I love how this finale subtly called back to character moments throughout the season. When Vax calls for them to carry on towards the mountain, Percy is the first to follow along good to his word to have Vax’s back. Also a possible call back to Osysa telling Scanlan that nobody cares about him, Umbrasyl, who has been shown to be very perceptive, gives so little thought to Scanlan as to allow him to sneak up and reclaim Mythcarver. As Matt confirmed on last night’s watch along, this is also Vex’s first realization that the bond between her and her brother had been severed.

An interesting little detail: if you look back on Ep.1 … Raishan let them go. She was about to gas them up til Keyleth deflected the blast and she got a good look at her, realizing that they’re the ones that killed Brimscythe. After that she just toys with them (“That all you got”) and then straight up lets them run away eith a calculating smirk. I really think in that moment she was thinking (maybe they can do it… maybe I can use them)

Julia's reaction when Vax got his wings gave me such life! I remember how hype the moment was in the campaign. I'll add how glad I am to see two of my favorite reactors enjoying one of my favorite shows.

27:55 Sam mentioned last night in their Q&A that this Kepler Yennon doesn’t have the birthmark on her face. So all the other ones with the birthmark were the actual KY but this last one was Raishawn. In the campaign, she didn’t kill the persons she replaced, but we’ll see if that holds true for LOVM. She did say she want to help them/work together and if you kill people close to the people who’s trust you’re trying to gain, that trust usually isn’t extended. So I think the real KY is still alive.

@TheKrstff

Жыл бұрын

I don't see her killing Yennan. She went out of her way not to kill anyone at the table and she's smart enough to know killing Yennan will ruin her chances of getting Vox on her side.

The group’s reaction to Scanlan living is one of the best versions of the “group realizes the character lived” trope I’ve ever seen. Usually they’re angry or straight up abusive, but everyone here was just relieved, and even Pike, who almost had a justification to be mad, immediately goes for the hug.

@testfire3000

Жыл бұрын

I love Pike's smile in that instant before she hugs him. 17:20

I really like you guys. You obviously respect each other. You’re so sweet and you give each other equal time to express yourselves and the other person actually listens instead of just waiting for an opportunity to start talking again. It’s very enjoyable to listen to your discussions because of how kind you are.

So it was a different character in the stream that Raishan pretended to be. They turned out to be alive and fine. We don’t know if Yennan is dead or not in the show yet. Raishan’s reason for allying with the party and her hatred of Thordak is a really interesting story. She is one of the best antagonists Matt has made.

@pawea1347

Жыл бұрын

Matthew Mercer wrote story of Vox Machina or something like that? I'm just enjoying this show and know nothing about this D&D group. Can You explain this to me? More or less without spoilers.

@BaronVonDex

Жыл бұрын

​@@pawea1347 There was a group of 9 professional voice actors who started a DnD game amongst themselves. Matthew Mercer was their DM, so he came up with the NPCs, challenges, enemies, world setting, etc. Each of the others designed their own characters full with history, flaws, goals, relationships, etc. They played at home for 2 years until someone offered them an opportunity to start playing their home game on a live stream. This was June '15. Their live streamed DnD campaign gained more and more followers and they eventually closed the story on that campaign for their adventuring party named Vox Machina. But, once they moved on to their second campaign with new characters, they launched a Kickstarter to get money for a short animated special for Vox Machina. The Kickstarter set a record for the amount raised. Amazon agreed to put up enough money for a fully fleshed out season of 12 episodes. It went well enough they greenlit seasons 2 and 3. The original players all voice their own characters, Matthew Mercer voices many of the NPCs (actually the black dragon seen here), and they all collectively have helped to adapt the story that their first campaign told into these animated episodes. So they're saying Matt originally wrote Thordak and Raishan and all the other dragons in the campaign. But he didn't write the way the heroes approached the challenges, that was all the players and their dice rolls at the table that helped put that story together. This animated series can't touch on everything from the dnd game (it's literally 100s of hours of streamed content (all available for free on KZread btw)), but they do a darn good job at trying to crop it down to the main beats and fitting as much original content as they can reasonably fit into these animated episodes. Hope that helps!

@pawea1347

Жыл бұрын

@@BaronVonDex That story is just WOW. Great that they've created that. Thank You for the explanation.

@BaronVonDex

Жыл бұрын

@@pawea1347 Welcome new Critter! Makes me so happy that this series is bringing in new and great fans! You're no less a fan if you don't know or aren't interested in the DnD stream, BUT as someone who has watched them since 2020 it's SUCH a rich format. You get so much depth and hilarious moments that the show just doesn't have room or time for. Cheers!

@daimonclarke

Жыл бұрын

Yeah. Raishan fucking rules.

About Yennen, in the stream it was someone else Raishan took the form of but raishan took another's form and sent that person away so I'd assume Raishan just sent Yennen away.

We can definitely trust the evil green dragon that calls herself "The Deceiver"

The vestiges actually lvl up and gain new stuff, the thing that unlocks each vestige is different for each one. Good call on knowing that the girl in Ep1 was Raishan, and she was in Whitestone the whole time. I think Yennen is just knocked out somewhere, if she killed Yennen then that would just ruin getting VM's help. Cool background again. 1. Not sure you recognized Cash's voice actor as being Terry McGuiness from Batman Beyond. 2 I appreciate the Hawkman comic there 😁.

@foulrot

Жыл бұрын

I'm pretty sure that Scanlin unlocked Mythcarver fully in this fight against Umbrasyl and they won't have the Pit Fiend fight where he did it on stream.

@JirkaKunst

Жыл бұрын

@@foulrot What is the point of showing the Pit Fiend fight, if they can not reuse the Scanlan's version of Britney Spears song: "Your evilness is killing me and I I must confess I want to flee! But when you see me you lose your mind. Baby it's time. Pit Fiend, baby, now you're mine!"

The Deathwalker's Ward, exalted! Laura was just as salty about Liam gaining flight. "No such thing as luck," says the guy with the Luck feat; maybe he should've renamed it Fate after he started taking levels of Paladin. Mythcarver, in its exalted form, can grant the bearer four melee attacks at the cost of a point of exhaustion, making it a good finisher... and a rare occasion for a bard to kick some serious ass.

One of the things that's excited me about this whole series is how unique it is. The normal writing process for a show like this involves looking to the desired outcome and then figuring out how the characters get there. But in a role playing game, the DM sets up the challenge and the players decide, each to their own, how they're going to achieve their goals, whether or not those goals involve winning. The show is taken almost directly (usually word for word) from the stream itself. They storyboarded, wrote, and directed the story all at once, and now they can use the stream itself as the reference work to do the show. Imagine how other shows may have turned out if they went about it like this. Getting great actors to play the roles, then giving those actors creative control over how their character acts and reacts within the boundaries of the world. This is why people love playing role playing games.

I’m so glad they didn’t have to try and do this arc in one season. Even now it feels a little rushed at times, but that’s probably just because I can’t get enough of this! 🤩 They did such a good job of having a fairly contained story this season, even though it’s only half the arc.

@cryofpaine

Жыл бұрын

I'm hoping that they stretch it out to 2 1/2 or 3 seasons. Probably 2 1/2. 2 dragons, the rest of the vestiges, and Ripley in the next season, then the last dragon, leading into the 1st half of the TD arc in season 4, the last half of the TD arc and starting the final arc in season 5, and the final arc in season 6. I think they can do the rest of the CC arc next season, but it will be tight.

@markpayne8004

Жыл бұрын

@@cryofpaine 6 seasons would be amazing, but I would be more than happy with 5. Please don’t let it be only 4 🙏🏻

Hey Julia! Remember waaay back in episode 4 when you asked ‘Oh, please tell me he gets wings,’? It literally took every ounce of willpower I had not to type ‘Not yet,’ in the comments

Scanlan's power metal scream as he killed a dragon by stabbing it through the eye and blowing its head off? That's very power metal indeed

@FandomZone

Жыл бұрын

The most epic it could be. Hold that Eric Adams scream Scan

@havenomouth

Жыл бұрын

That should be airbrushed on the side of a roadie van.

Vax used the feature Lucky 251 times in 115 episodes. "I don't believe in luck" ;). It was also a somewhat contentious thing between Liam and the fans since he never marked it down correctly and on several occasions used the feat more than the rules would allow. Don't know if the line is a nod to it or just accidental. To make up for it another character had a similar thing in campaign 2 but only used it once for the entire 141 episodes.

@Aetheria60

Жыл бұрын

VAX never used luck. He uses daggers, not dice. 😜

@WoeUponThee

4 ай бұрын

Vax being fate-touched gave him an extra point of luck, bringing him to 4 total/long rest.

And to think that this started as a Kickstarter and a hope for one 22 minute episode; this is such a treat! Great reactions and commentary, especially for Vax's transformation. Thanks again.

The magic key is 100% how they're going to explain Scanlan's mansion. Which is great, because I really want Vex's archery practice with chickens to be in season 3.

@CrownofMischief

Жыл бұрын

Personally I'm looking forward to Percy visiting Vex with a bottle called "Courage"

@christophercorbin9387

Жыл бұрын

@@CrownofMischief knowing Laura Bailey she will insist on that scene.

@cryofpaine

Жыл бұрын

@@christophercorbin9387 buT one of the drawbacks of this format is we won't see the cast reactions to these iconic moments. Travis jumping up and shouting when his wife does something clever and hilarious.

@RoxyGotMoxy.

Ай бұрын

@@christophercorbin9387 or the bath scene lmao.

Fun fact, Scanlan's sword Mythcarver belonged to the Thin White Duke, an immensely powerful bard who is a tribute to David Bowie. Loved your reactions, can't wait for the next round. (Julia's earrings are fabulous!)

Apropos of nothing, I was just re-listening to the wrap-ups of TLOVM reactions, was looking to see what your cute nerdy t-shirts are for this episode, and noticed those beautiful earrings! Love them. Really love all your analyses: Especially the end of Episode 10, your take on how kindness effected Zandor. Kindness is such a hallmark of Critical Role: From the inclusiveness of the cast, to their charity work, and how the Critters do their best to avoid the toxicity that accompanies some fandoms, I'm not surprised to see it bleed into the story, and hope that message continues to resonate through. Kindness matters, and it can change lives!

Remember, the first ever trailer/intro for Vox Machina featured Vax grabbing Scanlan by his coat to drag him into frame. (Then Scanlan leading next shot!)

You guys are the first reviewers I've seen to link the little kid to Raishan. Great job!

20:08 Very good catch! Yeah, that was the foreshadowing for this moment. She's been going back and forth between Whitestone and Emon ever since. And considering Whitestone's still standing she appearantly hasn't told Thordak about it.

It has been a Blast like last season, love this Series and your Reactions to it so much, can't wait for S3 and Mighty Nein

Good call on the little girl! She was also probably the halfling in Vasilheim who pointed them towards the Slayers Take. She doesn't normally kill the people she replaces, but that's the streams. Who knows what the show is going to do

In the game Vox was the unspoken leader in my eyes. Especially after he found his faith. Funny thing, Vox almost became a paladin of the Everlight.

@CrownofMischief

Жыл бұрын

*Vax

Grog originally did die to Craven edge. He failed a saving throw, walked out of the cave they were in, collapsed and was dead.

How Vax found out about the wings happened very differently in the game- Gilmore "helped" him find it out, but Vex's response to it was nearly the same in game as in the show, lol

Sam Riegle (the voice of Scanlan) pointed out during a watch along that in the last scene, Keeper Yennen was missing a mole. This indicates the replacement was recent.

You two are some of my favorite reactors to watch. See you around for other series for sure!

My guess is the Keeper is asleep somewhere, drugged like the others

Thanks for another great season of shared reactions. It's fun watching through new viewers' eyes! Also can't wait for next season.

The enemy of my enemy is still my enemy, though you may be able to use them before the ultimate betrayal.

TLofVM, as a campaign, really cleaved close to traditional heroic fantasy tropes for characters. They had great growth, and characterization depth, but you have the archer ranger, the big, dumb fighter, horny bard, etc... For Campaign 2, the players decided to really dig deep into flawed characters and truly exploit this form of storytelling to see how far they could use it to explore character development. I can't wait for you to meet The Mighty Nein, and their journey as well. It's just all so frickin' good. Thanks, I've enjoyed following you both for Seasons 1 & 2 and will definitely be back. Cheers!

@testfire3000

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the Mighty Nein will be amazing as animation. I cannot wait!

@cryofpaine

Жыл бұрын

Vox Machina: The Lord of the Rings - archetypal fantasy characters engaged in an epic battle of good vs. evil Mighty Nein: Game of Thrones meets John Carpenter's The Thing - flawed characters, a lot of focus on political intrigue, and then a lot of sci-fi/horror elements in the back half of the series. Bells Hells: Addam's Family meets ???? - it's just wild. Personally my favorite of the bunch. I'm not sure how to describe the storyline so far, nothing I can think of to compare it too even in broad strokes. But the characters are 100% Addam's Family/Munsters.

I've been bothered since the pilot wondering how this scene would play out since Vex's headaches were an addition to the show; on stream she had to be actively looking for them and was even distracted twice by Matt when Raishan had taken Seeker Asum's form at Whitestone. But they played it out here as her being that much more powerful. Matt has gone on record saying that Raishan is the villain that he has enjoyed playing the most, mostly because other villains show up to be fought physically, but the green dragon was able to manipulate and verbally spar with VM at close proximity

@CrownofMischief

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the other dragons were stronger physically, and possibly in terms of breath weapons as well, but Raishan was the one that was a master spellcaster. It's no surprise that she would know how to magically cloak herself so others can't detect her presence

28:11 Raishan is ruthless enough to kill Yennen, but also smart enough to be aware VM would be reluctant to ally with her if she did. So I dont think she has

We don't know what happened to Keeper Yennen. In C1 Raishan took a different form (a couple actually), and that NPC (Seeker Assum) from the Tal'Dorei Council isn't in the animated show. Considering she only put the other people there to sleep, Raishan probably figures killing their friend would be bad for her goal of allying with VM against Thordak. Here's hoping Gina Torres shows up again in future seasons.

@Jdn33315

Жыл бұрын

Maybe if we see her in the cast list for season 3 it’ll shed some light on KY’s status.

@cobaltsable1800

Жыл бұрын

Actually in S1E3 Uriel introduces Seeker Assum in the background at the dinner party

@markpayne8004

Жыл бұрын

@@cobaltsable1800 He’s also there in Emon when the dragons attack.

@miafiolekova5817

Жыл бұрын

Seeker Assum actualy is in the show, u can see him in the shot when Uriel is giving the rule to the council (right next to Kima). He is just not voiced and present directly in the story.

@thehikingviking2049

Жыл бұрын

Seeker Assum is presumably doing the same things he did during the campaign, which may or may not make it into season 3. Would be neat to loop him back into the narrative, but it looks like they've largely dropped all connection between [CHARACTER REDACTED] and [BACKSTORY ELEMENT REDACTED]. Although, they might pull a Slayers Take and reveal that only when it becomes relevant

I love Cree Summer soooo much. Such a good Raishan! I'm so excited! Thanks for going through S2 with us!

The one thing they changed from in game to show is Grog actually got the kill instead of Scanlan. But for story beat wise I think Scanlan getting the kill is better.

Great reviews this season. Thanks.

Scanlan is the realest character honestly

"I'd like take a chance to say, here, that when I went into this dragon, I was lost, and a wanderer. As I am shat out its side, I come forth a paladin of the Raven Queen. I have multiclassed and leveled up. And the last thing I'm thinking as I shoot out this hole in its side is: if you have any wings to lend me, now is the time." - Liam O'Brian

The generic ordering of strength when it comes to dragons of the same age is Red > Blue > Green > Black > White. I feel like Vorugal would be roughly the same strength level as Umbrasyl, but hopefully by the time their fight comes around, they are strong enough to rely less on a lucky pulloff like Scanlan with Mythcarver and weakening the dragon so much with a whole trap + a herd. I think this would be very ideal so it doesn't feel like the power level continues to increase by chance per each dragon, but it does show that each dragon is still nearly equally a huge threat and that the party is getting stronger.

@CrownofMischief

Жыл бұрын

It could also be that Vorugal is older than Umbrasyl. DnD compartmentalizes dragons as Ancient/Adult/etc to make statblocks easier, but in reality there's probably hundreds if not thousands of years between dragons that just crossed the threshold into being classed as "ancient" and those who have held that title for generations. Considering White dragons are also typically known as the smallest of the 5, while here he's the largest besides Thordak, I'd say he's probably just way older. Or Critical Role is retconning DnD lore for the purposes of staying more distinct from the IP, which could also be the case

@kevinnguyen9320

Жыл бұрын

@@CrownofMischief SPOILER I was trying to keep it very vague to avoid spoilers, but I do believe that Vorugal and Umbrasyl are of about equal strength power. You can even look at the stat blocks in which Matt himself used, both had around 850 HP, and Matt used MM-given stats for their attacks. The reason why the Vorugal fight was harder seemed harder was because of the cold slowing environment they were in, and the fact that the Goristro turned on them halfway through. Vorugal also flew a lot more than Umbrasyl, which prevented Grog from actually dealing much more damage than it could have been. Umbrasyl was also damaged the second time they faced him, which made each individual encounter feel more manageable than the overall.

@CrownofMischief

Жыл бұрын

@@kevinnguyen9320 yeah, honestly I was just going off the size of the models they showed during the cast watchalongs

@kevinnguyen9320

Жыл бұрын

@@CrownofMischief Ah fair enough, but I think that could be attributed to the white dragons design to be bull-like and bulky and intense while the black dragons are slimy and are better suited for navigating water environments like swamps

I'm wondering if the key is how they get the Magical Mansion? It would make sense

@bookwormwithwings

Жыл бұрын

I hope so, its such a fun element of the story!

Raishan taking Yennen's form is a change from the campaign. I won't say more to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say, even long time Critters don't know the real Yennen's fate now.

You're going to lose your shit when Campaign 2, The Mighty Nein comes out.

Fun Fact: If you re-watch the last scene you will notice that when Raishan is impersonating Keeper Yennan she is missing her beauty mark on her cheek. That is the only clue that not is all what it seems, welcome to phase two of the Chroma-Conclave!

🔥❤️🔥

hey if we take the time to animate a dragon butthole path, we're gonna use that shit more than once... hahaha

@FandomZone

Жыл бұрын

🤣 need an Art of Vox Machina book with the breakdown

@pemberliegh

Жыл бұрын

@@FandomZone it is literally just a frame-by-frame of dragon innards + Garmelie's naughty sketches and that is all hahaha

Is Keeper Yennan dead? *shrug* Quite honestly, no idea! They've changed a lot this season so I'm unsure how they're going to handle it.

your playlist for this series is in reverse order :'(

React to #Martin teaser you never seen such action teaser

@Fandom Zone I'm pretty sure the little girl with the green eyes wasn't Raishan. I think she was Artagan. If you compare their eyes, aside from the fact that Artagan's eyes glow, they're exactly the same.

@carlotta4th

Жыл бұрын

Artagan isn't known for green eyes, and he's more prankster jolly. The girl is scowling so it definitely seems more likely to me that it was Rashan.

@ForeverDegenerate

Жыл бұрын

@@carlotta4th Read what I wrote. What Artagan is known for is irrelevant. The fact is their eyes are identical. It's Artagan.

@PinkPeachVODS

Жыл бұрын

@@ForeverDegenerate It makes absolutely no sense for it to be Artagan. At this point in the story he doesn't know who Vox Machina is and can't directly travel to the material realm. It is 100% Raishan as a foreshadow moment.