“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” gives voice to characters tied to Vox Machina that were never in the spotlight. Some of these characters are allies, while others are enemies. Each story has a fascinating and engaging perspective that sheds light on a new piece Vox Machina’s story. Perhaps most intriguing are the three stories that bring voice to the voiceless NPCs.

“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” features stories from the perspective of the Sun Tree, Trinket the bear, and Doty the automaton. While the campaign featured moments of speech for Trinket and the Sun Tree through Keyleth’s spells, it wasn’t enough to really show off their personalities. These short stories give readers true insight into who these characters are and how they see the world.

In an exclusive interview with Temple of Geek, Martin Cahill, who penned the Sun Tree story, “Under Golden Boughs,” shared the instructions he was given to begin the writing process.

Martin Cahill Praises the Critical Role Wiki and Dani Carr as Key Sources

“Under Golden Boughs” author Martin Cahill revealed that initially he felt stuck, unable to begin the story. The editor told him, “We really want to capture, what is the Sun Tree story? And that can mean what it is to you. We want to hit the beats from the campaigns that we’ve seen the Tree in, but have fun, go nuts.” The lack of guardrails may have initially seemed like an obstacle, but what it did was give him the space to truly craft who the Sun Tree is.

Martin Cahill:

This is such an important voice. First of all, shout out to the Critical Role Wiki for all the folks who keep that updated; may the Dawnfather bless you, because that was such a resource. Of course, shout out Lore Keeper, Dani Carr. Who was very, very helpful and came in a bit later in the process, actually hitting the historical beats of Whitestone. What were the moments that led to the city and just making sure that all established canon and lore went into those guardrails.

Martin Cahill Reveals What Went Into Building the Personality of the Sun Tree

The Sun Tree has been a part of Exandria since the end of the Calamity era, when the Dawnfather planted it. It has stood as a symbol in the center of Whitestone. It symbolized peace and safety at one point before being seen as a beacon of hope after tragedy. The Sun Tree has borne witness to countless moments throughout Whitestone and Exandria’s history, always standing tall and sure. Cahill brings the Sun Tree to life from the moment it’s planted through many generations.

Martin Cahill:

I think there was a part of me that was very “Sound of Music,” the place to begin is at the beginning. Really watching the Sun Tree grow and take us through the whole of history to where it is now. I was given leeway with this because there’s no actual lore as to the Sun Tree and its personality or why it’s there. It was only ever established in canon that the Dawnfather planted it at the site where he and the Knowing Mistress had battled the Chained Oblivion and as a marker of peace restoration.

So, to me, it was, Where does the personality of this Tree come from? Obviously, it has its progenitor, but as we see in the story, there’s a certain terroir, a certain aspect of the earth itself, that it is feeding off of. It’s the blood of the Knowing Mistress. It’s the darkness of the Chained Oblivion. It’s the light of the Dawnfather. You put all that together; that’s kind of where the personality really started to come out. It’s also the centuries; it’s like a little baby. It doesn’t really know much.

What it knows, it only knows because it gains the ability to know things just from where it was planted. So once those things were established and I looked up the history of Whitestone and when did the de Rolos and all those folks come over from Wildemount, I was kind of off to the races. The good thing about a tree and the bad thing about a tree is that unless certain circumstances apply, it ain’t going anywhere. You do get this entity that can only really bear witness.

“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” Gives Voice to the Voiceless NPCs

Cahill brings the Sun Tree to life like never before. He incorporates iconic moments from the campaign. He even explains how the Sun Tree’s personality changes after the Briarwoods. Trinket and Doty are given similar treatment in their short stories. A cheekier side of Doty is featured, as is the automaton’s deep affection for Taryion. Trinket has always been a loving protector of Vex, but this is taken to the next level in his tale.

During Campaign 1, fans couldn’t have predicted that a bear, an automaton, and a tree could have three of the most profound voices. These are not the types of characters often highlighted in storytelling. Which is why “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is such an exciting read for Critters. Not only is there a deeper understanding of some of Vox Machina’s most infamous enemies and most loyal allies, but it also allows characters to shine that fans would never expect. The Sun Tree’s story brings true depth and character to what was once only a symbol.

“Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” is available for purchase now. Martin Cahill’s debut novella, “Audition For The Fox,” will hit shelves on September 16, 2025.