Spectral Steed names: Mochi, Wagyu, Udon, Edamame, Pocky, Shishido, Angela Lansbury and Marzipan
Thanks for helping out and making the post when I couldn't.
During the 4-Sided Dive, Marisha gave a shout out to the infamous Australian contender at the Olympics, Raygun, who recently gave her first interview on the topic since the games.
While the Demure trend still has some momentum, I put together this little tribute with the base being the amazing piece by yghiilra.
"Don't you mean dem-'yure?"
Braius:"No."
Also keep an ear out for the completed release of the Demure Remix
Just got Element for iOS and joined! ᕕ( ᐛ)ᕗ
Sure thing ᕕ( ᐛ)ᕗ
by Kuyaserge
Coriolis by OddtheSunGod
by 1ebert
by NolaGranola
Uk'otoa by Gardan Arts
Coriolis by Callumlyal
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
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.
Discussing Up to Campaign 3, Episode 105
Join Travis Willingham, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Laura Bailey as they discuss complicated gods, Ludinus’s plans, newly found freedoms, and their thoughts on character development!
Join our three Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for an extra special episode of Midst Messages as they create their characters for Moonward!
Bells Hells continue on their adventure…
Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 106! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.
Uncover the lost years of Critical Role’s unrelentingly upbeat undead spellcaster in this original prequel novel to Laudna’s adventures with Bells Hells.
Written by USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw, Critical Role: Bells Hells—What Doesn’t Break delves into the unexplored years before Laudna joined up with the crew of Bells Hells, chronicling her departure from Whitestone and her solo adventures on the road to Jrusar.
Audiobook Read by Grey Delisle, Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey and Robbie Daymond
For as long as she can remember, Laudna has had a friend. A mentor. A little voice whispering in her cropped ear, promising that, no matter how monstrous she becomes or how far she wanders, there will always be someone to guide her.
And so, Laudna is content.
But the thought of more—of life, of love, of the magic stirring in her still veins—is unrelenting in its familiarity. More is the dream of the young girl trapped behind the bloodstained walls of Whitestone, and the nightmare of the woman who now stalks the woods outside them. More, Laudna’s little voice reminds her, is dangerous. From Tal’Dorei to Marquet, the world is infested with heroes destined to rid their kingdoms of creatures like Laudna.
The little voice is right, she knows.
But still, she thinks of more. And when she reaches for that dream, what reaches back will change everything.
by Cheryl Teh
Critical Role's new podcast, "Moonward," is a wild, four-episode dive into cosmic horrors.
"Moonward" builds on the "Midst" podcast, which Critical Role acquired in 2023.
It's now all but official that Critical Role is in its expansion era.
Once best known for the show where eight nerds played "Dungeons & Dragons" on Twitch, the business has now grown, with an aggressive push into podcasting and publishing, including novels and comics slated for release well into 2025.
CR also has two Amazon-backed animated series in the works, one of which will premiere on October 3. Through its games publishing arm, CR released a major role-playing game "Candela Obscura" last year and just rounded out its open beta for its new gaming venture, "Daggerheart."
CR rolled out "Moonward" in August, a spinoff of the company's 2023 acquisition of the "Midst" audio drama. In "Moonward," CR cofounders Liam O'Brien and Marisha Ray step into the space Western-style, cosmic horror narrative that Xen, the narrator of "Moonward," wove to explore the ruins of a fallen moon.
BI sat down with O'Brien and Xen to talk about the new podcast venture and what comes next.
"Midst," the podcast series that "Moonward" builds upon, was originally created by Xen, Matt Roen, and Sara Wile. Critical Role acquired "Midst" in 2023, and "Moonward" is just one part of a larger story.
Spoiler alert: In the podcast's third and fourth episodes, O'Brien's character, Walden Orlock, contends with a boatload of personal trauma. But the series ends on a hopeful note, as Orlock, piloting his spaceship, manages to help get Wile's character back to the relative safety of the planet of Midst.
Orlock, who O'Brien describes as a "nice, grumpy bear," was a homage to some of the men in his family. And the inside of Walden's spaceship was a tribute to the Burning Man community, of which O'Brien considers himself a "junior member."
"The most in-depth characters I've done on our channel are really just exploring things about my life," O'Brien said. "I love fluff. I certainly love romps, fun, and light stuff, but if anyone is familiar with my past work, I like cracking open the coconut and seeing what's in there."
And unlike CR'susual "Dungeons & Dragons" games, the narrative control in Midst didn't rest on dice rolls. As the lead narrator, Xen gave all the players the license to choose when to fail.
"Moonward" listeners will also hear Xen create the soundscape for the podcast live with their guitar and other instruments. And they'll hear Xen play the role of the enigmatic non-player character, Mother Trauma.
"There's something wonderful to me about a kind of haunted therapist who is borderline inhuman," Xen said. "Possibly some kind of potentially undead person — but he's also a mental health professional and a guidance counselor."
CR's acquisition of the "Midst" podcast doesn't just mean there'll be more of Xen, Roen, and Wile's content — there's also a series of upcoming comics set in the "Midst" universe that are rolling out soon.
Each comics issue will be a stand-alone "Midst" story, Xen said.
"We've always been pretty adamant that 'Midst' is and has always been more than just a podcast," Xen said. "We're still exploring new ways to expand that cosmos."
O'Brien, too, tells me that he's been doing a lot of "reading behind the scenes." Each of CR's eight co-founders has their own focuses, he said, and he's been helming the company's push into book publishing and graphic novels.
"Critical Role: Vox Machina — Stories Untold," for one, is an anthology scheduled for release in March, and O'Brien wrote the foreword.
"We hope to get into original, brand-new things that have nothing to do with a table or dice," O'Brien said. "And it's all just different flavors of storytelling. And I love filling my days with it."
Saturday, December 7th 2024 at 7:30 PM EASTERN
Presale for Beacon members starts Thursday, September 5th at 8:00 AM PACIFIC
General Tickets available Friday, September 6th at 8:00 AM PACIFIC
Watch Daggerheart played LIVE for a special Critmas one-shot at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ on December 7th – just across the bridge from downtown Philadelphia!
Game Master Matthew Mercer will lead players Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, and Marisha Ray through an exciting live actual play of Daggerheart with the spectacular Lenore Riegel (aka Momlan) serving as our Master of Ceremonies.
The one and only Matthew Mercer is heading to The Netherlands for Heroes Dutch Comic Con on November 23rd & 24th!
Matthew Mercer is making his way to Utrecht to see all you wonderful critters across the pond and he’ll even be taking the main stage to answer some of your burning questions!
Autographs and Photographs will also be available so please come say hello!
by Petyritonel
by The Galaxy Bandit
Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham make their first apearance at AnimeNYC and discuss everything going on in Critical Role Land with a fireside chat and short Q&A.
Timstamps ᕕ( ᐛ)ᕗ
(youTube VoD)
Here's a nice little video while we have a week without a new episode.
Matt still has pieces from the original Heroscape game (as mentioned in the video) and notes how they are easy to use in other rpg campaigns, too.
DAW (Deborah Ann Woll) is awesome and I will always encourage folks to learn more about her other projects. She's very passionate about the power of imagination and fantasy role play in a consistently wholesome way.
Here is her recent interview on Keeping it Real in Hollywood for a more broad background picture on the actor and here is the playlist for Children of Éarte, Deborah's own personal Live Play TTRPG game.
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
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.
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.
It’s the epic finale of Moonward! 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.
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
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?"
See the characters designed by popular gaming personalities that went into the deck that Raidion cannot escape.
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
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.
Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Bells Hells continue on their adventure…
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.
Sam's Mug
yellow carousel horse meme from the film We Live in Time.