Critical Role's Fourth Campaign: A Planned Shocker That Left Ward Second-Guessing
In a surprising twist during Critical Role's latest D&D campaign, actor Alexander Ward found himself questioning his actions and choices during a dramatic scene that was meticulously prepared but still left room for unexpected outcomes.
Critical Role 4’s Overture has concluded, leading into a thrilling campaign featuring 13 players across three groups. One of the most impactful moments of Episode 4 involved a pre-planned scene that left Alexander Ward, who plays Occtis, feeling uncertain about his character’s fate.
During a dramatic encounter, Occtis was attacked during a chaotic battle where he ended up defeated by his own brother—resulting in a shocking cliffhanger that had everyone on the edge of their seats. In a Fireside Chat on Beacon, Ward discussed how the blend of planning and chance in role-playing can lead to unexpected outcomes.
He recounted how he believed he might have messed up a crucial moment at the table, saying: “I thought I’d actually messed up. I was already brainstorming new character ideas when that happened, because I walked off-set confused.”
(Listen to the Fireside Chat for more insights into these dramatic moments and the reactions from the rest of the cast.)
Ultimately, the balance of pre-scripted events and real-time decision-making showed how a planned storyline can still engage players with authentic stakes.
Ward’s experience emphasizes how even the best laid plans in tabletop RPGs can lead to surprising twists—keeping audiences and players alike invested in the story.
