Campaign Diary 010: The Underdark Job

[@captglasspac]

Yes! Please don't skip these. It was like my favorite TV show just disappeared.

[@TheodoreMinick]

So much this. I was searching both channels to see if I missed a notification or something.

[@jenniferellery7243]

The problem with skipping them is that those of us who don't have the time to watch a live play video suddenly lose plot.

[@jeroenimus7528]

It’s not simply a summary we were missing, it’s the GM insight from behind the screen. Those are most valuable for me and set this project apart from any other d&d related content.

[@derekskelton4187]

They were becoming difficult for him to do. You aren't entitled to free content. He thinks he can do them without issue now, be happy with that.

[@robertquint6893]

@@derekskelton4187 I would be happy if he turned on ads. He deserves to get paid. But I agree with the above posters that the diaries are more valuable than the game videos.

[@manikanniah5707]

Thank you Matt, for going to the effort of creating these additional videos. It is much appreciated.

[@sudonickx]

I think Tuesday is perfectly reasonable for these videos.

[@steveclarkreborn]

After years of seeing DnD referenced in pop culture, I decided to look it up on KZbin one day, knowing no one in person that played. I discovered this channel ran by a man named Matthew Colville, where he told me everything I needed to know to start my own game. Listening to his advice, I ran a module he suggested, "The Delian Tomb", and have been running DnD ever since. Thank you for helping me get into this glorious game sir, I have had an immense amount of fun with it that has been enchriched ten-fold due to your advice.

[@ThomasGiles]

"We take the best quote, context be damned. And we misquote it to put it in the best light. That, my friend, is drama. And in Capital, drama is money." --Broadsheets Editor (possible misquote)

[@yummifoamycoffecheese45]

If you ask me, I like the Campaign Diaries, but most importantly, I appreciate the second part of DM insight on how the game went. Anyway, keep doing what you feel like works best.

[@roceb5009]

This. I would much rather have just the "behind the scenes" than just the summary, if forced to choose

[@FishoD]

Exactly. I don’t need the recap. I’m here for DM insights. However short recap is necessary for those who dont have time to watch every episode.

[@jesss1398]

As a fan (and KS backer) who can't watch your campaign live or spend 3 hours watching them on KZbin afterwards. I beg of you PLEASE do Campaign Diaries for the 2 that are missing. I LOVE your campaign and the story line you are creating with your players is amazing. Sadly Campaign Diaries is the only way I can keep up with it and having 2 episodes missing makes it almost impossible to keep up.

[@roderickstrange9950]

Jess S It exists in podcast form too, that could maybe work for you? I listen while doing chores.

[@jesss1398]

@@roderickstrange9950 I was not aware of that, thanks for the heads up. It at least gives me a potential solution to my problem but it wont make the length of them any shorter. Plus if I am being honest, Matt is an amazing story teller and I LOVE his insight when he does the Campaign Diaries. However if he stops doing them or doesn't do the missing episodes I at least now have an option to catch up. Thanks for the help my friend!

[@K1LL14N]

I almost exclusively use the podcast to keep up with the stream. My podcast player allows me to play at a faster speed without altering the pitch of the voices and it has a 'skip silences' function which also shortens the length. I listen at 1.3x times faster and th dialogue still is pretty natural. This whole set up saved me over an hour from the 4,5 hour long episode. I listened to the whole thing in chunks throughout the week. The app I'm using is called Podcast Addict! (I heard Overcast is a great one for iphone)

[@davidstanco]

Yes my Favorite thing on Matt's channel

[@JasperKazai]

I watch the full campaign sessions, and yet I still watch the full campaign diaries as well, summary and all. It's still worthwhile to listen to the recap, even if you've seen it - like I didn't know that you rolled Leech's survival check for him and why. Small things that go unnoticed when you're watching such a long session. It doesn't matter when the video drops. They're valuable, and I'm glad if you can continue doing them in a non-taxing way.

[@bell.with.one.e]

I'm so glad this is back! I watch the streams but I love your storytelling for its own sake. Thanks for doing the recaps =)

[@FishoD]

Matt I don’t think you fully grasp of how immensely valuable listening to your DM insight is. I DM for years but still, I learn new DM perspective. I’m so glad you started doing these again.

[@chloepechlaner7806]

The production put in which cannot normally be justified enhances many elements of the campaign; from Nails with the mic to chat helping with what sides groups may take esp in skill challenges and acting like a rulebook for you. Im glad to see that because its evidence that this stream isnt just as good as any other game, not just an accurate representation of what playing D&D is, but that those who participated in the kickstarter and twitch subs and patrons are, at least in some ways, brining something to you that wouldnt be there otherwise. That's awesome.

[@Nick-dc6ix]

My feedback: the combo of Stream + Campaign Diary explaining what is interesting is what I wanted when I backed the Kickstarter. This combo is what fuels my playing of D&D, and keeps me encouraged.

[@jeroenimus7528]

Kinda said the same thing. Just my explanation was more like Matt’s: a lot longer 😉

[@Fallen0o1]

Yay, Campaign Diaries are back! As someone who works a lot and doesn't have much time, these have been some of the most helpful videos I watch. I honestly think they rival the Running the Game series as far as usefulness goes. The part at the end when Matt talks about his thinking and things he did well/did poorly and all such goodness has improved my game incredibly. Please keep doing these!

[@Akeche]

Hmm.... Old One, you say? I smell an Aboleth.

[@bsparks9172]

Thank you, Matt for bringing these back! I love the valuable information that can be mined from these diaries and hearing your perspective on what happened in game.

[@TheJosephB333]

Just posted this on reddit, but here's a thought for Matt: Quick thought, instead of doing campaign diaries for every episode, Matt could do one every couple. Glossing over what he thinks don't make good teaching points and focusing the recap down from everything to just the key points of a few episodes. Kind of like what the old campaign diaries were like and a little more like this one, where he just gave the relevant information to catch watchers up with the campaign and then explored more interesting points in detail. Just a thought, I know campaign diaries are an extra stress but they are one of my fave things to watch, as a DM it gives me a little insight into how other DMs do things and I wish more DMs did a few so we could experience different styles of the DM. The old saying work smarter not harder rings true.

[@animistchannel2983]

These campaign diaries are fun and useful. I run a custom system but don't have a group right now, so it's great to hear your DM side of the experience. It reminds me of similar situations, improving storylines and spell/ability interpretations. I think it will encourage more people to pick up the DM/GM mantle, with a realistic idea of what we can do (and what we can get away with from time to time) to make the game more fun for everyone, in the moment and overall.

[@LiveTheMasquerade]

I think Tuesday is perfect for these. They work really well as a "last time on the chain of acheron" if you watch live

[@JasmineRGBLights]

They're back! KZbin insisted on not showing me this in my recommendations, but after I saw you being sad about the viewcount on Twitter I hunted it down, because these are GREAT and I find the "here's what I actually do" practicality of "day to day" DMing an incredibly useful supplement to the more principled (albeit with good examples) RtG videos. Thanks Matt, hope the slightly more relaxed release schedule is making them more enjoyable from your end!

[@ariaflame-au]

Make sure you have the little 'bell' next to the subscription clicked, that will affect whether you get notifications regularly or not

[@JasmineRGBLights]

I don't want notifications, just usually I see Matt's new videos on my KZbin homepage because I've watched so many...must have just been watching less than usual recently.

[@ornamentalapplique]

Thanks for bringing these back! Even though I watch the show on Wednesday, I liked having a recap and your observations before the next one. You should be very proud of the show(s)- I am enjoying them a lot!

[@jeroenimus7528]

Those observations from Matt are the main draw for me, the rest is pretty darn cool, but in comparison nothing but a bonus.

[@georgewilson2575]

Watching OD play was a lot of fun. He looked like he was having a great time and was very into his character. I am thoroughly enjoying watching you all.

[@fhuber7507]

These campaign diaries are some of the best DM aids you have made. The "inside the DM's head discussions" help show how you got where you are.

[@havcola6983]

Keep these going! DM tips and introspection is basically your brand, and being able to cross-reference your musings with the stream is really useful.

[@enixxe]

Definitely keep making the campaign diaries, please. I think watching other people play D&D is incredibly boring and simply don't do it, but your summaries laced with the behind the scenes stuff and general discussion of the theory of the game are great. They package the story in just the right amount of length that I enjoy listening to it and the rest of the stuff, like your analysis of how things went and your experience with D&D, really adds a lot of value to the time I spend watching these videos.

[@Spookypantz]

I love your Discworld reference for the undead lawyer! Reginald

[@MrTrilbe]

I wonder if there will be a William De Worde and Sacharissa Cripslock a-likes at the broadsheet guild and i'm also waiting for a miss quote kinda like "A lie can run round the world before Boots has got his boots on"

[@rodogg316]

YES! ANOTHER CAMPAIGN DIARY! Also gonna echo some comments on here, while I love these, if you feel burnt out don't feel bad about taking a break, we'll all be here when you get back!

[@charleswain6124]

I have to say that OD was fantastic to watch. He's a natural player and a joy to watch. Please have him back sooner rather than later!

[@cl0udbear]

I'm a convert to OD, after that game. I had what you have previously described in the chat/Nethack/FTL streams as "a strong negative reaction" to him as the host of Chain Reaction (not because he doesn't know about DnD; that's a stupid criticism). He needs work as a host and I think Chain Reaction itself needs work, some of which would ultimately help OD's acceptance, but I absolutely love him playing DnD. I went back and watched the Codenames streams and he's great to watch there, too. He's a natural and he brings good colour to the game. Retain him as host, work out the kinks, keep it going.

[@joesayre7267]

So heartening to learn that Matt never made it all the way through A Night Below either.

[@GuillotinedChemistry]

I have missed these very much. Thank you for finding a way to bring them back!

[@domyr6999]

Mondays, Tuesdays, heck Wednesdays before the next show would even beamazing. Really thank you for the content.

[@andrewnakamoto]

Just want to say that I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying the game and have found a way to make creating Campaign Diaries fun. The Diaries are the best part of the stream because no other DM reveals the design process and ideas behind their game so thoroughly. Keep up the amazing work!

[@K1LL14N]

I love these! I usually don't get around to watching them when they get out since I'm also not able to watch the streams live because of the time difference. So most of the time I'm a couple of days behind. I think it's totally reasonable to NOT work on the weekends and to have the diaries on tuesdays (or even wednesday afternoon for that matter). Anyway, I love the series for your insights in your own DMing and I genuinely hope you keep making these!

[@sethprewitt3723]

I Really love the Campaign Diaries! Glad that you worked out a production schedule that is more sustainable for your sanity.

[@jeroenimus7528]

Glad the diaries are back. These, and especially part2 where you give us your GM-musings/behind the scenes, are the biggest reason why I chose to back the streaming. I hoped for this stuff. The rest is a cool bonus, S&F is great and the wyrmling I could afford is undoubtedly awesome, the stream itself is incredibly interesting, but it’s due to the synergy with these diaries I truly get to improve my own GMing. Without the diaries it’d be “just another D&D stream. Still nifty, but less worthwhile for me if I want to improve my skills.

[@s3bizarre]

It is always good to have your Dm after thoughts after each session.

[@ItsShatter]

I just love hearing you talk about DND. Great stuff Matthew!

[@KillerBeaArthur]

Thanks for coming back around on doing these diaries, Matt. I don't have time to watch the actual games, and the diaries are a great way to still learn some good tips and get ideas for the game I run. :)

[@stephenmckowen8948]

I’m glad to see the diaries return because I miss your commentary on the game.

[@rosqwadron]

Commenting to add incentive engagement! I'm so glad you made these less taxing on you; I love hearing the fruits of the campaign without investing another weekly game's worth of time. Thank you for doing these videos, Matt! Hopefully I am among a throng of grateful voices who will convince you the effort is appreciated and/or worth it

[@CultureStress]

I'm really glad that you're doing these again! I hope you're having fun and doing it sustainably :)

[@TBKzord]

Love these! Timing isn't a big deal at all, would rather have them later than not at all!

[@zanzaklaus2496]

"Sunless Sea" Probably not a reference and just a cool idea a lot of people use, but nice.

[@Explodingfruitcake]

Man I hope it's a reference

[@jimgoodwin4823]

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. ... -- Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

[@sweatband100]

…for he on honeydew hath fed, and drunk the milk of paradise.

[@hankmaccuy]

Leech and OD are my new fav. Characters. OD's role-playing is top notch and your role-playing as OD is just fabulous. Really loves the new party and this new adventure in the underdark. Cant wait till the next episode

[@jpenhall]

Yes!!!!!! Love the campaign diaries. I can only imagine how busy you are, but I hope you can find time to keep doing these.

[@Virtuallyjonathan]

Please keep these coming! I often am too busy for the stream, but I really want to keep up with the plot lines and the Campaign Diaries are really the only way I can know what's going on

[@GreekPackDragon]

Get it done Colville! I need consistency in my life. Seriously, these help give me insight on running my own game. Looking behind the curtain and hearing what encouraged or disappointed you is what brings it all together.

[@ErikMartin_MindlessLump]

Please keep doing these, Matt. It's largely the reason I backed the Kickstarter; I don't care as much about an extra 3+ hours/week of D&D streams to watch, but I LOVE the post-mortem you do in the Campaign Diaries.

[@sophiescott143]

I don't have the time or the spoons to watch a four hour game recording, so I really rely on these campaign diaries to keep in the loop on the (very interesting) game, and your behind-the-scenes insights are very valuable. If possible, please don't skip these. I know you said recently they take a lot of time and energy, but if you can figure out a way to minimize that, I would love to see these continue.

[@Lilly-rf3un]

I hardly ever comment on videos here, but I just wanted to say that I think OD's inexperience in D&D actually serves as a benefit to him being the host of Chain Reaction as it gives the players a chance to explain more and answer some of the more simpler questions that newer players to the game might have as well as it serves as a way for people who are more experienced to see how the players view their characters, how they work and what's happened to them. It means the show has extra content for those who've played the game for years or for days. Also, he's just an excellent host for how he acts and interacts with the guests. Anyway, thanks for everything you do currently Matt, you've been an amazing aid to me and I have loved your channel for years now. I don't know if I'll continue commenting as I never really know what to comment on stuff but I'm always watching and supporting you in any way I can.

[@EXOdagr8t]

Yes Matt PLEASE DO THE REST! I'm a very fickle person, hard to sit still in one place, and the 3 hours don't do it for me. But hearing you retell the crucial parts and what the players saw vs what you prepared are amazing knowledge dumps for DMing. Please, don't stop doing them. These videos are content that writes itself and it has a market.

[@RhysWalker2]

Honestly, Matt, these are so good. I was unable to keep up with Critical Role because I didn't have the time to watch every episode, but these mean I can catch up and go back to watching the stream. Also I view the commentary a bit like "Advanced Running the Game" and always watch it even if I've seen the stream (frankly I usually don't skip the recap either). I mention all this because I was heartbroken when you stopped doing them and I really think that they help elevate the stream and are a great "usp".

[@davidjay7116]

"Sunless sea?" "Haunted ship in a port town?" I love when I (maybe) am able to guess what modules you're using.

[@iLavish]

Thanks for trying to bringing these back Matt even though you have a lot on your plate already, these are like one of the highlights of my week!

[@MrDunaengus]

Thank you matt for doing these. Keeping up with the stream is tricky for that long time period, but stripping the sessions down to meat and bones and insights I enjoy and appreciate.

[@Hazel-xl8in]

ring ring ring ring ring ring ring - Asmodeophone!

[@willowweedsYT]

I love these so much, I’m glad you’re trying to make them happen. I didn’t know what to make of Matt as the host after the first Chain Reaction, but he got better and seemed more comfortable in the next episode and has totally won me over after seeing him play.

[@Lowfar]

We love what you do!

[@aqacefan]

29:58 To paraphrase Jerry from an earlier video, "F*ck those guys!"

[@callahanjohnson]

Thanks for addressing missing a couple of the previous campaign diaries - appreciate that. Really enjoy hearing your thoughts about how sessions went and seeing the DM perspective after having first seen everything from the perspective of the players so thanks for making these! 🙂

[@angelc.5602]

Oh, awesome! I was afraid these weren't gonna be on this channel anymore. I love listening to these when I'm doing the dishes or watering the garden.

[@TheSaucy888]

Love these so much! Running the Game is still interesting and valuable, but over a certain timescale we all go from being newbie DMs to seasoned veterans like Matt, and these videos feel like AP Running the Game for the most experienced among us who like to analyze dm insights in action. Keep it up!!

[@Crazymerc22]

Thank you for making these! I don't watch the actual streams, but I love to watch these both for the amazing retelling of the story as well as the fascinating insights into your mind and the game.

[@jeffreyallan1312]

Yeah I feel like this episode needed one. Glad to see they're back!

[@conspicuousninja22]

I’m glad OD was able to join the game. He was awesome on Last Game Wins, and I wish he could be included more in the Chain

[@Wraithninja1]

Yes! They're back! You are a river to your people, Matt! To echo what what other's are saying, doing one every couple of episodes may be a good way to go. Thus, the Dungeon Mattster has time to digest what happened and highlight the most interesting threads.

[@calvinyoung6900]

Love the VOD on the second channel and love the campaign diaries! glad to have the campaign diaries back!

[@briarhawkins1684]

I'm so glad Matt has made another campaign dairy, was really bummed about these possibly not being a thing anymore. You're a beast Matt, awesome stuff.

[@renardroi1136]

I love hearing ur campaign diary videos. it makes me think harder about how my players are doing/feeling while also making me feel less guilty about not having every single session detail prepared beforehand. :P

[@keithhorton4990]

Thank you for the diary! I was giving up hope that we would hear how the game was going. I don't have the time to watch the 4 hours per game, and greatly value the DM perspective of the game. You always make me consider the games I'm in and how the DM thinks of them.

[@lynx655]

I watch/listen to the stream AND I watch all the videos. I appreciate the work you put in it, and I get a lot out of them.

[@Freshleecut]

Thank you! I love these diaries!

[@HyddenMith]

Ooph, glad this is back. I was really enjoying the recap stories and got worried for a second there.

[@billeaton6495]

Well done Matt, I know it's a lot of work for you but I really appreciate the campaign diaries

[@stevenclark1662]

I appreciate that you made more! I was jarred 2 weeks ago with no campaign diary. And I'm a person that watches the campaign on KZbin and then watches the diary on youtube. I look forward to becoming a patron, I'm in my last semester in college, so let's hope I get the job I'm hoping to.

[@cj719521]

Yes! These videos magnify my enjoyment of the whole stream so much! I’m so glad they’re back!

[@iandimitri0044]

Great to see this video. Watch these religiously. Quality content worth my free time.

[@dilligaffrn]

YIPEE!!!!! Campaign Diary FTW, don't let the HATERS get in your head Matt.

[@daveawesomesauce772]

Sunless Sea, huh? *puts on Captain’s hat, gathers zailors, heads to Wolfstack Docks* Count me in!

[@nextlevel8822]

I'll take these on Wednesday if that what it takes. It's a good recap for when I'm going to watch the stream live, and if I can't catch it live on a particular week, it keeps me from falling behind. There's been a Running the Game video tucked inside almost every one of these, and it would be bummer to lose it. I understand the crunch of producing timed content, but I do hope these stick around in some form or another.

[@Adam-zc2bp]

Thank you for continuing the production of Campaign Diaries.

[@nugetthechicen]

I love OD, from watching the codies streams from before the campaign even started. I was even a bit disappointed that he wasn't apart of The Chain when it started, that faded quickly though since all of the cast is so awesome. I'm super happy that he's gonna be around for a session or two more, and I'd love if he joined the stream every week, I understand if that's not possible, but maybe as a reoccurring character every once in a while?

[@mrfreddorenton]

interdimensional squid ship is such a fun phrase

[@missphoo]

I'm also very happy these are back! Thank you very much, Matt! :D

[@Hazel-xl8in]

i believe the word for what your thinking of is “symbiosis,” where the two parties each have something to gain from the relationship (the undead assumedly get a constant source of prey via the memory eater’s abilities and the memory eater gets foot soldiers who can weaken them first)

[@grahamharrington9085]

Hell yes! I know these are taxing, but they are the epitome of your channel in my opinion. I don't want you to work yourself to death so I hope you can work out a way to make them happen!

[@jebediah_primm4855]

These are so great for me. I have no time anymore for any other streaks besides Critical Role (and even then I really never get a chance). So these 30-40 minute videos are a godsend for me

[@mkaiww]

great to see this back :)

[@craigalexander1191]

Please continue doing campaign diaries. I think DMs get far more out of them than the videos of play. Also, I personally can find the time to watch them, while the RPG sessions are often too hard to fit into work-life-hobby balance. Both are hugely valuable.

[@leewmurdock]

Yes! These are my favorite videos! Thank you Matt!

[@Mike-gz8gy]

Awesome video, Matt! Looking sharp!!

[@josephhallam6661]

YAY! So glad you’re bringing these back!

[@ianmielke6754]

Glad they’re back!

[@mitchutz9923]

Thank you, Matt!

[@taraweston6929]

Yes! New campaign diary

[@Ripcord715]

I was SO excited when I got the notification for this video! Thank you very much, sir!

[@StudioSokki]

I'm so glad the campaign diaries are back, I absolutely love these

[@Leerinox]

This session (and diary) has really inspired me to up my game for the second half of the Out of the Abyss. What could be more unsettling than the Underdark? An Underdark where the stones themselves have been drowned in the madness of the Abyss of course.

[@kylemoseley4998]

Thanks for bringing these back.