RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Critical Role's Matthew Mercer just revealed 1 foundational rule that all Dungeon Masters should use Warframe devs say adding Matt Mercer is a ‘dream come true’ The Tim Burton masterpiece that everyone forgets is free to stream Take a peek at the new Critical Role story that follows The Mighty Nein's most misunderstood character Critical Role Sign in to your Polygon.com account Critters know and love the tales of Critical Role's mightiest adventuring parties, Vox Machina, The Mighty Nein, and Bells Hells. Songs are sung about their deeds and adventures where they've fought giants, dragons, and even gods — but what about the people whose lives they've impacted? What's there to know about their stories?
If that's a question that's often been on your mind, then you're in for a real treat this August. Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - Stories Untold, published by Random House Worlds, highlights the tales of the more memorable characters who The Mighty Nein have fought with (and sometimes, against) throughout Campaign 2.
One such character is Essek Thelyss. Essek is a drow wizard, played by Matthew Mercer in Campaign 2 as well as in its animated adaptation, The Mighty Nein . A vital figure within the Kryn Dynasty who was first working against the Nein and their goals, Essek wormed his way into the party — and our hearts — by the time Campaign 2 concluded.
"It was such an honor to receive Matt's blessing to dive into Essek's mind during his dark night of the soul," The Mighty Nein - Stories Untold 's author Dani Carr shares in a statement to Polygon. "I have always been fascinated by Essek as a character, so getting to tell a story from deep within his fears and his hopes was a gift I never took for granted. I knew I had to do right by Essek for Matt, Liam, and every Critter who fell for our resident hot boi. This story brings readers into Essek's mind as he ponders whether to double down on the mistakes of his past, or allow himself to want something better for his own heart and soul. I hope everyone enjoys their read!"
In this exclusive excerpt from Critical Role: The Mighty Nein - Stories Untold, titled The Fall Will Kill You ,we see Essek grapple with the fraught choices he's made in the past and whether his relationship with The Mighty Nein has a future.
Essek eased himself into the large desk chair to relax, casting his exhausted eyes around the room.
Though the library tower housed his vast collection of books, the laboratory tower housed his work. His study held his desk and more bookcases, all with his own writings and research. The walls were painted deep indigo and were adorned with pinned drawings of charts and diagrams, maps of the stars and the continents of Exandria, representations of theoretical concepts and calculations. A geometric carpet covered the floor, over which sat puffed cushions for when studying proved too interesting for a trip to his actual bed.
Here was the true heart of Essek’s home, as Essek’s heart and mind were the same. The third tower might have held his bedchamber and his hearth, but this tower, the tallest of the three, was the essence of him. Science and reason, facts and logic, possibility and potential—these were the principles that Essek had devoted his life to; these were the only things that truly mattered. Guilt had no place here. Particularly not guilt over a devout fool’s poor decisions or a cruel sycophant’s castigation.
They had all made their choices. Essek could still live with his.
A familiar but uncomfortable chill crept across the back of Essek’s mind, as if a large spider had suddenly crawled across his scalp. Essek recoiled, the force of this sudden and invasive discomfort propelling him out of his chair and onto his feet. He winced, trying not to fight off the skin-crawling wave now tingling down his spine as the bespelled voice of his coconspirator, Martinet Ludinus Da’leth, interrupted his thoughts.
“Did you witness the Mighty Nein’s request to the Bright Queen for a parley?” Ludinus’s voice was clipped and brisk. He was an ancient elf, long versed in the art of getting what he wanted. There was never any need to demand it; his tone was all that was required.
“I did,” Essek responded, his own voice unwavering and confident. “They were successful. The blame has been placed entirely on this Angel of Irons cult. Vence is to be traded.”
The spell’s effects had just barely faded when the crawling chill struck again and the voice returned. “A pity. His penmanship was immaculate. Still, our studies continue unabated. A beacon will be returned, and we will continue with the others we possess.”
“I plan to attend.” Essek’s response came faster this time, his words nearly stumbling out. “I want to see the trade with my own eyes. To know this is behind me.”
Again, the magic receded only to snap back with a shiver. “No.”
Essek gripped the sharp edge of his desk so hard that it cut into his palms. “I was not asking for your permission. I was informing you of my intentions.”
“If you wish to be a fool, then be a fool. At least do it in disguise.”
Essek swallowed, his eyes burning with abashed indignation. “Of course. How go the dunamantic tests on the beacons? Have you uncovered any new details or understanding about the souls contained within?” His voice took on a hopeful tone. Perhaps the conversation could still be salvaged.
The magic faded. The chill did not return for a long while, so long that Essek considered casting his own spell and demanding an answer, but return it did.
“They have more important work first. Patience, Essek. You’ll have plenty of future opportunities to study your little pet projects. We have long lives. Patience.”
“Of course, Ludinus. There is always more time.”
The magic receded for the final time, but Essek’s heart may well have stopped in his chest. That practiced acquiescence didn’t even feel like it had come from him, being automatic and disembodied.
Cold rage restarted his heart. Essek grimac...
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