Talks Machina 13: A Bard's Lament & Daring Days

is the thirteenth episode of Talks Machina. The regular cast of Critical Role (sans Ashley Johnson) discuss and  with Brian Wayne Foster.

Announcements

 * It is producer Eddie's birthday today. Brian says to send him fan fic because he loves it, and Eddie shouts off-screen in protest.
 * Long-time crew member Amandine is moving back to Switzerland, and she comes on camera to say goodbye.
 * Wyrmwood Gaming will return to sponsoring the Fan art of the Week prize. Over the next eight weeks, it will get progressively fancier each time.
 * It was just Valentine's Day. Marisha and Matt were sick and she has been catching up on bad movies.

Part I
On reactions to Scanlan's departure and his mental state at the time
 * Sam hugged everyone after the episode. Laura says she doesn't hate Sam, but feels a little betrayed by him.
 * Marisha and Laura were upset after the show ended. Marisha was still angry at home, wondering why Scanlan had never communicated his problems to them. They all agree at the very least, Scanlan leaving was a powerful moment and brilliantly done.
 * Matt mentions a Reddit thread about bipolar disorder and depression and Sam feels it was very accurate about what was going on with Scanlan. He says they always try to make honest decisions for their characters. With Scanlan's death it gave Sam time to think about how he would feel upon returning, such as ashamed, embarrassed, and betrayed, being covered in pudding. He felt he couldn't justify Scanlan continuing to hang out with Vox Machina.
 * Sam checked with Matt to see if it would be ok for Scanlan to take a break. They already had talked about a backup character in case the resurrection ritual failed. Matt wasn't expecting Scanlan to leave but thought it made sense when Sam explained it.
 * Initially, Sam planned for Scanlan to leave alone. However, Vex persuaded him to reunite and leave with Kaylie. Laura says she was surprised he left with her, given that he was so upset that she had brought Kaylie to the ritual. Sam replies that Scanlan was being manipulative and cruel.

GIF of the Week
Winner 1 (1x85): Daniel (@DashGamers on Twitter); GIF of Laura's infuriated reaction to being called "little elf girl" and Liam and Travis scooting away from her. (Tweet with GIF now hidden; Laura's reply.)

Winner 2 (1x86): Tyler Boyce (then @TBoyce14, now @BoyceGames on Twitter); GIF of Laura and Travis grinning widely in response to Keyleth's retort "Do we look healthy and sane to you?" (link unavailable).

Prize for both: Critical Role mug, patches, and pins.

Fan Art of the Week
Winner 1: Sedona Parnham (@Anodesu on Twitter); drawing of Matt with the Chroma Conclave on and around him like cats. (This image is now Matt's phone wallpaper.)

Winner 2: Anna (@DearHadrian on Twitter); drawing of Vex in her witch hat.

Prizes: D&D Monster Manual, signed by the cast of Critical Role, and a Bloodwood magnetic dice vault from Wyrmwood Gaming.

Trivia

 * One of Sam's children is named Max.
 * Note on technical difficulties of Alfa network. (between 1:11:25 and 1:16:36)