Exandria has been synonymous with “Critical Role” since the show began in 2015. The first three main campaigns, numerous one-shots and mini-campaigns, the animated series, comics, novels, games, and music have expanded the world. Matt Mercer has created one of the most impressive original IPs in recent history with endless opportunities to expand.

Campaign 4 is a new chapter in Critical Role’s creative journey, opening the door to new possibilities and audiences. Campaign 4 of “Critical Role” is introducing an entirely new fantasy world. Aramán has been crafted by Brennan Lee Mulligan who is taking the torch from Mercer as Game Master. This will be the first main campaign that Mercer is participating in as a player. This is also the biggest cast “Critical Role” has ever featured.

“In A Godless World, What Future Will Be Written By The Hands Of Mortals?”

In this world the Gods are dead, leaving mortals to their own devices. What’s interesting is this contrasts the stories Mulligan has weaved for Critical Role in the past. In the Calamity trilogy that Mulligan led, the Gods took center stage as the focus of the story to various degrees. In an exclusive interview with Temple of Geek about Campaign 4, Mulligan explained his approach to crafting Aramán. He reveals how it was influenced by Exandria and the outcome of Campaign 3.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: 

“It’s very much a love letter to Exandria. I was telling Matt as Campaign 3 was concluding, I was like, hey, let me know if things are steering one way or another, what the players are choosing to do, because whatever they do, I think I want Aramán to be a world that explores a radically different option that almost exists in conversation with Exandria. So as soon as Campaign 3 was concluding and Matt had that information, I kind of went into Aramán and was like, okay, they came to a very different conclusion, but I’ll also say had a very different set of circumstances.

The circumstances of Aramán were very markedly different than the circumstances of Exandria. To me, it’s really funny because so much of the prequel series that I did of Calamity, Downfall, [and] Divergence in Exandria is really about the Gods and dealing with the Gods and stuff like that. The funniest thing is as the sort of headline of Aramán, which is the Gods are dead, seems to be that the Gods are gonna be a focus because they’re dead, actually, and this is maybe not that surprising. The fact that they’re dead, I would say, means that the decisions of mortals, good and bad, kind of rise into the spotlight in a huge way, right?

What does your world become in the absence of these things? And who are you when no deific hand is writing your fate for you? I think that that’s a fun thing to see these characters contend with. So, in a godless world, what future will be written by the hands of mortals we must wait and see?”

Aramán being built in contrast and in conversation with Exandria is exciting. This is further evidence of Mulligan’s deep love and appreciation for “Critical Role.” Mulligan is an avid fantasy fan, having consumed it all his life. He has proven himself to be a skilled storyteller and world builder across not just “Critical Role,” but also “Dimension 20” and “Worlds Beyond Number.”

Campaign 4 Is The Perfect Time For New Viewers To Jump In

Aramán exploring a world without Gods and balancing it with the mechanical importance of deities in Dungeons & Dragons will be thrilling. This is also an opportunity to explore humanity in a fantasy setting without the safety net of deities to step in and influence the outcome of events. In Aramán the mysteries, corruption, intrigue, action, and adventure are wholly controlled by the mortals of this world.

The blank slate of Campaign 4 is a chance for new viewers and longtime fans to finally be on the same playing field. There isn’t a decade of lore across multiple mediums. “Critical Role” can seem intimidating for new viewers, but now new viewers can begin watching without looking at past campaigns, novels, or comics. It also means that longtime fans get to jump into a new world they know nothing about.

The contrast creates an interesting conversation for longtime fans. In Exandria the Gods are instrumental throughout history. However, Aramán shows an alternative route with a fantasy world that isn’t dictated by the Gods. This adds a layer to the tale that gives longtime fans a unique perspective on the story without being necessary to enjoy or understand it. Campaign 4 may be a clean slate, but it will continue to honor the stories that came before.

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