Ally Beardsley is the Master of TTRPG Character Arcs
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- Dimension 20's own Ally Beardsley is the master of D&D character arcs. Let's analyze what exactly they do to create compelling character arcs!
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“Mortal beings are the instrument by which the Universe cares” is a line that literally changed the way I lead my life. Made me feel a lot better about not having a god, too. It’s a very clear answer to the injustices of the world - and a reminder that, even if you feel that you are not doing much to remedy this, you can do SOMETHING.
So, it's funny because that idea is actually found in ancient Christian thought, especially in Eastern theology. I can't remember who it was, it may have been Gregory of Nycea or Basil the Great, but the idea is that because we are made in the image of God, we are the only way through which the world sees God.
(This isn't me evangelizing to you, I'm just fascinated by the similarities in various worldviews.)
It really is such a powerful thought
They also need to release their own line of dice that roll crazy well at important story moments too because, Holy Crap that happens to them a lot.
I would buy instantly
Brennan has gone on record calling Ally a Dice God; their rolls are unparalleled.
The line could be called "Blessed by Beardsley"
Their ability to create characters that have tidy arcs is unparalled. I'd love if they became a film maker. With their sense of humour and chaos on top, Sundance legendary actions.
They made a film with Grant and Adam (the guy who directed Total Forgiveness)!! It's in post production I think
@@michaelslavin3236 Oooo that sounds cool!
@@michaelslavin3236 That's so exciting
Pete The Plug is one of my favorite characters of any medium, Ally was able to make such a compelling story on the fly.
@@castlecasterthat is true! It is actually finished already, have been since febuary this year, they just haven't found a festival to release it yet. Which sucks that we've had a finished movie sit in stasis for about a pregnancy by this point!
I’ve loved their characters so much. Margaret Encino was really a standout to me as her structured approach seems so different from Ally’s own. They did a fantastic job changing styles and staying locked into what was true for that character. I love Pete the Plug, no mistake about it, but it was fun to see them try something so different from previous characters.
Margaret Encino is my favorite Ally character for sure!
It was so funny to me in early Starstruck that every time we saw the Beardsley Chaos underneath Margaret it was also fully in character, but as a symptom of a whole goddamn psychological break.
Margaret Encino was a fascinating example of the most useful character in the party of "proldiers" never throwing a single punch or dealing a point of damage.
I can only remember like three times she made an attack and once was to activate another of her abilities.
oliver onionpatch’s death is my favorite moment in all of the campaigns ever.
It was so good lol
Having a character arc in mind from the start also lets them (and you when you play) 'foreshadow' things, which is so hard to do in a dynamic dice result based world. A consistent character is great and all but the best moments for me are always when a character 'breaks' their previously defined 'rules' because something matters more.
I’m sure I’m not the only queer person who felt seen by Kristen’s storyline. It was extremely validating to watch a character wrestle with religion, realize the trauma they’ve been through due to it and leave. Love Ally so much. Thanks for this vid! Well done.
I like that there was depth too of not just shitting on Christianity-because although a lot of people have had horrible experiences under the guise of Christianity, it’s almost low hanging fruit-but realizing that Kristen’s desire for meaning and purpose beyond what is tangible conflicts with her curiosity and unwillingness to accept things at face value. She doesn’t just reject Helioism, she goes farther to discover a faith that works for her, proving you don’t have to throw out the whole lot because the people are unkind or unwavering, and that if faith is something that is important to you that drive will always push you to search for those answers. Whether it be in philosophy, self-empowerment, meaningful relationships with friends, or something more traditionally religious with a more tangible element like the sort of warlock-patron dynamic she ends up with under Cassandra.
It would be so easy to say: screw helioism, I’m an atheist and I think religion is stupid and meaningless, but when you are raised religiously even if you disagree with the teachings or practices of the specific faith you were raised in, I feel like you are often questioning other possibilities. And it’s ok to do that. It doesn’t mean that the harmful actions perpetrated against you in the name of religion were ever valid, and you should be able to search for a deeper meaning in your life without feeling like (or being told by others) you’re betraying your past self.
Not to mention Ally's sheer nat 20 power
"Can i roll a NAT20 and be alive?"
"Sure"
*casually rolls a Nat20*
Can you do a video on zac and how with his great improve background he creates some of the most original, funny one note character ideas out of all the d20 players
A Zac video is in the works!
Honestly, seeing Liam transform from seed guy to war guy was terrifying. He went from this beastmaster with a ridiculously cute pet pig who liked to dig up seeds to this vengeful gloomstalker who eliminates enemies like it’s nobody’s business. And yet, at the end, he’s able to return to being a seed guy, even if he doesn’t get Peppermint Preston back, and chooses to use the last of the seeds to revive the people who killed his pet, in hopes that they can be redeemed.
He could’ve used the seeds to bring back Peppermint Preston, Lapin Cadbury, or Jet Rocks, but he chose to bring back Keradin Deeproot and Belizabeth Brassica, hoping that one day the cycle of vengeance can be brought to an end.
Ally is a master at character arcs.
They tend to create characters that, at introduction, think they are content and on their correct path, while actually being on the wrong path and mising something big they haven't realized yet. Kristin and Margaret are maybe the strongest examples, but Pete feels like this too (he knows he doesn't have all his shit together, but he's making good money, has all the drugs he wants, and seems like he probably would have coasted til he crashed without his magic awakening). Mother Goose is an odd exception/reversal in that he did have a great life, with a great relationship and a son he loved unconditionally despite some struggles, a role in his community, a way to help people and feel fulfulled, and it was an external evil stealing his good life that set him on the adventure path.
Ally is great. They've created some really compelling characters, and seeing their own arc of learning D&D has been very interesting. (It's fun to contrast their D&D journey with Jake Hurwitz's) This is a great breakdown. I understand the restrictions but I'd happily watch 45-minute videos on each of the intrepid heroes
It already took a month for this video to come out, a 45 minute video would take a year lol. Glad you liked it!
I mean, just the fact that they went from being the noob with “the triangle dice” to being the experienced player on of mice and murder in such a short time is amazing!
i am very excited to see more of jake’s characters lmao
@@eventingirl001 they*
@@emmyluly4620 thank you, just corrected it!
Sure. The characters they portray feels like them, irl. BUT. BUUUUUUUT. My god are they emotionally relatable. Simply interesting with their quirks. And how much it reflects how good they are with their creative talent. Ally, as a creator of characters in their story, is such a good story teller~
I find my best and favorite characters I've played have started by taking one thing about myself, maybe even something I don't like much about myself, and dialing it up to 1 million.
Wait yall didnt create a new God at 18 years old
I'm about to reach that age I just might
The Buzzfeed god 🤣
Great video on a great player! Everyone there contributes so much to the game and Ally's consistently (maybe along with Emily) the one who catches me off-guard the most. Love the way they play and approach the story.
(and so grateful that you paid attention the proper pronouns for character and player!)
Thanks!
I really enjoy your videos on Dimensions 20 content. You have an interesting perspective and your videos are well built. Keep it up!
Wow this was so insightful! I really love learning even more about everyone in d20! Thanks!!!
I’ve been waiting for this vid! Very cool video as always😊
"for the moment" too accurate
I just found your channel and subscribed, you have an excellent voice.
I almost made a message about their pronouns until I went back and checked that the 'her' was related to Kristen. Proud of you and everyone here for getting that right because it's super easy but great to see. Love this show.
You mention that Dimension 20 has plenty of characters without arcs, but I truly can’t think of any. At least among the Intrepid Heroes seasons, I feel like every PC grows and changes.
Cumulous comes to mind, just because he was a pretty late addition to ACOC. PIB is a bit of a flat character, but certainly not in a bad way.
There are about 3 or 4 types of character arcs, and I think Kristen falls into one of the more famous ones. Kristen starts with one belief and ends with another, gaining a fuller understanding of the world. Sleeping Beauty, Gerard, Fig, and many other PCs experience this "change" arc. But some PCs don't really change all that much, or not in ways that would be considered a full "arc". They have points where their characters react to something, or even grow, but not in such a clear, structured way.
@@bookworm4133 PIB felt like a hard character to give a strong story arc to given their status within the canon of Neverafter. Brennan even mentioned it in the adventuring party chats that Pib's story is one of those morals where its just "really great to be smart". They were definitely trying but I think the reach exceeded the grasp this time around. Still loved Zac that season though
@@bookworm4133 PIB did have an arc, but it was quieter. He went from having no real friends and lying to everyone all the time for personal gain (even though it was survival-level personal gain) to a group of tight friends he was completely honest with on a quest to save the multiverse and give everyone else the power over their stories he got to experience.
Yet another banger!
new favorite youtuber!
I love that TTRPG channels have gone from lore and info, to liveplay, to lore and info about the liveplay
Lars Vandenchomp didn't really have a character arc (not that they needed one). I'm not sure if Megan Mirror had one either as I didn't really watch Shriek Week.
Lars was 100% perfect baby in every way already, so there was absolutely nothing to change or improve.
Late to the game but honestly your videos helped me decide to sign up for dropout and I’m so happy I did. They should give you a finders fee 😂
Hey I would really appreciate a commentary on never after I think your take would be amazing
I think the most insane thing about Kristen's arc is that from what I understand, Ally hadn't played DnD at all before Fantasy High. That was the first time they had ever touched the game and pretty much nailed it first try.
Where’s the love for Siobhan??
That video will probably come out in May!
just wanted to say i love seeing ally appreciation & being reminded that there are a lot of people who will respect they/them pronouns ❤ (from a they/themmer who doesnt get that except from a few people, just wanted to say thanks for being considerate)
So I just opened the comment section and saw everyone respecting Ally's pronouns... And it was surprising because I'm not used to people being kind and respectful like that.
I'm just gonna go cry while watching the video now.
Mega❤
Heey Girlie
Okay can I throw out a controversial opinion here? I think they put too much emphasis on the improv part of the narrative and less on respecting the world and characters that’s been established. The Harvest Men example is perfect, of like they improv being a part of the evil group they’re about to fight. I feel like that wasn’t something that was established and I could tell it was improved. That just seems cheep in a TTRPG setting, just making up something new about your character to fit the need of the situation instead of using what you have and finding a solution.
Hey, you want to know something else? Kristen was never supposed to lose their faith, at least not that early on until they were killed in Episode 2. Brennan improvised a bunch of things regarding the first season, just like that Phoenix egg Arthur pulled out. Also, Kristen’s realization of how prevalent teachings and practices of the church’s community she perceived as normal have connections to these extremists (which is a true experience for many ex-theists) is perfect for how they have to fight Daybreak who is part of the more radical sect that was trying to manipulate her to advance his religious agenda. Also also, keep in mind this was literally the first season where they didn’t know that this wasn’t going to be purely a comedy show even partway through it. In fact, I would argue that outside of Kristen’s not-that-secret tie to the Harvest Men, there wasn’t a lot of depth to her relationship to faith that wasn’t a jab or deep cut at American Christianity imo (even though I still greatly appreciated it). Then again, they really didn’t understand DnD cosmology (and probably still doesn’t because it’s only necessary for a Dungeon Master to have a full grasp on lore and they don’t play when not on a DnD show) at that point.
Here is why I love Ally they come at the game purely from character. The only time they play d&d is when they play dimension 20. They aren't playing in their downtime. They have played enough on screen that they grasp the mechanics, but they just think about the character only. I love it. They aren't thinking about what spells they have or how strong they are.
It is just chaos and magic.
Ally Beardsley is amazing
I'm here for respecting their pronouns ❤
Sorry but from my perspective they play the same character over and over again. They always play the misunderstood by society type. And their characters tend to steal the spotlight from others on a regular basis. Paired with their total inability to ever learn even the most basic rules Ally appearing in a season is a point against picking it up. It just gets frustrateing when ever Ally has to take a turn (you already know there will come turns where they are being granted do overs sometimes even after other players had their turns ...).
And while their charaters always have an arc it is usually a predicatble one based on a trope of self actualisation. And yes we get it that is where Ally comes from. But roleplay should also come with exploreing themes that are not nessearily what you express as opinion or push as socio political agenda out of play.
Yes players weaker on the mechanics do exsist and it is still fun to play with them (I do so myself both as player and as DM). But it is not fun to watch them in a show which is essentially professional (it is once you put it behind a paywall). I endured a token few shows Ally was on, because the rest was really good. So in the end I dislike Ally as player enough that the teaser to a season with Ally in it really has to nail the theme and other player by a high degree that I will consider picking it up.
On the other hand Dropout isn't due for a subscirption until next year anyways. And then I will lokk what new stuff is awailable before makeing that descision.
I used to feel the same way, but I learned on an Adventuring Party for Mice and Murder that the only time they play d&d is for dimension 20. That is why they forget the mechanics I feel. To put that in perspective, that means they have only played maybe a total of 8 times. Murph and Emily play constantly. If not with D20, they play with Naddpod. I actually think everyone, but Aly might have other avenues they play D&D in.
I do feel that their characters are all the same, but I think they are just playing versions of themselves in some way. I know for unsleeping city Pete was them, they mentioned that while Pete was researching top surgery and taking T they were also.
They are not for everyone, and that is OK.
@@carveylover the problem with that explanation is that it is a good one for private play. But this is a professional product that they want people to pay actual money to watch.
It is like saying you know that person in the Kung Fu movie only did it in this one movie so of course they were bad at it ...
Same for playing the same character over and over because that is what you are comfortable with. Good and well in a private group. But for a paying audience not so much. Because that kind of predictability makes it boring once you know they are part of the cast.
@@BobHerzog1962You’re mistakenly under the impression that you’re paying to watch professionals pay DND optimally and efficiently.
You’re not.
Just because you pay for it, does not mean its supposed to be ‘professional’. If you’re paying to watch cheesy kung fu movies, you can’t complain about them being cheesy kung fu movies rather than a professional product. You aren’t paying for that.
With dropout, you are paying for various kinds of content featuring a specific group of people and their personalities. You’re paying for watching those people and their personalities playing DnD, not for a “professional” to play DnD.
Otherwise, you’d be paying for that. But you’re not. You’re paying to watch people paint and complaining they aren’t sculpting.
@@dkcsi9256 look you can "explain" it all you want. I'm not expecting optimized play. That would even be boring.
What I expect is some professionalism in production value, shooting and cutting the episodes. After all they sell a product here.
And it is boring and annoying to watch the 30st time for the same player to be explained the same basic rule they didn't get last episode, last season and the season before that. To then have to watch them doing a redo of their last turn is cringy. They simply could have used the magic of editing to smooth that out.
And yes if I go into a trash Kung Fu movie knowing it is trash I could not complain. But I could complain if I wasn't aware and it wasn't marketed that way. And Dimension20 isn't marketed as trashy. Heck they made a whole documentary about how they build the Dome they play in to up the game in DnD content. They want it to be seen as a professional product!
Also if I dislike trashy Kung Fu movies I could still state so same for actors appearing in them.
Ally in D20 does not bore or annoy you. Great enjoy. But don't try to argue with me what connent I ought to enjoy. Currently there is no risk of me picking up Dropout again anytime soon anyways. Looked at their the list and summaries of their new releases and nothing of that interested me.
@@BobHerzog1962 I’m not arguing with you on what content you ought to enjoy, I’m arguing you with your fabricated expectations when you paid for a group of personalities then complain about said personalities and act as if you’re entitled to something else entirely.
You’re not entitled to professionalism and serious DnD play when you buy a product that *isn’t* about that. If you want that, you go pay for it. You don’t pay for X and then whinge about how it should be Y.
They can want production value without wanting to diminish the personalities in the group that is the product. That is what you’re paying for. If you don’t like it, you don’t buy it. You don’t complain about how the product should be different and needs to change from what is sold because it doesn’t meet your particular taste and you think everything with a price tag *has* to be to your particular taste or it needs to change.