Critical Role has crafted an intricate world that has spanned over a decade of creation. Through the original campaigns, novels, comics, and animated series, the world of Exandria has proven to be expansive. As well as one of the most impressively built fantasy worlds. “Critical Role: Vox Machina – Stories Untold” gave fans insight into the Non-Player Characters, aka NPCs, created by Matt Mercer. Now, they will be given that same insight into some of the most well-known NPCs of Campaign 2.
Campaign 2 of “Critical Role” follows an adventuring party known as the Mighty Nein. A ragtag group of misfits who no one would have chosen to become heroes. However, over the course of many adventures and through not only their love for one another but also a desire to help innocent people, they save countless lives and the world.
Fans have already learned more about these characters. Through both their graphic novels and the recently released animated series “The Mighty Nein.” But there is still much to be uncovered about their allies, enemies, and everything in between. “Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold” shares those answers. With insight into everything from Gods and powerful witches to pets and merchants. The tales woven in this series of short stories encompass not only another piece of the world of Exandria but also the mark that the Mighty Nein have left on it.
Fjord Is A Pawn In The Middle Of A Fight Between The Gods
Betsy Aoki’s “Fight For The Soul” is a conversation between a God and a demigod. Not a dialogue, but a conversation nonetheless. It provides insight into Fjord, Uk’Otoa, and the Wildemother; their connection with Fjord; and the journey he traverses between bargains and faith. The connection between Uk’Otoa and Fjord is deeper than expected and offers answers as to why the powerful demigod locked onto the young sailor so fervently.
Mike Chen captures Pumat Sol’s voice in “Respectfully” as an exploration of identity, finding one’s place in the world, and needing to feel useful. Especially in the wake of his short adventure with the Mighty Nein. Pumat is beloved, and this story brings nuance and depth to a performance that often encapsulates comedy through kindness and earnestness.
Kiri Callaghan’s “Delicious” is a standout in part because it perfectly sets up the Fjord and Jester wedding one-shot. It shows the aftereffects of Jester’s endlessly impressive cupcake trickery on Isharnai. While also further exploring her powers and the coven she later revealed. It’s dark, tragic, and terrifying in part because it shows the true impact of unexpected loss.
A Pivotal Moment In Essek’s Story Brought To Life By Dani Carr
Essek quickly became a fan favorite during the second campaign. Matt Mercer cautioned fans that he held a darkness that wasn’t fully portrayed in the story. However, “The Mighty Nein” animated series shows Essek’s darkness and conniving nature. Dani Carr’s “The Fall Will Kill You” is the bridge between these two versions of the character. Showing not just how the Nein impacted him, but also the spark that lit the good fans see in him now.
The comic “Super Weasel” by Chase K is an adorably hilarious take on Sprinkle and his thirst for adventure. “Tusk Love” fans will adore the final short story. It captures the second chance at love trope in the beautiful romantacy “The Ruby’s Gentleman” by Nadia El-Fassi, centered on Marion Lavorre and The Gentleman. The backstories of Astrid, Avantika, and Dairon are revealed as well. Astrid and Dairon in particular pull back the curtain on their perception of specific members of the Mighty Nein.
Critical Role has built a media empire on a deeply engaging and entrancing story in a revolutionary way. While the original campaigns are the touchstones that built the foundation of this world, it has moved far beyond what any of them could have imagined when playing together at home. “Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold” encapsulates so much of what makes the Mighty Nein stand out to fans. A darker tone and complicated characters with morally grey internal conflicts. The footprints that the Mighty Nein leave in the sand behind them resound throughout these tales.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold Is A Must Read For Critters
Each author brings something out in the characters they wrote for that deepens the understanding of these characters. It also shows how they have been shaped by their interactions with the Mighty Nein. Notably, this is a book that specifically relies on knowledge of the second campaign. While “The Mighty Nein” animated series has introduced characters that are featured in “Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold,” it fleshes out pieces of their stories that, at this point in the series, would be major plot and character spoilers.
“Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold” is a must read for “Critical Role” fans. Especially those who are partial to the misadventures of the Mighty Nein. Critical Role has once again brought in talented storytellers that don’t just understand the story they have told but also have their own piece to add to the puzzle. These short stories bring depth, complexity, nuance, and insight to these characters. And while they were already interesting, they can now be understood on a level like never before.
“Critical Role: The Mighty Nein – Stories Untold” is available for pre-order now and hits shelves August 11. The book includes stories written by Betsy Aoki, Kiri Callaghan, Dani Carr, Mae Catt, Mike Chen, Rin Chupeco, Nino Cipri, Nadia El-Fassi, and Chase K with a foreword penned by Taliesin Jaffe.
