I just realized this channel only has 50,000 subscribers. I've been watching since the beginning of CR: Demystified and always thought this channel was so much bigger. You have great insights that have helped me plenty. Here's to hoping your channel blows up sometime and you get the recognition you deserve!
Yeah, I always think of SupergeekMike as one of the "Big Mikes" of D&D (there's a lot of them!) but I was also surprised by his apparently low numbers. Here's hoping for plenty more
“Only one side of this table is underestimating the other” is such a badass line. Obviously undercut by the fact that they are, in fact, underestimating her; but as a line it goes hard as fuck.
Same, I was convinced the line was just a coincidence until watching this Edit: did some googling and holy shit, Hamilton is only a MONTH older than Campaign 1! (as far as official debuts, I know Lin had been writing it for years and did that white house show) Hamilton debuted off-broadway February 2015 and campaign 1 premiered March of 2015. Episode 70 happened October 2016
I think the interesting bit about this episode is how well it paints raishan's mentality. She quite literally expects them to help her destroy thordak because he's no longer useful to her while explaining why they shouldn't trust her because to her, their opinions don't matter. She only views herself as important so even if unintentionally she's telling them that they're beneath her notice outside how they can help her beat thordak. It's really interesting exploration of how her ancient and inhuman mentality really is. Or I'm reading too much into it
I've been playing & running D&D for 40+ years and I can only hope to portray something this ancient as well as Matt did....9 years ago. He's really good.
This exact reasoning is why she calls Keyleth “child.” To a creature so ancient and self absorbed, a half elf of barely 20 or so years is little more than an infant. I was mildly surprised she didn’t say as much when Keyleth responded with an expected and understandable outburst.
I don't think you're reading too much into it. It's actually a very human trait (if expressed for inhuman reasons for _this_ character). It's pretty routine to disregard the motivations and desires of "children" when we're much older than them, and are dealing with things that are _obviously_ more important on a grand scale. The fact that to that "child" the things we're so casually dismissing are incredibly important, doesn't really rate to us in the face of our goals, and is more of a temporary inconvenience. It's the self involved and condescending mindset of someone who, as you say, only really regards themselves as important in their interaction. The thing about talking to a dragon though, is often *they are right.* She is the most important person in the room, usually in whatever room she's in, and so no matter how smart or experienced she is, it makes sense that she's got this massive blind spot in how she's interacting with them. It's a smart way to play her, because she sees them as tools, not a threat, or even people really. She's just looking for the right combination of words to make these tiny idiots do what she wants, because she needs _someone_ to make her plan work and take out the other important person (another dragon). It's the kind of self involved arrogance that feels preposterous when expressed by some dude, but makes total sense when she could literally pop off and eat one of the people she's conversing with. It's like a cat trying to convince mice to help it kill another cat, it really doesn't occur to her _not_ to reference all the mice she's killed...that's what mice are for. Or how _instrumental_ she was to the whole plot...it was a brilliant plan and it was working, what dragon would hide that? The problem isn't her (it *can't* be her, she's a glorious and perfect dragon) it's Thordak, he's a mad tyrant! Playing a dragon as a supreme narcissist is fantastic, because unlike most other villains who do it, they aren't totally deluded, they're just awful.
@@andrewgelos9778 - Raishan wants to manipulate VM into getting what she wants. Further pissing off Keyleth by explaining her word choice would go counter to that. She's smart enough to understand that when someone feels insulted, explaining to them why you think the insult is justified isn't going to help. She's *willing* to make good on her threat to thrown down here and now, but that's not plan A or she would have already destroyed Whitestone. So she doesn't want to actively provoke a fight. She doesn't care if it looks to Keyleth like her demand for respect worked. Raishan certainly still thinks of her as a child, she's just going to stop saying so.
This is one of my absolute favorite Percy episodes, his absolutely calm manner as he discusses with this beast of a Dragon makes me love him so damm much
I've always loved the deadly rivalry between Keyleth and Raishan, and seeing Kiki learn to temper her rage and ultimately not succumb to being baited by the dragon was quite an arc for her. I never trusted Raishan at all, and I'm glad that Vox Machina never chose to blindly trust her and leave themselves wide open. I mean, she IS titled the _DISEASED DECEIVER._
That feeling behind "call me child/son one more time!" is not a Lynn Manuel original nor is it a Marisha original but it does make the characters SOO relatable. That feeling of not being seen as an equal just because you are younger. The disrespect behind calling people child, boy, girl, son, baby or anything, to just put the other person on a lower plane then you, it creates a connection to what a lot of people have felt in their lives and it probably does trigger real feelings when you are in the player seat. Its why Keyleth is one of my favorite VM members
12:20 Talesin speaks and Marisha just has full "Let me at her!" energy. Also what music was playing in the background (example 30:11) because I swear it sounds like Hollow Knight.
Raishan is easily my favorite villain of campaign 1 - Ripley a close second. I love how deep her machinations run and her dynamic with Keyleth. I'm so sad they didn't include "call me 'child' one more goddamn time" in the cartoon. Talking about curses and diseases that can't be cured by magic made me think of my druid. She's a dryad who absorbs pollutants and toxins from the earth around her (including magical icks such as necrotic magic) and it can make her incredibly sick. When she revealed this to the party, our cleric started going through a series of attempted Greater Restorations and asking about potions or people she might have talked to, and it started to get extremely frustrating that she refused to hear me saying out of character that no, there is no cure for this and frankly I don't want it cured because this is a part of her character. It frustrated our DM, too, who suffers from chronic pain and felt like cleric was doing the equivalent of asking a sufferer if they've done the most obvious 'solutions' or tried yoga. Anyway, I agree that we should normalize the existence of ailments in the D&D world that can't be cured.
My favourite part of the scene in which everyone slowly joined the conversation was the moment Scanlan was mentioned, Travis signaled to Sam to have him enter the conversation, then afterwards Sam returned the favour by saying that Grog was just right outside! Really supportive player work.
I LOVE Keyleth in this episode. Amazing roleplay from Marisha and yet another situation where she is making a strong moral choice (remember when no one else wanted to help the villagers fighting in Whitestone because they wanted a long rest.......). And I won't spoil future events but, well.......... 🤷♀️
Oh wow, congratulations on 50k! You really deserve it. These videos have been amazing, and have been super helpful. Your advice has helped me see issues and potential benefits for my home games. Thank you for all the great videos!
my head canon was that the scars so the seeker was matts way of saying this isnt him those scars were raishaun's her curse is to pwerful to cover up with magic fully
That was my thought as well. It was an opening to pry into the Seekers recent past to ask how and why he got the scar ; but since that’s not something most people do out of politeness, the group didn’t take the bait, so to speak.
Your content is so awesome and well done that I feel like I often forget how "small" your channel is. It feels so much bigger, which is a testament to your efforts. Congrats on the milestone!
You're so right about the transitive property of badassery at play here! Thanks for your thoughts on disagreements and voting between players/characters ❤
Part of me feels bad I haven't been able to watch on release day, but life hit hard. I'm glad you reached 50K and I am looking forward to what else is coming.
For some reason, it's taking forever for the subtitles to be created for videos today... I've run a few tests, and everything I upload is taking longer than usual for the subtitles to get unlocked. I am going to stay on top of this and keep checking, and as soon I'm able to generate subtitles, we will get them added for this video! EDIT: Subtitles are fixed! Thanks for your patience!
26:00 I like the idea that celestial and infernal languages are actually some of the most common and easy to learn languages it's just that mortals can only comprehend the basics and thus everything sounds cryptic or like double speak. They lack the ability to hear or comprehend the parts of the language only the native gods and devils have access to and it's those parts that carry a lot of context and clarity. Like how some real world languages use tone as another layer to change words and meaning completely.
Finally caught up with the series, thanks for the recap man! After watching season 3 of the Legend Of Vox Machina I got curious what happened in the campaign.
congrats on 50k! Ive never seen a channel improve so fast, the quality of your videos makes me forget that I havent been watching this for 10 years, its only been 3. I better watch the night before critsmas next, I haven't seen that one. I also think that a big part of why one vote needed a majority vote and one needed a unanimous vote is just the severity of the immediate. I mean yes the discussion about Kima was very important but not "do we want to work with the person that killed Kiki's people or start a fight that kills Percy's people." Plus the personal angle on it, no one wants to be the one to pull the trigger on Percy's home OR force Kiki's compliance. In fact I would argue there was a possibility that it wasn't nearly as much about ALL of them being on the same page as about Percy and Keithlith coming to an agreement.
Wether its here, or Hamilton, or some other scene, I ALWAYS get amped ALLLLLL THE WAY up when somebody has that moment of calling out a belittling… call me son/child/dumb one more time… it’s great EDIT: Oh lol, you pointed out Hamilton too haha
Congratulations on reaching 50k subscribers! I really like Keyleth's struggle with controlling her (justified) anger in this arc and some of the conversations with other characters she has about it. That moment when she says, "But she was first on my list!" and Percy gently responds with "I don't recommend lists" is one of my favorite moments between them in the entire campaign, because that one brief exchange highlights how much they've both changed.
I have once allowed social between players - For deriving information the PC wasn't saying - With the following caveat - That it was up to the player it was being used against to interpret the result, and that I was not going to force any information about that PC to be revealed as a result of the role. Basically that I was going to allow the role to happen, but for the purpose of adjudicating the results of the role, the other player was going to get to make the ruling of how much information that result was worth, and made it clear how that was going to work before the role happened.
Keyleth's saliency against Raishan is easily my favorite moment from Marisha in C1. This felt like the biggest leap towards Keyleth's ultimate goal to become a leader of her people as she pokes several holes in Raishan's argument to work with them.
I was really excited to hear how this played out at the table after having seen S3 of LOVM. I got the sense that it would be much more intense and relatable at the table because they had the time to really sit in it. Keyleth's frustration was already so understandable with the limited time to cover it but it definitely felt a lot harsher in the show, like she got steam rolled and the other characters weren't suspicious enough. I wish Grog had gotten more of these Wisdom-y moments in the show this past season, they really ground his character.
I was the reluctant character in a recent key decision and my group was really good with it. Because the choice was so personal to my character (travelling to a kingdom where my cleric's religion was banned and punishable by death), they gave me plenty of space to voice concerns, they were gentle in their rp to try and convince me and nobody went meta with "come on, this is the obvious main plot hook, just agree already." It really helped built a lot of trust among the relatively newly formed player group, as well as the party, but it could have gone the other way so easily if one of us decided to be an ass about it.
Alright, so, I mostly listen to these videos while doing something else. So, this is the second time I've looked at the screen, seen halfling Two-Face, then broke into a good, solid fit of laughter
If we're going to talk democracy in D&D, I feel the need to bring up Acquisitions Incorporated where one party member can be assigned the role of "Decisionist" who, among other abilities, gets a second vote when they call a party vote. Handy when there's an even number of players (also, very funny in the series when the pushiest, most entitled character had this role and never called for a vote to actually get the benefit). I didn't need to be reminded of how old Spectacular Spider-Man was. I mean, I only learned about it and watched it for the first time, like, last year, so it's not like it makes me feel old, but it does make its cancelation extra painful.
I think this episode is one of the best both for Mike and critical role campaign one .as when back in briarwood arc keylith and Percy had a similar conversation but it was Percy with vengeance and keylith as the voice of reason . I think this was when I really started to love keylith as a charecter as I feel she has a lot more confidence and really started to begin to become a leader for her people.
fucking loved keyleth in this one. "Call me "child one more GODDAMNED TIME!" was fantastic. Her whole rage towards Raishan was amazing, real sad they didn't include it in the tv show.
I think this arc of the story has always been the most engaging to me. The fact that they have to ally with a creature that holds the moniker of ‘Deceiver’ means that a timer has been set for her sudden but inevitable betrayal. Marissa plays the doubt and anger so well.
I think Druid players like softer magic because a lot of Druid spells are more focused than Wizard or even Cleric spells. But simultaneously it's very easy to imagine how they *could* work if you don't stick to the strict wording of the spell
I didnt see Grog moving behind Keyleth as him getting out of the way. I saw it more as him moving to restrain her if he had to. I may be wrong, but with the energy going around the table, it didn't feel like support.
Always loved Raishan, such a great move from Matt to mix things up as this arc was coming to a close. Totally understood Keyleths hatred and distrust but I remember watching and wanting them to align with her to find out what her ultimate plan was…thankfully the animated series gave us that. >:)
On the arguments that "raishan is out of touch with her humanity" i counter with what humanity. she's an 800+ year old dragon. the party would be nothing more then children to her. also with the average ancient green having an int of 20, they are geneous and could rightly be justified that they tend to look down on the poor stupid himanoids that live such short insignifigant lives
Is that a common thing, druids tending to favor a soft magic approach? One of my party members favorite class is druid, and they definitely prefer a soft magic approach.
Next week im going to start dming the next leg of my campaign after a decent break to let someone else dm. Lets see what i can learn from this video before then, i feel ive come along way as a dm since the first part of my campaign and videos like these as well as my own experience are the reason for that.
I have only seen them talk about Raishan in the tv show, so idk if they upplayed Raishans shady side but I was also getting mad no one was taking Keyleth seriously
The music from the clip at 16:00. Does ANYONE know what it is? I always loved it in VM but never knew where to find it or what it was for my game. Help 🙏 this has been in my head for years! Also, as a fellow forever DM, love your videos, dude. Heres to the next landmark 🎉
Will you be doing demystified for Campaign 2 and (in the very distant future) campaign 3? Perhaps its too early to ask there's still another (roughly) 45 weeks to go lol
Eek, now Im caught up on this series... now the dilemma of "do I keep watching Crit Role and get caught up on that without having corresponding commentary"... or "do I just watch the next episode and wait for the appropriate Demystified so I keep the episode/commentary routine"?...
The fact that Allura can't cast 9th level spells is a little bonkers to me, as such an established and "pre-campaign hero" who was head mage of a whole country. Like the archmage statblock, which is only CR12, has 9th level spells. Like I get your point on the idea of 'catching up to some powerful NPCs' but I feel like Matt was underselling where Allura should be at this point in her career as this means she's 15-16th level instead of 17th+.
I honestly think that’s a necessity from both a worldbuilding and gameplay perspective, but like I said that’s something I’m gonna talk about in another video next year ☺️
@@SupergeekMike I definitely understand. At some point the PCs have to take their training wheels off and take the reigns of being the heroes. It's a hard point to decide, the entire idea of "removing the support structures." High level NPCs in mentor positions is...hard to quantify. It's the entire "Avengers" level problem, when do the superheroes show up and if they don't, why? That said, the previous generation "falling behind" is a strange conceit in storytelling that I also don't inherently agree with. Matt did a good job of showing how Allura and Gillmore and others were so focused on defending Whitestone, they couldn't solve the problem. But the idea that the Archmage of Tal'dorei didn't have 9th level spells is a little crazy. I'd rather it have been something like, "my spellbooks were destroyed in my tower, and I am rebuilding my capabilities" as an excuse. It helps justify that these Fatebound heroes with vestiges will eventually go past the old heroes ("We are what they grow beyond" from The Last Jedi has never been a more apt quote), it just tweaked me a little wrong (considering like Matt, Allura and a certain Drow archmage are "my kind of self insert) as well) considering. Regardless, I look forward to that video!
The example here, and the one from Mike's own experience, makes me think about the real purpose democracy should have, versus the one many people advocate. The debate of the "Majority's Dictatorship", where democracy is used as a tool for oppression following the letter of the law, in opposition of the inclusion of all in the decision making, and the consideration of all sides, following the spirit of the law. Using democracy to "win" is not ok, it is a mob mentality rushing the fewer. True democratic process should consider everyone and not ignore those who "lost", but take what they propose in consideration for the greater good of all. Be it among a group of friends playing, be it among a party of adventurers, be it ruling a nation. Great points made in this one, Mike.
when it comes to gods interacting with pcs I run in several different ways. It's part of my whole a setting should be diverse and every choice should enforce narrative perspective. for example my 11 over deities the 9 colors their father/mother and the 9s first failed creation are all gods that don't even answer the most devoted champions' prayers. instead of answering through cryptic symbolism. meant to represent their distance from the world and their recent choice to leave the world behind for an unknown reason. where some of the more historical deities and cosmic figures will communicate thought symbols riddles and some direct statements. psychopomps and other arbiters of divine systems are even most lose-lipped often forming personal relationships with mortals. and then there are living gods like io from Greyhawk. gods who take active roles in shaping the world. Each of these choices informs the flavor of my world deus. it's a world that might be coming to the end of its history or maybe this is a new beginning and all the gods and mortals are taking a stance. there is great uncertainty in the world as society rebuilds.
I am looking forward to the day when Mike end his videos with such a large gap between play fair…….. and have fun that 20% of the video is dead air at the very end…. Definitely a Colvillism Peace! . . . . . . . : 2 years later *OUT!!!!*
I really have enjoyed this series about Critical Role in the past, but admit that I am struggling to continue watching these episodes. Wish it were possible to just use one post-it note to enjoy the part that I do (about CR) without paying attention to the side comments - like you suggested we do when watching the series itself.
You should make a choice for you mental health. If you are struggling to watch a series because topics brought up that are important to the creator and their community, it might be time to step away and see if you are happier. I have stopped watching several creators over the years when their ideology differed drastically from mine. I lost nothing, and I’m sure their community was happy to not have me bitching and moaning in the comments.
@@mduncl The problem is he puts out good content, its just the side remarks thst are annoying. I trim most my political shit so I get it from specific sources so I can be away from it in other videos I watch. His breakdowns are good of CR that's why I love demystified. No one else does this type of content (that i know of).
I absolutely love watching your videos, especially these about better DMing and things to learn from critical Role. However, I don't really enjoy the political undertone you keep poking. I'm not specifically for or against either political party, I apologize that the side you were rooting for didn't win, but I just feel like the jabs towards the recent election are very unnecessary for the point your trying to make about the negotiations with the dragon. The videos about city intrigue and dealing with factions, and what-not that you've already covered were far more appropriate for the slide in political views.
A huge lesson from this video involved the cast voting on whether or not to put aside their feelings about Raishan to fight Thordak, and in that episode the players literally talked about Trump in yet another election he won, I legit think it would’ve been insane to not at least acknowledge that. Also, just a note “side I was rooting for” really undercuts that I was voting against the stupidest fascist on the planet; it’s not a sports team, people are gonna suffer so much more because he was elected. That doesn’t change your point, and maybe that’s not how you meant it, but I really bristle at the implication that my extreme reaction to this election is just because my team didn’t win.
I can totally understand unsubscribing when someone brings up politics too much. I guess it’s a good thing I bring up politics exactly the right amount!
@@SupergeekMike It saddens me to have a content creator I used to enjoy watching a lot respond to be in such a way. I use d and d as an escape from reality and the problems of the real world so I just don't appreciate it much when those problems are shoved back in my face. Your series has been the best way to relive campaign one for me since I don't have the time to watch the full livestreams anymore. I wish you and your family the best Mike since I'm parting ways with your channel.
Ok, I apologize for being 'that guy', but I'm gonna go here...Mike, I love your channel. Congratulations on 50K, you truly deserve it. You're a fantastic host. I love your pontifications. However, as a person who -really- hates politics (I still vote, let's not get the wrong idea), I'm getting tired of hearing you bellyache about the results of the election. It's getting to be too much, and is making me consider stopping to watch. You're here to talk about Vox Machina and D&D. Please leave your personal views on politics for either another channel, or your own personal conversations. I'm sorry if that sounds shitty, but I -REALLY- detest hearing about the goddamn elections. No one ever wins because no one in power gives a shit. Get over it.
Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot to me! No. It’s 1 minute out of a 47 minute video. As you said: “Get over it.” Thanks for commenting, I really appreciate it! All the best, Mike
You are just as accountable for the results of your inaction as you are your actions. If as a result of you taking a moral stance more people are harmed your morals are as worthless as the high ground you occupy.
@wormer104 People get harmed either way. You can't bully people into "choosing to harm a group of people by threatening to harm even more people if they don't.
@ But not in the same numbers. That is the point. You are faced with two choices. Both will be harmful. One is worse. Fact is that those who are now in the crosshairs who previously were not have you and those like you to thank. Your morals mean zip.
@ I’ll make sure and let people know. “Hey yeah I know your friend/family got offed for being trans or the wrong color but at least some people can look at their grave from the hill of superiority. Didn’t do anything and someone worse got power but at least they feel good!” You made your choice. The results are as much yours as those who actually wanted him. You got what you wanted. Moral superiority. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Have you ever had a villain offer to join the good guys’ team in your own games?
Her first line when introduced is literally "delicious cattle... Raishan enjoys the taste of fear", you can't really come back from that lol
I just realized this channel only has 50,000 subscribers. I've been watching since the beginning of CR: Demystified and always thought this channel was so much bigger. You have great insights that have helped me plenty. Here's to hoping your channel blows up sometime and you get the recognition you deserve!
Yeah, I always think of SupergeekMike as one of the "Big Mikes" of D&D (there's a lot of them!) but I was also surprised by his apparently low numbers. Here's hoping for plenty more
“Only one side of this table is underestimating the other” is such a badass line. Obviously undercut by the fact that they are, in fact, underestimating her; but as a line it goes hard as fuck.
The eternal dichotomy of this episode 😂
Mike reminding us that Hamilton was before Campaign 1 makes me feel so old
I was momentarily confused, but then I remembered them using Hamilton references at various points in Campaign 1.😅
Same, I was convinced the line was just a coincidence until watching this
Edit: did some googling and holy shit, Hamilton is only a MONTH older than Campaign 1! (as far as official debuts, I know Lin had been writing it for years and did that white house show)
Hamilton debuted off-broadway February 2015 and campaign 1 premiered March of 2015. Episode 70 happened October 2016
This is a good channel. This is a good series. I like Mike.
I think the interesting bit about this episode is how well it paints raishan's mentality. She quite literally expects them to help her destroy thordak because he's no longer useful to her while explaining why they shouldn't trust her because to her, their opinions don't matter. She only views herself as important so even if unintentionally she's telling them that they're beneath her notice outside how they can help her beat thordak. It's really interesting exploration of how her ancient and inhuman mentality really is. Or I'm reading too much into it
I've been playing & running D&D for 40+ years and I can only hope to portray something this ancient as well as Matt did....9 years ago. He's really good.
This exact reasoning is why she calls Keyleth “child.” To a creature so ancient and self absorbed, a half elf of barely 20 or so years is little more than an infant. I was mildly surprised she didn’t say as much when Keyleth responded with an expected and understandable outburst.
I don't think you're reading too much into it. It's actually a very human trait (if expressed for inhuman reasons for _this_ character). It's pretty routine to disregard the motivations and desires of "children" when we're much older than them, and are dealing with things that are _obviously_ more important on a grand scale. The fact that to that "child" the things we're so casually dismissing are incredibly important, doesn't really rate to us in the face of our goals, and is more of a temporary inconvenience. It's the self involved and condescending mindset of someone who, as you say, only really regards themselves as important in their interaction.
The thing about talking to a dragon though, is often *they are right.* She is the most important person in the room, usually in whatever room she's in, and so no matter how smart or experienced she is, it makes sense that she's got this massive blind spot in how she's interacting with them. It's a smart way to play her, because she sees them as tools, not a threat, or even people really. She's just looking for the right combination of words to make these tiny idiots do what she wants, because she needs _someone_ to make her plan work and take out the other important person (another dragon).
It's the kind of self involved arrogance that feels preposterous when expressed by some dude, but makes total sense when she could literally pop off and eat one of the people she's conversing with. It's like a cat trying to convince mice to help it kill another cat, it really doesn't occur to her _not_ to reference all the mice she's killed...that's what mice are for. Or how _instrumental_ she was to the whole plot...it was a brilliant plan and it was working, what dragon would hide that? The problem isn't her (it *can't* be her, she's a glorious and perfect dragon) it's Thordak, he's a mad tyrant!
Playing a dragon as a supreme narcissist is fantastic, because unlike most other villains who do it, they aren't totally deluded, they're just awful.
@@andrewgelos9778 - Raishan wants to manipulate VM into getting what she wants. Further pissing off Keyleth by explaining her word choice would go counter to that. She's smart enough to understand that when someone feels insulted, explaining to them why you think the insult is justified isn't going to help.
She's *willing* to make good on her threat to thrown down here and now, but that's not plan A or she would have already destroyed Whitestone. So she doesn't want to actively provoke a fight.
She doesn't care if it looks to Keyleth like her demand for respect worked. Raishan certainly still thinks of her as a child, she's just going to stop saying so.
This is one of my absolute favorite Percy episodes, his absolutely calm manner as he discusses with this beast of a Dragon makes me love him so damm much
I've always loved the deadly rivalry between Keyleth and Raishan, and seeing Kiki learn to temper her rage and ultimately not succumb to being baited by the dragon was quite an arc for her.
I never trusted Raishan at all, and I'm glad that Vox Machina never chose to blindly trust her and leave themselves wide open. I mean, she IS titled the _DISEASED DECEIVER._
That feeling behind "call me child/son one more time!" is not a Lynn Manuel original nor is it a Marisha original but it does make the characters SOO relatable. That feeling of not being seen as an equal just because you are younger. The disrespect behind calling people child, boy, girl, son, baby or anything, to just put the other person on a lower plane then you, it creates a connection to what a lot of people have felt in their lives and it probably does trigger real feelings when you are in the player seat. Its why Keyleth is one of my favorite VM members
12:20 Talesin speaks and Marisha just has full "Let me at her!" energy.
Also what music was playing in the background (example 30:11) because I swear it sounds like Hollow Knight.
Raishan is easily my favorite villain of campaign 1 - Ripley a close second. I love how deep her machinations run and her dynamic with Keyleth. I'm so sad they didn't include "call me 'child' one more goddamn time" in the cartoon.
Talking about curses and diseases that can't be cured by magic made me think of my druid. She's a dryad who absorbs pollutants and toxins from the earth around her (including magical icks such as necrotic magic) and it can make her incredibly sick. When she revealed this to the party, our cleric started going through a series of attempted Greater Restorations and asking about potions or people she might have talked to, and it started to get extremely frustrating that she refused to hear me saying out of character that no, there is no cure for this and frankly I don't want it cured because this is a part of her character. It frustrated our DM, too, who suffers from chronic pain and felt like cleric was doing the equivalent of asking a sufferer if they've done the most obvious 'solutions' or tried yoga. Anyway, I agree that we should normalize the existence of ailments in the D&D world that can't be cured.
My favourite part of the scene in which everyone slowly joined the conversation was the moment Scanlan was mentioned, Travis signaled to Sam to have him enter the conversation, then afterwards Sam returned the favour by saying that Grog was just right outside! Really supportive player work.
I LOVE Keyleth in this episode. Amazing roleplay from Marisha and yet another situation where she is making a strong moral choice (remember when no one else wanted to help the villagers fighting in Whitestone because they wanted a long rest.......). And I won't spoil future events but, well.......... 🤷♀️
I was shocked you only have 50000 subs. I think you have a lot of room to grow!
Oh wow, congratulations on 50k! You really deserve it. These videos have been amazing, and have been super helpful. Your advice has helped me see issues and potential benefits for my home games. Thank you for all the great videos!
2:24 I arranged the menu, the venue, the seating
But
No one else was in the room where it happened!
my head canon was that the scars so the seeker was matts way of saying this isnt him those scars were raishaun's her curse is to pwerful to cover up with magic fully
That was my thought as well. It was an opening to pry into the Seekers recent past to ask how and why he got the scar ; but since that’s not something most people do out of politeness, the group didn’t take the bait, so to speak.
Your content is so awesome and well done that I feel like I often forget how "small" your channel is. It feels so much bigger, which is a testament to your efforts. Congrats on the milestone!
You're so right about the transitive property of badassery at play here! Thanks for your thoughts on disagreements and voting between players/characters ❤
Part of me feels bad I haven't been able to watch on release day, but life hit hard. I'm glad you reached 50K and I am looking forward to what else is coming.
For some reason, it's taking forever for the subtitles to be created for videos today... I've run a few tests, and everything I upload is taking longer than usual for the subtitles to get unlocked. I am going to stay on top of this and keep checking, and as soon I'm able to generate subtitles, we will get them added for this video!
EDIT: Subtitles are fixed! Thanks for your patience!
Thanks! My English is good enough to understand with no problem, but since it's still my second language it's always nice to read subtitles
On the note of summoning the goristro for the I've always felt like Matt probably felt the same way i did:
Big monster fight 🤯
26:00 I like the idea that celestial and infernal languages are actually some of the most common and easy to learn languages it's just that mortals can only comprehend the basics and thus everything sounds cryptic or like double speak. They lack the ability to hear or comprehend the parts of the language only the native gods and devils have access to and it's those parts that carry a lot of context and clarity. Like how some real world languages use tone as another layer to change words and meaning completely.
Star Trek TNE had an episode of language barriers because all speech was in allegories
The lesson from the Critmas one shot is "We can't compete with Amazon!"
Why? I haven't seen it yet
39:10 ok ngl i fully missed the next minute or so of the video because i was instantly distracted by puppy shenanigans ❤
Anyone else got distracted by the dogo in the background?
Finally caught up with the series, thanks for the recap man! After watching season 3 of the Legend Of Vox Machina I got curious what happened in the campaign.
congrats on 50k! Ive never seen a channel improve so fast, the quality of your videos makes me forget that I havent been watching this for 10 years, its only been 3.
I better watch the night before critsmas next, I haven't seen that one.
I also think that a big part of why one vote needed a majority vote and one needed a unanimous vote is just the severity of the immediate. I mean yes the discussion about Kima was very important but not "do we want to work with the person that killed Kiki's people or start a fight that kills Percy's people." Plus the personal angle on it, no one wants to be the one to pull the trigger on Percy's home OR force Kiki's compliance. In fact I would argue there was a possibility that it wasn't nearly as much about ALL of them being on the same page as about Percy and Keithlith coming to an agreement.
50k is just the start. Keep up the good work!
Wether its here, or Hamilton, or some other scene, I ALWAYS get amped ALLLLLL THE WAY up when somebody has that moment of calling out a belittling… call me son/child/dumb one more time… it’s great
EDIT: Oh lol, you pointed out Hamilton too haha
Congratulations on reaching 50k subscribers!
I really like Keyleth's struggle with controlling her (justified) anger in this arc and some of the conversations with other characters she has about it. That moment when she says, "But she was first on my list!" and Percy gently responds with "I don't recommend lists" is one of my favorite moments between them in the entire campaign, because that one brief exchange highlights how much they've both changed.
I have once allowed social between players - For deriving information the PC wasn't saying - With the following caveat - That it was up to the player it was being used against to interpret the result, and that I was not going to force any information about that PC to be revealed as a result of the role. Basically that I was going to allow the role to happen, but for the purpose of adjudicating the results of the role, the other player was going to get to make the ruling of how much information that result was worth, and made it clear how that was going to work before the role happened.
Keyleth's saliency against Raishan is easily my favorite moment from Marisha in C1. This felt like the biggest leap towards Keyleth's ultimate goal to become a leader of her people as she pokes several holes in Raishan's argument to work with them.
I was really excited to hear how this played out at the table after having seen S3 of LOVM. I got the sense that it would be much more intense and relatable at the table because they had the time to really sit in it. Keyleth's frustration was already so understandable with the limited time to cover it but it definitely felt a lot harsher in the show, like she got steam rolled and the other characters weren't suspicious enough. I wish Grog had gotten more of these Wisdom-y moments in the show this past season, they really ground his character.
I enjoyed the "for a spin" pun, Mike.
I was the reluctant character in a recent key decision and my group was really good with it. Because the choice was so personal to my character (travelling to a kingdom where my cleric's religion was banned and punishable by death), they gave me plenty of space to voice concerns, they were gentle in their rp to try and convince me and nobody went meta with "come on, this is the obvious main plot hook, just agree already." It really helped built a lot of trust among the relatively newly formed player group, as well as the party, but it could have gone the other way so easily if one of us decided to be an ass about it.
46:50 part of me wants to see each video ending taking longer and longer moments of silence
Oh my god your dog is like an exact clone of one I used to have a long time ago. Aww, I miss Max.
Was i the only one that got distract by his dog trying to get comfortable to lay down near the end of the video
Heck yeah, belated congrats on the 50k! 🎉 Here's to 100k coming soon! ❤
Love your content Mike keep it up
Alright, so, I mostly listen to these videos while doing something else. So, this is the second time I've looked at the screen, seen halfling Two-Face, then broke into a good, solid fit of laughter
If we're going to talk democracy in D&D, I feel the need to bring up Acquisitions Incorporated where one party member can be assigned the role of "Decisionist" who, among other abilities, gets a second vote when they call a party vote. Handy when there's an even number of players (also, very funny in the series when the pushiest, most entitled character had this role and never called for a vote to actually get the benefit).
I didn't need to be reminded of how old Spectacular Spider-Man was. I mean, I only learned about it and watched it for the first time, like, last year, so it's not like it makes me feel old, but it does make its cancelation extra painful.
I think this episode is one of the best both for Mike and critical role campaign one .as when back in briarwood arc keylith and Percy had a similar conversation but it was Percy with vengeance and keylith as the voice of reason . I think this was when I really started to love keylith as a charecter as I feel she has a lot more confidence and really started to begin to become a leader for her people.
25:48 sure, especially considering who gets to hear all the prayers in Barovia in actuality 😂
When only one character is a Charisma class and that person is Scanlan.
Adorable dog in the background at 39:09
Anyone else have to rewatch the last 5 minutes or so because the puppy immediately stole the show?
Bro, this video is ruthless. I love it.
fucking loved keyleth in this one. "Call me "child one more GODDAMNED TIME!" was fantastic. Her whole rage towards Raishan was amazing, real sad they didn't include it in the tv show.
I hope you're able to do a deep dive and finally answer the unsolved mystery of what happened to Larkin.
I think this arc of the story has always been the most engaging to me. The fact that they have to ally with a creature that holds the moniker of ‘Deceiver’ means that a timer has been set for her sudden but inevitable betrayal.
Marissa plays the doubt and anger so well.
Here's to 1 mil this time next year!
raishan going through the portal with them makes a lot of sense I hadn't thought about that for what the check was for.
39:03 - 40:27
I think Druid players like softer magic because a lot of Druid spells are more focused than Wizard or even Cleric spells. But simultaneously it's very easy to imagine how they *could* work if you don't stick to the strict wording of the spell
She’s was an ancient Wyrm. Powerful and arrogant, a dangerous combo.
I didnt see Grog moving behind Keyleth as him getting out of the way. I saw it more as him moving to restrain her if he had to. I may be wrong, but with the energy going around the table, it didn't feel like support.
Always loved Raishan, such a great move from Matt to mix things up as this arc was coming to a close.
Totally understood Keyleths hatred and distrust but I remember watching and wanting them to align with her to find out what her ultimate plan was…thankfully the animated series gave us that. >:)
Almost forgot it was Thursday! Yay!
RIP Larkin
On the arguments that "raishan is out of touch with her humanity" i counter with what humanity. she's an 800+ year old dragon. the party would be nothing more then children to her. also with the average ancient green having an int of 20, they are geneous and could rightly be justified that they tend to look down on the poor stupid himanoids that live such short insignifigant lives
Is that a common thing, druids tending to favor a soft magic approach? One of my party members favorite class is druid, and they definitely prefer a soft magic approach.
Next week im going to start dming the next leg of my campaign after a decent break to let someone else dm. Lets see what i can learn from this video before then, i feel ive come along way as a dm since the first part of my campaign and videos like these as well as my own experience are the reason for that.
I have only seen them talk about Raishan in the tv show, so idk if they upplayed Raishans shady side but I was also getting mad no one was taking Keyleth seriously
I cannot wait for the introduction of larken. Best npc
Yay 50k lets go!
The music from the clip at 16:00.
Does ANYONE know what it is? I always loved it in VM but never knew where to find it or what it was for my game.
Help 🙏 this has been in my head for years!
Also, as a fellow forever DM, love your videos, dude. Heres to the next landmark 🎉
Will you be doing demystified for Campaign 2 and (in the very distant future) campaign 3? Perhaps its too early to ask there's still another (roughly) 45 weeks to go lol
That is definitely the plan!
@@SupergeekMike Very cool! What about additional special episodes like Dalen's Closet and M9 Reunited?
Yep!
Wow that was an amazing performance from Marisha
I’m sorry, can you repeat everything you said between 39:10 and 40:20? I got distracted 🐶
did i miss episode 69 or did you jump strait from 68 to 70? lol
God, I hate that Trump won. Every time I hear it out loud I feel sick all over again.
Eek, now Im caught up on this series... now the dilemma of "do I keep watching Crit Role and get caught up on that without having corresponding commentary"... or "do I just watch the next episode and wait for the appropriate Demystified so I keep the episode/commentary routine"?...
The fact that Allura can't cast 9th level spells is a little bonkers to me, as such an established and "pre-campaign hero" who was head mage of a whole country. Like the archmage statblock, which is only CR12, has 9th level spells. Like I get your point on the idea of 'catching up to some powerful NPCs' but I feel like Matt was underselling where Allura should be at this point in her career as this means she's 15-16th level instead of 17th+.
I honestly think that’s a necessity from both a worldbuilding and gameplay perspective, but like I said that’s something I’m gonna talk about in another video next year ☺️
@@SupergeekMike I definitely understand. At some point the PCs have to take their training wheels off and take the reigns of being the heroes. It's a hard point to decide, the entire idea of "removing the support structures." High level NPCs in mentor positions is...hard to quantify. It's the entire "Avengers" level problem, when do the superheroes show up and if they don't, why?
That said, the previous generation "falling behind" is a strange conceit in storytelling that I also don't inherently agree with. Matt did a good job of showing how Allura and Gillmore and others were so focused on defending Whitestone, they couldn't solve the problem. But the idea that the Archmage of Tal'dorei didn't have 9th level spells is a little crazy. I'd rather it have been something like, "my spellbooks were destroyed in my tower, and I am rebuilding my capabilities" as an excuse.
It helps justify that these Fatebound heroes with vestiges will eventually go past the old heroes ("We are what they grow beyond" from The Last Jedi has never been a more apt quote), it just tweaked me a little wrong (considering like Matt, Allura and a certain Drow archmage are "my kind of self insert) as well) considering. Regardless, I look forward to that video!
I forgot how awful they were to Kima in this campaign. Poor woman got the short end of the stick again and again.
The example here, and the one from Mike's own experience, makes me think about the real purpose democracy should have, versus the one many people advocate. The debate of the "Majority's Dictatorship", where democracy is used as a tool for oppression following the letter of the law, in opposition of the inclusion of all in the decision making, and the consideration of all sides, following the spirit of the law.
Using democracy to "win" is not ok, it is a mob mentality rushing the fewer. True democratic process should consider everyone and not ignore those who "lost", but take what they propose in consideration for the greater good of all.
Be it among a group of friends playing, be it among a party of adventurers, be it ruling a nation.
Great points made in this one, Mike.
Where is Larkin? Is he alright?
lol for some reason I heard this in Darth Vader’s voice from the end of Revenge of the Sith 😂
Example 26478583 of Travis being the best dnd player
I love democracy
I am not a Keileith hater, but I really can’t stand her in the deal with Raishan.
I see you with the title 😏
when it comes to gods interacting with pcs I run in several different ways. It's part of my whole a setting should be diverse and every choice should enforce narrative perspective. for example my 11 over deities the 9 colors their father/mother and the 9s first failed creation are all gods that don't even answer the most devoted champions' prayers. instead of answering through cryptic symbolism. meant to represent their distance from the world and their recent choice to leave the world behind for an unknown reason. where some of the more historical deities and cosmic figures will communicate thought symbols riddles and some direct statements. psychopomps and other arbiters of divine systems are even most lose-lipped often forming personal relationships with mortals. and then there are living gods like io from Greyhawk. gods who take active roles in shaping the world. Each of these choices informs the flavor of my world deus. it's a world that might be coming to the end of its history or maybe this is a new beginning and all the gods and mortals are taking a stance. there is great uncertainty in the world as society rebuilds.
I am looking forward to the day when Mike end his videos with such a large gap between play fair…….. and have fun that 20% of the video is dead air at the very end….
Definitely a Colvillism
Peace!
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2 years later
*OUT!!!!*
The real reason the short Colville video is a myth...
Based voting takes are based. o7
I really have enjoyed this series about Critical Role in the past, but admit that I am struggling to continue watching these episodes. Wish it were possible to just use one post-it note to enjoy the part that I do (about CR) without paying attention to the side comments - like you suggested we do when watching the series itself.
You should make a choice for you mental health. If you are struggling to watch a series because topics brought up that are important to the creator and their community, it might be time to step away and see if you are happier.
I have stopped watching several creators over the years when their ideology differed drastically from mine. I lost nothing, and I’m sure their community was happy to not have me bitching and moaning in the comments.
@@mduncl The problem is he puts out good content, its just the side remarks thst are annoying. I trim most my political shit so I get it from specific sources so I can be away from it in other videos I watch. His breakdowns are good of CR that's why I love demystified. No one else does this type of content (that i know of).
Doggie!!!
Mike, I'd suggest sometimes not delving into the cringe comedy of explaining your jokes. Just make them and let them sit.
Dog
Scanlan's willingness to modify memory on his supposed friends and allies is a major part of why he's the PC I dislike almost as much as Tiberius.
I'm not a political person, but anytime Mike brings up politics, it always makes me laugh.
I absolutely love watching your videos, especially these about better DMing and things to learn from critical Role.
However, I don't really enjoy the political undertone you keep poking. I'm not specifically for or against either political party, I apologize that the side you were rooting for didn't win, but I just feel like the jabs towards the recent election are very unnecessary for the point your trying to make about the negotiations with the dragon.
The videos about city intrigue and dealing with factions, and what-not that you've already covered were far more appropriate for the slide in political views.
A huge lesson from this video involved the cast voting on whether or not to put aside their feelings about Raishan to fight Thordak, and in that episode the players literally talked about Trump in yet another election he won, I legit think it would’ve been insane to not at least acknowledge that.
Also, just a note “side I was rooting for” really undercuts that I was voting against the stupidest fascist on the planet; it’s not a sports team, people are gonna suffer so much more because he was elected. That doesn’t change your point, and maybe that’s not how you meant it, but I really bristle at the implication that my extreme reaction to this election is just because my team didn’t win.
When youtubers bring up politics too much I stop watching. Simple as that. Lost a viewer and a subscriber.
And nothing of value was lost.
I can totally understand unsubscribing when someone brings up politics too much. I guess it’s a good thing I bring up politics exactly the right amount!
@@SupergeekMike It saddens me to have a content creator I used to enjoy watching a lot respond to be in such a way. I use d and d as an escape from reality and the problems of the real world so I just don't appreciate it much when those problems are shoved back in my face. Your series has been the best way to relive campaign one for me since I don't have the time to watch the full livestreams anymore. I wish you and your family the best Mike since I'm parting ways with your channel.
I don’t use D&D for escapism, I use it for catharsis. Maybe that’s why we’re not on the same page about this ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thats right. Because of all the crimes he did. Oh well... :(
Feel the Burn!
Ok, I apologize for being 'that guy', but I'm gonna go here...Mike, I love your channel. Congratulations on 50K, you truly deserve it. You're a fantastic host. I love your pontifications. However, as a person who -really- hates politics (I still vote, let's not get the wrong idea), I'm getting tired of hearing you bellyache about the results of the election. It's getting to be too much, and is making me consider stopping to watch. You're here to talk about Vox Machina and D&D. Please leave your personal views on politics for either another channel, or your own personal conversations. I'm sorry if that sounds shitty, but I -REALLY- detest hearing about the goddamn elections. No one ever wins because no one in power gives a shit. Get over it.
Thanks for the kind words, it means a lot to me!
No.
It’s 1 minute out of a 47 minute video. As you said: “Get over it.”
Thanks for commenting, I really appreciate it!
All the best,
Mike
*nods respectfully* Touché.
stop with the real world politics dude, it kills my enjoyment every time.
ua-cam.com/video/3nrQD526q2g/v-deo.htmlsi=Q_q9xByN1RontgCa
Abstaining from a vote when no candidate represents your biefs is the correct thing to do. The "lesser" evil is still evil.
You are just as accountable for the results of your inaction as you are your actions.
If as a result of you taking a moral stance more people are harmed your morals are as worthless as the high ground you occupy.
@wormer104 People get harmed either way. You can't bully people into "choosing to harm a group of people by threatening to harm even more people if they don't.
@ But not in the same numbers. That is the point. You are faced with two choices. Both will be harmful. One is worse.
Fact is that those who are now in the crosshairs who previously were not have you and those like you to thank. Your morals mean zip.
@@wormer104 Then they should have chosen a candidate that was not evil to protect them
@ I’ll make sure and let people know. “Hey yeah I know your friend/family got offed for being trans or the wrong color but at least some people can look at their grave from the hill of superiority. Didn’t do anything and someone worse got power but at least they feel good!”
You made your choice. The results are as much yours as those who actually wanted him. You got what you wanted. Moral superiority. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
The facts you’ve bought political views into a dnd video is upsetting….unsubscribed