Wood and Steel | Critical Role | Campaign 2, Episode 58 

HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing 1:10 Liam announces his running mate 2:25 Ashley roasts Sam 8:05 The road to 10 million 11:10 Intro cinematic 12:45 Episode Starts 15:25 Recap Ends 15:45 Yasha is more alert than usual 25:15 Jester has an important task for Beau 26:30 Beau flashes her stick 27:10 And break 28:10 The flask 30:40 Fjord meets a bigger half-orc at the forge 36:30 Fjord can almost carry a barrel 38:55 Fjord’s too tough for jewelry 41:25 Wersh and Fjord 45:00 His advice had abs 45:55 Consoling Fjord 47:00 Fjord backstjory 49:05 Half-orc-ling 52:05 Beau teaches us to deal with cops at the library 56:25 Liam gets to hit Marisha back 1:01:20 Professor Tuskwaco 1:10:40 Beau flashes ab 1:20:20 Long-winded pigeon 1:25:00 How dare you Sam 1:33:55 Jester goes for the full tickle at the jeweler 1:36:00 You can’t trick The Dragon with cubic zirconium 1:37:20 Sam is under attack 1:40:00 Jester is great at compliments 1:42:05 Turmin’s tinctures and tonics 1:42:50 Chemists: you can’t take them anywhere 1:43:45 The splash zone 1:44:10 Too adventurous 1:45:25 Not just sex powers 1:52:10 Rain on Sam night 1:53:25 Nott goes back to her old ways 1:58:05 Break Starts 2:07:30 A full-cast Thank You video 2:10:35 Art Montage 2:23:20 Break Ends 2:24:45 In medias res 2:28:05 Shaft 2:32:45 If they did a morning-to-night game some weekend, I’d be there for it 2:35:20 Jester gives up her weasel 2:38:20 Exchanged messages 2:39:20 Taliesin backstory 2:41:15 I LOVE YOU 2:43:30 Nott and Caleb update their character art 2:51:10 Through the Ghostlands 3:12:10 Foreman Boto 3:14:00 Fjord mjurders Foreman Boto 3:16:05 Contradictory orders 3:41:30 Nott cleans up loose ends 3:44:45 Ashley is welcomed 3:48:05 Episode Ends The in-game start date for the episode was the 20th of Horisal 836. Sam’s flask says “Creepy ain’t a crime, neither is D&D” over a picture of Brian W. Foster Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?05

Love the outraged expression on Travis' face when Matt introduces a half-orc with a Southern accent more muscular than Fjord.

26:06 Travis: "It's hiiiiiiiiigh... Twelve o' clock." Matt: Death glares from behind cup

Liam: “Ashley, welcome back. The table top is yours.” Ashley: “I would like to word-rage”

Imagine being this random city citizen, just going about your day, when suddenly two humans (which to these people is equivalent for a regular human seeing an orc) riding Moorbounders (which is equivalent to seeing them ride war elephants or bobcats) just bound up to you & ask for directions to someplace directly towards the Ghostlands (fantasy Chernobyl)

I love it when Ashley is here for the shopping episodes because her bartering is on point. "What if we just play less gold?" She doesn't even try, she just does,

Ashley: Someone with hands so seasoned and robust you both imagine them tucking you in at night and strangling your enemies Taliesin: *nods*

Anyone: * Slightly impedes the Mighty Nein * Caleb: "tHE QUEEN SAID ---"

I think "It's my husband! He's lonely! GIVE HIM YOUR WEASEL!!" is one of my favourite things Nott has ever said XD

Yeza is still adorable. "We've got some FINE potions over here..." Yeza: "These are... pretty poorly made. what's your distilling process, just out of curiosity?"

Sam got burn so bad caleb had to make a wisdom save

Walks around with an actual chemist and ttwo people proficient in herbalism kits. “Fuck how are we gonna find and afford healing potions”

Essek, barely two days ago in-game time: don't go to the Ghostlands M9: OK, First point of order: shopping. Second point of order: go to the place we were told to avoid at all costs

I cant believe Ashley cast 9th level Murder like that on Sam

"Are you supposed to rally around a guy who looks like a donkey wearing a Jeff Goldblum mask?" -Top 10 Vicious Mockeries of All Time

My favorite part is the party deciding that Fjord is related to the smith because of their accents, which is one of the few things that isn't genetic at all

The whole interaction with Fjord and Wersh was just awesome!!! Wersh recognizing the reason for Fjord’s rudeness was because of his insecurities. And instead of taking offense and whacking him upside the head, Wersh takes the time to give him that advice!! I hope we see more of Wersh cause Fjord needs a good role model like him around! 💚💚

When Sam said at least I have the comfort of my imaginary husband, I was so confused, Liam is right there.

When they animate the Mighty Nein I full expect a random pigeon to be in the background of scenes like this. It can be a "hidden pigeon" type thing where it's even a statue on a shelf behind them.

"Yannik is angry and likes to kill." Beau immediately: "I'll ride Yannik."

That feel when the half-orc blacksmith seems like he was specifically designed to give your half-orc an even worse inferiority complex. AND THEN HE ENDS UP BEING WHOLESOME AF

Am I not the only one that found it so cute that Caleb had Frumpkin play with Jester in the morning, after she had to give away both her pets to Yeza. Like that was such a small yet nice moment.

Matt, laughing: Make an intimidation check Travis, casually: 26 Everyone: :O

So, they’re in a land of darkness, and an adventure in a mine, and no one thought to yell, “Nighty Mine”.

"Yeah her name is Beauregard, and she may show no regard, but she's still a hero regard'. " -Sam's hype voice

"here take twenty platinum" "UAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH"

It is done. Kickstarter has surpassed $10,000,000. Travis Willingham will know fear.

"I'm going with me" *raises both arms* Cad is honestly the best.

"OoOooOoHhhHhh You've got a ChEmIsT!!!" Not gonna lie, that part got me lmao

"IT IS MY HUSBAND. HE IS LONELY - GIVE HIM YOUR WEASEL!" r/entitledgoblins

Somewhere in a parallel timeline Jester has opened a petting zoo and gives children rides on a very loyal and well trained Yarnball.

Sam: heh lol who could you POSSIBLY have as your running mate to tip things in your favor? Liam: *announces Ashely Johnson, the literal darling of the group because of Pike and awkward Yasha* Sam: wait! That’s illegal!

Nott: can't say I love you infront of the group Beau: Basically had sex with someone within viewing distance of the whole group

Oh my gosh, when Caleb entered the library and went to meet Professor Tuskwaco he was so giddy with joy and enthusiasm and then the longer he talked to her and realised she was like the other teachers he had - willing to sell their intelligence and curiosity for destructive purposes - he just got more and more deflated. It was painfully familiar to watch, that realisation that places of higher ideals are so often rotten at the core no matter which 'side' you are on.

Monotone caleb: Janic is angry and likes to kill... Excited Beau: I'll go with Janic!

Yeza's little growl when Nott gave him the daggers gave me major Kiri vibes and suddenly I'm very sad.

"oH tHeY'vE gOt A cHeMiSt!" Matt embodied that meme.

*Mollymauk* I am your god, long may I reign *Cadeuceus* Even his advice had abs

"Did you see how many abs he had?" "I mean even his advice had abs, that was crazy..." *I'm friggin' dead...*

I really admire Marissa’s “Yes, and”ing of pulling a stick out of her armpit, great improv moment

When talesin looks into the camera I feel like he is staring into my soul and finding it inadequate

Sam: "It's stealth ,Ashley, it's your specialty." Ashley: "I rolled a 1." I laughed so hard. It's nice having Ashley back!

God I would watch a whole spin-off show of Beau and Caleb navigating social situations

1:34:54 anyone else who just imagen a cleric walking up to a dead team mate with like 300 shit diamonds worth 1 gold each and just sprinkle it on them like salt bae and then cast revivify

Matt: It happens Tal: …a lot (Ominous music intensifies as Marisha slooowly turns to Sam)

"Hello potion seller. We are going into battle, and we want your strongest potions."

"Out of sync clapping" These subtitles are throwing shade.

1:37:33 Sam: “I’m not saying anything, everybody’s hating on me” The rest of the bottom table + Matt: sympathetically awwws The top table: laughs maniacally in his face

"He can lift...almost a barrel by himself, with assistance from one of our ladies!" I LOVE the dynamic stabby-stabness between Sam and Travis's characters.

I live for Matt's store owners, they're all unique and goddamn brilliant.

I love Fjord's inferiority complex with other half-orcs. He is so uncomfortable around them xD

I love how well-incorporated everybody's storylines are into how they play characters.Nott is afraid of water and hates goblins because Veth was drowned by a pack of goblins, and she thinks of Caleb as "her boy" because she has a son, and is naturally very maternal. Fjord is self-conscious about his tusks and his size because he's been picked on by the in-group and the out-group for most of his life, and he stole his father-figure's voice because trauma. Beau is reluctant to trust people because she's been taught to mistrust authority, and even her parents abandoned her. Yasha is reluctant to form attachments to people because her wife died (and now so has Mollymauk), and she collects flowers for her wife from the very beginning of the campaign. Cad is a soft, sweet boy because he's only ever lived in the Blooming Grove, where his only company was his family and folks coming in to visit interred loved ones (all kind people in need of love, or who demonstrated love). Jester is childish because she was stuck in a room most of her life and never had the opportunity to fully grow up. Caleb hates himself because he was brainwashed to commit murder and he sees it as his fault, and doesn't think he's redeemable, and he desperately yelled "take them out" when he got shot with crossbow bolts because they reminded him of the crystals that were jabbed into his arms as part of Trent Ickithon's experiments on him. Mollymauk was carefree and hedonistic because he knew firsthand what it was like to lose his life, and wanted to do as much as he could with the second chance he was given, and make his new life as enjoyable as possible--you never know when you're going to die, but Molly wasn't afraid or sad when he was killed. He'd had a great time while he was around, and the only thing he felt at the end was hatred toward Lorenzo. The thing with all of this is, you only really realize it in retrospect. Everybody immediately apologized to Nott for making fun of her fear of water once she'd told her story. Liam never mentioned the crystals in his arms before the crossbow wounds, but he still reacted according to that part of Caleb's backstory. Yasha was always very distant, and always collected flowers for pressing, even before she told Jester and Cad about her wife. That's what makes these characters so good--they're like real people in that way. A real person has opinions and a philosophy about life before you know what they are. Cynical people are cynical before you ask them why. Kind people are kind before you know what for. Same goes for The Mighty Nein--their backstories play into their actions and reactions before the audience or other players/characters know what the backstories are. It's fantastic.

I feel like they stopped having Yasha shave Caleb with her greatsword because they realized that every time she does it, there's a 5% chance Ashley rolls a nat 1 and accidentally decapitates Caleb.

Heh... This new version of Nott is growing on me. I love how she can quickly switch from loving and protective wife and mother to vicious killing machine at the drop of a hat.

Taliesin is so much more lively with Ashley around and she’s a riot in her own right. I’m glad she’s back!

One of my fave things is when Taliesin makes a joke under his breath and he checks to see if anyone heard then when he realises no one heard he'll mutter his shame or pride and get that grin to himself or shake his head haha

3:14:00 That is genuinely the most realistic RPing of an Intimidation check that I’ve ever seen. Players usually go for trope threats of violence, but this right here is how Intimidation happens in the real world.

I love the "We shouldn't wave these medallions around just in case" Goes waving them around in front of everyone they can

I was super stoked for the art reel this episode particularly and it just started with sixteen different chair pictures.

Nott/Veth: Yeah, here. Take 20 platinum. Yeza: AaaaaAAAAAAHH! Cracked me up!

"Lie down." "Go slow." "It is a greatsword." "Just the tip." "Jam it in the nooks and crannies." How is Laura keeping it together??

Jesus Christ, within 5 minutes of coming back Ashley has *viciously murdered* Sam Riegel and destroyed Taliesin with laughter. I almost forgot how much I loved Ashley

Sam Riegel himself got to feel the pain that is Vicious Mockery

Fjord is terrifying when he's in his element

I like how Talison is always considering supplies provisions food and general comfort during travel. Buying tents and wagon covers. One could argue that it's arbitrary but it's nice for the immersion. It's like when you buy your rpg video game character a nice meal it's meaningless but still enjoyable for some reason

Sam: *exists* Ashley: I’m about to end this whole man’s career

Them getting their Dynasty clothing is reminding me of Season 3 of Avatar the Last Air Bender when they get all their Fire Nation fits.

For literally ANYONE who was wondering, the clap at 27:10 went in this order: Sam, Travis & Marisha, Laura, Taliesin, Ashley... Liam.

This is the most triumphant return of Ashley Johnson and I am only 5 minutes in.

Nott aggressively yelling “I LOVE YOU” through the door is honestly me 24/7

I wonder at what point they're going to remember Caduceus can make potions for half price, lol.

There should have been a kickstarter for Sam's reconstructive surgeries after the 3rd degree burns Ashley gave him.

“The coronas” *So it’s Matt’s fault*

The Gentleman must be wondering wtf they're doing in Xhorhas.

Nott/Veth sounds so much more confident since finding Yeza, and I think that’s beautiful

I thought it was really sweet around 54:30 when Sam silently noticed Laura's neck hurting, and started helping his friend with a back massage. That is such a performing arts kind of thing to do. Most of the time they are so goofy sitting next to each other, but this was a really kind moment.

love when Laura shouts "He told you not to talk anymore!" Travis is trying so hard not to laugh xD

"Don't be ashamed of that, son." Matt's 'Old Man Western' is coming out a bit, and it really works.

"It's like a gumball machine." *sudden realization* "What's a gumball machine?" - Caleb

Those Dueregar potion sellers are Matt’s revenge for all the parties sex jokes

Anybody else notice how cad is carrying half a magic sword and waccoh casually mentions half a sword blade when cad isn’t there🤔.

Sam Riegel: Aww man, a fake DnD Beyond presidential campaign would be a super fun sponsor gimmick that I'm sure they and all the fans will love! Ashley Johnson: I'm about to end this man's whole career.

What would have been beyond hilarious. Sam passes his giant flask to Liam. When Liam gets it - its a normal size flask with a small piece of paper on the front. Passes it back to Sam, giant flask again. Sell it act like it is absolutely normal. - TV MAGIC!!!!

Can we just talk about how great a player Ashley is? She's not always there, but when she is, she's always in character, always takes notes, always puts in 100%.

He’s always great, but Matt was on fire with his NPC’s this episode.

31:39 The subtle thing that Matt did here was great. When first describing what the orc looked like, he mentioned that he had tattoos, but nothing more. Then, when the sword was passed from Cad to the orc, he gave a more detailed description of the ink. This worked in 2 ways: -It didn't overload the players and the viewers with too much visual information at the start -It was realistic, because the closer his arm is to Cad, the more detail he could perceive increases

FINALLY EVERYONE PARTAKES IN THE "WE PLAY DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS" My heart is full

They way they handed that foreman's ass to him hit in a different way. It was amusing but god, was it actually intense as hell.

1:08:18 I like how you can see Taliesin "No Mercy Percy" Jaffe looking around a little sheepishly as Matt's character talks about weapons of mass destruction down at the steelworks.

I love how the mighty nein go from 1: being too cocky about their own power and getting a party member killed as a result to 2: Constantly panicing after they meet the person THEY COMPLETED SEVERAL QUESTS IN ORDER TO MEET to 3: Right back to being way too cocky and throwing around their station again

For the record: This game, they are the same level that Vox Machina was when they first started streaming.

"It's my HUSBAND! He's LONELY! GIVE HIM YOUR WEASEL!"

43:21 I can't help but feel that this moment is so important for Fjord. It's pretty obvious his pride's a little wounded by the overall Orc macho of the blacksmith, but when Fjord hears him say that he's not tough enough to travel all alone, it puts things into perspective. Fjord grew up a half-orc orphan abused and taken advantage of in a human-dominated environment, grinding down his tusks to fit in just a little more. I can only imagine Fjord sees Wursh as having what everyone expects him to have because Fjord grew up shifting between being 'human enough' or 'orc enough.' Hearing that even Wursh couldn't tough it to travel alone probably opens Fjord's eyes to not only how valuable his friends are, but also how much his own friends must depend on him. I love this kind of storytelling!

ashley : les-be-honest me : well,shes got the lesbians (once again), theres no winning now. sorry sam

*ALSO KNOWN AS: YASHA FINALLY GETS HER COFFEE, WHICH SHE THEN BURNS SAM WITH.*

caleb fighting enemies: im too weak... caleb fighting his friends: UNLIMITED POWER!!

1:13:28 Laura swears she hears Matt say "Vex", and goes crazy. Upon realizing her mistake, she jokes about it with Taliesin.

Everyone's talking about Ashley, where's the love for Fjord ending that foreman's whole career?

"Here's 20 Platinum" can you imagine your reunited wife dropping $20,000 in your lap and saying "be cool, ill be back in 3 days"

Always good to follow the buddy system. They talk about, particularly referring to Caleb not being left alone, the man who while squishy, did major damage to the entire party while charmed by a succubus.