I have just finished watching Critical Role’s latest mini-series: EXU Divergence. This show sees the time period in which the gods leave Exandria and a few unlikely heroes make their way through a quickly changing world. With Brennan Lee Mulligan telling the story, and Matthew Mercer – the brain behind this world – being one of the players.
Putting aside the story itself, which was very good and had a lot of great moments. I liked all of the players involved in it, but I was particularly surprised by Alexander Ward, who I was not yet familiar with. His portrayal of a low intelligence but incredibly kind character was a joy to witness. But none of this prepared me for the emotional gut punch that was the ending to this show. Obviously there are spoilers ahead, so beware.
12 years ago, Matt Mercer hosted a D&D session for Liam O’ Brian’s birthday. Several of their friends came along and after running this game at home for a while, it eventually became a show at Geek and Sundry. They picked up where the story was already going, fully ignoring the fact that viewers wouldn’t have the context of the start of the campaign. They never thought it would turn into the massive success it has become today, so they didn’t really care much. I think that’s part of why the first campaign set in this world holds such a special place in my heart and that of many. It was really just a bunch of friends playing D&D. Not to say the newer seasons are bad – although I do prefer the first two – by any means, they just feel more produced because they are more produced. They’re still incredible tales with funny moments and lots of lore to unpack, but sometimes it’s more fun when it’s scuffed. It can add charm.
Fast forward twelve years, many of which Critical Role has been a show for, and we get to meet some of the mortal avatars of the gods of Exandria. Two of these are only revealed to us in the final moments of this miniseries. Matt’s character Garen – an ancient dwarf with a missing arm and a knack for hammering things – is involved in the creation of the town Stillbend, which is where the first campaign once started. When working there, he is visited by a friend presumed dead. Erro reveals that he didn’t die, but found out that he was actually the mortal avatar of the Platinum Dragon, one of the gods. He also reveals to Garen that he is the Allhammer, the creator of this world. How fitting is that! A character played by the creator of Exandria is the creator god of Exandria. Matt’s emotional response to this reveal is completely understandable.
With this story, Liam and Brennan crafted an incredible love letter to Matt and the world he lovingly shared with them all those years. I’ve mentioned before how I think Brennan Lee Mulligan is one of the most talented storytellers out here, and having him and Matt Mercer at the same table is like watching pure art being formed in front of my eyes. It’s the kind of fiction that gives me the urge to open up a word doc and start writing feverishly. I’ve gotten all sorts of ideas from watching this show, some of them not even bad. If you want to treat yourself to a treasure trove of content, please check out Critical Role. I recommend starting with season 1 if you like scuff, and picking up season 1 at the end of the first arc considering one of the players goes through some problems and it causes some uncomfortable episodes. Maybe skip those episodes, they’re not hard to miss. If you want a more produced story, start with season 2. Either way, you won’t be bored for a few years.
Creating a world is something special, and there are only a few lucky people who can turn the fantasy world they have in their mind into a breathing world that people interact with, stories are told in and magic happens. I think a lot of fantasy nerds are almost more into worldbuilding than storytelling. It’s no secret that Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings to justify all the lore he had created for Middle Earth. I find myself spending hours thinking of lore, politics, deities and magic systems for my own world. I’ve named all the continents in my story, even though we might not ever visit them. Us nerds really like being nerds, and if your fellow nerds can tell stories in your world that blow you away, that is the biggest gift that I can imagine. I love this silly game of Dungeons & Dragons and I’m ever glad I was introduced to it by one of my best friends. Thanks for reading.
Opal Kaharis 