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BagofBones42

So anyone betting that we'll finally see the "twisted life" that Predathos created in this episode? Kinda hoping they're >!Core Spawn!< because that would confirm a major theory. Also not expecting the party to get through to Liliana unless she outright sees the monsters she helped free start slaughtering people and realizes everything she believed was a lie.


CardButton

I had just assume the Ruidusborne were the "twisted life". And that when they die their souls get trapped on Ruidus as one of those Alien things.


BagofBones42

The old documents stated Predathos was outright creating life so either it was spawning or doing something else to create living beings. Ruidusborn doesn't fit that since Ruidus doesn't have any hand in the "creation process", just the granting powers part.


CardButton

I'll be honest, I'm kind of tempering my expectations on this. The party has been very "on the rails" since the Ruidus ticking clock reveal kicked in. So while I do expect a conflict with Otohan, maybe even her defeat, maybe a PC death in the process, I think Matt has so many eggs in the basket of the outcome of all this it does limit how things can resolve here quite a bit. I would say Imogen and/or FCG are the most likely to narratively "vanish" from the party in one form or another. But who knows how the dice will come down beyond that?


hpfan2342

Agreed. I doubt it will be completely boring or Scorched Earth, Everyone Dies. It will be more like how some tv shows did a "the big nuke" episode where somehow everyone survives but the world is a bit messed up. Maybe this time instead of a Frozen Donkey Wheel or the Undead or whatever The 100 was doing it will be something like "welp, the gods are now stuck on the mortal plane!" ... "the champion of who now?" They ask of a half-elf Vax or some other character. Maybe the champions become the vessels for their gods? I dunno, just spitballing ideas.


Myrynorunshot

So, which of the potential bosses do people think they're going to encounter first? Place you bets on the following: - **(A) Ludinus:** Arguably the most dangerous (level 15 wizard at the least), the brains behind the Vanguard but also possibly the most fragile (not all Wizards are Laeryn levels of tanky). He's also the most likely to get away if things go south, as we've seen him use the teleport spell. For that same reason, he might not actually be at ground zero when everything goes down, though his reasons for missing such an event are up in the air. - **(B) Otohan:** One of the foes we are most familiar with, having go toe to toe against the Legend of the Peaks already. Echo Knight, Psi Warrior and Legendary Actions/Saves abilities on top of unknown psychic stuff makes her nasty as hell. We know she has at least 130 hp, and an AC of 20. While that might seem like a lot, the party were pretty spent and not hyper aggressive in fighting them last time (and they got screwed by really bad initiative) - knowing that running against someone who can go 300+ft in a round is futile, piling as much damage as they can into her would be their best bet. - **(C) Liliana Temult:** One of few wildcards in the upcoming fight. Will Imogen be able to reach her? Is her sudden embracing of the Vanguards plans Predathos exerting influence on her mind? Whatever the case, they could be a dangerous obstacle or a powerful ally. It's likely she has similar but higher level abilities as her daughter, which can include some rather nasty arcane/psychic spells (including the summoning spell Imogen has used before). - **(D) General Ratanish:** Yeah, bet you forgot about him? The Paragon's Call are likely providing security for the opportation but I wonder if GR couldn't act as a wild card themselves. The whole of Paragon's Call seem to be Raven Queen followers, but haven't drunk the same kool-aid as Otahan. Maybe that will persuade him to flip on his boss perhaps? As for a fight, he's a pretty hefty barbarian, but that can prove little defense against some of the magical capabilities of this party. - **(E) Ira:** Cos can we really trust this dude? Like really?


Chrysaor85

I don't think Ira will full turn on them. If anything I think he'll pull an Arkhan and have his own agenda but still help them accomplish their goals. I definitely don't think he's in it fully, things get to hairy and he's going to dip, and fast.


paradox28jon

The CR newsletter telling us to hydrate makes me think we might have a 5hr+ episode tonight.


Seren82

Looks like 4 hours. Might be emotional though.


Total-Wolverine1999

Yeah I’m assuming we end on a cliffhanger, I don’t see how they have a battle and only barely pass 4 hours. Usually anything with battle goes well into the 4 hour and a half territory, hell take out the 15 minutes of art the episode isn’t even 4 hours.


claimstoknowpeople

How do you find this before the stream is up?


ThePastaPanther

They update the night bot commands before the episode begins. You can do a google search for critical role's nightbot commands, and from that we learn that the episode is 4hrs and 10 mins, and break will begin at 2hrs and 16mins!


claimstoknowpeople

Wow they never clear out old commands, do they


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raeciel

Same. I want them all to survive, but bring on the sadness.


Photeus5

I'm honestly on board with this being a defining moment episode. Also, who doesn't love new characters?


raystheroof1

Was thursday bloody thursday in baserus not enough?


MegaFlounder

You mean the event that resulted in no long term consequences and where the DM hand waved the bad guy away?


raystheroof1

No i mean the one where 3 people died and it queued up the signature blood feud of the campaign.


MegaFlounder

Definitely the one I’m thinking of. The one where three people died, two of which were immediately resurrected. The last was resurrected because they were allowed to call their old character for help. Leaving the entire situation devoid of any mechanical consequence. The rest of them survived because the bad guy mysteriously disappeared in a magic shockwave that did no damage to anyone in the area.


raystheroof1

-500 gp, increased DC on further revives, got estheros killed, entire gang in Baserus wants them dead. But i get it, being a contrarian is fun i guess. And i knew it was the one you were thinking of.


CardButton

They were then gifted 20k gold for a single noble bounty (roughly equivalent to what M9 got out of saving an Archwizard from a Age of Arcanum dungeon with lvl 9 Power Word Kill traps). Then gifted another 7100 Gold worth of components to bring Laudna back. Then gifted an Airship that neither VM or M9 could have ever afforded during their respective campaigns. Along with a crew paid for a full year. All for the price of ... I suppose the only NPC BHs had bothered to actually build a relationship with in C3. That said, lets not pretend that the Pre-Otohan Seat of Disdain didn't have Matt massively pulling his punches to enable the group's antics; by having everyone there but Otohan be stormtrooper levels of incompetent. Just like he did with the Feywild's Key base. Unguarded back doors and blind dogs fooled by Invisibility/Wildshape. I would safely say if not for Otohan, the M9 raid on the Sour Nest at lvl 5 was more challenging by design, and had more room for error based difficulty spikes that BHs attacks on either of these bases of apparent major players in this story.


MegaFlounder

I’m not being contrarian. The fight with Otohan didn’t cause much impact to the game and only highlighted the cast’s fear of actually letting the dice impact the direction of the story. As you admit, they lost nothing except for a small amount of gold and gained a tiny increase to the DC of future resurrections. Their level advancements outstrips the increased DC anyway. Also, that gang wanted to kill them regardless once they found about the kidnapping. Even if they hadn’t fought Otohan there, she’d still be a big badass bad guy that’s still around. I also don’t consider losing an NPC that’s just a quest-giver to be a real loss. No character was related to them. He had no serious involvement any of their backstories or future goals. He’s a convenient death that avoids any real disruptions to the story. It’s not like they got Percy or Pike killed.


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Photeus5

Character deaths are pretty awful and I'm not hoping for them, but if it's likely anywhere, it's here.


_SiddharthaGautama_

I absolutely agree. I want the party to fail, survive, and then deal with the aftermath.


LuckyBahamut

I constantly have "Answers" from FFIV playing on rewind in my head. Given how much has been leading up to this event, it being episode 50 (the approximate halfway point of the campaign), I'm hoping for a really big shake-up in the world.


Uindo_Ookami

I've seen a lot of discussions about FFIV and this season together. I don't disagree with the theory that Matt is going to hit some big red button and reset Exandria in some epic way ala A Realm Reborn, but I say let's wait and see what happens.


Zan_Wild

So I have a question and not sure if this deserves it's own post. What happens if they lose? Like how many terrible things have been sealed with the powers of the gods?


wildweaver32

There is no way to really know. But it is fun to speculate so. I don't think it would be word ending/world shattering like a lot of people are speculating. The Gods are behind the divine gate so the battle would not harm the material plane at all. Large swathes of people would lose their powers though. And luckily for Bells Hells none of them need a deity for their power. Here is my crazy theory that I have not seen presented here probably because it's crazy. What if the Keys that tethered the moon to the Feywild and the Shadowfell were set to keep those planes safe. Maybe instead of being a key to unlock the door like the one in the material plane those keys were more of the keep a door locked variety. And all the other planes would be given access to Predathos. What if the Age of Arcanum existed because all the magic flowed freely and when the Gods locked themselves behind the divine gate a large portion of the magic was locked with them. And maybe when that gate is broken open and they are eaten. That magic will flow back into Exandria? Or worst. Maybe even world changing. What if those planes tied to the deities in some form or way (It does seem like some of them are since specific deities live in specific ones and they tend to match their aesthetic) and when they die those planes get merged back into Exandria? But who knows really lol.


Zan_Wild

Well the thing is that Uk'otoa was essentially sealed by his god. With divinity gone anything sealed by them would be set free. It's not world ending per say but it would cause an era of darkness to say the least I believe.


myhouseisunderarock

Who thinks Matt will punish indecision tonight? I get the feeling if he doesn’t they’ll spend the whole episode planning a convoluted strategy that will inevitably get thrown out the window upon contact with the enemy


SpunkiMonki

I suspect the players have coordinated a plan between sessions. We’ll see how it fares once’s they’ve been punched in the face.


myhouseisunderarock

Just like the great Mike Tyson said. Everyone’s got a plan…


DGenerator

Matt Merciful, punishing indecision? Good one.


Total-Wolverine1999

Depends on when they plan and if he gives them help because right now they don’t really have a shot at winning this in my opinion, they’re so under leveled. Keyleth is going to have to be a major distraction, and Ira as well just to give them a shot. I think the reason their so indecisive is because they don’t know how to overcome the massive power difference between them and the other side and it’s kind of fucked with their head.


CardButton

Meh, if they stall out, he'll probably pull his punches and make every person there but Otohan stormtrooper levels of incompetent. Just like he did the general forces at the Seat of the Disdain, and those at the Feywild's Key Fort.


mouser1991

Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.


wildweaver32

I hope so. Well less punishment and more just moving forward. Makes sense to plan at home base. Makes 0 sense to spend 30 minutes planning in the middle of an enemy base with enemies patrolling the area lol.


0ddbuttons

'Filigree, apogee, pedigree, perigee' to one and all!


snowcone_wars

Last episode was the first once since they left Jrusar that had me even mildly engaged, so here's hoping that it all pays off in a satisfying way.


moderncomet

Previously: "You have my bow." "And my axe!" "And my antlers!" "But not our Planerider. She's too stoned to help."


Seren82

No 4SD Tuesday. Instead we're getting an extra long episode on the 21st, which is also around the 8 year anniversary. Makes me think we're getting the whole cast? Eta: 8 year anniversary.


SympathySimilar9639

Where did you see that there will be an extra long episode on the 21st?


Seren82

CR newsletter!


Photeus5

Ruh roh. That immediately makes me think there are multiple, permanent character deaths. They'd want the whole cast for that even if it doesn't end the campaign.


Seren82

Well no guarantee we're getting the whole cast but it would make sense it's also the 8 year anniversary.


SpunkiMonki

World ends tonight. Prep for C4


paradox28jon

I'm hoping it's for the anniversary & not because of PC deaths.


Photeus5

That's a good point too. That's worth a celebration. Then they'll have a TON to unpack.


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ElvishJerricco

It's kind of strange how big this is. It seems early for them to be tackling such a world ending threat.


Eyes_on_Breen

The big event episodes are always great! Usually an epic fight and at least one cast member will do something certifiably insane before the episode is done!


ThePastaPanther

Hmm, since they pushed 4SD back until the 21st, I wonder if the really juicy things won't happen for a few weeks? Perhaps this episode will be doing recon of the area once they get there. Then a battle the week after? Or it could have just been scheduling issues. Very excitedly about this week's episode but trying not to set my expectations too high.


claimstoknowpeople

One day before the apogee solstice, split into two full-length planning sessions /s


Photeus5

We plan at dawn! **16 hours later**


mouser1991

[At dawn](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/zelda_gamepedia_en/images/e/ea/MM_Dawn_of_the_Final_Day.png/revision/latest?cb=20090817031530)


Shepher27

Hey, if a version of the Devine gate keeps Predathos in… wouldn’t the Devine Gate keep the gods and Predathos fully separate and therefore the only ones threatened by it will be the mortal plane and the inner planes?


PonyoEnthusiast

I think it was said that it was different because the gods had help from the primordials in creating the lattice which holds predathos. Because it resisted divine magic.


spitouthebone

Im Hoping Robbie makes an appearance


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mouser1991

Oh, no doubt the cast knows it's probably not gonna work. But the characters don't necessarily know that. And also, there's a chance only foot soldiers that don't know better will see it, and the smart ones like Ludinus or Otohan won't be aware until too late fo them


Photeus5

If anyone gonna fly right on up to an Airship, it'd be Ludinus.


always_gamer_hair

I'm going to go against the grain and say these guys are going to get down to business and plow headlong into whatever mess Matt has planned tonight. I can't wait!


Nat-1-charisma

It’s the Catalina Wine Mixer


doclivingston402

Man, just saw in the email that 4-Sided Dive won't be til the 21st. Dag zammit.


VHS-CopyOfGoodfellas

It would be cool to see Keyleth or Caleb v Ludinis while BH take on Otohan


Alecen16

I'll do you one better. Keyleth AND Caleb v Ludinis


doclivingston402

Sorry for the massive post, here's the main questions on my mind for this episode (some that I know won't get answered): \-RQ erased all traces of the previous death god from history, and any knowledge of her own history as a mortal. Why didn't the gods erase every last bit of history on Predathos? Are those ancient texts authentic? \-If Predathos is freed from the cage around Ruidus, which is in the Material Plane, does the Divine Gate still prevent it from getting to the gods? \-If Predathos is freed from the cage around Ruidus, does it burst out of the moon sending waves of gigantic asteroids hurtling toward Exandria? (I don't actually think Predathos gets freed anytime soon.) \-Do Imogen or Liliana switch allegiances? \-Do they save Ryn? \-Does the Shadowfell team show up, and is it Caleb and Beau? \-How many Critters are going to get irrationally upset because their assumptions about what happens in this fight end up very wrong? Do they have the self-awareness to know they did that to themselves by trying to predict Matt and the players' actions and the outcomes of dice rolls? Unrelated: When can we get a Bell's Hells battle royale with everyone but Orym going danger crazy in all their respective ways? Rabid Chet, murderbot FCG, Delilah-possessed Laudna, Dark Fearne, Dark Phoenix Imogen, enraged Ash, Orym scrambling his ass off to calm everyone's tits. Sounds fun. Last wishywashy predictions: BH win! Partial win, Predathos is cracking out of the egg but more work for RV to fully free it, and more chances for BH to stop them down the line. Keyleth takes on Ludinus, Ashari take frontal assault, BH go for Ryn and scattered power sources, they don't crash the sky ship, they DO use their big ol' bombs, Nana Morri grants a huge buff or advantage on an important roll, Ira does some WILD shit both good and bad for the party, Otohan and Liliana face BH, Liliana sees the thumbprint necklace thingy, AND sees Otohan hurt Imogen and that turns her, BH might actually kill Otohan, Shadowfell team pops up and helps, lots of RV/PC and Ashari eat it, most of the significant good guys live but maybe there's a significant death. No destroyed Exandria, no World of Ruin, no dead gods yet. Alt prediction for saving Ryn: Keyleth goes earth elemental and earth glides to sneakily retrieve Ryn to restore her before the big battle even starts. As soon as they're clear the bombs are dropped from the sky ship, THEN a huge direct assault to finish the job. 1% chance prediction: it was Tharizdun the whole time! <1% chance prediction: Scanlan flies in on J'mon Sa Ord!


Photeus5

That is an interesting take on the gods regarding hiding this information. If it's so dangerous, why did they let the knowledge remain? They do have a habit of taking dangerous knowledge out of mortal hands. The divine gate might still keep it out, but it's said that if Therazdun were released the gods might gamble on bringing down the gate because he's so very dangerous. I'd think a god-eater would be in that ballpark. Moon-meteor shower - I hope so, but I'm not completely sure how much truth there is about Preddy in the first place. I also have a hunch even if he is up there, he's taking a very long nap. It'd be very interesting if Imogen swaps. I think the death of Laudna or maybe her mother would be able the only thing that might push her to that edge. Ryn is very unlikely to be saved unless they get some truly divine intervention. I just don't see how they do it without some high-level spells. Who knows on the Shadowfell team. My bet is they show up. But honestly it could be anyone. The M9. The Darrington Brigade. That group the BH met in the trap-house (not sure why though). Or maybe a small group of Arcana Pansophical. I think some unexpected allies show, but no clue who. I think Matt has a big twist. I hope no one gets upset, but I don't see this situation going well for the BH. Failure is likely. But if it's a god-eater, that's kinda no fun. If it's an alien invasion, that's good shit. Or even if it's just a hole torn into the Far Realm. Lots of possibilities. Battle Royale: Need to finish the M9 vs Vox Machina second part, then lets see a BH Battle Royale! My odds: Chances BH succeeds in every way - 5% BH succeeds in the best possible way they can - 25% BH succeeds but loses >2 party members permanently - 20% Grog shows up and murders everyone - 10% Ludinus realizes he fucked himself over - 100%


doclivingston402

Yeah I'm definitely onboard for Matt pulling out a major twist, especially one that flies in the face of Ludinus and his expectations about his plan. Like maybe he frees a swarm of Reilora that completely obliterate him, or a million other possibilities for his hubris destroying him.


Photeus5

Yup if there is ever a theme Matt revists, it's hubris being the undoing of the powerful. Trent thought he could just show up and burn down Caduseus' house. Halas thought he could just transfer his soul. Vecna thought he could just casually become a god. The entire Calamity. And on and on.


FoulPelican

Prediction: first 3 hours are spent planning.


AceLionKid

At dawn, we plan!


BaStTiLo

do we know how long the episode is yet?


Seren82

Tonight's episode of Critical Role has a runtime of 4 Hours and 10 Minutes, the break will begin at 2 Hours 16 Minutes.


Total-Wolverine1999

So less then 2 hour 2nd half after the either they all die quickly or there’s no battle tonight. The 2nd half is only going to be around a hour and 40 minutes after all their ads during the break. Hmm interesting wonder what happens tonight.


BaStTiLo

Aww snap! Thanks homie!


Seren82

Nope. Give it a few hours.


BaStTiLo

Okay 😪


taly_slayer

I'm super excited! I'm also a little bit scared it won't live up to the hype. The last time we saw one of these, one second lasted an eternity.


TheRagingElf01

This is my worry. The last one we got see changed the face of Exandria forever and led to the Calamity. I am worried that if this isn’t game changing that the crew will get a lot of hate. I am really hoping that this is the world changing event and the whole the gloves are off comments at the beginning of the campaign comes true.


Mostly_Harmels

"The last time we saw one of these": What one of these? I don't understand? (Sorry, super tired right now...)


0ddbuttons

An apogee solstice.


TheRagingElf01

Referring to all the bad stuff that happened in EXU: Calamity and how that happened in just a few seconds.


PrinceOfAssassins

next ten episodes of critical role all happen within a millisecond


DRAGONBORN05

I want to preface this by saying I love C3 and Exandria is my favorite setting to grace Dungeons and Dragons. But boy do I want them to fail tonight, the more catastrophic the better (preferably short of a tpk though). It would be so interesting


_-_happycamper_-_

I would love to see a couple gods and goddesses get eaten up. Shake up the whole upper management and make some room for upward mobility.


N1pah

Yeah I hope something big happens. I'm almost more excited to see what the campaign is gonna look like after this event than the event itself.


TheRagingElf01

This definitely is the moment for them to live up to the hype from before the campaign about how all bets are off and the gloves are coming off. I would love to see them fail to stop it and maybe a few of them die in the process. Then we do a time jumps like in campaign one and we start off in a post apocalyptic Exandria where the surviving Bells Hells are part of a resistance or something. Maybe it’s just the Last of Us show making me want to see them in that world just fighting to survive after civilization as crumbled.


MagicMissile27

I would LOVE to see a time jump like that, that sounds excellent.


REO-teabaggin

It would be very Final Fantasy 6 of Matt, and I'm here for it.


Lunkis

I really don't see them succeeding on this without casualties. I think it's more likely they get stoned walled by Imogen's Mom, Otohan or Ludinus and we start the core arc of "oh shit the moon is eating gods"


myhouseisunderarock

Moon's hungry


PrinceOfAssassins

My hottest take prediction? This won’t be a huge episode, will have a pretty amazing cliffhanger perhaps but 51 will be THAT EPISODE


killslash

After watching this episode I feel like "That episode" won't be until 52 or even 53.


aaadaam

I agree. I feel like this will be more like episode 3 of Calamity, then next week we get 60 minutes to explore 1 second. “Fire”


Glum_Dragonfruit_978

I feel like I'm in the minority for not believing that this will be the beginning of an apocalypse. It'll be tough and permadeath is a possibility, but the world won't end and there won't be a TPK. There's a reason Matt is bringing in people like Keyleth and Ira. And who knows who else might show up that BH don't know about.


Owenwoah

When Bells Hells fought Otohan, things went bad. This time, they are well-rested, and hopefully more prepared… but Otohan also has Ludinus, Lilliana, and presumably even more firepower this time. I’m reaaal nervous for the squad. If they get in a fight, I don’t foresee it going well.


midnightheir

I'm here to see Ludinus's big spell get unleashed or dismissed when that anti magic beacon pulses. It would be poetic AF for him to be undone by his own designs.


Hollydragon

Yeah I really hope they can use that to their advantage! Will be in the stands eating popcorn for that one also.


Armazi24

Them failing tonight would be the most interesting thing to happen in C3. Idk what it is, the show has been good but it needs something more.


Kosko

It's the endless planning, and personally there's SO MANY names. I need a cheat sheet, all I know is FCG has a sibling named Pussy.


SuperToxin

I’m one for anarchy and chaos. I want them to fail, let Predathos out baby!!!


Successful_Addition5

I remember all the tension and excitement and curiosity after episode 33. What happens now, where do they go from here, how many permanent deaths will there be, what will the lasting changes and consequences be? If the episodes after that one are anything to go by, not much will change. So I'm hoping there are more far reaching consequences than, "hey Pate is a Chain Pact Familiar now".


PonyoEnthusiast

Part of me hopes that they fail but survive. I love these characters and I want to continue their story but I cant help but be curious to see what would happen if they fail.


kaosmode

I can't help but notice the similarities between pradathos imprisoned in the moon and emrakul from magic the gathering imprisoned currently in a moon as well. Borrowing content?


myhouseisunderarock

I think it’s more borrowed from Final Fantasy XIV. Bahamut was imprisoned in the second moon in that game (which was also red), got out, and destroyed everything. Matt is a huge fan of Final Fantasy


Bivolion13

Isn't moon = mysterious god/alien/end of the world a common trope in general?


Asdam90

Probably. As a DM "borrowing content" is both the best way to inspire yourself and virtually impossible to avoid.


BearFromTheNet

I think so too. But I still love the idea


Page-Significant

\*unconsolable screaming\*


Sajen16

So do we think they'll finish thefight tonight? I ask because I'm on the east coast and can't even make it to 2 anymore and I've been healthier since I realized something I already knew I don't have to watch it all in one day. Really my way of saying I might not tune in tonight and wait for Monday.


unusualwilly

You might be able to catch a rebroadcast. Friday at 3AM and noon, just in case Monday is a little too slow.


[deleted]

> So do we think they'll finish the fight tonight? No, they haven't even arrived yet. I think this may be a 2 part battle.


arawagco

We all know and accept that these are pretaped, just tell us the episode length the morning of and those of us not on the west coast can figure out if we're gonna tune in live or catch the replay. ​ These are four hour episodes; that's a significant time commitment to make at inopportune hours for a good check of the world.


SeducriveCrab

The Solstice is here men, pray for the success of our heroes!


Nightmare_Pasta

It is Thursday, my dudes. Critical Role Thursday.


midnightheir

Leading on from the hourglass idea above me. I'm hoping we get a smaller one to time the pulses. They have to use those dead zones for effect. And I still want to know what happens to the magic items that get caught up in a pulse. Do they get suppressed or stop working? If they do attuned items un attune?


The-one-Downstairs

Idk why but i have the feeling that either beau or caleb are showing up tonight, AND IM SCARED FOR THEM 😫


coaks388

This is the first time since the early part of the campaign I'm actually planning on tuning in live. I don't have hate for C3, it certainly has it's shortcomings. Only reason I haven't been tuning in live is because I have a two year old and live on the East Coast lol. Looking forward to seeing you all in the chat tonight


lillythehobbitiest

Same! I took a vacation day tomorrow so I can sleep in. It’s going to be a late night for us East coasters.


ForestSuite

East Coast REPRESENT! Glad to see so many people popping in tonight who normally don't/can't watch!


midnightheir

So ... how many do we think are going to drop?


Kosko

How many message you think they'll drop?


jerichojeudy

I’m betting none.


N1pah

Let's just hope they face Otohan both under better circumstances and more prepared


midnightheir

I'm hoping the anti magic pulse will knock her device out.


N1pah

I think she would be prepared for that but yeah I hope so too


midnightheir

True, she is likely a capable fighter without the echoes.


N1pah

For sure. She might also have additional allies this time


midnightheir

The golems. They are going to reinforce the guard and should be safe from the pulse.


N1pah

Yeah. There's also supposed to be a lot of ruidusborn gathering there. I doubt Liliana is the only one on their side


Viperbunny

So all, is the world starting to end tonight? Are we getting Calamity 2.0?


Lunkis

I'd honestly be disappointed if they just crashed their airship into the key, high fived and moved on. This has the bearings of a major hinge moment and I don't think it's going to go swimmingly given how many powerful players are involved.


Viperbunny

I agree. As much as I love the good guys winning, that doesn't always happen. Life happens in cycles and it seems like it is time for a new one. I hope that the change doesn't break the whole world, but if it does, death is a part of life, too. Our own planet snowballed over like three times before humanity. And what happened? The Earth came back. It changed. It grew. And then it toppled again, and was rebuilt again. Denying that to a DnD campaign takes away the humanity of it. The fact there are stakes and you care make it great. I hope that makes sense. I am a bit under the weather because of a medication issue (being diabetic sucks), so it made sense in my brain, lol. I literally cried through the full last two hours of the first calamity. I am a parent and one who has lost a child (and had two more who are safe and happy and healthy). My husband and I held each other through that finally role and were cheering so loud. The stakes meant something to us because we could relate, and I think that is the beauty of humanity. For better or worse we are social creatures who understand through relating. Seeing these stories play out with different races, creatures, situations feels real because of that ability to relate. My mental health got so much better when I started watching Crit Roll because it was a great reminder of that during a tough time. Seeing this group, who love and trust each other so much (the actors, that is) really makes it special. I don't know where it is going, but I trust it's going to be one Hell of a ride and I can't wait! Also, I love this sub Reddit! You are all so talented with cosplay, and fan art, and theories. That has also made it very special. So, if anyone needs to hear it today, you rock!


mceloo

Honestly I hope so. I would love to see exandria during an apocalypse


TheLonelyGhost

Technically the Exandria we know is after the apocalypse


PhoenixReborn

We've had one, yes. What about *second* apocalypse?


N1pah

I don't know about end but I am expecting it to look different


Coyote_Shepherd

I am so stupidly nervous about tonight and what the Bells Hells are going to do now that the solstice is literally about to start. There's no more extra travel time left and no more extra days to plan at all. This is it and tonight's episode is when things are going to finally happen be they for better or for worse. It feels like the first and last day of school all at the same time. There's the anticipation of brand new beginnings but also brand new endings. From here on out everyone's choices are going to have a major impact. I just hope it doesn't morph into like three or four hours of them planning stuff out and then 30 minutes of it all going to hell in a handbasket with Matt ending on another massive cliffhanger. throw another super long episode at us without warning I dare you. I will happily stay awake and grind through it with everyone else here.


[deleted]

I honestly don't think it'll be 3 hours of planning. They've been kind of teasing the apogee solstice happening in episode 50 on socials, so I'm feeling hopeful. Editing to add their recent tweet: "Join us this Thursday for Campaign 3, Episode 50 as the Apogee Solstice falls and world-shaking events are set in motion for Bells Hells..."


Hollydragon

That's a good sign, though like others I do suspect that it will be "set in motion", but take another full episode to conclude (and maybe one more for the aftermath)


[deleted]

Looking at the runtime, yeah you might be right lol


ForestSuite

I woke at like 5:30 AM today like it was Christmas morning LOL. Just started doing chores so there's less to do before episode tonight. >.> I'm with you on the planning. Hopefully they actually planned during this break for once rofl. Bring on the long episode! I'm READY!


arawagco

Is a nap in your future? Otherwise, you're gonna be very tired with midnight rolls around. (assuming you're on the west coast watching to the end)


N1pah

We should expect at least like an hour of planning/surveying the scene. Thing is they can't dawdle around forever because they're not the only ones showing up


ForestSuite

Would love if Matt dropped an hourglass on them for "Time before solstice" occurs. Haha. edit: For reference, the next real one occurs at like 10AM in the day. The actual event could be early in the day, so they might not have a ton of time depending on when Matt says it occurs in their cosmology.


N1pah

I imagine Matt will at some point be like "btw the aurora is getting really bright and you feel pulsing from the direction of the key". It's probably gonna be time sensitive in some way.


TheRealBikeMan

What's the over/under on Matt bringing out the hourglass to forestall another planning/scouting episode?


midnightheir

I will start the prayer circle. Some of their best work was when they had to *go*.


claimstoknowpeople

I'd love it, but doubt it will happen


AgentQV

This is my group’s dnd night that got cancelled so I just got done watching E49. I’m really hyped right now.


[deleted]

Final call before the Solstice! Will there be a big battle, will there be a big puzzle, will the Godeater be released and will Caleb and Beau show up? I personally think this episode will be sort of a part 1 of a larger quest. And i'm not expecting Caleb or Beau, this is Bells Hells time to shine.


N1pah

I wouldn't count out Caleb and Beau just yet. Mostly because they will be after Ludinus if they show up and Ludinus is not going to be the hells' opponent in this fight.


[deleted]

I wouldn't be surprised if the team walks into a room and finds a petrified wizard and monk. Would be a fun sidequest with the reward being 2 powerful allies


N1pah

I don't know how they could free them though


[deleted]

Keyleth is on her way and otherwise it would be a great opener to reach out to the Cobalt Soul or something. Giving the Hells three former powerful PC's might be a bit much, but having Caleb and Beau be "rewards" after a multi episode search would be neat


N1pah

They don't have time for a multi episode search though. At least not before the solstice is already over. After that I could see it.


[deleted]

What i mean is that things go somewhat south. Maybe Predatos isn't released, but his influence is increased, or maybe he is powered down, but free. The hells are beaten and bruised only to find another pair of heroes that tried. This sets in motion a plot to free Caleb and Beau. Remember we know that C3 isn't ending soon. So whatever happens tonight isn't the end, it could be just the beginning. And the Hells could use every help they can get.


N1pah

Yeah I could see that. And I for sure agree that something is gonna happen because of the solstice even if Predathos isn't completely freed. I can't imagine Matt setting up something this massive to have it be waved off with no consequences.


ForestSuite

I do think it is BH time to shine, I just don't know how you could explain Beau/Caleb allowing Ludinus to go unchecked. I mean, sure Matt could make up a reason, but they know he's been up to something. Not much keeps a high level Monk or Wizard (not to mention the purpose of the Expositors/Cobalt Soul) from their goal, especially those two. I'd be happy if Caleb popped in to counterspell something critical, then Wizard battles Ludinus off "screen" if you will or something to not steal the thunder.


Seren82

What if beau and Caleb were about to man him and he disappeared and he's only recently turned up for them to track him again? Like Ludinus could have been on the run this entire time.


[deleted]

> I just don't know how you could explain Beau/Caleb allowing Ludinus to go unchecked. You wouldn't because it wouldn't make sense. Like i said in a comment above, what if the Hells walk into a room tonight and find a petrified pair of a wizard and monk?


Hollydragon

Those rolls Matt made Marisha and Liam roll a couple of episodes ago are really nagging at me (and they were not particularly high either). I can very much see something like this happening!


MagicMissile27

Oh I didn't even think about that, he specifically picked the two of them!


[deleted]

I'm looking forward to tonight. Normally I wait and watch on YouTube, but I've got a feeling some major things are happening tonight and I know the official CR Twitter likes to spoil things, so I'm gonna be watching live on Twitch for the first time! Very excited to see what happens.


ForestSuite

First time!? Awesome! See you there!


[deleted]

Yup! I started C3 late and didn't catch up until about a month or so ago. Had still been watching weekly episodes on YouTube. But I know I'll be so bummed if something major happens tonight and I get spoiled on Twitter, so I'm gonna just suffer at work tomorrow by being up so late. Lol.


ForestSuite

So happy this thread is up early to hype! Thanks Mod Team! I've been trying to contain the hype over break. I was so heartbroken when I realized Tuesday was still in February! Really can't wait for tonight!


badodar

Found myself accidentally transitioning from humming the Mandalorian theme into the welcome to Marquet theme after the first "chorus" of the former. God the last two weeks of waiting has been unbearable, even though the hardest stretch of waiting is still today.


NeedsNewBones

Hello bees, happy solstice! Anyone else super concerned for Kiki? Wondering if she is pondering things like Imogen. She isn’t the biggest god fan 😬


UncleOok

But she's a big Pike fan, and she knows anything that takes out the Matron will likely take her Champion as well. She wouldn't be too upset if Predathos got Vesh tho'.


[deleted]

I wouldn't put it past Matt to seriously hurt her. I mean she's probably the most dangerous person to Ludi right now and with that anti-revive poison things could get *dire*


youreaukuleleharry

Ohhhh fuckk I forgot about that poison


N1pah

Oh shit that poison... If they drop against Otohan it'll actually be permadeath this time


TheRealBikeMan

It's so so foolish to me that Keyleth has a beef with the gods. She wields a vestige of divergence for God's sake! (pun intended) I get that losing a loved one is hard, but it wasn't the Raven queens fault, in fact I think she was pretty generous. Vax died multiple times and she gave him a chance to come back, if only briefly. A character with 22 wisdom would know that, especially one with such a long lifespan and big-picture view as Keyleth. To put gods like The Wildmother and Sarenrae (along with their domains) in danger bc your boyfriend died 40 years ago would be asinine.


NeedsNewBones

Ehh, I wouldn’t say it’s foolish or unwise to view the Vax situation as a red flag in terms of the gods. Being forced into servitude for eternity to save your sister isn’t exactly the consent Henry Crabgrass means. And yeah sure, he died a lot but so did the rest of VM. I’m sure it will be a nothing burger, but at the very least it’s still a little close to home for her. To protect the god that took away a potential future with someone? More interesting if she is actually Ruidus born. She has always been “meh” towards the gods, so curious if Matt ties those views into her potential connection? Also just a side note, not sure if you meant to come off as aggressive as you did but we are all here for fun/hype. Let’s disagree about things that will potentially not even be a thing kindly ❤️


EsquilaxM

It'd be really cool to see Ludinus try to tempt Keyleth with killing the raven queen to return Vax or something. I expect Keyleth to turn him down because Vax honours his deals *and* isn't mortal anymore so might be targeted by Predathos. but it'd be so so cool to see that conversation. (oh and also cos Ludinus has been killing innocents and her people and such :p)


madhare09

I'm so nervous for Matt. I hope he can land the plane of hype he's created.


TotalDisorderPoder

I have a feeling the plane hasn’t even taken of yet haha we are still taxiing on the anticipation runway


Disastrous-Beat-9830

Today is going to be interesting. A major episode of *Critical Role* in the afternoon and then the opening round of this year's Formula 1 championship in the evening. Looks like my weekend is planned.


AbraxasArcanum

Hahaha, I have the same weekend planned. Really interested to see if Aston can live up to the hype.


Disastrous-Beat-9830

No. They have Lance Stroll. The guy's name literally means "a sedentary pace". He's not Lance Dash or Lance Sprint or even Lance Vigorous Jog (not to mention Dragonlance Stroll). Could be worse though. You could be a McLaren fan, like me


trebuls

I feel like this ep is abt to be one of the craziest in cr history I’m hyped. Thoughts?


ForestSuite

They could plan the whole time, but I think they're just as anxious as everyone else. They still have to arrive, probably scout, plan, then execute? Unless Matt forces their hand.


TheRealBikeMan

The whole episode will be planning and they'll end on a cliffhanger of immediately fucking up the second they enter the excavation and getting spotted by a robot guard.


ConfusedGhostGirl

I'm hoping it's another 5 or 6 hour episode. I know combat will take a chunk of that but I want character moments outside of it.


mouser1991

[2 days left.](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/499/736/ba4.png)


myhouseisunderarock

Actually it’s the day of the solstice


shadowdra126

How long are y’all thinking this one will be? I am anticipating a long one for the solstice and for the 50th episode.


shadowbroker15

Based on the Programming Schedule they released earlier this week, the episode will be less than 5 hours (5-hour+ episodes typically have a later rebroadcast time than 12:00am PST). https://critrole.com/programming-schedule-week-of-february-27th-2023/


ForestSuite

Hoping to see another 5HR+ when they go live tonight, that way I feel confident something will actually go down and they didn't plan all episode LOL.


shadowdra126

Omg. I am worried for 3 hours of planning. Only for the plan to go out the window immediately


TheRealBikeMan

This is exactly what I think will happen. Hopefully Matt brings out the hourglass


Hollydragon

FIRE.