Chain's King to Dragon Three, Campaign Diary

The Recap!
/ recap_episode_17_chain...
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• The Chain of Acheron: ...
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[@thothrax5621]

The whole "librarian protecting the identities of the people using the library" was humorous for me because I worked in a library for a few years and when I started I had to fill out a bunch of paperwork saying that I agreed to not disclose information on patrons and it was very 'doctor-patient confidentiality' feeling, so pretty accurate

[@Simon-ow6td]

I had goose bumps when the advancers arrived. One of the best "cavalry’s here" moments ever!

[@monosito59]

"who are these assholes?" magnificent.

[@fadetoblack1026]

I completely agree. I was on the edge of my seat through that whole sequence. When Mudd and the Advancers arrived was one of those moments that made me want to jump to my feet and shout in triumph. Fantastic storytelling in that episode. Best one to date.

[@tylergiesbrecht7177]

I was at work watching during my lunch and had to keep from cheering/laughing as Matt was describing the advancers walking through the crowd.

[@tsifj]

I read your comment as soon as Matt said it, shivers down my spine too! grblrlr

[@beerock626]

I was expecting the Fulcrum to arrive but still good

[@kereminde]

"Honor has been satisfied." "My Lady, I would agree if I thought the Knight Commander had any honor to satisfy."

[@FamilyBales]

kereminde My point exactly! Her weapon wasn't fully drawn and he cut her down... NOT a duel of honor, it was MURDER.

[@sillyking1991]

@@FamilyBales pretty sure thats not what happened. based on the description the message i got was that she knew she'd lose and basically just drew her weapon so that he could reasonably say shes 'armed' therefore satisfying honor. thats not to say the knight commander is actually honorable. i don't think he is. but that particular act i think was fine

[@TwoToneShoes]

I think the inclusion of the advancers is probably one of your best strokes in this campaign. For weeks, heck, months both we and the players have been told about all this great history of this great band of mercenaries called the Chain of Acheron. Everyone in the city knows of them before they ever showed up, we're told there's going to be survivors from Blackbottom multiple times. It's as close to foreshadowing as you can get in an ad hoc roleplaying game. And that buildup, that I think was entirely separate from the politics of Capital, finally pays off in the biggest, tensest moment we've had so far. Watching the top brass of this ultra powerful faction have to look at them and consider them a real threat and real player was really satisfying for me as a watcher, and I imagine moreso for the players. Great session, Matt!

[@Illnorean]

I think I may have audibly cheered when they showed up. Luckily my wife wasn't home to make fun of how invested I've become with a band of fictional mercenaries! 😂

[@TylerSantinelli]

Illario? ...Oh you mean Grumbles.

[@Arrow1bowmen]

My boy, my baby boy

[@andym8241]

I'm really glad Slim didn't get baited, I really like the character and it seems to me Phil has been much happier and more confident in his RP since he started playing Slim.

[@normanbayona4636]

Yeah, from the sounds of it, he's living a dream right now playing a character he's wanted to for some time. I legit would have gotten baited in his shoes.

[@grantdixson1442]

My initial thought with him not being baited was that the twelve dragon knight ride in on an actual dragon. That's a pretty big power move.

[@MetaKaios]

@Grant Dixson That wouldn't be anything special to a githyanki like Slim. They often ride dragons.

[@budderbrinejr]

@@MetaKaios But in being familiar with them, know how dangerous they can be.

[@FarSideTube]

@@SophiaAphrodite What happened was that having been given time to think about it, Phil realised that Slim had been through a similar situation IN HIS BACKSTORY (all thought up by Phil) and resisted the temptation to go out in a blaze of... blood as he got cut down. Having done it before, why wouldn't he do it again? He roleplayed Slim better than he would otherwise have. This was a great success as a dungeon master, and no one was instructed to do anything. I'm inclined to think that you are trolling.

[@harlan6286]

Wow idk why Matt’s little “Lars is my best friend” warmed my heart so much, but it did.

[@jigurd]

"We are well fed, well rested, and ready for a fight. Who are these assholes?" That's a good line right there. I really hope you can find a way to bring these back when the Chain starts up again, probably my favorite series on the channel.

[@Apollo9898LP]

Red Falcons and Twelve Dragons are both cool names, but whenever they're said too closely together I end up saying a lot of "Red Dragons" and "Twelve Falcons" and it seems like Matt has that problem too lol

[@philnorfleet1371]

Boots needs to end up as the next prince. By accident.

[@hawkeyegough8586]

Phil Norfleet exclusively by accident. No machinations can put him there, only impromptu speaches

[@iancanterbury2380]

One of the other schemes of a (dosen't matter much which) great house reveals that he is a distant relative but viable candidate to succeed the prince. So they begin trying to have him assassinated. Could make for a great c plot.

[@CrimsonKamina]

Boots accidentally becoming prince by taking a seat on the throne as someone finds a loophole in an old tradition of stating “If you take it it’s yours”

[@rylanmarriott8116]

I feel like the chain of Acheron campaign is becoming very important to the hobby, just like Critical Role is. It shows that even when you have people that are new to dnd that aren’t voice actors / people that spent their whole lives in theatre that you can still have a very dramatic game. And potentially more importantly so the fact that you make these video diaries going in depth with the process is so helpful. That even experienced dms can take inspiration and find new ideas and prep to make their game better. I’ve run dnd for my friends for the past two years now and after spending several months on dm break watching your videos and prepping a new campaign they all agreed that I had been taken over by a doppelgänger because my dming had improved so much. Thanks for continuously putting out top tier content!

[@mike_farrell]

I think you once said there wouldn’t be a way for The Chain to get knights seals without allying with a faction. When it happened, I was beaming. I could tell in that moment that the story and the NPC had taken over and Matt was on the sideline. That’s real role playing right there. That’s D&D. Loved it, love the story, the campaign and the players.

[@johnmartin9146]

When you look to see if this is uploaded, and the notice pops up. Loving the campaign. Also can't wait to see more of Mudd.

[@johnmartin9146]

@@tdog4423 7 p.m. pst

[@BBP081]

Remember though: Slim has a vorpal sword. If Slim wins the initiative and gets a natural 20 on his attack, Decorano's head rolls. Then what?

[@philnorfleet1371]

That ... would have been hysterical.

[@wolfjack5802]

I believe that’s when Matt ends the session and says come back next week so I can write more.

[@studynot757]

Glory

[@Varaldar]

legendary action

[@hellobeauworld]

Oh man, "Says who?" was such an awesome line, such an epic turn

[@toshomni9478]

Mud is definitely my new favorite member of the Chain. Seemed like she was already planning to mount that Dragon's head somewhere.

[@thorinpeterson6282]

The arrival of The Chain's scouting company was badass as hell in my minds' eye. A regiment of warriors suddenly appearing through the crowd and putting some fear into the pompous dragon's commander. I would've been more frightened of his Dragon mount than of him, personally

[@toshomni9478]

What kind of dragon would even allow itself to be ridden like that? Seems like other dragons would hunt him down and kill him on general principal. It's downright insulting.

[@thorinpeterson6282]

@@toshomni9478 A dragon that was being paid well, or was raised up from a chick in this environment.

[@RobinBaggett]

This is by far the most politically fun D&D game I have ever watch. Definitely inspiring.

[@SeiferVII]

"Let me tell you a little story about a place called Blackbottom..." I love King's advice, from commander to commander. Lars has had a couple good speeches now he's had to just pull out of nowhere. This was also a good reminder that King hasn't been Commander for very long. Sometimes it's easy to forget with all the events that have happened since they've arrived in Capital.

[@18andolderish]

I was watching your campaign diary when my 5 month old son woke up, hearing your voice he didn't want to look at me but wanted to watch you. Obliging him we watched your campaign diary in my lap. Nodding his head to some of the things that you're saying, got very grumpy whenever you said anything about the 12 dragons and super giddy when talking about the red falcons. All of this and more oh, he did while wearing his dungeons & dragons onesie, which is a picture of his personal character sheet.

[@mikelefebvre1909]

Ah my favorite day of the week. The day Matt makes another video

[@buraeen5735]

I know how deep the mausoleum is. The mausoleum is as many levels deep as it takes for the dungeon master and/or the players to get bored of it. :P Excited for tonight's session! See ya then.

[@BiaXia]

i love watching the chain campaign, it's so entertaning and gripping and fun. I love all the characters especially judge and leech! so this doesnt have to do with this video but I wanna point out, I'm black and it's very unusual for me to find many people around me that have heard of d&d let alone play and your the chain videos have inspired me to try roll20 and am currently in a group running curse of strad and I'm having a blast!! thank you matt for making d&d look so fun and your running the game videos taking a lot of the fear out of the game for me.

[@codyc7477]

The campaign diaries add a lot to the watching experience. This is really special.

[@license2will340]

I feel like OD is a brilliant player and perfect for this campaign - but isn't confident to voice his own ideas yet. I thought he wasn't very active last session.

[@Lotloxa]

lon0011 Not sure if this is what you were talking about, but he may also have just been in character and acknowledging that he is not a senior officer of the Chain and deferring to his superiors. Especially given the high stakes of the scenario. King made it clear that even though he is part of the party, Leech doesn’t have much of a say in negotiating contracts and it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to extend that thinking a bit further. Edit: Ah, wait. I didn’t watch the video yet XD Nevermind~

[@arizona_iced_out_boy]

Just a quick DM trick that I do a lot when I want to introduce nameless raiders/bandits as more than just combat excuse, but a tense moment and potential long term rival. What I like to do is what Matt did with Phil, where I make the bandits try to bully the most hot headed characters into acting first, rather than just making them mindlessly attack without any other motive. An excellent example of this in film is the bar scene in Inglorious Bastards, where the undercover soldiers are trying to keep their cool while the SS officer is trying to uncover them. Pistols are kept drawn beneath the table, but combat doesn't start until the moment the Mike Meyer's character blows his cover. One instance I had the most hot blooded barbarian character roll wisdom to see if he can contain himself from being talked down. They were able to cool their jets, give the bandits a tip on a cave they just cleared out with loot still there. They ended up befriending the bandits and they ended up being a clutch ally that they leveraged to slow down the villains pursuit (kind of like french resistance in WWII). Another instance, the players just returned from slaying a frenzied mammoth. The "raiders" were more like native americans, pissed off that the party used THEIR hunting grounds. They demanded a tax to look the other way, and kept bad mouthing the players. Eventually the party decided, enough, we are fighting. The party succeeds, but a few ran away to tell their head chieftain of what the party has done, and they ended up being an ally of the villain, creating indirect road blocks for the players.

[@haveswordwilltravel]

I get so much good advice and tips from your videos Matt. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@Fallen0o1]

As a DM, these campaign diaries are the most helpful thing I've found on the internet. Thanks Matt! You give me ideas to keep my games interesting.

[@tfp855]

Matt, you killed it this session. Keep up the great work. Cannot wait for a map for Capitol

[@dork9368]

with me being east coast and an early morning person, i don't watch live much anymore. but, the passion and vigor with which you describe your game never ceases to amaze. love it matt, keep up the good work.

[@big53mac38]

Last week felt magical, i loved it.

[@Illnorean]

The last episode was so cool!!! "Chain's King to Dragon Three" had so many epic moments, especially when the advance scouts showed up. I've been looking forward to this campaign diary for days now!

[@joost00555]

That moment where Mud entered the situation was so incredible

[@Seth1484]

Even though it was a short session, I think everyone watching thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, short session, long video.

[@OrionTaltos]

This lights such a fire in my mind. Glorious!

[@late_privktorian_era]

i don't always get to watch the streams in full but i'm so glad i watched this one. you were really able to walk the knifes edge on this one so well. it was both immersive and stagey but incredibly involving (even as a viewer) and SO genuinely tense. great pace and everything. well done!

[@jonathanbaker5037]

These videos are the juice for me. Getting to see how the sausage is made and the hidden gem DM tips...Thanks, Matt & MCDM crew!

[@sundaydnd]

I don't comment on KZbin videos often, but this campaign is wonderful and so inspirational. I love being able to catch it live and then hear your thoughts afterwards, because it helps me analyze my game more fully. Thank you for making me a better storyteller, writer, and DM!

[@whocarse1999]

Last weeks episode literally had me jumping up and down in excitement, great job Matt!

[@aaronpangilinan8849]

These campaign diaries really are the best part of this campaign. I get to enjoy the game unfold as a viewer enjoying the story & RP, but also as a budding DM learning second hand how to not only run but also /think/ about sessions. An actual application of the Running the Game vids. I know this diary series isn’t the most popular, but know that it’s really important for people like me :) This really is the juice so thank you sir!

[@steveharrison76]

That bit near the end about how it’s not just about prep, it’s about the session and what happens is a great point. I’ve been legit terrified of sessions before because I just don’t know what the players are going to do - my group does dumb stuff quite a bit (during a set piece battle the Druid turned into a bee to go investigate a terrain piece...) but it turned out to be more than I thought it was going to be. Thanks, SIr, for these videos. They’re also Running The Game pieces, really!

[@F4R207]

Brilliant session Matt & Gang (Chain), it was brilliant fun watching the political implications and great role-playing play itself out. Also there was rewards not bound to the character class level progression and CR implications but bound to the narrative with no thought to experience gains or such, just role-playing and narrative unbound to any system, love that, brilliant session, super entertaining and only one die roll. Highly looking forward to the continuation of the situation.

[@cl0udbear]

It was a great session. Thank you and the players for all of this.

[@NickGreyden]

I don't have the time to watch the table, but I can spare an hour on a drive or working around the house to hear this so I'm very happy you do these. This session sounded awesome!

[@nathaniellahman]

Last week was all drama and goosebump moments. Loved it.

[@RexTenomous]

There was once a famous mercenary company in Italy that was well known for not only being effective, but also for never breaking a contract. Pretty soon, people would preemptively contract them to not attack their city. Could be a neat contract to offer the Chain, once they gain some substantial notoriety.

[@Armaggedon185]

This was definitely one of the best D&D episodes I've seen in a while. Tense, with a good amount of player agency and satisfying consequences for all that was set up during the first part of the episode.

[@AlbertoDeDiego]

I always appreciate the longer videos, very insightful and entertaining.

[@thwalmsley]

This episode was totally brilliant. There was a moment when you were describing the conversation between the Knight Commander and Lady Antonia and I think you say something like "I'm leaving space for you guys to interrupt" and none of them did and it was clear at that moment that they were totally invested in what was going on and it felt as tense to them playing as it did to us watching. Excellent work and very inspiring!

[@nugetthechicen]

Nothing inspires me more to DM than these campaign diaries Matt, thank you so much for doing them.

[@digitalbrentable]

The diplomat's pouch suits Matt's game in Capital, but it could rob a major source of drama from a lower tech/magic setting. Not being able to communicate/manage distant holdings was one of the greatest historical challenges to governance of any large area.

[@liammackey961]

such a good episode! Gave me a whole new idea of what being a good DM entails. Thanks Matt!

[@thomasrhoads4316]

These unexpected turns and decision making moments are what makes role playing unique. Can't get this anywhere else. Wonderful!

[@StevangarCronox]

Oh man this episode was great. I haven’t been watching much but I’ve been catching up with the diaries and there were several chills moments watching even second hand!

[@pogotheclown6088]

I thirst for the dungeons and the dragons.

[@stevenneiman9789]

You know you've done a good job crafting an unsympathetic NPC when someone else can wish him covered in a thousand infected wounds and the players immediately decide they like the speaker.

[@yummifoamycoffecheese45]

I appreciate you putting up all this so we can tune in.

[@makurajot8423]

This is amazing. Until now i alredy loved ur campaign direys but this time its just so amazing. U can feel a new strong emotion evry 5 seconds from fear to beening amazed! Thanks a lot for shering this. Btw love ur videos.

[@manikanniah5707]

Seeing an almost hour long video from Matt Colville and my day just got so good and I have yet to watch it

[@hellomrbeetle]

I don't have time to watch the game but I love these campaign diary videos. They are very entertaining and also very inspiring. Seeing Matt's excitement at the unexpected twists his players throw at him gets me hyped for when I will finally get my group together on an adventure.

[@d.schaffer7366]

The tension between the multiple factions is awesome. In my world they just got out of wartime so tensions are still high in some regions and in the remote locales they haven't got word yet the wars over so fun action and drama there. Sweet video Matt!

[@MrMutterbug]

Fantastic stuff Matt. Looking forward to tonight!

[@rooseveltcooper]

This session was fantastic! One of my favorite sessions in the entire campaign.

[@planetchain]

Hi Matt. This vid was not too long. It was very entertaining and very enlightening. Thank you.

[@jackos5d851]

as of last week's campaign diary, i've finally been sold on sitting down and watching the stream and now , having seen last week's stream, im hooked, and i will be watching the stream tonight

[@hereandnow996]

Episode 17 is my favorite session so far! Really great stuff

[@ap.rambo10]

The drama this episode made me actually scream aloud! Matt it was so much fun!

[@LeoxandarMagnus]

Finally, all caught up. This has been very fascinating to listen to and has given me quite a few ideas I’d like to implement as a DM.

[@xStahlx]

I loved the episode, it was very thrilling to watch the plot unfold!

[@aqacefan]

“I may not be a cowboy, or a treasure hunter, but I am proud of what I am. I… am a librarian!”

[@luisebraunsperger]

Almost an hour of Matt! I´m pleased ❤️

[@danielmaloney6461]

This past session taught me that you don't have to have a lot of encounters to have a good session. Matt's game appears to be heavy on the roleplaying. I like that, I have been DMing that way too. I get worried though that my friends aren't having any fun when we just roleplay and there is only one battle. I like that this session said that you don't have to have a battle every time there is a session.

[@AHinde]

Alright! Looking forward to more of the chain.

[@budderbrinejr]

I got the swelling of excitement and tension in my chest during the entire Twelve Dragons scene! So well played!

[@brandenhouck6919]

Loved the Recap and The episode. Keep it up!

[@normanbayona4636]

I just wanted to say that your D&D campaign feels like it "grew the beard" last week. Like even without much "action" and dice rolling, it was very obvious that the players were expressing autonomy. Felt very satisfying to watch. Can't wait for tonight! :)

[@Jaspertenpenny]

I really liked the times in the live session where you started a conversation between two NPCs and did one or two lines from each and then turned to the players and said “this is how the conversation goes” and let the players interact again instead of monologging.

[@NerfThisBoardGames]

YAY, so glad this is posted

[@davehowell3209]

I really enjoyed the episode... also liked th talking athe end wish you’d have shown more of the downtime discussion

[@SirMoribund]

This was my favorite session yet. So good.

[@ChristophZak]

Some one on one session would be awesome. im allways impressed how you handle these. i also loved the little one on one campaign with gertz.

[@grantgravity_plus]

Hi Matt! Can’t wait for tonight!

[@kertsdy]

Probably someone already suggested that somewhere but, regarding "The Chain getting more press" the party should set up another network. Next to Angel's spy network they should find some bards in their ranks and set up a PR network of junior officers who would be resposible for working with the press in Capital. It would be a great way for the players to take more active role in projecting how they want for the Chain to be percived by the people of the Capital. Also, regarding the last session, it would give them a great opportunity to shade some light on how really enormous dushes are the 12 Dragons.

[@stevenmoon8794]

Very nice twist on the Spread Rumors downtime activity.

[@twodo]

Watching these back but not being able to see what happens with the dragons and the falcons makes me so sad I understand why the stream ended, but I just started watching the chain a couple weeks ago. I haven't looked to see if Matt has posted notes of how it ended but I wish I could've seen everything unfold because I'm so caught up in the world and the story and how the players played it.

[@DarthTygg]

I love these recaps. Matt I wanted you to know that you were a very large inspiration for me to write and finish my first book. I still need to edit and then go through the publishing process, but I wanted you to know that your videos gave me a lot of inspiration for building my world. When I have it fully published I'll send you the original overview and a pdf of the book. Feel free to read or not read it. no offense will be taken. Peace out.

[@ROYBGP]

Obligitory comment for algorithms or whatever. Love you Matt!

[@eric.is.online]

Obligatory reply to help?? That means you get advantage right ;)

[@Chomp-Rock]

Have some Bardic Inspiration

[@bobhopp4878]

That episode was intense! Loved the recap. Shouts out to KaerieP for all their contributions!

[@zainredding3476]

I ENJOY THIS CONTENT SO MUCH! Thanx.

[@peterhaberstroh8017]

Hey Matt, have you considered putting your unique spells like Infernal Conduit into your supplemental books? That would be really cool to have those.

[@AuthorReborn]

Infernal Conduit is basically the evil Lay on Lands, and it is in the Illrigger playtest content Matt has posted online.

[@lawrencekenworthy8918]

I love long campaign diaries

[@Adrian_Lee6113]

This episode was super awesome. So excting and epic.

[@MrDunaengus]

Brilliant as always amigo

[@alonyairi9536]

Honestly this episode alone, in my experience, was more fun to watch then the Omega Nails arc. hoping this comes out as a compliment

[@narutobankai]

I love so much hearing all the backside of the story. Makes the game so much more realistic. Also invaluable for my own campaigns, I only hope someday I can be as good as Colville.

[@NopeJustPatrick]

Part of me wishes Slim had tried to attack the Knight-Commander. His new Greatsword dismembers on a crit, and the look on the Twelve Dragons' faces if slim had been able to chop their commander's head off in one swing would have been amazing... Unless he's wearing Adamantine armor, which negates critical hits. Then Slim would be boned.

[@DanDanTheBananaMan]

Patrick The exact wording of the Vorpal Blade is “roll a 20,” so it would still work even with crit negation.

[@NopeJustPatrick]

@@DanDanTheBananaMan Fair enough.

[@dirk_gently]

Plot twist! - Boots is the heir of house Brunadetti!

[@johnathanaltizer3333]

So excited for tonight!!

[@pluralkumquat]

This campaign diary was incredibly satisfying.

[@JasperKazai]

I get what Lars was saying, and obviously Matt does better than any of us, but that sounds like such a backhanded compliment. Those 16 sessions were D&D to me... Also, it never fails to make me laugh when the Chain of Acheron is transcribed as "Chain of Akron" by the auto-captions. Helltroopers... of Ohio.

[@ooccttoo]

God I love the detail of that swashbuckling librarian. That's your writing skills coming through for sure (or something you took from somewhere else?): I love the image of all that happening. It's flavourful, it's good world-building, characterisation and it's good for the drama of the session.

[@dorkseid5874]

I couldn't help picturing the leader of the Order of Twelve Dragons as Vincent Cassel circa Brotherhood of the Wolf.