Fireside Q&A with Matthew Mercer | Talks Machina 

Matt Mercer saying "Oh hi, I didn't see you there" is one of the few things I needed in life.

"I tend to cry a lot, I'm a sensitive boy." hard same, matt, hard same. the minute his voice started to crack & when he said "i don't like hurting people" that made me start bawling you have no idea

Can we all just come together and give Matt a hug?

Matt is the role model more boys need to see. Loving acceptance, kindness and talent born from hard work...what more could we want for our children to echo. Also as mother of grown boys I played D&D with as they grew up I recommended the show to them. Thanks for your honesty Matt.

Matt Mercer just wants to make the world a better place. I'm fucking crying

"Bees? Yes. How many? 7." HE IS THE CHOSEN ONE

"Because I hate hurting people" Matt is the loveliest human being I've ever come across.

1:24:22 Listening to Matt's voice tremble like that is like watching a puppy get kicked. Just. Ow. My heart.

Matt being nice, honest and true to him self; like allways. One of the best people we got on this world. All the love to you man.

"Smores. It's not a cheese, but deal with it." Matt Mercer, 2017

When Matt cries, I cry. Hearing the story about his uncle, and that Matt himself is so worried about hurting people or offending people, I was shattered. I'm LGBT, and I've always felt so accepted and welcomed by the CR cast, always encouraged by the representation they all bring to the narrative. Thank you, Mr. Mercer. (Also, there's nothing wrong with being a sensitive boy. I am one too)

Man, when he started crying I really wanted to tell him, I love him... (like, not in a romantic way, but still just all of what he is)

Lord have Mercer

"Cheesy" is often just a label that people put on things to avoid having to treat serious things seriously and to maintain their distance and keep their defenses up. I think that it is awesome that you keep bracelets to remind you of deep, important things in your life (and also you're an awesome DM)!

I dunno if Matt will see this, but this is the first I heard of the frustrations around Terry. As someone who is gay and grew up in a place where that was persecuted. I was loved that moment. I was so happy to see it explored but in a humorous tone. So I am thankful for it.

1:24:00 *MATTHEW COMFORT HUGGING INTENSIFIES* 1:25:20 *LAUNCH THE NUCLEAR HUGS* 1:26:30 *FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SOMEONE HUG THIS MAN*

I normally do not enjoy Q&A or AMA vids, but this one was really wonderful and truly memorable. It can also be a bit intimidating to get so emotional in front of so many people, but it only makes me respect Matt even more than I already did.

2 HOURS OF MERCER OMG?? WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS, THANK YOU DICE GODS

I hope Matt got several giant hugs after this.

I only just got into Critical Role. I'm sad that I'll never get to see the videos that were removed. But I totally get it. I'm glad they did this for Ashley

I feel so bad for him apologizing, that story was totally realistic, respectfull and well done!

Those real feels... that apology and explaining himself and just... the reasons why that choice was made. Gods this is why I love this show, this cast, this person.

Matt:"You should wait until other's have made their characters and fill in the gaps" Group full of Critters: "So what are you playing?" "I'm waiting until all you guys make characters" "Me Too" "Me Too." "Damn."

Jeez, man, Matt, don't feel sorry (ever) for being honest, real and human.

A little warning: This will get deep at around 1:20:00. Matt's such a good being.

That's some great Sam Riegel cosplay

As someone who is gay and has and is still living in a homophobic environment and family, Tary's story is very important for me. Although it may not be exactly like my situation, it's something that happens and I'm so grateful it's being discussed. Writing from alternative lifestyles than your own is extremely hard and you are bound go stumble and fall, yet we love you Matt, and believe that you and Sam are doing everything thing you can to convey such an emotional scene while staying with Sam's comedic playstyle. Can't wait to see how Tary plays out since he's one of my personal favorites.

This is all that's left of the Talks Machina playlist...

LOL MATT GOES "Hmm" and the caption says [Music]RU-vid gets it

Matt Mercer...after watching this video in its entirety, all I can say is...you are a wonderful, beautiful human being. This world is a better place simply for this video existing.

Wow. For all this time I've just looked at Matthew Mercer as a voice actor, primarily for McCree. But holy shit, having watched this video in its entirety, I can see that he is much more than that. He is a wonderful human being. My respect for him has gone up 1000 fold.

Matt is the template that everyone should aspire to be.

This video is one of my favorite things I've ever watched. Matt shows you all levels, from seeing his eyes glow and him smile as he talks about Marisha and Dungeons and Dragons to the tears he has as he talks about loss and him open up, its just a beautiful experience. I hope we get more of these, because this is one of those two hour experiences that will affect me for long in the future.

The really emotional part about episode 94 that everyone should watch begins at 1:20:07 and continues for slightly longer than 8 minutes.

The question that haunts me the most is what creature did he sacrifice to get that gorgeous hair

Q&A 3:30 What's your favorite trope in D&D or just in general? What was your favorite storyline besides the Chroma Conclave? 4:37 What's your favorite class in D&D? 5:23 Has the Raishan trophy mount arrived yet? 5:55 How surprised were you when Liam killed everyone midway last week? 7:30 Did you know that's not a real fireplace behind you? 8:24 What do you think of the new Mystic class? 9:56 When starting the campaign, how much did you start with? What level did everyone start at? 11:23 What is your favorite tabletop RPG system? 13:34 What do you recommend when you have no good reason for player characters to pop in and out of the story between sessions? 15:35 Any tips on dealing with audition nerves? Waiting to hear back on an audition. 18:33 Have you ever LARPed? 22:48 What is your favorite kind of cheese? 24:11 I'm planning to break into the VO industry and currently taking lessons. Is there anything else you recommend to get an edge in this cuttthroat industry? 29:32 How do you set magical item prices? 31:21 Are you surprised by what some of Vox Machina has decided to do over the past year? 32:30 Is Bloodhunter being added to your campaign? 33:08 You always try to be positive and down-to-earth. How do you do it? 37:50 Pineapples on pizza: yay or nay? 38:21 How do you balance your major part in Critical Role and your career as a voice actor? 40:48 Is there some NPC in particular you' ve been itching to introduce, but the moment never presented itself? 41:22 What's your favorite type of cookie? 45:12 How'd you get into Burning Man? 50:00 Bees: yes or no? If yes, how many? 50:34 Have you ever had a moment when you almost gave up being a DM entirely? 56:05 What do you think of the McElroy brothers on the show Adventure Zone? 57:25 Did you talk to any of the Critical Role cast about how their characters spent their time during the timeskip? 57:39 Triss or Yennefer? 58:19 How do you want to do this? 58:37 Can we see more Dwarves? I love their accent. 59:23 What is your favorite animated movie? 1:00:02 What about a new member joining Vox Machina during the campaign? 1:00:37 Have you ever been charged of a crime? 1:02:53 Are you going to Dragoncon this year? 1:03:27 What's the story behind each of your braclets? 1:07:45 How did you and Marisha meet? 1:10:09 What is that tattoo on your left wrist? 1:12:43 When you get a rare chance to play, is there a personality trait that you try to avoid? 1:13:58 What happened to the Yasmir(?) kids (don't remember them or their name) 1:16:51 Skyrim or Witcher 3? 1:17:03 Wine, whisky, or vodka? 1:17:43 How do you deal with rejection? 1:20:07 ** WARNING: A VERY emotional aside addressing viewer lashback against how they handled Taryon coming out in Episode 94 ** 1:29:30 How excited are you for the new Bill Nye show? 1:33:14 What's your favorite band? 1:34:58 Kind of stagnant in life with no direction. Did you have any friends or were you like that? How did you find direction/motivation? 1:39:57 What instrument would you play? 1:41:19 How's the date going? Are we gonna see each other again? Does Marisha mind? 1:41:56 Did you ever mow your lawn? 1:42:05 Do you like camping? 1:43:03 What music are you listening to at the moment? 1:44:12 Favorite sweet alcoholic beverage? 1:44:50 Worst video game you've ever played? 1:45:58 Ever considered short hair? 1:46:29 Favorite voice line? Which bugs Marisha the most? 1:47:42 Any tips on how to deal with players that fight over items and gold? 1:48:45 Stars Wars or Star Trek and why? 1:50:16 New tattoo? 1:50:51 Favorite action movie character? 1:51:09 Favorite doctor from Doctor Who? 1:53:20 Favorite non-RPG game? 1:54:40 For players that want more variety, are there any resources you can recommend for learning accents? 1:55:29 Best dream you ever had? NPC CHARACTERISTICS STRAWPOLL 20:32 Race? (Drow, Half-Orc, Genasi, Human, or Dragonborn) results at 26:53 27:20 Occupation? (Warlock, Baker, Royalty, Bounty hunter, or Prostitute) results at 32:10 35:30 Interest in Vox Machina? (Grog, Wedding, Vengeance, Fanboy, or bring Tary home) results at 41:39 42:08 Hidden secret? (Revenant, secretly a Paladin, Ziggurat, Hitman, or he's Blind) results at 47:25 47:42 Name? (Rubrick, Miklos, Zalvs(?), K'ryyn, or Noxtra) results at 55:38 MONSTER ENCOUNTER STRAWPOLL 1:11:23 Size? (Tiny, Medium, Large, Huge, or Gargantuan) results at 1:14:35 1:14:56 Type? (Fey, Abberation, Construct, Celestial, or Elemental) results at 1:28:28 1:28:51 Ability Score Focus? (STR, DEX, CON, WIS, INT, or CHA) results at 1:31:53 1:32:18 Fighting Focus? (Melee, Ranged, Spell, or Environment) results at 1:37:31 1:37:47 Name? (Kaeora, Balkanus, Yort, Exelon, Symphior, or Leth'ess) results at ??? (couldn't find it)

"Sex trade is an awesome, legitimate form of business for a lot of people." Man I love this guy.

Such a wonderful, honest, down to earth man! I would love to sit in a room and talk for hours with Matthew Mercer. He always inspires me to be positive and he's one of thousands that taught me it's okay to fail. I applaud this wonderful beam of light that has been brought into this world.❤️❤️

That moment when you see Mercer breaking down talking about his uncle.

I never never never never never was a fan of someone famous. Then I started watching Critical Role and my love for this wonderful human being named Matthew Mercer has grown and grown. I hope he is well and that he will be well always. Love you Matt, a hug from Italy

Matt apologizing and opening up about his uncle is really nice to see. I thought the episode was great and wasn't offended myself, but seeing him torn up and talking about important things like this is a nice change to what I usually see from influencers. It shows he really cares and being bisexual myself, it just really, really, feels nice.

o god this was such an emotional roller-coaster. Matthew Mercer you are a beautiful human being

I grew up in San Francisco and one of my best friends growing up had two moms and two dads. One of those dads died of AIDs when we were in high school. And I was allowed to go out after curfew if I was with one of my drag queen friends. So I kinda get the episode, I get where Matt and Sam were going with it, and I thought it was wonderful and funny and touching. I get how he didn't want to hurt anyone from a community that has gone through so much. And frankly being a sensitive man in life and on the Internet shows how much he cares, how much he wants to be a positive force in life, and hopefully is a role model for men in general. I just wanted to give him a hug. His courage and openness is something we should all aspire for.

This is probably one of the most honest and open interviews I've ever seen of Matt Mercer. I was already a fan of the guy, but this interview made me respect him even more. He has a great view on life's challenges and an amazing personality overall. And the fact that he opens up to us (the Critter community and the entire internet) is a daring step I can only respect :) Plus the advice he gives is really good! I hope he'll read this, even though the chance is small. But Matt, don't ever apologize for who you are and what you do :)

matt is such an empath and that's why he is a great storyteller

god Matt is so sweet and it hurts me to see him cry. I love the way he made his world in Critical Role. Open, loving, and everything in-between which you can tell he's really just pouring his soul into it. God, you're the best Matt

I did not expect this vulnerability and intimacy. it's endearing, and wonderful.

Going through the bracelets made me mist up enough that I had to pause. I relate deeply to the family history of addiction, and having commemorations of triumph, partnership, friendship, and community bound to yourself is such a worthy set of reminders

oh matt. he really is one of the kindest people on earth and i appreciate him so much. i've never wanted to give someone i don't personally know a hug so bad, he's just such a pure soul.

From the way this Q&A started, I really wasn't expecting to cry during it. Thank you for trusting the audience to tell your story, Matt!

Matt: *describing his disturbing af dream* Me: "You know, I always envied your creativity and vivid imagination, and also people who remember their dreams (I almost never do) but now I think I'm actually just fine the way I am, thanks."

Many wise words from the Matthew Mercer “Just be empathic. Be willing to make mistakes, and own up to them. Learn from them, and no matter how much a person frustrates you, makes you angry or tries to hurt you, maintain a point of perspective that you don't understand what they’ve gone through to get them there. What their day was leading them to that moment. What abuses they’ve undergone, what difficulties, challenges, and failures they’re ruminating on at that time, and you’ve become an outlet for it. That’s not always the case, there are bad people in the world, by all means, and I do understand that. But I think a lot of dissidence stems from people’s inability to imagine what the other side of this might be. So allowing you that expansion, to be able to give people the benefit of the doubt and think, ‘I know what they said is really terrible, but maybe they’re having a really day, a really terrible week, a very terrible month. Maybe they lost a friend, lost a family member, and they’re just lashing out.’ You don’t know. That perspective makes it a lot easier to not take things to heart and step away. And that opens empathy for others. And that even goes for everyday encounters. When you stop at a gas station to order gas, make eye contact with the attendant and ask them how their day’s been. Its amazing how quickly you’ll see people open up and smile when you engage them as a human being, and not as just part of a transaction. I recommend you try that on a day-to-day basis. It makes every day that much more lively. It makes you really appreciate how so many different backgrounds, how many different people who all have their own story, their own trials and tribulations, and they all come together to make this beautiful world that we all live in. So, good days and bad days. We’re all human beings and we’re all trying to be happy.”

I imagine the Drow baker being like Garak from DS9 who was "just a simple tailor"...

I rarely comment on videos, but I was very impressed and touched by Matt's honesty and courage in talking about his Uncle Ted. God bless you, Mr. Mercer. God Bless.

It's a little sad that Matt felt he needed to apologize for starting to tear up. Was anybody genuinely upset that he was showing emotion?

He really is a good guy

Matt Mercer is just too pure for this world. I truly do love this man with my whole heart.

This man is a genuine and truly wonderful person. I was surprised how hard this kicked me in the feels. His truth shows through in his work and his love for the arts and his fans. If I ever start wearing rock n roll bands my first will be in his honor, I'll stamp the coordinates where we first meet.

Matt is genuine and his heart is pure. love that DM

I feel like we need a Matt Mercer bed time story series where Matt just tells stories quietly for a while ❤️

So much respect for Matt Mercer, will always have time to see anything he has to say.

Can someone replace Siri with Matt Mercer?

"Me and technology strangely don't mix very well," finally...proof Mercer is a Wizard! Do you keep company with a certain Harry Dresden, Matt?

The Aasimar kids left White Stone and went back to Emon with the surviving Queen and her children during the last episode from what I remember.

I never met Matt, but I just know he is the nicest guy in the world.

Watching Matt drink wine from my country is something that I didn't know I needed bit I'm glad I got to see

Am I the only one who chuckled at him accidentally saying "Leslie Nielsen" instead of "Liam Neeson" as Darkman? Haha... that wouldve been a hilarious cast change! XD

Oh, Matt. Buggaboo. Sweetheart. Dearest DM. You are such an admirable person, honestly and truly. It's very courageous of you to become to serious and honest with us, and you continually earn our respect. You are not perfect, and that's what makes you wonderful. Your stories are real, and sometimes we don't like reality, but reality is what grounds us and brings us together as people on a very raw, and very human level. You'll never see this comment, I know, but I still feel like I'm speaking to you because you allowed such intimacy on this stream. Thanks buddy, and I hope your future will be bright!

Thank you for bearing your soul, Matt. You're a major figure in my life right now, and as I try and find my place out there and plant my feet and be my own man, this kind of honesty and caring and bravery might be the most profound inspiration I've ever known since my mother (who is a tough role model to beat). Keep doing you, my friend, and I'm going to try and do me. Love you man.

IT'S DRUNK NOON.

Matthew Mercer you are a genuine person with a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and allowing yourself to be vulnerable and honest with us. You share a truly meaningful message.

To be fair, “I don’t know what’s happening but this is weird and awesome” is a pretty good description of Doctor Who.

Droy baker will live on in my campaign

Watching this live was great and ultimately very painful because I wanted someone to hug him so badly! Either way it was awesome! Thanks Matt and Crew!

"I thought it was just a one shot" somewhere between 500 -1000 hours later..

Such a heart warming moment Matt, when you talk about acceptance! the tears really get to me! Thank you for that touching moment, you are an incredible inspiring man!

When he said he would pick s'mores to go with his wine selection I got an image of him and Marisha sharing s'mores and wine by a fire and became very happy

Wow. What a fucking legend. You have my sincerest thanks for being such a prime example of the potential of humanity. Aside from what you do professionally and your sheer talent and drive in that field, your emphasis on understanding, being open, empathetic and genuine make you one my greatest idols. So thank you Matthew Mercer, may you future endeavors be met with as much success and happiness as possible. Here's to you and yours sir. And congrats on the wedding later this month! I hope you two continue to support and inspire each other.

1:47:28 that killed me 😂 If he would do this to me with the Voiceline "I hear you, Pumpkin" or "I'm your Huckleberry" I would *Eek* myself to death because of fangirling xD

"I'm a sensitive boy" Mr. Mercer, can you please return the heart you've stolen from me as soon as possible thanks

Dear Matt and all of critical roll players and staff. Thank you so much for being yourselves. I look forward to all episodes laugh and cries and swearing at the wtf parts. I'm truly thankful I stumbled across and caught up. Have only played one dnd game way back in high school. It wasn't great cause I trying to fit into group that was set in there ways, heavy rules group and more reactionary group. Though now my daughter has played a few app card games with me. So perhaps I can one day it will be something she is excited about it. Thank you thank you thank you

Matt is one of my favorite people in the entire world. The amount of himself and his creativity that he puts forward is amazing. I hope he knows it's appreciated.

Matt is such a wonderful person. When his friends say one of his best features is his empathy, they are 100% correct. Please keep telling your wonderful stories, even if they are hard, even if they aren't nice. Some of us had harder times in our lives and it's nice to see those aspects played out by people who not only care, but who embrace differences and can transform them into powerful, cathartic, or comedic moments.

I wanted to hug the absolute shit out of Matt at several points in this video. I tried, and I broke my laptop. Thanks, G&S.

That opening line got 2/3rds of the audience pregnant.

Just when I thought I actaully couldn't love Matt Mercer more, he comes out with this??!! God bless man, God bless.

That was a bit hard to watch. Matt, you're a lovely person, and It sucks to see your pain.

matt's voice breaking while talking about witnessing hate just shattered my heart into a million pieces. bless this man's kind heart.

This is fantastic. Emotional, engaging, funny, and most of all, real. Thank you for this video Matthew, I fucking love you.

"I dont want to go" is the most soul crushing line ever.

I SO DESPERATELY WANT TO TRY THE MYSTICS CLASS!!! Sounds right up my alley

My, I could have a two hour long program of Matt talking and drinking wine with dragon socks a week. I'm very empathetic, like Matt, to the point that he cried, and then reached for the wine, and I reached for the wine too, but realised I don't got any, there was no wine, I wasn't drinking, there was no bottle and no cup. LOL The finale, oh the finale. The mind is able to wonders.

Matt you are just through and through a wonderful human being.

Two weeks in a row that I've cried because of Critical Role? That's ok by me. This team is the best.

Remember, we heard it here first, folks - Tennant has always been Matt's favorite Doctor! (Twelve and Ten are neck in neck for me, these days. But DT was the first Doctor I really fell for, so that will always make him special.)

Matthew Mercer is the rolemodel I look up to the most. He is such a kind and empathic soul. People really need to cut him some slack. He is NOT the person you should be hating on. Put your anger elsewhere.

I didn't expect that very raw, emotional section but it's something I love about Matt & the rest of the cast. They are very honest, open and genuine.

This man. Honest, sincere, and genuine. He didn't have to be this open on a Twitch stream, but he did it anyway. He didn't have to invest so much time and effort into a D&D campaign on a stream, but he did it anyway. He is an incredible individual and deserves every praise he has been given and then some. Thanks Matt, for making me have a wonderful inspiration each Thursday night, for encouraging me to GM again after serious burnout, and most of all for being simply a good guy and entertainer.

Matt Mercer could record saying random words for an hour and a half and I'd listen to it. Love that voice

Hey Matt, thanks for being real with us today. It was nice hanging with you.