Dungeons...

That's a wrap on Season Three!Before we disappear into the mists, we're leaving you with an extra-long, extra-juicy finale featuring the return of fantasy cartographer Scott Mayfield.Together, we tackle a deceptively simple question: How many sessions should you give a new D&D campaign before deciding if it's a good fit?To answer it, we borrow a concept from anime known as the Rule of Three—the idea that most viewers know within three episodes whether they're sticking around for the rest of the series. But does that rule hold true for tabletop RPGs? Are three sessions enough to know if you've found your people? Is that enough time for an actual play to hook an audience? Or are we all just impatient goblins chasing the next shiny campaign?!?Along the way, we explore what Dungeon Masters, game designers, writers, and roleplayers can learn from how the Rule of Three applies to Critical Role Campaigns 2-4 to create stronger openings, more compelling stories, and campaigns that players can't wait to return to.Whether you're wondering if it's time to find a new table, looking for ways to hook your players from session one, or just love overanalyzing storytelling with fellow Critical, this one's for you.Thanks for spending Season Three with us. We'll see you after the break—and may your next campaign be a great one.Cantrip Candles Link (10% Discount): cantripcandles.com/criticalrolemodelOr enter code CRITICALROLEMODEL10Find Scott on Instagram @Skawtsalot.studio

**Episode is out a little late due to some technical difficulties and travel. Due to the delay, our next and final episode of the season is planned to air the first Thursday in August (if the technology gods will it so). Thank you for your patience!**The Campaign 4 conversation continues in this episode!In part two, we dive into the new faces joining the table: Luis Carazo, Alex Ward, Aabria Iyengar, and Whitney Moore. We talk about the fresh player dynamics, first impressions, and which characters are already stealing our hearts and which ones are still making us say, "Hang on... I need another episode or two."Then it's time for a full cast character breakdown! We discuss our favorite personalities across all three tables, the standout moments from both new and returning players, and speculate about where these stories might be headed. As always, expect a healthy mix of thoughtful discussion, wild theories, and the occasional tangent.Finally, we geek out over Campaign 4's new mechanics. From cinematic cold opens to desperate measures and flashback sequences, we explore how these changes are making the world feel bigger, the stories more personal, and the gameplay more dynamic. Are these mechanics here to stay? We certainly hope so.Whether you've already picked your favorite table or you're still trying to decide if you're a Seeker, Soldier, or Schemer, come join us for another lively discussion of the newest era of Critical Role. We laughed a lot recording this one, and we hope you have just as much fun listening.

Critical Role Campaign 4 is here, and everything has changed.In this episode, we break down the first arc of Campaign 4 and dive into the bold new direction for the show. From Brennan Lee Mulligan stepping in as Dungeon Master, to the new world of Araman, to the West Marches-inspired playstyle, there’s a lot to unpack—and we are here for it.We also explore the campaign’s new table structure: Seekers, Soldiers, and Schemers. What makes each group distinct? Which table would you want to play at? The scale of this campaign already feels massive, the open world is full of possiblities, and the factions are sharpening their knives…And this is only part one!In part two, we’ll dig into the new game mechanics, discuss the new player dynamics, and explore what lessons and inspiration we can take away from Campaign 4 so far.Whether you’re excited, skeptical, or just trying to process all the changes, join us as we dive headfirst into the new age of Critical Role.**While we discuss up to episode 26, there are only real spoilers for the Overture, Soldiers table and Seeker’s table**

Join us for part two of “I Knew You’d Be Little Sht*s,” our on-going celebration of the Critical Role cast being their most chaotic (or, as Matt Mercer would say, being “little sh*ts”). Because let’s be honest—there are moments that only happen at a D&D table. Where else do you hear a sentence like, “We superglued the golden phallus to her hand!”?In this episode, we dive into standout moments from Campaigns 2 and 3: watch Chetney Pock O'Pea and Laudna take to the skies, and revisit the unforgettable interrogation of…a chair. Our hosts are in top form, delivering commentary that’s as sharp as it is hilarious.And we’re not alone—special guest Spencer Wight returns to join the fun!We had a blast recording this one, and we hope you have just as much fun listening.

Grab your dice, loosen your cloak, and prepare to laugh until you roll a nat 1 — because this episode of Critical Role Models is gonna be chaos (the fun kind).Join us with special guest Spencer as we dive headfirst into the funniest and most unhinged moments from Critical Role Campaign 1. From Grog's shopping trip gone wrong to confusing cows, this highlight reel has everything we love about roleplaying gone gloriously off the rails.And this is just part one! Next month we'll have clips from C2, C3 and beyond.Now, normally Critical Role Models is all about sharpening your storytelling skills and leveling up your roleplay—but this time? We’re just here for a good time. So pop that healing potion, sit back and remember: no plan survives contact with your players (sorry Matt).

We’ve conquered the Dungeons… now it’s time for the Dragons.In this high-flying episode of Critical Role Models, we break down what makes dragons the ultimate fantasy icon—and how you can make them unforgettable at your table. Whether you’re a Dungeon Master looking to craft a legendary wyrm or a player determined to claim that hoard, this episode is packed with actionable tips and epic inspiration.We use two of Critical Role's most memorable dragons as examples:Raishan – The Diseased Deceiver. A masterclass in manipulation, long games, and layered villainy.Gelidon – The Nightmare in Ivory. Proof that a dragon encounter can be terrifying, personal, and brutally simple.Level up your storytelling. Sharpen your blades. And remember—every dragon has a weakness… if you’re clever enough to find it. 🔥

Want to design dungeons like Matt Mercer? We'll help by breaking down the fundamentals of dungeons. We analyze two famous dungeons from Critical Role Campaign 2—the Happy Fun Ball and the Crawling King's Cage—to show you how Matt connects story threads, creates memorable challenges, and builds a great experience for his players. Whether you're a DM preparing your first dungeon or a player wanting to understand the craft, this episode reveals the building blocks behind Matt's legendary dungeon design and how you can build your own delicious dungeon.Timestamps:0:02:49 - History of Dungeons in D&D0:06:46 - Concept: Location, Denizens, and Goal0:20:33 - Designing Dungeons: Rooms with Stuff0:24:21 - Denizens: Who Lives There?0:34:00 - Rewards: Treasure and Information0:37:30 - Room Description: The Three Senses Rule0:44:10 - External Groups and World Building0:51:43 - Twists: When Things Aren't What They Seem0:54:59 - Crit Role Stat & Blanking w/ Critical Role

You need to nerd out…on The Mighty Nein! Welcome to our season 3 premiere. While watching the new animated show, we were amazed at how the campaign was adapted and we are excited for what the future holds. The show also left us wondering what we could bring back to our home games. Whether you’re new to Critical Role and D&D or you’re a long-time critter, this show can cast bardic inspiration on your home games.Welcome! 00:00Podcast Segments & Giveaway 02:00How Might Nein Meets: Show vs Home Game 11:23Navigating Character Tension 21:02Adapting Campaign Stories for Animated Series 23:59 Building Wildemount Characters for Your Home Game 39:03Predictions for Season 2 (Spoilers) 44:59Wrapping Up 56:40

Listeners old and new, come hear what we have in store for you!

We are spilling the tea in a bonus episode all about what has been happening this summer with Critical Role! We have reports from Comic Con and Gen Con, as well as tips for going to other cons this summer. We answer questions like: What’s it really like to go to a live show? Is the VIP package really worth it? and Should you wait in line for merch? These and other hard-hitting questions are covered by our correspondents in the field. Gina returns as our guest host and we are joined by our special guest Sara, from Tales of Exandria. We will also cover when too much tea was spilled and the C4 announcement was spoiled. What do we think is in store for Campaign 4? All this and more in this Bonus Action episode of Critical Role Models! Follow Gina @pixiegiftfashionsFollow Sara @talesofexandriaCon Debrief: 2:35Indy Live Show Debrief (No Spoilers): 31:16C4 Announcement: 54:56Mighty Nein Animated Series: 1:17:19