I’m enjoying a dual boot with Nobara_Gnome_Nvidia. Just finished the game with my first character on Tiny Tina’s Wonderland without issue. My only gripe would be how that particular game takes a minute to optimize shaders at the initial game start. Glorious Eggroll does nice work.
Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST
Runtime Break start 4h 12m 2h 11m
Episode 105: Collecting Legends
Last we left off, Bell's Hells recently returning from the ruins of Aeor to find the western encampment in the Hellcatch (Valley outside of the Malleus Key) had been overrun and destroyed. You fled to Vasselheim to catch up with Keyleth, and the survivors of that incursion. Many of the movers and shakers of Exandria have been gathered to Vasselheim to discuss and decide what is to be done here in the rapidly approaching crux of Ludinus and the Vanguard's plan as the impending (some sort of incursion or straight up invasion of the Ruidus folk) and the Weave Mind's armies gather here onto Exandria proper.
You were present for a number of arguments and discussions here in the Platinum Sanctuary of Vasselheim, where you presented (upon prompting) the information that you had uncovered both upon the moon and some of the other dangers, such as the information that Ludinus may have uncovered in the ruins of Aeor. After stepping away for the evening, you were brought by Keyleth to the Birthheart (one of the most holy places of the Wildmother) where Orym had a true communion with one of the Pantheon. Upon which was granted a legendary enhancement to Seedling, the blade that carries his past and his hope. After an evening's rest (some weird games of Spin the Bottle) and a brief bout of oversleeping, you caught up to a handful of loose allies that wished to forge a plan to present to the forum of all these gathered dignitaries, generals, and political leaders. In meeting with them, you presented the specifics of what you found (what your worries may be, the strengths of your knowledge, the strengths of your connection to Ludinus and his plan) and a plot was hatched. Not to fight through each barrier to get to him, but through the loohole of this singular portal you uncovered, a back door to the Red Moon of Ill Omen, to strike all three points at once.
Thus with this plan, semi-forged and ready to be presented for approval to the rest of Exandria, you begin to exit the Trial Forge. At which point, a familiar and strangely daydream-like psychic incursion takes Imogen's focus. As she finds herself pushing through the red dust of her lifelong recurring nightmare, scattered past and reversed to the green wind-tossed fields of the Taloned Highlands. Where, in this vision, her mother has come to her.
"Imogen, are you okay?"
Previous Episode: "The Cradles' Convocation"
See the characters designed by popular gaming personalities that went into the deck that Raidion cannot escape.
This short 3 minute video
is rife with potential spoilers by those with a keen eye and clever video editing skills.
Until now we had only known about Sam Lake making one of the cards. You might recognize names like Matthew Mercer, Anjali Bhimani, Neil Newbon (Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3) and Troy Baker (voice of Joel in The Last of Us).
There's also gaming enthusiasts like Jane Douglas (from Outside Xbox) in the mix and teasing more to come.
Episodes and other media available on YouTube and Twitch
Episode 11: Trials of the Brothers
Last time you began dancing the night away in the Orange Tree Tavern. Kelnys was cutting shapes (as I (the character, not the me) tried to ascertain what strange poison was affecting his companions) before the Kobold slipped away to his bed.
Raidion was diving deeper into his cups. Feeling invincible (as he joined Kelnys on the dancefloor) before a sudden, violent bout of vomiting signaled the end of his night. As Dolly helped Raidion upstairs to the privy, the elf passed out and Dolly took the opportunity to examine the deck of cards Raidion carries in his pack. As she did whispering voices surrounded her and filled her head before she asked,
"What are you?"
For a moment the whispers coalesced into a single word, but she couldn't ascertain if it was 'friend' or 'foe'. She replaced the cards in Raidion's pack and (with Kelnys' help) took the catatonic elf to bed.
Downstairs Endellion nursed a drink hoping Derwin Grenwyrd would appear. Eventually she headed out into the street, bumping into him as he stumbled into some bins and they shared a drink in the Orange Tree before Endellion, too, headed to bed.
The next morning, Kelnys, Endellion, and I (the character, not the me) headed to collect the supplies from the Council of Equals, while Raidion nursed a truly catastrophic hangover with Dolly (who wanted to keep a low profile having seen her description on Wanted posters across the city).
Endellion, I, and Kelnys gained access to the Council building, where Barnaby informed them of his displeasure that they could not be found in the barracks where Trusk could have offered them lodging.
The council were now in session, so Endellion hung back while the other two ventured in to retrieve the supplies. I and Kelnys (to their credit) did their very best. They attempted to assuage any doubts the council may have about their suitability for this mission. Ezra Silverkin II (a member of the council) continued to have his doubts.
I was given a brief lesson in the concept of metaphors by a dragonborn (and showed everyone how fast he could run) before the supplies were fetched and they were on their way.
Meanwhile Dolly and Raidion had been making their way out of the city until guards approached and asked Dolly to come in for questioning. After flashing the ring that showed she had the favor of Trusk, Dolly was able to turn the tables on the guards and gain an apology from them, promising to return for quesioning at a time of greater convenience. You were all reunited after I, Endellion and Kelnys made their way down to the Depths. Kelnys (spotting Vim clearly under arrest) being escorted to Baruun jail for questioning. Raidion thought it was time to get out of town.
You hit the road, heading south towards Mouse before Kelnys spotted a cart heading towards you. Onboard was a gnome who Dolly recognized as Silas, but was going by the name Marv. He was heading to Baruun with his wife Alice, with their cart (loaded with the larger possessions). Silas and Dolly spoke of their past and he told Endellion of the fall of Mouse and The Gloam (shadow will flood group) that had gathered to lay siege to Castle Grenwyrd.
You continued, making camp in the woods at night. Endellion read a letter (from the Bag of Holding) in which Riodhir Grenwyrd offered words of encouragement to his eldest son Eden. Raidion and I (TCnTM) asked Endellion more questions of her past, though she refused to offer any information.
I (TCnTM) told the story of his tribe who disappeared suddenly as he was tracking a gnome through the hills near his home. The conversation turned to friendship with Endellion reluctant to admit that any friendship existed between herself and the rest of the group. Kelnys pivoted onto spoon carving, teaching the gang about spoons, growth and mindfulness.
After a restful night, you journeyed yet further south. Happening upon an abandoned cart, piled high with family heirlooms and Dolly spotted a family of halflings hiding in the undergrowth. They were fleeing Mouse, but one of the wheels of their cart had shattered and they had been unable to journey towards Baruun in safety. You spent half a day repairing the wheel. Raidion gifting his necklace to the small halfling boy before they departed. You continued to walk towards Mouse.
As night fell, you happened upon a tavern full of villagers making their way north. Among them was Paddy, a baker who Endellion recognized from her childhood. After you revealed your mission, Paddy offered you day-old pastries and sorted you out with a prime spot by the fire. Raidion gave the baker the key to Jesco's in Baruun and told him it was the perfect place to establish a business.
When you woke the next morning, the villagers had a whip round for a few coins and brought you another bag of old pastries. You graciously declined the money, you graciously accepted the pastries, and continued your journey.
Half a day from Mouse, you encountered a party on the road. Four cloaked figures flanking a family of orcs that dragged a hand cart. As you walked closer, Kelnys spotted the mother orc mouth the word "help". This information was passed on to Dolly and a questioning of these cloaked figures began. One human took the lead insisting they were all from Mouse and journeying north together for safety. After further probing and a little intimidation, the situation culminated in Raidion casting Magic Missile on the leader and Kelnys joining the attack. After a clutch use of Silvery Barbs from Dolly and an arrow to the cheek from Endellion, the combatants admitted to trying to extort the orcs and were stripped of their possessions and clothes, scurrying semi naked into the forest.
At last you approached Mouse on the fringes of the Distal Woods. You made camp in the woods in preparation for the next stage of your journey and that's where we are now. Night is falling fast in these woods.
Previous Episode: The Kindness of Strangers
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Fan Art Gallery: Free Spirit
by lolthies
by brookesmart
by dovahvid
by Cersonality
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by LYuenger
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
The Re-Slayer’s Take
It’s the Season 1 Finale of The Re-Slayer’s Take! Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.
- Episode 12 releases Monday, August 19th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- A message from George Primavera and Nick Williams on Monday, August 19th on Beacon
Fireside Chat with Taliesin Jaffe
Join us in the tavern for a monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) series where you can sit down with us and learn more about our Critical Role cast and guests! Questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord and each episode will feature a different cast member for a 30-60 minute fireside chat. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy the deep dive with us!
- Starts Monday, August 19th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
Critical Role Abridged
All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.
- Campaign 3, Episode 18 releases Tuesday, August 20th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
- Campaign 3, Episode 18 Podcast out Tuesday, August 20th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- Campaign 3, Episode 40 releases Tuesday, August 20th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
MOONWARD: A Midst Roleplaying Story
Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!
- Episode 3 releases Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific on the Midst Podcast YouTube Channel
- Episode 3 Podcast out August 21st on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- Episode 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific on Beacon
- Episode 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific Midst.co
Critical Role: Campaign 3
Episode 105
Bells Hells continue on their adventure…
- Airs Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
- VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
- Rebroadcasts Friday, August 23rd at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
- VOD out Monday, August 26th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
- Podcast out August 29th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
Critical Role Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 105
Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 105! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.
- Releases Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
- 04:11:05 Lore Drop Bright Queen:"My people were once cast from the light and climbed to return to it. I was there at the end of the Calamity when we rose above the shadows the Spider Queen threw us in. We walk now in the path of the Luxon, progenitor of all light and life. What Ludinus, sworn enemy of the Dynasty, wishes to do would send echoes that spiral out that would leave us in the most dangerous places of despair, so while I do not (and we do not) ascribe to the worship of your temples, we do acknowledge the mutual alliance we have forged and should maintain."
- 04:14:33 Lady Vex'ahlia is bae and she confirms the three primary targets:
- The Malleus Key/Bloody Bridge destruction
- The Weave Mind
- Ludinus and his minions
- 04:16:39 Keyleth:"I might know a few old legends who might be up for joining an assault on the fortress."
Robbie's reaction - 04:18:21 Allura:"I may have a strike team to focus on the Weave Mind..."
- 04:18:57 Groon explains at least one Ruidusborn will be needed to traverse the innermost seal of Ruidus, the Hallowed Cage.
- 04:22:19 Vex'ahlia:"Sorry, it's a-- I'm a parent."
- 04:25:34 BQ:"You shouldn't be."
- 04:26:47 Groon:"Are you ready to break a castle?"
- 04:27:24 Allura:"Onward to the fate of tomorrow and the end of the world."
- 04:29:33 Imogen's vision
- 04:31:55 Robbie:"The king never kills the jesters, let's go."
Updated List of Elaborate Titles and Major Names in the Platinum Sanctuary
- Leylas Kryn, Empress of the Kryn Dynasty, called The Bright Queen (Essek was known as her Shadowhand)
- Lord Zeddan Graf, Emissary of the Dwendalian Empire (fierce rival of the Cerberus Assembly and it's Archmage of Diplomatic Union, Athesias Uludan)
- Zhafe Uludan, Marquis of The Clovis Concord (also Ambassador for the Cerberus Assembly)
- Gavis Aranda, the lone member of the Chandei Quorum permitted to be a representative in public, we also know Orlana Seshadri is a member.
- Galtheid (Vincent-Price-lookin-mufugga) of the Ember Vigil, Archmage of Sruwargas(capital city of Taloned Highlands)
- Yudala Fon, High Curator of the Cobalt Soul (main rivalry with a corrupt member of the Dwendalian court, Kon Bruda, helped expose Trent Ikithon, and has a secret unnamed spy retinue for the Cobalt Soul)
- The Holy Curator, High Priest of The Crown of Erathis (Temple of Erathis in The Quadroads (the central district of Vasselheim)), leader of The Holy Paramours
- Mythtaker Qi Mendozi
- Arcanist Allura Vysoren of the Tal’Dorei Council and Arcana Pansophical
- Lady Kima, Paladin of Bahamut, and Disciple to Highbearer Vord (hence why she’s known as Kima of Vord)
- Guardian Tofor Brotoras of the Tal’Dorei Council, General of the forces of Vasselheim
- Keyleth of the Air Ashari, member of the Tal’Dorei Council, Voice of the Tempest
- Lady Vex'ahlia de Rolo, member of the Tal’Dorei Council, Grand Purveyor of the Grey Hunt
- Grogory "Grog" Strongjaw, Grand Poobah De-Doink of all This and That, One of the Masters of Whitestone
- 01:40:00 Keyleth's God Lore Drop The Dawnfather, the great god of the sun, the glory of daylight, watches over us like a stern paternal general. I've met him. He's a peach. The Matron is a challenged but necessary, lonely figure. The Everlight, a once-fallen god that sees the best in those that maybe don't deserve it, but is a beacon of redemption in this world. The Moonweaver, great goddess of illusion shadow, trysts, hidden love, beauty in that regard. The Arch Heart, the god of arcana and art and creation, the one who blessed us mortals with the ability to manifest arcane spellcraft outside of the gods' will and gifts...
...but if there is any that I feel closest to, we stand in her realm...This is the Birthheart. The Wildmother watches over all that is natural, has taken on and lives with and is guardian to the spirits of nature that existed before she even arrived...The Eidolons, the natural nature spirits that you saw in the cultures of Issylra (beyond the religious influences of the temples of Vasselheim or Othanzia) worship and live alongside (that you've heard existed here before the gods' arrival)... It is rumored in some of those spaces that (before the gods came) life was a cycle of rebirth. The soul, upon death, would return to the world to be reborn into some other form; the afterlife did not exist. - 01:40:44 The sound engineers remember why they love Laura as she accidentally kicks a dice storage container while saying "shit" multiple times.
- 01:43:15 Imogen:"Why is your butt glowing?"
Ashton:"You should answer that." - 01:46:04 "Laura Bailey"
- 01:46:54 Imogen:"What if you just touch the tip on it."
Orym:"You want me to find a knot to put it in?"
Chetney:"Wood can be very inviting."
Dorian:"What's real and what is innuendo?"
Matt:(grinning)"That's always the question." - 01:47:52 Liam:"I'm gonna fuck that tree."
Laura:(hype voice)"I wanna see you fuck that tree!" - 01:50:08 Orym communes with the Wildmother.
- 01:50:42 Liam:"My name's Andreas, I'm a rhino-man. I work for, I can't say who."
Sam:"I like him."
Taliesin:"Rocksteady?"
INTERMISSION
The rest of you watch Orym cocooned against the exterior of the Birthheart. As your bodies lurch to protect, Keyleth puts a hand up, silently acknowledging to just let it happen.
Orym, as the warm sensation of the surrounding branches and vines and flowers and grasses engulf you, you begin to hear the sounds of nature around you (the natural landscape, like an evening amongst the densest of bog forests, the sound of wind rustling through tree boughs) and then eventually you feel the vines pull back from you. As it does, you are standing in a beautiful, moonlit glade, soft white light beams piercing through numerous points in this clustered canopy of massive majestic tri-pointed leaves. The sense of scale is challenging your perspective. You feel so small, and the leaves look so large in comparison. You feel big until you look down at yourself and you are made of leaves. Your skin is green and veined with leaves protruding from your fingers, from your shoulders, no armor, no weapons. You are just as nude as the day is long, but like you had grown from a bud.
Which you did.
You look around, the pullback of nature around you are massive rose petals, like a massive flower had opened up that you had emerged from. Here you stand yourself, but different. You take a step beyond the bud and as your foot touches the ground, you can feel the breath and whisper of the forest around you. When you inhale, everything around you inhales with you and welcomes you. You take a second step. You hear the chirping of birds.
The creaking sound of the tree and the wind gets louder, the vines begin to unravel from above. The canopy itself seems to expand, grow more dense. The white moonlight begins to dissipate as it's clustered and instead a golden, sourceless light begins to fill this glade; like a golden dusk color just as the sun begins to disappear beyond the horizon. As these branches begin to expand and lower, you watch as they pull open. From them emerges a face, a beautiful, welcoming smile. Earthen brown skin, gentle golden eyes, the leaves and canopy itself the hair that continues to tumble and curl around as it comes down to you and meets your gaze. So massive to where you felt you'd grown yourself from a larger flower, now you feel like you grew from a regular flower. You are so small and she is so encompassing. There is no fear, just awe. Her smile is a wordless, touch-less hug.
- 02:17:27 Orym spills the tea on Ludinus to the Wildmother
- 02:21:11 Travis makes the spooky Jason Vorheis noise
- 02:25:49 Orym receives a vision of the Wildmother's memory of Predathos being a fallen star that caused two of her fellow primal deities to vanish when touched. The land and other elements envelop the island and launch it into the sky with the screams of the other prisoners heard from within as it travels away.
- 02:32:48 Orym:"I say this with an open heart. I know you all to be inherently flawed, like me, and all the children that love this world as much as you. Whatever comes next, please let the garden grow."
- 02:35:07 Will appears
- 02:40:38 Matt:"The city where the star landed was encased within the sealing stone. An entire civilization locked away with the entity. After the Founding but before the Schism."
- 02:44:24 Chet hunts for some Birthheart wood
- 02:47:10 Orym's sword upgraded to be known as a Relic of the Red Solstice (New hotness version of Vestiges of Divergence)
- 02:49:26 Laura's mind is perma-guttered this episode
- 02:59:06 Imogen tells Dorian about the alternate path to Ruidus
- 03:02:53 Laudna worries that the Weavemind is already terraforming Exandria and that destroying the bridge might no longer be an actionable goal.
- 03:10:59 Ashton says artists are fucked up. Braius and Chetney take offense.
- 03:17:03 Liam:"At Dawn, We Plan...I like the idea of hitting it from the back door up top."
- 03:19:09 Dorian:"Don't get me wrong, I'm used to it."
- 03:19:34 Braius:"If you have doubts, just know that I was hand-selected by the King of Devils and you all, aligned with me, are serving his will. So you have a purpose."
- 03:20:03 Braius:"We could do acid."
Ashton:"Are you dropping or cubes?"
Braius:"The kind that burns you." - 03:22:31 Imogen:"You just really want to play Spin the Bottle, don't you?"
Fearne:"Yeah, cuz I think it's hilarious."
Travis:"We're in a tree!"
Ashley:"Playin' D&D Spin the Bottle." - 03:23:20 Braius:"Why don't we just skip the
Zone of Truthand just make out?"
Dorian:(nodding)"This is how the fate of the world should be decided." - 03:24:45 The bouncy D20 makes an appearance
- 03:25:09 Imogen:"So if you beat it, you can lie?"
Braius:"I think so."
Travis:"Better start beatin' it." - 03:27:29 Braius' bottle spin lands on Imogen. Laudna wants to know what it's like. "Does he have weird breath? Does it smell like grass?"
Sam:"Performance check?"
Matt:(giving up)"Sure." - 03:33:14 Fearne spins and hits Chetney
- 03:35:55 Imogen:"Well then, I'll say it now. If I put you all at harm, do what it takes to defeat me...Do you want to spin the bottle, Dorian?"
- 03:36:36 Dorian spins and hits Chetney and also beats him on the performance check.
"If you didn't smell like cedar and chestnuts!"
Doran pulls away, grits his teeth and says,"I fucking knew it."
Chetney:(dazed)"He is royalty." Liam:"In all of history, there've been five great kisses...that kiss topped em all." - 03:38:26 Laudna's question about Dorian's deceased brother Cyrus brings some more vibe whiplash.
- 03:39:38 Dorian:"I don't know my place in all this sometimes and sometimes the way I feel feels unimportant. But that's okay. I've felt like that most of my life. But when I'm with you I feel important. I can't believe you've been thinking about that at all with all that's going on. I've gotten really good at "putting my feelings where they should go" for the greater good...but it doesn't mean I don't feel them. It doesn't mean I don't think about them...allow me to honor his memory by doing what is right, because I know that's what he would do. The only thing that scares me is that I don't know what's right or wrong anymore, and there's no one here to guide us."
- 03:43:17 To Cyrus
Chetney:"You want some of this Birthheart dog? I put some shavings in there, and fuckin' seein' some shit." - 03:44:18 Laudna spins and lands on Orym. Performance checks 3 (Orym) and 2 (Laudna)
- 03:46:05 Some forced narrative bonding with a make out session between Fearne and Ashton. Just add alcohol.
- 03:51:09 As we learn Dorian isn't asleep, Sam makes a furious masturbation noise while Ashley suggests tear lube. Friendship goals.
- 03:56:50 Evoroa:"So the Prime Pillar of Ruidus itself is the remains of Predathos' original form when sealed. The glass itself is extremely resilient against both physical excavation and magical alteration. What we use as tools are either flecks that have come free from the overall interior structure or spent a long time trying to chip away and eventually make. Once it's left the primary glass vein structure of the moon, it becomes more brittle and workable, but before then it is extremely hardy." The innermost and toughest glass prison is called the Hallowed Cage.
- 04:00:44 Keyleth relays info on the terraformed fortress around the Malleus Key. Significant Ruidian presence led by The Sunder King, Ozo Kruth
- 04:07:07 Dorian suggests that "without them (the Weave Mind), perhaps your people could be compelled by hope."
- 04:09:43 The Bright Queen catches Chetney's mention of another passage to Ruidus and Keyleth fills in the location on Issylra.
(continued)
Sam's Mug
@LaurieHernandez
WE LUV
U 2 BESTIE!
♡
Laurie Hernandez was the balance beam specialist for the US women's gymnastics team in 2016 and was on commentary for it this year. She absolutely killed it and is a critter! Link to her Twitter page
One of my favorite loose ends to bring up for making a sudden reappearance is from Capaign 1:
The dwarven druid taking care of a Roc that VM send to live in an upgraded cave. This cave also belonged to a white dragon and had a horde of frozen treasure slowly thawing inside it. This lends to the theory of a potentially healthy brood of rocs and i'm not sure what to do about the hermit retiring, but I know that the birds and everyone are full of bling and magic and kickass gear.
♪Episode Song References♪ (Rough Draft)
ᕕ( ᐛ)ᕗ
- 00:50:29 ♪I'm the dragon, it's me♪ Taylor Swift - Anti-Hero
- 00:59:54 Journey - Wheel in the Sky
- 01:15:09 "if it's ever yellow, just leave it." Frank Zappa - Yellow Snow
- 01:51:13 Boots Randolph - Yakkety Sax
- 02:45:11 TLC - Creep
- 02:45:52 Mhmm-mhmm Trio - Da Da Da
- 03:11:50 Michael Jackson - Remember the Time
- 03:36:51 Price is Right Trombone
- 04:09:50 Julius Fucik - Entrance of the Gladiators
- 04:31:51 Liam hums a gameshow tune Match Game Theme
- 04:32:30 The Lovin' Spoonful - Daydream
Highlights
- 00:13:56 Fan Art Moment Bell's Hells in the great meeting of Exandria
- 00:14:14 Matthew Mercer Voice Magic! Possible list (in order of introduction):
Kima:"we must assemble our communal forces!..."
???:"The army is already scattered at home..."
Allura:"We understand the discomfort of such arcana..."
???:"We have unlikely powers...allies from darker places and factions. Chosen warriors of the Betrayers who have sworn themselves to the cause."
Bright Queen:"Absolutely NOT!"
Older woman:"We have seen firsthand what their alien warriors can 1) diminish some of our protective magics and 2) certain elite soldiers can prevent restorative magic altogether..."
Galtheid (Vincent-Price-lookin-mufugga) of the Ember Vigil, Archmage of Sruwargas(capiital city of Taloned Highlands):"The ever-tangled mess of the Solstice continues to play stress upon the Trellis of Ley Lines, threatening an imminent unraveling of our world's magic as long as that Bloody Bridge continues."Gavis Aranda:"...we are still just discovering the insidious depths of Ludinus' influence..."Apex War Lore
a years-long conflict between the Stratos Throne of the Taloned Highlands and the Court of the Lambent Path of Aeshanadoor. Episode 1 of Campaign 3 begins with Matt giving a brief history of Marquet.???(loud, older male):"Matters at home must be finished or held. For the window of time to act directly closes imperceptibly soon."Gavis Aranda
The lone member of the Chandei Quorum permitted to appear in public, we also know Orlana Seshadri is a member.
Lord Zeddan Graf, Emissary of the Dwendalian Empire (fierce rival of the Cerberus Assembly and it's leader, Athesias Uludan):"what assurances do we have..." - 00:18:57 Ashton spills the beans and a magic earthquake starts building mountains around the Malleus Key.
- 00:23:03 Keyleth:"We need. To work. Together. United. NOW!"
J'mon Sa Ord(A.K.A. Devo'ssa, an ancient brass dragon), ruler of AnkHarel (central city in Marquet):"The Voice of the Tempest is correct and Ank'Harel is in agreement."
Zhafe Uludan, Marquis of The Clovis Concord (also Ambassador for the Cerberus Assembly):"The Concord agrees and commits the majority of our non-naval forces to helping [kill all the moon creatures]" - 00:24:25 Yudala Fon, High Curator of the Cobalt Soul (main rivalry with a corrupt member of the Dwendalian court, Kon Bruda, helped expose Trent Ikithon, and has a secret unnamed spy retinue for the Cobalt Soul):"People? They are godless creatures born in the red shadow of the god eater!"
Leylas Kryn, Empress of the Kryn Dynasty (Essek was known as her Shadowhand):"How can we be certain that these denizens of Ruidus aren't all bent on our destruction? You speak of certainties and perspectives none of us could possibly know." - 00:25:56 Laudna spots a hooded figure in Keyleth's Ashari entourage as Evoroa.
- 00:26:32 Keyleth refers to Bell's Hells as The Chosen Heroes".
- 00:27:57 Braius detects 'a handful of celestials' (aw shit, are the gods here?)
- 00:28:48 Arguments in defense of innocents on Ruidus
- 00:29:22 Laura misnames the Ruidian nickname for the planet of Exandria (The Blue Promise) as "The Blue Dream" which is a popular strain of cannabis.
- 00:32:29 Laudna"No, really. It's going to be quite divisive."
- 00:34:04 The Holy Curator, High Priest of The Crown of Erathis (Temple of Erathis in The Quadroads (the central district of Vasselheim)), leader of The Holy Paramours:"Historically, we know the gods worked together to destroy the city of Aeor because it needed to be destroyed. Itself marked the height of mortal arrogance and misuse of the knowledge and power it was granted. It is a cautionary tale (the Age of Arcanum) and it's end."
- 00:34:14 Ashton starts talkin shit.
- 00:35:18 Braius casually shoehorns his backstory into the conversation:"In times of great trauma, even purely faithful can fall from the path and make alliances with unholy or terrible entities..."
- 00:38:12 Evoroa:"Hello everyone..."
Fearne:(bff hype squad)"Woo!"
Evoroa explains that the Reiloran overlords plan to spread their mind control to Exandria. - 00:43:10 Well-dressed gentleman wearing many rings (with the triple diamond of the Cerberus Assembly on his chest)
- 00:44:54 Highbearer Vord calls for the meeting to adjourn until the next day when At Dawn, We Plan!.
- 00:46:15 Chetney:"Those hooves can kick."
Fearne:"Yeah they can." (grunts) - 00:47:13 Marisha enjoying Matt's portrayal of Keyleth and seeing elements of herself in Keyleth's frustration with "making a pitch."
- 00:49:59 The huge silver dragon "statue" moves.
- 00:52:40 Fan Art Moment Chetney's little open hand on Grog's open Titanstone Knuckles
- 00:53:53 Fearne's Primordial essence causes a heat reaction with the Titanstone Knuckles
- 00:54:16 Grog:"My name? Well, it's kind of a legendary title, really. Grand Poobah De-Doink of all This and That, One of the Masters of Whitestone."
- 00:56:51 Croissants (Crescent (moon) Rolls) aren't selling well these days. Har!
Marisha:"It's like when people didn't want to buy Coronas during Covid."
Liam:"We don't want your moon bread, only freedom bread." - 00:57:59 Sam's body movements with his head turns like one of The Muppets
- 00:59:26 Pike:"Buddies! Not tonight."
- 01:02:30 Imogen:"Yeah. He saved us all."
Braius:"Fuck that guy." - 01:02:50 Vex'ahlia:"...though she's more with the Pansophical."
Imogen:"She has her pants off?" - 01:05:39 Laudna:"He's not talking to you, Pike. He's talking to the pretty one. With the really great boobs."
Chetney:"I'm sorry, excuse me." (moves Pike to the side)
- 01:06:58 Fan Art Moment Laudna's enthusiastic news about Delilah's entrapment oblivious to her undead boob exposed
- 01:09:16 Ashley appreciates Travis' tiny farts
- 01:09:39 Matt:"You begin to push inward towards the darkness..."
Laura is already giggling.
Liam:"Nice." - 01:13:35 Chetney:"That Holy Curator, that fuckin nimrod was ears-closed to anything that we're going to have to say."
Ashton:"At least he's saying what he thinks."
(please don't tell me there are going to be hats and flags...) - 01:17:18 Welcome to the Birthheart
- 01:28:43 Keyleth:"Having actually been to the Hells myself..."
Braius perks up.
Keyleth:"I'm uncertain I'd throw in with any of that lot, to be honest."
Braius perks down. "You've been to all the Hells? I mean, there's a few Hells." - 01:30:45 Keyleth's humblebrag about talking to gods
- 01:31:37 Marisha:"It's my character, I can bully her if I want to."
- 01:34:52 Keyleth:"The number of historical mysteries that have been buried and locked into the vaults under this city is likely endless."
- 01:36:15 Lore Drop Keyleth informs the group about the ascension of Vecna
- 01:39:30 Dorian:"See, now I'm beginning to understand why Ludinus thinks that if he shows this orb to the world, they'll side against the gods. You only mentioned three in the last 20 minutes, and one of them you hate, and the other almost brought the end of the world...the gods seem like trouble."
Orym:"If you're looking for the black & white here, you're not going to find it."
Braius waves.
During the campaign, there were episodes involving trust exercises with Fearne's "Nanna Morri" (starting at C3E79: To Hurt is to Heal).
In the time leading up to those episodes, lots of Among Us/CR crossover fan art came out and this small nod to that moment doesn't surprise me or strike me as "selling out". I personally don't plan to buy any of it, but I think it's cutesy stuff that fits the CR M.O.
The Puppy Roll can be seen live on August 20th, 2024 from 6-10 pm Pacific. It will be available to view live on Anjali Bhimani’s YouTube page or on the Tiltify donation page.
Forbes Article
by Rob Wieland
Dungeons & Dragons can tell all sorts of stories. It can tell the story of heroes rising against evil, of scoundrels scrtaching out a better life or even the fall of an empire. On Tuesday, August 20th, it will tell the story of good dogs.
The Puppy Roll brings together Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Baldur’s Gate), Ashley Johnson (Critical Role, The Last of Us), Aabria Iyengar (Critical Role, Dimension 20), Maggie Robertson (Resident Evil, Baldur’s Gate) and Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian) to play a fantasy adventure as their real life dogs. Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Critical Role) will serve as the Dungeon Master for the event.
Bhimani concieved the event from two main sources. The first was the love of her own dog Charley and the chance to play him as part of the Kickstarter that raised funds for her book I Am Fun Size, and So Are YOU!: Thoughts from a Tiny Human on Living a Giant Life. The second was a puppy encounter on the ASTRAS red carpet sponsored by Petco Love.
While putting together the event, Bhimani initially considered using Realms of Pugmire as the game system. Created by Eddy Webb, this role playing game tells the story of a kingdom of dogs that’s risen up long after the disapparance of man. Bhimani opted for something a bit more light hearted in the end.
“I love Pugmire but didn’t want to deal with the potential of characters based on our dogs dying,” said Bhimani.”I wanted to keep things relatively light hearted for this stream. Plus, I wanted to come up with puzzles and traps that dogs might face in real life like opening a door without having any thumbs.
”The Puppy Roll benefits Petco Love, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets and pet owners. The nonprofit supports adoption centers around the world, helps owners find affordable veterinarian care and reunites owners with thier lost pets. The foundation, which began in 1999, has donated over $400M to these causes over the past 25 years.
Petco Love Lost is a massive photo database of lost pets. It uses photographic matching technology to connect potential matches between photos uploaded by pet owners and by ones uploaded by people who have found strays in the wild. It uses the power of the Internet to increase the odds of bringing a pet home to the family that loves it, going above and beyond fliers posted around the neighborhood.
Bhimani also plans to use the power of her platform to find some homes for new pets. She’ll be using pictures of dogs currently housed at shelters as NPC portaits during the game. Hopefully, viewers will be enticed to bring home the shadowy dog in the corner giving out the mission or the grumbling guardian of the dungeon door.
Fans can donate ahead of the livestream to unlock items for the puppies such as gear, spells and “insPAWration” to help out with dice rolls. Bhimani will be joined by author Jonathan Graziano, whose book Noodle & The No Bones Day became a viral sensation in 2022. The event is targeting $10,000 dollars as the main fundraising goal.
Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST
Runtime Break start 4h 33m 1h 51m
Episode 104: The Cradle's Convocation
Bell's Hells, after trekking to the ruins of Aeor, had an encounter with Ludinus Da'leth himself (during which he showed visions of the fall of Aeor in hopes of expressing the dubiousness of the great deities that are considered the prime beings of law and morality in this world).
After trying to convince you to join him and the Vanguard in their interests, you combated his outlook and also each others' (with some internal strife in communication), after which Laudna's own dark passenger was triggered. Thus battle ensued with a Delilah-possessed Laudna. You defeated her and (while she was reduced within) used the soul anchor (that you had taken from the ruins) and successfully completed a ritual with Essek's help that bound Delilah into the stone which was then bound within you (Laudna), reversing the power dynamic between you and Delilah.
After you went to go meet up with the Voice of the Tempest and the rest of the troop that was waiting on the western encampment within the Hellcatch Valley. You arrived to find it in ruin, still smoldering. The fallen stone being picked through by Reilorans and Vanguard soldiers alike. With rapid reaction, teleporting to Vasselheim. There you were able to maneuver through the city, climb the stairs that lead to the Platinum Sanctuary (where it seems a lot of dignitaries from around Exandria are gathering, along with their compatriot armies and protectors).
Upon arrival, Essek had to say his goodbyes, for there was tenuous relations with some other figures that were present. Upon arriving here on the outskirts of this crowd that had gathered in the central forum of the Platinum Sanctuary, you were trying to push through to get a good view.
You saw people from all over Exandria here. You saw within Vasselheim itself:
- The Highbearer Vord
- The Earthbreaker Groon
- The Holy Curator
- The High Hierophant
- The Coven of the Veil of the Matron of Ravens
- J'mon Sa Ord, the leader of Ank'Harel
- Keyleth, Voice of the Tempest
- Empress Leylas Kryn of the Kryn Dynasty of Xhorhas; The Bright Queen
- Gavis Aranda from the Chandei Quorum of Jrusar
- Guardian Tofor Brotoras from the Council of Taldorei
- Mythmaker Qi Mendozi
- Allura Vysoren and Lady Kima of Vord and a number of others
As you tried to push your way through, a massive goliath figure (with over-sized stone gauntlets, a bit of a paunch, and a black fuzzy beard with streaks of gray) made your announcement loudly, causing the group in front of you to divide slightly, and the entire chamber to shift its attention back to you in one moment. Here in that tense, awkward silence, all eyes are on you.
Previous Episode: "Cages"
by Flower of Laurelin
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
The Re-Slayer’s Take
Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.
- Episode 11 releases Monday, August 12th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- We’re taking a brief break but will have more episodes coming soon to Beacon!
EverythingIsContent
SteamWorld Heist II
Join Ashley Johnson and Taliesin Jaffe as they set sail for adventure and sink rival ships in SteamWorld Heist 2! Learn more here.
- Airs Monday, August 12th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
- VOD out Monday, August 12th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
- VOD out Wednesday, August 14th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
Critical Role Abridged
All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.
- Campaign 3, Episode 17 releases Tuesday, August 13th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
- Campaign 3, Episode 17 Podcast out Tuesday, August 13th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- Campaign 3, Episode 39 releases Tuesday, August 13th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
MOONWARD:
A Midst Roleplaying Story
Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!
- Episode 2 releases Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific on the Midst Podcast YouTube Channel
- Episode 2 Podcast out August 14th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- Episode 3 & 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
- Episode 3 & 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific Midst.co
Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 104
Bells Hells continue on their adventure…
- Airs Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
- VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
- Rebroadcasts Friday, August 16th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
- VOD out Monday, August 19th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
- Podcast out August 22nd on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 104
Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 104! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.
- Releases Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST
Runtime Break start 4h 6m 2h 2m
Episode 103: Cages
Bells Hells, after trekking deep into the ruins of Aeor along with their guide, Essek Thelyss, you encountered the strange demonic entity that was keeping the Vanguard at bay, Dominox. Defeating it by pushing it through a gate into the abyss of its origin with the aid of Ludinus Da'leth, who then gave you a vision through a relic that he had discovered not too far beyond that of the Fall of Aeor (an era of Exandrian history spoken of but largely lost in its details), as it was it seems, one of the darkest moments for the Pantheon. With the intent of showing this to the world to erode the faith of Exandria (and in the hopes finding a point of understanding with your group) the invitation was given to join the Vanguard and see the world the way he does. After much debate and some heated discussion, he left the offer in your hands and left an offer in Delilah's as well.
Tossing a relic of enticing power towards Laudna (the words having hold in her heart), Delilah fought her way to the surface and wrestled control of Laudna. The rest of you were forced to do battle with your friend in what may be her darkest moment. But you managed to defeat Delilah, sending her back for the time being as but a shard of shadow withing Laudna's spirit, likely rapidly growing back.
At this moment, satisfied with what youve learned, Essek took your group via teleport to a place of safety, the abode of his partner Caleb Widogast. Here in this humble abode within the Dwendalian city of Rexxentrum. You had a moment to breathe. A moment to absorb, though still more likely to come. In the midst of these conversations, debating on what you've seen, what you've witnessed, what you've discussed and what's to be done next.
It was considered that this 'soul-anchored' gem (now empty and bereft of its intended target) might have a secondary use to turn the tides of poor Laudna's fate. After talking with Essek about it (and him looking to research its possibilities), he seemed to come to you with a bit of hope that it is indeed possible, though challenging.
After coming up from his study, his laboratory, to all of you saying that it could be done but it needs to be done quickly, likely before Delilah can begin to recover her former power in this subdued state. Time is of the essence, and began to draw you all back to the laboratory here in this late, late hour, as you stand exhausted, but hopefully driven to see this through.
So, here, as you all begin to follow Essek back into the laboratory where you arrived, you see him now, a number of books even further scattered amongst the laboratory interior. But you see he's taken some time to organize some of the stacks into more solid towers. It has a number of strange instruments laid across one of the tables. He runs over quickly to start sketching out a larger runic circle than the teleportation one that brought you all here in the first place. In the quiet as you all stand there, he begins the initial process.
Previous Episode: "Reconciliation"
Episodes and other media available on YouTube and Twitch
Episode 9: The Prisoner in the Attic
Last time we began in a plaza on The Crest, buildings blazing, flames flickering high into the winter night. I (the character, not the me) watched horrified as Grawnoth was stabbed and fell before his assailant disappeared in a curl of smoke. The kobold dropped to all fours and dashed towards the stricken Antiqua, passing Kelnys (Wildshape-d into a 'larger than average' black cat). As I reached Grawnoth, he smelled a mineral, metallic smell where the smoke from the assassin still lingered in the air.
Brunhilda arrived and cradled the Antiqua's body, a healing potion doing nothing to bring the dwarf back. Soon Dolly, Endellion, and Kelnys (back in his true form) began to figure out an escape as I leapt up the walls of the plaza and tried to spot the diminutive assassin as they fled. He was met by upturned faces as those in The Deal watched flames bloody the sky. A group of guards headed up to fight the fire. As I returned with what he had learned, Dolly insisted that fleeing the scene was the best course of action.
Meanwhile, Raidion was investigating the final at the end of the row (already burning, thanks to Endellion's efforts) he made his way inside, briefly battling with a pair of blood-sucking surges (D4 reference?) before (driven by growing whispers from his mysterious deck of cards) he attempted to use the deck as kindling, casting a fiery Chromatic Orb before the deck reflected the damage of the spell back at him. I (who had gone searching for Raidion so that the party could escape together) spotted the wizard as flames licked up his chest. The kobold leapt into action dampening the flames and dragging Raidion into the shadows.
As Dolly, Kelnys, and Endellion scurried into Grawnoth's estate, I cast Silent Image to create a large ornamental plant pot, which obscured he and Raidion from the guards. They (Dolly, Kel, Endel) hurriedly arrived on the plaza as Brunhilda (still holding Grawnoth's body) gave orders to the guards. I created the sound of screaming from the far buildings allowing the party to sneak away.
Wearing I's Cloak of Many Fashions Raidion attempted to pass as a guard but was pushed from pillar to post by Brunhilda and the other guards before he eventually made his way to join the others on the walkway.
Together you fled The Crest as the sky burned and decided to head for the one place you felt you could hide until things blew over; Casper's hideout.
On arriving, Endellion caused the wall to fade and you were struck by a familiar metallic smell. I recognized it as the aromas in the smoke after the disappearance of Grawnoth's assailant and as you descended the stairs, you were met by Medea. Scrawling in a book, her face streaked with blood, sat amongst the bodies of Casper, Juno and Goff. You battled with Medea in the cellar, Dolly forced to attack her companions (though Endellion restored the tiefling to her senses by slamming her head into a crate). I (falling for the first time before being brought back by Kelnys) and with the help of Calum the Wolf, a first successful use of Hypnotic Gaze (by Raidion), and an imaginative use of Medea's prized murder journal, you eventually bested the halfling.
Studying the journal, Kelnys learned that Medea had been keeping Rasheed, a dwarf, captive in the apothecary. You searched the bodies of the dead, finding a set of Goggles of the Night, a Perfume of Bewitching and clutch of expired potions. This done, you settled down to take a rest before I (the character not the me) crucially took a dagger to the eyes of Medea.
That is where we are now, fire still flickering in the grate. The bodies have been rolled up in bed rolls and pushed to one side. It is quiet. It is still. The blood staining the flagstones around you.
Previous Episode: The Bodies and the Book
YouTube VoD
Alternate Frontend VoD
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
The Re-Slayer’s Take
Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.
- Episode 10 releases Monday, August 5th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
- Episodes 12 releases Monday, August 5th at 5am Pacific only on Beacon.
Critical Role Abridged
All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.
- Campaign 3, Episode 16 releases Tuesday, August 6th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
- Campaign 3, Episode 38 releases Tuesday, August 6th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
- Campaign 3, Episode 39 releases Friday, August 9th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
MOONWARD:
A Midst Roleplaying Story
Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!
- Episode 1 Airs Wednesday, August 7th at 7pm Pacific on our new Midst Podcast YouTube Channel, Critical Role Twitch Channel and Critical Role YouTube Channel
- Episode 1 Podcast out August 7th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 7pm Pacific
- Episode 1 VOD available immediately after the stream ends on Midst Podcast YouTube Channel, Critical Role Twitch Channel and Critical Role YouTube Channel
- Episode 1 & 2 VOD and Podcast available on August 7th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
- Episode 1 & 2 VOD and Podcast available on August 7th at 7pm Pacific Midst.co
Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 103
Bells Hells continue on their adventure…
- Airs Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
- VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
- Rebroadcasts Friday, August 9th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
- VOD out Monday, August 12th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
- Podcast out August 15th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 103
Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 103! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.
- Releases Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
What goes on behind the scenes in the most formidable alliance in the nerdworld business
article by Cheryl Teh
Brennan Lee Mulligan of "Dimension 20" fame remembers when he first met Critical Role's Matthew Mercer, and relates that anecdote with the infectious joy of a man who's found his gaming soulmate.
Mulligan was working on "Um, Actually," a web series on the streaming platform Dropout, and for one episode, he was tasked with writing errors into a round of "Dungeons & Dragons" combat laid out in comic panels. Mercer was a guest on that November 2018 episode. At the time, "Critical Role" — the "D&D" Twitch stream that turned the company Mercer co-founded into a key player in the nerdworld business — was just taking off.
Mercer, as a "rules lawyer," had to spot all the mistakes in Mulligan's slate. He not only got all of them, he found ones the other man hadn't even listed.
When filming wrapped, they stood at the elevators at that West Hollywood studio, talking about their "D&D" games.
"There's love at first sight, and this is one of those variations," Mercer told BI. "Like, this is a person I immediately know: 'I'm going to know for a very long time, and I look forward to seeing them again.'"
These two men have now formed a formidable alliance in the nerdworld business. The shows they front get fans to pack arenas: "Dimension 20" sold out Madison Square Garden for their January 2025 gig, and "Critical Role" has filled venues from Wembley Arena in London to the Greek in Los Angeles.
Beyond that, they also have leadership roles behind the scenes. Mercer is the chief creative officer at Critical Role, working with his eight friends on everything from Amazon-backed animation series' to board game ventures. Meanwhile, Mulligan is one of the major creative minds at Dropout, a streaming platform that's now gunning for Emmy nominations.
Mulligan helmed his first Critical Role miniseries, EXU Calamity, in May 2022. Mercer then returned the favor, and game mastered for "Dimension 20's" Ravening War," a six-episode campaign that aired in May 2023.
On to 'Downfall'
Mulligan told BI he had long watched Critical Role, and that he got to dive deep into Mercer's lore while working on EXU Calamity. Then he was invited back for "Downfall" — a three-episode arc that aired in July.
Mercer told BI that working with a guest game master like Mulligan on Critical Role requires a "strong sense of trust" because of how dear the stories in Exandria are to him.
"I was anxious at the possibility of trying to live up to what I saw in my head, then had the joyful realization that somebody else that I trust can do it better justice than I think I ever could," Mercer said of Mulligan.
Mulligan said he would go to Mercer with "broad strokes" of where he planned to take the narrative. But Mulligan had "total freedom" to improvise while role-playing at the table, which he found "really gratifying."
"With Matt, it's never restrictive. It's much more like: 'Here's an area that I need to protect for something coming in the next campaign, and then everything else here is the playground," Mulligan said.
Crafting Aeor
Mulligan said it helps that he and Mercer are always on the same page — from their familiarity with mythological references to similar visions for the story's direction.
Together, they built the sprawling landscape of Aeor, from a glamorous speakeasy where robots and humans can party together to the brutalist architecture of key city wards. They also created a battle set together, setting the stage for where the gods of the Exandrian pantheon warred against dragons, monsters, and powerful mages.
"We pulled minis together for that battle and really pulled out all the stops," Mulligan said.
"I was right off camera behind the curtains watching the whole thing as it was happening, just giddy and crying, and it was wonderful," Mercer said.
Mercer and Mulligan agreed that storytelling and work aside, they're just glad they get to hang out with each other.
"As a person who grew up challenged to find community at various points in my life, and the passions and things that I loved were not the easiest to find people to share it with," Mercer said.
Mercer says telling stories for his friends is his love language, and he's glad to be able to do that with Mulligan.
"The CR crew have become the closest people in my life that aren't blood," Mercer said. "What's great about these collaborations is it allows that family to expand, it allows more people to come in and be that community," he added.
Now, Mercer's back in the game master's seat for Critical Role's campaign three. I asked if he would want to be a player at Mulligan's table for a change, perhaps piloting a fan-favorite character, the elven wizard Essek Thelyss.
"Nothing wrong with pitching it. I'd love to," Mercer said, adding that if the opportunity comes up for another adventure with Mulligan, he's game.
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I e had the opposite experience with my 7800x3D. With windows, my Soundblaster card’s drivers won’t install because they will cause an “unstable overclock” while it works on the Nobara installation.