Critical Role: Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting

by Matthew Mercer, Andy Law (Cartographer), James J. Haeck

Critical Role has taken the roleplaying world by storm and now you can join the adventure! Until now, the wondrous and dangerous lands of Tal'Dorei have been the sole stomping grounds of the show's adventuring company, Vox Machina. But now, you can explore these realms in a tome from the pen of Game Master Matt Mercer himself! Will you find one of the revered Vestiges of Divergence or perhaps discover part of the Chroma Conclave's legacy? Can you help the Ashari in their sacred charge to prevent the elemental vortices from overwhelming the world, or will you find yourself embroiled in the machinations of the Clasp? This setting book takes an in-depth look at the history, people, and places of Tal'Dorei, and includes new backgrounds, magic

Genres: Fantasy, Role Playing Games, Dungeons and Dragons, Gaming, Reference, Fiction, Games

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2017

About the author

Storyteller, Voice Over Guy, Dungeon Master, McCree, Cor, Yusuke, Jack Cooper, MacCready, Levi, Chrom, Leon Kennedy, & keeper of the #CriticalRole...

Reviews

[jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Welcome to Tal’Dorei, the first of (hopefully) a number of campaign guides and world books within my own crazy creation, Exandria.”

This lovingly crafted campaign setting by everybody’s favorite Game Master, Matthew Mercer, contains a ton of information on his homebrew setting of Exandria – to such an extent that you’d be able to run your own campaigns in the land of Tal’Dorei and hunt all the little references in its text and gasp at the gorgeous art like the Critical Role fan that you are.

It’s divided up into four chapters that each deal with a separate part of Tal’Dorei.

Chapter one deals with setting up your campaigns in Tal’Dorei. Here, you’re able to find all the information you could possibly need on its rich history, its races and pantheon, and the many factions and societies roaming the lands and cities.

Chapter two moves onto a gazetteer of Tal’Dorei, which basically boils down to a detailed deconstruction of geographical areas of interest. From sierras and plains to mountains and expanses, you’ll be able to find all of Tal’Dorei’s locations here – including a short history on each area, and some details on distant regions, too. (And yes, you’ll be able to find all the places that Vox Machina visited, as well.)

Chapter three delves into character options. This is where you can find new player classes (the Blood Domain, the Path of the Juggernaut, Runechild, and the Way of the Cobalt Soul), suggestions for player character backgrounds, and new feats. There’s also plenty of information on the Vestiges of Divergence (special items) and some optional rules.

Chapter four covers allies and adversaries, so this is where you can read up on monstrous races (including their history) and find a number of statblocks for possible enemies and NPCs (such as the Clasp Enforcer, the Ashari Skydancer, and the Cinderslag Elemental).

The physical book also includes a fold-out map of Tal’Dorei in old-cartography-style, drawn up through the surveys of none other than Tyriok Gadsworth. The D20 designs in the corners of the map are also a particularly nice touch.

This campaign setting is basically everything I could have wanted from Mercer after this book was first announced. It shows plenty of worldbuilding, love, and more than enough detail to appeal to the game master inside of me. It’s rich and detailed without ever getting overbearing and a damn joy to read through as a Critical Role fan, too.

Mercer strongly emphasizes the freedom that comes with this setting and its rules and history, and actively encourages game masters and players to make changes and come up with their own game.

More of his personal influence can be felt in the inclusion of minorities; there’s plenty of women doing cool things throughout the history of Tal’Dorei, there’s the mention of two goddesses being each other’s lovers, as well as descriptions for different skin colors when mentioning characters/gods. Never does it feel forced, but rather just as a natural and organic part of his world (as it should be).

The art is stunning and the layout is both easily readable and interesting to look at. In particular, I loved the little quotes from in-game books, speeches, and events scattered throughout the book, which adds another layer of immersion and realism to Tal’Dorei.

There are only a few issues that I have with this book, but they are small and few in-between. There’s a number of small editing issues as well as a few spelling/grammar mistakes, and sometimes the writing is filled a little too copiously with adjectives and descriptions. I also have to admit that I would’ve liked to have seen more statblocks in here, for enemies, monstrous races, and allies alike – but perhaps a bestiary lies on the horizon still.

However, none of these small faults distracts from the core of the book, which is to provide a proper setting for creating your own campaign in Tal’Dorei.

And boy, does it succeed in that aspect! Even taking away the fact that I’m a big Critical Role fan, I’d definitely say that this book beats a lot of other campaign settings – both in Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder – in terms of history, lore, and details. It’s big, it’s fun, and it’s such a joy to read and browse through.

As a fellow worldbuilder and game master, I can only say: thank you. I love that this exists and is now giving so many people the opportunity to do what they’ve seen Vox Machina do over the years.

And I can only hope that we’ll see more books in this vein added to the pile in the future.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I wish I had a million to give.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this with the intention of running a game in this world, so I can't really speak to how well it hangs together that way in the form of lore and background (other than it all seems non-flashy and very solid), but I have to say that the geographical region descriptions being in the form of story hooks at different character levels was flat-out brilliant, made the world come alive, and really made me wish I WAS planning on running a game in this world.

[Taddow · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m not a hard-core enough fan to be considered a “Critter,” I do enjoy Critical Role (at the time of this review, I am halfway through the first season and ten episodes into the second). While I (and my players) personally prefer a more grittier RPG style (where Player Character death is a very real possibility), I can’t deny that Matthew Mercer has some great skill sets as a Dungeon Master and some great plot ideas. Because of this, I was excited to see what was in his book on the Tal’dorei setting, and I was not disappointed.

Despite being only 144 pages, this book felt more complete and detailed than other longer Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting books I’ve read. There is historical background information on the creation of the world and the major conflicts it has endured, a description of the world’s pantheon, a large gazetteer section on locations of note, magical artifacts (the Vestiges of Divergence), optional rules, feats, character backgrounds and classes, and stats for Tal’dorei related monsters and adversaries.

There is a lot of good stuff here (I really like the Blood domain) and I have adapted all of the optional feats, backgrounds and classes into my 5e campaign, as well as Mercer’s Arduous Rally rule. For the most part, the optional rule materials seem balanced. Additionally, I liked some of his setting locations so much that I adopted them into my campaign (Kraghammer and Lyrengorn, with a little modification, now exist in my campaign world). Throughout the book Mercer emphasizes taking from it what you like and adapt it to your setting, Tal’dorei or otherwise. I look forward to future releases on Exandria.

[Valuxiea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love Critical Role, this campaign book is kind of Garbage. It doesn't contain any useful information. The subclasses included have been rebalanced so that's not useful, the descriptions of the locations are not overtly detailed and lack notable things like important NPCs, or shops, or anything that would actually be useful to playing a game in Tal'Dorei, especially not given how the state of the world is dramatically different from how this campaign ends.

This book has tons of cool trivia and lore for fans of the show, but if you are a Dungeon Master looking for a resource to run a campaign - look elsewhere. And if you're a fan of the show, read the wiki - it has more information and it's better organized.

[Amy]

I imagine I'll like it better when I'm able to actually play a game with the content.

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a devoted fan of Critical Role, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Matthew Mercer's Critical Role: Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting. I pre-ordered the book as soon as it was available and paid extra to get the PDF immediately.

I am a total nerd for worldbuilding and lore so this campaign guide was like crack for me. I loved learning the history and geography of Tal'Dorei in detail. I revel in Mercer's creative genius. The art in the book is wonderful and the map is top-notch. I can't wait to get my physical copy and play in this world. Thank you, Matt.

5 out of 5 stars.

[Jeremy Blum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not the hugest Critical Role fan in the world, but I did listen to the entirety of Season 1 over the course of two or so years of walking around New York and washing the dishes. So I can appreciate the artistry that Matt Mercer put into his homebrew world, which is sort of a mashup of bits of 4e's pantheon and segments of Golarion. While this book's pretty much obsolete now with the release of the Tal'Dorei Reborn book, this is still an enjoyable read (if you can find it, prices are high) for those of you who are like me and just casual CR consumers at this point, tuning in to The Legend of Vox Machina whenever a new season emerges. It could use a bit more in the bestiary department, but I especially like the Tal'Dorei take on dragonborn, and would probably play one if given the chance. I also used this book to play a fighter for a bit in a pirate-themed campaign that has sadly fallen by the wayside due to real-life scheduling problems, and the art contained within of the genasi and the tiefling served as good inspiration when it came time to develop my character - a water genasi with a somewhat toxic relationship to her tiefling lover which was kind of like Harley Quinn and the Joker, but with a fantasy edge. I miss those characters!

[Ay Oh Be · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first non-cannon 5e campaign book I have read. If it wasn't for my love of Critical Role I probably would not have read it but I am SO glad I did.
I love D&D lore books to begin with so I was in my glee reading about Tal'Dorei. The amount of work that Mercer has put into creating this setting is impressive and I love that for the parts he hasn't flushed out he openly encourages other DMs to create.
I was really impressed by the homebrew he has published in here. I usually shy away from homebrew but I am really excited to use some of the feats that are in this book and a few of the optional game rules. I am particularly interested in the rules around resurrection rituals, its a part of CR that has always captured my interest and attention.
Overall, I think that this is a very valuable book not only for the new setting but for introducing new rules to your own campaign (regardless of setting). I definitely encourage people to pick this one up!

[Alexandra Wimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited for this entire campaign guide. I've been looking forward to it's release since the book was announced, and I'm delighted to see part of the world of Exandria fleshed out for people to actually play in. Tal'Dorei is an exciting place! In particular I'm really in love with Matt's "Way of the Cobalt Soul" monk's path. If there's ever someone running a Tal'Dorei campaign, I can't wait to jump in to play myself.

[Norrin Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Mercer is a genius. It’s as simple as that. The way he explains this world of his is brilliant. The history, the deities, the new features available for player characters. I love Critical Role and this book does a brilliant job of bringing the world of the show to us players. I’m insanely pleased with this and so happy to have read it. I’m stoked to play a campaign in the world of Exandria! Also, hey all you Critters out there! 😊
#IsItThursdayYet

[Nikolis Asimakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book that adds some extra mechanics (be that weapons that can unlock their hidden potential down the road or some extra subclasses that you can use in your game) plus gives you interesting lore about Matt Mercer's world that fans of Critical Role like me visit each week. I have to say though, it's mainly for fans. It's not like a new Xanathar's or anything. If you are in it only for extra mechanic options, I don't think this book is really for you.

4/5

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good campaign setting with a lot of detail, but not so much that you get overwhelmed by them. It really meshes well with 5e and would be great for a full campaign or if you simply want to add in details to your current games.
I love that it keeps a focus on player creation and has a lot of wiggle room for changes.

[Chris Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading through this, finding out more about the amazing continent of Tal'Dorei, discovering secrets about Vox Machina that were not revealed in their campaign.
I hope that Matthew decides to make another one for the setting of Campaign 2 and all others that Critical Role explores.

[S.M.M. Lindström · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our first ever look at the lands and people of Tal'Dorei from the "D&D actual play" show Critical Role. Having read other D&D setting books, among them having started on the two newer Critical Role books, you can tell this is an earlier part of both the worldbuilding and the writing process so to speak. Still an enjoyable read and fun to have for home games if you're a fan of the show!

[Deanne Townshend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything you could want from a Campaign Setting -- new ideas, feats, items, plus tons of story hooks and ideas for multiple tiers of play. I expect nothing less from Mercer and the entire CR team.

[Eric Kreeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally worth it, great quality. I wish the continent was bigger, I wish the book had a stronger 5E tie-in, needed more races/classes and backgrounds (the only downside is it was too short!) Also, you can tell some of the names were changed.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, it's not a book for people brand new to D&D or even really for fans of Critical Role who have never played before. Some of the gaming schematics seem a little OP or nerfed, but honestly, Mercer has put SO much thought and care into this world that it's hard to quibble.

[Çınar Demir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad choice of font imo but the text itself is pretty great in this book. Both Mercer and Haeck show us that their experience in the TTRPG isn’t just for show. The Subclass designs could be better but that’s okay.

It is a great entry to the world of Exandria anyway

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome. Maybe I can try my hand at DMing with one of the offered adventure hooks...

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written dip into the amazing world Matthew Mercer has created. I have been a Critter for years and hope he will continue to release campaign books so that all can enjoy Exandria.

[Neveth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeeeeeeeeeeee.

Gonna use some of this in future D&D campaigns that I run. :D

[JD Veer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very exciting resource for a DM! Especially love the tool, character options and the Blood domain.

[Catie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercer is love, Mercer is life

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very in depth, more information than I thought would be in it.

[Aftin Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to slip some of Matt Mercer's wonder into my biweekly DnD game.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Reference for a campaign setting, less lore than I was hoping for, still very useful and well done.

[John Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well flushed out campaign setting with lots of great ideas to cherry pick or take whole cloth for your campaign. A must of you are a fan of the Critical Role show.

[Domaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 year long campaign in this universe. What else can I say...

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Mercer is an expert lore creator. Definitely helpful for my campaigns through Tal Dorei.