Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST

Runtime	Break start
?h ?m	?h ?m

Episode 107: Title TBA

Previous Episode: "Unseelie Interrupted"

• CritRole Recap
• Episode Discussion
• YouTube VoD
• Alternate Front End VoD

Watch the second campaign on Twitch and YouTube any time you want!

Runtime	Break start
3h 54m	1h 33m

Episode 107: Devoutness and Dicks

The Mighty Nein (after spending some time on the island of Rumblecusp in anticipation for the coming preparations of Traveler Con) you discovered a people that lived here who had lost their memories over time and some seemingly ancient entity known as Vokodo (that had taken residence beneath the mountain). Upon learning about the different mysteries and dangers throughout, you discovered a cavern full of abandoned ships.
You fought dangerous creatures around and eventually went beneath the mountain itself to fight this Vokodo creature. You learned (as it was dying) of what it seemed to be fleeing from within the Astral Sea. You escaped the boiling waters with the treasure that you had accrued from its hoard and (it seemed) freed the people of Vokodo from this clouding fog that their memories from them.
As they returned, many of them realized who they once were and decided to return to their old life. Some chose to stay with the new life they had made here, nevertheless, a night of final celebration for the villagers of Vokodo (as the village that it once was) was brought forth around a large bonfire.
You all helped them into this final night. You saw some early arrivals to the TravelerCon event begin to try and find their place amongst the vicinity. After saying your bits before the next day, you went and crashed up in Vilya's room and went to bed.
As the warm temperature of the temperate island morning begins to creep into the chamber (the seaside moisture in the air itself sticking in a sweaty way to your skin) you begin to wake up, one by one, within the comfortable interior of the tree where Vilya had taken up residence as Viridian for quite some time.
As you glance out from the elevated portion of this tree, you look into the loose thoroughfare of this village that surrounds this central space. You can see there are people walking about (some folks that are going about their common day to day business within the village of Vo, some that have gathered things and are currently packing). What looks to be a group of individuals that are in the first batch of those leaving for the day. Vilya has already left; woke up before any of you did and is not in the chamber. You can see from above that she is currently gathering with those individuals, prepping them and making sure that everyone who is leaving today has everything they need (because it is a one way trip for them).

This summer has flown by! We launched Beacon, had some fun in our Discord with AMAs and Fireside Chats, playtested Daggerheart, released the final season of Midst, journeyed Moonward, saw the DOWNFALL of Aeor, introduced The Re-Slayer’s Take, AND got to see so many of you at our convention appearances and live shows! PHEW.

And we are JUST. GETTING. STARTED. with plenty more stories to tell this Fall! Here are all the exciting new releases coming your way this season!

September 9th

The Re-Slayer’s Take, Season 2

The Re-Slayer’s Take is back with more all-ages adventure in Exandria! Returning to the table are Game Masters, George Primavera and Nick Williams alongside our main cast Jasmine Bhullar, Caroline Lux, Jasmine Chiong, and Jasper William Cartwright! This season will also have some very exciting guests including Matthew Mercer, Alex Ward, Xander Jeanneret, Ashley Johnson, and Billy Boyd!

• In Season 2 of The Re-Slayers Take, the group discovers that, despite having defeated the Timberblight, their mission is far from complete. Issylra’s shadows are still haunted by more ghosts, including some from The Re-Slayers’ own past.

September 23rd

Fireside Chat LIVE with Ashley Johnson

The wonderfully sweet and incredibly talented Ashely Johnson is heading to the tavern for an exclusive Fireside Chat with our Beacon Bits!

• This Fireside Chat will stream LIVE on September 23rd at 7pm PACIFIC only on Beacon.
• All questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord.
• VOD will be available on Beacon immediately after the stream ends.

September 30th

Tales From The Stinky Dragon

We are excited to announce that we’re welcoming Tales From The Stinky Dragon to Beacon! Join the amazing former Rooster Teeth crew including Game Master Gustavo Sorola and players Barbara Dunkelman, Chris Demarais, Jon Risinger, and Blaine Gibson for the much-anticipated Campaign 3 of this beloved family-friendly D&D podcast!

A team of trained soldiers is caught in the middle of a war between distant deities and under-dwelling devils. As they turn the tide of this celestial crusade, a voice beckons them from the beyond—destiny or doom?

• Campaign 3, Episode 1 of Tales From The Stinky Dragon will premiere on Beacon and the Tales From The Stinky Dragon Patreon on September 30th at 12am PST.
• Campaign 3, Episode 1 of Tales From The Stinky Dragon will premiere on your favorite podcast streaming platform and the Tales From The Stinky Dragon YouTube on October 2nd.
• New episodes will follow every other Monday at 12am PST.
• Beacon Members and Patreon Members will receive episodes 48 hours early and have access to the exclusive Tales of the Stinky Dragon bonus show, Second Wind, where they go behind-the-scenes and deep dive into the latest episode.
• Second Wind will be released in between episodes of the series every other Monday at 12am PST

October 3rd

The Legend of Vox Machina, Season 3

Season Three of The Legend of Vox Machina is coming to Prime Video on October 3rd!

You can watch the trailer right now but TLDR – shit gets REAL. To celebrate this kick-ass new season, we’ll be hosting a Season 3 Cocktail Party LIVE on October 4th and two roundtables in a new show we’re calling Insight Additions where we can discuss all the intricate, behind-the-scenes details with you all!

Everything is at stake in the long-awaited Season Three of The Legend of Vox Machina. The Chroma Conclave’s path of destruction spreads like wildfire while the Cinder King hunts down Vox Machina. Our lovable band of misfits must rise above inner (and outer) demons to try and save their loved ones, Tal’Dorei, and all of Exandria.

• Season 3 Cocktail Party will air on October 4th on Beacon, YouTube, and Twitch.
• Insights Additions #1 will discuss Episodes 1-6 of Season 3 and it will air on October 15th at 7pm PACIFIC on Beacon, YouTube, and Twitch. The VOD will be available October 17th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube.
• Insights Additions #2 will discuss Episodes 7-12 of Season 3 and it will air on October 29th at 7pm PACIFIC on Beacon, YouTube, and Twitch. The VOD will be available October 31st at 12pm Pacific on YouTube.

October 9th

MIDST: Unend

OH. Did you think Midst was over? There’s still a whole cosmos to explore out there dear listener…From the incredible minds of Third Person (aka Xen, Matt Roen, and Sara Wile from Moonward & unreliable narrators of Midst), the audio drama UNEND will premiere October 9th on Beacon, Midst.co, your favorite podcast streaming platform, and the Midst YouTube Channel.

We have A LOT more information to share about this audio adventure. But since you’re already reading this article…here is an exclusive first peek of what it’s about!

Several decades after the events of MIDST and Moonward, a supernatural ship and a remarkable crew set forth on an expedition to explore the highest heights, deepest depths, and furthest reaches of the known cosmos. But their journey is fraught with peril as they discover truths and realities far stranger than any of them could ever have imagined.

• The Official Series Trailer will be released on September 25th!
• Episode 1 will be available on October 9th at 10am PACIFIC on the Midst YouTube Channel and 5am PACIFIC on your favorite podcast streaming platform.
• Beacon Members, Fold Members, and Podcast Subscribers will receive the first three episodes of UNEND on October 9th at 5am PACIFIC and remain two weeks ahead of the free feeds.
• New Episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays in the MIDST-LE of the week.

Narrative Telephone

The beloved Narrative Telephone returns in a refreshed monthly series! Originally a way to keep telling stories together when we couldn’t be at our table, we still loved the chaotic yarns that unfurled as we told and retold one another’s tales.

Much like the game of telephone we all played in elementary school, Narrative Telephone involves a group of friends telling and re-telling a short story from one person to the next; with only their memory and improvisational skills to help them recount what they heard. As the story inevitably changes and distorts it becomes more and more outlandish and hilarious. They then gather to watch the results and react, comment, commiserate, and joke about the chaos that ensues.

• The first episode will air October 16th at 12pm PACIFIC on Beacon and will be released on the Critical Role YouTube Channel two weeks later.

Fireside Chat LIVE with Travis Willingham

Our guiding force and CEO Travis Willingham is making his way to a Fireside Chat with our Beacon Bits!

• This Fireside Chat will stream LIVE on October 21st at 7pm PACIFIC only on Beacon.
• All questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord.
• VOD will be available on Beacon immediately after the stream ends.

Special Annoucement for 2025!

Next year is the 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRITICAL ROLE! We couldn’t be more grateful for you critters and the endless support you have shown us this past decade and we can’t wait to kick things off with some very exciting news.

Be on the lookout in late October for more information!

Critical Role Presents:

A Daggerheart Critmas Story LIVE

Watch Daggerheart played LIVE for a special Critmas one-shot at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ on December 7th – just across the bridge from downtown Philadelphia!

Game Master Matthew Mercer will lead players Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, and Marisha Ray through an exciting live actual play of Daggerheart with the spectacular Lenore Riegel (aka Momlan) serving as our Master of Ceremonies.

This will be a standalone Critmas themed one-shot with a new setting and characters determined during a Session Zero (which will drop ahead of the live show) using the final Daggerheart game rules.

VIP ticket holders will get to be a part of a 45-minute preshow where the cast will finalize their Session Zero and YOU can contribute suggestions that could affect the story and game ahead of the main show!

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

The Re-Slayer’s Take, SEASON 2

Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.

• Episode 1 releases Monday, September 9th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Episodes 1-3 release Monday, September 9th at 5am Pacific only on Beacon.

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 21 releases Tuesday, September 10th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 21 Podcast out Tuesday, September 10th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Campaign 3, Episode 43 releases Tuesday, September 10th at 10am Pacific on Beacon

Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 107

Bells Hells continue on their adventure…

• Airs Thursday, September 12th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Thursday, September 12th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Rebroadcasts Friday, September 13th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
• VOD out Monday, September 16th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
• Podcast out September 19th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 107

Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 107! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.

• Releases Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon

While the Demure trend still has some momentum, I put together this little tribute with the base being the amazing piece by yghiilra.

"Don't you mean dem-'yure?"
Braius:"No."

Also keep an ear out for the completed release of the Demure Remix

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 20 releases Tuesday, September 3rd at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 20 Podcast out Tuesday, September 3rd on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Campaign 3, Episode 42 releases Tuesday, September 3rd at 10am Pacific on Beacon

4-Sided Dive, Episode 27

Discussing Up to Campaign 3, Episode 105

Join Travis Willingham, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Laura Bailey as they discuss complicated gods, Ludinus’s plans, newly found freedoms, and their thoughts on character development!

• Airs Tuesday, September 3rd at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Tuesday, September 3rd at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• VOD out Wednesday, September 4th on YouTube at 12pm Pacific
• Podcast out Friday, September 6th on your favorite podcast streaming service

MOONWARD: A Midst Roleplaying Story

Join our three Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for an extra special episode of Midst Messages as they create their characters for Moonward!

• Session Zero will be available on Wednesday, September 4th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
• Session Zero will be available on Wednesday, September 4th at 10am Pacific on Midst.co

Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 106

Bells Hells continue on their adventure…

• Airs Thursday, September 5th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Thursday, September 5th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Rebroadcasts Friday, September 6th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
• VOD out Monday, September 9th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
• Podcast out September 12th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 106

Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 106! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.

• Releases Thursday, September 5th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon

cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/16578038

Penguin Random House Link

Uncover the lost years of Critical Role’s unrelentingly upbeat undead spellcaster in this original prequel novel to Laudna’s adventures with Bells Hells.

Written by USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw, Critical Role: Bells Hells—What Doesn’t Break delves into the unexplored years before Laudna joined up with the crew of Bells Hells, chronicling her departure from Whitestone and her solo adventures on the road to Jrusar.

Audiobook Read by Grey Delisle, Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey and Robbie Daymond

For as long as she can remember, Laudna has had a friend. A mentor. A little voice whispering in her cropped ear, promising that, no matter how monstrous she becomes or how far she wanders, there will always be someone to guide her.

And so, Laudna is content.

But the thought of more—of life, of love, of the magic stirring in her still veins—is unrelenting in its familiarity. More is the dream of the young girl trapped behind the bloodstained walls of Whitestone, and the nightmare of the woman who now stalks the woods outside them. More, Laudna’s little voice reminds her, is dangerous. From Tal’Dorei to Marquet, the world is infested with heroes destined to rid their kingdoms of creatures like Laudna.

The little voice is right, she knows.

But still, she thinks of more. And when she reaches for that dream, what reaches back will change everything.

Event info

Details

Critical Role Presents: A Daggerheart Critmas Story LIVE
Saturday, December 7th 2024 at 7:30 PM EASTERN
Presale for Beacon members starts Thursday, September 5th at 8:00 AM PACIFIC
General Tickets available Friday, September 6th at 8:00 AM PACIFIC

Watch Daggerheart played LIVE for a special Critmas one-shot at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ on December 7th – just across the bridge from downtown Philadelphia!

Game Master Matthew Mercer will lead players Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, and Marisha Ray through an exciting live actual play of Daggerheart with the spectacular Lenore Riegel (aka Momlan) serving as our Master of Ceremonies.

This will be a standalone Critmas themed one-shot with a new setting and characters determined during a Session Zero (which will drop ahead of the live show) using the final Daggerheart game rules.

VIP ticket holders will get to be a part of a 45-minute preshow where the cast will finalize their Session Zero and YOU can contribute suggestions that could affect the story and game ahead of the main show!

Tickets

Presale for Beacon members begins Thursday, September 5th at 8am Pacific. Please note that you must be a paid member to receive a presale code; a free trial does not include access to live event presales. To guarantee access to the presale, you must sign up for a monthly or annual membership no later than Tuesday, September 3rd at 11:59pm Pacific.

A unique presale code will be delivered to Beacon members via email on Wednesday, September 4th. If you do NOT receive a presale code by 3pm Pacific please first check your spam/junk folders, otherwise, you can email our incredible support team at support@beacon.tv.

If you miss the presale, don’t worry, we’ll have tickets available for everyone the very next day on Friday, September 6th at 8am Pacific.

Here is some extra information about our Ticket Tiers!

• $75 Standard Tier
• $100 Standard Tier
• $150 Standard Tier
• $250 VIP 3 Tier
  • Enjoy early access to merchandise, a 45-minute VIP Pre-Show, and a premium seat in the pit. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity for an unforgettable event experience!
• $300 VIP 2 Tier
  • Experience an incredible night out with this VIP Package! Enjoy early access to merchandise, a 45-minute VIP Pre-Show, and a premium seat in the first 5 rows for the best view in the house!
• $450 VIP 1 Tier
  • Unlock the ultimate VIP experience with early access to merchandise, a 45-minute VIP Pre-Show, and premium “box suite” seating. Enjoy access to a private VIP lounge, front-of-line entry, a dedicated hospitality host, and in-seat merchandise delivery. Plus, receive a complimentary Critmas goodie for an extra touch of festivity. This package ensures a night of unparalleled luxury and comfort!
  • For the first time ever we’ll be offering group packages where you’ll get an entire private box suite for you and your friends with groups of 4 or 6. Otherwise individual tickets in the VIP 1 tier will be in a shared suite with other VIP attendees and listed perks. If you have any questions you can reach out to ticketmaster for more information.

Critical Role's Liam O'Brien talks the tragedy and cosmic horrors of 'Moonward,' teases the crew's next big publishing moves

by Cheryl Teh

Critical Role's new podcast, "Moonward," is a wild, four-episode dive into cosmic horrors.
"Moonward" builds on the "Midst" podcast, which Critical Role acquired in 2023.

It's now all but official that Critical Role is in its expansion era.

Once best known for the show where eight nerds played "Dungeons & Dragons" on Twitch, the business has now grown, with an aggressive push into podcasting and publishing, including novels and comics slated for release well into 2025.

CR also has two Amazon-backed animated series in the works, one of which will premiere on October 3. Through its games publishing arm, CR released a major role-playing game "Candela Obscura" last year and just rounded out its open beta for its new gaming venture, "Daggerheart."

CR rolled out "Moonward" in August, a spinoff of the company's 2023 acquisition of the "Midst" audio drama. In "Moonward," CR cofounders Liam O'Brien and Marisha Ray step into the space Western-style, cosmic horror narrative that Xen, the narrator of "Moonward," wove to explore the ruins of a fallen moon.

BI sat down with O'Brien and Xen to talk about the new podcast venture and what comes next.

INTO DARKNESS

"Midst," the podcast series that "Moonward" builds upon, was originally created by Xen, Matt Roen, and Sara Wile. Critical Role acquired "Midst" in 2023, and "Moonward" is just one part of a larger story.

Spoiler alert: In the podcast's third and fourth episodes, O'Brien's character, Walden Orlock, contends with a boatload of personal trauma. But the series ends on a hopeful note, as Orlock, piloting his spaceship, manages to help get Wile's character back to the relative safety of the planet of Midst.

Orlock, who O'Brien describes as a "nice, grumpy bear," was a homage to some of the men in his family. And the inside of Walden's spaceship was a tribute to the Burning Man community, of which O'Brien considers himself a "junior member."

"The most in-depth characters I've done on our channel are really just exploring things about my life," O'Brien said. "I love fluff. I certainly love romps, fun, and light stuff, but if anyone is familiar with my past work, I like cracking open the coconut and seeing what's in there."

And unlike CR'susual "Dungeons & Dragons" games, the narrative control in Midst didn't rest on dice rolls. As the lead narrator, Xen gave all the players the license to choose when to fail.

"Moonward" listeners will also hear Xen create the soundscape for the podcast live with their guitar and other instruments. And they'll hear Xen play the role of the enigmatic non-player character, Mother Trauma.

"There's something wonderful to me about a kind of haunted therapist who is borderline inhuman," Xen said. "Possibly some kind of potentially undead person — but he's also a mental health professional and a guidance counselor."

AND BEYOND

CR's acquisition of the "Midst" podcast doesn't just mean there'll be more of Xen, Roen, and Wile's content — there's also a series of upcoming comics set in the "Midst" universe that are rolling out soon.

Each comics issue will be a stand-alone "Midst" story, Xen said.

"We've always been pretty adamant that 'Midst' is and has always been more than just a podcast," Xen said. "We're still exploring new ways to expand that cosmos."

O'Brien, too, tells me that he's been doing a lot of "reading behind the scenes." Each of CR's eight co-founders has their own focuses, he said, and he's been helming the company's push into book publishing and graphic novels.

"Critical Role: Vox Machina — Stories Untold," for one, is an anthology scheduled for release in March, and O'Brien wrote the foreword.

"We hope to get into original, brand-new things that have nothing to do with a table or dice," O'Brien said. "And it's all just different flavors of storytelling. And I love filling my days with it."

Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Matthew Mercer, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham make their first apearance at AnimeNYC and discuss everything going on in Critical Role Land with a fireside chat and short Q&A.

youTube VoD

alternate front end VoD

Timstamps ᕕ( ᐛ)ᕗ

• 00:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
• 00:01:17 - Guidelines for Q&A Session
• 00:04:33 - Anime NYC Experience
• 00:07:18 - Character Dynamics in Voice Acting
• 00:14:37 - Sam's New Role in Bells Hells
• 00:16:54 - Taliesin on Chronic Pain Representation
• 00:18:53 - Marisha on Adaptation Challenges
• 00:20:13 - Neal Acree's Score
• 00:22:11 - Fearne's New Look
• 00:24:17 - Q&A Session Begins
• 00:27:50 - Matt Mercer's Role in FF7
• 00:31:42 - Character Mindset Techniques
• 00:37:39 - Improv Tips for Actors
• 00:39:59 - Importance of Listening
• 00:40:55 - Audience Q&A: Presidential Campaign
• 00:42:03 - Mother's Influence on Dreams
• 00:43:40 - D&D Renaissance Impact
• 00:46:42 - Future of D&D Campaigns
• 00:51:52 - Finding the Right D&D Group
• 00:56:54 - Excitement for Critical Role's Future
• 00:58:44 - Final Thoughts and Announcements

Twitter Link to video

&

YouTube VoD

Heroscape: Age of Annihilation: Woll vs Mercer

(youTube VoD)

Here's a nice little video while we have a week without a new episode.

Matt still has pieces from the original Heroscape game (as mentioned in the video) and notes how they are easy to use in other rpg campaigns, too.

DAW (Deborah Ann Woll) is awesome and I will always encourage folks to learn more about her other projects. She's very passionate about the power of imagination and fantasy role play in a consistently wholesome way.

Here is her recent interview on Keeping it Real in Hollywood for a more broad background picture on the actor and here is the playlist for Children of Éarte, Deborah's own personal Live Play TTRPG game.

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

The Re-Slayer’s Take

Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.

• A brief message from Nick and George on Monday, August 26th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 19 releases Tuesday, August 27th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 19 Podcast out Tuesday, August 27th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Campaign 3, Episode 41 releases Tuesday, August 27th at 10am Pacific on Beacon

MOONWARD: A Midst Roleplaying Story

It’s the epic finale of Moonward! Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst.

• Episode 4 releases Wednesday, August 28th at 10am Pacific on the Midst Podcast YouTube Channel
• Episode 4 Podcast out August 28th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST

Runtime	Break start
4h 12m	2h 11m

Episode 105: Collecting Legends

Last we left off, Bell's Hells recently returning from the ruins of Aeor to find the western encampment in the Hellcatch (Valley outside of the Malleus Key) had been overrun and destroyed. You fled to Vasselheim to catch up with Keyleth, and the survivors of that incursion. Many of the movers and shakers of Exandria have been gathered to Vasselheim to discuss and decide what is to be done here in the rapidly approaching crux of Ludinus and the Vanguard's plan as the impending (some sort of incursion or straight up invasion of the Ruidus folk) and the Weave Mind's armies gather here onto Exandria proper.
You were present for a number of arguments and discussions here in the Platinum Sanctuary of Vasselheim, where you presented (upon prompting) the information that you had uncovered both upon the moon and some of the other dangers, such as the information that Ludinus may have uncovered in the ruins of Aeor. After stepping away for the evening, you were brought by Keyleth to the Birthheart (one of the most holy places of the Wildmother) where Orym had a true communion with one of the Pantheon. Upon which was granted a legendary enhancement to Seedling, the blade that carries his past and his hope. After an evening's rest (some weird games of Spin the Bottle) and a brief bout of oversleeping, you caught up to a handful of loose allies that wished to forge a plan to present to the forum of all these gathered dignitaries, generals, and political leaders. In meeting with them, you presented the specifics of what you found (what your worries may be, the strengths of your knowledge, the strengths of your connection to Ludinus and his plan) and a plot was hatched. Not to fight through each barrier to get to him, but through the loohole of this singular portal you uncovered, a back door to the Red Moon of Ill Omen, to strike all three points at once.
Thus with this plan, semi-forged and ready to be presented for approval to the rest of Exandria, you begin to exit the Trial Forge. At which point, a familiar and strangely daydream-like psychic incursion takes Imogen's focus. As she finds herself pushing through the red dust of her lifelong recurring nightmare, scattered past and reversed to the green wind-tossed fields of the Taloned Highlands. Where, in this vision, her mother has come to her.
"Imogen, are you okay?"

Previous Episode: "The Cradles' Convocation"

• CritRole Recap
• Episode Discussion
• YouTube VoD
• Alternate Front End VoD

I love how excited they were immediately when they saw crayons.

The cast talks about The Legend of Vox Machina and Mighty Nein animated series. Nothing new, really. Same talking points as their other SDCC appearances, but I love looking at their art.

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

The Re-Slayer’s Take

It’s the Season 1 Finale of The Re-Slayer’s Take! Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.

• Episode 12 releases Monday, August 19th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• A message from George Primavera and Nick Williams on Monday, August 19th on Beacon

Fireside Chat with Taliesin Jaffe

Join us in the tavern for a monthly Ask Me Anything (AMA) series where you can sit down with us and learn more about our Critical Role cast and guests! Questions will be curated directly from Beacon members via Discord and each episode will feature a different cast member for a 30-60 minute fireside chat. Cozy up by the fire and enjoy the deep dive with us!

• Starts Monday, August 19th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 18 releases Tuesday, August 20th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 18 Podcast out Tuesday, August 20th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Campaign 3, Episode 40 releases Tuesday, August 20th at 10am Pacific on Beacon

MOONWARD: A Midst Roleplaying Story

Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!

• Episode 3 releases Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific on the Midst Podcast YouTube Channel
• Episode 3 Podcast out August 21st on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Episode 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific on Beacon
• Episode 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 21st at 10am Pacific Midst.co

Critical Role: Campaign 3

Episode 105

Bells Hells continue on their adventure…

• Airs Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Rebroadcasts Friday, August 23rd at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
• VOD out Monday, August 26th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
• Podcast out August 29th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Role Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 105

Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 105! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.

• Releases Thursday, August 22nd at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon

The Puppy Roll can be seen live on August 20th, 2024 from 6-10 pm Pacific. It will be available to view live on Anjali Bhimani’s YouTube page or on the Tiltify donation page.

Forbes Article

by Rob Wieland

Dungeons & Dragons can tell all sorts of stories. It can tell the story of heroes rising against evil, of scoundrels scrtaching out a better life or even the fall of an empire. On Tuesday, August 20th, it will tell the story of good dogs.

The Puppy Roll brings together Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Baldur’s Gate), Ashley Johnson (Critical Role, The Last of Us), Aabria Iyengar (Critical Role, Dimension 20), Maggie Robertson (Resident Evil, Baldur’s Gate) and Emily Swallow (The Mandalorian) to play a fantasy adventure as their real life dogs. Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Critical Role) will serve as the Dungeon Master for the event.

Bhimani concieved the event from two main sources. The first was the love of her own dog Charley and the chance to play him as part of the Kickstarter that raised funds for her book I Am Fun Size, and So Are YOU!: Thoughts from a Tiny Human on Living a Giant Life. The second was a puppy encounter on the ASTRAS red carpet sponsored by Petco Love.

While putting together the event, Bhimani initially considered using Realms of Pugmire as the game system. Created by Eddy Webb, this role playing game tells the story of a kingdom of dogs that’s risen up long after the disapparance of man. Bhimani opted for something a bit more light hearted in the end.

“I love Pugmire but didn’t want to deal with the potential of characters based on our dogs dying,” said Bhimani.”I wanted to keep things relatively light hearted for this stream. Plus, I wanted to come up with puzzles and traps that dogs might face in real life like opening a door without having any thumbs.

”The Puppy Roll benefits Petco Love, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets and pet owners. The nonprofit supports adoption centers around the world, helps owners find affordable veterinarian care and reunites owners with thier lost pets. The foundation, which began in 1999, has donated over $400M to these causes over the past 25 years.

Petco Love Lost is a massive photo database of lost pets. It uses photographic matching technology to connect potential matches between photos uploaded by pet owners and by ones uploaded by people who have found strays in the wild. It uses the power of the Internet to increase the odds of bringing a pet home to the family that loves it, going above and beyond fliers posted around the neighborhood.

Bhimani also plans to use the power of her platform to find some homes for new pets. She’ll be using pictures of dogs currently housed at shelters as NPC portaits during the game. Hopefully, viewers will be enticed to bring home the shadowy dog in the corner giving out the mission or the grumbling guardian of the dungeon door.

Fans can donate ahead of the livestream to unlock items for the puppies such as gear, spells and “insPAWration” to help out with dice rolls. Bhimani will be joined by author Jonathan Graziano, whose book Noodle & The No Bones Day became a viral sensation in 2022. The event is targeting $10,000 dollars as the main fundraising goal.

Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST

Runtime	Break start
4h 33m	1h 51m

Episode 104: The Cradle's Convocation

Bell's Hells, after trekking to the ruins of Aeor, had an encounter with Ludinus Da'leth himself (during which he showed visions of the fall of Aeor in hopes of expressing the dubiousness of the great deities that are considered the prime beings of law and morality in this world).
After trying to convince you to join him and the Vanguard in their interests, you combated his outlook and also each others' (with some internal strife in communication), after which Laudna's own dark passenger was triggered. Thus battle ensued with a Delilah-possessed Laudna. You defeated her and (while she was reduced within) used the soul anchor (that you had taken from the ruins) and successfully completed a ritual with Essek's help that bound Delilah into the stone which was then bound within you (Laudna), reversing the power dynamic between you and Delilah.
After you went to go meet up with the Voice of the Tempest and the rest of the troop that was waiting on the western encampment within the Hellcatch Valley. You arrived to find it in ruin, still smoldering. The fallen stone being picked through by Reilorans and Vanguard soldiers alike. With rapid reaction, teleporting to Vasselheim. There you were able to maneuver through the city, climb the stairs that lead to the Platinum Sanctuary (where it seems a lot of dignitaries from around Exandria are gathering, along with their compatriot armies and protectors).
Upon arrival, Essek had to say his goodbyes, for there was tenuous relations with some other figures that were present. Upon arriving here on the outskirts of this crowd that had gathered in the central forum of the Platinum Sanctuary, you were trying to push through to get a good view.
You saw people from all over Exandria here. You saw within Vasselheim itself:

• The Highbearer Vord
• The Earthbreaker Groon
• The Holy Curator
• The High Hierophant
• The Coven of the Veil of the Matron of Ravens
• J'mon Sa Ord, the leader of Ank'Harel
• Keyleth, Voice of the Tempest
• Empress Leylas Kryn of the Kryn Dynasty of Xhorhas; The Bright Queen
• Gavis Aranda from the Chandei Quorum of Jrusar
• Guardian Tofor Brotoras from the Council of Taldorei
• Mythmaker Qi Mendozi
• Allura Vysoren and Lady Kima of Vord and a number of others

As you tried to push your way through, a massive goliath figure (with over-sized stone gauntlets, a bit of a paunch, and a black fuzzy beard with streaks of gray) made your announcement loudly, causing the group in front of you to divide slightly, and the entire chamber to shift its attention back to you in one moment. Here in that tense, awkward silence, all eyes are on you.

Previous Episode: "Cages"

• CritRole Recap
• Episode Discussion
• YouTube VoD
• Alternate Front End VoD

Announcement: https://www.innersloth.com/announcing-among-us-x-critical-role/

Hello Crewmates and welcome to tonight’s episode of Criti-

Waaait a minute. Sorry, I meant to say — our collab with Critical Role is out now on all platforms!

Roleplayers rejoice! Adventure awaits as you try to perceive the Impostor, roll high on your task checks, and hopefully avoid that TPK in update v2024.8.13. Will donning the threads of members from Vox Machina, Mighty Nein, or Bells Hells save you from an untimely death at the hand of the Impostor? Well… you may certainly try.

Getting to work alongside the wonderful crew of the hit TTRPG show Critical Role to bring some of their magic to Among Us for Gilmore’s Curious Cosmicube has been mind blowing. Be sure to go to our in-game store and spend some Stars before the Cosmicube is gone on November 12th, 2024 at 7am UTC / 2am ET! For those in the Pacific time zone the Cosmicube will be gone on November 11th, at 11pm.

If you need a refresher on how Cosmicubes work check out this article so you have advantage on your knowledge check.

Once you’ve purchased, you can take your time (or grind) to get the following items:

• Artagan’s Cloak Skin
• Artagan’s Hair Hat
• Artagan’s Incredible Brows Visor
• Chetney’s Eyebrows Visor*
• Chetney’s Headband Hat*
• Chetney’s Tracksuit Skin*
• Dust of Deliciousness Nameplate
• FCG’s Noggin Hat
• Fearne’s Dress Skin
• Fearne’s Hair Hat
• Jester’s Dress Skin
• Jester’s Horns Hat
• Laudna’s Dress Skin
• Laudna’s Hair Skin
• Mister Pet
• Mollymauk’s Garb Skin
• Mollymauk’s Horns Hat
• Moons Over Exandria Nameplate
• Nott’s Cloak Skin
• Nott’s Hood Hat
• Nott’s Mask Visor
• Orthax Manifested Hat
• Pâté Pet
• Scanlan’s Hand Hat
• Sprinkle is “Fine” Hat
• Teatime with Caduceus Nameplate
• The Nine Eyes of Lucien Nameplate
• Vax’s Armor Skin
• Vax’s Hair Hat

* Equipping all of Chetney’s items as an Impostor will include a brand new kill animation! (Your untimely demise is a small price to pay to see it.)

That is a lot of items – hopefully you survive your adventures to show them off!

Is it Thursday yet?

Innersloth

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

The Re-Slayer’s Take

Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.

• Episode 11 releases Monday, August 12th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• We’re taking a brief break but will have more episodes coming soon to Beacon!

EverythingIsContent

SteamWorld Heist II

Join Ashley Johnson and Taliesin Jaffe as they set sail for adventure and sink rival ships in SteamWorld Heist 2! Learn more here.

• Airs Monday, August 12th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD out Monday, August 12th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon
• VOD out Wednesday, August 14th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 17 releases Tuesday, August 13th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 17 Podcast out Tuesday, August 13th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Campaign 3, Episode 39 releases Tuesday, August 13th at 10am Pacific on Beacon

MOONWARD:

A Midst Roleplaying Story

Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!

• Episode 2 releases Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific on the Midst Podcast YouTube Channel
• Episode 2 Podcast out August 14th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Episode 3 & 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
• Episode 3 & 4 VOD and Podcast available on Wednesday, August 14th at 10am Pacific Midst.co

Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 104

Bells Hells continue on their adventure…

• Airs Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Rebroadcasts Friday, August 16th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
• VOD out Monday, August 19th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
• Podcast out August 22nd on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 104

Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 104! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.

• Releases Thursday, August 15th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon

Watch the episode live on Twitch and YouTube at 7pm PST. Restreams on Twitch at midnight and the next day at 9am PST

Runtime	Break start
4h 6m	2h 2m

Episode 103: Cages

Bells Hells, after trekking deep into the ruins of Aeor along with their guide, Essek Thelyss, you encountered the strange demonic entity that was keeping the Vanguard at bay, Dominox. Defeating it by pushing it through a gate into the abyss of its origin with the aid of Ludinus Da'leth, who then gave you a vision through a relic that he had discovered not too far beyond that of the Fall of Aeor (an era of Exandrian history spoken of but largely lost in its details), as it was it seems, one of the darkest moments for the Pantheon. With the intent of showing this to the world to erode the faith of Exandria (and in the hopes finding a point of understanding with your group) the invitation was given to join the Vanguard and see the world the way he does. After much debate and some heated discussion, he left the offer in your hands and left an offer in Delilah's as well.
Tossing a relic of enticing power towards Laudna (the words having hold in her heart), Delilah fought her way to the surface and wrestled control of Laudna. The rest of you were forced to do battle with your friend in what may be her darkest moment. But you managed to defeat Delilah, sending her back for the time being as but a shard of shadow withing Laudna's spirit, likely rapidly growing back.
At this moment, satisfied with what youve learned, Essek took your group via teleport to a place of safety, the abode of his partner Caleb Widogast. Here in this humble abode within the Dwendalian city of Rexxentrum. You had a moment to breathe. A moment to absorb, though still more likely to come. In the midst of these conversations, debating on what you've seen, what you've witnessed, what you've discussed and what's to be done next.
It was considered that this 'soul-anchored' gem (now empty and bereft of its intended target) might have a secondary use to turn the tides of poor Laudna's fate. After talking with Essek about it (and him looking to research its possibilities), he seemed to come to you with a bit of hope that it is indeed possible, though challenging.
After coming up from his study, his laboratory, to all of you saying that it could be done but it needs to be done quickly, likely before Delilah can begin to recover her former power in this subdued state. Time is of the essence, and began to draw you all back to the laboratory here in this late, late hour, as you stand exhausted, but hopefully driven to see this through.
So, here, as you all begin to follow Essek back into the laboratory where you arrived, you see him now, a number of books even further scattered amongst the laboratory interior. But you see he's taken some time to organize some of the stacks into more solid towers. It has a number of strange instruments laid across one of the tables. He runs over quickly to start sketching out a larger runic circle than the teleportation one that brought you all here in the first place. In the quiet as you all stand there, he begins the initial process.

Previous Episode: "Reconciliation"

• CritRole Recap
• Episode Discussion
• YouTube VoD
• Alternate Front End VoD

Please note that these broadcasts are only scheduled for the times listed below.

The Re-Slayer’s Take

Follow the escapades of the second-coolest monster hunters this side of Exandria: The Re-Slayer’s Take! After six misfit mercenaries are rejected from the elite monster hunting group, The Slayer’s Take, they band together, battling supernatural creatures across the rugged continent of Issylra.

• Episode 10 releases Monday, August 5th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific
• Episodes 12 releases Monday, August 5th at 5am Pacific only on Beacon.

Critical Role Abridged

All the twists and turns of an episode of Critical Role in half the time! In Critical Role Abridged, the rich tapestry of a Critical Role campaign is lovingly distilled to its most pivotal, hilarious, and poignant moments in about 60-90 minutes per episode.

• Campaign 3, Episode 16 releases Tuesday, August 6th at 10am Pacific on YouTube
• Campaign 3, Episode 38 releases Tuesday, August 6th at 10am Pacific on Beacon
• Campaign 3, Episode 39 releases Friday, August 9th at 10am Pacific on Beacon

MOONWARD:

A Midst Roleplaying Story

Join Midst Creators: Xen, Sara Wile, Matt Roen, alongside Marisha Ray and Liam O’Brien for a four-part, standalone, improvisational mini series to the destroyed moon of Midst. Learn more here!

• Episode 1 Airs Wednesday, August 7th at 7pm Pacific on our new Midst Podcast YouTube Channel, Critical Role Twitch Channel and Critical Role YouTube Channel
• Episode 1 Podcast out August 7th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 7pm Pacific
• Episode 1 VOD available immediately after the stream ends on Midst Podcast YouTube Channel, Critical Role Twitch Channel and Critical Role YouTube Channel
• Episode 1 & 2 VOD and Podcast available on August 7th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Episode 1 & 2 VOD and Podcast available on August 7th at 7pm Pacific Midst.co

Critical Role: Campaign 3, Episode 103

Bells Hells continue on their adventure…

• Airs Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific on Twitch and YouTube
• VOD and Podcast out Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific on Beacon
• Rebroadcasts Friday, August 9th at 12am Pacific and 9am Pacific on Twitch
• VOD out Monday, August 12th at 12pm Pacific on YouTube
• Podcast out August 15th on your favorite podcast streaming service at 5am Pacific

Critical Cooldown: Campaign 3, Episode 103

Get a backstage pass to Campaign 3, Episode 103! You’ll be right there at the table immediately after Matt says “Is it Thursday yet?”, experiencing the cast’s post-show reactions.

• Releases Thursday, August 8th at 7pm Pacific only on Beacon