“The Mighty Nein” has made a number of changes to the storylines of Campaign 2. Fjord’s backstory is introduced immediately, the war is at the forefront of the story, and Yasha’s journey seems completely different. However, one of the most intriguing differences is Jester Lavorre’s relationship with the Traveler.
During Campaign 2 there was no question about whether or not the Traveler was real for the audience. When Jester interacted with him, Matthew Mercer as the Traveler would respond. Thus far that has not been the case in “The Mighty Nein.” Anytime Jester seems to be talking to the Traveler, she appears to be having a one-sided conversation with an empty space beside her.
Perhaps even more interesting is how the other members of the Mighty Nein dismiss his existence. All of this has led Jester to spiral. She doesn’t just have a crisis of faith but a moment of pure terror questioning her sanity. In an exclusive interview with Temple of Geek, Laura Bailey discusses this change and how it influences Jester’s journey in “The Mighty Nein.”
Jester’s Story Takes A Darker Turn In The Mighty Nein
Laura Bailey
“I just really love that we get to explore that little bit of self-doubt of going, “Oh my gosh, am I crazy? Did I imagine all this?” To realize this breakdown of, she’d already left the only little bit of world she knows behind, but then she’s also lost her pillar of strength in doing that. And I think her finding strength on her own and finding strength in people other than the Traveler is a really beautiful journey for her to go on.”
Jester had been perhaps the most sheltered of the Mighty Nein before the events of the series. Living with her mother in the Lavish Chateau. And although she longed for adventure and was lonely, she was loved and cared for. The Traveler seemed to appear when Jester needed him most as a child longing for company. However, now that she has people, he is nowhere in sight.
While her spiral is understandable, it also shows an interesting deviation in her early story. The Traveler not existing seems impossible to believe, especially in a world populated by individuals tied to Gods. The question becomes, where could she have learned her magic if not from him?
However, “The Mighty Nein” seems to be pushing Jester to find her strength outside of the Traveler. Because the Traveler hasn’t answered or helped, Jester has had to learn to rely on her new friends and use her own strength and wits. Whether or not the Traveler appears, he isn’t as central to Jester’s story, which somewhat alters her story in a very intriguing way.
The finale of “The Mighty Nein” premieres on Prime Video December 21 with the first seven episodes available now.
