As the characters in Critical Role Campaign 3 develop more and more experience and discover new talents along the way, some are proving to be among the most skilled in the series. After all, as Orym proved when he bound the Shade Mother with his climbing rope, these characters can have some brilliant moves that use everyday tools and ingenuity to solve whatever problem lies in front of them. Imogen, too, managed to use her catapult spell to brilliantly (and quite literally) crush their enemies.
But one question remains: Will they prove to be as clever as characters from other campaigns? After all, does a binding rope really compare to dropping suude in the stomach of a giant baby monster, or using a cupcake to deceive a hag? Given how intelligent some of the other Critical Role characters are, there is certainly a lot to live up to.
Percy de Rolo
A man so brilliant he evolved from a clockmaker to the inventor of guns, Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III was more than just a typical educated nobleman. With the highest Intelligence of any main cast member's player character, he was certainly one of the smartest characters in the show.
Given his multitude of inventions and the fact that he is quite literally the man who first created a firearm, it's undeniable that Percy is one of the most brilliant characters. Though he needed Orthax's aid along the way, he is still an incredible man with a great capacity for creativity.
Trent Ikithon
One of the top villains in Critical Role, Trent Ikithon was more than just an end-game boss. He was a figure that haunted over the entire campaign and directly shaped the journey of the Mighty Nein. As the Archmage of Civil Influence, he had incredible control over the lives of everyone in the Dwendalian Empire.
But as a wizard, Trent was also incredibly intelligent. Having studied his entire life to properly serve within the Cerberus Assembly, he is excessively trained and studious but is also inventive enough that he can use his magic to reshape an entire empire almost single-handedly.
Taryon Darrington
One of Critical Role's best player characters, Taryon may not seem it at first glance, but he's an extremely intelligent character. The artificer, though highly arrogant and pompous, really is as brilliant as he claims to be. Having invented Doty, he has certainly proved himself intellectually.
Taryon also managed to start a mercenary crew of his own and used his influence to keep everyone under control. As a man of noble birth, he also had the advantage of spending much of his life reading and studying — something most people in Tal'Dorei aren't lucky enough to do.
Lillith Daturai
A wizard and friend of Vox Machina, Lillith was the caretaker of Beatrycze and the cousin of Zahra. Having met Vox Machina as consequence, she immediately sought their help to ensure that they could aid her against her sister, and quickly became a close ally.
With the party at her side, this wizard proved to be fiercely intelligent, using illusory magic to help the team get through their troubles. It didn't hurt that she had a 20 in Intelligence and had been managing on her own for years at a time. Her noble background also ensured she had a fair amount of time to dedicate to study.
Lyra
One of Critical Role's best guest characters, Lyra is a brilliant young wizard who befriended Vox Machina early in their first campaign. As a character with 20 Intelligence, sixth-level spells, and extensive research into the mystic arts, she was an incredibly clever character with more than her share of knowledge under her belt.
Though she wasn't entirely familiar with Vox Machina, she certainly knew how to navigate a team, and managed to lead a successful mission against an adult white dragon with individuals whom she had no experience with. Though not her social skills aren't exactly great, she did prove to be intelligent.
Caleb Widogast
Another transmutation wizard, Caleb Widogast is practically a genius. Intelligent enough to have earned his place at the Soltryce Academy, Caleb rose above his station and managed to adapt to life under Trent's command. He thrived in an academic setting and even managed to succeed as a Volstrucker trainee before the final test emotionally compromised him.
And, as one of the most overpowered character builds in Critical Role, his genius is complimented by fighting skills that make him an extraordinarily capable warrior. He also managed to develop spells of his own, while always working on finding a way to quite literally reverse time.
Beauregard Lionett
If Caleb is more than just a sad wizard, Beau is more than just a fighter. As a member of the Cobalt Soul, this monk used her intelligence as often as her fists, and she didn't have magic spells to back her up in a fight. With just her wit and attentiveness, she managed to crack the code of the Tomb Takers and helped the Mighty Nein survive the frozen wastes.
Beau also used her intelligence to help her friends in post-game trials, helping to ensure justice for the Volstruckers and for herself against Zeenoth. She also dedicated her life to helping an institution of research, the Cobalt Soul, so they could continue their good work.
Essek Thelyss
Essek is a somber and senior figure who earned a high rank within the Kryn Dynasty, thanks to his status as a Shadowhand on Denn Theylss. Though young, he managed to prove himself as one of the best NPCs in Critical Role with his creative and calculating (and somewhat evil) plotting against the Dynasty.
Having developed the ability to levitate as a young boy, he managed to prove himself time and time again as an incredible wizard. In fact, he even managed to earn the respect and affection of Caleb Widogast, thanks to his studious and intellectual nature and his wealth of knowledge of dunamancy.
Yussa Errenis
A brilliant mage with a trusty goblin assistant at his side, Yussa is one of the most intelligent people in Nicodranas. Having spent nearly two centuries solely dedicated to studying magic, Yussa certainly has the experience to be one of the greatest mages, but his extensive research into the Happy Fun Ball heavily contributes to his brilliance.
Given that he is so brilliant that many fans suspect the man to be a dragon, he certainly gives off an air of being the smartest man around. There's a reason the Mighty Nein entrusted him so many times, and there's a reason he managed to gain control over so much of Nicodranas practically uncontested.
Allura Vysoren
An incredibly powerful wizard known for her place among the Tal'Dorei Council and her adventures in her youth, Allura is the most intelligent character in Critical Role history. With years of experience behind her and countless tomes on her shelves, Allura knows more than pretty much anyone.
While she used her incredible intelligence to guide Vox Machina through their journey, she has also helped ensure the survival of Tal'Dorei even in the aftermath of the Chroma Conclave's attack and the transition away from the monarchy. She's a significant reason it survived at all.