Critical Role is once again altering the structure of its fourth campaign, shifting away from the initial West Marches-style format by having the Soldiers table feature only one player. This change comes as the campaign moves into its second arc.
Initially, Campaign 4 launched with a West Marches approach, dividing the 13-player cast into three distinct tables: Soldiers, focused on combat; Seekers, concentrating on lore and magic; and Schemers, emphasizing narrative and social interaction. These tables operated independently before converging for a period.
Following the convergence, the campaign has now transitioned back to a split-table format, as detailed in the latest episode, ‘Trick of the Light.’ However, the composition of these tables has changed. The Seekers table includes Occtis Tachonis (Alexander Ward), Thimble (Laura Bailey), Bolaire Lathalia (Taliesin Jaffe), Sir Julien Davinos (Matt Mercer), Kattigan Vale (Robbie Daymond), and Vaelus (Ashley Johnson), tasked with investigating the Tachonises in Timmony and then proceeding to the Golden Orchard. The Schemers table, remaining in the city to counter the Sundered Houses, features Murray Mag’nesson (Marisha Ray), Tyranny (Whitney Moore), Wicander Halovar (Sam Riegel), Azune Nayar (Luis Carazo), and Halandil Fang (Liam O’Brien).
Perhaps the most significant adjustment is that Thaisha Lloy (Aabria Iyengar) is now the sole member of the Soldiers table. Instead of joining the other groups, Thaisha is heading to Dol-Rungja to engage with the Druidic people and encourage them to join the fight against the Sundered Houses. This solo focus for the Soldiers table is a departure from the established multi-player structure and marks the first time this table has operated with only one participant.
Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan has explained that this shift for the Soldiers table may be influenced by player Aabria Iyengar's recent childbirth, potentially limiting her availability. While Thaisha's journey might unfold differently, possibly through shorter, focused segments or 'cold openings' involving Mulligan and other players, Critical Role has been contacted by Polygon for further clarification on this new dynamic. Despite these format adjustments, Matt Mercer is slated to return as Game Master for the upcoming Age of Umbra: Sallowlands arc.
Critical Role Campaign 4 airs live on Thursdays at 10 p.m. PDT on Twitch, YouTube, and Beacon.tv, with new episodes available on YouTube the following Monday.