Percy: "There are things I can do in Vasselheim." Me: "VICTOR! BLACK POWDER!"

Everyone: cannonball contest! Percy: oh good totally normal con- Kayleth: Earth elemental! Percy: Cowabunga it is.

Rest of Vox Machina: Lets maybe use some low level spells and fun magic items to try and win the cannonball contest Percy: ITS NERF OF NOTHING

42:37 "I gave up my life for you. I will have my shoes." is really just. the ultimate and archetypal sibling experience

"When you level up as a Ranger, you can pick gold as your favorite terrain."

"I rush back to my room to get pure sodium" might be the most terrifying thing Percy has said so far.

Liam purposefully multiclassing into paladin purely because of character arc is just *chef's kiss*

I will never get tired of the cast/characters ribbing Liam/Vax about "And then I walk away."

"I walk by, eating a chicken and wearing no pants" The group is so much better for having Scanlan there. His comedic timing is impeccable.

I pull ____ aside real quick. I walk away. I walk by with no pants eating chicken. Vox Machina, ladies and gentlemen.

Pulling the "I gave up my life for you" card to get back some boots is just _peak_ sibling energy.

I love how Kerrek guides Keyleth through a panic attack. As a vet with PTSD, what he did REALLY DOES WORK on the real thing. It's an incredibly real depiction of a serious problem some people have.

Vex: I want to take less money The entire universe: surprised pikachu face

Vex: Do you have a jug of mayonnaise now? Grog: No, I ate that, too. I could not stop laughing for the life of me.

At this point I think Keyleth’s current mindset is heartbreaking. She’s afraid to let herself fully love Vax and all of VM because she’s afraid of all the years she’ll live after they’re gone, without realizing what she’s really doing is setting herself up to live those centuries filled with regrets. Loss is hard but living that long knowing you didn’t show people how much you loved them would be unbearable.

“Is Vax gonna do a cannonball?” *cut to Vax wearing the Boots of Haste, sheets crumpled around him, snoring loudly in his bed*

Am I the only one who thinks that Matt is secretly building an army of guest players to come back for the battle against Thordak?

Masterful manipulation of expectations by matt here. Laura: I stay outside and keep an eye on the sky. Matt: Ok roll perception. I can imagine everyone at the table and in the audience just thinking "please just don't do anything to them/us please. Just not right now." Matt thinking: Roll perception to see how beautiful the night sky is as you can relax for the first time in a while knowing the threat is gone long enough for you to catch your breath.

Underrated moment: 3:37:55 Sam: we have an airship to steal Taliesin: Yes! Marisha: No... Taliesin: please?

"The death of a city is such a blasphemy. It is the murder of the dead, and I am horrified." - Percy Can we just take a second to appreciate how great of a line this is.

The cannonball contest singlehandedly changed my impression of Percy. I had envisioned him as just a very serious genius type. But no, he’s just a complete lunatic and I love him even more for it

Reginald. He endured torture to not give up Vox Machina. If he had told, they wouldn't have let him go, but it at least would've been quick. But he didn't. He didn't even know them. They might've been lying. They might have died before they could come back. They might've failed to defeat the herd. All Reginald knew was there was a chance... a chance they'd save his daughter. And that was enough. That's not the mark of hero. That's the mark of a true father. Which is so much more amazing.

I liked Patrick's character. He had no fight, didn't have a "sidequest", but integrated smoothly in the existing storyline while still having a great impact on the game, mainly with character development.

Not Scanlan knowing exactly how far away Kymal is because "his girl is there". Such a small moment, but expert character craft from Sam.

"My ancestry dates back thousands of years and will continue for thousands more, unless Whitestone falls. This place is the human soul. This is what we have built with our tiny moments. To lose a place like this, we don't feel it immediately, but it would ruin everyone in small ways." -Percival Frederickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III Holy shit man, that's some poetry right there, Taliesin is a god damn genius

The idea of the rest of the conclave finding "One Down" with the tooth in the wall is the most BADASS mental scene ever.

Can't get over how multifaceted and interesting Percy is as a character. He's witty, pragmatic, level-headed and down to earth but he's also a raving lunatic when he wants to be, fiercely competitive, extra, and capable of being very chiding and derisive towards the others, mostly in well-meaning ways but still. He's a self proclaimed asshole but he respects people, histories, lineages. He owns that rich boy backstory real well too while somehow also being emotionally intelligent and capable of empathy, though as any flawed human being, he has blindspots (i.e No Mercy Percy), in general, I think I have to stand by the fact that Percy is my favourite Tal character. I feel like I could dissect all his drastically contradictory personality traits for days, and it would still make perfect sense.

I absolutely adore how Pike is willing to throw hands with the Raven Queen if she fucks with her friend, Pike is the sweetest goddamn thing-

The little kid who drew the picture of vox machina. That is what we call a masterstroke by Matthew Mercer.

I love the shenanigans in Scanlan's mansion. And clearly, Percy did not learn from Victor's mistakes. Raw sodium in water? Na. (Sorry.)

'If emo elf is going to Vasselheim, we're all going to Vasselheim' Percy you beautiful bastard 😂

Having been a DM, marisha asking Matt what the flower of westrun is and him answering almost immediately was so impressive. Forget naming the shopkeep, try naming a city's flower on the fly

The fact hat Matt didn't even flinch when Marisha asked what the flower of Westruun was just makes me that much more impressed by his world building.

I'm sorry, but the Cannonball Contest is the best thing I've seen in their campaign so far. Watching them all use their talents (Vex with her bear, Scanlan with his magic, Keyleth with her transformations, Percy with his science, Pike with her gauntlets) to try and cheat their way into beating each other in a cannonball contest of all things, right after having fought a dragon and almost died, as a way to relax after what is probably the most deadly combat encounter they've ever had, while the world is burning around them and they've lost so many people: it's the most wholesome thing ever. This episode being titled "Hope" is so.... fitting. I love this episode for just this little bit alone. Seeing them all connect and enjoy being with each other in the moment is such a good heartwarming moment for Vox Machina. I love it.

-Percy, stepping up to speak- "HE DOESNT EVEN GO HERE"

Every episode, I constantly have to rethink who my favourite character is. This time, it's Percy. Dude's such a badass. Writing "one down" in the dragon's lair, nearly blowing himself up for the sake of a cannonball contest, arguing to keep the city alive and together, and drawing up the memorial while imparting so much wisdom to Keyleth are some of his best moments and they're all on one episode. Also when that kid drew Vox Machina on the memorial I cried.

"I live as long as Whitestone lives." Gave me some weird nerd chills.

I'm shocked how anyone is talking about the Scanlan scene with his daughter. I literally cried when he gave her the ring, that everyone was thinking that he took to Pike, and give the sword too with the parchment. Sam accepted so well the storyline of Scanlan having a child and is playing it masterfully

2:02:33 I'm quite sad to find that there isn't really anyone talking about how expertly Patrick is handling the situation right now. This-what he is talking about right here-is exactly how battlefield PTSD is suggested to be thought about and mentally handled and he does it with _an unbelievable amount tact_ and a deeply authentic wisdom. He even mentions Grog (the guys that seem to actively thrive in combat action) and asks her how she feels about how he behaves. This is all a very real reaction to a very real and terrible subject that some must endure and he speaks *exactly* as somebody who has endured a great many terrible things while in harms way, saw the worst sort of monsters that this (that) world can make...and came home, finding an escape from the horrid memories of events he shouldn't have lived through; the wailing of mothers, and solace in the hammer of a humble blacksmith, keeping careful timing on the anvil in his smithy during one of the many nights in which he found his rest forcefully stolen from him by his own past... *My absolute respect to this man.*

Me: Haha! I love the funny D&D show! Marisha: “Are we forever doomed to break more than we fix and leave a wake of destruction behind us, or is there some good we can do in this world?” Me: Haha! The gnome poops sometimes!

Pike: "We're all all kinds of f***ed up all the time!..." Scanlan: *walks nearby without wearing any pants* Pike: *gestures to Scanlan* "Exhibit D!"

"The death of a city is such a blasphemy. It is the murder of the dead" - Percy

Boost!! 0:30 !Airhorn! 2:20 Unboxing 10:45 Recap begins 13:58 Recap Ends, let the games begin 22:25 Scanlan's got some plans 24:26 Just looking for magic stuff 26:27 Testing out the jug 31:53 Grog can read 37:04 The twins bicker about the boots 38:59 Twin vs. twin 45:45 The earrings don't allow one-to-one communication 53:18 Grog really does care 54:43 Vox Machina Cannonball Contest 1:06:39 Grog and his jug of mayonnaise 1:10:55 Keyleth gets all the good stuff next century 1:24:25 Good kill, good kill. 2:13:12 break starts 2:28:48 break ends 2:30:24 Grog needs to work out how to use the jug 2:34:52 Drunken Scanlan limerick 2:36:53 Unpaid staff = squatters 2:48:33 Residents debate what comes next 2:51:18 Don't try to out-aristocrat Percy (2:52:40 for amused Rothfuss) 2:55:29 A little moral support from Vex 3:07:49 I live as long as Whitestone lives. 3:13:19 Third wheel 3:15:41 Sam breaks the DM. 3:21:30 Scanlan has a heart 3:36:43 Hope. 3:46:04 We're all all kinds of fucked up. 3:47:48 Everyone needs to have a sidebar conversation

scanlan's "you think any of my servants are *boys*?" literally almost killed me because I inhaled a piece of pasta thanks sam

Vax/ Liam: To lose a parent before their time is no easy thing...I’m very sorry for you. Looking at everyone when he said that...knowing that he’s speaking as Liam...ouch...

Percy’s speech on stage is one of my favorite parts. “The terrible woman may have a point.”

Percy: the money will go into a trust for Westrun My lawyer brain: but who will be the trustee? Who's going to enforce the trustee's fiduciary duties??? GIVE ME YOUR SECRETS, PERCIVAL

"Not all of us are lucky enough to have a lineage in a name." "Not all of us are lucky enough to have a lineage in a lifespan." My god Taliesin, that was some perfect roleplaying and improvising.

2:43:27 "How do you know?" "My girl is there" that line just SLAUGHTERED ME. Scanlan Shorthalt cares so much about his daughter and it makes me so so so happy to see how important she is to him

"You're not wrong, and you're not crazy, but it's not hopeless either" why is that so perfect?

"The terrible woman may have a point." "Thank you....What?" That exchange cracked me up, brilliant. XD

Percy: " if the emo elf is going to Vasselheim we are going to Vasselheim " Good god I lost it :DD

As a twin, the twin attack is the most realistic and honest interaction in the campaign so far.

Keyleth: "This is giving me a lot of anxiety. There's a lot of people here." Percy: "Is it about your feelings about Vax? is that the whole problem right now? Because I really don't--" I wish Taliesin had finished that sentence, lol. Something tells me it might have been "care".

Of all the stuff in this episode, I loved the idea of giving Keyleth the books so she could read them a century from now, as she would probably be the only one still around. It’s great for the roleplay, but completely useless at the same time.

"A dragonslayer you say? yet, My only proud accomplishment was an accident... my daughter". Some humble barde.

That cannon ball contest is probably one of my favorite scenes in Critical Role. It actually reminds me a whole lot of the Thor's Hammer scene from Age of Ultron. A bunch of heroes using their powers/abilities to turn a ordinary party contest scenario into something much, much cooler. God that's fun.

Knowing what I know, Liam's line about "losing a parent before their time is no easy thing" struck a very deep chord in me

Matt describing Scanlan's hot spring at 46:25 is perfect lol. I love how it seemed to be exactly how Scanlan would make it, even though it was completely improv on Matt's half. 😂

I love when Grog gets high rolls on stuff that he has no reason to know about.

2:39:35 "The death of a city is... _such_ a blasphemy. It is... the murder of the dead, and I am horrified ." This line - this whole episode - is terrifically good. Damn, Taliesin. And everybody else too.

Matt having an IMMEDIATE answer for "what's the flower of Westruun" is both UPSETTING and WONDERFUL

Holy shit, Vax's reveal to Pike at approx. 3:43:00 is possibly the most powerful, emotionally charged moment I've seen in Critical Role. Liam is SUCH a phenomenal actor and he punched a two ton emotional wallop that I felt deep in my gut. Heartbreaking. The Geffen Playhouse needs to start courting him -- I would love to see him a live theatrical production.

the demise of blackfoot was one of the greatest surprises. I loved it so much.

"she's going to have to deal with me and we're going to have a problem." How is the tiniest, blonde, super cute sweetheart the single most intimidating person in this entire party?

3:28:28 this whole moment with the twins just feels so good. it really shows how they express their love for each other. vex is showing him eloquently with words. vax doesn't verbally say he loves her, but he gives her s big hug and braids her hair. it's just such a touching moment of connection for them that felt so necessary. and the way vex pretended not to notice him stealth up? MY HEART.

I like how Talisen calls Liam the worst of us after knowingly giving Travis a cursed sword.

VM: To Reggie Me: to crying over NPCs we barely knew. Thanks Matt Mercer.

I love the way Liam and Laura play out the Vax and Vex brother sister dynamic. They are both such great actors.

Matt: *spends some time to set the scene of the people of Kymal enduring and recovering from extreme hardship* Sam: I drink my shit-scrying potion and poop out a little loaf

WHEN PERCY WANTED TO JOIN VEX OUTSIDE BUT COULDN'T THE SHEER DISAPPOINTMENT

Episode 100 Vex: Oh, Scanlan, have you made any changes to the spa? Scanlan: Ah yes, it's been lined with iron to protect against explosions.

I love it so much when Matt is impressed with a speech and goes “Make a persuasion check with advantage”

Keyleth: "We just killed a dragon." Vex: "Yeah! I feel so alive!" Keyleth: "....'Kay..."

I love the moment at 1:55:40 where Vex is concerned about the possibility of a dragon attack and Mercer is just like "Nah, its just pretty." I appreciate giving Vox Machina and the people of Westruun a night of reprieve.

*Percy goes to join Vex outside* Me: “YES YES YES” *Keyleth pulls him aside* Me: “NO NO NOOO”

Taliesin/Percy never ceases to amaze me with his speeches/monologues. The way he says things are always so captivating and clever. Such a charismatic individual and I love his character. Would vote him for president :P

I know a lot of people hate on Keyleth for arguing with Percy, but I take this as a lesson that she needed to learn, and I thought it was well role played in that regard

Dear god, the emotional moments with Vax like the one with Reginald's daughter just tear me up inside. Liam is an amazing actor and he evokes so much emotion in those moments. Even with that quiet apprehension that his character has, he expresses SO much depth. I also want to point out that it feels like, since making the deal with the Raven Queen, Vax is already becoming more understanding of death in general. Not as dark, evil, or to be feared, but that death is something that just IS. The way he helped with Reginald's final rites and so forth really shows how he is becoming more connected with death as a natural part of things and actually seeming to grow a respect for it. Brilliant storytelling from all involved. I also absolutely love the exchange between Percy and Keyleth about lineage and legacy. Such a lovely exploration of both viewpoints.

I fucking love Pike/Ashley so much. She's just so sweet and goofy and honorable, and yet balances her rough warrior badassness alongside it so believably.

What should have happened: Vax sneaks into Vex's room. Matt describes the servants guarding her. Vax says "That's ok, I'm not going near her." Instead he looks through her things and takes the broom.

the image of Keyleth creating wildflowers surrounding a giant burning pyre stacked with the bodies of the slain is breathtaking and i wish i had the artistic talent to depict it. her long red hair and green tunic only adds to the visual

I'm really late to the game, but I was determined to start at the beginning. These episodes in-between all of the fighting are some of my favorites. Seeing the characters interact like this makes all of the emotions felt in more intense episodes feel a lot more genuine. They really are like a little chosen family and it just gets me all in my feels.

I feel like an emergency/battlefield healer needs to tell Keylith something like this: "In times of great calamity, the supply of healing potions dwindles and we are forced to treat wounds through mundane means. I must use a hot iron to cauterize the stump of a lost limb; I must thrust a barbed arrow through the remainder of someone's shoulder; I must use a sharp knife to cut shrapnel from someone's thigh. I cut and I burn, knowing it will cause additional damage and additional pain -- knowing that my actions will leave scars, and that even with my best efforts my patient may still die. But I accept this because, through my action, my patient just might live. You and your friends are like me, but your patient isn't a person; it's the world. Be mindful of where you cut and when, but do not allow that mindfulness to lead to paralysis, for swift action is often required if you're to save a life."

"The Terrible Woman might have a point."

I’m so upset Percy didn’t get a nice quiet moment with Vex outside the tavern. Keyleth getting help with her anxiety is good and all but I was hoping they’d get a cute moment together,, they’re such a cute pair

Tbh Scanlan really is the Unofficial leader of the group lol He's the most reasonable one, with the most logical outlook on things, and the most Charismatic (by far). Additionally, he knows in combat when it's important to support, attack, or heal others.

I fucking love how Pike casually said she would fight the Raven Queen for Vax

I can't believe I'm finally halfway through C1...just...a billion more hours to go! But I've been enjoying every minute!

The "GIVE ME MY DAMN BOOTS" to gently braiding Vex's hair and affirming how much she means to him Ive seen the spoilers before I started even watching this campaign and these interactions are all gonna pile up and make me cry so hard isn't it

Is no one going to talk about how sweet and/or sad Grog is when he suggests that the people should be given the choice of staying in Westruun because it's their home? This is considering the fact that he's only ever had a nomadic tribe, a gnome sailor, and a ragtag group of misfits as his home (meaning his "home" is his family, and not a house). Maybe he's empathizing with people's pain of not having a permanent home? Or maybe I'm just overanalyzing this and I should go to bed.

I was very lucky to have Patrick Rothfuss as a professor back in college. He's such a cool, laid-back dude, and it's so surreal to see him playing D&D with my fav voice actors.

3:15:12 is a great out of role play moment for Laura. After the talk Vax had about losing a parent too early you could tell Liam still was hurting about his mother's passing. Love that with just one look she can tell he's not doing great and immediately hugs him. Shows how great of friends they've all become

As I am watching these years later it is SUCH a treat to have Ashley there for so many consecutive episodes but I feel such dread starting a new one cause this might be the one where she's gone again 😔. Still, enjoying these sooooo much 🥰🥰

I love how Reginald was literally a guy whose generic name Matt had to come up with on the spot because he was just Farmer-107c VM happened to go speak to in the moment, and yet he became this amazing thing in the game.

Keyleth and Percy are such a perfectly outlined difference in the viewpoint of someone who will live a short life and leave a legacy versus someone who'll live long enough to watch even legacies fade away and be forgotten so the lives that are present here and now are the only priority (in her mind).

It's fascinating to see Marisha and Taliesin playing Percy and Keyleth's opposing views of society and civilization. Percy is the literal embodiment of organised settlements, towns and cities as a noble while Keyleth is a member of a semi nomadic society with few ties beyond their duties in guarding the border between planes. One sees cities as the foundation of a true society whereas the other only sees it as a pile of stones to protect the people within. Just goes to show how well they both play their characters.

You know, Scanlan is definitely my favorite character but god damn, much respect to Percy, his logic, and his speech to Keyleth about the memory of the people and how important is to keep a city alive. He's freaking awesome.

Holla if you're here in 2020 having a self-quarantine Critical Role marathon to keep yourself and others safe from COVID-19

Kerrek to Vex: You're very kind. The audience: Keep one hand on your broom buddy!