So, @VoiceOfOBrien’s @CriticalRole one-shot was my first time ever playing D&D. I’m grateful to Liam for asking me to guest. I loved all of it... and the 6th grader in my heart finally got to experience what is beloved by so many. There’s a story here, so welxome to THREAD: (1/9)
A while back, as #CriticalRole was taking off, I told @matthewmercer over lunch how inspiring it was to see so many people delighting in his storytelling, in everyone’s incredible role-playing, and in the game itself. He asked if I’d ever played. I said no. (2/9)
I’d always wanted to. But I wasn’t cool enough. Matt tilted his head a bit, and asked me to explain. A friend in 6th grade played D&D. She had an expansive imagination and a sense of adventure I admired, so I asked if I could play, too. But she said I wasn’t allowed. (3/9)
It wasn’t a healthy friendship, but 6th grade girl-friendships can be dicey. (I’m leaving the pun because I can’t bear to delete it.) (4/9)
Anyway, as a consolation prize, my friend would come over and weave amazing tales for me, letting me create a character, and giving me the power to decide what came next. “Like a Choose Your Own Adventure thing,” I told Matt. (5/9)
You can probably imagine his expression as he said slowly, “Did... did your friend happen to bring any dice?” I realized that I could remember one die showing up on occasion. Matt politely explained, “She was basically being your DM.” (6/9)
It’s ridiculous and a little embarrassing to admit that I didn’t know at the time, and that I somehow never put it together as an adult. My memory had stored only that I wasn’t allowed to play, and that the interactive storytelling I enjoyed with my friend was pure magic. (7/9)
SO. Last night was extra special for me. Without spoiling her character, I’ll just say that I created Ellory for a very personal and long-rested reason. And I guess I wanted you all to know why. (8/9)
❤️ to @VoiceOfOBrien @matthewmercer @executivegoth @WillingBlam @samriegel @TheVulcanSalute @Marisha_Ray for inviting me to play with magic and for patience with my naïveté. And thanks, #critters. I couldn’t have hoped for a nicer group to welcome me into a world of wonder. (9/9)
