Exandria: An Intimate History | Narrated by Matthew Mercer

Take a deep lore dive into the history of how Exandria came to be, from the Founding, to the Calamity, to the Age of Arcanum, and beyond -- narrated by Exandria's architect and our very own Game Master Matthew Mercer.
Join us for the premiere of Critical Role Campaign 3 on Thursday, October 21st at 7pm Pacific on / criticalrole and / criticalrole
Check out all of the amazing artists who contributed to this video!
Pieces are in order of appearance:
The Arrival by Cyarna Trim || @Cyarna (Twitter)
The Divergence by Cyarna Trim || @Cyarna (Twitter)
Elves by Claudia Ianniciello || @claudia_ianniciello_artworks (Instagram)
Dwarves by Ari Orner || @ornerine (Twitter)
Humans by Kathryn Wheeler || @Azraillu (Twitter)
Friendly Giant With Flowers by Nikki Dawes || @nikkidawesdraws (Twitter)
Goblinkin by Nguyen Hieu || @WTH153 (Twitter)
Halflings by Kathryn Wheeler || @Azraillu (Twitter)
Half Orc With Sheep by Nikki Dawes || @nikkidawesdraws (Twitter)
Devilkin by Kathryn Wheeler || @Azraillu (Twitter)
Illustrious Guardians by Ameera Sheikh || @mikandii (Instagram)
Vasselheim, The Dawn City by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
God Symbols by Conceptopolis
Three Spellcasters by Linda Lithén || @LindaLithen (Twitter)
Age of Arcanum City by Cyarna Trim || @Cyarna (Twitter)
Construct by Nguyen Hieu || @WTH153 (Twitter)
Planar Mage by Linda Lithén || @LindaLithen (Twitter)
The Pursuit of Power by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Ghor Dranas by Clara Daly || @EldritchBlep (Twitter)
Herd of the Damned by John Anthony Di Giovanni || @ja_dig (Twitter)
Flame Reach Outpost by Bryan Syme || @SymeBryan (Twitter)
Fall of the Mentor by Wesley Griffith || @justwesley (Twitter)
Spire of Conflux by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Star Razor by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Plate of the Dawn Martyr by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Agony by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Circlet of Barbed Vision by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Armor of the Valiant Soul by Jessica Nguyen || @Jessketchin (Twitter)
Calamity by Andrey Vasilchenko || @drawborn (Instagram)
Calamity's End by Svetoslav Petrov || @SvetoslavPetro9 (Twitter)
Rifenmist by Caio Santos || @BlackSalander (Twitter)
Umbra Hills by Cyarna Trim || @Cyarna (Twitter)
The Observer by Clara Daly || @EldritchBlep (Twitter)
Emerald Citadel by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
Furnaces of Kraghammer by Bryan Syme || @SymeBryan (Twitter)
Stillben by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
Elven Peaks by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
Reconstruction of Tal'Dorei by Wesley Griffith || @justwesley (Twitter)
Fateful Moment by Adrián Ibarra Lugo || @Ailustrar (Twitter)
Exandria Map by Andy Law || @Hapimeses (Twitter)
Tal'Dorei Map by Andy Law || @Hapimeses (Twitter)
Gwessar by Adrián Ibarra Lugo || @Ailustrar (Twitter)
Emon Harbor by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
King Drassig by Claudia Ianniciello || @claudia_ianniciello_artworks (Instagram)
Battle of Umbra Hills by Jeleynai || @Jeleynai (Twitter)
Sovereign Tal'Dorei by Nikki Dawes || @nikkidawesdraws (Twitter)
Nicodranas by Caio Santos || @BlackSalander (Twitter)
Rexxentrum Castle by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
The Barbed Fields by Clara Daly || @EldritchBlep (Twitter)
The Tundra of Eiselcross by Jonah Baumann || @GalacticJonah (Twitter)
Goddesses in Balance by Zuzanna Wuzyk || @Zuzartii (Twitter)
Oasis by Ameera Sheikh || @mikandii (Instagram)
Thordak Throne by Kent Davis || @iDrawBagman (Twitter)
Heroes Old & New by Adrián Ibarra Lugo || @Ailustrar (Twitter)
#CriticalRole #Exandria

[@IdiotinGlans]

Matt living every DM's dream - getting to talk about his setting's lore.

[@narcolepticcow807]

Wonder what THAT feels like...

[@pierregrubb7323]

None of my players can pass a history check, ever for some reason, so I BARELY get to talk about it aside from what would be considered "Widely known". Matt truly is living the dream

[@durianaleria7919]

Keep playing.. closing a game can be amazing. Let them ask any OOC questions. Super cool

[@durianaleria7919]

@@pierregrubb7323 Give them a history buff that doesn't need a check!!

[@devoter]

@@pierregrubb7323 I volunteer to listen to your lore

[@7griffo7]

“They began to tame the primordial chaos of this world and created life to live upon it” After all, life needs things to live.

[@MoleHillish]

Patrick Warburton voice: Oh, right. The life. The life for Exandria, the life made especially to live on Exandria, Exandria's life. That life?

[@spookee3708]

@@MoleHillish I'm ashamed that I didn't know that was the actor's name. But I did read it in that exact voice, so that makes me feel a bit better lol

[@donalddeleon3820]

@@MoleHillish But remember things die when they are killed..... except if you have a cleric.

[@redcros93]

That's some ANCIENT MAGIC right there!

[@juliataylor707]

@@spookee3708 That was Matt Mercer..not Patrick Warburton..just for info..

[@Gorvar100]

3:00 Outdated lore now, Matt forgot to describe the most influential character in the age of Arcanum. Bola from Aeor.

[@AtomikaBlerd]

“This bag will not give me drink.”

[@whacknudle5524]

@@AtomikaBlerd Can youuu... destroy?

[@vjeranjanes5783]

I want more Bolo

[@justins21482]

final moments of loquitious as his face shifted between 3 or 4 different people of importance in his life, I was really hoping bolo was going to be one of them HAHAHA

[@ChristianIce]

I guess every campaign spawns its own lore. If the starting material is the same and you start your own campaign, what has happened with other campaigns is irrelevant, right?

[@GrndAdmiralThrawn]

Before watching EXU Calamity: The Betrayer Gods were evil. After watching Calamity Episode 3: Wow, history really is written by the victors. After watching Calamity Episode 4: Yep, the Betrayer Gods were evil.

[@stevebullock1166]

BLM did so well that the Lord of Lies actually had some critters question Matt's history. I was not fooled but my son sure was.

[@Desdemona-XI]

This. All this. BLM killed it.

[@knowledgeinajar_6057]

Thought BLM stood for the organization for a second and was really confused lol, Brennan Lee Mulligan makes more sense

[@Minecraftsweg]

@@knowledgeinajar_6057 thank god you said it because I was super confused and worried for a moment

[@abjak2026]

@@Minecraftsweg I was confused too for a second, but why worried?

[@TheCrisisbreaker54]

For anyone wondering, there's basically 0% spoilers in this for both campaigns and EXU. Don't miss out on this masterpiece

[@cloud_sauce]

I'll drop a comment here so this can hopefully be boosted towards the top. I was initially reluctant to press play myself, lest I got a face full of spoilers. Only fully watched EXU and I'm halfway through C1 (for which I already inadvertently caught a bunch of spoilers). But this vid is completely safe and I finally know what people refer to when they mention the Calamity. ^^

[@Adharaaa]

+

[@Magdalena-qv3mc]

yeah it's great

[@Duriel123]

Only a little by the character art at the end. Is that a spoiler tho?

[@soshi4017]

Exactly what i needed to hear thanks man. S2 115 trying to finish before 3rd campaign but we will see.

[@aidanb.8861]

I could listen to Matt talk about lore for hours...

[@audeobellicus]

ABSOLUTELY!!

[@RecklessFables]

I mean, we have :) Roughly 900 hours so far

[@KiX-K4T13]

_"Speak lore to me, Matt!"_ 😍 (It's a joke lol)

[@validatemyexistence4602]

He voice acts a bunch in Tyranny and pillars of eternity I think

[@adryanmonk]

I'm sure he's got lore for days! badumm ts.

[@Hiltothedance1]

I caught my husband watching this last night, he doesn't even watch Critical Role, but he knows how much I love it. He's a good man.

[@masquerademage]

Aww, that's really sweet :)

[@michaeleberhardt2704]

Wish my wife cared.

[@standardkonstruktor]

Yes he is Madam.

[@calebwidogussy452]

You should marry that husband of yours.

[@loyael]

@@michaeleberhardt2704 Have you tried being interested in something she likes first ? It worked for me in the past. Otherwise you can still join the discord server and make friends in the community :)

[@benthompson648]

This guys got a nice voice, I wonder if he’s ever considered voice acting

[@randomman11167]

Haha

[@oOPPHOo]

I wanna praise the internet for once. I feel like after 3 months and +180 likes that someone would usually comment on a joke like this not realizing it's a joke.

[@ImmortalLemon]

I know right

[@crimsondelightgames6164]

Well you know, he's actually- waaaaait just a minute, I see what you did there!

[@MatiNuva1724]

Nah, I don't see why He would do that

[@SpookySkellyman]

Can't imagine how it must feel for Matt to be able to make a 10 minute long highly produced video about his very own campaign setting / world in general. As a writer this would be my dream come true

[@guidetoanything]

Maybe post some narrated videos then? Some people might enjoy them :) market to the audiobook crowd

[@AlexDills]

Don't let your dreams be dreams!

[@MurkyWaters677]

@@AlexDills JUST DO IT!

[@_TG]

Do it. I’ll watch.

[@scott4092]

I tear up just thinking about it, and how far this whole franchise has come.

[@devtective]

I can just imagine how excited Matt is to talk about all the history that has been developed about Exandria. Honestly CR could release an hour long delve or podcast series on historical Exandrian events that I would absolutely watch. A pre divergence campaign would be awesome to see too.

[@JacobdeFries]

This. So much this. Then again, not too much. There need to be some open spots for other players to discover (and play in) the world.

[@brianhalligan9268]

I think Sam joked about a huge lore thing in the early stages of the Kickstarter and Matt’s face became this weird combo of excitement and terror while saying “I can see forever” or something similar.

[@PolesitterPictures]

YES I'd LOVE to see a campaign happening during the Calamity!

[@Harperisnolongeratree2178]

omg a podcast of hours of in depth detailed lore would be stunning. And the idea of a campaign or even a one shot (or a few) of different history points would be thrilling. LVL 20 champions of the original deities all fighting alongside their patrons in the Schism or wars of the divergence

[@matthewdandurand9473]

I agree however I also feel like a pre divergence might leave a ton of plot holes since that’s already in the past. Just a thought tho

[@TimeBucks]

This is so beautifully done

[@Sheikrisvan1991]

Very critical

[@SirButterlegs]

The shot of the Might Nein and Vox Machina brought a tear to my eye. I can't wait to see the next band of travelers who will rise up to be legendary heroes.

[@XxEvolutionxX23]

I would actually love to see them all or at least some play some rude, awful baddies of the story, but I doubt that would happen.

[@BrentDnD]

Same.

[@croatiancowboy]

fresh cut grass

[@i-am-your-conscience]

The legendary Bertrands Bellends :D

[@yeshevishman]

@@i-am-your-conscience Bell's Hells.

[@juhorantonen6692]

Before this I was just like "Ho-hum, yes, The Calamity, terrible business that." And now I'm like "Oh My Sarenrae, that shit is SERIOUS!"

[@antuanlemon484]

Why did this describe my thoughts so perfectly 😂

[@ravenna6543]

Lmao "Terrible business that" My dear, never has there been a larger understatement.

[@chrrysis]

Read this comment in Grog's voice for some reason, and it kinda fits somehow

[@mduckernz]

Only downside of this setting is how it is missing Sarenrae. Particularly of the form found in Pathfinder, where she is in a poly relationship with Desna (CG goddess of dreams and travel/exploration) and Shelyn (NG goddess of beauty) and is just straight up fabulous, lol

[@Landis963]

@@mduckernz It's not missing Sarenrae, technically. She was Pike's (Ashley Johnson's character from C1) patron deity, and got renamed (to Raei, if memory serves) once WotC got involved. The Tal'Dorei Campaign Guide, which was published before that point, has her listed (as Sarenrae the Everlight) in the roster of gods, and the Explorer's Guide to Wildemount has a reference to Raei's "serene rays."

[@davidfountain6110]

Gonna be real here: this is the first time all the worldbuilding lore they've referenced in these campaigns has actually made sense to me.

[@ryanzolayvar2505]

me too

[@longforgotten4823]

One of the fun parts about history is that is very hard to understand when you are living it. I think that’s the same problem here. So much is happening in the contemporary world, it’s hard to step back and take a broader picture.

[@RDR911]

The thing that makes me laugh the hardest is how utterly irrelevant this video is to the Critical Role campaigns.

[@elainealbaugh1817]

lmao i was just about to comment that it turns out i had no idea about any of the history of the world

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

He's touched on a lot of it in the preamble to the Vestiges of Divergence quest but I agree that it's far clearer in this video. Giving it the time that it is due and not rushed by being in game exposition. It's also a great piece of hype for the third campaign at just the right time.

[@peterbach1168]

Matt Mercer could narrate the ingredients of a can of ravioli, and I would be entirely enthralled with that mans voice and cadence, every time, without fail.

[@steelangel9039]

You see before you what appears to be a can of some sort. What's being kept within has this smell of the elements of boiled dough and meat. There's something about it that's a little off, but you can't quite pick up what. Best you can tell, it is some sort of food. It consists of bite-sized pieces submerged in steaming brackish water 🙂

[@MisterTingles]

as a middling dm and wannabe writer, i have an inkling about how daunting it must've been for Matt to sit down and set his creation myth and history in stone, and the result is truly outstanding. I particularly admire the inclusion of a believable motivation for his Betrayer Gods, beyond the all too common black and white, evil and good for their own sake, purely because... No, these gods were griefstricken and couldn't bear to look upon their broken creation any longer, compelled to start over, or annul it all. Very impressive, especially since it still leaves enough vague mystique to give each Betrayer further nuance down the road. So envious of Matt's talent and diligence, and definitely a huge inspiration for me, and others I'm sure.

[@Werdplay11]

I completely agree! This is such an elegant alternative to the good vs. evil fight. Not only that, it gives a very understandable reason for why the “betrayer” gods are so upset. They got banished for goodness sake! So good

[@Gryphon2026]

I love your comment! I totally agree too! It's all put together brilliantly!

[@zach1972]

I love the fact that he turned "monsterous" races on its head and in turn, pissed off SO many D&D fan boys, once I gave it real thought, I didn't understand why creatures like Orcs and Goblins would be inherently evil, no one should be inherently anything on the material plane, besides genuine demonic/celestial creations or animals

[@demoulius1529]

@@zach1972 monster races arent inherently evil. And most people understand that. But their culture and their gods make them such, basicly. To take Orcs for example: Gruumsch, their patron god wants them to conquor and have many offspring. Whatever the other party agrees with that or not. Things like that make them evil, not the race that they are born in. Their ACTIONS make them evil. Most 'D&D fanboys' understand this as well and dont really like the nuances off their fantasy setting getting hijacked and flushed down the toilet. Specially not since the parties who are doing it dont even bother to read into much of the lore or background of the stuff they are commenting on.

[@zach1972]

@@demoulius1529 Considering the origins of orcs in fantasy in general had racist beginnings, that's all a lot of people can see, regardless, considering gods and such can no longer directly touch the mortal realm, there's zero reason for these humanoid races to BE inherently evil anymore

[@AAlion15]

I need like a full hour maybe two hour documentary of this lore. Matt’s has such a lovely narrative voice

[@davidschmidt5507]

Get the Kickstarter going

[@Spckeck]

If I might propose a different version of your idea, I'd suggest breaking it into a bi-weekly mini series so we have some time to come up with ridiculous theories... Or is that too selfish of me?

[@andrewbrandon19]

I would absloutly LOVE a 4 hour "Destiny - My Name Is Byf" styled lore video by Matt.

[@jazzhandssixninesixninesix40]

@@andrewbrandon19 Ditto. I would listen to that SO HARD

[@Linerunner99]

Yeah... one might even think he made a living with his voice or something... lol

[@evenif7431]

It says a lot about Matt's talent that i saw this and went "aw only 9 minutes?" I would genuinely be happy listening to him talk about Exandria for hours

[@CrisSelene]

Yeah, when they announced the schedule I expected an hour segment. Oh well... I get why it couldn't be so long, with all the art and animation and music. Still...

[@bmeetsevil4878]

SAME! i was expecting such a long video and was so excited for it!

[@firstnamelastname180]

NEIN!!!

[@MrK133n]

60 minutes would have made me want 61.

[@kazeboiii]

Same!! I was hoping it’d be longer, but… even so, this was such a fun watch anyway. True testament to Matt’s skill and talent as a DM and storyteller.

[@vecna2101]

Curiosly, the Calamity was, if compared to tother settings's ancient mystical cataclysm, VERY recent. A very elderly elf could easily remember it. Ancient dragons and the like most certainly do.

[@chrisormie]

The Bright Queen certainly could, she is known to have lived pre-Divergence.

[@mayaenglish5424]

And Halas was pre-Divergence too. I remember because his stained glass map of the planes didn't have the divine gate on it.

[@Ashtor1337]

Not really. The oldest person would be the bright queen. She has lived and died as a drow 3 times.

[@TheBlackhoof]

Yeah I always thought that, for such a cataclysmic and important event it was extremely recent in the terms of these long-lived individuals.

[@vecna2101]

@@Ashtor1337 Elves canonically live around 750 years on average. Living over 800 years wouldn't be impossible. ancient dragons are by definition over 800 years

[@milesroy9564]

Shoutout to the incredible planning, collaboration, and foresight by Matt, Aabria, and Brennen by having this video not call the Betrayer Gods villainous and evil and then in EXU show us that the Betrayers are truly just distraught and grief stricken.

[@milesroy9564]

Whoops… upon reflection after Calamity part 4, maybe they are a bit evil…

[@Desdemona-XI]

@@milesroy9564 the thing is. Matt has always hated the "evil by nature" idea. Especially for races like drow. However dnd alignment itself has a very different idea of what evil is compared to most folk. In a sense evil is considered intense selfishness. Doing as you please and to hell with who gets hurt. It doesnt even specifically require sadism or relishing in hurting others. (Though that helps) In this, the betrayers definitely chose an evil path. But each chose evil individually. The betrayers were definitely evil, in that they sought to expunge life from a planet for selfish reasons. If they were truly remorseful for what they had done to the primordial's world, they could have just taken their people with them and left on their own. But they chose violence. That said the primes might not exactly have been paragons of goodness either, but then many of them while considered "good" are a bit more neutral given their fields. The wildmother is the epitome of true neutral. Nature heals and harms in equal measure, but she still decided expunging a planet inexcusable.

[@tylerbmiranda]

Yeah we know at least ONE is evil asf

[@TheNate108]

I've been so hungry for Critical role. Can't wait for Campaign three.

[@zaneharris706]

Same

[@andrewmorris8650]

Hunger is an inaccurate word. It’s more hangry

[@yesitsRookie]

Soon

[@andreawww]

Since the announcement I'm rewatching old content bits, just to get back in the mood. Man, can't wait for them to be with us again

[@gatonegroloco]

They should make a critical role cereal for folks like you. Call it Exandri-Os

[@Niludjenkins]

I would absolutely buy a Simarillion like novel about the history of Exandria! The lore is amazing!

[@ronniehalvorsen]

In a fucking heart beat

[@scouttyra]

+

[@Sanya6496]

WIthout question. Lore is always interesting to delve into.

[@8Smoker8]

yep it is fairly simple and pleasant and does borrow from the Silmarillion itself (as both do from creation myths after all).

[@dystopianreverie7638]

i imagine Matt is working on it

[@caidx9585]

revisiting this after watching the first episode of EXU Calamity, there's not much of known history of the wars that happened that time so it's so cool that we get to see it now!! I'm so excited!!

[@eathonhowell7414]

It's so weird to see the scope of the critical role campaign laid out on a timeline and see just how short they are in the world itself.

[@Reallyshouldachanhed]

Where’s the moon lore, Matthew? WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE ME THAT RUIDUS LORE, M A T T!?!?

[@beeta137]

We’re getting that moon lore with the new adventure thingy that’s coming out soon!

[@ravenna6543]

@@beeta137 "Moon"

[@garcia0505]

OMG TRUUUE, WHY DIDN'T HE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE "MOON"????

[@DreadPirateRobrt]

Moon? Does that mean there is room for a little SpellJammer in there?

[@Reallyshouldachanhed]

@@DreadPirateRobrt Matt’s been dropping hints for a long time that the “moon” of Ruidus, Exandria’s much smaller and red “moon” is more than it seems. The books say only that it is rumored to be an abandoned betrayer god project, but there’s a LOT of emphasis on it in C2.

[@kat-rau.]

Airship above Marquet!! I really hope those make an appearance in C3. The idea of a high-fantasy arabian setting with airships and magic and desert adventures has me SO hyped!

[@lokilgiok6721]

"WE NEED TO STEAL AN AIRSHIP!" "AGAIN?"

[@carlsmagicbicep9736]

From the sounds of that, that whole continent was untamed and un-explored which is a perfect set up for campaign 3. Also aligns with different contient, different campaign

[@mollymauktealeaf]

We should definitely see them imo. They seem like such a good way to be able to travel across the desert.

[@pyrosianheir]

It's so time for it. Heck, if they play their cards right, getting one might be one of their early quest rewards. :D Then again, they might also just steal one, rename it, and never give it back.

[@RDR911]

@@lokilgiok6721 Why not wood it? Or aluminium?

[@klandgraf6956]

Can’t imagine Matt Mercer holding all of this lore and then getting to do a video like this

[@Ashtor1337]

He has written 2 books.

[@demoulius1529]

By the time the first episode of critical role aired they were already playing together for literal years. Im fairly sure his players knew about all of this stuff. Its just the vieuwer who was kind of not in the know.

[@user-zm4vq6cc3k]

"But the other gods became so overwhelmed by grief, loss, and frustration, the wanted to join the titans in destroying their creations." Me, after watching ep. 2 of EXU: Calamity: "Yep, that sure is how that happened".

[@21Hayden12]

I have come back to watch this after just watching episode 1 of that

[@mel-burnes]

i mean Asmo is mostly bullshitting Zerxus, maybe with not flat-out lies, but there's most definitely a lot of twisting of the real events

[@maryhales4595]

"Whom did we betray?"

[@tuesdaynext7370]

"You said you're our children... you were just a bad first draft."

[@asf8648]

Me, after watching ep 4 of EXU Calamity: Yeah that really was what happened

[@johncage5368]

Great macro level timeline to get the different epochs and big historic events mentioned in the campaigns sorted out properly.

[@c.v.emmans]

And a very good primer for those new to Critical Role that will be starting with campaign 3. History, a look at the map and each continent, and a timeline to see where everything sits in relation to each other, all without being overwhelming.

[@aceroalma1164]

I'm so hyped, I can't wait to see what Liam decided for Sam's new character.

[@raphaelkap]

so true

[@brandonslaten2105]

😃

[@Terahnee]

Okay. It's official. KZbin needs emoji reactions. lol.

[@TheUltrasromano94]

Cerrit, my Man, your legacy lives on

[@angelalewis3645]

❤

[@BradWilson1969]

My first thought was that this reminded me of a short film you might see in a theater in a Disney theme park. My second thought was that this is the perfect film to show in a theater in Critical Role Land!

[@aardenstone9276]

A Magical History lesson isnt something I thought we would get, but damn did we need it

[@scrumpors8706]

Sick mechanisms pfp

[@onesaltydoge3105]

Is that the rainbow bridge mechanisms pfp?!

[@user-ur4nl6dq2x]

This would make great setting for a couple of D&D games, several books, and an animated series...

[@LadyLier17]

I think it would work in comic books as well

[@SapphWolf]

Maybe even a board game or two.

[@V3loCiTy123]

I think you might be onto something... Someone should really look into this.

[@FzNd]

Yeah, somebody really should give this Mercer chap a nudge out of the door. Maybe someone could tweet at him?

[@teehlfx5238]

This is going to sound a bit out there but maybe you could even stream your game, live…on the internet?

[@Inconzii]

Are the betrayer gods really that bad? They were so “overwhelmed with grief, loss, frustration” it kinda puts a weird perspective on it…

[@ConfirmedRandom]

well, when the outlet to that grief loss and frustration is to become twisted corrupt versions of themselves and try to destroy the world it kinda does make them bad.

[@ryppt]

Morality is subjective. The Betrayer Gods could not handle the loss. Weak for certain; Evil, maybe. The threat of losing something you have poured your heart and soul into brings out either your greatest strength or your most profound weakness.

[@TheBlackhoof]

I feel like I need more explanation about the motives of the Betrayer Gods. They were emotionally devastated that the titans were killing their creations (the evil creations like goblins, orcs, drow, etc) so they... decided to join the Titans in killing the rest, and fought against the gods who were protecting them? Why do some people still worship the Betrayer Gods when the thing they were betraying was the concept of sentient life itself?

[@etmist]

yeah idk I don't think theres a justifiable reason to genocide millions of people

[@XxEvolutionxX23]

@@etmist The phrase of a god complex wasn't made up for no reason. It could easily be an ego thing... they probably felt that no person wasn't below them. Much less someone who tried to destroy what they made.

[@otakugirl5512]

If Matt and Marisha ever have a kid, Matt is gonna tell them the best bedtime stories ever.

[@orik48]

he could just tell stories of vax machinia and the mighty nine.

[@CaesarShadowKnight]

@@orik48obligatory “that’s Vax, I’m Vex”

[@writeitandweep]

As someone with a degree in history, I would absolutely love a class on Exandria. Matt has really created such an interesting and unique story and I love the way hes left so many blank answers left to explore.

[@garcia0505]

literally me right now (though I'm still at uni, so no degree yet) I really want more in depth research about the creation of the cities!!! and the multi-cultural spreads around Exandria!!! why isn't any of it real so i can go and actually do research?????

[@jaimeruiz7837]

its as unique as every other fantasy setting... the only difference is that CR is popular so it's get more attention.

[@Lord_Nielsen]

It’s not unique at all tbh it’s pretty basic in its creation.

[@gboi7703]

Agrred. Fantasy seeting are always interesting to consider form a historical perspective. I i feel Aabriya brought something really in EXU. I'm excited to see more of the world!

[@patrickrogers9689]

@@garcia0505 Would be interesting to fill in the blanks, especially in the wake of civilization being destroyed in the Divergence. While we have some information, like the stuff alluding to the establishment of Tal'dorei in this video, there's very little on the reestablishment of civilization centers. A history on Vasselheim especially about how and why they remain so insular over the past 1000 years would be pretty cool, too.

[@JamesWilliams-rp4ll]

As a relative Critical Role newbie (joined at the end of Season 2...like, the VERY end), I thank Matt for his time, enthusiasm and dedication to the pre-campaign three material, as, without it, I would be utterly, UTTERLY, lost in Exandria. I await Campaign 3 with bated breath...

[@chrism9309]

Make sure to get a ticket for tye premier in a Cinemark theatre near you! Thursday 21st this month!

[@kuroneko1813]

I was lucky enough to get introduced to this before C2 ended since I wanted to watch it in order and hated waiting for episodes. I caught up to a couple episodes before C2 ended. Goodluck on your journey.

[@kyoza5069]

So hyped for this thursday! I'm setting aside time specifically to hunker down, get cozy, and fall in love with the new story that'll be crafted going forward.

[@mvmnt3scherzo]

This was very helpful. I’m a D20 fan that wants to watch Calamity now that Brennan is GMing it. Getting a bit of background without having to go through the 40 hours or so of campaign is nice. I definitely want to go back eventually and watch it all, but it’s quite the undertaking at the moment.

[@SacredRevenant]

I think you are a little short on your watch time there.

[@RobK496]

Yeah... Campaign one and two combined are 850 hours on game time and campaign three is almost at 90 hours so there's a little bit more to catch up on haha

[@lilylou4693]

@@SacredRevenant Definitely a Critter, Keyfish type : "i can jump this far right? We're basically gods..." XD

[@ericgrey6582]

After seeing the first episode of Exandria Unlimited Calamity, I wanted to rewatch this to see what the calamity was all about and now I'm even more hyped for the upcomming episodes!!

[@Hades8103]

The only reason he knows all this and can narrate this as well as he does is because he's secretly the first planeswalker Edit: It hasn't even been 24 hours and I already have 1k likes. WTF. How? But thank you all

[@willieearles3151]

That makes a little too much sense for my tastes.

[@davidparkes7741]

I thought it was cause he was the human identity of Pelor.

[@59thSycho]

@@willieearles3151 We know too much now. Taliesin will be visiting us in the night.....

[@Graytail]

@@59thSycho With.... questions...?

[@Sisho88]

Nah. Talesin is the first Planeswalker and Matt is just someone he was intrigued by

[@garcia0505]

I would love if they made an actual "Exandrian History" book in the future, with all these events explained in more detail, with more depth and minutiae to the important figures, the minor conflicts that led to the bigger battles, the people and races involved.... ugh HOW IS IT SO GOOD????

[@wytfish4855]

so, Horus Heresy of Warhammer 40k, except in Exandria. could work. maybe.

[@Logan_Baron]

If Matt had the time he could write a book, or series of books that would rival Tolkien. I mean he knew the exact journey of the Briarwoods and exactly when and how Ripley met them. Whereas I as a long time DM, would have only felt the need to know that she worked with them for an approximate period of time.

[@malikwest8367]

Only thing is while I bet Matt wishes he can do it too, think he wants the world to be a bit mysterious for others to play in and add too in home games

[@garcia0505]

yeah, and to be fair, I wouldn't want him to actually set himself up to writing long history books and burning himself out, or maybe grappling too much with lore consistency and whatnot. It's better for most of it to be in his head and notes only, so the public pressure of getting things wrong isn't as heavy as it could be. Overall, i just love how much he cares about the lore of the world he's made for his friends (and after a while, the critters), and i hope he knows how much we appreciate that in turn

[@poguesmahone]

I'd buy a book like this in case their publisher happens to be reading these comments

[@tsumihitsuki9538]

Me upon seeing the video title: You had me at 'intimate.' Me at the end of the video: Is there like a kickstarter for a Silmarillion version of this? godDAMN matthew why do you always have me in tears of awe 😭👏

[@joby-wankenobinolan3428]

4:28 I can't believe that the Mighty Nein got their hands on the Star Razor so easily considering one piece was in the Dwendalian Empire while the other was in the Krynn Dynasty and both were in the middle of a war. It had to be destiny considering their path led them to both fragments that they weren't particularly looking for.

[@zach1972]

Wasn't Cad also the one who picked up the randomly broken sword handle and just...kept it?

[@TheTrueEmrys]

You cant believe that a special iteem created for the game appeared in the game? LOL reality must be rough for you bud

[@perkinsrestaurants1588]

@@TheTrueEmrys chill, buddy.

[@bluejae7647]

@@zach1972 Taliesin admitted he used video game logic when Cad bought it. He went "a broken sword that's still being sold? That's Chekhov's gun if I ever saw it" (definitely not his actual words, just how it all went down)

[@ChipHardbody]

First of all, I LOVE listening to Matt talk about lore. I could have a 12-hour video like this and it still wouldn't be enough. However, I have to say that my favorite part of this entire video is the lingering credits to EVERY artist who contributed to make this video happen. No quick-scroll through the names, no sped-up transitions. Just a true recognition of each and every person who made art for this to happen.

[@giantawd]

I teared up at the end, seeing the silhouettes of these lovable bands of adventurers. I can't wait to see what this world has in store for us for the upcoming campaign!!!

[@lemoniieeee]

Samee I teared up seeing everyone

[@ethanpoints8735]

Aaaaand screen shot/wallpaper. It would make a great merch poster... just sayin.

[@Enixon869]

I can't recognize the hooded swordsman in the middle, is that any actual character or just sort of a stand in for "your PC"/the next hero/however you want to phrase it?

[@lilyfin2196]

@@Enixon869 yeah, thats how i interpreted it

[@ravenna6543]

@@Enixon869 Matt is usually depicted as a hooded and cloaked figure, and this character is standing atop the CR logo. But the fact the character is wielding a sword instead of the staple open book makes me wonder, is it Matt? And if so, does that mean he finally gets to participate in a long campaign as a PC? If Aabria is DMing I would 100% be ok with this. She'd finally be able to de rail her story telling and that thought makes me happy.

[@beardedshenanigans8387]

The lore for Taldorei is so much more clear cut and consistant compared to The Forgotten Realms lore. Makes a person not even want to bother adventuring in Faerun.

[@derwykynger]

Not only is the production of this incredibly well done, but I also feel like I really needed this to understand the history of Exandria better. Thanks you guys, this is awesome!

[@dayo546]

What i love the most : there is clearly a "history is written by the victor " kind of biais. Very well crafted !

[@zach1972]

Is there?

[@LustyHeart_]

Most definitely so. You only get 1 line on why they are called Betrayer Gods. It's almost as if something massive is being hidden.

[@Jason-kp4vc]

@@zach1972 Yeah people do seem to be so fond of their conspiracy theories of "maybe the bad guys weren't really that bad". This guy really looked at an objective, meta narration of the history of Matt's world, by Matt himself, and decided there's a bias in there. This romanticization of villains needs to stop lol.

[@zach1972]

@@Jason-kp4vc Honestly, regardless of whether or not history was written by the victor, the chained god is still doing incredibly evil shit, most of the betrayer gods are still doing evil shit When it comes to actual deities morality, if the Platinum Dragon is god of Law and good shit etc, then he's genuinely a good being, there's no grey area there, he isn't secretly evil, likewise, up front evil gods aren't secretly good, Asmodeus isn't called the God of Lies for nothing

[@Nofixdahdress]

@@Jason-kp4vc Matt has always been very up front about his dislike for the rigidity of DnD's alignment system. I don't think its unreasonable to assume that there's probably more nuance to the history of Exandria than what this video suggests.

[@danielnator123456]

i would have listen to 6 hours of Matthew talking about lore

[@annavale3971]

here hoping to figure out the answer to "whom did we betray?"

[@TheSpencermacdougall]

When I learned C3 would take place on the Continent of marquet, I was surprised, cause I had no idea it was a continent. I heard the name once or twice during C2, but I thought it was a city on the coast, like the one Jester's from. But now, I know it's a deserty area, so I'm looking forward to seeing the adventures that will spawn from that setting.

[@furiouschicken1]

it was visited in Campaign One

[@miabussell0229]

The fact that a single man is not only able to write his world in such detail, but then explain it so concisely boggles the mind. Respect to you, Mr. Mercer, looking forward to the next adventure!

[@Cherrycherrylady1479]

It's not just him, he has other writers helping him. There's nothing wrong with it, I just wish people would notice that more. Lots of people new to D&D use Matt Mercer as a standard of being a DM but it's not just one person.

[@JacksonOwex]

@@Cherrycherrylady1479 Does he though?! Matt's probably been working on this FOR YEAR AND YEARS, probably even BEFORE Critical Role was started by FELICIA DAY(something else people should realize/remember)!!! Yeah, yeah, I know other people are likely listed as "writers" in the guides but Matt is HIGHLY likely 98% of the world and those others are there to help keep all the writing in a similar style throughout the books so things don't randomly change writing style making the books hard to follow.

[@Fro609]

@@Cherrycherrylady1479 He alone created this entire world and the entire campaigns we have fallen in love with. Don't you dare try and spread the credit to others when it is mercer alone. The only help he has gotten is turning all of his own notes and creations and others data entrying his thousands of pages into a professional layout

[@brianhalligan9268]

@@JacksonOwex the world is almost entirely Matt (a likely the players themselves because characters backstories can help world building a ton) because the first game was running for years before CR. However in the intervening time Matt has gotten help flushing out his lore into a more unified form. Most notably from people at Wizards themselves(they have published 2 books in the universe already). At this stage Matt is the originator but so many other have impacted the world (including anyone who has run a campaign in universe) that it’s grown to be much more than one guys homebrew world.

[@davidbergfors6820]

*corrects glasses* Technically, He's Married, not single. (sry, I just had to)

[@zephyre9676]

Honestly, Critical Role is a blessing! I fear the day of Matt's last "is it Thursday yet?" ... Much love to all the Critters out there :3

[@davidbergfors6820]

why do you even talk about that moment!! let me live in the denial that this will never end.

[@MartinDrumer21]

Man, dont jinx it.

[@corvacks8924]

I would love it Matt's last Is it Thursday yet was It is Thursday Now

[@josiahpetrain949]

watching this during calamity is chefs kiss

[@Imperial_Squid]

It's really interesting to give out that this was such a one sided story, "history is written by the victors" as they say

[@FireBowProductions]

Watching this again after the huge reveals in C3, wow the beginning hits way harder.

[@vicky092011]

Did anyone else halfway expect to hear, "..and this is where we meet our heroes...." when he introduced Marquet?

[@andrewd.8560]

this is supposed to be an intro to exandria, not just c3, it would be out of place if someone started elsewhere but watched this first as an intro to the world

[@timd4524]

Yep. Time for another campaign book. How could you not now it would be Marquet.

[@IceDragon978]

@@timd4524 It could have also been Issylra, they've barely touched that continent in the show. About as much as Marquet, in fact.

[@quietlodestar]

@@IceDragon978 theres also the shattered teeth in the south that goes completely unmentioned

[@KiX-K4T13]

The 21st is a sacred day. C3 doesn't start till then. He wouldn't break that time frame. Why? Because he needs more time to write. Also, this is assuming the players are 100% ready and that they've already had their first test/practice session to see how things check out. Something they did for the first two campaigns. Not trying to sound grouchy lol just laying out facts like railroad tracks.

[@WolfiePH]

This is the only time I was ever this invested in listening to history, and it's a fictional one.

[@nikcali7113]

Same. I could listen to matt narrate every single detail of the in-between events of exandria for hours, and stay 100% focused.

[@Funburned]

I'm over here taking notes like my doctorate depends on it...

[@Kal_Al_Thor]

Real history is cool too bro. Check out this guy called oversimplified. He teaches us history in a pretty funny way. Europe in particular is pretty interesting.

[@Magabes_]

I learned of my love for history through lore of fictional worlds, primarily that of video-games. Our past holds very interesting stories and individuals.

[@gzer0x]

That’s fine! Games and fiction are what got me into history, now I have a graduate degree. What part of this story’s history drew you in? Maybe it’s a topic in history or fiction you’d want to explore more?

[@MAGA_Dec1773]

Matt should have said: "Welcome to Exandria. My World." I have seen every episode this man every DMed on video and he is by far the best dungeon master I have ever seen. What a talent. (Second would be Brennan Lee Mulligan, amazing DM as well btw). The critical role cast is living the dream. Which one of us DnD lovers wouldn't want to be them right?! Okay, back to my mundane life...

[@demoulius1529]

Hes a good DM. But his players also deserver some credit in there as well. They work off eachother. You cant be a good DM without good players because theyre also a part of the story. And if your own story is working to counteract your own storytelling, you cant really do it very well.

[@mel-burnes]

i KNEW it was weird that in exu primordials were stated to be locked up on the material plane when this video clearly said that prime deities'd locked them up after the schism. shoutout to laerryn!

[@minmaxd_]

LET’S GO!!!!! I love lore, and I love Matt’s narration even more!!

[@jedimoon22]

I love that Exandria is a post-apocalyptic world. It's just very interesting

[@Linerunner99]

Yep... it used to just be called Andria.

[@Ashtor1337]

@@Linerunner99 booooo

[@benwhite8157]

I mean, we all knew EXU: Calqmity wasn't going to end well, but it's hard to hear that there will be _no_ happy ending.

[@LuluGE]

not me crying at essek being part of the party line up at the end like "that's my BOY"

[@ThePequenocristo]

I'm happy that the critical role people recognized that I really needed a newbie primer to the history of everything.

[@WereDictionary]

With a voice like this, Matt could narrate a phone book and I would be about as enraptured.

[@Cinetiste]

"....and then times came when the era of the letter G was nearing its end, so were we entering the numbers of grocery..."

[@carolynguillen9333]

Revisiting after finishing EXU:Calamity - The story telling was tragically heartbreaking and devastatingly beautiful BUT OMG do I have so many more questions now ! MORE MINI SERIES!

[@sylvietaylor499]

Matt is literally such an out of this world storyteller. He brings with him such brilliant ideas, envoking emotions and imagery that I have yet to see brought by any other GM or storyteller I have come across. He's a literal genius in my opinion and will continue to have my support

[@LandonTheDM]

Very nice. I think this Matt Mercer guy just might have a talent for doing voice acting ;)

[@Thalion124]

Right? I think he could do pretty well for himself as a voice actor.

[@jasperbean1]

Never clicked this early for a Critical Role video in my life. This is exactly what i needed to be even more fully immersed! Thank you Critical Role!

[@rafaelmocarzel5684]

I started following you only in 2023. So this video was PERFECT for me! So I understood everything about the timeline. Make videos explaining the maps, please. Thank you for the wonderful leisure! Big Hugs from Brazil!

[@Perilax]

Who else is also looking at this for a quick reminder for ExU: Calamity? :)

[@carleygriffiths9080]

I could listen to Matthew teach a full length lecture on this and still want more

[@ravenna6543]

They could give this man eight hours to speak freely w/o interruption and I bet he'd ask for a few more days. And I'd be there in the front row taking notes.

[@daltondavidson7997]

I could listen to him teach geometry and be enthralled

[@wesleywisdom3511]

This is like an opening in a video game to rival the likes of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, Pillars of Eternity, and Torment Tides of Numenera. Could totally see a RPG in those similar veins done for the world of Exandria.

[@rachael5099]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ3EZmR3l5l_e9E😏

[@negate3]

The article in Variety memtioned they're making a CR video game, no idea what the style is, but here's hoping we get a huge intro like this!

[@bessieburnet9816]

@@negate3 REALLY?!

[@arcanistnpc4751]

I would love to see a campaign or a one-shot episode set during the calamity it would be absolutely nuts

[@nandaloonfellhorn1031]

You probably know, because the news aren't that new, but I got news for you. ;)

[@OAlyssO]

Who's here after watching EXU: Calamity E2?

[@deejed]

Well this is really cool. Gotta love just getting to hear Mercer talk.

[@kitax7778]

Seeing Essek as one of the heroes besides VM and M9 brings joy to my heart!

[@darkraynjaw]

Trying to think of who the guy in the middle might be if it isn't an insert for Matt himself.

[@MicahAndersenNeverStopWriting]

EXU calamity episode 2 putting a whole new spin on this history

[@gogoguppi]

“With that much money you could flesh out the entire creation and divinity”- end of the Kickstarted This is the gift we created for ourselves!!

[@cassmaelou]

That didn't feel like 9 minutes--this is so beautifully done. I don't expect anything less from Critical Role.

[@crispycrimson6448]

As a massive history, mythology and critical role fan, I'm noticing all the inspirations matt had for these and I'm loving it so much :)

[@artistantlers]

Watching this again to brush up on my lore before the calamity finale!

[@actual-spinster]

the raven queen will never not be extremely hot lbr .... especially after finding out she beat death lol

[@trishalish13]

This was honestly so helpful. I had a vague idea of some things after hearing Matt mention certain events/places again and again in the campaigns, but now it actually makes sense.

[@RDR911]

Genuinely curious... What did it help?

[@trishalish13]

@@RDR911 Mostly helped my understanding of all the timeline events. Like I knew 'The Calamity' and 'The Age of Arcanum' were a thing, but not what happened or when or why. Love having some context!

[@joannamccleland6727]

Wholly appreciate since I am running a Wildemount campaign and this is very helpful for my players! Also, I just love listening to Matt talk about his creation.

[@JaheeroTack]

Can we have more lore stories on the history of Exandria? I love this, and would love episodes of the cities and countries.

[@garrettmoorman5213]

Always wondered how much cumulative time Matt has put into fleshing out his world alone. Feels like it be at least 2 consecutive months

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

I think he's mentioned that he's been working on this world since he was a teenager, so... Who knows!

[@RossHarmon1]

I can just see the sea of spammed LORE! emotes when this rolls on Twitch now.

[@beeta137]

I just picture the Twitch chat collectively slamming the table yelling LORE! LORE! LORE!

[@a.summers9180]

Me: *has her breath taken away by the awesomeness* Damn... Could we get a book expanding upon this and touching upon smaller events that are nestled withing the ages discribed? Like history book created by some of the player character from across the campaigns and others from Exandria in the vain of the Spiderwick Chronicles' Field Guide?

[@LittleBlondeDud3]

Yeah, like 'Widogast's History of the Arcane' or something like that.

[@mollymauktealeaf]

I know it would be a lot of work but I would love to see a more general Exandria sourcebook.

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

I think it has a lot to do with Matt expanding the setting as he goes. He rarely expands farther than anticipated campaign needs. And that's good since he is less likely to burn himself out and leaves room for the rest of the cast to build their PCs as freely as possible. That being said I will take as much lore in any world that I enjoy that I'm able to get.

[@gljames24]

I'm watching this after Calamity and this hits different.

[@joe.5103]

Does it spoil or help understand calamity better? I haven’t watched either of the long CR series

[@iiJow]

haha funny in retrospect *sobbing*

[@talisredstar1543]

This just reminds me that there is so much about exandria that hasn't even been touched on Critical Role. Honestly, I was hoping for like 2 more years of campaign 2. I can't wait for Campaign 3.

[@ravenna6543]

They say third time's the charm. But what if the first and second time were already the charm? That has me thinking C3 is about to be on a whole other level. I'm more than excited

[@Josie-th3id]

i feel like a campaign during the schism would be so fun!! like heroes learning magic for the first time and taking down the elemental titans

[@JT_Lich]

that would be awesome, I want it now

[@xotolwright7077]

One shot possibly

[@LordOceanus]

pretty sure thats just playing 4th edition

[@grumpycloud30]

That would be a cool one shot idea. I think the concern would be that anything they said or did could ripple effect the future. It could become Canon and then Matt and Dani are stuck making it all make sense.

[@beeta137]

Yeah, but I remember someone saying somewhere that prequel campaigns are difficult because of how they can probably affect stuff that takes place chronologically later. So, I think the wise move is *not* doing prequel campaigns - say, what if the wrong person gets killed, or makes a different choice, or...

[@movietroll2303]

A whole bunch of my pals watch the roleplaying sessions. I didn't watch very much of it, but I watch the animated series. It's great because now I know what they are talking about half the time. If I decide to Dungeon Master again, I am thinking of using this world. My brother has the book with the maps and lore.

[@andywhite2337]

I would watcha series of just this. Mercer talking about the intricacies and different lores of Exandria. He's a rare gem.

[@ravenna6543]

Truly one of the greatest story tellers of our age. I don't just say that as a fan of the show, but as a huge nerd and collector of fantasy fiction. He has said it himself, Exandria has been his life's work and it shows. He's woven a wonderful narrative with history that has yet to see the light of day still.

[@quillzink6863]

Man…. Matt shouldn’t be able to be so god damn good at his everything. He’s so special to the world. I’m glad to be able to enjoy in his gift he shares with us all.

[@nobledonkey17]

I've seen that last picture so many times and it just now clicked that its VM and The M9 with Matt in the middle

[@blackk_rose_]

after exu: calamity i'm craving more of exandria's past. a campaign set before the schism when arcane magic didn't exist yet. or one leading up to the schism or the divergence. or one at the beginning of the age of arcanum, when they were still building their cities. or one during the war before gwessar became tal'dorei. but especially campaigns set during different stages of the calamity, maybe one with *spoiler alert* cerrit's daughter as a pc once she's an adult.

[@IsaNia26]

I understand you, I too would love to see more of the ancient past of Exandria, I'd really like a campaign about the imidiate start of the calamity, we saw the beginning in Avalir but I'd like to know what happend to the other cities how they dealt with the sudden threat, maybe even in Aeor. Or at the hight of the calamity, where we see champions of the prime deities or champions of the betrayers fighting. (I really want to see Zerxus again)

[@CosmicNerdStudios]

@@IsaNia26 champions of the divine battle royal one shot set during the calamity would be super rad and fun tbh

[@bored_raven3361]

As a history nerd, I am happy. As a history nerd who loves high fantasy, I AM LIVING.

[@teehlfx5238]

Live on and soar!

[@leahannbatley5120]

Amen! 😁

[@CrisSelene]

I know! I watched this with a big smile on my face and legit got chills.

[@garcia0505]

THE TIMELINE!!! THE SEQUENCING OF EVENTS!!! I would absolutely KILL for a book, or podcast, or SOMETHING that delved even deeper into the History of the pre-Calamity times, or the History of these earlier civilizations, or how the use of divine power started to grow and morph, just..... History is already so good, and make it Fantasy History about CR's universe?? I'm just DEAD!