The immersive universe of the RPG Avowed recently expanded as Obsidian Entertainment collaborated with Critical Role to create a one-shot tabletop role-playing game, diving deep into the Living Lands. This special event featured several Avowed voice talents, including Anjali Bhimani, who voices the orlan companion, Yatzli. Joining her at the table were Whitney Moore, Marisha Ray, Travis Willingham, and SungWon Cho, all guided by the exceptional dungeon master, Matthew Mercer.
In an engaging chat with Game Rant, Anjali Bhimani shared her excitement about the one-shot adventure, revealing insights into her elven mage character, Ylva, and Ylva’s intriguing connection to Cho’s Hasporo. Bhimani also discussed her role as Yatzli, whose lively and witty presence brought a refreshing sense of humor and positivity into the game, counterbalancing her serious counterparts, Kai, Marius, and Giatta. An enthusiastic fan of Dungeons and Dragons, Bhimani expressed her hopes of exploring Yatzli further in a tabletop setting. Please note, this conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Meet Ylva Ilendhe: An Elven Mage with a Shady Past
Q: How did the one-shot come together, and what was the planning process like?
Anjali Bhimani: [Laughs] Honestly, that’s above my pay grade! You’d really have to ask the masterminds at Critical Role. I imagine they frequently engage in sponsored one-shots, as they did with Doom Eternal featuring Jasmine Bhullar, Taliesin Jaffe, and Laura Bailey. Typically, it’s the company reaching out to Critical Role. I have a strong hunch that Obsidian was the one who initiated this collaboration.
Matt Mercer is a brilliant creator. What I love about this project is that he didn’t just tweak Dungeons and Dragons; he crafted an entirely new system. He sent us a concise document outlining the game—a fantastic way to spotlight the various skills of both our characters and the Avowed universe.
Q: Ylva, your character, stood out as an intriguing and magical force. Can you share how you developed her?
Bhimani: We were interested in showcasing the diverse races available in the game. When Matt mentioned that our characters were all prisoners, I envisioned Ylva as a sort of mob wife, which meshed well with SungWon Cho’s character’s background too. That added a fun layer to our interactions.
Given my role as an orlan in the main game, I opted for a change by embracing a new race for the one-shot—surprisingly, I chose an elf. I usually find elves to be a bit predictable—please, internet, don’t roast me! But Ylva? She was far from ordinary. I wanted her to be the mastermind behind the scenes, all brains and little brawn. Despite some dicey moments—pun intended—her intellect sometimes failed her, much to my chagrin. But that’s the charm of these games! Even when things don’t go as planned, it makes for compelling storytelling. Someone saving the day can come out of nowhere, or it can all unravel at the most unexpected times, which is part of the magic of RPGs.
Q: It was great how Ylva and Hasporo, played by SungWon, had a connection through their mafia ties. Was that pre-planned?
Bhimani: I knew SungWon’s character had a similar background, a mafia-esque type. Though we hadn’t figured out the precise nature of their relationship beforehand, we suspected they’d know each other within the family business. Figuring out the in-game vibe was a delightful process.
One-shots often involve last-minute decisions, including names. Obsidian kindly provided us with a list of in-game names to avoid using, alongside race-appropriate options that made sense for our characters. Ylva’s background was rooted in the snowy north, a story woven from her origins.
Ylva’s dynamic with Whitney Moore’s Lady Minette was also something special, filled with contrasts between Ylva’s worldliness and Minette’s innocence.
Bhimani: Whitney Moore is an absolute gem, and I adore her. The Critical Role crew is fantastic, but Whitney is just delightful on so many levels. She and I actually shared wardrobe strategy when she lent me her cozy sweater in the chilly studio. [Laughs]
She came in with a strong character idea, and when that happens, you’ve just got to dive in and enjoy the ride. It was fun to explore an "opposites attract" kind of dynamic.
Yatzli: The Heart and Humor of Avowed
Q: How would Yatzli have reacted to Minette, given they’re both orlans?
Bhimani: Yatzli would likely step into a mentor role, advising Minette on self-care and self-worth. Something along the lines of, "You’ve got to love yourself more, darling!” Or perhaps she’d take on a makeover project with Minette, ensuring she evolves into a stronger, more self-assured individual. Yatzli’s character is all about bringing out the best in others.
Q: Yatzli exudes confidence—
Bhimani: She’s an absolute delight! With all her sass and wit, she’s a joy to play. What I find so charming about her is the layer of double meanings in everything she says. Even though Avowed doesn’t have a romance mechanic like some games, Yatzli sure tries to charm her way through. She thrives on making characters either squirm with discomfort or fall head over heels—her interactions are a blast every time. The writing gave her a duality; she’s lived for ages yet is full of youthful energy and exuberance. Capturing that balance in her voice was a fun challenge.
Q: Could any of the one-shot characters integrate well with Avowed’s companions?
Bhimani: Marisha Ray’s character was a standout! Her ability to inject humor like "Get yer molasses out your asses" left me laughing so hard. Her character’s humor would dovetail nicely with the more serious nature of Giatta and Kai. Yatzli could certainly use a partner in crime for comedic moments.
Sunderfolk: Looking Ahead to More Tabletop Adventures
The humor in the one-shot was spot-on, especially with Hasporo’s unexpected romance. It added charm and comedy.
Bhimani: That’s the beauty of tabletop RPGs, be it a one-shot or a series. Even though it’s a collective endeavor, it often feels like one character’s journey rises above the rest. For our recent story, it really felt like Hasporo’s moment to shine, much like Imogen’s tale in Critical Role’s Campaign 3. SungWon was incredible, and I’m eager for another chance to play alongside him.
Our team’s chemistry was top-notch—we even had a team name!
Bhimani: Team Reacharound—it was too perfect!
Q: Would you enjoy bringing Yatzli to life in a TTRPG environment?
Bhimani: Absolutely! Much like how Baldur’s Gate 3 encourages playing D&D, I would love to see Avowed characters explored in a tabletop game. These companions are fully fleshed-out personalities that we’ve developed in the recordings. It would be a natural extension to bring them to the tabletop. Ultimately, it’s in Obsidian’s hands, but I hope so!
Q: Looking forward, do you have any exciting projects related to tabletop gaming or Dungeons and Dragons?
Bhimani: Definitely! Keep an eye out for Sunderfolk—it beautifully merges tabletop and video gaming. I’ve had a chance to dive into the game, and it’s stunning. It’s perfect for a cozy gathering with friends, which is something I miss in standalone gaming experiences. Sunderfolk allows everyone to gather around just like in traditional tabletop games. Dreamhaven has done an amazing job, and I can’t wait for the launch.
Plus, there’s something thrilling I’m announcing at WonderCon in late March. Stay tuned!
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