After years of exploring the vast reaches of Exandria, Critical Role has pivoted to a brand-new setting for its fourth campaign. Moving away from the familiar landscapes of the previous three stories, the newest actual-play adventure introduces audiences to the world of Aramán. Led by Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, this campaign departs from traditional fantasy tropes by presenting a world grappling with the aftermath of a divine apocalypse.
The World of Aramán: A Realm Without Gods
Aramán is fundamentally different from Exandria. The defining characteristic of this world is the absence of divine oversight; in a shocking historical turn, the gods were slain by mortalkind. This event didn’t just remove the deities from the equation—it fundamentally altered the nature of existence and power within the realm.
With the gods gone, magic has become volatile and “wild,” forcing the inhabitants of Aramán to navigate a world where the old rules of spirituality and arcane stability no longer apply. The survivors are now tasked with the daunting challenge of governing themselves and rebuilding society without divine intervention or guidance.
Geography and Key Locations
The narrative currently centers on the continent of Pasitar, a land divided by the legacy of the Shapers. Within Pasitar, the region of Kahad serves as a focal point for the story’s political and social tensions.
Dol-Makjar
The primary setting for much of the early campaign is Dol-Makjar. This mountain city is carved directly into the side of the Kavros Mountains on the eastern edge of Kahad. Dol-Makjar isn’t just a hub of trade or governance; it’s a city that deeply venerates the revolutionary heroes of the Shapers’ War, blending its architectural grandeur with a culture of remembrance and rebellion.
A History of Conflict: The Shapers’ War
The lore of Aramán is steeped in systemic conflict. The most prominent of these is the Shapers’ War, an event that redefined the world’s power structures. The history of the realm is marked by several pivotal eras and conflicts, including:
- The Shapers’ War: The foundational conflict that shaped the current distribution of people and power across Pasitar.
- The Falconer’s Rebellion: A later struggle that left deep scars on the survivors and continues to influence the motivations of the current characters.
- The Fall of Azgra: A key chronological marker in the timeline of Aramán’s shifting power dynamics.
Meet the Adventurers of Campaign 4
The new party consists of characters whose backstories are tightly woven into the tumultuous history of Aramán. According to official lore, the current cast includes:
Thimble (Played by Laura Bailey)
Thimble is a rogue pixie defined by her rebellious nature and agility. Currently consumed by a desire for vengeance, she is mourning the death of her partner-in-crime, Thjazi Fang. Thimble utilizes two needle swords in combat, relying on her speed to outmaneuver opponents.
Azune Nayar (Played by Luis Carazo)
Azune is a human exemplar and a former soldier of the Falconer’s Rebellion. Dedicated to the protection of Dol-Makjar and its citizens, Azune carries the memory of those lost in the rebellion, serving as a moral and physical shield for his community.
Thaisha and Occtis Tachonis
The world also features Thaisha, a scion of the Lloys—the legendary smiths who forged the blades used to kill the gods. Accompanied by her partner Occtis Tachonis, Thaisha travels across Aramán seeking to right historical wrongs and assist those in need.
Key Takeaways: Aramán vs. Exandria
| Feature | Exandria (C1-C3) | Aramán (C4) |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Status | Active/Intervening Gods | Gods Slain by Mortals |
| Magic State | Structured/Established | Wild and Volatile |
| Primary Theme | Destiny and Divine Will | Self-Governance and Recovery |
| Dungeon Master | Matt Mercer | Brennan Lee Mulligan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campaign 4 set in the same universe as the previous campaigns?
No. While the previous three campaigns took place in the world of Exandria, Campaign 4 takes place in a completely separate setting called Aramán.
Who is the Dungeon Master for Campaign 4?
The campaign is run by Brennan Lee Mulligan, known for his storytelling expertise and previous guest appearances on the show.
What happened to the gods in Aramán?
In a pivotal historical event, the gods were killed by mortalkind using blades forged by the smiths known as the Lloys.
Looking Ahead
As the party ventures further from the heights of Dol-Makjar, the deeper mysteries of the “Sundered Houses” and the “Penteveral” are expected to come into play. With a world defined by the absence of gods and the unpredictability of wild magic, the stakes for the characters in Aramán are uniquely personal, focusing on legacy and survival in a world they must now lead themselves.