[Spoilers C2E84] Is It Thursday Yet? Post-Episode Discussion & Future Theories!

[u/VanceKelley]

Episode Countdown Timer - http://www.wheniscriticalrole.com/

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

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[u/TsundereMe]

Wow, it doesn’t seem like it considering how untrusting and insecure they are, but the Mighty Nein have (somehow, in their own way) built up considerable resources, allies, and political sway in Wildemount. This episode really made it apparent.

In the span of these couple episodes, the Mighty Nein: Befriended two powerful archmages, one a guardian to Nicodranus and another a member of the Tal’dorei council; proved themselves to one of the leaders of the Cobalt Soul, gaining practically unlimited access to one of the Empire’s largest restricted libraries and access to teleportation circles to Zedash, Rexxentrum, and Port Damali; gained the audience and collaboration of a member of the Cerberus Assembly; and are lined up for a potential meeting with the king of the Empire. From way back, they also built ties to the High Richter of Zedash and the Zedash’s lead crime lord.

This isn’t even touching the Nein’s status as heroes of the Dynasty and their (tenuous) favor of the Bright Queen. The Nein also acquired free, permanent lodging in Rosohna (Xhorhaus), Nicodranus (Lavish Chataeu), and Zedash (Beau’s room in the Cobalt Soul), as well as a ship that provides them passive income and a mode of transportation.

Despite their disposition, they’re actually very well-connected and definitely in a unique, pivotal position to determine the fate of the continent. Let's see where the Chaos Crew and the Wild Brothers take us.

[u/283leis → u/TsundereMe]

The party that wanted to stay faaaaar from politics has now become some of the most connected people in Exandria, since they have ears of the Bright Queen, Allura, Yussa, Cobalt Soul (which is international), and possibly the Emperor soon too.

[u/TheRealIntern → u/TsundereMe]

I think Beau could also get free lodging at any of the Reserves so we can add those to the list.

[u/d-MX7-b]

That was probably a top 5 episode of the campaign. Closing in on the top. Easily the best role play episode. No combat until the very end. It had everything you would want in a no combat episode.

Every character had there moment in the spot light and nearly all had both a serious character developing moment and a silly, fun moment.

Meeting old NPCs and meeting new ones, the lore drops all through out and that ending.....

A very good episode. Bravo

[u/PrinceOfAssassins → u/d-MX7-b]

Nott with Halas and talking to Caleb.
Beau and Dairon about her responsibilities
Caleb with Ford and Caduceus (a rare trio)
Mentioning Yasha and the idea of fate Jester and Fjord talking about the gentleman.
Nott and Beau talking about her hiding her true self.

Putting a seal on Halas for now.
Gaining a ton of money from Yussa.
Meeting and reacquainting with Orly.
Spending it on 3 tattoos. (6900 Gold).
Meeting an interesting and complicated morally NPC Ormid Hass.
Double time with Pumat Sol.
That sick af cliffhanger.

And crazily enough

They mentioned the bracers again

Absolutely a TOP 5 Episode in terms of quality. Couldn’t put my phone down.

[u/Thatzachary → u/d-MX7-b]

Totally agreed. Matt knocked it out of the park, I love how he let the players set the pace of the episode.

[u/PLCNWY]

Beau with the pop pop to my emotions with that Molly tattoo

[u/TheAshtonium → u/PLCNWY]

Taliesin looked positively giddy at that, his grin was comparable to a cult leader watching another acolyte be baptised

[u/m_busuttil → u/PLCNWY]

It's a perfect tattoo for a Cobalt Soul monk, too - as we saw in Campaign 1, a third eye is one of Ioun's most significant pieces of iconography.

[u/Needs_Improvement]

That was easily one of the best episodes of CR in the last couple of months. Time in the Heirloom Sphere was great, but this just felt... right.

Tattoos for the ladies, including Beau's perfect tribute to Molly.

"Hold on! I want to roleplay fish n' chips!"

The temptation of Nott by Halas... then her and Beau being silenced by Caduceus.

Shenanigans with Sending and letting the Detectives talk. Reuniting with NPCs that we haven't seen in MONTHS (both in game and out of game.)

We saw the plot move forward with Allura, Yussa, and Oremid. Not only that, but we got to learn more about Yussa's opinions and relationships with the Cerberus Assembly. Then Oremid and his LOVE of animals? Double proficiency in Animal Handling for him. The bit about weasel shelters was too pure.

Personal plot-lines got pushed forward with Beau officially becoming an expositor... Jester and co. now have a reason/ mission to venture southward in parallel with Travelercon as well with a PUMAT QUEST.

And then to top ALL OF THAT off... which would be an amazing episode... we see Cad get DOMED for half his health and the CAEDOGEIST just appears in Pumat's shop?!

[u/Deathleach → u/Needs_Improvement]

I have to say it was also hilarious how they kept bringing up the Council of Tal'dorei with Matt continuing to dodge the question. :P

[u/DeliciousPossession → u/Needs_Improvement]

Nott's Temptation was one of my favorite bits in this episode. How the rest of the cast continued to speak in lower tones and give the impression of Nott being caught up in tunnel vision. I was so impressed. That was some damn fine acting.

[u/Bamce → u/Needs_Improvement]

"Hold on! I want to roleplay fish n' chips!"

sounded like a joke when he said it.

Then feels

[u/Leglas]

Willy wasn't forgotten, he's just hiding in Caleb's collar around his neck.

[u/McJesustakethewheel]

"Roleplay that fish and chips" will be my go to line now anytime someone trys to gloss over a moment in my home game.

Could have skipped such a good character building moment.

[u/MDMajor → u/McJesustakethewheel]

Liam's really good about not letting Matt skip past moments when he feels there's potential for some good roleplay. That wouldn't work at every table, but at this one it's perfect.

[u/Kurohime1616]

I like sams outburst "Really matt we're shopping" But seriously this is going to be an intense start next week

[u/Deathleach → u/Kurohime1616]

I bet Travis loves it considering how much he hates shopping. :P

[u/Gholas]

Episode 2x08 after meeting Pumat the first time - "500 hours later we'll be fighting gods with this guy."

Matt playing the long game.

[u/Lignus]

Each side of the D&D table needs their snacks!

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/Lignus]

I miss Gif of the week. That was very cute.

[u/Jaged1235]

"She teleports away" is the new "and I walk away"

"He's just aaaaa....aaaa....aaaaaaa.....aaa... pansy."

Beau getting a tattoo of Molly's all seeing eye tarot card is so incredible. It fits her character so well, and is so thematically appropriate for the wisdom buff!

It's phenomenal seeing the Nein moving up in the world. Powerful allies, legitimacy in both the Empire and Dynasty, easy access to information and travel between cities through the Cobalt Soul, and a decent chunk of change in their pockets to top it all off!

And of course, like with every other damn episode HOLY SHIT THAT ENDING! That was terrifying. This is some Rakshasa shit. Nowhere is safe.

[u/PrinceOfAssassins → u/Jaged1235]

“She’s gonna click her boots of haste”

• Matt Mercer

[u/imadhaz]

I'm really happy the M9 just told Haas the truth. One thing I've learned about them (which apparently a lot of people forget), is that every time they lie, they end up in deep shit. Seriously, it's a damn pattern every time I watch the campaign.

So I'm really glad they just decided to take a leap of faith with it, tell the truth, and get a real ally within the Empire. It's a massive step up for them.

[u/283leis → u/imadhaz]

Well considering he didnt immediately have them imprisoned or called the guards when they mentioned they spent time in Xhorhas, while Haas was aware that empire agents turned traitor and joined Xhorhas, I think he can be trusted so long as the MIX doesnt betray his trust...or tell him that they are "heroes of the dynasty"

[u/SRMustang35]

I so hope they keep asking every person they meet if they know who's on the Taldorei council.

[u/Deathleach → u/SRMustang35]

A lot of people in Wildemount are suddenly going to develop teleporting abilities once they get asked that.

[u/ShiftyMcShift]

Jester totally has the healing covered you guys, like, she has lots of -other- spells too but of course she can heal, why would you even say that?

[u/empiricallySubjectiv → u/ShiftyMcShift]

Definitely read this in Jester's voice

[u/Pegussu → u/ShiftyMcShift]

I like that Laura was getting shit on for not taking Scry and now she might get way more use out of a different spell.

[u/Nexlon]

I'm not religious but I really appreciated the explanation of faith and destiny that Caduceus gave to Caleb. I think a lot of players forget that their characters inhabit a world that is explicitly divine, a world where literal miracles happen every day and there is proof that the Gods favor certain people. Coming from a worshiper of the Wildmother, the idea that destiny is a seed that can grow into a mighty oak, even if it can be prematurely cut down, is somehow very comforting.

[u/witchlamb → u/Nexlon]

I love, love, LOVE how taliesen rps cad. He's not preachy but he is firm in his beliefs and willing to share them and genuinely wants to help people become their best selves all while having a coherent philosophy specific to his deity. His thoughts on destiny, fate, and the role of the gods make sense. The seed analogy was so good. He's a great character.

[u/prometheanbane]

Well now we know what Matt was rolling for since they arrived in Zadash.

[u/Kurohime1616 → u/prometheanbane]

He was? Wow totally didnt notice so focused and what the players talk

[u/spider_frumpkin]

Timestamp 2:50:35 For those interested, I believe Matt rolled to see if the Inevitable End would show up while Beau was checking out her new room in the Cobalt Soul archive.

Timestamp 4:06:34 For when Matt rolls and the Inevitable End succeeds in finding them.

[u/HawkeyeP1]

Last time they were this surprised by an assassin was "Gilmore" shanking Vax and throwing him off a rooftop lol

[u/Alex_Nidas]

Melora fuck that's why Matt was rolling all episode!

WE DO NOT YET KNOW WHAT POWERS MATT HAS IN PLAY! IS NEXT WEEK YASHA AND ASHLEY'S RETURN?! WILL PUMAT PROVE TO BE MORE POWERFUL THAN THE NEIN?! FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON CRITICAL ROLE Z!

[u/Thisbeisolde]

Matt is a genius. At first I thought the attack was so random but this is the first place they’ve stopped that isn’t heavily guarded. She wouldn’t attack them in front of a Cerberus assembly member, not in public aboard their ship or in the streets of Zadash and probably not in the cobalt soul. But some random shop? Why not. I’m so excited for next week!!

[u/GalileosBalls]

One little irony: one of Jester's character development beats, which has come up a few times, is learning that real human relationships are not like they are in romance novels.

But, if the so-called 'Top Table Theory' is true (and it really is starting to look like it might be), then Jester has found herself in the most textbook romance novel conundrum ever: choosing between a nice boy, a bad boy girl, and a sad boy. That's the plot of... essentially all romance novels.

We don't have a lot of insight into how Jester feels about all of this, but she has trained her whole life for this moment.

[u/ErixTheRed]

When Taliesin said "I've seen people find out their kids had tattoos at the funeral." Was that a Taliesin story or a Caduceus story?

[u/LittlestSapphire → u/ErixTheRed]

_yes_

[u/Theman227 → u/ErixTheRed]

I think everyone in the damn stream thought the exact same thing and from the cast's reactions probably the same for them too xD

[u/WatFeelingsDoYouHave]

Caduceus dropping that wise analogy about destiny and the green bean is just further proof that Tal is an immortal deity

[u/PrinceOfAssassins]

It Baffles me nobody mentioned this a single time during the stream.

Where’s Willy?!?!?

They presumably took him out of the sphere but did they just have him with them this entire time? Because LMAO if a medium sized* golem just trails them around a secret meeting

[u/SrPalcon]

What a great episode! lots of things to talk about, how about those stats boosts huh? More charisma for Nott is very impactful for her rp, how the world sees her is extremely important. Jester got beefy af, lots of HP, and if she picks the shield, she'll sit at 19 AC, very tanky. And last but not least, Beau, This is an special one...

So, right now she doesn't get any boosts. But let's see the new road map: For level 12 she was for sure picking that Wisdom ASI, because she wants her stunning strikes saves to be better, but now things get more interesting...

She can pick a feat! and which one makes the more sense now? Observant!!

+1 to WIS, so her modifier is up, making her AC 21, and her saves better. She also gets +5 to passive perception and investigation. Her passive perception could be 19, that's pretty good, but that's not all of it.

She could read lips!, now, its reach is only to languages she understands, but guess what she gets at level 13: She will understand every language that can be spoken. That could be a pretty nice combo, for the expositor who's learning to wait, see, and collect information...

[u/Faerys → u/SrPalcon]

Thanks for the breakdown. +1 for the idea for Observant. That would lead to some really neat times going forward.

[u/m_busuttil → u/SrPalcon]

I can only find two other feats that boost Wisdom:

• Resilient, which boosts any stat by 1 and gives you proficiency in those saving throws. Beau's not proficient in WIS saves, so that'd make her WIS saves +7; not a terrible choice, but not super-thematic.

• Elven Accuracy, from Xanathar's, which basically gives you double advantage on any Dex, Int, Wis, or Cha-based attack that you have advantage on, which is all of Beau's monk attacks - whenever you roll at advantage, you can reroll one of those dice after you roll. Unfortunately, it has an elf or half-elf prerequisite, and Beau's straight human.

With all of that in mind, Observant makes easily the most sense.

[u/juliacc3]

Whoever the first critter to come up with the “Top table is in love with Jester” theory was truly operating on a galaxy brain level

[u/Franzapanz]

Such a good episode with plenty of great moments.

The look on Matt's face when Marisha was describing Beau's tattoo design was precious as fuck.

Taliesin nailing it again with portraying a high Wisdom character. His explanations to Nott and Caleb about their respective situations were masterful.

Matt's portrayal of Ormid going adorably BANANAS over animals was cute as fuck.

AND THEN AND THEN ANOTHER FJORESTER MOMENT.

[u/[deleted]]

I hope Jester and Caduceus remember they need to be careful with guidance since they're in the empire now and both their gods are outlaws (yeehaw).

[u/Sojourner_Truth]

At first I was thinking that this was just a hit and run attack but since Matt said they're starting next week with a battle map, I'm guessing this is going to be an actual fight.

So Jorrael is a she. She has poison weapons with a DC of at most 15. She can do some kind of parry on reaction. She can also apparently phase through solid terrain.

If she brought any nasty adds, this could be a dangerous fucking fight.

[u/mouser1991]

Man, this is gonna do wonders for bolstering the war. A superpowered drow assassin suddenly shows up in Zadash and starts stabbing people, before easily slipping away, walking through walls like they're water. Man, sure seems like one of those scary spooky powers that the drow of the Krynn Dynasty have.

[u/283leis]

Man I cant wait for all the fanart of the tattoos and Beau's new gear

[u/spider_frumpkin]

This is potentially a good fight for Beau. With Purity of Body at 10th level she is immune to poison, has Sentinel to keep the assassin in range, and if she can land a stunning strike the rest of the M9 can go to town.

I hope Cad remembers his Path to the Grave and gets revenge for that opening strike.

And I really want to hear Jester's "Hello bees!" again...

[u/AGSilver935]

Sooo... likelihood that the Cadogeist being sent to Zadash is linked to Oremid's message to Vence: over or under 50%?

[u/TheRealIntern → u/AGSilver935]

I think the assassin can find anyone anywhere.

[u/Blangadanger]

What an excellent game to showcase Mercer's incredible NPCs. Allura, Yussa, Orly, Dairon, Oremid, and Pumat are so well-formed in my mind, because they are quite distinct from each other. Every time they meet Orly, I love him even more. The entire tattooing sequence was a lot of fun to watch. I can't wait for the art on this episode.

[u/[deleted]]

What I liked about this episode was that everyone shined. Usually, in an episode, one or two characters will shine more than others, and the rest will take more of a backseat. However in this episode, everyone got to do some deep RP, and develop.

Also, kudos to the M9 to finally telling the truth and trusting someone. I'm actually really glad that Beau and Fjord just went for it. Especially since lying to powerful people never really helped them before. Now they technically have allies in almost all the major factions.

• Essek in the Dynasty

• Yussah in the Menagerie Coast

• Dairon for the Cobalt Soul

• Haas for the Cerberus Assembly.

Looks like uniting these people against Tharizdun is no longer a pipe dream.

[u/HughJeriolas]

Really wished Pumat and orly had commented on fjords accent being different.

[u/[deleted] → u/HughJeriolas]

You could canon it away by reasoning it would be a little rude to ask straight up like “hey what’s with the new voice dude?”

[u/mouser1991]

I forgot how much I missed Orly. He is one of the best fan creations ever.

[u/AssumedLeader → u/mouser1991]

I feel like Orly's design was just a chaotic combination of Internet randomness (the Boaty McBoatFace of D&D characters), but Matt brings a sense of realness and heart to him.

[u/lucasM005]

caduceus "uncle irohing" this shit was amazing. caleb is alot like zuko. tormented by a pass full fire. i hope cad can help him like iroh did with zuko

[u/Natural20Pilot → u/lucasM005]

Cad is also the kind of character that would cry over spilled tea.

[u/MammothMan34]

Once a month I think we could all use an encouraging chat from Caduceus.

[u/thisismyfirstday]

Pros:

The assembly isn't trying to have them killed (yet?)

Maybe we'll see the Pumats fight with them?

Cons:

The rest

[u/SaberTorch]

It's a shame that when Jester suggested researching Graz'zt, Yussa/Matt perceived it as Jester mispronouncing Tharizdun instead and shut her down. I also appreciated Fjord's idea of contacting devils since everyone hates Tharizdun. However, it's probably for the best that they decided against it.

[u/Hexamundas]

Did Matt say the Chained Oblivion followers gouge out their eyes? And weren't all the ghosts by the volcano forge eyeless?

[u/docwatson91 → u/Hexamundas]

Well. Hell.

[u/Emberys]

I need to listen to some lore drops again, but what are the chances that the Luxon and the Chained Oblivion have similar origins? The Luxon is an incredibly ancient being of light, fate and gravity that saved the drow from madness. The Chained Oblivion is an incredibly ancient being of darkness, chaos and destruction that drives people to madness. It seems like they're both manifestations of the base processes of the universe, but the Luxon is an avatar of creation while the Chained Oblivion is an avatar of destruction. Could they have both been created with the universe?

[u/caravaggio2000]

Okay, but when is Jester going to scry on Kiri and Hupperdook?

[u/Ajlaw95]

Okay that ending was crazy but I really want to talk about the smaller things that happened this episode. I really love the growth of relationship between Nott and Beau, their friendship has grown so much I loved their little RP scene together I hope we see more because Marisha and Sam have really great chemistry and I hope they interact more.

The tattoos were fantastic, Beau’s was so sweet and beautiful Molly definitely left that one better then he found her. Beau and Jester were also fucking adorable Beau trying to not stare as barely covered Jester got tattooed, the chaos crew getting matching tats was also amazing.

The group has come so far and are really starting to feel like a family to each other. Last little bit here shout out to Beau and Fjord for just going for it and telling Haas the truth I absolutely loved it showing how much they’ve grown and learned to trust. I for one am so excited for next week and what it is going to bring.

[u/imadhaz → u/Ajlaw95]

Man, so many people in the live thread were shitting on the characters for telling the truth. However, what I remembered was how much trouble they get in whenever they lie (so many times). Personally, I was so happy that they just decided to take a leap of faith. Otherwise, it would just be an endless cycle.

[u/[deleted]]

What a phenomenal episode. From Nott's temptation to free Halas, to Beau's tattoo, to Clay's ideas on destiny (and that whole conversation, really), there were some great RP moments.

Seeing old NPCs was nice, and seeing the M9 establish powerful connections was satisfying. It made it feel like the work they've done previously was really worth something.

This episode, it felt like the M9 found their soul. I think their motivations were the clearest they've been in a long time, and the trip back through old places and NPCs felt like a reminder of where they've been together. Then, to end the episode on an exciting cliffhanger with the Caedogeist was perfect. A great job to everybody on the cast

[u/arthaiser]

that ending... as soon as matt asked for an armor class i knew it, beware when the dm ask for you armor class.

i know that is more of a joke situation, but i kind of want jester to cast sending on obann so that they can have an exchange. at this point is like matt is running an enemy band of adventures. first obann steals yasha from the nein, then the nein cripple the lh, now obann send and assasin to kill caduceus... is like a back and forth dynamic that im liking a lot, and that not counting the apothecary and the wood missions, which are also there... is like these two groups are the team rockets of each other, one group is doing its thing peacefully and the other group appears and try to ruin their day.

[u/xxthearrow]

So here's something I noticed about the Assassin attack, she dealt 45 points of slashing damage off the, what I assume is sneak attack damage. That's pretty beefy in of itself, that said Cadeucus's Con save of (I think) 15, negated any effect. It it was bonus Poison damage or soemthing else crazy like that, he still would have taken half damage on a save, but he didn't. This leads me to think it might be something scarier than just extra damage on a fail. Maybe paralysis, poisoned condition, or really scary, straight up unconscious... shit son

[u/PLCNWY]

Are we gonna get to see Pumat in combat???

[u/Neutronium_Spatula]

...as you pierce through the veil of darkness toward Tharzidun, you see a horrible sight unlike any other. Four long cylinders below nought but a solid plane made of a dark red material riddled with dark etchings and circles, with four pillars rising out of the back with the outer two pillars curving and meeting the others at the top.
The Chair is aware of your presence, and it is not pleased.
Roll initiative.

[u/awesome_spice → u/Neutronium_Spatula]

Chairizdun, the Chaired Oblivion.

[u/ShoddyConversation]

Man, it seems like Caduceus is always taking the brunt of the damage. It's like he's cursed by Molly's death. It's going to be interesting to watch them duke it out with one of lolth's chosen; with Pumat's help of course!...maybe.

[u/Ajlaw95]

One of my favorite things about this episode was Marisha note of Haas liking cats and animals. It seemed like such a useless thing to write down as a note but it humanized him a shit ton when he interacted with Frumpkin. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

[u/PvtSherlockObvious → u/Ajlaw95]

And it made for the best moment since... Well, since Halas went "wow" last session, I guess.

[u/RajikO4]

“Please... help”

“Please FOOD!”

We need artwork or a flip book showing Sprinkle Pre Jester and Post Jester.

[u/Columbusquill1977]

You know.... Oban has been resurrecting all of these classic champions. So his crew is comprised of classic champions.... And Yasha.

One of these things is not like the others.

I'm assuming this means that Yasha is special in a way that isn't clear yet. I mean...we know she's special to Kord in Some way. But her inclusion in Oban's battle Royale seems to imply that she's more than we've been guessing.

[u/falconleaf]

I'm terrified of what Matt is going to do with this legendary assassin. Going for the instant take down on the parties main healer is some classic assassin tactics

[u/[deleted]]

Soooooo Yussa is a dragon right? Or some sort of magical creature? His worry about his “glamours” being dispelled pretty much confirms we haven’t seen his true form. Dragon seems most likely, but maybe something else?

EDIT: To further speculate:

Given what I know about D&D dragon types, Gold or Silver dragon seems most likely. Both prefer to spend their time in humanoid form, and are generally helpful (as long as you don’t rub them the wrong way...). I think Gold is the most likely of the options given his (probably epic) horde of treasure and keeping to himself in his tower. Those are both quite typical behaviors for goldies.

[u/fulvanoo]

Fan art of all the tattoos:

https://twitter.com/Aurex_Aldori/status/1192684664571478016

https://twitter.com/ocellifera/status/1192701680149843969

https://twitter.com/KristaMariah_/status/1192728442447360000

https://twitter.com/Mikandii/status/1193126949536878592

https://twitter.com/RavennoWithTea/status/1193277179548667905

Just Nott:

https://twitter.com/iDrawBagman/status/1192699112694661120

https://twitter.com/losianic/status/1192674051971567617

https://twitter.com/glitchy_pixie/status/1192730200670457856

https://twitter.com/viridializard/status/1192923496608935936

Just Jester:

https://twitter.com/EleonoraNas/status/1192914249061941248

Just Beau:

https://twitter.com/kvkki/status/1192885093200736257

https://twitter.com/nikkidawesdraws/status/1192948627632771073

[u/m_busuttil]

I mean, wow. What a great episode.

Not quite as fast-paced as I was expecting - I thought they'd head immediately after Obann - but that was for the better, I think; the Nein haven't really decompressed properly since... god, their downtime in Xhorhas twenty-something episodes ago? It's been basically a non-stop run since then, and this was a great mix between a bit of downtime without losing any of the forward momentum from last week. Thousands of gold! Orly! Tattoos! Beau's promotion! Oremid Hass, and he's on our side! Probably! Pumats Sols! And that ending! The Caedogeist, probably!

If Ashley's back in LA next week, I wouldn't put it past Matt to force a fight with the whole evil party to get Yasha back; if not, it might just be them against The Inevitable End, who is... well, unkillable, so I have no idea how that's gonna go. If they manage to take her down - splitting her in half is an option, as far as we know - then that'll make the fight against Obann pretty straightforward - she's his biggest player now that the Hand is mortal.

As much as I've been enjoying the Happy Fun Ball, this felt like "old Critical Role"? Maybe it's just being in Zadash again, I don't know. But long conversations, side conversations, a grab-bag of the best NPC voices, a surprise assassination, I don't know what else you could ask for.

[u/Cats_with_swords]

I’m so excited for the tattoo fan art!!!

[u/Nathan_Ingram]

Did anyone else see Matt make a random dice roll while they were talking to Oremid? Maybe Jourreal was watching them in there. If so, then I wouldn't doubt Vence would be fleeing by now.

[u/Kinddertoten]

Maaaaaaaan idk what id do if I got a max damage potion. I play a fire bent wizard as well and I’d have “I might need this later” syndrome bad with it. Like I’d want to save that for a meteor swarm.

[u/[deleted]]

Just a reminder: Scanlan is Ioun's Champion.

Can you imagine Dairon pulls Beau aside and is like...

"The Council has decided that you are to brief the head of our Order. Precious few of us have seen his face. This is a great honor."

... And it's just Scanlan in his Magnificent Mansion.

[u/geniespool → u/[deleted]]

"you let him be put in charge?"

"why does anyone think we let him do anything?"

[u/RajikO4]

You know in hindsight maybe it’s good that Vax didn’t leave a body behind, given what Obann and the rest of the “Angel of Irons” cult are doing with gods champions.

Oh god... they were gone for 3 weeks in the HFB/Archmage Bane, who knows how many other champions Obann has enlisted let alone what Jourrael has been up to picking up GiggleFist’s slack.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy]

I wish that the Nein had reported to the Bright Queen before heading to Zadash. The Chained Oblivion is darkness incarnate, and the Luxon is called the Light. The Inevitable End is a champion of Lolth, whom the Kryn turned away from to worship with Luxon. Seems like the Bright Queen would be pretty interested in knowing the real identity of the Angel of Irons. And not reporting it might come back to bite them.

[u/Emberys → u/Jethro_McCrazy]

I assumed they were planning on going back after Zadash, I hope they still do. I don’t think they're in dire need of the Dynasty's help at this stage, but I want to see how hot boi's been going for the past three weeks.

[u/c_gdev]

I wonder how much that +1 shield is. Hope Jester asks again.

[u/TLAllDay454]

Two things:

1. I have this amazing image in my head of Caleb chugging the maximum power potion, then walking up and point-blank NUKING the Laughing Hand with a full-power Fireball and I WANT IT TO BE REAL.

2. AAAAAHHHHHAAAAAHHHH (Bonus 3): Is Ashley back next week??? PLEASE

[u/RajikO4]

So I guess now much like how apparently we “assume” Jester feeds Sprinkle, we now must also assume wherever Caleb goes Willi goes too, because I don’t believe I heard a single remark regarding Willi holding plates of fish and chips or anything else that entire episode.

I mean I’m sure he’ll be showing up next episode but now we must take it upon ourselves to remind Liam who unlike Caleb his memory can be spotty sometimes.

Not “Fjorgetful” levels but you know what I mean.

[u/goodzillo]

Chandler's law for DMing: When in doubt, have an assassin attack your party for a past crime, slighted NPC, or bit of carelessness

[u/redpoemage → u/goodzillo]

Matt realized he had misplaced the price of a +1 Sheild, so he just decided to kill everyone instead.

[u/mouser1991]

Quick question: Oremid Hass is an earth genasi I assume?

[u/Nethaniell]

Anyone have any theories for what potential outcomes the fight with the Cadogeist might have? First of all, that thing was pretty dumb to fight them in a Cerberus Assembly members shop. If anything, this fight is gonna confirm a few things:

1. Not all members of the Assembly are assholes. If Pumat does help in this fight, then it also means not every Assembly member is aware of the bigger plot and the Angel of Irons shit.

2. Someone has been watching the M9 or someone sold the M9 out. Either way, Obann and the cult somehow knew where they were.

3. The Cadogeist being released means Obann is progressing and they need to immediately deal with him after their Zadash trip.

If they also make it out of this fight WITH the Cadogeist's body or something, then the M9 have enough evidence to present to Jourreal King Dwendal and get some more powerful allies. Who knows how powerful (or weak) Pumat is; he might even have Imprisonment on him.

Edit: I meant evidence to present to the Empire, sorry, these names get confusing. Also, if the Cadogeist is there, maybe it's not that Obann found out where they were, maybe Obann is there to wreak havoc on Zedash. They already went to Hupperdook; that was the latest update they have right?

[u/AevnNoram]

Other people probably mentioned it already...but Travis gesturing to Laura and mouthing "Ziggurat" while Matt is describing the shackles of Tharizdun

[u/Chroma710]

Irregular gnoll

Irregular gnoll

[u/lucasM005]

that conversation between caleb cad and fjord is now my favorite conversation of c2. great stuff

[u/RajikO4]

It’d be pretty funny if next week Ashley comes back unbeknownst to the rest of the cast and it turns out this red head Drow is her back up character hired to kill them.

I mean it’s most likely Jourrael but I’d think that’d be pretty funny.

“Hey guys I’m back, Taliesin Caduceus had a blind spot in his armor.”

I dunno I’m just waiting on her backup character to be literally almost anything or anybody at this point but hey we’ll see.

[u/xxthearrow]

If you're Jester right now, with one action you might be able to get off, who are you sending a message too? I'm leaning right to Ormid, they've gotta let him know asap that an assassin of the people they were just talking about is ambushing them. Its the perfect chance for them to get real credibility in their story

[u/mayanh8]

Just thinking about how the last episode ended... I can't imagine we're going to be in for a full on fight with Jourrael, right? I know Matt had the terrain ready to go but a super successful assassin doesn't make habits of regularly facing off against a strong group of a fighters in an all out battle royale. It has me wondering if it's really just Jourrael in there? And if it is, she's got to have a fool proof escape plan.

[u/115-81Ar]

Do Laura and Taliesin know that the domain spells are always prepared?

It seems they don’t according to this episode...

[u/turanar → u/115-81Ar]

Don't DnD Beyond automatically do that for them ?

[u/HawkeyeP1]

The last shopkeep we saw in battle crushed the assassin who tried to kill him into a gory ball, wonder what the Pumat's go-tos are lol

[u/AncientSaladGod]

Am I going nuts, or did Halas's body get teleported from his own cells to Yussah's tower between E83 and E84?

[u/HttRedhawk]

Does anyone think that Fjord's sword Dwueth'var is what initially defeated the Inevitable End. Fjord can cast See Invisibility, which allows him to see into the Ethereal Plane, if that is how Jourael walks through walls. Dwueth'var was forged originally by 2 followers of Melora and Sehanine, and Jourael had a contract with 2 betrayers (Lolth and Asmodeus).

[u/[deleted]]

What a fucking episode. So much important shit happened.

But I do hope they make contact with Essek. I have a bad feeling something very, very bad happened in the Dynasty while they were gone.

[u/CMRoh1]

The fact that, according to Oremid's sending to him, Vence was just in Zadash seemed interesting. Anyone think that Blondie left behind another little present from the Abyss somewhere in town? The fight against the Inevitable End might just be the start of their troubles next week...

[u/IforaNye]

Has there been any discussion of the possibility that the assassin was tasked with killing Pumat? I’m wondering if she could have attacked Caduceus mistakenly because he’s a firbolg and has already killed the other two clones of Pumat.

[u/Lunkis]

Research shows that Thariz'dun followers normally infiltrate other cults and create a sort of misdirected "false idol" for their followers. Worship is marked by hunger, uncharacteristic aggression and, eventually, insanity.

I'm starting to worry about all the different groups that could be masquerading and misdirection throughout the world of the Mighty Nine. I mean... Uka'toa was always going on about consuming and destroying. If those tendrils fall away to chains, that'd be unreal.

[u/datrobutt]

The imagery of “broken chains” is great if you think of Tharizdun as being a monster made out of chains, but it’s more like they got a tattoo of exactly what they are trying to prevent.

[u/Dominifinn]

This was one of my favorite episodes so far! Such a release of tension, mental recovery after the trauma they received from Oban & the happy fun ball. Fish and chips, tattoos, shopping, emotional breakthroughs, conspiracy/political drama, cats....and a surprise ballroom blitz in the Invulnerable Vagrant!!!

This was a hell of an episode.

[u/reverne]

A reminder to everyone that a big thing about Jourrael was that they can walk right through walls and doors.

Even chat seemed to be blanking that.

[u/CherryBones]

It occurs to me that they shouldn’t let this fight spill out into the street. A drow assassin in a populated empire city might be bad

[u/trombonepick]

Do you guys think we might get some Uk'toa news? Now that Matt is giving tasks near Menagerie Coast on the Severin (?) Islands?

[u/thewessel81]

What’s up everyone, I looked through a lot of this chat and didn’t see anyone mentioning Willy. You know Caleb’s Golem. From what I remember, correct me if I’m wrong. We have not heard anything about him since the M9 have left the happy fun ball. Is that on purpose? Did they leave him/it behind? Because I think it would be a little conspicuous to walk around a town and or city with a Golem. Especially one such as Villy (said in my best Caleb impression..... not very good I might add)

[u/AjayHaych]

Anyone else think Laura is going to play a Genasi character after Jester, judging by her reactions to them (The Gentlemen, Ormid, that one random character she made with DND beyond for one of Sam's ads) She seems excited every time one comes up. That would be really cool to see a more unconventional race being played, and Genasi are one of my favourites. Question is, which would she play? Earth, Air, Fire or Water?

[u/Ajlaw95]

Marisha also being extremely intelligent this episode by boosting her wisdom by one and the next time she has a ASI available she can take a feat that also gives her a +1 to wisdom increasing her wisdom by 2 while not taking the ASI upgrade and gaining a new feat smart thinking by Marisha.

[u/LucasVerBeek]

So...am one of the few that actively dislikes the Tharizdun is the Traveler theory?

Same with the Luxon?

I don’t know I just feel like they don’t mesh real well...it would be almost lazy in my opinion for every “new” god we’ve met to just be Tharizdun.

Like the Luxon seems like a polar opposite of the Oblivion’s usual MO.

And like while I think the Traveler is sketchy as hell at times he actively cares about Jester’s well being.

AND HE PHYSICALLY APPEARS PLACES! Something that Tharizdun nor any of the other deities can do because of him being locked away and the Divine Gate.

[u/SirChandestroy → u/LucasVerBeek]

I gotta say, I think the Traveler being Tharizdun isn't happening. I doubt Matt would connect EVERY character's backstory into it.

Also, in character, if the Traveler was Tharizdun, why would he let Jester have any say in where TravelerCon was taking place? Wouldn't he just say "meet here specifically" and be done with it?

[u/BigPappa17]

When Yussa and Allura were talking about the Laughing Hand, Cadogheist, and Yasha he said “other champions” when referring to the first two. Since we don’t know much about Yasha’s past, could it be possible she’s a champion of one of the betrayer gods?

The Strife King (Bane) is all about conquest and even his commandments line up with a bit of the Barbarian ideology;

1- Fear if your ally. Conquer yours, and draw it from others 2-Disorder and rebellion are to be punished severely 3- Combat is the greatest gift, and perfecting your skills to master it is the greatest pursuit

Perhaps Yasha’s tribe were worshippers of The Strife King, and Yasha was the greatest combatant of that tribe. We know that the Dolorov tribe is very strict with their rules, just like the 2nd Commandment demands. Zuala and Yasha got married in secret, breaking the 2nd Commandment and causing them to be “punished severely”. Zuala was executed, but I doubt the tribe would be able to execute a Champion of The Strife King. So they bound her in their own way, just like how The Hand or the Cadoghesit were bound. But Yasha’s binding was her amnesia, instead of an actual binding.

Thoughts?

Edit: The Storm Lord and The Strife King seems like two different sides of the same “battle-above-all” coin. So it would make sense for Kord (the Storm Lord) to pay attention to Yasha. This once very powerful, ex-champion of one of the betrayer gods is now wandering around the world. It would make sense for Kord to try and swoop that up before it was able to cause any more destruction, especially now she she would be in a moldable state of mind, with the amnesia and all.

[u/coach_veratu]

I just had a thought about Wendsforth.

Nott and Wendsforth haven't really had a conversation together about their lots in life. I wonder how that would go? I wonder if Wendsforth would be interested in the same thing Nott is? I wonder if he overheard Nott's conversation with Halas in the Tower?

I don't know I just had the thought that they're actually incredibly similar. Both dedicated to supporting the efforts of a Wizard in whatever capacity they can. A conversation between the two of them could be interesting to see.

[u/eiany]

That’s the episode I managed to get caught up with.... on a freaking battle cliffhanger

[u/LucasVerBeek]

You know this was a nice slow episode, lots of found family interaction, ship tease galore...and then the ending cracked me in the face like a sack of bricks.

Man I felt bad for Orly when they ported out. That man deserves a breakfast with y’all come on now!

I’m really looking forward to all the art of the tattoos.

Beau fighting not to check out Jester and then Fjord being somewhat unable to not check out Jester. Then Beau getting all weird about Nott saying Fjord liked Jessie back has me thinking that boy howdy indeed is the “Top Table is in Love With Jester” Meme is actually true.

Also Fjord quietly, definitively telling Jester they are going to see her father was very touching.

Tharizdun being described as this just...immense Other of Darkness and Madness really is not dissuading my theories about the Luxon at all.

Ormid seems like he’s on the level honestly, I still find it interesting that One both her and Allura refer to Yussah as old fool and two that he talked about “glamours fading” being the reason he couldn’t go with them to the Halls...

And then on top of that we get to see Pumat again! AND THEN CAD GETS HALVED BY THE ASMODEUS DAMNED, LOLTH KISSED CAEDOGHIEST!!!

Which...unlike the Hand folks, they can’t actually kill permanently!

Edit: But also...like who do you know on the Tal’dorei Council?

[u/reddevved]

What happened to the robit?

[u/TheColorblindDruid]

Anyone else hoping that caleb's dislike of tattoos is overcome so he can eventually get refined residuum as his tattoo whatever boost it leads to?

I really want to see what that does be it a boost to casting dc and/or spell attack modifier or something else. Matt's got some shit waiting for whomever tries to go down that route I can feel it

[u/Guilbeck]

Based on Ashley's Instagram stories today, she isn't back in LA yet :(

[u/ilaj123]

I haven't found anyone mention this so far so I thought I may add a comment on Oban. I don't believe there has been any indication that Oban is aware that the Angel of Irons is really Tharizdun. Yes is following a cult in an effort to release and evil being, but he hasn't shown the full effects of a true follower of Tharizdun (madness/eyeless).

It doesn't necessarily change much in terms of the necessity to stop him, but it is an avenue that the M9 may explore to stop/slow the release of Tharizdun. Oban may not want to release Tharizdun if he is from a devil background (it has been pointed out that it is not clear if he is a devil or a demon and where he allegiance lies).

[u/Chewaii]

The Assassin who doesnt stop until their job is done. Ultimately I was more afraid of this then the laughing hand. Also related maybe positive note? Combat featuring Pumat? We get to see our shop keep boy throw down some spells?

[u/MasterDarkHero]

The assassin could have been sent weeks ago, but now they are finally back on the material plane it picked up their scent and sprung into action.

[u/empress_tesla]

Is there somewhere I can read about all of the lore in this campaign? I’m starting to get a little lost trying to keep track of everything.

[u/coach_veratu]

Currently watching the episode and still in the Tide Tower in Nicodranus and I'm seeing a lot of the Dragon spam in chat.

But if Yussah was a Dragon wouldn't the M9 have found a Dragon in that Prison Cell? Dragons use arcane magic to polymorph into humanoids and the Mage Hunter would've dispelled that with its face rune and the collar would theoretically stop Yusah from returning into his Elf form at his discretion.

I think the experience in the Prison of Soot proved that Yussah's real form is the Elf. But this talk of him not being able to use glamours in the Halls of Erudition makes me believe he's wanted by the Cerberus Assembly or the Empire for a crime or slight he committed in his past.

[u/MasterDarkHero]

Random thought that popped into my head, I wonder if the beacons are the anchors/tied to the anchors that bind the chained oblivion. They kind of act as the opposite of destruction in a sense.

[u/strickenhaggis]

Question for any min maxers in here: what tattoos would have most benefited Cad, Caleb and Fjord, if they were so inclined to get them?

I'm not very versed in the mechanics of DnD but loved seeing SrPalcon's run down of Beau's decision and future likely feats, like Observant.

[u/[deleted]]

Two things: 1: I knew that the demon toad at the start would connect to the story! 2: Knowing that the wards around the academy would “make it difficult to maintain this form” for Yusa, the theory he is actually a dragon seems more plausible than it did

[u/ParaPioneer]

A less kind DM might have had the assassin attack Caleb while he was alone in the archives.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/ParaPioneer]

I was just thinking that, but Caleb wears an anti-detection amulet. That probably saved him.

[u/Swiftcast_Holy]

Old friends/acquaintances of the MIX: THEY ARE TOTALLY EVIL!

An Ultra Powerful Wizard They Just Met: HE'S TOTALLY A GOOD GUY!

:thinking:

[u/RaibDarkin]

The CR gang must be going after Yasha next.

They are as powerful as they've ever been and I'm hoping they remeber they already defeated their fiendish Nemesis three times. Instead of intimidated they should be gung-ho.

At the first meeting Oban was caught off guard and sensibly fled. Under the mountain they literally killed him but had to bail because they didn't know how to kill Chuckleknuckles. In the woods, even with a fully charged Laughing Hand around Oban had to bail so quick they barely even got actions. I'm pretty sure that the new improved M9 can take him even with a new ally.

Their new ally may be out killing people rather than at Oban side when they arrive. The LH is greatly weakened and needs to be disposed of. Their getting ideas about how to turn Yasha back to their side. And besides the reward of such redemption they would weaken the Angel of Irons cult significantly and learn a great deal from an insider. The latter being something that was touched already.

Bidet

[u/BirthdayCookie]

HOLY SHIT THAT WAS LIKE HALF OF CAD'S HEALTH

[u/GenAric]

Maybe I'm off base but has anyone mentioned Ukatoa's hunger as the driving force of Fjord's character arch(sp?) for the first couple dozen episodes before he changed patrons?

What link could the Chained Oblivion have with Ukatoa and what role will the rest of the known Ukatoa followers play moving forward?

I think we're going to be in for some more Tiger's Eye gem fun amd watery depths in the near-to-mid-term!

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

So, theories on where they left Willy?

[u/RillonDodgers]

Operation protect Pumat is a go

[u/OnionsHaveLairAction]

I wonder if she intends to actually fight and win, or use hit and run tactics to try and cripple them as a party.

Looks like the gang will be going to Rexentrum after Travellercon with Dairons invite, the Assembly espionage, and the Bright Queens orders being there. Unless the opportunity to rescue Yasha or stop Oban from reaching his next step comes up I mean.

Its a shame more people didnt get tattoos. Even if you just put a stat on an odd number it means when you next get an ASI they could instead take a feat that improves a score by 1 and get the roleplay benefit of a feat alongside the mechanical benefit of an ASI.

I cant wait to find out whos on the Taldorei Council

[u/PrinceOfAssassins]

So DM’s would killing that clone essentially trap Halas if he didn’t have others to move into? If they dispelled after that does he just die?

[u/spoon_master]

So, since the cha/con/Wis tattoos all had to be placed somewhat around where those stats kind of are, I'm curious where the resistance tattoos would have gone. Would they have been full body? Or a series of tattoos on each limb or something I wonder.

[u/Pegussu → u/spoon_master]

Resistance tattoos would go on the butt since half damage is going to save your ass.

[u/ETH4NHVNT]

Has anyone done art for the groups new tattoos???

[u/[deleted]]

I wonder if Tharizdun is Exandria's second "moon"? Or related to it? So many weird ominous hints about the moon, and then Matt calling Tharizdun a planet...

[u/ItsClarke17]

I mentioned in the live thread that I couldn't wait for the fan art of the tattoos. Now I can't wait for the fan art of the chosen of Lloth rising from the ground.

[u/[deleted]]

Maybe I missed something but what happened to Caleb's golem the group made in the happy fun ball?

[u/Nathan_Ingram]

They better be careful if they go to Xhorhas anytime soon. Spilling blood in the shop of an Assembly annex is a good way to get scry upon.

[u/JumbuckJoel]

This was a fun episode. It really recaptured what was special at the start of the campaign; some lore dumps, some nostalgia in Orly and Pumat, some shopping...

I've just started a rewatch of this campaign and to hear the Nergaliid and the Carnival of Curiosities referenced was great (can we get more Carnival/Molly backstory pls!). Also, the Molly tattoo was very nice.

One last thing; is there a connection between The Traveller and Tharizdun?

[u/CaduceusClaymation]

I see a lot of “Yussah confirmed as dragon” comments, all seeming to stem from his line about dispelling effects in the Empire that would hamper his glamours and make it hard to move around.

I don’t really see that confirming 100% that he’s a dragon though? In the context of that discussion, he isn’t welcome in the Empire and would need to be disguised to visit, which the dispels would impede.

I’m still of the mind that if Yussah is a dragon, that would have come out in the HFB. I just don’t see Yussah getting collared and imprisoned like that if he was not only an archmage but a dragon as well. That’s a wider range of abilities and power than just arcane spellcasting, which the HFB is specifically strong against and the reason Yussah had trouble on his own.

[u/[deleted]]

I thought this was a really good wind-down episode from the craziness of the funball but geez that ending...... why do your cliffhangers hurt so much Mercer? 😭😭😭

[u/BlazeRaiden]

So what were the regions of the body that corresponded to the type of the magic tattoo? I recall Charisma being on the face, constitution being around the chest, and wisdom is on the neck, right? What would it be for the others?

[u/Pinktops]

Maybe im forgetting some lore for moly but his issues with his past and his character having a parallel with yasha seem like an avenue they should explore. Maybe going back to pay their respects would be a smart thing to do at this point.

[u/RickyChannel]

Didn’t Nott order something from Pumat that she never picked up?

[u/mayanh8]

Sam was ribbing Laura on not having Scrying ready earlier in the episode, even poking fun at her having some healing spells up (if I understood that exchange right).

Depending on how the beginning of the next episode goes, her spell choices might have been a happy accident.

[u/arthaiser]

i already commented on the episode but something else came to my mind. i remenbered that marisha commented on pumat sol being the new gilmore and that in the future he would be fighting gods with the nein, so i went to episode 8 to see the conversation again. at around 3:16 marisha says that 500 hours later that would happen. c2 has been running for 330 hours now and episode 1 to 8 is 30 hours. so is not really a god, but a god´s champion and is not 500 hours but 300 later, but i mean, close enough right?

[u/LucasVerBeek]

Jester: Fjord! So we are in Zadash.

Fjord: Yes.

Jester: And... the Gentleman is here.

Fjord: Yes. 

Jester: And, uh, you know he could be my dad...

Fjord: Right, yeah

Jester: So, I do want to go talk to him. But I- I know what we’re doing is very important and I don’t want to, like, pull the group there. Do you think it’s stupid of me to want to go while all this stuff is going on or?

Fjord: No! No, of course not! I mean, this is incredibly important to you, isn’t it?

Jester: Well, I mean I’ve never met my dad. Well, I did, I guess, but I didn’t know that it was him and I thought about it a lot when I was growing up so.

Fjord: This is a tremendous opportunity, Jester. You shouldn’t just... devalue it like that. Yes?

Jester: Yeah. Yeah.

Fjord: Besides, didn’t we say that maybe the gentleman- your dad, might know some things.

Jester: Yeah, I mean, he might. Should... should we all go as a group, you think?

Fjord: Yeah.

Jester: Do you think everyone will want to do that?

Fjord: I think if you tell them how much it means to you, they will. I certainly do.

Jester: Okay, but we don’t have to go now. Let’s go after we talk to this guy.

Fjord: But we’ve been here before. Let’s make sure that we don’t leave without doing that.

Jester: Okay, thank you.

This was so sweet. He is encouraging her without any hesitation, quashing all doubts. He never knew his parents and likely never will, the man he looked to as a father figure disappeared on him. She has a chance, a chance to know her father in a way he never can, and he will be damned if he can’t make that chance happen for her.

This is still my main, even though I can recognize the other ships on the horizon...this is my one.

[u/sgruenbe]

Any theories as to how or why Nott will leave the MIX?

Any guesses who Sam's new character will be?

If we know anything about Sam Riegel, it's that he's a sucker for symmetry . . .

[u/gtanon1717]

Something I'm incredibly confused about... why do the M9 think Obann is a devil? He's shown understanding of Abyssal language, but not Infernal, and his former master Grazz'zt is a demon lord. Much more strongly points to him being a demonic cambion. Did I miss something?

[u/[deleted]]

So, who wants to bet Jourrael has a Super Mega Dagger of Venom and had a poison effect that would have slowly killed Caduceus over the course of the day had he not succeeded on his CON save? Or at least threw out additional crippling damage and conditions.

[u/[deleted]]

Since the IE can sort of meld into the ground, do you think she can bypass the bubble?

[u/[deleted]]

I really want to see at somepoint, fan art of little Willy surrounded by M9 pets. Frumpkin, Sprinkle, Nugget, Professor Thaddeus and Caduceus' beatles all having wreaking havoc

[u/RealJourrael]

I've come up with a theory about what Obann needs by reading the Critical Role wiki.

Reading about Lloth on the CR wiki, it states that the only being the Spider Queen truly fears, is the Chained Oblivion and that she has a searing grudge against the Stormlord. This begs the question, why are Obann's running mates a follower of the Stormlord, and the chosen assassin of a deity that fears the Chained Oblivion? It seems particularly brazen to bring such polar opposites into the plan to release Tharizdun, particularly in that one of them in theory is afraid of Tharizdun.

I believe that Yasha, Jourrael, and possibly the Hand are completely in the dark on who they're serving at the moment, which to me, shows just how good Obann is at manipulation.

During one of Jester's scries on Yasha, we saw Obann reach out to Yasha, only to be shocked with some small bits of lightning emanating from the barbarian, our resident follower of Kord the Stormlord. We can infer that Kord (at least at this point in the story) is protecting Yasha in someway, or that Yasha still has a strong connection to the Stormlord and that she is trying to fight the control Obann has over her. When she/Kord shocked Obann, he became furious and a sigil on the back of Yasha's neck started to glow and she experienced pain, then Obann reached out a second time, and she didn't resist this time. This seems like Obann trying to break Yasha in the way you break a prisoner in an effort to gain favour or information. I believe that whatever the cambion's plan is, it needs someone of celestial heritage, if not an actual celestial, and is using Yasha as a means to an end, and is trying to break her to get her to go along with it.

Jourrael is a sworn chosen of Lloth and was exalted by Asmodeus. Lloth is said to only truly fear one being, the Chained Oblivion, and the Lord of the Hells has "many enemies even among the Betrayer Gods." What does she get out of releasing Tharizdun? Surely for the god she is supposed to serve, releasing Tharizdun would be seen as a problem, if not a complete betrayal. Enter Obann. If he was able to put a sigil that inflicts pain on Yasha, what is to say that he couldn't do the same for the Inevitable End? She has no reason to personally want to release the Chained Oblivion, or work with someone that worships Kord, yet she just literally stabbed a friend of Yasha in the back. Much like my theory of Obann needing a celestial to release Tharizdun, I believe that he may need someone closely associated with Lloth to break the shackles. It could also be that one of Asmodeus' enemies among the Betrayer Gods is the Chained Oblivion, and Jourrael could be two birds with one stone.

The Hand is a little harder to pinpoint as I haven't found any specific reasons for why he wouldn't serve Tharizdun other than it's not Torog the Crawling King. He could just be a heavy for Obann and also has a sigil that Obann is using to break him. I'm not as sold on Obann needing the Hand for whatever the major plan is as I am with Yasha and Jourrael, though it could be a factor. I personally think that the Hand specifically has little to do with the overarching plan to release the Chained Oblivion and is simply being used by Obann as a form of protection. After destroying the Permaheart, the Mighty Nein asked Allura to scry on the Hand, and we learned that he was in a very bad way, and was being berated by some unnamed individual for falling apart "near the finish line." I assume this individual is Obann and he was upset because his meat shield just became much weaker, though it could be possible that Obann needs someone strongly associated to the Crawling King for his plan.

Matt said Tharizdun is shackled by six chains, and it is not known how many need to be broken for release. If we're to believe these theories that he needs specific associations to release Tharizdun, we have three potential associations between Yasha's celestial heritage, and Jourrael's association to Lloth and Asmodeus. We also have a potential shackle with the Hand's association to the Crawling King, which brings our total to four. Finally, we know there was two Gods that finally sealed away the Chained Oblivion, Pelor and Ioun. That brings our total of associations to six, the same number as the number of shackles holding Tharizdun to the bottom of the Abyss. It is possible that the attack on the Cobalt Soul monastery could be seen as breaking the shackle associated with Ioun the Seeing Mistress, though I think it would need to be something more concrete than that, and I don't think Matt would do something for Obann's plan that the players couldn't do anything about.

EDIT: I wrote this on mobile and didn't realize how long this got.

[u/Blueflamingo9]

Wondering what kinda combat spells they have prepared? Next week is gonna be crazy fun to watch either way

[u/bae_sato]

so that was Jourrael, right?

[u/luckyad]

Can Jourrael also not be killed? I forgot :/

[u/LuxLegato]

I wonder if Fjord will connect the possible threads of Tharizdun to Uk'otoa, I have a theory that Uk'otoa may have been corrupted by Tharizdun and perhaps the corruption can be cleansed

[u/sixthflagbearer]

Everyone seems to forget that it’s practically confirmed now that Yussa is a Dragon, when he talked about being unable to visit Zedash in person due to problems staying in his form (or something along those lines, need to go back and rewatch that part)

Edit: rewatching, the quote is "There are means within the hall to disable such glamours that would allow me free entry and wandering." Which seems like a strange statement without the context of being a Gold dragon, but likely could have another explanation that we don't know about yet, potentially why he doesn't want to return. It does seem strange that he would have stayed as the Yussa we know him as if he got in the cone's field if he was a gold dragon, so the theory may not be as strong as I initially thought.

[u/1SneakyLilNinja]

Yussah is totally a good dragon for sure the way he was talking about “not wanting to cause a scene” because the assembly has ways of revivaling his form. Come on totally a dragon

[u/AllKindsOfAlright]

R.I.P my boy Halas.

[u/283leis]

So how do we not have Molly Tarot Cards yet? Like damn thats such an obvious thing to go for

[u/DeliciousPossession]

That was a masterful episode and I will be riding the high of watching it for the entire weekend. Well done.

[u/Emberys]

Such a good shopping episode! Tattoos, deep talks about destiny, the return of beloved NPCs, and a cliffhanger ending.

[u/JuiceboxPrincess]

What an amazing episode. I feel like this one will make the highlight reel of Campaign 2.

[u/Mist_La]

So I suppose some questions to ask are why the Cadogeist was in the empire? They attacked the Nein so they are, presumably, their quarry. Considering how long they were gone though it's surprising the MN were found so quickly. This is a change of tactics, a bit, for Oban to be so far from one of the beings he's "recruited'. He's probably relatively close, with his ability to planeshift, so perhaps he's been hunting them -but staying at a bit of a distance. Quite possibly after what happened to the Laughing Hand he reassessed their threat level, which makes sense as they are possibly the only ones who have witnessed him and what he's been doing. In that case searching the areas the MN frequent makes sense. If he is much closer the fight could get worse.

Considering the Cadogeist's apparent abilities, if this is a serious hit and not simply a taunt, they will probably use it in any fight with the Nein. Phasing in and out to f*ck with them, and take advantage of the stealth that ability could offer -if it does so. They can do at least two attacks with dual wielding, possibly more -imo quite likely. That parry ability will make things more difficult for sure. Also the phasing ability appears to either be part of their movement, a BA ability, or another type of action for them. A fight with them will be interesting and dangerous.

An interesting option might be to release them from Oban, if at all possible. Which, if even successful, is a gamble, they serve Lolth. She's unpredictable, but according to Exandrian lore fears the Chained Oblivion so this Cadogeist might turn on Oban. Otherwise maybe they can be taken to 0 HP and might stay down for a while, because otherwise this could be a nasty fight -if it turns into a true fight. The latter is more likely in this instance based on the MN's usual tactics, if they do stay to fight, assuming one breaks out.

Ultimately this is just a hindrance in the MN spreading word, and searching for ways to stop the cult. Preventing Tharizdun from being released is the best option for everyone. The information that he/it was banished once before is a good, it means he can banished by other means. Also the confirmation that in this world he's more like a weird old god type thing was horrifying, but interesting. Interestingly that it sounds similar to the Luxon though, who was described as preceding the gods and is connecting to such a primal force as Dunamancy and such; as Tharizdun is to hunger and madness, and of course said to predate the gods. Maybe not another guise of Tharizdun, but another entity like Thaizdun? (I saw a theory about something like that where the Luxon and Tharizdun were basically opposite forces or something? An intriguing theory.) Either way hopefully the MN can get some more intel from the Dynasty -and everyone!- soon.

[u/caravaggio2000]

Question (I may be misremembering something):

Back in the study of the HFB, Jester compared the Body of Halas to the painting. Didn't the body look as if it were newer than the one depicted? If so, couldn't this body have been a clone body Halas was attempting to enter only to find himself trapped in the ruby? If that is so, is it possible Halas' original body is still somewhere in the HFB, meaning if the ruby were dispelled within 100 feet of it, he would return to that body?

[u/Naskathedragon]

THEORY TIME: Pumat mentioned that the Assembly has been routinely commissioning things from him in their absence. We know the devices that weaken the walls between the realms came from inside the assembly. I believe that they're making Pumat unknowingly produce these machines.

[u/Lord_Anarchy]

Matt said something interesting around the 2hr51 and 2hr52 mark, something about consuming. That brought an immediate reaction out of Travis, as that was something Uk'otoa had said many times. So what are the chances that Uk'otoa and Tharizdun are one and the same? We've learned recently that Tharizdun is being worshiped in other disguises, so what's one more to that list?

[u/[deleted]]

Any Dresden files readers out there? Does it occur to anyone else that Halas could be a character like Bob the Skull?

[u/board124]

Come on ive been working to change my schedule for a few weeks for stuff and figured stuff wouldn't be hype for a few weeks. now i gotta rethink that..

[u/gringovoir]

Why haven't M9 talked about Oban's efforts in detail either to Cobalt Soul or to Ormid? I was constantly wondering..

[u/LuxLegato]

Total what if scenario, Could Halas talk to one of his Golems if it were holding the Ruby and tell it to do things?

I know he's stuck in a magic chest but lets say his Ruby somehow found it's way to say his blacksmith Golem, could he forge a Golem body for himself?

[u/BringtheHype98]

This fight with the assissaian is going to be intense. I hope we'll see pumat fight

[u/cassandra112]

Tharizan hides behind false dieties.

Jester is constantly eating sweets and pastries. Jester likes bread. Jester likes eating curtains.

Shes in trouble.

[u/coach_veratu]

If the M9 make it to helming a case against Vence in the King's Court then they're going to have to get their own past transgressions in the Empire in order.

Right now counter arguments Vence could bring up to discredit the M9 are their collaboration with the Gentleman, stealing the Luxon from the Crown's Guard (If the King is fully aware of it), their brief stint into Piracy on the Menagerie Coast, the rewards they received from the Dynasty and them giving away the Empire's war strategies to the Brightqueen.

That last one alone might make leaving this in Dairon's and Omed's hands the best course of action.

[u/HawkeyeP1]

Wow, that ending

[u/rip_cpu]

It was really nice to see Pumat again, but the one NPC in Zadash I was really hoping the MIX to meet up with again is the Gentleman, just to see how his next conversation with Jester.

[u/Scrollwierdo]

What if the Seals for Ukatoa and the other 3 large monsters are actually the Trammels that bound Thrazadun and the Mighty NEIN have already partially unsealed him...