Trying to get caught up on Critical Role is a daunting task. I finished Vox Machina last year and started watching Mighty Nein, Critical Role’s second campaign. In between watching Candela Obscura and Critical Role’s Daggerheart content, I needed to take breaks due to burnout. Since I have now gotten back into watching Mighty Nein, I wanted to share my initial thoughts about the story, the characters, and my overall thoughts on the campaign thus far.

I’m currently on episode #18 which doesn’t feel that far into the campaign, but I think it’s safe to say that I’m already picking or gravitating towards a few of the characters. I think the standout characters for me are Fjord, Jester, and Caleb. Fjord (played by Travis Willingham) is such a departure from Grog in the best way. I recently watched the moment where Matthew Mercer guided the players out of the room, so Fjord could have a moment to himself. He swallowed his own sword and I’m sitting here watching it all play out in shock. I am curious as to how Fjord’s story unfolds. Jester (played by Laura Bailey) is such a delight. I think she brings such levity to the table. Clerics seem to have stereotypes associated with that class and Jester kind of blows everything out of proportion which I adore. Laura seems so happy to play Jester and I think it’s fun to watch. With Caleb (played by Liam O’Brien), he has the personality of a Wizard. He is focused on learning new spells and the way that Liam describes Caleb’s spell casting is so descriptive. While Fjord, Jester, and Caleb are my favorites thus far, I am curious to see how the other characters interact amongst themselves.

As far as the story, I am not sure if Mighty Nein has a story arc going on right now. I think what makes Mighty Nein different than Vox Machina is Mighty Nein is all shown from the beginning whereas Vox Machina is a home game that transitioned into videos. As such, it feels like Mighty Nein doesn’t have story arcs since each character’s back story needs to be revealed and the characters are getting to know each other. It’s clear certain things are important (Mollymauk being called Lucien), but I don’t exactly know what the Mighty Nein are doing at this point in time. It’s not a bad thing, it feels more casual versus having a set list of tasks that need to be done which Vox Machina follows more of that format.

From what I have watched, I like that Mighty Nein has a darker magic feel to the story. The fact that the campaign began at a carnival set the tone for the campaign which I find interesting. I think Mighty Nein is more chaotic in a lot of ways which has been a blast to see how these plans work out. I feel excited to continue each episode because I think the cast seems excited to be playing their characters and there’s enough going on where I don’t want to be left on a cliffhanger.

I’m curious to see how Mighty Nein continues. I have been spoiled by certain events that happen and I know I’m getting close to one of them. However, it doesn’t take away the joy of watching Critical Role. With every episode watched, I’m getting closer to being caught up on all things Critical Role.