How I Became Obsessed with D&D

The first 1000 people to use this link will get 30% off an annual Skillshare Premium skl.sh/t1j05211
I love D&D, that's what this video is about.
Things referenced in this video:
Um Actually: / ch2
Dimension 20: / @dimension20show
Critical Role: / @criticalrole
XP to Level 3: / thedrmodnar
Node: • D&D 5th Ed - Call of t...
LA By Night: • Vampire: The Masquerad...
High Rollers: / @highrollersdnd
Sirens of the Realms: • Episode 1 - Sirens of ...
MCDM: • MCDM Presents: The Cha...
HOW TO FOLLOW/KEEP UP WITH ME:
Subscribe ► goo.gl/qVF6Cu (and click the bell)
Website ► t1j.site
Twitter ► / the1janitor
Instagram ► / the1janitor
HOW TO TALK TO ME/ASK ME STUFF:
Say hi ► www.the1janito...
Business inquiries ► [e-mail]
Curiouscat ► curiouscat.me/t...
Leave me a Voicemail ► 205 - 433 - 9516 (ONLY If you agree to the terms below)
FAN COMMUNITIES
Discord ► the1janitor.com/discord
Subreddit ► / t1j
NEW HERE?
New Viewer Playlist ► bit.ly/3fbNIPy
Livestreams ► goo.gl/VfK2vP
HOW TO SUPPORT ME:
Become a Patreon Homie ► / the1janitor
Become a KZbin Homie ► the1janitor.com...
PayPal► the1janitor.com...
Merch ► the1janitor.com...
Amazon Wishlist ► a.co/5jRUmEa
AFFILIATE LINKS:
Literally Everything I use for KZbin/Streaming ► amzn.to/39E7DFQ
Budget KZbin Starter Kit ► amzn.to/2XnJZZt
Budget Streaming Starter Kit ► amzn.to/2DhRnhs
FAQS/MISC:
Help caption/translate my videos► goo.gl/x4eewf
What is HAKO? ► www.the1janito...
Why I Disable Likes/Dislikes ► goo.gl/pkdAa9
FAQs about T1J ► www.the1janito...
TERMS OF CALLING THE VOICEMAIL:
By calling or texting this number, you agree to allow me to record your voicemail and use the recordings and texts for personal and commercial use. I agree, however, not to give or sell any of your information to any parties unafilliated with video production on this channel.
1. No one will ever answer this number, it should always go straight to voicemail, so don't expect to talk to a human.
2. It is very, very, unlikely that anyone will call or text you back. If you get a response, it will be in a public way, such as when part of a video.
3. There's a caller ID, so I will generally be able to see the number you called from. As mentioned above, none of this information will be shared or used, but if that makes you uncomfortable then I suggest not calling. I also suggest that you do not share any unecessary personal information.
4. Your basic rates and charges for calls, whatever they may be, will still apply.
5. Your voicemail might be used for or responded to in a future video!
Did you see a unpleasant ad on my channel? Let me know: www.the1janito...
If would like a source for or elaboration of a claim made that is not listed here, email me.
Music by Epidemic Sound: epidemicsound.c...
Edited by John Ivory
Outro Music by John Ivory: www.soundcloud.com/kingjohnivory
#T1J #the1janitor #DungeonsandDragons
/ the1janitor

[@PaulO.K.]

Shout-out to Three Black Haflings. They're a podcast with a D&D campaign with ties to African mythology.

[@mrshittles9424]

That sounds awesome.

[@Super00Specs]

Ooh, never heard of this one, but it sounds amazing.

[@twebible]

Yes! Love the podcast

[@Xjr555kid]

The sourcebook is called Wagadu Chronicles. It's free and available to download

[@Super00Specs]

@@Xjr555kid is this the one that's also going to be an MMO? I wanted to back the Kickstarter but I found out about it too late

[@monimuppet6132]

"I like seeing Black people in stuff." Sums up my whole life.

[@elextrano7597]

Is ok of i just like to see good people?... good poeple like this dude?

[@jceaster74]

@@elextrano7597 sure, but you're missing the point. I don't know if I'd call it a subconscious reaction or a defense mechanism. If I enter a new space, such as D&D, and don't see people that look like me. Then I perceive that I don't belong/will watch from a distance/ not fully participate.

[@elextrano7597]

@@jceaster74 your point is too alien for me may be becsuse i am from the caribe. But yea new spaces are scary.

[@umbros71]

Check out Mike Pondsmith of R. Talsorian Games one of the founding fathers of ttrpgs as we know it. Most famously the creator of Cyberpunk 2020. Brilliant Designer.

[@corvidox9137]

Yup

[@DrawingABlanka]

With the right group dnd makes friends for life!

[@sfitzmd]

With the right group the story can go in almost any direction too, which is awesome! There's nothing quite like that moment where a random slip of the tongue forms a legend in the game world.

[@MFZBitch]

I joined my very first group about 3 years ago. Was just a random game i found on roll20. The DM mentioned recently that we only have about 2 months of sessions left approximetly and than tenativly asked if we'd want to play in another game DMd by him. The sigh of relief of everyone was audible and we all said yes and went on to talk about how 4 of us 5 players were already planning campagins to keep playing with this group in case he didnt wanna DM anymore. Now i get to look forward to 3 more years at least with these wonderful people.

[@sethherdt6126]

As a professional cook and frequent DM, I totally agree with the notion that there is a fundamental difference between the rewards of the creative process when your audience is familiar to when they're foreign. Or, more accurately, when something is well-received by friends and family or well-received by strangers.

[@andyb1653]

"I get anxious about long-term time commitments. Also short-term commitments.... ....I'm working on it." Yeah, that hits lol On topic: I had a lot of fun with D&D, but my 1st love was Warhammer 40K

[@gentlemandemon]

I've had fun with 40k, but it can be a bit too crunchy for me. I love the lore though, and I'd play the living hell out of an RPG style game

[@andyb1653]

@@gentlemandemon Oh, I haven't played a game in many years. I have no idea how the game plays now, but back when I did it appealed to me because winning a match was a delightful blend of strategy and luck. One needed both to be successful. Like you, I still follow the lore though. It's like someone put Star Wars and LOTR in a blender along with the works of HP Lovecraft and every Iron Maiden album. It's so OTT that a nerd like me can't help but dig it :)

[@supremebrandondiaz]

I would be down for a Patreon tier where you host an exclusive DnD game online like once a month. 💰

[@danielbarkan5680]

Sign me up for this!

[@Rayne_Storms]

Yeah I would throw money at this.

[@hawkname1234]

Duuuuuuuuuuude. Yes.

[@elimattern8081]

If you've never used virtual platforms, I'm using Fantasy Grounds as part of a virtual game right now. I would totally be down for a DnD game!

[@vernonhampton5863]

It works for B. Dave Walters, so yeah. Do it... Dooo it.

[@XPtoLevel3]

Awesome video!! Really provided some perspective. Love this game and your story.

[@T1J]

Thanks! Love your stuff too!

[@impastabowl2328]

@@T1J is always a fun crossover seeing your comments on videos like XP’s :)

[@bryantdillon]

I would recommend the podcast "Dungeons and Daddies". It's pretty hilarious. A bunch of modern dads get thrust into a dnd world to find their sons. They even incorporate taking damage whenever someone tells a dad joke.

[@JacobraTheGreat]

Ha! I just recommended that one too. I knew I should have scrolled down a bit before posting.

[@valentinosella3410]

"Um, Actually" the show he mentioned at the beginning, has a very exciting kickstarter for a home version of their game. If you like the show, you should check it out, it would support CollegeHumor and make sure they get to keep making Um, Actually and Dimension 20.

[@Shady_Fungus]

Les go Brennan!

[@AlEcyler]

This is also my story. I subscribed for Um, Actually, then hit Dimension 20, and it's on my very shortlist of recs.

[@jstewart_1]

@@AlEcyler ditto

[@galactic85]

One of my proudest moments as a d&d player was convincing a monster not to eat us or any of the enemies we had knocked out by introducing it to alcohol and getting it drunk. Still can't believe that worked.

[@austinluther5825]

DM: Um, okay. Roll for persuasion (the DC going to be so high, there's no way). You: Natural 20. DM: (aw crap)

[@fangsabre]

Tbf, that kindof thing happens in myths and legends all the time. The goddess sekhmet got introduced to wine and went from a lioness of disease and war to a lazy cow

[@vernonhampton5863]

That sounds awesome.

[@JeevesAnthrozaurUS]

Ah, the Susanoo method

[@andrewdiaz3529]

Took an idea out of Odysseus's playbook huh

[@bigsiskrishere]

I always get a happy spark of "Hey, I know that person" when I see your comments on Critical Role haha. And I'm like you too; I was immediately drawn to the role of DM as well, and it's the best feeling when players are fascinated by and interacting with your world and characters, and creating nuanced and interesting stories themselves.

[@vyxxer]

I've been such a forever DM that everytime I play I have to stop myself from going 'well the way I rule it' or providing a bunch of PDFs and sources that overwhelm my DM.

[@samamundson4442]

As a white DM I really appreciate you sharing this. For the last two years I've run the D&D club at my school, and I've had some really good discussions with people about the lack of diversity within the club, (we had only 1 BIPOC player) and I've found that a lot of other BIPOC people I knew just saw it as a game for white guys to feel powerful, and ultimately are scared to even give it a shot. This really makes me appreciate when women or BIPOC people talk about playing D&D and encourage others to get into it. I'm tired of this game that I love being viewed like this and want to share it as freely as I can, but I also know I'm not always the right person to introduce someone to it, so seeing you share it and (hopefully) bringing more people to this hobby is wonderful to me.

[@BoredDan7]

18:19 "D&D has dragons in it." Now this is the kind of in depth insightful analysis I came here for. Nah, but in a seriousness great video and glad to see you're enjoying yourself. :)

[@austincarroll9853]

I completely understand what you mean by seeing people interact with your world it brings so much joy

[@RosalioRedPanda]

Lou Wilson is an absolute treat. His stint on Not Another D n D Podcast’s second campaign was hilarious and he has such a great voice.

[@FluffySashaUwU]

Fun to hear you've only been playing it for 2 years! I've been wanting to play it for so long, maybe I should just go ahead and do it 👀 Very sweet video, thank you!

[@sweetyft]

You totally should! Just remember that it might take a little while to find the right type of play and group for you.

[@alessandrofedericogobber5634]

@@sweetyft Also be careful about the other players wanting to DM their own campaigns. I speak from experience: my entire group started a campaign of their own, I currently have 6 campaigns active and we started playing around a year and a half ago! 🤣 One after another they started their campaigns with the same members and now it's a full-on shitshow, but at least it's fun!

[@AtomicCenturion]

@@alessandrofedericogobber5634 josh is that you?

[@AtomicCenturion]

I recommend you try it by finding a low commitment group, one where you play once or twice a month. A big thing about D&D is that it takes a time commitment of usually 2 hours minimum so you have to clear your schedule on at least one or two days a month. I play in 4 games weekly so I really only have 3 other days a week that I cram all my necessities in and I am able to balance it but some can’t balance that. So find what works for you and then go to local game stores or look online for a group that works with that first. Then hopefully the group you find isn’t filled with people you don’t mesh with, but if it is leave and continue looking. D&D is only as fun as the people in your group. Good luck finding a group and game that fit you and I hope you get to see the lovely world that is D&D.

[@_desibees1876]

Last year, I made it a goal to play d&d, as I've been a fan of d20. This year, I am now one of the organizers of our local d&d community.

[@christiantheimprovguy1769]

It's so true! D&D is such a great way to explore interesting, rich, and nuanced stories. "It's fu*ken dope and I love it so much" really sums it up so well.

[@charlesshoffner4201]

I first came across D&D at the age of 12. I'm 40 now. My favorite group I ever played with was a bunch of coworkers who worked all night Saturday, then gathered at a buddy's house first thing Sunday morning and we went until we couldn't see straight. LOL. I ran through that campaign with a Elven bard who was essentially Captain America.

[@austinluther5825]

That character sounds so cool! What was their bardic talent? Please say "rhetoric."

[@charlesshoffner4201]

LOL. I basically sang my instructions to my teammates. It drove the DM's wife up the wall.

[@austinluther5825]

@@charlesshoffner4201 Nice. Still, it would be hilarious to have a bard who's bardic performance was hero monologues. That's what I call bardic inspiration.

[@KeithBallardA]

Oh wow, you went straight for DM. I know that taking charge is probably the easiest way to get consistent games going, but the entire concept is terrifying to me lol. Being kind of in charge of everyone else's enjoyment, being able to react when the players do something surprising, role-playing dozens of characters without constantly freezing.

[@suitov]

It really helps you work on your improv skills. If you're interested in DMing but are worried about handling it, I would definitely start with pre-made scenarios -- there are pre-made one-shots, designed to play in one evening, for the minimum commitment and setup. DMing is a lot about the headspace and remembering Rule Zero, which is "providing a good experience for everyone trumps the other rules". Although you are the one setting challenges, you aren't the players' adversary: you're all on the same team and the goal is fun. This means when players have stupid ideas, rather than "no", you generally want to say "roll and see what happens" -- which is somewhat nerve-wracking for me, but that's what a one-off scenario is good for: even if they break the game, it doesn't matter. And hitting them with the consequences of their actions afterwards is great, providing you keep it to "hilarious karmic justice" rather than "mean-spirited punishment".

[@stevegruber4724]

"It's playing make believe, but with some rules" is literally how I got a friend of mine to play "that nerd game" with us

[@totlyepic]

5:23 "It's kind of like Harry Potter meets The Breakfast Club" Oh boy do I have the CR one-shot for you.

[@sweetyft]

The one DMed by Laura?

[@BritneyT.]

Cinderbrush High on Crit Role?

[@shadowkat678]

@@BritneyT. No, The Club of Misfits. It's exactly what was said. It's The Breakfast club but at Hogwarts...or, Smogwarts. All Copyrighted words are changed in hilarious ways. Smitherpin. Pigeonclaw. Horphulporph. Can't remember Griffindor's equivalent.

[@EviIM0nk3y]

“People’s gender and sexual orientation is not what makes them interesting” Thank you! Thank you for saying that wish more people could see it.

[@disc0duck]

seeing xp to lvl 3 on T1J channel is a trip.

[@aztektheultimatewoman]

I used to play D&D every Sunday with some friends of mine. Highlight of my week. Then Covid happened.

[@347tester]

Why can’t y’all just meet up ?

[@Zarsla]

Sorry to hear that For me during covid I really got into playing d&d.

[@skullbearer]

There are some really good online games, I play on roll20 myself.

[@aztektheultimatewoman]

@@skullbearer Yeah there was some discussion around that but we were never able to make anything stick. It didn’t help that most of us were a lot busier during quarantine.

[@bigsiskrishere]

@@aztektheultimatewoman Yeah my group tried D&D online but it honestly just sucked for us. It works for some but as a librarian book nerd, I really just didn't enjoy digitalizing the game after playing it pen and paper for a while, plus with new members who liked to play more low-key in the group, it was basically too frustrating of a learning curve for them to move past after having just learned the way it usually works. It's been nice to finally be able to get back together lately.

[@combogalis]

I'm watching through Dimension 20 for the first time right now! It's so great. I highly recommend Harmonquest too. Spencer is a great DM and the animation and music/sfx take it to another level. Plus the celebrity guests (off the top of my head Ron Funches, Aubrey Plaza, Nathan Fillion, Aparna Nancherla) are a lot of fun.

[@tobiasmeerdink5023]

"you just need to find people to play with" *sigh* yeah

[@helenemelon]

My siblings and I play Monsterhearts on a lot of weekends! It's great, it's like Buffy as a tabletop roleplay game, and it's super queer-centric (what drew me and my siblings to it)!

[@Akasha6915]

Was recently trying to explain Monster Hearts to some friend who had just got into table top games.

[@LemonMoon]

I remember when I started playing about 2 1/2 years ago, I thought, “I’ll never be a dungeon master, it seems too hard” and now I’m 7 sessions deep into my second home brew campaign.

[@heypeopleitsmatt]

Bro bro bro, idk if you've heard it yet , but the adventure zone, by the mcleroy brothers is fucking amazing. I promise you wont regret listening to that podcast

[@user-vs2ql5gb1b]

Seconded-that podcast is worthy of praise for hours! Cant recommend it enough!!

[@T1J]

I've started it but i'm only a few episodes in! I need to catch up on it.

[@blandandturner]

TAZ is delightful. But Dimension 20 is also tremendously fun.

[@masonshucart7055]

Also have to ride the coat tails of this comment. NADDPOD with Murph and Emily (from dimension 20) along with Jake (from Jake and Amir) and Caldwell (from Drawfee) is one of the best out there. At first they kind of talked over each other and I didn't get hooked, but I gave it another shot and am in love with it.

[@jacquiejeanconway7541]

Thank you so much for this! As black woman, I agreed with all of your points. When I finally joined a game with friends, it was absolutely magical! Sadly I only know one other person of color who also regularly play. I always play a female person of color which added to the diversity not only on the table, but in the game as well. I am now playing up to 4 TTRPGs and I ran the Dungeons and Dragons Club in the school I worked in with had a fair amount of girls and people of color! I was so happy to see! Thank you again for this video! I hope the games are going wonderfully!

[@miku224]

I’ve been playing D&D since high school, and it really is an amazing tool for learning empathy and exploring your own self. It can also be a great way to safely engage with difficult topics. Looking back on the characters we played and the scenarios we encountered, our games were basically just big therapy sessions with some dice-rolling thrown in. That said, I know there has been and continues to be a lot of toxicity and gatekeeping within tabletop gaming communities. I’m really glad to see more diverse and inclusive communities coming to the forefront, and I hope that trend continues

[@theomcinturff1213]

D&D is so uniquely universal. I have yet to find the person, child or adult, who doesn't find some spark of joy in it. No matter how apprehensive, once they get their hands dirty everyone gets that little gleam in their eye when they realize, no, they can do *anything.*

[@dahobdahob]

Humans are storytellers by nature. Hell, our memories are literally just stories we tell ourselves, as is history.

[@fangsabre]

The sparkle of an idea that's so crazy no other game could set up parameters to do it, but you CAN attempt it in DnD

[@davidlivingston4203]

as someone that's gender fluid I have loved being able to explore gender and sexuality in lots of different role-playing games. and I loved your take on race and the micro-aggressions.

[@foxybrown1g]

I am biracial. Grew up in an all white neighborhood and had classmates that played DnD. Funnily enough, it took me to marry my husband (who is a self admitted white nerd) to get me into the game. I can't believe it took me all these years to find a game I truly love. Even though I went to an all white school, the black stereotype of "we're too cool to be nerds" etc existed so even though I thought the game sounded interesting, it was that stupid stereotype that kept me from trying it out. It took me nearly 8 years of play WoW before my husband told me that it was basically like an online version of DnD. So like T1J, I love seeing black people interested in it because I never do. That's what drawn me to this video and channel. Thank you for all of your insight and passion for the game!

[@MrLeafeater]

I started playing D&D in 1978. I give it a lot of the blame for my inability to identify an Out-group.

[@anthonynorman7545]

Umm...People who haven't played ttrpgs?

[@MrLeafeater]

@@anthonynorman7545 Those are NPCs, and they deserve as much respect as any party member.

[@anthonynorman7545]

@@MrLeafeater 🤔 that's still an out group, but I appreciate the perspective! 🥰

[@MrLeafeater]

@@anthonynorman7545 An out-group is people who are somehow not as good as members of the in-group; or so different as to be completely incompatible. I can't imagine anyone, much less multiple people, who would fit that description. I've tried becoming some sort of Hater, since my culture seems to expect it...but thanks to D&D, I can't find any "lesser" people to hate on.

[@anthonynorman7545]

@@MrLeafeater I disagree with your definition of out group, but I don't think it really matters as long as we agree that people are people regardless.

[@luciawdfg]

dimension 20 is also what got me into dnd! it’s cool to hear someone talk about it.

[@MuteLunatic]

I love the Acquisitions Incorporated DnD group by Penny Arcade. You can follow them from the early podcasts where you get to see Mike go from a brand new player to someone in love and eventually into a fantastic DM as well to the sold out theaters of people watching them play live.

[@cristiaolson7327]

Natural DMs who hear the calling from the start are rare, so props for diving in head first! There is no better feeling than knowing the world and narrative you have woven has drawn in your friends and that they really enjoy sharing it with you.

[@Rayne_Storms]

I just heard about the DnD podcast Three Black Halflings, and I'm hooked. I'd definitely recommend checking it out.

[@meredithkenton]

I'm so glad someone else got into/was able to understand D&D via Dimension 20. I grew up around TTRPGs (my dad was in a GURPS campaign my entire life and though he's gone, the game continues) but it didn't click until Brennan and company.

[@TheEmitt]

This was such a fun video. It's always great to hear people getting into the hobby and how they like to roleplay. Shadowrun is a pretty fun system as well if you haven't had a chance to try that out yet.

[@Psychoclaw]

Just finished up the first part of our endgame with my longest running group. It's been a blast, and I've found that roleplaying a confident character who has no problem calling other people on their shit has started to carry over to my real life. I'm a 'keep the peace' type to my detriment, but 'practicing' confidence at the table is actively helping me. With the friendships formed, imagination on display, and bonds between characters, I'm never going back to a time pre D&D.

[@jordankauffman5298]

Friends at the table!! It's run by Austin Walker and features him and his friends who are all wonderful, funny, and inclusive people. They have some of the best world building and character work as well as custom music!

[@lilyevans7597]

ABSOLUTELY second this rec!!! Friends at the Table is brilliant and they also play cool games that aren’t dnd, which opens tons of new avenues for new kinds of play

[@BobWorldBuilder]

Just found your channel because I love D&D and KZbin knows it, and I loved hearing your story with the game. You’re so right that D&D is a great role playing exercise to try putting yourself in other’s shoes (even if they’re gnome size). Great video :)

[@majormajor114]

I'm a forever DM and wouldn't have it any other way. I'd really recommend Friends at the Table for an TTRPG podcast. I really like Austin Walker's storytelling style, and I think they have a good ratio of humor to heavier content.

[@jvondd]

Matthew Colville's channel is pretty good for getting people familiar with the game, especially if you want to be a DM. I had to run a game because I couldn't find anyone else to do it, and his videos were both helpful and fun.

[@WeShallLoveOn]

Yeeessssss DND is amazing! I've got all my friends hooked. Another great thing about TTRPGs in general is there's so many ways to interact creatively with it. Like it doesn't matter what you love doing, you can make something for dnd with it. Artist? Video editing? Writing? Musician? Maker? Freaking knitting? Doesn't matter, there's people making ttrpg knitting patterns for their characters, I guarantee it.

[@thelegalsystem]

Its just a short little quip, but Star_'s video "The Fireball Incident" is a perfect example of why I love telling stories with friends in DnD.

[@zeldablizzard]

Well now I want to see you and Scott from NerdSync share a table for a game, since he put out pretty much this exact video last year. It's exciting seeing so many people come into the hobby!

[@sophialovecraft7894]

It would be really cool to see a show where the DM is edited out and all meta talk except for lore reasons, with cool camera work and stuff. I didn't know about the Dimension 20 show, going to start watching that.

[@sweetyft]

It’s really good 👍🏻

[@JonTheCow]

"D&D has Dragons in it." Clan Tzimisce: "Are vee a JOKE to you?!"

[@Akasha6915]

A neonate Brujah laughs and says yes

[@JonTheCow]

@@Akasha6915 "Come to my house and say zat to my faces! Please, come to my house, I cannot leave. For reasons."

[@Ivvyfay]

@@JonTheCow * laughs in Molotov Cocktails *

[@marcdaniels1394]

Nice one! My family picked up D&D as something to do during quarantine and now it's our regular Saturday activity. This guy did a TED talk a few years back about how D&D helped him cope with his teenage years and how it's really beneficial for a kid's personal development: they practice problem solving, creative thinking, communication, and cooperation and they also approach personal development the same way they develop their PCs. And he's so right about a lot of that.

[@M.to.the.L]

Hell yeah! I dig your content and D&D. Hooray for interest crossover!

[@stargazer7304]

One of my favorite aspects of rp is getting to see the various facets of my friends as they reinvent themselves. You're completely right when you mention that the real time, live aspect is a huge part of what makes it special. Sometimes I'll get a new player who has all the irony defenses up, which is cool as long as it isnt disruptive. Best thing about rp is that everyone can invest as much or little as they have the energy for and still share in something bigger than any one of us. But I feel most proud when, by just seeing the emotions and motivations of my NPCs, those new players let down their guard and suddenly really care about doing right by these imaginary people. The metajokes ebb away and are replaced by a character with an inner world. They let themselves feel the story. I love it.

[@SteamClockWork]

Check out Three Black Halflings! They've got great chemistry and their actual play through Wagadu is so much fun

[@Salem-Arrak]

D&D was a really good catalyst for me to explore all my creative sides. I was drawing characters and maps, writing stories and worlds, programming dice rolling apps, crafting environments, designing subclasses and abilities, and just putting any and all my skills into the game. It easily pushed me into evolving my skills and I had fun doing it!

[@Travesty9090]

"I'm constantly searching for new tabletop content to watch." My friend, if you don't know who Arcadum is, you are missing out on the most massive and high quality vein of DnD content that exists on the internet. He's an incredible DM with a completely homebrewed and persistent universe, and he's got thousands and thousands of hours of archived stream games available to watch. He's exploded in popularity over the last year and is running games for quite a lot of high profile content creators. Check out some of his campaigns. He's got as much tabletop content as you could want.

[@plonzz]

vouch. Shattered Crowns is one of my favourite nonfiction things ever and introduced me to my favourite streamer.

[@bombyx2447]

I'm super into DnD and vtubers and got introduced to him through Ironmouse. Their group is fucking chaotic and I love them. Instantly hooked to Arcadum when he said it was a crime so many people told Melody and co they couldn't play.

[@joshuaneuhauser]

This aged poorly.

[@Travesty9090]

@@joshuaneuhauser hell yeah it did. Oof.

[@mikkosimonen]

I click on a video about D&D and spot a New Day poster in the background? T1J is a man of culture and refinement.

[@clairelouisesteel]

I highly recommend the 'Oxventurers Guild' on Outside Xbox and Outside Xtra. They have KZbin videos and a podcast about their campaign.

[@DietrichPfister]

This was a great video. The line "it can be an enriching exercise to think about what it's like to be a different type of person" nails the experience so well.

[@Littleuglyguitarguy]

I'd recommend NDND, it's a newer dnd actual play show with an all native cast. Everybody is super likeable and Kelly Lynne D'Angelo is a great dm. They play every couple of weeks so there aren't too many episodes, if you need to be sold watch episode 7, it was absolutely hilarious.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

I’ve always liked sharing D&D with others not only because different people give me different perspectives to appreciate, but it also gives me at least one thing in common with them if they like it - and the more things in common, the fewer barriers between people in general.

[@threadscore]

Recommend, if you haven't already, checking out Arcadum on KZbin and Twitch. He's a professional DM that has spent the better part of two decades creating his own homebrewed world, using rules that span several editions, culminating in 5th. He streams several campaigns theoughout the week, all in a living world where the actions of one party may effect situations for another, either concurrently playing or future, party. Above all things, Arcadum is, like you, a story teller, though he specializes in complex boss battles that can and will feel wholy earened when they are beaten. Sorry for the wall of text. I came across this man's content about 8 monthes ago and I've been hooked. I think you may enjoy it as well.

[@thebiggestbigmacever6315]

I’ve been playing dnd since 2016 when my brother introduced me to it. Since then I have made entirely new close friend groups, strengthened my social and writing skills from DMing, and I really feel like I learned more about the human condition just by doing research on how to make characters more believable. This game has changed my life and my perspective on the world for the better.

[@silver2zilver]

Yes. I'm rdy for this.

[@racefrazier7998]

Not another dnd podcast is my favorite. Riz, from fantasy high on dimension 20, is the dm to not another dnd podcast.

[@lfish8415]

Fun video!

[@brettsmith9772]

I love being a DM as well! I love tailoring the story around my players to throw them curveballs to challenge their morals. A main boss turns them selves into the group because they have realized they went to far, introdce a secret older sister to the lone wolf, have the townspeople there helping misunderstand the groups actions, etc. I want them to always wonder what next.

[@TheCirclekeeper]

Don't know that much about D&D but I'm hyped for that new game Dark Alliance.

[@madeofmeats]

I really appreciate my DM for not only being the best first DM I coulda asked for, but for also being super lenient and understanding about diverse play styles. A character I am currently playing is a Changeling Cleric who talks his way out of any scuffle he can. So far he’s talked down a disgruntled summoned demon and then a sewer hag trying to steal the groups’ names (she was a fae, which was why he took to calling her ‘The Sewer Fairy’). All in all, this play style would not be possible with a group and DM who just wanna punch stuff and get in fights. This group values character development and rp which is also my favorite part of the game. I’ve had a Dragonborn bard who became an immortal lightning demi-god against his wishes, a kobold sorcerer who became a lich and a hand in bringing about the apocalyptic setting we’re playing in now. I love this game so much and I can’t see my life without it at this point

[@isthisajojoreference]

"It's kinda like Harry Potter meets The Breakfast Club" you mean like that Critical Role one-shot that was literally just Harry Potter x Breakfast Club fanfic

[@T1J]

oh yeah they did do that lol

[@GrammyAmanda]

You made me miss playing D&D. I had a great group of friends who played when we were young. But people move, get busy with family & work. Memories. Sigh...

[@sweetyft]

There are a lot of tools to play a fun game of D&D online. I know it’s not the same as in person but that’s how I started playing and it can be equally satisfying.

[@pastordonkoh7692]

Next: *"Grand Theft Auto made me a peaceful person"*

[@andyb1653]

I've done playthrus of both GTA 4 & 5 where I tried to kill as few ppl as possible. I basically only shot someone when the game forced my hand.

[@bensteamroller6418]

My brothers played D&D growing up and, even though I already had pretty nerdy interests, I always felt it was a nerd line I never wanted to cross. I was in my 30's by the time I played my first tabletop RPG and was immediately hooked. Even when you're not a DM you come away every session feeling like you contributed to building a narrative. Now I feel like I've lost so many years I could have been enjoying these amazing games.

[@Eruidraith]

Lou is so good. He is like, an ideal player for a DM--he brings fun energy and fun characters, but also can contribute to team work and combat without losing any of that fun energy. Man he rules. What a guy

[@granttrain3553]

I have been a DM for 20 years, it has 100% made me a better person. It's fundamentally an exercise in empathy.

[@polrua]

The thing I love most about tabletop role-playing is just how many ways there are to be creative with it. It just really lights a fire underneath you when it comes to making your brain bubble. Some people will draw characters. Some people create maps. Some people design costumes. Some build models and dioramas or paint miniatures. Some people will create props. Some people will use games as a springboard to write stories. I described a weird little candy snack that one of my characters was eating and I had a friend MAKE THAT SNACK and bring it along to games for everyone to share. It's wild.

[@swilson5320]

I literally never played dnd just do to the cost of entry.... learning curve, traversing the awkwardness of a seasoned dns player open and patient enough to teaching noobs, and just the idea strangers who would play with me. I mean I never met you but I feel like I could play a board game with you and it wouldn’t feel uncomfortable or unwelcoming. It’s encouraging listening to you talk about your experience and maybe I’ll get an opportunity to try

[@PhantomFandoms]

Not me sending this video to the Dropout Discord server so more people know how amazing T1J is 😳👉🏽👈🏽

[@favoredexistentialcrisis5881]

i will never be able to hear the music at the beginning of this video without thinking of Fabian Seacaster! incredible game, it absolutely made me a better person as well! thanks for the vid

[@sassyviking6003]

Gotta say, it is neat seeing someone infinitely more eloquent than I able to put into words everything that I love about D&D, and really all TTRPGs in general. I can only imagine what your stories are like. Your groups are lucky to have you as a DM. It is a lot of work, which is why I'm usually a player.

[@arcturionblade1077]

Great topic. I used to play D&D religiously when I was in high school and then online thereafter for a few years but gave it up for a while when I joined the military. While there are local D&D groups at my various base assignments, I never felt 100% comfortable with the idea of going in on them (less so after I got married). I do miss my tabletop RPG days and agree about the storytelling and beneficial social aspects of the playing. Glad you're having fun with it, TJ!

[@YinYangAngel55]

If there's 1 DnD group I watch near religiously it's The Unexpectables. It's got people from Team 4 Star and I cant praise it enough. The DM has made her world so connected yet vast that I've rewatched this series 4 times and I'm still finding call backs from all the way back in Episode 1(currently they are on episode 168). From losing a knife to a rug, to saving the sun, to having the smallest PC convert an adult red dragon to their side by setting its friends ablaze, this campaign has been full of laughs, tears, and just over all amazement to watch week by week.

[@seekatiedraw]

Proud to be a homie of T1J for a long time, and esp to have a shoutout on a D&D appreciation vid *faints* Been DMing two games for two awesome groups of players for three years now, and it's all just getting started. Would diieeeeee to have you play at my table one day, or vice versa, dude!!!

[@margicates553]

Dude you’re an og nerdfighter, I’m not surprised you’re into D&D Most cool folks are into D&D.🥰 Also Brennan lee mulligan is the best.

[@laurelhill3505]

I started playing back in 1981 as a nerdy 11 year old. It really helped me when I was younger and I played for about 20+ years after that. I fell out of playing it for another 15 years until my friend at work wanted to play and I jumped on it like crazy. It is perhaps one of the greatest games ever created.

[@donalny]

I like to describe it as group storytelling. The DM is the narrator and each person is their own character.

[@Neverfate]

Really awesome to hear you're into the hobby. I love D&D too. I don't follow any actual plays or anything like that to recommend, but I do love to hear people talk about the game - giving ideas, tips and personal experiences with the game. I watch a lot of Web DM here on KZbin - it's just two guys giving insights on anything from ways you can play different archetypes, exploring unique settings and locations or just how to be a more cooperative person at a gaming table. As for me I like exploring different, impossible aspects of characters. For instance I find "thinking like an elf" a unique thought experiment since they live for centuries and centuries longer than a human ever could, so that must drastically change their perspective on situations.

[@jenniferburns2530]

I started playing in 1988, and have found it a great way to connect with people. Once it is safe, try attending a gaming convention. You can play with small groups of strangers for 4 hour adventures, and get a taste of the wide range of people and stories in D&D, and try out other RPGs. I have the most fun when I go with a friend and get a lot of ideas to bring back home to my group.

[@j.d.3597]

I found a group of players at my local Board Game Cafe through a bit of trial and error and we all became even closer friends during the pandemic as we all learned how to play online together. We actually are going back to that same cafe next week, after being just online since the NYC lockdown last March, for the finale of our Campaign after playing together for 2 years. I am SO LUCKY to have found such beautiful people to play with and we are all excited to dive into a brand new campaign together in a few weeks.

[@racheltadeu346]

I watched this with my GM! (My husband)! Prepandemic we used to have like 2-4 games a week of various games. Other systems that I have played and enjoyed are Lancer for mech fun, Dresden Fate Accelerated adapted for an Arkham campaign, Genesys/Fantasy Flight Star Wars which I have lots of great memories of. Although it is hard to beat a solid game of DnD 5e. If you would want to try a one shot for any of them feel free to ask and we can run an online game with whoever you want to bring along! No offense will be taken if you want to keep boundaries between you and your audience though.

[@adamlauze]

I went from DND memes on Reddit, to a Critical Role one-shot, to Critical Role, to Dimension 20. But through all of it, my ability to introspect and empathize grew ten fold, as well as my love for creating beautiful and realistic worlds. I loved hearing your story, and hope to have a PC or DM like you one day!

[@McSwift0421]

So I woke up this morning to plan my DnD campaign for me and my buds, and needed something to watch while I drank my coffee and had breakfast. I'm SO excited to watch this video. Love your stuff, man!

[@jo4210]

I love this video!! My boyfriend recently introduced me to dnd and so my dad jumped and got me three dnd books so now I’m training to become a dungeon master, I guess? Also, thank you so much for the accurate and grammatically correct closed captions!! As a person with adhd and audio processing issues, it really helps when the cc’s are not distracting, but actually comprehensible and matching with the audio lol

[@sirelfinjedi]

Thanks for sharing this. I think walking in another person's shoes is the most amazing aspect of D&D.

[@dylanmaguire3595]

I've been looking for a video I can show people that perfectly encapsulates what I love about dnd and this is finally the one. Incredible video dude, thank you for sharing it with us

[@dennislaffey]

I've been playing (mostly DMing) D&D and other RPGs for over 35 years, and I have to say, you've got one of the best explanations for what role playing games are for non-role players that I've come across in a while. I know I mentioned these in the survey you gave out a while back, but Seth Skorkowsky and Professor Dungeon Master are two of the best (IMO) RPG channels on KZbin. There's also still a fairly strong blogging community for both old school gaming and story-games (more narrative focused RPGs).

[@luckysmokerings666]

I got my friends to play a game with me not long after I started playing dnd. I offered to DM to get them interested. I was still pretty green, but decided to whip a homebrew thing and make it super casual. And it turns out that was the right move because we all kind of learned the rules and how to play together which was cool. Players making chaotic choices used to throw me off so much, but now I am better at rolling with their wacky ideas; And that's what I've come to love about the game: the improvisation and adaptation to player's choices. And as a player it's fun to make creative choices and see what happens. I feel like I'm rebuilding flexibility in my mind that I lost to too many years of rigid schooling that only rewards a certain kind of thinking. Also as an art inclined human, I have started making my own maps and oh boy is that super super super fun as well. Building maps and worlds is sooo much fun. I'm even working on maps of my friend's homebrew world because I like making maps so much.

[@gracecamp7904]

I totally relate to what you said about being a person who loves to tell stories and being drawn to the dungeon master role. There's something really awesome about telling a story a way that allows people to uncover it organically that I don't think you really get in many other types of storytelling. It's also totally stressful when so many of my friends are in the campaign that I'm running meaning that I can't tell them about all the cool stuff I'm working on. Thanks for this video! I always love hearing about people's experiences with D&D

[@bensonprice4027]

To hear you gravitate to being a DM first is so refreshing. I really like your take on the subject and I hope this inspires more people to try the game and to try to DM the game. Thanks for this video.