WELCOME TO OUR FAQ!


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THE BASICS

What is Critical Role (the company)?

Critical Role began as a bunch of nerdy ass voice actors sitting around a table together as friends to create epic stories, but has since morphed into a full-fledged, 100% independent and creator-owned media company. We create collaborative, story-driven content through our original shows which have blossomed into other media such as comic book series, art books, and even an animated series!

Stay updated on all things Critical Role by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and our TikTok.

Learn more about our company values by visiting: critrole.com/community

We launched the Critical Role Foundation to leave the world better than we found it. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit works to distribute funds to a wide variety of local and international charities covering several topics near and dear to our hearts.

To learn more about how the Critical Role Foundation works visit: criticalrolefoundation.org

Darrington Press is our publishing company that focuses on bringing stories to your gaming table and unforgettable adventures into your heart.

Learn more about Darrington Press here and sign up for the Darrington Press newsletter at: darringtonpress.com

Wait…what’s a Critter and why do you all like bidets so much?

The Critical Role community has lovingly added many silly in-show moments and phrases into our everyday lexicon. Here are a few of the most commonly used phrases within the Critical Role community.

Critter – A Critter is quite simply a fan of Critical Role!
Bidet – Bidet is a greeting that was used by Grog (Travis) in Campaign 1 while attempting to say “good day.” Now, it is a way for Critters to greet one another. Check out that moment here.
Fun Scary – A term used to describe the character Laudna (Marisha) in Campaign 3. It describes a character that has a loveable personality but a frightening appearance. Check out that moment here.
Hello Bees – During Campaign 2, Jester (Laura) went on a bee tour where she happily (and continuously) greeted the bees. Check out the moment here.
How Do You Want to Do This? – This is the phrase Matthew Mercer rewards the party with when they defeat the enemy, which then allows the player who dealt the finishing blow to describe the move in great detail.
Is it Thursday yet? – A phrase often used to show excitement for the upcoming Critical Role episode that will always air on a Thursday.
Smiley Day – A greeting used by Fresh Cut Grass (Sam) in Campaign 3. It means “have a great day” or “hello” depending on the context.
You can certainly try – A saying commonly stated by Matthew Mercer to give the group permission to try a specific tactic.
WTF is up with that – A saying commonly used by Bells Hells in Campaign 3 to express disbelief with a situation or fact.

CRITICAL ROLE

What is Critical Role (the show)?

Critical Role is a weekly livestreamed RPG game set in Exandria, which is the world created by veteran voice actor and Game Master, Matthew Mercer. Each week, Matthew leads his friends (also fellow voice actors!) on epic adventures.

Our first campaign centered on the ragtag group of heroes known as Vox Machina in the continent of Tal’Dorei. Vox Machina consists of:

The first campaign ended in November 2017 after 115 episodes and 373 hours of gameplay (via Crit Role Stats).

 


The second campaign focused on the Mighty Nein who found themselves embroiled in conflict between the Dwendalian Empire and the Kryn Dynasty after beginning their adventures together in Wildemount. The Mighty Nein consists of:

  • Yasha, the Aasimar Barbarian (Ashley Johnson)
  • Beauregard, the Human Monk (Marisha Ray)
  • Mollymauk Tealeaf, the Tiefling Blood Hunter and Caduceus Clay, the Firbolg Cleric (Taliesin Jaffe)
  • Fjord, the Half-Orc Warlock (Travis Willingham)
  • Nott the Brave/ Veth Brenatto, the Goblin/Halfling Rogue (Sam Riegel)
  • Jester, the Tiefling Cleric (Laura Bailey)
  • Caleb Widogast, the Human Wizard (Liam O’Brien).

The second campaign ended in June 2021 after 141 episodes and 483 hours of gameplay (via Crit Role Stats).

 


The third campaign began on October 21, 2021 and focuses on the adventuring party known as Bells Hells. Campaign 3 is still in progress and takes place on the continent of Marquet. Bells Hells Consists of:

  • Fearne Calloway, the Faun Druid (Ashley Johnson)
  • Laudna, the Undead Warlock Sorcerer (Marisha Ray)
  • Ashton Greymoore, the Earth Genasi Barbarian (Taliesin Jaffe)
  • Chetney, the Gnome Blood Hunter (Travis Willingham)
  • Fresh Cut Grass (F.C.G.), the Automaton Cleric (Sam Riegel)
  • Imogen Temult, the Human Sorcerer (Laura Bailey) 
  • Orym of the Air Ashari, the Halfling Fighter (Liam O’Brien).

 

Learn more about the characters here.

Where can I watch Critical Role?

Critical Role airs on Thursdays at 7pm Pacific on Twitch at twitch.tv/criticalrole and YouTube at  youtube.com/criticalrole. You can also watch our rebroadcast streams at 12am and 9am Pacific the following morning on our Twitch channel.

Be sure to watch the livestream to participate in our moderated live chat and connect with fellow critters!

Our community has made a handy website, which makes calculating time zone differences easy, at wheniscriticalrole.com.

All legacy episodes of Critical Role (the entirety of Campaign 1: Vox Machina and episodes 1 through 19 of Campaign 2: Mighty Nein) are available via Geek & Sundry’s channels. All new episodes are available on Critical Role’s channels. We have created handy YouTube playlists (Campaign 1: Vox Machina || Campaign 2: The Mighty Nein || Campaign 3: Bells Hells) for you so that it’s super easy to find each of our episodes, and the video links have been posted here on critrole.com with viewing opportunities on at least one free-to-view platform.

Critical Role Twitch Subscribers and Critical Role YouTube Members will have access to Critical Role VODs immediately after the stream ends, custom emojis to use in comments/live chats, and special badges next to your name for comments/live chats. YouTube Members will also have access to member-only community posts where they will receive member-only updates and posts on our Community tab.

Critical Role VODs will be made available for everyone at 12pm Pacific on Mondays on the Critical Role YouTube channel.

Critical Role is also available as a podcast. Check out the PODCASTS section below for more information on how to listen.

Is Critical Role captioned?

Critical Role is captioned by an amazing team of editors and captions are used on both the live broadcast and on the VOD, thanks to episodes being pre-recorded. However, occasionally stream issues occur that cause captions to be unavailable or to fail during the stream. Check out how to enable captions on Twitch here.

Our captions go through an extensive captioning process for accuracy, which is important for a show that has a ton of interesting names and extensive lore. The process of finalizing captions can take some time based on the duration of our show, but if we ever encounter delays that prevent using final edited captions on our streams or VODs, we strive to have unedited captions in place until final captions are available. The YouTube description of each video is updated with which stage in the process the captions are at and any anticipated caption delays will be communicated in advance via our weekly programming schedule post Mondays at 10am Pacific on critrole.com.

Is Critical Role kid-friendly?

Our shows are intended for adult audiences and you may want to watch an episode or show first and then decide if it’s appropriate for the little ones in your life.

A note about content warnings

Due to the improv nature of Critical Role and other RPG content on our channels, some themes and situations that occur in-game may be difficult for some to handle. If certain episodes or scenes become uncomfortable, we strongly suggest taking a break or skipping that particular episode.

Your health and well-being is important to us and Psycom has a great list of international mental health resources here, in case it’s useful.

 

PODCASTS

What shows are available as podcasts and where can I listen?

Critical Role

Legacy episodes of Critical Role (the entirety of Campaign 1: Vox Machina and Campaign 2: Mighty Nein Episodes 1-19) are available via the Nerdist Industries podcast network (on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts)

Campaign 2: Mighty Nein episodes from episode 20 through the conclusion of the campaign at Episode 141 are available via the Critical Role podcast network on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever podcasting app you use.

Campaign 3: Bells Hells episodes are available via the Critical Role podcast network on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever podcasting app you use.

New episodes of Critical Role Campaign 3 are available on the Critical Role podcast network on a one week delay from the original airdate.

 


One-Shots & Mini-Series

One-Shots like The Search For Grog and Call of Cthulhu: Shadow of the Crystal Palace and mini-series like Exandria Unlimited are available via the Critical Role podcast network on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever podcasting app you use.

New episodes are available on the Critical Role podcast network on a week delay after the original  airdate.

 


4-Sided Dive

Episodes of 4-Sided Dive are available via the Critical Role podcast network on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever podcasting app you use on a one week delay from the original airdate.

 


Midst

Episodes of Midst are available for subscribers on Midst.co, the Critical Role YouTube Channel, or your favorite podcast streaming platform.

New Episodes air Wednesdays.

 


Candela Obscura

Candela Obscura episodes are available via the Candela Obscura podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or whatever podcasting app you use.

New episodes are available in podcast form on a one week delay from the original airdate.

 


All Work No Play and AWNP: Unplugged

All Work No Play and AWNP: Unplugged with hosts Sam Riegel and Liam O’Brien are available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, or whatever podcasting app you use.

New episodes are available in podcast form on a one week delay from the original airdate.

SUBMIT

Where do I submit my fan art for the weekly art gallery?

Every Thursday, we publish a gallery right here on critrole.com containing a selection of the incredible fan art submitted to us. To submit art for consideration for the weekly Critical Role art gallery, please use the form at  critrole.com/submit.

Where do I submit my cosplay for the monthly cosplay gallery?

The first Monday of every month, we publish a gallery right here on critrole.com containing some of our favorite cosplays submitted to us.

To submit your cosplay for consideration for the gallery, please fill out the form at critrole.com/submit and be sure to credit everyone who helped create the cosplay (aka makeup artists, prop makers, et al.) as well as the photographer.

MERCH

Where can I buy official Critical Role merch?

You can buy Critical Role products directly from the Critical Role online shops (United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia). Critical Role products are also available in local game stores that are members of the Darrington Press Guild. Find your nearest Darrington Press Guild store, here.

Officially licensed Critical Role products are also available through a growing selection of retailers. Check out all the goods linked below.

Specialty Partners:

  • Dark Horse Comics – Comic books, graphic novels, and art books
  • Funko – Pop! figures
  • Hot Topic – T-shirts, accessories, and more
  • McFarlane – Figures
  • Sideshow Collectibles – Statues, fine art prints, and more
  • Spencer’s – Drinkware
  • The Op Games – Puzzles, board games, and more
  • Wyrmwood – Tabletop gaming accessories

General Retailers:

  • Best Buy
  • Big Bad Toy Store
  • Books-A-Million
  • GameStop
  • Target
  • Walmart

What are the differences between the Critical Role online shops?

There are five Critical Role online shops in the US, the UK, EU, Australia, and Canada. Occasionally, we have items that are exclusive to one store or items that are variants between stores. These shops are set up in accordance with the standards and laws of these countries. For international orders, be sure to look into local Customs fees and processes that may affect your order.

How do I contact support for the Critical Role online shops?

You can contact our incredible support team for all of your shop-related questions and needs through our contact forms here: the US shop, the UK shop, the EU shop, the Australia shop, and the Canada shop.

ANIMATION

What is The Legend of Vox Machina?

The Legend of Vox Machina is our animated series which was made a reality thanks to the incredible Critters who backed the Kickstarter campaign in 2019. The series is based on the events of Campaign One of our Critical Role show and follows the rowdy adventuring party of Vox Machina.

Season 1 premiered January 28, 2022 through February 18, 2022 on Prime Video. Season 2 premiered January 20, 2023 on Prime Video with three new episodes releasing every Friday through February 10, 2023.

Watch The Legend of Vox Machina here!

Check out the official soundtrack for Season 1 by LVM composer Neal Acree and Scanlan Shorthalt’s musical minds, Sam Riegel and Mr. Fantastic! Listen here.

To join in the conversation, use #TheLegendOfVoxMachina and #LVMSpoilers on social media platforms.

BOOKS & COMICS

What is Vox Machina Origins?

We’ve partnered with the incredible team at Dark Horse Comics for Vox Machina Origins, our comic book series which tells the unseen story of how the adventurers who would one day be known as Vox Machina first came together. For a full-break down of all of the issues and collections that make up Vox Machina Origins, check out our article featuring all things Dark Horse, here.

What is The Mighty Nein Origins?

The Mighty Nein Origins is our series of graphic novels with our friends at Dark Horse Comics! Each volume focuses on the life of one of our Wildemount adventurers before they joined the Mighty Nein. For a closer look at the volumes and creative teams announced so far, as well as where you can order these fine tomes, check out our article featuring our entire Dark Horse collection, here.

What is The Tales of Exandria?

We’ve partnered with the incredible team at Dark Horse Comics for The Tales of Exandria, our comic book series which tells the stories of characters and locations of Exandria outside of the main campaigns. The first 4-issue mini series belonging to The Tales of Exandria focuses on the Bright Queen. For a full-break down of all of the issues and collections that make up The Tales of Exandria, check out our article featuring all things Dark Horse, here.

What is the Chronicles of Exandria?

The Chronicles of Exandria is our art book series that recounts the adventures of Vox Machina and the Mighty Nein through the curation of fan art created by the incredible artists in the Critter community.

Chronicles of Exandria, Volume I and Chronicles of Exandria, Volume II together tell the entirety of Vox Machina’s adventures as seen on the Critical Role stream.

For Chronicles of Exandria – The Mighty Nein, we teamed up with our friends at Dark Horse to put together an art book telling the first adventures of the Mighty Nein from the perspective of the Cobalt Soul Archivists using the notes of one Expositor Beauregard Lionett. This book comes in both a standard and deluxe edition. To learn more about the differences and where they can be ordered, check out our article featuring all things Dark Horse here.

Do you have any campaign books or adventure modules set in Exandria?

We do indeed! Our very own Matthew Mercer has written two campaign books to help you bring your own style of stories to Exandria!

The Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting, created for 5th Edition D&D and published by Green Ronin Publishing, allows adventurers to explore the continent of Tal’Dorei, the main setting of Vox Machina’s Campaign 1 adventures. Written by Matthew Mercer and James Haeck, the book provides a deep dive into the history, people, and places of Tal’Dorei and also features new backgrounds, magic items, and monsters.

Check in with your local bookstores and game stores to see if the Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting is available.

The Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, created for 5th Edition D&D and published by Darrington Press, expands upon the original Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting to encompass the impact of Vox Machina’s adventures and include pelnty of new goodies to play with. Tal’Dorei Reborn features writing and design by the talented team of Matthew Mercer, Hannah Rose, and James Haeck, with added contributions by Critical Role players Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Liam O’Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham as well as Exandria Unlimited Game Master Aabria Iyengar (you may just recognize a few elements from episodes of ExU) and the incredible John Stavropoulos. Tal’Dorei Reborn also includes four new subclasses as well as new magic items, creatures, maps, over a hundred new illustrations, and the answer to the oft-asked question — Who IS on the Tal’Dorei Council?

Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn is available now in Critical Role online shops (United StatesCanadaEuropean UnionUnited KingdomAustralia) and Darrington Press Guild stores. For more information, check out our Darrington Press announcement article here.

The Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount, created for 5th Edition D&D and published by Dungeons & Dragons, allows adventurers to explore on the continent of Wildemount, the same setting as the Mighty Nein’s Campaign 2 adventures. Written by Matthew Mercer, Chris Lockey, James Haeck, and James Introcaso, the tome contains four starting adventures, three new subclasses, new creatures, and magic items, as well as guides to Wildemount’s pantheon, factions, dunamancy magic and more! A team of incredible artists really brought the whole guide to life. For a list of everyone involved, check out our article here.

Get your very own copy of Explorer’s Guide to Wildemount through the Critical Role US shop, D&D Beyond, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Roll20 or your favorite local game or book stores.

Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, created for 5th Edition D&D and published by Dungeons & Dragons, contains seven chapters of thrilling adventure spanning 224 pages for characters levels 3-12, as well as new creatures, magic items, and NPCs. The adventure begins in Wildemount’s Wastes of Xhorhas and travels to the glimmering oasis city of Ank’Harel in Marqet, and finally to a realm of gloom, corruption, and sorrow known as the Netherdeep. Call of the Netherdeep is co-led by our very own Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer and D&D Principal Story Architect Chris Perkins, with additional contributions by James Haeck. Learn more about the book here.

Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep is available now in the Critical Role US Shoplocal book and game storesAmazonBarnes & NobleBooks-a-Million, and elsewhere. Digital versions of the book are also available via D&D Beyond and Roll20.

What is The World of Critical Role?

The World of Critical Role is our very first nonfiction book published by our friends at Penguin Random House. The book takes readers behind-the-scenes of how Critical Role went from a casual home game between nerdy voice actor friends, to an independent and 100% creator-owned company at the innovative forefront of collaborative storytelling. Written by Liz Marsham and the cast of Critical Role, this book features illustrations by Oliver Barrett and photography by Ray Kachatorian.

The World of Critical Role is available now. Order your copy now at criticalrolebooks.com

What is Kith & Kin?

Kith & Kin is our first novel published by our friends at Penguin Random House. The book tells a never-before-told story of Vex, Vax, and of course Trinket before the twins ever meet Vox Machina. The novel is written by Marieke Nijkamp and features cover art by Nikki Dawes.

Critical Role: Vox Machina – Kith & Kin is available now wherever books are sold. Order your copy or find a retailer near you at criticalrolebooks.com

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Where can I send gifts to Critical Role?

We are constantly in awe of the support and kindness we receive from our community and are truly so grateful for your generosity.

If you would like to send us a gift we kindly ask you to consider supporting the Critical Role Foundation.

Critical Role Foundation is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization that provides grants and support to several other nonprofit organizations that advocate for causes we are passionate about, rooted in the goal of leaving the world better than we found it. To learn more about our Critical Role Foundation, visit criticalrolefoundation.org.

Though we are so blown away by your thoughtfulness and support, we unfortunately cannot accept items that are sent in to be signed and returned back to you. Also, as much as we love perishable items (like doughnuts), they can be really tough to ship. We ask kindly that you only send non-perishable items.

Critical Role

3727 W Magnolia Blvd #817

Burbank, CA 91505

Where can I find Critical Role community sites?

There are many places on the internet where you can connect with other Critters, share your cosplays, chat about the latest episodes, and more. These spaces are not managed by Critical Role but instead by members of our community.

Here are a few of the most popular spaces to connect!

Discord
Facebook
Reddit

Also! We have several hashtags that can help you quickly search content from our Critter community. Here are a few of the most popular hashtags for Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.

#CriticalRole
#criticalrolefanart
#criticalrolecosplay
#crspoilers
#criticalrolespoilers

Can I come and watch the live show at the Critical Role studio?

Only cast and crew are allowed on set when shooting the show. This helps keep the cast and crew focused on doing their best.

How can I work for Critical Role?

Our LinkedIn page is the best way to stay up to date on opportunities to work with us.

How can I support Critical Role?

There are a variety of ways you can show your support for Critical Role — whether it be by telling your friends, buying a piece of merch from our US, UK, EU, AU, or CA online shops, or subscribing to our Twitch or YouTube channels. Whatever way you choose to support us is the best way. We are so happy to have you here in our community!

What is a YouTube Membership?

Become a YouTube Member starting at $4.99 USD a month to receive instant access to our VODs as well as access to a full set of custom emotes and loyalty badges designed by Arsequeef, Joanna Johnen, and Grace Berríos. Members also receive access to our member-only updates and posts on our Community tab.

Become a YouTube Member by visiting youtube.com/criticalrole/join.

What is a Twitch subscription?

Subscribe to our Twitch channel starting at $4.99 USD a month or through Prime Gaming (formerly known as Twitch Prime) to receive instant access to our VODs as well as access to a full set of custom emotes and subscriber badges designed by Arsequeef, Joanna Johnen, and Grace Berríos. Subscribers also gain the ability to post links in the chat.

Subscribe to our Twitch channel by visiting twitch.tv/criticalrole.

Website artist credits

Every day, we are so incredibly impressed and humbled by our amazing community — many of which create incredible art inspired by Critical Role. We have featured a few different pieces of art here on our site (with permission, of course!).

Ariana Orner: Our official Campaign 2 artist! You can check out her art in the footer on our website. Follow Ariana on Twitter at @ornerine.
Kent DavisPortrait of Doty on our Blog header. Check out the full version here and follow Kent on Twitter at @iDrawBagman.

How can I contact Critical Role?

You can reach out to us by using our contact form here. The handy drop down menu allows you to select the category of your message which include: advertising with us, press inquiries, business development, messages to the cast or if you have a general question not covered in our FAQ.


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