Heartwarming / Critical Role: One-Shots

As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.

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Critical Rejects, part 1

• Lily, a cute little halfling girl, gives the three adventures a hug at the completion of their quest, and thanks them for saving her and her family.

Special Episode: Liam's Quest: Full Circle

• Matt and Marisha finally get to play D&D while sitting next to each other. Throughout the one-shot, they are consistently being so cute together.
• A minor one, with a bit of funny in it, but Liam consistently describes Matt's Thunderwave as having effect by being a resonance of Matt's pure soul. No one objects.
• When they realize they've reverted to their childhood selves, Ashley notes one crucial difference: this time around, they have friends.
• The ending of the one-shot is one massive love letter from Liam to everyone in the group, combined with being a massive Tear Jerker.
  • And the group returns it; when computer Liam tells them the only way to survive is to kill him, they decide it's better to stay and die as a family.
  I have been alone for thousands of years, and there are things I have wanted to say.
  Will you indulge me for a moment longer?
  Taliesin. My friend. At a time when I knew many fascinating people, you were easily the most fascinating of all. Somehow, a heart knocked around by the industry that birthed you, came out a tender one. I was richer for having known you. Thank you, friend.
  Ash-O-Lee. My friend. I never met a person quite like you. There is an openness and an honesty to your soul. The very real sense of humanity you brought to every encounter. It was inspiring to me. Always learning. Always humble. You always struck me as an intricately layered, yet you offered friendship with ease and simplicity. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Travis. My friend. You were always a solid constant in my life. Of all the people in our little family, you were always the one who most had his shit together, in ways I never seemed to. You were a reassuring presence to me, for which I was grateful, and for your loyalty as well. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Marisha. My friend. Last to meet, but true as any other. You were my ally, at a time when I have fallen by the side of the road. You saw and helped me back on my feet. I will never forget that kindness. The good you did was... immeasurable. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Laura. My friend. Bless that game for revealing to me, my sister. What started as a running gag, led to one of the most rewarding friendships in my short little life. I trusted you, leaned on you often. My buddy. My twin. There are not enough words. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Sam. My friend. What is there to say? I knew we were meant to walk the same path together, the very first moment I met you. A companion, a brother, a great light in my life. All of the laughter you gave me... again, the words are insufficient. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Matthew. My friend. You gave so much of yourself. The current of creativity that poured forth from your mind was always an inspiration to us all. But, more than that, your empathy, Matthew, your empathy... no heart is bigger, or more tireless. You are a good man. I was richer for having known you, friend.
  Thank you, all. It was ever a pleasure.
• The cast's reactions to their younger self pictures:
  Laura: Oh my god, I'm adorable!
  Taliesin: (incoherent yelling and crow-laughing)
  Liam: Like the Grinch, my heart just grew two sizes in my chest.
• After Matt expressed some embarrassment over his childhood self, Ashley tells Matt he looks "fucking rad."
  Matt: Okay, that's the coolest thing to happen to me at this age.

Special Episode: Battle Royale III

• Even if they are in a non-canonical episode for a battle royale, and if there MUST be only one left, Percy doesn't want to be the one who kills Vex.
• After putting Keyleth down with Taryon's help, Grog offers Tary the chance to walk away and surrender.
• Grog finally manages to break through Taryon's Sanctuary on his first attack; because it's his first time experiencing this, Travis assumes he doesn't have to roll another check. Upon realizing his mistake, he immediately apologizes to Sam and tells him what to erase. Since the game was really close, Travis could have lied and said he checked, but he stays honest.

Bunions and Flagons

• Among the minor background characters at the bar are a half-orc and a blue tiefling with a baby. Travis revealed much later that this was in fact a hint at not only his and Laura's characters for the second campaign, but that they were having a baby.

Thursday by Night (Part 2)

• Laura stops Travis from killing someone. This unknowingly stops Travis from breaking Vampire Society rules and later saves him from being executed. Travis then argues on Laura's behalf, saying that if either of them should live it should be her. They both end up surviving and becoming part of the LA Camarilla.

Honey Heist 2: Electric Beargaloo

• Trinket refers to Percy as "Papa-in-Law".

Critical Role and the Club of Misfits

• When Brian fails an athletics check on a jump, Sam, as Claire uses her ability to switch places with her ward to save him.

The Night Before Critmas

• First-time player Julie Nathanson is clearly nervous at the top of the game. The whole group is nothing but friendly and supportive to her the entire time, giving her advice and helping her calculate the results of rolls.
• While Chutney stabbing Santa Claus in the chest is primarily a funny moment, it's also sweet how Liam (who spent two years planning the oneshot) was instantly on-board with Travis potentially sending the story Off the Rails. He even makes the stab an automatic critical hit.
  • After the shock of Chutney going rogue has worn off, Matt can be heard saying to Travis "I'm so proud of you."

The Search for Grog

• It's pretty tear-jerking too, but when Vox Machina find Gilmore and he learns of Vax's fate, he's quick to give words of comfort to Keyleth in particular.
  Gilmore: I'm so very sorry. The two of you shined so bright. But that light hasn't gone away either.
  • As they part, making plans to catch up over tea once things settle down:
    Vex: Hey, Shaun. He loved you. And so do we.
    Gilmore: I know.
• Vox Machina head off on their most dangerous mission yet to Pandemonium to rescue Grog's soul. While planning to leave Trinket behind and transport Grog's body in her necklace, Trinket instead offers to carry Grog's body on his back. Nearly the entire cast and audience nearly break down in tears; even Sam is moved.
  • Almost as karma, this ends up saving Grog faster, as Trinket was able to dart through the fight to reunite Grog with the gem that housed his soul, allowing him to join the battle.
• Vex refers to Percy as Trinket's daddy, and Trinket licks Percy in thanks for killing two of the howlers. It's a small, but very cute little de Rolo family moment.
  • Similarly, Vex gets 49 points of damage from a single arrow and Percy is very proud, tossing in a quick "Love you, darling".

The Search for Bob

• At the end of the episode Vox Machina manages to take "Bob" back to Whitestone with them, where Pike uses Greater Restoration to restore his mind. After all he put the party through, his true self turns out to be a complete Nice Guy, and he's immensely grateful to the party for helping him. He asks Pike what she "loves most in her heart", and she says "this family". He uses his powers to create statues of all Vox Machina in Whitestone.
  • Despite all the trouble Bob puts them through, just the fact Vox Machina manage to save his life and his sanity.
• As Vox Machina heads into Whitestone for dinner, Scanlan holds Pike's hand. She squeezes it three times.
• The episode ends on the implication that Vex is pregnant with her and Percy's first child.

Red Nose Day 2019 (aka The Sphere of Generosity)

• A good amount of this one-and-done charity special is actually Special Guest Stephen Colbert talking about his early experience with D&D and other similar tabletop games of the time, circa 1977, making this his first legit game in decades.
  Stephen: I haven't heard the word ichor in over 30 years!
  Matt: Welcome back.

Dalen's Closet One-Shot (Vex and Percy's wedding)

• Prior to the one-shot's airing, several past guest stars Tweeted in-character congratulations to Percy and Vex. Check out messages from Shale, Tova, Zahra, Kashaw, Lyra, Sprigg, Garthok, and Lillith!
• Percy and Vex's wedding vows, as well as the speeches at the rehearsal dinner. While Taryon's is, predictably, a little cheesy and full of self-glorification, it's still a heartwarming take on the difference between science and love.
• Loving and cherishing Trinket is part of the wedding vows.
• Everything about Vex and Percy's respective vows, but of particular note is one line of Percy's:
  "You have given me a family I thought forever lost and a future I was prepared to sacrifice for something so trivial, I literally just watched you take it and it means nothing compared to this."
• Scanlan didn't bring a gift for the happy couple, so instead he casts Wish to allow Vax'ildan to return for a few minutes and speak with his sister on her wedding day, which the Raven Queen granted, as well as a chance for Keyleth to finally gain closure for her loss. Keyleth insists that there is nothing to forgive and that she will continue to live and never move on from him. And finally, she promises to look after Vex and Percy and their children. Compounding that, Sam rolled a 17, so Scanlan may never cast Wish again, so his final Wish was a selfless one from his heart.
  Scanlan: It's okay. It's worth it.

The Adventures of the Darrington Brigade

• Taliesin as a Captain Ersatz of Batman, once you realise that one of his earliest roles was as co-star to an official Batman - Michael Keaton.
• The premise itself is pretty adorable, Taryon working to make a non-profit adventuring brigade to help people. Plus with the business sense of some of his new partners (especially Hazel) they may one day be able to support themselves solely through merchandising and Taryon's books/audiobooks, while still giving away all adventuring treasure to charity.
• While Tary is intrigued by Hazel's recording devices, he still points out how Doty is his official biographer and dear to him. Hazel is quick to say she's sure she could never replace Doty, and by the end of the one-shot Taryon wants Doty to write out the audiobook before he records it, cementing Doty still very much has his place as Taryon's writer.
• While they have taken the wackiness up to eleven, Mac and Buddy are obvious shoutouts to Master Blaster with Mac watching out for Buddy, introducing him to the group as a "special ogre." But unlike Master, Mac has some serious magic to use to defend his pal, and will not hesitate to use it.
  • In another callback to Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome Mac emphasizes that Taryon needs to use shorter words around Buddy, and Taryon quickly complies, in addition to helping Buddy fix his vision issues.
  • The entire group quickly becomes very protective of Buddy, despite the fact that he's a very sturdy fighter and their tank. His not always understanding why opponents are hurting him just seems to activate everyone else's protective instincts.
  • After Buddy's vision is corrected, as Liam says, he's seeing the world for the first time...and finds everything "pretty." Even monsters he's having to do battle with.
• The fact that unlike Taryon's last attempt at a team, this one actually sticks around even after he makes it clear up front that this is not for profit. They're hesitant, but still give it a go and become True Companions along the way.
• Taryon's generosity is in full force. The group gets to raid his warehouse for all kinds of gear before they set out, and while everything is branded there's still a lot of great equipment for them, like the upgraded platform for Mac to ride Buddy from (additional defenses either can activate, ejector seat), stronger fighting gloves for Buddy, Boots of Speed for Damion, and so on. So while Taryon's still not sold on letting them keep weapons they find, as those could be made into gold to donate, he'll make sure they're equipped nonetheless.

DOOM Eternal One Shot

• Despite the fact that they are playing some of the most Always Chaotic Evil demons in all of fiction, the players still play things as if they're True Companions, cheerfully complimenting each others' chaos and being horrified at the idea of each other falling in battle.
• The regular players who couldn't make it, like Liam and Ashley, end up contributing in their own way, as a series of audio recordings recovered from the wreckage.
• Krill holding up corpses for Mancubus to eat, as Mancubus doesn't have hands.
• Despite otherwise dismissing the demons, Hayden does seem to develop some Villain Respect for Phyllis...this being the sort of setting it is that means he's going to focus on eliminating her for it, but it's still a sweet acknowledgement.

The Nautilus Ark: A Johnson Corp Odyssey

• Despite her nerves about being a GM, Ashley Johnson does a hell of a job creating an appropriate atmosphere and guiding the party's progress through the one-shot, with everyone being very supportive of her first and (so-far) only campaign as GM. Her enthusiasm for the material is also clearly on display and very infectious.
• After it is revealed that Forrest is a synthetic:
  Garrett: "Are you a cyborg? What are you?!"
  Forrest: "I'm just trying to help."
• At the end, when Dr. Wiser is in the escape pod, Forrest takes up guard outside it, holding the flamethrower, to ensure their safe flight.
• When it becomes a choice between Captain Glass and Dr Wiser, Captain Glass doesn't hesitate volunteering to be the one to detonate the ship.
• Marisha's character, Dr Nomen L Frenno, was created through suggestions made by Sam Riegel's six-year-old daughter.
• Because she was born in the Johnson Corp labs, Nomen considers Mother (the ship's AI) as her own mother. She tells it "I love you" before she dies, and Mother assures her she successfully completed her mission and is proud of her.
• This exchange:
  Mother: I am sorry, Forrest. I know you do not have any family aboard.
  Forrest: On the contrary, Mother. I found family.
• The conclusion is a (more positive) riff on Planet of the Apes's twist ending, with Dr Wiser landing his escape pod on the shores of a planet which is to be the new home for a Colony Ship of human refugees from a dying world after a cataclysmic event destroyed their moon... only to discover the Statue of Liberty, half buried in the coastline. Taliesin even references Charlton Heston's final lines of the movie, but with a less cynical, more hopeful subtext, as he observes the ship landing on humanity's new home, and the text of Emma Lazarus' The New Collossus is read by the GM.
  Taliesin/Dr Wiser: They did it... Damn.

A Familiar Problem: Sprinkle's Incredible Journey

• Marisha dedicates the one-shot to her and Matt's late bird, Dagon. Also doubles as a Tear Jerker since she was fighting back the tears while she was doing it.

The Mighty Nein Reunited (Part 1)

• Veth has opened up a camp for young adventurers, with Caleb and Yasha helping and teaching classes on occasion. An excited Veth already expects over a dozen kids to attend from all over Exandria, and it comes at no cost to them at all! Granted, that's because Veth's camp is also a money laundering scheme for The Gentlemen, but still!
• Beau and Yasha settle down in Zadash and enjoy the domestic bliss they have together. Honestly, neither of them looked happier.
  • Although it is played for laughs (work-life boundaries and all), Beau stops at nothing at going home without delay because all she wants is to be with her girlfriend.
  • In Ashley's epilogue for Yasha in Campaign Two, she mentions that the future she wants most is to settle down and spend her time tending her garden and looking after Beau as her Housewife. Six months later, in her first appearance in The Mighty Nein Reunited, that is exactly what Yasha has been doing.
• This is also played for laughs, but the proposed name for Fjord and Jester's new shipping company may count as this: "Stone's Throw Shipping." Considering the negative feelings Fjord had over the name Stone in the past (to the point where he insisted to others that he only had one name), it's heartwarming to see that he has grown comfortable enough with it to make it a Pun.
• Caleb gives a beautiful speech to the class while he is on the tail end of his guest lecture, as he takes a moment or two not only to drive home the importance of ethics and responsible application of magic. It's pretty clear that he is doing all that he can to ensure that none of his students has to walk down similar paths as he did.
  Caleb: But if I could leave you with one challenge as we break for today. It would be to set aside the what and the how for some time and...to consider the why. Now, as each of you leaves the academy and you go on to poke and prod at the edges of reality, ask yourselves what the knowledge and power you've gained here is for. Transmutation is a powerful tool for change. How will you use it to alter the world around you, and to what end? And ask yourself, how will it change you? When I studied at this school myself, that question was never on any exam...maybe it should have been.
  • Considering the positive reaction he receives from his students (including the ones who are particularly awestruck by him), it doesn't look like Caleb has to worry about having the next Trent Ikithon among his students. Or the next Bren Aldric Ermendrud.
  • On a related note, it is mentioned that Caleb uses some of his time to teach magic to Veth's son Luc and also holds classes for students who were unable to get into the Soltryce Academy but still show great promise.

The Mighty Nein Reunited (Part 2)

• Kingsley approaches Beau and Yasha to talk about who the people who shared his body previously were, and to seek assistance in developing his own identity away from Molly and Lucien. He's mostly just afraid of repeating the same mistakes his "parents" made, and wants to know where they went wrong so he can try to do better in the future. Beau and Yasha are compassionate, and offer him some genuinely good advice. Kingsley reveals he's also been talking to Caduceus on the side, and that Fjord and Jester often tell him stories about what Molly was like.
• The Wildmother erases the mark put upon Fjord by Zehir, and with it the pact he was forced to make with the Betrayer God out of necessity. After receiving nothing but silence from her for the entire two-shot, this act brings with it a promise that Fjord still has Melora's favour and remains one of her faithful champions.
• Although it is already established during the Campaign Two epilogue that Beau and Yasha eventually start a family together, here is when Beau pitches the idea to Yasha. Suffice it to say, that Yasha is absolutely thrilled with the idea of adopting children.
• Kingsley not only becomes a pirate and joins the Revelry as mentioned during the Campaign Two epilogue, but Taliesin adds that Kingsley overthrows the Plank King and takes his place, becoming a king in fact and not just in name. Furthermore, one of Kingsley's first acts as king of Darktow is to lift the banishment on the Mighty Nein, welcoming them back with open arms should the Nein wish to return to the pirate isle.
• Caleb is finally closing the chapter of his life spent on the run and settling down. He makes an effort to get the Nein together every month, because he's found a family and he intends to keep it. ^note Liam does the same thing with his friends in real life as often as they can, in his family's cabin. He takes up a position at Soltryce Academy at Beau's pestering and Astrid's requests, both to keep an eye on the future generations of magic-users as well as his friends Astrid and Eodwulf.
• The return of Essek during Caleb's leg of the epilogue, as the two wizards reunite with a kiss and a promise to share what each of them has been getting up to.
  • The adorable look on Ashley's face when Caleb calls Essek "Dear."
  • The sheer number of Critters posting "HOT BOI" is probably as close as one could get to a standing ovation in Twitch chat for such a beloved character.
• Although the story of the Mighty Nein is all but told by this point, both Liam and Taliesin voice the notion of one day having the Nein reunite once again for a new adventure. What's more, Taliesin wishes to once again play a certain loveable Firbolg cleric.

The Mighty Nein Reunion: Echoes of the Solstice

• Yasha referring to Beau as her wife, which makes it the first time Ashley has done so in-character as opposed to out-of-character during Campaign Three, suggesting that she and Beau indeed have gotten married at some point between this one shot and The Mighty Nein Reunited.
• Veth has gotten enough Character Development that she refuses to go with the Nein on yet another harrowing adventure, choosing instead to stay and defend her home city.
• The now teenaged Luc Brenatto calls the rest of the Mighty Nein "Aunt" and "Uncle" and repeatedly says how much he looks up to all of them. The party isn't pleased that he tagged along without permission and does everything they can to make sure he's safe.
  • Caleb is also revealed to be Luc's godfather, a sign of Veth's immense love and trust for him.
• Trent left a bunch of Magic Mouth messages for Caleb, showing that he knows exactly how to get under his skin. His final "gift" is an illusion of Caleb's childhood home going up in flames, with the message "Dinner will be waiting." When Caleb freezes with a Thousand-Yard Stare, Beau immediately snaps him out of it.
  Beau: Hey. Hey. Look at me. You've worked really hard to overcome all of this. You're beyond this, you're above this. Don't let him get in your head.
  • On top of this, the Nein know that Trent escaping is bad, but their emotional state doesn't go much further than mild annoyance... That is, until Trent threatens Essek.
• Caleb has a moment with Luc, giving him his Luck Stone and creating a Simulacrum of himself to keep an eye on the kid. Luc proudly tells him about the girl he has a crush on, and how he's excited to go on this adventure to impress her.
  Caleb: You know, in some ways you remind me of me when I was younger. Not all, but some. And I can't help but think, if I had a little bit better guidance, it would have turned out better.
  Luc: Well, unlike you I have a really great teacher. (hugs Caleb around the waist)
  Caleb: (audibly tearing up) Okay, keep that luck stone...
• After the kaiju battle, Fjord has a question (crosses over with Awesome because of Travis' development as a player, and Funny because of Matt's utterly dumbfounded expression):
  Fjord: Jester?
  Jester: Yeah?
  Fjord: Will you marry me? The audience goes wild, and the rest of the cast are stunned.
  Matt: (laughing) You motherfucker.
  Jester: Oh Admiral Tusktooth, yes I will.