Critical Role is a lot of things: uplifting, inspiring, chaotic, humorous, entertaining, and emotional. However, the number one thing the show and cast have always wanted to do is show love. A love for others, for oneself, and everything around us. ‘Don’t forget to love each other,’ is a phrase said by Matthew Mercer at the end of nearly every episode of the live-streamed Dungeons and Dragons show. That idea has spawned a gathering of fans to go out and do just that. By spreading their love, fans create breathtaking works of art, stunning cosplay, and passionate projects devoted to Critical Role.
One such fan’s, or Critter as followers are dubbed, created project is an entire soundtrack surrounding Critical Role. Scored by composer Hunter Rogerson, Scoring Wildemount Vol. 1 features 14 tracks inspired by events that took place in the second campaign. We got to speak with him about his creative process and his plans for future tracks following the Mighty Nein.
I will attempt to avoid any major spoilers for Critical Role campaign two but some of the track titles could be seen as minor ones.
Let’s get one thing out in the open, the soundtrack is incredible. It stands up there with video game OSTs like the Witcher, Pillars of Eternity, and The Legend of Zelda and feels right at home as a backdrop to any D&D game.
Rogerson says the idea for the soundtrack began after hearing dungeon master Matthew Mercer describe two specific scenes in the show. Without giving too much away, one of the characters, Fjord, is having a nightmare while Mercer describes the sounds and sights surrounding him.
Those key parts led to the first track on the album titled Consume; a word uttered by a massive quasi water god locked away by powerful magic. The track uses heavy strings and horns to convey a message of power from this beast. It’s eerie and ghostly flow feels fluid and rhythmic like the waves this creature haunts.
Rogerson says while growing up, it was the songs playing in the background of games such as Donkey Kong and Star Fox that pushed him to become a composer.
It’s that feeling of getting lost in something that makes Critical Role such an inspirational show for fans. There aren’t any special effects or animations, just actors and actresses living a role for four to five hours each week. Their characters entertain and provide an escape for the community every Thursday night while the players get to share their passion and joy of acting and playing D&D.
As for creating each individual piece of music, Rogerson says it’s like putting together a puzzle you don’t have the pieces to. It’s the cast’s acting and incredible storytelling that allows him to create each track.
While writing a theme for the Burning Lodge/Cinderrest Sanctum, I found out that @DevenRue and @CriticalRole were master instrument craftsman.#CriticalRoleArt #criticalrolefanart pic.twitter.com/T6krpwO69u
— Hunter Rogerson (@rogersonmusic) August 29, 2019
Now, 14 tracks for one person is a huge accomplishment but Rogerson says he isn’t finished yet.
Critical Role has shared countless hours, well not if you’re CritRoleStats, of their time, energy, and creative process with fans over the years. From their home game, the internet, and now their own company, Critical Role is by far one of the most inspirational pieces of media out there and fans will continue to push the envelope with their creativity in cosplay, fanart, and music.
