Critical Role, a cherished fixture in the tabletop role-playing game community, is about to start a new phase as its renowned Dungeon Master, Matthew Mercer, steps back for the forthcoming fourth campaign. Renowned for his exceptional storytelling and world creation, Mercer has been leading Critical Role since its beginning, steering his fellow voice actors through innumerable quests in the realm of Exandria. However, fans should not be concerned, as Mercer will still participate, this time in the role of a player.
Taking over the Dungeon Master position is Brennan Lee Mulligan, a well-known name to many in the tabletop scene. Mulligan is acknowledged for his contributions to Dimension 20, where his inventive and narrative abilities have garnered him a loyal fan base. His selection as the new Dungeon Master for the fourth campaign of Critical Role has been received with enthusiasm and eagerness.
The announcement was made during the most recent Critical Role Direct, where it was disclosed that the new campaign will kick off in October 2025. While specifics regarding the theme, players, and rules are still under wraps, Mulligan’s participation guarantees a fresh and captivating experience for fans.
Travis Willingham, CEO of Critical Role and player, voiced his confidence in Mulligan’s talents, stating, “We’ve been great admirers of Brennan for many years. And when it came time to give Matthew Mercer and the world of Exandria a slight break, Brennan appeared to be the ideal storyteller to transport our community to a whole new location.”
Despite stepping back from the primary Dungeon Master role, Mercer assured fans that he isn’t completely retiring from it. He will continue to lead shorter adventures within the Exandria universe and at Age of Umbra, ensuring that his creative touch remains integral to the Critical Role realm.
Mercer utilized social media to express his thrill about the impending changes and to urge fans to embrace the new direction. He hinted at thrilling announcements in the upcoming weeks, including new participants and a vibrant world, alongside the ongoing live shows, animated series, and additional content from the Age of Umbra universe, using the internal rule system Daggerheart.
As Critical Role gets ready to embark on this new chapter, fans can anticipate the distinctive storytelling style that Brennan Lee Mulligan adds to the mix, while still relishing the familiar presence of Matthew Mercer in a different role. This transition represents a pivotal moment in the group’s history, promising new adventures and memorable experiences for the millions of viewers who have followed their journey through the years.