The World of Critical Role

Foreword


There is a bit of magic in our world sometimes. Not spell magic, although that would be amazing and sign me up for some fire-based powers, please but chemistry between people. The kind that is effortless and enrapturing, and that you can t stop watching. This is what Critical Role embodies for so many people. Including me.

My own discovery of the group was like most people s: Through word of mouth. At a party in 2014, my friend Ashley Johnson mentioned that she played D&D with other voiceover actors. Not only did I fall more in love with her after hearing that (she is so very lovable so that wasn t very hard) but I was hooked on the idea of watching her and her friends play. I never got that chance due to my all work, no fun nature at the time, but a year later, when I decided to start a Twitch channel with my former company Geek & Sundry, the first item I put on the brainstorm board was D&D Live. The first note I put under THAT was Email Ashley Johnson.

I still didn t get the chance to watch the group before they started playing on the channel. But hearing how entertaining they were from my employees who went to scout them convinced me they were perfect. I felt the work of kismet happening, and I knew in my gut that they would be the exact match needed for my grassroots style. Sight unseen. (Yes, I am a program first, ask questions later kind of gal.) The very first time I actually watched them perform was with thousands of other people when they premiered on the channel. As soon as I saw them on screen, having the best time together, I was dazzled and obsessed and knew in my heart they were going to change the world of role-playing. And boy, have they.

Many may wonder what makes Critical Role stand out from all the other role-playing groups in the world. Aside from the movie-star chemistry between seven genuine friends who can do ALL the voices, it has to be the charisma and creativity of RPG genius Matt Mercer.

Liz Marsham and the Cast of Critical Role