The Hardest Enemy in an RPG

[@massassafras914]

Dogan continuing to go to therapy means that he's truly committed to getting better, and I think that's beautiful.

[@sethJeon]

indeed he is

[@beanseason6515]

I'm going through something very similar atm, and this surprisingly was very therapeutic to watch

[@RainAngel111]

I dunno, I think he's Drayloths brother maybe he's being forced into therapy. Would explain why he isn't seeing any progress

[@beanseason6515]

@@RainAngel111 this is also a possibility. An intervention of the bad guys to change his nature with the motivation of good intentions wouldn't yield much lasting progress given the context of the world they live in, but it could. Would it be good for him though? Who knows? His brother's got the protagonist cowl. Maybe there's no need to be who they once were. Similar happens with addiction intervention and prison rehab. Either way, I like it. Makes this little short much more than just a short. Really meaningful in a lot of ways, and definitely one of my favorites.

[@jessikablake4784]

they could be the same person

[@IchabodSunkle]

Dogan needs his own protagonist’s shawl, only then will he be comfortable being the main character of his own story

[@geekdivaherself]

I laughed so hard at your comment that I punched a cushion!

[@whoisanarnb]

@@geekdivaherself rip cushion

[@monsieurm0u731]

That’s beautiful

[@Grempington]

@@geekdivaherself It's good that you're feeling these happy emotions but don't lose yourself in the aggression. Always keep your head up. You know... to see that you're not developing an enemy health bar.

[@RichardsNickname]

Please it could be like another attachment for the plushie you could buy too like sold separately or something

[@Assassn-ey6uq]

The fact that the therapist used to be an enemy and also has a therapist of his own is the best lore.

[@richardpeterson7002]

Addiction counseling in a nutshell

[@jose.montojah]

_THIS VIDEO IS GENIUS_ The hardest enemy is the programming itself. The cultural perspective, the tropes and premade choices. Tis' the real limit of all RPGs even life itself. No individual can beat it, but weaving a support network and one day building alternatives to modernism that won't bring forth more death and lies, that will help. But like a seed, it takes time. Tis the real pace of life.

[@georgesiv2082]

@@richardpeterson7002 The hardest enemy was addiction.

[@Regemony]

It's his brother not his therapist

[@drath16]

All therapists need therapists

[@5MadMovieMakers]

He's actually sitting on the bed now instead of standing on it so that's progress

[@James_Randal]

How does this have 1.2k likes and no comments?

[@unhommequicourt]

​@@James_Randalyou ruined everything

[@James_Randal]

@@unhommequicourt You too.

[@James_Randal]

@Neon, An Normal Person! You four.

[@Hammybread]

@@James_Randal This was perfect, wtf. You ALL ruined everything!

[@Corrupted]

This is the sidequest that gets praised in 5 hour long video essays a decade after release

[@Liam_Graer]

Ouch I feel personally attack lol

[@Thaligamathor]

What's the reference? 😢

[@K4g4m1]

You can't make me this invested in a plot and then just roll credits.

[@MarcyRavenManji]

that's because it's not over. Dogan will continue to get better, as we all will.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

@@MarcyRavenManji Dogan wouldn’t even be there is he wasn’t trying to better himself at some level. Let me be clear. There is no guarantee that he will succeed, either short term or long term. This isn’t some escapist fantasy plot. He might not make further progress. He might make progress and then reverse course. We just don’t know. Dogan doesn’t know. That’s where the poignancy is.

[@Torthrodhel]

I totally read your comment in an angry baddie voice.

[@MarcyRavenManji]

@@MarcosElMalo2 I'm well aware of that, but I take some liberties with my interpretation in order to choose a more optimistic view. You can say it's setting yourself up for disappointment, which is fair, but I believe it's a matter of facing your heart and mind in the right direction.

[@Rick586]

@@MarcyRavenManji I agree. The world is a dark place, and that just makes it all the more important for us to look for light, and that often means making our own light.

[@DonutOperator]

Dogan will get there, I believe in him.

[@Man-vs-Metal]

Would have never guessed you were watching this stuff, Donut. That's pretty cool.

[@ThatHoserCanadian]

Bootlicker

[@calebreuter]

Ayyy

[@sonofmonkeys]

Damn son your angry sheriff video is up next in my recommended

[@Kira-Nerys]

This is straight wacker.

[@merouln700]

The town's elder having a deep respectful conversation with Drayloth, showing a decent level of wisdom and good friendship with him, is absolutely sweet.

[@JimPea]

Pure Lenkarski on Lenkarski wholesomeness.

[@dawiebotes9124]

His voice is so funny, I get flashback to when he got the news of the town rat being dead omf 🤣😂

[@jsbmx2039]

What a hole some ending

[@ShadowRubberDuck]

Don’t lie you cried when you heard about how Francesco was

[@Mofi357]

I detect pain in your words

[@dogwater1134]

"Brother." Then the role of antagonist immediately takes over like possession. He sounds tired😭

[@fish46262]

He probably is, I mean, wouldn't you be tired after living a live where all you can do is just.. endlessly scream?

[@DUANEYAISER]

But, he got to "Brother." He's progressing.

[@dogwater1134]

I mean yea of course

[@KamenRider1]

As a person with Bipolar Disorder.. I can sadly relate with how that feels. Especially under the dark spell of Mania.

[@dogwater1134]

@@KamenRider1 this comment takes the cake and the whole party

[@swiss6754]

Funny part is all these characters have full personalities, stories, and interactions, and then theres just the the protagonist's wife who says two lines and moves a bit

[@geofreycrow9663]

Townton is so beautiful this time of day

[@TheFreeman1198]

@@geofreycrow9663 i wonder if they have a new stock of cheese wheels at the corner market

[@nothosaur]

​@@TheFreeman1198Look. This is every cheese wheel in the game.

[@TheFreeman1198]

@@nothosaur i wonder if they have new cheese wheels at the corner market today

[@liammccbyrne4184]

she is probably a cosmetic item the player gets after playing the game.

[@subponderous]

If only marshall had this level of care given to him, he might've developed a moral compass

[@Luna.Tenebra]

But... He is just a Rat

[@Man-vs-Metal]

but Marshall is a rat.

[@Sashazur]

Sadly Drayloth didn’t go into the therapy business until after that whole “Marshall is evil now” thing.

[@drapas]

Well to be fair he was a rat, he had no moral compass

[@ksrhys-]

Instead, he has a gun. It's a commentary on America... (in the medieval era) - (...I now want to see entertainment set in a medieval version of America)

[@Ashtonyss]

This is just... Really heartfelt and nice. Don't give up on Dogan.

[@wasd3108]

Sorry. He dropped a crude sword only.

[@davidspackagelp]

I'd really like a follow-up to this one.

[@isopodslug6365]

I liked when dogen called him brother

[@jontee4free]

DONT GIVE UP ON DOGAN!

[@patrickbyrne5070]

Thanks brogan

[@bonewagon]

Interesting point about how caregivers often avoid their own problems by burying themselves in other peoples' issues

[@WolfgangDoW]

Self care is so important uwu

[@simeonellinger2064]

I know that feel all too well lmao

[@XxShadow101xX]

Ooh I just learned about this in Victimology. Fascinating class. First responders, counselors, therapists, etc. often experience "vicarious trauma," which is the second- or third-hand trauma that they experience when they are witness to a traumatic event or hear/learn of a traimatic event when interacting with their patients/subjects. This obviously leads to negative mental and physical effects on first responders, etc., etc., and is often characterized in media as the "grizzled/jaded detective." Fascinating stuff!

[@resphantom]

How can you help others if you can't even help yourself?

[@shadowsage1]

Counsellors have to have therapy to make sure theyre not doing this

[@admiralbiatch]

The "so how is Francesco doing?" reply after being told that it is okay to take care of yourself, truly captures the video's essence for me. The hardest enemy of all is yourself, and Drayloth realized that all too well. Thanks Joel for everything you do, these videos are pure gold!

[@RamseyDewey]

This series is starting to remind me of the first time I played D&D. I was expecting to go kill some goblins or something, but we just sat around and talked to each other about stuff for 3 hours.

[@kakacarrotcake2767]

Never thought I'd see you here lol

[@jaysnow701]

Yep. I wish i got into playing D&D sooner in life. I read wizards of the coast books for years, then a player noticed and invited me to play.

[@unmessable12]

oh hey it's Ramsey Dewey

[@alex.g7317]

@@kakacarrotcake2767 idk who he is.

[@kakacarrotcake2767]

@@alex.g7317 very informative and charismatic martial artist.

[@alystiepenros8084]

"People will always need help, and you can help them, after you've helped yourself." Very insightful and thank you for that.

[@eclatshwartzbaumcybertune2063]

That was the best advice i have ever heard

[@Martin-kl7xk]

And to ad to that. You can only help those who want that help.

[@drangus3468]

Advice: deflected

[@Sporadicus1976]

@@eclatshwartzbaumcybertune2063 Right beside "The red line doesn't show that you're an enemy to others, but an enemy to yourself."

[@KoongYe]

I swear if we had therapists as a class in fantasy games we will have fewer bosses to worry about.

[@SCARRIOR]

Therapists are people who make a life on the misery of others, using psychology to give the illusion that they are helping you. If you need to talk to someone, talk to a family member, a good friend, not just any friend. Always be cautious who you tell your problems too because some people will use it against you. Never tell coworkers your problems, they might use it to gain leverage, especially if you or they are in the upfront for a promotion, but never talk to someone who is being paid for it, otherwise you are nothing but a case, an interesting point of data, and a positive thought in their mind of you being a stable fixed income for them.

[@hagnat]

i say that about every major character in Naruto a lot of issues in their universe could be solved, if only they had a therapist jutsu

[@sansnom5269]

Final Fantasy 7 strongest class ; The therapist

[@justinsemple7454]

Villain: With all 14 power crystals I will finally be unstoppable! I will no longer feel the pathetic weakness that's consumed me ever since my wife died! Adventure: Oh shit homie, you wanna talk about it?

[@TheElusiveReality]

this makes me think of high speech runs in fallout new vegas, you encounter the strongest most terrifying man in the land and just have him talk about his feelings until he agrees to leave

[@ElbyHere]

The fact it ends with Dogan having the slightest hint of progress, but instantly regressing, while his brother's choice isn't necessarily obvious, as he's probably unsure himself, it gives it a sense of realism that's great, like, damn.

[@awemowe2830]

taking a step out of a bubble, and then going back in the bubble, isn't regression - it's progress. He'll take that step more and more and more until there is no more bubble.

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

@@awemowe2830 exactly!!

[@schnek8927]

@@awemowe2830 Wrong. Two things can be true at the same time. It's progress from the norm, but it's still regression to go back into that behaviour. Realistically speaking there's also no guarantee any more steps will be taken. "Until there is no more bubble" is just unrealistic wishfull thinking. There's also the fact that taking too long to step out of that bubble again (which, again, there's no guarantee of) can and probably *will* hurt others who have to deal with your sh*t, which eventually becommes too much for them. (and they give up, which is perfectly justified) Thank you for comming to my TED-talk.

[@dundeecake]

@@schnek8927 Hey that's very well written!

[@vodsanity4861]

@@dundeecake Not really, they spelled "wishful" and "becomes" wrong and used profanity to get their point across. 4/10 C-

[@michaelbarker6732]

This one is just genuinely heartwarming

[@bohemianprince7944]

This one hits. It captures what I go through helping my mom with her alcoholism. I want to be there and help her, but sometimes you need to step away and live your life before you're brought down with them. And to help someone else, they must first want to help themselves. Wish the best for Dogan, but I'm rooting for Drayloth as much as I'm rooting for myself. Don't give up!

[@aminulhussain2277]

It's more accurate to compare it to raising a mentally disabled child than helping an addict.

[@nancy4366]

@@aminulhussain2277 Never compare miseries. All are equally horrific.

[@aminulhussain2277]

@@nancy4366 That's rather rude to say.

[@RW77777777]

living with someone you've loved all your life and their existence 99% their dementia and that 1% is @03:39

[@solsystem1342]

@@aminulhussain2277 oopsy. You did an ableism.

[@6DADADA]

That like 5 second pause before the "How's Francesco?" With the slow pan out when he's going on about them is just so PURE

[@Thk10188965]

Not going to lie, they had been keeping the frame cropped close to his head, and I swear the older guy was looking up as if above the other guy's head, and I expected him to have his bar back.

[@AuxiliaryPanther]

HUNDREDS OF CHEESE WHEELS

[@RobVollat]

What a great town rat.

[@myphonroboshoes2091]

Trent manages to make a comedy NPC baddie into the most wholesome and real character ever, it really is beautiful.

[@Mirula]

I love how on this channel I never know where the story is gonna go. KZbin nowadays is mainly content that is the same everywhere, just done by a different person. Here, you never know how the video is gonna end, its unique and i love it.

[@unlimitedrabbit]

The Haver cinematic universe's lore is like potato chips to me.

[@whoknows4780]

There’s never enough in a bag

[@AliLightfoot]

I'm always consuming it halfway in a kitchen cupboard in my underpants.

[@actualchannel4766]

@@AliLightfoot Couldn't have been more relatable 😅

[@toastsneggs]

*Inserts Death Note Reference*

[@_d--]

@@toastsneggs *eats chips epicaly*

[@ellerobinson8803]

came back to watch this on a whim, now im legit crying. dogan knows what he's saying. when he says 'I will kill you,' it's a warning, not a threat. he feels like he can't stop. everything is filtered through rage and violence. the plushie is designed to come apart, so it WILL look good in pieces. he's saying yes, he wants to try, and he DOES try to take it apart, just like the exercise entailed, its just that he has to do it violently. he knows what he's doing. there's deep trauma there. probably family issues, since drayloth was an enemy at one point too. drayloth is breaking the cycle, and coming back for his brother. so this vid is basically a Rorschach test for the audience's trauma journey, right? and its going to get people crying and commenting their issues for as long as it stays up. great job, y'all. sincerely

[@sacr3]

Or he is a species that evolved to be in solitude and gains joy and fulfillment from killing other species, thus our human interpretations of its emotional reactions is always going to relate to what works best for human beings. Humans are extremely social creatures that tend to "lash out" when they're feeling vulnerable, vulnerability stemming from other issues of course may it be trauma, psychological, etc. But this thing? We have to remember that as animals we only have our one understood experience, and thats as a Great Ape called Homo-Sapien. We don't know what dogs "see" or how they truly sense the world using those extremely powerful noses of theirs. Of course we can pretend to have a stronger sense of smell, but our brain didn't evolve to utilize this sense to the extremes some Canines have, could their sense of smell be visual? Could it be some sense that isn't in our 5 base senses? It very well could. A human thats been blind for life has difficulty comprehending how a Pen and the Ocean can both be "blue". To us, its ridiculously easy to understand why and we even come up with explanations that we can understand easily, but none of that assists this Blind individual in comprehending what blue is and how 2 completely different things can both share that attribute. Now imagine a sense we don't have, we can't lol. Its beyond our comprehension, we need to "experience" it first before our brain can truly try and sort out the received info and make something of it, but alas we do not have the sense to gather this unknown information therefore it'll always be unknown to us. So can we comprehend the conscious experience of a cockroach? A whale? a centipede? A T-Rex? A cat? Bird? Waterbears? Nope! Hence why there is still some Bias that exists in where humans think they're the only "Conscious" beings. Why? Because That individual just so happened to be a Human, On Earth, an intelligent species relatively speaking. If that individual showed up as a Polar bear or a Gorblax on some other planet, they wouldn't be saying that, they would be doing what Bears and Gorblax's do. In other words, you're a human, you're conscious and you're going to think you're special and you most definitely are! But you're not the only one. Life in itself isn't created by the set instructions in the DNA, that is Data that can be read to build proteins that allow for an organism to function. So what is telling the cells where to go? What to transform into? When to do it? How is it we have cells diverge into 2 completely different directions, replicate and form almost a 100% copy of each other, mirrored, aka left/right hands? Some folks have found evidence of "Bioelectricity", a system that utilizes the electric properties of these cells to quite literally guide the cells in the correct direction by forming what needs to be built in a 3 dimensional energy like pattern. Fascinating at the least. My Hypothetical which is incorrect, but fun for me to discuss because its a hypothetical is that our brain functions in the same manner. Organizing the mess of information our senses receive through a complicated 3 dimensional network of Neuronal networks, glial cells, etc that form an ultra complex 3D energy pattern. What can read this 3 dimensional energy pattern and interpret it as "Red"? The only thing that permeates the entirety of the brains atomic structure is Space, Consciousness seems to be the same thing in all of us, an agent who doesn't age but experiences a unique experience through a physical aging biological machine, where we all at the fundamental level understand eachother. So with this in mind, me, you, the cockroach, the bear, the alien species, the advanced AI's, anything complex share the same consciousness, space, and this consciousness feels as though it is individuals as every individual gains a unique perspective the instant they exist, from all corners of the universe itself. What better way to learn about yourself than to experience yourself through quintillions of perspectives utilizing thousands of different senses?

[@rumiDVD]

But did you hear about Francesco's appetite though? I'm glad the boy's okay.

[@bryanastua8254]

You know everything you see, read and process through your thoughts, is being interpreted as your own, that's called projection and you're empathizing towards yourself and this Draloth character

[@UlanSays]

Same boat as you rn 😭✊

[@manug9781]

@@bryanastua8254 sure, but while all of us live life throught the same specter of events and emotion ( alchoolic father relation for example ) , we can all relate to the idea of personnal trauma that we deliver with aggressivity and shame and hate. But in the end , whats important is to accept life and be a peace with our emotion. Only then we can be truly happy in all its simplicity.

[@neonsears]

I NEED a sequel to this where the monster actually gets better. This was so sad :'(

[@CosmicTornado1]

It takes small steps. Dogan is getting there, but it takes time. He greeted his brother. It’s a big small step. He’ll get there eventually

[@theDabbleandBabble]

Dogan not monster, he living being like all us. luv u dogan

[@Nathan-oe8ut]

The monster?

[@LowPoly-t8q]

no monsters here fam. just people with problems

[@Curlorly06]

I love how basically all of Joel’s characters started off just being their own quirky characters in one animation, but over time they’ve become intertwined and there’s actually a story building between all of them. And nothing is predictable, whenever a new episode in this “saga” comes out it’s always something you can’t quite expect. It’s so fun and silly watching these stories unfold.

[@louthinator]

this is actually a common trend with web series, they usually start out as comedic one offs or maybe a brief initial series that then become deeper and more serious as time goes on, the creativity of the writers gets deeper and people get attached to the characters. Series like Red Vs Blue, Stupid Mario Brothers, Epic NPC man and others have all had this.

[@Curlorly06]

@@louthinator I don’t believe I’m familiar with any of those. I will have to take a look into them when I have some time. But I might be bias considering how much I personally like Joel’s series

[@louthinator]

@@Curlorly06 I'm surprised you've not heard of red vs blue considering it was basically the originator of the genre

[@Curlorly06]

@@louthinator what can I say? I have a talent for not keeping up with the times

[@CousinCreepy]

The Haververse!

[@MartyFreeze]

"You're allowed to just be you and to take care of you." That is powerful stuff that a lot of us have forgotten sometimes.

[@SwordsmanCaim]

It always boggles my mind at how you can make me laugh and then pull at my heartstrings.

[@jflgators6042]

And it’s all tied up in a plushie ad too! Like this type of advertising is the only type I fuck with

[@atomatopia1]

I think you mean hamstrings

[@spockofdune8657]

yeah, exactly...... ♥

[@Alex-fc8xn]

"people will always need help, and you can help them after you've helped yourself. you're allowed to just be you and take care of you, right?" As someone who is perpetually the therapist friend, I needed to hear this. I focus on helping other people because I'm avoiding my own issues and also feel like it's the only thing I can do in a relationship that is good for the other person. I'm just so afraid that if I'm not helping them then my presence in their life might be hurting them

[@tangentfox4677]

Same, and it is indeed okay and important to take care of yourself first.

[@Aaa-vp6ug]

You took the words out of my mouth. Well said.

[@peppermint2133]

Damn my dude, we’re with you

[@Andresxist]

"People will always need help and you can help them, after you've help yourself, you're allowed to just be you and take care of you right?" this video has been posted 11 months ago but i actually need it to hear that... Thanks Joel... I hope your life keeps being that inspiring that you can keep uploading stuff like this... ha... lately i've been feeling like Dogan

[@blacklight4720]

Trent Lenkarski gives outstanding performance as usual.

[@PulsePersonalTraining]

Trent +1

[@jabroniblue4485]

That last little "brother" is the equivalent "I love you" to the one you should say it to most, but just can't muster up the courage to do it. I hope you all can be the Drogan saying "brother" to whomever the Drayloth is in your life.

[@UlanSays]

Well said 🥺

[@ElTapy2312]

Tried to say "Brother" to my sister but she looked confused for some reason

[@proxy90909]

@@ElTapy2312 Do it in your best hulk hogan impression that will clear all of her doubts

[@definitelybee]

I love the nod to the dude having all the cheese because of his npc wife, so he gives it away to the rat.

[@hannav6650]

@OrdonityX in the "returning to an RPG" vid the protagonist had an npc wife who kept saying two sentences, "townton is so beautiful this time of day" and "do you think they got a new shipment of cheese wheels in at the corner market today?" and the guy bought all the cheese wheels in the game for his wife :D

[@definitelybee]

@OrdonityX In one of the RPG videos, the MC has an NPC wife and sherepeats dialouge about cheese so the MC buys all the cheese in the village to show her in hopes she'll say something different.

[@MC_Attrition]

@OrdonityX playlist for it is linked in the description, The RPG Series

[@superjugy]

"Look, this is every cheese wheel. In the game" "Townton is so beautiful this time of day" "AAAHH" "I love her... Yeah"

[@gabrielkrondos2428]

Ī think the old man is the one who had a rat, the voice is the same and the protagonist had a moustache

[@DanieleFerragina]

This is wholesome in so many levels, really a good idea the "enemy" that brings back "enemy" to a loved life

[@peachfuzz561]

As someone who is trying to help a family member who is currently suffering immensely with anger and depression... this one got me.

[@Sithreis]

This rpg universe has really developed into something unique. Would absolutely watch a full movie.

[@Ingrid922]

Heck yeah!

[@SMTRodent]

We are doing! Just... slowly.

[@ECSizemore]

Watch SPINE OF NIGHT

[@Sithreis]

@@ECSizemore Looks interesting. Will prolly check it out. Thanks bro

[@ECSizemore]

@@Sithreis it’s not really comedy tho. It’s very HEAVY METAL MOTION PICTURE esque, mature fantasy, but rotoscoped animation. It’s great 👍🏻

[@upside-downsmore9437]

actually sorta cool that they used the plushie as just a natural part of the story, not just plugging it

[@dharmallars]

They can’t sell them, they only have one

[@netexcavator1927]

It's a skill to mix in a plushie announcement to the actual development for the characters. Great work as always!

[@clairebourke8465]

Genuinely touching, unconditional love breaks down boundaries and softens any heart.

[@voidishprattles4319]

*"FACE. OF. YOUR. SOUL!!!"* "That's right. It's me." It's both a beautiful display of emotional intelligence, and hilarious at the same time. I forgot this was about RPG characters half way through 😂

[@BrokVoekler]

I think he's saying "Feast on your soul"

[@williamswartwood86]

@@BrokVoekler absolutely and he was saying yep I used to feast on souls, but in this slightly different way, too

[@7heHopeMan]

I heard “face of your soul” too and I lost it when he said “that’s right it’s me.”

[@Tormental]

"Your soul" is the operative part, IE: He's acknowledging , in his way, who the toy is supposed to be. "Your" soul, it's "you".

[@poofy1746]

I'm a therapist and this video has spoken to me on deep level, oh my gosh and Drayloth using the plushie as a therapy toy, that killed me, haha, I'm getting one right now!

[@BaddGirl420]

I'm sure they could make a ton of money from Drayloth plushies. Especially if they included the removable health bar attached with Velcro.

[@poofy1746]

@@BaddGirl420 boy do I have news for you, they are literally selling that

[@larrychang14]

@@BaddGirl420 4:06

[@shadowsage1]

Im a therapist too, the plushie seems like it could unironically be useful with clients!

[@poofy1746]

@@shadowsage1 right? I was thinking especially with Teenagers who might find the plushie funny as a way to get them into the idea of therapy, or even with kids who might think it's cute and fun 😊

[@iLano79]

This is some of the most wholesome stuff I've ever seen. I spent some time at a Crisis Center and this is exactly how it is with some patients. They just need someone to take the time with them. Hope we start investing more in mental health.

[@rastapasta9581]

for real though

[@portlandbluewizard2520]

Totes! We're building more for-profit prisons! What a great investment for the future! /s

[@ralek592]

"It comes right off" *Undoes special edition Dogan clasp smoothly* "See that above you?" *Dogan the Disfigurer, Eviscerator of Realms and Concluder of Time* "It comes right off" I'm not gonna lie, as much as that was intended for comedy that hit me with feels.

[@RandomInternetStranger]

yeah man, it just hits you with such unexpected simplicity

[@agilt]

I can tell when there's pain in your words.

[@fl3m1n9o4]

i don't really think that was intended for comedy, at least only partially

[@anaIconda]

That's the best kind of comedy.

[@juliansanchezharris5773]

@@fl3m1n9o4 therapeutical comedy

[@joekenorer]

Anyone who has dealt with someone struggling with addiction recognizes Dogan.

[@sdvanglahn5001]

I was once Dogan Injector of Speedballs, Eviscerator of Crack Rocks now I'm Dogan Drinker of Methadone (and a little beer 🍻). Hope too one day just be Dogan again... small steps 💪💯

[@charlescrawford9972]

@@sdvanglahn5001 Hope you're still doing well! Glad to hear someone broke from the prison.

[@clairebourke8465]

​@@sdvanglahn5001 "Brother" 💪💪 that's incredible my guy that health bar is fading away already!

[@suizilla]

the village elder loving Francesco so much for such simple things is so sweet. i love all of this video, but that's one of my favourite parts 🥺

[@douchopotamus3755]

Everyone is a dogan sometimes, and we all need a drayloth.

[@jackazcue2919]

Hey Joel, I cried a little bit at the soft "Brother." line. Its pure and wholesome. Thank you.

[@bohemianprince7944]

I get moments like that when caring for my mom. Sometimes after days of drunken anger and self loathing, you'll get a glimpse of the person who they are deep down, the person they used to be. It's bittersweet.

[@sukuidoardo]

As non-native English speaker what does dogan says after brother? I'm struggling to understand

[@jackazcue2919]

@@sukuidoardo after, it seems he shouts "I will rip you limb from limb."

[@devin-5679]

@@sukuidoardo I think he says "I will rip you limb from limb"

[@NikkiDoesStufff]

Dogan has a better support system than anyone I know. What a lucky fella.

[@kozmobluemusic]

this deserves its own fantasy comedy drama series - i'm already crying at this

[@Forever_Rayne]

I'm so invested in Jacob, Drayloth, Francesco and Townton's people. Love their character development ☺️

[@runningking1317]

That acting at the end was phenomenal. Dogan huffing at the beginning was out of anger and hatred, but at the end, especially evident by the look on his face, it's just out of fatigue. He wants to stop, but it's all he's ever known. Patterns can be hard to break, but I believe in Dogan! You don't have to wear that health bar any longer!

[@zkillyatt1738]

Used this logic on a dragon in dnd, and after a few really good rolls we had a sobbing dragon telling about his parents abuse and how he was always told he was nothing more than a disgusting dragon, now he helps the dwarves in their forges and keeps a flower hoard in his off time, everyone deserves a second chance to be good.

[@lazylazymule]

I have a special needs brother and I sometimes feel like he's trapped somewhere behind his disabilities, struggling to get out and be heard. Every so often you catch glimpses of him but then the disabilities take over and he's gone again. That's what the ending of this video felt like and it hurt like hell.

[@sethjones9480]

I have seen what you're talking about in people I have interacted with.

[@RK-ej1to]

Well it takes a good brother to see that. A lot of people can care but also have trouble seeing.

[@FWAKWAKKA]

Keep those moments in your heart when you and he are struggling. :( i hope he can have the chance to be him more often.

[@geekdivaherself]

I wish the both of you well.

[@thelearicist]

It takes more strength and courage than most ever find to allow yourself to be hurt like that. Well done.

[@rumiDVD]

The old man is easily my favorite in all of this. He's silly, cute and goofy but speaks real shit from time to time. More on the old man being obsessed with rats please ♡

[@SolousOrneas]

"I can tell when there is pain in your words." Hit me a lot harder than I was expecting.

[@benjaminoechsli1941]

It's a good way to tell someone you know very well "Hey, I know you. We're friends. Be open. It's okay."

[@mattw4065]

As a recovering addict, this video really tugged on my heartstrings. Drayloth not being sure that his brother is going to get better but remaining optimistic regardless, the incredibly sweet conversation between him and the town elder, the tiniest hint of progress at the end. I really hope you continue making films Joel, you have such a delicate touch with these.

[@jwbartle]

When Dogan says "Brother" at the end and seems somewhat... contemplative, was oddly sweet.

[@AxPkFlow]

As a psychology graduate, I must say it is a really accurate piece. I don't know if anybody noticed tho, but the monster therapist is the best one: sure the human gives a good advice, but when prompted he talks about him and his entourage while the monster listens, as a good therapist does. Very clever touch.

[@KaylaJoyGunn]

Yes, but therapists who only listen are some of the worst kinds. You might as well talk to a rock.

[@benjadryl_7393]

The other guy isn't a therapist, he's an old guy who takes care of the town rat. They're just friends talking, not having a therapy session.

[@Marusame]

@@benjadryl_7393 To be fair, friends talking can be its own therapy.

[@dopaminecloud]

@@KaylaJoyGunn You may simply have the kind of situation that needs to be listened to. A lot of people lack a space where they can put their thoughts into something as concrete as words to be spoken to another. Doing that alone is structuring how you perceive your life and removing the miasma of vague unhappiness.

[@BatLB]

​@@KaylaJoyGunnin that case, he just let go of being a therapist for a while to talk about private things with a friend.

[@anthenyiscool2758]

It warms my heart that you’re looking after these characters the way you do

[@faundlord87]

I like how the game's hardest enemy in difficulty is, accordingly, the hardest one to treat as a patient, such a nice detail. I also like that before knowing that Dogan was Drayloth's brother, them looking alike could be seen as joke of how some games start reusing or recycling assets and models when they run short of ideas/time/budget (usually towards the end, when the hardest bosses are supposed to be)

[@GiveMeSomeMeshuggah]

I have a brother who I supported through recovery from addiction and this animated improv comedy sketch made me cry

[@jenh101]

I’m starting to care wayyy too much about these characters. The little scene where he talked about Francesco and the cheese is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen. I never expected animated skits about RPG characters on KZbin to be so wholesome. I’ve never watched any other content and been so certain that the creator is must be genuinely sweet and wholesome in real life. His videos are always hilarious obviously but the thought process behind them is clearly so pure. It’s adorable.

[@zacharyjames74462]

my drayloth plushie arrived in the mail! I don't enteirely know what this video means to me but I do know that it is somehow very profound, I'm very grateful for the run of plushies and for this series, thanks Joel!

[@digzgwentplayer4159]

"People will always need help and you can help them, after you've helped yourself, you're allowed to just be you and take care of you... Right?" Joel Haver, I will cherish this advise for the rest of my life. Thank you.

[@bierdigan]

It just hit me how far Trent's acting has come since he started appearing in Joel's videos and doing his own channel. He's always been great, but I gotta give props to him for honing his craft. Awesome video as always dudes!

[@Scorch052]

hes kinda underrated imo. I'm always happy to see him in a video and know its gonna be a great one when him and Joel are both working together on it.

[@ccl1195]

This character was just made for Trent, too.

[@sosage418]

has his own channel too

[@jong3122]

"People will always need help. And you can help them. After you've helped yourself. You're allowed to just be you. And take care of you. Right?" Not the message I was expecting when I clicked this video but f'n a. Something I think everyone needs to hear.

[@wynpitnick3577]

This legit got me emotionally, didn’t expect dogan’s screaming to be so impactful 😭

[@thenicesatan150]

Joel out here, being a slick therapist for his depressed audience. You da man, Joel! 👌

[@flockfighter]

Sometimes I feel like Dogan. I try to be better but it’s hard. It’s really hard to let go of anger and pain, because it’s hard to imagine what comes next. Sometimes it’s even hard to say thank you to the people around who try to help you, because even that would be admitting you need to let the anger go. I don’t want to wear on my loved ones, though. I want to one day be a person that they can come to for support. So, “Brother...thank you”

[@mikee9167]

The Hardest Enemy in an RPG... is coming to terms with yourself.

[@perfect_tempo8853]

"Concluder of Time" is the best enemy title I've ever seen.

[@TheG_Boy]

the way he implimented the health bar coming off with the character was so clever

[@rickdelpino472]

What an incredible and beautiful lore Joel is capable to create...A mixture of humor, wisdom, common sense, and absurd, with a capacity of abstraction of every situation...that always make us think: "yeap, that makes sense..."

[@neobrala5237]

OK, the fact that this is played pretty sincerely and not for cheap jokes makes me respect this video a lot. Really feared that some silly gag would ruin this sincere moment of a man helping his brother while getting help himself. Very good, thank you for making this!

[@Infamouschef_]

Hardest enemy in an RPG doesn’t always mean the hardest to kill. He needs an expert therapist, not an expert combatant ❤️

[@TheLeapist]

The hardest enemy in an RPG are ourselves, our own inner struggles.

[@TarotVylan]

It's not the hardest to kill him. It's the hardest to let him keep suffering like this.

[@Mirula]

This sums up the pacifist route of Undertale very nicely.. I miss that game..

[@boigercat]

I actually needed this right now. Things in my life have been wild for a while and I'm about to move away for work and I've been conflicted about it. But I have to do it for me and this has helped me realise that in some strange way

[@CapnWatson]

Be proactive, not reactive. Change is scary, but without change, we can never grow. I believe in you, burgercat.

[@boigercat]

@@CapnWatson Thanks Barry I appreciate it

[@GuerillaBunny]

You have the right to take care of yourself.

[@michelles1250]

Chase after what calls you. Live your heart's truth. Wild stories from a deep and full life will grow with you.

[@medievalmondays8252]

Instead of “feast on your soul,” I heard “Face on your soul,” which seemed shockingly deep & telling of Dogan’s internal struggle. But no…he said “feast”…so maybe his internal struggle is hunger.

[@starkillersneed]

Poor Dogan hungers for love He claims to want to feast on your soul, but what he needs is a feast for his soul

[@mikespike2099]

Man this is one of the most powerful mental health-related videos I have seen - Drayloth is the GOAT therapist!!! Are you sure you are not doing therapy on the side because you really capture the essence of it - the patience and the small victories of becoming a better you!!!

[@theautarch7837]

"People will always need help - and you can help them - after you've helped yourself. You're allowed to just be you, and take care of you." Thank you for this, Joel - you're a wonderful person, you and your friends. I'm typing this before work and trying not to make a mess of myself by crying. I wish someone had said these kind words to me decades ago.

[@broseffman]

It's a beautiful thing when a good parody blossoms into its own universe.

[@BB-pn2qv]

This was… way deeper than I expected. So sweet.

[@aaronbell5994]

The end is so good, because it conveys Dogan's increasing self-awareness through expressions without explicitly telling us. I.e. understanding that the audience is smart enough to pick these hints up.

[@dajnor]

Joel, I would love to see an update on Dogan. This piece is such an amazing way to get this across. It comes right off. What an important thing to hear, even if you don't get it at the time, like Dogan. The brother is so patient. He knows there's a "Dogan" in all of us. The poster is a great detail, and I'd relate it to the scene in LOTR Two Towers with Smeagol and Gollum. I'd love to ask him why he's so angry. You can do it, Dogan.

[@skeligun]

Damn, this was more heart felt and deeper than 99% of the big budget, high paid actor stuff ya see today. Actually copped some feels off this.

[@sabatino1977]

Copping a feel usually refers to geting some boobs or ass. Just sayin'.

[@skeligun]

@Johnny Khomlately says allot about ya bud?

[@hatless_spider]

Drayloth truly is a miracle worker in game breaking. Now if he can only help our boy Jacob with his wife's sexual mini game unlock

[@EikottXD]

Did I miss an episode?

[@hatless_spider]

@@EikottXD type in, "Townton is so beautiful this time of day" to search bar

[@audunms4780]

@@hatless_spider i wonder if they got any new wares at the market today.

[@Der_Arathok]

@@audunms4780 A new shipment of cheesewheels!

[@fgiraffe8751]

It sounds like he's somehow arranged to lessen the cheese wheel distribution problem, give him time.

[@rasrandir]

All the best for dogan. Hope he finds his happy end. 😪

[@ffdragonknightplays9472]

Wow, emotionally resonant, and also very funny! You're the best Joel, and I'm so glad to have found your channel. I only hope that you yourself continue to succeed at the things in life that matter to you!

[@MathieuH96]

This story was nothing but yet really all i needed to feel better. Keep giving life to stories and characters, you are really doing a great work and deserve the best. Keep it up for you and for everyone following your adventure !

[@broisyougobbling]

I love that Dogan the Disfigurer, Eviscerator of Realms and Conquerer of Time, is rendered helpless by a 15 foot circle

[@dapp_attack5974]

That was so moving. I'm glad that Dogan wants the help he's getting, and that he's becoming a better person for it. He keeps up his walls, but he's learning to trust, maybe for the first time in a long while :)

[@ajb129]

Drayloth is the real hero in this RPG. I hope he is one day able to relax and enjoy his time with some hobbies. Huzzah!

[@vanderkarl3927]

This kinda reminds me of how, in Dark Souls, invaders are mostly other players, and some of them will just hang out with you instead of fighting you, since there's really no huge incentive to invade other than the experience itself. Sometimes, it just takes the right gesture to get the idea across that you're not looking for a fight right now, and they'll wave and be on their way. Sometimes, the bad red man isn't so bad.

[@irishkat8451]

Sometimes the bad red man just wants a friend.

[@oVoidhawko]

Other times, he wants to ride you like a meat toboggan.

[@alphabotsoup5098]

I love invading just so I can hang around the host and attack any other reds that try invading. If the host is especially chill I’ll drop some goodies too.

[@simple120builds6]

No tolerance for reds that invade just to loiter like some homeless bums. There are people working multiple jobs to keep their families alive... Cherish your gaming moments, don't waste them. If there's "nothing left for you to do in game" why still on the couch?

[@Corthmic]

Man, reminds me of how I use to invade as a mad phantom all the time and just hang with the host killing invaders for them and occasionally leading new players to loot. I miss it.

[@xdanilthe1nOnly]

One of your better ones! So deep and insightful... I love it!

[@jackuul]

I am so invested in this series. I love it. It makes my days a little brighter. I hope Dogan will heal and eventually he will let go of his anger.

[@ericbernhagen]

The RPG is back baby. Shidding my pants. I would give it all to live in this universe…

[@operation_maddog]

You should start dipping.Copenhagen would be best

[@Catboy_Riku]

@@operation_maddog lmao tf kind of response is that

[@CentauriTT]

For me it was an enemy called Preston Garvey, hard to avoid his “Another Settlement Needs Your Help” attacks

[@paulyoung5641]

Yes! He should do therapy for one dimensional characters like that. It would be hilarious!

[@digitalbrentable]

[23-Dec-2287] Welp, Preston Garvey officially declared me ‘General’ of the Minutemen. Somehow, this made me lose even more respect for him. If only he knew how I almost disemboweled his favourite trader yesterday. If only he knew a lot of shit. I don’t really want to leave him in Sanctuary, so I asked that he accompany me on expeditions. I don’t like how he sort of acts like he’s somehow responsible there. Also, he is actually a good shot, and that laser rifle is pretty serious business. Maybe our security gate will actually stay closed, too

[@digitalbrentable]

[24-Dec-2287] Preston Garvey’s motherfucking hat. We got into an argument, I took it, I gave it back. Now he’s not wearing it out of spite, so I have to look at his dumb head. Also, he keeps bitching at me to clean up the co-op. Jesus, if settling it is so important, go right ahead. Why does everyone look to me to do the most basic shit? Fuck I hate Preston.I have actually purposefully been doing other shit just to fuck with him.

[@elitereptilian200]

Its pretty easy actually, just get him on a settlement, then go do all of nuka world becoming a raider and raid some settlements in boston and everytime you visit the settlement where you put preston in, you get to kill him.. I took such a joy shooting him in the face with an exploding shotgun 😄

[@drummingbiochemist4261]

Joel must have received a good quad workout when acting as Dogan; say what you will about his clunky draw distance but he has some good squatting form

[@sabatino1977]

This series was a tour de force. An impeccable rendering of the vicissitudes of both RPG play and life itself. I laughed, I cried, I ate cheese wheels.

[@cy4853]

Thank you for this. It's always good to check in on friends, Drayloth is no exception.

[@nismo2070]

This NEEDS to be concluded!! I want to feel the joy of Dogan finally coming around. Or the horror of him ripping Drayloth in half and going on a rampage. Either way, I NEED TO KNOW!!!!