After her short break for the Exandria Unlimited The eight-part series Critical Role Campaign Three marks the return of the larger, sprawling campaigns the channel is known for. Matt Mercer (Overwatch, American father!) takes over his role as Dungeon Master after his brief stint as Dariax Zaveon and brings its elegant world structure and complicated storytelling back to the table. With just one episode in the books, things still start. While we may not yet know what the main reason the story is, we certainly have a ton of fun characters.
Campaign Three is set in a region called Marquet, a beautiful and varied continent made up of scorching deserts, tropical jungle and winding mountain ranges. Marquet brings us one of the most interesting places in the history of Critical Role: The bustling city of Jrusar, where our story begins, described by Mercer as “five towering mountains that reach up to the sky … a unique city connected by bridges and cables. “It is a truly independent metropolis that provides this campaign with a dynamic backdrop.
As for the party, well, they are made up of old faces and new faces. Some of the Exandria Unlimited (ExU) Cast back in search of Air Ashari’s head, Keyleth, who played a major role in the campaign as our new cast members bring their own problems to the table. Here is a full breakdown of the party.
Fearne Calloway
Ashley Johnson (The last of us) repeats her role as Fearne Calloway, a satyr-druid who was a delight during her time ExU. Fearne seems rather shy and shy, under her cool exterior Fearne thrives in chaotic moments and is incredibly protective of her allies. She travels with a ghost, Little Mister, who takes on the appearance of a little monkey and has spent a lot of time on it ExU torments Dariax.
Orym
Another critical role that comes from regularly ExU is Liam O’Brien (Star Wars rebels, League of Legends). He plays Orym, a halfling fighter who balances the group and often positions himself as the voice of reason when the group drifts into chaos with reckless abandon. Orym may not be the centerpiece of the party, but he’s definitely the one making sure there is still a life and soul to hold onto.
Dorian Storm
The enigmatic bard Dorian Storm joins Critical Role’s third campaign as a guest star, played by Robbie Daymond (Final Fantasy 15). Given how early he was introduced, there is speculation as to whether or not he will join the team full-time. One of the most personable members of the group who you will love as the players delve deeper and deeper into the secrets of Marquet.
Sir Bertrand Bell
The last of our recurring characters is Sir Bertrand Bell, played by Travis Willingham (Batman: Bad Blood, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
While the other players are level three, Bell was a level 18 fighter in the previous quest. It was agreed that after 30 years he’s gone back a little and he’s now a level 5 fighter, although he has advantages if he rolls on the initiative.
Imogen Tempult
The first character we saw during the new campaign and our first new character, Imogen Temult, played by Laura Bailey (Gears 5, The Last of Us: Part 2), is a human wizard. Unsure of the nature of her magic, she’s trying to figure out where it really comes from and what exactly it can do. Expect lots of unique skills and a backstory constantly revealed as we learn more ab out them over the coming weeks.
Laudna
A multi-class warlock / wizard played by Marisha Ray (Far Cry 5), we are not entirely sure what Laudna’s racial background is. While she looks like something out of a horror movie with her pale skin and jet black hair, Laudna is actually more relaxed and friendly. It’s safe to say that Laudna is more than you think and we are excited to see how the world will react to her. Will they be scared or will they see that they can’t judge a book by its cover?
Aston Greymoore
Ashton Greymore, a barbarian with a hole in his head, is played by Taliesin Jaffe (Stories from Arise, Street fighter 4). He has left the spring of his life far behind. We see him roll out of bed and look for beer, which tells you everything about his past. Ashton is friends with a tiny vending machine called Fresh Cut Grass, and is a home-brewed version of the iconic barbarian character class.
Freshly cut grass
A machine that believes it has no soul, Fresh Cut Grass or FCG, is certainly the most unique of the group. He is played by Sam Riegel (Star Wars: The Bad Batch). Similar to WALL-E and making do with metal scraps for food, FCG brings a happy and helpful attitude to every situation. He and Ashton look for clues about FCG’s previous party, which mysteriously disappeared.
When to see
You can watch Campaign Three of Critical Role every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. ET Pull out, with episodes posted on Youtube on Monday and as Podcast the following Thursday. There will be three mainline episodes each month, plus a bonus one-shot session of something completely different.