Comment below if you have or want to play Dungeons & Dragons now? POOL RULES One: Speak up and join the conversation- we encourage respectful debate. Two: Respect your community- racism, misogyny, homophobia and hate speech aren’t tolerated. Three: Don’t go looking for fights. Four: “Be nice.” - Dalton from Roadhouse
Powerful quote at 26 minutes by Matthew Mercer: "Everybody is hurting, everybody wants to be happy, everybody is looking for someplace to belong, and looking for other people to tell them that they're loved."
i love how Matt mercer doesnt take credit for the guy's story. he thanked Matt for saving his life and yet Matt just says it was the power of story telling. what a humble guy...
Mercer is absolutely the one that is pure of heart that could remove the sword from the stone. He is better than this world deserves but it is so much better with him in it.
The sad thing is, that Matt stated in one of his Interviews (between the sheets iirc), that he himself has a psychological issue that disables him from accepting positive recognition, he explained that he is just completely unable to think of himself as the great human being he is and believes all the positive reactions to him to be completely undeserved.
He has imposter syndrome. Very familiar to me. It's when you think that all you do is bull crap, all praises are lies and police will soon knock at your door saying "got you, you fraud". It's like being humble, but unhealthy too much.
I was blown away by the interviewer. She jumped right in and accepted all of these things (sometimes that much stuff all at once can be sensory overload). She didn't seem judgmental at all. It was so great.
@@Cheepchipsable My 16th level Sorcerer casts 'Puff Piece' on the dungeon troll. I roll a twelve, but my level boons plus the party buffs from Carla MSM and Roth makes it a 22. Does it hit?
@@jeffnicholas6342 OK JEFF OF HOUSE NICHOLAS as you cast 'Puff Piece' This deep mystical arcane energy burns deep within your soul and with a SUDDEN burst of power and light flow through as you raise you hand whilst the dumbfounded Dungeon troll looks at you and you hear a loud 'BOOOOOooooom' as you fall back and as you look up you see this Ball of Arcane and light energy travel towards the troll as it whizzes towards him the whole room is lit up it becoming almost blinding... Now roll damage for me please :)
3:02 "I hide behind the tree and I ready a fireball." 3:55 "I just quickly jump on the one he gave mercy and stab him in the eye." You are already a veteran player.
@@jenevans9004 Thank you for your concern. We were married for 36 years so it's going to take a while. I've had a few sessions with a counsellor. Tuesday was my birthday, so it was not the best day. There's mutual support with my step-daughter and her family which is great. My friends are helping to keep me busy, as I said above. All the best and thanks again.
My sincerest, most heartfelt condolences. If you're ever having a rough moment and no one's around please don't hesitate to look me up on Twitter at @ZiddersRoofurry
Critical Role helped me during chemo, I watched the entire first campaign through my last year of chemo and even inspired me to start my own group. I still can't go out much but being able to play D&D with a bunch of my friends every weekend is amazing.
If face-to-face meeting is an issue, play D&D online. I'm playing with friends some 100+ km away, using Discord and Roll20 (there are alternatives as well). I'm glad to see people enjoy a game that i've just started playing a few months back (also due to Critical Role) and my eyes started watering for the 4th time reading your comment. Roll a 20 on that chemo!
I know this is very late, but strength, friend. I got back into D&D when I was going through chemo when a friend was running it online. It was absolutely my social event whe I was immunocompromised. And gave me the strength to move forward. I hope your health is well.
My favorite quote about the game is from the campaign one wrap-up from critical role when Marisha states "these memories almost feel real" and Matt simply answers "They are". That for me sums up, what makes this game so special
Ingemar there are often gaming meetup groups. theres often a game store that acts as a nexus for things like magic the gathering. it can take some putting yourself out there and it’s not always convenient but rather than lamenting not having friends that play, you can think of this as a way of making new friends for a whole new part of your life. but i totally understand wishing you could share excitement with people you know
I was introduced into the game at age 10 now a 16 year old I've dm'd 2 campaigns and have played in many, planning to get many of my friends involved, hoping itl be great
I genuinely tried a long time ago, but since I was a girl impeding on the "geek night" they didn't want to involve me. They would strip me of my armor, humiliate me, and then kill me. I shunned it out of my life for over ten years because of it. Then I was introduced to Critical Role, and I've gained the confidence and the enjoyment to play again. Critical Role is definitely my escape from reality, and enjoy it very much.
That's horrible they did that to your character. That's pretty much a simulation of borderline rape when I think about it. Very disgusting individuals you played with. Honestly, one of the reasons I never seeked out D&D players to play with them. Because I could see that type of bullying to happen to me. I mean, anything in nerd culture is a danger zone for cute nerdy girls to attract losers. I've been burned so many times and learned to stay away from certain nerdy males and to tone down my excitement for my passions and interests. "Oh a girl who's impassioned by the same stuff I'm into! Perfect! She's excitedly talking to me and smiling at me and enjoys my company?! She MUST have a crush on me!" Then these guys get really creepy with me. One guy that I was working on a video game sent me gross nude 3D images of my female characters. I'm also into technology. So I'm a geek and a nerd. Same has applied here. I'd be speaking passionately about computers, languages, hardware etc. And the guy I'd be talking to would think I was leading him on and get angry because I'd get bubbly and excited about my interests. It's the most irritating thing in existence because I cannot be myself. They think I'm flirting with them when I'm not. That's awesome you found a D&D group that you enjoy playing with. I hope the same would happen to me. It'll be a few months of knowing certain individuals before I do ANYTHING creative and fun with other nerds I meet. Not just male, I've been burned by other nerdy females as well. lol and they're much WORSE! Especially these 3 "girls" I knew. 😂
What they did to you was foul. I am glad you found better people. Keep healing. Have fun. You are allowed to do that, anyone who'd f*k that up like that is contemptible. May grace enfold and embolden you always.
@@YumegakaMurakumo Have you tried playing it with a couple of friends you already know? It's better to have fun with just "noobs" who are messing around than it is to play with veteran idiots.
Just remember: If you are not welcome in a group, its not your fault. Its just not the right group and they are the ones who lose out on your company. Form your own group, try different playstyles, or be the GM/DM yourself. There is a game for everyone. May the Dice be with you, always!
My grandfather passed away last year, and my DM was so amazing to make a grandfather NPC for my character inspired by my description of him. It felt like even though he was gone, he'd live on in this world that my friends and I created together. We've moved on to a new campaign in the same world, but knowing that that character will live on makes me so happy.
It's not a D&D community showcase if you don't make Matthew Mercer cry on camera, it is known This was very very thorough and absolutely wholesome. I loved it :)
I also appreciated the restraint in focussing on him. Before CR's star power pulls focus, the video placed many other influential figures in front of CR to better represent the game. It's smart and well put is all I'm saying
tl:dr - D&D is the best game ever! As with the guy in the video that Matt watched, Critical Role saved my life. Just over a year ago, I was a "woman of a certain age" with very few close friends, who had a job that she absolutely detested, and just was tired of it all. Then I saw the first episode of season two of Critical Role; in fact, I watched it a total of three times before the 2nd episode aired. It was then I said, I want it all, and started from the very beginning of season one, all 115 episodes, all 4+ hours each. It literally changed my life. It inspired me to start writing again, which I hadn't done for almost 30 years while having my kids. I started back playing D&D and other RPGs with my friends from the ren faire. I started voice acting to go with my theater and renaissance faire acting (which also vastly improved due to learning how to act and react to things as I watched CR). I even went back to school to get my master's degree and will be graduating with my MLIS at age 60. I'm so much happier and more productive than I can remember ever being and love being alive. I'm also now a part of a fantastic community that is more supportive and inclusive than anything I've ever known. And all this is because of a little game - Dungeons and Dragons.
This is remarkable. And truly inspiring. I had written a snarky comment before hitting BKSPC about making me look bad but you really motivated me to explore my creative side even though I am a person of a certain age as well. Thanks.
They were saying video games caused violence then too, the 1976 arcade game Death Race was banned because you could run people over with a car - i.e. move a rectangle over a stick figure. Also certain kinds of music - at the time it was heavy metal. There used to be serious major court cases where religious groups would play records backwards and seriously ask band members and song writers why the backwards garbled gibberish sometimes sounded like it said "demon" or whatever.
Stupidity reigns since people became sentient an so capable of it. Haven't you been taught, that 'the wiser man gives in'? Welp, that's why idiots rule.
I love how across interviews, with him or with his friends. The idea that nobody has ever questioned Joe's love of D&D for fear of violent repercussions remains consistent.
As a DM, I've never, once, thought to myself, "This person shouldn't play." I've always tried to bring people into the fold. My current group, that I DM for, consists of an asexual woman, a transitioning individual, a devout Christian, and a young gentleman whose on the spectrum. It's a constant source of joy, for me, and for them and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Same. I will ask people about their experiences, only so I know how much assistance they might need, or how much on-boarding I have to do. I've introduced quite a few people to the game. Guys, girls, any number of orientations and creeds. Never felt the need to say 'no' based on any of that. I work *with* my players to create something we all will enjoy. Adventure, excitement, laughter, and sorrow, pulse-pounding narrative combat. I've been a writer, player, and DM for over 20 years. And my players even if we're not together anymore, due to the tides of life... still talk about the games and stories I've run as some of the best if not THE best they've ever experienced. D&D and tabletop RPG's are for *everybody*. I don't get the gatekeeping.
"The parents saw their child summon a dungeons and dragons demon into his room before he committed suicide." Wait... who exactly is living in a fantasy world here?
So , he summons a demon for what exactly? Apparently not wealth or happiness. Let's face it folks the parents who "saw the demon" were just trying to absolve themselves of the guilt of not helping their child until it was too late.
Good reporter lady. Good men, women, kids, all people. Good podcasts. Good innovators, inventors, story tellers, creators, imaginers. My heart has been critically hit.
Ill set the scene here. I'm a 6'2" 250lb corn fed country guy. Im a hardcore gearhead that loves anything fast. Former Marine, and truck driver. Ive been playing a 5' 90lb Tabaxi Rogue for two years. Dont let your appearance, "status", or others perception of you determine what you enjoy. Keep in mind, Vin Diesel AND Terry Crews love playing D&D.
This documentary is amazing. As somebody who has never played D&D (or any other RPG) I loved to see how open and positive the people within this fandom are. I‘m a huge sports fan and am often disappointed how toxic and hateful some people can be. Thank you, Roth and the whole team, for giving me an insight into this lovely part of the world.
I am sorry to say but that's to be expected from sports. Why? Because it divides people. Two tribes contesting who will win. D&D is COOPERATIVE. Everyone is trying to achieve the same goals and everyone is trying to work together.
Oh trust me, there are toxic people and pendatic rules lawyers in roleplaying games, too, but after a while you learn to spot the different types of players and gamemaster and their styles of running a game, and know which types play well together. And if someone is really annoying, you can bet they are annoying trolls or neurotic outside of the game too, so it's an interpersonal pr psychological problem. In extreme cases, don't hesitate to ask someone who is disruptive to leave a group if everyone else agrees. But gaming will give you a common topic to talk about with other gamers even if they are total strangers when you go to RPG conventions... don't be afraid to try out new game settings you have never played before, people will be happy to show you how the rules work, or talk about their characters and their adventures.
You are always welcome into this lovely part of the world, and I'm sure you could make a great difference to someone, as the whole system has made a difference to many other people. Have fun, and roll high.
My dad used to play D&D before I was born when he was in college when D&D was new with his buddies. He stopped playing a little while after I was born. This story came up when he saw that I own the starter set for Dungeons and Dragons in my board game collection....he geeked right out.
I recently lost a friend whom I played with, so in a way to honor him I'll mention his character in every campaign I play/dm from now on. There is no other game with power to do stuff like this. Rest in Peace, Uthal "wordpainter" Thuliaga, the gnollslayer
@@benjieortiz9547 I'm pretty sure that you have the wrong Brian Foster. There are some out there in the news that are criminals, but they are not the one TheIceman101418 is referencing. Unless he said something jokingly on the show.
My boss/mentor introduced me to D&D a few years back. I live in Myanmar, a country where it's considered rude to openly comment or live out your dreams. It's also a place for a creative writer, very hard to survive. D&D helped me tell the fantasy tales that I loved as a child and reinvent them to a whole new audience as a DM. It brought me and my partner closer. I see a young challenged boy having the time of his life and making new friends. It's a beautiful, hopeful thing for me to see. Inspirations like Matt, Satine and many other DMs and players who spends the time to share this imaginary wonderous world with us, I cannot thank them enough.
D&D and Critical Role saved my life. Before I found them about 2 years after they started, I was depressed, hopeless, constantly anxious and ready to just give up. Then I randomly stumbled upon Critical Role and D&D and watching Liam, Matt, Travis, Sam, Laura, Marisha, Taliesin and Ashley have so much fun and create their wonderful world became my therapy. I would escape for a couple hours every day and watch. Then I started playing D&D and without either of those things, I don't think I would be here today.
@@AlexanderYavhe while i do appreciate that, i would rather ram a rusty soup spoon in my eye than ever reactivate Facebook. It was one if the things i later realized was absolutely terrible for my mental health. I ditched everything but this and Instagram. I can be found there. Bsvk tgen k Deleted anyone i didnt know in person, Threw my fucking cell phone out the window, and walked out if an office to go back to swinging a hammer. Best decisions i ever made. The modern world just isn't for everyone and sometimes ya just know when to let it all fall away
Nowadays, you see the same religious that claim to condemn satanism, yet endorsed corrupt white collar greedy dipshits that openly do things that betray the virtues about Christianity. Dungeons and Dragons was just a Boardgame, yet religious leaders ended up putting their faith into lesser men who care more about money and not the people suffering in the world. My Mom is a Christian and let me tell you, she is completely disappointed with how many religious figures selled out. If any one selled their souls to the Devil, it’s them.
God, I wasn't expecting to cry so much while watching this. My head hurts now lol Everyone did such a good job on this and Roth was great as always! I'm loving these Fandom Uncovered videos, I hope you get to make more of them!!
I want to second this. As someone active in fandom and who has played D&D for years, I can't say enough how meaningful it is to see documentaries showing these nerdy pasttimes in the light in which we nerds have always seen them. Your empathy as filmmakers is everything!
That video straight up made me cry. I'm studying Psychology at university and RPG is the field I made for myself in my thesis. That video made me remember why I chose that. How powerful it is, and how much it changed my life, as well as so many other people's. I'm sobbing.
Role playing is a core mechanic in actual ritual magic. It allows a person to work through things physically and emotionally, there by priming their being for when they really have to deal with the situation. Example: Nervous for a job interview? RP it a few times, and you'll be less anxious for the actual interview.
I started Psychology last year and DnD was what brought me to it, so i'm heading the same way with my thesis. If you find the time would you be so kind to send me some of your sources? I've really just scratched the surface and have so much more to learn
@@dndpsych9286 I'd love to! Although Portuguese is my native language, not English, which makes things a little harder, I'd be glad to help you. In which way would you prefer for me to do so?
I played 3.5e in college, but fell off in 4e when we moved across country. I was treated like an idiot at our local gaming store, so I didn't return... Until I had a crisis. After my second pregnancy I developed post-partum depression. I didn't want to go anywhere, I didn't want to talk to anyone, and I refused to get out of bed. This is not normal for me; I am a very outgoing, outspoken person. While getting medical attention helped, I knew I had to give myself something to look forward to every week with real life people. If I have a commitment, I will follow through. So, I committed myself to playing every week to force me out of the house and into conversations. I found a different group of people at that same store, but they weren't jerks. They were awesome, and it was great to be around adults and just have fun. Now, I'm running my own game at that very same store. While I still struggle with depression, face to face human interaction helps more than anything else. I'm very thankful for my gaming group.
I find it really interesting that you feel the same way about D&D the same way that I do. I am not very outspoken nor out going at all. Most video games I buy are for the single player campaign, I loathe multiplayer. However, I also make it a point to make sure I get out of the house at least a couple time a week to go gaming with my friends, because I know how withdrawn I can get. I honestly don't think I'd do well if I hadn't made the commitment to gaming that I have. Also, major kudos to you for running a game of your own. I've never felt comfortable in the DM chair but for those who do sit there, I have nothing but respect for. :)
i love matthew mercer so much omg :( this whole documentary was amazing, makes me want to play and i love how understanding and nonjudgemental the host is
Maybe I'm just a Fanboy of Fandom (Screen Junkies to me) but this has been my favorite of the "What is D&D?" RUclipsmentaries so far. So the question is now, when is Joe Starr going to DM a game for the SJU crew, and will Roth try to stab everyone in the eye?
Roth : the fact you did this profound reporting without being a D&D player as such (though you are intimate with art, passion and imagination) shows great reporting qualities. I shed quite a few tears here. Excellent short documentary.
Growing up I had a different experience with D&D. (In the early/mid 80's) My parents owned a store that sold D&D supplies. Books, Dice and primarily figures from Ral Partha, Prince August and more. The local high school would send "At Risk" kids down to play D&D with us. Because they would make friends with other players, find an accepting peer group. And there was a rule about having to have a 2.0 GPA to play with the gaming group.
I give all my thanks too Critical Role, if it was not for them - i would not be a story telling dungeon master this day, Also shared my tears with Matt. Love that guy!
I’m right there with you, getting to see how the game was played changed everything for me. Not even realizing it was the creative outlet I needed when I started to DM.
Same here, without Critical Role I would have never gotten up my courage and asked my friends to play D&D. I've always wanted to and never did cause the only groups I found didn't have "openings". So in the end I went "whatever" and decided to learn how to be a DM and just play with my newbie friends. We have a lot of fun and the only rule is to be nice and forgive eachother's mistakes. It's worked out great so far and we're learning every time we play. My brother also has Asperger's and he decided to play a warlock. He has the highest charisma score of all the players and the way he tries to sweettalk his way out of any situation is a marvel to see. I've never seen him talk that much and it brings me joy. So thanks Critical Role and all you other RUclips D&D creators out there for inspiring me and teaching me how to be a DM and how to have fun playing D&D.
This was a very well researched, heartfelt honest look at D&D and what so many went through for liking it before it was cool, along with talking about the unfortunate gate keeping BS many people do as backlash for being bullied in the past about their hobbies. Absolutely wonderful to watch.
It would have been nice for them to mention that more RPGs exists than just D&D, in genres ranging from classic fantasy, modern day fantasy, science fiction, pulp adventure, steam punk, horror games, sociopolitical satire ("Paranoia" RPG), Sherlock Holmes style investigative scenarios, RPG adaptations of various movies and franchises... But on the other hand, D&D has gotten the most flak from fundamentalists over the years because it was the most visible and known in the USA, while gamers in countries like Germany or France play the American games but also have their own communities with German or French RPG publishers.
the whole gate keeping thing is such a load of crock, nobody can keep you from playing the game, at most they can choose not to play with you, and for the record nobody is owed a seat at any table, if people don't want to play with you then they don't have to, find people who do want to play with you and fucking play the game and stop whining about "not being included" it's getting tiresome and it isn't doing anybody any favors.
I can't begin to explain how much D&D has helped, especially these past couple years. I am on the spectrum and I've learned to hide it, but seeing my characters all lined up, I realized something. They were always inhuman races trying to understand humanity, and adapting accordingly. Being honest with the game creates an honesty in yourself about your thoughts. There's a phrase some players get to "Well I would do that but my character wouldn't." (Or vice versa) and just breeding that sort of self awareness is so helpful
@@ieatgremlins thanks for asking! D&D and role players, in general, are always looking to bring new people into the fold, as the more role players there are the more people you can play with! If you want to get in and play, find a group or form one with your friends. If you are looking for a group, it is common courtesy to bring your own set of dice and the core rulebook (known as the players handbook, the current edition is 5e or Fifth Edition), but a friendly table (a group of players) would be more than willing to help you out and teach you the game. You can find groups online in places like Roll20.com or you can go to a local game store that hosts one-shots (a single session campaign) which are generally designed for beginners or ask people you know if they run games and if you can join one. If you want to watch people play the game, there are a number of twitch streams on-line like Critical Role as well as podcasts like The Campagin and Adventure Zone where you can listen to them play. If you have anymore questions fill free to ask! I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Carla MSM You also can get a free copy of the Basic Rules from the D&D website-it’s all you need to get started in the hobby. If you like it and want more options, than you can buy some of the books or the Essentials Kit! Welcome to the game!
@@ieatgremlins to add on to what everyone else said, r/lfg is a good place to go too. I met another guy on there that was looking for a game and couldn't find one, so we just organized our own and have been playing almost every week for 2 1/2 years
I discovered D&D a year ago and I loved it. I got Speech and Language disability and I struggle with communicating and being shy to complete strangers. Ever since I tried it out, it improved my communication skills and build up the confidence I never had. And with anxiety and PTSD, it's the escape for me from the real world issues. Also, it brings fantasy and story making back to life from my childhood. From fairytales to Efteling (Dutch theme park).
Hey, to those of you finding this and interested in learning more about this game, critical role has all their episodes on RUclips. There are two campaigns/seasons, and I’d recommend starting with episode 1 of campaign two because I feel it’s easier to get into and the sound quality is better
I absolutely agree and I think it's also easier to get into cause they're playing with brandnew characters which they weren't for campaign 1. When I started watching campaign 1 I at first thought I hadn't found the right video because it very clearly wasn't the beginning of the story. It's great fun nonetheless but just a heads up. Also also... For anyone reading this who hasn't yet watched it: Don't read the RUclips comments for campaign 1. There are some very vocal trolls (or negative people) there and it can really ruin the experience for you.
The Critical Role RUclips channel also has tips on playing d&d "Handbooker Helper." Quick videos that cover the basics, it's a great addition to the show itself.
@@cassandramuller7337 Nah they need to. Negativity shouldn't be hidden per se, and a lot of that negativity was still constructive. The fan base, the show and the cast were maturing. I think a lot of that negativity stemmed from a place of care, regardless of how toxic that passion could seem sometimes. I think especially later in the season, fans were admitting to old anger- me being one of them, and all the same people are still watching season 2. We just needed time to learn and mature too bruh.
@@h.mansari8802 While I see your point to me it was like fire. It burned and it took away a lot of my enjoyment. I think for a first time viewer that can just be really bad. Had I not already started watching campaign 2 live (or while it was coming out) I might have just stopped watching altogether. Negativity is never helpful. Constructive criticism is. And many of the comments I read under the early videos of campaign 1 were just purely negative. Some of them just seemed like people venting to me and it made me enjoy watching less. It's not necessary for new viewers to notice old flaws and gripes but that's what those comments do. Also new viewers don't need to experience the negative emotion people felt 4 years ago. Reading the comments will only detract from the fun.
"Dated reputation." "It was definitely nerdy." There are some who would try to be gatekeepers, saying things like "I played before it was cool! You're fake gamers!" As someone who's been rolling d20's since the early 90's, I welcome all new players, including Roth! :D Glad to hear you loved it. I just introduced my kids to it, and they LOVE IT!
I find just the opposite is true. As an old-school gamer, I'm not a gatekeeper; I'm a keeper of history. The next oldest member of my usual group was 2 when I started playing in the 70s. It's is so much fun for me to convert all my old adventures and modules to 5e and see the players experience the same emotions I had when I first played them. Next up for my group, Castle Amber.
I have recently started playing with my kids and they love it. My oldest had talked it up enough to get my nephew interested. He got to play for the first time ever last night and he ROCKED IT. My nephew is musical, so I made him a bard, and he loves Iron Maiden, so I named him Eddie, and he just lit up as he thought about all the possibilities of this world. I have been playing off and on since AD&D, and I have always loved being a steward to new players.
I have had health issues my whole life and became permanently wheelchair-bound at 21. I have been playing RPGs since 2010, not only DnD, but also Shadowrun, Apocolypse world, Stars without number, ect. Because of my mobility issues, I mostly play online over the internet. I now play with people all over the world. These games help me connect with people, they allow me to forget my unfortunate situation and let me be someone else for a bit. It allows me to walk, run or more fantastical things I couldn't do in real life. It allows me to have agency over my life for a bit. RPGs are great and so much more then a hobby.
sublimetech I talked about this in my interview, but it didn’t end up in the final version-there’s a ton of amazing disabled folx in the D&D community. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and TTRPGs and the community that I’ve found through them has been a huge support system for me, too. There’s some incredible accessibility and inclusion work happening in tabletop, too!
I have fibromyalgia and am disabled. It's very isolating having a chronic illness but there have been great online communities that make me feel less alone. Out of all of them though, d&d is the one community that is helping me get out more. Having a reason to leave the house besides a doctor's appointment is so important. I'm not quite there yet but I'm currently helping to organize a new local group and plan to host games at my house. I'm so excited to play and be part of a campaign.
G&S doesn’t get enough credit. Titansgrave was the first RPG show I ever watched, followed by the first series of Force Grey, and that’s what eventually got me into Critical Role and DnD.
I've always had heard about Dungeons and Dragons but never got into it. So, this is great to find out how so many regular people and celebrities escape into this fantasy adventure. Keep it up!
If you don't have a local group you can play with, online virtual tabletops are bigger than ever before. Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds are both very good and you can get started there. It is so much fun and everyone should get a chance to play!
Most of the famous actors out there play D&D even before the last 5-10 years where it became a bit more 'normal'. Think robin williams, vin diesel, mike myers, stephen colbert... it's super fun for sure. You should join us! Join the RPG side! :)
@@PapaBear_Gaming Find te closest Local Friendly Game Store (or LFGS for short) buy some dice and star playing ^_^ Join the dark side, we have cookies!
Oh my gosh. When Matt was watching that guy's video message that made me cry. "May your blade be strong" - goddamnit who the hell is cutting onions around here.
OK... How frickin' awesome is this!? And l mean both the game (which l've never played, but l really hope l will someday) and this video!! Whoever came up with the idea for this series deserves a raise!! :P
I host a game on roll20.com and use dndbeyond.com to make characters every Friday 5pm PST. If you can make that time, I'd love to have you join and show you how amazing the game is first hand!
I got into watching Critical Role at the beginning of the Lockdown in March 2020. I honestly do not know how I would have made it through without those people and playing D&D with friends. This is an amazing video that brought me to tears a couple times. This is the best community.
I have watched a lot of "but why D&D" documentaries in my time, trying to capture the reason people play and the cause for its recent popularity. This documentary enjoyably nails it. Great job.
That's so cool, could do with something akin to that to untangle the knotted tangled legalistic brigade who spend most of their time role playing 'holier than thou' about everything . . . ..
Same here. Im a Christian and a DM. I actually use D&D as a tool to build relationships with people who wouldn't normally hang out with a churchgoer. Its let me have a variety of friends and awesome relationships and even discuss my faith with people who thought lightning would strike them if they ever entered a church. Instead I can show them God's love through a D20. Weird world we live in, eh?
Roth and the folks who edited this video really knocked it out of the park. Crazy to think that, even ten years ago, D&D was still considered nerdy and slightly awkward to talk about. Now I know people at work who just proudly chat about D&D as much as the next work group who will talk about sports. D&D is mainstream, popular, and socially acceptable now. This is my ideal timeline.
It has come full circle. I found out about Critical Role when Matt Mercer guest starred on Screen Junkies 'Talking Thrones'. Now I'm an avid Critter and play in two D&D games. D&D changed my life. It helped me find a great group of friends and a safe space where I can play and express myself.
I didn't expect this to bloom into a touching, powerful story. Beautiful ending. I was raised in the conservative notion that D&D was evil, and never knew how it touched people's lives. This is just so beautiful. Thanks for putting this together, SJU/Fandom!
As a recent addition to the legions of D&D nerds, I only started playing a little over a year ago, I can firmly say that this is one of the greatest communities I’ve even seen. To be far I haven’t seen as much of it as I would like to yet but I’m getting there. As of 4 months ago I stepped behind the DM’s screen and was exposed to the other side of the coin so to speak, and I haven’t been happier. D&D is such an amazing medium for story telling and shared experiences that I don’t think I could find a more fulfilling... well anything. I’m starting to get back into drawing, and story writing again after years of thinking that I just couldn’t do it just because I want to make the best story’s, and give the best experience to my friends around my table.
"You can work through your trauma.... but our minds don't always distinguish between what we imagine and what we live, which may be why this game has actually healed so many." Thank you Roth (and others) for this video. Definitely re-frames the game away from the misnomers of the past.
Thank you Fandom Entertainment for making this video. I grew up in the 80's during the Satanic Panic. I wanted friends as a kid, and when I was invited by a classmate to play I couldn't believe it. However, my parents forbade it because of church, religion, and news media. I'll never forget being told, "Did you know a kid in school cut open his leg so he could put a spell in there?". So I had to hide the miniatures I bought and painted, along with my bisexuality and other life choices, from my religious family for decades.
Recently brought up D&D at work. I've played for MANY years, and had some colleagues who had never played, but wanted to. After just one session they were HOOKED, and it spread like wildfire, and now there are PLENTY of groups at work, and it's pretty damn sweet!
I have dyslexia and I didn't I learned to read tell I was thirteen, and Dungeons and dragons is the platform that Broke through my barriers. I went form a first grade reading level to a teenth grade reading level in less the two years, although my spelling is still bad, I now read more than 90% of adults.
Wow! That's great to hear. So many kids with dyslexia get disheartended from reading, and for you to break through that barrier with the help of D&D is just plain awesome.
Put this game down years ago, but picked back up again when I found out fully 1/3 of my department at work wanted to play! So much group fun! The jokes, the laughs, the anticipation of the next get together... give it a try if you haven't!
Wow, HATE that I accidentally cried through most of this, but what a great piece. I got kept out of games for years because I "wasn't familiar" with the mechanics and no one wanted to play with a n00b, and now I'm someone my friends ask to play in a new game they're starting because they like how I RP and help other players. The game changed my life. Thanks for this. It's a great hobby that I hope more people have the opportunity to get in to
That's really crappy. - I welcome new players all the time and show them the ropes specifically *because* of these experiences. I love watching their faces light up as it begins to click, and their imagination comes alive. I'm glad you're in a better place and are able to play. That's awesome, and I'm super happy for ya! ^_^
I remember when my friends introduced me to D&D 2 years ago, as a college student I laughed. Isn't that game that nerds play? Two hours later I was like, holy shit I'm a nerd!
If I'm being completely honest, starting to play D&D has been a life changer for me. It's been 4 years since a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to play, and at that point I was spending most of my time alone playing video games and pretty shy. But since then, I've made a ton of new friends through the game and I've found that I've actually become more confident with myself in a social setting now. I've just recently started running my own game and even that has been an amazing and new experience for me. Sure there are those few people who have put me on a lower level then themselves when I tell them I play, but those are the people who don't understand the teamwork and group accomplishments that happen in the game. Many of my happiest memories are associated with the game, and It's changed my life for the better.
I was going through a very dark time when I discovered Critical Role and DnD. But I've never had so much fun watching someone have fun before. It helped me a lot. A distraction, if you will, but a needed one.
welcome to the true Matt Mercer effect. I jest... and yet I don't because When Matt Cries, the waterworks are on, but no honestly I don't think a single one of the tender moments here were coerced or forced in any way. I've run those games out in the USO tents at Shindand Air Base in Afghanistan and it helped loads to combat that creeping loneliness and dread from being so far away from your friends, family and child... the same way everyone at the table feels. Gratitude to have some folks around the table to share with. It's silly and only just seeing a bit of it's stride as far as renaissances go, but I know the game's just a dressed up version of Pretend V5.0 Tolkien Math edition! But in a way it's that same game I always enjoyed, the one I discovered friendships while playing. So yeah, I can understand wellsprings of tears.
During the height of the ‘satanic panic’ I actually had a friend thrown out of his house by his religious mother, who told him not to come back until he stopped playing.
Though nowadays, many religious leaders, namely the Christian Right completely selled out to Corporate America, which is a betrayal of their faith. My Mom is a Christian and she is completely disappointed with the direction Evangelical movement is going to.
Oh gods, that line about creating good memories with D&D to offset the bad ones hit home for me. My nerd of a dad has been playing D&D and similar games with the same group of people since his college years. Through the power of the internet and their love of tabletop games, they still meet almost every weekend to play even now that they are hundreds of miles apart. Recently they lost one of their players due to cancer. Leading up to his death, they held a special game night to honor their friend and characters he's played over the years. And after he passed, they all met together in person to share their favorite stories about him, both in the many games they've played and in real life.
Awesome job, Roth and everyone else behind the scenes editing, writing, and planning this. Is there anywhere we can watch the full game that you played in? I was already familiar with many of these people (and D&D in general) from Critical Role regulars + guests; I've watched interviews and con panels with many of them before, and this captured the essence of what they're about and what D&D is about very nicely, in only 1/2 hour. Talking to Matt Mercer is always the right choice; he's an ideal ambassador. :) I also like that you covered things from a few different angles, like the 80's moral panic, and challenges of being inclusive. Also really liked the conversation with Luke Gygax. I didn't know he existed; fascinating to think of growing up playtesting games like that! As a semi-casual fan of this subject already, IMO you folks nailed it. I learned new stuff I didn't already know, and saw the stuff I did know presented well. I enjoy the Roth energy you bring to your interviews; people always look comfortable telling you interesting stuff. Keep up the great work.
Comment below if you have or want to play Dungeons & Dragons now?
POOL RULES
One: Speak up and join the conversation- we encourage respectful debate.
Two: Respect your community- racism, misogyny, homophobia and hate speech aren’t tolerated.
Three: Don’t go looking for fights.
Four: “Be nice.” - Dalton from Roadhouse
Let's Have a Fandom Entertainment hosted Campaign!
Please do fandom uncovered of anime plz ❤.
😲 shaggy!
I have played dnd sence mid 4e and I've loved every bit of it.
😲 Matthew Merccer is an absolutely the best anime voice actor as Captain Levi in attack on titan ❤.
"I'm gonna hide behind a tree and cast fireball."
Oh you'll fit in just fine.
She got how a wizard or sorcerer works just fine
The tree catches fire with you beneath it!
@@corianderlynx9650 Sounds like a legit nat 1 to me...
Don't blame me blame the dice
Use fireball and only fireball! JUST FIREBALL
"No one ever made fun of me for playing D&D without getting punched."
-Joe Manganiello
Muscle Wizards cast Fist.
Let's be honest, you have to be a special kind of stupid to make fun of the likes of Joe and the big show...
And he's probably the one D&D player who could do that. Even Vin Diesel was a skinny geek during his D&D-playing days.
Oath breakers man....
@@romxxii You make it sound like Vin Diesel doesn't play anymore, he absolutely does, just not as much as he used to
Powerful quote at 26 minutes by Matthew Mercer:
"Everybody is hurting, everybody wants to be happy, everybody is looking for someplace to belong, and looking for other people to tell them that they're loved."
I really felt it...
I saw this message whilst Matt said that
@Craig Bphone You most of all, Craig.
Yeah.. It gave me a little hope, maybe one day
Dude what a powerful video
i love how Matt mercer doesnt take credit for the guy's story. he thanked Matt for saving his life and yet Matt just says it was the power of story telling. what a humble guy...
Mercer is absolutely the one that is pure of heart that could remove the sword from the stone. He is better than this world deserves but it is so much better with him in it.
The sad thing is, that Matt stated in one of his Interviews (between the sheets iirc), that he himself has a psychological issue that disables him from accepting positive recognition, he explained that he is just completely unable to think of himself as the great human being he is and believes all the positive reactions to him to be completely undeserved.
He has imposter syndrome. Very familiar to me. It's when you think that all you do is bull crap, all praises are lies and police will soon knock at your door saying "got you, you fraud". It's like being humble, but unhealthy too much.
That’s why he is the man
@@ant1h3ld2 which is so sad, because he deserves this and so much more.
I was blown away by the interviewer. She jumped right in and accepted all of these things (sometimes that much stuff all at once can be sensory overload). She didn't seem judgmental at all. It was so great.
Pretty obviously a puff piece.
Roth is fantastic 🖤
Cheepchipsable what?
@@Cheepchipsable My 16th level Sorcerer casts 'Puff Piece' on the dungeon troll. I roll a twelve, but my level boons plus the party buffs from Carla MSM and Roth makes it a 22. Does it hit?
@@jeffnicholas6342 OK JEFF OF HOUSE NICHOLAS as you cast 'Puff Piece' This deep mystical arcane energy burns deep within your soul and with a SUDDEN burst of power and light flow through as you raise you hand whilst the dumbfounded Dungeon troll looks at you and you hear a loud 'BOOOOOooooom' as you fall back and as you look up you see this Ball of Arcane and light energy travel towards the troll as it whizzes towards him the whole room is lit up it becoming almost blinding... Now roll damage for me please :)
3:02 "I hide behind the tree and I ready a fireball."
3:55 "I just quickly jump on the one he gave mercy and stab him in the eye."
You are already a veteran player.
She's grasped it perfectly!
Quick, someone show her Belkar the chaotic evil halfling from the 'The Order of the Stick' webcomic! Her halfling rogue is like his twin sister.
Murderhoboism comes naturally
What's D&D without a little chaos... And fireballs, don't forget about the fireballs
Chaotic Evil... Good way to get arrested in my campaigns.
I'm not crying. You're just blurry.
i thought i was the only one that cried
I cried, then watched it again and then cried again. I love D&D and this community
@@lurchlasagne6346 I did the same thing! Omg!
I cry everytime i Watch
big time blurry!
My dude, if your Cleric has survived 30 years your DM is a saint.
I played a Human Cleric for 8 years. Retired at L20! Died twice but was raised.
I dunno... Maybe he is hiding the fact that he became a lich. Clerics can VERY easily become lich's
no dm is god
cleric talks to god
cleric lives
the end.
Plot twist, he's still level two and plays him every 10 years.
@@SweNay (:
I don't think i've ever seen Mercer cry without also crying myself...
Hell I start crying just KNOWING that he is about to. Dude is a paragon of empathy!
100%
My wife passed away three months ago. If not for spending time with friends and playing D&D, I don't know if I could manage.
Southron_d13 hope you’re okay buddy
@@jenevans9004 Thank you for your concern.
We were married for 36 years so it's going to take a while. I've had a few sessions with a counsellor. Tuesday was my birthday, so it was not the best day. There's mutual support with my step-daughter and her family which is great. My friends are helping to keep me busy, as I said above.
All the best and thanks again.
Southron_d13 I’ve been married 6 years and can’t imagine loosing my husband. I’m glad you have a good support network. Sorry for your loss
@@jenevans9004 Thank you for your kindness.
My sincerest, most heartfelt condolences. If you're ever having a rough moment and no one's around please don't hesitate to look me up on Twitter at @ZiddersRoofurry
the interviewer looks so genuinely interested in what these people are saying and it’s so nice. I love the dnd community.
Roth is the BEST
Critical Role helped me during chemo, I watched the entire first campaign through my last year of chemo and even inspired me to start my own group. I still can't go out much but being able to play D&D with a bunch of my friends every weekend is amazing.
If face-to-face meeting is an issue, play D&D online. I'm playing with friends some 100+ km away, using Discord and Roll20 (there are alternatives as well). I'm glad to see people enjoy a game that i've just started playing a few months back (also due to Critical Role) and my eyes started watering for the 4th time reading your comment. Roll a 20 on that chemo!
I know this is very late, but strength, friend. I got back into D&D when I was going through chemo when a friend was running it online. It was absolutely my social event whe I was immunocompromised. And gave me the strength to move forward.
I hope your health is well.
Bless you!
"Guardians of the Galaxy are a D&D party." Exactly. The best D&D movies we've gotten.
Legend of the Seeker!
And the actual D&D movie was utter shit.
Season Of the Witch with Nic Cage. Totally a D&D campaign
The Expanse is d&d in space.
The Last Witch Hunter movie was made from Vin Diesel's D&D character.
My favorite quote about the game is from the campaign one wrap-up from critical role when Marisha states "these memories almost feel real" and Matt simply answers "They are". That for me sums up, what makes this game so special
To quote Harry Potter: “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”
D&D has helped me cope with depression and gave me some of the best people in my life.
Steven Dunham Thats just straight up amazing, god I wish I knew people I could play with.
Ingemar there are often gaming meetup groups. theres often a game store that acts as a nexus for things like magic the gathering. it can take some putting yourself out there and it’s not always convenient but rather than lamenting not having friends that play, you can think of this as a way of making new friends for a whole new part of your life. but i totally understand wishing you could share excitement with people you know
Same
Omg dude right I’ll go into the DnD sheesh down but no matter what I’ll come out smiling and having a blast
same
Just sat my almost 13 year old daughter down to watch this and she FINALLY wants to play.
So I handed her her dice and the starter set rule book.
This is amazing. Thank you for sharing that!
awesome!
I was introduced into the game at age 10 now a 16 year old I've dm'd 2 campaigns and have played in many, planning to get many of my friends involved, hoping itl be great
ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
You also just handed her her very first nerd cred! WTG!!!
I genuinely tried a long time ago, but since I was a girl impeding on the "geek night" they didn't want to involve me. They would strip me of my armor, humiliate me, and then kill me. I shunned it out of my life for over ten years because of it. Then I was introduced to Critical Role, and I've gained the confidence and the enjoyment to play again. Critical Role is definitely my escape from reality, and enjoy it very much.
That's horrible they did that to your character. That's pretty much a simulation of borderline rape when I think about it. Very disgusting individuals you played with. Honestly, one of the reasons I never seeked out D&D players to play with them. Because I could see that type of bullying to happen to me.
I mean, anything in nerd culture is a danger zone for cute nerdy girls to attract losers. I've been burned so many times and learned to stay away from certain nerdy males and to tone down my excitement for my passions and interests.
"Oh a girl who's impassioned by the same stuff I'm into! Perfect! She's excitedly talking to me and smiling at me and enjoys my company?! She MUST have a crush on me!"
Then these guys get really creepy with me. One guy that I was working on a video game sent me gross nude 3D images of my female characters.
I'm also into technology. So I'm a geek and a nerd. Same has applied here. I'd be speaking passionately about computers, languages, hardware etc. And the guy I'd be talking to would think I was leading him on and get angry because I'd get bubbly and excited about my interests. It's the most irritating thing in existence because I cannot be myself. They think I'm flirting with them when I'm not.
That's awesome you found a D&D group that you enjoy playing with. I hope the same would happen to me. It'll be a few months of knowing certain individuals before I do ANYTHING creative and fun with other nerds I meet. Not just male, I've been burned by other nerdy females as well. lol and they're much WORSE! Especially these 3 "girls" I knew. 😂
@@YumegakaMurakumo - Ouch. That's reaaally shitty. I'm sorry that happened to you. Especially over and over again.
What they did to you was foul. I am glad you found better people. Keep healing. Have fun. You are allowed to do that, anyone who'd f*k that up like that is contemptible.
May grace enfold and embolden you always.
@@YumegakaMurakumo Have you tried playing it with a couple of friends you already know? It's better to have fun with just "noobs" who are messing around than it is to play with veteran idiots.
Just remember: If you are not welcome in a group, its not your fault. Its just not the right group and they are the ones who lose out on your company. Form your own group, try different playstyles, or be the GM/DM yourself. There is a game for everyone.
May the Dice be with you, always!
My grandfather passed away last year, and my DM was so amazing to make a grandfather NPC for my character inspired by my description of him. It felt like even though he was gone, he'd live on in this world that my friends and I created together. We've moved on to a new campaign in the same world, but knowing that that character will live on makes me so happy.
Aww, that's amazing
What a beautiful way to memorialize a loved one 🙂
That is the most beautiful thing I've heard in a while ❤
It's not a D&D community showcase if you don't make Matthew Mercer cry on camera, it is known
This was very very thorough and absolutely wholesome. I loved it :)
For me it makes me respect him so much more. People that can show their emotion are so much more charismatic and respectable to me.
@@Doubleranged1 oh, yeah, 100%.
I also appreciated the restraint in focussing on him. Before CR's star power pulls focus, the video placed many other influential figures in front of CR to better represent the game. It's smart and well put is all I'm saying
tl:dr - D&D is the best game ever!
As with the guy in the video that Matt watched, Critical Role saved my life. Just over a year ago, I was a "woman of a certain age" with very few close friends, who had a job that she absolutely detested, and just was tired of it all. Then I saw the first episode of season two of Critical Role; in fact, I watched it a total of three times before the 2nd episode aired. It was then I said, I want it all, and started from the very beginning of season one, all 115 episodes, all 4+ hours each. It literally changed my life. It inspired me to start writing again, which I hadn't done for almost 30 years while having my kids. I started back playing D&D and other RPGs with my friends from the ren faire. I started voice acting to go with my theater and renaissance faire acting (which also vastly improved due to learning how to act and react to things as I watched CR). I even went back to school to get my master's degree and will be graduating with my MLIS at age 60. I'm so much happier and more productive than I can remember ever being and love being alive. I'm also now a part of a fantastic community that is more supportive and inclusive than anything I've ever known. And all this is because of a little game - Dungeons and Dragons.
This is absolutely remarkable to read. Thank you for sharing this and being a genuine inspiration.
This is remarkable. And truly inspiring. I had written a snarky comment before hitting BKSPC about making me look bad but you really motivated me to explore my creative side even though I am a person of a certain age as well. Thanks.
Can’t stop ! Won’t stop! Keep kicking ass
Thank you for sharing your story, it's an inspiration!
That is really inspiring, thank you for sharing it with us here.
7:00
"I was going to a school for a religion degree" - Paladin
Or cleric
@@mennograafmans1595 It had Paladin on his T-shirt, so I assume Paladin :)
Surprising absolutely no one.
Religious person here
In every RPG that allows it (and even some that technically don't), I main a paladin.
1980s: "D&D causes violence!!!"
2019: "Video Games cause violence"
wow stupidity reigns for almost 40 years now now
*reigns
They were saying video games caused violence then too, the 1976 arcade game Death Race was banned because you could run people over with a car - i.e. move a rectangle over a stick figure. Also certain kinds of music - at the time it was heavy metal. There used to be serious major court cases where religious groups would play records backwards and seriously ask band members and song writers why the backwards garbled gibberish sometimes sounded like it said "demon" or whatever.
Stupidity reigns since people became sentient an so capable of it. Haven't you been taught, that 'the wiser man gives in'? Welp, that's why idiots rule.
@July Ol you're absolutely right, I just wanted to point out a pattern. You know "History repeats itself" etc.
You can’t fix stupid no matter how hard we try to
I love how across interviews, with him or with his friends. The idea that nobody has ever questioned Joe's love of D&D for fear of violent repercussions remains consistent.
As a DM, I've never, once, thought to myself, "This person shouldn't play."
I've always tried to bring people into the fold. My current group, that I DM for, consists of an asexual woman, a transitioning individual, a devout Christian, and a young gentleman whose on the spectrum. It's a constant source of joy, for me, and for them and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Same. I will ask people about their experiences, only so I know how much assistance they might need, or how much on-boarding I have to do. I've introduced quite a few people to the game. Guys, girls, any number of orientations and creeds. Never felt the need to say 'no' based on any of that.
I work *with* my players to create something we all will enjoy. Adventure, excitement, laughter, and sorrow, pulse-pounding narrative combat. I've been a writer, player, and DM for over 20 years. And my players even if we're not together anymore, due to the tides of life... still talk about the games and stories I've run as some of the best if not THE best they've ever experienced.
D&D and tabletop RPG's are for *everybody*. I don't get the gatekeeping.
Girls and classmates of color used to bully me for playing. I played D&D because other people wouldn't accept me.
Love this comment.
@@sezrekahneldar4058 That's usually how it goes.
Hello sir, if a player tried to make a new hive mind species, would you allow it?
I thought I was going to watch a light-hearted thing about D&D nerds, and now I’m crying all the tears 😭
Samesies
Right?! 😭
That just means you have a big heart :)
I completely understand. I'm a Security Officer at a hospital, desperately trying to hide these tears and emotions.
I was having launch and now im crying all over my plate... its tragicomical xD
"The parents saw their child summon a dungeons and dragons demon into his room before he committed suicide."
Wait... who exactly is living in a fantasy world here?
They also probably also saw a lot of "pink elephants" while they were drinking themselves silly!
But like for real tho, my little highschool emo wiccan heart would have been all over actually summoning a demon
So , he summons a demon for what exactly? Apparently not wealth or happiness. Let's face it folks the parents who "saw the demon" were just trying to absolve themselves of the guilt of not helping their child until it was too late.
Rhys Corlett tjlti
I like that this implies the parents watched their child commit suicide and, in fact, did nothing to stop it.
Good reporter lady. Good men, women, kids, all people. Good podcasts. Good innovators, inventors, story tellers, creators, imaginers.
My heart has been critically hit.
my one like,made you 100 likes lol. i would've liked to give more,but i think i have will wheaton curse and only 1 i hit :))))))))))
Nat 20'ed too😂
Ill set the scene here. I'm a 6'2" 250lb corn fed country guy. Im a hardcore gearhead that loves anything fast. Former Marine, and truck driver. Ive been playing a 5' 90lb Tabaxi Rogue for two years. Dont let your appearance, "status", or others perception of you determine what you enjoy. Keep in mind, Vin Diesel AND Terry Crews love playing D&D.
CertifiedCarNut I need you in our group
@@misaelsalas9706 lol why's that?
...but we would not borrow their dices without asking. 😏
This documentary is amazing. As somebody who has never played D&D (or any other RPG) I loved to see how open and positive the people within this fandom are. I‘m a huge sports fan and am often disappointed how toxic and hateful some people can be.
Thank you, Roth and the whole team, for giving me an insight into this lovely part of the world.
I am sorry to say but that's to be expected from sports. Why? Because it divides people. Two tribes contesting who will win. D&D is COOPERATIVE. Everyone is trying to achieve the same goals and everyone is trying to work together.
Oh trust me, there are toxic people and pendatic rules lawyers in roleplaying games, too, but after a while you learn to spot the different types of players and gamemaster and their styles of running a game, and know which types play well together. And if someone is really annoying, you can bet they are annoying trolls or neurotic outside of the game too, so it's an interpersonal pr psychological problem. In extreme cases, don't hesitate to ask someone who is disruptive to leave a group if everyone else agrees.
But gaming will give you a common topic to talk about with other gamers even if they are total strangers when you go to RPG conventions... don't be afraid to try out new game settings you have never played before, people will be happy to show you how the rules work, or talk about their characters and their adventures.
You are always welcome into this lovely part of the world, and I'm sure you could make a great difference to someone, as the whole system has made a difference to many other people. Have fun, and roll high.
You should go and watch Critical Role, and you should find a roleplaying group and give it a go.
If you want to see the toxic and hateful side just say one edition is better than another...lol
My dad used to play D&D before I was born when he was in college when D&D was new with his buddies. He stopped playing a little while after I was born. This story came up when he saw that I own the starter set for Dungeons and Dragons in my board game collection....he geeked right out.
It's a beautiful thing to imagine
I hope you and your father have a campaign to play now.
I recently lost a friend whom I played with, so in a way to honor him I'll mention his character in every campaign I play/dm from now on.
There is no other game with power to do stuff like this.
Rest in Peace, Uthal "wordpainter" Thuliaga, the gnollslayer
If you don't mind mate, he's just become an NPC in my campaign
@@lukegaffney2176 won't mind at all. Thank you
@@LahyriAurbach It'd be an honour
@LahyriAurbach go to /r/AdventuresOfGalder to honor your friend.
If there is anything you get from this video. Just remember this "Dont forget to love each other" -Brain 'Cabbage' Foster
Great video guys.
In my best sam riegel voice " hes just the worst"
Brian 'Recently Paroled' Foster.
Creepy ain't a crime
(but grand larceny is)
#brianfostersmellslikecabbage
@@benjieortiz9547 I'm pretty sure that you have the wrong Brian Foster. There are some out there in the news that are criminals, but they are not the one TheIceman101418 is referencing. Unless he said something jokingly on the show.
My boss/mentor introduced me to D&D a few years back. I live in Myanmar, a country where it's considered rude to openly comment or live out your dreams. It's also a place for a creative writer, very hard to survive. D&D helped me tell the fantasy tales that I loved as a child and reinvent them to a whole new audience as a DM.
It brought me and my partner closer. I see a young challenged boy having the time of his life and making new friends.
It's a beautiful, hopeful thing for me to see. Inspirations like Matt, Satine and many other DMs and players who spends the time to share this imaginary wonderous world with us, I cannot thank them enough.
D&D and Critical Role saved my life. Before I found them about 2 years after they started, I was depressed, hopeless, constantly anxious and ready to just give up. Then I randomly stumbled upon Critical Role and D&D and watching Liam, Matt, Travis, Sam, Laura, Marisha, Taliesin and Ashley have so much fun and create their wonderful world became my therapy. I would escape for a couple hours every day and watch. Then I started playing D&D and without either of those things, I don't think I would be here today.
Word dawg. For awhile there vox machina were my only friends. Without them i would have been literally alone
I love you bro. The strenght is in you. Keep walking....
@@AlexanderYavhe i love you too mr internet man guy.
@@jackgreen3307 My Facebook is the very same name, look me if you wanna talk with someone.
@@AlexanderYavhe while i do appreciate that, i would rather ram a rusty soup spoon in my eye than ever reactivate Facebook. It was one if the things i later realized was absolutely terrible for my mental health. I ditched everything but this and Instagram. I can be found there. Bsvk tgen k Deleted anyone i didnt know in person, Threw my fucking cell phone out the window, and walked out if an office to go back to swinging a hammer. Best decisions i ever made. The modern world just isn't for everyone and sometimes ya just know when to let it all fall away
Also: I always knew Satine Phoenix was awesome. But it turns out she’s a real life superhero. A monumentally amazing human.
She's amazing, and a goddess. I didn't like her at first (when she joined GM TIps) but that changed super fast. She's an inspiration. ^_^
The satanic panic is the 80's version of 'Videogames cause violent behaviour' which has continued to be measurably untrue.
Nowadays, you see the same religious that claim to condemn satanism, yet endorsed corrupt white collar greedy dipshits that openly do things that betray the virtues about Christianity. Dungeons and Dragons was just a Boardgame, yet religious leaders ended up putting their faith into lesser men who care more about money and not the people suffering in the world. My Mom is a Christian and let me tell you, she is completely disappointed with how many religious figures selled out. If any one selled their souls to the Devil, it’s them.
God, I wasn't expecting to cry so much while watching this. My head hurts now lol
Everyone did such a good job on this and Roth was great as always! I'm loving these Fandom Uncovered videos, I hope you get to make more of them!!
I know what you mean, wow
I want to second this. As someone active in fandom and who has played D&D for years, I can't say enough how meaningful it is to see documentaries showing these nerdy pasttimes in the light in which we nerds have always seen them. Your empathy as filmmakers is everything!
OK I thought I was the only one. Watching this was great. I had such I huge smile the whole time.
Same here. I was not prepared for how hard this hit my heart.
That video straight up made me cry. I'm studying Psychology at university and RPG is the field I made for myself in my thesis. That video made me remember why I chose that. How powerful it is, and how much it changed my life, as well as so many other people's. I'm sobbing.
Writing my bachelor about the "Library paedagogical applications of D&D" and i feel you so much!
Role playing is a core mechanic in actual ritual magic. It allows a person to work through things physically and emotionally, there by priming their being for when they really have to deal with the situation. Example: Nervous for a job interview? RP it a few times, and you'll be less anxious for the actual interview.
I started Psychology last year and DnD was what brought me to it, so i'm heading the same way with my thesis. If you find the time would you be so kind to send me some of your sources? I've really just scratched the surface and have so much more to learn
@@dndpsych9286 I'd love to! Although Portuguese is my native language, not English, which makes things a little harder, I'd be glad to help you. In which way would you prefer for me to do so?
"I've been playing the same cleric for 30 years now." WOW! that's commitment!
After 30 years you should be an avatar of your god man!
I played 3.5e in college, but fell off in 4e when we moved across country. I was treated like an idiot at our local gaming store, so I didn't return... Until I had a crisis.
After my second pregnancy I developed post-partum depression. I didn't want to go anywhere, I didn't want to talk to anyone, and I refused to get out of bed. This is not normal for me; I am a very outgoing, outspoken person. While getting medical attention helped, I knew I had to give myself something to look forward to every week with real life people. If I have a commitment, I will follow through. So, I committed myself to playing every week to force me out of the house and into conversations. I found a different group of people at that same store, but they weren't jerks. They were awesome, and it was great to be around adults and just have fun. Now, I'm running my own game at that very same store. While I still struggle with depression, face to face human interaction helps more than anything else. I'm very thankful for my gaming group.
Welcome back and glad to see it help you!
Omg I'm so proud of you 💕💕 keep it up 😊💕💕
I find it really interesting that you feel the same way about D&D the same way that I do. I am not very outspoken nor out going at all. Most video games I buy are for the single player campaign, I loathe multiplayer. However, I also make it a point to make sure I get out of the house at least a couple time a week to go gaming with my friends, because I know how withdrawn I can get. I honestly don't think I'd do well if I hadn't made the commitment to gaming that I have.
Also, major kudos to you for running a game of your own. I've never felt comfortable in the DM chair but for those who do sit there, I have nothing but respect for. :)
Hey!! Welcome back! Glad you found your way to this awesome hobby. DnD is for everyone.
Matthew Mercer is such a genuinely good fucking person. Absolutely love that man.
Oh, and fantastic video!
He's like the second coming of Mr. Rodgers.
i love matthew mercer so much omg :( this whole documentary was amazing, makes me want to play and i love how understanding and nonjudgemental the host is
I wanna meet Matt Mercer so badly out of context, if only to give him a hug, whisper "thanks for everything" and then walk off
Props for not putting all the famous people right at the start of the vid
The funny thing is that many of those people at the start are famous for D&D!
Now hold on shaggy is in the 1st few seconds
Uh... I'm at the start of the vid and all I've seen are famous people.
I was srsly hoping and got the cameos of the Critical Role nerds.
The first guy was Gary Gygax’s son.... literally the guy who made D&D
Are you sure D&D doesn't have any evil powers? How do you explain Tom Hanks getting work again after that performance?
Haha 😂👌🏼
He got work in movies that weren't written by idiots.
Love it.
Even Hanks wants to know what on Earth he’s doing there
Matt teared up and I broke. 😭
Marisha Ray in the thumbnail got my attention! Critters represent ✌
B'day!
Bidet to you!
Hello bees!
Bidet!!
Bidet!
Maybe I'm just a Fanboy of Fandom (Screen Junkies to me) but this has been my favorite of the "What is D&D?" RUclipsmentaries so far. So the question is now, when is Joe Starr going to DM a game for the SJU crew, and will Roth try to stab everyone in the eye?
Yes and oh yea
@@fandomentertainment Holy Fuck I would love it if you guys like once a month did a D&D game that we could watch like critical role.
She'll just do it to the ones her party show mercy to
Check out Hyper RPG to see Joe DM and play RPGs.
Roth : the fact you did this profound reporting without being a D&D player as such (though you are intimate with art, passion and imagination) shows great reporting qualities. I shed quite a few tears here. Excellent short documentary.
Growing up I had a different experience with D&D. (In the early/mid 80's)
My parents owned a store that sold D&D supplies. Books, Dice and primarily figures from Ral Partha, Prince August and more.
The local high school would send "At Risk" kids down to play D&D with us. Because they would make friends with other players, find an accepting peer group. And there was a rule about having to have a 2.0 GPA to play with the gaming group.
That is the kind of story i love to hear about!
Please tell me you rebelled and became a pastor! ;)
@@IamRobotMonkey thankfully no.
But I have gotten Mormon Missionaries to play board games and Roleplaying games with me.
@@eborgann And you weren't burnt for being a witch?!
That’s amazing
I give all my thanks too Critical Role, if it was not for them - i would not be a story telling dungeon master this day, Also shared my tears with Matt. Love that guy!
I’m right there with you, getting to see how the game was played changed everything for me. Not even realizing it was the creative outlet I needed when I started to DM.
Same here, i had played previously, but this showed me how dnd could be!
Same here, too! I didn't play for 22 years, but after finding Critical Role I'm DM again
Same here, without Critical Role I would have never gotten up my courage and asked my friends to play D&D. I've always wanted to and never did cause the only groups I found didn't have "openings". So in the end I went "whatever" and decided to learn how to be a DM and just play with my newbie friends. We have a lot of fun and the only rule is to be nice and forgive eachother's mistakes. It's worked out great so far and we're learning every time we play. My brother also has Asperger's and he decided to play a warlock. He has the highest charisma score of all the players and the way he tries to sweettalk his way out of any situation is a marvel to see. I've never seen him talk that much and it brings me joy. So thanks Critical Role and all you other RUclips D&D creators out there for inspiring me and teaching me how to be a DM and how to have fun playing D&D.
This was a very well researched, heartfelt honest look at D&D and what so many went through for liking it before it was cool, along with talking about the unfortunate gate keeping BS many people do as backlash for being bullied in the past about their hobbies.
Absolutely wonderful to watch.
It would have been nice for them to mention that more RPGs exists than just D&D, in genres ranging from classic fantasy, modern day fantasy, science fiction, pulp adventure, steam punk, horror games, sociopolitical satire ("Paranoia" RPG), Sherlock Holmes style investigative scenarios, RPG adaptations of various movies and franchises... But on the other hand, D&D has gotten the most flak from fundamentalists over the years because it was the most visible and known in the USA, while gamers in countries like Germany or France play the American games but also have their own communities with German or French RPG publishers.
the whole gate keeping thing is such a load of crock, nobody can keep you from playing the game, at most they can choose not to play with you, and for the record nobody is owed a seat at any table, if people don't want to play with you then they don't have to, find people who do want to play with you and fucking play the game and stop whining about "not being included" it's getting tiresome and it isn't doing anybody any favors.
@@Daredhnu I've seen your kind about. Exclusive to the point of being insulting. Are you proud of yourself?
I can't begin to explain how much D&D has helped, especially these past couple years. I am on the spectrum and I've learned to hide it, but seeing my characters all lined up, I realized something. They were always inhuman races trying to understand humanity, and adapting accordingly. Being honest with the game creates an honesty in yourself about your thoughts. There's a phrase some players get to "Well I would do that but my character wouldn't." (Or vice versa) and just breeding that sort of self awareness is so helpful
This is incredible. Thank you for sharing this.
❤️❤️❤️
That’s beautiful. Thank you so much for articulating it so incredibly and sharing your experience.
Preach it
Being inundated in the roleplaying culture, I forget that others have no idea about it. Great work on showcasing such an awesome hobby!
CrimsionKing I hope it’s okay to ask, what would you recommend for a person interested in getting into this wonderful world?
@@ieatgremlins thanks for asking! D&D and role players, in general, are always looking to bring new people into the fold, as the more role players there are the more people you can play with!
If you want to get in and play, find a group or form one with your friends. If you are looking for a group, it is common courtesy to bring your own set of dice and the core rulebook (known as the players handbook, the current edition is 5e or Fifth Edition), but a friendly table (a group of players) would be more than willing to help you out and teach you the game.
You can find groups online in places like Roll20.com or you can go to a local game store that hosts one-shots (a single session campaign) which are generally designed for beginners or ask people you know if they run games and if you can join one.
If you want to watch people play the game, there are a number of twitch streams on-line like Critical Role as well as podcasts like The Campagin and Adventure Zone where you can listen to them play.
If you have anymore questions fill free to ask! I will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
Carla MSM You also can get a free copy of the Basic Rules from the D&D website-it’s all you need to get started in the hobby. If you like it and want more options, than you can buy some of the books or the Essentials Kit! Welcome to the game!
@@ieatgremlins to add on to what everyone else said, r/lfg is a good place to go too. I met another guy on there that was looking for a game and couldn't find one, so we just organized our own and have been playing almost every week for 2 1/2 years
I discovered D&D a year ago and I loved it.
I got Speech and Language disability and I struggle with communicating and being shy to complete strangers. Ever since I tried it out, it improved my communication skills and build up the confidence I never had. And with anxiety and PTSD, it's the escape for me from the real world issues.
Also, it brings fantasy and story making back to life from my childhood. From fairytales to Efteling (Dutch theme park).
Hey, to those of you finding this and interested in learning more about this game, critical role has all their episodes on RUclips. There are two campaigns/seasons, and I’d recommend starting with episode 1 of campaign two because I feel it’s easier to get into and the sound quality is better
I absolutely agree and I think it's also easier to get into cause they're playing with brandnew characters which they weren't for campaign 1. When I started watching campaign 1 I at first thought I hadn't found the right video because it very clearly wasn't the beginning of the story. It's great fun nonetheless but just a heads up.
Also also... For anyone reading this who hasn't yet watched it: Don't read the RUclips comments for campaign 1. There are some very vocal trolls (or negative people) there and it can really ruin the experience for you.
The Critical Role RUclips channel also has tips on playing d&d "Handbooker Helper." Quick videos that cover the basics, it's a great addition to the show itself.
Ah yes but the story is better in campaign 1
@@cassandramuller7337 Nah they need to. Negativity shouldn't be hidden per se, and a lot of that negativity was still constructive. The fan base, the show and the cast were maturing. I think a lot of that negativity stemmed from a place of care, regardless of how toxic that passion could seem sometimes. I think especially later in the season, fans were admitting to old anger- me being one of them, and all the same people are still watching season 2. We just needed time to learn and mature too bruh.
@@h.mansari8802 While I see your point to me it was like fire. It burned and it took away a lot of my enjoyment. I think for a first time viewer that can just be really bad. Had I not already started watching campaign 2 live (or while it was coming out) I might have just stopped watching altogether. Negativity is never helpful. Constructive criticism is. And many of the comments I read under the early videos of campaign 1 were just purely negative. Some of them just seemed like people venting to me and it made me enjoy watching less. It's not necessary for new viewers to notice old flaws and gripes but that's what those comments do. Also new viewers don't need to experience the negative emotion people felt 4 years ago. Reading the comments will only detract from the fun.
"Dated reputation." "It was definitely nerdy."
There are some who would try to be gatekeepers, saying things like "I played before it was cool! You're fake gamers!"
As someone who's been rolling d20's since the early 90's, I welcome all new players, including Roth! :D Glad to hear you loved it. I just introduced my kids to it, and they LOVE IT!
I find just the opposite is true. As an old-school gamer, I'm not a gatekeeper; I'm a keeper of history. The next oldest member of my usual group was 2 when I started playing in the 70s. It's is so much fun for me to convert all my old adventures and modules to 5e and see the players experience the same emotions I had when I first played them. Next up for my group, Castle Amber.
It's still nerdy, but nerdy is *cool* now.
@@AFLoneWolf No, nerdy is fashionable. it will end when the popular crowed fashion to take over.
I have recently started playing with my kids and they love it. My oldest had talked it up enough to get my nephew interested. He got to play for the first time ever last night and he ROCKED IT.
My nephew is musical, so I made him a bard, and he loves Iron Maiden, so I named him Eddie, and he just lit up as he thought about all the possibilities of this world.
I have been playing off and on since AD&D, and I have always loved being a steward to new players.
I LOOOVE new players because they do the most unexpected shit- its hecking great
What a legend Matt Mercer is, he is a true Gent! Humble and genuine awesome.
I have had health issues my whole life and became permanently wheelchair-bound at 21. I have been playing RPGs since 2010, not only DnD, but also Shadowrun, Apocolypse world, Stars without number, ect. Because of my mobility issues, I mostly play online over the internet. I now play with people all over the world. These games help me connect with people, they allow me to forget my unfortunate situation and let me be someone else for a bit. It allows me to walk, run or more fantastical things I couldn't do in real life. It allows me to have agency over my life for a bit. RPGs are great and so much more then a hobby.
sublimetech I talked about this in my interview, but it didn’t end up in the final version-there’s a ton of amazing disabled folx in the D&D community. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and TTRPGs and the community that I’ve found through them has been a huge support system for me, too. There’s some incredible accessibility and inclusion work happening in tabletop, too!
I have fibromyalgia and am disabled. It's very isolating having a chronic illness but there have been great online communities that make me feel less alone. Out of all of them though, d&d is the one community that is helping me get out more. Having a reason to leave the house besides a doctor's appointment is so important. I'm not quite there yet but I'm currently helping to organize a new local group and plan to host games at my house. I'm so excited to play and be part of a campaign.
Shout out to Geek and Sundry over the years for introducing me to almost all of these people. =]
Same
G&S doesn’t get enough credit. Titansgrave was the first RPG show I ever watched, followed by the first series of Force Grey, and that’s what eventually got me into Critical Role and DnD.
And thank you Felicia, godmother of all critters
omg seeing mercer with teary eyes is the most soul-hurting thing help
Time for Joe to run a game for Roth, Dan, Spencer, and Danielle.
YESS
And Hal with his owl familiar.
I would watch this.
I need this in my life.
I so want that!
I've always had heard about Dungeons and Dragons but never got into it. So, this is great to find out how so many regular people and celebrities escape into this fantasy adventure. Keep it up!
You should try it sometime! It's great fun 💕
If you don't have a local group you can play with, online virtual tabletops are bigger than ever before. Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds are both very good and you can get started there. It is so much fun and everyone should get a chance to play!
Most of the famous actors out there play D&D even before the last 5-10 years where it became a bit more 'normal'. Think robin williams, vin diesel, mike myers, stephen colbert... it's super fun for sure. You should join us! Join the RPG side! :)
@@PapaBear_Gaming Find te closest Local Friendly Game Store (or LFGS for short) buy some dice and star playing ^_^
Join the dark side, we have cookies!
Oh my gosh. When Matt was watching that guy's video message that made me cry. "May your blade be strong" - goddamnit who the hell is cutting onions around here.
OK... How frickin' awesome is this!? And l mean both the game (which l've never played, but l really hope l will someday) and this video!! Whoever came up with the idea for this series deserves a raise!! :P
dndbeyond.com to check out some text games on there or roll20.com for video conference games. If you can't find a group maybe this will help! :)
Play!
I hope you find a group!
Please find a group and play it will change your life
I host a game on roll20.com and use dndbeyond.com to make characters every Friday 5pm PST. If you can make that time, I'd love to have you join and show you how amazing the game is first hand!
Is it some kind of challege to make Matt cry in ery interview I see him. XD Such a good soul.
I got into watching Critical Role at the beginning of the Lockdown in March 2020. I honestly do not know how I would have made it through without those people and playing D&D with friends. This is an amazing video that brought me to tears a couple times. This is the best community.
I have watched a lot of "but why D&D" documentaries in my time, trying to capture the reason people play and the cause for its recent popularity. This documentary enjoyably nails it. Great job.
Liam: "Half-elf"
Me: *Campaign 1 flashbacks*
Do not go far away from me...
Can confirm. Instant C1 spiral of emotions as soon as Liam said these two words.
My God. Same reaction lol. But I felt cheesy good feelings seeing the crit role fam here.
Also Joe saying that he plays a red draconic sorcerer.... ARKAAAAAAAHN!!!
Kirrim Kerman “More like Arkhan the FOOL” lol
I actually helped several young people start playing and we are all Christ followers. This game has kept people from alcohol, drugs, vaping, etc.
That's so cool, could do with something akin to that to untangle the knotted tangled legalistic brigade who spend most of their time role playing 'holier than thou' about everything . . . ..
Same here. Im a Christian and a DM. I actually use D&D as a tool to build relationships with people who wouldn't normally hang out with a churchgoer. Its let me have a variety of friends and awesome relationships and even discuss my faith with people who thought lightning would strike them if they ever entered a church. Instead I can show them God's love through a D20. Weird world we live in, eh?
Love the fact that you mention vaping but not smoking.... idiot
@@SkyTempleMusic dude so
@@SkyTempleMusic dude, uncool
Roth and the folks who edited this video really knocked it out of the park. Crazy to think that, even ten years ago, D&D was still considered nerdy and slightly awkward to talk about. Now I know people at work who just proudly chat about D&D as much as the next work group who will talk about sports. D&D is mainstream, popular, and socially acceptable now. This is my ideal timeline.
How lucky we are to be alive right now!
It has come full circle. I found out about Critical Role when Matt Mercer guest starred on Screen Junkies 'Talking Thrones'. Now I'm an avid Critter and play in two D&D games. D&D changed my life. It helped me find a great group of friends and a safe space where I can play and express myself.
My best friend died and D&D helped me calm down, recover, collect my thoughts and move on.
So many familiar faces! Im glad Roth had fun exploring and taking part in my favorite fandom. Nice job, great interviews.
I didn't expect this to bloom into a touching, powerful story. Beautiful ending. I was raised in the conservative notion that D&D was evil, and never knew how it touched people's lives. This is just so beautiful. Thanks for putting this together, SJU/Fandom!
Play it. Play the game.
As a recent addition to the legions of D&D nerds, I only started playing a little over a year ago, I can firmly say that this is one of the greatest communities I’ve even seen. To be far I haven’t seen as much of it as I would like to yet but I’m getting there. As of 4 months ago I stepped behind the DM’s screen and was exposed to the other side of the coin so to speak, and I haven’t been happier. D&D is such an amazing medium for story telling and shared experiences that I don’t think I could find a more fulfilling... well anything. I’m starting to get back into drawing, and story writing again after years of thinking that I just couldn’t do it just because I want to make the best story’s, and give the best experience to my friends around my table.
"You can work through your trauma.... but our minds don't always distinguish between what we imagine and what we live, which may be why this game has actually healed so many."
Thank you Roth (and others) for this video. Definitely re-frames the game away from the misnomers of the past.
Thank you Fandom Entertainment for making this video. I grew up in the 80's during the Satanic Panic. I wanted friends as a kid, and when I was invited by a classmate to play I couldn't believe it. However, my parents forbade it because of church, religion, and news media. I'll never forget being told, "Did you know a kid in school cut open his leg so he could put a spell in there?". So I had to hide the miniatures I bought and painted, along with my bisexuality and other life choices, from my religious family for decades.
D&D is one of the many tools of The Devil, it's good that you indulged.
Recently brought up D&D at work. I've played for MANY years, and had some colleagues who had never played, but wanted to. After just one session they were HOOKED, and it spread like wildfire, and now there are PLENTY of groups at work, and it's pretty damn sweet!
Those Mazes and Monsters clips were absolutely hilarious.
We need an honest trailer for mazes and monsters
That clip of Tom Hanks should be on Hollywood Babble-on’s “Exquisite Acting!”
"Hey, it's all imagination!"
- "Is it?"
Yeah, dumbass...!
All the copies of that movie, including the master copies should be gathered up and destroyed....
The whole movie is just awful
I have dyslexia and I didn't I learned to read tell I was thirteen, and Dungeons and dragons is the platform that Broke through my barriers. I went form a first grade reading level to a teenth grade reading level in less the two years, although my spelling is still bad, I now read more than 90% of adults.
Wow! That's great to hear. So many kids with dyslexia get disheartended from reading, and for you to break through that barrier with the help of D&D is just plain awesome.
A dyslexic-friendly D&D character sheet was just released for homebrew 5e, which just looks awesome.
Keep it up Gorden, great job! :D
Well, the past few sentences were flawless, so the practice has served you well. Grats!
Put this game down years ago, but picked back up again when I found out fully 1/3 of my department at work wanted to play! So much group fun! The jokes, the laughs, the anticipation of the next get together... give it a try if you haven't!
Wow, HATE that I accidentally cried through most of this, but what a great piece. I got kept out of games for years because I "wasn't familiar" with the mechanics and no one wanted to play with a n00b, and now I'm someone my friends ask to play in a new game they're starting because they like how I RP and help other players. The game changed my life. Thanks for this. It's a great hobby that I hope more people have the opportunity to get in to
That's really crappy. - I welcome new players all the time and show them the ropes specifically *because* of these experiences. I love watching their faces light up as it begins to click, and their imagination comes alive. I'm glad you're in a better place and are able to play. That's awesome, and I'm super happy for ya! ^_^
Remember kids, creepy ain't a crime... and neither is DnD
The interviewer did a great job at developing the whole story. Felt like a whole TV episode documentary! Well done.
8:50 proof Tom Hanks sold his soul to get better at acting. Lol
TIL Tom Hanks is a warlock.
@@ashley587 he took mask of many faces and Beguiling influence
I dont know, thats pretty much his "WILSON" face and voice ha ha
@@Ryquard1 He changed his patron though, he's so nice, he must be Pact of the Celestial.
@@ashley587 If you mean he's a sell-out betraying magi all over, then you're right. 😂
I remember when my friends introduced me to D&D 2 years ago, as a college student I laughed. Isn't that game that nerds play? Two hours later I was like, holy shit I'm a nerd!
Playing DnD with friends has helped me get through depression, divorce, and losing custody of my son. This story made me cry.
Yalll! Its shaggy! (Matthew Lillard) How do you play d&d with shaggy? If he uses 0.1% of his power he would wipe out all the other players!
If I'm being completely honest, starting to play D&D has been a life changer for me. It's been 4 years since a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to play, and at that point I was spending most of my time alone playing video games and pretty shy. But since then, I've made a ton of new friends through the game and I've found that I've actually become more confident with myself in a social setting now. I've just recently started running my own game and even that has been an amazing and new experience for me. Sure there are those few people who have put me on a lower level then themselves when I tell them I play, but those are the people who don't understand the teamwork and group accomplishments that happen in the game. Many of my happiest memories are associated with the game, and It's changed my life for the better.
I didn't think this was going to make me boo hoo cry when I clicked on it but here I am.
Fandom Entertainment... that's one of the most impressive documentaries on D&D if not THE most impressive! Well done!
Okay well...I cried. D&D has changed my life. Thank you for doing this mini-documentary.
That Guy's Message to Matt in the end was a crit 20 to my soul :"(
I was going through a very dark time when I discovered Critical Role and DnD. But I've never had so much fun watching someone have fun before. It helped me a lot. A distraction, if you will, but a needed one.
CR got me back into playing and DMing after a long involuntary hiatus. And it came to me during a particularly dark time as well and lifted me up too.
I don't even play, and now I'm crying. How'd you do this
It's easy to find a group that will make you laugh, cry, and have loads of fun.
welcome to the true Matt Mercer effect. I jest... and yet I don't because When Matt Cries, the waterworks are on, but no honestly I don't think a single one of the tender moments here were coerced or forced in any way. I've run those games out in the USO tents at Shindand Air Base in Afghanistan and it helped loads to combat that creeping loneliness and dread from being so far away from your friends, family and child... the same way everyone at the table feels. Gratitude to have some folks around the table to share with.
It's silly and only just seeing a bit of it's stride as far as renaissances go, but I know the game's just a dressed up version of Pretend V5.0 Tolkien Math edition! But in a way it's that same game I always enjoyed, the one I discovered friendships while playing.
So yeah, I can understand wellsprings of tears.
During the height of the ‘satanic panic’ I actually had a friend thrown out of his house by his religious mother, who told him not to come back until he stopped playing.
Though nowadays, many religious leaders, namely the Christian Right completely selled out to Corporate America, which is a betrayal of their faith. My Mom is a Christian and she is completely disappointed with the direction Evangelical movement is going to.
Oh gods, that line about creating good memories with D&D to offset the bad ones hit home for me. My nerd of a dad has been playing D&D and similar games with the same group of people since his college years. Through the power of the internet and their love of tabletop games, they still meet almost every weekend to play even now that they are hundreds of miles apart. Recently they lost one of their players due to cancer. Leading up to his death, they held a special game night to honor their friend and characters he's played over the years. And after he passed, they all met together in person to share their favorite stories about him, both in the many games they've played and in real life.
Wahl Flower this sound beautiful.
Love these videos! Love Roth Cornet! Long live SJU!
Awesome job, Roth and everyone else behind the scenes editing, writing, and planning this. Is there anywhere we can watch the full game that you played in?
I was already familiar with many of these people (and D&D in general) from Critical Role regulars + guests; I've watched interviews and con panels with many of them before, and this captured the essence of what they're about and what D&D is about very nicely, in only 1/2 hour. Talking to Matt Mercer is always the right choice; he's an ideal ambassador. :)
I also like that you covered things from a few different angles, like the 80's moral panic, and challenges of being inclusive.
Also really liked the conversation with Luke Gygax. I didn't know he existed; fascinating to think of growing up playtesting games like that!
As a semi-casual fan of this subject already, IMO you folks nailed it. I learned new stuff I didn't already know, and saw the stuff I did know presented well. I enjoy the Roth energy you bring to your interviews; people always look comfortable telling you interesting stuff. Keep up the great work.