Recent content by Mort

That makes sense, as Big Bang Theory predates 5e by many years. But I'm pretty sure they switched to 5e by the later seasons. Certainly by the last season, for the celebrity D&D group

But that's my point, it wasn't just Critical Role, it was many other references, mentions etc. And then there's the chicken and egg issue. Did Big Bang Theory raise up 5e or did Big Bang Theory keep referencing 5e BECAUSE it was already so well known and an easy go to. Point Being, did Critical...

I would say no. Not in a railroad or a linear adventure. The players aren't knowingly following a set path with the full knowledge of what their words/actions will lead to. Nor do the players generally know what the outcomes will be, as they would if they were following a script (that they...

Again, actual plays aren't a monolith, some are pretty good for new players to get a sense of the game, and some wouldn't help at all. Critical Role campaign 1 for example (IMO) is quite good for new players and especially for new DMs: For new players, they get to see players adjusting to a...

The plot is laid out and the DM is given no room to deviate, but the players themselves have no idea what coming (unless they read the module) so from a gaming sense, it's a railroad but it's not scripted (because the players aren't in on it).

I remember watching Critical Role campaign 2 when the first PC death happened (relatively early). It was clearly caused by some questionable decisions and even worse dice rolls. The players seemed very genuinely surprised, and if they were faking it they are truly, truly gifted actors! But I...

First of all "Actual plays" are not a monolith. There are many of them, and they don't follow the same format. Second, I've watched many, and while some are certainly more performative then others, they all seem to still be players playing a game - some just clearly cater to an audience more...

5e was becoming successful before Critical Role, and has/had a reach FAR beyond Critical Role. Of my friends/a acquaintances who play 5e maybe 10% have even seen an episode let alone been influenced by it. Critical Role is hugely popular and has certainly had an impact on 5e popularity, but it...

And that can be fun. I was just responding to the claim that the player had the choice to stay dead. Since there was a collaboration here, there was no choice as such, just a dynamic way to establish the background of the character.

I wasn't implying, I was flatly stating that, in my opinion, they're not playing, they are performing - which, for me, kills the game night vibe. And expressing my hope that the new actual play does not come across like this Clearly we disagree, and that's fine.

The "during game" was completely planned between Brennan and Alex. Brennan made Alex playing a hollow one conditional on him getting killed during the game. Sure, no loss of agency, because it was absolutely agreed upon, but it seemed completely for the benefit of the audience.

No it isn't. The current season of Critical Role for instance. Many of the "players" really come across as playing to the camera/audience as opposed to each other or the DM. It is a huge contrast to the early seasons. No it's not just how "good" the players are, it's about who they are playing...

No it isn't. The current season of Critical Role for instance. Many of the "players" really come across as playing to the camera/audience as opposed to each other or the DM. It is a huge contrast to the really seasons. No it's not just how "good" the players are, it's about who they are...

Yeah, Dice, Camera, Action, the original WoTC 5e podcast also really had that feel - and it worked great! If the new one even approaches the fun of the first one, it'll probably hook me in.

I will happily play in a 3e/3.5 or Pathfinder game. But running a game through level 20+ completely burned me out on running 3e/3.5!