RollPlay Presents: a 5E Roundtable Discussion (EP1)

[@reyortsed113]

"He's 'good' Matt and I'm 'evil' Matt" TiaMatt?

[@platdujour]

Well played sir

[@thepirateshpee5401]

So is Mercer BahaMatt?

[@TaylorWeston]

*slow clap

[@Crazyasianman286]

Nah Mercer is PuMATT

[@aceofspade2120]

Gold Star

[@jabeck03]

It's nice to see a gnome, elf, dwarf, and human hang out.

[@stormblest]

which is which?

[@thegingersheep]

Matthew Rodrigues Adam = Gnome, Mike = Human, Mercer = Elf, Colville = Dwarf

[@goffersm]

Love it!! So true!!

[@mr.smithsgovermentclass4556]

David Olson I would argue Adam=Elf Mike=Gnome Colville=Dwarf Mercer=Sexy

[@anteerceg527]

I thought Colville was a Hobgoblin

[@edstevens1503]

I've never seen Colville sit quietly for so long

[@TheOblivionDreams]

He's shaking the whole time though, can't call that quietly really :P

[@whelpthereitis2577]

Excellent Round Table, but Adam does fail to engage MC. He expressly speaks to both MM's regularly. And, when Colville might have something to say Mercer expresses his view quickly. Adam could have taken many opportunities to let the conversation flow rather than speak up immediately to move the conversation on. Tough position, but left Colville behind by doing so. Edit: Note, I really do feel Adam held an excellent Round Table here and the talking points by all were on point. Loved the broadcast.

[@lazyliam7402]

The bird got to talk more than Colville did haha

[@jbrookscarpenter]

This was done the day after Mats bachelor party

[@aaronhauth8880]

He's so restless too :\

[@Abelhawk]

*Adam:* "D&D is super deep and philosophically indicative of human conscience." *Mercer:* "It's fun!" *Colville:* "It's serious." *Mike:* "I'm just happy to be here today!"

[@jgr7487]

Abelhawk that's Mike EVERYWHERE! he's great always smiling

[@laurenzreichelt4911]

He‘s great, when he‘s not ruining DnD :P

[@valuebrandmelkor5973]

@@laurenzreichelt4911 or harassing employees LMAO

[@hunterdodd9510]

@@jgr7487 dd

[@hunterdodd9510]

@@jgr7487 did tatted dtttt

[@PalleRasmussen]

Imagine a game run by the two Matts... Colville's political-strategical savvy and Mercer's drama and voice acting.

[@joshuaholloway7799]

PalleRasmussen The One True Matt was sliced in twine at birth - for no mortal could handle to play in the world of the Holy DM

[@709mash]

Not to mention Mercer's world building skills.

[@ice759]

We had an opportunity to see MC on Critical Role, but the M9 went to the Dynasty, so they never met his character

[@PalleRasmussen]

@@ice759 not as a GM though. He will be on in campaign 3

[@ericvicaria8648]

Me: "I wonder how serious this is going to be." "I am evil Matt." *Red filter.* These are my people.

[@Amyler00]

At 8 minutes in, when Colville mentioned that he's philosophically opposed to the 'intro to rpg's start of so many of these books, I paused, and grabbed my 5E players handbook. Foreword by Mike Mearls.

[@goffersm]

LOL! So true though - how many permutations of that chapter have I read over the years!! The WOD ones are always the worst - super pretentious.

[@gnarlestongnu637]

It's always someone's first time playing.

[@krim7]

They are necessary to help illustrate how play is supposed to work.

[@jacobvanveit3437]

I like his ballsy approach but be prepared to defend your stance if you make such a claim! We have to start somewhere and let’s keep it as open minded as possible so people playing can have a unique experience and not “someone else’s vision” of experience.

[@LordVader1094]

@@goffersm Yeah WOD has the market cornered on pretentiousness, alongside Lamentations of the Flame Princess

[@richardmontes1481]

You can physically see how difficult it is for Matt C to sit there quietly lmao.

[@moredetonation3755]

I have to agree with Evil Matt about the fighter art in 5e. That one piece of art did more to change my outlook on the fighter than anything in the entire game.

[@Faethon888]

I wanted to play D&D for years, but never had a party to do it with. Once the group was finally gathered, they made me the DM. I was taken aback at first, because I already had a character I really really wanted to play, but making a world for everyone to enjoy turned out fairly fun as well. The group went from 4 characters at our test game to 8 people for the second session (bringing spouses/boyfriends-girlfriends along), and damn D&D brings people together. 7 hours of strangers indulging in "pretend shenanigans" after a week of hard work, family issues, you name it, just to unwind. D&D is awesome.

[@Cayotick]

15:59 When the Matts aligned

[@alxnotorious]

Mercer drinking water; Colville drinking the blood of his players.

[@karatefylla]

holy shit it's perfect, mike even says alignment just before like it's a command word xD

[@admiraltonydawning3847]

It could be tears, not water...

[@jaserart]

Cayotick lol...nice!

[@94abelardo]

What i like to call a glitch in the Mattrix.

[@marginis]

I love how the two Matts have resting DM face.

[@dicorockhimself]

It's in their blood

[@clerica5787]

I am a huge Critter and Colvillian, so I was looking forward to hearing the Matts talk. When they introduced who Mike Mearls was, I was also very intrigued by what his opinions and insights would be. I had never heard of Adam Koebel, but I welcomed all opinions. Those were my expectations. And they were shattered time and time again by Adam asking a really good, interesting question, letting whomever answer for 2 seconds, then interrupting with his own opinion. He interrupted and even tried to talk over Matt Colville at one point. He was really rude and annoying, and I quickly lost interest in his opinion. It's just a shame; this discussion had so much potential and star power behind it, but I ended this video so disappointed. It just flopped a bit. But despite that, I did get to hear some interesting perspectives from the two DMs that introduced me to DnD. So I can't say it was a total waste; it wasn't! But it could've been so much better.

[@AutkastKain]

My favorite ruling that I've ever had to make was one of my players wanted to try to help a women to care for a child. The players started discussing what roll it would be, but I quickly asked "Make an Animal Handling check plz" They laughed so hard.

[@tmos540]

Oh yeah. I will absolutely make a player do an Animal Handling check if they want to do anything with a mostly-drunk party. Ditto if the Paladin wants to get the Murder-Hobo Party moving in the same direction.

[@stargana7585]

I like how they say "Evil Matt" and "Non-Evil Matt", but not "Good Matt" lol

[@tmos540]

Dat Neutral Alignment Matt tho.

[@Wafflexy3]

I don't want to have this come off the wrong way because i think Adam did a great job nearly the entire time on this. He did a great job of hosting this talk, moving from topic to topic, making sure there was no silent moments, and keeping everyone involved. The only thing i would say, is as a host I think its important to make the "guests" shine more than yourself. There were a few times when he cut people off, or talked over someone to give his own opinion. I enjoy hearing his opinion but I think it's important for the host to just take a backseat anytime someone else is talking. No hate, just a thought

[@YiWeng]

He might also be nervous because he's fanboying over the guests. (I'm totally projecting) :)

[@AdamKoebel]

hah, nope. i just wanted to say some things.

[@Crimsonphotog]

I was under the impression this was a Roudtable discussion; not that Adam was Moderating a Panel. His opinion was as valid as the "Guests." Sure he had the talking points that they wanted to discuss be he was a guest just as the rest of them. He talked over and interrupted no more then that rest of them.

[@pringles_mcgee]

I just assumed it was because they had a limited time and a lot of topics to cover. Didn't really bother me, all of these people are incredibly busy.

[@asaskald]

That's like asking Michael Jordan to not play the basketball game so well because the other players might not look as great. He can't not be Adam Koebel doing what he does well in his own element.

[@SamHintz]

When Mike talks about initiative for social encounters... That's what this interview needed.

[@BoredMarcus]

underrated comment :)

[@All4Tanuki]

WHEEEEEZE

[@hawkthetraveler6344]

Timestamp?

[@klauthor]

"When somebody hasn't spoken in 5 or 10 minutes..." Well played, Mike.

[@stevenmtaylor21]

I love how Mike just can't stop smiling. It's infectious

[@Pokemon4WoT]

I know, right? He's tickled pink to be there.

[@Dhamone75]

It is not just the smile.. the attention he is giving to each person as they are talking, he is soaking it all up and literally enjoying every moment of being there and you can see this, that is infectious.

[@mr.smithsgovermentclass4556]

stevenmtaylor21 Even when they talk shit about the product his company produced/produces. He never knee jerked or attacked the other attendees. He smiled, acknowledged their words and offered his perspective without invalidating the other attendees. :-)

[@joshuaholloway7799]

Scrolling through comments idly, I see this comment and look up - and there it is, that beautiful boi smile. What an adorable man.

[@PalleRasmussen]

Would you not? In the company of Matt Divided?

[@25taylor91]

“I don’t agree with that” -Colville

[@patrickfitzpatrick2945]

lol. Whatever stance he takes, its the opposite.

[@adrianvaduva5674]

You can really tell, hearing Mike talk, that dnd is in great hands, they love their own game and that is perfect for us

[@fl1735]

Evil Matt shaking his head and smiling at something Adam says, and Good Matt seeing that and grinning... It absolutely fills my heart. I am not yet sure with what, but it fills my heart with something.

[@Deeplight32]

The Matt’s seriously need their own show just the two of them.

[@Cpt_JohnRackham]

Matt Mercer- drinks water from a whiskey glass Matt Colville- drinks whiskey from a water bottle The easiest way to differentiate.

[@corwyncorey3703]

Mercer likes his drinks, dont make him the boyscout he isnt 😁

[@maxvanhooren8606]

And colville doesn't drink alcohol. So it acutally the opposite :P

[@PalleRasmussen]

Mercer drinks his exquisite single malt with diet Pepsi.

[@harrisonzachar]

Colville's face when he's listening to the others is priceless. That is totally worth the watching of this video for me.

[@spellbladeoff-hand7662]

24:30 - This part from Matt Mercer rings so true to me. I remember entire sessions of D&D not as me and a bunch of my nerdy friends rolling dice, but the actual stuff that was happenign in-universe in our games.

[@pauloskinner]

15:59 = Synchronized Drinking Matts

[@Si-Horrocks]

pauloskinner Ha!

[@NerdEagle90]

There is a glitch in the Matrix

[@hesthefastest]

I checked the comments for this exact moment. Too good!

[@Will_Forge]

While Mike talks about alignment, the Matts align, taking a drink at the same time.

[@SHEPtheBISH]

This video would have been so much more enjoyable if Matt C ever got to talk without Adam hijacking every point he tried to make half way through trying to make it.

[@MrTripleCC]

Holy shit, allstar lineup

[@AdamKoebel]

^_^

[@parkersc2000]

more importantly, look at all that beautiful hair!

[@kjboyce1809]

right! for my money the 3 best people in the world to talk to about 5e

[@MsCunningLinguistic]

The two most beautiful sets of internet locks right next to one another! It's a wonder the world didn't implode.

[@LordVader1094]

Good lord, Adam barely ever let Matt Colville talk

[@Dreadnaught1985]

I know some communities have strict copyright policies. But I got into D&D through pirated content. I'd printed out the character creation parts and DM'd my first half dozen sessions using a PDF on my tablet. Because I didn't know if it was going to catch on with my friends, but 4-5 sessions in I'd realised this was something my friends wanted to continue with, and since then spent hundreds of $ since.

[@TrackerRoo]

Dreadnaught1985 nothing wrong with that, books are pricy and if you make the investment and no one else wanted to keep playing then you’re out that money. As long as you invest in it later I see no problem starting with a pdf you snag from wherever. If you enjoy something, always best to invest in it and support the creators.

[@1979ce]

I am most amazed by Matt Mercer getting his group from level 1 to level 20. In 30 years I've never been able to do that.

[@HavardBlackmoor]

Props to Matt Colville and Adam Koebbel for showing some love for Basic D&D (BECM) and the D&D Rules Cyclopedia. There's still a hard core fanbase for this game out there. :)

[@AlexanderBaird]

Matt Colville’s comment about “players know when they’re getting away with something” was great because I’ve seen it in action lol. Our gloomstalker ranger(revised) multiclassed into fighter and realized he could have up to 4 long bow attacks, all with advantage, the second and 4th getting an extra d8, and all using sharpshooter with hunters mark. That’s up to 6d8 + 4d6 +48 assuming no crits at 5th level. He and the DM agreed that the action surge didn’t trigger the dread ambusher 😂

[@adriannelson4214]

Immediately when I opened this video, I started wondering if Taliesin Jaffe's character, Caduceus Clay, was at least partly inspired by Adam Koebel on an aesthetic level. Like, "Woah! Caduceus hair!"

[@DontCallMeFlash]

Adam Koebel tweeted about Cadeuceous' introduction "when someone outs your fursona in front of 10,000 people".

[@dicorockhimself]

@@DontCallMeFlash thats amaizing

[@tmos540]

Oh good, I'm not alone in that knee-jerk of "Caduceus hair!"

[@PalleRasmussen]

When TMN met Cad first, Taleisin described him as having Adam's hair.

[@gambit52]

This is like a really easy game of 'Guess Who?' "Does he wear glasses?" "Does he have a beard?" "Is his name Matt?"

[@Direwolf441]

After experiencing several morally vile DnD DMs on Twitch/KZbin, Matt Mercer's closing comments couldn't be more on point. Keep your campaigns safe as much as fun for every player.

[@Asyia]

Their bit of conversation about becoming the DM is so accurate. I literally got voted into being the DM of my group. I had the PH, I was helping them make their characters, I had my sorcerer ready to go... and we realized we had no one to DM. And because I had the book, I got elected xD I flipping love it, and all the advice gathered from Good Matt and Evil Matt has helped SO MUCH. I homebrew and I got my own Campaign setting, 'cause I love world building. But if you haven't tried being a DM, go for it! Try a One Shot! There's TONS of premade one shots out there. It's not overwhelming once you warm up to it :)

[@DrLoganPHD]

Man this host is smothering the hell out of the guests. Like seriously let your guests answer. If you just wanted to share your opinions make a solo video

[@thehat222]

DrLoganPHD worst part is he's not really a host, just supposed to be 1 member of this round table.

[@MrEds9]

I loved the discussion at about 1:27:00. I got into Critical Role initially because it was a D&D stream, but stuck around because I fell in love with the world building, characters, and the narrative. I've tried some other D&D streams (or other tabletop RPG games) but fell away because I didn't like the characters, or felt like the story wasn't engaging enough. I think the thing that can bring new players in would be something to do with letting the new players know that they can do ANYTHING. That's how I always explain D&D to new people. Like a "Have you ever wanted to climb that one wall in a video game that the game didn't want you to? Now you can just knock that wall down" kind of example. Great round table!

[@luffy8878]

I think what a lot of other D&D channels are lacking is strong characters, character development, lack of energy and excitement, and (this last point is very true in the party that I am in currently) people don't share the spotlight enough. CR is really damn near perfect to me and it has a lot to do with respecting the DM and each other. That's why it was such a good idea to get rid of Orien when he challenged the DMs (Mathew Mercer) call. It was sad, I really liked him and his character, but it was needed. People shouldn't be so damn condescending to each other. That's what's really Toxic.

[@Talsbynians]

Anyone: well Adam I think- Adam: I’m gonna need to stop you right there

[@dainslatton9877]

Yup. Not a fan.

[@KimmyR3]

it's actually quite irritating at times. there points where i really want to hear what the other guy is gonna say and Adam would just barge in right in the middle..

[@goodbuddy7607]

Adam had all the answers to his own questions before he asked them. And he didn't click with evil Matt whatsoever.

[@RSanfins]

@@goodbuddy7607 It gets better on the second video. The main problem is that he had to be Moderator and Commentator at the same time. I didn't like him at first because this video was my first contact with him but I've seen other videos and, while he IS very opinated, he seems like a nice guy. Including in the one-on-one conversations with Colville.

[@goodbuddy7607]

@@RSanfins Yeah, I did go on to watch other videos with him/them and they are considerably better.

[@bialzibob392]

I have been playing D&D for more than 35 years and not once have I ever seen anyone turned away from a game, or my own living room table, because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. Not once. Anyone and everyone that has ever shown a genuine interest in wanting to play the game was welcomed with much enthusiasm into the nerdy herd of dungeon delving friends. I have never thought or even heard of anyone being anything other than happy to meet another person who loves this game. And i live in the south! There has never been a problem with inclusivity within D&D culture. That is why I cannot agree that having 4 white guys talk about D&D on the internet is a problem. Have you considered that your panel of white guys may not be indicative of the norm? That being said I love you guys and the work you do. You guys are awesome! I have watch hundreds of hours from both Matt's. Keep up the good work but there is no need for cultural Marxism in D&D. It will only ruin the game. p.s. if having a panel of 4 white guys is a problem why didn't Adam invite a woman and a not white person? It makes me wonder who is the one focused on race? Did you only invite other white guys so you can virtue signal? Stop with this bs!

[@DaveyJonesthe3rd]

Yup. I really like these guys but man... Im so fed up with this focus on race amd gender, as if its a "white male only" club. I just dont see the point in bringing that up. so I 100% agree man. Im also from the south btw

[@LB-yg2br]

1000% agreed. The only people that get turned away are the known wangrods or if a game already had like, 8 people at the table, or if the game is "adult themed" and the person that wants to play is under 16. None of that has anything to do with race, religion, creed, nationality, sex, gender, or philosophical outlook on life. I am absolutely sick of hearing about how "problematic" my hobby is and how it needs to change. F*** off with that noise and go make your own sh*t if MY stuff is so bad.

[@chainer8686]

I've never played D&D before buying the PHB, MM, and DMG and becoming the DM for my group when we all just kept going back and forth wondering how in the world we'll even get a game going. This was all a month ago. Everyone wanted to be a player and nobody initially wanted to DM. However, I am loving world building, coming up with encounters, and hooks for the players to enjoy. I used Colville's first dungeon taken directly from his Running the Game series and the bard charmed the party into stomping it easy mode.

[@darthnixilis304]

Mike: "I think there are much closer to a sport than a table game" I'd say more like Professional Wrestling than a typical sport. Your telling a story using the mechanics of a game/sport where the rules are more suggestions than hard and fast rules.

[@natethegm9802]

I would love to see these 4 play together. With none of them as a dm.

[@xDMrGarrison]

Adam's response to anybody saying anything: "yeah that's exactly what I'm saying".

[@bolio9383]

*Hits someone with my car* Me: It's what my car would do

[@drfoxcourt]

Something I appreciate and that this roundtable evoked is that 5e, more than prior D&D versions, gives people a second life if they are brave enough to adopt a complete experience. Part of the reason Critical Role is so good is that the players and DM are used to taking roles. D&D 5e makes the mechanics of developing a persona (actor's role) much easier.

[@rashkavar]

Anyone else had those awkward conversations trying to explain tabletop RPGs to someone who's fixated on adversarial gaming? "But how do you decide who wins?" "Oh, so it's everyone against the DM? That doesn't seem fair...." "Oh wow, the DM determines what everyone can do, all the rules, and everything? That REALLY seems unfair!" "But...why does the DM let you buy healing items...?" I eventually had to compare it to Pandemic (the board game) when explaining it to my parents...it's the only game I think they've ever played where the group is trying to win against a common adversary rather than directly competing against other players. Those of you who've played Pandemic should know why this was kinda a last ditch option... :P

[@dakotacampbell4558]

Thanks, watching this has really taken away a lot of my disparity as an upcoming DM and to really understand that the rules aren't rigid, they are as flexible as you want them to be :)

[@Wanderingsage7]

Alignment: people like putting things in boxes and simultaneously hate being put in boxes

[@mozartdminor]

Watched this live but wanted to come here to like/comment, and thank everyone involved. I really appreciated this roundtable, hopefully we'll get to see more like this from RollPlay

[@TheWasd1234]

Adam really likes the mic. This round table is more like Adam plus mm, mm, and mc sometimes chat

[@AurorJeffrey]

Thank you Matt Mercer for vocalizing your wisdom about how the world, including D&D and gaming worlds, are going to change. We are hearing loud death throes. We will outlast, however.

[@theDMLair]

Yeah, gotta agree with folks below. Would have liked to see the three guests (good Matt, evil Matt, and Mearls) speak more. It felt like the host was trying to compete for the spotlight. (And he's not gonna win.)

[@xanadustout4422]

Matt Mercer's closing statement is why he's my role model. So few people actually stand up for others and make statements like this but, even fewer have a platform to do it and use that. Hes using his fame to better humanity and killing it in the delivery. I love you Matt! Keep up the good work!

[@bobin5891]

Matt Mercer and Matt Colville in the same video YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@GameNubQuin]

Oh my gosh, I am genuinely impressed to see this many big DnD people on one thing. Good work whoever set this up (Adam?)!

[@AdamKoebel]

it was a team effort itmejp x skinnyghost joint.

[@ethankleiner]

GameNub Quin p

[@comfrk]

I just watched both of these twice. Mad luv

[@janrupertalfeche8959]

It seems D&D is less a game and more a platform on which persons can exercise the development of narrative together, the development of a culture that is certainly unique to itself~ It's flippin' great :)

[@EoHRichmasters]

thats exactly what it is ^^

[@Sinekyre14]

All this over-analysis. Jesus christ... Just play and have fun.

[@ClandestineSnowman]

I think it can be either, depending on HOW you want to play it - it can be a "game" where you adhere to the rules and you can "win" or "lose" within those rules or it can be a tool to essentially group-improv a story, where you start a narrative but then adjust and play through/commit to your choices and see where the story goes.

[@aliince9372]

That was the most concise explanation of what D&D is I've ever read. Good job. I'll quote you on that.

[@chriscollins2095]

If someone asks me what D&D is, I just say 'interactive storytelling.'

[@Olathaen]

Good group, where is the DM and when does the roleplaying start?

[@Hobomice]

shikilaki There Is No DM And They Are Role Playing As People That Actually Like 5e.

[@j0nasbs]

Both Matts and Mike are role-playing people that like 5e, Adam is role-playing himself. :D

[@Hobomice]

Konstantin Krastev That's The Joke

[@noelmock]

Colville would say, you are the DM! Go for it! :)

[@LichyNyx]

Crendor should be the DM for them and he should run Die Kea 3, or Dodger.

[@gjjpabkriner2714]

As soon as I opened the fifth edition D&D player handbook (the first edition I knew), I fell in love with D&D. Everything was amazing. And the first time I half-harassed my friends into playing, they were in love with the game by the end. Since that time was my first time ever really playing D&D at all, and also my first time being a DM, I can be 99% that they were falling in love with D&D, not me as a DM. Because I'm sure I was at least a little terrible, because that's the way it'll be for any new DM.

[@Vogelkinder]

This group of DMs/Creators was fantastic. Quite wonderful to watch and absorb.

[@flynnott]

Things I found myself saying while watching this : "Adam, you just limelighted away from Colville." "Adam, what are you even talking about?" "I didn't come here to hear you lecture to my heroes Adam." "Why are you cutting people short Adam?" "Let Colville talk Adam!?" "Stop Adam!" "STFU ADAM" "Y YOU DO DIS ADAM" "WHO ARE YOU ADAM?" "lmfao, Both Matt Mercer and Mike Mearls are throwing shots at you for this Adam." "Okay, I'm never watching anything with Adam in it again."

[@VolosynT]

i couldnt agree with you more... i honestly feel like he thinks he is in their league and he is NOT AT ALL... like.. shut up Adam..

[@thecrazing]

He co-wrote Dungeon World. He is in their league.

[@DichotomousRex]

I've heard of three of them. I've never heard of Adam.

[@thecrazing]

DichotomousRex that's on you, dude.

[@theDMLair]

Yep. Adam makes this video unwatchable. If he would shut up and let the special guests talk, this video might have been awesome. Instead, I talks 60% of the time. It'd be great if he just facilitated the discussion by asking questions and not inserting his own opinion, which it appears that the guests often disagreed with. He comes across as very egotistical as he constantly steals the limelight away from the guests -- who are the real reason most of us probably wanted to watch this video.

[@impactinnovationgroup9384]

My dear sweet sister saw the screen of these RPG gods and said Theres a Pink Haired Human (Adam), a Long Haired Elf ( Matt M), A short-bearded dwarf ( Matt C) and clean faced gnome ( Mike) Cannot unsee!!!

[@punkguitar4974]

Every time they brought up different tables playing differently or monkeying with stats, I couldn’t help but think of how my table approaches monsters and BBEGs. We pretty much exclusively use home brew monsters and it’s really enhanced the game. Because we genuinely have no idea what we are facing and what its abilities are. It raises the stakes and adds a sense of surprise to each combat.

[@DSas2300]

Is that guy cosplaying as Neapolitan ice cream?

[@Braincain007]

David Sastre this made me laugh out loud

[@kyleblackburn9846]

Seriously, I cackled out loud like a dork when I read this. Had to scroll back up and look and sure enough thats some solid cosplay!

[@frankschipani]

Lmao!

[@jhildebrand7447]

Hahahaha! breath! hahaha!

[@Rustie_za]

dude... 2019 - Still top comment. I just cant LOL. So funny.

[@t.h.mcelroy6597]

There aren't words to explain how much you all inspire me; as a DM and as a person. Thank you for being role models for us, and for sharing your knowledge and perspective. I believe that role-playing is a crucial outlet for gaining perspective, empathy, teamwork and problem solving skills. It has opened me up as a person, and I continue to learn and grow from it. I hope to one day share what it has taught me just as you all do ♥️

[@Yeldibus]

This group is just so perfect for this type of discussion. Thank you for doing this!!

[@JoeAdams]

Love this roundtable. I have been thinking about getting back into D&D for over a year now, but haven't been able to find time to get myself into a group. Videos like these keep making me want to make time.

[@adriannelson4214]

As for what Mike Mearls said comparing D&D to Harley-Davidson in the terms of them being more of a culture than simply a producer and consumer relationship surrounding a product, it reminds me of something my father, a former Hells Angel, said once; "There are better motorcycles out there, but Harley-Davidson is a lifestyle." It's a comparison I never thought I'd hear, but it's good to know that two of my greatest interests at the moment have that quality.

[@WhatAmThatDude]

i loved seeing colville smile as night below was mentioned

[@michaelthomas2804]

Mike Mearls' unabashedly joyful smile is awesome. He looks like he's having a blast!

[@danielbridges4762]

7:01 Matt: I disagree Adam: 👁👄👁

[@RavenforTea]

*scrolling through KZbin looking for something to kill time at work* My favourite D&D people did a roundtable?! Yesssss! Not disappointed guys, loved it from start to finish.

[@quillzink6863]

I can listen to this all day every day. There's so much knowledge in this group. I do love every person here.

[@MrJumboJinx]

Mike Mearls is the face of happiness I love it!

[@snowman9631]

I'm about to run my first game of D&D and it will be my first time with D&D at all. all of us are completely new, but i feel like ill do fairly well despite being so new. my obsessive nature has led me to watching over a days worth of time of tips and tricks videos for 2-3 months now. i know i wont be perfect, but i have the people in this video and others on line to thank for giving me the confidence to do this. i never would have thought about half the ideas i have if it wasn't for such an awesome community.

[@balfizan]

Early on Adam mentions that everyone plays Monopoly the "one way, by the rules". Except a bunch of people play with money in the middle for free parking and they don't auction off properties that aren't purchased when someone lands on it. So there are a bunch of people out there playing Monopoly by their 'own rules'. It is less common but people do play some board games with their own house rules.

[@citadelcommando]

He was making a comment about how there's an accepted way to play Monopoly. That other stuff is "out there" and not the way the game was intended. D&D isn't intended to be played any one specific way was his point.

[@AdamKoebel]

right, I just meant that there's one way you play the game, and that's by the rules - certainly there are house rules, but those tend to be incorporated into local canon vs just "playing how you feel like it" which D&D does. less verbosely, D&D has "rulings" and rules, but monopoly has only got rules.

[@balfizan]

It was mostly the use of Monopoly which has several of the widest used 'not actual rules' of any game. But I see your point that D&D assumes 'rulings' being a thing and Board games generally don't.

[@AdamKoebel]

sure, yeah - turns out that in the moment, it's hard to just come up with perfect examples for things ;-)

[@JavierPerez-cx4jw]

Elgin Howell UNOs another great example. Every time I play with a new group I have to ask in advance for House rules because everyone plays differently.

[@jontnoneya3404]

THANK YOU! What a FANTASTIC discussion!! I played DnD back in the late 70s, early 80s and we made up house rules to make it more fun for our group. We had a blast, every weekend and we talked about it all the time. Eventually some of the discussions about our explorations found their way to people that also played but were far more "rules specific" about their gameplay. Everything started out OK in a gaming session but quickly stopped when we were called out for not following some rule and when we said "Yeah that's not really a rule we follow" everyone who had been playing with us understood but it made it quite difficult to add some new player to the group.....even if they were quite advanced and knowledgeable. Over many years of this and many repeat episodes I gave up and didn't play DnD for 35+ years. It's quite refreshing to listen to this discussion and realize that not only was our gameplay "ok" but others had experienced the same. Like Mike describing jumping on the cleric around the 40 min mark or a bit after. That's exactly what we experienced.....we were having so much fun with the game we didn't realize we weren't following some silly rule until we brought someone else into the game. After 35+ years of non-DnD play, I'm about to go buy the 5th edition and find a group!! Thank you!!!

[@mr.stormhaven5733]

Two Matts' - One Show. My new favorite.

[@RichardHaywardMelbourne]

Well said you guys. Thanks for the video! It was a lot of fun to watch, and I hope Mercer had a great night at his party.

[@jasonlacomb5382]

I do find it strange that someone would say or think that "they aren't represented in it"?? There are nearly infinite possibilities for race, sexual preference, color, ect. I have been playing RPG's since 1984. I have played everything from D&D, VtM, Gurps, Battletech, Car Wars, Top Secret, Shadowrun, Robotech, Champions and the list goes. Never have I felt that I couldn't be ANYTHING that I could imagine. I mean literally, I was only limited by my imagination. The only problem (in the past) that I ever saw for minority individuals getting into the game was the actual real people that formed the group. Yes the first group that I was a part of were 4 straight white kids, why...because they were my closest friends. I was a "jock" and they were "nerds", yet we all got out of the stereotype and clicks we were in because we wanted to have fun. In the beginning I lacked imagination and so I played a strong human fighter who focused on str and not con, because that's what I was in real life. But as time went on and we tried out new systems and became more comfortable with ourselves and grew more imaginitive, then we began to explore more. I played an androgynous Vampire in VtM who had no boundaries sexually. I have also played characters of various races and classes in every game system. My most famous characters are the first I ever played (Jason "The Justifier", a human fighter) and my androgynous character from VtM (Bishop de Guile, a Sabbat Lasombra who pretended to be malkavian). I have never felt or seen a problem within the game to keep any kind of person from playing. The only problem I have ever witnessed was from the player group makeup. I was fortunate to have been included in a wonderful group (we played together for over 20+ year interchanging only one or two people throughout) and we were always welcoming of new players of any sex or race. The reality though, in my days, was that it was looked at as negative to play D&D. But, we would have never said no to ANYONE joining our games, we always looked for new players because it was so unpopular that it would have been a blessing to have anyone join us. It was a big deal to get me to play, because I was popular in school and played multiple sports. D&D and was looked at as the nerds game and very unpopular, but because my best friend was a nerd and into the game, I joined him. I wanted to have fun with my best friend and hangout with him, even if that meant playing D&D. That I think helped me as a person and led me to become friends with more nerds and people from other clicks. My group of friends who played RPG's evolved (by high school) into a white male jock, two white male nerds, two mixed male philipinos, a bisexual white guy and a wonderful sexy average girl. The more popular RPG's in general become, the more we will see the diversity increase within the world, as we are seeing now. But, I just can't imagine anyone being turned off or thinking they can't be included in virtually any RPG! -sorry this jumped around a bit, I just got off work 16 hours, and am very tired!

[@ihatevnecks7015]

Representation isn't about what they can or can't be in their own individual games, it's about what's depicted and discussed within the printed material. If a black man is reading a fantasy system whose art only ever depicts the buff white Conan guy, and the only dark-skinned people he sees are the "strange folk from the deserts to the south," then what kind of reaction do you expect? You can say people of any color or sexuality can be in your own table's game, but if none of those people are ever represented within the published material being used, then that's a failure of representation.

[@kachiechan]

The problem is that some DM's have limited imaginations. Colville does a great video about this. What can happen is that the DM's worldview is limited by their own experiences, and if they don't go out of their way to widen their own scope, they can be unintentionally exclusionary. For example - If you have a gay player at the table, but the DM is of the mind that "sexuality doesn't belong in games", which paints the gay player as a 'sexual deviant' within the in-game universe just by virtue of existing, then that is exclusionary. There are many diverse options that D&D and other tabletop games offer, but if the DM does not utilize them in a socially conscious way, then those options mean nothing.

[@krashkow]

Sure, you can imagine your character as whatever you want, but if you crack open a rulebook and only see heteronormative white guys and gals, it sends a message, intentional or not, that non-heteronormative people don't count, or at least don't count as much. And if you catch heat from people for pointing this out, it just underscores the observation.

[@jasonlacomb5382]

krashkow , I've never seen that with D&D though. In fact the point of an RPG is to be imaginitive and creative and not at all normal. It's a perfect place to be someone or something that you aren't in real life...a place where a guy can play a girl or an androgynous race of any color!

[@krashkow]

The issue in question isn't about who the proverbial "you" want to be, it's about what kinds of people are depicted in media works, be the film, print, or game. When Wizards makes a deliberate effort to be more inclusive in their presentation, it's sending a message that non-heteronormative folks are just as welcome in the hobby as anyone else and that non-heteronormative characters are as valid as completely heteronormative characters. It's the same logic behind more diverse film and television casting, just in a different medium. It's acknowledgement and that can mean a lot for people who are not used to seeing people like themselves depicted as the "heroes of the story."

[@GaryKlineCA]

Adam, great questions and topics raised here, with some wonderful viewpoints and ohmigod, awesome to have Mike Mearls here as well. :)

[@MrBrightside6969]

I cannot wait till the next critical role campaign

[@Danarcis]

Will they make new characters? I am currently trying to catch up, but am quite far behind

[@BurnettGaming]

I've actually never watched but I plan to in the near future. Have they said they're going to start the new campaign soon? New characters and new story?

[@trixa3667]

Jup, the had the last epic fight last thursday. And will probably do a epilog and the som one shots. And yes they will have new characters.

[@Shacklefty]

Yes, they are, and the campaign will be set a bit into the future (20ish years, I think?) on another continent in Matt's world.

[@Worgak]

Any predictions as to what we're going to see? I've got a gut feeling that Laura will go for a warlock (she really liked what Zharah could do), but not much else.

[@archbldr]

This was fantastic to watch I hope all 4 of you enjoyed talking as I'd love to see you and other voices in the community talk more. I love hearing conversation from the high council because you guys have so much experience it's wonderful to be able to draw on that even though I can't talk to you. Having progressed past the just learn to talk to your players to solve the problems, finding resources that talk about the game in a deeper way has been the hope. So, thanks to all 4 of you for doing stuff like this to help a DM like me gain a better understanding of the game I enjoy.

[@Runehammer1]

Be fun to see this cabal as a play group (mike DM?)

[@lolthien]

That would be the most intimidating group to DM in all of history. No thank you sir and/or madam.

[@Damori]

I think they'd take to ICRPG swimmingly...

[@amdnable]

The whole "just wing it" is quite well captured by Runehammer and ICRPG. As I started tabletop with your game I didn't really notice until now.

[@erezamir7218]

even more fun if they play Dungeon World

[@dezrook]

You should round them all up and get a game going!

[@jasonlacomb5382]

What a great discussion! Thank you all for your time!

[@darby7136]

44:10 matt C’s following expressions mirror mine every time Koebel talks.

[@dainslatton9877]

Yup.

[@LordVader1094]

Same lol

[@boblinsconcoctions1638]

One of the most insightful and incredible conversations I've ever seen. Everyone's roles in this conversation helped perfectly balance it. Yiss

[@toneylol]

I get hyped when someone uses their feats correctly, and when they make an extra attack

[@panamakira]

This was such an awesome discussion. I've only been playing D&D for about a year and although it hasn't always been easy, it has been really fun to learn how to play and invest yourself in the characters, story and mechanics with my friends. I wasn't exposed to the D&D culture until much recent, and I'm not white or male but there is something about this game that connects so many people. I agree with everyone who said in 5-10 years the people who play D&D will change but I'm also grateful to Wizard of the Coast and the rest of the panel for exposing the new audience to such an awesome game. I'm late to the party but I hope to play D&D for many years to come.

[@b1gg0at]

I'd like to see 5e live 10 years or longer before the next edition is released.

[@spudsbuchlaw]

Well, you'll get 6/10s of your wish

[@smileitsgoodforyou10]

I love them all! Colville and Mercer have such different dnd philosophies, it's fun to see how Adams philosophies interact with that.

[@FranzNagy]

These guys are why I am starting my first campaign as DM.

[@Shamustodd1]

I could not agree more about how we remember the greatest moments of D&D as ourselves in the moment. I remember high points from 30-35 years ago in that way back when I was still just a player. As a DM I ran a group of five other people about 12 years ago that summed up a two year, weekly campaign with a total party kill against an ancient huge red. When occasion happens that that campaign comes up every member of that group has strong happy memories about that legendary fight with a shape changing, magic using, ancient dragon. They always refer to themselves as "We" & "I" and the smiles on their faces is what tells me how those moments have stayed with them for all these years. As a DM, a smile from those kind of game memories means a lot to me.

[@kreganf]

Man Adam interrupting so much XD

[@dainslatton9877]

As someone who's spoken to him, I think that behavior is the norm for him. A bit of an ass.

[@Skallenia]

Complete respect and much love for these guys. Extremely interesting discussion, but, do yourself a favor and change the playback speed to 0.5 near 48:39 and enjoy!

[@willjackson5885]

Woah, this Mark Mercer guy has voiced a ton of my favorite characters and I didn’t even know it

[@suerainey9250]

@MattColville (They exsist!) As a mom in her 50's, I have spent some time explaining RPG to folks. I would say MOST of the people I know who are outside of my D&D circle do not know what it is. And, as I think this is the most wonderful game, I want them to know. So, I talk to the parents of the people I play with and my friends who are my age. And I get a lot of positive response. Which is really nice!

[@Dasbif]

This was a fantastic discussion. Amazing how all 4 panelists can be so similar and yet so different in their styles breath-to-breath! Long term fan of all of them.

[@phaerlax]

[obligatory comment concerning headwear consumption]

[@Dasbif]

ಠ_ಠ

[@samvente1261]

The analogy between video games and TTRPG and watching sports blew my mind. Definitely gonna use that IRL