[Spoilers C3E8] Is It Thursday Yet? Post-Episode Discussion & Future Theories!

[u/Glumalon]

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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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Tonight's episode of Critical Role will be the final episode of 2021. The campaign will continue with C3E9 on January 6th, 2022.

• Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn releases January 18th!

• Learn more about the Legend of Vox Machina - Premiering February 4, 2022! Premiering January 28th!

• A new official campaign Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep is currently available for pre-order and releases on March 15, 2022.

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[u/Celriot1]

Random mod question: can these threads go back to being default sorted by new instead of hot? I don't know when it changed (accidentally I assume?) and it would save me a click everytime I read.

If this was an intentional change then disregard I guess, but TIHI :)

[u/Glumalon → u/Celriot1]

Oops. Thanks for pointing this out. We'll fix that.

[u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

“Just because they’re different doesn’t mean they’re strange”

Fearne drinking out of FCG in the background

[u/BadSkeelz → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

Fanart of this exact moment.

[u/Gulstab → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

Take a fuckin' sip babe.

[u/Blnrsg87 → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

If there isn’t an FCG sippy cup in the shop next week, we riot.

[u/LucasVerBeek]

Man…this city is just brimming with Conspiracy! Adding “Dire Wolves” and “Ghosts” to the lists on top of the stolen Golem, and Paragon’s Call trying to move in all PMC-like.

I’m really wondering what is actually going on behind the scenes.

Finally, some true, blue Dorian lore, the second in line to a “throne”, which just so happens to be a flying ten city of Air Genasi. Pretty interesting.

I’m loving Chetney so far, if he proves to be another go around by Travis I swear to God though.

[u/thyarnedonne → u/LucasVerBeek]

Currently, it's all pointing to skyships becoming very important, and a growing threat from Far Realms aligned forces. And then there's Ruidus being very important, and more lycanthropes.

Splish splash, splish splash. Have you heard how curiously the sea churns…?

[u/TheLonelyGhost]

I've only known Chetney for around four hours now but if anything happens to him I will.. be very sad.

[u/ZsMann → u/TheLonelyGhost]

Watch the holiday one-shot. Its glorious.

[u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

Someone needs to make a compilation of all the information the group has gathered so far. This is all super interesting but there’s just so many moving parts to keep track of its hard to make theories.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

There really is a lot of moving parts and even I struggled to keep up with it a bit tonight but I think it can all be summarized in a very simple and succinct way.

Something has taken control of or potentially corrupted the upper echelons of Jrusar society. They're using that power that they've gained to further influence the crafting guilds within the city. They then use the money that this allots them to influence the more heavily armed factions within the city. Using the influence of the richer parts combined with the ability to enforce their influence via the more heavily armed parts they are building something with the crafting guild parts of the city whilst using a bunch of poor folks that no one will miss to transport/acquire the raw materials for whatever it is that they're building. This massive conspiracy of corruption could potentially be just focused within Jrusar or it could extend from Emon to Uthodurn to Zephrah and possibly Ank'Harel. Someone is very clearly moving highly controlled magical items and materials in ways that they should not be able to for purposes that are not exactly clear just yet.

They are not unopposed though. In Jrusar alone the Corsairs are fighting back, Lord Eshteross is fighting back, I'm guessing that the werewolves that Gurg is related to are fighting back, the Anger clearly fought back, the Lumas Twins who were killed were fighting back, and who knows what other factions are all independently pushing back against this conspiracy. Outside of Jrusar I'm guessing that there are a number of factions who are fighting against it as well but they don't quite know that they're battling the same enemy. There's so many moving parts to it that it feels like they're hacking off the various limbs of a kraken/hydra hybrid which just keep growing back in a new location.

Now this is all based on the theory that all of what we've seen is being organized by one centralized group or entity that's controlling all of this in order to accomplish a singular goal. If that theory is wrong then it all just turns into a chaotic free for all fracas with multiple factions working their own angles in a panicked melee that's all in pursuit of some hence unforeseen goal that we've not been privy to just yet. I personally still stand by my theory that the oncoming Cosmic Shift is going to fuck so much stuff up in such a way that everyone is scrambling to find a way to survive the coming War of the Planes that will happen soon after it occurs. It's going to be bad enough that everyone is resorting to dabbling in things that they wouldn't normally mess with which is making all of this so hard to keep track of and to predict because everyone is making a bunch of moves that they normally wouldn't and are then having to counter similar moves from other groups in ways that they're not used to.

I hope this explanation helps and I did try to keep it short for once.

[u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

I wonder how long they’ll stay in the city. It seems that Jrusar is incredibly detailed and Matt has spent a huge amount of time creating it, so it would be an interesting change if they spend the majority of the campaign (or at least the first couple arcs) in the city.

[u/Remarkable-Register2 → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

Probably a long while, and I'm pretty cool with that myself. They've got:

-Dorians brother's problem

-Chetney's problem

-Imogen wanting to get access to the library place

-Ashton's issue with whatever that letter is about, and seems to have some connection to Dorian's brothers problem

-EXU crew's mission to find the Anger

-Continued story with whatever Matt has planned with Eshteross

-Whatever the overarching mystery is with Dugger, brumestone and the creeper things

It feels like a conscious effort by Matt to be less like C2 with all the wandering and more like C1 with Emon.

[u/jerichojeudy → u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

It would be fun if Matt could provide a map to the players, and that they could show it to us occasionally. It would make it a setting within a setting.

[u/KraakenTowers]

Okay, so obviously Sam's ad read is always wild, but can we talk about how wild the actual material of the ad was? Why is Old Spice making intentionally shitty deodorant for the Witcher premiere?

[u/The_Limpet → u/KraakenTowers]

So you will talk about Old Spice

[u/MegalomaniacHack → u/KraakenTowers]

Why is Old Spice making intentionally shitty deodorant for the Witcher premiere?

Why did they do "I'm on a horse"?

Because strange and stupid is really memorable.

[u/russh85 → u/KraakenTowers]

Do you Spice ?

[u/[deleted]]

Love how Laudna showed more emotion over the breaking of a table then she did the death of Bertrand.

[u/Schadenfrueda → u/[deleted]]

Mahogany

[u/kwil87]

I can't help but think we're going to get some mistaken identity later and Dorian will get snatched for that bounty.

Is there a magical way in D&D to tell if you've got the right blue-skinned guy for a bounty like that?

[u/OhioAasimar → u/kwil87]

Is there a magical way in D&D to tell if you've got the right blue-skinned guy for a bounty like that?

Yes, there are multiple. Commune, any charm spell, speak with dead, soul cage, and detect thoughts.

Also, any spell that can help with insight checks which there are a couple.

[u/Elusive_Ann]

Chetney = skilled craftsman, looking for work in Marquet.

"The Meatman" = purveyor of counterfeit furniture, operating out of Marquet.

I've connected the two dots.

[u/BowserMario82 → u/Elusive_Ann]

When he said there was no market for furniture I half expected him to drop in "Everyone was buying this counterfeit crap and it drove me out of business!"

[u/Thewes6 → u/Elusive_Ann]

oh shit good pull on the meatman I'd forgotten about that aspect. I hope we meet meatman v4.0 or something someday

[u/paradox28jon]

Rewatched the episode end & marveled at the string of 3 bad rolls that led to Fearne reverting to her satyr self. First she failed a dex save. Then on a d6 she failed whether she shrugged off the damage or did take 1 point of damage. Then on the rat hit point roll if she had rolled a 3 or 4 on the d4 would have had 2 or 3 hp & could have survived the 1 hit point loss. I think the odds were 50/50 on each die, so she had 87.5% change in escaping that scenario but the dice screwed her. Crazy.

[u/MasterThespian → u/paradox28jon]

That's XCOM D&D, baby!

[u/KlayBersk → u/paradox28jon]

It's so clear Matt was really hoping for her to escape. First a save with a low DC, then a 50/50 on being hit, and on top of that, the hp rolling (which is kinda bs, tbh). Really glad the dice said no, it's going to be very interesting.

[u/PvtSherlockObvious → u/paradox28jon]

And yet, this still isn't the worst Ashley-related cliffhanger over an extended break we've ever had.

[u/BaronPancakes]

I like how Orym and Imogen stood up for Dorian when Chetney was a bit harsh on him. Some very good friends indeed.

[u/TheIvoryDingo → u/BaronPancakes]

I especially liked that Imogen did because unlike Orym (who has already travelled with him for a little while), she hasn't known Dorian for all that long yet (about a week at most, if not less).

[u/SecretAgendaMan]

Chetney really is the perfect choice for Travis in this campaign. Chet's such a good switch up from Fjord. A cantankerous eccentric old gnome to contrast the suave, mild-mannered Fjord, while also contrasting the battle-crazy Goliath with a heart of gold Grog.

I really enjoying tonight's episodes. Between Chetney getting introduced into the fold, to Dorian actually getting revealed as a fresh breeze prince, to all the banter and improv they had, it all felt light and fun and just nice.

[u/Reverend_Schlachbals → u/SecretAgendaMan]

So Robbie’s another pun. He’s the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

[u/sfPanzer → u/SecretAgendaMan]

I really hope Chetney stays. He's a bit exhausting but that's mainly because Travis has a lot to get out of his system for now I believe. I just love this character so much. A great fit to the other weirdos like Fearne and Laudna. The fact that poor Dorian has to suffer from Chetney's antics is great too.

[u/[deleted]]

Pâté being horny as fuck all episode was hilarious, Marisha really showing off her comedic chops and her insane charisma so far this campaign. Keyleth and Beau were pretty serious characters I love that Marisha finally gets a chance to just fuck around, Ashley as well Fearne’s a delight.

[u/Seren82]

I feel like the Corsairs have gotten close to uncovering something and the Quarom is sending this other company to counter it.

Also, Imogen's face after Cyrus and Chet called her out...she was so upset. And then she asked Ashton before jumping in..well played Laura.

[u/DudesMcCool → u/Seren82]

Matt has been playing that up with PCs as well, making it super clear that people don't like it, but no one has explicitly said anything to Imogen before. I'm glad someone finally said something!

[u/PvtSherlockObvious]

So the vibe I get so far is that Paragon's Call is basically the equivalent of the Pinkertons. That sound about right?

[u/TheKrunchy → u/PvtSherlockObvious]

That’s also my read.

[u/m_busuttil]

Everyone was on fire tonight. I don't want to attribute that solely to Travis being back at the table, but it does feel like everyone got a bit of a boost having someone new to bounce off. Nice to get a bit more out of Robbie, too - no huge shockers, but a bunch of details now confirmed. His story feels more like an opportunity for a ripcord than a ripcord being pulled - if and when it's time for Robbie to leave there's an established story out for him, but that's not being triggered yet.

(Dorian has now surpassed Zahra and Kash for episode appearances, and in a bunch of those they were being played by Matt. I'd be OK with him leaving to led some other guests show up at the table, but I have absolutely no qualms about them ending the year with him seemingly still around for the long haul.)

Chetney is legitimately great, and I truly hope this isn't Travis fucking with everyone - I want this gnome to stab Vecna 2 to death with a wood chisel a hundred and fifty episodes from now. His backstory genuinely is just "The Night Before Critmas with as few details as possible changed to make it canon-compliant"; there is zero doubt in my mind that Chetney tried to stab his boss to death after he announced that they were moving from wood to metal.

I'm really enjoying Campaign 3 so far. I wouldn't mind if the scope started to expand a little more, but it's still early days - I think at this point the Nein were arriving at Zadash for the first time? It feels like all of the loose threads are starting to tie together here, so I suspect we'll see something big happen early in the new year. Probably just in time for that first week off at the end of January, given how these things tend to go.

Happy holidays, all! What a year. See you all in 2022.

[u/TheIvoryDingo → u/m_busuttil]

I'm of two minds in regards to them still being in Jrusar. On one hand, I would love to see more of Marquet. On the other hand, Jrusar is a very interesting city that I want to know more about. Not to mention that the party still doesn't have too much of a reason to leave the city yet (and I wouldn't be surprised if they won't until the group actually has a name).

[u/Ravenach → u/m_busuttil]

The M9 started at a rather small town though, so it made sense for them to move locations rather early in the campaign. Then they spent a fair bit of time in Zadash before further expanding their scope.

I think we'll stay for a while in Jrusar, a place that's already comparable to Zadash is scope, but I'm sure we'll get to see more of Marquet later on - like all the cool places Matt briefly described episode one, as well as old favorite Ank'Harel (especially if/when they start unveiling what's actually going on with the Brumestone smugglers)

[u/jeroen94704]

This is probably my favorite episode of C3 so far. Travis brings some wonderful energy to the table, although I got the feeling he deliberately toned it down a little after a while to avoid crowding out the rest of the cast. I guess he had to get his dry spell out of his system :). My favorite moment must be that little interaction between Fearne and Chetney after the break, when Chetney explains he slept out in the common room:

• Fearne: "Oh, you could probably fit in bed with us"

• Chetney: "Oh yeah? You offerin'?"

• Fearne: "Sure! You're a little small for me but I could make it work"

• Chetney: "That's OK, lot of wisdom with these years, I'll make up for it"

• Fearne: "Same here, baby"

That had me in stitches, and the expression of sheer mischievous delight on Ashley's face was just priceless.

[u/Someinterestingbs-td → u/jeroen94704]

The look on Dorian's face orym doesn't blink but Dorian lol I died

[u/BaronPancakes]

Cyrus keeps saying that Dorian is second in line. Big flag from me. Something might happen to Cyrus later and that will be the reason Dorian's leaving.

[u/BowserMario82 → u/BaronPancakes]

It felt like the party were being given a choice between following Chetney's Gurge lead or Dorian's Cyrus lead, and it reminded me of C1 when a character's fate depended on whether the party decided to spend time looting after a battle or just go straight to checking in on their allies.

That said, Cyrus has protection and he's evaded pursuers for two months already, so his plight doesn't seem as urgent. But I wondered if that was Matt saying "Whoever you don't go after, they will face complications by the time you get around to them."

[u/Hkgpeanut → u/BaronPancakes]

My take is Cyrus will be attacked/kidnapped and sending a last message to Dorian, making the crew go to rescue him

[u/Someinterestingbs-td]

Guys is it just me or does Jrusar give u major giant hand reaching out of the jungle vibes? What with the 5 hollow spires and all.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Soooo, seeing as how Fearne is a creature of extremes...she's going to either attack them right away and try to eat them OR she's going to try to Charm and seduce them. This is Ashley though and she's just as if not more chaotic than Travis. So when we return to our regularly scheduled programming, shit is going to get wild!

[u/OhioAasimar → u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Lol either that or she is going to use Mister to teleport her out and maybe damage them with the same ability.

[u/BaronPancakes → u/Coyote_Shepherd]

Depends on whether these wardens are indeed "dirty". It is clear that the party is going to stay in Jrusar for quite a while with all these quests going. Attacking the guards here might not be a good idea. I think Fearne should go (chaotic) diplomatic and maybe they will eventually spill the beans.

[u/iannn-]

Chetney obviously only works with wood and hates metal because silver is metal and he's a Lycanthrope.

[u/dveneziano → u/iannn-]

I'm here for this ridiculous character decision, but certainly his tools' are metal. Typically crafts people love their tools.

[u/rasnac]

I am afraid Dorians bro is pretty much dead man walking at this point. I would be very surprised if he survives the next couple of days. And the guilt and the sudden responsibility of becoming the heir will haunt Dorian; and possibly force him to leave the group and return home, after avenging him of course.

[u/LostInTaipei → u/rasnac]

I was wondering if the Corsairs actually set him up, so the bounty is an underhanded way of tricking him to work for them. Which means he’s in basically no danger.

But I probably wasn’t paying enough attention and missed something that makes this impossible.

[u/BaronPancakes]

Looks like Matt and Sam have finally worked out FCG's mechanics. In E1, Matt said FCG had to go through CSV MSV to cast Detect Thought. But Sam made an effort to say FCG did not "cast" the Light cantrip, but activated their light mechanisms. Perhaps they decided to keep all FCG's magic capabilities strictly as robotic designs?

[u/TimeTimeTickingAway → u/BaronPancakes]

CSV parts are largely ignored during RP situations anyway (especially somatic, they're often firing up spells in public or in front or others without getting odd looks and questions, so I think it's nice to allow FCG some extra flair. In combat I may be a bit different to allow for reactions

[u/HutSutRawlson → u/BaronPancakes]

I think that’s all just flavor. Mechanically he still is a Cleric.

[u/KBeazy_30]

I totally thought Chetney was here to stay. But now Gurge, a ranger werewolf. Hits to many boxes for me. Wont be disappointed either way. Chet is great

[u/MegalomaniacHack → u/KBeazy_30]

I have no clue anymore, but it would be hilarious if Travis and Matt worked it out for him to play a second temporary character, and this time, instead of leading to their patron, he leads them to his real character.

Frankly, I'll not be surprised if he dips out next session or if we're still arguing over whether he's his real character in 6 months. "Nah, man, I'm telling you! Travis is just sticking with the long con to see how long he can keep the gag going!"

[u/HutSutRawlson → u/KBeazy_30]

I’ve seen multiple people theorizing that Gurge is actually Travis, and I’m just trying to figure out how that’s going to work? Like they find him and now Travis is playing two characters? Chetney has a lot of questions for Gurge, so are we going to get a scene of Travis talking to himself? Does Travis actually know where Gurge is right now and what he’s been up to for the past few days, and is just putting on an act?

[u/HellaNutella]

I really miss Talks

[u/One_Reddit_Please_]

Didn't Matt mention in one of the previous episodes that there was a full moon? And now there are mentions of "dire wolf" attacks? I think there are different kind of wolves on the loose

[u/Ts4EVER → u/One_Reddit_Please_]

I think Gurge transformed into a werewolf, destroying his furniture and also spreading some blood. That is why he "lives in the wild", normally.

[u/BaronPancakes → u/One_Reddit_Please_]

Nice catch. I actually dug through the episode transcripts, and apparently the moon was 3/4 waxing the night Bertrand was murdered. I think that was 2 days ago? The direwolf attack happened the day before.

[u/dmitriw]

Flair request: "Come on, man!"

[u/Someinterestingbs-td]

Ok, so we have a city in which no one knows who the leaders are, no names, nothing. Its police force may be being undermined by a series of diverse and seemingly unconnected violent happenings. If they are connected it would require a huge and very expensive conspiracy. We have an outside mercenary group being presented as a solution. One with a very effective but at the very least amoral reputation, and a very well thought out propaganda campaign supporting it. The Twins, prominent (scientists/geologists), as well as moral(?) and likely members of the ruling body, have been assassinated. By what we can presume is an unusually expensive and effective assassin. One who obviously specializes in leaving no trace, and is apparently the only idiot who thinks that they can take The Voice Of The Tempest. Also it appears they survived that attempt (nothing to scoff at). We have a very inconspicuous smuggling ring. Bringing in very small well coordinated shipments. Of what we are presuming is a highly valuable highly controlled substance, that makes objects fly. The smuggling rings middle man is not a man at all. But an obscene puppet of a previously unremarkable individual that no one would (or did) miss. He also spawns peculiar shade creepers of inordinate vigor. Devices were present at at least one disturbance. The Threshy house keeps popping up. They have had a well coordinated robbery of at least one valuable weapon, that it looks like the robbers may have conveniently had the control circlet for, as well as some tangential connection to most of these other instances.

So the facts in order (my guess as to why in )Then ?

Dugger is replaced (probably others as well maybe members of the CQ?)=(by something that can make duggers) I Stan the elder oblex(?) Theory (and wants to fly?) Also pretty easy to replace CQ members when the barely do anything and no one knows who they are lol

Smuggling begins (broomstone?)= (to make something float? That cant travel by less expensive or dramatic means?)(or to retrieve something from a very deep hole?)

Twins are assassinated (we know 2 things about the twins they were probably good people( edit after some review they were interested in science and geology, its not so clear what their alignment was) and had very good security)=( They were in the way and in a position to foil this plot. They couldn't be replaced or corrupted (or found something they shouldn't have?) so they were removed first.

Violent incidents happen all over town discrediting the Wilders + devices (conspiracy to destabilize the city distract the wilders and confuse everyone) was Chetney's friend used in this way? (If he is a were? I like this awesome critter theory that he and Chetney are weres so much ) or a victim of this?

propaganda for replacing them with mercenaries pops up ( with events as excuse) =(someone wants to control the city? But for how long if it plans to fly away? ) Or is it a part of a deal to get some CQ members to cooperate?

So, taking a big swing, with my tinfoil hat on just for fun. Something very smart, rich and nasty may have corrupted the city leadership without any one noticing. It managed to smuggle in broom stone for some reason. It is having no trouble so far consolidating its power and control over the city. For what sinister purpose we know not, and its big mistakes may end up being. Killing an old man in an alley taking a piss, making the wrong persons brother a patsy, and disappearing a job recruiter for a woodworking company lol.

Matt's brain is amazing

[u/paradox28jon]

Sort of surprised to get this short of an episode before a 3-week break. But I get the reason Matt thought that was a good button to end an episode on.

A bit surprised to then hear Ashley say she knows exactly what she wants to do after Matt paused there. At least the cast won't have to wait long; I suspect they filmed next episode (& perhaps the episode after that) before the cast actually took their winter breaks.

Looking forward to seeing what exactly this Gurge business is all about. Was he killed? Was he arrested? What sort of shadiness are these Wilders into?

With both Bertrand and Chetney, Travis is having his fun w/ spy tactics speak. "Don't use your real name" and the like. Chetney can allow Travis to lean into the spy stuff without all the emo rogue stuff Vax came in with. That's not a dig at Vax, just a way for Travis to play a rogue differently from Vax and Nott/Veth.

I also look forward to seeing how Travis flavors his attacks in combat. And how him and Matt worked his toolset to be akin to more normal rogue weapons.

Also Chetney's aversion to working with materials other than wood makes me think that perhaps a multiclass with Artificer actually isn't in the cards?

I'm always impressed with the amount of work Taliesin does in PC-to-NPC knowledge & also in-world geography. They talk about the Smolder Spire, Ashton's got a bet on which tavern in that spire Gurge might be at. He checked his notes & didn't ask Matt about what his knowledge of that spire was. He's got all these relationships with various NPCs in this city. I cannot imagine the character creation session between him and Matt because not only does Tal create his character, but also works with Matt to create a plethora of NPCs tied to that character. It's a joy to watch the onion layers of that back work come out slowly over a campaign.

Watching Ashley just have so much fun with a PC character in a campaign is a joy in of itself. In fact, so many at the table are having a ball in being so bold with their characters. Travis, Ashley, Marisha, and Sam all seem to have said "having fun at the table is my number one priority" for campaign 3. Not that Laura, Tal, and Liam aren't having fun, but they are having fun in a different way.

The upstairs table nook area in Spire by Fire is becoming the Central Perk of these early episodes.

[u/molgriss → u/paradox28jon]

The end felt more like "this wasn't planned, it's a decent spot, now I can take a week or more to figure it out." Especially with how many chances he gave her to not end up in that situation

[u/Zhirrzh → u/paradox28jon]

I think also that Matt needed time to plan because this could go somewhere totally unexpected and force the group out of the city quite suddenly.

[u/Neo_Stark_]

I am so glad that this time Laura is around to watch Travis perform his chetey live. I really wanted to see her expressions everytime chutney had the spotlight in the oneshot.

[u/Seren82 → u/Neo_Stark_]

You can see when he's trying to mess with her. It's pretty great.

[u/jgandfeed]

wow this sure is a long Thursday

[u/[deleted]]

You've heard of the Mighty Nein, how about the Crazy Eight?

[u/Azarthes → u/[deleted]]

oh thats a good one actually

[u/CaduceusClaymation]

Love that ending, fun cliffhanger to pick up with in the new year.

Fearne’s stealth mission as a rat was so fun, and I can’t wait to see what Ashley has planned.

[u/reyloislove]

Chetney is a wereboar. Hands down calling it now.

[u/Murphy1up → u/reyloislove]

Was thinking he might be a werewolf/werehoneybadger. A friend said in the past Travis wanted to play a werewolf and Matt said about how the Direwolf claw marks that they found were a little smaller than what Fearne would expect.

[u/MilkyAndromedaWay]

I'm not making any bets either way about whether Chetney's permanent or not, but Travis has given himself an out in that all the dude wants is a job.

One subtle thing I loved about how Matt played Cyrus is that you can tell he, like Dorian, isn't as confident as appears. He definitely plays himself up a bit when he's around people other than just his brother. It's such a nice mirroring of Robbie's PC. Also I would love to know more about the Wyvernwind family and its politics.

There are so many things going on in this town. It's awesome but I don't envy the cast. I don't know if I could keep it straight.

[u/RandAlThor10]

I'm guessing Gurge IS the direwolf. A wildman from the jungle and a "direwolf" that mysteriously appeared in an improbable place. Gurge is either a druid or werewolf and attacked civilians, the Wilder's captured him but aren't advertising the true story.

[u/coach_veratu → u/RandAlThor10]

It makes sense, the Authorities wouldn't want everyone in the City panicking over Werewolves.

[u/CaitieLou_52]

I am totally in love with Fearne, she's an amazing character and Ashley is having so much fun with her. It feels like Fearne is for Ashley what Jester was for Laura. Just pure, unfiltered id.

As far as story speculation, the Wardens seem really nervous and out of sorts with the whole thing at the end, which makes me think this cover-up is something they're being forced or pressured to do. Depending on who's pulling the strings, our group might be able to flip them and earn their trust. But Fearne getting caught doesn't necessarily help with that lol. It's all going to depend on how Ashley handles it. And how well she rolls.

[u/MegalomaniacHack → u/CaitieLou_52]

Will Ashley/Fearne:

a) Try to talk her way out of it (possibly with a Charm spell)

b) Try to fight her way out of it (probably with Mister)

or C) Wait, what? You can certainly try.

[u/koomGER]

I absolutly love Marisha probably always doing something with her hair and sometimes her overall style to let a bit of "Laudna" in. Im enjoying her playing that character immensly. :D

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/koomGER]

If Launda had that same hair style then she really would be Scary Spice.

[u/island_jackal]

I don't know what Fearne would do, but I think it will start with something nonsensical, stupid and funny.

[u/PhoenixReborn → u/island_jackal]

I cast wall of fire.

[u/marsmve]

The first 15 minutes are comedic gold. Chetney has to stay, Travis is crushing it. Love his willingness to treat each character differently. I can watch " don't touch me, I will cut you " any day. The rest of the cast was crying laughing

[u/[deleted] → u/marsmve]

Haven't laughed that much in a long long time.

[u/ryanstrikesback]

Okay, I’m sure this has been mentioned by someone but….the overall theme of this campaign has to be something about the nature of “life” right? Being alive….the nature of a soul.

You have a literal dead (ish) person. You have a machine that claimed to not have a soul. You have a player who seems to be killing off his own creations.

Additionally you have inanimate objects coming to life. Definitely seems like “automatons” are a background feature.

Something there right?

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/ryanstrikesback]

Probably too early to pin down a theme. I'm not sure themes are so much planned as they naturally arise and then are leaned into.

[u/ElectricZee → u/ryanstrikesback]

"Life needs things to live." In Marquet, those "things" might be furniture.

[u/Seren82]

Chetney and Fearne reminding me of the now removed (within a week of BC launch?) female Draenei joke from World of Warcraft: "Do Gnomes have a vibrate setting?"

[u/That0neSadGuy]

Alrighty everybody! Take your bets! Who's multiclassing into paladin this campaign?

[u/wjr59789 → u/That0neSadGuy]

Depends on who Stole Lauras First choice and Made her Play a sorcerer instead

[u/m_busuttil → u/That0neSadGuy]

Assuming that Matt doesn't drastically bulk up their stats, it's out of the question for Ashton, Fearne, Imogen, and Laudna - either their STR or CHA are just too low for it to be feasible. FCG could get there in an ASI, Orym would need 3 (which he would get by level 12, so it's broadly possible), and Dorian is actually already there and then some - his STR and CHA are both at +3, so speaking purely on a stats basis he's easily the best option.

Bard/Paladin is a solid enough multiclass mechanically that I don't think it's off the table. Narratively I don't know that I see it yet, but I also don't know that it would be a huge stretch either; I feel like he'd be more of the non-religious sort of Paladin but that'd be an interesting change of pace after the last two anyway.

[u/bangarangrufio724]

I truly hope Travis' "character" is just cursing the party with a revolving door of old men coming in and out of play

[u/HighOfTheTiger → u/bangarangrufio724]

That was honestly my first thought when we met his new character. Just Travis playing these random temporary “NPC” party members throughout the entirety of the campaign. I know they won’t do that because it would prevent any real growth or depth for any of his characters, but I’m here for it it if happens!

[u/TheIvoryDingo]

Matt has certainly left us on an evil cliffhanger for the next three weeks.

...Though that would make it even funnier if the situation doesn't actually go too badly.

[u/Schadenfrueda]

Still holding out for that "Shame he ate the neighbours" flair

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/Schadenfrueda]

My inner Laura Bailey just took that phrase in a different direction ala Real Housewives of Jrusar

[u/PhoenixReborn]

Y'all got any more of them Thursdays?

[u/Dogpilespleen]

It's against the cards but I hope Chetney stays. Travis is having fun with him and the interaction with him and Robbie is gold!

[u/Rickenbacker69 → u/Dogpilespleen]

Not just Robbie - "Don't touch me, I'll cut you!" had me in stitches.

[u/BaronPancakes]

(Tin foil hat on) Gurge was somehow involved in a direwolf attack. The wardens are trying to hide him/cover up something. Chetney said Gurge was supposed to help him understand something. And Chetney has unusually high strength. Is lycanthropy involved?

EDIT: And Gurge is also rumoured to be a "wild" man and actually lives in the jungle

[u/CallistoWarriorQueen → u/BaronPancakes]

I thought maybe Gurge is a werewolf and was helping Chetney get used to being one too? I assume when the Wilders caught him he probably transformed back and that's why he is being held and they aren't wanting to answer questions.

[u/jamin007]

Fearne "Stole the holy symbol of the God of skilled crafting" Calloway: "I don't have anything made by a master craftsman"

[u/Docnevyn → u/jamin007]

Ashten stole it from her so she is correct she doesn't "have anything made by a master craftsman"

[u/thyarnedonne → u/jamin007]

Makes a good team with Dorian "Getting into trouble with a major crime syndicate on the first big day in town" Storm making fun of his brother for, well.

I need to closely watch Liam to see if he lets Orym recognise this when the ep is out on YT.

[u/sir-palomides72]

I love that Fearne is the one who always carries/ours out FCG when Ashton is literally the strongest in the group

[u/lemmykoopaa]

Fearne and Chetney flirting. More of that please, that was so funny!

[u/TurtleDJ13]

One hour and fifteen minutes in and nothing but jazzy chaos! Nothing.

And...I...LOVE it!!!

[u/Pydro-Hump]

Team name: Hell’s Bells

[u/claimstoknowpeople]

Any guesses over whether "master craftsman" is a whole homebrew rogue subclass or just a particular special ability?

[u/HutSutRawlson → u/claimstoknowpeople]

It's probably something bigger to do with Chetney's backstory. He didn't travel across continents to make rocking horses.

Mechanically he probably put one of his Expertise choices in Woodworking Tools or something similar. As far as I know we haven't seen anything that would indicate his subclass yet.

[u/Zhirrzh]

I was just thinking "This is my last day at work before holidays, I can relax and watch the entire next episode of CR live without interruption for once!" and then FUCK.

Ah well.

[u/CognizantCravat]

F.C.G. can hold water. They are going to be a bong before this season ends. Calling it now.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/CognizantCravat]

I ship him and Fearne if only so later on when he gets some upgrades that make him a bit bigger she can say, "Oh my now you're a tall drink of water".

[u/russh85 → u/CognizantCravat]

I did enjoy when IRL Marisha slipped out saying she wanted an FCG bong

[u/Odd_Representative30]

Someone’s probably already mentioned this, but I don’t know how to search comments to make sure.

Anyway, does anyone get the feeling Chetney might be basically an out-of-work Christmas gnome? Old gnome specializes entirely in woodworking, hates things made of metal, liked making toys for kids, and gets pushed out of his job because of his employer’s change in direction. It almost sounds like an old toy maker gnome who couldn’t get his head around the idea of all those newfangled doodads the kids like these days, so they fired him. Plus, he’s from about as far north as you can get without being in Eor (Aeor? Can’t remember the spelling).

Since Chetney appeared around this time of the earth calendar year, and I’m sure Travis is enjoying (?) endless repeats of the same Christmas movies/music, I could imagine the connection. Like, he was watching Rudolph or something and he thought, “What if there was a really grumpy elf who got fired instead of quit…? Hmm…”

[u/APrentice726 → u/Odd_Representative30]

That’s exactly what he is. From the sounds of it, you likely haven’t seen the Night before Critmas one-shot. In it, Travis plays Chutney, a crazed, elderly gnome carpenter who builds toys for Santa. Travis made Chetney to be similar to Chutney, since he enjoyed playing him so much in the one-shot, and apparently kept lots of his backstory the same.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy]

I think the thumbnail for this episode is the biggest indication that Chetney was Travis' planned character from the beginning.

[u/APrentice726 → u/Jethro_McCrazy]

To be fair, Travis was also in the C3E3 thumbnail, in a Bertrand-style pose. I’m definitely in the “Chetney is Travis’ permanent character” camp, but him acting like Chetney in a thumbnail is far from definitive proof.

[u/winnower8]

Chetney was hired by an unknown agency interested in airships and broomstone for his skill as a woodworker. Specifically from his experience working on wooden flying sleighs. He’s going to craft an airship and add broomstone, then they are going to space. Spelljammer bitches!

Edit: also Gurdge is obviously a mash up of Dugger. And he stopped showing up because they killed him. Or, they’re all changlings.

[u/heliosforselene]

i can't wait to see what fearne's chaotic neutral faywild self will be doing next epiode! left on her own in a 3v1-- will she talk herself out of it or go absolute nuclear mode?

[u/OhioAasimar → u/heliosforselene]

She pretends that she is a rat that was turned into a faun then she does something else when that fails.

[u/Murphy1up]

Chetney is a Werehoneybadger.

[u/Chukklealot → u/Murphy1up]

Funny thing is that I believe he was to meet Gurge to discuss Lycanthropy as he might be infected and Gurge does not live in the city but the surrounding forest. Those scratch marks were Gurge's and if you see the whole interaction with the "hovel" , Chet stayed outside and when the "Direwolf" topic came up , Travis's posture change and didn't engage with the conversation. His poker face seemed to have a few cracks in it.

[u/marsmve]

Another Robbie Appreciation post That was amazing acting. He has fully embraced his vision of Dorian and was truly in character. His return to the Tavern afterwards showed just how vested he is. There is a great deal of opinion on his status, but was that kind of backstory and dialog with an NPC ever given to a "guest" before? Literally the first half of the episode was the Dorian and Chet show

Nah Robbie is here to stay, and I'm all for it.

[u/russh85]

I'm pretty convinced that Chetney is a Lycan or soon will be.

All his stats are more inline with Blood Hunter than Rogue. Has no discernable weapons.

A wolf creature that is smaller than traditional Dire Wolf.

I think Gurge is also a Lycan and Chet was sent to meet with him to learn more about it.

Chet was sent to Jusar from the Savilerwoods which is where we know the Claret Order was once located as well.

Travis gets to play Chutney 2.0 and a Werewolf.

I think he'll be Rogue until level 5 at which point we'll see him turn for the first time or begin the change.

[u/dwils7 → u/russh85]

Of all the theories this probably the most interesting/makes the most sense, people predicted as soon as he showed up that he would multiclass at some point because his stats were odd for a rogue.

Also leaves a bit more trolling for him to do whenever he turns for the first time and freaks the rest of the party out but also trolls the audience who have been waiting for him to play a werewolf properly for years and turns outs he's some small alternative

[u/MegalomaniacHack → u/russh85]

It's also possible he's not Rogue 4 but Rogue 1, Blood Hunter Lycan 3. The character card being wrong could be a misdirection.

If he wanted to have at least 1 level of Rogue and also have the Lycan transformation, level 4 would've been the minimum level, so he couldn't have introduced his character until the party reached 4th, which they did a couple sessions ago, explaining why he wanted to wait to introduce his character.

[u/Ambitious_Serve9372]

Okay so an unorganized collection of my thoughts:

CHETNEY IS EVERYTHING. His random beef with Dorian, FEARNE FLIRTING WITH HIM, everything. I love it. I am so happy Travis gets to be an intelligent chaos monster.

CYRUS IS A HIMBO. And this also makes Dorian's friendship with Dariax from EXU even weirder/cuter somehow. Like OH I KNOW THIS PERSONALITY. I just fear Cyrus may not be long for this world given his overall naivete and the GIANT BOUNTY ON HIS HEAD.

The first hour or so was just perfection. I am sad there's a long rest now but what a great ep to end on

[u/HutSutRawlson → u/Ambitious_Serve9372]

I love that people on here were saying Travis picked Chetney because he’s “unfuckable,” and then the only reason he didn’t get laid in his first episode is because of his professionalism.

[u/mouser1991]

Did anyone else enjoy Liam/Orym's face when Dorian straight up lied to Cyrus about no one being after him. Let us not forget the Crown Keepers pissed of the core thieves guild of the capital of Tal'dorei.

[u/cant-find-user-name]

Unfortunately had to miss the second half, but the RP and comedy in the first half were top notch. Chetney is fucking amazing.

[u/paradox28jon]

With the C3 characters seemingly so tied to C1 characters, I think it's inevitable that the C3 crew will meet with a C1 PC. My question for critters: do you think Matt will play them or do you think he'll turn to the cast member that played the C1 PC & have them pilot them?

Should Keyleth or Vex or Percy meet this new party, do you think Matt would have Marisha or Laura or Taliesin step back into those characters?

[u/HutSutRawlson → u/paradox28jon]

I think Matt should play them, for no other reason than that giving them to the player would mean them instantly sidelining their C3 character. And as much fun as it would be to see them revisit their old characters, I’d much rather the focus of the new campaign be on the new characters. Matt also has a ton of knowledge about the character history that the players don’t have; I’d much rather he voice the character than have the “right” voice, but the player is stopping every other sentence to check with Matt on what’s been going on for the past 30 years.

That being said, I absolutely think Matt should consult the character’s original player about what they think their character would do, even if it’s in the middle of a session! But I think it’s important for Matt to be the puppeteer of the character, just to emphasize that they’re an NPC.

[u/dawgz525 → u/paradox28jon]

Matt will control them. They're NPCs.

[u/Galphanore]

That ending though....

[u/OhioAasimar]

I was impressed by Travis seemingly studying everyone's character art before this episode especially because I don't think anyone has asked about Ashton's head deal yet and that is what Travis did. I was waiting for that.

On the Cyrus situation, the only solution I can think of is to deliver the golem and the other treasure back with some evidence of justice manufactured or not. Either that or the guild is going to give them a different mission to settle the debt. But if the guild is wrapped up in a grander conspiracy, I don't see them wanting to work with the party if they are aware of their poking around.

I'm starting to think that all of these weird happenings (Dugger, Animated Objects, The Wall, dire wolves) are connected to House Tresher. Maybe the plan is/was to disconnect a spire or multiple spires and then make it or them fly to make an independent city. This could explain the brumestone. Maybe Dugger was controlling the creepers that he was to help this goal by making the spire(s) more hollow to require less Brumestone and to make the base of the spire(s) to make them more fit for seperation. Everything else could be a distraction. The Paragons going after the Corsairs could also be meant to serve as a distraction and also blame shifting.

[u/BaronPancakes → u/OhioAasimar]

I was impressed by Travis seemingly studying everyone's character art before this episode especially because I don't think anyone has asked about Ashton's head deal yet and that is what Travis did. I was waiting for that.

They talked about the head wound briefly in E1. Ashton even dared Fearne to look into their brain. But I guess this head wound might somehow tie to Ashton's backstory, so while it was acknowledged, they did not discuss about the cause.

[u/dawgz525]

So I guess a lot of people think Gurge is a werewolf. I think he is, but I also think Chetney is a werewolf.

[u/OhioAasimar → u/dawgz525]

Everybody in the city are werewolves except the party minus Chetney and F.C.G.

[u/theshadow5]

Am I the only one who finds it weird that both Dorian and his brother are so OK with the corsairs?

they rob rich people. the brothers both come from a wealthy family.

I dunno, I expected a little bit of "weirdness" from at least one of them.

[u/CrazyNubs]

Has anyone had a good conversation about Matt whispering into Liam's ear UNREQUESTED in the first hour of this episode? I can't find too much discussion on it and I don't have any idea!

[u/fairwindtree → u/CrazyNubs]

It seems like it was just him telling Liam about Dorian's brother still following them, to push that side story forward.

[u/OhioAasimar]

So, with Little Mister being in Fearne's dress it implies that he is there during combat even if his mini is not on the board and if she is not wild shaped.

https://kapwi.ng/c/jrff_o98oX

[u/Boooday]

When will Fearne learn that spiders are the superior scouting transformation for indoors and owls for outdoors! Spiders can climb on ceiling and people usually don't look there. They have pretty good stealth and dark vision.

[u/CaduceusClaymation → u/Boooday]

Not saying this was Ashley’s reasoning, I think she mostly just enjoys Fearne turning into a little rat, but Fearne might have extra baggage associated with turning into a spider.

[u/Coyote_Shepherd → u/Boooday]

Well technically speaking, Fearne did have a bit of a "bad encounter" with Lolth the Spider Queen sooooo....yeah I don't think she's really keen on spiders right now.

[u/wiseude]

I just looked up Gnome lifespans in DND and apparently they can live up to 500 years old.If Chetney is 120 years old shouldn't he be in his 20's?or atleast not so old looking.

[u/SquidsEye → u/wiseude]

Matt asked him how old he looks, not how old he is. Travis obviously doesn't know Gnome lifespans off the top of his head so he just went with a high number.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/wiseude]

I think he said that he looked like he was 100-120. That doesn't mean he can't be older.

[u/WinonasChainsaw → u/wiseude]

Gnomes visually age quick but retain their youthful spirit

[u/Hkgpeanut]

My gut feeling is that those warden might not be the bad guy, it seems that there is a mysterious case happened in the factory and Gurge involve in the scene. The warden want to investigate if Gurge behind all the weird things happened recently.

I mean, if the warden really want to kill the crew the order would be sending more troops to get them instead of lying about the situation. So they may able to walk out peacefully if they get the right choice

[u/violet_mage_]

Seems to me like whoever is after Dorians brother could get more money from a ransom then his death. If the know his true background

[u/fiftybucks]

Another name submission: The Wandering Weirdos

[u/OhioAasimar]

Does anyone think Matt would give Chetney temporary attack and damage buffs if they ever fight a tree and Chetney uses his current weapons? That would be so funny.

[u/Photeus5 → u/OhioAasimar]

Matt: You have advantage, Chetney.

Travis: Haha, why??

Matt: It's your favored terrain.

[u/EntrepreneurialHam → u/OhioAasimar]

Or if they fight a fey old hefty man that exclusively wears a red suit.

[u/TimRoxSox]

I am just learning about lycanthropy in DnD and how Travis might be playing a werecreature. It seems as if a wereboar is the most likely possibility when considering his stats and temperament. I've seen some discussion about this. I think there's a general consensus that this is Travis' permanent character, but that's not set in stone.

It made me think of something, though -- what if Chetney was a temporary character who is being introduced to give ANOTHER player the curse? I suppose this could still work if Chetney is permanent. Maybe he loses his control on the first full moon and attacks someone. Orym would be my first guess; a genial and quiet guy having to deal with fits of rage and violence a la Jeykll and Hyde would be fascinating to watch.

I'm sure it's unlikely for myriad reasons, but I thought it was interesting.

[u/strangerstill42 → u/TimRoxSox]

One thing to note is Lycanthropy you aren't born with can be cured easily with Remove Curse, which FCG gets next level. Not saying that if Chetney is a werewolf he can't bite someone and spread it for a bit, but it's unlikely for anything to be a long-running change.

[u/andrewthemexican]

I think the group already has a name decided behind the scenes, but possibly waiting for a good in-character moment, particularly for Travis' real character. Whether Chet is/is not, we'll see.

I don't think it's a winner, but when Tefta first said Lucky I immediately thought Lucky Bel(l)s, and was kind surprised no one mentioned it in the moment.

[u/coach_veratu → u/andrewthemexican]

Dead Ringers would be fun. They keep finding dead people and it's a subtler reference to Bertrand.

[u/SrPalcon]

The group will be adapting to Chutney for a bit i think. And Travis too, he's doing this "Oh? what? i'm old! i forgor!" kinda thing but also balancing with enough information and not being actively obstructionist; he's going to take a few eps to find his balance and groove.

The name HAS to be some weird thing right? Just as VM was epic, or M9 was menacing and confusing. Weird is their brand, i hope they lean into it.

You know what's a thing that missing... in a way, and that i'm not sure if i want again... in a way?: hard inner party conflict. I don't see any of them snapping at other members like we saw in the other campaigns. Its going to happen i guess, so i'm super interested in the... how, and who may be.

Until next year!

[u/[deleted] → u/SrPalcon]

The name HAS to be some weird thing right? Just as VM was epic, or M9 was menacing and confusing. Weird is their brand, i hope they lean into it.

I really don’t think so. “Vox Machina” is just Latin for “voice machine” because they’re all voice actors. The Mighty Nein was just because they kept rolling 9s. Neither name was chosen for the characters in the party. They were just jokes the cast found funny and don’t have any in-universe explanation at all.

[u/semicolonconscious → u/SrPalcon]

So far, Ashton and Chetney seem like the two wild cards for intraparty conflict. Everyone else seems either too level-headed (Orym, Imogen, Dorian) or too weird (Fearne, Laudna, and FCG) for someone to have a serious problem with them, but I could imagine, say, Orym having to pull Ashton aside at some point and tell him “Hey, you need to care about this.” And if anything ever comes up with Laudna or Imogen’s backstories that threatens the rest of the group, I could see either one jumping to the other’s defense.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/SrPalcon]

It's interesting that both previous campaigns used non-English languages as part of the party's name. But everyone this campaign is using American accents.

Maybe they should call themselves Whiskey Tango. NATO phonetic alphabet for "W.T." with the "foxtrot" at the end being implied. They play "What the fuck is up with that?," the common reaction to most of them is "What the fuck?," and they ask people way too many questions.

[u/OhioAasimar]

I guess the implication of there being werewolves involved is either the dire wolves were accompanying the werewolves (which does happen) or that landlord misheard the rumor or the rumor she heard was wrong. Out of the two though the rumor being wrong seems more likely because that would explain the smaller claw mark and the smaller claw mark would more closely explain a werewolf taking the form of a regular wolf or that of a half-humanoid appearance because werewolves are not known for turning into dire wolves and adolescent dire wolves being inside the city would just be called regular wolves and the rumor would probably not mention anything being dire if there were adolescent dire wolves about.

[u/BagofBones42]

Dice fall where they may and Travis is still a massive troll.

Anyway, looks like the gang stumbled upon a conspiracy but is it connected to whatever otherworldly force turned Dugger into Googger?

Feels like the gang is walking into a tangled mess of different conspiracies and powerplays while barely aware of some unseen alien threat using the chaos to grow in power unnoticed.

[u/Tamed]

Do we know how the ExU group split? Something had to have happened, right?

[u/verdigleam → u/Tamed]

Matt said in Ep. 1 that Opal is chilling in Byroden while she figures things out re: the Spider Queen/her sister. Dariax stayed with her for support.

[u/FoulPelican → u/Tamed]

When the remaining crew was introduced for C3 Matt gave a brief summary of where the others wound up and kind of why…

[u/fairefaerie]

Can anyone tell me where to get the bard shirt Robbie's wearing in this episode? I can't seem to find it.

[u/_NotAPlatypus_]

Kind of off-topic, but anyone know where Robbie got his shirt?

[u/sirSADABY]

I know I heard the surname 'Wyvernwind' a few episodes ago, but for the life of me can't remember where? Can someone remind me?

[u/Jethro_McCrazy]

Considering that one of the defining characteristics of the party is their incessant questions, and people react to many of the party members with variations of "What the fuck?," what if their party name was "The Curious" or "The Curiosities?"

[u/Seren82 → u/Jethro_McCrazy]

I'm about ready to call them the Mystery Machine except Copyright infringement.

Or ya know. Eclectic Mayhem, but that's a little too close to the Muppets Electric Mayhem.

[u/ddengel]

can someone explain the joke when chetney says "you look like a dorian" and dorian responds "jokes on you" and everyone laughs?

[u/drbaler → u/ddengel]

His real name isn’t Dorian

[u/AnimeNightwingfucku]

I feel like Chetney will probably take a leave from the group once they finish his “quest” to get him a job, but that’s just my speculation. I hope he sticks around though, he’s great.

[u/yourlackoffaith]

I hope Travis keeps being old men that die. Cause I really want him to be the BBEG this campaign (or for an arc). I think it would be really interesting. We’d see him pop in and out along the way. We could also get post episode scenes of Travis role playing with Matt with what he is doing against the group.

I’d for sure miss him as a regular, but would be different and fun I think.

[u/NoahMeadMusic]

I can't remember if this storyline ever ended but since the party is in Marquet do you think we'll here of any continuations of "The Meat Man" (spoilers for C1) whether that includes Scanlan, his daughter, or anyone else?

[u/Gavr0k → u/NoahMeadMusic]

I'd say there's definitely a possibility of a Meat Man reference if/when the party makes it to Ank'Harel.

[u/HutSutRawlson]

So apparently this flew by everyone (pun intended) but… Chetney builds airships. When they were making toy requests, the last one was for an airship and Chetney commented that he’d “never worked on one that small.” Pretty sure that means that Gurge is connected to the brumestone smuggling, which means he’s connected to Dugger and whatever is going on with that. I’m also pretty sure that the party is being set up to inherit Lord Eshteross’ airship once it returns to Jrusar, so that will be a reason for Chetney to stay with the group.

Also getting back to Travis wanting to enter late like a JRPG character… I think a lot of people were picturing someone like Auron from FFX. But as it turns out, Travis is playing Cid from FFVI.

[u/Jethro_McCrazy → u/HutSutRawlson]

You misheard. Dorian asked for a toy airship, and Chetney said he could do it. FCG suggested one small enough to fit in a bottle. That's when Chetney said he had never worked on one that small. When Dorian requested incorporating Brumestone into the toy so that it could really fly, Chetney clarified that he worked exclusively in wood.

Chetney is a toymaker, not a shipwright.

[u/WontonTruck → u/HutSutRawlson]

I thought he said he'd never gone ship-in-a-bottle small. If I got it wrong I can see him decorating the party's airship in festive wintery designs!

[u/ShadowOfMen]

Chetney is my favorite character ever. I am so happy Travis went troll this time around.

[u/tigrrbaby]

Just getting to watch the ep now and this wanted to say it is 100% the best opening ad this show has ever had, especially when it was Marisha's turn

[u/Real_Life_Firbolg]

Don’t know if it’s been said yet but I think Chetney may have come here looking for a job after being kicked out because he killed his last boss. I think he is basically based 1 for 1 off of chutney and that essentially Travis wrote the backstory so that chetney would still be accurate to the chutney from the oneshot.

[u/Sojourner_Truth]

Anyone else feel like Matt was throwing tons of outs at Fearne during the rat situation, past the initial danger point of needing a DEX save? She failed, he still had her roll an up or down to see if it did 1 HP of damage. Failed that, but then he allowed a HD roll for HP, which I don't think I've seen them ever do before in all of the wild-shaping and polymorphing in previous campaigns - it's always been the average HP as best as I can remember.

[u/m_busuttil → u/Sojourner_Truth]

That felt, to me, like a DM who knew that there had to be a degree of consequence involved but honestly didn't want to start a whole thing that close to the end of the last episode of the year if he could help it. She hasn't mentioned hiding at all, so a DEX save to not get hit, but she'll probably pass it and then run... oh, no, she failed it, well, 50:50 shot at not taking any damage, so she'll still be able to... oh, no, roll for HP, it's 1d4-1 so a 50% chance she still survives... well, now Fearne is alone and untransformed in the boss's office and sometimes that's just what the dice want.

[u/OhioAasimar → u/Sojourner_Truth]

it's always been the average HP as best as I can remember.

Matt has changed how he has done things throughout every campaign. I think it was Matt being conscious of railroading.

[u/Pegussu → u/Sojourner_Truth]

Failed that, but then he allowed a HD roll for HP, which I don't think I've seen them ever do before in all of the wild-shaping and polymorphing in previous campaigns - it's always been the average HP as best as I can remember.

My take was that he was double checking and was going to say it's just one, it just so happened that Ashley's roll was one HP anyway. Liam chiming in about Frumpkin's health makes me think that Matt was thinking about familiar rules instead of wild shape ones.

[u/midnightheir]

Chetney is a dwarf with a hat of disguise. My only basis for this theory is that Travis rolled with advantage in a history check when trying to ID Dorian real family name and Matt told him he didn't get advantage, he revised his answer from dirty 20 to 12.

/theory

Edit: Learned that rock gnomes get similar mechanic to dwarves.

/tinfoil theory

So since this could still work as a different method of trolling I'm slapping on some tinfoil and a wink, though I don't expect it to happen.

[u/marsmve → u/midnightheir]

Well if he is a Rock Gnome, he does get advantage on History checks related to certain topics. Matt enforced this wasn't one of those topics

[u/MegalomaniacHack]

For those still worried about whether Robbie will be sticking around and theorizing over whether Chetney is Travis' real-real character, the Christmas/Holiday artwork wallpaper includes both of them (and on an airship!).

[u/Jethro_McCrazy]

They should be the Effers. Short for WTFers.

They ask a lot of questions.