Shakäste
Shakäste | ||||||||||
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Guest player character | ||||||||||
Basic information | ||||||||||
Actor | ||||||||||
Race | Human | |||||||||
Class | Cleric (Tempest Domain) | |||||||||
Biographical information | ||||||||||
Pronouns | he/him | |||||||||
Also known as | Hush (Golden Grin alias) | |||||||||
Places | ||||||||||
Affiliations |
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Status
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Mechanical information | ||||||||||
Creature type | Humanoid | |||||||||
Alignment | Chaotic Good[2] | |||||||||
Level | 5 | |||||||||
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Stats reference | "Hush" (2x07) stat card[3] | |||||||||
Appearances
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Let's try later. Why don't we do things we've done before?
— Shakäste[4]
Shakäste (pronounced /ʃə'kɑs.tə/) is a human cleric. He is played by special guest Khary Payton.
Description[edit | edit source]
Appearance[edit | edit source]
Shakäste is a tall and spindly human man with dark skin and a shock of white hair styled in a billowy afro with "fingers of curly hair radiating in all directions". He has a pointed beard that drifts three or four inches below his chin. This beard hides a dimple in his chin; he additionally has a dimple in each cheek.[5] His eyes are white and pupil-less, and he is blind.[6][5] He is older, of an age where Khary Payton described him as "past all the bachelor-ing and the bachelorette-ing."[5]
The party described Shakäste as "quite handsome",[7] and Khary described him, on a scale of one to ten, as striking.[5]
He is covered in a tangle of brown, red, and green leather straps that cover him from his neck to his calves. He wears boots and a green cloak with a hood big enough to cover his hair.[8] He also uses a cane, which is strong enough to parry a gnoll's spear.[9]
Personality[edit | edit source]
Shakäste is generally forthright and a charismatic figure,[10] and Khary Payton described him as "a lover, not a fighter".[11] He had no particular need to be remembered or thanked, and happily disappeared after doing good deeds.[12]
He doesn't like being referred to as "Shaq" by Fjord, not allowing Fjord to call him that.[13]
Biography[edit | edit source]
Background[edit | edit source]
Shakäste mentioned that he grew up in the Marrow Valley, not too far from Alfield.[14] He tended to look over the people around Alfield, coming by once in a while.[14] He also claimed to be a motivational speaker in the Menagerie Coast, "packing them in".[15]
In fact, Shakäste is a member of the Golden Grin,[16] but works independently.[17] His exploits under the name "Hush" were recounted in a series of novellas titled Heroic Deeds of the Golden Grin, published anonymously out of Deastok. The Cobalt Soul had thought that Hush was a fictitious folk hero until, owing to the encounter with Beau at the Rill's Mouth Mines, the Cobalt Soul was able to confirm his existence.[18]
He had a familiar named Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, whose nickname is "Stacy" (but that's not her name) or "The Grand Duchess".[19] When the party first met her, she was in the form of an abrahum, a "dark, midnight" hummingbird.[20]
Campaign 2: The Mighty Nein[edit | edit source]
Arc 1: Come Together[edit | edit source]
The Mighty Nein met Shakäste as they are in battle, as he emerges from around the wall to assist.[21] He saw a cluster of unidentified individuals attacking gnolls, surprising him and slowing down his reactions.[22] He then joined the battle fully, helping them to defeat their enemies before introducing himself.
Shakäste heard a "commotion" at the Rill's Mouth Mines, and he began freeing a few of the gnolls' captives, leading them to safety. However, he was doing so covertly, until the party made a clatter in their attempt to rescue the townsfolk.[23] Soon after this, Nott unlocked a door and went into a room where three bodies and one living woman are. Shakäste calmed her by gently placing his hand on her chin, meeting her gaze, and whispered "Shhh".[24]
Shakäste explained to the party that he is there to help people and that he has a place on the surface of them to stay.[25] During their time together, Shakäste sent out his familiar to search the mine for survivors, so he doesn't have vision or hearing around his person. Nott choose that moment to steal his gold pouch, which Shakäste noticed by touch, but he chooses not to do anything at the moment.[26] After the party cleared the mine of enemies, Shakäste having dealt the killing blow to the manticore, he cast Fog Cloud. In the obscuring mist, he whispered to Nott that she earned the stolen gold with her bold moves in the final fight, but cautions her to watch where she puts her fingers.[27]
Arc 2: The Bad Guys[edit | edit source]
Between his encounters with the Mighty Nein, Shakäste was tracking the Iron Shepherds, hearing about kidnappings on the outskirts of Felderwin related to this group of slavers. Felderwin was the first stop that they made while heading north, returning to Shadycreek Run. Shakäste sneaked into their camp during the night hoping to liberate all the prisoners. Shakäste did manage to free only one person, before he was captured.[17]
Shakäste was held captive in the Sour Nest, where the Mighty Nein as well as Keg encountered him in the fort's basement. He served a similar role to his original appearance, attempting to calm and free the many slaves that had been imprisoned - and accompanying the Mighty Nein to the source. He attempted to cast Spiritual Weapon (in the form of a bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti) multiple times but didn't manage to hit once. Following the defeat of Lorenzo, Shakäste led the remaining captives to freedom.[28]
Arc 3: The Bright Queen's Favor[edit | edit source]
While the Mighty Nein were in Xhorhas, Jester cast Sending to communicate with Shakäste at Nott's request.[29] She asked him if he is still in Alfield, to which he replies that he is not but is still "trudging around the Empire." Her message having been cut off, Jester recast Sending to ask for his help with transporting Luc Brenatto to the Lavish Chateau in Nicodranas, offering payment if he would like. Shakäste replied that he won't take any money, but is happy to do a favor for his friends. He says he will need about a week of travel to get to Alfield, and that she was lucky she caught him as things have been "busy".[30] Some time later through Jester's Sending, the party learned that Shakäste has successfully brought Luc and Old Edith to Nicodranas and is on his way back north.[31]
Character information[edit | edit source]
Notable items[edit | edit source]
- Wand (used as a channel for his spells)[32]
- Pouch containing 113 gold pieces, bird seeds, pieces of jerky, and various travel supplies[33] (stolen by Nott[34])
Abilities[edit | edit source]
Feats[edit | edit source]
Cleric abilities[edit | edit source]
- Channel Divinity (1 use per short rest)
- Turn Undead
- Divine Domain: Tempest Domain
- Bonus Proficiencies (martial weapons, heavy armor)
- Channel Divinity: Destructive Wrath
- Domain Spells
- Wrath of the Storm
- Ritual Casting
- Spellcasting (Wisdom-based ability)
Proficiencies[edit | edit source]
Proficiency | Source | Ref. |
---|---|---|
Sleight of Hand | Background (Urchin) | [38] |
Stealth | Background (Urchin) | [39] |
Thieves' Tools | Background (Urchin) | [40] |
Spells[edit | edit source]
In addition to his domain spells, Shakäste has access to four cleric cantrips and 1st- through 3rd-level cleric spells. As a 5th-level cleric, he can prepare eight of these spells per day.
Spell | Level | Notes | Ref. |
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Dancing Lights or Light | Cantrip | Magic Initiate | [41] |
Frostbite | Cantrip | Magic Initiate | [35] |
Guidance | Cantrip | [42] | |
Sacred Flame | Cantrip | [43] | |
Thaumaturgy | Cantrip | [44] | |
Find Familiar | 1st | Magic Initiate | [45]) |
Command | 1st | [46] | |
Fog Cloud | 1st | Domain spell | [47] |
Thunderwave | 1st | Domain spell | [48] |
Aid | 2nd | [49] | |
Gust of Wind | 2nd | Domain spell | |
Shatter | 2nd | Domain spell | |
Spiritual Weapon | 2nd | Took forms as a bust of Estelle Getty and Nefertiti | [50][51] |
Call Lightning | 3rd | Domain spell | |
Mass Healing Word | 3rd | [52] | |
Sleet Storm | 3rd | Domain spell |
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
- Khary Payton's inspiration for the name Shakäste started with Shaka Zulu, the famous king of the Zulu Kingdom.[53]
- In a fireside chat, Matt Mercer said that Shakäste "works with a community of people, independently although they are of a similar mind, with the drive of pursuing free ideas, free speech, and freeing those from unfair bindings that have found them under the control of an unjust entity... I see some folks in the chat who might have some ideas."[54] The community in question was later confirmed to be the Golden Grin, where Shakäste operates under the name "Hush".[2]
Appearances and mentions[edit | edit source]
- Campaign 2
- "Hush" (2x07) (first appearance)
- "The Gates of Zadash" (2x08), mentioned only
- "Steam and Conversation" (2x09), mentioned only
- "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29)
- "The Journey Home" (2x30), mentioned only
- "Domestic Respite" (2x62), via Sending [DM]
- "A Dangerous Chase" (2x64), mentioned only
- "Causatum" (2x70), via Sending [DM]
- "Between the Lines" (2x78), mentioned only
Quotations[edit | edit source]
- "I tend to look over the people who happen to be around here."[14]
- "I would like to materialize the awe-inspiring sass of Estelle Getty..."[55]
- "This is what your problem is: maybe next time you'll eat something less human-like, baby."[56]
- "This was a bold move you made. And we wouldn't have made it, we wouldn't have succeeded without you, so I say you earned that gold. But make no mistake—be careful where you put your fingers."[57]
- "Whether you realize it or not, I gave you that gold. People don't take money from Shakäste."[58]
- "They call her Stacy, but that's not her name." (Referring to his familiar and a reference to The Ting Tings 'That's Not My Name)
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- As of June 2024, Shakäste has the lowest strength score of any player character to ever appear on Critical Role. This is also the lowest score for any individual stat for any player character.[needs update]
- Shakäste was the first guest character of the second campaign, and the first to make multiple non-consecutive appearances.
- Shakäste is the fourth guest character to get the "How do you want to do this?" on Critical Role (Zahra, Kerrek, and Tova preceding him, Twiggy succeeding him).
- Shakäste achieved the "How do you want to do this?" against the manticore during the boss fight in "Hush" (2x07).[59]
- Most (if not all) of the party thought Shakäste is quite handsome. Sam called him a "Bachelorette Finalist" and Liam called him a "Gray Fox".[7]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:51:41. Shakäste mentioned his background in the Menagerie Coast.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, Chapter 2: "Factions and Societies", p. 56.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 33:50.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:33:07.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Hush" (2x07) from 52:36 through 54:04.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:41:01.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Hush" (2x07) at 52:35.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 54:00.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 36:36. Shakäste in battle.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 52:17.
- ↑ "Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap-Up" (Mx10) at 40:58.
- ↑ "Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap-Up" (Mx10) at 41:27.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:39:29. A conversation between Shakäste and Fjord in the middle of battle.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Hush" (2x07) at 51:35.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:51:36.
- ↑ Explorer's Guide to Wildemount, Chapter 2: "Factions and Societies", p. 56.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Fireside Chat & NPC Build with Matthew Mercer" (Mx06) at 44:38.
- ↑ The Chronicles of Exandria - The Mighty Nein, p. 57.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 50:16.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 30:39.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 25:37. Shakäste's entrance.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 26:54. Shakäste's entrance
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 51:53.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 57:00.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) from 1:01:28 through 1:01:36.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:43:36.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 4:01:58.
- ↑ "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29).[citation needed]
- ↑ "Domestic Respite" (2x62) at 3:31:21.
- ↑ "Domestic Respite" (2x62) from 3:31:37 through 3:33:44. Jester communicates with Shakäste by way of her Sending spell.
- ↑ "Causatum" (2x70) from 1:49:48 through 1:50:54.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 38:52.
- ↑ "The Gates of Zadash" (2x08) at 49:46.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:44:45.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Hush" (2x07) at 1:40:35.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 3:21:34. Khary notes "we don't need light anymore," implying that his second wizard cantrip produces light.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:41:43. Khary asks if he notices Nott looking at him through Anastasia's eyes, meaning that she is a familiar.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:41:09. Plus five bonus for his Sleight of Hand check.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:55:57. Plus five bonus for his Stealth check.
- ↑ "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29) at 1:01:08. Plus six for his Thives' Tools check.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 3:21:34.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:18:11.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:36:41.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:31:00.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 2:41:43.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) from 2:10:50 through 2:12:45.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 4:02:02.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 37:46.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 1:51:14.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) from 3:22:39 through 3:24:30. Estelle Getty
- ↑ "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29) at 58:40. Nefertiti
- ↑ "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29) at 3:30:07.
- ↑ "Critical Role Campaign 2 Wrap-Up" (Mx10) at 37:59.
- ↑ "Fireside Chat & NPC Build with Matthew Mercer" (Mx06) at 1:02:06.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 3:23:17.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 3:53:41.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 4:02:01.
- ↑ "The Stalking Nightmare" (2x29) at 3:49:33.
- ↑ "Hush" (2x07) at 3:56:10.
Art:
- ↑ Official art of Shakäste, by Ari (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official art of Shakäste getting the final blow on the manticore, by Rich Kelly from The World of Critical Role, page 467. This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Screenshot of Shakäste in Crit Recap Animated (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
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