Anjali Bhimani Reveals the Inspiration Behind Her Avowed One-Shot Character

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To commemorate the latest release of RPG game, Avowed, developer Obsidian collaborated with Critical Role to construct a single tabletop adventure scenario within the Living Lands. The narrative, focusing on a band of prisoners aboard a vessel bound for perilous and plague-stricken territories, starred performers like Anjali Bhimani, who portrays Avowed‘s companion Yatzli.

Game Rant had a chat with Bhimani about her unique character Ylva Ilendhe, which she brought to life in the single episode. Unlike the lively and flirtatious Yatzli, Ylva is a sophisticated elf with ties to organized crime. In this adventure, Bhimani shared the screen with Travis Willingham as Galen, SungWon Cho as Hasporo, Whitney Moore as Lady Minette, and Marisha Ray as Sabel. The episode was directed by Critical Role’s regular Dungeon Master, Matthew Mercer.

Ylva Ilendhe Is An Elf With A Criminal History

Upon learning that Obsidian intended the one-shot to showcase various races from Avowed, Bhimani opted for an elf since, although she has always been passionate about Dungeons and Dragons, it was not a race she had ever played. “In essence, I selected the thing I’ve never tried before, which surprisingly turned out to be an elf,” she shared.

Despite their contrasting appearances and personalities, both Ylva and Yatzli possessed a remarkable gift in the art of magic. Ylva, in particular, was a key figure in casting spells within their party. As Bhimani put it, “I really desired to be the thinker amidst the fighters.” She described Ylva as rather delicate. The character boasted an impressive range of spells, but unfortunate dice rolls hampered both Ylva and her player during the gameplay.

Ylva’s Connection With Hasporo Was A Happy Accident

In the scenario where Mercer shared that the characters would encounter each other on a prison ship, Bhimani deduced Ylva’s past involved organized crime. With SungWon Cho’s character, Hasporo, having mafia connections as well, it was agreed their characters had previous acquaintance. However, this decision was made quite close to the actual events.

If we’re both part of the same family enterprise, it’s likely that we’ve either met before or have mutual acquaintances…However, many decisions, particularly for one-time events, tend to be made at the very last second.

In essence, their relationship provided plenty of amusement during the game. Hasporo and Ylva, with their worldly demeanor, often stood out in contrast to characters like Galen, who was almost divine, and Minette, a sheltered noblewoman’s pet. Over time, they assumed leadership roles within the group and came to care for their companions, despite their diverse backgrounds.

The One-Shot’s Characters Would Fit Well With Avowed’s Companions

Bhimani thoroughly relished taking part in the one-off event, believing that its characters would mesh well with Avowed’s crew: Kai, Marius, Yatzli, and Giatta. She was particularly convinced that Sabel, a dwarf with a Texan accent portrayed by Marisha Ray, could be an outstanding recruit for the team. Sabel might become Yatzli’s partner in mischief, as Yatzli serves as a source of humor and lightness among her peers. Bhimani thought Minette could greatly benefit from Yatzli’s guidance, with Yatzli eager to help the sheltered orlan discover more about herself and the world.

The actress expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of playing Yatzli in a tabletop-style setting, drawing inspiration from an in-character one-shot by the cast of Baldur’s Gate 3. She suggested that a similar adventure for characters like Giatta, Yatzli, Marius, and Kai would be entertaining. “It seems like a logical next step to have such an opportunity,” she added, “but ultimately, it depends on the talented team at Obsidian Entertainment.

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2025-02-27 16:15