A look at our Dungeons & Dragons show

Here's a behind the scenes look at what we had been working on for our upcoming D&D show.

First, we were planning a truly epic opening sequence for each episode that was a mix of stop motion and CGI. We hired an incredibly talented artist (link to their reddit post about this project here) to build us a tower that would be used in a half practical / half CGI shot. It's such a great piece of art, and we wish we could've gotten to use it.

Second, we've got some early 3D models of potential character designs for our 3D printed board pieces. All by the same artist, so please go give them some love!

This series was chugging along nicely in the background, and we were waiting to move into our new office so we could build the set and shoot the first season. We had a lot of hilarious bits planned, and a wild story.

Here's a rough draft write-up of part of the beginning lore and first session that was being planned:

Welcome to the region of Kuwait (no relation to the country).

Boasting a large population and heavily diverse collection of races, Kuwait has been known more recently as a place where travelers can start again with very little questions asked of them. Slowly over time the population has been decreasing as those with means move to better locations. Kuwait is a heavily forested region known for its tall pines, beer, and fine ass they/thems.

Silverkeep, where you currently find yourselves.

Both of you sit atop the gallows a thick brown noose resting heavily on your necks. arms and legs bound. standing about 25 feet in the air. a large crowd of dwarfish people stand in front of you. The large dark cavern reverberates their voices against the red clay walls.

Describe yourselves-

there’s one man closer to you matt with a rope around his neck as well

Third guy- Human man long brown hair and fair white skin. he’s got a really nice beard and you can tell he’s ripped because of the way his tunic is parted. he seems very chill. what’s your passive perception? 5 dc he smells of weed.

behind him is the executioner. he wears a black hood with no shirt. his large scarred belly extends over his pants. His feet are bare and his large brown and black toenails aren’t going to be winning any beauty pageants.

the mayor- dwarf with a deep red beard, and deep set eyes. you’re unsure if he was elected or if he's the leader due to his old age. he takes his cane and hobbles up the stairs slowly. you can also tell he’s a mayor bc of the white sash that says mayor across it. as well as his very tall and skinny top hat.

as he walks past you ryan you hear him quietly say “glad i’m not you sonny”

as he nears the center of the structure the crowd quiets down until not even a slight murmur can be heard. he snaps his fingers and two torches light on the side walls. illuminating two large tapestries. deep red and gold and brown and green. they depict proud stories of silverkeep's past.

if asked- one story is of a large war. dwarf vs goblin. in the center a dwarf is holding a large white chalice. that seems to be made of glass beadwork woven into the fabric reflecting the torchlight vibrantly. it feels important

the elder speaks to the crowd in a commanding manner but isn’t particularly loud.

"before us we have transgressors. charlatans and neerdowells. we the people of Silverkeep are a known to be a proud people who adhere our laws. We are seen as strict from the outside.

Yet of all the denizens of kuwait who remains ungoverned by this New Kings Law? Us. our mountain keep is strong and none have dared attempt to penetrate the Iron Door. even over these past 8 years.

It’s now time to offer our transgressors their choice. You may die. Hung by your own mistakes… or you make add to our society. offer your lives in service to the city. we need people like you. fine young breeders like yourselves. several “women cheer out” in the crowd.

you can see even in the candle light why the population has been dwindling.

you would not be allowed to leave here ever, take wives, or own a home but your lives would not be wasted.

This offer is for everyone but you of course. he extends his hand toward the ripped man.

For your crimes of Smoking Weed the only punishment is death.

“wai-“ and before he’s able to get anymore syllables out The executioner pulls the lever. the trap door beneath his feet opens. you hear a slight crunch as his body goes limp about 20 feet below.

from seemingly nowhere and everywhere at once a voice enters into your ears.

“there is a third option. but you have to agree to help me with a project” it sounds a bit gruff but genuine.

you look out to the mayor he continues pratling on about the grand opportunities and merit of his great city. the 100 percent literacy rate. the high amount of doctors per capita, the universal health care etc. it’s apparent he doesn’t hear whatever it is you’re hearing.

“all i need is one week of your time, i need you to take something that was taken from me, compared to working at the fuck factory forever that seems like a win for you.”

why us??, “well it’s not exactly safe but i figured it’s safer than what’s waiting for you at the end of that rope.

I need a yesss from the both of you. it seems the mayor is about to end his speech. so make it now. or try your hand chained to a bed in the Laying Chambers. I’d choose death.

in fetching the chalice for the voice. the iron gates open.