I want to talk about this episode with you! Join me for a live discussion of E118 on Tuesday 7th Jan at 3pm pacific (or Wednesday 8th Jan at 9.30am acdt): ruclips.net/user/livetdSjpsHmL_Q?feature=share
Orym's killing blow is pure goosebumps. Thank you for another amazing breakdown. So happy to have these recaps back for an exciting time in Campaign 3!
I think they look at each campain and see what makes sense to wrap it up. C1 was pretty simple so after the final fight they had 1 episode to wrap it up. C2 was more complex with all the disperate story lines due to the open world nature of the campaign but none of the open threats lend themselfes to more than little vinettes so it still fit in one (very long) episode. But the scale of C3 makes me think that only one episode after the final fight doesn't make any sense. It is pretty obvious that whatever happens will change Exandria forever. So having a few episodes to experience this new normal seems logical to me. On top of that I can see One Shots happening for VM and M9 POV after C3.
@Tyler_Pifer92 I do believe they said that they are not going to get rid of D&D as a whole on the channel, but they do plan to have more daggerheart stuff in the future Ala candela obscura
For any fans of Brandon Sanderson's "Stormlight Archive" series there are some great parallels between Ludinous and the character Taravangian. No spoilers but Taravangian has a similar mentality of saying that he wants to help everyone and of course the best way to help everyone is to take more and power for himself so that he can do what needs to be done without other people interfering. It's also very telling that Ludinous didn't actually have a plan beyond killing the gods to make sure things get better, he was happy to just let a power vacuum form and let the chips fall as they may. He thought he was so noble saying that he didn't plan on living to see the new world he created, but really it just showed him to be a coward who was unwilling to do the hard work of actually improving lives. I was actually disappointed that Liam didn't have Orym draw very clear parrallels between Ludinous having his family killed vs Ludinous' family being killed, to show that Ludinous is exactly the same as the gods he says he's opposed to.
I think that Imogen becoming the vessel has both made Predathos more powerful in terms of having a corporeal body and being able to pass through divine barriers, but also made it vulnerable because its life is now tried to a mortal's. A thorough line of this campaign has been struggling for control. Chetney struggling to control his inner beast, Laudna struggling to gain control from Delilah, FCG attempting to control his anger, Ashton fighting to understand his primordial and dunamantic nature, and Fearne wrestling with these visions of a dark Fey version of herself. Now that Imogen has chosen to become the vessel for Predathos, it's now time for Imogen to wrestle for control against this god devouring entity. Who knows if she will be successful and what will happen if she is. Regardless, I think this choice has dashed any hopes of Imogen getting her happy ending. She is either going to die alongside Predathos if BHs can somehow kill it, she eats all the god/chases them throughout the galaxy as they leave, or Imogen abandons Exandria and takes Predathos to some isolated corner of the galaxy to live in exile where Predathos can't eat anything.
I was also so happy that Orym got to do the killing blow...even though the cycle of violence you mentioned is thus a factor in it, nonetheless, both him personally, and many of Liam's characters, felt like this was the only correct way to conclude this part of the plot. As for Imogen: I think that was the worst idea possible, and I have no idea how it can go apart from her dying somehow. One doesn't just become a divine vessel and then absorb the divine being concerned, get them to leave willingly, or conclude in any manner other than death, and I am honestly shocked that they all just let it happen that way. But who knows? If Critical Role has taught me one thing, it's always been that one never knows what might end up happening.
I know a battle between the party and Predathos would be a good way to end this, but hear me out on a more crazy plan: Imogen and Fearne take what they've always done, and learn to control this, like they did with the horses at the start of the Campaign, and like The Bull in probably one of their most infamous moments. And then the Gods arrive. And we start a different fight where the group is all about protecting Predath-ogen, using the boon gifted by The Matron to try and keep them alive for just a few turns against a horde of Angels, Demons, and Champions of the Gods of Exandria. Because my gods while I doubt it is what Matt is actually planning wouldn't that be the juiciest of endings, where Braius finally needs to make his choice, where Orym and Ashton who are both near exhaustion, take the last stand to protect their friend, and Laudna protecting the love of her extended life from wave upon wave of divine power, not knowing what her final words to Imogen may actually be. What a way that would be to end a world, and a 10 year story.
For Braius I think will be forced into an action, like a sentient weapon lunging and pulling the wielder into a strike. For Imogen, I get the feeling of an inception movie dream like struggle. Maybe Imogen has to delve through nightmares, past trauma, and/or Tengar, to find Predathos and take control. I think next episode is either going to be 7hrs worth of combat and struggle. Or it will be a shorter episode to set the stage for a final the next week. Two episodes left max, 100% agree! Awesome Recap, Gotta point out the emoji and text at the beginning, nice touch :) Happy New Year, and have an Awesome day!
3 episodes would take us to the end of the month. I think we'll get 2 more to deal with Predathos, and one more epilogue, that will show what happens to all 3 teams.
I think Braius is gonna wind up killing Imogen and its gonna be incredibly difficult for Sam. And equally heartbreaking for the rest of us. I also think, depending on availability (I know Dimension 20 is doing a world tour kinda thing, so it may not be feasible). We might see Brennan brought on to play Asmodeus in a sort of capstone interaction with Braius. I think no matter what Sam ends up doing its not going to end well for him.
the soul bind spell from Ludinus' staff is most likely binding him to Liliana Timult as Ludinus is not Ruidusborn so to become the vessel would need to be "tied" to Liliana who is Ruidusborn.
I saw a clip of Matt talking about his new Daggerheart setting, something Soulsborne/ Ravenloft inspired without any major dirties in play, a dark setting with heavy consequences and crazy Eldrich stuff going on. I how I didn’t make that up. He’s a GM who’s written his own setting and gotten to play in it for ten years, but hearing his excitement to work on a new setting made me excited with and for him. I think he’s ready to jump into something new, and I’m here for it.
I definitely thought it was poetic that Imogen got to stunned Ludanis to hold him in place for his death, just like he attempted with Lilianna. Then, Orym getting the final blow is finally avenging his family members and everyone Ludanis ever sicked Otohan on, winning the war that started in his home. As for Predathos, it manifested in the shape of a child and I immediately got sus. Ashton said the world should go to the children (or something to that effect) so that tells me Predathos was listening and might be trying to manipulate them.
My predictions for the ending are twofold: 1. Much like with Laudna, the Group will need to fight a Predathos possessed Imogen in order to prevent it from taking complete control. Fearne’s choice to act as a Tether is probably what will allow Imogen to try and act to control Predathos, as otherwise I think she would have been consumed there for the fight. (Which I suspect Laura would have hated lol, but would have been great for the drama!) 2. My theory has always been that this campaign ends with the WOTC controlled Gods leaving. Either by their own choice, or by the players’ actions. And I suspect that those who have come to embody certain ideals from the Old Gods will obtain a new “Spark of Divinity” and become the new Gods. (Example: Vax becoming the new God of Death)
I don't think Matt would have ever done the final fight and said "Sorry, Laura. Imogen doesn't have any sway. You don't get to play." I think he always would have found a way for Imogen to do something. It's just that choices made shape what that involvement actually looks like.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding Daggerheart. I want to love it the way I love DnD, but the loss of Nat 1/20 is hard to overcome. So much emotion can be tied to those and some of the best moments I’ve had playing were over rolls like that.
I love how the party had just recently been hit by the new 'lose spell levels upon hit' mechanic and now that same mechanic is able to be used against the BBEG.
A few things I feel might end up being relevant: 1) Ira identified the staff but declined to tell them what it was. 2) Ira disappeared at the same time that Ludinus' body dissolved. 3) The bag of holding with Ludinus' funnel in it is missing. I wonder if Ira has gone off to try and absorb Ludinus' soul, wherever it is? Or Lunidus' soul jumped into Ira and he went off to finish absorbing Liliana?
I agree, one episode to fight Predathos and then one more to wrap things up (possibly a super long one including brief appearances from VM and MN). I think if there were only one episode left they would have announced it as such to drum up viewership and hype for next week
Orym is literally the only character with a defined goal and clear motivation. For 118 episodes we've been seeing these buffoons bumble around and ask themselves what they want to do. Even at the END of this episode, they're STILL divided. It's insane. Insane. I AM LOSING MY MIND I HATE IT
The ideas they are playing around with are interesting; however they have like a high school edge lord understanding of everything. Not saying they're not smart enough to pull it off, but somethings you just can't improv around.
I find solace in the fact the Nein can't be too far behind (giving Imogem at least the agency of Jester) plus I'm guessing the Matron Mask is intended to call in a few fallen friends...
predathos is an entity way more powerful than the gods, he ate two of them with no problem whatsoever. they (the gods) even needed the primordial titans to put it away. idk... if bells hells defeats predathos will be only because he hasnt eaten in so long, but at the same time i feel like that would be like almost a very cheap deus ex machina
I don't know if this was mentioned yet in the comments, but it seemed like Ludi being able to Silent Cast was a spur of the moment thing because he didn't have the range to counter Sam's Silence spell. Still fits the story, but I don't think he actually had that ability from the funneling until after Sam's casting.
Ludinus is definitely not dead, but Imogen might be. I wouldn't mind if Braius pulls an Arkhan and betrays the party. I don't need them all to be heroic. In fact, I expect them to eventually come down on different sides about what to do about Predathos.
I think it would feel kinda shallow for Imogen to survive something like this tbh… they’ve been drilling into our heads that they’re “a group of npcs”, “nobodies” since day 1 and they’re the ones to survive a godeating entity? an entity gods are terrified of? the same gods we saw annihilate the most powerful mages of the age of arcanum without breaking a sweat? mmm… personally I think a resolution by sacrifice would be the best outcome possible for them. instead of the “power of love” saving Imogen (which would feel a bit too much to be “realistic”), they could use it to save the world (not necessarily keeping the status quo the same with the gods -maybe even losing some of them-, but not totally destroying exandria) at the cost of one of them taking in this immense power. idk, we’ll see. I think either way, we’re in for a very emotional finale and I’m not ready at all😭
I'll probably get mollywhomped for this, but I cannot wait for a new campaign already. This one has felt like it's been missing some key factor the previous campaigns had and I can't put my finger on it. Really enjoying all your wrap ups and insights though Luna!
Beautiful day and thank you so much for the recap and content. Speaking bluntly I can’t see it turning out much differently than a compete break from D&D components to prepare for their own game IP… and rightly so. Though an amazing story as always it has strayed too far into world defining ramifications for me to care one way or the other how they end it. Yet I hope it ends magically for those whom are loving it and I am excited about the next steps :) Do we get the same group? Only through parts of the next campaign? Personally learning about dagger heart (have not yet)! How large of a time jump do we see… maybe 3-400 years or longer? So many wonderful questions to answer over the next months :) cheers and always love and laughter in your lives ❤
I believe it would be quite poetic if this fight for Imogens control could be similar to the revive Laudna one: journey inside her mind/soul, red storm setting, rescue Imogen locked by predathos
Firstly, wonderful video! Secondly, I wonder if they will use the Raven Queen mask to help Imogen in some way. Thirdly, If Imogen loses control, most likely the gods will try to fight but lose. IF she manages to have control, which will probably consist of several checks and/or saving throws or challenges, what will she do? The powers of Exandria are not going to let her be free to roam the world. She would be too much of potential threat to the world. It might be poetic if it ends with Imogen and Launda hiding in a cabin in the woods. Lastly, If Imogen is able to take some semblance of control, I wonder if the gods will be able (or willing) to siphon Predathos out of her and then shunt Predathos into a different prison somewhere else in the mutliverse. But I doubt that will happen. We shall seeeeeee what happens lol
If we were one battle episode and one epilogue episode from the end they surely would have announced that, right? I think the final episode is early to mid-February it just seems like if we were that close to the end they would announce that, especially since they prerecord.
I don't know if this was covered in your live discussion yesterday, but I predict we may see a conflict/fight between The Matron and The Father of Lies. Both promised to provide aid "when the time is right."
I think The nat 20s cheering will be replaced but some equally adorkable catch phrase they will likely spurt out when they roll the same number on their hope and fear dice. ❤❤❤❤
i think braius would be able to cope if asmodius got chased off. as the only reason he went to him was because he was alone, looking for connection, but since he technically has a new family of friends, loosing asmodius woud hurt him less
I've grown very weary of the constant "what do we do about predathos?" It's been going on for nearly 100 episodes and the fact they're still no closer to an answer than the beginning of the campaign. Separate thing, what the flip happened to Ludinis' plan to expose the gods, what was the point in him stealing the Downfall footage if nothing happens, unless now he's in his clone body (presumably safely stored on exandria and now unable to return to the moon cuz he doesn't know about the portal) maybe next episode we're going to see and back up plan enacted and ludinis' releases downfall
Ludi was relying on Liliana to figure out how to mass broadcast the downfall memory, but she kept stalling because she had turned on him, and then when he found out he tried to absorb her.
I agree with the assessment of Imogen and the path that has to be. Knowing Matt had intentions with Fern for this, I believe Miss Johnson should have to change her alignment due to this willy billy no chaos choice stuff as well as the change in characteristics. I don't DnD I just enjoy the CR shows and the storytelling I find very immersive, I enjoy your analysis so I'm likely using bad words and such but you get my just if not 🤷🏼♂️. Breus 😮.. that arc your hoping for for Sam if it comes that's the only way I see the extension of this past the two or three episode. He could really monkey wrench a few things and Sam always has a heroic monologue in him but can he spit again in this campaign, I think he could. Are Titans able to do much to gods is the next question. Ashton and Fern should be the only characters that can or should affect Imogen in her new form. Laudna with the Matrion and her attachments I guess could she is the only other character that should have a shot the rest are not going to have a Divine Intervention as those will be fighting or running away. Unless the new gods are going to be all of the troop because of some weird Champions granted stuff... I'm not sure I think I see a few ways this could extend the Campaign now via this master class of rambling poor grammar and lack of punctuation.. 🥴
That's an interesting point about the titans I hadn't considered - they were involved when the gods sealed predathos so Fearne and Ashton could tap into some of those powers against predathos 🤔
Battle with ludinus was extremely underwhelming. For a character with seemingly infinite intellect, him straight up ignoring the threat and tunnel visioning the barriers requires a lot of disbelief suspension. Also, it was just way too easy a fight for a villain that’s been built up over 2 campaigns. Also, not that I’m saying Matt is phoning this in or whatever, but something just feels extremely uninspired with the first encounter of predothos. It was pretty much a 1 for 1 with the grand demon encounter in Aor. Right down to the child like facade and the ‘im so hungry’ schtick. A pretty flaccid ending to a flaccid campaign.
I agree it felt a lot easier than I expected but I think it was just because the players played super well and were very strategic, which I felt was pretty satisfying for a group of characters that have often panicked in a lot of big fights
The Ludinus fight felt too...easy? Straight forward? He barely tried to confront them. I don't think this ends here. Seeing that we're only at 118, i think we're going to get some post-predathos stuff. I know there's been talk about ending this campaign soon so they could get to the daggerheart version of this, but I could also see a longer prologue to wrap up the world, maybe even time travel forward a bit to set up the exandria live show you mention that has forgotten gods. I think ending in a couple episodes from now would be super jarring.
Pretty sure next episode is the finale. Imogen might die, might have to end Imogen with Perdathos inside her to kill off Perdathos. But she most likely has some buffs. I think this is an Opal situation again. I cannot see this going another 2 episodes. I think wether what happens we'll hear the aftermath of everything and that will be that
This looks amazing. I think about 3 or 4 episodes,maybe? Lots to wrap up. Re the 20 critical hit, yeah, I willmiss that ,too. So far I've just felt like the Daggerheart rolls are just kind of meh. They don't have the risk or tension in them when hitting a 20 or, in the worst cases, a 1.
My thoughts are 1 more episode to close out conflict. Epilogue episode to set up for the aftermath. 1 more EU series for what comes after the end of the next episode. We still have some loose ends to tie up in this campaign as well with 3 additional characters pushed to the way side to progress the story with Erica's character, Bria's character, and the other aeortamoton. I cannot remember their names. We also never got the proper memorial and mourning for the loss of FCG.
I think if something happens to Imogen that it’d be a cool opportunity for Laudna to bring her back as an undead or something and echo the Briarwoods relationship
I cried when Orym got the HDYWTDT. His husband and dad in law died bc of Ludinius and his goal. Orym was able to honor them. You did it baby boi. It absolutely sucks that Orym couldn't have time to fully let it set in bc they still had to deal with Predathos and who knows what will happen in the next episode. 🥺😭👏
Braius and the talk if having having a family and juat needing to protect it could easily turn around to protecting Bell's Hells. That said I do kinda want to see him betray them.
Yes, during the Asmodeus conversation, Braius kept asking about what the "right" thing to do was. He still holds the Platinum Dragon values of honor and justice. And the way Sam echoed "protect the family" at the end of the conversation, made me think that he's going to summon Asmodeus and then turn on him. He may even sacrifice himself in order to protect Bells Hells, the truest family he's ever had. It completely fits with a tragedy bard, and also parallels FCG's sacrifice. Plus, using Asmodeus as a test to see what happens when you feed a god to Predathos could be useful. Is the hunger insatiable or does it subside for a while?
Happy new year..! Oh yeah a lot is going on. I was thinking this was going to be the last episode but nope. I love following these crazy characters along their journey. I'm still not sure about Braius after all his lord is the "Lord of Lies" and I'm sure his god is manipulating him. Is Braius playing the same game on his god or on the party? We all know the core group will protect each other from any threat. Will Braius be part of that core or something else? Orym had a beautiful moment killing Ludinas or did he? OMG.. that man has backups for his backups, Grrr... just die already. Karma will catch up to him just like it did with Delilah and Anna Ripley. Oh boy... after all that happening, I really feel for this group. Now to be placed into even harder decisions and consequences. This thing is a very focused primal energy and very powerful. Use the god cards that are up your sleeves and good luck, they will need it to survive C3Ep119. IMOGEN...!
I love Critical Role, but im a little hesitant to be excited for daggerheart campaigns. I tried watching the live one shot and session zero, and i didn't really like the mechanics or the classes all that much. I hope it will grow on me because its obviously going to be the new rule set.
Its a pretty popular theory that Daggerheart becomes the new rule set for their Exandria campaigns but I honestly don’t think that’s where this is going. The concept of the game is to create new worlds at the table according to the designers and I think we get side campaigns showcasing that for a while. Probably more Daggerheart one-shots and maybe mini-series in Exandria but in no way do I think they switch it permanently. Especially while the system is literally brand new.
Braius already has a family, a home, and just needs to protect it; Bell's Hells. Hopefully he realizes that Asmodeus' words can work that way too, he just needs to make the choice; doubt with any god, or faith in his companions
@@tromar5758 True, but he can see how well they take care of each other and that they are offering him the opportunity to grow with them. The potential is there if he dares a leap of.. faith. Ironically xD
I really want to know why predathos is so "hungry." Is it just the state of it's being? Can the hunger be satiated? Also, from the very start of Downfall, when they all were just light, was Predathos the thing that chased them and 'killed' some of them?
My theory is that Predathos represents destruction, as a god of nature does nature like things, a god of destruction would destruction. What better than a black hole of sorts? An endless hunger for all matter, to be turned to dust, never seen again.
I think they will have to kill Imogen. It would be the only way to save everyone. But maybe she could be saved, but i dont think so. I also think Asmodeus has some type of plan. Hes the god of lies, and he can lie easily. I think Ludinus might have either posessed the staff or Lilliana. And i get a feeling that the Gods know Bells Hells plan, and are preparing. Or they chase the gods away, and some become gods themselves. Or VM and MN will come and kill Imogen
I love these characters, but they kinda make me mad. Ashton is soooooo incredibly set on "the world needs to change" that he WANTS to set Predathos free. And Predathos is showing to be EXACTLY what they criticize and fear of the gods. An omnipotent children that just doesn't care about anyone, because we are soooo far dowythe food chain that we don't matter. We are just ants, sure they won't come for us.... But who cares what happens when the gods free Predathos. Ashton abd Laudna are so into the "Fuck the gods" narrative that they are kinda manipulating their friends into deicide. (With laudna is like the Sword thing 2.0, wher her point chanches every time she gets challenged because it is more important that people agree with what she wants than to adress the issues she is pointing)
i finally got caught up! yay! i'm not ashamed to say i was kinda rooting for ludinus because a) i love matt and b) ugh sorry not sorry but he's kinda attractive and i love villains which brings us to the premise of evil!imogen ^_^
I have a terrible premonition that Imogen will become the BBEG of this campaign and it'll be down to Orym and Laudna to "put her down"... Orym will fail and Laudna will succeed :(
I think it would have been much better if Sam had just ditched Asmodeus as he got the opportunity. I think it could have worked much better. It's just too late in the campaign for something like this and it is not a good fit for him. He does great morally grey characters, but not evil.
I want to talk about this episode with you! Join me for a live discussion of E118 on Tuesday 7th Jan at 3pm pacific (or Wednesday 8th Jan at 9.30am acdt): ruclips.net/user/livetdSjpsHmL_Q?feature=share
The way I ugly-cried at Orym getting that HDYWTDT. It was just a perfect full circle moment.
Orym's killing blow is pure goosebumps. Thank you for another amazing breakdown. So happy to have these recaps back for an exciting time in Campaign 3!
I think they look at each campain and see what makes sense to wrap it up. C1 was pretty simple so after the final fight they had 1 episode to wrap it up. C2 was more complex with all the disperate story lines due to the open world nature of the campaign but none of the open threats lend themselfes to more than little vinettes so it still fit in one (very long) episode. But the scale of C3 makes me think that only one episode after the final fight doesn't make any sense. It is pretty obvious that whatever happens will change Exandria forever. So having a few episodes to experience this new normal seems logical to me. On top of that I can see One Shots happening for VM and M9 POV after C3.
I do hope we get a few more episodes, but I also wonder if the scenes in the new Exandria will take place in C4 👀
I don't think we need episodes with nothing really happening to explore the new normal. It could easily be explored in a new ExU or even C4
@@Luboffin I’m of the opinion Daggerheart will be C4. Could be completely wrong though.
@Tyler_Pifer92 I do believe they said that they are not going to get rid of D&D as a whole on the channel, but they do plan to have more daggerheart stuff in the future Ala candela obscura
@@Tyler_Pifer92 Problem is, look how many shows this year are announced as Daggerheart. One. The other 4 are DnD, C4 is obviously DnD
For any fans of Brandon Sanderson's "Stormlight Archive" series there are some great parallels between Ludinous and the character Taravangian. No spoilers but Taravangian has a similar mentality of saying that he wants to help everyone and of course the best way to help everyone is to take more and power for himself so that he can do what needs to be done without other people interfering. It's also very telling that Ludinous didn't actually have a plan beyond killing the gods to make sure things get better, he was happy to just let a power vacuum form and let the chips fall as they may. He thought he was so noble saying that he didn't plan on living to see the new world he created, but really it just showed him to be a coward who was unwilling to do the hard work of actually improving lives. I was actually disappointed that Liam didn't have Orym draw very clear parrallels between Ludinous having his family killed vs Ludinous' family being killed, to show that Ludinous is exactly the same as the gods he says he's opposed to.
I'm reading that series at the moment and yes I can see the similarities between the two characters!
I know this is a lot of work, and you've voiced about it in the past. You're absolutely recognized and we all appreciate what you do!
I think that Imogen becoming the vessel has both made Predathos more powerful in terms of having a corporeal body and being able to pass through divine barriers, but also made it vulnerable because its life is now tried to a mortal's.
A thorough line of this campaign has been struggling for control. Chetney struggling to control his inner beast, Laudna struggling to gain control from Delilah, FCG attempting to control his anger, Ashton fighting to understand his primordial and dunamantic nature, and Fearne wrestling with these visions of a dark Fey version of herself.
Now that Imogen has chosen to become the vessel for Predathos, it's now time for Imogen to wrestle for control against this god devouring entity. Who knows if she will be successful and what will happen if she is. Regardless, I think this choice has dashed any hopes of Imogen getting her happy ending. She is either going to die alongside Predathos if BHs can somehow kill it, she eats all the god/chases them throughout the galaxy as they leave, or Imogen abandons Exandria and takes Predathos to some isolated corner of the galaxy to live in exile where Predathos can't eat anything.
When Matt put on the little kid's voice I had flashbacks to the end of Mass Effect 3 and the Starchild.
@@fakjbf3129 oooh same!
Me too, in the worst possible way. I hope C3 ends better than that did.
Immediately thought of the Starchild myself
I'm glad I'm not the only one who immediately thought of that!
I was also so happy that Orym got to do the killing blow...even though the cycle of violence you mentioned is thus a factor in it, nonetheless, both him personally, and many of Liam's characters, felt like this was the only correct way to conclude this part of the plot.
As for Imogen: I think that was the worst idea possible, and I have no idea how it can go apart from her dying somehow. One doesn't just become a divine vessel and then absorb the divine being concerned, get them to leave willingly, or conclude in any manner other than death, and I am honestly shocked that they all just let it happen that way. But who knows? If Critical Role has taught me one thing, it's always been that one never knows what might end up happening.
I know a battle between the party and Predathos would be a good way to end this, but hear me out on a more crazy plan: Imogen and Fearne take what they've always done, and learn to control this, like they did with the horses at the start of the Campaign, and like The Bull in probably one of their most infamous moments. And then the Gods arrive. And we start a different fight where the group is all about protecting Predath-ogen, using the boon gifted by The Matron to try and keep them alive for just a few turns against a horde of Angels, Demons, and Champions of the Gods of Exandria. Because my gods while I doubt it is what Matt is actually planning wouldn't that be the juiciest of endings, where Braius finally needs to make his choice, where Orym and Ashton who are both near exhaustion, take the last stand to protect their friend, and Laudna protecting the love of her extended life from wave upon wave of divine power, not knowing what her final words to Imogen may actually be. What a way that would be to end a world, and a 10 year story.
For Braius I think will be forced into an action, like a sentient weapon lunging and pulling the wielder into a strike.
For Imogen, I get the feeling of an inception movie dream like struggle. Maybe Imogen has to delve through nightmares, past trauma, and/or Tengar, to find Predathos and take control.
I think next episode is either going to be 7hrs worth of combat and struggle. Or it will be a shorter episode to set the stage for a final the next week. Two episodes left max, 100% agree!
Awesome Recap, Gotta point out the emoji and text at the beginning, nice touch :)
Happy New Year, and have an Awesome day!
3 episodes would take us to the end of the month. I think we'll get 2 more to deal with Predathos, and one more epilogue, that will show what happens to all 3 teams.
I think Braius is gonna wind up killing Imogen and its gonna be incredibly difficult for Sam. And equally heartbreaking for the rest of us.
I also think, depending on availability (I know Dimension 20 is doing a world tour kinda thing, so it may not be feasible). We might see Brennan brought on to play Asmodeus in a sort of capstone interaction with Braius. I think no matter what Sam ends up doing its not going to end well for him.
the soul bind spell from Ludinus' staff is most likely binding him to Liliana Timult as Ludinus is not Ruidusborn so to become the vessel would need to be "tied" to Liliana who is Ruidusborn.
I saw a clip of Matt talking about his new Daggerheart setting, something Soulsborne/ Ravenloft inspired without any major dirties in play, a dark setting with heavy consequences and crazy Eldrich stuff going on. I how I didn’t make that up.
He’s a GM who’s written his own setting and gotten to play in it for ten years, but hearing his excitement to work on a new setting made me excited with and for him. I think he’s ready to jump into something new, and I’m here for it.
Ooh where was that? I haven't caught up on much of the daggerheart stuff lately, but I plan to once c3 wraps up
I definitely thought it was poetic that Imogen got to stunned Ludanis to hold him in place for his death, just like he attempted with Lilianna. Then, Orym getting the final blow is finally avenging his family members and everyone Ludanis ever sicked Otohan on, winning the war that started in his home.
As for Predathos, it manifested in the shape of a child and I immediately got sus. Ashton said the world should go to the children (or something to that effect) so that tells me Predathos was listening and might be trying to manipulate them.
From the minute the episode ended, I've been waiting for this video to arrive in my inbox. Here I go! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
Thank you so much for your amazing perspective :)
Thank YOU for watching! ✨
My predictions for the ending are twofold:
1. Much like with Laudna, the Group will need to fight a Predathos possessed Imogen in order to prevent it from taking complete control. Fearne’s choice to act as a Tether is probably what will allow Imogen to try and act to control Predathos, as otherwise I think she would have been consumed there for the fight. (Which I suspect Laura would have hated lol, but would have been great for the drama!)
2. My theory has always been that this campaign ends with the WOTC controlled Gods leaving. Either by their own choice, or by the players’ actions. And I suspect that those who have come to embody certain ideals from the Old Gods will obtain a new “Spark of Divinity” and become the new Gods. (Example: Vax becoming the new God of Death)
I want Vax to have a happy ending though! But you might be right. Him or .. forgot her name
I don't think Matt would have ever done the final fight and said "Sorry, Laura. Imogen doesn't have any sway. You don't get to play." I think he always would have found a way for Imogen to do something. It's just that choices made shape what that involvement actually looks like.
@ true! I think he might have had her sit out a few rounds at the start, or maybe had her roll at the beginning of the turn to try and resist.
Another Laura Bailey dust of deliciousness moment and a beautifully poetic Liam turn. So good.
I think you hit the nail on the head regarding Daggerheart. I want to love it the way I love DnD, but the loss of Nat 1/20 is hard to overcome. So much emotion can be tied to those and some of the best moments I’ve had playing were over rolls like that.
I love how the party had just recently been hit by the new 'lose spell levels upon hit' mechanic and now that same mechanic is able to be used against the BBEG.
A few things I feel might end up being relevant: 1) Ira identified the staff but declined to tell them what it was. 2) Ira disappeared at the same time that Ludinus' body dissolved. 3) The bag of holding with Ludinus' funnel in it is missing. I wonder if Ira has gone off to try and absorb Ludinus' soul, wherever it is? Or Lunidus' soul jumped into Ira and he went off to finish absorbing Liliana?
I don't think he was absorbing Liliana, since Imogen was speaking with her.
I teared up when Orym got the HDYWTDT!
I agree, one episode to fight Predathos and then one more to wrap things up (possibly a super long one including brief appearances from VM and MN). I think if there were only one episode left they would have announced it as such to drum up viewership and hype for next week
Orym is literally the only character with a defined goal and clear motivation. For 118 episodes we've been seeing these buffoons bumble around and ask themselves what they want to do. Even at the END of this episode, they're STILL divided. It's insane. Insane. I AM LOSING MY MIND I HATE IT
The characters are children. Beau essentially said as much.
The ideas they are playing around with are interesting; however they have like a high school edge lord understanding of everything. Not saying they're not smart enough to pull it off, but somethings you just can't improv around.
I find solace in the fact the Nein can't be too far behind (giving Imogem at least the agency of Jester) plus I'm guessing the Matron Mask is intended to call in a few fallen friends...
I don't want any other groups to show up, this is Bells Hells's moment
predathos is an entity way more powerful than the gods, he ate two of them with no problem whatsoever. they (the gods) even needed the primordial titans to put it away. idk... if bells hells defeats predathos will be only because he hasnt eaten in so long, but at the same time i feel like that would be like almost a very cheap deus ex machina
Predathos is Izzy Rowland calling the pizzaria.
I don't know if this was mentioned yet in the comments, but it seemed like Ludi being able to Silent Cast was a spur of the moment thing because he didn't have the range to counter Sam's Silence spell. Still fits the story, but I don't think he actually had that ability from the funneling until after Sam's casting.
Ludinus is definitely not dead, but Imogen might be. I wouldn't mind if Braius pulls an Arkhan and betrays the party. I don't need them all to be heroic. In fact, I expect them to eventually come down on different sides about what to do about Predathos.
I think it would feel kinda shallow for Imogen to survive something like this tbh… they’ve been drilling into our heads that they’re “a group of npcs”, “nobodies” since day 1 and they’re the ones to survive a godeating entity? an entity gods are terrified of? the same gods we saw annihilate the most powerful mages of the age of arcanum without breaking a sweat? mmm…
personally I think a resolution by sacrifice would be the best outcome possible for them. instead of the “power of love” saving Imogen (which would feel a bit too much to be “realistic”), they could use it to save the world (not necessarily keeping the status quo the same with the gods -maybe even losing some of them-, but not totally destroying exandria) at the cost of one of them taking in this immense power.
idk, we’ll see. I think either way, we’re in for a very emotional finale and I’m not ready at all😭
It may be a more rock paper scissors situation. Gods>Mortals>God eaters>Gods
@ that’s true, we don’t know. hopefully it’s that😂
I'll probably get mollywhomped for this, but I cannot wait for a new campaign already. This one has felt like it's been missing some key factor the previous campaigns had and I can't put my finger on it.
Really enjoying all your wrap ups and insights though Luna!
That's fair! I've been so all over the place with this campaign, sometimes I love it and other times I felt a similar kind of drag.
I know there's more episodes to come and they're still on the moon, but Chetney is yet to get a piece of Predathos for Nana Mori.
Beautiful day and thank you so much for the recap and content. Speaking bluntly I can’t see it turning out much differently than a compete break from D&D components to prepare for their own game IP… and rightly so. Though an amazing story as always it has strayed too far into world defining ramifications for me to care one way or the other how they end it. Yet I hope it ends magically for those whom are loving it and I am excited about the next steps :)
Do we get the same group?
Only through parts of the next campaign?
Personally learning about dagger heart (have not yet)!
How large of a time jump do we see… maybe 3-400 years or longer?
So many wonderful questions to answer over the next months :) cheers and always love and laughter in your lives ❤
Just noticed a kitty in the kitty bed!
Predathos' teal avatar gives strong Red Queen vibes "you're all going to die down here"
Happy new year!
Happy New Year to you too! 🎉
I believe it would be quite poetic if this fight for Imogens control could be similar to the revive Laudna one: journey inside her mind/soul, red storm setting, rescue Imogen locked by predathos
Firstly, wonderful video!
Secondly, I wonder if they will use the Raven Queen mask to help Imogen in some way.
Thirdly, If Imogen loses control, most likely the gods will try to fight but lose. IF she manages to have control, which will probably consist of several checks and/or saving throws or challenges, what will she do? The powers of Exandria are not going to let her be free to roam the world. She would be too much of potential threat to the world. It might be poetic if it ends with Imogen and Launda hiding in a cabin in the woods.
Lastly, If Imogen is able to take some semblance of control, I wonder if the gods will be able (or willing) to siphon Predathos out of her and then shunt Predathos into a different prison somewhere else in the mutliverse. But I doubt that will happen.
We shall seeeeeee what happens lol
the videos are really good! thank you for making them!
If we were one battle episode and one epilogue episode from the end they surely would have announced that, right? I think the final episode is early to mid-February it just seems like if we were that close to the end they would announce that, especially since they prerecord.
I don't know if this was covered in your live discussion yesterday, but I predict we may see a conflict/fight between The Matron and The Father of Lies. Both promised to provide aid "when the time is right."
Ooh that could be interesting!
I think The nat 20s cheering will be replaced but some equally adorkable catch phrase they will likely spurt out when they roll the same number on their hope and fear dice. ❤❤❤❤
Happy new year Luna! Excellent recap no notes
I could see us ending at 120, just makes sense because there’s so much that can happen here
i think braius would be able to cope if asmodius got chased off. as the only reason he went to him was because he was alone, looking for connection, but since he technically has a new family of friends, loosing asmodius woud hurt him less
Engagement for the engagement god!
I've grown very weary of the constant "what do we do about predathos?" It's been going on for nearly 100 episodes and the fact they're still no closer to an answer than the beginning of the campaign.
Separate thing, what the flip happened to Ludinis' plan to expose the gods, what was the point in him stealing the Downfall footage if nothing happens, unless now he's in his clone body (presumably safely stored on exandria and now unable to return to the moon cuz he doesn't know about the portal) maybe next episode we're going to see and back up plan enacted and ludinis' releases downfall
Ludi was relying on Liliana to figure out how to mass broadcast the downfall memory, but she kept stalling because she had turned on him, and then when he found out he tried to absorb her.
Pradothos is the Indoctrination Child from Mass Effect 3
I agree with the assessment of Imogen and the path that has to be. Knowing Matt had intentions with Fern for this, I believe Miss Johnson should have to change her alignment due to this willy billy no chaos choice stuff as well as the change in characteristics.
I don't DnD I just enjoy the CR shows and the storytelling I find very immersive, I enjoy your analysis so I'm likely using bad words and such but you get my just if not 🤷🏼♂️.
Breus 😮.. that arc your hoping for for Sam if it comes that's the only way I see the extension of this past the two or three episode. He could really monkey wrench a few things and Sam always has a heroic monologue in him but can he spit again in this campaign, I think he could.
Are Titans able to do much to gods is the next question. Ashton and Fern should be the only characters that can or should affect Imogen in her new form. Laudna with the Matrion and her attachments I guess could she is the only other character that should have a shot the rest are not going to have a Divine Intervention as those will be fighting or running away. Unless the new gods are going to be all of the troop because of some weird Champions granted stuff... I'm not sure I think I see a few ways this could extend the Campaign now via this master class of rambling poor grammar and lack of punctuation.. 🥴
That's an interesting point about the titans I hadn't considered - they were involved when the gods sealed predathos so Fearne and Ashton could tap into some of those powers against predathos 🤔
Re: Braius - I keep coming back to Asmodeus being the God of Lies. So is he lying, is Braius lying in honor of him, or something else…?
Battle with ludinus was extremely underwhelming. For a character with seemingly infinite intellect, him straight up ignoring the threat and tunnel visioning the barriers requires a lot of disbelief suspension. Also, it was just way too easy a fight for a villain that’s been built up over 2 campaigns.
Also, not that I’m saying Matt is phoning this in or whatever, but something just feels extremely uninspired with the first encounter of predothos. It was pretty much a 1 for 1 with the grand demon encounter in Aor. Right down to the child like facade and the ‘im so hungry’ schtick. A pretty flaccid ending to a flaccid campaign.
I agree it felt a lot easier than I expected but I think it was just because the players played super well and were very strategic, which I felt was pretty satisfying for a group of characters that have often panicked in a lot of big fights
What if someone put on the harness and started absorbing KidPredathos. Then they could have 2 half predAvatars.
Aren't M9 on Ruidus also? And the moon is going to collapse once predathos is free?
We don't know what will happen to Ruidus if Predathos gets out, but it going boom is certainly a possibility.
Has Travis ever used his werewolf upgrade feat from when he became the giant werewolf?
The Ludinus fight felt too...easy? Straight forward? He barely tried to confront them. I don't think this ends here. Seeing that we're only at 118, i think we're going to get some post-predathos stuff. I know there's been talk about ending this campaign soon so they could get to the daggerheart version of this, but I could also see a longer prologue to wrap up the world, maybe even time travel forward a bit to set up the exandria live show you mention that has forgotten gods. I think ending in a couple episodes from now would be super jarring.
Pretty sure next episode is the finale. Imogen might die, might have to end Imogen with Perdathos inside her to kill off Perdathos. But she most likely has some buffs. I think this is an Opal situation again. I cannot see this going another 2 episodes. I think wether what happens we'll hear the aftermath of everything and that will be that
This looks amazing. I think about 3 or 4 episodes,maybe? Lots to wrap up. Re the 20 critical hit, yeah, I willmiss that ,too. So far I've just felt like the Daggerheart rolls are just kind of meh. They don't have the risk or tension in them when hitting a 20 or, in the worst cases, a 1.
My thoughts are 1 more episode to close out conflict. Epilogue episode to set up for the aftermath. 1 more EU series for what comes after the end of the next episode. We still have some loose ends to tie up in this campaign as well with 3 additional characters pushed to the way side to progress the story with Erica's character, Bria's character, and the other aeortamoton. I cannot remember their names. We also never got the proper memorial and mourning for the loss of FCG.
I think if something happens to Imogen that it’d be a cool opportunity for Laudna to bring her back as an undead or something and echo the Briarwoods relationship
I cried when Orym got the HDYWTDT. His husband and dad in law died bc of Ludinius and his goal. Orym was able to honor them. You did it baby boi. It absolutely sucks that Orym couldn't have time to fully let it set in bc they still had to deal with Predathos and who knows what will happen in the next episode. 🥺😭👏
"I love somtories that are sad and tragic"
"Killing fern would feel really shitty."
Hanks and happy new year.
Braius and the talk if having having a family and juat needing to protect it could easily turn around to protecting Bell's Hells. That said I do kinda want to see him betray them.
Yeah I think it could go either way, and either way will be juicy!
27:20 aw. You cut away from Laura’s reaction. That was such a moment.
life is like a poem... it rhymes
I love how you say Eldritch Blast :)
Eat Predathos using the devices that eat people's powers. Eat the rich, or in this case, Eat the red hunger.
Not the Majora's Mask moon kids!
I think Sam’s goal is to feed Asmodeus to Prodathos. It’s his goal to deceive the deciever not only for the platinum dragon but also his bard school.
Yes, during the Asmodeus conversation, Braius kept asking about what the "right" thing to do was. He still holds the Platinum Dragon values of honor and justice. And the way Sam echoed "protect the family" at the end of the conversation, made me think that he's going to summon Asmodeus and then turn on him. He may even sacrifice himself in order to protect Bells Hells, the truest family he's ever had. It completely fits with a tragedy bard, and also parallels FCG's sacrifice. Plus, using Asmodeus as a test to see what happens when you feed a god to Predathos could be useful. Is the hunger insatiable or does it subside for a while?
Happy new year..! Oh yeah a lot is going on. I was thinking this was going to be the last episode but nope. I love following these crazy characters along their journey. I'm still not sure about Braius after all his lord is the "Lord of Lies" and I'm sure his god is manipulating him. Is Braius playing the same game on his god or on the party? We all know the core group will protect each other from any threat. Will Braius be part of that core or something else? Orym had a beautiful moment killing Ludinas or did he? OMG.. that man has backups for his backups, Grrr... just die already. Karma will catch up to him just like it did with Delilah and Anna Ripley. Oh boy... after all that happening, I really feel for this group. Now to be placed into even harder decisions and consequences. This thing is a very focused primal energy and very powerful. Use the god cards that are up your sleeves and good luck, they will need it to survive C3Ep119. IMOGEN...!
I love Critical Role, but im a little hesitant to be excited for daggerheart campaigns. I tried watching the live one shot and session zero, and i didn't really like the mechanics or the classes all that much. I hope it will grow on me because its obviously going to be the new rule set.
Its a pretty popular theory that Daggerheart becomes the new rule set for their Exandria campaigns but I honestly don’t think that’s where this is going. The concept of the game is to create new worlds at the table according to the designers and I think we get side campaigns showcasing that for a while. Probably more Daggerheart one-shots and maybe mini-series in Exandria but in no way do I think they switch it permanently. Especially while the system is literally brand new.
Unpopular opinion(s):
I don’t think this is the beginning of the end. Nor do I think Imogen is going to die.
Braius already has a family, a home, and just needs to protect it; Bell's Hells. Hopefully he realizes that Asmodeus' words can work that way too, he just needs to make the choice; doubt with any god, or faith in his companions
Realistically Braius has known Bells hells for like two weeks max imo I wouldn’t say he’d consider them family
@@tromar5758 True, but he can see how well they take care of each other and that they are offering him the opportunity to grow with them. The potential is there if he dares a leap of.. faith. Ironically xD
who knew Ludinus was Pepperidge Farm?
I really want to know why predathos is so "hungry." Is it just the state of it's being? Can the hunger be satiated?
Also, from the very start of Downfall, when they all were just light, was Predathos the thing that chased them and 'killed' some of them?
My theory is that Predathos represents destruction, as a god of nature does nature like things, a god of destruction would destruction. What better than a black hole of sorts? An endless hunger for all matter, to be turned to dust, never seen again.
Laudna is not one of the lower hp characters, she has 138 (only Ashton and Orym have more, I think) and temp hp due to her form of dread😅
Oh oops haha!
14:59 do it for the Nookie!!
I think they will have to kill Imogen. It would be the only way to save everyone. But maybe she could be saved, but i dont think so. I also think Asmodeus has some type of plan. Hes the god of lies, and he can lie easily. I think Ludinus might have either posessed the staff or Lilliana. And i get a feeling that the Gods know Bells Hells plan, and are preparing. Or they chase the gods away, and some become gods themselves. Or VM and MN will come and kill Imogen
God Ludinus coming back in Liliana's body would be BRUTAL
Bells hells become new gods.
I love these characters, but they kinda make me mad.
Ashton is soooooo incredibly set on "the world needs to change" that he WANTS to set Predathos free.
And Predathos is showing to be EXACTLY what they criticize and fear of the gods. An omnipotent children that just doesn't care about anyone, because we are soooo far dowythe food chain that we don't matter. We are just ants, sure they won't come for us.... But who cares what happens when the gods free Predathos.
Ashton abd Laudna are so into the "Fuck the gods" narrative that they are kinda manipulating their friends into deicide.
(With laudna is like the Sword thing 2.0, wher her point chanches every time she gets challenged because it is more important that people agree with what she wants than to adress the issues she is pointing)
i finally got caught up! yay! i'm not ashamed to say i was kinda rooting for ludinus because a) i love matt and b) ugh sorry not sorry but he's kinda attractive and i love villains
which brings us to the premise of evil!imogen ^_^
The man definitely had his aesthetics on point 🤌🏻
I have a terrible premonition that Imogen will become the BBEG of this campaign and it'll be down to Orym and Laudna to "put her down"... Orym will fail and Laudna will succeed :(
Nooooo I hate that (but also love it)
I watched the episode and was just disappointed by Imogen letting predathos in
I'm going to be really sad if they choose to start C4 with Daggerheart.
But but laudna and Imogen's gay little cottage 😢
😭😭😭😭😭😭
I think it would have been much better if Sam had just ditched Asmodeus as he got the opportunity. I think it could have worked much better. It's just too late in the campaign for something like this and it is not a good fit for him. He does great morally grey characters, but not evil.
I wished that fearne could be the vessel but Ashley is too indecisive for that, unfortunately 🥲🥲🥲