Dimension 20: Misfits and Magic is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) series created by Brennan Lee Mulligan. The show takes place in a fictional high school called Aguefort Adventuring Academy, where students with magical abilities gather to learn and train. The main characters are a group of misfit students who form their own adventuring party, known as the Bad Kids. Each character in the Bad Kids brings a unique personality and set of abilities to the table. Adaine Abernant, played by Emily Axford, is a shy and intelligent half-elf with a talent for wizardry. Fabian Aramais Seacaster, played by Lou Wilson, is a charismatic and ambitious human fighter.
“I hope they take that theme of reclamation, of justifying and being at peace with your childhood,” Iyengar said. “Like, to me that is what adulthood is. Putting away the things from childhood that no longer fit or suit or serve you, and holding on to the things that are precious—that have made you who you are in this moment and honoring both and knowing that both things, this process of deciding and divesting and retaining, is important … And then just, I hope they all laugh.”
Orion, who stressed the importance of having been handed the creative reins without having to jump through hoops, promised online that D20 will have more disabled people, more body shapes, all sorts of changes continued to be made down the line. After a year of demands for racial reckonings, small steps to redress racist language and imagery, and countless carefully worded diversity statements, TTRPG titans seem to finally be noticing that something is, indeed, wrong.
Fabian Aramais Seacaster, played by Lou Wilson, is a charismatic and ambitious human fighter. Kristen Applebees, played by Siobhan Thompson, is a lovable goliath barbarian with a heart of gold. Riz Gukgak, played by Brian Murphy, is a clumsy and loyal gnome rogue.
The Black creatives of Dimension 20’s ‘Misfits and Magic’ are redefining inclusivity in tabletop gaming
The realm of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) is ripe for revolution. After a year of demands for ‘racial reckonings,’ small steps to redress racist language and imagery, and countless carefully worded diversity statements, TTRPG titans seem to finally be noticing that something is, indeed, wrong. While they move in sluggish uncertainty to (theoretically) practice inclusivity, one online tabletop show, Dimension 20, is unabashedly placing marginalized folks of different identities front and center—and granting them full creative power.
Dimension 20 is an online TTRPG anthology show produced by CollegeHumor, and its upcoming season, Misfits and Magic, promises something new. It’s led by a Black woman Game Master (GM), the acclaimed Aabria Iyengar, and its cast primarily features players of color—Lou Wilson, Erika Ishii, and Danielle Radford—along with Brennan Lee Mulligan, who now joins the table as a player after GMing every other Dimension 20 adventure thus far. In the new season, these four adventurers play ordinary American teens in a seemingly mundane world—until they’re suddenly recruited by a big-shot wizarding school based in England.
If “British wizarding school” rings a bell, then you’re on the right track: While Iyengar has created a unique universe for her players, this team of creatives is actively deconstructing and taking ownership of fantasy’s most beloved—and now-controversial—wizarding world.
Gorgug Thistlespring, played by Zac Oyama, is a lovable and unpredictable half-orc barbarian. Throughout the series, the Bad Kids face various challenges and embark on exciting adventures. They navigate the treacherous halls of Aguefort Academy, solve magical mysteries, and battle dangerous monsters. Along the way, they form strong bonds of friendship and uncover hidden secrets that threaten the safety of the academy and the world beyond. Brennan Lee Mulligan, the game master and storyteller, crafts a rich and immersive world filled with memorable characters and compelling storylines. He expertly blends comedy, drama, and suspense, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience for audiences. Dimension 20: Misfits and Magic not only provides entertaining gameplay but also explores important themes such as friendship, identity, and self-discovery. The show's diverse cast of characters allows for representation and exploration of different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Overall, Dimension 20: Misfits and Magic is a highly enjoyable and addictive fantasy RPG series that showcases the power of imagination and storytelling. With its memorable characters, exciting adventures, and engaging narratives, the show has garnered a passionate fanbase and has become a beloved addition to the tabletop gaming community..
Reviews for "Dimension 20: From Buzzfeed to CollegeHumor - The Evolution of Misfits and Magic"
1. Bob - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Dimension 20 Misfits and Magic" as I enjoy role-playing shows, but unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. The characters felt clichéd and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The storyline was predictable and didn't offer any interesting twists or surprises. Overall, I found it to be underwhelming and didn't live up to the hype.
2. Sarah - 2.5 stars - I had high expectations for "Dimension 20 Misfits and Magic," but it didn't quite deliver for me. The humor often felt forced and didn't land, making it difficult for me to enjoy the show. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some episodes dragging on and others rushing through important plot points. While the production quality was good, it wasn't enough to compensate for the lackluster writing and character development.
3. Chris - 3 stars - "Dimension 20 Misfits and Magic" started off promising, but it lost its charm as the series progressed. The initial episodes had some enjoyable moments, but the story became convoluted and hard to follow. The world-building lacked depth, and the magic system felt underdeveloped. While the cast did their best to bring the characters to life, their efforts couldn't save the weak script. Overall, it was a disappointment compared to other role-playing shows out there.