Over the years, Critical Role has featured numerous romances within its Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Notable relationships include Percival de Rolo and Vex'ahlia in Campaign 1, and Fjord Stone and Jester Lavorre in Campaign 2. Cast member and co-founder Laura Bailey played key roles in both of these dynamics.
During a recent interview on Critical Role's streaming service, Beacon, Bailey discussed her favorite moments from the show's history, highlighting the development of the romance between her character, Imogen Temult, and Marisha Ray's character, Laudna, in Campaign 3. Bailey portrayed Imogen, a human sorcerer with psychic abilities who found solace after meeting Laudna, an undead sorceress with ties to the necromancer Delilah Briarwood.
Initially, the relationship between Imogen and Laudna, part of the adventuring party Bells Hells, was perceived by some viewers as deeply platonic. However, in episode 65, titled "Path of Vengeance," Bailey confirmed the romantic nature of their connection with a simple, yet impactful, question from Imogen: “Can I kiss you?”
Bailey revealed in the "Founders Favorite" interview that this moment was unplanned. "All of a sudden Imogen didn’t know what she [Laudna] was thinking, and she had to ask,” Bailey explained, noting her own nervousness about the spontaneous decision. The kiss occurred shortly after the characters were reunited following a cataclysmic event that separated the party. The reunion was fraught with tension, heightened by significant revelations about the world of Exandria and its deities.
Adding a unique narrative layer, Imogen had acquired a magical item that prevented her from hearing others' thoughts, including Laudna's. This forced Imogen to act on her feelings without the certainty of Laudna's reciprocation, solidifying the romance's significance within the campaign's storyline. Despite being outcasts, Imogen and Laudna found mutual acceptance and peace in each other.
The relationship's development continued throughout Campaign 3, facing obstacles such as Delilah Briarwood's influence over Laudna. This threat was eventually neutralized in episode 103, "Cages," when Delilah’s soul was contained. This allowed Imogen and Laudna to pursue a future together, which they achieved by the end of the campaign, settling into a quiet cottage and secretly marrying.
While details about their post-campaign life are scarce, fans anticipate a potential wedding one-shot for the couple, a tradition for Bailey's significant romances in Critical Role. Bailey continues to reflect fondly on the "bananas" romance between Imogen and Laudna.
Critical Role Campaign 3: Bells Hells is available to stream on Beacon and YouTube.