In Episode 63 of Critical Role’s Bells Hells Campaign (C3E63), fans witnessed a truly astonishing series of events that undoubtedly ranks among the most captivating moments of this campaign.
In recent months, Critical Role has adopted a unique approach by dividing its core party into two groups and scattering them across the expansive world of Exandria. Each faction of Bells Hells was accompanied by a diverse array of guest stars, including esteemed veterans of Critical Role like Aabria Iyengar and Aimee Carraro, as well as fresh faces to the franchise such as Emily Axford and Uktarsh Ambudkar. Despite Campaign 3′s reputation for introducing these numerous guest stars, nobody could have anticipated the remarkable farewell that unfolded for one particular guest star in Episode 63.
With guest player Uktarsh Ambudkar‘s character, Bor’dor Dog’son, unveiling his true allegiance and launching a devastating attack. The consequences of this betrayal rippled through the group, culminating in a heartbreaking moment that not only led to one of the campaign’s most memorable character deaths but also resulted in sinister hinting of the return of a previously defeated villain.
Bor’dor’s True Colors
Amidst the excitement surrounding the episode’s events, Bor’dor Dog’son‘s true identity and motivations took center stage. When Aimee Carrero’s Deni$e gives him no other choice, Bor’Dor reveals his affiliation with the Ruby Vanguard, an enigmatic cult seeking to eliminate the gods of Exandria, meaning he was there when the Bells Hells infiltrated Ludinus Da’Leth’s base on the evening of the Apogee Solstice. Bor’dor had shattered the bonds of trust he had forged with his party, Team Issyra. This revelation sent shockwaves through the group, resulting in Bor’dor attacking his unsuspecting allies and attempting to flee.
The Heartbreak of PvP Conflict
As tensions reached their peak, the group found themselves in a life-or-death situation. Unprepared for Bor’dor’s betrayal, they engaged in a player-versus-player (PVP) conflict that tested their bonds. The heartbreaking climax came when Marisha Ray‘s character, Laudna, faced an unimaginable choice. In a moment of desperation and grief, Laudna delivered the final blow to a restrained and unconscious Bor’dor, ending his journey and leaving an indelible mark on the campaign’s narrative.
The Resurgence of Delilah Briarwood
Back when the group fought for Laudna‘s second resurrection against Delilah Briarwood, they thought that would be the last they’d see her. Yet, the Campaign 1 villain has made her resurgence in Episode 63. Previously revealed as Laudna‘s warlock patron, Delilah‘s influence had seemingly waned. However, the act of killing Bor’dor awakened something dark within Laudna, hinting at the return of this formidable adversary, one of Exandria‘s most demented entities. There were plenty of signs, from the light of purple magic to the heartbeat echoing in Laudn’a head, all hints of Delilah‘s return. Matt Mercer‘s masterful narration and these subtle signs of Delilah‘s magic rekindling have left fans both excited and apprehensive about the future.
No Mercy for the Vanguard
In a similar traitorous vein, Campaign 3 of Critical Role had already witnessed a prior act of betrayal by Erikka Ishii’s character, Dusk/Yu. However, the party’s morale took a significant blow following the Apogee Solstice events, making them less receptive to the shocking reveal of Bo’rDor’s true allegiance. Liam O’Brien’s Orym, known for his serene nature within the Bells Hells, was particularly disheartened by the betrayal. He interpreted Laudna‘s actions as a necessary act of war and offered subtle support with a nod. Interestingly, Orym abandoned a locket he had taken from a fallen Ruby Vanguard soldier, serving as a constant reminder of the profound sacrifices they had made.
The Impact and Fan Reactions
Episode 63 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, captivating viewers with its shocking twists and devastating consequences. The combination of intense PvP conflict, character revelations, and the return of a formidable villain made for compelling and powerful viewing. Fans took to social media platforms to share their reactions and theories, immersing themselves in passionate discussions about the episode’s implications for the campaign’s future. Matt Mercer himself took to Twitter to applaud Uktarsh Ambudkar’s performance and suggested that the repercussions of Episode 63 would resonate throughout the ongoing campaign.
Looking Ahead
The aftermath of Bor’dor‘s betrayal and the resurgence of Delilah Briarwood has set the stage for an even more intense and gripping storyline. The intricate storytelling, coupled with the exceptional performances of the cast, has further solidified the show’s status as a must-watch for fans of immersive storytelling and tabletop role-playing games. As we eagerly await the next installment, we can’t help but wonder what further surprises and challenges lie ahead for the characters and the world of Exandria.
If you missed it, don’t worry! The episode will be available on YouTube as video-on-demand (VOD) next week. Additionally, for those who want to relive the excitement or catch it for the first time, there will be rebroadcasts on Twitch throughout the weekend. The impact of these events will reverberate, as Campaign 3 of Critical Role continues to unfold. Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, July 6th at 7 PT, when the journey resumes on Twitch and YouTube.
