#Asmodeus exu

[rosemarydisaster]

That joke Brennan made about how "we all take turns causing the calamity" got me thinking how all of the characters make for a perfectly balanced view of the Age of Arcana Society. It makes perfect sense that Zerxus hatred of the Gods and the wizard bunch's hubris are causing doomsday. Because sure, they make extremely personal decisions, but those decisions only make sense in the Age of Arcanum.

Meta incoming, spoilers for episodes 1 and 2 of EXU: Calamity, the entirety of Campaign 2 And very minor spoilers of Campaign 1

Keyleth always doubted the Gods intentions in campaign one, but she was massively outnumbered by holy champions, paladins and clerics. Some characters debated her, but most thought that it was really dumb to question the Gods. Besides, her distrust extended to the betrayers and she would have most definitely doubted anything from Asmodeus mouth. She has knowledge of the betrayers that the people in Avalir has forgotten.

Essek is good example of a person in current time with Age of Arcanum mentality. He stole a part of God to do his funky little experiments with...and his hubris caused a huge fucking war. The fact that him and the Cerberus assembly were just a handful of wizards and not an entire civilization of them explains why it was only a normal war between to countries and not the apocalypse. But also, he sees redemption through a group that has two clerics and a paladin, helping them put to end a civilization of the Age of Arcanum. The fact that Essek completely redeems himself fighting the hive mind of a civilization that though itself above Gods it's quite poetic.

Even the fact that Fjord knew better than to try to pursue more power through Ukotoa indicates how everyone in modern day is pretty fucking aware of the "Stranger Betrayer danger". They know, even without being super educated in history, that there's stuff you shouldn't fuck with. You know who tried to ascend to Godhood (using a fucking city from the Age of Arcanum)? Fucking Lucien, and he dies! Why? Because our good guys and every ally they can call upon know that that is very bad.

This is the reason why the Calamity group works so well, because they truly represent the Age of Arcanum attitude. That is why they are causing the End of The World As They Know It. Not because they are Zerxus, Patia or Nydas specifically; but because they are Zerxus, Patia and Nydas from the Age of Arcanum.

They hate the Gods, they genuinely think they can be better, they are incapable of seeing their own faults and they are completely sure that they are the ones in control in every conversation.

Why does Zerxus trust the motherfucking Lord Of The Hells? Because he has a confirmation bias. He hates the Gods and Asmodeus pretty much tells him that he is right. Hell, Zerxus even prompts him! He is the one saying "the others mistreated you" (the others are bad, he meant). And Asmodeus is over there like "...yeah, sure, that works for me". It's not so much that he needs to lie, but that Zerxus wants to believe his own version so much that he ends up trusting the Master of Lies without even a fucking insight check. And he probably doesn't even worry about his friends because they've been trash talking the Gods the whole time. He also doesn't seem to need approval. He thinks he has the right to decide in the name of all Exandria because He Is Right. He may hate Avalir, but he is just as self important as the rest os them.

That's also very present in Laerryn's investigation. She just assumed it was the best thing ever, and when Loquacious asked why, she was shocked. She surrounded herself with people that saw things exactly as she did, creating an echo chamber. And when someone from outside that chamber disagreed, they all shut down the criticism. They think freedom and knowledge justify anything, and they immediately started working on how to shut down the Arboreal Cortex the second it interfered. They did not think for one second "oh, this must be important!", No. Laerryn went "I hate this thing I did not built and that I don't understand so I'm going to try to bypass it because it must not be that important". Once again, if it doesn't revolve around them, it must not be that critical.

Patia (I love her) is Mrs Nepotism I-am-better-than-all-of-you. She works hard, I'm sure, but she also expect things to be handed to her. She is owed greatness, so if she works hard she deserves to best the Gods themselves, don't you think? She is the most Cutthroat when it comes to Hubris while Nydas may disguise his under a childlike wonder for the unknown. But let's remember how he did not care at all about how dehumanizing it was for the Sphinx to be in the parade. He simply put on a charming face and convinced them of going on with the show. In fact, his first scene was a masterclass on how not to care about reality, only about maintaining an image. Selling The Dream.

Loquacious is just (from what we know) a shady vacuous man that enjoys being the center of attention. He reminds me of Effie Trinket and Caesar Flickerman, but with a hint of duplicity and hidden intentions. One can only guess what his secrets are, but I doubt that he is as innocent as he sells himself to be. But even so, he represents the vast majority of people. The one's that don't care enough about the Gods to truly hate them. The ones that give for granted the wealth and commodities this Age gives them

Cerrit is also there, congratulating his friend on her "we are basically Gods" machine, not seeing a problem with it (mind you, Loquacious saw no problem either. He just not that interested). He disdains the people that try to copy the Matron of Ravens, and he is an extremely capable detective machine at the service of Avalir. He's a cop, never trust a cop. They work for the system and (as I've been saying this whole post) the entire system, not only of Avalir but of the Age if Arcanum, is corrupt.

They will all take turns causing the Calamity because the Calamity is not just doomsday, it's the colapse of a civilization all by itself. Asmodeus and interplanar travel are just nukes, it's the people that push the button.

#critical role #spoilers critical role #spoilers exu calamity episode 2 #spoilers exu calamity #exu calamity #spoilers exandria unlimited #zerxus ilerez #laerryn coramar seelie #loquacious seelie #nydas okiro #patia por'co #cerrit agrupnin #brennan lee mulligan #Asmodeus exu #critcal role meta #cr #spoilers cr

[the-anchorless-moon]

At first I assumed that the contract for Zerxus's soul taking some time to go into effect instead of doing so instantly was a doylist decision and in universe was just "oh it takes a few seconds to finalize because that's how it works." But actually, it makes perfect sense as a conscious decision on Asmodeus's part. The physical changes, the glowing infernal writing, that's all pageantry aimed at Zerxus, to really emphasize how screwed he is, and the time delay is to give him a chance to appreciate it. To give him a minute, maybe, to feel it as his soul is bound to the Lord of the Hells and know that there's nothing he can do to stop it. It's a spectacularly cruel decision - and also the one that ended up, in the long run, saving the world, because it gave Zerxus the time to reach out to Vespin. And Vespin, whose entire field of study centered on coming out on top in fiendish bargains - Vespin gave Zerxus time. Not a lot of time, but some. Enough for what needed to be done. Enough to help utterly wreck Asmodeus's plans. And he never would have had the chance, except that Asmodeus prioritized Zerxus's suffering over closing the deal.

Congratulations, bitch, you played yourself.

#critical role #exu calamity #zerxus ilerez #asmodeus exu #vespin chloras #it's nice that the heroes aren't the only ones getting bit in the ass by their own arrogance

[villainihavedonethymotheronao3]

Since I’m still on Calamity brain I have some thoughts about the Zerxus/Asmodeus dynamic.

Luis’ recent comments snapped a lot of things into place for me. Zerxus does see this literal god of evil as a child! He parented a toddler so to him all of the whining about not getting what he wants, having to share, being put in time out, rings really familiar—I even wrote about that in a fic days ago. At the same time it feels like there are layers to it beyond that. Asmodeus is a child who needs a more attentive parent but he’s also an absentee dad who needs to do better—better than Zerxus himself is doing. There are underlying threads of that “lifegiver-to-lifegiver, Shape Up, give you kids some better gifts, don’t destroy the world” to his plea for understanding. Neglectful parent and neglected child are blending together and both of them need help.

There’s also attraction there, the similarity to Evandrin that Asmodeus is trying so very hard to capitalize on, but this is the least profitable path of manipulation. I don’t think that Zerxus doesn’t recognize the similarity or isn’t impacted by a seducer god’s hot bod. But he’s a professional. He’s probably dealt with lots of people who were objectively attractive and had done terrible things. More importantly, he had probably dealt with lots of people who were objectively attractive who he was in position of power over as the First Knight of Avalir. And he definitely did see himself in some position of power, however temporary, as long as Asmodeus was looking for his aid. Mr. Redemption isn’t going to exert undue influence or let himself feel compromised by wandering thoughts. He’s suppressing that way down. It’s present but it’s an undercurrent. Maybe if the Ceremony of Atonement had worked he would have accepted an invitation to go to coffee in a few months, once he could justify it to himself. Maybe he had some weird stray autonomic reactions, an instinct to get a little touchier than usual. But he told himself he had it under control.

The Dad Complex, on the other hand, he does not have experience or wizard-HR training in dealing with. He’s fully ruined by that one.

Asmodeus, on the other hand, I think very much wants to make this situation sexual. Partly as a corruption method—oh, you think you’re so noble and pure but you’ll stumble into a compromising situation with the first Betrayer to flutter their lashes at you? But mainly because he sees Zerxus as a consumable. Something to be used and twisted and eaten up to the fullest extent possible. Every inch of his body? He wants it. Every emotion, every moment, every crime, his now. He doesn’t make fair bargains and if he’s going to have this man he’s going to have him for everything he’s worth. Gods don’t even have the same hungers mortals do, this is just a way to screw with him a little more.

All rooted, of course, in Zerxus as a convenient proxy for several other things he’s mad about (the other gods esp. the Dawnfather, mortality as a whole, rejection, anyone who thinks they’re better than him). Like Zerxus, there are several layers of personal issues being projected onto the other party.

#exu calamity #Asmodeus exu #zerxus ilerez #also for Asmodeus very much a method of putting mortals Back In Their Place #awww did the other gods give you big ideas about how special you were? #well he’s going to find the best and brightest #the shiniest godliest man he can get that doesn’t actually have any of his siblings teeth marks in him yet #and he’s going to tear him to shreds #his toy now! all those sweet nice gifts he’s going to subvert those #that magic that power that kindness better be prepared for it to be used against you #all those expressions of love are his to exploit #mortals were just meant to be a thing to be played with #vent ocs to pour out some emotions into #and he’s going to demonstrate right now #meanwhile Zerxus (having the worst time) is still giving off vague Son We’re Very Disappointed In You Energies #which only eggs him on #this god has a personal beef with someone named the Dawnfather you’re telling me he doesn’t have cosmic daddy issues? #that’s the Lucifer brand baby

[punkrockgrantaire]

Wow I really love this character! I sure hope he doesn't make any lifelong, binding oaths to the Lord Of Lies, the god who created literally all evil in the world!

#JUST KIDDING its so compelling #and also i agree w asmodeus the dawnfather was clearly being a colonial fuck and i trust the God of Evil #zerxus ilerez #critical role exu #exu calamity #asmodeus exu

[asmodeus-cock]

This is about Vespin and Zerxus

#critical role #exu calamity #cr asmodeus #lord of the nine hells #vespin chloras #zerxus ilerez #exu zerxus

[wehavekookies]

Finally had some time to paint a thing for Calamity, so had to start with the Champion of Asmodeus, Zerxus Ilerez, because Hell Yeah :)

Also, available as a print here: >>inprnt store<<

#zerxus ilerez #critical role #exu calamity #asmodeus #nine hells #kooksart

[totallynotzzombiecat]

'We will soon be as broken as our promises.' Zerxus Ilerez and Asmodeus, the Father of Lies

Gosh... i'm so excited and nervous for the campaign finale!! :o

Upd: MY GAWD thank you SO sooo much for all the interactions and love!!! this is just insane 😭😭🧡🧡🧡✨

#CriticalRole #critical role fanart #critical role exu #fantasy #dnd #dnd5e #critrole #exandria calamity #exu calamity #fanart #portrait #stylised #zerxus ilerez #asmodeus #archdevil

[ofteasandherbs]

I saw what you did Mr.Mercer…

#critical role #lee’s art #ludinus da'leth #cr Asmodeus #asmodeus cr #exu calamity

[elissastillstands]

It's been a year since Calamity aired, and I still have not been able to stop thinking about it. This was drawn referencing Michelangelo's Pietà, as a spiritual successor to the Creation of Adam redraw I did when the finale first aired.

#critical role #exu calamity #critical role fanart #zerxus ilerez #exandria unlimited #exu asmodeus #exu zerxus #zerxus x asmodeus #la pieta #i'm sure you thought you were safe. i'm sure you thought it was over. #but no i had reading for class/exam prep that sent me into a tailspin. #saint augustine of hippo. get out of my house.

[tshortik]

The Beginning of the End.

#exu calamity #exandria unlimited calamity #critical role #the ring of brass #asmodeus #body horror

[cloudmancy]

ALL THESE THINGS OF SHATTERED GLASS

#zerxus ilerez #asmodeus #exu calamity #critical role #my stuff #oomfs. they are in my head and won't get out #za

[hansdampfinallengassen]

“Redemption.”

Zerxus Ilerez, First Knight of Avalir, and Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine Hells.

#art #mine #fanart #critical role #critrole #exu #exandria unlimited #calamity #dnd #dungeons and dragons #zerxus ilerez #zerxus #asmodeus #luis carazo #brennan lee mulligan #paladin #devil #paladin oath of redemption #redemption #critical role fanart

[natp20]

the incredible expressions of someone who absolutely Did Not Think This Through

#critical role #exandria unlimited #exu calamity #asmodeus could literally have anything planned for zerxus and it would still break my heart #the finale is going to Destroy me #zerxus ilerez #luis carazo

[thechekhov]

The Invitation of Asmodeus into Exandria (cir. 189 Pre Divergence)

Huge thank you to everyone who made EXU Calamity for making me feral enough to do this, and huge thank you also to @saturdaysky​ for teaching me things about colors so that this could turn out the way it did.

Closeups under the cut!

#chekhov draws #chekhov draws cr #exu calamity #critical role #asmodeus #zerxus #critical role exu calamity #AFTER MY MOBO DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS #I FINALLY #FINALLY GET TO FINISH IT #A MONTH LATE #BUT WHATEVER

[justalittlebluetiefling]

You think that my quarrel is with them?

#critical role #exu calamity #exu calamity rewatch #exu clips #god brennan as asmodeus is SOMETHING ELSE #a transcendent performance really #i just want to rewatch this series for the rest of my life #i don't need anything else just exu calamity #idk how to tag this but like beware headphone users #tw volume

[asmodeus-cock]

Taking a hint motherfucker

#critical role #exu calamity #cr asmodeus #lord of the nine hells #zerxus ilerez #exu zerxus