Taliesin said Percy is touching the armor her face was like "oh no dont tho"

[@blueskybelyr]

I mean if we're getting technical, Laura was metagaming when she went over to check for treasure with Percy, since Matt told Taliesin what Percy was seeing - not Vex. It was a combination of stuff, but mainly that natural 1.

[@herz5159]

@@blueskybelyr the tomb was there and she went with him after seeing him go there. The tomb itself wasnt hidden. Him going there first made her have Vex follow cause she did want to check for traps and look for loot with him

[@Anduril74871]

@@blueskybelyr The Natural 1 had no bearing on the outcome. It was her HP pool being so low that did her in.

[@herz5159]

@@Anduril74871 yes but the roll decided the outcome is what they mean i think. If its a fail she dies, even if it's not a one, but a success would mean she lives

[@jamestreppa7833]

It was an all or nothing saving through. Succeed - No Damage. Fail - take damage. If that damage drops you to below zero it kills you outright. So, the 1 didn't matter, the failed save with less than 50 HP mattered.

[@daneroberts1996]

I like how they changed how the trap killed her, in the stream it seems almost peaceful as she just falls where she stands, whereas in the show it lances through her savagely and throws her body rolling across the floor. It makes it much more shocking and horrific

[@jaffarebellion292]

A bit out of character for the neutral, amoral nature of the Raven Queen, as I think Vex just stopping and falling makes more sense.

[@lukile3296]

@@jaffarebellion292 It was for more dramatic effect for the Vex's death, but true it was described more as graceful death, just falling over slowly after a brief moment.

[@happydonkey5333]

@@jaffarebellion292 I think it makes sense if you look at it differently This is a vestige so it makes sense to install an all powerful trap into it the sarcophagus that holds it and it is stilled donned by her late champion so removing it disturbs the dead

[@djeverest4078]

It's 56 points of Necrotic damage. That's more damage than a lich can do with its disrupt life attack twice. That much Necrotic energy being released at once would certainly be an impressive sight

[@jaffarebellion292]

@@djeverest4078 I mean, don't they kinda just drop when you use Power Word Kill? I know this is different, but the idea is similar, at least from how Matt described it in the stream.

[@caaneq1]

The flashback rolled into the trap spring is just not fair. I knew exactly what was going to happen and this scene still absolutely gutted me.

[@Boundwithflame23]

Right? And they had a lot of nerve doing that and then leaving us hanging off a cliff for a week. I mean sure we all know what happens next but still. They had no right to do that to us dammit

[@Roreck86]

@@Boundwithflame23 it's giving the "yes, but the drama" meme. And I'm here for it, for I too am messy

[@The_Scryer]

@@Boundwithflame23 Imagine how much of an insane cliffhanger that is for people who aren't familiar with the show though

[@Boundwithflame23]

@@The_Scryer ye. I’m trying to keep it spoiler free for my dad. He seemed kinda excited about the cliffhanger while I was yelling at the tv. I swear if they end season 3 with “fix him” and leave us sitting on that until season 4 is announced I’m gonna riot

[@codex_jinora]

@@Boundwithflame23 Honestly they might. I see 2 possible endings for the season, either when [redacted] dies or when they leave the group. And it'll end on that whole sad 'walking away' thing mirroring what happened in episode 1.

[@lary6420]

Even down to Vax saying "I was only down the for 30 Seconds" It is both a blessing and a curse to know how the whole story goes. But it is great seeing reactions of people who didn't watch the campaign itself

[@CrookieMonsterr]

I never watched C1, really want to but i need to find the time. So i had no idea this was going to happen and i have no idea what happens next. It's insane how amazing the animated show is compared to other shows which aren't made up by the cast on the fly. Just goes to show how amazing the CritRole group is

[@Emilytea]

@@CrookieMonsterr Honestly, C1 is so damn good. It's so good. You won't regret looking for that time, lol.

[@JustAChannel11631]

@@Emilytea it's really good indeed. Only bad is audio quality at the start :(

[@KalonOrdona2]

Even knowing how it goes I still felt feelings

[@guyfromdubai]

*Take me instead, you Raven Bitch*

[@CaptainCrackSparrow]

The can see the moment when Laura tells Matt she rolled a one and Matt's eyebrows raise for just a split second as he realises "...oh fuck." before he regains his composure. Sitting there watching everyone laughing and knowing they have no idea what's about to happen.

[@graysonfox4159]

Laura: "and 6 for Trinket!" Matt: *not laughing*

[@deathwrow9652]

I honestly think because he thought Trinket would die to the effect, but he just overlooked it once Vex was dying instead.

[@The_Kind_idiot]

"Do not go far from me".. that moment from the original episode from the campaign and this amazing show, both bring tear to my eyes.

[@Celticmoon79]

As a newer player to DND, and someone who has a bit of a problem wanting to "win" the scenario, watching this moment go from the DND campaign to the animated series has made me realize that some of the best stories can be made when you "lose" the scenario. I think this moment has helped me not be so competitive when playing this game, because this moment was excellently crafted, even if unintentional.

[@VegetaLF7]

It's a good way to get that idea across. Sure,try to win scenarios if you can, but embrace your failures and see where they can lead you too. Failure shapes us just as much as success.

[@scottnewman522]

one of the biggest tips i got as a new DND player was "want to lose just as much as you want to win" for this very reason. no good story is all success with no struggle. failure and loss and even character death can lead to some of the BEST story moments

[@Frozenkoldfury]

Genuinely not sure if I'm gonna be ready for the inevitable "Fix Him!" moment

[@UnclearMotives]

Honestly the scene that I want to see the most but I know will break my heart is Scanlan's speech after that. Especially if they change it to allow Pike/Ashley to say her piece.

[@draycaisings162]

I’m definitely not ready!

[@jacobtrost5048]

Oof, for real. Plus they've already started working in Scanlan's reservations about being in the group and not being important to any of them. In the campaign it felt a little out of the blue, here it's being perfectly foreshadowed.

[@Anduril74871]

@@jacobtrost5048 I loved that too, especially with Osysa.

[@wiredspider]

That’s like 2 season from now lol

[@sneasnake6368]

That cut to Vax crying after he says, “you left me” will HAUNT ME FOREVER WTF

[@Professional_Rookie]

Bro they animated this shit so well, between the death scene itself and cutting back and forth to the memories with vex, all of it just came together into some of the saddest shit.

[@AdderTude]

Yo, the fact that even Mary was shocked at Laura taking fatal damage...that's how good of a storyteller Matt truly is.

[@deathbykonami5487]

It's been over 5 years since Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and Will Friedle played Zahra and Kash, but they really outdid themselves in the animated series.

[@guyfromdubai]

Has it truly been that long? Feels like it was only yesterday while watching the animated show

[@bossbacon302]

Agreed. It’s hard to pick favorite CR guests, but I think Mary and Will are mine. Probably because they were like in the first group of guests, but also their characters complimented VM so well, and Mary and Will are both so likable haha. So happy to see them in the LoVM too!

[@JnEricsonx]

It's been a while but I met both of them!

[@Heatstruct]

The following bargain coming in the next episode and ripple effects of it right here is what made Vox Machina proper legends. This starts the tragedies to come

[@nolanduarte]

Spooky

[@tayos_ink]

"Tragedies to come" is a hella name for an episode haha

[@13vatra]

@@tayos_ink Sounds like an awesome name for a metal band too

[@j-dawg4774]

Liam's voice acting is unlike any other, this made me burst into tears for at least a few minutes.

[@vampirebait20]

He was going through some personal tragedies at home at the time too.

[@j-dawg4774]

​@@vampirebait20 What happened?

[@vampirebait20]

@@j-dawg4774 his Mum died.

[@scetchmonkey007]

first time watching this after the show, I was surprised that they perfect death scene actually was carried out so close to how it was done in the show.

[@lumberluc]

Trinket didn't get hit

[@elinahamalainen5867]

@@lumberluc Nobody cares about Trinket😉😜

[@lumberluc]

@@elinahamalainen5867 Nobody cares about the big fluff ball? Come on. The Tal'Dorei Emon guards loved Trinket.

[@SoaringEagle128]

I think they did it because Trinket survived anyway.

[@T0NI_]

@@lumberluc Trinket wasn't even with them in the show, so

[@Eggs_hatching]

Vax's reaction on the og stream always really stuck with me. It wasn't crying, it wasn't screaming, it was just light jokes climbing out of the hole by himself where he was the last to know what was going on, the whole party waiting for the other shoe to drop, and then this shocked blame where he kept repeating "what happened? what happened I was only down there for 30 seconds?" he just looked away for a second. The flashback they did in the animation was a great addition! It really emphasized how Vax was so dependant on his sister for emotional suport

[@JimbieXD]

As an older brother, this scene killed me man. I would do anything in the world for my little sisters... Such a good show both Critical Role and Vox Machina

[@rasamasala]

Sigh. Agreed 1000%

[@adarkwind4712]

Yea. Me and one of my younger sisters have a strained relationship but one of the things that all my siblings know is that if they’re in danger and I can be I will be there. No matter what state the relationship is in no matter if they despise me and we can’t stand to be in the same room I’ll burn the world to get to them. And I’ve proven that I will. We may not get along all the time but I still love you and my life is a small thing to pay to make sure you see another day.

[@rasamasala]

@@adarkwind4712 yes, I remember (when we were children) I punched a kid in the face for bullying my sister. That still stands--I'd do anything for my sis. She's a tough and independent woman and I know she can handle herself, but I'll always have that older brother protectiveness.

[@JimbieXD]

@@adarkwind4712 I love it. That's what it's all about

[@TheOldBearTime]

As a younger brother who's grown up never being closer to anyone than my big sister this hits. Especially Vax "You don't need me to survive, but I need you."

[@Slothgreedenvy]

1:25 OMG, her face. The realization, and the animation captured that moment well too.

[@guyclykos]

I love how they mixed in the flashbacks. Those were pretty big death flags and boy does it pack a punch.

[@sloesty]

I forgot about this untill percy touched the armor. It suddenly came back and I was screaming at my monitor... even though I knew perfectly well what would happen. Tbh, it leads to great character moments for both vex, and especially vax.

[@chastion3689]

And Percy... Imagine the guilt.

[@thepyro9694]

She comes back though ….right

[@chastion3689]

@@thepyro9694 Yes, but that has consequences.

[@thepyro9694]

@@chastion3689 I’m assuming a sacrifice like vax or Percy

[@chastion3689]

@@thepyro9694 Do you really wanna know? I think you'd enjoy the reveal more

[@stumbling_]

I knew what was coming, but boy was I not ready. Was done beautifully.

[@tigerfanfrv]

and what will happen next

[@Jukettaja]

Beautifully adapted. I especially loved the blurred vision amidst the tears falling on Vex'ahlia's face. I only vaguely remembered it was Percy who triggered the trap and how Vax'ildan climbed back up moments later.

[@BuddaOnDaRoll]

It's so refreshing how they're able to really sell these super emotional scenes because they actually did live them. Idk it just feels more compelling than other media i've see.

[@theanyktos]

Crying. BABY. _VAX._ How the hell am I supposed to keep it together like that?

[@kedandunn]

3 episodes into season 2 and Liam O'brien out here making us cry already

[@connor4144]

The music in the show really adds to the emotional impact of this scene. The crack of the necrotic energy lancing Vex is stunning sound design.

[@jacobtrost5048]

Spoilers for the D&D campaign: This show honestly translates to animation SO WELL. Giving the whole "do not go far from me," line with Vex's death really helps set the stakes for Vax's actions pleading with the Matron and becoming her champion in the coming episodes. Absolutely love having the flashbacks mixed in, and I can't wait for the more Grog-focused episodes coming later on. Flashbacks to Kevdak and his father would be awesome.

[@Vael221]

Again big spoilers: It is really wild looking back on this, knowing how the rest of the campaign plays out, that this one moment of carelessness from Percy and one shitty roll out of Vex completely reshapes the campaign plays out. Like the entire trajectory of the campaign just takes hard left turn in such a cool way that noone could have predicted. Makes sense they would put so much effort into building it up.

[@shadowscall7758]

I still annoyed they didn't do the "Grog gets smarter when he is turned into a Giant Eagle" moment

[@Blake4months]

Sam saying "instant death" aged horribly

[@bendoucet8641]

In like ten seconds.

[@Beacuzz]

Aged quick and bad

[@generalhades4518]

naw. that shit was hilarious. lets fuck around with an artifact. ooops, Nat 1, what could possibly go wrong?

[@Echolaliaxu]

It aged like fine aerated wine

[@Stray7]

It aged like milk the instant he said it.

[@DevinParker]

This really illustrates the difference it makes when your DM and players feel safe to commit themselves to roleplaying what's happening in the game. At one table you might just get goofball jokes and the bare bones rules dictation of "make a skill check; okay, you get 56 points of necrotic damage" and move on. Meanwhile, at another table, you can get a DM and players fully-invested in the roleplay, working together to interpret those rolls into a deeply-affecting scene that sticks with everyone for years afterward.

[@Aloysius_OHare]

The memories hit hard with this. I didn't cry in the livestream but the ANIMATION KILLED MEEE SOOOO HARD

[@jeremysills7350]

I'm so genuinely happy that this show has turned out to be one of highest rated shows on prime, they deserve that type of recognition and also I absolutely can't wait for campaign 2 animated, campaign 2 was absolutely amazing.

[@InsanoRider777]

I mean, it's quite dramatic and all, but as a rogue player myself I gotta say, Vax was VERY clear in his instructions lol. When the trap guy says "don't move, don't touch anything", you follow instructions or this happens.

[@Giathirds]

I heard this was based on a dnd stuff but this is crazy. its cool how they act out stuff. cant wait for next couple episodes.

[@MasonSWheeler]

The scene hits harder when you know that Liam (Vax) was going through the death of his mother at this time...there's a whole twitter thread about it. The emotions were raw and real.

[@ChonkkiGambo]

Being someone who jumped into the campaign super late… these animated films make me wanna go back and watch the streams

[@wishstruck]

you should. it is a task and the first 27 episodes are cringe to get through ( not going into super detail) but it really gives a new perspective since the key points are the same, but how they get there is different

[@ChonkkiGambo]

@@wishstruck I wish I could remember exactly when I jumped in though. But it’s one of the best campaigns I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing in my short DND lifespan.

[@wishstruck]

@@ChonkkiGambo ehh episode 28 and on is a good start. I have been watching since episode 13 of the first campaign. Sprained my ankle and couldn't walk for a week. Found the show on KZbin and ran through episodes. Then I found out it was a live stream. Been watching ever since

[@CeesaX]

@@ChonkkiGambo Go watch C1 from the beginning. It's not as bad as wishtruck says. I actually enjoy the first ones plenty, and there are quite a few standout moments.

[@thespankmyfrank]

@@CeesaX Agreed. People who say you gotta skip the first episodes don't realise you miss so many fun and intense story beats. The K'varn fight was the first big fight they did on stream, and it's referenced so many times it's just a must watch. Yes, it gets a bit strained at times but towards the end (ep 20+ until 27 I guess) there's a lot of plot summaries in the comments if you don't wanna sit through it. I still think it's worth it though.

[@slfteach89]

I've been watching C1 for a bit now and I've been dreading this moment because I knew it would be a gut punch. So of course the animated version was naturally even heavier with the emotional damage what with the flashbacks and shit. I'm not crying, you're crying

[@jabberwocky9968]

"Do not go far from me!" - "I won't, I promise." #bawlingmyeyesout

[@braydenchadwick9836]

Jesus this episode cut out and showed me every one of my insides, having this experience again but seeing it all animated especially watching with my sister And.. fuck.. Liam, those tears were all too real…

[@isaiahwelch8066]

This moment is so significant, in so many ways. It reinforces for the PCs that they are not immortal; it is the idea that Vex could have died fighting the Briarwoods, and didn't; and it is significant, because it is the motivation for Vax to gain the Deathwalker's Ward, as well as the title of "Champion" -- all to protect the one person he loves the most: His own kin. Despite the fact that VM had become a family, Vax still held his sister closer than anyone. And it is so beautifully tragic, to see the campaign played out in animation. So well done, by these wonderful nerdy-assed voice actors...

[@blumelodiez]

i didnt watch C1 but am watching the series i just noticed THIS look (0:19) on Matt's face...the way he knew shit was about to get real but didn't let his emotions ruin the flow of the scene

[@xxxx11144]

Context for anyone here from the show: In dnd, if your health gets below 0 from necrotic damage, it’s an instant death (as opposed to taking any other kind of damage, where you get to roll death saving throws so long as the damage done wasn’t double your hp maximum I believe) (it’s why the mood shifted so dramatically after matt asked if the damage brought vex’s health below zero)

[@THHatch]

That Critical Failure role. And Vex DayDreaming exactly at that time. is so well put together.

[@ricseeds4835]

I don't know any of these characters or their backstories but, goddamn, this video has got me hooked and feeling things.

[@timewaster504]

Woah, I didn’t realize that the TV show was based so closely on the campaign.

[@dnf-dead]

Right in the feels 😢

[@Icipherx]

From what we've seen so far, I have no doubt Titmouse will keep knocking it out of the park. Yet another proof that if you have a genuine fan among the creative team, the final product will come out looking amazing. Much respect to everyone who has worked on this series!

[@rachelatijerina5637]

That’s the thing I love about this game. Real death. As a DM myself, I usually have a “plot armor” house rule where you can escape a bad death at least once if it makes sense. But I’ve played a few campaigns where I lost a character and had to re-roll a new guy and it’s ALWAYS a difficult thing. Those characters become your babies! Oh my heart. I really felt her when Matt gave her “the look”.

[@AzureKyle]

I just noticed this. At 3:19 you can see what appears to be the Matron behind Scanlan.

[@jacoblondon3567]

until this moment I did not know that Vox Machina was one of their campaigns?! what the fuck else am I MISSING?!

[@hhylobates4098]

Two other campaigns! Vox went for 115 episodes, their second finished at 141 episodes (which has just been picked up for its own animated show!) and their third game is still ongoing at 45 episodes. Also plenty of mini-series, one shots, and other content all free on the critical role channel

[@ShyyGaladriel]

They handled this so brilliantly I just… I cry every time.

[@bulletsix]

The storys that evolve on gaming tables ... the creativity, the humor, the dramatics ... could be countles hours of series like VoxMachina an i would like to watch every one!

[@attakrus]

“Does that bring you below zero?” “Yeah.” Holy shit, the silence after those words was LOUD.

[@boomfyer89]

Yo keep doing these, thjs is great to see where some of these events happened from the show took place in the campaign

[@WonderVis97]

Sam, jokingly: Instant death! Matt: :eyes:

[@TheKingsPride]

I’m watching this show with my mom, she’s been enjoying it immensely. I’ve shown her CR clips before but not this one. As soon as the episode started I went “oh shit _this_ arc” and at the end of the episode she was so mad at me. I reminded her of the goldfish incident that I showed her and said every member of Vox Machina dies at least once but conveniently failed to mention that this was the most consequential death in campaign 1 for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that it’s the first major one.

[@geoffrose9647]

Good lord, Matt's eyes going up, down, up, down, up, down, rapidly as he does rolls, math, and keeps considering "...How do *I* wanna do this?"

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

I must say that cliffhanger would have been worthy of a Season Finale. That would have been most cruel, but awesome.

[@mrssirens]

That scene was so intense in the show, I held my breath the entire time.

[@micahnewby7964]

Thank you. I've seen anther video that compares these moments, but it simulcasts them by having TLOVM play silently over the chat reaction as we hear the original campaign moment. As I guy who hasn't seen much CR and more importantly is mildly visually impaired, I appreciate being able to fully take in both iterations and hope you continue to do other moments in this fashion. If this is a thing you plan on doing for other important moments then you just earned yourself a subscriber

[@amandanorris8]

Me and my twin brother watched this scene together. He had never watched critical role and had no idea what was going to happen….we just sat in silence when the episode ended. 😢

[@whyunderstand]

Thank you for posting this was excellent

[@wauft]

what a touching moment.... its scenes like this that make this show so magical

[@cupcakequeen47]

Saw it in theaters for my husband's birthday, I never watched c1. The extreme GASP of shock and then the groan of rage in that auditorium was *insane*. I can't wait to see the next three.

[@CaptainCaliansAdventures]

I was there watching with my sibling when it was live and I swear it's been in the core of our memory ever since. It was so shocking and emotional, I was very excited seein' it in the animated series. Truly jawdroppin' moment.

[@derKuchenPhips]

Thank you for uploading these two scenes combined. This really hit me hard, even though I already knew what will happen. The one thing this video misses is maybe one or two more seconds in the end. Liam's performance, the last sobbing/crying isn't in the video, and that's the part that REALLY broke me. Still, it's always great see the original and the animated counterpart side by side. Thank you for that.

[@thatguydrew73]

Never watched critical role so everything happening in the show is new to me and this sequence got me emotional 🥲

[@lizzmartins125]

I have literally been rewatching this over and over again and it still kills me.

[@kjj26k]

I'm amazed at how well they pulled this off in the animated series. I think it even hit harder for me, it's just so densly packed with every trick to make you cry all pulled off so masterfully.

[@FernandoOliveira-wp7ed]

Bro, i literaly watched the shows episode YESTERDAY and I still managed to get shocked by the irl roleplay

[@vagabond142]

I remember when this part first aired on Amazon. While the voice acting is superb (what would you expect from some of the best VAs in the business?) it's Neal Acree's decision to swell up the strings during the flashback, and then end the episode with three piano chords descending as Vax's crying is the only other sound. THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is how you score an emotional death scene properly.

[@skylark7921]

Yes! And the fact that there was minimal music in the rest of the episode up until the death, which lends a sort of ominous feel bc even if you don’t actively realize “where’s the music?” your brain knows something is wrong. So the whole episode it’s like “something bad is gonna happen” and then the death hits and the strings kick in and everything is just raw emotion. It’s like the tragic death equivalent of tense music leading up to a jump scare.

[@Thatgirlwiththe]

This was the very first episode of critical role I was ever introduced to. I'm so happy I stumbled upon them. What a long journey they've traveled.

[@BeinIan]

Oh man. I haven't watched Season 2 yet because I'm catching my girlfriend up on Season 1 to watch it together, but I figured I'd take a sneak peek since I saw the streams anyway. They brought this to life brilliantly, I'm so excited to watch the show.

[@vas9020]

even tho i expected it, the music combined with the amazing voice acting and that flash back, just made me sob like i was there with vox machina

[@RealTrentertainment]

Such a good adaptation of the moment from gameplay. Masterfully done!

[@angelkim.9549]

While watching the show, knowing what was going to happen, but then being surprised by the flashback… I was sobbing *so hard* by the end of it all 🥺

[@daltoncarverxc]

My partner watched the series with me without any prior Critical Role experience, and when this moment happened, he just looked at me in tears and said, “no… no that’s not what happens. She can’t die. None of them can!” He was fully convinced until the next episode that she was truly gone, never to return.

[@zahmbomb1337]

Good job Critical Role! Good job Critters! It's amazing to see this campaign fleshed out on silver screen!

[@searaph]

Even if you know it's coming, you're not ready :(

[@JadeStone860]

I watched this scene in the show for the first time last night (very late to the party, I know) and I knew what was going to happen and I still sobbed. It never fails to shatter my fucking heart when Vax tells the Raven Queen to take him instead.

[@jasonp7423]

Man they did such an amazing job putting this in the animated show. I knew it was coming and still I teared up...

[@hyonnj9563]

i remember the tension in the room turned from 1 - 100 in an instant. Liam was absolute fking brilliant at roleplaying out this scene. The flashbacks in the show were well placed!

[@xanderhuskie5172]

It’s been so long since I listened to this scene that I had forgotten about it. I was NOT prepared!

[@duelstream.]

I like this comparison! Awesome!

[@adrianodsq]

Thanks for the VOD! I just watched this scene on Vox Machina and I was wondering how it happened at the table 😱 Full life crit blow 😭

[@michaeldolinar3716]

the fact that this show is based on a D&D campaign makes it so much better

[@ciaranmcguinness8900]

They animated it perfectly, the way she was just thrown and ragdolled to the ground, it reminded me of whenever someone was hit with Avada Kedavra in Harry Potter

[@ErikaGinnis]

Thank you for making this. I'm sharing with some friends who never saw the campaign. I thought I'd be ok knowing what was coming. But nope.

[@omegagilgamesh]

The whole "I was lost without you, don't leave me" scene is especially heartbreaking knowing Vax's ultimate fate.

[@stefanjentoft8107]

The thing I'm curious to see how it plays out is that SPOILER ALERT: It was Kash that actually cast the resurrection spell on Vex, not Pyke. Will it be a redemption moment for Kash in the show or will they let Pyke steal his thunder?

[@bobbyrabii6119]

I have a feeling they will come running back into the room in the next episode

[@AlexanderTheTiny]

MASSIVE SPOILERS BELLOW: I think they are going to focus more on Vax's pact with the Raven Queen (now Matron of Ravens) since that becomes such an important part of the story. Now how they actually so the resurrection I don't know, but if I had written this I would not have Pike do it, instead making this a moment for her to want to grow more, to learn how to save her friends in the future.

[@brunokingz]

@@AlexanderTheTiny Agreed.. it makes much more sense for drama's sake

[@T0NI_]

@@AlexanderTheTiny Yeah having not watched C1 yet but knowing some bits of it from the inevitable spoilers from the other campaigns, I was definitely thinking that Vax might have one of those moments where a character goes "please, bring her back" to a god and then it will kick off his connection with her. It would make sense with the foreshadowing they've been doing with Vax seeing glimpses of what I'm assuming is one of the matron's champions

[@MarceldeJong]

I’m not sure that Pike performed a resurrection spell in this scene. I interpreted that glow as an attempt at a healing spell. Vex was still dead at the end of the scene. It’s also why the outro music was different.

[@TH3Darksider]

God this show hurts the way they edit it all together watching the episode ripped my heart out

[@ShadeMeadows]

*AMAZIN'*

[@Jacules]

3:58 and on is literally art. I've listened through this campaign like 4 or so times and this scene in the show /gutted/ me. What a phenomenal job Titmouse and the CR crew have done.

[@takindown698877]

That was great to see the scene come alive after watching them. there should be more of these.

[@captcorajus]

This scene wrecked me. Good job CR.

[@erictighe1683]

Still makes me cry every time.

[@CapAdGroup]

Oh my goodness. I had no idea the TV show was based on what actually happened during the games they played. That is WILD!