yeah, that was pretty intense. i thought they were going to go with "zone of truth" but instead went with Beau's ability. the cast reactions were great too.
Tis the life of a DM. I've had to have a 10 minute conversation with myself because the party now has 2 NPCs in it, and the two of them had to secure passage into a city.
Made better by the fact that it was the note-taker herself dropping the backstory this time. Every one who scrambled has relied on her notes for most of both campaigns
I thought Avantika's death was so heartbreaking for her character. All her ambitions, all her plots, cut through with a few punches. Such a smooth talker and at the end she couldn't even utter a single scathing phrase. This wasn't just an execution, it was a humiliation, a perfect destruction of what makes Avantika Avantika. Well done to matt, this was incredible.
squattingheads, outside of a Mislead spell I don’t think that she would have got the chance and I don’t think she was of sufficient magical power to do this. But you never know with the trickster god that is Mathew Mercer.
Yooo, y'all know Cad wasn't down for that shit. You could see the confusion and then horror on his face when Matt's decision was made. He was actually scared/horrified.
I think it was because it was an unnatural death. Not a hungry animal just sustaining itself with food, or protecting itself. This was politically motivated, the man-made worlds ideologies resulting in her death. Probably very disturbing.
@@silversalmon9909 but it was an animal (though an intelligent one) protecting itself and its territory. There are animals that will kill potential threats that may overthrow it as head of the pack. If a lion is head of a pride he will chase off male cubs once they have grown to near-adulthood so that they don't overthrow them.
@@quietlodestar Caduceus is very heavy on people dying at the right time for them in the natural cycle, rather than at the behest of someone else. Avantika’s life was cut short, in his eyes, rather than cut at the right point.
@@deffdefying4803 he is very acceptant that the nature of nature is one inherently violent. animals are constantly brutalizing and murdering eachother. thought this was stated in more recent episodes. it may be that when first leaving the grove he thought that death should be a natural and peaceful process but as he came face to face with the violence he and others commited and the dog eat dog world outside of the graveyard, he somewhat changed his philosophy. violence is as natural as it gets and animals' lives are constantly cut short by others.
Beau: “I’m from a secret order of the monks of the Cobalt Soul, known as the Expositors.” *frantic note taking* I keep watching that moment, it’s so funny.
To have Avantika, who has already been established as a highly skilled, calculating & deadly individual, ultimately outplayed is simply VICIOUS. I mean...if Beauregard actually gave a damn half the time, she'd be just as formidable and terrifying. Her cold reveal of her affiliation with the Cobalt Reserve was chilling, and her subsequent knuckle-cracking & cut-off jabs were just ruthless...perhaps that's why she considers those in power with such disdain...she fears that she could be good at it.
I've had these exact thoughts, if Beau really wanted to go off the deep end, she'd be a force beyond reckoning. Especially when it comes to getting the information she needs. I think she fears she'd like the power WAY too much.
Aw man. GREAT ANALYSIS. I always wondered why Beau never used these tactics so often; but I have renewed appreciation for her. She didn't really revel in her achievement *too much*. I wondered about that; now i have an answer.
Tony Favilla And while it’s not necessarily fitting to his character, “He would see the realm burn if he could be king of the ashes” is a fucking awesome quote for our firey wizard boy
I love the juxtaposition of super spy beau over the nott and jester detective agency. This whole case was so...clean. 'Erybody was amazing, and they couldn't have done it without everyone doing their part, but I've got to say: Marisha -- MVP.
Jester and Nott's Detective Agency is a rollercoaster, while Beau's mercenary spy tactics are more like a black car following you slowly as you walk down the street, keeping a middle distance.
Avantika's death was crazy! It was between her and the party and with a natural 20, and a failed charisma save could this only happen. I mean, she was ultimately against the party so she had to die at some point in the campaign, it was better that it was in a RP environment instead of battle in my opinion. Great vid!
I mean you're right and wrong in my opinion it was kind of a letdown that they didn't kill her in battle or something really cool like that she went out bye simply a neck break it would've been nice if she was guillotined or hanged like that
@@TheCart54321 Honestly I like the fact that it was just a neck break. Avantika was her own spindoctor, she talked big and thought of herself even bigger, but by contrast her incrimination and death was humiliating and for all to see.
@Cool Dude Do you know how much more intimidating her death was than by a guillotine or a gallow? This man went up to her, lifted her with one hand without a problem and just broke her neck like a goddamn twig. No actual trial, nothing, mess up under his reign and you'll be done for, that's pretty scary.
Can we just take a moment and appreciate that Travis, Sam, and Taliesin all grabbed a pen and started to write down "Expositors" when Marisha dropped that name?
Avantika's Death was absolutely shocking to me, i was both elated and saddened by her death; elated because she was Probably going to kill everyone, and saddened because i think she could have been an awesome reoccurring Villain to the Mighty Nein. Matt did such an amazing job with this scene!
I thought this too. She has mentioned she felt like Beau might have been somewhat in awe of/inspired by Avantika. Ultimately, even if she was misguided and a little cruel, she was a powerful woman who fought hard to achieve things in her life. She looks genuinely upset in that moment. I think it's also easy to forget that you're not in a civilized place on a place like Darktow. You think it's going to be jail time or maybe a grand execution at some later date. Not the King snaps a neck right in front of you.
@@SeanBoyce-gp that's true. I dont think anyone of us was expecting a snapped neck right then and there. I had the same reaction Travis had when that happened.
Wouldn't be surprised if Veera escapes/survives and comes looking for them. Also interested to see if Avantika's rival lady comes to their aid in the future.
11:30, doesn’t even need to make any rolls to hold her up or break her neck. Which is just terrifying. Imagine if they had to fight this guy, someone who could get up close and do that kind of damage so easily.
She was restrained, he's got a an extremely high strength with a class and items and feats that increase his barehanded strike damage, and he crited. A lucky but totally doable event in DnD for a high level character/NPC.
10:55 God, I love the excitement as they've realized they've won, the relief, turn to horror as they realize the brutality of what's about to happen, and then genuine shock as it happens and then the reality of it sinking in for them. Such masterful storytelling by Matt and great playing from the cast, and really great song choice from yourself!
The craziest thing about this scene is that Avantika died to a failed DC 14 saving throw. One simple bad roll spelled her fate. That being said, how much you wanna bet both Avantika and Vandrin come back later in the campaign as undead to haunt Fjord?
Wall of Fire: Severely damaged the crew and bought the M9 some much needed time to get distance. Counterspell: Maintained the WoF and prevented anyone from being washed overboard. Fireball: Annihilated the bulk of Avantika's crew. Caleb doesn't make plays. Caleb IS the play.
@@plgrn8r683 if i had to give true props to the biggest MVP's this episode it has to be Beau Fjord and caleb hands down with honourable mention to jesters dimension door
I remember one morning turning on the critical role stream (it was streaming during morning for me for some reason) and i opened it just as the plank king picked up Avantika and snapped her neck. Impeccable timing, but i had no idea what was going on haha
Okay but the moment he said “look at me in the eye, woman” they all collectively died from shock and terror Also I love Sam and Travis staring wide eyed as they scramble for pencils
The "Look me in the eye, woman" line is one my favorite of the entirely 3 campaigns. The sheer intimidation and voice is just perfect. Matt is incredible
This video demonstrates what makes this group so legendary. You can have the amazing D&D games and stories but you don't get the voices and little things that the story telling stand out
Now dont get me wrong, I love the whole cast and their characters, but this whole trial took Beau from one of my least favorite to my top 3 PC in the history of Critical Role. I was blown away.
Hands down, probably the greatest episode of campaign 2. This is the equivalent of the Kill Box in campaign 1. High-stakes combat that ends with a nerve-wrecking social encounter.
I mean that was for sure in character, I'm so glad he's playing Deuces, I was not a huge molly fan and I honestly don't think he liked the class, Blood hunter is not very much fun until like level 8+
That's not the way pact weapons or Hexblades work. The Hexblade patron itself is an entity that creates sentient weapons, not a sentient weapon itself. And pact weapons are simply weapons that Pact of the Blade warlocks can summon, they're not special weapons in and of themselves.
Kaihu That might be true for some pact weapons, but this is different. I don´t think that Avantica´s pact was too different from Fjord´s and even as he takes different weapons as his pact weapon, they just basically fuse with the base-falchion. Yes, the diety might have some kind of control over who can pick it up and use it, but in the end, it needs followers to free it and will take the opportunity the same way it did when Fjord picked up his weapon after his friend´s death.
@@thenosieyartist6924 exactly. keyleth was infuriating because i could tell marisha had so much cool shit to do, but keyleth was just too dorky for it all
As a few people have noted, in this episode we get a look at how ruthless Beau can be. Take a look at her expression at 9:25, just after the Plane King says, "Be my guest". She's going to enjoy this.
This episode make me really wish I seen then first campaign beginning, trails, and hardships from before they streamed. Just having the feeling of being at the table, on the edge of my seat watching the events unfold. Just like I did this episode.
Fjords nat 20 may be one of the most significant of this part of the campaign. Without the Plank Kings permission, this whole thing would probably have ended in violence
I’m late to the campaign 2 party and have been playing catch up. I just got this point in the podcast, and while cheering out loud at Fjord’s nat 20 along with the rest of the scene. I kept thinking, I hope this moment has been clipped by a fellow Critter... thank you good sir for the clip and edit
she has a clone somewhere in the world. If the briarwoods were able to do that, she can too. She is going to come back after like 40 episodes and we will all be like: HOW
@@jaredsousa9356 you might not be wrong, but there is a sacrifice involve with the Serpent but honestly ether it has been done by Avantika death (i suspect it has to be a chosen one like Vendren for the sacrifice). Honestly, i would be thrilled to se her come back, she would be a great villain. Imagine if she becomes a revenant.
11:43 I just want to take a sec to appreciate the music choice for this moment. Because the music that follows that moment is pretty spot on in my opinion of how everyone is feeling.
I loved this episode. But now I have a few questions lingering in my head. 1. Will they even find the orb down there or does the third chosen one already have it? 2. Will they go to the second location and attempt to destroy the temple in which Fjords patron resides? And if they do take this course of action how will they destroy the tower? 3. After repairing the ship and returning to the minagery coast, assuming all goes well, will they simply sell the boat or give it to orly or something? Also will they convince jesters mom to leave the minagery coast when they return?
@@grobanlover292 Considering the crew were paid for a maybe 2-3 week journey and not only have they been fired upon and practically kidnapped, but the journey took them much longer than anticipated and now they're even on a damaged ship that will take even longer? Yeah, the quality of food will likely stave off some of the anger, but I imagine the M9 won't get to enjoy too much of that treasure. That's why I was frustrated when they didn't bother spending time to loot the Sea Hag's cave in last night's episode.
Watched this scene over and over yesterday... Came here to bond with other commenters because come on! This is the best episode of the whole season 2, right??? "Look me in the eye, woman" ugh I get goosebumps and fangirl every time. :D
respectfully @@sarahs.6667 your individual opinion on molly is largely irrelevant to the climax with lorenzo still being one of the partys biggest triumphs if for no other reason that theyre also freeing fjord jester and yasha. but also the end of episode 26 was the absolute lowest point of the nighty nein as a party. even if molly wasnt your favorite he was still a beloved member of the nein. and after their first clash with lorenzo left them beaten, with a party member dead and also keg at a low point as well, the nein were down more than half their members. finding and killing lorenzo was a victory for ALL of the nein and for keg as well in addition, it was also the TOUGHEST challange the party has faced, with a big compound and essentially a party of PC grade characters opposing the nein
can you make a highlight of their time on the sea after they leave like when Taliesine said he was putting the high fruit in everyones food or when "everyone had water control"
"Look me in the eye woman"
I am both aroused and terrified at the same time
Keg is both aroused and aroused
@@deffdefying4803 Gunpowder keg (fluffernutteeeeeer!!!) Is both aroused and terrified ;P
So is Marisha
Scaroused
bill hader voice: “well mark me down as scared AND horny!!”
10:00 - can we take a moment to appreciate Matt threatening himself and attempting to not incriminate himself at the same time.
yeah, that was pretty intense. i thought they were going to go with "zone of truth" but instead went with Beau's ability. the cast reactions were great too.
Matt never fails to amaze me. The way he juggles different characters is insane
Tis the life of a DM. I've had to have a 10 minute conversation with myself because the party now has 2 NPCs in it, and the two of them had to secure passage into a city.
"Look me in the eye woman"
Never been so aroused and intimidated at the same time, and i'm a striaght guy.
@@TheRealBot001 this is me (timestamp: 10:44)
My favorite CR moments are
*backstory drop*
*everyone’s eyes get wide*
*scrambling for pencils*
Made better by the fact that it was the note-taker herself dropping the backstory this time. Every one who scrambled has relied on her notes for most of both campaigns
I thought Avantika's death was so heartbreaking for her character. All her ambitions, all her plots, cut through with a few punches. Such a smooth talker and at the end she couldn't even utter a single scathing phrase. This wasn't just an execution, it was a humiliation, a perfect destruction of what makes Avantika Avantika. Well done to matt, this was incredible.
Like a sword straight through the Gordian Knot.
It seems Marisha really does have a way of stripping the sweet talk and wit away from her targets.
Very true. Makes me wonder if she might pop up again later as a lingering soul with a vendetta against the Nein.
pretty sure that wasnt her. One of the crew was missing right? guess she switched places
squattingheads, outside of a Mislead spell I don’t think that she would have got the chance and I don’t think she was of sufficient magical power to do this. But you never know with the trickster god that is Mathew Mercer.
10:44's "Look me in the *eye*, woman" is my favourite line that Matt has ever spoken. The delivery is just so perfect. Nat 20 intimidation.
Murdo Maclachlan ashamed he said it to himself
Agreed
Looking back, this is Beauregard's "Cupcake" moment...
YESSSSS!!!
Omg that's perfect
Facts
Couldn't have said it better
And the wall of fire was Caleb's imo
Yooo, y'all know Cad wasn't down for that shit. You could see the confusion and then horror on his face when Matt's decision was made. He was actually scared/horrified.
I think it was because it was an unnatural death. Not a hungry animal just sustaining itself with food, or protecting itself. This was politically motivated, the man-made worlds ideologies resulting in her death. Probably very disturbing.
@@silversalmon9909 but it was an animal (though an intelligent one) protecting itself and its territory. There are animals that will kill potential threats that may overthrow it as head of the pack. If a lion is head of a pride he will chase off male cubs once they have grown to near-adulthood so that they don't overthrow them.
@@quietlodestar Caduceus is very heavy on people dying at the right time for them in the natural cycle, rather than at the behest of someone else. Avantika’s life was cut short, in his eyes, rather than cut at the right point.
@@deffdefying4803 he is very acceptant that the nature of nature is one inherently violent. animals are constantly brutalizing and murdering eachother. thought this was stated in more recent episodes. it may be that when first leaving the grove he thought that death should be a natural and peaceful process but as he came face to face with the violence he and others commited and the dog eat dog world outside of the graveyard, he somewhat changed his philosophy. violence is as natural as it gets and animals' lives are constantly cut short by others.
Beau: “I’m from a secret order of the monks of the Cobalt Soul, known as the Expositors.”
*frantic note taking*
I keep watching that moment, it’s so funny.
To have Avantika, who has already been established as a highly skilled, calculating & deadly individual, ultimately outplayed is simply VICIOUS.
I mean...if Beauregard actually gave a damn half the time, she'd be just as formidable and terrifying. Her cold reveal of her affiliation with the Cobalt Reserve was chilling, and her subsequent knuckle-cracking & cut-off jabs were just ruthless...perhaps that's why she considers those in power with such disdain...she fears that she could be good at it.
I've had these exact thoughts, if Beau really wanted to go off the deep end, she'd be a force beyond reckoning. Especially when it comes to getting the information she needs. I think she fears she'd like the power WAY too much.
Aw man. GREAT ANALYSIS. I always wondered why Beau never used these tactics so often; but I have renewed appreciation for her. She didn't really revel in her achievement *too much*. I wondered about that; now i have an answer.
I believe Beau is the Varys from Game of Thrones of the group. “Who do you serve?” “I serve the realm.”
@@kays4216 "When I see the bullsh*t that has consumed this empire, I am VERY glad to have no part of it."
Tony Favilla And while it’s not necessarily fitting to his character, “He would see the realm burn if he could be king of the ashes” is a fucking awesome quote for our firey wizard boy
I love the juxtaposition of super spy beau over the nott and jester detective agency. This whole case was so...clean. 'Erybody was amazing, and they couldn't have done it without everyone doing their part, but I've got to say: Marisha -- MVP.
Jester and Nott's Detective Agency is a rollercoaster, while Beau's mercenary spy tactics are more like a black car following you slowly as you walk down the street, keeping a middle distance.
Avantika's death was crazy! It was between her and the party and with a natural 20, and a failed charisma save could this only happen. I mean, she was ultimately against the party so she had to die at some point in the campaign, it was better that it was in a RP environment instead of battle in my opinion. Great vid!
thanks! It's definitely interesting to see a villain death not take place in a battle
I mean you're right and wrong in my opinion it was kind of a letdown that they didn't kill her in battle or something really cool like that she went out bye simply a neck break it would've been nice if she was guillotined or hanged like that
@@TheCart54321 Honestly I like the fact that it was just a neck break. Avantika was her own spindoctor, she talked big and thought of herself even bigger, but by contrast her incrimination and death was humiliating and for all to see.
@Cool Dude Do you know how much more intimidating her death was than by a guillotine or a gallow? This man went up to her, lifted her with one hand without a problem and just broke her neck like a goddamn twig. No actual trial, nothing, mess up under his reign and you'll be done for, that's pretty scary.
It's quite fitting for a villian dedicated to fjord to be beaten this way.
I'm kinda disappointed you cut out the best line: "You've got 60 seconds, but I've got more knuckles."
Fantastic work as always, though!
Having fun 👏 isn’t hard, 👏
When you got a library card! 👏
Anyone else thought of this when Beau made that remark bout the library card?
omg yeS
10:44 That line is definitely one of the most badass things I've heard in a LONG time. Especially since Matt was saying that to himself.
"Plank King, if I may, my ears, though pointy, can only stand a certain amount of dishonesty"
Yee Haw Fjord
Can we just take a moment and appreciate that Travis, Sam, and Taliesin all grabbed a pen and started to write down "Expositors" when Marisha dropped that name?
Its just amazing when Matt talks to him self for 5 minutes
The debut of Double Beau 7
I'm both simultaneously angry and proud...
Within the span of half a second, I went through confusion, realization, rage, then joy because of this pun.
*stands up and starts a slow clap*
Well played
5:01 ah yes the sound of frantic note taking, a sound all players and college students alike are familiar with
"WRITE THAT DOWN! WRITE THAT DOWN!"
One of my favorite moments in all of CR. Love it. Every1 was screaming TPK but the party said nah.
I was at the edge of my seat all episode
everything that needed to go well for them to survive went well. It's an episode filled with good roles.
Definitely one of my favourites too
Avantika's Death was absolutely shocking to me, i was both elated and saddened by her death; elated because she was Probably going to kill everyone, and saddened because i think she could have been an awesome reoccurring Villain to the Mighty Nein. Matt did such an amazing job with this scene!
Pretty sure she actually had a thing for Fjord, and wasn't going to betray them.
Villains in campaign 2 seem to have a habit of dying before their time.
Don't worry, the fates of Vira(?) and Bouldergut are still up in the air, who knows they may come seeking TM9 for revenge.
@@cfin982 Nah, I'd doubt it. Bouldergut wouldn't have the mental capacity, and I'm pretty sure Vera got F'd by Caleb's fireball.
They could raise her
Marisha got deeply affected by it, at least in my perspective. Damn.
I'm still shook tbh. I keep re watching this scene
Nico Neilson
Damn. I know how many times one has to watch something when editing. That’s a bunch!
I feel like Marisha was so excited that the inquisitive monk that is the Cobalt Soul paid off SO highly.
I thought this too. She has mentioned she felt like Beau might have been somewhat in awe of/inspired by Avantika. Ultimately, even if she was misguided and a little cruel, she was a powerful woman who fought hard to achieve things in her life. She looks genuinely upset in that moment.
I think it's also easy to forget that you're not in a civilized place on a place like Darktow. You think it's going to be jail time or maybe a grand execution at some later date. Not the King snaps a neck right in front of you.
@@SeanBoyce-gp that's true. I dont think anyone of us was expecting a snapped neck right then and there. I had the same reaction Travis had when that happened.
That neck snap though... 😵 This scene was fricking intense! Can't wait for what repercussions come from it.
My jaw dropped for a good 30 minutes afterwards lmaooo such an amazing scene
@@NicoNeilson That Nat 20 mattered, that's all I'll add to that.
Wouldn't be surprised if Veera escapes/survives and comes looking for them.
Also interested to see if Avantika's rival lady comes to their aid in the future.
Kitsune Rokaku I rewatched it 5 times and got chills every time! Applause to Matt Mercer
8:25
Looks like Travis is the ACE ATTORNEY now
OBJECTION! That distinction belongs to Nott and Jester, and their detective agency, for actually finding the journal in the first place!
@@grobanlover292 they *did* crack that case wide open...
And also Avantica's floor
Who knew we could all be so on edge watching Matt have a conversation with himself. What a legend
11:30, doesn’t even need to make any rolls to hold her up or break her neck. Which is just terrifying. Imagine if they had to fight this guy, someone who could get up close and do that kind of damage so easily.
HelpfulVader99 I mean if we’re going by combat rules he probably can’t. Making someone roll damage for an execution would be bad story telling.
She was restrained, he's got a an extremely high strength with a class and items and feats that increase his barehanded strike damage, and he crited. A lucky but totally doable event in DnD for a high level character/NPC.
10:55 God, I love the excitement as they've realized they've won, the relief, turn to horror as they realize the brutality of what's about to happen, and then genuine shock as it happens and then the reality of it sinking in for them. Such masterful storytelling by Matt and great playing from the cast, and really great song choice from yourself!
Travis' ability to roll nat 20s as and when it makes the narrative the most juicy will never fail to amaze me
The craziest thing about this scene is that Avantika died to a failed DC 14 saving throw. One simple bad roll spelled her fate.
That being said, how much you wanna bet both Avantika and Vandrin come back later in the campaign as undead to haunt Fjord?
Hmm, one bad roll spelling someone's fate in Campaign 2, where have I seen that before...?
Vandren isn’t dead. Cad got a message from the Wildmother telling him that Vandren was laying low and biding his time.
Her druid is still alive. She could reincarnated or raise her back to life. Terrifying revenge plot to potentially be had
Well.......
This aged well...
Awwww, you left out the best quote from that exchange. "You've got 60 seconds, but I've got more knuckles"
caleb with that clutch dispel got POTG
Wall of Fire: Severely damaged the crew and bought the M9 some much needed time to get distance.
Counterspell: Maintained the WoF and prevented anyone from being washed overboard.
Fireball: Annihilated the bulk of Avantika's crew.
Caleb doesn't make plays. Caleb IS the play.
@@plgrn8r683 if i had to give true props to the biggest MVP's this episode it has to be Beau Fjord and caleb hands down with honourable mention to jesters dimension door
PLGRN8R
Fucking wizards man. They get the job done.
@@mistamemewide they do. Unless they are surprised by a handful of goblins with shortbows
I love how marisha's go to for any emberesing or tense moment is to just climb furniture.
Underrated comment XD
11:43 I think this moment actually scared Marisha. She looks like she's fighting tears. Though I'd guess this terrified everyone, really.
lol shoutout to your dramatic music choice at Avantica's demise.
Beau and Fjord are friend goals XD
Their bromance (beaumance?) Is really great. I love how they hype each other up.
@@virtzilla Beau is Fjord's grumpy hypeman who makes him look happier in comparison
I remember one morning turning on the critical role stream (it was streaming during morning for me for some reason) and i opened it just as the plank king picked up Avantika and snapped her neck. Impeccable timing, but i had no idea what was going on haha
Okay but the moment he said “look at me in the eye, woman” they all collectively died from shock and terror
Also I love Sam and Travis staring wide eyed as they scramble for pencils
8:14 the most clutch roll Travis ever made.
God Marisha with that knuckle crack 😍
@Doobdoob3 yeah how dare I, right? Im basically a homewrecker
@cameron hall A year later and I see OP responding to nobody, kid must have gotten wrecked and deleted his comments, lol!
2:50 cad saying “aw yeah” after being told to shut up makes me so happy
Nott at 13:12 “I don’t think we do” is perfect. god dang I love these guys so much
I love how even in edits, Sam and Laura are a unit, and so are Marisha and Travis XD
marisha was amazing here 10/10.
but you cut her best line! You've got 60 seconds, but I got more knuckles.
Was anyone else surprised at just how loud Marisha's knuckle pops were at 9:20?
9:21 is so perfect.
Who needs "good cop, bad cop" when you have two bad ass cops
True enough, but I was really only talking about Marisha cracking her knuckles. I get the feeling she does that a lot.
8:50 gotta love Talesin's "What foul demon...?" at Travis's Nat 20. XD
That knuckle cracking was perfect
Everyone frantically grabbing paper when beau talks about the order
The "Look me in the eye, woman" line is one my favorite of the entirely 3 campaigns. The sheer intimidation and voice is just perfect. Matt is incredible
Masterful musical accompaniment
thank you
This video demonstrates what makes this group so legendary. You can have the amazing D&D games and stories but you don't get the voices and little things that the story telling stand out
Now dont get me wrong, I love the whole cast and their characters, but this whole trial took Beau from one of my least favorite to my top 3 PC in the history of Critical Role. I was blown away.
Who else is in your top three?
This is *hands down* the best episode so far in my mind.
This is the first time I've been like, "Holy shit, this is just as good as Campaign 1"
i can’t tell if it’s marisha or her rpingg as beau that’s feeling super affected by avantika’s judgement, either way i love her reaction!!
8:38
A lot of people talking about Caleb’s cipher natural 20 being what killed Avantika, but honestly this one was just as important.
This was the CRAZIEST episode thus far!! So worth the two week wait! This made it even better 😱
I know!! This episode was absolute insanity! def well worth the wait
A gut-wrenching death for Avantika, similar to some seen in GOT... wow
Fjord and Beau were so badass here oml
Hands down, probably the greatest episode of campaign 2. This is the equivalent of the Kill Box in campaign 1. High-stakes combat that ends with a nerve-wrecking social encounter.
1 year later, and still intense af.
This need to be properly animated. Someone hit up k.
Imagine if Blizzard animated this Overwatch style? 😱
@@andrewzimmerman6762 With McCree listening to the conversation through some headsets the Mighty Nein wear
I have good news for you from the future with the MN Animated Series being announced :)
I know I'm late to the party but Marisha cracking her knuckles before punching the truth out of Avantika is all I need
It was a really nice touch for sure
All their reactions are amazing but Taliesin cracks me up so much 😂
I mean that was for sure in character, I'm so glad he's playing Deuces, I was not a huge molly fan and I honestly don't think he liked the class, Blood hunter is not very much fun until like level 8+
Intoxicated Meta yeah Molly was a fun and chaotic character but I think Cad is a much better compliment to the rest of the M9
One of the greatest scenes from critical role period.
This episode was so crazy I love this
yet another amazing highlight, keep it up :)
thank youuuu
This scene still gives me chills no matter how many times I watch it. Matt is so good at this.
So . . . Avantica is dead, and nobody took the time to take her dagger. This pact weapon will find another wielder and that might be pretty dangerous.
GermanGoodGuy oh god yeah i didn’t even clock that that was her pact weapon damn
Well, they were in plenty of trouble already. The last thing they want is a failed attempt at stealing the dagger.
maybe it never comes up again, but either the Plank-King or one of his subordinates are bound to pick it up.
That's not the way pact weapons or Hexblades work. The Hexblade patron itself is an entity that creates sentient weapons, not a sentient weapon itself. And pact weapons are simply weapons that Pact of the Blade warlocks can summon, they're not special weapons in and of themselves.
Kaihu That might be true for some pact weapons, but this is different. I don´t think that Avantica´s pact was too different from Fjord´s and even as he takes different weapons as his pact weapon, they just basically fuse with the base-falchion. Yes, the diety might have some kind of control over who can pick it up and use it, but in the end, it needs followers to free it and will take the opportunity the same way it did when Fjord picked up his weapon after his friend´s death.
Jesus, Matt has created deceitful and deranged dragons, lich gods, and everything in between, yet the Plank King is easily his most intimidating npc.
Your music choice was magnificent during the death scene
Oh man the way you edited the music to come in right as the plank king snaps avantika's neck makes it so much more impactful wow good job lmao
Merle Highchurch would be proud.
people yelling at marisha in twitch chat what's good
Marisha found her type of character...a fucking mixture of bad assery and cold rage.
@@thenosieyartist6924 exactly. keyleth was infuriating because i could tell marisha had so much cool shit to do, but keyleth was just too dorky for it all
God this scene is just the perfect mash of all of them together working not only as a unit but keeping and making their own flow with matt
As a few people have noted, in this episode we get a look at how ruthless Beau can be. Take a look at her expression at 9:25, just after the Plane King says, "Be my guest". She's going to enjoy this.
I fucking love the Plank King, one of the dopest NPCs Matt has ever created, hope we see more of him.
This episode make me really wish I seen then first campaign beginning, trails, and hardships from before they streamed. Just having the feeling of being at the table, on the edge of my seat watching the events unfold. Just like I did this episode.
this was the most stressful thing i have ever watched in my whole life
Fjords nat 20 may be one of the most significant of this part of the campaign. Without the Plank Kings permission, this whole thing would probably have ended in violence
I’m late to the campaign 2 party and have been playing catch up. I just got this point in the podcast, and while cheering out loud at Fjord’s nat 20 along with the rest of the scene. I kept thinking, I hope this moment has been clipped by a fellow Critter... thank you good sir for the clip and edit
she has a clone somewhere in the world. If the briarwoods were able to do that, she can too. She is going to come back after like 40 episodes and we will all be like: HOW
I suspect that ukatoa may revive her (turning her into a wraith). But that’s just my theory.
Well she healed pretty rapidly from the wound in her hand that one time. I suspect it is possible she was not killed thoroughly enough.
I think people just heal quickly in this world. Like how people have sustained enough damage to make death saves and are fine the next day.
@@jaredsousa9356 you might not be wrong, but there is a sacrifice involve with the Serpent but honestly ether it has been done by Avantika death (i suspect it has to be a chosen one like Vendren for the sacrifice). Honestly, i would be thrilled to se her come back, she would be a great villain. Imagine if she becomes a revenant.
Avantika is perfect for becoming a Deathlock character
oh RUclips algorithm, how fitting you bring this to me after episode 112
Oh god the editing with the music....that was just such a powerful moment in the campaign, insane!
Welcome everyone also rewatching this after tonight. Can’t wait for next we and it JUST ended
Yeeeeeep
That final interaction between M9 and the Plank King gave me Marsellus Wallace and Butch Coolidge vibes
Matt’s storytelling in this is fucking top
I've seen this a thousand times and it's still a freakout moment. Matt is so brilliant. The Plank King is such an interesting character.
11:43 I just want to take a sec to appreciate the music choice for this moment. Because the music that follows that moment is pretty spot on in my opinion of how everyone is feeling.
10:44 Oviarys exploded
This was great timing with the start of the music well done!
I loved this episode. But now I have a few questions lingering in my head. 1. Will they even find the orb down there or does the third chosen one already have it? 2. Will they go to the second location and attempt to destroy the temple in which Fjords patron resides? And if they do take this course of action how will they destroy the tower? 3. After repairing the ship and returning to the minagery coast, assuming all goes well, will they simply sell the boat or give it to orly or something? Also will they convince jesters mom to leave the minagery coast when they return?
Also does anyone remember that the took a chest of money from a ship and haven’t divided it up yet?
I myself am interested if Uka'toa is evil or not. I'm tempted to say LE but not to sure.
They have to pay the crew eventually, and this crew has been through a lot. Im worried about that.
@@grobanlover292 Considering the crew were paid for a maybe 2-3 week journey and not only have they been fired upon and practically kidnapped, but the journey took them much longer than anticipated and now they're even on a damaged ship that will take even longer? Yeah, the quality of food will likely stave off some of the anger, but I imagine the M9 won't get to enjoy too much of that treasure. That's why I was frustrated when they didn't bother spending time to loot the Sea Hag's cave in last night's episode.
ngl I didn't want her to die, she was pretty cool.
I really hope she comes back
@@NicoNeilson So I got good news and bad news.
Solas and the planking seemed sooooooo damn interesting hope they can go back one day and explore all that they missed
“You have your library card”
Missed that the first time, fucking amazing line
I would like to point out the nice sound effects of Marisha actually cracking her knuckles!
Awesome, next needs to be the scene where Fjord summons a demon.
One of my favorite moments in all of Critical Role, campaign 1 or 2...wow
Travis Willingham is so cool.
Watched this scene over and over yesterday... Came here to bond with other commenters because come on! This is the best episode of the whole season 2, right??? "Look me in the eye, woman" ugh I get goosebumps and fangirl every time. :D
dunno,, killing lorenzo felt like a pretty big triumph, though, no?
@@elgostine eh, I wasn't a huge fan of Molly. :D
respectfully @@sarahs.6667 your individual opinion on molly is largely irrelevant to the climax with lorenzo still being one of the partys biggest triumphs
if for no other reason that theyre also freeing fjord jester and yasha.
but also the end of episode 26 was the absolute lowest point of the nighty nein as a party. even if molly wasnt your favorite he was still a beloved member of the nein. and after their first clash with lorenzo left them beaten, with a party member dead and also keg at a low point as well, the nein were down more than half their members.
finding and killing lorenzo was a victory for ALL of the nein and for keg as well
in addition, it was also the TOUGHEST challange the party has faced, with a big compound and essentially a party of PC grade characters opposing the nein
@@elgostine Jesus Christ we don't have to agree you know. :P to me this episode and scene were more compelling - to you they weren't. Simple as that.
@@sarahs.6667 Still irrelevant. Sit down and be humble.
It doesn't matter how many times i see this, this hole episode was epic af!!
can you make a highlight of their time on the sea after they leave like when Taliesine said he was putting the high fruit in everyones food or when "everyone had water control"