Running an actual play is challenging, particularly one as renowned as Critical Role. Initially a project by Geek & Sundry to test viewer interest in watching voice actors partake in Dungeons & Dragons, it has now grown into a massive media phenomenon with multiple animated series and original systems, generating significant pressure on the players.

The fourth campaign has captivated me with its high-octane performances, featuring a new Dungeon Master and a new structure that builds suspense. It consists of a gripping four-episode overture where players navigate through a thrilling narrative.

As I’ve been following the campaign, I want to highlight: DM Brennan Lee Mulligan demonstrates meticulous world-building, a keen sense of story pacing, and intense combat scenarios. He emphasizes the “action economy”—more players often lead to an advantage in confrontations, adding an element of strategic risk, particularly highlighted during intense scenes involving perilous characters and harrowing outcomes.

I’m left in awe, anticipating how this campaign will continue, holding my breath for what feels like a rollercoaster of adventures ahead. If Mulligan’s past experiences define what’s to come, I expect many suspense-filled combats reminiscent of previous campaigns.