Dice and Critical Role!

But the more we see of him, the more it becomes obvious that this is what makes him so brilliant as a character: the simplicity and yet the complexity; the oh-so relatable doubts he harbours for himself, the absolute humanity in his moments of panic and weakness and how he isn't afraid to show when he is in pain and physically hurting; the even greater humanity in his mourning of Will and Derrig and in preserving their memory and honouring their sacrifice, but also the strength he takes from it; his awkwardness in certain social situations, his dry & rare humour - but when he has fun, when he smiles, it is as if the sun is rising; and the clarity he has concerning the group, the devotion to them, his friendship and trust and loyality, and yet, how he keeps them accountable; not just himself, but all of them around him - that they have to stand together, what they have to do, and how strong his moral compass is in steering them ahead through all those terrible things.

The more we witness, the more Orym overflows with his immense courage. He is this small protector, easily overlooked in a crowd, who subjects his life in the service of all those he loves, and with this, he isn't small, he stands so tall with his fortitude. He baits and he goads death and stares in its face unflinching. He attacked Otohan Thull - with nothing but his sword and shield and skill - and drew her ire without batting an eye, and now he got a massive scar straight across his sternum for it; he actually died for it, and we know Orym - we know he'd do it again at once if it would mean saving his friends or even just getting his friends some more time to save themselves. The more we see of his actions, the more the others turn and even seek out Orym for leadership and guidance in moments of turmoil even if he says, again and again, that he isn't a leader. And Orym, in turn, encourages the group around him, in particular their individual strengths, supports them and in everything he does, he gives, he gives, he gives, and he gives, above all, his wonderful kindness and his undiluted, unapologetic love.

It's what's fascinating about them as a group! That they continue to maintain this veneer of positivity, supportiveness, and congeniality while some of them outright avoid having difficult but necessary conversations about themselves and their struggles and issues, instead fostering nigh-codependency with specifically the surface level facades presented. It's an interesting group dynamic.

And it's wild to watch a lot of people have a different interpretation that goes "they're a FAMILY and it makes me emotional, it's so good and supportive and soft" when I've been perceiving the group dynamic as a whole as at least somewhat unhealthy and often lacking in deeper genuine understanding.

And I do think some of the Hells are turning the corner on this, but a lot of the sentiment they express about their relationships and closeness feel like there's clingy and possessive desperation about it. It's been wild to feel that personally, when it's the opposite of popular sentiment.

The Ring of Brass endures.