Dungeons & Dragons - I Know, But Hear Me Out

Earlier in the blog I wrote about a show I'm a huge fan of called Community. Community is made by Dan Harmon, who is also the creator of Rick and Morty, as well as his infamous podcast and documentary, Harmontown. I am a huge fan of Dan Harmon, the way he thinks, tells stories, and connects with audiences.

So while watching Community I came upon season 2 episode 14, it was called Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. Now I am self-proclaimed nerd, I like video games, watching a bunch of tv, marvel movies, and tech, but Dungeons and Dragons is line I had told myself I wouldn't cross to the point where I didn't even know what it was.

As the episode started, in light of seeing the characters in their normal study room, A voice over started, "Gather close that you might harken the story of Fat Neal," it said, in a fantastical British accent. In the background was the type of music you hear in Lord of the Rings not a sitcom on NBC and immediately I was intrigued. The story progressed to show the group participating in a game of dungeons and dragons with "Fat Neal" to show him love, since they were convinced he was close to "an escape which we dare not speak."

The entire episode was told like a fantasy movie, even character like Jeff Winger were introduced as Jeff the liar, son of William the barely known.

Anyway, through that episode I found out what dungeons and dragons is, a collective story. The person deemed the dungeon master begins telling the story and each player says what their character wants to do, in the case when the action has a chance of failure, they roll an up to 20 sided die to simulate chance.

As soon as the episode ended, I wanted more, I was so interested in the concept so I referred to my good friend, the internet. Come to find out Dan Harmon is a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons and has a show by the name of Harmonquest where he invites celebrity guest stars to play. The celebrities include: Kumail Nanjiani, Thomas Middleditch, and even the guy that voiced Spongebob.

After finishing the three seasons of the show I had resolved to try it out for myself. Coincidentally, a few days later I was approached at work and invited to play in a game. Today I am 2 games through my first campaign as Winthorpe Swocklebush, I just got a new sword called fiendslayer and am really enjoying it. I will be posting another blog about this after I complete my first campaign.

Until next time...