One does not simply walk into Aramán — they will be thrust into its depths without warning.
The anticipated Critical Role series returns with the premiere of Campaign 4 on Thursday. In a bold narrative choice, the cast of this beloved Dungeons & Dragons actual-play series will enter their new tabletop adventure in medias res, immediately diving into the story. This season marks the debut of Brennan Lee Mulligan as the game master, transitioning from a cast member to the lead storyteller. This shift allows long-time GM Matthew Mercer to become a player in the unfolding tale.
“Brennan comes out of the gate swinging. This is not your typical coffee shop D&D game where everyone meets in a tavern,” remarked Marisha Ray, co-founder, creative director, and cast member of Critical Role, in an interview with Variety. She added, “There’s a reason why many games start with characters gathering in taverns—it’s a comfortable setting for introducing relationships. However, this campaign drops players right into a complex web of character relationships and a rich historical context. You are stepping into a fully developed scenario that’s been simmering for a while—a true narrative stew.”
(Insider information hints that this metaphorical stew will even feature fictional cranberry rolls!)
Mulligan’s decision to begin in this manner arises from both his creative vision for Aramán, the new setting for Campaign 4, and his background in improv comedy.
“In improv, we often start scenes in the middle of the action, which can help clarify the storyline even when it feels densely packed with information,” Mulligan explained. “Think of it this way: if you were to overhear just a snippet of a lengthy phone call, you’d want to listen to a moment that provides key context—usually found in the middle of the conversation—to understand what’s happening. This approach allows players to dive into the lives of these characters, presenting them as dynamic individuals with rich backstories embroiled in ongoing events.”
As conveyed by the Critical Role team, Campaign 4 will invite players to explore the world of Aramán through a West Marches-style gameplay format. This means stories will unfold through the perspectives of three interchangeable groups: the noble Soldiers, daring Seekers, and clandestine Schemers. As their paths intertwine, audiences will delve deeper into a world steeped in magic, epic tales reminiscent of icons like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’
While the Critical Role team has been selective about revealing character art and early plot points ahead of the Campaign 4 premiere on Beacon.tv, as well as the Critical Role YouTube and Twitch channels on October 2, Mercer teased that viewers can expect a considerable amount of thrilling revelations right from the outset.
“There’s a wealth of intricate mysteries that will unfold quickly, each with personal stakes for the characters involved,” Mercer remarked, sharing his excitement about the content players can expect. “Piloting a long-running story, this episode is unique in its density and intensity, keeping players engaged by weaving together powerful scenes. We often find ourselves just as invested as fans of this story, eagerly awaiting our turns to play amidst the unravelling narrative.”
The Campaign 4 ensemble cast includes both familiar faces and newcomers. Established players such as Mercer, Ray, Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Liam O’Brien, Sam Riegel, and Travis Willingham will share the stage with new talents like Luis Carazo, Robbie Daymond, Aabria Iyengar, Whitney Moore, and Alexander Ward.
Among the new additions, Moore expressed her surprise and excitement about the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans—who affectionately refer to themselves as “Critters”—even before the campaign kicks off.
“It’s been incredible to witness the reaction to our characters. We’ve already seen fan art and cosplay, and it’s truly heartening to see our performances inspiring creativity within the community,” Moore emotionaly shared. “Being part of a community that creates art in response to our gameplay is a remarkable experience.”
For the returning cast, adapting to the new rotating-tables format, coupled with an expanded cast, presents both challenge and opportunity. Veteran player Sam Riegel noted the excitement that accompanied these changes.
“It’s been an exhilarating experience for the original members, especially after years of sharing memes and fan content in our close-knit text thread. Now with 14 participants, we’re thrilled to see new cast members getting equally immersed in the stories and fan theories that our community has shared,” Riegel said, showing his eagerness for the campaign’s progression.
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