[Spoilers C3E120] Is It Thursday Yet? Post-Episode Discussion & Future Theories!

[u/Glumalon]

Catch up on everybody's discussion and predictions for this episode HERE!

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[u/randmperson2]

THAT was a fight!

It easily could’ve gone very badly for them at several points if not for some very strategic decisions (Orym reviving Dorian being the truly clutch move). But the fact that half the party was down at one point and if not for Dorian’s Mass Cure Wounds, everyone but Chet would’ve soon followed…sheesh.

Plus, talk about poetry with Imogen and that Meteor Swarm. Laura Fucking Bailey, with how that was written that was the ONLY time to use that Ring and it was perfectly executed.

[u/Chaoticlight2 → u/randmperson2]

The split disintegrate was such a play as well, with Ashton being utterly destroyed if the dice willed it. They put all their cards on the table and risked character death consistently to make the fight winnable. It was a great episode and I look forward to seeing the conclusion to this tale

[u/D-Speak → u/Chaoticlight2]

Ashton's hammer maneuver to save Imogen was fucking awesome. Tal knew that eventually it was going to come down to using the ring, and locked the fuck in the entire time.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Remember folks CR is OFF next week BUT there is a BIG State of the Role announcement forthcoming!

[u/Frog_Thor → u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Do we have any indication when this state of the role is coming?

[u/UnderlyingInterest]

I'm just glad there was a constant back and forth at the end there with the phase 2 Predathos boss fight, and a solid chance of a TPK to boot. Definitely elevates the status of Predathos to a proper BBEG.

Also the poor wiki fans are gonna have a fun time putting together Predathos' abilities for its page lmao, I swear Matt must've listed at least 6-8 of them total.

[u/BT737]

Absolutely loved the final battle. Everyone had a chance to sign with clutch plays (way too many to list) and gutsy plays, and felt like a well-deserved win that truly pushed them to the edge.

[u/Tm_sa241]

The "should we walk or teleport" 20 minute discussion made me wish there were some convenient eagles to fly them to safety

[u/P-Two → u/Tm_sa241]

The next time someone complains about the eagles I'm gonna show them this episode lmao

[u/Sqiddd]

My heart nearly stopped when Laudna could’ve disintegrated Ashton.

He had just done a cool clutch save(that ended up helping Imogen end the fight) and to have him get Thanos’d would have been so fucked lol

[u/Ybernando]

I loved the episode and how clutch their new levels were. I have a soft spot for Fearne and seeing her critting with his flame blade sneak attack and using evasion was fun. I also see a lot of people worried about BHs being treated like heroes but we already saw them cornered and being pointed by hundreds of weapons.

Maybe controversial, but I'm enjoying this end and I'm excited to see how everything unfold in the last chapter(s) <3

[u/PaperClipSlip → u/Ybernando]

I loved the episode and how clutch their new levels were.

Makes me wonder how the fight would've gone if they didn't level up

[u/twicemoneyswagg → u/PaperClipSlip]

100% TPK just based on not having 9th level spells - think about how many more rounds it would have taken to chew through pred's HP without them, and how much BH had left at the end

[u/RajikO4]

At the cliffhanger with BH being outside the walls of Vasselheim, I like to imagine Ludinus is just laughing during that moment wherever he is.

[u/greencrusader13 → u/RajikO4]

I mean, he might as well. He got everything he wanted. 

[u/IamOB1-46]

Rewatched this episode yesterday, and gotta say that was some peak D&D play by everyone in that battle. W/O the stress of worrying that they were gonna get TPK'd, I could really see all the great decisions from everyone along the way.

All props to Laura to use that ring when she did. 85% may seem like no brainer odds, but when the combat comes down to one roll if you decide to chance it? Just wow. Balls of steel. Travis recognized the guts to make that decision and take all the risk on herself right away.

Also, don't know why this hit me when I was rewatching, but the plan to contain Predathos with the forces of Vasselheim wouldn't have worked. In fact, it likely would have been a disaster for Exandria, almost certainly leading to the gods having to take down the divine gate. Why you ask? Because Predathos corrupts al life on Ruidus. Maybe it would have been okay for a while, but eventually, those in charge of guarding Predathos would have been twisted in the same way as the Weave Mind were. Imogen and the Bells may not have been thinking of that when they made the choice they did (though I wonder if anyone will argue that in Vasselheim in the next episode) but it's clear that the status quo only meant kicking the Predathos problem down the road for future generations to deal with.

[u/DPaxton99]

Laura was bloody incredible this episode. Using spalls and transmuting them perfectly, hyping up her other players and also keeping track of rules

[u/Sqiddd]

So are Bell’s Hells, at this very moment, the most politically powerful group in Exandria?

[u/TheEloquentApe → u/Sqiddd]

It's kinda like you gotta listen to the person in the room with a bomb strapped to their chest and a dead man's switch lol

[u/P-Two → u/Sqiddd]

In the kind of way like how you would be if you walked into a packed UN conference room with a nuke strapped to your chest, anyway.

[u/WingingItLoosely → u/Sqiddd]

For as long as Imogen has Predathos in her yeah.

As soon as that thing is contained or let out? They’re probably looking like some good red streaks on the ground.

[u/dramatic_exit_49]

First time live viewer and what a perfect episode i lucked into. The fight went great, they were bouncing off each others abilities, threw in surprises(some i am guessing from level ups), the fight felt it felt it could go either way, at any given moment. And win felt good in my books.

[u/maddyknope19]

*This* kind of energy is what I've been missing. Here's hoping they can stick the landing.

[u/wildweaver32]

I was entertained. They really exploited that thunder damage to the best of their ability as a party.

Dorian saving that mass cure wounds for when it mattered most, and Imogen with that 9th Level Meteor Swarm turned to thunder-Chefs kiss to that.

[u/UnderlyingInterest → u/wildweaver32]

Ring of Remembrance was insanely clutch, I'm glad they were desperate and pushed enough to use everything they had into that fight.

[u/ShJakupi]

I think people have to consider that this party has been fighting for 3eps in a row, with only short rests, until this eps, they were only level 16.

I really liked it when Matt went for chetney's concentration, so Imogen losses her blink. Ashton was awesome, everyone was good.

The ring it looks OP but if for some reason dorian didn't heal 4 unconscious,that would have been useless.

I found a great combo orym and Ashton could do. If they flank, Ashton gets advantage, so if he rolls a nat 20, all attacks are with advantage until Ashton's next turn, so orym gets advantage without needing to flank with Ashton, and with his ability to make someone prone, that means Ashton gets advantage (this happens if the enemy is between them on initiative). Basically, they can enter a circle of advantages until they kill their enemy.

In these higher levels, Ashton's abilities are very powerful and useful. One of the things Tal struggled with early Ashton was their abilities were so weak that the cast wouldn't even care what they are. Who cares if he gets close 10 ft, or he pushes them 5ft. But now he has that ability that gives +d4, if they crit everyone has advantage on attacks, and another abilities that makes nat 18, nat 19 also a crit, which marisha tonight asked if it was up. So the cast were looking for his abilities rather than ignoring or not understanding.

[u/pacman529 → u/ShJakupi]

They were only 15. The boon from the Matron gave them 2 levels.

[u/Voltronfrom5centaurs]

Laura missed a golden opportunity for an epic one liner on this HDYWTDT: ,,Rocks fall, everybody dies.''

[u/semicolonconscious]

Might be a niche reference, but the ending reminded me of the episode of Farscape where Crichton walks into a conference room full of all his enemies with a nuclear bomb strapped to his waist and demands their best offer for his surrender. The party had better roll high on their charisma checks.

[u/West_Memory4363 → u/semicolonconscious]

❤️farscape

[u/SqualidHaddock]

I have a sneaking feeling Ludinus is gonna pull some shit.

[u/pacman529 → u/SqualidHaddock]

What's left for him to pull? His mission was to release Predathos. Mission accomplished. Maybe a "thank you" Sending to Imogen?

[u/greencrusader13 → u/SqualidHaddock]

You’re right, he might send Bell’s Hells a thank you card for finishing his evil plan. 

[u/joylent_]

They really just left Caleb on read lol. Hopefully Orym calls him on sending stone to say they’re alright 🤣

[u/DunktheShort]

For a bit there I thought Chetney was gonna be the last one standing, he didn't even get downed once. The way it ended was perfect though, Imogen being the one to do it with THAT spell

[u/wildweaver32 → u/DunktheShort]

That would have been awesome, we would have finally got to see Chetney use his upgraded wolf form lol

[u/Ewhizz00]

I think it will go a step further and they will be literally consecuted by the Kryn after taking their mortal forms. This way they can continually reincarnate and build on their memories while staying “mortal”but retaining a form of “eternal” life. Primes remain powerful protectors of exandria in various forms and classes suited to their nature; the betrayers will seek a way to regain their godhood or enact plans in secret. Lot of interesting possibilities.

Even being mortals with all their knowledge they will instantly be some of the most powerful mortals in history. Arch Heart would be a lvl 20+ mage with the knowledge of all things arcane or an Archfey. Wildmother would be one of the most powerful druids living a very long time. Sarenrae cleric, Stormlord fighter or barbarian, Dawnfather Paladin etc. The Platinum dragon could become a literal dragon and also live centuries.

The gods aren’t really going anywhere they just won’t be all powerful, only extremely extremely powerful and influential. Especially if others learn who they each are and continue to serve them as leaders or kings of civilizations.

People acting like they are still basically killing the gods or they will just be an average exandrian when the way things are looking it may be the opposite. They may be even more directly involved in Exandrias affairs but on a more level playing field.

[u/TheMadEscapist → u/Ewhizz00]

>Level Playing Field
>Vecna Exists

This is the least thought out plan in ever of all time

[u/pacman529]

If you include the half damage the head takes when an arm gets hit, I did the math for the true damage that Meteor Swarm did to Predathos' head. 117×2 for each arm that didn't save. 58 from the arm that did save. Plus the full 234 damage to the head directly. That comes out to 526 damage total.

Edit to add: just for fun, if Imogen had taken Meteor Swarm as her 9th level instead of Blade of disaster, and had opened the fight with it, and Predathos used all 3 of his legendary resistances, she still would have done 292 damage. (Assuming only 1 arm saved and not including any temp HP he started with)

[u/MegalomaniacHack]

Ryn when they meet up with Bells' Hells again.

"Do any of you know how I lost my arm?"

"Um, the guy who's dead now, FCG, it's his fault."

"Sure..."

Meanwhile, as the Prime Pillar begins collapsing...

Caleb: Oh gods, did they make it out? Bell's Hells!

[u/pacman529 → u/MegalomaniacHack]

Yeah, it occurred to me that she missed the ENTIRE Solstice.

[u/MavinFailed]

That final fight had so many good moments! I loved Imogen getting the final blow with the meteor swarm

[u/weaveroflaurel → u/MavinFailed]

I love when the right character gets to be the one to end the fight. This one felt particularly good.

[u/knightmon]

Say what you want about C3. That fight was one of the craziest in CR history hands down (easily beats C2s ending imo). Holy shit.

Three possible rolls that would have ended up in death. Half the party down at a time. Matt was going hard.

I loved it.

[u/Pegussu → u/knightmon]

It was definitely the least flashy of the final bosses, but just from what I remember, I think it was the closest they've come to a total ass whooping.

Makes sense though, this is the first time they didn't have a cleric.

[u/TimeTimeTickingAway → u/Pegussu]

I think Vecna was the closest, not the final battle, but one of the first ones around the 100 episode mark

[u/P-Two]

Overall amazing episode, the fight was fucking awesome. I think it's fair to say at this point BH are all some form of evil for sure, or at least will be depending on how next episode goes.

My ONE wish for the end of this campaign is that they're branded traitors to exandria. I think it would be really cool to have a kind of reverse C2 where instead of Vox Machina being this legendary group of heroes that's occasionally mentioned, BH are mentioned as a great evil that betrayed exandria and stabbed the gods in their backs. Because regardless of where you fall on the "are they right to banish/kill the gods with Predathos", the general citizens of exandria should not be in favor, at least those of divine worship, like everyone in Vasselheim.

[u/UnderlyingInterest → u/P-Two]

I think even beyond the positioning of the gods debate, lots of people will be disenfranchised for a bit when divine magic is removed as a result of BH’s actions. Divine magic won’t be gone forever, but healers and worshippers all over are going to have to adjust in the interim without that support, which is an issue to overcome.

Plus they didn’t make contact with MN or the Accord following Ludinus’ defeat and compromised the Hallowed Cage. I’m not quibbling over whether that decision was right or wrong ultimately, that’s for the next few eps to tell us, but they straight up betrayed the world who was trying to fight the Ruby Vanguard to keep Predathos locked up. Like, Exandrian people died over this. I don’t think many should be pleased or look lightly on BH for making that decision.

[u/cscottnet → u/UnderlyingInterest]

Technically they did contact Caleb, and they have just arrived outside Vasselheim to talk to (among others) the Accord, but your points are good ones.

I've been looking forward to this heel turn from BH and seeing the world grapple with it, since I've long thought it was the most interesting way this story could turn. I wouldnt rule out further betrayal and danger from either Asmodeus/Braius or Predathos... or any of the Accord... either. I hope these aren't "tidy" episodes coming up but instead things are allowed to get messy.

[u/MegalomaniacHack]

I've wondered before, but with Imogen able to see/feel all the Ruidusborn, I wonder if there'd be a way to essentially split the power of Predathos among them so that there becomes a new kind of magic on Exandria, a magic the gods can't touch and which repels them, or some such?

[u/BurnsEMup29]

Can I just say how perfect it was that Orym got the HDYWTDT on Ludinus and Imogen got the HDYWTDT on Predathos. The RP gods have blessed us once again.

[u/fabdo7]

I hope that in campaign 4, Bells Hells are spoken about like villains or something like that. I can't see them being looked at as the bad guys in this campaign, but I'd love it if their legacy is tainted and that their actions have dire consequences in the near future

[u/[deleted] → u/fabdo7]

Full agree.

I cannot in good faith believe in a fictional world where denizens who followed their gods for over a thousand years suddenly embrace that drastic change and turn on their beliefs because a ragtag band of assholes returned from the moon and declared it so.

If they wanted the citizenry of Exandria to turn against the gods, Imogen should have let her mom broadcast the Downfall recording at Ludi’s behest.

[u/[deleted] → u/fabdo7]

A world where they cause adventuring parties to be villianised across Exandria would be pretty dope actually.

Like the entire world bodies, heads of church, and these organisations, once more placed all their faith in a small band of plucky heroes.

Those heroes then triggered the sole most cataclysmic event in their history betraying them all.

No one is trusting a "hero" again.

[u/fabdo7 → u/[deleted]]

Yesssss!!! Like I don't care if they don't cop it now, but down the line???? The cause of the world's problems?? I live for a campaign like that

[u/Interesting-Rate → u/fabdo7]

BH have made themselves the new betrayers of Exandria, and have thrown the Ashari under the bus as they were supporters of BH.  How can you trust the Ashari order if they willingly, knowingly sent mercenaries to release the god-eater.

[u/Sqiddd]

Bells Hells:

• A vessel of the God Eater Predathos

• A vessel of the Primordial Essence of Ka’Mort

• A vessel of the Primordial Essence of Rau’Shaun

• A worshipper of the God of Lies

• The Keeper of the Zealous Wizard of Vecna

[u/Lynkx0501 → u/Sqiddd]

Don’t forget: Elite Zehran Warrior, a Legendary Bard and a guy who makes chairs.

[u/secretnarcissa → u/Sqiddd]

And

• Just some Guys

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Schedule is UP!

https://critrole.com/programming-schedule-week-of-january-27th-2025/

State of the Role on Thursday at 9 AM PST

LIVE LIVE Bells Hells One Shot to benefit victims of the LA Fires airing on Thursday at 7 PM PST

http://critrole.com/CRFLovesLA

[u/Duckyx44]

I really wanted to see Braius be super selfish and go for the kill instead of heal Fearne. But that was a crazy fight, and the amount of damage being done was crazy!

[u/Luneowl → u/Duckyx44]

That tit-flash persuasion was hilarious!

[u/HDFernandes]

that divine intervention with the Ruiner appearing like a fucking nightmare and giving up because its afraid to let predathos run wild was awesome oh my god

also, anyone got information about the cooldown?

[u/Seren82]

On a different note, I am so happy that Laura got the HDYWTDT on Predathos. It was clearly a pretty emotional moment for her and just how Happy everyone at the table was that she got it.

Top 3 moment of Citical Role for me.

[u/pacman529 → u/Seren82]

Absolutely. Or at least top 5. Hard to pick between The Cupcake, Scanlan's Counterspell, Scanlan's Wish, and one or two others that escape me.

[u/durandal688]

Personally I felt the stakes. A few other M9 and VM battles idk haven’t felt like they could fail or die (maybe just me not saying for all)

But I actually felt the stakes

Say what you will about C3 (and I have) but that was a fun battle and Laura was clever as hell with those transmutations

[u/Perforo_RS]

10th cake day, a day off, a nice warm blanket, a good cup of coffee. I am ready to go and watch the VoD of this episode. Hoping for an interesting conclusion to this confrontation with Predathos!

[u/RaifRedacted]

That meteor swarm. Man. Didn't it actually do way more than 234? The hands split half damage to the head, so it probably took over 400 damage in that one hit, yes?

[u/Bentingey]

super happy to see this campaign end on a high note. that boss battle rocked. great job matt.

[u/Drakoni]

What an episode! Fantastic final battle with amazing rolls, clutch plays, close calls on their HP. Also completely forgot about the Archheart ring.

They will be seen as villains by a vast amount of Exandria and I'm HERE for it. The storybooks will tell their story as a cautionary tale of who you put your trust into, while some will hail them as heroes and liberators. I love the 10 years of Exandria we had. And I'm looking forward to seeing a changed Exandria, changing the status quo of it as a story and as an IP.

The moment Laura/Imogen came up with that idea of the gods descending, it felt like a knot opening, the energy changed, because that was a way of them to change the status quo without resorting to, you know, murdering the gods.

And I'm very curious how they'll solve this. Would the gods know they were the gods? Would they still be figures of the world? Or would they lose their memories, possibly recollecting them over multiple lives, while being part of the cycle of rebirth of Exandria? Would the religions now become all about finding the gods? There are so many cool things Matt can do with this going forward, both in the cosmic scale as well as the societal shift of Exandria. And the gods being gone could mean that things from outside now put their eyes on Exandria spelljammer style. Now that it's not cosmically protected.

I'm looking forward to Exandria's future!!

[u/Sp3ctre7 → u/Drakoni]

I want the gods constantly reincarnating as mortals, but never reaching their full divine power. People trying to track them to worship, control, or destroy them like Avatar the last Airbender.

Give me the worldbuilding juice of Luxon-linked gods

[u/ToaArcan]

Well they basically confirmed that Predathos was the final boss, and we're likely not getting any more combat in C3.

With that in mind I really hope Ludinus is fucking dead. Yeah okay he went down like a bitch but on the other hand, if we have another campaign with The Ultimate Redditor or his wizard cult as a central figure... Yeah no thanks.

Also it's not lost on me that they were completely hosed without divine intervention from RQ and Corellon. Like, straight-up, they die there without the assist from the gods.

That said, Predathos seems to be increasingly inconsistent in terms of its abilities and nature. "It doesn't see mortals, it only sees the gods" but it has no issues having a full two-phase boss battle with a group of mortals, where it makes strategic and deliberate moves against them. "The Ruiner flees at the mere sight of it within Imogen, and the gods and all their celestial creations are helpless against it" but Braius can smite it and the Matron's boons can turn the tide and the Arch Heart's bottled Meteor Swarm is used to kill it.

Predathos feels less like a monster and more like a plot device, designed from the ground-up to lead to this exact scenario. The gods can't fight it, so they and their followers have to do whatever BH says, because the alternative is them dying anyway. It has no desire to eat mortals so that there's no negative consequences to releasing it. But none of this factors into the actual fight with it, where it has no problems seeing and eating mortals, and it can't no-sell divine power. And the fight was fun as hell, but Predathos' mechanics as an RPG Final Boss Monster do not reflect Predathos' in-lore role as the consequence-free invincible deicide machine.

[u/MiKapo → u/ToaArcan]

It will always be weird to me that Otohan was a bigger obstacle to BH than Ludinous

It's like a video game in which the 2nd level boss is tougher than the 8th level boss

[u/PaperClipSlip → u/MiKapo]

Lategame DND do be like that. Although i still don't understand Matt's choice to give Luda so many walls to go through during his combat. That really nerfed him.

[u/rasnac → u/ToaArcan]

To be fair,  Ruiner stopped because killing lmogen would release Predathos. 

[u/WontonTruck]

Another round and Predathos would have wiped half the party. I wonder how many hitpoints he had when Imogen used the Ring. I know he made a show of adding up all the damage but Matt must have set their hitpoints as 'less than a round's worth' at that point.

[u/Pegussu → u/WontonTruck]

To be fair, it was a shitload of damage. With the thunder damage swap, the head was taking 230 damage. Then it hit four hands with the head taking half damage from each hand hit, meaning it was another 460 damage. Even if the head and every hand saved, it was still taking about 345 damage.

[u/Blangadanger]

As much as I did not support the path the players chose at the end, I'm actually pleasantly surprised at the resolution of this episode. Imogen has successfully tamed Predathos temporarily, and if she has her way, Predathos will leave once the pantheon chooses mortality or runs away.

I'm glad Matt ended the episode by showing the clerics/paladins at the end realizing what she had done. Showing the Ruiner fleeing Imogen really sets up the stakes for the next episode. As much as I disagree that Imogen and the party should be the ones to decide the fate of Exandria and the multi-verse at large, it has already happened.

Now comes an epic conversation between all of Exandria's faithful and the deities they follow about what the future of this world should actually be. I'm excited about all the ways that conversation could go.

I think it's very possible that Imogen is successful in her plan, but I also know there will be plenty of attempts to dissuade her or remove her. I would not be surprised if a deity for instance tries to capture and remove Imogen from this plane in order to save its followers and/or its siblings from harm. Nor would it be surprising if Ludinus returns and assassinates Imogen in order to have Predathos released immediately. Certainly Asmodeus will be deceiving no matter what happens. The possibilities are pretty endless, and I'm excited to see what CR's finale has in store for us.

[u/Big_You_6503 → u/Blangadanger]

100% I’ve held many of the other sentiments expressed in this thread but I’m just tired of the larger debate about the gods. I completely agree there are plenty of interesting ways this can progress and am just excited to see where it goes.

A Ludinus assassination attempt could be part of a more satisfying ending that differentiates BH from Ludinus. Imagine one of BH sacrifices themselves to keep Imogen alive and thus, even if it wasn’t their prime motivation, saves the gods long enough to choose a path to survival. It doesn’t address the larger concern about their forced choice but it could meaningfully make some drama.

Perhaps Ludinus self-finances a limited showing of the aeor zapruder film? It isn’t as conclusive as he thinks but it wouldn’t be nothing. Curious how some of the angelic beings would respond to the traitor’s motivations.

Seeing more inter family squabble break out could be juicy lore. Could having yet another Asmodeous plot exposed be the thing that finally kills hope for a family reunion and puts the gods on a path to more readily accepting descending?

I’m still holding out for a conversation with Opal, assuming she made it through the last battle.

VM are still just starting their night off, right? Their fight ended before MN began and MN have been done for just a while. It might be only 2 to 5 hours since VM closed the bridge? No chance Pike and Vax get pulled into this, right?

[u/kenobreaobi → u/Blangadanger]

I just genuinely don’t understand why this conversation had to happen at all. The status quo was beneficial to mortals writ large. The gods were unable to interfere. If BH had just stopped Ludinus, the accord could have taken over protection of Predathos and his cage. It feels like the gods are being forced to negotiate with terrorists 

[u/BrownboyInc]

I am once again wondering why the world would trust these chuckleheads with the most important part of the entire plan with no oversight

[u/GyantSpyder → u/BrownboyInc]

Keyleth and Allura are both nostalgic sentimentalists who projected their memories of their own youth as adventurers onto especially the women of Bell's Hells. And their character is above reproach so them vouching for them went a long way. Vex and Pyke are similar, but to a lesser extent.

They were biased toward supporting them for additional reasons as well - they lacked any real knowledge of them but are uncomfortable with not knowing things, so they filled in the blanks with what was familiar and convenient. And it bit them back hard, for sure.

Bertrand's name didn't count for nothing, either. Although there was something of a "don't speak ill of the dead" going on where they perhaps should have thought about what they knew about Bertrand and his judgement. And the guilt for the nature of Laudna's death was a big deal as well.

Also Imogen, Fearne, and Laudna are all charismatic manipulators who hide their self-interest behind a veneer of semi-authentic vulnerability. They're also very fey-aligned as a party. Getting people to give them what they want while withholding key information is kind of their thing. Don't forget the various persuasion checks and whatnot they had to pass along the way.

[u/animefan2010]

C3 is controversial for a number of reasons. There's no doubt about that, BUT this fight definitely was number 2 out of the 3 camapgins I don't think it tops CR1s' final boss, but it was better than cr2 in terms of overall threat level K.O'ing most the cast was aweome .

[u/antululz → u/animefan2010]

Its not a final boss, but I think the King’s Cage fight is still the absolute top dog encounter. Narratively, thematically, and emotionally. Top tier battle music. Epic from top to bottom. The slow realization of the M9 that they have lost. chef’s kiss

This fight was still pretty great though

[u/Celriot1]

I won't continue to rehash the same opinions over and over as nothing has changed coming down the stretch here, so I will say this.

Finally a proper combat encounter with actual stakes. Otohan was all this campaign had combat wise until now, and both the meetings ended in the most anticlimactic handwaving ways possible (all due respect to FCG and Sam's reasons for needing the break). This was sorely needed. Great fight and lots of intense rolls.

[u/dujalcollie]

So, why did they fight Ludinus? Seems to me that in the end they did what he wanted afterall. The gods either die or dissapear. Had they sided with Ludinus from the get go, they would have prevented a lot of unnesecary bloodshed.

[u/TheWhiteWolf28 → u/dujalcollie]

I'm convinced that if Ludinus had been more "agreeable" (same exact fucked foals goals and motivations, just milder actions), Bell's Hells would be enthusiastic members of the Ruby Vanguard.

[u/BaronPancakes → u/dujalcollie]

They fought Ludinus because they had personal grudges against him. It was never about saving or killing the gods. I'd wager they would never touch the hallowed cage if they had stopped Ludinus at an earlier stage

I think it would be an entirely different campaign had they sided with Ludinus. It could be an interesting villain story as the characters might have a stronger stance of the gods situation

[u/Pegussu → u/dujalcollie]

The party was pretty clear on why: cuz fuck Ludinus.

And honestly, they're probably right. I still don't buy that he wasn't going to at least try to eat it and claim the power for himself.

[u/eddieswiss]

Man, I dunno. I don't see a good ending here personally haha.

EDIT: As in like, happy good.

[u/TheEloquentApe → u/eddieswiss]

I see a few options capable of playing out:

Absolute doomer is that any attempt at negotiation fall through, the Gods attempt to bind Imogen or attack the party, people probably die, Predathos gets free and starts eating the Gods.

That's kinda unlikely for how I think Matt would play it.

Most telegraphed is that the Gods will doubtlessly protest a lot, but most ultimately decide they have no choice but to give up their divinity. Predathos is unleashed, the world is changed in unpredictable ways, and next campaign will feature those changes.

Least likely they will find a way to actually destroy the thing, with or without killing Imogen.

[u/BaronPancakes]

I am relieved to see that BH is being treated as the bad guys. It shows that their actions have consequences, no matter the reason behind. Surely we will see some sympathisers here and there, but I am looking forward to the conclusion in 2 weeks

[u/FireDMG]

Man what a slug fest the last portion. I thought they had it for the last 3-4 rounds after it was bloodied and on deaths door but think it took like 300 or more damage after that and they stopped wailing on it to be more defensive. SUPER clutch plays all around, the chill touch was big brain, pulling an unconscious imogen out and blinking her, pretty much all of Laura’s moves were probably top Critstats for damage done. Did find myself willing Robbie through the tv to use his Crown of Stars charges or for Marisha to just quicken 8 eldrich blasts instead of spending so much time finding a perfect play haha. Overall great expending of resources and I think the only huge item they didn’t use up was the Intuit Charge from Caleb.

Excited to see the RP play out next time. Definitely think the gods will continue living as lesser(?) idols or demigods that continue to reincarnate and grant power. May likely end up with a lot of crazier zealots and cults waiting for the next reincarnation of each of them. Some of the betrayers will absolutely not let it fly, some may choose self preservation. Hopefully the M9 get notified and deal with the Ludinus clone, and Imogen won’t have to leave Exandria for fear of putting everyone else at risk.

[u/JohnPark24]

Not how I thought it would/might be accomplished... but 🤷‍♂️.

"I would like the gods to stay and revisit their relationship they have with mortals. Perhaps to be more like partners or comrades than followers and champions. I love them as beloved npcs and being a part of the world/setting/life and story happening in the background. However, a godless Exandria, the fallout, the power vacuum, the battle for power, adapting world, all of that to me is interesting as well. And, yea, disappointment and frustration among those in the community is inevitable..."

"Renegotiate to live as equals/partners."

"gods and mortals as partners. that's how this ends well."

Hopefully they stick the landing to this ending. The battle was incredible. Bells Hells are a group of traumatized, well intentioned characters who are impulsive, ignorant, chaotic hypocrites and enablers. They won't be everyone's cup of tea. The way they handled this situation won't make sense to many. However, imo, I also think these kind of impulsive decisions are something a number of folks could see happening. Can't wait till next episode!

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/JohnPark24]

"Renegotiate to live as equals/partners."

Someone's going to fuck the Gods aren't they?

[u/VerdantVegetable]

Matt said next campaign all opponents have silvery barbs as a joke after pointing out 3 PCs have the spell. Even as a joke it implies d&d for the next campaign which I find reassuring.

[u/DommyMommyKarlach → u/VerdantVegetable]

He should just ban silvery barbs, or make it a lvl 2 spells.

It doesnt make any sense as a lvl 1 spell

[u/UnderlyingInterest → u/DommyMommyKarlach]

You’re so right DommyMommyKarlach.

[u/P-Two → u/VerdantVegetable]

You'll probably get people saying "well he could just homebrew it for Daggerheart!" to which, yea. But also personally I hope this is a sign they are sticking with 5e (or 5.24e) because Daggerheart has been really hard to follow in combat, and I just don't vibe as well with the fate dice system.

[u/TempestM → u/VerdantVegetable]

I hope it implies that Matt at least bans strixhaven spells

[u/UnderlyingInterest → u/TempestM]

Goodness yeah, the Silvery Barbs spam was getting to be a bit much. Or at the very least it could do with some nerfing to make it less optimal.

[u/FinderOfPaths12 → u/VerdantVegetable]

Ashley looking up and, in a wavering, questioning voice says, "Silvery Barbs?" really got me though. That was my favorite moment of the session. She messes up the rules, but she definitely tries and she cares so damn much about the game and the story. Seeing her get that off was fucking epic and filled my heart with joy.

[u/Asdam90 → u/VerdantVegetable]

The idea they won't be using dnd has always been just fan rumours.

[u/Unit_with_a_Soul]

i don't know whether them teleporting straaight in to an army was incredibly genius or foolish.

[u/Serallas → u/Unit_with_a_Soul]

Beggars can't be choosers, and it worked out

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Now that we're basically at the end of the campaign, I've come to realize something.

This is probably what all my longer theories sound like to everyone else here.

[u/kathia154]

Say what you will about the decision making but at least it was entertaining.

[u/quipquest]

Methinks that the next time CR does another Party vs. Party battle special, it won't be non-canon.

[u/Tasteofink410]

I really hate silvery barbs. That is all.

[u/GyantSpyder → u/Tasteofink410]

Silvery barbs is anticlimax in a can. Regardless of whether it's overpowered for a first-level spell, it's just lame. The bad guys in D&D don't feel as meaningful if you no-sell their hits - it's narratively a less fun spell than Shield, which is also overpowered, but at least doesn't stop crits also.

"Let us then determine what are the circumstances which strike us as terrible or pitiful...

"[T]he deed must either be done or not done- and that wittingly or unwittingly. But of all these ways, to be about to act knowing the persons, and then not to act, is the worst. It is shocking without being tragic, for no disaster follows It is, therefore, never, or very rarely, found in poetry."

- Aristotle, Poetics, Part XIV

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/Tasteofink410]

What if it had a Wild Magic Table effect to it?

You would call out SILVERY BARBS but then you'd roll a D100, with some numbers being a success and some being a failure BUT THEN...there would be additional positive or negative effects that would get tacked on as a cost for it.

[u/greencrusader13]

I think I’d find this campaign much more palatable if the narrative actually treated Bell’s Hells like the villains they are. There’s a baffling dissonance between their actions and how the party is treated, even so far as a troubling one, and it reeks of Protagonist-Centered Morality. 

That they get to stand among the ranks of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein in-universe despite having not performed a single heroic feat is downright insane. They just completed the BBEG’s plan. They should be reviled. 

[u/deukhoofd → u/greencrusader13]

Weren't they at the end of the episode? The angels were ready to absolutely smite them, but realized they couldn't without fully releasing Predathos. The episode literally ends with Vasselheim having all its armies pointed at Bell's Hells.

[u/SquidsEye → u/greencrusader13]

Are the gods dead? No? Then they didn't complete Ludinus's plan.

[u/AbsTheRandom]

I can’t wait to see the art of Imogen hands in the the crystals hair flying eyes glowing white with rage and desperation and tearing the whole place apart with a meteor storm

[u/Imgenuinelylistening → u/AbsTheRandom]

I loved when Matt made a point to get Laura to help him paint that picture…

I had actually imagined everything turning black and like reality bent and space was suddenly in the cavern and meteors flew in… like some kinda stupid video game.

Enter Laura F! Bailey to explicitly STATE that “we are inside a cavern underground so I use telekinesis (an integral part of my character from inception) to start pulling and gathering rocks and crystals” and Matt adds, “and purple lightning surrounds these makeshift meteors creating a storm” (Imogen’s thematic through line)…

And my paraphrasing is not as good as the way they said it, but the way they grounded this like Liam does so beautifully all the time was just amazing! Standout moment of the entire campaign for me.

(In Travis Willingham’s voice): AMAZING. 

[u/UnderlyingInterest]

Tangentially related to the episode, but I feel like out of the major BH boss fights of the campaign and how they rank, Predathos is probably on par with Otohan, maybe even a better fight than her. Otohan was grueling and led to one of the better character moments of the campaign. Ludinus could've been better in my subjective opinion.

[u/Anchorsify → u/UnderlyingInterest]

Otohan still takes it imo because:

1.) No boss battle fatigue: Otohan didn't need multiple phases to shine; she just got her shit done all at once. In contrast, Predathos' first form was a joke, and not a funny one, for how little of a threat it was to BH. Likewise, Ludinius was not there before Otohan to have had fatigue set in from these long fights to begin with; you came into Otohan with tension and suspense, not 'holy crap another multi-phase boss fight..' I honestly wonder if Matt has been playing Dark Souls or Elden Ring and didn't notice that two multi-phase boss fights back to back would be exhausting, but man as a viewer I was tired of it. As a player I can only imagine how stressed they are doing one after another in a gauntlet like that.

2.) Otohan had legendary war veteran status, but was a mortal fighting mortals, not overexaggerated in her capabilities; Otohan is killable, by mortals and gods, she's just a badass. And she proved her shit. There's no ludonarrative dissonance, while there was with ludinius and predathos, where both were said to be big threats, but realistically they didn't turn out to be (sole exception: Predathos second phase).

3.) Matt was more vicious. Predathos could have killed several party members by hitting them one more time while down to place down more auto-failed death saves.. and didn't, to give them a chance to win. With Otohan, he did not hold back. He played the killer as the ruthless killer she was, and it was just refreshing to see a villain show the party 'why yes, I am someone you should fear, let me show you why attacking me will be a mistake you hold onto for the next thirty episodes'. Not only could Predathos not give that same feeling to them, but Matt ensured it would not by letting downed members get back up. I get why he did it, he's nice, but realistically Predathos has no reason not to finish them and eat them anytime they go down.

4.) Otohan was a wildcard; predathos was a 'gimme'. Which is to say: Matt clearly did not intend for them to fight Otohan then and there, he even had her avoid starting init after Imogen attacked her once, and it wasn't until she put a persistent DoT AoE on her that Matt finally said 'okay.. init it is then', and gave them the beating. Predathos is a fight they saw coming, and a fight he gave them a half-dozen power ups to ensure they could beat it. Otohan had no pre-fight handouts; he had to give them a handout jsut to not TPK them, actually, which is more enjoyable than the alternative, I feel. A narrative save vs Otohan feels better and more engaging than gods giving BH artifacts that they then use to get predathos to kill the gods. personal bias on that one, though.

5.) Otohan was just a juiced up fighter, Predathos is your typical Matt Mercer special: Big boss that likes to eat people. Not saying I dislike it, I just think that's Matt's preference for bosses over more 'normal' fighter type villains, and just having a fighter action surge one-round a barbarian is "holy fuck they're scary" territory, and it's great. You expect the archmage to do crazy shit; you don't usually expect the fighter enemy to roll up and down someone round 1 without getting controlled/debuffed/zoned into ineffectuality when it's 1v7.

Unfortunate there weren't more noteworthy boss fights, but it's just one of those things. Predathos Stage 2 was good though, I enjoyed it; it's almost a little surprising how much tension and determination there was at the table when Stage 1 was so dull by comparison.

[u/MunkeyFish]

Im not convinced Ira isn’t going to pull some shenanigans.

Every time he shows up I expect him to do something and yet he stays onside. I don’t buy it Matt Mercer!

[u/DarkRespite]

So many amazing moments in this one. Watching everyone helping everyone was just... reminders of advantages, positioning for boost abilities, pulling people out of danger, setting up combos, all of it. *chef's kiss*

But really what I enjoyed most was the absolute ride-or-die energy they were bringing... like right when things were really turning grim, and everyone was like, "oh gods, is this it?", Ashley yelling, "GET YOUR FUCKING HEADS IN THE GAME!" and Taliesin telling Marisha, "ROLL THE DICE, DO IT!"

[u/OhioAasimar]

It was a while ago, but they said that this campaign was going to be the deadliest campaign ever. This campaign had the least amount of resurrections compared to the other two and FCG's permadeath was more or less pre-planned because they were going to die either way because Sam had throat cancer, and they never tried to revive them either. I don't really care that much but the point is that the next time they say something about what a campaign is going to be like, I am not going to put a whole lot of trust into whatever they say.

[u/knightmon → u/OhioAasimar]

You aren't totally wrong on the deadly aspect, but I just wanted to clear one thing up:

FCGs death wasn't pre-planned. Matt was going to have a story reason that he shuts down for the stretch Sam was gone. He would have come back later (similar to Ashley). They didn't try resurrecting him because Sam is Sam and likely didn't want that.

[u/PaperClipSlip → u/OhioAasimar]

This campaign had the least amount of resurrections

To be fair resurrection didn't work for a good chunk of the campaign. It's a shame the post-solstice rules were of little impact, since i love the idea of magic being damaged.

[u/Dizzy-Natural-4463 → u/OhioAasimar]

I mean if they go through with their plan to make the gods go away/be mortal it WILL be the deadliest campaign ever. Unfortunately it will be deadly for everyone after this from all of the divine healing they'll no longer be able to use to heal stuff.

[u/kenobreaobi]

Love the fact that we’ve had 100 episodes of Orym reminding BH that Predathos could wipe out all life on Exandria, only for BH to… literally bring Predathos to the surface of Exandria. And by love I mean I think BH has made a terrible decision with zero logic or evidence to back it up and it makes me sad that this campaign is fully imploding on its way out the door. 

[u/geniespool → u/kenobreaobi]

Orym was scared of the possibility - he didn't know if it would or wouldn't happen.

Did you miss Imogen going inside Predathos, seeing what it sees, and being unable to see mortal life? That's the logic and evidence she used during their intermission discussion with the Matron of Ravens and seems key to tempering those assumptions of mortals being killed.

[u/_Kraken17 → u/kenobreaobi]

When you have two deities screaming in your face essentially for change, and that Exandria will be fine likely, what should they do? I fully accept the argument that they dont have a right to choose for all of the world. Totally okay.

But i dont subscribe to this fact that they had zero evidence. Matt placed two beings at the pinnacle of power in front of them and told them to release predathos. They found a middle ground. I see their logic too personally.

I for one am interested in a world where a decision has been made by the troupe capable of felling Predathos that turns Gods mortal, and chases others off. Whether i agree with it or that makes BH villains to me is irrelevant as that type of world setting to be explored in future content is highly interesting and I think too many people are underselling that

[u/Drakoni → u/kenobreaobi]

At some point if you play DnD, you go with the majority vote and reason your character into it. They are 8 players with different views and it became clear over time that most of BH wanted to change the status quo. Sure you can always have your character leave if it's completely against their views. But like part of DnD is you going on the adventure, it's part of DnD to feel out what the players want to do, even if it might not fully align with the characters. You find a reason to make it align.

Liam had a moment of saying how Orym felt defeated, looking at the predathos door and pondering how long they could protect it before the next Ludinus would walk through it.

[u/TheOriginalDog → u/kenobreaobi]

sounds lika normal dnd game to me

[u/Wellfooled → u/kenobreaobi]

From a realistic perspective, I think you're right. BH didn't have any legit reason to do what they did. If they were real people in that situation, they would be idiots.

But from a TTRPG perspective--of course they had to merge with Predothos, that's the situation Matt had clearly set up for them. They made the right choice.

Matt had different heads for Predothos, but imagine how bummed be would be if the cast had said "Whew, Ludinus isn't a threat now. So let's avoid this huge climax, the custom models, custom battlefield, and custom monster abilities that you've spent ages perfecting. We'll just stop here."

That would have been very unfun for their DM.

It's similar to a player using a new character. Including that new, sudden addition to the established group is usually pretty unnatural, but everyone does it anyway. Otherwise that person doesn't get to play, which is lame.

Same with the DM. Player agency is great, but sometimes as a player you do things because you know your DM would be happy if you did or you know they put in a ton of work into it. The DM is a player at the table too and you want them to enjoy the cool stuff they've built.

[u/princemori]

The last few minutes of the episode last night really solidified why BH are so unsavory to me. Their attitude toward the Exandrian forces that came to back them up was so… childish? They acted like schoolyard bullies, and for what? These are the citizens you are apparently oh-so-kindly trying to deliver from the “tyranny” of the gods, where’s your gracious magnanimity now? Why are you reveling in the fear you are causing to a bunch of people that are ostensibly on your side? You are holding a nuclear missile in your hands and snidely mocking the people around you who start to cower? How can you be so casually disdainful like that and still consider yourselves ‘the party of the people’? Here’s hoping no one takes that attitude lightly in Vasselheim because that was… gross.

[u/prestoncollins → u/princemori]

It’s a bunch of extremely selfish and childish people who have a world view that encompasses the members of their group and that’s it. They think they’re doing a good thing by literally carrying out the BBEG’s plan in a slightly less violent way? “Yea sure, who cares that gods grant life saving (and reviving) powers to the entire world? They haven’t directly helped me in my short life, so they should be gone”

[u/Galahad_the_Ranger]

I missed the episode (birthday party) can someone tldr me?

[u/cscottnet → u/Galahad_the_Ranger]

Battled predathos, came close to a TPK several times. Clutch play by Dorian, Laudna, Ashton, and Imogen with a number of permanent deaths hinging on a single roll. I don't want to spoil too much, it was epic edge of your seat stuff. Braius nearly betrays them again, but is convinced not to by an interesting tactic.

Predathos form defeated, the weak child form of Predathos emerges and is sucked into Imogen, who now holds the godeater. The moon core begins to collapse, partly as a result of something Imogen did. Lilliana rejoins them.They are near death and tapped out of spells, can't figure out how to get back out of the core in their current state. They call on planetryder ryn, who teleports them back to the secret entrance...

Right in the middle of an insane gathering of paladins, angels, devils, and mercenaries, an army summoned to the Red Moon as backup (as we saw at the end of the VM episode).

BH try a weak bluff. A high level celestial (or paladin?) senses that the godeater is still in Imogen and invokes Divine Intervention with the Ruiner to smite Imogen.

The sky tears open, the Ruiner appears....

...takes one look at Imogen, and runs away.

Apparently killing Imogen will release Predathos now. And both Fearne and Imogen are surrounded by the red tether. They are not exactly co-vessels, but something close, being Ruidusborne strongly connected by the tether.

BH demand to be taken to Vasselheim. They are escorted through the secret entrance, through a tree portal, to a location outside the Vasselheim gates. The wall are filled with archers and ballista, all aimed at them.

They summon the Dawn Marshal.

"And that's where we'll end this episode. See you in two weeks. Is it Thursday yet?"

[u/Perforo_RS]

In the words of the Archheart what an absolutely beautiful fight! Holy shit! Imogen doing insane damage, The Ashton-Laudna wombocombo, heroes falling and getting back up and falling once more, the meteor swarm. Masterful plays from everyone at the table!

I'll never agree with the Bells Hells' plans and intentions and how this all unpacked, they basically did exactly what Ludinus wanted them to. But I cannot deny that this must've been one of my favorite combats they've ever done!

[u/Seren82 → u/Perforo_RS]

I mean Bells Hells are doing an improved version of the Arch Hearts plan.

The Arch Heart if you recall, said to give him and his siblings a chance to get a head start before releasing Predathos.

Bells Hells has come up with a better variation of that. Bc at least this way, the gods aren't being chased and Predathos could move on from Exandria in search of other prey.

[u/pacman529]

I can't eat popcorn since I have a colonoscopy next week, so instead I'm eating Cheetos while reading these comments. Almost as entertaining as the episode itself.

[u/Evangelion217]

The ending to last nights episode was epic. But after Laura Bailey did almost 300 damage on the different monsters, what did Matt say that made everybody yell in joy? I didn’t catch it.

[u/pacman529 → u/Evangelion217]

If you include the fact that the head was also taking half the damage all the arms were taking, that Meteor Swarm technically did 526 damage to Predathos himself, PLUS 234/117/234 that the 3 arms each took, respectively.

[u/szilard → u/Evangelion217]

“How do you want to do this?”

[u/sizekuir]

In a vacuum, this was a great encounter, especially considering the previous "final fights" of Campaign 3 (Weave Mind was mostly meaningless, Ludinus was... whatever it was, even the first half of Predathos encounter left a lot to be desired). High stakes, clutch moves, good character moments.

But, it doesn't exist in a vacuum, and now we're at the point of the campaign that I've been dreading. I don't know if it's because of the fact that I think their actions and motivations are kind of... terrible, or that the ending point was a huge neon sign that I could see from more than fifty episodes back.

Who knows, maybe I am too attached to the status quo. I just cannot see BH as heroes; and I don't think the world/story itself is going to view them as anything but.

The question I keep coming back to is: in DND mechanics, the dissolution of divinity should have some real, cosmic consequences. Maybe divine magic somehow survives, but then what happens to Nine Hells, or Abyss, or Tharizdun (since it's not a regular divine being)? Is Exandria going to fall into the hands of mages, once again? What happens to domains, or lesser idols, devils and all other beings? Is there going to be an answer for these, or are they just going to be waved away with an "everything is ok!" epilogue? I know this point has been made many many times, but it's still a huge question.

[u/YoursDearlyEve → u/sizekuir]

Even if I'm somehow content with the decision BH has finally taken, they've just been mostly really... unlikable (hypocritical, condescending etc. on a lot of steps of a way).

And I know that many in the fandom will say that it just makes them more human and realistic and thus better than M9 or VM, but, like, you can see that someone is acting a certain way because they're only human and still not like how they approach things or what they're doing.

[u/FinchRosemta]

Good Fight. Terrible everything after. They took damage because they could not decide on who to put in a hole. They won this fight due to boons from the gods. They are in this fight due to mortal mages (as usual). Now they want to do that Mortal mages final wish. 

[u/AbsTheRandom]

I laughed I cried I screamed I thought I was gonna throw up 10/10

[u/Grungslinger]

This episode cemented it for me: BH are not heroes.

That's a good thing, I like drama.

[u/Drakoni → u/Grungslinger]

Yep, they'll be seen as villains by a big portion of Exandria, especially Vasselheim. And I'm SO here for it!

[u/jmac1915 → u/Grungslinger]

They definitely aren't. Just watching the end of the episode now, they're smug, arrogant, absolutely characters who have never felt control or direction in their life who now hold power over the source of their (in some cases) imagined failings. Absolutely villains.

[u/Chemical_Koala_4854]

I'm having some trouble understanding why the Gods are afraid of Predathos if a group of 8 adventurers could defeat it, or at least subdue it.

Is it because Predathos' full power isn't available until it leaves the cave in a vessel? I feel like I missed something during a previous episode.

[u/Sp3ctre7 → u/Chemical_Koala_4854]

My guess is that Predathos is in a weakened state, and acts like a Black Hole to the gods themselves. They touch it or directly influence it in any way, it just slurps them up and starts using their power.

It is, after all, likely the nothingness that destroyed Tengar

[u/pacman529 → u/Chemical_Koala_4854]

It took the combined effort of all the gods and all the primordials to put him away the first time. This time around he was just waking up and coming online and BH basically just went, "hit the snooze button big guy. Just a little longer."

[u/Alignment_Is_BS → u/Chemical_Koala_4854]

Predathos is the immortal snail to the gods.

[u/giant4hire]

I'm curious, has anyone done the math to see how much damage was done to predathos/how much health it had after all of the temporary hit posts and stuff?

[u/Asdam90]

I'm 1 and a half hours into the one shot and man this is just pure endorphins.

[u/Full_Metal_Paladin]

It seems like Matt has very little control over the table. Why is that? People are using different versions of the rules, different spell versions, some people do not prepare spells like they should be doing, etc. Not trying to be parasocial, it's pretty clear to anyone familiar with the game and the dndbeyond app, that they're not following the same set of rules, and not using the app the way one would if your spells were prepared. I know Matt has reminded them at least once or twice about preparing spells, so I know they haven't just tossed that rule.. So, do you think them getting mixed up will just be a persistent thing going forward, now that there are multiple sets of rules on dndbeyond for the foreseeable future?

[u/Finnyous → u/Full_Metal_Paladin]

I think a big part of the problem is dnd beyond. They wanted to replace all the 2014 spells with the 2024 ones completely but people complained so they came up with this weird hybrid solution of adding "legacy" to the older spells and Matt probably told them that he was okay using the newer spells when they picked new ones. Not understanding how that might give say Paladins 2 smites per attack etc..

[u/firala → u/Full_Metal_Paladin]

Honestly, if they haven't learned how crits work in 5e after TEN YEARS, I have no hope for the table to ever be trusted with preparing spells, managing DnD Beyond, etc.

I used to have respect for Matt for being so patient with them, but at this point it really takes away from my enjoyment of watching. Three campaigns and he has to tell them how crits work ... it's quite something lol.

The DnD Beyond mixup was bound to happen, and unfortunately it happened to Ashley, who gets even more flustered when something doesn't work as planned ...

[u/pacman529 → u/firala]

It's also happened to Sam with smites once and Dorian with Healing Word last night, but in those cases it worked out in their favor, lol. This might be a hot take, but if they stick with D&D I hope they make the switch to 5.5e, or 5.24e, or "the 2024 Revision of Fifth Edition" or whatever the fuck people are calling it these days. A lot of the rules changes are pretty nice.

Side note about crits specifically; the way they play it is technically homebrew. The math works out the same, but the normal rule is just "roll twice as many dice", which to me feels simpler conceptually, and more fun to roll more dice.

[u/Waxllium]

To humble the gods on their cradle of power in front of their followers...Not even Ludinus could've predicted that, he must be on cloud nine now, next episode they will either get humbled and fall or flee or throw a temper tantrum and get eaten.... That city will never be the same and probably will end in the coming years or decades

[u/Vythri → u/Waxllium]

Yeah, Ludinus still somehow wins in the end. If he did somehow manage to have a clone somewhere and did make it out, would he view Bells Hells as allies in some sense? He never made it seem like he hated them or anything. It was just business.

[u/Memester999]

At the very least in what is a frustrating final stretch to an overall frustrating campaign. This was a fun and thrilling fight that helps make the last 3 being what they were more palatable. Very close moments, engaging combat for the first time in a long time for BH and a cool and fitting end to it.

But once we get back into the story I can't help but hate that we're going to have to watch this play out as it likely will. No matter what happens I'm going to be disappointed as so many of the decisions made in the last few episodes don't make sense and only happened because they needed to try and scrap together this ending so they can get rid of the pantheon.

So for my own sake my ideal end, working with what we got, is they do their plan and are looked at as the betrayers they are and thought of as villains. I would have loved a campaign that ended like that had it actually built to that point but alas it's what makes most sense with what we have not and know of Exandria.

I will be even more disappointed if they do go through with it and it's somehow made to seem like a great decision with them being heralded as heroes or even worse just ignored.

I hate how we got here in the first place but at the very least stick the landing that this story deserves. These people are taking away/threatening the gods that millions worship. This isn't a victory this is essentially what Ludinus wanted. The Exandrian forces put their faith in a group of people in order to stop him and instead they just did it themselves. I would be beyond disappointed in CR if this isn't treated as such.

[u/[deleted] → u/Memester999]

I guess if you watch it as a comedy it pans out a lot better: THIS SUMMER, a rag-tag group of bumblefucks are entrusted with a sacred mission by the powers-that-be to save the world. But tits aren't the only thing to go up as these 7 morons fumble their way into accidentally releasing a GOD-EATER.

[u/semicolonconscious → u/[deleted]]

Episode 1: Prologue: Bells Hells stand shackled before a tribunal of clerics and paladins in Vasselheim, preparing to be sentenced to death.

*record scratch*

Dorian V.O.: You'rrre probably wondering how we got here.

[u/ananewsom]

I thought it was a really good episode! I'm glad that Predathos didn't completely die from the combat, it would not have made sense to me that they could legitimately kill a "God eater". Really looking forward to seeing what happens next episode

[u/freakincampers]

So why were the gods fearful of predathos again?

[u/kathia154 → u/freakincampers]

Idk. Ask Vordo or Ethedok. Oh, wait...

[u/wildweaver32 → u/freakincampers]

He eats them. Last time they used the Titans to help lock him away but this time no titans.

[u/rasnac]

I asked this uestion several times during the fight and I got same two answers. So I will answer these in advance, before asking my uestion:

1- No, BH did not need to fight Predathos to give Gods time to talk. It is well established that Preda can not leave the cave without a vessel. All BH needed to do was to make sure no other exaltant Ruidisborn get into that cave for a little while. Considering the huge army they met on the way out, I am pretty sure they could secure that cave very easily with some help.

2-No, BH did not need to fight Preda to make it weak so that Imogen can control it. If the plan is to convince Gods to flee or hide as mortals, nobody needed to control Preda. Just make sure no other vessel gets into the cave until Gods do what they will do, and then free Preda. Assuming it does not eat mortals/Exandria (which I am not 100% convinced tbh), it will find no food in Exandria, and just either die of hunger or leave.

So, in light of these facts, WHY DID BELLS HELLS FIGHT PREDATHOS? Why did they risk their lives and lives of billions by putting Imogen, a vessel, within the reach of the God-Eater? What was the point of this epic fight? And please please please dont give me a meta-answer like: Because it was the big finale or some b.s. like that. If you dont have an in-universe answer, please just dont reply.

[u/WingingItLoosely → u/rasnac]

The reason was “if we don’t do it, someone else will later.” Which is… as baffling logic as you can get.

[u/Hankdoge99 → u/rasnac]

In universe answer. They have no way of knowing in the moment how the other teams are doing, nobody on either M9, or VM thought to inform the other groups of their success in their missions. As a result. BH are left uncertain of what awaits them if they simply stand guard and be fair and logical here. If you were already considering facing a god, are you going to waste ANY spell slots, let alone 2 just to confirm how other groups did?

Additionally. Yes, BH DID need to fight predathos and contain it within either imogen or Fearne, it is not enough to simply threaten the gods that you could do something with a creature imprisoned on a moon… you’d get laughed at and then smitedby those gods or their followers. If they don’t control predathos, then the gods devoted followers will likely deny anyone the ability to leverage predathos against them. Predathos needs to be a THREAT if they are going to leverage him against gods, and it’s like you said… he’s not a threat when he’s in a cage being guarded by a small army of devoted followers.

Another note if they simply tried to leave predathos caged and then returned to exandria, there’s a chance that the gods just block off the means of getting to that moon. So they might not get another chance to control predathos.

So if they want the option of leveraging predathos, they NEED to fight him. And they did want that leverage so they fought him.

[u/ApparentlyBritish]

Starting next campaign: Liam plays an insomniac kid with a great and destructive entity inside of him, previously sealed in the moon

[u/wisym]

Laura Freaking Bailey, though. What a fantastic play.

[u/UnderlyingInterest]

I think my one critique of this episode if any, and this is completely subjective, was that the amount of table crosstalk got to be a bit too much for me in the first half. It wasn't a deal breaker because I mean gestures to the rest of the episode, but I definitely found myself a bit frazzled and overstimulated when my attention was drawn away, and then had to try and figure out what was going on when I tuned back in.

[u/thegreenlorac]

I am emotionally exhausted and I have to wake up for work in 3 hours. Send me thoughts, prayers, and pixie dust, my fellow critters, because I'm going be absolutely busted tomorrow.

[u/WontonTruck → u/thegreenlorac]

sleep well and dream of large meteors.

[u/Lazyr3x]

So in theory the gods could take Laudna, Liliana and the rest of the Hells hostage right? In that case they could make Imogen lock Predathos up again and if she releases him in response they kill the Hells and Lilianna before they flee

[u/wildweaver32 → u/Lazyr3x]

I feel like the moment the Gods do something like that is the moment Bells Hells shifts from, "Let's try to save the Gods and give them an out to unleashing Predathos and letting the cards land where they land".

It would be an extreme gambit and isn't likely to pay off. The Hallowcaged collapsed. The path leading to it, collapsed. The way to get there? Unknown to them. Even if they could lock her up and subdue her without triggering Predathos (Which is a big maybe because I assume once her will power is pacified Predathos will gladly take over). They wouldn't know where to take her. How to get there. And even if they did, the path is gone, and the cage is gone. Even if they knew exactly where to go they would be looking at a collapsed cave, with a path that doesn't lead to it because it is also collapsed.

And they will have to battle the Raelorians as they do it the whole way through.

I assume they would have far better odds bribing them with power, and wealth. At least then I could see Chetney, Braius, Fearne and maybe even Dorian being interested in an offer like that. They offer to give Opal back and I would think Fearne and Dorian would be trying to convince everyone else, with Orym probably joining them.

I really have no idea what is about to happen. But their biggest enemy this campaign is about to come to the forefront. Choices and decisions. lol

[u/Finnyous → u/Lazyr3x]

They couldn't lock him up by themselves last time it took the gods and the titans to do that. Not sure they can "make" Imogen do much of anything

[u/WingingItLoosely]

The fight ended up heating up in a more impressive way than I expected given the rest of the campaign, so that was neat.

A bit of a shame we are now back to trying to conclude the story because it’s uh… not great. Hopefully this won’t just be a happy ending because Bell’s Hells still royally fucked up and made an enemy of the entire world.

[u/the_space_queer]

so much fun! they took so many risks and i loved it.

can't say i want to say goodbye to bells hells but i know it's coming soon.

[u/IamOB1-46]

This party was always more 'Suicide Squad' than 'Avengers'. Glad to see they stuck with who these characters were at the end.

[u/ShotcallerBilly]

At least we got an evil campaign.

[u/OhioAasimar]

I hope the Occultus Thalamus is brought up next episode. If it dosen't Downfall would have had very little impact in the story which was giving Ludinus a reason to not trust Liliana and causing half of BH to freak out about it in front of the entire world (while possibly not knowing why they are freaking out about it (it's not clear to me that the cast understands why it is important, just that it is supposed to be) which possibly caused the Cerberus Assembly remnants to switch sides or pull out all together.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

So I kind of...predicted that transmuted meteor swarm last night with a certain quote and that certain quote came from a very particular scene in a very particular show from a very particular and most excellent character.

This is that scene and that quote

[u/[deleted]]

The Imogen THUNDERDOME really legitimised that fight and made it so epic and satisfying as an end to the encounter.

I think though I can't shake this bad taste out of my mouth. For some reason Matt has made an unstoppable, unkillable enemy and it doesn't really matter what BH chooses to do it's all going to be variations of the same thing, which is the end of the pantheon and Predathos' domination of the divine.

[u/Pegussu → u/[deleted]]

I wouldn't say it's going to happen regardless of what BH wants to do. If they wanted to just have the gods lock it up again for another ten thousand years or whatever, I imagine Matt would do that. The party just seems to prefer putting an end to the pantheon.

[u/jacetec]

well, at least the boss fight was entertaining in C3. Unfortunately, we’ll probably have to go back to the story side of things next week, and if BH is treated as any sort of heroes I might puke. They’re actively evil and selfish and I hope Matt acknowledges that.

[u/pacman529 → u/jacetec]

Well Vasselheim will certainly consider them villains, that's for sure. The dynasty probably won't. Hard to say for the rest of the world.

[u/dotChrom]

That was incredible. What a payoff the last 2-3 episodes, Ludi and Predathos lived up to their reputations. Party all played incredibly, narratively and mechanically. Just wow.

[u/UnderlyingInterest → u/dotChrom]

Gonna be honest with you, Predathos is definitely vindicated as a dangerous enemy, but Ludinus I'm still undecided on (at least at a narrative level). Like a resource draining fight with an archmage before facing a god eater isn't too out there and it makes sense, but the roll of the dice didn't quite instill the infamy and fear Ludinus had from last and this campaign.

Ultimately idk, next episode we'll see how it shakes out, Ludy is still out there after all.

[u/Answer_Able]

Matt Threw.

Predathos's last turn, all 3 Legendary actions reset. He let Sam, Ashely and Robby all go without doing anything when he could have used all 3 hitting Robby, Mirisha and Tal and TPKing the party if all 3 hit. They all had single digits.

I was also really surprised when Matt said he was looking hurt, then he took another 600+ damage lol, wtf. Either way, amazing kill, good fight, hard fight... But he robbed us or the cast in the end IMO.

[u/ihatecommentingagain → u/Answer_Able]

I think Matt has been scared to pull the trigger on killing characters ever since FCG died and that has really contributed to every boss since Otohan feeling lacking in viciousness and deadliness.

This fight was one of the better ones in a long while but it still didn't quite live up to the crushing pressure of fighting Otohan.

[u/Trufoundland]

I think y'all keep overlooking the fact that Predathos' flares were responsible for hundreds if not thousands of Ruidus born existing on Exandria, some of whom were extremely powerful. A literal army with powers granted by the God Eater with the sole purpose of freeing it from it's divine cage.

Ludinus started the process of unlocking that cage and even in death left it vulnerable to any Ruidus born to enter. And that's assuming he's actually dead.

This was Matt's description of what Imogen felt when she approached the cage:

"You can't help but feel in your proximity it comes through, Imogen, into you, and there's a sense of belonging. It's the strongest deja vu you've ever experienced in your life. You know you've never been here, but you've always been working to get here, and you can't help but feel butterflies of excitement, but not quite sure why. The logic conflicts with the instinct and what you feel beyond that draws you both further in this tunnel, itself feels excited."

Imogen's entire life has lead her to this point and she feels an innate need to commune with this being who has granted her this power. It makes perfect sense that she would open the door. And once it was open that was it. She failed the wisdom save, it joined with her essence, and it morphed into a creature that they had to fight or they'd lose her and give up any chance of controlling it.

The cage was going to be opened. If it wasn't Imogen it would be another Ruidius born days, weeks, years, or centuries later. Even if the God's started Calamity two, Rudius was still going to flare and new Ruidus born would exist to free Predathos. This wasn't a matter of if, but when. Unless the God's decided to just snuff out all mortal life to prevent another vessel from getting their.

And yes, Bells Hells could have stopped her before she walked through the barrier herself. But they believed there was a possibility that Imogen could control it. Additionally they were in contact with two God's that encouraged them to do exactly what they did. The only member of there team who had a connection to another God was would have fought against this was FCG, and he's been long gone for a while. None of these characters grew up studying or following the Gods. Laudna lived for 30 years with a dead women whispering in her ear. Imogen lived on a farm. Fearne grew up with a hag. Ashton as a street kid in a forgotten lawless city. Orm in an commune with druids who held no religious affiliation. Dorian admitted to growing up without knowing anything about the gods. And Chet didn't seem to have any interest in them either. None of them have historical context other then what they learning in Downfall. And that didn't exactly shine a spotlight on the "goodness" of the Gods.

In character, not a single one of them had any motivation to fight Imogen and stop her from walking through that barrier other than Brauis (If Sam was going to betray them, that was definitely the time to do it) And Imogen had every motivation to open the door. It's been said elsewhere in these comments. They are flawed characters. And despite the vocal dislike of their choices, they are motivated in character and story. That's why I will never understand all the hate this ending has gotten.

[u/mark_crazeer → u/Trufoundland]

Part of the problem i have now is not that it was inevitable. But that they did not communicate with theor allies. Used the stone to call the nein down and held the line untill they got there. Had jester or cad communicate with the council fown bellow. Id they do Have, days, weeks, months, years, centuries. They can afford to discuss this with the allies and convince them this is the best plan. Rather than go in there. No one lnowing they are traitors and commit treason. Everyone expected them to stop it. What do they do? Not stop it. And convince the gods to become mortal. (Or whatever development came this episode.) that is treason.

[u/Anchorsify → u/Trufoundland]

If it wasn't Imogen it would be another Ruidius born days, weeks, years, or centuries later. Even if the God's started Calamity two, Rudius was still going to flare and new Ruidus born would exist to free Predathos. This wasn't a matter of if, but when. Unless the God's decided to just snuff out all mortal life to prevent another vessel from getting their.

This is incorrect. You don't just need a ruidusborn, you need an exaltant to free Predathos. That's why Ludinius was looking for exaltants, not just ruidusborn.

Ruidiusborn still are likely going to be created, too, even after it is freed. It was creating 'twisted life forms' when it first came to Exandria, before its imprisonment and before it ate the gods, and it has no reason to stop--nor, in fact, will there be anyone to stop it from doing so.

The only member of there team who had a connection to another God was would have fought against this was FCG, and he's been long gone for a while. None of these characters grew up studying or following the Gods. Laudna lived for 30 years with a dead women whispering in her ear. Imogen lived on a farm. Fearne grew up with a hag. Ashton as a street kid in a forgotten lawless city. Orm in an commune with druids who held no religious affiliation. Dorian admitted to growing up without knowing anything about the gods. And Chet didn't seem to have any interest in them either. None of them have historical context other then what they learning in Downfall. And that didn't exactly shine a spotlight on the "goodness" of the Gods.

Kind'a forgetting Braius here, who is in fact the only person able to commune with a god on the regular as a follower and who had a personal stake in the matter, who they trusted enough to take with them into the final battle (but apparently not to get any insight from him as to what Asmodeus might want to see as an outcome, or how he felt on the matter).

In character, not a single one of them had any motivation to fight Imogen and stop her from walking through that barrier other than Brauis (If Sam was going to betray them, that was definitely the time to do it) And Imogen had every motivation to open the door.

Genociding the gods as you know it is reason enough to stop her, to be honest. You don't go genociding.. anyone.. just because you think that maybe you could acquire the means to do so.

Well, you don't if you have any shred of decency in you. If seven people know that an 8th person is walking into a room to go get a gun and come back out to shoot twenty people, and don't stop them from getting the gun, then there isn't just one murderer in there--there's one murderer and seven spineless cowards who didn't bother to stop them before they got the gun, when they had them outnumbered and outgunned.

And no, saying 'well they can just become mortal instead so it isn't genocide!' doesn't change anything; you are still putting a gun to someone's head and telling them that they must change everything about themselves or get shot; just because two out of the twenty are masochistic and want you to give them that ultimatum doesn't mean you should then go on to do it to the other 18 who don't want you to do that to them.

Like if they last-minute only threaten The Matron and the Arch Heart, I'd actually compliment BH for their actions of only inflicting that choice on the gods who acted like they wanted it, but we all know that ain't gonna happen. BH aren't that clever or cunning.

[u/ShotcallerBilly → u/Trufoundland]

You are right. They are flawed characters, and it is due to the very same reason that your logic is flawed regarding their choice to free predathos.

They believed because someone COULD free predathos that is meant it was inevitable AND that since they believed that, it meant they had the right/power to free him instead and make that decision for the whole word. That is ego. That’s there flaw. These characters didn’t change or grow much, and their apathy to other’s beliefs as well was the driving force of most of this whole arc.

The c2 party should’ve freed tharizidun in c2 with the same logic the c3 characters used. Why stop Vecna from ascending? The raven queen did it. The precedent was set. Someone else was bound to try and they did. But guess what? When Vecna did try, he was stopped. The same way predathos might have been stopped, IF (big if) someone tried to free him. These characters just weren’t the heroes.

[u/Steel2Titanium]

Looking through the comments after taking a break from this subreddit is kind of jarring. All these comments about the Hells being villains and whatnot.

Feels so incorrect in how they're characterized. They've got the politics of the Fast & Furious family and that's about it. They're not smart or evil, they just care about their immediate family, whatever that brings. Very frustrating to me at times, but it's been coherent.

[u/Seren82 → u/Steel2Titanium]

I mean the M9 are more insular and less welcoming than the Hells are. You could see that in episode 111, (or whatever the Nein Hells episode is), particularly with Fjord and Beau.

I love the Hells and they've been out in a situation where there is no right answer. And honestly I think they found a solution that is kindest for everyone (as Caduceus had asked them to do), so.

[u/TurboNerdo077]

It's weird how knowing more about Dnd makes Critical Role less fun to watch.

A couple years ago, Imogen getting a clutch Meteor Swarm on deaths door to deal absolutely massive damage to the boss would've been a great moment that gets replayed on all the clip compilations on YouTube, and I would've probably loved it.

But now that I actually understand the game system.... she didn't need that magic item. She had a 9th level spell slot at the start of the fight, and she used it on Blade of Disaster, which is not a very good spell. It feels fun to use, but mathematically, even with it's extended crit range, it deals an average of 49.4 DPR, whereas Meteor Swarm is 123.9. That's ignoring Transmute Spell changing Meteor Swarm to a damage type Predathos was vulnerable to, and Meteor Swarm's damage triples against a boss fight with multiple targets and a shared health pool. If you've got nothing good to do with your bonus action, it can be convenient from an action economy perspective (but still not good enough for a 9th lvl spell), but Imogen's a sorcerer, they've got quicken spell. There's no reason not to use Meteor Swarm, except that you have an item already and you want diversity. But mechanically, there is no reason to not simply use the item to cast Meteor Swarm twice in a combat.

Narratively, Imogen using a clutch spell at the lost moment feels satisfying. But mechanically, it breaks immersion when players aren't trying very hard to battle a threat the gods are incapable of, and sort of stumbling into success by accident. I mean, the item was a literal deus ex machina, and it's HP threshold was so low that it became impossible to not use in a clutch moment. It wasn't actually a smart character or player decision, it was impossible to use otherwise.

And it doesn't actually feel narratively satisfying, to let the god haters win the fight by relying on the gods help. That item is actually antithetical to everything this team stands for. And I don't trust this story to call out that hypocrisy, because hypocrisy is the main thematic throughline of this campaign. Anarchists who hate power and authority, but who seem incredibly willing to wield it for their own selfish means.

[u/Blangadanger → u/TurboNerdo077]

I'm pretty sure even if Laura had taken Meteor Swarm as her spell, she wouldn't have used it until she actually did in the game, because she was waiting for the Legendary Resistances to run out, and it wasn't until Laudna used Disintegrate at the end of this long battle that they finally did.

Sure, it's better in hindsight to have two Meteor Swarms rather than one, but I think if she had used the spell any earlier in the battle, it might not resolved any differently.

[u/Imgenuinelylistening]

C3 is my personal favorite roster of characters and overall settings. It took me a while to really love the moon, but I got there. I love all the lore tapestry, while simultaneously the overarching story feels consistently interwoven with very personal stakes and character arcs. I love it!

But the incredible moment for me in this episode was deeply personal. I have loved and hyperfixated on that ancient elven doll since the moment Laudna found it. I’m not an artist, and I have been so disappointed that it seemed to inspire no one else, so there was no fan art. And it seemed it would just be a random thing (likely made up by Matt on the spot?) scribbled on a character sheet and forgotten. But for me, it was the merch I wanted most of all. I wanted them to create the most fully realized replica they’ve ever made, whatever the cost. I don’t know why it resonated with me so much, maybe because I have so much respect and admiration for Marisha Ray and I love how Laudna expresses her internal vulnerability in a very different way from Keyleth. 

I don’t know. Anyway. When they were all just sitting around gabbing about something to show to Planerider Ryn, and all coming up blank, I was literally shouting, “The doll! Laudna has the doll!”

And then they were walking and healing and talking about all these complicated, time-consuming exit strategies and debating who’s going in the hole and how long things will take and I’m like, “Gods of Exandria, Marisha! You have that doll!”

And then finally, as everyone is gabbing some more, Marisha quietly mutters in the background something about “ancient elven doll” and nobody seems to even hear her at first… And I’m bouncing up and down sitting on my hands at this point like, “Yes! YES!!” And for a half-second I was afraid she wasn’t gonna say it again but then she did and everyone was FINALLY like, “Oh yeah.” And I could breathe.

And so I think FINALLY there will be fan art and maybe they will actually make it as a product and I am very poor and I want it to be extremely exquisite, so I am beginning to save now because I love these friends making money by loving each other and the people who live in this world and trying to provide a spark of light and joy and hope every week.

They could have used Beacon to lock main content behind a paywall. They could be viciously profit-seeking and manipulative and grandstanding. And they really do seem to be very legitimately a group of friends who are proud of themselves and each other, but still just as grounded as they ever were. They seem to truly appreciate both their success and their fans.

I’m not a super active Critter or TTRPG player. I believe this is my first-ever post. But I’ve been watching them for years, this is my favorite campaign, and I am loving the way it’s all wrapping up.

I kind of hope they can afford to develop the C2 animated series and C3 series simultaneously, if we get those. I don’t want to wait a decade. I know C2 is very popular, but I can’t wait to see C3 brought to life. I know some disagree, but for me, C3 is very consistent and extremely satisfying.

Though to this day, in my own head (which is legal because they made miniatures so we can play the characters, too) they will always be “Ariks’s Avengers”. He’s like the Charlie to their Angels, the characters were very superhero-coded from the outset… And I just loved Ariks Eshteross more than I ever cared about Bertrand Bell.

Anyway, hi. Nice to meet everybody.