Critical Role Campaign 4 Explained: Aramán, Thjazi Fang’s Execution, and the Rise of the Sundered Houses
Critical Role Campaign 4 opens in Aramán, a new setting where the gods were killed 70 years ago and mortals now manage a world with unpredictable magic. The first episode centers on the execution of Thjazi Fang in the mountain city of Dol‑Makjar and introduces locations, people, and factions that shape the series’ immediate events.
The World of Campaign 4
Campaign 4 is set in Aramán, a setting distinct from Exandria. Seventy years before the current events, the last gods were slain during the Shapers’ War. As a result, *magic has become unpredictable* and societies are adapting to a world without divine governance.
The episode primarily takes place in Dol‑Makjar, a mountain city in the region known as Kahad. The city displays statues of revolutionary figures from the Shapers’ War integrated into its walls. Within Dol‑Makjar, the Rookery is an arts district where bards and actors live and where Halandil’s theater, the Dithyramb of Azgra, is located. Other named places in the episode include the city of Dol‑Rungja, the vanished faerie realm Tir Cruthu, and the distant Mournvale, home to Vaelus and the Sisters of Sylandri.
The Story of Campaign 4
The episode begins with the public execution of Thjazi Fang in Dol‑Makjar. The herald describes Thjazi as “a traitor, arcanist, murderer, and open sedition against the city and its people.” Thjazi was formerly celebrated as a war hero from the War of Axe and Vine, and two years after his marriage he led what is referred to as the Falconer’s Rebellion against the Sundered Houses.
Thjazi’s execution is witnessed by thirteen individuals who are central to the campaign’s party. After the execution, events in the episode make clear that regulation of arcane practice is an active part of Dol‑Makjar’s governance, and questions about the fate of souls and the role of magic without gods are presented as unresolved issues in Aramán.
The line “Sundered Houses are stronger than ever,” appears in dialogue in the episode and is associated with a clip from the show.
The People of Campaign 4
The episode introduces the campaign cast and several NPCs by name and role. The thirteen people who attend Thjazi’s execution and form the main cast are:
- Azune Nayar (Luis Carazo)
- Occtis Tachonis (Alexander Ward)
- Thaisha Lloy (Aabria Iyengar)
- Halandil Fang (Liam O’Brien)
- Thimble (Laura Bailey)
- Murray Mag’nesson (Marisha Ray)
- Wicander Halovar (Sam Riegel)
- Teor Pridesire (Travis Willingham)
- Tyranny (Whitney Moore)
- Sir Julien Davinos (Matthew Mercer)
- Bolaire Lothaire (Taliesin Jaffe)
- Kattigan Vale (Robbie Daymond)
- Vaelus (Ashley Johnson)
Key NPCs introduced in the episode include Thjazi Fang, Aranessa Royce (Thjazi’s widow), Loza Blade (commander of the Torn Banner), Sir Julien Davinos (of House Davinos), Halandil’s children Shadia, Hero, and Alogar, and the Photarch of the Candescent Creed (grandmother of Wicander Halovar).
Facts established about individuals and relationships:
- Thjazi was a war hero from the War of Axe and Vine and later led the Falconer’s Rebellion.
- Aranessa Royce is a member of House Royce and was married to Thjazi.
- Loza Blade commanded the Torn Banner during the Falconer’s Rebellion.
- Alogar is under the tutelage of Sir Julien Davinos.
- The Photarch of the Candescent Creed holds significant authority in Dol‑Makjar and was involved in the decision to execute Thjazi.
Factions in Campaign 4
Several organized groups are named and described in the first episode.
Sundered Houses and the Revolutionary Council
The Sundered Houses form a ruling bloc within Dol‑Makjar and participate in the Revolutionary Council, the city’s governing body. Houses named in the episode include Tachonis, Halovar, Royce, Einfasen, Cormoray, and March. House Halovar is shown to have strong influence and is associated with the Candescent Creed.
Candescent Creed
The Candescent Creed is a religious branch in Dol‑Makjar that promotes the Light. It is led by the Photarch and seeks to establish doctrine in a world without gods. The Creed takes on aspirants; in the episode the aspirants shown are Tyranny and her sibling Enmity, who are demons (Aramán’s analogue to tieflings).
Military and Other Groups
The Revolutionary Guard serves as a military arm tied to the Revolutionary Council and operates from The Brethren Hall. The position of Arcane Marshal is referenced as the role dealing with magic-related crimes. The Torn Banner is a mercenary company led by Loza Blade. The Crow Keepers are named as the oldest thieves’ guild in the city and are said to possess the Stone of Nightsong.
Sisters of Sylandri
The Sisters of Sylandri are based in the Mournvale and are identified as keepers of the Stone of Nightsong. They worship the dead goddess Sylandri and are shown wanting the Stone returned.
Finally, the episode confirms that arcane practice is regulated in Dol‑Makjar: theaters and public performances are subject to safeguards against uncontrolled magic. Beyond the first episode, many historical details—such as the full scope of the War of Axe and Vine and the long-term effects of the Shapers’ War—remain unrevealed within the show.
