What infuriates me is how I heard about fans bashing Matt after FCG's death, how he rigged the fight to be too hard and it was his fault for FCG's death. Anyone watching could see the heartbreak in Matt's face. He knew what was going on with his friend, he knew he m8ght have to take time away and he even planned for how he would keep FCG around but incapacitated until Sam could return. While they'd discussed the possibility of FCG's core going off, I don't think Matt ever though Sam would intentionally set it off. And you could see his heart beeak when he realized Sam was determined to do so. For his friends. For himself. There are just so many layers to this one decission. It really was, for all the pain, a beautiful moment. Because it mattered. To everyone. In so many ways. R.I.P FCG.
Matt has said he had plans on how to “write out” FCG while Sam was away, so when Sam made the decision to sacrifice FCG, Matt was just as surprised. He’s also said he’s cried on stream before, mainly at the end of campaigns, but this is one of the only times he’s cried mid-campaign. But there is one thing the cast agreed to with C3: this will be much deadlier, and they wanted that. So “rigging” the fight just to kill FCG makes no sense.
I wish he had rigged it because of Sam's situation. It would have made that fight understandable. Instead of the truth, which is Matt made a badly broken, overpowered character. Sam gave FCG a beautiful sendoff, and I'm just sad that it was after such a horribly one-sided fight.
"Some connections are made with wires, and some are made with blood, and some are made with bone, and some are made with wood... but they all matter." Dude, that line is gonna stay with me for the rest of my life.
FCG's death showed just how absolutely eloquent Sam is. He managed to stay completely in character While telling the people at the table how much they mean to him.
I left a comment on episode 1 when it went on TH-cam that said Sam has made the most innocent and lovable character ever and I can't wait to see how Sam emotionally devastates me with it. Well, he did.
Fr. Inlaw just passed from cancer. It's something pretty much everyone will relate to on some level at some point in their lives, whether a loved one or unfortunately themselves
I’ve been holding back on new critical role content for years as I try to catch up and binge. The news that Sam had cancer hit me like a truck, I hope he recovers quickly and the suffering ends even quicker.
The twist of the knife is when you remember that in their new game Daggerheart, you can choose to die in a "Blaze of Glory" which lets you do something TRULY EPIC, however there is no bringing you back from the dead. Sam/FCG chose this option. And it was because FCG would, and Sam was facing cancer and didn't know if he was coming back before the end of C3.
Now knowing that Sam was departing the show to go through cancer treatment hits hard now. The cast knew and watching them all cope with those feelings together is something special. He is lucky to have them and they are lucky to have him
I saw a joke making the rounds in the fandom at the start of campaign 3, after FCG was introduced. "I wonder how Sam's gonna break our hearts with *this* character." Welp. I'm glad he's okay, and I'm glad he's back. He's always been one of my favorite players to watch in these campaigns.
I also think we need to appreciate Travis just being the best type of player and just letting it happen. Even going as far as to shut Marisha down when shes asking if theres a way to undo jt
Why is shutting down Marisha such a thing that requires praise? She asked a question in the emotion of them moment and that's a sin...why??? She knew what was happening, she was going to come to the realization. I get that Travis is a good player, but I do not understand why people insist on saying everything he does is basically god-like!
@@sandpiperr Because he knew to just let the moment stay, because doing anything otherwise would lessen the impact of what Letters actually did and why he did it. Travis understands how sometimes moments just need to....hang, to linger and he understands that when something like this happens. Just let it be
@@sandpiperrit's more about letting the action stand and have meaning than potentially cheapening it by undoing it. It's like dbz death is a day trip as long as you have dragon balls.
@@sandpiperr Obviously it's in all their natures to want to step in and help each other. But Sam wanted to have a moment. Travis recognized that, and with a simple word or two, Travis wanted to convey to Marisha that this was Sam's moment to have. It wasn't about shutting down Marisha, it was about not shutting down Sam. Yes, it looks abrupt, maybe even rude from the outside. But the message got across with minimal disruption to Sam's moment. (And if Marisha had a problem with how it was handled, I've no doubt she would have brought it up in private, since the cast claims that they always check in with each other to make sure everyone is okay.)
As some who is also in remission, I feel this very deeply. It's hard to face a disease that has no real cure. It's hard to get that news and still smile every day. The way he delivered his speech to everyone else at the table about connection really means so much.
Nothing quite like the emotional connection one can have to a character they have put so much into. Its a big part of TTRPGs, it's what makes them fun to play, and in cases like Critical Role, fun to watch.
"I'm so tired of saving you from yourself" Oh my God, I had forgotten about that line. I got spoiled that something 'bad' had happened to FCG, and so I ended up going into the episode knowing I was going to cry. So in the middle of work, I legit had to sit down and just sob. Goddammit Sam, you beautiful bastard. Edit: My favorite moment is probably Orym's pun from the first combat. I know that seems silly, but it was such a simpler time, and he was a happier guy, that looking back it feels more important than a silly joke.
My favourite epic animatic from jorge rivera is "when a man becomes a monster". But for fcg, i think the more suitable title is " when a monster becomes a man" rest in peace fcg
I actually made a similar sacrifice with my very first D&D character I ever played who also just so happened to be a cleric and wasn't originally a living thing (she was a doll that was given sentience). During a big fight in a lab run by the BBEG organization we were investigating and fighting against, one of our paladins was killed by a powerful monster. This paladin was our strongest player who stood the best chance against the monsters we were fighting. Most of our characters were magic users and we were fighting monsters that made it incredibly difficult if not impossible to use magic. Without the paladin, we would have most likely TPKed. My character, who had developed a sort of sibling-like bond with the fallen paladin, realized how much danger everyone was in and this was the first death of one of our characters. Unfortunately, I didn't have the means to revive him. At the time, we were going through a big arc for my character as the party had just discovered the truth about her being a doll. They had just met her creator, who turned out to have been working for the organization we were against. They had just found out that she was created in the image of her creator's late daughter and that the identity they knew her by wasn't her own. For the first time, she admitted to the people who had loved and adored her as a sister and friend, that she felt nothing and wasn't sure if she was truly alive. Before this fight, they had just shared a moment with her to try and reassure her she was alive and real to them. And, in that moment, she saw one of the people she was closest to die right beside her as they were both trapped in the claws of one of the monsters and she couldn't do anything about it. In the heat of the moment, I thought of something that might save the party. I messaged the DM in private (we played on Discord) about my idea. He asked me if I was sure and that I'd have to roll high in order for it to work. I was willing to take the chance to save the party. Although it was a little crazy, the DM allowed it as he was so impressed by the idea. I had my character put her hands together and pray to her god. She begged her god of the hearth and fortune (good luck, not money) to save the fallen paladin. In exchange for the paladin's life, she would give up her own. A life for a life. Everyone started freaking out as they realized what I was planning! The DM asked me to roll to see if i succeeded and I just BARELY made the exact roll I needed, the DM now losing it that I made the very roll he made the difficulty to! The DM allowed me to exchange my characters life for the fallen paladin's, reviving him and losing my own character. But I didn't regret my decision. Because of the sacrifice I made with my character, our paladin came back to life and the party was saved. No one else was lost during the fight. Everyone had a big cry over my character's death. Luckily, my sacrifice to save the party and how we all roleplayed out the scene really left an impact on the DM that he decided to invite me into a private chat. My character, now a spirit, got to meet the late daughter of her creator that she was modeled after. The two had a very heartwarming moment between the two "sisters" and she gave my character a second chance at life. This time, a real life. My character was resurrected, not as a doll, but as a harengon! She had a happy reunion with the rest of the party who were all so relieved to see her okay after such a heartbreaking sacrifice to save them and that she finally became a real living girl. It was really heartwarming and made us all really happy! Unfortunately, I ended up having to leave the game soon after. I had just gotten a new job and would be working the days we played. I made sure to notify the party and DM before I officially left and got to play one last session with them, allowing my character to leave the party and game without too much issue.
when Matt said "Action Surge" i slumped down in my seat. He knew it was coming while they were relishing in Travis's survival, then said it so casually. oh damn, watching back through this now knowing what Sam was going through is kinda rough. I lost a good friend to cancer a few years ago and all i can really think of to say is Fuck Cancer. Even if its not a thinking thing, i with all my heart feel its one of the few truly evil things that exists in this world.
Sam said on the 4 Sided Dive that he was working with Matt of writing FCG out for his treatment/recovery, and then the Otahan fight went south so decided to pull out his "blow up FCG's core" idea he'd had for a while. And honestly, I'm glad it worked out that way for Sam's sake, because FCG being written out would've drawn attention to Sam's absence, but the sacrifice provided really good cover for him stepping away. I'm glad he both got to wrap up him character, but more importantly make an exit in a way that allowed him to recover as privately as possible.
Lord, I have such complex feelings on Sam, FCG (Scanlan,Nott, and Loquaious too), some of his R/P choices. They hit so many of my trauma buttons. I do know he is a good and amazing guy regardless of how some things hit. My favorite campaign 3 moments almost always involve Orym & Laudna.
So y’all know, they don’t talk about his diagnosis or reason for being away on 4SD or CR Cooldown until he came back, and that was after the live show. So everything Sam shared in his video is all we were told.
Hey Jay and wife, thank yall for always being so willing to show and feel this sense of empathy. I love it, and it keeps me coming back ❤ Fave C3 moment? The Liam melt into his seat when the episode at the Malleus hit the climax. Just watching a man get literally Stunning Strike-d.
Man, I hadn't caught up on C3 for a while, then I saw Sam's video and immediately went through all the recent videos. It was absolutely gutting when FCG sacrificed himself, knowing what he'd been going through, knowing that the whole group would have known, just makes it hit so freaking hard.
Even a casual critical role observer like me can see that Sam’s got a good heart. Consider that he and the rest of the CR team could have easily chocked his absences up to contractual obligations elsewhere, instead of straightforwardly, making a possibly important public health announcement out of it. In hindsight of not being on the net very much during the time this was going down, I’m rather glad I wasn’t around to witness in real time the unjustified, puerile calumnies heaped on Matt for being a DM of integrity. Characters die, sometimes the entire party, all campaigns come to an end (more _than_ less). Those seeking heroes that always come back no matter what should stick to Warner Brothers cartoons.
For something unscripted, you did a really good job editing and adding respectful commentary. Some of us aren't familiar with the actors as much as others and you did the right thing stressing that it would be rude to intrude on his personal life. Great video!
As someone who also had a cancer scare myself, my esteem for Sam grew significantly through all of this. And I'm very, *very* happy to have him back even though he's nowhere near my favorite character or player on the show. :)
My favorite moments in Campaign 3 are Chetney becoming a werewolf and the cast laughing at each other due to Sam’s jokes about FCG and the other automaton’s names.
Quiet stumbled on your excellent channel. I too am coming out the other side of a life changing event. I feel like I have walked this with FCG & Sam. As a result, my determination to make something useful, and beautiful out of tragedy wasn’t a pipe dream . I saw it happening in real life and fantasy. Thanks for this analysis.
Its important to bring up the fact that it actually ties his story up in a tragic but beautiful way because of his history and how he did the opposite of this with his old crew, causing him to have doubts about his "humanity". Him realizing his flaws are what make him human and then sacraficing himself to save his crew.
It blows my mind how capable Sam is at fucking BREAKING me. From the level 9 counterspell to this... I dont get how he does it. The man is such a treasure.
Just watching this video had caused tears to form in my eyes, it’s the idea of a wholesome character putting himself on the line so everyone can live that’s always a sacrifice that truly is tragic
And now he's playing a lawful evil paladin who's going to eventually learn the hard way why his lord is called the "Lord of Lies". Braius thinks Asmodeus has his back, but when the shit gets real and he bonds with Bell's Hells some more, Asmodeus is going to attempt to drive a wedge between them and if he resists...well, we all remember what happened to Asmodeus' last paladin who was wholeheartedly devoted to him.
Wow.. an amazing video. I'm glad you decided to put this out even though you were unprepared. Some of the best content is made from just being in the moment and coming from within the heart. I hope we all can learn to live a life like that. So thanks Jay and We all love you Sam and wish the best for you and yours.
The last time I commented on this channel was one regarding The thamatic through line of each of sam's characters relating to grief for the death of a previous campaign's character and becoming the budy protector for their next one and how I wondered what he'd do for the next campaign, but instead of getting a set up for the next duo, instead he breaks the cycle. Scanlan failed Vax, so Nott protects Caleb, but Nott failed Molly, so FCG protects Ashton. FCG saved everyone. He broke the cycle for grief. Now, obviously, this is just a game, and the deaths of those characters aren't actually Sam's fault, but it's gonna be interesting to see what he does now.
I cried when I watched it initially even though I had been purposefully spoiled (because I can get weird emotional reactions to surprises), I cried at the cancer announcement, and I cried watching this.
Someone in my family had a battle with a very serious type of cancer. The pain you go through is hard to imagine from the outside. The uncertainty is a slow torture, not knowing if you're going to have to say goodbye to one of the people you love most in life. It would have been far too early for them to go. Thankfully they won and have been cancer free for many years now, thanks to early detection and great medical care.
I have mostly seen critical role through shorts and compilations like these, but I always love Travis' reaction to these things. He's smiling and still sad/surprised/invested. Somebody more eloquent than I can probably explain why I like it that much, because I don't really understand myself xD
Pretty sure in the "How I'm doing" video, Sam mentioned that the group wasn't sure how long he'd be out of the game when they were running the final episode with FCG.
Jay. I have never seen your face on this platform before. I have (“sadly”) been off the campaign wagon for a bit now and I actually had no idea about Sam’s diagnosis or the state of his character. This is not me being mad about some spoilers or a negative critique of your media. I want that to be painfully clear. I am sitting here in my kitchen preparing some dinner and am in absolute tears from this beautiful retrospect you’ve put together. You captured EVERY essential moment perfectly. Your commentary and genuine emotion gleamed through every moment perfectly. You nailed this, off your usual routine, with no script. Perfectly. You’ve gained a new subscriber and a new friend from afar. Enjoy your TTRPG adventures, enjoy your content creation journey, and ultimately enjoy your life. Because that is all we have. Can’t wait to see/delve into more of your stuff!
Sam Riegel is so good at bringing out the emotion of the players around him and connecting to the audience. It hit so hard to find out that he was battling cancer throughout this but I think he has shown that he and his cast mates are so connected. That’s what is great about this game it’s how it connects us to one another and that is what it should do.
I cant believe this video never came up for me. I have been WAITING for you to catch up and get to this and I am glad you did. Fave CR moment and video of yours by far.
Ppl say Travis was mean in shutting Marishas comment (about bringing FCG back up) down, but it was more like..."be for real, Marisha" Travis and Marisha have one of the strongest bonds in the cast.
Motherf****** Sam Riegel..... I remember watching the episode, I guess months ago now, and being sad that FCG had died and Sam was temporarily out of the campaign, but not for the reason we all thought. I was seeing people in the chats saying that Sam was off doing different projects or going to make an appearance in each episode that aired that week, but it never happened, not until the live show, and then that video dropped, and it hit hard. Watching that clip from FCG's death feels so strange now after knowing what Sam went through and I'm willing to bet that Matt likely knew about Sam's condition just due to his reaction as I don't believe Matt has cried at a character death before (correct me if im wrong), campaign ends, sure but I can't think of any character deaths, not even his own wife's character, I'm pretty sure, but instead cries at his friend's character's death when (at the time), we all thought he'd be back maybe within a couple of weeks, but now that we know the truth, I do think Matt was upset that Sam might not be back for the rest of campaign 3 and may very well return for Campaign 4 as Sam said, once his treatment and recovery were complete. If any of the others truly knew at the time, I'm not sure.
Sam has a special place in my heart, Nott spoke to me as a new mom at the start of campaign 2. FCG also made me just adore them. Then when Sam spoke about his cancer i lost it. I also went through cancer and CR was one of the few things that made me smile during that time of my life. We even have similar scars now. I went back and watched fcg's final moments and lost it, full ugly cry. I just want Sam to know so many people's lives are brighter for his even minor presence in it through CR and i am so glad he is on the road to recovery and i am so very happy to see him back at the table.
Yo. Been playing a ton of Baldur's Gate 3 recently, just found your channel and I'm digging your content. Been watching Critical Role for a while now and your analysis of their campaigns and interesting moments has been great. Keep up the good work. Might try and get my butt into doing an actual D&D campaign with friends.
Sam has always been an amazing actor that has a natural talent conveying emotions from being the comic relief to heart wrenching passion, he will always be one of the best modern day bard.
I haven't watched a lot of Campaign 3 completely. I've watched episodes 1-12 all the way through I think, done a lot of clips, skimming, recap reading, and then picked back up fully with the live show, episode 98 where Sam was able to come back. From everything I've seen I think my favorite moments have to be separated into two. Bell's Hells C3, and Downfall. Spoilers for Downfall below, specifically Part 3. In Bell's Hells journey, of what I have seen and remember vividly, I think my favorite moment is probably when Laudna goes over her backstory, in Whitestone, and how you can see the people at the table who hadn't already put it together before realize not just how Laudna died, but what was done with her body, because they were all there as players for it. I saw someone say how, intentional or not, it was beautiful that Marisha made a character who took this horrific and monstrous moment from the start of all of this and says "These weren't just throwaway victims, they were people and they mattered," and uses Laudna to show just how much they matter. From Downfall, my favorite moment (and there are a lot to choose from) is fucking Noshir Dalal with The Emissary at any given time. This childlike wonder mixed with love and loyalty, such little understanding but so loveable for it. And then when it's all over, the scene with the Matron after The Emissary does his job and is destroyed because of it. Noshir used this gruff, gravely, almost scarred-sounding voice for The Emissary the entire time but when at the end with the Matron, Noshir switches to a soft almost child-like voice. And it almost makes me cry every time I rewatch that scene for reasons I just cannot understand. Honestly hope Jay touches Downfall in some capacity in the coming months because that 3-parter had so much emotion, philosophy, ethical conundrums, and tragedy. Even some sneaky references. I think Downfall is the best Critical Role has been at the table in a long while.
@@PlayYourRole um I was thinking about there on going edge of midnight campaign chuckles is funny but there's way more interesting characters through each of the campaigns
@@PlayYourRoleah, there is more than just the silly clown; but I can understand some people not liking it. Their campaigns remind me a lot of more of what playing TTRPGs are like, and less the produced, performed and polished Critical Role. That said, both are fun and id recommend either to watch, if you can't catch both channels.
Same can turn comedy into something dramatic at a dime. He is/was an actor. it’s what he loves to do and it’s the best thing about him when you see him drop that veil of comedy and gets serious wether it be sad aggressive dramatic. He knows how to Sell it just right.
The fact that ever since FCG's sacrifice I asked myself how much of that decision was because it made sense and how much of it was because Sam needed a vacation just broke me when he revealed his condition
@@CaptnJack if someone talking about a thing makes you want to speak out against it, then yeah, you care. Maybe just learn to show people basic respect. Just because you have to say a few different words doesn't mean the world is crumbling around you.
Bro I'm not even caught up on CR and watching everyone at the table crying knowing that Sam was going through cancer.......JFC. Ouch. I am also crying.
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What infuriates me is how I heard about fans bashing Matt after FCG's death, how he rigged the fight to be too hard and it was his fault for FCG's death. Anyone watching could see the heartbreak in Matt's face. He knew what was going on with his friend, he knew he m8ght have to take time away and he even planned for how he would keep FCG around but incapacitated until Sam could return. While they'd discussed the possibility of FCG's core going off, I don't think Matt ever though Sam would intentionally set it off. And you could see his heart beeak when he realized Sam was determined to do so. For his friends. For himself. There are just so many layers to this one decission. It really was, for all the pain, a beautiful moment. Because it mattered. To everyone. In so many ways.
R.I.P FCG.
But it's all scripted! That was the plan all along! Yeah, we really need to stop giving oxygen to the mouth breathers that get mad over this stuff.
Matt has said he had plans on how to “write out” FCG while Sam was away, so when Sam made the decision to sacrifice FCG, Matt was just as surprised. He’s also said he’s cried on stream before, mainly at the end of campaigns, but this is one of the only times he’s cried mid-campaign.
But there is one thing the cast agreed to with C3: this will be much deadlier, and they wanted that. So “rigging” the fight just to kill FCG makes no sense.
Welcome to dnd, characters die. Loss is a part of the best stories. Dnd can be unfair and hard and you got to sacrifice to win.
I wish he had rigged it because of Sam's situation. It would have made that fight understandable. Instead of the truth, which is Matt made a badly broken, overpowered character. Sam gave FCG a beautiful sendoff, and I'm just sad that it was after such a horribly one-sided fight.
You can tell most of the fanbase going after Matt never played DnD for themselves
Before Sam revealed he had cancer, Ashley had a picture of Sam on the table every game after FCG died.
QwQ aw stop omg
Yep, I noticed that.
she sure did
"Some connections are made with wires, and some are made with blood, and some are made with bone, and some are made with wood... but they all matter." Dude, that line is gonna stay with me for the rest of my life.
FCG's death showed just how absolutely eloquent Sam is. He managed to stay completely in character While telling the people at the table how much they mean to him.
_We got Riegel'd again._
I left a comment on episode 1 when it went on TH-cam that said Sam has made the most innocent and lovable character ever and I can't wait to see how Sam emotionally devastates me with it.
Well, he did.
It hits different when you realize Sam had cancer.
Nearly the entire reason I decided to jump into this video headfirst. Once the dots connected it hit so hard.
Fr. Inlaw just passed from cancer. It's something pretty much everyone will relate to on some level at some point in their lives, whether a loved one or unfortunately themselves
I’ve been holding back on new critical role content for years as I try to catch up and binge. The news that Sam had cancer hit me like a truck, I hope he recovers quickly and the suffering ends even quicker.
HUH?! I’m so glad that’s a “had” because I didn’t even know until reading your comment, took me by surprise!
Aya…
When FCG did that in the campaign it was sad. But it hit even harder after knowing he had cancer and the rest of the players knew that
No for REAL though
No shit!
The twist of the knife is when you remember that in their new game Daggerheart, you can choose to die in a "Blaze of Glory" which lets you do something TRULY EPIC, however there is no bringing you back from the dead. Sam/FCG chose this option.
And it was because FCG would, and Sam was facing cancer and didn't know if he was coming back before the end of C3.
Now knowing that Sam was departing the show to go through cancer treatment hits hard now. The cast knew and watching them all cope with those feelings together is something special. He is lucky to have them and they are lucky to have him
I saw a joke making the rounds in the fandom at the start of campaign 3, after FCG was introduced.
"I wonder how Sam's gonna break our hearts with *this* character."
Welp.
I'm glad he's okay, and I'm glad he's back. He's always been one of my favorite players to watch in these campaigns.
but before he did he brought us such classics as "One eye'd monster", "Our makers favorite smells", "the world is flat" and so much more!
Taliesin getting deep in the drama while Sam sits there in a tiger costume and make-up is peak D&D.
I also think we need to appreciate Travis just being the best type of player and just letting it happen. Even going as far as to shut Marisha down when shes asking if theres a way to undo jt
Why is shutting down Marisha such a thing that requires praise?
She asked a question in the emotion of them moment and that's a sin...why???
She knew what was happening, she was going to come to the realization.
I get that Travis is a good player, but I do not understand why people insist on saying everything he does is basically god-like!
@@sandpiperr Because he knew to just let the moment stay, because doing anything otherwise would lessen the impact of what Letters actually did and why he did it.
Travis understands how sometimes moments just need to....hang, to linger and he understands that when something like this happens. Just let it be
@@sandpiperr ah yes the old internet white knight appears in the comment section. You're so gallant
@@sandpiperrit's more about letting the action stand and have meaning than potentially cheapening it by undoing it. It's like dbz death is a day trip as long as you have dragon balls.
@@sandpiperr Obviously it's in all their natures to want to step in and help each other. But Sam wanted to have a moment. Travis recognized that, and with a simple word or two, Travis wanted to convey to Marisha that this was Sam's moment to have. It wasn't about shutting down Marisha, it was about not shutting down Sam.
Yes, it looks abrupt, maybe even rude from the outside. But the message got across with minimal disruption to Sam's moment. (And if Marisha had a problem with how it was handled, I've no doubt she would have brought it up in private, since the cast claims that they always check in with each other to make sure everyone is okay.)
"They saved my life." Oh Sam...Glad you're still alive.
I love that everyone can be breaking down in tears and having the worst session ever, but you always see Travis just pogging
As some who is also in remission, I feel this very deeply. It's hard to face a disease that has no real cure. It's hard to get that news and still smile every day. The way he delivered his speech to everyone else at the table about connection really means so much.
Nothing quite like the emotional connection one can have to a character they have put so much into. Its a big part of TTRPGs, it's what makes them fun to play, and in cases like Critical Role, fun to watch.
Agreed absolutely
"I'm so tired of saving you from yourself"
Oh my God, I had forgotten about that line. I got spoiled that something 'bad' had happened to FCG, and so I ended up going into the episode knowing I was going to cry. So in the middle of work, I legit had to sit down and just sob. Goddammit Sam, you beautiful bastard.
Edit: My favorite moment is probably Orym's pun from the first combat. I know that seems silly, but it was such a simpler time, and he was a happier guy, that looking back it feels more important than a silly joke.
My favourite epic animatic from jorge rivera is "when a man becomes a monster". But for fcg, i think the more suitable title is " when a monster becomes a man" rest in peace fcg
I actually made a similar sacrifice with my very first D&D character I ever played who also just so happened to be a cleric and wasn't originally a living thing (she was a doll that was given sentience). During a big fight in a lab run by the BBEG organization we were investigating and fighting against, one of our paladins was killed by a powerful monster. This paladin was our strongest player who stood the best chance against the monsters we were fighting. Most of our characters were magic users and we were fighting monsters that made it incredibly difficult if not impossible to use magic. Without the paladin, we would have most likely TPKed.
My character, who had developed a sort of sibling-like bond with the fallen paladin, realized how much danger everyone was in and this was the first death of one of our characters. Unfortunately, I didn't have the means to revive him. At the time, we were going through a big arc for my character as the party had just discovered the truth about her being a doll. They had just met her creator, who turned out to have been working for the organization we were against. They had just found out that she was created in the image of her creator's late daughter and that the identity they knew her by wasn't her own. For the first time, she admitted to the people who had loved and adored her as a sister and friend, that she felt nothing and wasn't sure if she was truly alive. Before this fight, they had just shared a moment with her to try and reassure her she was alive and real to them. And, in that moment, she saw one of the people she was closest to die right beside her as they were both trapped in the claws of one of the monsters and she couldn't do anything about it.
In the heat of the moment, I thought of something that might save the party. I messaged the DM in private (we played on Discord) about my idea. He asked me if I was sure and that I'd have to roll high in order for it to work. I was willing to take the chance to save the party. Although it was a little crazy, the DM allowed it as he was so impressed by the idea.
I had my character put her hands together and pray to her god. She begged her god of the hearth and fortune (good luck, not money) to save the fallen paladin. In exchange for the paladin's life, she would give up her own. A life for a life.
Everyone started freaking out as they realized what I was planning! The DM asked me to roll to see if i succeeded and I just BARELY made the exact roll I needed, the DM now losing it that I made the very roll he made the difficulty to! The DM allowed me to exchange my characters life for the fallen paladin's, reviving him and losing my own character. But I didn't regret my decision. Because of the sacrifice I made with my character, our paladin came back to life and the party was saved. No one else was lost during the fight. Everyone had a big cry over my character's death.
Luckily, my sacrifice to save the party and how we all roleplayed out the scene really left an impact on the DM that he decided to invite me into a private chat. My character, now a spirit, got to meet the late daughter of her creator that she was modeled after. The two had a very heartwarming moment between the two "sisters" and she gave my character a second chance at life. This time, a real life. My character was resurrected, not as a doll, but as a harengon! She had a happy reunion with the rest of the party who were all so relieved to see her okay after such a heartbreaking sacrifice to save them and that she finally became a real living girl. It was really heartwarming and made us all really happy!
Unfortunately, I ended up having to leave the game soon after. I had just gotten a new job and would be working the days we played. I made sure to notify the party and DM before I officially left and got to play one last session with them, allowing my character to leave the party and game without too much issue.
when Matt said "Action Surge" i slumped down in my seat. He knew it was coming while they were relishing in Travis's survival, then said it so casually.
oh damn, watching back through this now knowing what Sam was going through is kinda rough. I lost a good friend to cancer a few years ago and all i can really think of to say is Fuck Cancer. Even if its not a thinking thing, i with all my heart feel its one of the few truly evil things that exists in this world.
Travis’ simple “Marisha.” Almost broke my heart
Sam said on the 4 Sided Dive that he was working with Matt of writing FCG out for his treatment/recovery, and then the Otahan fight went south so decided to pull out his "blow up FCG's core" idea he'd had for a while. And honestly, I'm glad it worked out that way for Sam's sake, because FCG being written out would've drawn attention to Sam's absence, but the sacrifice provided really good cover for him stepping away. I'm glad he both got to wrap up him character, but more importantly make an exit in a way that allowed him to recover as privately as possible.
The fact they all knew about Sam's cancer watching fcg go. It stabs the heart harder.
It's been months and I still tear up when I get to the _"...because they saved my life, and now I'm gonna save theirs"_ part.
Lord, I have such complex feelings on Sam, FCG (Scanlan,Nott, and Loquaious too), some of his R/P choices. They hit so many of my trauma buttons. I do know he is a good and amazing guy regardless of how some things hit.
My favorite campaign 3 moments almost always involve Orym & Laudna.
Same. Glad he's doing better now. 🎉🎉
I plan on talking about Orym and Laudna at some point!
@@PlayYourRole waiting bated breath, but patient.
He’s truly the greatest DnD RPer to ever live. Not the best mechanically, but NO ONE can RP better
youre gonna love this week's episode then. at the time of leaving this comment that's episode 103: Cages.
So y’all know, they don’t talk about his diagnosis or reason for being away on 4SD or CR Cooldown until he came back, and that was after the live show. So everything Sam shared in his video is all we were told.
Hey Jay and wife, thank yall for always being so willing to show and feel this sense of empathy. I love it, and it keeps me coming back ❤
Fave C3 moment? The Liam melt into his seat when the episode at the Malleus hit the climax. Just watching a man get literally Stunning Strike-d.
"I will trigger a nuclear reaction, if at all possible." is not a sentence you want to hear your player buddy say, ever.
The "Marisha!" from Travis and her then shutting up is honestly amazing
I don't even *watch* and I am weeping here. Good gravy...
Still not ok with how much I love and appreciate this lovely man..
Unhinged squirrel is back?! WE ARE SO BACK
Just when we thought it might be Joever, we brought it back
Man, I hadn't caught up on C3 for a while, then I saw Sam's video and immediately went through all the recent videos. It was absolutely gutting when FCG sacrificed himself, knowing what he'd been going through, knowing that the whole group would have known, just makes it hit so freaking hard.
Even a casual critical role observer like me can see that Sam’s got a good heart. Consider that he and the rest of the CR team could have easily chocked his absences up to contractual obligations elsewhere, instead of straightforwardly, making a possibly important public health announcement out of it.
In hindsight of not being on the net very much during the time this was going down, I’m rather glad I wasn’t around to witness in real time the unjustified, puerile calumnies heaped on Matt for being a DM of integrity.
Characters die, sometimes the entire party, all campaigns come to an end (more _than_ less). Those seeking heroes that always come back no matter what should stick to Warner Brothers cartoons.
For something unscripted, you did a really good job editing and adding respectful commentary. Some of us aren't familiar with the actors as much as others and you did the right thing stressing that it would be rude to intrude on his personal life. Great video!
As someone who also had a cancer scare myself, my esteem for Sam grew significantly through all of this. And I'm very, *very* happy to have him back even though he's nowhere near my favorite character or player on the show. :)
My favorite moments in Campaign 3 are Chetney becoming a werewolf and the cast laughing at each other due to Sam’s jokes about FCG and the other automaton’s names.
The fact that he broke not just the other players but also Matt make me cry even more
Quiet stumbled on your excellent channel. I too am coming out the other side of a life changing event. I feel like I have walked this with FCG & Sam. As a result, my determination to make something useful, and beautiful out of tragedy wasn’t a pipe dream . I saw it happening in real life and fantasy. Thanks for this analysis.
Its important to bring up the fact that it actually ties his story up in a tragic but beautiful way because of his history and how he did the opposite of this with his old crew, causing him to have doubts about his "humanity". Him realizing his flaws are what make him human and then sacraficing himself to save his crew.
It blows my mind how capable Sam is at fucking BREAKING me.
From the level 9 counterspell to this... I dont get how he does it. The man is such a treasure.
Just watching this video had caused tears to form in my eyes, it’s the idea of a wholesome character putting himself on the line so everyone can live that’s always a sacrifice that truly is tragic
And now he's playing a lawful evil paladin who's going to eventually learn the hard way why his lord is called the "Lord of Lies". Braius thinks Asmodeus has his back, but when the shit gets real and he bonds with Bell's Hells some more, Asmodeus is going to attempt to drive a wedge between them and if he resists...well, we all remember what happened to Asmodeus' last paladin who was wholeheartedly devoted to him.
Never have I ever heard the line; how do you want to do this, said extremely heartbreakingly before. Holy hell.
I had just started watching Campaign 3, and I like F.C.G. for obvious reasons, I like his ever-present optimism.
19:02 not only that, but the same rage and anger that caused them so much pain is also the one that eventually saves them
Wow.. an amazing video. I'm glad you decided to put this out even though you were unprepared. Some of the best content is made from just being in the moment and coming from within the heart. I hope we all can learn to live a life like that. So thanks Jay and We all love you Sam and wish the best for you and yours.
The last time I commented on this channel was one regarding The thamatic through line of each of sam's characters relating to grief for the death of a previous campaign's character and becoming the budy protector for their next one and how I wondered what he'd do for the next campaign, but instead of getting a set up for the next duo, instead he breaks the cycle. Scanlan failed Vax, so Nott protects Caleb, but Nott failed Molly, so FCG protects Ashton. FCG saved everyone. He broke the cycle for grief.
Now, obviously, this is just a game, and the deaths of those characters aren't actually Sam's fault, but it's gonna be interesting to see what he does now.
I cried when I watched it initially even though I had been purposefully spoiled (because I can get weird emotional reactions to surprises), I cried at the cancer announcement, and I cried watching this.
Someone in my family had a battle with a very serious type of cancer. The pain you go through is hard to imagine from the outside. The uncertainty is a slow torture, not knowing if you're going to have to say goodbye to one of the people you love most in life. It would have been far too early for them to go. Thankfully they won and have been cancer free for many years now, thanks to early detection and great medical care.
I have mostly seen critical role through shorts and compilations like these, but I always love Travis' reaction to these things. He's smiling and still sad/surprised/invested. Somebody more eloquent than I can probably explain why I like it that much, because I don't really understand myself xD
He's their biggest fan
I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING
This is the first video I have seen of yours and it hits hard. Thank you. You got yourself a subscriber.
Might have to get some f*** dice lol
I think we all need some f*** dice in our lives
The other TWO Characters? This is Taryon Darrington slander! (I know he doesn't fit the "silly *little* guy, but he makes up for it with extra silly)
Pretty sure in the "How I'm doing" video, Sam mentioned that the group wasn't sure how long he'd be out of the game when they were running the final episode with FCG.
Jay. I have never seen your face on this platform before. I have (“sadly”) been off the campaign wagon for a bit now and I actually had no idea about Sam’s diagnosis or the state of his character.
This is not me being mad about some spoilers or a negative critique of your media. I want that to be painfully clear.
I am sitting here in my kitchen preparing some dinner and am in absolute tears from this beautiful retrospect you’ve put together. You captured EVERY essential moment perfectly. Your commentary and genuine emotion gleamed through every moment perfectly. You nailed this, off your usual routine, with no script. Perfectly.
You’ve gained a new subscriber and a new friend from afar. Enjoy your TTRPG adventures, enjoy your content creation journey, and ultimately enjoy your life. Because that is all we have.
Can’t wait to see/delve into more of your stuff!
Sam Riegel is so good at bringing out the emotion of the players around him and connecting to the audience. It hit so hard to find out that he was battling cancer throughout this but I think he has shown that he and his cast mates are so connected. That’s what is great about this game it’s how it connects us to one another and that is what it should do.
When this gets animated, I hope they do like Puss in Boots' flashback style, his last thoughts being FRIDA
Just popped over here from the other video I commented on and crying again 😅 absolutely beautiful content man, thanks again for posting this!
I half expected sam to ask if he had leveled up for killing the villain.
Sam Riegel is the greatest all around D&D player I've ever had the pleasure of watching and you can never change my mind 😁
Sam, the perpetual clown, can break your heart like no other player.
Powerful insight into a powerful moment.
Thanks for sharing.
I literally had to cover my face at work with my welding mask because i started sobbing during Sam's dialogue
I cant believe this video never came up for me. I have been WAITING for you to catch up and get to this and I am glad you did. Fave CR moment and video of yours by far.
I can not wait for this moment to be animated some day.
Honestly…. FCGs demise was just 1000% in character
I didn’t even catch on to the underlying reasons until way after Braius came into the game
I remember crying when this was going on. Ope, there it goes again.
As a twice cancer survivor, this hits so hard.
Glad you’re still here. Glad you’re still fighting.
Ppl say Travis was mean in shutting Marishas comment (about bringing FCG back up) down, but it was more like..."be for real, Marisha"
Travis and Marisha have one of the strongest bonds in the cast.
Hearing Matt's voice crack when he asks Sam if he understands what this means hurts.
Sam and Travis are such wonderful RPG players. Sam is so good at plucking heart strings it is crazy. Knowing he had cancer makes it hit even harder.
Thanks for an awesome video Jay. I always appreciate all you have to say in your videos. Keep being awesome 😊
A superb show! A prime example of why I am subscribed to your channel! 👍🏼😎
I love the big guys smile realizing just how beautiful the moment is
I really like your videos on Sam. I get really teary and emotional
Motherf****** Sam Riegel.....
I remember watching the episode, I guess months ago now, and being sad that FCG had died and Sam was temporarily out of the campaign, but not for the reason we all thought. I was seeing people in the chats saying that Sam was off doing different projects or going to make an appearance in each episode that aired that week, but it never happened, not until the live show, and then that video dropped, and it hit hard.
Watching that clip from FCG's death feels so strange now after knowing what Sam went through and I'm willing to bet that Matt likely knew about Sam's condition just due to his reaction as I don't believe Matt has cried at a character death before (correct me if im wrong), campaign ends, sure but I can't think of any character deaths, not even his own wife's character, I'm pretty sure, but instead cries at his friend's character's death when (at the time), we all thought he'd be back maybe within a couple of weeks, but now that we know the truth, I do think Matt was upset that Sam might not be back for the rest of campaign 3 and may very well return for Campaign 4 as Sam said, once his treatment and recovery were complete. If any of the others truly knew at the time, I'm not sure.
I wish I had even started campaign 3, I'm still finishing 2, but glad I ran across your channel.
Sam has a special place in my heart, Nott spoke to me as a new mom at the start of campaign 2. FCG also made me just adore them. Then when Sam spoke about his cancer i lost it. I also went through cancer and CR was one of the few things that made me smile during that time of my life. We even have similar scars now. I went back and watched fcg's final moments and lost it, full ugly cry. I just want Sam to know so many people's lives are brighter for his even minor presence in it through CR and i am so glad he is on the road to recovery and i am so very happy to see him back at the table.
Yo. Been playing a ton of Baldur's Gate 3 recently, just found your channel and I'm digging your content. Been watching Critical Role for a while now and your analysis of their campaigns and interesting moments has been great. Keep up the good work. Might try and get my butt into doing an actual D&D campaign with friends.
Sam has always been an amazing actor that has a natural talent conveying emotions from being the comic relief to heart wrenching passion, he will always be one of the best modern day bard.
haven't teared up at a piece of media in a long time
Likedfor the add. I need those dice! Subbed for the actual video.
I haven't watched a lot of Campaign 3 completely. I've watched episodes 1-12 all the way through I think, done a lot of clips, skimming, recap reading, and then picked back up fully with the live show, episode 98 where Sam was able to come back. From everything I've seen I think my favorite moments have to be separated into two. Bell's Hells C3, and Downfall. Spoilers for Downfall below, specifically Part 3.
In Bell's Hells journey, of what I have seen and remember vividly, I think my favorite moment is probably when Laudna goes over her backstory, in Whitestone, and how you can see the people at the table who hadn't already put it together before realize not just how Laudna died, but what was done with her body, because they were all there as players for it. I saw someone say how, intentional or not, it was beautiful that Marisha made a character who took this horrific and monstrous moment from the start of all of this and says "These weren't just throwaway victims, they were people and they mattered," and uses Laudna to show just how much they matter.
From Downfall, my favorite moment (and there are a lot to choose from) is fucking Noshir Dalal with The Emissary at any given time. This childlike wonder mixed with love and loyalty, such little understanding but so loveable for it. And then when it's all over, the scene with the Matron after The Emissary does his job and is destroyed because of it. Noshir used this gruff, gravely, almost scarred-sounding voice for The Emissary the entire time but when at the end with the Matron, Noshir switches to a soft almost child-like voice. And it almost makes me cry every time I rewatch that scene for reasons I just cannot understand. Honestly hope Jay touches Downfall in some capacity in the coming months because that 3-parter had so much emotion, philosophy, ethical conundrums, and tragedy. Even some sneaky references. I think Downfall is the best Critical Role has been at the table in a long while.
I'm still working my way through campaign 1
Excellent commentary as always!
Okay i guess im crying before work today. Awesome. Not the first time this was your fault.
You should check out legends of avantris
If I see one more thing about Chuckles the Clown I'm gonna lose it
@@PlayYourRole um I was thinking about there on going edge of midnight campaign chuckles is funny but there's way more interesting characters through each of the campaigns
@@PlayYourRoleah, there is more than just the silly clown; but I can understand some people not liking it. Their campaigns remind me a lot of more of what playing TTRPGs are like, and less the produced, performed and polished Critical Role. That said, both are fun and id recommend either to watch, if you can't catch both channels.
Same can turn comedy into something dramatic at a dime. He is/was an actor. it’s what he loves to do and it’s the best thing about him when you see him drop that veil of comedy and gets serious wether it be sad aggressive dramatic. He knows how to Sell it just right.
2 characters? Taryon exists!
I was crying at work for this moment. 😭
Commenters mentioned that his new character asked his friends to heal him even though he was perfectly capable of doing it himself.
You made me cry again. twice.
The fact that ever since FCG's sacrifice I asked myself how much of that decision was because it made sense and how much of it was because Sam needed a vacation just broke me when he revealed his condition
Both fcg and Ashton are He/They I believe
After reviewing while editing I believe you are correct!
Don’t care
@@anthonyhubbard8391 obviously care enough to say something
@@TheVeryLastLardeen only because someone thought to bring it up. Maybe just stop with labels and labeling and just BE.
@@CaptnJack if someone talking about a thing makes you want to speak out against it, then yeah, you care.
Maybe just learn to show people basic respect. Just because you have to say a few different words doesn't mean the world is crumbling around you.
Every campaign Sam brings the emotions
They weren't talking about FCG in that scene, they were talking about Sam.
To know that if anything had gone different, in a bad way, a terrible way, this would have been his last statement on air... that just hurts
Bro I'm not even caught up on CR and watching everyone at the table crying knowing that Sam was going through cancer.......JFC. Ouch. I am also crying.