Campaign synopsis: “Hero to many. Enemy to some. When Thjazi Fang is marked for execution, various figures from across his remarkable life unite to uncover the truth behind his grim fate. In a land still suffering from the fallout of dead gods and living in the shadow of a tumultuous rebellion, these disparate people will come together across the fractured world of Aramán and connect in ways they never imagined.
As hope and victory fade, a question hangs over Aramán. Without the Gods, what great deeds now fall to us? And who, or what, shall grab their crown from themselves?”
Episode synopsis: “The Schemers reckon with the swift changes coming to Dol-Makjar while the Soldiers ponder stone, blood, and blade…”
Cold Open
Oh Matt I have missed hearing your voice every week. I’m actually quite excited for our first session with the Seekers table, whenever that will be. It seems like a group that will have great balance between humour and seriousness.
“I’m just kidding” – Yasha possessed Vaelus for a second there.
I’ve seen a few other people comment on this, and I do agree with them, but the close ups when two characters are talking are great, it’s nice to see them close up, but what makes these moments so great is seeing the entire table react to big moments. Could you imagine if Nott’s reveal in campaign two was done through a close up shot of just Sam’s face, it would have taken pretty much all of the emotion out of the scene.
Seekers table next episode, hell yeah!
Announcement Playhouse
I hope Sam never runs out of ridiculous ad read ideas. I especially liked ‘Samz cool snake page!!!’ and then the cut to him being chased by a fake stuffed snake.
Another thing I’m excited for is Talegate. I’ve been wondering at what point they’d bring in a discussion show for the campaign so far. As someone that doesn’t always pick things up straightaway, I find these extremely valuable to understand more about the characters and their choices. I’m a little glad they won’t be weekly as there’s already so much content to watch every week.
Meanwhile, in Dol-Makjar
The constant time jumps when we switch tables are going to confuse me so bad. We’re now back to just two days after Thjazi was killed. I can’t remember exactly how long we spent with the Soldiers but it’s definitely been more than two days, right?
“How long has a sentient mask been interested in your theatre company?” is not a question you hear every day but makes perfect sense for Critical Role. I find Bolaire to be a really intriguing character, he’s probably the only one I’m actually interested in on this table so far. I do like Murray, purely because Marisha is putting so much into her performance, but she’s not that interesting yet. Laudna was such a brilliant character, it will be hard for Marisha to create one better.
The Dungeons of Castle Delawney
I’d assumed they’d recorded all sections for each table (mostly cold opens) in one session and the jump back to the Soldiers has pretty much confirmed that. It’s weird to see them wearing the same clothes in the following episode. It makes sense that they’d record it this way though.
The growing dynamic between Tyranny and Thimble is everything I wished for a few episodes back. I have a feeling they will be an extremely chaotic pair. Also, Tyranny getting jealous because Wick spent time with Wulfric is so funny. It’s great to see someone out chaos, the chaos master himself.
Travis shall henceforth be known as Travis “horses are awesome” Willingham.
The Granary
“Hope is not a condition of the world, but one of the soul” goes kinda hard. Brennan is great at dropping stone cold lines every now and again. I definitely still prefer Matt as a DM as he’s much more theatrical, but Brennan is brilliant.
I hadn’t really noticed the sound issues until I got to this part of the episode. The volume of their voices vary so much. This is prerecorded and edited, why is no one checking and adjusting the sound levels? As someone with video and audio editing experience, it doesn’t take very long.
There’s something about a character like Kattigan making deadpan jokes that is too funny to me. It’s so interesting to see Robbie play a character that is the polar opposite of Dorian – who still has my whole heart. I’m definitely going to rewatch campaign three at some point. I have a lot of recent content to catch up with though. I haven’t even seen Jester and Fjord’s wedding yet.
A Soldier’s Rest
It will never not be funny that the three inch pixie is the damage dealer of the group. I too would want to stay close to her. Plus, having a pixie for a friend would be pretty cool.
When we first met Wick, I thought I would hate him, but he’s very quickly become a favourite of mine. The character growth he’s shown already has been pretty huge and we’re only on episode 11.
This may seem like a random thought but I’d love to see a Laura x Robbie romance purely because they’re both so naturally charismatic. I don’t think it would work in this campaign but could you imagine?
Even when playing a gruff, stoic man, Robbie’s character is again the most thoughtful at the table. What do you mean Kattigan made a knife for Tyranny that matches the pink of her skin.
I can’t wait to explore Tyranny’s backstory and character arc more. She’s definitely the most interesting so far, in my opinion.
Cooldown
The first table arc is officially over. It’s gonna suck not having these players for weeks on end. I love that they put most of my favourites on one table but it does mean I’m not as excited for the other tables. The Seekers do intrigue me, especially as I love Ashley so much and I’m excited to watch Matt play more, but sadly, the Schemers aren’t doing it for me yet.
Check out Young Creative Press on all socials
You can also check out my StoryGraph here
Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Review: Love Under Contract by Cassie Connor