I personally don't mind the alteration of rules to advance the narrative or even just because a person had a cool idea (aka the Rule of Cool) but at the same time I don't mind the back seat DMing that happens in chat and forums. In some ways it is just like watching sports ball on the tv where people question calls by the refs and decisions of the quarter back. It does nothing to alter the game you are watching, but makes them feel better and it is something that they enjoy.
Warning!! If you end up watching Critical role, Do not brush your teeth, drink anything, or otherwise have anything in your mouth if Sam Reigal is around. It is a bad idea. You will end up with stuff on your shirt.
Bidet from the east coast of the United States...so excited to see how D&D Beyond develops. Cannot wait for the 100th episode next week - I actually scheduled one of my nights off of work for it since I work third shift - after discovering this show right around episode 50 at the beginning of the Chroma Conclave Arc.
In terms of favorite story arc up to this point, I think the emotional investment of the Briarwood Arc was my favorite especially since we are beginning to see the long-term impacts of it only now near episode 100. I hope as many people can catch up and are able to watch the 100th episode live with everybody else as I think it will be beautiful to experience and an emotional roller coaster. I'm also calling it that they will be debuting their new set Matt mentioned a few weeks ago on Talks Machina for the 100th episode just like they debuted the new intro video during the 50th.
Just found this forum! Love the critter community, love being able to watch without the pressure of live-streaming it because I have the weird habit of remembering just about everything that Vox Machina has ever been given (such as the moonhammer that Grog has never used, curtesy of my girl Zahra). Can't wait to see how this campaign ends and what they're going to do with the new one!
IMO, there can never be enough DnD. The briarwood arc and the whole Feywild were probably my favorite story moments, because they really dug into the party as a whole despite centering one character as the primary character of that narrative. Especially the Feywild, as I'm a sucker for irish and scottish faerie stories.
You say the whole briarwood arc like it is over....I think it has just begun!! Can't wait to see what happens. Vox Machina really should taunt Lady Briarwood with reuniting with her love.
I think we kinda already know where the game is going. The current arc will either end the game or there will be an epilogue of sorts to battle Orcus. However, Matt did say there would be a level 20 Battle Royal so we have at least two more levels of adventure to go.
I did not know the best place to post this so since it is somewhat Matt Mercer related...on the cover of Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, there is a Rogue named "Hitch." Can anyone tell me if this is meant to be the very same "Hitch" from Matt's other show, Force Grey?
So I just finished watching EP 102.... What the actual Firbolg! That was the craziest thing I've ever witnessed! I don't wanna post spoilers for anyone that hasn't caught up yet, just wanted to exclaim my surprise to the world of Critters.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I don't run from evil. Evil runs from me.
-Vimul "Fiend-fisher" Thulinaga, Goliath Bloodhunter, Order of the Lycan
That could have gone way different if a couple of choices were made early on that would have changed the battle. I can't use spoiler tags from my phone (hint: curse add spoiler tags to phone, note to self: see if there is already code to do that) so I'll have to remain cryptic for now.
I feel like more experienced players could have done better, but it's half the fun watching VM make suboptimal choices.
The Talks Machina episode for CR 102 Matt explains that
Vecna is super intelligent and has been watching Vox Machina for a long time. So he was specifically trying to take down the most dangerous players first. And the encounter is the start of the final story arc. Similar to the start of the Chroma Conclave arc. So the fight was meant to be too much for them. But unlike the CC arc, events are on a schedule and things will happen even if VM is not around to stop it.
Order of the Bug Hunters Apple ][+ MOSTech 6502 1.0 MHz • 64k Ram • Hercules 8k EGA video card • 300baud USR modem • 2 x 340k 5¼" floppy drives • Software Emulated Sound • Apple DOS 3.3 • Sony 13" TV monitor • Integrated Keyboard • No Mouse
Warning!! If you end up watching Critical role, Do not brush your teeth, drink anything, or otherwise have anything in your mouth if Sam Reigal is around. It is a bad idea. You will end up with stuff on your shirt.
NO SPOILER HERE, but Sam during the latest Battle Royal...wow...
Sometimes a good Offense is a Great Defense. Look at American-style Football...many games have been decided by a great defensive strategy! -)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Order of the Bug Hunters Apple ][+ MOSTech 6502 1.0 MHz • 64k Ram • Hercules 8k EGA video card • 300baud USR modem • 2 x 340k 5¼" floppy drives • Software Emulated Sound • Apple DOS 3.3 • Sony 13" TV monitor • Integrated Keyboard • No Mouse
The Talks Machina episode for CR 102 Matt explains that
Vecna is super intelligent and has been watching Vox Machina for a long time. So he was specifically trying to take down the most dangerous players first. And the encounter is the start of the final story arc. Similar to the start of the Chroma Conclave arc. So the fight was meant to be too much for them. But unlike the CC arc, events are on a schedule and things will happen even if VM is not around to stop it.
Lots and lots of spoilers for CR 100-102!
Foresight on Vax was a bad idea. (I want to make clear it was great roleplaying though) Vax only needs another member of Vox Machina to be next to an opponent to gain sneak attack. Beyond the sneak attack damage his other attacks don't really do much. So with three attacks, one of them is bound to hit and the ones that don't aren't going to do much. I am not even sure if Vax having foresight would have helped him in any way should he have been able to move.
To be fair, they didn't know early on that they were going to be actively fighting Vecna. However, Keyleth having the ability to also turn into a beholder would have been beneficial. There is some debate on whether or not Matt was Fair to Scanlan the Beholder. While Sam didn't specifically say certain things, I think it should have been more of a given that the antimagic cone was active and he was going to face Vecna. Had Sam actually said that and had Keyleth the Beholder been present, the encounter would have really changed.
Given that Matt didn't let the earthquake spells penalize the guys on top in any way (whether losing a spell slot to have kept that portion from falling or taking damage from the fall, etc.) Flying up to the tower would have been a far better option than bringing the tower down. They had a flying carpet. Keyleth the Beholder and Scanlan the Beholder could have come up from opposite ends. Having access to the high level earthquake slots would have been very helpful.
I really do think it was possible to have really given Vecna a hurt. Vecna was also apparently almost out of spells and once he ran out of spells, Vox Machnia could eat him alive.
What I didn't like is Matt pointing out that they had two mostly unhurt badguys left, which signaled "Hey you guys can't win you should retreat" and so they retreated. It was just too close to the same time Vecna was about out of spells.
Even with their poor planning I think Vox Machina stood a good chance, despite Matt's plans.
The Talks Machina episode for CR 102 Matt explains that
Vecna is super intelligent and has been watching Vox Machina for a long time. So he was specifically trying to take down the most dangerous players first. And the encounter is the start of the final story arc. Similar to the start of the Chroma Conclave arc. So the fight was meant to be too much for them. But unlike the CC arc, events are on a schedule and things will happen even if VM is not around to stop it.
Lots and lots of spoilers for CR 100-102!
Foresight on Vax was a bad idea. (I want to make clear it was great roleplaying though) Vax only needs another member of Vox Machina to be next to an opponent to gain sneak attack. Beyond the sneak attack damage his other attacks don't really do much. So with three attacks, one of them is bound to hit and the ones that don't aren't going to do much. I am not even sure if Vax having foresight would have helped him in any way should he have been able to move.
To be fair, they didn't know early on that they were going to be actively fighting Vecna. However, Keyleth having the ability to also turn into a beholder would have been beneficial. There is some debate on whether or not Matt was Fair to Scanlan the Beholder. While Sam didn't specifically say certain things, I think it should have been more of a given that the antimagic cone was active and he was going to face Vecna. Had Sam actually said that and had Keyleth the Beholder been present, the encounter would have really changed.
Given that Matt didn't let the earthquake spells penalize the guys on top in any way (whether losing a spell slot to have kept that portion from falling or taking damage from the fall, etc.) Flying up to the tower would have been a far better option than bringing the tower down. They had a flying carpet. Keyleth the Beholder and Scanlan the Beholder could have come up from opposite ends. Having access to the high level earthquake slots would have been very helpful.
I really do think it was possible to have really given Vecna a hurt. Vecna was also apparently almost out of spells and once he ran out of spells, Vox Machnia could eat him alive.
What I didn't like is Matt pointing out that they had two mostly unhurt badguys left, which signaled "Hey you guys can't win you should retreat" and so they retreated. It was just too close to the same time Vecna was about out of spells.
Even with their poor planning I think Vox Machina stood a good chance, despite Matt's plans.
Hindsight is always 20/20. Im sure there were games where you didnt choose the best, super OP way to go about a battle. From a narrative standpoint it was all fantastic but obviously there were other ways to go about it. Lets talk more about what is and less about what could have been.
So I just started watching Critical Role and am about half way through episode 3 .While I find it good, I don't find it addicting as others say it is or maybe I just havent got to any of thoes parts yet. So far I think my Favorite has to be Vex.
I personally don't mind the alteration of rules to advance the narrative or even just because a person had a cool idea (aka the Rule of Cool) but at the same time I don't mind the back seat DMing that happens in chat and forums. In some ways it is just like watching sports ball on the tv where people question calls by the refs and decisions of the quarter back. It does nothing to alter the game you are watching, but makes them feel better and it is something that they enjoy.
She/Her Player and Dungeon Master
Warning!! If you end up watching Critical role, Do not brush your teeth, drink anything, or otherwise have anything in your mouth if Sam Reigal is around. It is a bad idea. You will end up with stuff on your shirt.
Bidet from the east coast of the United States...so excited to see how D&D Beyond develops. Cannot wait for the 100th episode next week - I actually scheduled one of my nights off of work for it since I work third shift - after discovering this show right around episode 50 at the beginning of the Chroma Conclave Arc.
In terms of favorite story arc up to this point, I think the emotional investment of the Briarwood Arc was my favorite especially since we are beginning to see the long-term impacts of it only now near episode 100. I hope as many people can catch up and are able to watch the 100th episode live with everybody else as I think it will be beautiful to experience and an emotional roller coaster. I'm also calling it that they will be debuting their new set Matt mentioned a few weeks ago on Talks Machina for the 100th episode just like they debuted the new intro video during the 50th.
Maybe. It depends on how close we are to the end.
Just found this forum! Love the critter community, love being able to watch without the pressure of live-streaming it because I have the weird habit of remembering just about everything that Vox Machina has ever been given (such as the moonhammer that Grog has never used, curtesy of my girl Zahra). Can't wait to see how this campaign ends and what they're going to do with the new one!
IMO, there can never be enough DnD. The briarwood arc and the whole Feywild were probably my favorite story moments, because they really dug into the party as a whole despite centering one character as the primary character of that narrative. Especially the Feywild, as I'm a sucker for irish and scottish faerie stories.
Spoiler for episode 100
You say the whole briarwood arc like it is over....I think it has just begun!! Can't wait to see what happens. Vox Machina really should taunt Lady Briarwood with reuniting with her love.
I think we kinda already know where the game is going. The current arc will either end the game or there will be an epilogue of sorts to battle Orcus. However, Matt did say there would be a level 20 Battle Royal so we have at least two more levels of adventure to go.
I did not know the best place to post this so since it is somewhat Matt Mercer related...on the cover of Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, there is a Rogue named "Hitch." Can anyone tell me if this is meant to be the very same "Hitch" from Matt's other show, Force Grey?
My first thought was no way... then I looked closer.
http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/force-grey-giant-hunters
That pic looks awfully like the cover. Possible the player made him based on that character, but who knows.
Marav(Druid/Ranger) -Storm Kings ThunderDontontion(Rogue/Warlock) - Storm Kings Thunder
DM - Stormpoint Mountains :: A Critical Role Adventure ( Map of Trunau )
Fairly certain it would be the same Character. Which came first night be a different story.
So I just finished watching EP 102.... What the actual Firbolg! That was the craziest thing I've ever witnessed! I don't wanna post spoilers for anyone that hasn't caught up yet, just wanted to exclaim my surprise to the world of Critters.
I don't run from evil. Evil runs from me.
-Vimul "Fiend-fisher" Thulinaga, Goliath Bloodhunter, Order of the Lycan
That could have gone way different if a couple of choices were made early on that would have changed the battle. I can't use spoiler tags from my phone (hint: curse add spoiler tags to phone, note to self: see if there is already code to do that) so I'll have to remain cryptic for now.
I feel like more experienced players could have done better, but it's half the fun watching VM make suboptimal choices.
The Talks Machina episode for CR 102 Matt explains that
Vecna is super intelligent and has been watching Vox Machina for a long time. So he was specifically trying to take down the most dangerous players first. And the encounter is the start of the final story arc. Similar to the start of the Chroma Conclave arc. So the fight was meant to be too much for them. But unlike the CC arc, events are on a schedule and things will happen even if VM is not around to stop it.
I think they were attacking the wrong mob. I would have tried to killed the Death Knight and left Vecna alone.
Apple ][+ MOSTech 6502 1.0 MHz • 64k Ram • Hercules 8k EGA video card • 300baud USR modem • 2 x 340k 5¼" floppy drives • Software Emulated Sound • Apple DOS 3.3 • Sony 13" TV monitor • Integrated Keyboard • No Mouse
Sometimes a good Offense is a Great Defense. Look at American-style Football...many games have been decided by a great defensive strategy! -)
Apple ][+ MOSTech 6502 1.0 MHz • 64k Ram • Hercules 8k EGA video card • 300baud USR modem • 2 x 340k 5¼" floppy drives • Software Emulated Sound • Apple DOS 3.3 • Sony 13" TV monitor • Integrated Keyboard • No Mouse
Foresight on Vax was a bad idea. (I want to make clear it was great roleplaying though) Vax only needs another member of Vox Machina to be next to an opponent to gain sneak attack. Beyond the sneak attack damage his other attacks don't really do much. So with three attacks, one of them is bound to hit and the ones that don't aren't going to do much. I am not even sure if Vax having foresight would have helped him in any way should he have been able to move.
To be fair, they didn't know early on that they were going to be actively fighting Vecna. However, Keyleth having the ability to also turn into a beholder would have been beneficial. There is some debate on whether or not Matt was Fair to Scanlan the Beholder. While Sam didn't specifically say certain things, I think it should have been more of a given that the antimagic cone was active and he was going to face Vecna. Had Sam actually said that and had Keyleth the Beholder been present, the encounter would have really changed.
Given that Matt didn't let the earthquake spells penalize the guys on top in any way (whether losing a spell slot to have kept that portion from falling or taking damage from the fall, etc.) Flying up to the tower would have been a far better option than bringing the tower down. They had a flying carpet. Keyleth the Beholder and Scanlan the Beholder could have come up from opposite ends. Having access to the high level earthquake slots would have been very helpful.
I really do think it was possible to have really given Vecna a hurt. Vecna was also apparently almost out of spells and once he ran out of spells, Vox Machnia could eat him alive.
What I didn't like is Matt pointing out that they had two mostly unhurt badguys left, which signaled "Hey you guys can't win you should retreat" and so they retreated. It was just too close to the same time Vecna was about out of spells.
Even with their poor planning I think Vox Machina stood a good chance, despite Matt's plans.
So I just started watching Critical Role and am about half way through episode 3 .While I find it good, I don't find it addicting as others say it is or maybe I just havent got to any of thoes parts yet. So far I think my Favorite has to be Vex.
Are you sure you don't find it addicting? You have watched what 12 hours so far... Just saying. :)
Marav(Druid/Ranger) -Storm Kings ThunderDontontion(Rogue/Warlock) - Storm Kings Thunder
DM - Stormpoint Mountains :: A Critical Role Adventure ( Map of Trunau )