#talksmachina

[encyclopediacr]

This isn't a gotcha question but a genuine concern. I noticed today that Critical Role has taken down (or made private?) all the content with BWF in it, including TalksMachina. Will the Encyclopedia keep up its articles and transcripts of those videos for lore and resource purposes?

The adminship decided that the wiki will retain our existing coverage of this content. It is also our intention to allow editors to continue editing these topics and complete coverage at this wiki, especially for those interested in having a record of the content of these episodes now that they are no longer available. The situation is immensely different from that of Feast of Legends—do not take this as a comparison of the two—but it is worth noting that this is consistent with our earlier, similar decision to cover that one-shot comprehensively after its removal from the channel.

While the topic is being discussed, we have also announced on our Discord server, where we coordinate many of our editor efforts, the following:

We wanted to keep you updated regarding Critical Role’s recent removal of content that featured Brian W. Foster: We have archived/downloaded copies of the removed content for the purpose of maintaining our coverage, but have not yet decided whether to make it publicly available. We are also in the process of delinking the now private YouTube videos: citations of the removed content will remain, but VODs will not be linked. Please refrain from speculating or commenting on the nature of the incident or Critical Role’s decisions surrounding it. As the details were made public only via a tabloid leak, please refrain from repeating them on the wiki. Wiki coverage should stick to the facts of the matter that pertain to Critical Role content (ie, that Talks Machina, Yeehaw Game Ranch, Undeadwood, and various one-shots were removed from public channels).

If you or any others have any further questions about this topic, please contact the admins here at the wiki's Tumblr account (not the personal accounts of the admins, not on this topic) or through the wiki's Discord server. Further information related to editing on these topics, such as what we have archived and any other updates relating to this, is and will be made available on the Discord.

[gaawachan]

On Talking to Essek

Was having a chat with my sister about Caleb and Shadowgast:

Sis: Caleb is dying for love...

Me: It's actually pretty concerning because if the party isn't careful He's going to be very susceptible to Astrid manipulating him. TBH I think part of the reason I'm so dead-set on Astrid being evil is that I think it would just be really, really unhealthy for Caleb to reconnect with her.

Sister: if they were sexually abused together (which they all were) reconnecting with a fellow victim in the same way you did when you were abused... (could be a) recipe for disaster, that's what.

Me: Well one of the big things is... They've been trapped in that trauma.  And Caleb has very, very obviously only just begun to heal from it. Deeper associations with them could cause him to start going backwards fast. One of the things that is frustrating is that I don't even think the Blumentrio's sexual abuse will ever be directly addressed. Caleb sort of hinted at it during the Avantika mess, but... he doesn't even see it as a problem and I worry that if he reconnects with Astrid, she'll reinforce that.

Sis: No, they tend to try and steer clear of those topics.....

Me: Astrid is so manipulative. Almost everything out of her mouth drips with it just like Trent. Caleb doesn't need that.

Sis: No, they aren't avoiding addressing them like the plague the way they are with Caleb's issues. But yeah, I got so annoyed when Astrid stopped Caleb from talking about how she was "next in line"

Me: It's true; they (the party) deliberately avoid talking to Caleb in-depth about things, which is... really damaging, tbh. From Caleb's perspective, it probably makes him feel justified in his own self-loathing/shame because his friends can't even stand to talk about it straight-up with him like they can with each other's problems, which isn't fair but that's the impression it gives off.

Sis: It's why Beau's the healthiest for Caleb atm. Blunt when addressing things and supporting him when he opens up.

Me: Part of the problem is that he's so afraid of moral condemnation from Caddy and dropping in Jester's estimation that he actively avoids it, but... I think he could try talking more with Fjord or Beau maybe.  Caleb is genuinely worried about Caddy deciding that Caleb is too morally stained to be associated with.

Sis: Oh, buddy... Caddy doesn't judge.  He makes you better.

Me: Caddy does admonish.  It was also loosely implied that Caleb doesn't want to be the reason that Caduceus leaves the party- after all, Caddy finished his family mission already.

Sis: I do wish he'd reach out to Caddy. Cad is the key to his recovery and the freedom from his past shame. I just know it.

Me: I do wonder though what would happen if he confided in ESSEK first, though. It's hard to say how Essek would even react to finding out just how vile the people he was working with are.

Sis: Would be a good way to try and break it to him.

Me: Imagine telling an elf that you were groomed (including sexually) and mutilated at age 16.

Sis: "Hey your crush was severely abused by the people you're working with."

Me: He'd be horrified, I think, because that would be like a baby to him.  Baby Caleb.

Sis: I mean, he was already mortified at having to address his friends. Confess his sins to people who thought well of him. Who spared his life and then learning that the one who pulled you out of that was a victim of the people you're working for? I don't know enough about Essek to know what he'd do, but for certain I'd want him to prioritize his own safety.

Me: To me Essek did not seem to have a firm grasp on the horrors that the Assembly commits.

Sis: I don't think that anyone who isn't already a victim of theirs does.

Me: I think that, while there wasn't really a good time to talk about it, Caleb really ought to sit him down and have a frank talk with him about it. To at the very least explain why the MN reacted so hard to the reveal that he was the spy, because from Essek's perspective... he knows that Caleb used to be affiliated with the Scourgers, but he doesn't necessarily know what that means... and to him, it probably seems like the MN are just upset about the war in general.  He didn't seem to understand that this was a much more personal betrayal, however unintended.  He sees Caleb is in pain, but he doesn't know the first thing about what that pain is.

...

Me: Talk about your trauma, Caleb don't just stew in it... Oh.  He should invite Essek up to the 8th floor of the tower.

Sis: ........ oh my god

Me: That would do it. That would make Essek realize... I think Eseek needs a more grounded understanding about the suffering of the people in the Empire.

Sis: Essek should be brought to the 8th floor though.

[nymphofnovels]

This is all I have to say about that Talks Machina clip.

[theartingace]

I love watching Talks Machina while I draw, and I’m slowly getting caught up on episodes. But I had to drop my 8 WIPs I currently have open to do a study of this Goodest Boy when they did a closeup shot.

Henry-cam is best cam on Talks

[sweetsmalldog]

TalksMachina but it’s their characters. Who would Brian be I hear you asking why of course he’d be

Liam Las Vegas

That’s right they’d get interviewed by a fucking Honey Badger.

[criticalsorcery]

is there a jib on that doll?

edit: here’s the gif without text

[hook-on-fandoms]

Okay can this part of talks be a psa.

All those psa short films in school, Chuck them and replace for this for some mental health.

[wayward-inspiration]

undefined

Coincidence...

[coffeeandrain]

Wishing you all a happy new year wit the aid of @critical_role and @talksmachina Don't forget to love each other. * #happynewyear #coffee #dontforgettoloveeachother #newyear #criticalrole #critrole #critter #talksmachina https://www.instagram.com/p/CJedLp1JtBe/?igshid=17f2aaaug5eoj

[shadowshideme]

Oooh!!! The Captain and the Bright Queen have been partners through multiple lifetimes! Oh my goodness 😭😭😭😭

I had a feeling they were a thing but like not a soulmate thing! 💛

[opposite-opposite]

We weren’t doing anything in class and our teacher didn’t care asking as we were being creative so I did this 😂

Follow my insta and Twitter @ kay_the_warlock

[lexolas221]

Veth the brave!!! Critical role is coming back next week and I couldn’t be more excited! #veththebrave #nottthebrave #vethbrenatto #criticalrole #critrole #fanart #criticalrolefanart #critrolefanart #talksmachina #samriegel #noticemeartdad #artdad https://www.instagram.com/p/CB4yMGTnSQV/?igshid=1blgnsi6rg2dz

[tearfulsolace]

Tal: Theres not a haunted house in LA that he can choose where I dont know people.

[geoffreythegiraffe]

I love the artistry for the Wand of Smiles.

———

It makes me so uncomfortable is the best way.

———

Teeth, man. Teeth.

[ridoarts]

Fanart of Caduceus Clay from @critical_role played by @executivegoth #art #artist #traditionalart #watercolor #watercolorartist #fantasyart #dungeonsanddragons #dnd #dndcharacter #criticalrolefanart #criticalrole #caduceusclay #talksmachina #firbolg #firbolgdnd https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jkkPBikyo/?igshid=tbirz7ioedsx

[thefiveavengers]

about jester: "beau had a......................... beau felt protective about jester" I SWEAR TO GOD MARISHA WAS GOING TO SAY CRUSH... AND THEN SHE REELED IN. I'm living!