“Critical Role” began with an unlikely group of adventurers that grew into some of the greatest heroes of Exandria. Later this month, Critical Role will be celebrating its tenth anniversary, and “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is the perfect way to begin. It is ten short stories from the perspective of NPCs, Non Player Characters, intertwined with Vox Machina. These stories reveal new aspects of the world of Exandria and the impact these heroes had on it. This book is not just a celebration of Critical Role or Vox Machina, but also of Matthew Mercer.
Celebrating Matthew Mercer’s Decade of Critical Role Storytelling
In the past, Mercer has expressed his joy when new voices expand upon the world he created. Be it comics, novels, or the EXU series. He has also explained that one of his favorite aspects of the animated series is the exploration of the NPCs. “The Legend of Vox Machina” has shed light on untapped stories and “Mighty Nein” will undoubtedly do the same.
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” encapsulates this with each story penned by a different author from the perspective of an NPC. These NPCs and the world of Exandria have been lovingly crafted by Mercer. Now, new creators have fleshed out their stories like never before.
A Window into The Allies of Vox Machina
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” follows a number of Vox Machina’s allies. Some of their stories show the impact Vox Machina had on them. Others offer a new understanding of a piece of Exandria. This includes the noble Sun Tree standing tall and strong for generations. It has witnessed the greatest of peace and joy as well as the harshest of tragedies.
Other stories follow Kaylie Shorthalt, Lady Kima, and Shaun Gilmore. Their stories reveal new insights and secrets through deep character studies. Critters who are besotted by a certain bear will be delighted to experience an all new adventure from Trinket’s perspective.
The Heart of Vox Machina’s Greatest Enemies
While Vox Machina’s allies are important, some of their enemies have had an even bigger impact. Kevdack’s story shows how his need for glory and greatness led Grog’s former herd to serve a dragon in Westruun. Raishan’s tale is steeped with desperation and arrogance as thick as the poison she spews. These are not villains who believe themselves heroes in the traditional sense. Instead, these stories show villains who care little for life beyond themselves and their desires.
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is For Campaign One Critters
The story of Vox Machina has expanded beyond the campaign with “The Legend of Vox Machina.” While fans of the animated series can enjoy some of these stories, this book celebrates campaign one. Characters that have not appeared in the animated series are front and center in “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” with Doty, Taryon, and Kynan Leore. Other stories harken back to distinct moments from the campaign that haven’t been included in the series.
Kaylie Shorthalt, Raishan, Kevdack, Craven Edge, and Shaun Gilmore short stories are perfect for “The Legend of Vox Machina” fans. Lady Kima’s story is set during a moment that is iconic in campaign one but hasn’t been a part of the animated series. The short stories that follow the Sun Tree and Trinket could potentially spoil moments from the end of the animated series. While these short stories can be enjoyed by any fans of Exandria, fans of campaign one will have an even deeper appreciation.
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” Celebrates Ten Years of Stories
Critical Role is a triumph in storytelling. It is a tapestry of world building that spans hundreds of hours. This includes three campaigns, a trilogy of mini-series, two animated series, comics, and novels. “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is the embodiment of what makes Critical Role great. Each short story is a love letter to the character it follows, Exandria, and Critters. The authors deeply understand the world they are playing in and offer something completely new for fans to discover. This book of short stories is the perfect way to celebrate the story that kicked off this incredible world that the cast has created.
While each story is a truly exciting and unique experience, “Under Golden Boughs” by Martin Cahill is transcendent. This one weaves together elements from the era of Calamity, unexplored history of Whitestone, the gruesome horror it fell to, and more. The story of the Sun Tree is masterfully crafted, even calling back to the iconic voice Mercer bestowed upon it in-game.
“Going On A Bear Hunt” by Sarah Glenn Marsh will have Critters falling even deeper in love with Vex’ahlia’s loyal companion. The story shows how Trinket sees the world, including his deep protective nature and love. “Shaun,” written by Aabria Iyengar, offers a deeper understanding of Shaun Gilmore, including pieces of his past and the man beyond the glorious magic wielder. Each story is a peek into the minds of iconic characters with tidbits of Exandrian lore that have never before been explored. This is a must read for every Critical Role fan, especially those who fell in love with Vox Machina.
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold”
“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is available for pre-order now and hits shelves March 4. The book includes short stories by Jess Barber, Martin Cahill, Rebecca Coffindaffer, Aabria Iyengar, Sam Maggs, Sarah Glenn Marsh, Rory Power, Nibedita Sen, Izzy Wasserstein, and Kendra Wells. Liam O’Brien wrote the foreword for “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold.”
