Critical Role is stepping into a whole new world with Campaign 4. The world of Aramán led by Brennan Lee Mulligan. With an impressive 13 cast members, this will be a West Marches-style campaign, which Critical Role has never attempted before. Expanding the already large cast, establishing an all-new world, and stepping outside the comfort zone of Exandria.

The Critical Role founders have spent over a decade creating and expanding the world of Exandria. Now, with Mulligan at the helm, an all-new story will come to fruition with voices that deserve to be heard. Campaign 4 is poised to be the perfect way to bring in new fans, surprise long-time fans, and spark new creative avenues for the founders.

In an exclusive interview with Temple of Geek for the new book “Critical Role: Smiley Day!”, Riegel spoke on Campaign 4. While he didn’t share details, he did explain why this experience stands out for him as a player. He also praised Mulligan’s world and the characters crafted by the players.

Campaign 4 Is A Whole New Experience For Sam Riegel

The founders of Critical Role have lived in the world of Exandria for over a decade. Outside of Matt Mercer, Riegel has been one of the most embroiled in this world as a creator. This is largely due to his work on “The Legend of Vox Machina” and “Mighty Nein.” The miniseries “Wildemount Wildlings” is even based on his Exandria set home game. However, that will all change with Campaign 4 when Mulligan takes the cast into the world of Aramán.

Sam Riegel

We’ve been living with the world of Exandria for over a decade now, and it’s endlessly interesting. There’re still so many parts of it that we have not explored, and I don’t want to leave Exandria, and we’re not going to leave Exandria. That said, playing with Matt Mercer and these friends, Critical Role, that was my first ever D&D campaign. 

I have only ever played D&D in Exandria in my entire life. And so, I don’t know what it’s like to play a campaign in another world. I’ve just never done it. I’ve never even played the modules that are offered by Wizards of the Coast. So, embarking on Campaign Four, at least for me, will be a brand-new experience, and I have no idea what to expect, but I’m so here for it. Yeah, I can’t wait to dive in.

Riegel has been an integral part of expanding Exandria beyond the table with the animated series, music, and now “Critical Role: Smiley Day!” Exandria will continue to be explored, especially through these other mediums. However, it seems likely that down the road Aramán could be brought into these other mediums as well. When asked about that possibility, Riegel teased the deep lore and characters that fans can expect.

Sam Riegel Teases A “Completely Fleshed Out” World With “Great Lore”

Sam Riegel:

We’ve already started recording Campaign Four, and I can already tell you that there’s some really great lore. The world is completely fleshed out. Brennan did a fantastic job, and the characters are fascinating. Both visually and their backstories. We aren’t deep enough into it to know how we would do that, but of course we’re always looking for opportunities to turn our worlds into other stories. I think that’s what Critical Role sort of exists for, to create worlds and let the stories sort of spill out of them organically and in all sorts of different media. I’m excited to add Aramán to the list.

While Riegel kept details close to the vest; his excitement about playing in a new world is palpable. Although Critical Role is not leaving Exandria behind, this is the first time Riegel will be playing a long-form campaign outside of it. He has played with Mulligan as his Game Master before in “EXCU: Calamity.” However, playing in a world completely crafted by Mulligan will be a new experience.

It’s also intriguing that Riegel seems not only open to exploring Aramán beyond the game but expects to do so. Of course, this is likely a long way off, but knowing that the world and characters are both rich and deep enough bodes well for Campaign 4. Everything that has been released about the new campaign has pointed to an engaging, exciting, and epic story that could span years.

Campaign 4 of Critical Role premieres on YouTube, Twitch, and Beacon on October 2nd at 7pm PT.