Brennan Lee Mulligan Talks Critical Role: Downfall, Matt Mercer & Magic Swords!

[@TheCharacterSheet]

What part of Critical Role:Downfall are you most excited for? What do you want to see happen in the 3 episode arc? Let us know!

[@andersnrbkmadsen6706]

Well.. she was from Aeor sooo. Calamity 2: The Rise of Bolo!

[@LordDarque]

I want to know how many Bird facts Brennan is going to weave in.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

@@andersnrbkmadsen6706 We can only hope!

[@TheCharacterSheet]

@@LordDarque we think Sam Reich has made Brennan wary of bird facts at this point lol

[@wtpauley]

Yes, all of it

[@Krystina5e]

I'm 100% ok if CR continues to bring Brennan in once a year to smash a sky city.

[@Pablo360able]

nah, next year they're gonna change it up and have him bring a subterranean city up to the surface

[@zlatan_2197]

@@Pablo360able That's actually brilliant idea, about time something goes up instead of crumbling down.

[@TimmyMicBobbins]

Bet

[@lockskelington314]

I mean. Their was like a Dozen of Cities back then.

[@edwardaverros3028]

​@Pablo360able came here to say the exact same thing. I like how your mind works my friend

[@fitz8923]

ExU: Calamity is still the single greatest piece of tabletop storytelling I've ever encountered. I am so excited for Downfall.

[@Takesis]

"Why do we tell stories? To try to make sense of a world that can be terrifying and enormous. In Exandria, I don't know that your story will long be known. I don't know who will remain to tell it, but it did happen - and it did matter."

[@jamiereid7428]

@@TakesisI had never cried during an outro before

[@kredonystus7768]

It's the best short form. I still think Swansong on ItmeJP's channel is the best long term.

[@Elheru42]

I agree completely.

[@voland6846]

@@kredonystus7768 It's crazy that ~18 hours is "shortform" is this particular medium, but it kinda is lol. Also, I too absolutely *loved* Swansong

[@secretsalute]

Brennan is at a Table with two BAFTA Winners in Ashley Johnson and Laura Bailey. And you're asking about how bad the emotional damage is? I am ready to be devastated.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

That is exactly why we are asking lol

[@jetvulcan2020]

they are going to plunge that emotional knife deep

[@secretsalute]

@@jetvulcan2020 and that's knowing what Laura and Ashley can do. Noshir slayed in Candela so I'm really excited to see him here. All of them really. What a cast.

[@Hey-Its-Dingo]

Also, Nick Marini has been playing with Brennan in home games for around 20 years, so he is definitely gonna be a sleeper hit RPer.

[@DarkAgentDesigns]

So you're into the rough stuff... good to know XD lmao

[@not2sharpmd]

I’m so excited to see Laura Bailey play in a Brennan Lee Mulligan-led game.

[@NomNom1970]

I know, right! Wish Emily Axford was in the game. Laura and Emily in a game DM'd by Brennan would be something to see. Those two ladies are about the best players of the game in my opinion.

[@Hey-Its-Dingo]

​@@NomNom1970 I fully believe they couldn't have Laura and Emily at a table together, because Brennan would be dead. Lmao

[@NomNom1970]

@@Hey-Its-Dingo Truth! Those two ladies are next level.

[@LucasFerreira-ov5jc]

Emily + Laura in the table for Downfall would be, without a doubt, either the reason Aeor crashed OR civilization lives. No inbetweens

[@davidwren1879]

@@LucasFerreira-ov5jc or both.

[@thelocalhoodrat2881]

I'll always appreciate how humble Brennan is, such an awesome dude.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Incredibly humble, incredibly kind, and incredibly funny!

[@jeccalou9894]

The Calamity is my favorite piece of story telling I've ever experienced. I cannot wait to watch Downfall.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Same, we think Calamity might be the best actual play arc we've ever seen.

[@redshirts4757]

100% agree, I could not be more excited

[@Furryfattal]

After hearing what Sam has been going through, this should be easy on my emotions. Much love to Sam and all the criters, like the folks on this channel.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Yes, what an amazing video by Sam sharing his struggles and using his platform for something so important!

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Agree

[@nathanmelcer1324]

Oh I don't think your emotions are getting a break. It's aoer. I'm betting we see FCG a thousand years prior.

[@adrianjuarez1162]

It's been a minute since I watched crit role what's going on with sam?

[@nlm2nd]

@@adrianjuarez1162 He had tonsil cancer. Recovery is rough but he's feeling more normal!

[@Beckmeister18]

I will never not listen to Brennan talk about preparation of any campaign. The way his mind works is amazing and makes such awesome stories.

[@quintyss1290]

Brennan is 'like the guy you call when raccoons are an issue'. Noted.

[@aaronstrayer7623]

He just monologues at them until they get scared and run.

[@Banquet42]

He tells them bird facts until they join him, or they perish.

[@kosmos007]

EXU Calamity is some of the best D&D I have ever seen I can’t wait to see what Brennan has in store for Downfall along with the slight existential dread that will be in store and Taliesan Jaffe playing an ancient divine being of some description with great ease due to his own personal experience on the matter 😂

[@ZoeFleischerYT]

The amount of talented storytellers that are going to sit at that table is STAGGERING. Every single person at that table are SO AMAZING. And I’m ready to be turned into a puddle of sobbing. Imma need more snacks.

[@kevinpettie7653]

Bolo is the end all, be all "bad guy"...🤣💯

[@TheCharacterSheet]

BBEG = BIG BOLO EVIL GUY

[@likwidchicken]

Laura Bailey is Bolo. She has to be

[@thenamejenny]

Im stoked about how Brennan will lead the story in a way that feels like Ludinus is sharing it, and it ends in a way that feels like Ludinus (the BBEG) is making a point in a big villian monologue

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Yeah, he also really drove home how Ludinus went out of his way for so long just to find THIS story, so it's going to shake Bell's Hells beliefs pretty hard we imagine!

[@tryout3420]

Oh man, spoilers :( I'm still on C1 with Vox Machina 😅

[@elbruces]

@@tryout3420 You should not have come here.

[@mikenunez8409]

His Asmodeus monologue was absolutely insane in EXU: Calamity. Unless his strategic snack reserves are cut off I can't see him not knocking this one out of the park as well. I also wish Sam the best on his recovery.

[@cho7879]

my body can't contain the excitement I have of seeing Abu, Noshir, Tal, Ashley and Laura destroy Aeor. and I don't know Nick Marini that well but getting to know why the production chose him is enough for me I'm sure he is fantastic!! edit: post downfall airing i would love for Brennan to share his references!!!! that round table is gonna be incredible

[@MidnightAge]

Brennan's face when you mentioned the second place sticker made me laugh for about 15 minutes. Sam truly understands how to inflict emotional damage upon Brennan in a way that lingers. XD

[@RobearRich]

Thanks so much for asking my question! That was awesome to hear his response!

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Thanks for submitting the question!

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

I keep hearing "Downfall" in my head like Adele's "Skyfall." "...we will stand tall / and face it all together..."

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Fair!

[@not_ian5543]

Having to create a separate axis of measurement on a typical “1 to 10” rating for emotional damage is such a Brennan answer.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Very true!

[@jacobtrost5048]

So if the first word of Downfall isn't, "Air..." I will be unsatisfied.

[@noahdavis7847]

He introduced it live with a loud "Light"

[@michaelbryant3640]

I mean... "Aeor" kinda sounds like "Air"

[@jacobtrost5048]

@@noahdavis7847 true, but the Avatar cycle must still be completed

[@Reblwitoutacause]

I'll accept "Earth"

[@jacobtrost5048]

@@Reblwitoutacause so funnily enough, there was a Dimension20 season earlier this year where they did a sort of Watership Down themed game. Aabria DM'd and Brennan was a player and she started it with "Earth," to much merriment.

[@andrecanis4894]

"It's Thor and Electro at a game show podium" conveniently not telling Brennan that it's a *Game Changer* podium

[@TheCharacterSheet]

We didn't want to traumatize him

[@Nathan_Talisien]

Ya just *GOTTA* wonder... Brenan is known for two niche things online: crashing magic sky cities, and birds. Coincidence...? You decide.

[@palosalpha117]

Its videos like these that make me love dnd and table top games even more. To see what a DM/GM is brewing inside their head and what makes them cook is a blessing lol

[@paulchavez3039]

The art for aeor looks so sci-fi fantasy and I looove it. Can't wait to see them explore the incredibly high magic that must have been on full display at the time.

[@MeechySharko9]

Sooo excited for this one, such a great set up for this mini arc. Hopefully we’ll get to learn some more of the cognoza ward!

[@Meg_Davis]

Love how you formatted the video to highlight Brennan 🙏🏻

[@CassidyCuster]

It's amazing how you manage to get such big names to do an interview.♥

[@leahannbatley5120]

This is going to be heart ANNIHILATING, not just heart breaking. I cannot wait❤

[@matthewburton6360]

Another Banger from Christian with great questions and Brennan had some AMAZING answers, love the energy. Hope ya'll have a good one.

[@paulchavez3039]

Can't wait for that bolo reference 😂

[@samsontelbate7634]

I'd love to see Brennan join the main campaign as a guest for an episode or two. 😅 maybe as Purvan? 👀

[@dasgrove]

Great interview! Thanks for asking my question!

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Our pleasure!

omg, thank you so much for teaching me that Brennan's a dad, now! My lil heart, ahhh.

[@coreyprange8941]

They bring this man in like a wrecking ball and I’m here for it. If it’s even half as great as Calamity it will be a wonderful watch.

[@strelchaindustries8891]

16:58 before the name is mentioned, Brennan's face shows anticipation.

[@cole9799]

The timing might have something to do with Sam's health and recovery. Which is a VALID reason for sure.

[@Manticorker]

I'm glad that Brennan remembered to keep an emergency coffee pot close at hand

[@TheShepherdFilms]

I see Brennen, I click, I watch, I like, and I comment.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

You love to see it

[@Graelcase]

We know to get in the comments. Even if all we have to say is words of appreciation.

[@mrtattoojay76]

I can't wait to see how Laura and Ashley handle Brennan but I'm truly excited for the many exchanges Brennan and Taliesin will have, it will be pure entertainment perfection.

[@BlackzSparrow]

my first dnd campaign i ever saw online was Brennan doing Calamity, I have never been the same since and need Downfall

[@robertwatson4840]

Ok 100% subscribed when I heard “big Terminus Est vibes”. All respect to those who’ve tread that difficult path.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

"Let's just hang out and not talk about work!" >>> NEW MINI-SERIES IS GO Yup, checks out. As they say (or should), "Love what you do and you'll never have a day off from work ever again" XD

[@vern3899]

Tal at the table with Brennan GMing??? Yes. Laura and Ashley bringing that BAFTA tragedy drama?!? YES PLZ Update: it was too much!!! 😭😭

[@bhaaI]

Though obviously a talented actor, I think Ashley means confusion and mostly loony-ness when it comes to ttrpgs. Hope I am wrong this time, at least it is not live with an audiance which would make it worse (from all participants to be honest).

[@noone-ld7pt]

@@bhaaI I'll agree that Ashley does seem to get confused a bit too often for someone who's played this game for a decade now, but from her performance in the last of us games I also know she is a sensationally talented actor. And I personally think she will get to show that in a shorter and more intense campaign. I don't really get the what dig on live shows was abiyt, I personally love the live dynamic so I guess it's just subjective.

[@bhaaI]

@@noone-ld7pt I think of critical role as an immersive well written collaborative story. Live shows just destroy the continuity because the cast are compelled to say funny or weird stuff to impress - some of them can insert this pretty seemlessly some of them cannot at all. Mega-produced as it is, I don't think the CR show needs more stuff that messes with the authenticity and the atmosphere it managed to retain.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

@@bhaaI Counterpoint: Ashley's one-shot (The Nautilus Ark), in which she carried a darker tone very well

[@bhaaI]

@@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll I am not saying she didn't have great moments along the years! In that one, I think she felt some stress/pressure as she needed to keep composure as a DM. I also think that Yasha's somber demeanor was a good choice for Ashley even if playing a character like that is not as gratifying like playing a screwball like Fern is.

[@JaysusWhoKnows]

Brenna is looking GOOOOOOOOOD!!

[@AnLKoRoUS]

I want to see what weapon they were going to test on Lathras as Brennen (Loras) said in Calamity.

[@135mikerules23]

Fantastic interview! That mini should never be seen outside of someone’s nightmares. A big theory I have is that perhaps the players are portraying not just unique characters of their own making but in actuality they’re playing six of the gods in either humanoid form or forcibly possessing six people. Hence why, the device that recorded magical and spiritual power was able to see that these six individuals led to the downfall of Aeor and by extension (from Ludinus’s and others pov) the subjugation of everyone.

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Glady you liked it! And we love that theory!

[@bostonblizzards]

Calamity was the first DND game I ever watched and it made me fall in love with CR, Brennan, and Dimension 20. I just started C3 after watching C1 and 2 and I don’t want to miss Downfall but don’t want to skip ahead 😭😭

[@TheCharacterSheet]

You don't need to worry, it's basically self contained so you won't miss much and it won't spoil campaign 3

[@bostonblizzards]

@@TheCharacterSheet best news iv heard all day!

[@kallumwright4139]

5 minutes in and already tempting Brennan to dish out an 'Um Actually' with that city name

[@aerys9102]

Keep producing this kind of content.

[@dangoje2123]

My body is ready.

[@impresarioe6824]

I have both popcorn and tissues ready😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheCharacterSheet]

good call

[@ehukai2003]

Does this legendary human of a GM live in a studio?! 🧐

[@leonamongwolves]

Brennan representing beardy dads everywhere

[@soapbox5684]

Man now I’m actually going to have to pick campaign 3 back up. It has not hit like the first 2 did for me. But I love Brennan lee mulligans style and love dimension 20 so I want to watch this..

[@KrayonKilla22]

Brennan the Sky Guy!

[@AVJHalonen]

How cool must this be for the players? You know how sometimes a DM describes a vision of the past or a dream? Compare that to watching 9-12 hours of Mulligan gm:ing and that being your character’s vision of the past.

[@Dreagostini]

Oh man, I can't wait.

[@tylersimpson2120]

Brennan is the best.

[@jo88sip]

I’m just excited to meet Bolo’s family.

[@ShyyGaladriel]

I’m gonna suffer and I’m going to love it.

[@TheMadMedek]

GGs on the interview. I will eat crow commenting that you were clickbaiting the promo on the interview. Honestly not knowing it was called downfall😅

[@reneehoenicke4765]

I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS HOLY BRENNAN, I BETTER GET BOLO IN DOWNFALL. I DON'T CARE IF IT'S ONLY NAME DROPS OR IF SHE'S A FULL FOCAL CHARACTER, I BETTER HEAR THAT NAME UTTERED

[@ArmitageShanksuk]

Every NPC must have Bolo's accent.

[@JeffLowry-bg2du]

PAUSED THE WAR TO TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO AEOR.. HOLY CRAP...

[@Mayday-cr7pr]

5:32 This sentence is the coolest thing ive ever heard.

[@HLR4th]

The Green Dragon is very much the Shire center of Worship!

[@Shikaku55]

Brennan and Matt together are D&D and theater geniuses. Critical Role is pushing the limits of D&D with Downfall 💜

[@Lngbrdninjamasta]

I am so hyped for this 3 parter. Cant wait to see the gods v mages in this one. I wonder if anyone will b playing a warforge or an autognome in this one since Aeor is known for their self thinking aeormatons

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Brennan does love Aeormatons, so it would be kind of a shock if no one played one!

[@jacobtrost5048]

Oh somebody HAS to

[@InkyPetrel]

KZbin CONSUMED the long and thoughtful comment I made, because fml. So, nutshell: So excited for this. Love that it ISN'T Calamity, and I feel that people expecting Calamity 2.0 will be doing this show AND Calamity a disservice. Cannot wait to see what Taliesin does without the constraints of mortality :p Bolo is a raccoon, confirmed. 21:55: All I can hear is Chel in The Road to ElDorado.

[@jonnyso1]

That Aeor picture looks opressive AF.

[@Lurklen]

People have long made the mistake of thinking of divinity as signifying "goodness". It signifies *Greatness.* People did not worship these beings and the ideas they represent because they were good. Often, most often in fact, their worship was expressed in propitiation, to appease the gods so that they did not not draw their attention. Because the gods are *great* and *terrible* (as in the sources of terror) and to be under their scrutiny was to be in jeopardy for a mortal. They worshipped these beings because they were the peak of existence. They were the great expression of the world, and to do otherwise was to court destruction. It was their world, and we were just living in it.

[@russellsmith3825]

My problem is i was listening to campaign 3 and right after letters' sacrifice they changed scenes and i completely lost the story line and i am trying to catch up on the alternate storylines.

[@DreadQueenSeph]

If there was going to be a real fan made book about a specific bird with him on it, it would probably be about the roseate spoonbill. That was the biggest tell for me about which thing wasn't real lmao

[@McBinnagin]

Anyone know where I can get those stickers of 2nd place "all that matters is trying your best"? legit want to buy those and can't find it

[@bridgers22]

Not me on my way to buy that second place sticker.......... 👀

[@AlexanderForsman]

Where can i see Brennan play Kingdom death?

[@myrmidon4464]

I would love to see those four play KDM. That would be magical.

[@chaoticwhenever1457]

Will we see Bolo again?!

[@TheCharacterSheet]

its set 100 years after the events of EXU Calamity, but maybe someone from the line of Bolo will be there

[@chaoticwhenever1457]

@@TheCharacterSheet we don’t know who Bolo was. She could still be alive.

[@HumanSculpture]

23:40 Brennan you can just say this is existential horror

[@OG_DSB]

I wonder if Brennan knows that Calamity is some of the best Critical Role story that we’ve ever gotten. No shade to Matt obviously because I love the main campaigns. I’m very much looking forward to Downfall.

[@jamiereid7428]

Whether he knows it or not we can guarantee he’ll never admit it lol.

[@DallasIsRokkoS]

Dose anybody know who sells the 2nd place sticker cause I can’t find it?

[@Soulessdeeds]

I would like to see Brennan's crew play in the same world as Matt's crew. And the two parties have to chase two different campaigns. But the ripple effects of each party affects the world of the other. And then they have cross over events.

[@ailbedraper3327]

So cool

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gunwargamingdk5749]

Is there a chance for use to see FCG back when he was first built

[@mariaesga64]

I need need neeeeed a fanart of Brennan with the cheff's hat and Dani Carr like Ratatouilling him 😂 Amazing video! Can't wait for Downfall!!

[@paulsavas2394]

And will we find out what happens to Cerrit and his kids?!?!?

[@jamiereid7428]

Please! 🥹

[@misterthegeoff9767]

Now I want a Brennan CEO rant about Studebaker naming a car the Dictator

[@Alizael13]

This is a very long shot but do we know how long is the lifespan of an eisfuura? Is there a chance we can see Kir and Maya?😂😂😂

[@Serothil_and_stuff]

Jesus I thought I must have stored up A LOT of episode and then I check and its just 11 Oo ok that about 45 hours but comon... thats not even a full weeks worth of worktime to listen to O.o

[@spidergunderson7371]

When do we get to see it?!

[@subaru985]

Adding a y-axis was when the CNC Machinists and CAD Designers were sold on it.

[@FranklinLongallnitelong22]

It's going to be NUTZ!

[@robyncorson4002]

Almonds to be precise.

[@Chef_gBARK]

bolo gonna be there??

[@NightSterling]

You know if/when they get to it in the story but calamity and downfall could make great animated movies

[@sickonesnow]

Where can I find the game he's talking about where he played with abria and Matt

[@TheCharacterSheet]

Its called Kingdom Death Monster and it has its own website where you can order it

[@kennethmorgan8795]

Man... I'm going to assume I play too many video games, I didn't get any of the swords wrong. I thought a few cars might have been swords though.

[@KearoNasanam]

Lowkey, I would not be surprised if "Downfall" was specifically chosen to smother the videos that speculate/talk about the downfall of Critical Role. I mean, BLM's Calamity was so good, so if Downfall is also great, then that would be the first thing people would see before finding the negative stuff.

[@jamplan8267]

So does this mean the return of Bolo?

[@TheCharacterSheet]

So this is set 100 years AFTER the events of EXU Calamity, so while we may not see bolo, we may see Bolo The Third or some other Bolo decendant!

[@jamplan8267]

​@@TheCharacterSheet Did we ever get a race for Bolo? Maybe she's a longer lived species... Or that dragon Brennan teased in the recap special 🙃

[@robertporter6683]

"The plaque reads THE TIDE OF THE BATTLE WAS TURNED BY INFORMATION FROM OUR SPY, BOLO. And for that reason this giant statue was raised."

[@cjtrules1]

Makes since the stories are 2 completely separate things. Avalir = the height of magic. Aeor = the height of robotics.

[@Looch1717]

ooookay..I read this as being about critical roles downfall..I didnt realise they had a downfall..Now I get it.

[@trappyboi8678]

I genuinely hope this won't be a retcon of the gods personalities to give an excuse to kill off the "dnd inspired gods"