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That's the thing about a truly great fantasy franchise - it never quite stops growing. Critical Role, for certain, is showing no signs of getting smaller, with two animated series, multiple spinoff comics, and even a brand new, non-Exandrian setting in Campaign 4. As you might recall Popverse reporting on recently, the hit D&D actual play series is expanding even amidst their own organization, focusing on bringing new faces to the table beyond its core, founding cast. 

And now, it appears the show is putting its money where its mouth is, tagging in three brand new Campaign 4 players to represent the show at this year's Awesome Con.

The news comes from an announcement over at Collider, in an article published January 22. According to the outlet, Awesome Con 2026's Critical Role presence will feature newcomers Whitney Moore, Alexander Ward, and Luis Carazo, who will appear at the Washington D.C. convention March 14 and 15. As you know if you've been keeping up with the latest campaign, these are the minds behind characters Tyranny, Occtis Tachonis, and Azune Nayar, respectively.

But remember, all good fantasy expansions build on the adventures and adventurers that have come before, and Critical Role at Awesome Con 2026 is no exception. Joining Moore, Ward, and Carazo will be Sam Riegel and Taliesin Jaffe, two players who appeared in the very first Exandrian campaign and are now responsible for the Campaign 4 entrants Wicander "Wick" Halovar and Bolaire Lathalia, respectively. 

Not included in the announcement is the date/time of the panel that the five Critical Rolers are said to be attending. That said, we imagine that just the announcement of their presence will see sales picking up, so it might be worth snagging a ticket now if you want to make it.

Or in fantasy terms - remember that great adventures always begin before you're fully prepared.

Critical Role Campaign 4 is streaming now on the group's Beacon, YouTube, and Twitch channels. 

From the lands of Exandria to your very own smartscreens, Popverse has everything you need to know about the TTRPG phenomenon that is Critical Role. Here you'll find:

• Popverse's Critical Role watch order
• An interview with GM Brennan Lee Mulligan
• The cast's appearance at C2E2 '25

...and more. Roll initiative, player. Adventure awaits.