Matthew Mercer on The Legend of Vox Machina, Critical Role and Legacy | D&D 

The only bad thing about this video is that it is way too short! Can't get enough of Matt Mercer being a genuine and humble human being.

"Leave the world better than you found it" - The Critical Role Mantra i keep with me everyday

Matt truly is the definition of humble to a fault. He is asked about how it feels for him personally and he cannot help but point to everyone who has helped it come to fruition. It speaks volumes about his character that he never fails to do that. I just hope that in his head somewhere he acknowledges his importance in all of this. I know without EVERYONE involved it couldn't have happened but without him, NONE of it would have happened. Even just the redemption of D&D as a community and culture from being associated with the satanic panic to a culture of inclusivity and acceptance lies partially in his hands. The kindness and love he has for the game and his friends (and likewise their kindness and love) is what turned the page for D&D. There are countless others who have pushed the envelope to do it as well but none of them were in the spotlight with all eyes on them as Matt and the whole CR crew. Personally, I would never have gotten the guts to open up about my curiosity surrounding D&D and eventually joining the community of players without Critical Role. I never thought D&D was evil, I just didn't want to be associated with what others thought that of. Then suddenly, D&D was full of kind hearted souls pushing acceptance and kindness. Always kindness. It stamped something onto my heart that never faded the first time I heard "Love eachother" come out of his mouth. There was no if, and, or but attached to it. Just simply, "love eachother and be kind". Then Gilmore fell in love with Vax, and my world changed again. No one in chat was angry about it. (some people thought it wasn't necessary to the story but no one was mad about it being nonconforming. Scanlan's redemption arc and dealing with addiction. His friends being there but not pushing questions too hard when Scanlan needed to go away and work on himself for a while. Taryon learning that he needn't put on an act for people to like him. Veth learning that it's what is inside and your actions that matter. Percy learning to face his past and let go. All these things that are very real to very real people just touched me in a way that no other medium of entertainment ever has. It's wonderous. I cannot explain how much Matt, the cast, and crew of CR have helped me in my own internal struggles by showing me that is OK to feels these thing and to work through them rather than push them aside. And above all, they did these things while weaving actually interesting and entertaining stories that still grip me and make me cry to this day. *Spoiler alert* Then at the end of C1, Scanlan's decision to use that spell slot to save the world rather than do the selfish thing and save his friend sundered me. And I could see it sundered the whole cast as they slowly realized what had happened one by one at that table they'd all sat and grew their friendship at. They were crying, I was too. It wasn't because the story was sad. It was because they knew it was the end of the story and they were afraid. They were afraid to leave behind these characters that had represented their fears and emotions all this time. The didn't want to be alone. Even if only for a moment to roll that new character eventually. They wanted to stay at that table and be with eachother. I know it sounds stupid. Its just a game of D&D that a bunch of idiots thought would be a good idea to stream live. But to me and many others it was more than that. It was like a good book and a warm blanket before bedtime. It was movie night with family. It was many things but most of all it was a bunch of people with a single thing in common drawing them to work through life together and grow as people. And we were invited to join them if only in our hearts and minds. And I am grateful for such an invitation. So Matt, Marisha, Sam, Travis, Liam, Laura, Taliesin, Ashley, and even you Orion. If you read this. Thank you. Thank you so much for inviting me to join you at your table. You've made me a better person because of it.

“To quote a great tiefling” 😭 Long may he reign

I see so many people saying that they don't watch Critical Role, some don't even play D&D... but they love the show. That right there is the mark of a really good show. It keeps the fans of the original, but also gets new people and pulls them right in.

I dont watch Critical Role, but have watched the first 3 episodes of the Vox Machina animated series and... it is good. Really damn good. Well done!

In a cynical world its almost hard to believe that a group of people built this kind of success on being kind, genuine, and fun. For them to come through for their fans in the way they have with this series is inspiring.

I love the cameo's of Matthew as a guard. And the Tusk Love and Crimson Weasel cameo's of course. But seeing Matt warms my heart most of all.

Shoutout to Matt for being honest and bringing awareness to Imposter Syndrome. It's real, and it's devastating. So, let me say to you, Matt, as one of like mind: You did DAMN good, my friend. I know your struggle, and none of it changes how awesome Exandria is, and how honored we all are for being allowed to share it with you.

@0:53 MATTHEW MERCER. I need to tell you something. You are a personal idol of mine. Not just aspiring to accomplish what you have, but to be what you are as a Person. You are Very Deserving. The Internet has spoken with the crowd-fundraising for this show. You asked for a pilot, and we gave you enough for a whole season, and you did it so good you got to sign the 2nd season almost right away. And this is YOUR world. Your imagination, your creative spirit and guiding force. You are this generation's Dungeon Master. Never doubt yourself Matt. Never.

If Matt or anyone from the CR crew, or even Todd reads this. You *have* made a difference, hailing from the world of entertainment. D&D had some success, but with your talent, the situation in the market skyrocketed. People got jobs to work on things they love, in environments you urge to be healthy, inspired others to invest in this, it helped millions find an escape from routine and/or troubles, sick people forget their pain for a while, lonely people find friends/communities. Sure, the actors of CR were from the get-go talented, but still, their bond, chemistry and their humble disposition to this success and the way they present the game year after year creates its own legacy and heart-warm feelings. I hope you keep doing it, indeed until we all leave this world for another; but by then, we'll have hundreds explored.

Honestly, it’s so great that Matt is willing to be vulnerable about the Imposter Syndrome. It hasn’t gone to his head and he doesn’t take it for granted.

I have so much joy and happiness week to week because Matt Mercer and his group of friends exist and are willing to share their joy and passion for having fun together.

Damn the quote to Molly hit hard

One of the things that I am so grateful for, when it comes to the internet, is that I get to see the greatest story teller of the generation tell stories. Thank you Mr. Mercer for sharing the wonderful stories of yours with everyone, and I too hope to see campaign 26 and more.

LOL that accidental thirst trap shot of Keyleth in the woods got me

Matt mercer is amazing. I love how he has not let the success go to his head. The show's first 3 episodes are better than I imagined. I can't wait to see what happens like I don't have a loose idea what will happen from campaign 1.

I really wish he could understand and accept how him and the whole crit team mean to us. Bringing dnd into a whole new level.

Thank you so much. It is my absolutely awesome for me to see two of my favorite D&D people together on the same screen! Thanks to both of you.

I don't know if Matt will ever see this, Imposter syndrome, I feel effects "Nice People" more, because they typically live a subtractive life (more willing to make a sacrifice for the betterment of all involved). I have it as well working a job that most people go through years of schooling for, and I got it by merit and proving my skill. You (the metaphorical you) are in a position based on the way people perceive you. The value that they place vs the value you place on yourself is where that feeling comes from when there is a net positive or negative between them. I feel that it is almost a necessity to have a measure of imposter syndrome to maintain being humble in a position or about something. Only recently, since I have been doing this kind of job for 15 years, did I actually ask what I think I'm worth for the work that I do, and because I do good work they gave it to me. Good People, honest people, and "Real" people, are harder and harder to come by it feels, and when something comes along that showcases what I can only imagine as true friendship and real people enjoying each others company, and telling a damn good story, people will gravitate towards that, because it is rare in this digital world. You and the team at Critical Role, found a niche that was very neglected in "western society", the story time that troubadours we're instrumental in sharing, with stories of morals, flaws, quirks, love, loss, and life, this is that human interaction and engrossing story telling that the West has forgotten. Thank you All, and Long May He Reign.

Yay, always love a heartfelt conversation between the two of you

Looking forward to the interview for Campaign 26!

If I ever had a hidden villain I’d make them as much like Matt as I could do the party would love them and never expect them

Thank you Todd and Matt.

A nice 2 hour visit with Matt would be a nice length to show, love you Todd…. Kisses hugs and belly rubs.

Going to second what alto1MO said about Matt. I try to scour RU-vid for any and all new video interviews with this legend. My dream / bucket list is to one day meet him, and the rest of the crew of CR. They have given me something to look forward to every week, with Campaign 3, and now the animated series! Love it by the way - I have watched it multiple times in preparation for the release of the next episodes. . . Excited!!

I'm not going to lie, after the first three I was surprised at how short the episodes were; and was left immediately wanting to have the episodes be longer. Longer run times cost more though, so more funding would be required. Though I doubt that'd be a problem seeing as how fast the kickstarter was fully funded on day one. :D

Matt Mercer is such a lovely lovely man, wonderful to see him talk

This warms my heart!! Critical Role, you all are amazing!! I found y'all from Exandria Unlimited and fell in love. Thanks for bringing me so much joy over this pandemic when it's been such a time of challenge and sadness. Much love!!

Nobody talks about how mind-blowing Matthew Mercer is as Kiritsugu from Fate/Zero

Matt! Your art has made a difference in my life as an aspiring DM and has resulted in beautiful times shared between friends at a D&D table-all deeply inspired and encouraged by your humble, beautiful storytelling and spirit. Getting to see your world come to life in animation is all the more satisfying and enjoyable!

That was a really sweet and kind interview.

Thanks Todd and Matt.

Could we get a link to the full interview please? This is a great teaser!

The fact that their relatively new company has not only expanded with merch and their Foundation, they kept producing content, and also kept the pre production and now production and release via Titmouse Animation and Amazon thru the pandemic! Kudos to ALL who have brought this to fruition, including the Critters. 😎😎😎😎

It's getting a lot of hype for being the newest but not the first. What comes to mind for older otaku would probably be record of lotus more. Started off in a similar fashion as a game turned book turned anime.

loved the 3 episodes i can se so far and im finally ready for cam 3 episode 1..it will be good to be back listening to u guys read me another epic story.. :D

He did inspire me to get back behind the dm screen and build the biggest campaign Iv ever done. It’s a lot of work but my players are enjoying it throughly

It is so inspiring to see genuine, humble, kind people succeed. Not succeed but to be very successful. Yet still remain real. And give back and support social causes. The interview was way to short.

Critical Role have done an amazing job with this animation. Thank you Matt Mercer and Team as well as the many that made this happen.

Reason #1000 why we love Matt Mercer

Love you Matt!

Well spoken, Matt.

I would sell all my dice just to sit between these two and just listen

Enjoying the animated show rn. I think it works cuz matt is a good story teller and the people they're working with are writing a adaptation of the adventure that works better as a standalone story. I've seen stories based on dnd campaigns feel flat or disjoinyed cuz things that work in a dnd game with s group of friends don't exactly work in a story .

Ayyyyyy, it’s that one guy! 😏 LOVM has been great so far.

On another note: Where did they take the interview? I see drums, guitars & a kitchen? 😁

What I've learned from this interview: We desperately need more of Matt's thigh game playing out on screen 👀

I think too many people are getting hung up on the "D&D" part of The Legend of Vox Machina. It's not a D&D show, it's a cartoon. It just gets its story from a D&D game that was played, instead of from comics or toys or a video game or whatever. But it's 100% a completely viable bit of media in its own right.

ash in the ground? come on Matt, ash dice xD

Matt is love... Matt is life

Damn, I don't know why Matt's words hit me in the feels, but I'm fine with that.

What would happend if Matthew Mercer and Keanu had a sit down and talk session..just..talking..

that was definitely short

A Darkglass M500 on top of an Ampeg cab. A person of culture I see.....

Wizards has been trying to make a good D&D movie for years, and here Critical Role go off and do it themselves by Kickstarter. What a great success.

Will Craven Edge be in the series?

I don’t watch CR but I am enjoying the animated series

Yes... Matt's humility and recognition are incredible examples. I worry more about the ways the community lets down the ideas of inclusivity, acceptance and imagination... For something so centered in imagination, we can sure suffer from a lack of imagination when it comes to new things, lol.

That's cool, but what kind of drum set is that?

The fame couldn't have happened to a better person

Greetings

come a long way since chat would buy you all pizza..

jesus effin christ this was a long day, i really don't want to end it with a crying 😑 oh well 😭

Matt does not get enough credit. The mastermind behind it all.

This should be the sixty ninth comment. Nice.

Never really cared for critical role and I hate it’s fandom but this show is quality stuff

Call me inspired

We don’t need you to be an activist Matt. We need you to just keep doing what your doing and be a great entertainer.

First

I really hope Chris Hardwick’s Irish sounding wizard makes an appearance voiced by Chris. I wonder if it’s odd for Matt being an incredibly talented voice actor and having other people voice his characters…

I'm a anti woke person but the way they put representation and diversity in the animated series it works very well. Please hollywood learn from this.

Matt Mercer, funny guy, knows absolutely nothing about economics