Wizards of the Coast is now launching its own tabletop RPG campaign, featuring a star-studded cast and weekly episodes on YouTube.
It was only a matter of time before the DnD publisher Wizards of the Coast (part of Hasbro) wanted a slice of the big actual-play pie. You could even say they’re baking their own cake now, because instead of acting as a sponsor for Critical Role and others as they have done so far,they are now founding their own gaming group.
It’s called “Dungeon Masters” and consists of familiar faces who now get together weekly to play a horror D&D campaign.
With Astarion and Lae’Zel
Fans ofBaldur’s Gate 3will immediately recognize two names from the extensive list: Joining the group areNeil Newbon(who played the vampire Astarion) andDevora Wilde(who played Gith Lae’Zel). Actor Christian Navarro (13 Reasons Why) has already appeared as a guest in Critical Role’s third campaign. And Mayanna Berrin voices Coupé and Pom Pom in Dispatch. All experienced folks, then.
The game master isJasmine Bhullar, whom you may already know from Dimension 20. She also helped Matt Mercer design the Marquet setting, so she already has some experience with high-quality worldbuilding. She also runs DesiQuest, an actual play focused on South Asian mythology.
What is the campaign about?It’s based on the upcoming official book Ravenloft: The Horrors Within for 5.5e. Because, of course, Wizards of the Coast wants to promote their products right away. Here’s a first teaser:
The story revolves around a motley crew of heroes who find themselves in a nightmarish world. Here, the fallen paladin Lord Soth reigns supreme. The group desperately searches for a way back home, but they are constantly confronted by new horrors.
By the way, Astarion and Lae’Zel are definitely not returning; their actors are playing entirely new characters. Newbon plays the magic smith Crem, and Wilde appears as the sorceress Zora.
When and where can I watch it?The episodes (in English, just like Critical Role) are released every Wednesday on the official DnD YouTube channel.
There’s also free stuff for you to grab, because the official D&D Beyond website publishes relevant content for free every week. For example, combat scenarios featured in the latest episode, so you can reenact them with your own group. All you need is an account.
