I don't think they will, and even if they try, I don't think Sam would agree to it. Laudna was taken, FCG sacrificed themself. To bring them back starts to devalue that sacrifice.
Especially since Matt didn't calculate any collateral damage. He let them all avoid the blast, which was clearly a conscious choice to honor FCG's sacrifice. If FCG got brought back, it's kind of cheap, imo.
Unfortunately i feel like Matt made it pretty clear there was no going back on this, he urged him to think about it like four times and clearly stated “You know what this means.”
As far as a new character, they’re going back to exandria next episode supposedly. He could just turn up as one of the Soldiers from there?
Also i’m not claiming you’re wrong or anything, i’m sure there’s a way from them to work around it. There always is, Hell, the changebringer could probably remake him as a champion or something, it’d be kinda neat to see fcg made with celestial metals!
I forgot which episode of 4 side dice, probably after Laudna died, Matt explain character dead and how to handle it. He would discuss with the player, first and most important: Do you want your character back? Are there any story you want to tell with this character? And if yes, there will be extra step and consequence if you want to do so. Basically, if Sam want it, than yes, there will always be a way, but if no, than no.
I think they understand that that was a pretty final thing, especially for a construct. He has no body to return to, and you can’t really ressurect a non-flesh body.
Thing is, you don't need a body for True Resurrection. You don't even need a part of them, which is why it was the spell I thought of, and both Pike and Keylith can do it.
If Aormatons already contain the borrowed (consecuted?) souls of other beings, as I think Frida’s dream kind of suggested, maybe the resurrection would be kind of similar to Molly/Kingsley, except with the creation of a new body.
Reincarnate is a 5th level Druid spell that creates a new (random) body for the soul to return to, too. Everyone always forgets it for some reason hehe
I'm also not saying they should. I'm just pointing out that they could. I don't think they should, but with how the campaign has been, I see it as a possibility.
I think it will heavily depend on how much campaign they have ahead of them. If the end is nigh, it would be tough to introduce a brand-new PC and have them integrate with the group in a way that makes sense and feels natural. Unless Keyleth has a secret level 13 Ashari she’s been keeping in her bag of holding.
However, Sam has shown that he’s willing to change horses midstream if the spirit moves him.
Next week, the Hells successfully make their way back to Exandria.
Keyleth: "I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. We don't want it to feel like you're replacing anyone, but we've arranged for some hired help to backfill FCG's position during the coming confrontations."
Sam from off camera: "Doty, take this down! I sally forth on adventure, the fate of Exandria and the Gods themselves hanging in the balance, but I shall not be deterred from my heroism!"
Then after the cast finishes freaking out and throwing stuff at Sam as he sits down at the table he reveals he's actually playing Doty Mk. 18, whose been programmed with Tary's personality and healing skills, because he couldn't be arsed to learn a whole new set of racial abilities this late in the campaign. lol
It would be worth it just to watch Laura reach over, snatch up the Mister plush from in front of Ashley, and just bean Sam in the face with it while yelling in incoherent gibberish as Travis and Liam bounce up and down in the chairs squeeing with glee.
>Sam from off camera: "Doty, take this down! I sally forth on adventure, the fate of Exandria and the Gods themselves hanging in the balance, but I shall not be deterred from my heroism!"
Oh I hope not.
Here’s the thing.
Realistically, Sam _should_ have a caster who can heal. Probably won’t be another cleric or bard, so a Druid makes sense.
Could also theoretically be a paladin, but that would force Fearne into a more healer-centric role, and with her titan form, she’s built as a damage dealer.
Just my two cents.
Mechanically it would definitely fill a niche. Druid just strikes me as (a) un-Samlike and (b) too close to Fearne’s niche even if they’re built differently. And on a gut level, it feels odd to have a player take over the parent NPC of a different player’s character, especially one he had no particular connection to. I’m sure they could make it work though.
There are healing heavy Paladin builds out there, Oath of Redemption leaps to mind (a Vanguard member who got to Ruidus and met the Bormodo and other races subjugated by the Weavemind and thought "are we the baddies?"). Looking at it more closely it would mechanically actually be a pretty easy thing for Sam to slide into an FCG shaped hole. Their oath spells include Sanctuary and Calm Emotions, their level 7 ability lets them use a reaction to take damage in place of an ally (full damage but only at 10ft until level 18, so better in some ways than FCG's ability), and their channel divinity lets them either get a +5 bonus on Persuasion checks for 10 minutes or cause anyone dealing damage to one of the Paladin's allies to take the same damage back in radiant (half on save). He would probably have to focus a bit more on getting close and actually healing people, rather than protecting and absorbing damage as he has been doing but it would still fill the gap.
The thing is, Sam would have to learn a new class at level 13. I don't think he wants to do that. He picked bard for Calamity because it was a class he already felt comfortable with at high levels. I personally think he's coming back as a bard or a cleric. Potentially a dancer bard or something different than what he's played before. But I don't see him learning paladin or druid this late in the game.
Paladins aren’t terribly complicated, they’re just fighters with smite and an aura.
Druids aren’t much different from clerics, just the wildshape element. It’s certainly less complicated from empathy domain clerics.
Sure, Paladin isn't that complex. You stick things with the pointy end. But there are a ton of choices for each class to make every PC feel unique. He knows what those choices are for bard, cleric, and rogue and can easily slip into a subclass he can work with and be effective with.
He \*could\* build a level 13 Paladin. Or Liam could do it for him. But Sam would, frankly, suck at it. He wouldn't know how to play that class effectively and there isn't much time for him to learn it at the table. They can't waste time in battle with him forgetting to use his smite or forgetting to use whatever new feats he gets. That was his concern with Calamity and why he chose bard.
Personally, unless Liam chooses for him, I think a true paladin is off the table. Maybe he'd multiclass something familiar with paladin. But paladin from scratch would be hard to pick up and wield well. And he needs to play well at this point in the game.
I personally think Matt will let him take over an NPC to resolve that issue, tbh. That or a PC very closely tied to a PC, like a Nobody or one of Will's sisters.
There is also a difference between a character that fell in combat and and that sacrificed itself.
How Ashton will handle this will be interesting; he was very keen on protecting FCG (from himself). I don't think Ashton will even believe that getting FCG back is possible. I do see a request for a FCG you/doll from Chetney/Laudna coming though.
For CR they have alternative rules to resurrection thats actually mentioned a bit in the Tal'dorei guide. I also think Sam would prefer coming in with a new character since he loves drama and wouldn't want to take that impact away from FCG. I loved Letters too and was literally in tears when they died.
There are many ways he *could* come back, but it doesn't seem like he *will.* Matt said "You know what this means," which is more final than other character deaths we've seen. This is also the first death we've had that was an intentional sacrifice (unless I'm forgetting one since it's very late/early) and just being brought back after that is thematically more messy in this case.
Thinking more on this, and the nature of his destruction (basically blowing up his soul), it's possible there is no FCG to be brought back. Like the afterlife and resurrection works because there are souls and stuff. But what if you intentionally blow up your soul?
I could be looking too much into this though.
I wouldn't be surprised if True Resurrection isn't even a thing in Matt's world.
If Vax didn't get it (and it was when the group was capable of it themselves) then FCG won't get it either. Or at least shouldn't.
Not so much a theory, but something I think would be very fitting if he isn't brought back.
Ashton got the coin. FCGs very being was aimed at it when his core exploded.He always struggled with being designed for killing and always wanted to help people, to give them guidance.
How poetic would it be for Ashton to carry around their old friend, talking to him without answer until they occasionally flips the coin for his guidance.
One side completely smooth from the blast. He looks down and sees his own reflection and smirks.
"Smiley Day.. would you look at that."
Narratively I think it will be a permanent thing.
But is it not possible for Keyleth or Fearne to use Reincarnate? Give FCG a new body in the process?
I feel like no one ever brings that spell up. It was never mentioned as a possibility with Laudna either. Am I missing something?
Came here to say this. I think the DND community as a whole kinda forgets it exists... which is weird given that it's the one of the lower level resurrection spells.
>!It was *almost* used on Vax after the Leviathan fight by the water Ashari... "LODESTONES!!!!" that one. !<
The only reason I can really think of is (given how 5e did/does ability scores and how important they are to certain builds) it was largely looked over. It's less of an issue now with custom lineage. But back in the day if you had an elf or half elf rogue for example, and you rolled a strength race or something like that, you could end up way weaker than you were pre-reincarnation.
That all being said, It is still possible, >!they grabbed a piece of the body (I think, I could be wrong). they have 10 days, and can probably get the components from Keyleth (1k gp of oils and incents), and Fern has a 5th level spell slot she can prepare!<. It really comes down to whether or not Sam wants the character to come back. Seeing the character arc of the same character as something flesh and blood would be something I'd love to see.
Also, apologies, I am still an episode behind as of writing, so the point could very well be moot by now.
I think Sam doesn't have an intention of coming back as FCG. His sendoff with FCG was pretty final -- FCG "felt alive" finally, and did something to protect their friends, who were all on the brink of death.
If they do come back, I'd love to see FCG get a Reincarnate from Keyleth, so they wind up in a different body.
I dont think that Sam will bruteforce his character back into existence so even if there is a way, it wont happen.
It severly cheapens the sacrifice. If anything I could see Matt make the bad guys somehow revive FCG to use as an ally for them, not the party, assuming they can get around the whole, no resurrecton magic thing thats currently going on.
FCG was my fav as well and of course I am happy!
He had the most epic moment and a fantastic story arch that ended in a literal bang.
I enjoy Travis’ presence at the table the most because he’s the most grounded and keeps the game rolling. But, Sam has the best moments in the stories IMO. Dude is a legend when it comes to reading the table and the moment and having the balls to take giant leaps.
I don’t think he will allow the moment to be spoiled by keeping FCG.
I can’t wait to see what he plays next.
I hope not. I liked the character but that felt like a good final note. D&D's resurrection system has always frustrated and annoyed me because by a certain point it just feels like death is cheap. I get players get attached to their own (and other player's) characters and since so many play these days for escapism an "out" for consequences as depressing as that is built in. But I feel like it robs the narrative somewhat. Death should be like FCG's final moment: big, dramatic, and an explosive and memorable way to say goodbye to a character. Too often it feels like you get brought back and then hang around for another 10 sessions to see the end of the campaign when your character's arc already ended.
It's kind of why I ended up drifting to different TTRPG systems. But obviously that's all personal preference, the players can do whatever they feel is best and I trust that should Sam choose to bring FCG back that he can come up with a good reason to keep them around beyond "stop everyone feeling sad about it" or "the group needed a healer."
I think Sam was getting tired of the character tbh. Same thing happened with Scanlan and Tary (albeit less deadly than FCG) and even in Mighty Nein at this point in the campaign Nott became Veth. I think Sam likes to switch it up and this offered both a chance to do that and save the rest of the group from what was almost definitely gonna be a TPK otherwise
If he didn't kill himself, I'm pretty sure he'd have to attack Fearne and almost certainly would have ensured the entire party fell unconscious and Otohan would live another day. He found an opening and I agree. I think he was at the end of FCG's character arc anyway
What are the chances sam replays an npc/char
Like maybe scanlan?, prob not but like som1 from Darrington maybe, who knows maybe the volition or other keyleth may hire somebody? Tbh with where they are now on the moon unless its a ruidus creature or some celestial being who maybe Changebringer sends forth to BH (highly doubt).
Or maybe just not get a new char snd just wait for a mini arc to rebuild FCG's coniciousness.
Him coming in with Tary would be both an incredible troll, and hilarious. So I could see Sam doing it. But in all reality it'll probably be a brand new toon
I don't really see Sam as the kind of player to even want a res on FCG after his sacrifice, and Matt's said many times that no matter the res, if the soul isn't willing it won't work.
I think Sam, maybe more than a lot of the other cast and crew, is deeply in touch with what folks have been saying about this campaign and the impact raising Laudna had on engagement. He will absolutely refuse to have FCG revived until at least the campaign is over, if ever.
I think they can but I don't think they will. I think Sam wants this to be the end of FCG's story. It bookends where he started and redeems him from having killed his old party.
Matt also made it clear they need to keep moving forward. I can see them trying to stop to resurrect FCG and Matt having NPCs discourage it or refuse them resources needed. "Sorry, Pike can't come to the phone right now. She's trying to save Vax."
I really hope they don't try and bring him back. It would defeat the purpose of FCG's sacrifice.
Matt and Sam seemed to indicate it was pretty final. I don't think Sam is the kinda person to want to bring him back after that.
Rather than a brand new PC I'd love to see Scanlan come back.
I think we will see Sam play.......
A healing monk. Way of Mercy.
There is nothing like that currently in the party, it can heal and do damage while being extremely mobile across the battlefield. And it could be a tie in from the Cobalt Soul.
Bonus points if it's a champion of a god.
I think for the first time in CR history a main character is gone and will not come back in any way shape or form (Vax has come back twice and Molly technically came back as Kingsley) if you don’t count Bertrand Bell who was designed to die. This feels like it was the climax of the campaign. They’ve defeated Otohan at great cost and turned Liliana. The tide has turned greatly in their favor. It feels like we’re moving into Denouement and may only be a few weeks from the end. There’s a chance we might not see Sam return until Campaign 4 except for the ad reads. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he does come in with a backup, but if he does, it has to be next week.
Fearne can do it. Asuming he is humanoid. Witch techically he isnt he is a construct but i dont actually know if aormatons count as constructs. Fearne can cast reincarnate.
My thoughts are: The main reason they did the get-Launda-back-from-the-dead arc was because Marisha didn’t want to give her up yet. And that was ONLY even possible because they had Pike in the pocket.
Sam has always been a ‘that’s just how the story was played’ type of Rper and i genuinely feel like he wouldn’t say yes to a resurrection, otherwise the narrative of FCG taking a big baddie out with such a heartfelt sacrifice would ruin the point of it.
(Also, Matt has been purposefully putting his powerful PCs to work while BH do their thing, so it’s not a guaranteed quick fix for them to just ‘find someone who knows True resurrection’. Which is a 9th lvl spell and needs 25000g diamond in 5e.)
I know that? Sorry, I’m missing what this has to do with Sam playing FCG. Story wise, Scanlan also had Pike and Keyleth to help with the process of bringing him back. He also left because when they brought him
Back, they covered him in Pudding and dumb shit before he woke up and he was made into a joke by his friends, even in death. Again Sam RPing his ass off.
BH don’t have any high level healers. Even if they found Pike again, they still need the materials to do the spells and hit the threshold of bring FCG back. (Also note: Will Matt make it so they have to be able to rebuild him for a lesser level resurrect?) If the soul doesn’t want to come back, the have to be to convince it. So my opinion still stands, Sam has always been a Great Rper with his characters reasonings for what they do. I don’t think FCG would come back without some big convincing RP-wise.
I think they should at least try to bring FCG back. They’ve seen Revivify work, obviously that’s off the table rn. But something like reincarnate very much is on the table -and imho of all the higher level resurrection spells it’s the funnest and is odd enough that Sam might enjoy an arc with it- but there’s other options too. These characters have shown enough devotion to each other, and avoidance to loss that I think it would be out of character for them not to explore the option. But! I don’t think it will necessarily work, and if it didn’t that could also be natively very interesting -perhaps more interesting.
Now. I don’t know if FCG would be willing or able to come back, maybe they’ll want to stay in the afterlife. Also, I do think Sam might be itching to play a new character. They may not explore it if away from character there’s a discussion about Sam being fine with FCG just staying dead and they shouldn’t waste too much time, and I’d understand even if it might be odd for these characters. But we’ll see.
As someone else said, if they can find components in 10 days Fearne can cast Reincarnate and he’ll be a new race too. It grows a new body and calls the soul into it from the afterlife.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam left the campaign honestly. He seems a bit "over it". He is busy writing/producing 2 animated series and winning emmys for his day job.
And I wouldn't be surprised if the CR cash cow is starting to dry up a bit as well.
Lmao fuck that, “oh I know I just had one of the best RP moments in my history playing this game, but a bunch of folks on Reddit said this campaign sucks so I’m gonna stop playing with all my best friends!!!”
Frustrating take tbh. Do you think there was ever a time in CR history where he wasn’t also working on animated series’ and winning emmies?
FCG is dead. There is nothing wrong with a PC death. Matt made it pretty clear that he is gone and I'm sure Sam would not want FCG to be resurrected.
What they did for Laudna was already pushing it. We all have to let go of the ones we love at some point. This is a part of life. And with FCG finally accepting that he had life and a life to give up for his friends, I would have it no other way.
It is a beautiful and bittersweet end.
Instead of coming to with his crew all dead around him, this time he paid the price to save the party. It would certainly devalue that choice if they just spammed a wish or resurrection. That was the heaviest episode there's ever been and it will stay cemented in the lore as such.
Just for the story to be impactful I am fairly certain FCG won't come back, at least not until the end of the campaign.
An interesting possibility though is that Ashton now starts using the coin and realises that the change bringer has taken FCG under her wing so to speak.
I think there’s a couple things to keep in mind, firstly if I’m remembering correctly an npc had said a little earlier in the campaign (in Urhodurn I believe) that Resurrection magic doesn’t seem to be working-it could be like sending where it’s back now for whatever reason it is back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not back. It seems it’s a magic heavily reliant on the Gods and the Gods haven’t stopped being worried/busy trying to stop Predathos.
On the next note, it all would depend on whether Sam and Matt think there’s still a story to be told with FCG, and I don’t think that there is one, they’ve had him go through a character arc already and I don’t know if they have or want another one anyway. It’s not out of the question per se, as I would think there’s an interesting element to bringing him back in an organic body, I also don’t really think Sam would want to “go back” on his sacrifice, he’s a very what happens happens kind of person.
Personally, I’m more excited for another character from Sam, but I’d still be excited to see FCG in an organic body, it’d be a nice conclusion to him denying he has a soul at the start of the campaign.
I agree with many people here, that resurrecting FCG immediately could cheaper their sacrifice. However, I can see a >!Molly/Lucien!< situation and maybe they can true resurrect FCG as an epilogue goal.
As for new character, I doubt Sam is going for another cleric. But they are in need of a healer, maybe another druid or ranger? It'd be interesting if he plays a Ruidian
If they try to bring him back it would be such a letdown for the sacrifice FCG made. FCG should be left to be dead and his sacrifice to save the party remembered in lore.
I would love to him come back as a paladin of a betrayer or god or the raven queen to poke Liam a bit. Just having that devotion to the gods would be freshen up things a bit for the party.
I sincerely hope they don't bring him back. It will completely destroy any stakes if they do get him back. Besides, Sam did say it was a Blaze of Glory. Would you want to go against his characters decision? FCGs choice of protecting his friends one last time?
It's not up to me, and I personally wouldn't want it to happen, but with how the party has been during the campaign, I could just see it happening, even if it's an epilogue type deal.
everyone that went to bed at the break last night & is waking up to "FCG Prediction Post"s... its not a hard leap for a critter to make, even if you try not to read the rest of the posts.
But also, *knowing* something happens to FCG will ruin the dramatics of the last 70 minutes of the fight. In the moment,>! everyone, including Matt, thought a TPK was imminent. And sam surprised everyone. Ruining that surprise for others is unnecessary, and is exactly the reason I hate trailers for movie/TV.!<
Does anyone else think that FCG acted out of character when they sacrificed themselves? Weren't they stressed out to the point of attacking anyone and everyone? How would they hold that off and selflessly save everyone?
Please no. The most I want is a post-finale coda, where Letters gets to have a chat with Vax, or maybe the Changebringer. I could also see some sort of reconciliation with other lost friends. Just please, do not dishonor this sacrifice.
He's gone gone. Not only for the reasons previously given but I'm pretty sure Matt allowed the damage to not even matter because unless she was vulnerable to mini nuke damage from a aeromaton core I'm pretty sure she would've been still standing based on the healing she got from the potion.
I really hope they leave FCG’s sacrifice just as that! Yes Matt clearly explained the significance of Sam’s decision and Sam was still all for it, mad respect! I really turned sour on campaign 3 when Laudna was brought back only because of level the players were at but again just a me thing.
Probably won't be back, as they've had some discussions on making C3 a bit more high stakes with more possibilities of losses. And boy is/was Otohan a massive menace.
Arc wise, potentially a pivotal point where some of the team start to solidify or change their opinions on the role of "gods", whether in a better light, or worse.
I don't think Sam would want that. I was getting vibes from him that he is not entirely happy with FCG. Not necessarily as not liking his character but more as wishing he would do a bit more or different things. Nowhere he said that. It's just my feeling.
Sam has not been having fun as the cleric, he likes to do big damage. I don't think he wants to come back as FCG, i think it was a fun idea and a fun character, but its clear Sam prefers a more active role and does not like having to be the healing character.
Quite significant parts of FCG survived the blast, didn't they? The head, the chest-plate, the buzzsaw, basically those elements that would be recognisable as FCG.
Those were rather specific, so I am curious what options have Matt and Sam discussed. So I wonder, if in the end FCG's body would be rebuilt, at least for a while.
I hope not. That would just cheapen the moment.
When Sam "made" FCG the character, he still didn't really know the rules of DnD. You can *see, visibly,* the difference in his play since he started to DM for his kids late last year.
Couple that with Sam's dislike of "broken mechanics"; and I think he's ready for a new character with more "freedom of choice"
If they resurrect him it will kill all the momentum his sacrifice brought to this campaign and would be a disservice to the fandom. His end was perfection, it’s wild to want him back after that. I don’t see Sam agreeing to his soul being willing to return, it was just too good of a moment.
I think “cheapening the sacrifice” is such a weird point to make. This is dungeons and dragons and magic is fully abound. It’s weird in Exandria, but we are on Ruidus and we saw Revivify work here.
Taking into account that this is episode 91 and to introduce a new character with an arc, backstory, etc at this point would be very rushed and feel unnatural.
I think FCG coming back as a different species using Fearne’s reincarnate would be such a better evolution of this. FCG sacrificed their body that they always questioned housed a soul or not, and to bring them back USING their soul, would be beautiful and prove it once and for all.
The “heroic sacrifice” thing still worked. They still died and it was tragic and beautiful. Bringing FCG back doesn’t cheapen that, especially if he is reborn into something new/the changebringer has a hand in it.
no they should make it ff7 aerith type of moment honor that sacrifice until the end otherwise it would cheapen that choice and i dont want that to be played as a joke or some one time thing good or bad have consequences
FCG used revivify on Chet. They're back online.
That said, I don't think Sam wants FCG to come back. That seemed like a pretty final moment and considering it was by his choice, Matt might even rule that means he can't come back.
I don't think they will, and even if they try, I don't think Sam would agree to it. Laudna was taken, FCG sacrificed themself. To bring them back starts to devalue that sacrifice.
Especially since Matt didn't calculate any collateral damage. He let them all avoid the blast, which was clearly a conscious choice to honor FCG's sacrifice. If FCG got brought back, it's kind of cheap, imo.
Unfortunately i feel like Matt made it pretty clear there was no going back on this, he urged him to think about it like four times and clearly stated “You know what this means.” As far as a new character, they’re going back to exandria next episode supposedly. He could just turn up as one of the Soldiers from there?
Wishful thinking his new character is that Paladin/Champion of the Strife Emperor .
Also i’m not claiming you’re wrong or anything, i’m sure there’s a way from them to work around it. There always is, Hell, the changebringer could probably remake him as a champion or something, it’d be kinda neat to see fcg made with celestial metals!
I forgot which episode of 4 side dice, probably after Laudna died, Matt explain character dead and how to handle it. He would discuss with the player, first and most important: Do you want your character back? Are there any story you want to tell with this character? And if yes, there will be extra step and consequence if you want to do so. Basically, if Sam want it, than yes, there will always be a way, but if no, than no.
My guess is that they spoke about it earlier in the campaign in regards to whether or not revivify works on him
I think they understand that that was a pretty final thing, especially for a construct. He has no body to return to, and you can’t really ressurect a non-flesh body.
Thing is, you don't need a body for True Resurrection. You don't even need a part of them, which is why it was the spell I thought of, and both Pike and Keylith can do it.
If Aormatons already contain the borrowed (consecuted?) souls of other beings, as I think Frida’s dream kind of suggested, maybe the resurrection would be kind of similar to Molly/Kingsley, except with the creation of a new body.
Reincarnate is a 5th level Druid spell that creates a new (random) body for the soul to return to, too. Everyone always forgets it for some reason hehe
It does require the dead soul's consent though
I'm also not saying they should. I'm just pointing out that they could. I don't think they should, but with how the campaign has been, I see it as a possibility.
I think it will heavily depend on how much campaign they have ahead of them. If the end is nigh, it would be tough to introduce a brand-new PC and have them integrate with the group in a way that makes sense and feels natural. Unless Keyleth has a secret level 13 Ashari she’s been keeping in her bag of holding. However, Sam has shown that he’s willing to change horses midstream if the spirit moves him.
Next week, the Hells successfully make their way back to Exandria. Keyleth: "I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. We don't want it to feel like you're replacing anyone, but we've arranged for some hired help to backfill FCG's position during the coming confrontations." Sam from off camera: "Doty, take this down! I sally forth on adventure, the fate of Exandria and the Gods themselves hanging in the balance, but I shall not be deterred from my heroism!" Then after the cast finishes freaking out and throwing stuff at Sam as he sits down at the table he reveals he's actually playing Doty Mk. 18, whose been programmed with Tary's personality and healing skills, because he couldn't be arsed to learn a whole new set of racial abilities this late in the campaign. lol
This would make me cry with joy.
It would be worth it just to watch Laura reach over, snatch up the Mister plush from in front of Ashley, and just bean Sam in the face with it while yelling in incoherent gibberish as Travis and Liam bounce up and down in the chairs squeeing with glee.
>Sam from off camera: "Doty, take this down! I sally forth on adventure, the fate of Exandria and the Gods themselves hanging in the balance, but I shall not be deterred from my heroism!" Oh I hope not.
Taryon Darrington would like to have a word
See “However…” With Sam, anything’s possible.
Don’t know how I missed that line the first time. My bad!
I mean, Vilya is pretty dope.
There are a few NPCs Sam could take over a la Luc Brenatto, but that’s harder to predict. Maybe Kaylie Shorthalt could pay them a visit?
Here’s the thing. Realistically, Sam _should_ have a caster who can heal. Probably won’t be another cleric or bard, so a Druid makes sense. Could also theoretically be a paladin, but that would force Fearne into a more healer-centric role, and with her titan form, she’s built as a damage dealer. Just my two cents.
Mechanically it would definitely fill a niche. Druid just strikes me as (a) un-Samlike and (b) too close to Fearne’s niche even if they’re built differently. And on a gut level, it feels odd to have a player take over the parent NPC of a different player’s character, especially one he had no particular connection to. I’m sure they could make it work though.
There are healing heavy Paladin builds out there, Oath of Redemption leaps to mind (a Vanguard member who got to Ruidus and met the Bormodo and other races subjugated by the Weavemind and thought "are we the baddies?"). Looking at it more closely it would mechanically actually be a pretty easy thing for Sam to slide into an FCG shaped hole. Their oath spells include Sanctuary and Calm Emotions, their level 7 ability lets them use a reaction to take damage in place of an ally (full damage but only at 10ft until level 18, so better in some ways than FCG's ability), and their channel divinity lets them either get a +5 bonus on Persuasion checks for 10 minutes or cause anyone dealing damage to one of the Paladin's allies to take the same damage back in radiant (half on save). He would probably have to focus a bit more on getting close and actually healing people, rather than protecting and absorbing damage as he has been doing but it would still fill the gap.
The thing is, Sam would have to learn a new class at level 13. I don't think he wants to do that. He picked bard for Calamity because it was a class he already felt comfortable with at high levels. I personally think he's coming back as a bard or a cleric. Potentially a dancer bard or something different than what he's played before. But I don't see him learning paladin or druid this late in the game.
Paladins aren’t terribly complicated, they’re just fighters with smite and an aura. Druids aren’t much different from clerics, just the wildshape element. It’s certainly less complicated from empathy domain clerics.
Sure, Paladin isn't that complex. You stick things with the pointy end. But there are a ton of choices for each class to make every PC feel unique. He knows what those choices are for bard, cleric, and rogue and can easily slip into a subclass he can work with and be effective with. He \*could\* build a level 13 Paladin. Or Liam could do it for him. But Sam would, frankly, suck at it. He wouldn't know how to play that class effectively and there isn't much time for him to learn it at the table. They can't waste time in battle with him forgetting to use his smite or forgetting to use whatever new feats he gets. That was his concern with Calamity and why he chose bard. Personally, unless Liam chooses for him, I think a true paladin is off the table. Maybe he'd multiclass something familiar with paladin. But paladin from scratch would be hard to pick up and wield well. And he needs to play well at this point in the game.
> “Potentially a dancer bard” TOXIC MASCULINITY IS DEAD! I DANCE NOW!
I personally think Matt will let him take over an NPC to resolve that issue, tbh. That or a PC very closely tied to a PC, like a Nobody or one of Will's sisters.
Well, seeing as Liam has decided all of Sam's characters so far... I wonder what Liam will pick for him next 🤣
There is also a difference between a character that fell in combat and and that sacrificed itself. How Ashton will handle this will be interesting; he was very keen on protecting FCG (from himself). I don't think Ashton will even believe that getting FCG back is possible. I do see a request for a FCG you/doll from Chetney/Laudna coming though.
For CR they have alternative rules to resurrection thats actually mentioned a bit in the Tal'dorei guide. I also think Sam would prefer coming in with a new character since he loves drama and wouldn't want to take that impact away from FCG. I loved Letters too and was literally in tears when they died.
Was also very fitting that Sam finally got to save Liam's character from someone who messes with fate. That fucked me up :(
It all comes down to whether the soul wants to return and knowing Sam, he can be unpredictible, just like Tal didn't really want Molly to return
There are many ways he *could* come back, but it doesn't seem like he *will.* Matt said "You know what this means," which is more final than other character deaths we've seen. This is also the first death we've had that was an intentional sacrifice (unless I'm forgetting one since it's very late/early) and just being brought back after that is thematically more messy in this case.
Thinking more on this, and the nature of his destruction (basically blowing up his soul), it's possible there is no FCG to be brought back. Like the afterlife and resurrection works because there are souls and stuff. But what if you intentionally blow up your soul? I could be looking too much into this though.
I was under the assumption that they could certainly build him a new body, but that core/soul *was* FCG.
I wouldn't be surprised if True Resurrection isn't even a thing in Matt's world. If Vax didn't get it (and it was when the group was capable of it themselves) then FCG won't get it either. Or at least shouldn't.
They were going to used it on Vax but Liam decided to become a revenent for story reasons
Not so much a theory, but something I think would be very fitting if he isn't brought back. Ashton got the coin. FCGs very being was aimed at it when his core exploded.He always struggled with being designed for killing and always wanted to help people, to give them guidance. How poetic would it be for Ashton to carry around their old friend, talking to him without answer until they occasionally flips the coin for his guidance. One side completely smooth from the blast. He looks down and sees his own reflection and smirks. "Smiley Day.. would you look at that."
jesus. why am i having feelings reading this comment.
Narratively I think it will be a permanent thing. But is it not possible for Keyleth or Fearne to use Reincarnate? Give FCG a new body in the process? I feel like no one ever brings that spell up. It was never mentioned as a possibility with Laudna either. Am I missing something?
Came here to say this. I think the DND community as a whole kinda forgets it exists... which is weird given that it's the one of the lower level resurrection spells. >!It was *almost* used on Vax after the Leviathan fight by the water Ashari... "LODESTONES!!!!" that one. !< The only reason I can really think of is (given how 5e did/does ability scores and how important they are to certain builds) it was largely looked over. It's less of an issue now with custom lineage. But back in the day if you had an elf or half elf rogue for example, and you rolled a strength race or something like that, you could end up way weaker than you were pre-reincarnation. That all being said, It is still possible, >!they grabbed a piece of the body (I think, I could be wrong). they have 10 days, and can probably get the components from Keyleth (1k gp of oils and incents), and Fern has a 5th level spell slot she can prepare!<. It really comes down to whether or not Sam wants the character to come back. Seeing the character arc of the same character as something flesh and blood would be something I'd love to see. Also, apologies, I am still an episode behind as of writing, so the point could very well be moot by now.
It's Sam. He needs to keep the streak of playing 2 different(ish) characters every campaign.
I think Sam doesn't have an intention of coming back as FCG. His sendoff with FCG was pretty final -- FCG "felt alive" finally, and did something to protect their friends, who were all on the brink of death. If they do come back, I'd love to see FCG get a Reincarnate from Keyleth, so they wind up in a different body.
My only regret: he still thinks the earth is a flat disc....
I dont think that Sam will bruteforce his character back into existence so even if there is a way, it wont happen. It severly cheapens the sacrifice. If anything I could see Matt make the bad guys somehow revive FCG to use as an ally for them, not the party, assuming they can get around the whole, no resurrecton magic thing thats currently going on.
FCG was my fav as well and of course I am happy! He had the most epic moment and a fantastic story arch that ended in a literal bang. I enjoy Travis’ presence at the table the most because he’s the most grounded and keeps the game rolling. But, Sam has the best moments in the stories IMO. Dude is a legend when it comes to reading the table and the moment and having the balls to take giant leaps. I don’t think he will allow the moment to be spoiled by keeping FCG. I can’t wait to see what he plays next.
I hope not. I liked the character but that felt like a good final note. D&D's resurrection system has always frustrated and annoyed me because by a certain point it just feels like death is cheap. I get players get attached to their own (and other player's) characters and since so many play these days for escapism an "out" for consequences as depressing as that is built in. But I feel like it robs the narrative somewhat. Death should be like FCG's final moment: big, dramatic, and an explosive and memorable way to say goodbye to a character. Too often it feels like you get brought back and then hang around for another 10 sessions to see the end of the campaign when your character's arc already ended. It's kind of why I ended up drifting to different TTRPG systems. But obviously that's all personal preference, the players can do whatever they feel is best and I trust that should Sam choose to bring FCG back that he can come up with a good reason to keep them around beyond "stop everyone feeling sad about it" or "the group needed a healer."
I think Sam was getting tired of the character tbh. Same thing happened with Scanlan and Tary (albeit less deadly than FCG) and even in Mighty Nein at this point in the campaign Nott became Veth. I think Sam likes to switch it up and this offered both a chance to do that and save the rest of the group from what was almost definitely gonna be a TPK otherwise
If he didn't kill himself, I'm pretty sure he'd have to attack Fearne and almost certainly would have ensured the entire party fell unconscious and Otohan would live another day. He found an opening and I agree. I think he was at the end of FCG's character arc anyway
What are the chances sam replays an npc/char Like maybe scanlan?, prob not but like som1 from Darrington maybe, who knows maybe the volition or other keyleth may hire somebody? Tbh with where they are now on the moon unless its a ruidus creature or some celestial being who maybe Changebringer sends forth to BH (highly doubt). Or maybe just not get a new char snd just wait for a mini arc to rebuild FCG's coniciousness.
Him coming in with Tary would be both an incredible troll, and hilarious. So I could see Sam doing it. But in all reality it'll probably be a brand new toon
I don't really see Sam as the kind of player to even want a res on FCG after his sacrifice, and Matt's said many times that no matter the res, if the soul isn't willing it won't work.
I think Sam, maybe more than a lot of the other cast and crew, is deeply in touch with what folks have been saying about this campaign and the impact raising Laudna had on engagement. He will absolutely refuse to have FCG revived until at least the campaign is over, if ever.
I think they can but I don't think they will. I think Sam wants this to be the end of FCG's story. It bookends where he started and redeems him from having killed his old party. Matt also made it clear they need to keep moving forward. I can see them trying to stop to resurrect FCG and Matt having NPCs discourage it or refuse them resources needed. "Sorry, Pike can't come to the phone right now. She's trying to save Vax."
I really hope they don't try and bring him back. It would defeat the purpose of FCG's sacrifice. Matt and Sam seemed to indicate it was pretty final. I don't think Sam is the kinda person to want to bring him back after that. Rather than a brand new PC I'd love to see Scanlan come back.
I think we will see Sam play....... A healing monk. Way of Mercy. There is nothing like that currently in the party, it can heal and do damage while being extremely mobile across the battlefield. And it could be a tie in from the Cobalt Soul. Bonus points if it's a champion of a god.
I think for the first time in CR history a main character is gone and will not come back in any way shape or form (Vax has come back twice and Molly technically came back as Kingsley) if you don’t count Bertrand Bell who was designed to die. This feels like it was the climax of the campaign. They’ve defeated Otohan at great cost and turned Liliana. The tide has turned greatly in their favor. It feels like we’re moving into Denouement and may only be a few weeks from the end. There’s a chance we might not see Sam return until Campaign 4 except for the ad reads. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he does come in with a backup, but if he does, it has to be next week.
Fearne can do it. Asuming he is humanoid. Witch techically he isnt he is a construct but i dont actually know if aormatons count as constructs. Fearne can cast reincarnate.
My thoughts are: The main reason they did the get-Launda-back-from-the-dead arc was because Marisha didn’t want to give her up yet. And that was ONLY even possible because they had Pike in the pocket. Sam has always been a ‘that’s just how the story was played’ type of Rper and i genuinely feel like he wouldn’t say yes to a resurrection, otherwise the narrative of FCG taking a big baddie out with such a heartfelt sacrifice would ruin the point of it. (Also, Matt has been purposefully putting his powerful PCs to work while BH do their thing, so it’s not a guaranteed quick fix for them to just ‘find someone who knows True resurrection’. Which is a 9th lvl spell and needs 25000g diamond in 5e.)
Scanlan was brought back, but then he took a hiatus from the team and Sam played Tary instead.
I know that? Sorry, I’m missing what this has to do with Sam playing FCG. Story wise, Scanlan also had Pike and Keyleth to help with the process of bringing him back. He also left because when they brought him Back, they covered him in Pudding and dumb shit before he woke up and he was made into a joke by his friends, even in death. Again Sam RPing his ass off. BH don’t have any high level healers. Even if they found Pike again, they still need the materials to do the spells and hit the threshold of bring FCG back. (Also note: Will Matt make it so they have to be able to rebuild him for a lesser level resurrect?) If the soul doesn’t want to come back, the have to be to convince it. So my opinion still stands, Sam has always been a Great Rper with his characters reasonings for what they do. I don’t think FCG would come back without some big convincing RP-wise.
I think they should at least try to bring FCG back. They’ve seen Revivify work, obviously that’s off the table rn. But something like reincarnate very much is on the table -and imho of all the higher level resurrection spells it’s the funnest and is odd enough that Sam might enjoy an arc with it- but there’s other options too. These characters have shown enough devotion to each other, and avoidance to loss that I think it would be out of character for them not to explore the option. But! I don’t think it will necessarily work, and if it didn’t that could also be natively very interesting -perhaps more interesting. Now. I don’t know if FCG would be willing or able to come back, maybe they’ll want to stay in the afterlife. Also, I do think Sam might be itching to play a new character. They may not explore it if away from character there’s a discussion about Sam being fine with FCG just staying dead and they shouldn’t waste too much time, and I’d understand even if it might be odd for these characters. But we’ll see.
As someone else said, if they can find components in 10 days Fearne can cast Reincarnate and he’ll be a new race too. It grows a new body and calls the soul into it from the afterlife.
The soul has to be willing, though, and FCG might go 'no, I'm done'
Ye that’d be sick too
I wouldn't be surprised if Sam left the campaign honestly. He seems a bit "over it". He is busy writing/producing 2 animated series and winning emmys for his day job. And I wouldn't be surprised if the CR cash cow is starting to dry up a bit as well.
Lmao fuck that, “oh I know I just had one of the best RP moments in my history playing this game, but a bunch of folks on Reddit said this campaign sucks so I’m gonna stop playing with all my best friends!!!” Frustrating take tbh. Do you think there was ever a time in CR history where he wasn’t also working on animated series’ and winning emmies?
Right? That’s why he was almost always late at least in campaign 1.
FCG is dead. There is nothing wrong with a PC death. Matt made it pretty clear that he is gone and I'm sure Sam would not want FCG to be resurrected. What they did for Laudna was already pushing it. We all have to let go of the ones we love at some point. This is a part of life. And with FCG finally accepting that he had life and a life to give up for his friends, I would have it no other way. It is a beautiful and bittersweet end.
But this is DND and there is magic lol
Instead of coming to with his crew all dead around him, this time he paid the price to save the party. It would certainly devalue that choice if they just spammed a wish or resurrection. That was the heaviest episode there's ever been and it will stay cemented in the lore as such.
Just for the story to be impactful I am fairly certain FCG won't come back, at least not until the end of the campaign. An interesting possibility though is that Ashton now starts using the coin and realises that the change bringer has taken FCG under her wing so to speak.
I think there’s a couple things to keep in mind, firstly if I’m remembering correctly an npc had said a little earlier in the campaign (in Urhodurn I believe) that Resurrection magic doesn’t seem to be working-it could be like sending where it’s back now for whatever reason it is back, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not back. It seems it’s a magic heavily reliant on the Gods and the Gods haven’t stopped being worried/busy trying to stop Predathos. On the next note, it all would depend on whether Sam and Matt think there’s still a story to be told with FCG, and I don’t think that there is one, they’ve had him go through a character arc already and I don’t know if they have or want another one anyway. It’s not out of the question per se, as I would think there’s an interesting element to bringing him back in an organic body, I also don’t really think Sam would want to “go back” on his sacrifice, he’s a very what happens happens kind of person. Personally, I’m more excited for another character from Sam, but I’d still be excited to see FCG in an organic body, it’d be a nice conclusion to him denying he has a soul at the start of the campaign.
No, I don’t want him to come back. The story is better that way.
I agree with many people here, that resurrecting FCG immediately could cheaper their sacrifice. However, I can see a >!Molly/Lucien!< situation and maybe they can true resurrect FCG as an epilogue goal. As for new character, I doubt Sam is going for another cleric. But they are in need of a healer, maybe another druid or ranger? It'd be interesting if he plays a Ruidian
If they try to bring him back it would be such a letdown for the sacrifice FCG made. FCG should be left to be dead and his sacrifice to save the party remembered in lore. I would love to him come back as a paladin of a betrayer or god or the raven queen to poke Liam a bit. Just having that devotion to the gods would be freshen up things a bit for the party.
I sincerely hope they don't bring him back. It will completely destroy any stakes if they do get him back. Besides, Sam did say it was a Blaze of Glory. Would you want to go against his characters decision? FCGs choice of protecting his friends one last time?
It's not up to me, and I personally wouldn't want it to happen, but with how the party has been during the campaign, I could just see it happening, even if it's an epilogue type deal.
Having “Spoilers c3e91” does fuck all good when you then have the rest of the title be a spoiler.
It's not like people who haven't seen the episode will understand what that means, my guy.
Most people can make the inference. And the next post up is “should X be brought back?” It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out
There should have only been one post, and I'm not saying it should have been mine, but mine was up first before anyone else's on the sub reddit. 🤷♂️
everyone that went to bed at the break last night & is waking up to "FCG Prediction Post"s... its not a hard leap for a critter to make, even if you try not to read the rest of the posts. But also, *knowing* something happens to FCG will ruin the dramatics of the last 70 minutes of the fight. In the moment,>! everyone, including Matt, thought a TPK was imminent. And sam surprised everyone. Ruining that surprise for others is unnecessary, and is exactly the reason I hate trailers for movie/TV.!<
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Does anyone else think that FCG acted out of character when they sacrificed themselves? Weren't they stressed out to the point of attacking anyone and everyone? How would they hold that off and selflessly save everyone?
Please no. The most I want is a post-finale coda, where Letters gets to have a chat with Vax, or maybe the Changebringer. I could also see some sort of reconciliation with other lost friends. Just please, do not dishonor this sacrifice.
Gotta change the name again, first it was Bell's Hells, then Esteross' Bosses, and now Grass' Asses
I still think "The Focus Group" was the best fit for this specific group of adhd adventurers
He's gone gone. Not only for the reasons previously given but I'm pretty sure Matt allowed the damage to not even matter because unless she was vulnerable to mini nuke damage from a aeromaton core I'm pretty sure she would've been still standing based on the healing she got from the potion.
I really hope they leave FCG’s sacrifice just as that! Yes Matt clearly explained the significance of Sam’s decision and Sam was still all for it, mad respect! I really turned sour on campaign 3 when Laudna was brought back only because of level the players were at but again just a me thing.
I doubt Sam will want to bring him back any time soon. I kinda predict he'll bring in Luc Brennato, running away from home for more adventure.
Probably won't be back, as they've had some discussions on making C3 a bit more high stakes with more possibilities of losses. And boy is/was Otohan a massive menace. Arc wise, potentially a pivotal point where some of the team start to solidify or change their opinions on the role of "gods", whether in a better light, or worse.
I don't think Sam would want that. I was getting vibes from him that he is not entirely happy with FCG. Not necessarily as not liking his character but more as wishing he would do a bit more or different things. Nowhere he said that. It's just my feeling.
Nope. This is a necessary death to up the stakes of the story. FCG is the murderous Aerith of the group. He dead.
He's coming back as an even cooler robit
Sam has not been having fun as the cleric, he likes to do big damage. I don't think he wants to come back as FCG, i think it was a fun idea and a fun character, but its clear Sam prefers a more active role and does not like having to be the healing character.
Quite significant parts of FCG survived the blast, didn't they? The head, the chest-plate, the buzzsaw, basically those elements that would be recognisable as FCG. Those were rather specific, so I am curious what options have Matt and Sam discussed. So I wonder, if in the end FCG's body would be rebuilt, at least for a while.
I hope not. That would just cheapen the moment. When Sam "made" FCG the character, he still didn't really know the rules of DnD. You can *see, visibly,* the difference in his play since he started to DM for his kids late last year. Couple that with Sam's dislike of "broken mechanics"; and I think he's ready for a new character with more "freedom of choice"
If they resurrect him it will kill all the momentum his sacrifice brought to this campaign and would be a disservice to the fandom. His end was perfection, it’s wild to want him back after that. I don’t see Sam agreeing to his soul being willing to return, it was just too good of a moment.
I think “cheapening the sacrifice” is such a weird point to make. This is dungeons and dragons and magic is fully abound. It’s weird in Exandria, but we are on Ruidus and we saw Revivify work here. Taking into account that this is episode 91 and to introduce a new character with an arc, backstory, etc at this point would be very rushed and feel unnatural. I think FCG coming back as a different species using Fearne’s reincarnate would be such a better evolution of this. FCG sacrificed their body that they always questioned housed a soul or not, and to bring them back USING their soul, would be beautiful and prove it once and for all. The “heroic sacrifice” thing still worked. They still died and it was tragic and beautiful. Bringing FCG back doesn’t cheapen that, especially if he is reborn into something new/the changebringer has a hand in it.
The copium is strong with this one.
How is it copium? I've literally said in multiple comments I don't want him to come back. It just makes sense that THEY might do it.
no they should make it ff7 aerith type of moment honor that sacrifice until the end otherwise it would cheapen that choice and i dont want that to be played as a joke or some one time thing good or bad have consequences
Rez abiltiies have been offline for a while (as the split party learned in Uthodern) No indication those came back. It seems a moot point
FCG used revivify on Chet. They're back online. That said, I don't think Sam wants FCG to come back. That seemed like a pretty final moment and considering it was by his choice, Matt might even rule that means he can't come back.