#similar situation with yasha

[sassy-cass-16]

LISTEN MAN. listen. When Essek and Caleb have their conversation at the top of the tower and Caleb tries to tell him that he’s done things on par with his betrayal, and Essek shuts him down, it’s so much more than that. It is so much more than that. 

More under the cut because I could write a whole essay on this one interaction

Caleb starts off with “The one thing that has stayed true, though, is that I—well, I carry a lot of sins, like you do.” It’s emblematic of Caleb’s entire worldview from the moment he got out of the sanatorium. He feels that the things he’s done, the things Trent had him do, are the only constant in his life between when he was Bren and who he is right now. He feels that the guilt is constant and inescapable, which is an idea he first expressed to Yasha earlier on in the campaign. 

And then he throws out a lifeline to Essek. He tries to bind their guilty threads together. He tells him that they are alike. He’s trying to comfort him, in his own way. It’s not entirely wrong, but Essek is three times his age and knows that their situations are not the same. He knows that his own crimes were premeditated. He knows that he made the personal decision, the active choice, to do what he did, with foreknowledge of what was going to happen. 

And so he tells Caleb as much. He says “Not anywhere like I do.” He tries to force Caleb to look at their situations in their full context. By this point, Essek has interacted with Trent, he knows the power and lack of restraint that the Assembly has. Caleb has told him that Trent was his teacher, that he’s familiar with him. It’s not hard for Essek to make the link between how slimy Trent is, and the amount of guilt Caleb feels, and figure out what really happened. And what really happened was that a young man was coerced. 

Caleb knows that, but he also carries that guilt for a reason. He did have other options—not past a certain point, not past when Trent made him a volstrucker, but he did have them. He believed that what he was doing was right, but he knows now that it was deeply wrong and horrific. He did hurt people. So he pushes back, he says, “Don’t be so sure.” He’s not listening to Essek’s deeper meaning here. 

and Essek is having absolutely none of that, because he sees this thirty-something boy whose crimes are heavy but nothing compared to his own, and he shuts it down. He gets Caleb to look him in the eye, and he looks Bren Ermendrud in the eye and he tells him, “I’m pretty sure, young man.” 

And the “young man” is important on multiple levels. Firstly, Essek is literally reminding Caleb of their age difference—Essek’s about 120 years old compared to Caleb’s 33, and for a drow who’s interacted mostly with people centuries or millennia older than both of them, that’s not nothing. That has meaning. He’s reminding Caleb of cosmic insignificance, in a way, which fits with the ninth floor of the tower being covered in stars. And it's not out of nowhere, Essek brings up the point a bit earlier. It's a shallow undercurrent through the whole conversation, but this is the point when Essek makes it mean something.

Essek is also reminding Caleb of their differences in order to absolve him of some of the guilt he’s carrying. it’s a mirror to the “venom in your veins” moment, when Caleb drew Essek into the Mighty Nein, dragged him into redemption, by exposing their similarities. That moment happened in the bowels of a ship, which represents the forced and necessary closeness of the moment. This moment, Essek’s response, happens in a place of infinity, which is a much more natural place of common ground for the two of them. The first one was out of necessity, it was Caleb trying to prove that he’s changed as much as it was him trying to prove that Essek can change. The second one is a choice made because Essek wants to show Caleb kindness, in his own way. 

In addition to that, though, Essek also calls Caleb a “young man” in contrast to Trent. He’s establishing himself as the elder of the two of them in a way that doesn’t imply power, it doesn’t even imply wisdom. it’s not him using his age to assert authority over Caleb in the way Trent abused his authority as his teacher. It’s just Essek making a firm statement about taking responsibility for himself. He puts this metaphorical distance between the two of them not to push Caleb away, but to remind him not to get lost in the guilt. 

Finally, I think Essek was probably a little tired of being dragged around by the Nein. He's been having a week. He might have needed to remind one of these people that despite how he looks and talks and how close they’ve gotten, he’s significantly older than all of them (aside from maybe Cad, although we don’t actually know how old he is) and he can handle himself. This moment also happens a few minutes after Jester put him on the back foot, by asking about his favourite food, so maybe asserting himself a bit helps him feel more at ease.

And Caleb's response?

"I will take you at your word."

It's hands-up, backing-down, letting Essek win. Essek has put his foot down about the severity of their respective crimes, and this is Caleb letting him know that he's finally listening. It's not a full surrender, but it's Caleb agreeing to believe Essek when he says that no matter what he's done, it's not on the same level as what Essek did, and he shouldn't take more responsibility or guilt than he already has.

The conversation turns to Caleb's goals after that, and they return to their usual conversation style, but that handful of lines is just so layered and impactful when you break down how these two got to this point. I love it. The push-and-pull dynamic here, where Essek lets a little of the Shadowhand out, is just... chef's kiss. All of this is improvised so goddamn well.

#critical role #campaign 2 #shadowgast #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #the mighty nein #mighty nein #cr2 spoilers #long post

[utilitycaster]

I do wonder if the nature of Vax's deal with the Raven Queen has made people imagine the gods as more transactional than they are, because I don't think that's the case, and specifically I think Orym went to Morri specifically because he knows this and knows she will make a concrete deal whereas the gods are unlikely to make a similar guarantee. Vax is actually a weird edge case exception, borne of the specific resurrection rules and the drama and details of the scene (in the Raven Queen's sunken temple, by the body of her former champion, a specific offer to the goddess of death of a life for a life) - and even then, she didn't take his offer the way he expected it, asking for a life of service instead of simply ending his life then and there.

When we look at the player characters who have received favors from the gods, this has largely happened in-game through player choices but not necessarily as part of a deal (the favors in Campaign 1; Fjord's relationship with the Wildmother though that does involve a paladin oath as, well, paladins do; FCG's worship of the Changebringer) or it's been part of the backstory as dictated by the player (Pike, Jester, Caduceus, Yasha). The only example where it simply happened, that I can think of, is Orym's sword, and that was a relatively minor boon (and he'd spoken to Melora before during EXU Prime as well).

Meanwhile, the messages characters have received from the gods this campaign have only come with either deities they already had fostered a relationship with (Deanna and the Dawnfather/FCG and the Changebringer) or have come from the players specifically opening that line of communication by going to the temple - Kord communicating with Imogen is the first instance of a god talking to someone who didn't speak first, and he does not actually ask anything of her so much as say he respects the storm vibe and if she betrays his worshipers he'll take action. The only people who have actually explicitly asked for action (do not let Predathos wake) are gods speaking to clerics who worship them; the Raven Queen has only offered broad visions and has not actually asked anything specific of the party, and has even provided answers to them unrelated to the current situation. Fearne's received portents from both the Raven Queen and the Wildmother for personal questions she's asked.

The gods can provide power - that is a fundamental aspect of D&D, just as one's bloodline or specific knack for music can provide power - but they rarely make specific deals. Even paladin oaths are nebulous and indeed don't even require a deity; cleric relationships have conditions but they are usually a very broad "do not actively go against the principles I, as an embodiment of concepts, embody." The transactional power? That's warlocks. There's a pact. You do what I say or I take the powers away. (Obviously we've seen a god serve as a patron, but the pact and paladin oath blur in that case - there's never been the punishment/reward system in Melora's patronage.)

With all that in mind, Orym's deal with Morri does not feel like a rejection of the gods, but rather a good understanding of how they operate vs. how a hag does.

#critical role #critical role spoilers #orym

[pennamenotfound]

I feel like one of the reasons that the Bells Hells are so interesting and compelling to me is that they’re all so angry. Anger is so interesting to me because of its volatility. The way it can, more than any other emotion, be twisted. Think of how much more volatile Percy was in campaign one because of his revenge boner than Caleb in campaign two with his deepset guilt and grief.  

And like, sure, we had anger before in the other campaigns.

Like Percy was super angry obviously, and Vex had her rage, and Scanlan had his moment (what’s my mother’s name) in Campaign one, and you could probably pull moments for the rest of Vox Machina. Grog’s a barbarian, he rages all the time. Plus with his herd. Okay, sure. Vax certainly had his moments. Keyleth at Raishan. (I don’t think Pike realy had any real anger moments in her arc.) But their stories don’t rely on their anger as much as Percy and Vex, and not nearly as much as Bells Hells. 

In the Mighty Nein, there’s Beau who is super angry at the world, justifiably so, but the rest of the party not so much. Caleb and Yasha are guilt and grief. Cad’s faith. Jester definitely had her problems with emotion, but anger wasn’t really part of it so much as learning to let herself feel something other than happy. Fjord’s journey to Melora was much more about introspection, Veth’s journey back to herself was certainly emotionally taxing for her, but it’s back to greif and loss for her. Kingsley is all about discovery, and Essek was about finding friendship. 

But Bells Hells. They’re all so angry. With maybe the exception of Chetney, but he’s also a werewolf which is its own sort of instability. 

Ashton’s a given---Tal’s so good at anger in his characters. Perfect punk, angry at the world, angry at their situation. *chef’s kiss* perfect barbarian

Imogen has such rage bubbling. “We’re gonna sunder you, Delilah Briarwood” for one, but also, with her mother. With her powers. 

Fearne with her parents. The way she was discovering her anger had so much potential, and I really wanted to see her actually throw some fireballs or something.

Orym. I saw the look on Liam’s face when he had that insight check whisper from Tuldus. Dude, Otohan and the Ruby Vanguard killed his husband and his dad (I know, father in law, but Orym says dad.) He’s the nice one, he’s said it before himself, but... under the surface, i think he’s got some rage in him. 

FCG. Oh, FCG, with their unpredictable rage mode. Trying so desperately to be the caretaker when they don’t even know what they are. The professor in Yios gave him a lot of good information, but there’s a lot they don’t know. 

For me, with FCG and Orym both, it’s a lot of aren’t you tired of being nice? Don’t you want to go apeshit?

And then Laudna. Laudna, with the most to be angry about. She was murdered by the Briarwoods, and spent the next thirty years with her murderer in her head. Looking like a corpse. Not knowing if she was dead or alive. Being chased out of towns all over Tal’Dorei until she ran all the way to Marquet. No friends, even before she died, before Imogen. And she’s really the most interesting to me. Because we don’t see a lot of rage with her. Even with Percy in Whitestone, it’s forgiveness. It’s understanding. The only time I remember in the campaign her really being angry was when FCG turned on the party that time, and that was related to Delilah’s manipulations. 

Orym said once something like she had the worst thing out of all of them happen, and yet she’s the happiest, and how is that? And she goes, well, because the worst thing that’s happened to me already happened. 

And it’s so interesting to me because we could, in another universe, have another Ashton in Laudna. Because, really, very similar things happened to them. Both died. Both put back together not quite right, not quite in control of their situation. Feared, even. 

But she’s so loving, caring, and not wrathful, and honestly, I’d kind of love to see some anger from her. And I think we might see it if Imogen gets hurt.

Anyway i’m unhinged about bells hells. I love vox machina and mighty nein but I’ve connected most to bells hells because I’ve been watching CR since CR3 started, and I love my angy bois. 

#bells hells #critical role #cr3 #critrole #vox machina #mighty nein #chetney pock o'pea #imogen temult #ashton greymoore #fearne calloway #orym #fcg #laudna

[essektheylyss]

One thing that gets lost in ship discourse (or its hyper-positive opposite) is that regardless of your feelings on a ship, in order to tell a story, the character relationships do and should have an impact on a character's story arc, and not all relationships are going to offer the same emotional weight throughout any given character's story.

This is particularly true of actual play, wherein each player character is running a separate story as a protagonist, and therefore you have to consider each of them as an individual thread within one larger narrative, on top of the narrative itself.

That being said, the farther you get into the story and the closer to the end you are, the ways those threads can interweave get culled, simply by circumstances. Relationships (platonic, romantic, familial, etc) change over time, and whether they are narratively compelling changes as well. In contrast, "ship" is generally used to suggest a dynamic an individual audience member finds compelling, which may or may not have anything to do with the narrative, even if the dynamic is interesting for reasons of narrative potential (that isn't ultimately explored within canon). These are distinct concepts in terms of analysis. So as a disclaimer, this post is about character relationships within the narrative as it exists—essentially, what makes the story that exists work as well as it does, in the end.

Now that we've got all that out of the way, let's talk about Caleb.

Caleb's problem for much of the campaign is one of survival and self-preservation. His goal is simply to last long enough to find a way to go back in time. Because that is a very open goal, it doesn't inherently have much to tie him to another character in a relationship sense. He is not looking for that, he does not see himself as worthy of it, and it's really not a necessary narrative question, regardless of what attraction he does have.

But over time (and, I would argue, in a way that is fairly singular among the Nein, but I won't get into that here), his priorities begin to shift. Many of his needs are now met in ways that they previously weren't, allowing him to fully consider what he wants. For instance, between the start of the war and the time they reach Xhorhas, he has changed his mind about becoming involved in this war—because he is not being forced into it by possible conscription. He has significantly more options than he did at the start.

What he ends up realizing, as he finds the opportunity to put an end to the war, is that he cannot trust his own judgment. There is near universal support to end the war—even the nations involved are there because of what they view as existential threats. That opinion is not in question. But everything else is. Caleb is a victim of manipulation and brainwashing, and this is very apparent when he starts pleading with the scourger prisoner of war to give him some kind of proof that people like him can change.

And this is not something that anyone else of the Nein can offer him. They can tell him that they think he is a good person and that they trust him, but because of his history—and because he knows how smart he is, and how far he can fall—this isn't something he can take at face value, especially given that they have not seen or known him at his worst, and have not experienced it either.

Yasha may be able to offer some guidance in that area, but she is working through similar issues at both a different pace and in different ways than he is—she isn't seeking any situation where she would make potentially world-shaping decisions or have influence over others like he would. His goals are singularly risky. Veth comes closest to this, in that she very briefly considers prolonging the war to alleviate her own suffering, but it's not a decision she's ever forced to make.

(Honestly, thinking about this, an arc in which Veth does take that deal with Isharnai is a fascinating alternative universe to consider—it would certainly give her the opportunity to relate to Caleb in this way, but it would probably take another fifty episodes before Caleb could even bring himself to consider forgiving her, given it would be in direct conflict to the one thing he's been working at for a third of the campaign up until then. Still, a fascinating consideration!)

So between Caleb attempting to sway the scourger and going to Astrid's house in secret, this is the point at which it seems like the Nein cannot help him do the rest of the work. They have done a lot to get him here and considering what else he wants! But they can't offer him what that is, which is essentially tangible corroboration of what they've already offered.

And at this point in the campaign when taken as a whole, there's only one character who can actually offer that. Because to have real emotional weight, what Caleb is looking for is someone who is as smart as he has, who has made a similarly horrific decision even in spite of that intelligence, and who has now committed to actual change.

It's the commitment to actual change that is difficult, because it requires a support structure—and in hindsight, there's not enough time left to build that up for someone like Astrid or Eadwulf, but it's already partially in place for Essek.

(We can debate all day long about what could've been different if the hiatus never happened, or the campaign had lasted longer, but this is specifically about the campaign that we have. I think there is also an argument to be made that Astrid or Eadwulf would've required a much longer and more intensive timeframe to reach that point even if the campaign had continued than the format really offered, because they have preconceived notions about Caleb that complicates their ability to take what he says at face value even if they care about him succeeding in his goals—but that's also not relevant to this point.)

But I do think this is why Essek progresses very quickly, and is largely committed to aiding them by 124—he already has been aiding them, and has expressed loyalty to them above anyone else.

This is not as much of a leap as it may appear to some, because even by 91 and 97, he had done significant introspection on his own time. This is only a continuation of how he has been characterized thus far. He's expressed doubt from a very early point, whereas Astrid does not begin to express doubt (regardless of whether she feels it, because this is about capacity for willing admittance) until after the dinner with Trent.

What ends up happening is that Essek's the one who actually calls Caleb on things. He gives him an ultimatum with the conversation about Trent when the Nein won't. He offers reason and perspective in the paper room when the rest of the Nein get impatient. He checks off all of the boxes of what Caleb is looking for (which is essentially a narrative mirror), and very early into the Nein's trip through Aeor, Caleb seems to have forgiven him, and his fears and misgivings erode from there.

Only this corroboration, because his opinion of Essek is specifically about his opinion of his own capacity for change, allows him to recognize that returning to the past would simply make him the same person he had been at 17, and finally put that plan, the person that he was, and his parents to rest. If he is not able to be anything other than that boy, then he has no reason to not remain as such, and return to the past; but if he believes himself capable of change, then the question of going back in time is one of leaving behind the person he is now in favor of the boy who made that choice. He is asked, if he believes himself capable of change, to acknowledge that he was that person once, but can now be more than that and move beyond it.

And the proof that he needs in order to affirm that when he is given the opportunity to do so is standing next to him.

Fundamentally, this is not related to Caleb's long-term relationship with Essek at all. This could have been the end of it—they could've parted ways and the story would've still been told and completed.

But I think it is important that a) Essek does get to have some happiness, and b) part of that is with Caleb (though this still doesn't have any bearing on platonic vs romantic, only that they have some kind of close mutual relationship in the long run). On a very basic level, because he is now in this position of being corroborating evidence for Caleb himself, Essek becomes a stand-in for how the narrative sees Caleb, and how Caleb views himself.

If the narrative condemns him and leaves him out to dry, it is an implicit reflection on Caleb—and directly conflicts with the narrative implication that Caleb is not solely worth condemnation. And however much it has nothing to do with romance or a relationship of that kind, Caleb's choice to care about him in the long run is an acknowledgement of being willing to care for and forgive himself.

#critical role #caleb widogast #cr meta #fun way to die: take a shot every time i use the word 'narrative' while reading this #this has been a long time coming and everyone is very lucky it was only 1500 words. #there's literally so much more to say about this and how fascinating it is within the narrative structure but #that's an argument for a WAY longer paper #tbh i didn't even have space here to go into it and I'm not going to but #this also does mean that essek is not *in canon* a protagonist in the same sense the PCs are and he simply can't be #he has other purposes on a narrative level and that's really important! but as much as he has an arc that arc is For Caleb narratively

[dumbstupidfandomblog]

Man. I just can't help but imagine Critical Role x Baldur's Gate 3 drabbles or a fic or something of that some sort. Idk, I just think it'd be really funny and also a chance for some really cute scenes. Especially with the Mighty Nein.

Now obviously there'd probably be SO much mistrust between the two groups, but just imagine if you will(possibly very minor spoilers under the cut):

Caleb and Gale(and maybe Essek) talking about wizard stuff and cats.

Jester introducing everyone to Artagan. I think Astarion would either like him or fucking hate him.

Karlach, Yasha, and Beau just working out together. Buff lesbians

Fjord and Wyll bonding over shitty patrons. If it's post Ukatoa then Fjord giving Wyll some hope about his situation. I just think it'd be sweet.

Caduceus and Halsin. That's it. I think they'd talk for literally HOURS, just drinking tea and talking about random shit and their respective circles 'n such. ALSO, I'm just imagining them sort of gossiping about and spilling their respective party's secrets to eachother. They'd be silly lol

Jester overhearing the whole convo with Astarion and Tav(if there's a tav in this??) about him not being able to see his reflection and immediately getting to work drawing a portrait of him. As soon as she shows and gives it to him, he's his usual sorta sassy self about it but he absolutely cherishes it.

Also I feel like Astarion would see different bits of his own past in some of the Mighty Nein, specifically Caleb and Yasha, and it'd piss him the FUCK off.

Jester and/or Molly reading the groups fortunes just for fun, the Oracle of the Moon Deck has some cards that would make the groups fortunes REALLY INTERESTING. Maybe Molly also pulls out some of the old circus tricks for fun.

On the topic of Molly, I think Lae'zel would have this very confusing respect for Molly? She'd find them really foolish at first and not think much of them, but I think she'd then see them actually in combat and be impressed with their skills.

I feel like Nott/Veth would just start mothering some of the bg3 party. Like not heavily, but a bit similar to how she does with Caleb. I could def see her pairing up with Astarion to steal some shit. Maybe King joins in if he's there.

Jester giving some of the group tattoos. Not everyone would get them obviously but I could definitely see Karlach and I suppose Tav going for it.

Nein Sided Tower shenanigans. That's all.

#obvs there could be some rlly fun stuff w the other campaigns but I'm extremely biased for the M9 #esp tho with Percy/Laudna and Astarion #OH but also #if ur curious about what I meant about the fortune reading comment and the cards that'd be rlly fun with the bg3 group #I actually have the Molly/Jester oracle deck so I can tell you exactly what cards I mean #very specifically a past/present/future reading with Astarion being Death/Dawn Hunger/Sacrifice and Judge/Tyrant #the others I have are looser and not a full spread but yknow #Spark/Blaze and Sword/Anvil for Wyll and then Moon/Mirror for Shadowheart #Gale could have any one of Bond/Betrayer Lust/Tavern and Hand/Eye #but yeah please feel free to add on if you wish whether it be more M9 stuff or VM/BH shenanigans as well #minor bg3 spoilers #baldur's gate 3 #critical role mighty nein #wyll ravengard #halsin #astarion #karlach #gale dekarios #lae'zel #shadowheart #jester lavorre #caleb widogast #mollymauk tealeaf #yasha nydoorin #beauregard lionett #fjord stone #caduceus clay #nott the brave #bg3 tav #dumbstupidfandom stuff

[critter-genfic-events]

Minor Character Genfic Recs

This week, the rec list is featuring minor characters! From Kiri to Maya to Jourreal, we have fourteen fics that flesh out people who don't get much of a spotlight during the campaigns. Check them out below the cut, and if you like them, please kudos or comment!

center of attention by tusktooth (9257,Teen) Warnings: none apply Pairings: Veth & Nila, Veth & Keg

When the Mighty Nein travel back through the Shadycreek region, Veth is forced to confront the feeling of being painfully visible when she has to explain her past and her transformation to old friends.

Reccer says: I love Nila, and I think her talk to Veth here is very touching

broken not shattered by joyfulsongbird (3664,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Cassandra, on succumbing to darkness.

Reccer says: A glorious post-canon story that takes something Matt mentioned in the CR1 wrap-up and runs with it in the most visceral way.

Especially the Lies by Operafloozy (7800,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Minor Beau/Yasha

A look into some of the interview sessions Beau has with Astrid and what is learned from them.

Reccer says: While the story is told from Beau's POV, it is very much an Astrid story and remains one of my favorite CR fanfics to date. It's well-characterized on all counts and includes marvelous worldbuilding.

Whatever You Choose To Be by A_Orbit (1338,General) Warnings: Pairings: Yussa Errenis & Wensforth

On Wensforth's journey with Yussa

Reccer says: It allows for Wensforth to have a lot of depth and background - and when fandom gives a minor characters a full background, it's one of my favorite things

Separate myself from me by wtgw (2031,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Fjord & Eadwulf Grieve, Past Blumentrio

What’s a living magical weapon without a wielder? In the Blooming Grove, Eadwulf Grieve tries to come to terms with making his own choices after 17 years, and Fjord comes to recognize the uncomfortable similarities between them.

Reccer says: It's a fantastic Eadwulf point of view

we take our turns on the altar by grayintogreen (5093,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Caduceus Clay & Cree

While in Aeor, two clerics on opposing sides find themselves in a sticky situation and Cree gains some perspective.

Reccer says: I liked it

ghost is a verb by mousecookie (1954,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

Jourrael investigates rumors that Lolth has a new champion and encounters the Crownkeepers.

Reccer says: This fic is absolutely everything anyone could want from a series of encounters between The Inevitable End and the Crownkeepers and I wish to all the gods it was canon.

I will be made a new creature, one bright day by PryingBlackbird (1619,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings:

A glimpse into the life of a lonely soul locked away in Vergesson Sanatorium.

Reccer says: If you like unreliable narrators and being kept in the dark initially until it all falls into place, this is the fic for you.

Looking Out of the Window by Beauteousmajesty (1382,General) Warnings: Major Character Death Pairings: Bren Aldric Ermendrud & Una Ermendrud

Una Ermendrud watches her son grow up as she works on her loom. From the babbling baby to the awkward teen, she is so very proud of him.

Reccer says: It's absolutely heartbreaking

don't be chosen- make the choice to choose by grayintogreen (3003,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Kingsley & Orly, background Kingsley/Marius

Kingsley ends up getting some accidental advice from Orly.

Reccer says: Orly is very intimidating to write, but I like this take on him!

Lay Your Bones by LadyOrpheus (4961,General) Warnings: None Pairings: Verin & Essek, Essek Thelyss/Caleb Widogast

Thinking only of justice and restoring his family's honor after Essek's betrayal, Verin Thelyss finds something he never expected, an Essek he never expected. A mission for justice turns into a race against time and a family finds their world upended.

Reccer says: It's very much a Verin-centric adventure fic that looks into what his thoughts would be on Essek's post-campaign state

Benediction by Sandtalon (53587,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Maya Agrupnin & Cerrit Agrupnin

Maya after the events of the Calamity

Reccer says: It's absolutely incredible and what Maya deserves

Shopping With the Baby Birb by Beserk (6399,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Kiri & Caleb

Back in Zadash, Caleb babysits Kiri for a bit. They go shopping!

Reccer says: It's the sweetest dang thing

Lens Interrogation with Verin Thelyss, PD 838. by Operafloozy (1801,Teen) Warnings: None Pairings: Essek Thelyss & Verin Thelyss

Essek disappears from Eiselcross in PD. 837. The next year, scrutiny on this disappearance leads the Lens to interrogate his brother.

Reccer says: A delightfully tense outsider POV

If you liked this rec list, follow along for more! We'll be posting a new list with a new theme each Monday. Want to make your own recs? Check out the rules, and then use the form to submit!

Next week, we'll be looking for Gen fics with budding friendships! It's like 'getting together', but only for coffee and gossip.

And hey, if you're looking for more great genfic, check out all of the critter gen week creations!

#Critical Role #critical role fan fic rec list #critter genfic rec lists #Veth Brenatto #Nila Critical Role #Essek Thelyss #Verin Thelyss #Maya Agrupnin #Kiri Critical Role #Cerrit Agrupnin #orly skiffback #Kingsley Tealeaf #Jourreal #Astrid Becke #Beauregard Lionett #Caleb Widogast #Una Ermendrud #Cassandra de Rolo

[deramin2]

Bell's Hells as imposters:

Chetney

Travis would have so much fun. Chetney is always a bit of a wild card and Travis said on 4-Sided Dive that he loves to play by listening to his intrusive thoughts. This could be his ultimate form. Just sew chaos. Travis and Marisha have also recently come out of Candela Obscura dealing with a similar situation. I think they should get a turn at it.

Laudna

Absolutely juicy with their existing fears about Delilah. This is Laudna's nightmare scenario. She's so scared all the time about being untrustworthy but also desperately wants to be trusted and loved. Especially since one of her truths is that she doesn't know where she ends and Delilah begins. And Imogen's truth was that she's disgusted that Delilah is always watching them. (Don't unpack how you actively watch everyone else, Imogen, and took off the circlet deliberately to keep doing that.) Marisha would go absolutely ham with this. Sometimes a highly responsible woman who people rely on all the time just wants to go a little apeshit.

Fresh Cut Grass

Losing control and hurting their friends is something FCG has struggled with that's really fucked up their life and the lives of their (former) friends. They're scared that they can't be trusted, and they never can be. So this just plays right into their insecurities. What happens when their friends really can't trust them. Sam is really good at playing close to the chest. If FCG is the imposter, he's likely to sabotage them in subtle ways they won't recognize until it's too late. He may get things thrown at him (again), and he would enjoy it.

Fearne

Fearne is an agent of chaos on a good day. I think it will be very hard for the group to tell what side she's on no matter what. When she feels threatened she acts more in her own self-interest anyway. Especially when she doesn't know who else she can trust. I'm really looking forward to her either way. I think Ashley deserves to actively work against her friends, as a treat. Ashley didn't get a chance to fight the party as Yasha while she was at the table, so I think she deserves the opportunity.

Imogen

Let's be real, everyone is worried that with the moon stuff Imogen will turn on them. Either because she willingly sides with her mom in a desperate bid for approval, or because the pull of Predathos takes over. Bell's Hells are likely to be highly suspicious of her either way. Imogen's been under a lot of pressure for a while to prove she is still on their side. If she's the imposter she's likely to keep doing that, but also be working against them for real. I think Laura would have a lot of fun really leaning into this.

Imogen and Laudna being the two traitors together would be very fun because they're like 50% of each other's impulse control and it would be entertaining to see them against the world for real.

Orym

Orym is the person the group trusts the most, and who supports and believes in the goodness of the group the most. He also has contingency plans for everyone (hey Batman). I would love to see Orym get to totally snap without undermining the hope and aspiration built into the character. Plus Liam loves horror and fucked up stories and I think we'd get some phenomenal drama out of it. It would be fun to watch Orym hunt them for sport.

Ashton

Ashton probably trusts himself the least out of the group right now and his fuck-up is why they're here in the first place. They were told to their face that their friends don't trust them and that they seem in it for themselves. So I think it would be very entertaining to work through that by leaning all the way into it. Taliesin has fought the party before and it was very fun. *Slaps Ashton's back* This genasi can fit so much angst in him.

Conclusion

Everyone at the table would have a really fun time getting to work against their friends in a safe controlled environment. This is Bell's Hell's worst fear that they've been working very hard to try and prevent. They're scared of each of them turning for different reasons. This is definitely a hag's challenge. This will be so much juicy drama and angst for Nana Mori to feed off of. Whoever pulls the traitor cards is going to be a fun combo. This might break them, but hopefully it will also build them back up.

They're so afraid they can only save the world if all of them are on board and are terrified of failure. This actually lets them test it with lower stakes.

Maybe? We don't actually know what the penalty for failure is because FCG willingly had his memory of the deal erased. They haven't failed an exercise yet. So it could be that nothing happens. Or it could be that if they win all three challenges, she messes with time in exactly the way they want. But if they fail she works against them in a way that makes it more dramatic for her. Is she more a hag with a certain nature, or is she Fearne's grandmother with will protect her from all harm? We'll find out!

#critical role #critical role spoilers #critical role meta #critical role campaign 3 #Bell's Hells #chetney pock o'pea #laudna critical role #fresh cut grass #fearne calloway #imogen temult #orym of the air ashari #ashton greymoore #long post

[jaskwritesthings]

just a wee drabble i've been working on, it tickled me :)

Fjord had a hand wrapped tightly around Beau’s mouth after her first outburst had drawn the ire of the Aurora Watch surrounding them. Judging by the grimace on his face, the monk was making her displeasure known with teeth as well as trying to wriggle out of his arms. Jester appeared to be doing most of the work in keeping the monk in one place, while Fjord struggled to contain their friend. 

Caleb wished desperately that he could cast comprehend languages, but the last attempt to reach for his component pouch had made every guard in the throne room tense, and the sound of metal sliding out of scabbards had echoed like a wave across the largely empty room. 

Caduceus had Veth in a similar hold, with slightly more success than Fjord was having with Beau. Though, his maternal friend was less incensed by the foreign words that had startled Beau and was more upset over the guard that had manhandled Caleb forward to stand beside Essek. 

Essek had not looked at Caleb once. Even more worryingly was how pale his friend was, his usual vibrant lilac that Caleb favoured so much had drained to something similar to his own milky white complexion. The last time he’d seen Essek look so terrified was in the face of Lucian’s final form, a monstrous city prepared to devour a world was somehow on par with whatever the hell they’d been dragged into here. The Umavi of Den Thelyss was yelling, practically spitting as she gestured wildly at Essek

Had his betrayal been discovered? Caleb was glad he readied teleport that morning, he subtly reached out and wrapped his fingers around Essek’s thin wrist, partially in support, though mostly to ensure if they had to flee he already had Essek in hand.

The move had a surprising effect on the room.

Essek tensed further with a strangled whimper, and the leaders of the Dynasty twittered ominously amongst themselves. It drew the enraged glare of the head of Den Thelyss and the Bright Queen’s brow raised in slight surprise. 

Scheiße, Caleb thought. He started to let his fingers slip away from Essek’s cold skin, hoping to minimise the damage he’d inadvertently caused when the drow’s other hand covered them, holding them in place tightly. Apparently whatever faux paus Caleb had committed, backing down now would be worse. Caleb shuffled a little closer to Essek, trying to angle himself between his friend and the danger brewing like a boiling pot before them. 

God’s he wished he could cast, or that Beau had been slightly more diplomatically minded. He was blind in this situation, and he had no idea where the traps were on this path. 

Deirta Thelyss snapped her head back towards the queen and waved her hand at the two of them as though they had provided evidence to something. Caleb swallowed thickly, his throat dry. Essek shook minutely beside him, desperately trying to hide his own concern, all Caleb could do was squeeze his wrist in what he hoped was a comforting gesture as they waited for whatever verdict was to come. He wouldn’t let Essek fall here and now, no matter what, he would do his best to either plead his case or fight every last guard to get Essek far from harm. He had no intention of letting his fellow wizard go just yet. They’d survived the end of the world together, there was a future of possibilities to explore and by the gods Caleb was ready to explore some of those happier futures for once, if Essek was amenable to it. He thought he was. He knew those shy looks, the tender smiles that he tucked into his memories the way Yasha folded flowers delicately into her book. 

Caleb looked at Jester behind him, hoping she understood the need to be prepared to flee if everything began to tilt southwards. Her eyes were wide as they flicked worryingly between him and Essek, the thirty feet and the several guards between them seeming like a canyon she desperately wanted to close. 

“I see,” The Bright Queen said quietly, and Beau’s muffled voice grew louder as she struggled harder. Caleb’s grip on Essek tightened, fingers twitching towards his components, he caught Fjord’s gaze with an almost imperceptible nod that the Captain returned, he whispered a command to Jester who passed the words down to Yasha and the others. 

The Bright Queen descended the stairs with a grace that bordered supernatural. She came to a stop not far from the two of them and looked them over, lingering on Essek. She appeared to be measuring them, seeking something in the weight of their stance. 

Essek answered the unasked question by tangling his fingers with Caleb’s tightly, chest expanding like a prey animal trying to appear tougher before the predator intent on feasting on it. Defiant to the end, Caleb was almost proud if he wasn’t terrified he was about to watch the man he cared for being cut down by the queen he betrayed. 

She stared at their clasped hands for a beat. The quiet, stifling and thick.

 And then she nodded softly. 

The Bright Queen stamped her staff against the ground, silencing the room in an instant. She began reciting something in lyrical Undercommon, beautiful and musical to Caleb’s ears. It might have put him at ease if Beau was kicking up a major fuss behind him and the room hadn’t let out a collective gasp. 

The Bright Queen looked at Essek expectantly as she finished. Essek gaped, mouth moving, though no words came forth. His mother moved in their periphery and that seemed to snap Essek towards a decision, he answered the Queen, fast and shaky but confident. 

Whatever he said got a muffled, shocked ‘fuck’ from Beauregard and whispers from the court before a stern look from the queen silenced them. She turned her attention on Caleb next.

He still had no context, no idea what to say or what could be the wrong thing to say. 

Essek squeezed his hand and Caleb turned to his friend’s pleading gaze, his fang caught nervously on his bottom lip. There was panic in his eyes but also something more vulnerable, he mouthed something quietly and subtly for Caleb alone, the movement foreign to Essek but familiar to Caleb. 

“Ja?” Caleb said, drawing out the syllables for as long as he could to gauge the reaction of his answer. 

Essek breathed shakily in relief, and the Queen smiled down on them both. 

“Good enough. It is done, court is dismissed,” The Queen stated, and she left without acknowledging anyone, a slightly smug air around her. 

The court filtered out, a slow trickle of decorated nobles, lingering to stare at Essek and Caleb, some with smiles, others with sneers. Deirta didn’t look happy at all, though she appeared resigned to what had transpired. She left without talking to Essek and Essek’s shoulders slumped so heavily, Caleb was glad his friend was still floating or else he might have simply collapsed like a puppet with cut strings. 

“What just happened?” Caleb exhaled for perhaps the first time in twenty minutes as the throne room emptied, baring the Nein. 

Beau slapped him across the back of his head hard enough to darken his vision for a second, “You just got married, idiot!”

Veth’s demanding screech seemed rather distant as Caleb let Beau’s words sink in. 

“It seems my mother was under the impression my running off to the astral sea to face a creature with delusions of godhood was in fact a cover to hide our illicit affair,” Essek mumbled, his lecturing tone more automatic as the colour slowly returned to his cheeks, “To save my reputation, and our Den’s reputation, in the eyes of the Dynasty we were just wed.”

There was a pause of delicate, fraught silence as Essek’s words settled over the Mighty Nein. Then Kingsley started to laugh uproariously. 

#critical role #shadowgast #shadowgast fanfiction #critical role fanfiction

[gayerfurtherfaster]

I've been tasked with learning how ChatGPT works for something related to my day job and this is, of course, how I choose to spend my time.

Prompt: write 500 words about Beauregard Lionett and Yasha Nydoorin meeting Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli. Both couples are married.

In a serendipitous turn of events, the lives of two remarkable couples intersected—Beauregard Lionett and Yasha Nydoorin, along with Maura Isles and Jane Rizzoli. These couples, each married and deeply committed to their partners, found themselves in a chance encounter that would forever alter their lives. It was a meeting of kindred spirits, a meeting that would forge a lasting bond of friendship and understanding.

The fateful encounter took place during an international conference on law enforcement and forensic sciences. Beauregard and Yasha, renowned adventurers and defenders of justice, were invited as guest speakers to share their unique experiences in navigating perilous quests. Meanwhile, Maura and Jane, esteemed medical examiner and detective duo, were attending the conference to share their expertise in forensic investigations.

The crowded conference hall buzzed with anticipation as the audience awaited the appearance of these exceptional individuals. When Beauregard and Yasha took the stage, their presence commanded attention, their charisma captivating the crowd. The stories of their daring adventures and unwavering dedication resonated deeply with Maura and Jane, who were no strangers to perilous situations and the pursuit of justice.

After their respective presentations, Beauregard and Yasha found themselves mingling with fellow attendees, including Maura and Jane. The connection between the couples was instant, a magnetic pull that transcended their different backgrounds and experiences. They discovered shared passions for justice, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

As the evening unfolded, the four individuals exchanged stories, laughter, and insights. Beauregard's sharp wit and Yasha's quiet strength mirrored Jane's tenacity and Maura's precision. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with a mutual understanding and appreciation for the challenges they faced in their respective professions and personal lives.

Over time, their bond deepened as they discovered that beneath the surface, they shared similar struggles, aspirations, and a profound desire to make a difference in the world. They found solace in one another, knowing that their partners could never fully comprehend the unique burdens they carried. Their connection was a testament to the power of finding kindred spirits in unexpected places.

Throughout subsequent meetings and shared adventures, the couples nurtured their friendship, supporting each other through triumphs and tribulations. They became a pillar of strength for one another, offering guidance, perspective, and unwavering loyalty. Their interactions transcended the boundaries of their professions and personal lives, enriching them on a deeply emotional and spiritual level.

Together, Beauregard, Yasha, Maura, and Jane formed an unbreakable alliance, a formidable force of justice and compassion. Their friendship served as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that genuine connections can have on one's life. They celebrated each other's victories, mourned each other's losses, and drew inspiration from the unwavering support they received.

In the end, their meeting was not a threat to their marriages, but rather a testament to the strength and depth of their commitments. Their relationships with their partners remained unwavering, built on a foundation of love, trust, and shared experiences. The bond between the couples was an additional source of support, understanding, and growth that enhanced their individual relationships and enriched their lives.

As the years passed, the friendship between Beauregard, Yasha, Maura, and Jane continued to thrive. They faced new challenges and triumphs, secure in the knowledge that they had found kindred spirits to walk alongside them on their respective journeys. Their connection was a testament to the power of forging deep friendships that transcend boundaries and offer unwavering support, even within the confines of marriage.

In the story of Beauregard, Yasha, Maura, and Jane, the meeting of two extraordinary couples showcased the capacity of the human heart to expand and embrace connections beyond the confines of traditional expectations. It served as a reminder that love and friendship can coexist, strengthening the bonds that hold us together and reminding us of the vast potential for connection and growth in the world.

#beauyasha #rizzles #chatgpt

[utilitycaster]

Speaking of Laura and Marisha having relatively weak chemistry, which CR cast members do you think have the strongest chemistry (romantic or otherwise) across campaigns?

I've tried to limit this because I could literally name a great relationship for basically every cast pairing at this point, but some of my favorites. To keep things balanced, I've done a sort of circle situation with two pairings per cast member. I also haven't included Matt just because I think it would be weird because as DM he has to play off everyone well, and he does.

Travis and Liam always have something bizarrely intense and it's different every single time and it's never quite romantic (other than Bertrand/Lieve'tel) but it is, frequently, homoerotic. Obviously most present for Fjord and Caleb and particularly their conversation in the Xhorhaus, but the "I want to give you an experience" line in late Campaign VM and Chetney and Orym's conversation in the Heartmoor are two examples.

Ashley and Travis are also always good; Pike and Grog are legendary for a reason, Fearne and Chetney have some extremely fun stuff going on but can also take it to more serious places, notably their discussion after Ashton's shard absorption attempt. and Fjord and Yasha didn't interact a ton but their few moments (I'm specifically thinking their shopping trip around episode 108 or 109?) are stellar.

Sam and Ashley have the same quality I think Liam and Travis have, namely, they are on some level playing chicken with each other and neither will back down. We see this with Pikelan; my favorite interaction is Pike being mad at Scanlan after he returns from his Meat Man era. Pike and Tary and the flashcards to remember VM is also a legendary scene for a reason. Veth and Yasha have some unbelievably funny conversations (I killed my whole family, I'll throw you under a bridge) and FCG and Fearne have run the gamut from poignant (post-Otohan Fight) to ridiculous (Fearne riding FCG around and using them as a thermos; honestly, the latest Otohan encounter somehow straddled these two vibes).

Laura and Sam should be a legendary cast pairing. They tend to play in a similar space thematically and they also keep overlapping in some sort of stat or outlook as well, without ever playing characters who knew each other beforehand. It's uncanny. We had Vex and Scanlan as Vox Machina's Charm (highlight being Vex's reaction during Bard's Lament). Vex and Tary becoming best friends and opening a bakery. Jester and Veth's shenanigans and deep friendship (messing around in that temple in Zadash; Jester confiding in her about Fjord kissing her; that one time where they encountered the syphilis bandits and kept running past each other in the dark; Jester taking the flask; and many more). And FCG and Imogen's early campaign closeness, with Imogen insisting on FCG's personhood and the two of them doing mind and dream stuff together.

Taliesin and Laura, unsurprisingly given the appeal of Perc'ahlia, are always great as well. Their willingness as Percy and Vex to be incredibly honest with each other, even about their darker traits, is commendable. Molly and Jester were fascinating because I don't think he respected her much but he did enjoy her company, and she admired him greatly. Team Cleric was also, naturally, a great duo, and I particularly think of them both returning to their respective thematic wells of closed-offness and recognizing it in each other, but going to other places to open up. We didn't get a ton of Kingsley, but he and Jester seem to get along pretty well! And Imogen and Ashton's standout moment was post-shard, but they also had a really good conversation after All-Minds-Burn, and I think they are able to embrace the tension regarding their different idealizations of estranged parents as seen in the latest episode.

Marisha and Taliesin are also really unafraid to explore conflict with each other, and it enhances their character interactions. Percy and Keyleth's friendship is fascinating because it seems that pre-stream they were quite close, but once the Briarwoods arc hit they often found themselves at odds and played off each other brilliantly. I love Molly and Beau's belligerence as well; that is one of my personal big regrets about Molly's death, and Marisha did a fantastic job showing how Beau was affected. Beau and Caduceus were also really interesting, in that they saw each other as the adults of the team for a while, especially early on. Beau and Kingsley have a great conversation in the Nein Reunited. And I've been pretty open about finding Laudna and Ashton's chemistry fascinating; while I enjoyed it romantically earlier, and would have loved to see how that played out, there's just such a great weird tension now, post-shard, that's hard to pin down.

Liam and Marisha have two of I think the most popular relationships in C1 and C2 and with good reason. Vax and Keyleth complement each other incredibly well, and I find Keyleth's feelings about the Raven Queen and how she and Vax approach them very differently to be beautifully done. Empire Siblings are again a favorite - they're so often at odds early on even as Beau has a lot of empathy for Caleb, and they're both the nerds of the party and among the most politically-minded to the point of working closely together years after the campaign. Laudna and Orym are also fascinating because they have these similar and yet wildly different ties to Vox Machina, and Orym feels for her situation, and they have some great conversations during the Issylra arc, but I actually love the growing tension. I love Orym flat out telling Laudna that this mission is important and he is pressuring Imogen because only she is capable of getting this information. I'm excited for the infiltration that's coming up!

But also because I can't limit myself here's some thoughts generally about cases where it's not every campaign but it's worth watching. The short version is "Travis and Ashley have some kind of chemistry with everyone."

I can name at least one relationship, romantic or platonic, between one of Travis's characters and a character from every other cast member, but I specifically want to shout out him and Marisha, who have zero romantic chemistry and bananas platonic chemistry in not just all three campaigns but also EXU Calamity and Candela Obscura Chapter 2. (He and Taliesin tend to have a fun and different thing going on each campaign and have a lot of similarities as players; Scanlan and Grog's clown to clown communication and Fjord and Veth's weirdly charged hostility are great; and hilariously I am obviously a massive fan of Fjord and Jester but I feel like the Baileyhams each campaign are like either we're doing high romance or we're going extremely our separate ways, which kind of makes sense in that they have extremely different approaches to D&D but also a lot of overlap in themes. Like on the rare occasions Grog and Vex, or Chetney and Imogen talk it's very good but they're certainly not the closest of characters)

Ashley also plays well with everyone. She has phenomenal chemistry with both Marisha and Laura. Beauyasha is readily apparent but also what we saw of Pike with both Keyleth and Vex was fantastic, and Imogen and Fearne are great and have some sparks, and Yasha and Jester had some incredible conversations. I also enjoy Ashley and Liam but have never shipped their characters romantically (and I suppose that was only even feasible in C1 given character sexualities); that's on my list of "could be fun" because they do always play off each other well. I will say, Ashton and Fearne have grown on me as a pairing but Ashley and Taliesin have always like...quietly vibed and had some great moments, and I think Molly and Yasha was (platonically) promising and cut short, and I love the conversation where Caduceus encourages Yasha to tell Beau how she feels, but they've never quite blown me away. I would like to see it though. There's potential.

Marisha and Sam seem to operate in very different spaces and so like...Keyleth and Scanlan, or Laudna and FCG, don't really interact much though they do have some mechanical overlap (Keyleth and Scanlan were good in combat together but didn't talk a ton) but specifically as Beau and Veth they were incredible. This is out of game but I very much enjoy their rapport during the Midst roundtables. Would love to see more.

Liam and Sam are also a fascinating case in that they're obviously very close friends irl but it's only as Veth and Caleb, and as the Grimms in Candela Obscura, that they've played characters who were close. They do have great chemistry though, romantic and platonic, and I'd love to see it explored. Liam and Laura are also interesting in that I love the twins and think they're amazing, and I like Orym and Imogen's relationship but particularly with C2 in the rearview, I just do not see much romantic chemistry between them at all. Bonkers good platonic chemistry though.

Taliesin and Sam are also a fun one in that I do like FCG and Ashton's friendship and their post-shard absorption conversation was a standout, as is Percy's outburst at Scanlan during the Bard's Lament and his friendship with Tary (and Tary's crush on him). Veth and Molly had some good moments; Veth and Caduceus did NOT know how to interact with each other.

#answered #pawthorn #cr tag #one of my first ever popular posts was me comparing cast members' c1 and c2 characters and this feels like it's bringing me back #cr spoilers

[english-professor-wraith]

I Heard You (Yasha x Reader)

(#6 on the Tumblr Kiss Prompt list- GN reader [though it's Yasha, so do with that what you will.] A little soft, a lot angsty: enjoy!)

The stone cavern stretches up around you, the walls cold and unforgiving as the Laughing Hand throws you into them. His cackles echo, piercing your ears and cutting into your soul. You glance over at the rest of the Nein, all in similar states of injury and pain. Yasha, on the other side, is shaking her head, defiance shown brashly on her face as she tries to fight the mental influence of Obann. You run to her, hearing the yells of your friends as they try desperately to plan a way out of this situation safely. 

Yasha glances at you, surprised to see you coming for her instead of just running. As you reach her, she stretches out her arms for you, but an orange glow flashes for a second. Her welcoming embrace turns to a trap, the sword once held limply now swinging at your skull. You yell out, trying to get her to hear you through the fiend’s haze, and her eyes cool for an instant, letting her twist the blade so it misses you. She stares at you for a second, and you reach out to hold her, pulling together the arcane power to misty step away from this lethal cavern. 

“I heard you.”

You look up, and Yasha’s face is turned towards yours, a tear falling down her cheek. 

“I heard you- how? I was gone. There was nothing left of me in my movements.”

You just shrug helplessly, equally as confused as she as she leans down towards you. 

“I’m being taken again. I’m sorry, love.”

Her lips press against yours for a moment, warm and damp with tears, and your own tears start, raking through the dirt of battle on your face. You still hold her, even as one of her arms pulls back to attack you. You finally finish pulling together your magic, casting the spell to teleport far away, praying to whatever gods are listening that Yasha has enough spirit in her to be the ‘willing creature’ the spell allows you to transport with you. 

Your feet touch down on dampened stone, and your arms fall, empty and aching to still be holding your lover. You look back at the chamber, where you can barely see her pale form looking towards you. The rest of the Nein run past you, brushing against you as they retreat from this battle they could never have won. Jester is the last one to pass you, and she pauses for a moment beside you to watch the barbarian for a moment as well. 

The pounding of the Laughing Hand’s footfalls and the grinding of stone as the door shuts finally pulls the two of you from your trance, Jester linking her arm with yours as you finally run down the hall after the others. 

Clouds hang low above you as the group finally exits the cave, somber and quiet at the loss of such an integral part of the crew. 

“She heard me.”

You barely speak loud enough for them to hear you, and they stop and turn to you. Questions bubble, but Cadeuceus holds them back to let you speak. 

“She heard me, in a moment between Obann’s possession. She’s still in there. She has to be.”

Murmurs ripple through the group as they all take in this information, some with happiness (Jester smiles at the thought that they might be able to bring Yasha back) and some with trepidation (Fjord scowls, worried that this could be false hope and will end up with all of you killed). Your confession over, you start walking back towards the city, and the Nein follows suit, this ragtag group- now one short- slowly traveling back towards the heart of conflict.

#Critical Role #Yasha #yasha nydoorin #Romance #Fanfic #Mighty Nein #wraith's fics

[mell0bee]

this is perhaps the dumbest thing i have ever made and it turned out way more serious than i thought but here you go tumblr

id in reblogs!

#sam riegel #critical role #campaign 3 #veth brenatto #nott the brave #scanlan shorthalt #cr c3 #crc3 #listen i just. have thought about this a lot #and i have absolutely nothing better to do besides hw i guess #bee post #bee watches c3 #critical role campaign 3 #to be honest i could do powerpoints on all of the cast on what classes i think they should play fhsdjkalfh #but i am not joking some version of this has been in my notes doc since like january #OK ALSO BEFORE ANYONE COMES AT ME yes the RQ is also neutral and we did see that explored A BIT #but like vax only served her to save his sister his morals were never really dictated by her #he didn't follow her teachings as a lifestyle #similar situation with yasha #and like cad n fjord may serve a TN deity but are definitely good characters not neutral #jester its touched on a bit but jester kinda has her own strong sense of morals and also artie isnt a god #i know i said it jokingly but its true he dosnt have the same amount of power and influence #thats what i mean is like the intersection of devotion to a god and your own moral system and that influencing it #yknow??? #its just not rlly something weve seen on cr i think vax is the closest we get iirc #and jester too but again #not a god. still love artie tho #the c3 tag #bells hells

[laurasbailey]

Beauyasha + reassurance and trust after hurting each other due to mind control

#critteredit #criticalroleedit #beauyasha #beauregard lionett #yasha nydoorin #marisha ray #ashley johnson #beau x yasha #critical role #c2 #~ #cr spoilers #obviously beau's wasn't really 'mind control' but we don't need to write an essay in the caption #it's the fact that they understand one another for me #the fact that they've been through similar emotions and situations in their lives #both while knowing each other and beforehand #no other dynamic has that kind of connection #and beau hitting yasha once while confused is such a small moment but it's SO massive in context #1k

[omniscientwreck]

Let me combine both of your favorite things! I would love a little thing about Caduceus (in his infinite wisdom and questionable intelligence) trying to give either Essek or Caleb relationship advice that may or may not be actually helpful. Those two wizards are probably too much in their own heads to see what's right in front of them and could use a little nudge. Just imagine both of them going to Caduceus for advice on how they're attracted to the other and Caduceus just sitting there trying to fight to urge to facepalm.

Hello! Thank you for combining my two favourite things into this fic that took way too long but I'm quite pleased with! I hope you enjoy!

In which Caduceus has three conversations with two wizards fighting against a force bigger than either of them.

----------

The first of these conversations Caduceus had was expected. Gardening alongside Essek, teaching him how to sow beauty where destruction had laid waste had been therapeutic for both of them. Caduceus had never given up on the war criminal. It’s difficult to feel no sympathy for someone whose story was written across their face in blank but pleasant stares and a mask of platitudes.

The state he’d been in when they met him at the outpost had filled Caduceus with determination. He’d been as close to a wreck as they’d ever seen him and now kneeling alongside him and looking over to see a small self-satisfied smile as he observed the work they’d done, it feels like they’ve done something right. This second chance had been well earned and he has faith that Essek will continue to earn it for the rest of his days.

This Essek is determined to right wrongs, and he’s started with the garden. He pays careful attention to the plants, always asking if he’s unsure about the compatibility of certain species, and making sure to put them exactly where they tell him. When they work past the point when the sun disappears behind emerald leaves he takes off the gloves Jester had made him and digs his hands into the ground. It seems to bring him peace, it’s good that he’s found any.

Most of the time when they work it’s silent, creases pressed into Essek’s forehead. He sweats through the layers that serve to keep him safe from the heat overhead and always has to be cajoled into taking breaks or drinking water. It reminds him a bit of Yasha.

On the third day, when he’d nearly gone faint Caduceus has to intervene, “You don’t need to hurt yourself to repent you know.”

Essek takes great care to swallow and not choke on the water he’d been sipping, bad timing. The mask comes up again, “I don’t know what you mean.” he states flatly. He knows that Caduceus is smarter than that and it shows.

“Hurting yourself doesn’t change anything. It’s the creation of beauty here that tips your scales, not the destruction of yourself.”

He nods slowly, indigo eyes downcast. “I suppose you’re correct. I have much to atone for Caduceus. There is much work to be done before I will deserve any of the kindness you foist upon me.”

“Hey now, I decide who deserves my kindness. We all do.”

Essek nods again, running a dirt stained hand through his silver hair. It leaves streaks of dirt, Caduceus says nothing.

“It’s difficult to be made aware of your stark moral failings, to learn what it means to truly care for someone again. It’s difficult to care more than you expect and to know what is enough, if anything is.”

His eyes flick behind Caduceus, where he can hear Caleb explaining something to Luc and he understands more than Essek probably wants him to. “You’ll find enough.” Essek looks at him, eyes full of a delicate hope, easily shattered, “He’ll tell you when it’s enough.”

His eyes widen just slightly and a deep blush spreads across his face alongside a smile so small it’s like he doesn’t want to let himself accept the barrage of feelings it holds back. “If.” His voice is small but the weight is heavy in the tone.

Caduceus reaches a hand to cover one of his, “When. Remember, I see things the rest of you don’t.”

Essek smiles wryly at that, voice full of mirth, “Of course Mr. Clay the ever observing.”

They go in for dinner and Essek speaks up a little more, he’s a little more alive. The change is small, but Caduceus notices.

----------

The second conversation is less expected, completely unexpected if he’s being honest. Caleb arrives at the doorstep of the grove one evening around 8 months after they’d last seen each other. “Hallo friend, I hope I am not intruding.”

His smile is easier now, though still restrained by sadness. “Not at all Mr. Caleb you are always welcome here. There should be left overs from dinner, fix yourself a plate.”

Caleb allows himself to be ushered in and fussed over. He tells a few stories of the trial but Caduceus tries to steer away from that particular vein of conversation. It’s raw and it doesn’t look like he’s fully healed. There’s still one catch somewhere that he needs to loose himself from before the smile will be easy and free, before he can walk away from his past and toward the future.

“I am going to Aeor next.”

Ah.

When Caduceus doesn’t say anything he continues, voice laced with trepidation, “I am going to ask Essek to join me.” he wants Caduceus to convince him of something.

“Well, two wizards is better than one.” He eyes Caleb knowingly and the wizard squirms a bit under his gaze.

“It is just, a little strange isn’t it? The directions we are led in.” He trails off again, maybe he’s hoping for wisdom. Caduceus decides he can probably dispense something.

“You’ve never seemed like someone who wanted much to be herded into decisions to me.”

“It’s been a journey.”

Caduceus clears his dish and sets down a teapot, “It’s a journey you’re still on. One that might not have a definite end. Is it worth it to deny yourself happiness because you’re worried about whether you deserve it?”

That caught him a little off guard, copper hair shook a bit as he’d clearly gone a little further than Caleb was expecting. He likes to talk in metaphors so that he can hide from truths later, or at least pretend everything can have multiple meanings. It’s time for Caduceus to stop letting him twist words around in that expansive brain of his until the original meaning is obscured by hypotheticals.

“I cannot tell you what’s right Caleb, but if you came here for a reasonable perspective listen to the one I’m giving you.” He pours the tea and offers honey, “You will never know if you don’t go and I know you better than you think. You don’t like loose ends, not as long as there’s something to learn.”

He nods, staring into tea, they’re so similar and so stubborn that Caduceus can feel the loving annoyance usually directed at his siblings creeping in. “Caleb, stop punishing yourself for something that wasn’t your fault in the first place.” Caleb nearly interrupts but Caduceus keeps barrelling through, “Self-flagellation won’t get you anywhere, you’ll just end up with regrets and what ifs. Go explore Aeor, forget everything else for a bit. Do that thing the two of you do where you’re finishing each other’s sentences and nobody knows why you’re bothering to speak out loud because it’s obvious you’re thinking the same things.”

Caleb’s smile is smaller now, but lighter. “Ja mein Freunde, I think you will. Thank you for tolerating questions I don’t know how to ask out loud.”

Caduceus smiles back, “I think this will be good. If you need anything while you’re there don’t hesitate to reach out. Stock up on healing, you’ll need it.”

Caleb laughs at that and spends the night, before heading to Zadash the next morning, undoubtedly to clear out Pumat’s stock of healing potions.

----------

The third time this conversation is had it’s his fault. He doesn’t mean to start it, but honestly the situation is getting ridiculous and the sibling feelings Caduceus has to both the wizards are firmly cemented.

They decide to get everyone together maybe a year after the last conversation. It’s his first time seeing any of them since then and as soon as they’re all in the same room it’s like no time has passed at all. Essek had come to get him while Caleb gathered the rest at Beau and Yasha’s home in Rexxentrum. Jester wraps him in a crushing and loving hug, Beau gives him a punch that’s soft for her but still stings, Yasha offers clippings of flowers immediately, and Fjord’s hug is warm. Veth’s family is here and she looks happier than he’s ever seen her. Caleb greets him with the warmth that’s always burned behind eyes that hold less and less sorrow every time he sees him. He hopes they’ll drop it all together one day.

When they pop back into existence from the way Caleb and Essek look at each other Caduceus expects something to happen. He doesn’t know what exactly but they hold each other’s eyes in a profound way. There’s gravity to them and everyone can feel it, he’s getting tired of watching them fight it.

It seems so simple even though he doesn’t feel that kind of pull, to see where this is going. It’s feels like the days before a big storm, when everyone knows what’s coming and it’s getting a little ridiculous that you’re still waiting for lightning to strike.

Everyone else drinks, they cook and eat and tell stories. Caleb and Essek sit apart but spend the entire time stealing glances across the table when they don’t think the other is looking. Nearly always they catch each other.

Yasha plays on the bone harp, she’s gotten very good and Jester swings Veth around into a dance. Kingsley, three sheets to the wind, grabs Beau and whips her into a reluctant dance and her initial protests eventually bubble into laughter. Caleb sits beside Caduceus and Jester has switched to twirling a flustered Essek across the floor of the livingroom. It often turns to dancing with these people and he loves that they love it so much.

“As I recall you’re an excellent dancer Mr. Caleb, go cut in.”

He shakes his head, “Ah- I couldn’t. Yasha is playing and I don’t think you’re much of a dancer.” He looks over with a quirk of a brow.

“I’m sure Jester won’t mind a break.”

He coughs at that, “I ah-”

Caduceus shakes his head, “No, talking is done, this is getting ridiculous.” He puts a hand square on his back and guides Caleb to stand, “You two will weave circles of metaphor around each other until one of you drops. Go Caleb, follow gravity.”

He seems to understand, seems to accept Cadcueus’ words and as soon as he stands to full height, Essek is watching over Jester’s shoulder. She, thankfully, understands the same way Caduceus does and even sends a wink as she loudly proclaims, “Oh my gosh Essek I’m so tired, I think Caleb needs someone to dance with, go to him.” She extends her arm, releasing him, and his levitation doesn’t allow him to stumble at the abrupt change in momentum.

Essek and Caleb meet and Essek steps to the ground gracefully as Caleb holds his hand out and pulls him in.

Nobody says anything for fear of spooking the delicate peace that settles over both of them as they gently turn, but Yasha slows the music she’s playing a bit and a quiet celebration is shared in the eyes of the rest of the Nein.

Caduceus breathes a sigh of relief and Jester sits herself beside him, bringing an overly sweet juice she’d found on her travels for him to try. She tells him stories into the night, and the wizards never let each other’s hands go.

#shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #caduceus clay #critical role #the mighty nein #cr fanfic #critical role fanfiction #tm9 #my writing #omni writes #my fic #a little worried this is ooc for Cad but also I think he's just treating them like he'd treat his siblings #eventually you just gotta push people in the direction they're heading

[jaskwritesthings]

Caleb, Molly and Essek cuddle puddle (bonus points for one or more of them being sassy menaces) requested by @glossolali

tags: none

(ao3)

“Caleb my love, my darling, my little flame -“ Molly waxed on poetically before Caleb interrupted him.

“Your point, Mister Mollymauk, please find it,” Caleb begged, the amusement clear in his tone.

Molly intentionally nuzzled his head back against Caleb’s hip, “You are clearly not eating enough,” he said pointedly, using the tip off his horn to jab at Caleb’s boney hip.

“You’ve seen me eat, at every meal time and you bring me snacks in between,” Caleb reminded him sleepily. He was warm and comfy and surrounded by the men he loved, so of course he could sleep while Molly was having quite a difficult time finding any cushion around his firebug wizard's stomach. Frankly it would have been far more concerning if he wasn’t fully aware of just how much Caleb and Essek ate. Something about magic burning energy or something. He never paid that much mind to the why, just enjoyed feeding Essek and Caleb by hand on occasion.

“Then where, by all the gods, is it going ‘cause it’s certainly not on your person,” Molly demanded.

“Do you have a complaint about your current position katz?” Caleb questioned, running a hand through Molly’s hair and making sure to scratch at his scalp the way Molly enjoyed.

“My sweet little spark, your hip is stabbing my neck,” Molly complained.

“It’s not that bad.”

“If I move, I shall bleed to death,” Molly declared theatrically. 

Caleb’s hand cupped his cheek directing him to look up at Caleb, “You are a dramatic fool,” Caleb said too softly to be anything but an endearment of purest love.

Molly kissed the fingertips he could reach before turning his attention to the dozing elf cuddled into Caleb’s other side, “Essek my sweet darling nightflower -“

“Please stop,” Essek mumbled without opening his eyes.

“Surely you agree with me?”

Essek hummed sleepily, “I must admit it’s quite extraordinary the amount of food you eat and yet you remain quite lean Caleb.”

“You are lean too!” Caleb yelled in a scandalous tone of one horribly betrayed but still utterly amused by the situation.

“Hmm, but far less so. I think it’s the muscle definition from all your adventuring days,” Essek purred as he traced a hand through the hair leading a curly track down Caleb’s chest, paying special attention to the defined muscles along the way.

“I do not recall such complaints about my muscle mass while we fuck,” Caleb muttered.

“Oh darling I have zero complaints about being thrown around -“ Molly leered.

“I do not throw you around Mollymauk,” Caleb denied, skiing turning a delightful shade of red. 

“But for cuddling you don’t provide much of a pillow,” Molly finished as though Caleb hadn’t interrupted him so rudely.

“You are both similar in build to myself, why am I targeted this night?” Caleb sighed, long and deep.

“Because you are hard my love and not in the way I usually enjoy,” Molly said, taking the sting from his words by chastely kissing the offending hip bone. If he lingered longer than one could claim was innocent he doubted Caleb minded. 

“Essek?” Caleb whined as he pleaded for support.

Essek finally deigned to open his eyes but didn’t look too happy by the prospect, “I find you both comfortable enough for resting on but Yasha is far superior to you both for hugs.”

“Betrayed!” Molly wailed dramatically as he twisted onto his front to ensure Essek got the full effect of his watery ruby eyes, “my love and my dearest friend! I am betrayed!”

“We do not need all of your fey cats Caleb, we have one in tiefling form right here,” Essek raised an unimpressed eyebrow as Caleb tried in vain to hide his laughter. Molly hissed playfully at him, fangs on full display as his tail lashed to and fro behind him.

“You’re lucky I love you both or I would flee to a circus,” Molly flopped back on his back making sure the move was as dramatic as he could manage. Caleb let out a ‘oomf’ as Molly tried to get comfortable against him again.

“Aren’t you banned from every -“

“Hush loves I am trying to nap,” Molly chastised and Caleb spluttered  at the turn about.

#critical role #shadowidomauk #shadowidomauk fanfiction #critical role fanfiction #glossolali