Critical Role Campaign 4 Introduces New Romance Plotline

Throughout Critical Role‘s many years of bringing fans along for the ride in their actual-play Dungeons & Dragons games, they have consistently delivered exciting combat, hilarious moments, strong friendships, and romance. Campaign 4 is no exception.

When Critical Role first introduced its fourth campaign, Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan said it would be built on five pillars. These pillars are swords, representing physical danger and conflict; family, highlighting deep connections between characters; death, conveying the stakes of the campaign; magic, because it is a Dungeons & Dragons game; and kissing.

“Just kissing,” Mulligan teased in the trailer. “Everyone likes it.”

Until now, the romance aspect appeared to take a backseat in the world of Aramán.

Campaign 4 finally achieves its fifth pillar

While hints of romantic feelings existed between several characters, such as Wicander Halovar played by Sam Riegel and Tyranny played by Whitney Moore, as well as Occtis Tachonis played by Alexander Ward and Thimble played by Laura Bailey, no official fling was confirmed until episode 34, titled “Rock and Flame.”

Shipping and romance are popular among fandoms, and Critical Role is no exception. Across previous campaigns and one-shots, several couples and flings have emerged. Even in Campaign 4, two player characters, Thaisha Lloy played by Aabria Iyengar and Halandil Fang played by Liam O’Brien, were established as a couple with children from the start. However, fans still hoped other characters would show their romantic sides.

Kattigan Vale played by Robbie Daymond and Murray Mag’nesson played by Marisha Ray helped fulfill that fifth pillar. Both Kattigan and Murray expressed attraction toward one another during the overture of Campaign 4 before parting ways. More than 30 episodes later, following a night of identifying magical items together, the two came together to kiss under a cloak of invisibility.

Fans expecting a long-term romance might end up disappointed. Kattigan remains heartbroken over the loss of his wife and child at the hands of Primus Tachonis. While attraction exists between the two characters, both Kattigan and Murray seem to be pursuing something purely physical rather than opening their hearts to each other.

That does not mean Kattigan and Murray will not become more emotionally available in the future. Critical Role campaigns usually span over 100 episodes, and some viewers and players prefer a slow burn. A slow progression from friendship to love made the unions of couples like Percy and Vex, Caleb and Essek, and Imogen and Laudna especially satisfying when they finally came together.

For now, the romance between Kattigan and Murray appears skin-deep. With the two apart again, it is unlikely to develop anytime soon. Either way, the first new romance of Campaign 4 is fiery, leaving fans to wonder if it will be the last.

Source: Polygon