Critical Role fans' penchant for theorization has run rampant since the Apogee Solstice unleashed a chasm of unanswered mysteries, and Issylra's latest stray, Bor'Dor Dog'Son, has become the subject of one the community's most unexpected headcanons yet.
Utkarsh Ambudkar's Bor'Dor joined Bells Hells Issylran party alongside Aimee Carrero's Deni$e and Emily Axford's Prism and has already flexed one of the show's most scatological strategies. Critical Role's guest slots have often featured a mix of seasoned role-players and fresh faces, and Ambudkar has proven green to Dungeons & Dragons in a manner that correlates well with his far-from-home farmer boy. However, some fans have begun to interpret Bor'Dor's mannerisms and newfound magic abilities as evidence that the character lived his life as a literal dog prior to meeting the Bells Hells.
Why Critical Role's Bor'Dor Might Be a Dog
YouTube creator Luboffin discussed the theory during a Critical Role recap, as it took quick hold within the Critter community. While actual-dog Bor'Dor mostly occupies the realm of "crack theory," one that exists as a source of memes and inside jokes, Luboffin pointed out the various scraps of evidence fans have used to assemble it. Though Bor'Dor has repeatedly introduced himself to non-player characters as "not the son of a dog," his name and insistence on referencing it became an initial source of inspiration for the theory. In addition to the assumptions sprung from his surname, fans have pointed out that both Bor'Dor and Dog'Son bear phonetic resemblance to the dog breeds Border Collie and Dachshund.
Though Bor'Dor's unusual social behaviors seem to stem from his simple and secluded upbringing, some fans suggest they may instead result from his theorized species of origin. From rubbing Elder Joan Abbdina's back to incessantly offering characters beef jerky, fans have interpreted Bor'Dor's behaviors as those of a supportive canine. Bor'Dor's background as a farmer has been speculated to cover up a career as a herding dog or barnyard companion. Lastly, Bor'Dor's newfound magic has been cited as a result of his transition from dog to human via a version of polymorph or other magical means. Luboffin noted that Bor'Dor's transition could have been accomplished through divine means, in which case the hesitant spell caster could receive the same call to arms that clerics Deanna and Fresh Cut Grass received from their patrons at the end of Team Wildemount's arc.
Team Issylra has only scratched the surface on Bor'Dor, Deni$e and Prism's backstories, though there has not been an indication that any member of the trio has been dishonest in the information they have presented so far. While Bor'Dor's unique demeanor could easily stem from the sheltered upbringing he's alluded to, fans on social media have been having a heyday with the theory that he may be an actual dog's son.
Team Issylra continues their journey on Thursdays at 7PT when Critical Role streams on Twitch and YouTube.
Source: YouTube