The Ultimate Guide to Critical Role Campaigns: Unveiling Hidden Connections, Epic Crossovers, and Key Differences

Beware! Spoilers ahead for Critical Role campaigns 1, 2, and 3!

The complexity and interconnectedness of Critical Role's campaigns are remarkable. The series follows the incredible journeys of Vox Machina, the Mighty Nien, and Bells Hells. This intricate web of stories is a result of Critical Role's unexpected growth, surpassing even the expectations of its creators. What began as a simple birthday one-shot for Dungeons & Dragons transformed into three captivating, live-streamed campaigns, boasting hundreds of hours of gameplay. Furthermore, the franchise has expanded to include comic series and soon-to-be-released animated shows. All of these works are set within the same universe, creating a rich and immersive world where every aspect is intricately intertwined.

9 Critical Role’s Campaign 1

The enthralling and captivating episodes of Critical Role transport viewers to the vibrant realm of Exandria. This vivid setting has been skillfully crafted by none other than the series' esteemed Dungeon Master, Matthew Mercer. Alongside him, a talented ensemble of voice actors, including Taliesin Jaffe, Marisha Ray, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Ashley Johnson, and Liam O'Brien, personify various characters throughout each campaign, embarking on thrilling adventures that leave audiences spellbound.

The journey commenced in 2015 when they first embarked on the captivating livestream series, which has captivated fans ever since. With nearly a decade's worth of stories unveiled, there is an extensive wealth of content for newcomers to delve into. To provide a glimpse into the astounding world that awaits, here's a brief overview of each campaign's essence.

Campaign 1 of Critical Role picks up with Vox Machina, a band of mercenaries, already knee-deep in their thrilling adventures. The courageous group consists of Vex, a skilled ranger, and Vax, a cunning rogue. Joining them are Keyleth, a member of the Air Ashari; Percy de Rollo, a nobleman living in exile; Pike, the devout cleric of the Everlight; Grog, a formidable Goliath barbarian cast out from his tribe; and Scanlan, a talented bard. As they navigate the treacherous paths of their quests, Vox Machina finds themselves facing formidable challenges such as avenging Percy's family against the murderous Briarwoods, vanquishing the beholder K'varn, proving their mettle to the Slayer's Take in Vasselheim, battling the dangerous Chroma Conclave, unearthing the mysterious Vestiges of Divergence, and preventing the malevolent god Vecna's return.

8 When & Where Campaign 1 Takes Place

7 How Campaign 1 Connects To Campaigns 2 And 3

Critical Role's first campaign unfolds in the captivating continent of Tal'Dorei, a prominent landmass within the expansive realm of Exandria. Within the narrative, the initial series spans a duration of two years, interlaced with a momentous leap in time from the year 810 to 812. Having transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, Tal'Dorei is now overseen by the Council of Tal'Dorei, under the protective watch of Vox Machina. Bursting with diversity and an array of remarkable locales, some noteworthy areas include the bustling capital city of Emon, the enchanting city of Whitestone, the charming villages of Westrunn and Stillben.

Campaign 1 holds a special significance for Critical Role as it establishes key world events and artifacts that have a lasting impact on the other properties. It follows a classic heroes-journey theme in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons. One notable element is the introduction of powerful artifacts called the Vestiges of Divergence, which also play a role in Exandria Unlimited. The emergence of the Chroma Conclave is another significant event that shapes the world of Exandria.

Moreover, Campaign 1 sets the stage for the exploration of two distinct settings: Wildemount and Marquet. These locations are further expanded upon in Campaigns 1 and 2. Furthermore, it introduces memorable characters who continue to make appearances throughout the series, adding depth and continuity to the narrative.

In summary, Campaign 1 intertwines with the Search for Grog, the Search for Bob, and Dalen’s Closet one-shot adventures, creating a rich and interconnected storytelling experience.

6 Critical Role’s Campaign 2

5 Where And When Campaign 2 Takes Place

Campaign 2 of Critical Role revolves around the Mighty Nein, a band of diverse individuals including Caleb Widogast, the skilled wizard, Yasha, the fierce barbarian, Nott the Rogue, Jester the cleric, Beauregard the monk, and Caduceus, the wise cleric. Unlike Campaign 1, this campaign leans more towards a militaristic theme as it delves into the intensifying conflict between the Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty, the latter being a realm inhabited by creatures considered more "monstrous". Additionally, Campaign 2 pays greater attention to the concept of divinity, a theme previously explored in Campaign 1 which now takes center stage as the Mighty Nein unravels the secrets of the betrayer gods, investigates corruption, and scrutinizes the Cerberus Assembly.

The setting of Campaign 2 of Critical Role is of utmost significance due to the escalating war between the Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty. Unlike Vox Machina, who had only heard of it, this time the story unfolds on the continent of Wildemount, located across the sea. Various key locations come into play here, including the Menagerie Coast, Nicodranas, Port Damali, the Greying Wildlands, and the Lucidian Ocean, which serves as a crucial backdrop for a significant campaign arc. In terms of timeline placement, Campaign 2 occurs approximately 20 years after the events of Campaign 1, unfolding over the span of one in-game year.

4 How Campaign 2 Connects To Campaigns 1 And 3

One of the significant connections between Critical Role's Campaigns 1 and 2 is the emergence of Wildemount as the birthplace of Percy's adversaries, the Briarwoods. This element becomes even more intriguing considering the Briarwoods' affiliation with the Cerberus Assembly, a powerful sect of archmages that offer guidance to the Dwendalian Empire. This association continues to play a role in Campaign 3. Moreover, Campaign 2 also introduces the introduction of moon lore, which has gained significance in Campaign 3. All the while, the presence of the Vestiges and the dragon threat, both essential aspects of Campaign 1, are also taken into account.

3 Critical Role’s Campaign 3

In Campaign 3, the captivating tale of Bells Hells from Critical Role continues to enthrall audiences. What sets this group apart is the inclusion of characters who were first introduced in Critical Role’s mini-series, Exandria Unlimited. Fearne the faun, Laudna the warlock, Imogen the sorcerer, Ash the barbarian, Fresh Cut Grass the cleric, Orym the fighter, Chetney the barbarian, and Dorian the bard make up this unique ensemble.

Unlike the previous campaigns, Campaign 3 delves into the gripping realm of mystery, unraveling a conspiracy surrounding the Apogee Solstice. This enchanting event holds sway over the leylines of Exandria, shaping the very essence of magic in the world. As the group delves deeper into their investigation, they encounter intriguing moon conspiracy theories introduced in Campaign 2.

2 Where And When Campaign 3 Takes Place

Critical Role's Campaign 3 unfolds in the captivating continent of Marquet, where Vox Machina delved deep into the mysteries surrounding Vecna's ascendance and cemented their bond with J'mon Sa Ord, the revered brass dragon who rules over Ank'Harel. Although the precise timeframe between Campaign 2 and Campaign 3 remains unspecified by Critical Role, it is evident that not much time has transpired, as the beloved characters from the previous campaign make appearances and continue their thrilling adventures. Notably, it should be noted that Campaign 3 transpires after the events of Exandria Unlimited, which commenced in the year 842. Prominent locations within Marquet encompass Jrusar, Aeshanadoor, and the treacherous Oderan Wilds.

1 How Campaign 3 Connects To Campaigns 1 And 2

Playing in a vast and interconnected world like Critical Role offers numerous benefits, one of which is the extensive buildup to the Marquet campaign. In Campaign 1, the beloved shopkeeper Shaun Gilmore originates from Marquet, and the members of Vox Machina had the opportunity to explore the continent to some extent. Campaign 3 introduces characters that were first introduced in Exandria Unlimited and features Bertrand Bell from The Search for Grog. Furthermore, characters from Campaign 1 have had significant interactions with those from Campaign 3, particularly due to Laudna's close ties to Whitestone. Additionally, characters like Fresh Cut Grass draw inspiration from the discoveries made by the Mighty Nein in Campaign 2.