Critical Role has been a significant influence on my D&D journey, even though I already had experience with playing and running campaigns. Whether it was one of the main campaigns or a mini-series, Critical Role always promised fun, immersive storytelling, deep and heartfelt role-playing, and challenging combat. Their mini-series Age of Umbra is no exception.
To provide some background, I was aware of Critical Role when they were running Campaign 1, but as a busy student at the time, there weren't enough hours in the day for me to dedicate to watching it. However, my journey with them began with Campaign 2 when I was finally bestowed more free time. From just the first few episodes, I had fallen in love. It was comforting to know that even professional long-term players go through that same awkward stage of finding out who their characters are, just like most players. Eventually, I binged all of Campaign 2, went back to watch Campaign 1, and just recently finished watching Campaign 3. All 3 of these Campaigns left me emotional, but satisfied with their conclusions. No doubt a fourth campaign is already in the works, and I eagerly await its launch.
Now, fast-forward to the present. In my last post, I discussed my first impressions of Daggerheart. Naturally, I had to watch Critical Role run Age of Umbra, a grimdark fantasy setting in Daggerheart. With Age of Umbra being a mini-series, it consists of only eight episodes. Currently, as I write this, the most recent episode was episode 6. Now, I am a simple frog. I see a dark fantasy story, and I am hooked instantly. Age of Umbra did not hold back, in more ways than one. The premise of the story starts strong, as the Halcyon Domain is already in ruins, barely holding onto survival. It reminds me a bit of Dark Souls, a game series that I thoroughly enjoy. Not only is the story itself dark, but due to the nature of the Umbra, players are rarely safe at any point in the campaign. The combat so far has been brutal and unforgiving, and I have never seen players struggle so much just within the first two sessions. However, it was exhilarating to watch them defy the odds and survive, showcasing the main themes of endurance and perseverance in Age of Umbra.
While combat is something I enjoy in my TTRPGs, I love the roleplaying aspect a lot more. With the cast of Critical Role being voice actors, it’s very easy to become immersed in these characters. The acting is phenomenal as the occasional comedic moment pops up without destroying the dark atmosphere. Sprinkles of lightheartedness are vital in an unforgiving world, and I loved how the cast handled it. Additionally, I would like to give props to Matt Mercer not only for creating Age of Umbra, but also for how he effectively taught the audience the rules as they played. Seeing the rules of Daggerheart being played out made me even more excited, and I realized it is not as complex as I initially thought. While some people may be bothered by Matt’s constant corrections towards the cast, I was appreciative of them because it drilled in my head what the intended rules are.
My only complaint about Age of Umbra is that it is a mini-series and not a full-fledged campaign. Campaigns 1-3 were special because they were long campaigns. Being able to watch a long journey from start to finish is one of the most satisfying experiences. You witness the rise and fall of these characters, the trials and tribulations that alter them forever. You grieve their losses and celebrate their victories. If Age of Umbra were announced as Campaign 4, I would not have complained. A frog can dream, though. Overall, very satisfied with what I have witnessed so far in Age of Umbra, and it only fueled my desire to run a Daggerheart campaign. Maybe someday. Until then, I shall eagerly await the next big thing from Critical Role, which I have no doubt will be phenomenal.