@@technoviking5490 Boon of the Poobah was used, it summons Pike and avoids a shopping episode. Oddly enough the reagent scheme of the spell puts 1 platinum into Grog's coinpurse...
That little "wow" when Sarenrae tells Scanlan she heard his prayers when his heart was true to them is the sweetest and most innocent I've ever seen him! It's so adorable!
“She is my heart and my judgement” means SOOO much coming from Percy! No matter how dark he judges himself to be, if she judges him to be good, that’s all the matters.
I can just imagine Sarenrae looking at the party, then bursting into laughter as Grog starts walking forward with his eyes closed, Keyleth just starts waltzing away, & Percy just spinning in place with his arms out while everyone else is just staying in place confused.
I find Scanlan‘s slow burning trust and reverence in Sarenrae very sweet. He’s never been the type to put his faith on a higher power before, but with her being the goddess of redemption and his despair to become a better man for his family, it fits really well into his character arc. I also love Ashley’s smile anytime Sarenrae acknowledges Scanlan. You can almost see the gears turning as if Pike’s thinking “wow, he’s not BSing or just trying to impress me.”
I am just shocked that an explanation for how Pike was missing one session to excavate a newly discovered temple of Sarenrae influenced the game this much! Her absence literally restored a GODDESS to her former glory!
It wasn't just one session though, it was four months of filming in New York. And Pike was missing from Vox Machina for a long while in world as well. And knowing Matt's depth of world building I'm actually not surprised at all that he made Pike's dedication to her goddess so pivotal for the last chapter of thier adventure, if nothing else to than balance out her missing out on everything between locking up Orcus' horn to more than half the Briarwood arc.
This actually would impede the animated series. I originally assumed that Pike/Ashley's absence would be retconned into participating in way more of the battles. But this plotline would necessitate her being absent at least some amount
"What a beautiful tree you've found, it cast so much shade." Had to pause the video to catch my breath. Percy's interactions with or about characters Matt makes are some of the best moments of this series. Still waiting to see him go get more gunpowder lol.
@@trucetruce335 I feel obligated to reply to this with the fact that Laura and Travis are not only married but have a son. So...you can take your "ick" and leave it at the door.
@@trucetruce335 just to clarify, this isn't a matter of me shipping them but of me enjoying their relationship. I don't have 175k word Baileyham fan fiction under my pillow. I just appreciate the love between them, and how supportive Travis is of his wife when she's role-playing her heart out. I use the acronym "OTP" because #relationshipgoals wasn't in my vernacular two yours ago.
Rebecca Barbosa oh makes much more sense. OTP makes me think shipping and certain “character” implications that are not good when applied to real people.
Yet nobody finds this to be a problem. It's literally the shittiest behaviour anyone could show towards a family member. "Hey I stole your stuff........too bad you died. " Then she steals a gods soul stones. I guess Vex still hasn't learned her lesson about greed.
@@MrBottlecapBill maybe because Vax has horded magic items so completely that he can equip NPCs more than he can share with his companions. Displacer cloak. Keen dagger. At least 2 other magic blades and 1 other cloak. The ring of invisibility. And he literally never, once, asked if anyone in the party needed them. Honestly, he doesn't even need the boots of haste. He can fly at eagle speed all battle. And his 3rd attack is for a max of 10points. But *Vex*is the greedy one, when she can actually use the boots.
In my mind, I think Vex stealing Vax’s boots is a way for her to feel like she has control. She (nearly permanently) lost her brother, Vecna’s wreaking havoc and nearly caused a TPK, and shit’s gotten really real. They all feel kind of powerless. So she steals his boots to regain some control. I mean, sure, it’s probably also a gag, since they keep joking about how unbalanced and OP the boots are in Vax’s hands. Or, y’know, on his feet.
I agree that Vex still shows greed, but I feel like keeping the boots is also a /reaction/ to his death, rather than greed /in spite of/ what happened. No-one could ever be adequately equipped to deal with an oncoming apocalypse, or the fact that someone you love has perhaps only days to live. Vex is no exception, so she doesn't know any good way to deal with what's happening - but she DOES know how to wind her twin up, how to provoke a reaction from him and get into a good old-fashioned sibling argument. And the twins have squabbled over the boots multiple times before, if I remember correctly, so I reckon it's something of a beacon of normality in the midst of utter chaos.
@@shawngillogly6873 I agree that Vex could use the boots better than Vax, as she deals more damage per hit, but I disagree with your implication that Vax is being in any way greedy with his items. For most of the items that he holds to himself, only he or Vex really has any use for. Many of the items require attunement, or does something other characters either have no use for or can already do. Case in point, Grog once asked for either the boots or Whisper to boost his mobility, but found out he can't equip them as he already had three attuned items. Scanlan liked the Invisibility ring, but can already cast the spell himself so it wasn't important to him. The only items that has relevance to other characters are the Invisibility ring and the Displacer cloak, and both were given to lovable NPCs that the group implicitly gave permission for them to use. I don't see what's wrong with that. The group prefers that Tova survives the hells even if it meant giving away a legendary item, and that's their choice. The daggers and blades meant nothing to the rest of the party as only Vax really used them. And before you say anything about not giving away party items even though no one can use them, remember that Grog gave away the freakin Holy Avenger. The problem here is not Vax holding onto an item that another character can use better than he does. It's Vex taking away and keeping another character's item without their permission. She does this multiple times, to both PC and NPC alike. She only gets away with it with one instance of alignment shift because the group doesn't mind it. That kind of shenanigans would not fly at most other tables, certainly not any table I've ever been.
A lesser DM would have let Keyleth go forward with becoming Pelor's champion but Matt had such a keen eye for Vex's reaction. "Will any challenge?" was one of the greatest DM moments I've seen on Critical Role. A+ for reading the table
Matt thinks of the game very thematically. Keyleth was a totally inappropriate choice. She already had a vestige from a different god. Ideally the bearer of the dawnmartyr would've been great but the whitestone connection would've been a second best case.
or he just initially planned for Vex to choose Pelor and was being subtle in saying, "this is not the right choice". it had nothing to do with a keen eye and everything to do with trying his best to coax the players in the direction he had already planned. all you have to do is look at past events to see this. he very specifically set up certain characters to have special relationships with certain gods.
I could actually imagine either Vex or Percy being Pelor's champion. But (without seeing where this leads further yet) I suppose Percy might be more Ioun guy.
Gotta love how efficient Taliesin was in the pelor challenge He knew exactly what he wanted to do, did his rolls, didn't bother talking about damage, quickly said if they succeeded or failed Crucial decision making without taking but a moment from Laura's spotlight and time
@@Warmakayeah, you could hear Laura’s panic in her voice, as Marisha fumbled with the spells. You dont do that, when there is a limited time to get things done. It also felt really weird that she was asking to champion Palor, when it was obvious it should be Vex, not Keylith
I always thought it was a bit weird that Pike wre the armor of Pelor, but now knowing that Sarenrae is on the same plane as him (he opened up his home to her to keep her safe) I think it's kinda of perfect and beautiful. And now Sarenrae has a champion, a gnomish cleric, wreathed in holy flames
It's such poetic justice that Vex gets to prove herself as a champion by going through the trial as a red dragon. The same creature that killed her mother. The same creature she studied endlessly.. eventually helps her to become a champion of Pelor. Well done scanman
Matt kinda let that one slide i feel like. Red dragons are obliterated on sight no matter what especially from anything that inhabits Elysium. Then again he didn't get Primus and the Maruts involved with Vecna's shenanigans.
So 1 twin taste the revenge kill the dragon who killed their mother, and the other twin forgive(fenthras word) and accept red dragon form to clear the trial.
@@CreepyWilly pretty sure they know it isn't a real red dragon. They can see with their true sight that it's a half-elf transformed into a red dragon with magic. Lol.
I got very aggravated by their paranoia here as I found it unnecessary, albeit unintentional, abuse towards Grog. The poor man can't enjoy the bounty of Pelor because his friends think the fruit might be souls? And what kind of goodly god would do that to his followers?
Who says it wasn't written? ;) I'm joking, there's a really funny april fools article out there that calls out Critical Role on the supposed script following in the most hilarious of ways. 😆
@@KingNefiiria That's cool. I kind of calling what Liam did writing regardless of the fact that he composed it on the spot. Semantics I supppose but a player must act both as an actor and a writer for their PC.
I love what Vax said, it was great. But I love even more what Percy said: "She is my heart and my judgment and the future I have chosen." That* is epic! And so, so spot-on for Percy.
I kinda feel that Matt had conveyed the sheer presence of Pelor very well. To show such dissrespect to a god in his own sanctum. That shit was smite-worthy. Cool and in character but man im not sure she should have gotten away with it. The gods take themselves very seriusly
@@Elaksomfan To be fair, smiting the recently appointed Champion of the Everlight (who resides in the same plane as him), isn't a good look for a non evil deity. Especially when Pike only threatened him if he hurt another mortal for being not good enough to be his Champion (something a deity of redemption would take issue with).
Wish Vex or any other of the party had acknowledged how clutch it was that Scanlan turned Vex into a red dragon. As Pelor explained to Vex what her challenge was, Sam looked at his sheets to figure out how he could help her.
Yes!!! It should have been Laura/Vex but acknowledgement from any of them would have been nice. Sam is so smart and thoughtful. He's my hands down all time favorite on both campaigns with Travis a close 2nd. I love them all but Sam is pure magic 🖤
It was so great but I think it was probably a bit tense with the timer. She did give him the broom willingly though which is a pretty big deal for her haha Potential Spoilers However as you probably know by now she also thanks him by helping him back, which I love.
Has anyone else noticed Travis's face starting at 2:46:06? He totally knew the secret bomb that Talesin is dropping in regards to Perc'ahlia. He's got this smug little smile and is the only person outside of Tal and Laura not to react (excluding Matt because of course the dm knew and he was super in character as Pelor)
I figured that was the case already that they wed, there were two instances hints were dropped. Once when vex noticed Alluras(dont know how to spell her name) wedding ring. Matt said something along the lines of "interesting you would notice this" and then the 2nd instance was when Vex and Vax were catching up Vex kept talking about keeping secrets.
@@seraphlord It's so funny how Laura was dropping hints to liam in that conversation that there was something else there and to ask about it but liam didn't notice. It was a little frustrating bc i wanted to see that play out but i definitely enjoyed it the way it went
In which Pike gets a nose boop from a goddess, Vex decides to go All Quiet on the Western Front on Vax's gear, and Keyleth is accused of racism by a tree, and Grog gets proven right about something simple. So yeah a typical episode.
I just want to say how I love that once Vex clearly tells Keyleth that she wants to be Pelor's champion, Keyleth/Marisha is immediately very supportive and even excited for Vex.
Because she fucked up and should never have said anything. Vex is currently working and prayed to pelor for the hunt and Marisha is a druid....melora is her god. Marisha just doesnt think half the time. Thats why matt said twice..." Yea...anyone else??"
You know, this is why I am kinda excited for C2.. At this point, Keyleth as a character is irredeemable for me. Just I am absolutely annoyed whenever Keyleth is put in the spotlight. I am curious what Marisha ends up playing in C2 and if it is atleast better than this character.
@@thefonz8373 marisha as a player and an actor improves a lot in campaign 2 imo. I do think that keyleths character as a whole is actually quite good it's just that marisha the player made a lot of mistakes( which she is allowed to as a human) but also a lot of good decisions.
I love sometimes how the raw power of this game and these people come out. When Matt asks “What does she mean to you?” what follows are five minutes of pure emotion. I love the look on Travis’s face when Pike says “There will be hell to pay.”
@@MorinehtarTheBlue I think now that the Twins' vengeance on Thordak is complete, they have less of a grudge against red dragons, obviously they still would kill them as they're naturally evil but they should have no qualms about using them.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue The red dragon is the best dragon i think to represent the fact that she embrace her past and what she is ( the red one are the greediest and one did kill her mother) and when talking to a god i think honesty is the best approached
I’m crying. What her friends said of her was amazing. How Matt set this up and what each other player said of her without repeating or cheapening or knowing what was coming - made my heart swell.
*reposting someone else's Timestamps* 7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo 13:50 Robo-Liam 17:50 Boots of haste 21:47 Boots of haste cont'd 53:00 Scanlan's prayers 1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing 1:12:00 Sun trees ? 1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees 1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit 1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ? 1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1 1:32:10 Shade 2:02:40 Break ends 2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ? 2:19:38 Destroy the eye 2:28:30 Hourglass ! 2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire 2:42:30 What does she mean to you ? 2:45:40 Percy's answer 2:48:30 Pelor's blessing 2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
In D&D canon, Pelor is usually described as the god of agriculture (the harvest), summer, life, time and naturally, the sun. Of course different editions/iterations of Pelor may vary the exact domains he has power over, but that's the general consensus. The Raven Queen is the god of death, winter, and fate. The Raven Queen in canon was a sorceress who actually ascended to godhood by killing the previous god of death Nerull. He was a terrible guy who was evil/enjoyed killing and made undead armies during the Dawn War, so when she died, Nerull chose her bright, shining soul, and named her his queen 'Nera'. She knew he was collecting bound souls for power, and quietly amassed power/learned how to overthrow him, then released the bound souls and destroyed him, before taking on his mantle as the god of death. That's why she detests undead. And why she is unaligned, and goddess of the TRANSITION - she doesn't WANT people to die, just allows fate to do its thing. The god of death, not of the dead.
@@averylfong4843 which is good; I feel like the god of death should be neutral, so that souls go to their intended afterlife, rather than having to fear their fate (it doesn't mean people don't fear death, but it does allow for a smoother transition. I feel the same way about Kelemvor in the Forgotten Realms setting).
The Dawn Father: So Serenray, your eh champion is quite something... Serenray: Oh Yes she is. She's one of my best. The Dawn Father: Mmm... She threatened to bring hell to my house you know. Serenray nervous breathing.
That moment when you go to the new crit role vid, look at the timestamp and go "aww man! Only a 3 hour episode.. is that all this week..!?" Then you realise its the only channel you would even CONSIDER finding 3 hrs plus for in the first place!
I don't know if Matt came up with this on his own or if he was looking at Saranrae's source material (since she was imported from the original Pathfinder game along with Pike) but the key to reaching her castle, closing your eyes and walking towards her light, has a beautiful symmetry with one of the ways her followers worship her in Pathfinder - putting on a blindfold and trying to find her sun in the sky. I love all these small details he adds.
I wonder if Percy's family is in Pelor's realm? They would have been followers of Pelor, living in Whitestone, so it would only make sense if they were.
I think so, too. Percy strikes me as the type who had faith growing up, hence why he learned Celestial, but after the tragedy and trauma of what happened to his family, he abandoned faith because neither it nor Pelor's general influence over Whitestone did anything to protect them from the necromantic scourge of the Briarwoods. As he grows older and the influence of Vex and the rest of Vox Machina brings him further out of the darkness that consumed his heart, I think he'll eventually come to reforge some of that faith again, albeit probably in a very particular form.
I think that the party thought she was referring to the gold and platinum the gates were made of, seeing the character is considered greedy. Kinda feels bad they didn't get the joke.
The DM who spins the complex yet simple heroic tale, so convincingly acts the parts of commoner to god, drives the emotions of the moment home so that their players shed tears.....what talent, Matthew Mercer!
Timestamps 7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo 13:50 Robo-Liam 17:50 Boots of haste 21:47 Boots of haste cont'd 53:00 Scanlan's prayers 1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing 1:12:00 Sun trees ? 1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees 1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit 1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ? 1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1 1:32:10 Shade 2:02:40 Break ends 2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ? 2:19:38 Destroy the eye 2:28:30 Hourglass ! 2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire 2:42:30 What does she mean to you ? 2:45:40 Percy's answer 2:48:30 Pelor's blessing 2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
Weirdly, for the last few weeks I've been doing a surly new-yorker voice for a tree my three-year-old has made friends with (I needed to distract him for a minute and "say hi to the tree" has had ramifications I couldn't have predicted). The tree is called Murray and it sounds exactly like Matt's sun aurly sun tree. I choked on my coffee when I heard that.
It happens... even gods need to be careful of powerful mortals. Did you notice that Sarenrae's island is growing? Structures coming *back* ? ...thats the power of a mortal, to a god. Gods get their power from mortals. In their faith. So, Pike has already changed the balance of power in the planes. Not alone, but she was the one that made it happen. From *one* decision. She's likely the most powerful practitioner of Sarenrae's clerical faith in that version of the Prime too. Though Pike would never usually put an emphasis on that often, it *does* make her a major player in divine circles, least as far as mortals go.
@@xiconp1993 Because that's not the point. It's about the intensity of the emotion. It does lack for some self-awareness but if you care you should be willing to die for it regardless. Throwing your life away recklessly to be sure but you have to appreciate her style.
They haven't been the Shits since before it was a show called Critical Role so I find it hard to be attached to the idea. It would be a funny scene but I'm sure Pelor's sense of dignity would have pushed him to use their individual names in order to avoid it.
I feel like there's supposed to be a connection between Ioun and Scanlan, since he has a Ioun Stone and it came up before when they sought the androsphinx.
@@viper2785 Well if that were the case the way it should have went was Tiberius being in the eyes of Ioun but then he died so Ioun shrugged their shoulders and said "the gnome will do"
Those are my exact predictions. I'm late so it's long been decided, but I really hope I'm right. Kord is obvious, but Scanlan as the champion of the God of Mischief, illusions and joy and Percy as the champion of the godess of Knowledge and enemy of the Whispered One would be the sickest shit.
okay ok okie oki So if you listen closely when Pelor asks Percy "What does she mean to you?" He calls her Grand Mistress of the Gray Hunt and Baroness of the *First* House of Whitestone. In Syngorn, he gifts her the title of Baroness of the *Third* House of Whitestone. Vex gives him shit next episode for calling them betrothed, but if Vox Machina had been listening carefully enough, they would have heard that they were already Full Ass Married. Anyway I love this show and Taliesin Jaffe is 1000% smarter than me.
Perhaps a declaration but notice also that she doesn't get referred to by the title of Baroness but Lady of Whitestone for quite some time now. Titles generally don't respect elopement however and there is a shift because the Dalen's Closet One Shot set after evrrything else has their official marriage.
@@Revolos55 lmfao no, he really did just misspeak in the moment. This was not an intentional thing. The person who left this comment is looking way too deeply into that and is just straight up wrong lmfao
I am kinda sad now. I can almost see the end of this amazing show's 2 year run. I guess all great things must come to an end. Great job Matt and the rest of Vox Machina. I will be forever grateful.
I am right there with you, only I've experienced it all in under 3 months time. I have however got enough glimpses of the Mighty nein to first not be excited and then really be excited for the coming campaign.
2:08:20 during Matt's long monologue "the light is near blinding" seeing laura, sam, taliesin, and marisha all physically react and squint is awesome. No one would notice them doing it, they just did it because they were so in tune with their characters and absorbed with matts descriptions and story telling that they just reacted.
I find the weird blending of the personalities of the characters and the players fascinating. They can have duel feelings about a situation based on who is feeling it. To a differing extents, they can feel things the way their characters do. But they can have opposing feelings as themselves as well. Sometimes the character's personality influences their own reactions more than others. It's so fun to see how that plays out.
For all those who sit and look for fan art long dead because you are in denial, the photo with Matt and all his NPCs in a circle is called NPC therapy, because of course it is. I personally though it was adorable.
The fan art is still an important part of the show for me. Especially for this episode. The drawings of Vax’s armor surrounded by ash, and the one of Terry crying in a corner, hoping his friends are ok actually made me pause the video just to try and absorb the emotion in the image.
@@confderatechocolate4645 I would love to see the fanart remixed for campaign presentation. Imagine the art and the events of the video being coordinated.
Honestly something so amazingly satisfying about how smug Keyleth and Percy are about gods, more so Keyleth who actively mocks them and acts like they are bullshit, just to have them both act like they are “reluctantly” willing to be the champions of said gods, just to have the gods pick two unlikely characters to champion them. Fucking perfect XD (and to be clear not hating Marisha or Jaffe, just enjoying the due rejections of their characters in this aspect)
Personally I think of it as having lived tragic lives of loss they each were deniers of the gods due to their feelings that the gods do nothing so either don't exist or are idle beings, upon being thrust into their realm they are no longer able to act like they do not exist, an have a chance to challenge the gods inaction an get their power to use in aid of mortals so that they are contributing to the world they built
Someone else mentioned this as a joke but if I was GM I'd totally have done it. Sure there are other gods that might be more similar to Grog in disposition but you could make the argument that being dim-witted and wanting to learn to read he has more reverence for learning than any of the others.
30noir him learning to read is low-key my favorite part of the whole vox machina arc. It doesn’t take up a lot of time, it’s good for some fun jokes whenever it comes up, and it works perfectly with his gentle giant character
1:14:49 this is SUCH a good exchange im dying 1:32:11 Also i love how Travis went in for a High-5 after that one and Tal just straight up held his hand :P 2:12:52 The collective reaction after just hearing their group name is SO GOOD
posting bc im tired of scrolling lol 7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo 13:50 Robo-Liam 17:50 Boots of haste 21:47 Boots of haste cont'd 53:00 Scanlan's prayers 1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing 1:12:00 Sun trees ? 1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees 1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit 1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ? 1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1 1:32:10 Shade 2:02:40 Break ends 2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ? 2:19:38 Destroy the eye 2:28:30 Hourglass ! 2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire 2:42:30 What does she mean to you ? 2:45:40 Percy's answer 2:48:30 Pelor's blessing 2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
2:23:28 Vex's heavy sigh when Keylith suggests herself for being champion. The scene felt so realistic and fluid, like out of a well written movie or book. Sure Pike would receive Sarenrae's blessing, she is all about that goddess. But with the Dawn Father it was more unclear and as viewers we know that Vex has the most ties to him, but the other characters besides her and Percy would not. And why would it be as clockwork as going to gods 1 by 1 and each person knowing who should step up, the group is not very religious, they don't worship all these gods. The misdirection and uncertainty of who Pelor would choose is greatly shown in the character's uncertainty. Keylith stepped up because she didn't know of a connection any of the other would have. To her this whole circumstance may just be retrieving these blessings and who gets which was not as important, more so just that they get aid. She also could have thought a different god better suited Vex. It made me cringe from relatable social awkwardness, but that's just it, it was relatable, it was realistic and immersive. And i feel like it really made the scene better than if it was as clockwork and simple as just arriving immediately at the correct decision. And it was an interesting interaction for Vex and Keylith in my opinion, they don't have a whole ton of serious interactions like this.
What people seem to miss was the 3 seconds of dead silence after Pelor asked why he should help them. Nobody was speaking up. So Keyleth did, and it took Vex almost a full minute to say something. As soon as she did, though, Keyleth backed off with a smile.
@@iDivinity117 well yeah, she frequently just says whatever comes to mind without spending even a fraction of a second thinking about what shes saying. and when she does it come off as preachy and badly worded. that low charisma score in action lol.
This. Even Vox Machina getting a personal audience with Sarenrae is a bit of a slap in the face. And if they collect such a champion blessing for each member oh boy! Even Vax and Grog (if he gets Kord's blessing) are kind of upstarts to a degree.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue i thought it was because of what the raven queen said to vax way back when he was first becoming her champion. She told him that he and his friends were fate touched, and that if not her, then other gods would try to collect them because they are special in some way.
God I love the Keyleth/Pelor exhange Keyleth: Let me be your champion! Teach me your ways! Pelor: Alright?.. Does anyone object to this?! ANYONE at all? Keyleth: I've never believe in anything before but I can do it if you teach be to believe! Pelor: Seriously though, ANY objections?!... Like for reals, ANYONE ELSE?!? Just throwing it out there, ANY objections?!? Like does ANYONE object to this druid becoming my champion?!?... OK... Like Seriously ANY OBJECTIONS? There's 7 of you and NOT ONE OBJECTIONS?!?!... Fine... I... Guess.... Spoilers: Vex: I guess... I'll be your champion. Pelor: Oh thank me!.. I mean... Yes, you there, you wish to be my champion?!? Take my Super Hard and Super Serious Test... *whispers* its super easy though no worries *wink*
That's because keyleth has the spire. She's supposed to be Melora's champion. I mean the blessings are sick, but the vestiges awakened have way more power. Pike gets wings for 10 min and its cool down is 7 days? Vax gets to fly for an hour and just needs to sleep it off. Melora will awaken key's spire and she will be her champion.
I mean, by that logic Pelor could be for Pike along with Sarenrae since Pike is wearing a vestige of Pelor. But I am assuming he is saving Melora or another natural god for keyleth if she so chooses. Granted Marisha did pick up on it early and backed down for vex.
Yeah, nobody, nobody was jumping on this one. Marisha putting Keyleth forward wasn't any kind of greedy move. It seemed more like a "We'd be idiots to let this go to waste."
After having watched the entirety of Campaign 2 and now this far let me just say this: Matt plays gods so beautifully. Sarenrae's softness and welcoming warmth, her hopefulness. Melora, the Wildmother in her gentle message and calm guidance. The Stormlord in his lulling thunders and affirmation. And even the Raven Queen, as the ascended mortal, in her loneliness and cold demeanor... How he describes them, still flawed but ever-present and... almost human. Their size sometimes changing to mirror the one they speak to to gain their trust. There's always been such a trust at this table which allowed for interactions of the player(s) and their deity that make for such beautiful storytelling... I've found great comfort in the Wildmother and the Stormlord watching Campaign 2 and now this... You'd almost start believing yourself.
you know....i could definitely be wrong, or its on a talks machina i havnt seen. But sometimes you gotta love when something happens, like the events of this episode, and Tal just pulls out random factoid type things like "we need to update our flag" that just show an intense ammount of passion for just.....his fictional town.....its something special.
I fucking love it when the character dynamics of VM comes into play with the DM's challenges and it creates a beautiful narrative. Pike's the one with most faith. She believed she'd reach the Crystal and she did so first. Guiding everyone else who was left behind with her and holding their hands all the way. Scanlan got there second because he was starting to have faith. And Grog believes in his friends and followed Scanlan. Then there's the whole thing with Pelor. Keyleth's impulsiveness acts as a catalyst for everyone to react. She realizes Pelor is in need of a champion and readily offers herself up. But much like Percy, doesn't believe in deities. The thing is, Pelor is looking for a champion to carry his name. Worthiness isn't measured by willingness to try but through faith. Vex have spent the last few episodes praising them and contemplating the impact they've had in their adventures. She thanked Serenrae and have been blessed as the mistress of the great hunt. There is no better candidate. Then Scanlan gives her the biggest buff by turning into a dragon and everyone tried to chip in to help. The speeches were also beautiful. I love the twinsies sm.
0:00:11 - Sam does an advert for Marvel Puzzle Quest 0:09:42 - Recap 0:12:44 - Part 1 begins 1:42:18 - Part 1 ends 2:03:09 - Part 2 begins 2:58:12 - Part 2 ends
Ironically, the one time Pike actually meets her god "in person," is the one time in the recent arc that she *is not there in person.*
Jarethenator smh
it is definitely ironic. gods can you imagine if she had to completely skip the session?
@@technoviking5490 they would have waited you couldn’t do it without her
@@technoviking5490 Boon of the Poobah was used, it summons Pike and avoids a shopping episode.
Oddly enough the reagent scheme of the spell puts 1 platinum into Grog's coinpurse...
Ashley was so exicted!
That little "wow" when Sarenrae tells Scanlan she heard his prayers when his heart was true to them is the sweetest and most innocent I've ever seen him! It's so adorable!
scanlan is the cutest ;~;
I have no clue why, but that scene brought tears to my eyes. He seemed so amazed and happy that someone actually listened
And then there was the prayers that he didn’t want her to share...
And then starts begging her to keep that shit to herself. Such a Scanlan moment.
53:20
“She is my heart and my judgement” means SOOO much coming from Percy! No matter how dark he judges himself to be, if she judges him to be good, that’s all the matters.
I can just imagine Sarenrae looking at the party, then bursting into laughter as Grog starts walking forward with his eyes closed, Keyleth just starts waltzing away, & Percy just spinning in place with his arms out while everyone else is just staying in place confused.
She was either dying of laughter or contemplating if she should find a better hope for the world
@@0pulsar0 I would hope immortal dieties at least can see humor.
@@annageorge8406 seeing how they got her helpanyway seems like she dose
"we're fucked!"
Tree of the Sun: The fruit is not souls, it's just fruit.
Travis: (slams his mug down) VINDICATION!!!!
Best moment of the episode
Travis is truly fantastic throughout the series. He's very consistently in character and it's great
I find Scanlan‘s slow burning trust and reverence in Sarenrae very sweet. He’s never been the type to put his faith on a higher power before, but with her being the goddess of redemption and his despair to become a better man for his family, it fits really well into his character arc.
I also love Ashley’s smile anytime Sarenrae acknowledges Scanlan. You can almost see the gears turning as if Pike’s thinking “wow, he’s not BSing or just trying to impress me.”
I am just shocked that an explanation for how Pike was missing one session to excavate a newly discovered temple of Sarenrae influenced the game this much! Her absence literally restored a GODDESS to her former glory!
Maybe she'll be able to afford an internet connection so she can actually know useful things, now. 🙄
@@zoopdterdoobdter5743 really?
@@zoopdterdoobdter5743 that is incredibly rude
It wasn't just one session though, it was four months of filming in New York. And Pike was missing from Vox Machina for a long while in world as well.
And knowing Matt's depth of world building I'm actually not surprised at all that he made Pike's dedication to her goddess so pivotal for the last chapter of thier adventure, if nothing else to than balance out her missing out on everything between locking up Orcus' horn to more than half the Briarwood arc.
This actually would impede the animated series. I originally assumed that Pike/Ashley's absence would be retconned into participating in way more of the battles. But this plotline would necessitate her being absent at least some amount
"What a beautiful tree you've found, it cast so much shade."
Had to pause the video to catch my breath. Percy's interactions with or about characters Matt makes are some of the best moments of this series.
Still waiting to see him go get more gunpowder lol.
Yes...that gunpowder dude is the BEEEEEEEEST
That comment was just golden and I couldn't stop laughing. Talisen is just a boss at quick one line responses.
That tree reminded me a bit of kashaw
Bruh I was dying laughing, so good.
@@leonw5956 Yea, except not a bit but a lot xD
Travis's face. I swear to god. He gets so into it when Laura has her time to shine. It makes me so fucking happy. These two. IRL OTP.
ick
@@trucetruce335 I feel obligated to reply to this with the fact that Laura and Travis are not only married but have a son.
So...you can take your "ick" and leave it at the door.
alexaaragon21 I’m aware. I still think ‘shipping’ real people the same way we ship fictional characters is gross, even if they are actually together.
@@trucetruce335 just to clarify, this isn't a matter of me shipping them but of me enjoying their relationship. I don't have 175k word Baileyham fan fiction under my pillow. I just appreciate the love between them, and how supportive Travis is of his wife when she's role-playing her heart out.
I use the acronym "OTP" because #relationshipgoals wasn't in my vernacular two yours ago.
Rebecca Barbosa oh makes much more sense. OTP makes me think shipping and certain “character” implications that are not good when applied to real people.
It's a small detail, but I love how happy Ashley / Pike is at 53:20 when she learns that Sarenrae was listening to Scanlan, too.
banishing gods, avoiding potential apocolypse, yea yea yea... How is Gilmore? is the business restart going well? lol
@Chris Upchurch, yes, need to see how Gilmore is! :)
Just fine, thank you.
Have Gilmore and Tary met yet? That is the most important question to me.
Have you seen Gilmore and Tary in the same place?
didnt doty break the jaws of 2 guards while tary and grog were inside?
When Matt started playing the Tree of the Sun, my first thought was "Oh no, Kash died and now he's a tree!"
Im so glad it wasn't just me that got Cash vibes from that Sun Tree 🤣🤣🤣
I got Cash vibes too. I was like Cash in tree form.
Yup. My head instantly jumped to cash too. 😂
Same here. Hillarious
Thank you! I was thinking just the same. It had such Kash vibes, it was amazing.
Brother returns from life after being disintegrated.
Steals his boots.
Yet nobody finds this to be a problem. It's literally the shittiest behaviour anyone could show towards a family member. "Hey I stole your stuff........too bad you died. " Then she steals a gods soul stones. I guess Vex still hasn't learned her lesson about greed.
@@MrBottlecapBill maybe because Vax has horded magic items so completely that he can equip NPCs more than he can share with his companions.
Displacer cloak. Keen dagger. At least 2 other magic blades and 1 other cloak. The ring of invisibility. And he literally never, once, asked if anyone in the party needed them. Honestly, he doesn't even need the boots of haste. He can fly at eagle speed all battle. And his 3rd attack is for a max of 10points. But *Vex*is the greedy one, when she can actually use the boots.
In my mind, I think Vex stealing Vax’s boots is a way for her to feel like she has control. She (nearly permanently) lost her brother, Vecna’s wreaking havoc and nearly caused a TPK, and shit’s gotten really real. They all feel kind of powerless. So she steals his boots to regain some control.
I mean, sure, it’s probably also a gag, since they keep joking about how unbalanced and OP the boots are in Vax’s hands. Or, y’know, on his feet.
I agree that Vex still shows greed, but I feel like keeping the boots is also a /reaction/ to his death, rather than greed /in spite of/ what happened. No-one could ever be adequately equipped to deal with an oncoming apocalypse, or the fact that someone you love has perhaps only days to live. Vex is no exception, so she doesn't know any good way to deal with what's happening - but she DOES know how to wind her twin up, how to provoke a reaction from him and get into a good old-fashioned sibling argument. And the twins have squabbled over the boots multiple times before, if I remember correctly, so I reckon it's something of a beacon of normality in the midst of utter chaos.
@@shawngillogly6873 I agree that Vex could use the boots better than Vax, as she deals more damage per hit, but I disagree with your implication that Vax is being in any way greedy with his items.
For most of the items that he holds to himself, only he or Vex really has any use for. Many of the items require attunement, or does something other characters either have no use for or can already do. Case in point, Grog once asked for either the boots or Whisper to boost his mobility, but found out he can't equip them as he already had three attuned items. Scanlan liked the Invisibility ring, but can already cast the spell himself so it wasn't important to him.
The only items that has relevance to other characters are the Invisibility ring and the Displacer cloak, and both were given to lovable NPCs that the group implicitly gave permission for them to use. I don't see what's wrong with that. The group prefers that Tova survives the hells even if it meant giving away a legendary item, and that's their choice.
The daggers and blades meant nothing to the rest of the party as only Vax really used them. And before you say anything about not giving away party items even though no one can use them, remember that Grog gave away the freakin Holy Avenger.
The problem here is not Vax holding onto an item that another character can use better than he does. It's Vex taking away and keeping another character's item without their permission. She does this multiple times, to both PC and NPC alike. She only gets away with it with one instance of alignment shift because the group doesn't mind it. That kind of shenanigans would not fly at most other tables, certainly not any table I've ever been.
Vex always wanted a father. Now she has the respect and acknowledgment of the Dawnfather himself.
I knnnoowww I love it!
🥲
Just don't call him Dawndaddy.
ooooooo, good catch!
@@Warmaka. . . Imma do what I want
I fucking BAWLED my eyes out at the fanart of Tarryeon sitting with the dragon tooth necklace saying "Please come back."
Speaking of art, but that portrait of Gilmore?! 😍
Timestamp?
@@pheebo42 01:56:50
@@ikma87 Thank you!
This episode hits differently with what’s going on in C3
53:20 Scanlan’s “you heard??” was the cutest shit y’all
A lesser DM would have let Keyleth go forward with becoming Pelor's champion but Matt had such a keen eye for Vex's reaction. "Will any challenge?" was one of the greatest DM moments I've seen on Critical Role. A+ for reading the table
a lesser dm would kill them for being disrespectful in the presence of a god
Nat 20 on his insight check.
Matt thinks of the game very thematically. Keyleth was a totally inappropriate choice. She already had a vestige from a different god. Ideally the bearer of the dawnmartyr would've been great but the whitestone connection would've been a second best case.
or he just initially planned for Vex to choose Pelor and was being subtle in saying, "this is not the right choice". it had nothing to do with a keen eye and everything to do with trying his best to coax the players in the direction he had already planned. all you have to do is look at past events to see this. he very specifically set up certain characters to have special relationships with certain gods.
I could actually imagine either Vex or Percy being Pelor's champion. But (without seeing where this leads further yet) I suppose Percy might be more Ioun guy.
Gotta love how efficient Taliesin was in the pelor challenge
He knew exactly what he wanted to do, did his rolls, didn't bother talking about damage, quickly said if they succeeded or failed
Crucial decision making without taking but a moment from Laura's spotlight and time
And then came Marisha.
@@Warmakayeah, you could hear Laura’s panic in her voice, as Marisha fumbled with the spells. You dont do that, when there is a limited time to get things done. It also felt really weird that she was asking to champion Palor, when it was obvious it should be Vex, not Keylith
I always thought it was a bit weird that Pike wre the armor of Pelor, but now knowing that Sarenrae is on the same plane as him (he opened up his home to her to keep her safe) I think it's kinda of perfect and beautiful.
And now Sarenrae has a champion, a gnomish cleric, wreathed in holy flames
Sam C I was expecting Pike Armor to change from a symbol of Pelor to sarenrae after she got her blessing.
It's cool because Pelor protected Sarenrae and now his armor saved the life of her champion. Literally prevented her from being disintegrated.
@@BordrKing it's poetic, in a way....
@@jamesgarlick4573 th-cam.com/video/bxU2eqZtYmc/w-d-xo.html
Sam C I ship it
Say what you want about percy but the way he cherishes vex and dotes on her melts my heart
It's such poetic justice that Vex gets to prove herself as a champion by going through the trial as a red dragon. The same creature that killed her mother. The same creature she studied endlessly.. eventually helps her to become a champion of Pelor.
Well done scanman
Matt kinda let that one slide i feel like. Red dragons are obliterated on sight no matter what especially from anything that inhabits Elysium. Then again he didn't get Primus and the Maruts involved with Vecna's shenanigans.
Freakin beautiful. All the way back to the beginning.
Sam's quick thinking and flawless chefs kiss moves are underappreciated even tho he's appreciated all the time.
So 1 twin taste the revenge kill the dragon who killed their mother, and the other twin forgive(fenthras word) and accept red dragon form to clear the trial.
@@CreepyWilly pretty sure they know it isn't a real red dragon. They can see with their true sight that it's a half-elf transformed into a red dragon with magic. Lol.
"Souls don't grow on trees"
Grog Strongjaw, 2017
No, trees grow out of the destroyed souls vex kills.
Ironic quote coming from Grog and history with the Deck of Many Things.
I got very aggravated by their paranoia here as I found it unnecessary, albeit unintentional, abuse towards Grog. The poor man can't enjoy the bounty of Pelor because his friends think the fruit might be souls? And what kind of goodly god would do that to his followers?
@@MorinehtarTheBlue well pikes god has souls as sand on a beach sooooo not that far fetched
@@bopqw1055 Pelor turning someone who follows him in to food is a terrible thing. It's apocryphal and a serious lapse in judgement.
Pelor channeling Shrek like "Does ANYONE ELSE want to be my champion" when Keyleth volunteers
I mean, as a good deity of harvest and crops, he is love, he is life. He doesn't channel Shrek, he IS Shrek.
Pike Trickfoot champion of Sarenrae threating both Pelor and Raven queen if they hurt either of the twins is just amazing.
“She is every hope I have. When I am gone, she will make the world right. She is me, but better.”
God DAMN Liam! Couldn’t have been WRITTEN better.
Who says it wasn't written? ;)
I'm joking, there's a really funny april fools article out there that calls out Critical Role on the supposed script following in the most hilarious of ways. 😆
🙄
"She is your champion"
@@KingNefiiria That's cool. I kind of calling what Liam did writing regardless of the fact that he composed it on the spot. Semantics I supppose but a player must act both as an actor and a writer for their PC.
I love what Vax said, it was great. But I love even more what Percy said: "She is my heart and my judgment and the future I have chosen." That* is epic! And so, so spot-on for Percy.
I just realized, Vox Machina have literally been through heaven and hell together.
They've been through Hell and high watter too xD
Well, hell and a heaven.
And they tell you black is really white,
The moon is just the sun at night
And when you walk in golden halls
You get to keep the gold that falls!
"She is my heart and my judgment. She is the future I have chosen." I'm cryinggggg
im watching this now and im weeping
im watching that scene now and im weeping
Ickle bitty Pikey, all of two feet tall, and threatening to beat up the GOD OF THE SUN if he hurts her friend. Truly a monstah.
Mortals, defiant to the end.
I believe you mean Momstah. 😉😊
I kinda feel that Matt had conveyed the sheer presence of Pelor very well. To show such dissrespect to a god in his own sanctum. That shit was smite-worthy. Cool and in character but man im not sure she should have gotten away with it. The gods take themselves very seriusly
Gnomes are between 3'1" and 3'7"
@@Elaksomfan To be fair, smiting the recently appointed Champion of the Everlight (who resides in the same plane as him), isn't a good look for a non evil deity. Especially when Pike only threatened him if he hurt another mortal for being not good enough to be his Champion (something a deity of redemption would take issue with).
Wish Vex or any other of the party had acknowledged how clutch it was that Scanlan turned Vex into a red dragon. As Pelor explained to Vex what her challenge was, Sam looked at his sheets to figure out how he could help her.
Yes!!! It should have been Laura/Vex but acknowledgement from any of them would have been nice. Sam is so smart and thoughtful. He's my hands down all time favorite on both campaigns with Travis a close 2nd. I love them all but Sam is pure magic 🖤
@@OmANnIe Sam is The Best!!! And I am also a BIG fan of Travis.
Sam is consistently the MVP
@@Crit_Cat_82 Yes, he certainly is 🙂
It was so great but I think it was probably a bit tense with the timer. She did give him the broom willingly though which is a pretty big deal for her haha
Potential Spoilers
However as you probably know by now she also thanks him by helping him back, which I love.
Sarenrae: "Do not apologise, we made you with free will! We love you all!"
Asmodeus: "you are not our children; you are... a bad first draft."
His performance gives me chills just thinking about it
I approve of using Grog as a measurement of size. *Future campaign* "In the distance, you see a beautiful castle, about 35 grogs in diameter..."
Or about 53.8 Smoots!
I think the real question is how powerful should we rate Grog in Radditz though?
Ahh yes. Use anything but the metric system to measure things
100 hour metric day
cut to now, with the tlovm animation team using percy for scale lmao
Of course the Dawn Father, who's head is eclipsed in light so bright none can look at it directly for fear of going blind, is bald.
MY EYYYEEESSSS!
Baaald baaald baaaald baaaald
When he started describing him I was like: "...He's *_Mr. CLEAN??"_* 😂
"You sir are EXTREMELY bald."
He's BALD?!
1:30:18
I think Will Friedle would be pleased to know that there are grumpy Cashew trees in the Blessed Fields of Elysium.
"...What? B-betrothed...??" sam's face fucking kills me
you can see all their faces. they each realized what Percy said
Has anyone else noticed Travis's face starting at 2:46:06? He totally knew the secret bomb that Talesin is dropping in regards to Perc'ahlia. He's got this smug little smile and is the only person outside of Tal and Laura not to react (excluding Matt because of course the dm knew and he was super in character as Pelor)
I figured that was the case already that they wed, there were two instances hints were dropped. Once when vex noticed Alluras(dont know how to spell her name) wedding ring. Matt said something along the lines of "interesting you would notice this" and then the 2nd instance was when Vex and Vax were catching up Vex kept talking about keeping secrets.
He's the biggest fan of Vex and Percy and its so sweet to see how much he supports his wife.
@@seraphlord It's so funny how Laura was dropping hints to liam in that conversation that there was something else there and to ask about it but liam didn't notice. It was a little frustrating bc i wanted to see that play out but i definitely enjoyed it the way it went
he actually makes the face first when pelor first poses the question!
In which Pike gets a nose boop from a goddess, Vex decides to go All Quiet on the Western Front on Vax's gear, and Keyleth is accused of racism by a tree, and Grog gets proven right about something simple.
So yeah a typical episode.
I just want to say how I love that once Vex clearly tells Keyleth that she wants to be Pelor's champion, Keyleth/Marisha is immediately very supportive and even excited for Vex.
Because she fucked up and should never have said anything. Vex is currently working and prayed to pelor for the hunt and Marisha is a druid....melora is her god. Marisha just doesnt think half the time.
Thats why matt said twice..." Yea...anyone else??"
@@imperialknight3942 she does my head in so much
You know, this is why I am kinda excited for C2.. At this point, Keyleth as a character is irredeemable for me. Just I am absolutely annoyed whenever Keyleth is put in the spotlight. I am curious what Marisha ends up playing in C2 and if it is atleast better than this character.
@@thefonz8373 marisha as a player and an actor improves a lot in campaign 2 imo. I do think that keyleths character as a whole is actually quite good it's just that marisha the player made a lot of mistakes( which she is allowed to as a human) but also a lot of good decisions.
@@imperialknight3942This!! Her god is CLEARLY Melora, and she never even goes to get help from her!!
Dying at the monotony of Percival when Grog is going to investigate for fruit in Elysium to eat.
'Oh. no. stop.' xD
I love sometimes how the raw power of this game and these people come out. When Matt asks “What does she mean to you?” what follows are five minutes of pure emotion.
I love the look on Travis’s face when Pike says “There will be hell to pay.”
I'm waiting for grog champion of ioun
Oh my god that would be amazing, give him a 7th level spell slot lol.
samtrue3 I would die... of joy!
grog with 1 level 9 spell slot that scales with strenght
He'd probably rather be the champion of Kord, but who knows?
Abelhawk someone should point you towards the concepts of humor and irony/sarcasm
Vex is turned into her favored enemy so she can complete Pelor’s challenge... poetic justice
Really wish Scanlan had named a metallic dragon but yes any representative of the breed works for this.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue I think now that the Twins' vengeance on Thordak is complete, they have less of a grudge against red dragons, obviously they still would kill them as they're naturally evil but they should have no qualms about using them.
That means she gets advantage on all rolls right? xD
@@MorinehtarTheBlue The red dragon is the best dragon i think to represent the fact that she embrace her past and what she is ( the red one are the greediest and one did kill her mother) and when talking to a god i think honesty is the best approached
Travis is so proud of Laura/Vex when she finishes her challenge, it is adorable and I love them both
I’m crying. What her friends said of her was amazing. How Matt set this up and what each other player said of her without repeating or cheapening or knowing what was coming - made my heart swell.
*reposting someone else's Timestamps*
7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo
13:50 Robo-Liam
17:50 Boots of haste
21:47 Boots of haste cont'd
53:00 Scanlan's prayers
1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing
1:12:00 Sun trees ?
1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees
1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit
1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ?
1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1
1:32:10 Shade
2:02:40 Break ends
2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ?
2:19:38 Destroy the eye
2:28:30 Hourglass !
2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire
2:42:30 What does she mean to you ?
2:45:40 Percy's answer
2:48:30 Pelor's blessing
2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
Boost!!!!
Bump!
Push
Boost
Boost
Spoilers:
Vax: champion of the raven queen, whose domain is the passing of souls and winter
Vex: Champion of Pelor, lord of sunlight and summer
Lawrence Moesker yin and yang there is balance
Actually, harvest is fall, did he say summer? I might have missed that.
In D&D canon, Pelor is usually described as the god of agriculture (the harvest), summer, life, time and naturally, the sun. Of course different editions/iterations of Pelor may vary the exact domains he has power over, but that's the general consensus. The Raven Queen is the god of death, winter, and fate.
The Raven Queen in canon was a sorceress who actually ascended to godhood by killing the previous god of death Nerull. He was a terrible guy who was evil/enjoyed killing and made undead armies during the Dawn War, so when she died, Nerull chose her bright, shining soul, and named her his queen 'Nera'. She knew he was collecting bound souls for power, and quietly amassed power/learned how to overthrow him, then released the bound souls and destroyed him, before taking on his mantle as the god of death.
That's why she detests undead. And why she is unaligned, and goddess of the TRANSITION - she doesn't WANT people to die, just allows fate to do its thing. The god of death, not of the dead.
@@averylfong4843 which is good; I feel like the god of death should be neutral, so that souls go to their intended afterlife, rather than having to fear their fate (it doesn't mean people don't fear death, but it does allow for a smoother transition. I feel the same way about Kelemvor in the Forgotten Realms setting).
Lawrence Moesker this is so fucking beautiful. Thank you
The Dawn Father: So Serenray, your eh champion is quite something...
Serenray: Oh Yes she is. She's one of my best.
The Dawn Father: Mmm... She threatened to bring hell to my house you know.
Serenray nervous breathing.
Not nervous breathing, more, "what of it?"
Sarenrea: THAT'S MY GIRL!
Bro if any of them were to fight Pelor, it would be Pike and she WOULD win.
@@TheBrywarrior90
Pike: *whips Pelor around Hulk style*
Pelor: *sputters on the ground*
Pike: Puny God.
Serenrae: OOOOOHHHH!!!! *Cue air horns*
@@bonniefazman9065 Absolute masterpiece
That moment when you go to the new crit role vid, look at the timestamp and go "aww man! Only a 3 hour episode.. is that all this week..!?" Then you realise its the only channel you would even CONSIDER finding 3 hrs plus for in the first place!
Yes agree. But the episode felt so pact with story line this week that I was still completely satisfied somehow. Usually longer the better
manic mania sadly this is true...nevermind its not sad i love this show
manic mania
ITMEJP also has 4 hour long dnd content and I think he had been doing his show longer than critical role, but don't quote me on that.
manic mania I mean you not watching a lot of TH-cam doesn't mean this is the only channel that puts out unedited streams, lol...
I don't know if Matt came up with this on his own or if he was looking at Saranrae's source material (since she was imported from the original Pathfinder game along with Pike) but the key to reaching her castle, closing your eyes and walking towards her light, has a beautiful symmetry with one of the ways her followers worship her in Pathfinder - putting on a blindfold and trying to find her sun in the sky. I love all these small details he adds.
I love how they never mention they have Delilah in a body bag
That week where having Delilah in a body bag isn’t the most interesting thing happening. Lol
Pike casually threatens a God... no big deal
She's already threatened the Raven Queen by then. The Monstah fears no God XD
Epic Walrus Pike is the one true God
Cap'n caviar 'Cause She's a MONSTAH!
Monstahhhhh!!!!!
If anyone can genuinely get away with threatening a god, it's Pike.
I wonder if Percy's family is in Pelor's realm? They would have been followers of Pelor, living in Whitestone, so it would only make sense if they were.
Missed out on a tearful reunion I think
Feels like the rulers would follow Erathis rather then Pelor
I think so, too. Percy strikes me as the type who had faith growing up, hence why he learned Celestial, but after the tragedy and trauma of what happened to his family, he abandoned faith because neither it nor Pelor's general influence over Whitestone did anything to protect them from the necromantic scourge of the Briarwoods. As he grows older and the influence of Vex and the rest of Vox Machina brings him further out of the darkness that consumed his heart, I think he'll eventually come to reforge some of that faith again, albeit probably in a very particular form.
I straight up imagined a gold and brass Anor Londo when Matt described the Fortress of the Sun XD
2:08:33 Laura's comment was very underappreciated. "This has to be heaven, the doors just keep opening for us!" I expected a laughing fit but ah well
I think that the party thought she was referring to the gold and platinum the gates were made of, seeing the character is considered greedy. Kinda feels bad they didn't get the joke.
The DM who spins the complex yet simple heroic tale, so convincingly acts the parts of commoner to god, drives the emotions of the moment home so that their players shed tears.....what talent, Matthew Mercer!
Timestamps
7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo
13:50 Robo-Liam
17:50 Boots of haste
21:47 Boots of haste cont'd
53:00 Scanlan's prayers
1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing
1:12:00 Sun trees ?
1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees
1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit
1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ?
1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1
1:32:10 Shade
2:02:40 Break ends
2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ?
2:19:38 Destroy the eye
2:28:30 Hourglass !
2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire
2:42:30 What does she mean to you ?
2:45:40 Percy's answer
2:48:30 Pelor's blessing
2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
Thank you!
Thanks!
When she says she was talking to Pelor that was when she was doing her Whitestone initiation thing and she was communing with the Sun Tree.
i love what everyone said to the "what does she mean to you"
Year later, can still rely on these, thanks
Matthew Mercer, narrative skill level: Over 9000
Not enough zeroes lol
What!? 9000!? There's no way that can be right!
Hot damn
favorite line this episode " I believe in plenty of things, but yeah no, this is bullshit." - Percy.
yeah that was awesome. I love Percy so much. "The Burrowing Eyeball?!?!? Are you sure??"
Life needs things to live
I don't know, Percy had a lot of winners this episode. "What a beautiful tree you've found, it casts so much shade." I amazing.
The "I don't believe it will work" quip was brilliant too.
Percy is the king of unnoticed one liners
Holy cow, the scene Matt painted when he described Pike getting lifted up to view the island...that was a wonderful. Kudos, Matt. Kudos.
OH GODS THAT TREE OF THE SUN PART KILLED ME
I thought I had heard everything from Matt. This man is a gift to the world! All the cast is!
Weirdly, for the last few weeks I've been doing a surly new-yorker voice for a tree my three-year-old has made friends with (I needed to distract him for a minute and "say hi to the tree" has had ramifications I couldn't have predicted). The tree is called Murray and it sounds exactly like Matt's sun aurly sun tree. I choked on my coffee when I heard that.
2:45:28 Can we all take a moment to appreciate Pike threatening a literal god?
It happens... even gods need to be careful of powerful mortals. Did you notice that Sarenrae's island is growing? Structures coming *back* ? ...thats the power of a mortal, to a god.
Gods get their power from mortals. In their faith. So, Pike has already changed the balance of power in the planes. Not alone, but she was the one that made it happen.
From *one* decision.
She's likely the most powerful practitioner of Sarenrae's clerical faith in that version of the Prime too.
Though Pike would never usually put an emphasis on that often, it *does* make her a major player in divine circles, least as far as mortals go.
I was stunned and so impressed with Pike when this happened. What a fucking badass. What a Monstah
to be honest for Pelor it would be like a chihuahua barking at a T-Rex. Why bother?
@@xiconp1993 Because that's not the point. It's about the intensity of the emotion. It does lack for some self-awareness but if you care you should be willing to die for it regardless. Throwing your life away recklessly to be sure but you have to appreciate her style.
The Dawnflower(Serenrae) would not approve threatening the Dawnfather but it was fun to watch
Was I the only one who, when they heard Pelor say "VOX MACHINA," really wished they were still "the SHITS?"
The guards wouldn't have let them in with that name. :D
Evija3000 I mean if they said the Super High Intensity Team, they might not have realized lol
They haven't been the Shits since before it was a show called Critical Role so I find it hard to be attached to the idea. It would be a funny scene but I'm sure Pelor's sense of dignity would have pushed him to use their individual names in order to avoid it.
Sarenrae: Sorry Pelor, can't come over, I've got the SHITs.
Pelor: well, it's contagious, now I have the SHITs.
Sarenrae: Pike, you have done more than you know...
*yeets*
xD
Pike - Sarenrae
Vax - The Raven Queen
Vex - Pelor
Keyleth - Melora
Grog - Kord
Percy - Ioun
Scanlan - The Moonweaver (?)
Jus my predictions for our holy champions-to-be :3
SquishTheFish I think Percy won’t take on the role of champion since he’s so against religion.
I feel like there's supposed to be a connection between Ioun and Scanlan, since he has a Ioun Stone and it came up before when they sought the androsphinx.
@@viper2785 Well if that were the case the way it should have went was Tiberius being in the eyes of Ioun but then he died so Ioun shrugged their shoulders and said "the gnome will do"
SquishTheFish i
Those are my exact predictions. I'm late so it's long been decided, but I really hope I'm right. Kord is obvious, but Scanlan as the champion of the God of Mischief, illusions and joy and Percy as the champion of the godess of Knowledge and enemy of the Whispered One would be the sickest shit.
okay ok okie oki So if you listen closely when Pelor asks Percy "What does she mean to you?" He calls her Grand Mistress of the Gray Hunt and Baroness of the *First* House of Whitestone. In Syngorn, he gifts her the title of Baroness of the *Third* House of Whitestone.
Vex gives him shit next episode for calling them betrothed, but if Vox Machina had been listening carefully enough, they would have heard that they were already Full Ass Married. Anyway I love this show and Taliesin Jaffe is 1000% smarter than me.
Perhaps a declaration but notice also that she doesn't get referred to by the title of Baroness but Lady of Whitestone for quite some time now. Titles generally don't respect elopement however and there is a shift because the Dalen's Closet One Shot set after evrrything else has their official marriage.
I HAD THE SAME F*ING THOUGHT!!!! I love these stupid nerds so much, it's not even funny.
👏👏🔥
I caught that and wondered if he just
misspoke in the moment, but that’s even cooler
@@Revolos55 lmfao no, he really did just misspeak in the moment. This was not an intentional thing. The person who left this comment is looking way too deeply into that and is just straight up wrong lmfao
I am kinda sad now. I can almost see the end of this amazing show's 2 year run. I guess all great things must come to an end. Great job Matt and the rest of Vox Machina. I will be forever grateful.
the show will go one, they will start a new campaign with new characters
blackvial I actually meant the Vox Machina Show, not the CR Show. But, yeah. Still kinda makes me sad.
I am right there with you, only I've experienced it all in under 3 months time. I have however got enough glimpses of the Mighty nein to first not be excited and then really be excited for the coming campaign.
@@davidbergfors6820 Mighty Nein is amazing!!!! Looove, even more so than Vox. Love CR wholeheartedly ❤
Not sure if this aged well or poorly. ^_^
2:08:20 during Matt's long monologue "the light is near blinding" seeing laura, sam, taliesin, and marisha all physically react and squint is awesome. No one would notice them doing it, they just did it because they were so in tune with their characters and absorbed with matts descriptions and story telling that they just reacted.
Vex and Pike: "ooo, these are so pretty! We grab a small bag full of them."
[few moments later]
Vex and Pike: "oh gods! put them back! put them back!"
Underrated comment.
Grog: "I keep one"
I am late to the party, but I LOVE that Travis is taking notes when the Dawn Father talks about the Devine Trammel
I find the weird blending of the personalities of the characters and the players fascinating. They can have duel feelings about a situation based on who is feeling it. To a differing extents, they can feel things the way their characters do. But they can have opposing feelings as themselves as well. Sometimes the character's personality influences their own reactions more than others. It's so fun to see how that plays out.
For all those who sit and look for fan art long dead because you are in denial, the photo with Matt and all his NPCs in a circle is called NPC therapy, because of course it is. I personally though it was adorable.
The fan art is still an important part of the show for me. Especially for this episode. The drawings of Vax’s armor surrounded by ash, and the one of Terry crying in a corner, hoping his friends are ok actually made me pause the video just to try and absorb the emotion in the image.
@@confderatechocolate4645 I would love to see the fanart remixed for campaign presentation. Imagine the art and the events of the video being coordinated.
I love how Pike, for the second time in this campaign is not afraid to threaten a god XD
She's a true momma bear. Or gnome. Whichever you prefer.
"she is my heart and my judgment. and the future that i have chose. and she is one that i have betrothed too" -Percy about Vexallia
bro...
Ladies, get yourselves a man who talks about you like Percy does about Vex
Just dropping a bomb and walking away... that's Taliesin
@@deleria010 and vax too, let us not forget he started the “i walk away” trend
Honestly something so amazingly satisfying about how smug Keyleth and Percy are about gods, more so Keyleth who actively mocks them and acts like they are bullshit, just to have them both act like they are “reluctantly” willing to be the champions of said gods, just to have the gods pick two unlikely characters to champion them. Fucking perfect XD (and to be clear not hating Marisha or Jaffe, just enjoying the due rejections of their characters in this aspect)
Personally I think of it as having lived tragic lives of loss they each were deniers of the gods due to their feelings that the gods do nothing so either don't exist or are idle beings, upon being thrust into their realm they are no longer able to act like they do not exist, an have a chance to challenge the gods inaction an get their power to use in aid of mortals so that they are contributing to the world they built
Can you imagine if ioun the god of knowledge chose grog to be her champion aha 😂
He IS the smartest one in the group-
Well, I would bet her blessing would give him an INT boost!😆
He has an intelligence of 6, he knows what he's doing.
Someone else mentioned this as a joke but if I was GM I'd totally have done it. Sure there are other gods that might be more similar to Grog in disposition but you could make the argument that being dim-witted and wanting to learn to read he has more reverence for learning than any of the others.
30noir him learning to read is low-key my favorite part of the whole vox machina arc. It doesn’t take up a lot of time, it’s good for some fun jokes whenever it comes up, and it works perfectly with his gentle giant character
Matt's description of Sarenrae freaking converted me. Holy crap.
Rosie same.. I’m a cleric of Sarenrae irl now.
and what im happy about, is that he accurately depicted her pathfinder form
1:14:49 this is SUCH a good exchange im dying
1:32:11 Also i love how Travis went in for a High-5 after that one and Tal just straight up held his hand :P
2:12:52 The collective reaction after just hearing their group name is SO GOOD
Grog always turning to Pike.
Going from shadowfell to Elysium Fortress of the Sun must feel like switching from dark mode to light mode.
posting bc im tired of scrolling lol
7:33 Skyping from the Nostromo
13:50 Robo-Liam
17:50 Boots of haste
21:47 Boots of haste cont'd
53:00 Scanlan's prayers
1:00:38 Sarenrae's blessing
1:12:00 Sun trees ?
1:13:00 Souls don't grow on trees
1:14:40 Grog and the forbidden fruit
1:23:45 Big tower = compensating for something ?
1:29:20 Speaking to trees with a Natural 1
1:32:10 Shade
2:02:40 Break ends
2:14:45 Vex was talking to Pelor ?
2:19:38 Destroy the eye
2:28:30 Hourglass !
2:39:40 Top of the tower / passing through fire
2:42:30 What does she mean to you ?
2:45:40 Percy's answer
2:48:30 Pelor's blessing
2:58:20 Salt and pepper shakers
Bump
Hopefully i can find this easily when i come back
Bump!
I wanma eat that fruit
How do I bring this to the top L
"Souls don't grow on trees." -Grog, 2017
The "what does she mean to you" part made me tear up. Honestly I am surprised she didn't! I'm such a sap!
2:23:28 Vex's heavy sigh when Keylith suggests herself for being champion.
The scene felt so realistic and fluid, like out of a well written movie or book. Sure Pike would receive Sarenrae's blessing, she is all about that goddess. But with the Dawn Father it was more unclear and as viewers we know that Vex has the most ties to him, but the other characters besides her and Percy would not.
And why would it be as clockwork as going to gods 1 by 1 and each person knowing who should step up, the group is not very religious, they don't worship all these gods. The misdirection and uncertainty of who Pelor would choose is greatly shown in the character's uncertainty.
Keylith stepped up because she didn't know of a connection any of the other would have. To her this whole circumstance may just be retrieving these blessings and who gets which was not as important, more so just that they get aid. She also could have thought a different god better suited Vex.
It made me cringe from relatable social awkwardness, but that's just it, it was relatable, it was realistic and immersive. And i feel like it really made the scene better than if it was as clockwork and simple as just arriving immediately at the correct decision. And it was an interesting interaction for Vex and Keylith in my opinion, they don't have a whole ton of serious interactions like this.
What people seem to miss was the 3 seconds of dead silence after Pelor asked why he should help them. Nobody was speaking up. So Keyleth did, and it took Vex almost a full minute to say something. As soon as she did, though, Keyleth backed off with a smile.
Keyleth is usually the first to jump into conversations like this. The less than three second pause is NOT very long.
@@iDivinity117 well yeah, she frequently just says whatever comes to mind without spending even a fraction of a second thinking about what shes saying. and when she does it come off as preachy and badly worded. that low charisma score in action lol.
Thanks for your comment it helped me find where I jumped off of campaign 1 about a year ago
I felt the same exact way. I was expecting the kiki bashing but the way it played out you summed up perfectly.
The candles behind Sam make him look like he has big doofy cat ears and I love it.
I imagine there's a cleric or paladin out there who has been worshipping Pelor has his arms raised up like WHAT? HELLO?
This. Even Vox Machina getting a personal audience with Sarenrae is a bit of a slap in the face. And if they collect such a champion blessing for each member oh boy! Even Vax and Grog (if he gets Kord's blessing) are kind of upstarts to a degree.
Cash: "Oh c'mon! I married a god and didn't get half of what Vex got. This is bullshit"
@@MorinehtarTheBlue naw, Pike has done a bunch to bring back the church of Serenrae. She is highly deserving of being Serenrae's Champion.
@@Rowlurorowf No, you're right there. But I was more of the inclination that the rest of the group were definitely jumping the queue.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue i thought it was because of what the raven queen said to vax way back when he was first becoming her champion. She told him that he and his friends were fate touched, and that if not her, then other gods would try to collect them because they are special in some way.
God I love the Keyleth/Pelor exhange
Keyleth: Let me be your champion! Teach me your ways!
Pelor: Alright?.. Does anyone object to this?! ANYONE at all?
Keyleth: I've never believe in anything before but I can do it if you teach be to believe!
Pelor: Seriously though, ANY objections?!... Like for reals, ANYONE ELSE?!? Just throwing it out there, ANY objections?!? Like does ANYONE object to this druid becoming my champion?!?... OK... Like Seriously ANY OBJECTIONS? There's 7 of you and NOT ONE OBJECTIONS?!?!... Fine... I... Guess....
Spoilers:
Vex: I guess... I'll be your champion.
Pelor: Oh thank me!.. I mean... Yes, you there, you wish to be my champion?!? Take my Super Hard and Super Serious Test... *whispers* its super easy though no worries *wink*
Long Tran It was more Matt than Pelor. With Matt screaming for Laura to say something.
That's because keyleth has the spire. She's supposed to be Melora's champion. I mean the blessings are sick, but the vestiges awakened have way more power. Pike gets wings for 10 min and its cool down is 7 days? Vax gets to fly for an hour and just needs to sleep it off. Melora will awaken key's spire and she will be her champion.
I mean, by that logic Pelor could be for Pike along with Sarenrae since Pike is wearing a vestige of Pelor. But I am assuming he is saving Melora or another natural god for keyleth if she so chooses.
Granted Marisha did pick up on it early and backed down for vex.
Yeah, nobody, nobody was jumping on this one. Marisha putting Keyleth forward wasn't any kind of greedy move. It seemed more like a "We'd be idiots to let this go to waste."
Who's a champion of who?
After having watched the entirety of Campaign 2 and now this far let me just say this:
Matt plays gods so beautifully.
Sarenrae's softness and welcoming warmth, her hopefulness. Melora, the Wildmother in her gentle message and calm guidance. The Stormlord in his lulling thunders and affirmation. And even the Raven Queen, as the ascended mortal, in her loneliness and cold demeanor...
How he describes them, still flawed but ever-present and... almost human. Their size sometimes changing to mirror the one they speak to to gain their trust. There's always been such a trust at this table which allowed for interactions of the player(s) and their deity that make for such beautiful storytelling...
I've found great comfort in the Wildmother and the Stormlord watching Campaign 2 and now this...
You'd almost start believing yourself.
I love that when Laura is a dragon she nervously mimes the wing flapping.
so far, Matt's done a very good job at making the gods seem glamorous but alien and unknowable.
I very much enjoy that the tree of the sun Keyleth talked to was basically just Kash.
you know....i could definitely be wrong, or its on a talks machina i havnt seen. But sometimes you gotta love when something happens, like the events of this episode, and Tal just pulls out random factoid type things like "we need to update our flag" that just show an intense ammount of passion for just.....his fictional town.....its something special.
You know, sitting here years later, I can only assume that the Dawnfather looks like Patrick Stewart.
... Well he does now you've put the idea in my head!
Pike meeting Sarenrae like "I'm your biggest fan evah" xD
2:45:30 I just imagined Pike screaming "I'M A MONSTA" at Pelor and I smiled.
the Dawn Father's trial was one of the coolest sequences ever, of all time.
Matt as the asshole tree was one of the best things. Loved that part so much.
_"What a beautiful little tree you've found, it casts so much shade."_
So much love for Matt's description of them seeing Serenrae for the first time... Amazing. Absolutely amazing. ❤️
I fucking love it when the character dynamics of VM comes into play with the DM's challenges and it creates a beautiful narrative.
Pike's the one with most faith. She believed she'd reach the Crystal and she did so first. Guiding everyone else who was left behind with her and holding their hands all the way. Scanlan got there second because he was starting to have faith. And Grog believes in his friends and followed Scanlan.
Then there's the whole thing with Pelor. Keyleth's impulsiveness acts as a catalyst for everyone to react. She realizes Pelor is in need of a champion and readily offers herself up. But much like Percy, doesn't believe in deities. The thing is, Pelor is looking for a champion to carry his name. Worthiness isn't measured by willingness to try but through faith.
Vex have spent the last few episodes praising them and contemplating the impact they've had in their adventures. She thanked Serenrae and have been blessed as the mistress of the great hunt. There is no better candidate. Then Scanlan gives her the biggest buff by turning into a dragon and everyone tried to chip in to help. The speeches were also beautiful. I love the twinsies sm.
Sweet Jesus, "the marshmallowy goodness of Sarenrae"---guys not when I'm taking a drink, I almost choked to death ;P
You should get the marshmallows out of your drink
@noahhastings6145 damn you, I was going to ask was it a hot chocolate with marshmallows? Should be careful with them their a choking hazard lol 😂
0:00:11 - Sam does an advert for Marvel Puzzle Quest
0:09:42 - Recap
0:12:44 - Part 1 begins
1:42:18 - Part 1 ends
2:03:09 - Part 2 begins
2:58:12 - Part 2 ends
Blake Dale GET THAT MAN TO THE TOP.
Blake Dale Thanks dude
This is way too low in the comments.
Blake Dale i appreciate you
The hero we needed
Palor is so bright because his bald head is reflecting all of the light.