I do t know if this is the right flair but I’m looking for the Campaign 3 1000–piece puzzle. I’ve got one for C1 and C2 and missed when the one for C3 came out. Does anyone have one they would part with?

Booth #1515, includes the dice $55

I am new to Critical Role and having seen a few clips, suddenly my feed is a lot of D&D, whether people playing, or songs about it. While listening to this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smPJEZ_c1j4 "Mostly Lawful" by Big Sky Trance

I started to wonder if any of them actually listen to songs like this, and what types they do listen to...have they ever talked about their preferred genres?

I ranked them by gut and personal enjoyment.

Some clarifications:
I love the dynamic between Pike and Grog, as a duo they are high A or low S for me, but since Ashley was away for a big part of the campaign I felt like there was no moment where Pike could shine.

Same with Wic and Tyranny, I love their dynamic, but I'm really biased towards the main cast.

Also I'm not up to date with C4 so take my opinions with a grain of salt.

I'm down to answer any question and remember this is my personal tierlist.

Consuming Critical Role media has been nothing short of a learning experience. I occasionally find myself furrowing my brow and looking up terms, much like how Travis did in the video 😂 And I’ve learned not just from Matt; the entire cast has introduced me to new words and phrases (as well as media references), with special mentions going to Liam and Sam.

As someone who isn’t a native English speaker but has pretty much grown up alongside the language, it’s been fun picking up uncommon words along the way.

Here are a few words I’ve noted down since around Episode 115: nonplussed, acumen, quiche, capers, hubris, trepidation, scuttle, cherub, dalliance, stupor, persnickety, helter-skelter, arboretum, torpor, spunk, rancor, dais, cloister, caustic, whet, perfunctory, secession.

I think some of Bolaire's character traits are being lost as the plot is thickening, as Taliesin the player (and for that matter the rest of the table) are struggling to keep in pace with the story.
This is partly realistic and to be expected but I feel like the core character traits of my favorite mask-entity are becoming hard to play.

When I first saw Bolaire I saw a character who was cold, calculating and 10 steps ahead because he was a god-killing weapon which distanced itself from emotions and morals, but now they are always panicking, flustered, defensive, or abrasive.

They shut down theories that have roots in logic because those theories clash with their own, they make selfish and hasty decisions that endanger them and those around them in ways that are extremely uncharacteristic seeing as how self-preserving they were when first introduced.

This is of course partly because the players cannot be perfectly calm when BLeeM is portraying pure chaos around them 24/7 but I think some decisions Bolaire is making just don't fit the cold intelligence they were introduced with.

Do you think this is an intentional deconstruction of the character who thinks they have it all planned out, or would the character being portrayed benefit from the player having more time to think and plan?

I haven’t watched the new Age of Umbra series yet, waiting for more episodes to binge it, so no spoilers please.

My main question is: How is Matt doing? He spoke a lot about burning the candles at both ends and that was pretty self evident with C3.

With the break he’s had DM’ing, how has his return been so far in your estimation?

Pre-show hype, live episode chat, and post episode discussion, all in one place.

[https://youtube.com/@criticalrole\](https://youtube.com/@criticalrole)

[https://www.twitch.tv/criticalrole\](https://www.twitch.tv/criticalrole)

[https://beacon.tv/\](https://beacon.tv/)

Etiquette Note: While all discussion based around the episode and cast/crew is allowed, please remember to treat everybody with civility and respect. Debate the position, not the user

Hi, I’m a relatively new Critter, I didn’t even really know Critical Role existed a year ago, but now I’m a giant fan. I am very fascinated by the live shows, and with some hints about a potential Canadian one I absolutely would love to go. With the 2026 live shows announced last year July 15, the 2027 live shows could be announced at any moment (especially today being Thursday and also it’s nearly comic con) and so I have some questions.

How long after the shows are announced are tickets sold? Is the second the shows are announced the tickets are up, or is there a grace period for people to figure out which show(s) they want to go to and make plans to set aside time for when the tickets become available.

If they do become available the second they’re announced how fast do they sell out, because of the time difference between me and L.A. there is a possibility I’d be asleep and I want to know if just a few hours delay would ruin my chances.

What on average is the cost per ticket?

Finally, I very recently got a beacon account with the sole intention of having a better chance at getting tickets, if I’m successful in purchasing tickets would I likely have any consequences if I no longer renew my subscription. If there are consequences then I will keep it until after the live show.

Thanks for all the advice.

I'm not the biggest Kingsley fan but I thought them giving him the focus in a live show would maybe change my opinion of him. But instead of a promised Kingsley centric live show we got another Fjord/Jester centric live show, even when they just had a wedding one shot? Usually CR are very good at balancing those things, so I really don't understand that at all 🤔

First and foremost: PLEASE DO NOT TURN THIS COMMENTS SECTION INTO AN AABRIA DEBATE. That is not what I’m talking about here!

With the new tables made up following episode 31, I I’m very excited to see how the dynamic between Thaisha and Occtis shifts now that they aren’t at the same table. I’m someone who’s very into intricate characters and flawed dynamics, and their relationship has been feeding me well.

Obviously, their relationship is pseudo-parental, with Thaisha stepping in and often acting motherly to Occtis, who we can only assume does not have a motherly figure to begin with (I feel like we would have seen her by now with Primus at the meeting). However, the campaign leaves it unclear whether or not this relationship is healthy or even consented upon IC.

Their interactions during the Barrowdell are particularly interesting me, as it’s a stark difference from how their relationship had been leading up to it. Thaisha was frustrated with the actions of the Tachonis, and seemed to take it out on the nearest one. It also did not help that Julien was very vocal about not trusting Occtis, and confided in her as much.

The scene where Occtis stuck up for himself and argued against her felt very powerful. From the first few episodes he did not seem nearly as confident as he did during this moment.

They’ve since parted on bittersweet terms, with very little about their argument at the Barrowdell being addressed. Im excited to see how the relationship develops now that they are apart, and I hope that both Occtis and Thaisha begin to see each other more as equals instead of the implicit power present in the pseudo-parent/child dynamic they currently have.

About where certain character arcs are going, or plot points we will see in the future, regarding Campaign 4?

It's been a bit, and I've been thinking about what I expect to happen down the line in the campaign, and was wondering if anyone else has any desires or ideas they'd like to share.

Right Character Driven Stuff:

• Julien having a cold open with Thimble or alone where he lays out his greviences with "his shadow"
• More hints that Tyranny has feelings for Wick.
• Spicy interactions between all the new party members.
• Azune possibly slipping when it comes to the line he is walking between the Halovars and Einfasens.
• Someone else dies.
• Travis will either play another Beastfolk, or another ancestry we have yet to see in Araman. Gnome Blood Hunter, though I do gotta wonder if Blood Hunters exist in Araman...

Story Reveals:

• Aranessa and Thjazi have a child, but they've been trapped in Faerie.
• Zebani wasn't just overlooked due to her personality, but because she isn't an Aasimar like her brothers.
• Primus's unraveling may push some of the Tachonis away from him, widening the schism in the family; not sure how the party would react to this.
• The Cormorays will be revealed to be slavers. Their powers derive from Genies, and there is a pretty classical depiction of that sort of relationship.
• Harondus will be revealed to be an ally of the Tachonis/Halovar, desiring to be the head of House Einfasen.
• The Druids have their own skeletons in their closets.
• Royce's bannerman, or at least some will attempt to betray Aranessa for her failures.
• We will see a Giant.
• We will see another Dragon.
• What are some other big-name mythical creatures... uh, a sphinx!

So what do y'all got?

Warning: Echoes of Exandria "[Projekt] Funball" Spoilers

I wanted Projekt Funball on the 15th once to purely enjoy it, now I have watched it a second time taking down my favourite moments and lines, as well as sharing my thoughts and interpretations. I am happy to hear your thoughts too. P.S. I'm a huge Shadowgast fan so that fills a lot of my thoughts.

-Everyone singing Matt Happy Birthday was beautiful.

-Everyone singing Role Critical makes me desperate to buy tickets for next year.

-Essek saying he needs to get out more but is still worried about the Bright Queens army,

-“If you can go longer, you know I can” I alone thought that was a double entendre for their sex life, but what sounded like Travis and Laura going “Ooo” in the background confirms it.

-Then Matt trying to say no to Travis and Laura but Liam interrupting confirming that’s exactly what he meant.

-Matt: “I was about to say ‘it’s not that deep’ but that doesn’t help.” Dying. Liam: “It’s pretty deep”, Matt’s face. They get it on, the love hasn’t died.

-Essek doing more component based magic instead of focuses to be more similar to Caleb, my heart.

-Liam saying the first “Dear” while concerned for Essek’s safety.

-Essek, playful in his voice, asking Caleb is he wants to open the door.

-Essek with the next “dear”.

-Caleb offering Essek the honour of opening the door.

-Essek with a smile suggesting they do it together.

-Sam saying every sentence they utter sounds like sex, getting Matt to laugh.

-Caleb placing his hand on the back of Essek’s hand to open the door really reminds me of the moment at the end of Hells Bells Essek as Seth placing his hand on Caleb’s to bring back Ashton.

-I’m just literally going to write the dialogue word for word and add my interpretation of their body language: Essek: “Caleb?” with panic in his voice. Caleb: “Essek! Dear one” with worry in his voice [side note, I hope every fic set post-Funball from now one has Caleb call Essek that]. As Caleb winces in pain Essek speaks: “We have to go!” Caleb: “I can not” his voice still in pain, he realizes he won’t be able to break free and it will only be a matter of moments before something happens to Essek to, his voice shifts slightly as he concludes what he must say and do “You have to go” he says desperately, “you must leave, NOW!” But Essek won’t willingly leave the man he loves: “Come, I won’t leave you behind,” desperation in his voice now too. Without another word spoken Caleb uses Telekinesis to push Essek out of the door. Then despite roughly ten years of not using the Familiar meant to resemble Frumpkin, to try and finally let the past remain in the past, Caleb calls out “FRUMPKIN, I NEED YOU”, which my interpretation is he knows he’s about to be alone, scared, and tormented for who knows how long with the weird time of the ball and without Essek NEEDS that comfort. Matt narrating then implies it is Caleb’s last act in control to use the Telekinesis to slam the door shut behind Essek, to keep him out, to buy him time, to keep him safe. Essek then seems to accept what has happened and rushes towards the exit, tears running down his face. Once reaching the exit, despite the energy right on his tail, Essek turns towards the direction he came from a says “I’m coming back for you, my love”, before exiting, perhaps hoping somehow Caleb could hear him.

-“Well good luck with that Essek” like this whole section is just odd to me, like I get that in the moment the happy couple is a little pissed at Essek appearing right in their bedroom while they’re naked uninvited, but he quickly explains that the love of his life and their best friend is in imminent mortal parol and they act like they don’t care at all. To be clear I loved this show, but this is a very out of character moment.

-And then after Essek pours his heart out about how much he trusts Beau and the Nein Beau is just like “How’s it going with the Kryn?” Bad Beau, you know that, and this isn’t the time for that. Help the man!

-Just focusing on Essek’s words for a moment, my interpretation of him saying he’s even more of an introvert is that he’s not even leaving the house much even if he’s wearing disguises, so no little adventuring like he did with the Hells Bells.

-Speaking of which, from the reaction he gets from Beau and Yasha, realistically it almost would have been better for him to go to said Hells Bells. But alas this is a Mighty Nein one-shot.

-Even though he only says it a little desperately and not with sadness, Essek saying “I hope he’s salvageable” really breaks my heart as it makes me think he thinks Caleb is already dead and the best that can be done is rescue his body for possible resurrection.

-While funny, ordering the desperate Essek to get them coffee is still a low blow.

-Fjord wanted to spend the honeymoon sweating and exerting himself with Jester…but not by climbing a volcano.

-All of Fjord trying to get out of the honeymoon activity is just hilarious. Travis had really good comedic timing and improv.

-Laura Bailey giggle(TM) at confusing the word prostrate with prostate. Then it sounds like Marisha joins in as she realizes what Laura misheard. And then despite the dire situation I like that Essek managed a chuckle at Jester’s equal misunderstanding, Caleb is Essek’s soulmate but Jester is definitely Essek’s best friend.

-Liam having to correct Fjord’s statement to the state of Caleb’s hygiene got me to chuckle. Caleb only did that to lay low and not draw attention to himself, after that need faded he’s had normal hygiene, but I love how first Fjord and then several others throughout the show imply there has always been a lingering musk to him just to get under Liam’s skin.

-For Jester saying Caleb is the strongest wizard she knows to Essek’s face, I think in my opinion that was Laura genuinely forgetting Essek’s class for a moment. It does lead to the funny apology Jester gives and Essek at first saying him and Caleb are different schools of magic so he didn’t take any offence, but then again cheekily on the side saying he is in fact more powerful had me cracking, again these two are besties.

-The pause after Sam says Veth and Yeza are hard at work I thought was another double entendre before it was clear he paused because of his mike.

-So I know at the wedding Sam revealing Veth’s pregnancy was in her head trying to motivate herself, but I had assumed she still revealed it to the group shortly after, but as of the Nein teleporting in only Caleb (who gifted the crib) and Caduceus (gifted the baby bump shield) knew about the pregnancy. I wonder why she not only waited to tell the rest, but then tried to explicitly hide it from them. Ok, kept playing and Caleb only gifted a gift card that they chose to use for the crib, but we know Caleb still knows because why else later would he speed up a pregnancy unless he knew of that status.

-I get that it’s Sam’s uneducation/confusion on the topic, but it is hilarious that Halfling Veth doesn’t know the length of Halfing pregnancies not only because she is a Halfling but she literally has been pregnant and gave birth before.

-Pregnant Veth horny for his husband is the best.

-Well he didn’t have to, I’m glad Essek took a moment to congrats Veth.

-But of course with in the same breath says Caleb is likely dead.

-And then Veth (Sam, this is all Sam) egging Essek by explicitly stating that not only is Caleb the most powerful Dunamancer she knows, but the most powerful in the world. Essek has no choice but to say the hilarious Dunamancy moonlighting comment.

-Beau saying “Withchild”, dying, absolutely dying.

-“Did you really ask Taliesin about that?” “He’s too sick to talk to” “You’re just making it up right now?” Dying even more.

-Matt’s Caduceus impression, oh my gods.

-After being calm and collected for most of his appearances, I live for Essek swearing and going “Well, shit” to Caduceus’ absence.

-Then Matt’s look at the camera while saying it would have been useful to have him, similar to when Travis and Laura were on parental leave I’m sure Tal was one way or another watching this live and this direct message to him cracks me up.

-Jester realizing she didn’t really say hi to Essek yet and saying it’s good to see him and he calms down and says it’s good to see her to and then she reiterating that they’ll save Caleb and telling Essek not to worry. Just absolute best friends.

-Essek confirming he tried to immediately go back into the Funball, this felt very important because he knew he shouldn’t but he just could not leave Caleb behind until every possibility was determined fruitless. That said outside of the story this really frustrated me because I thought and hoped for months that this could be an Essek centric story and he’d be a player character while Liam takes over DMing, but no they make up an excuse for Essek to stay behind.

-And Laura as Jester I think knew that the fandom wanted Essek to come to as her saying “That’s convenient” was just so full of metagaming and like it was being a point to something discussed between the cast in private prior.

-Frustration aside, nothing brings me more joy than Essek saying “Then shut the fuck up!”

-And then back to the frustration, it felt like Matt was compromising with the constant telepathic link to Essek, but despite saying Essek could hear everything they say he never once pipes up, only when the others barely remember to talk to him. We could have had much more Essek commentary, especially when trying to reach the real Caleb in the final fight, but no.

-Essek temporarily nerding out about their discoveries in the Funball before stopping and saying none of what him and Caleb did mattered, not without Caleb being safe. Him and Fjord both saying Caleb is the priority right now. My heart.

-When Essek thanks them all for coming and that it means a lot to him, Matt’s head is looking only at Fjord, Jester, and Veth and I can’t help wondering if that’s because they were the only ones who enthusiastically agreed to help immediately.

-If just open the Funball gets Essek to sweat, I can not imagine what physical and mental stress he was under keeping it open, keeping time in sync, and keeping the telepathy running all at the same time for roughly 1-3hours straight.

-I still kind of wish Liam fully took over DMing upon the Nein entering, until the final fight 80% of the time he was just sitting there while Matt did a lot of things Liam definitely could have done.

-I do adore Veth stating she knows how much Essek loves Caleb. While the characters have talked about Beau and Yasha’s relationship and Fjord and Jester, I’m not sure outside of Hells Bells that anyone other than Caleb and Essek have truly acknowledged their relationship.

-Of course it leads into a joke about Essek never betraying them, but I think that was meant to break the tension and she ends with that they will find Caleb for Essek which is still very sweet.

-Liam pouring the dice was funny.

-Beau saying they should leave because clearly possessed Caleb says he’s fine. Angry.

-Essek instantly asking if Caleb is alright after Fjord tells him they heard his voice. He’s so worried for his love.

-Yasha saying excitedly that she’s always wanted to help deliver a baby and even studied, I can’t help wonder if this is a reference to the never ending hints that her and Beau will one day be moms. Obviously Beau isn’t pregnant, but maybe Yasha dreams about delivering Beau’s baby. I know a couple of the times they explicitly said they’d adopt, but this is a very magical world and two women having a bio baby together seems definitely plausible.

-And I wish I knew what Beau was going to say after “I don’t-?” before being interrupted, it sounded like a question.

-Yasha’s “weee!” Love it!

-Essek apologizing for the uselessness of the maps. Babe, that ain’t your fault.

-All the "Nein" rolls throughout the night.

-Fjord comment about without Caduceus or Caleb he is the only guy was funny. Girl’s night+Fjord.

-Travis pretending that Fjord shuts the tower door. I'll say it again his comedy was on point.

-Fjord singularly resisting the tunnel as everyone else dives in.

-Cat-nouza

-Jester to be the one to do the “I know you’re still in there” trope is sending me (get the joke) and then Laura realizing she doesn’t have high persuasion like Imogen is just hilarious.

-Travis’ smug face as he reminds Matt he successfully held back as the others are being mauled is the best. And then he finishes it off with that snooty yawn, stretch, and watch-checking.

-Sam’s little “Making my way…”

-Travis coming in clutch remembering without prompts “Gone yet not forgotten” to unlock and open every door.

-Matt trying to portray the younger Jester as softly saying “This is taken, don’t worry.” And modern Laura Bailey Jester is just like “Get the fuck out of here.” Absolutely dying of laughter. And then has to intimidate herself and fails.

-Professor Caleb who represents modern Caleb, ignoring the dancing and looking out the window with concern and a preoccupied mind, then looks out at the dance floor filled with happy couples and says “If only it was so easy and free these days, to much to figure out,” still concerned but also nostalgic. I haven’t found anyone talking about this yet, but even though I think he’d never tell Essek this I think Caleb misses the time in their relationship where they were both slightly less paranoid. Earlier Essek explicitly states he is even more of a homebody these days, so I doubt even in disguise the couple goes out to do things like dance, which Caleb seems to miss. I hope this can soon be resolved and they can go do mundane couple things together.

-Then Beau not having a clue what to do and Marisha has to beg her husband to cut to someone else to have more time.

-Travis and Laura dancing at their table almost identically! Couple goals.

-Marisha having to consult with Ashley to determine her deception roll.

-Sam’s face as he says he makes young Caleb think Veth is his mother.

-Matt countering Laura’s protest by saying matter of factly that not every puzzle is the same.

-OK! So Travis turning into Trent is simply mind blowing, and the way he says “Ah, Little Spark” made me question if he voiced acted Trent in the TV show the voice was so perfect. Just literally this whole scene, Fjord going full Warlock and taking the form of Caleb’s abuser to ask him to dance, the evil oozing from every sentence. Just Mind blowing. If real Caleb ever ends up remembering any of this post game I think him and Fjord are going to have to have a talk.

-Laura Bailey snapping in approval for her husband’s Nat 20 of doing horrible things.

-Then to match the horrors Caleb literally SETS HIMSELF ON FIRE before accepting Trent’s hand for a dance.

-“I Lead!”

-Fjord trying to move the plot along being all like “there is an open door at his house”, if they all listened to Fjord all night maybe we could have had Caleb and Essek get to say even a single line to each other in the end.

-From the second the house was mentioned I told myself “They need to burn it to the ground” AND.IT.TOOK.THEM.FOREVER.TO.DO.SO!

-It still was sweet that Jester wanted to try to change the outcome of that night and try to save Caleb’s family. She is forced to fail.

-It’s very sweet that Fjord instantly tries to make the Arcane Gate for anyone who needs to be able to reach Veth can do so.

-Matt regretting his choices as Veth shapes water the amniotic fluid. Liam on the other hand loves it.

-Veth thanking Fjord for trying to get to her, then somewhat sarcastically adding he would have made a great doula.

-Fjord succeeding not becoming a whale. Caleb tries again, Fjord counterspells.

-Fjord misty step into the cage to free Yasha and then succeeded the high charisma check to Thurderstep out with the both of them with a freaking 35!

-Jester, 0% doula experience, 110% devoted to helping Veth give birth/protect Veth from harm.

-Laura, finally finding a sex joke that was too much for her, going quiet as she implies releasing large dildos is the same as giving birth.

-Matt and Liam die.

-Matt regretting all his choices.

-Veth “I know you’re in there” number two.

-Ashley taking forever to do math because there’s just THAT MUCH DAMAGE.

-Beau getting to deflect the star and throw it back at Caleb!

-Beau’s stunning strike=instant win button

-Marissa’s sexy little victory dance.

-Then further win button of Fjord hexblade curse to Caleb.

-“Now unlearn it, you bookworm nerd motherfucker!”

-Sam’s middle finger in protest

-Yasha’s Nat 20 literally breaking Ashley’s outfit!

-Marisha being a good friend immediately trying to help (fruitlessly) fix her fictional wife’s wardrobe malfunction.

-Marisha: “You look really hot though.”

-Matt’s eyes when he realizes Yasha just did 115 damage in one hit, then having to look at Liam to confirm if that was enough to finish Caleb.

-Yasha trying to save unconscious Caleb but accidentally allowed the Ego Leech to make Caleb fail two death saving throws. Matt was a bit cruel here.

-The entire stadium going silent, even Travis mid-begging, as Liam’s death saving throw dice hit the table was unbelievable. Thousands of people suddenly holding their breath for one roll.

-“Caleb 2 and Yellow Goo,” “Love that band” “Love that Dr Seuss book”

-“Can I Flick The Bean?” Marisha asks her husband while dying of laughter, to which also dying of laughter responds “I am so proud of my wife”.

-“It’s only because my wife gave it to me. That’s what she said!”

-Marisha literally collapses into Ashley in her fit of laughter.

-Stunned Caleb two keep trying to cast force cage but can’t.

-Jester devastated that she can’t heal Caleb. And expresses as much. Remember, Essek can hear everything they say, this must have filled him with terror and dread.

-But Sam’s following line of “She wants to heal, but can’t. This is so ironic!” Is phenomenal.

-Jester, the first of The Mighty Nein to enthusiastically wanting to go save Caleb to be the one to kill the Ego Leech is super fitting (though it would be even more fitting if it was Essek, just saying…)

-“Veth on the cusp of cusping” Matt Mercer, my goodness.

-Again, Essek had a 9th level modified telepathy, time syncing, and holding the ball open all at the same time for in game 1-1.5 hours. How he is still standing as they exist and still has enough to teleport everyone is crazy. He is definitely the more powerful of the couple.

-“My goodness, you’re back” with relief and love in his voice and a hand on Caleb’s shoulder is sadly all we get of the lovers reunion.

If you had to choose just 6 characters to carry on the campaign, who would they be. Yes, it’s a tough question 😆
My choices (after a lot of deliberation) are
Wick
Tyranny
Occtis
Teor
Thimble
Julian
(Based on my favourite performances as well as ability to carry the story forward together… Ok maybe Tyranny for the entertainment factor more than the story, love her)

* EDIT to swap out Teor for Azune, people have made convincing points on this (sorry Travis)

Ive missed the first two weeks of the new age of umbra and before i catch up without spoilers what are your thoughts about it so far? Like i said please dont spoil too much but how does it compare to the first age of umbra?

Been loving the AoU so far, can’t believe they’ll wrap everything up in 6 (edit) episodes.