how did collegehumor die? i wonder if its like an actual point in time they announced the death of it or if the channel was slowly turning into something else and everyone just agrees that collegehumor died
@@ruolbu I cannot believe I hadn't put together the connection between the name "dropout" and "college humor" until I read your comment. It was right there all this time, and it just never clicked until now.
The "camera's off" session is very common and a recommended thing to do before the beginning of a campaign, even in home games. It's called a "session 0" and it's one of the best ways to break the ice and let the players to feel out their characters and the setting.
I'm not sure if what Hank described is what most people do as session 0, though perhaps I'm actually in the minority on my perspective. In my experience, session 0 is less a cameras off session that models actual gameplay and more a time where the gm sets expectations and helps the players build their characters both mechanically and their personalities/place in the world as needed. It's a very open and silly time usually, but doesn't really compare to actual play. Again, this is fully anecdotal, maybe session 0 does go more like a test session with everything already done to help players figure out interactions and basic gameplay for other groups. I dunno, just wanted to share that it's not the definition of session 0 for all dnd groups
@@NerdyGirlTay I feel like in can be either or both. I think it depends on the group. What you describe feels like an experienced group that wants to mess around and feel things out with an understanding of the game. I've only ever played with newer people and/or people who don't know each other that well, and I find that session 0 goes much better if you're able to jump into the game, whether it's pre-campaign and/or a scenario that can be canonical or not depending on how everyone feels about their characters by the end.
@@Two-HeadedBoy funny you say that, that was actually my very first time playing dnd. We had a pretty mixed group of experience vs not though at that table so you maybe still have a point. I think it comes down to gm preference and experience most likely for what session 0 looks like for a group. I've never personally had a session 0 like you're describing so I can't really compare to say it's better or worse. I think any and all time spent together before session 1 would still be pretty helpful though whether it's gameplay or simply character building together.
@@Two-HeadedBoyWhat @nerdygirltay described is exactly what a session zero is. What you/Hank are describing is called a session .5. I'm a DM myself. Most DMs do session 0 before character creation. The point of a session zero is to make sure that everyone has the same expectations. Even if they are my best friends or family I do one. Sometimes what people would be comfortable with in a movie isn't something they'd be comfortable playing. You should also be making sure your players are excited about the game you are planning, restrictions on race/class, and the house rules. With new players I usually go over the rules, play some improv games, and start character creation at the end of session 0. But most people agree that session 0s are the best way to keep yourself off r/dndhorrorstories so they should be done before every campaign. Session .5s are really useful for helping you work out the kinks and helps your players get into their groove before the 1st session. I really love them before one shots and short campaigns where there isn't much time to get into character.
My table does both. We're experienced players, but I particularly enjoy running a bit of combat in session zero. It gets out some of the nerves/kinks around playing a new class and starts team building immediately. Plus, a no stakes tussle is a fun reward after hours of talking about mechanics and expectations!
@@JordanLeightheir policy is so beautiful. It came out with the Netflix crack down "Dropout's new password-sharing rule: you should share your password with a friend who can't afford Dropout, because it would be nice of you"
fr I dropped my other streaming services because I just don't use them. Dimension 20 alone is worth it but there's so many other good shows that rank among the most fun I've watched in a long time. And if you're like me and look at the selection and go like "Oh, I don't like game shows or like pseudo-reality concept TV shows" it's so much better than that.
A fun fact: I do not know if Hank is a SAG member, but even if he was this promotion is allowed as Dropout has been confirmed as a non-struck production!
I believe just ny virtue of being on d20 he would have become a SAG member if he wasn't one before cause they don't really let people do long things like the show otherwise. He had actually like, before the season was out about how he wouldn't be able to talk about things. But! Now that it is confirmed they are non struck! We get this video!
Yep! And it's also why he's only just started talking about this season. He's a SAG member, and he mentioned not being able to "react to a cool thing he was a part of" on twitter, when the strike started.
He tweeted a few days before they announced the season that he was super excited about something he was apart of, but he wasnt going to promote it to adhere. It was super cool of him to do, about two-three weeks later is when dropout got the official OK to continue shooting!
Thank you for confirming that for folk. Some of us may have seen the various announcements either from Hank or from Sam Reich (the CEO of Dropout) talking about how they are allowed to promote their stuff again, due to an agreement w/ the AMPTP, having agreed to *all* of the WGA/SAG-AFTRA demands. It's entirely plausible and reasonable that others may not have, so it's great to get that validation in here.
That opening scene between Siobhan and Trapp was just such a masterclass in improv. It was like watching a couple of experienced trapeze artists just handling it back and forth between each other.
Hank, Brennan, Trapp, and Siobhan could literally just slowly paint a wall together and I would watch it, because it would be magic. Looking forward to the ride!
@@junoantaresofficialI feel that if you add Lou to that mix there's a good chance he starts throwing paint on the walls "COME ON LET'S DO THIS AND GO HOME."
When I first subscribed to Dropout, I figured I’d cancel after I finished watching the show I was interested. Well it’s been over a year and I’m still subbed, and it has been worth every penny. And what’s also nice is that I don’t feel like my money is going to a major multinational corporation that’s just going to sell my data for profit.
No joke, my DnD / actual play pipeline was Nerdfighteria -> watching Titansgrave because Hank was in it-> Critical Role -> playing DnD with my friends -> Dimension 20. So this is the most wonderful, full circle moment for me as a fan of all of these things.
Titansgrave was what gave me the excitement/confidence to finally try D&D so I had a similar pipeline experience Five gold and a party! (Also have to note that I do have the Titansgrave book and my first game was set in Valkana, but using that setting + D&D rules was the compromise I had to make with my group 😂)
Same! I owe my DnD love to Hank. I have to hold myself back from referencing 5 gold and a party all the time because I don't know anyone else who would get it!
Hey there Hank! I'm Dropout's Mod Captain and wanted to just let you know that we do do a live chat together within the discord, although there isn't a live stream. We all sync up with a timer and hit play together and watch it from there! :) Loved the first episode of Mentopolis and can't wait to see what happens next!
What you're talking about was what Brennan and other actual play groups call an "Episode 0". They're a great warm up into what's going on and benefits everyone from newcomers to professionals.
I've seen episode 0 and session 0 thrown around and they seem to mean the same thing so yeah! This is a completely normal thing that happens at a lot of tables. Sometimes more formal. Sometimes less formal. It encompasses a lot.
I think they usually call it "Session 0" instead of "Episode 0" because some GMs like to use it for normal campaigns as well, not just streamed one. Brennan was on a GMs roundtable over on Critical Role with Matt Mercer and Aabria Iyengar a while back and they talked about this at length. It's meant to establish pre-existing relationships and get players comfortable with their characters before you start the actual campaign.
@@Elijah-eg1xtYup! I know with Critical Role's current campaign, Matt Mercer ran them in different groups so even the players had no idea what was going on in another group.
Both names do get thrown around a lot because different DMs use them differently. While some use the early playtest model others are content with a meeting to discuss concepts and expectations.
@@Elijah-eg1xt At least in my experience, a "session 0" doesn't actually include much or any gameplay, like an "episode 0" does. With groups I've played with most of the players showed up with less than a character concept and it was more of a time to go through the mechanical aspect of character creation with the dm present so the could approve/disapprove things and give help and ideas.
Hank you did SUCH AN AMAZING JOB in episode 1. You absolutely broke Brennan during your first intimidation interaction. As an avid D20 viewer I am beyond excited to see you this season. Fingers crossed you'll consider more Actual Plays in the future!!!
Hank, I just watched episode one. I never would have guessed you were nervous. Your introduction was incredible. You came out so strong and nearly left Brennan speechless. I'm so excited to see where this goes.
I feel like I turned to this aspect of DND at the right time, bc while DND is not new to me, Brennen and Hank being a part of it is, and I'm thrilled he is on the road of recovery, and all of them are so darn funny. And with my life right now I need a distraction
I really felt complicated feelings when - struggled with adhd, gaslit by recent media into thinking I didn’t, and then relearning from hank through this incredible description. You are doing amazing work my god.
I cannot recommend D20 more!! I loved Fantasy High (80s movies), Misfits and Magic (Harry Potter), A Crown of Candy (Game of Thrones), Neverafter (Fables, Folklore, and Fairytale), A Court of Fey and Flowers (Bridgerton… so similar in vibe to drag queens) and Starstruck (Star wars/trek)!! All of the season are good but those are the standouts
@@averyrex9907 Not to mention all of the originals and all five seasons of game changer! Total forgiveness is so, so good. Highly recommend that one, if no other original. The highs and lows and the sheer drama, and then emotional catharsis on the final episode? Good stuff.
You may have been nervous about your performance on D20 but your menacing snake bit and Brennan's shocked face afterwards was the best part of the episode.
One of my favorite things about your character (and I'm not caught up, so forgive me if this gets discussed explicitly at some point) isn't just the random "fun facts" you share threateningly, but the implications of those fun facts in this setting. The context you give when sharing your first fun fact is that, "that's the sort of information I run across in my job". Which on its surface seems benign, until you remember that information is a kind of thought, and thoughts are people in Mentopolis. The Fix isn't just telling you something he learned one time, he's viscerally yet casually describing *some other guy he killed* just because they were being a little too distracting.
amazing. and when it's a fact like "you can break half the bones in a body just by breaking the bones of the hands and feet" it's 10x more menacing lol
Happy that everyone can comfortably promote this, because my mind was absolutely blown by the trailer, and I have to imagine that this concept was a blast to dive into. For anyone who's new to the whole tabletop RPG (TTRPG) world - I promise that Brennan Lee Mulligan is such a talented, visceral, emotive storyteller, and you will be drawn into the whole series after only a couple minutes. Just pretend you're listening in on a group of friends telling a wild adventure they just came back from!
@@LightPink The large majority of Dimension 20 (D20) seasons uses the classic D&D 5e rules, though Brennan has always been a fan of house rules to fit the themes/genres they played in. In the ninth season of D20, Aabria Iyengar was a guest GM, and introduced the Kids on Brooms system. In Season 11, Gabe Hicks was the guest DM and used his own created system called The Mythic system. Season 12 was sci-fi themed, so Brennan opted for the Star Wars 5e system. Aabria's return as a guest DM for Season 14 brought a blend of D&D 5e and Good Society. Mentopolis, as Season 19, is using a sister system to Kids on Brooms called Kids on Bikes. Not all seasons are the same length, as they can have anywhere between 4-20 episodes depending on the types of stories being told (longer campaign stories vs. one-shot-esque scenarios)
@@VereskVeil Oh god, I loved it so much. It was so brilliantly high stakes and emotionally charged without any formal "combat", and the epistolary phase was such a brilliant addition to storytelling, I was hooked every moment!
The mashing of genres and concepts in d20 is something that, every season, I'm awestruck by. Crown of Candy/Ravening War is set in "Game of Thrones meets Candyland," Adventure High is set in "high fantasy 1980s." And now Mentopolis is "Inside Out meets Osmosis Jones" with just as much grit and humor as you could want. Brennan Lee Mulligan is a master worldbuilder
Hank surprises me that he feels so out of place given that he was on the very first Actual Play show i ever watched, Titansgrave. He was amazing and that show is the reason i got hooked on tabletop. I can't wait to watch Mentopolis tonight and re live that joy again
exactly!! same here. i only started playing D&D in 2022 and when my friend was describing what i'd later find out was Fantasy High (!!!), i was like, ohh i've watched hank green on one of those. not really knowing that there were different systems etc.
Titansgrave!!! Omg i wish they made more of that! It was so incredible! I wanted more of it and critical role at the time was so low production i couldn’t get into it vs titansgrave. By the time it had the production I value i was so lost with the story i didn’t bother with it plus it’s sooo much content. I’m glad they made a series on it though (which is amazing!). That being said dimension 20 is 1000% exactly what i want from watching someone play DnD. Fantasy high had me freaking hooked! I gotta watch some more of the series and I’ll definitely watch this mini series at some point soon too.
The penny arcade D&D show is called acquisitions incorporated, Patrick rothfus was on it a bunch alongside Will Wheaton and the DM was Chris Perkins who absolutely deserves to be in the greatest ever GMs conversation
@@jazzymothThat’s not quite accurate (thankfully). Mike (a/k/a Gabe) did make a lot of transphobic *statements* out of ignorance over a decade ago. No question about that. But then he apologized and acknowledged the ignorance of those statements after he worked through the initial defensiveness he felt in response to the reactions he received. Penny Arcade and PAX certainly aren’t perfect. (Nobody is.) But unlike transphobic folks who are bigoted from a place of hatred and actually embrace that hatred, Mike recognized he was speaking from a place of ignorance and was willing to learn and address that ignorance. Of course, I know that doesn’t change the fact of those initial statements being hurtful in and of themselves. I certainly understand why those who *were* hurt by those statements would not be inclined to give them another chance, because that hurt is very real and that hurt matters. I also see a very real difference between those who say hurtful things without knowing they’re hurtful (out of ignorance) and those who say hurtful things *because* they’re hurtful (out of hatred). And I believe that difference is especially important when those in the first group speaking out of ignorance are willing to learn so they can avoid doing so in the future. Because those who spoke out of ignorance but were then willing to learn will (hopefully) also join us in standing against the people who deliberately say hateful things out of hatred. I want to change hearts and minds-those capable of being changed, at least-so I prefer to embrace those who learn from their mistakes and grow beyond their initial ignorance once they recognize it. I’d rather do that then ostracize them to the point that they’re actually given a reason to join the hateful people who *will* embrace them for their ignorance and try to *keep* them ignorant. But I say that knowing I’m coming from a place of privilege, as an ally who hasn’t had those hurtful statements actually directed at me or my own identity, and who believes this is one way (among many) I can use my privilege to be a better ally. And I certainly understand why those who *were* on the receiving end of those statements would have zero interest in giving them a second chance (let alone spending the time and effort to educate someone out of their ignorance).
Watching you absolutely stump/baffle Brennan with some of your character moments in this first episode was a true joy!! You did a wonderful job! Can't wait to watch the rest!
I’ve always loved Brennan Lee Mulligan, he is hilarious but in a very positive-vibes kinda way that reminds me of you and John a lot. It’s great to see you collab!
Hank thinking the Session 0 was just for him is honestly the sweetest thing. You're a remarkable man but that one wasn't just for you, it's for tone setting, relationships, setup and more, for the GM as much as the players. You might have needed it for different reasons, but I promise everyone else at that table was just as grateful for it.
i understood it as how the session experience was for him personally not that it was just for him. he said he felt that it was a normal thing for the crew. i see how it could be understood either way though
@@angeldelacruz5278I understood it as "wow, so many talented folks here who could probably jump right in and be decently successful at learning, reacting, improvising all at once. Meanwhile I definitely get a lot out of this session 0 thing!" I think a session 0 is so, so critical to having a good campaign. Some familiarity & connection expands creative possibilities vastly.
The real problem I have myself is interrupting people with jokes when I’m non even there in character, he did intimidating facts when scene was designed for him.
Yea it definitely sounded more like a warm-up session. You can do those in a normal campaign too, but usually it just happens naturally over the first session or two.
As a nervous dnd player who's first group was full of experienced players who Know What's Up, I 100% understand the nervousness that comes with waiting for your big turn in the beginning with a group like that. And I definitely noticed that aprehension watching the first episode. But dude. Dude! When your time came I was absolutely Blown Away. I'm not kidding when I say I think that was one of the strongest character/guest introductions in a d20 season I've ever seen. Thank you thank you Thank You for doing this season, I Cannot Wait for the next episode.
yeah even really experienced players do a session 0 just to work out the relationships between characters and see what kinda fun chemistry and new things they can add before actually starting the proper first session
I found the Critical Role community via you playing Titangrave all those years ago. Can draw a direct line from Vlogbrothers to the CR community and how TTRPG is now a part of my life with my kids and my students. I love that you got to RP again and I look forward to see you enjoy it. Thank you for being you.
I just commented almost this exact thing. I watched Titansgrave for Hank, then fell down the deep, dark RPG rabbit hole, and now it’s like a whole fifth of my interests.
Haha, same here. Subbed to G&S/PlayAlpha waiting for season 2 of Titansgrave, and got Critical Role instead! Been hoping for a Hank Green guest appearance pretty much ever since. Is it Thursday yet?
Same! DnD is SUCH a big part of my life now, as a badass hobby, a creative outlet and most importantly meeting some of my best friends. But it all started with watching Titansgrave because Hank participated and then finding Critical Role through thinking Laura Bailey was /so cool/. Hank you're our OG TTRPG influencer!
I think it's awesome that so many of us found Critical Role and TTRPGs through Hank and Titansgrave. It's crazy to think how our lives would be so different if that one thing had never happened!
15:03 thinking about the characters and the world is a mark of a really good player. Brian Murphy shared this great story once about his wife, Emily Axford, on their drive she was just talking about how she wanted to help this character, Gilear, which that thought she put into it, spawned one of the most beloved characters in Dimension 20. The more excited you are about the world and the more invested you are in it, the better the the results.
I knew Critical Role role played a session zero but I didn’t know D20 did. I have often wished to get to watch those, but you describing the psychology of the freedom of not having cameras on gave me a much better understanding of why it’s better this way. It gives you the chance to get the nerves out. It gives you the freedom to try things with a character and find out what works and what doesn’t. When I watched the announcement trailer, I was thoroughly shocked (and excited) to see an unexpected Hank Green in the wild. I can’t think of a better D20 season for you than one that is LITERALLY cerebral. Can’t wait to watch!
You cannot imagine how much I - a grown woman who regularly listens to the Dear Hank and Brennan episode on repeat just to feel something - am YEARNING for this season to drop immediately. Like, it’s kind of making me believe manifesting might be real? (It’s not.) (but maybe?) (It’s not, because nowhere in my wildest dreams did I think I would be getting THIS.) So excited Hank!!! And even more so because you’re doing such a good job of pissing out cancer!
This is honestly such a surreal experience for me. I started watching Vlogbrothers in 2007 and Hank and John were incredibly influential in my formative nerd years. I found D20 in 2018 with Fantasy High and have since consumed every little bit of content the D20 crew has put out. I've called it my favorite media content on multiple occasions. And now 16 years later, two of the most influential aspects of my nerd life are working together. It may sound silly, but it actually makes me a little emotional lol. It's somehow very meaningful for my younger self to see this collaboration. Thank you. ❤
as someone who has been playing RPGs for nearly 20 years, the more modern push to have session 0s to get players used to one another and their characters is super important no matter how long you've been playing the game. I still get jitters anytime I'm running/playing in a group of players where I've never played with them before, because everyone is there to give everyone else a good time and I don't yet know how to do that, but a nice low stakes session where we're getting used to our characters and each other is always the perfect remedy.
I genuinely can't over state just how hype I got to see that you were going to be on Dimension 20. Hank Green and Brennan Lee Mulligan in the same room alone is worth the Dropout subscription price.
I discovered Brennan Lee Mulligan and then Dropout BECAUSE of Hank and John. Brennan was a host during Project for Awesome livestream and he was so singularly funny and GENEROUS to his co-host (Improv!) that I had to look him up and figure out what his deal was.
Spoiler for Episode 1 . . . . . It's funny that you mention how nervous you were, because you definitely were the scariest character at the table. Which is a great thing! "Are you going to turn around, or am I going to see if I can stop myself from punching you too hard?" is such a raw line, and that whole scene was just EXQUISITE. So excited to see more of you and this whole season!
Just watched the first episode and your intro was easily the highlight of the episode, the delivery was excellent and Brennan VISIBLY just barely containing himself was fantastic.
I already had so much love for Brennan and Siobhan in the dome, but Hank and Trapp are bringing the biggest smiles and laughs to my face! Much love to the other players I'm not as familiar with yet, I look forward to looking into your other work before next episode!! ❤
Very nice! As you mentioned later in the video, it sounds like that 'unreleasable' episode that you guys did was what's often known as a "Session Zero," which many groups do nowadays when a new campaign is starting, You get to sit around with the other players, figure out what relationships the characters have between each other, etc. It avoids the trope of "You guys all meet at a tavern," sort of intro, and allows for additional and unexpected roleplaying hooks to be put out into the world. I hadn't thought about it, but yeah, I can certainly see how it could also help newer players get acclimated to the game as well! Also, no miniatures this season? Playing theatre of the mind, for a change! Oh, wait! Theatre of the mind! I get it! Clever, Dimension 20. Well played.
The different game system without rigid rules based turn based combat doesn’t lend itself to Rick Perry minis like d&d does. Misfits and magic didn’t have minis either (it was run on essentially the same system as mentopolis)
You talked about how Brennan talked to a bunch of neuroscientists for this world and it reminded me of why I love building worlds and stuff so much. When making a setting, I get to do a lot of research. I've learned so much about weapons, animals, mythologies, and even a little bit about the mind itself when making worlds and characters. It's a very fun experience and I love the way curiosity and creativity can come together like this.
I get a similar but different thing, where I absolutely do not picture the physical features of characters in books because I'm so focused on the actions going on that I just never consider it
Sometimes I read a story and the characters are just voices in a void until the author starts adding to their characteristics and features. And sometimes I see books as a literal movie in my head with so much detail.
@@HelloDolliesUnfortunately I tend to develop a picture before the character is described if the author waits on said description. It can be difficult to reconcile the two. And once I've seen a filmed version that can also end up competing with my unadulterated imagination.
Hank, you can NOT imagine how I felt when seeing two of my favourite internet people working together, and that was *BEFORE* I saw that copper and wire table. I signed up for Dropout a few months ago, and I can't think of where my entertainment money is being put to better use.
The pause between 18:34 and 18:39.... My heart goes out to you, Hank. I am so damn proud of you for getting back to exercising!! Especially after something that taxes your body so much it's got to be difficult to gather the will and motivation to do what's best for yourself. So excited to enjoy Mentopolis, so proud of everything you push through to succeed, and so inspired by you 💖
My shift started precisely at 4pm, so Mentopolis was absolutely perfect to listen to. The Fix is a wonderful character, one of my favorites. I love that he seems much more than just being the “tough” Everyone is really playing into their role, to an almost parody type effect, but the Fix has got all these moving parts around him that makes me wonder “what’s his deal?”
I hope you are extremely proud of your performance, Hank, because it was brilliant. Not only the incredible in-character stuff, but also just how it felt like you were having so much fun just being at the table. I loved every minute of the episode and can't wait for the Adventuring Parties with this cast!
Brennan is just so good at his craft. He knows to invest just the right amount of time, and insists on stuff like Session 0s (for the regular cast as well, I'm pretty sure) to make the players comfortable.
7:00 That's so funny!! I literally said out loud to myself when I saw the trailer "why do Hank's shoulder's look so broad?" I thought they used a weird camera lens or something. Fun detail!
I love to see how deeply and genuinely joyous you are about this whole experience! Absolutely a collection of some of my favorite people and things, I can't wait to watch!
Loved Tiransgrave warts and all (there were certainly issues with it). Wil Wheaton's dice curse definitely hampered the tension. Sometimes I wonder how he manages considering that he loves TTRPGs and Tabletop gaming in general. Not to mention getting screwed over which tickled down to fans. I really would love to have seen the game continue at the very least in the gaming space. I don't know of very many science fantasy TTRPGs.
The Fix's menacing use of interesting facts is one of the best, and most unique, roleplay elements I've ever seen, and I LOVE all of the dimension 20 regulars. And it only worked because your execution was so flawless. There's a reason Brennan straight up murdered NPCs in response to some of your lines, they were exceptionally delivered even by the high standards of d20.
I just watched episode one and it was incredible! Your role playing was captivating and I can’t wait to watch more. Thank you for all of the amazing content you create. It’s so fun and heartwarming to see a combo of my favorite content creations!
If you watched them play DND at pax 10 years ago with will Wheaton, I think there's a good chance the DM was Chris Perkins, the head story designer for DND at wotc.
Chris Perkins designer for D&D and semi-professional DM, Jerry Holkins (aka Jerriford K. Horkrims) of Penny Arcade as Omin Dran, Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade as James Tiberius Darkmagic, Wil Wheaton of many things but off the top of my head Tabletop for Geek & Sundry, and the fourth would be either author Pat Rotfhuss as Viari the thief (is there a chandelier in this comment?) or Morgan Webb as Elf ranger Môrgaen or possibly both because they did a couple five player games as well. There was also at least one live event where some of the players each DM'ed a short game for part of the session with Chris playing in all of them, which was a good time.
@@TehFrenchy29If it was Acquistions Inc. well Viari and Aeoffel only met when Perkins brought Wil's character back as an NPC. Would have had to have been Scott "Binwin Brobzebottom" Kurtz. Morgaen was his first replacement so Aeoffel didn't play with her either.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue Yes, you're right, that's a good shout. I forgot he was the fourth and Wheaton left fairly early on. How could I forget Binwin, the Dwarf who's father was at one time so traumatized he quit drinking.
Dropout is one of the best subscriptions I'm signed up for! So much good content, really well written DnD campaigns if you're into that, also great improv and sketch comedy stuff. Actually amazing
I remember when dropout was first announced, either a vocal minority or the vast majority initially thought it was just a shitty cash grab, but now I am hearing people should its one of the best. And I am inclined to agree
As someone who’s been consuming D&D and Dimension 20/Dropout content for years now, you have already become one of my favorite players/characters to enter the dome! Your bright energy and quick rapport with the other players and Brennan is absolutely magnetic to watch, and that’s just from episode one! Can’t wait for the rest of the season!
that was the cutest description of a Dimension 20 group! I hope you're recovering and I'm happy that you had a good time with the College Humor/Dropout/ and others groups. Really happy to see you doing your thing and hoping you beat this cancer. Been routing for you and a coworker through chemo treatment! I hope you're well soon!
I finished my ADHD assessment a couple weeks ago, and am waiting on a result. It was really cool seeing the manifestation of the prefrontal cortex going around doing their thing, especially since I could relate my recently acquired limited knowledge of neuroscience. I think me, perhaps you and other people might have a Mr. The Fix that flipflops between working hard and hardly working. Definitely my favourite character!
Glad you mentioned Titansgrave! That and Tabletop were the things that got me into TTRPGs in the first place. It was such a good show, and there was no other TTRPG content that filled the same hole (edited and produced, narrative focused content) until D20, so it’s come full circle to see you doing a similar thing again!
I’m so excited to see you back at a TTRPG table in a longer form series like this again. I watched Titansgrave because I knew you were in it, you mentioned it in a video, and it was the beginning of my love for DnD and RPGs, which is now a MASSIVE slice of my personality.
Getting a Dropout subscription was probably the best thing I've done in the last couple of months. I love so much of the content on it, and have actively ended several of my other streaming services because I've been paying for them for YEARS but hardly used them, whereas with Dropout I've watched almost every day for at least a couple of hours. I'm behind on my CZcams subscriptions because I've loved so much of the stuff they've got. Dropout has so much awesome content; literally anything from Dimension 20 (esp A Crown of Candy, The Ravening War, and the recent Dungeons and Drag Queens), Um Actually, Make Some Noise, and Game Changer are worth the sub price ALONE. Seeing Hank being on for Mentopolis was my worlds colliding in the best ways and I'm SO excited for this series
Talk about worlds colliding. This is amazing. The session zero your described is a common practice by experienced DMs just to make sure that all the kinks get worked out and everybody is comfortable with what is going on.
Oh I wish I could afford to join dropout!!! This is the perfect mix of two of my favorite universes! The kiddos and I love watching you AND Dimension 20 here on CZcams, I hope this is a campaign they end up bringing on here so we can see it at some point! Seriously this makes my heart sing! ❤❤❤
I was already super excited for this because of your involvement but to hear about the premise is just so cool for me. It's really funny as my 2 absolute favourite topics in the world is drag and psychology and dimension 20 have run 2 campaigns back to back that heavily involve those topics. I'm really looking forward to watching this! Also, parts of the brain can be a real asshole when it comes to it "protecting" itself (like post trauma amnesia, how DID develops, or how it changes when faced with an abusive person) which could also make for a very interesting character in this scenario.
And now I have a new favorite Hank video of all time. Always wanted to know some behind the scenes Dimension 20 stuff and Hank delivered. Thanks, man! And congrats on getting back on the exercise horse.
Watched the first episode last night and you are a phenomenal contribution to the table! When you stare with that undivided attention at the other characters or Brennan when speaking as the fix omg, so great, pulls us in I can't even imagine how fun the rest is going to be!
I just watched the first episode and it was INCREDIBLE. I normally can't sit through even the best actual-play series. (And dimension 20 definitely qualifies) but I was transfixed for this entire episode. Also, Hank, your first big moment with the intrusive thought was outright incredible. We stopped and went back to watch it again. It was SO GOOD
I genuinely got the biggest smile on my face when I saw you were going to be a part of the next season and it's an inside-out style brain season. This is going to be so freaking good
You were such a treat in the first episode, can't wait for more. Honestly you looked like a natural I was so impressed with your quick pick ups and your use of your own knowledge & your character's personality to bring it forward. This really impressive line of Threatening but not any more threatening than necessary which I won't forget anytime soon.
I'm watching right now and OH MY GOD your first speech in episode 1 is INCREDIBLE!!! I love your character and you've clearly done just as well as everyone else in this cast. You should be really proud of yourself man, you absolutely nailed this 💯💯💯
I was so excited when I saw Hank in the trailer for this season of Dimension 20! Aankia was my favorite character in Titansgrave, and her sincerity influenced so much about how I build RPG characters and connect with the other people at my table. Happy to see Hank in a similar setting again!
I don’t have dropout (although I plan on getting it soon) so I’ve only seen the first episode, but watching your character intimidate someone with hilarious snake facts and comforting someone with eagle facts have been my favorite moments. It’s great and I’m excited to see the rest.
I really appreciate you talking about the fear/pressure you felt in this situation - I've been dealing with a lot of that lately. Can't wait to meet The Fix!
Titansgrave was the reason I got into TTRPGS at All. It started me down the critical role rabbit hole, and playing my own DND games. And I don't know if I would have watched it if you weren't in it Hank. Thanks for spreading the TTRPG love 💕💕💕
I've been subscribed to D20 for several years now. I often don't have time to watch much for months on end, but I'm NEVER cancelling the subscription as long as I can afford it. The shows are spectacular, it's one of the most imaginative and original things on the internet, and I want them to keep making this bizarre wonderful stuff for us forever. ❤
Very glad Hank brought up that subscribing through the internet gives a higher cut to Dropout, I had no idea and had been subscribing through apple services - definitely rectifying that now!
Hank "my job was to deal with hyperfocal thoughts for the brain"
Also Hank "being good at this was the only thing i thought about for the whole week"
Method acting at its finest 😂
bringing "know thy enemy" to the whole new level
seasoned d20 fans know that this is totally normal response to the trauma that Brennan Lee Mulligan will subject his players to.
It's the reverse. his character _allows_ hyperfocus to happen, by dealing with distractions.
😂
It's pretty incredible how Dropout has managed to survive the death of CollegeHumor.
EXTREMELY
live goes on even after you drop out of college
Yeah, because they consistently have been putting out high quality content, and a lot of that is thanks to Sam Reich!
how did collegehumor die? i wonder if its like an actual point in time they announced the death of it or if the channel was slowly turning into something else and everyone just agrees that collegehumor died
@@ruolbu I cannot believe I hadn't put together the connection between the name "dropout" and "college humor" until I read your comment. It was right there all this time, and it just never clicked until now.
The "camera's off" session is very common and a recommended thing to do before the beginning of a campaign, even in home games. It's called a "session 0" and it's one of the best ways to break the ice and let the players to feel out their characters and the setting.
I'm not sure if what Hank described is what most people do as session 0, though perhaps I'm actually in the minority on my perspective. In my experience, session 0 is less a cameras off session that models actual gameplay and more a time where the gm sets expectations and helps the players build their characters both mechanically and their personalities/place in the world as needed. It's a very open and silly time usually, but doesn't really compare to actual play.
Again, this is fully anecdotal, maybe session 0 does go more like a test session with everything already done to help players figure out interactions and basic gameplay for other groups. I dunno, just wanted to share that it's not the definition of session 0 for all dnd groups
@@NerdyGirlTay I feel like in can be either or both. I think it depends on the group. What you describe feels like an experienced group that wants to mess around and feel things out with an understanding of the game. I've only ever played with newer people and/or people who don't know each other that well, and I find that session 0 goes much better if you're able to jump into the game, whether it's pre-campaign and/or a scenario that can be canonical or not depending on how everyone feels about their characters by the end.
@@Two-HeadedBoy funny you say that, that was actually my very first time playing dnd. We had a pretty mixed group of experience vs not though at that table so you maybe still have a point. I think it comes down to gm preference and experience most likely for what session 0 looks like for a group. I've never personally had a session 0 like you're describing so I can't really compare to say it's better or worse. I think any and all time spent together before session 1 would still be pretty helpful though whether it's gameplay or simply character building together.
@@Two-HeadedBoyWhat @nerdygirltay described is exactly what a session zero is. What you/Hank are describing is called a session .5. I'm a DM myself. Most DMs do session 0 before character creation. The point of a session zero is to make sure that everyone has the same expectations. Even if they are my best friends or family I do one. Sometimes what people would be comfortable with in a movie isn't something they'd be comfortable playing. You should also be making sure your players are excited about the game you are planning, restrictions on race/class, and the house rules. With new players I usually go over the rules, play some improv games, and start character creation at the end of session 0. But most people agree that session 0s are the best way to keep yourself off r/dndhorrorstories so they should be done before every campaign. Session .5s are really useful for helping you work out the kinks and helps your players get into their groove before the 1st session. I really love them before one shots and short campaigns where there isn't much time to get into character.
My table does both. We're experienced players, but I particularly enjoy running a bit of combat in session zero. It gets out some of the nerves/kinks around playing a new class and starts team building immediately. Plus, a no stakes tussle is a fun reward after hours of talking about mechanics and expectations!
I feel like another aspect of this video that's easy to overlook is that Hank's new office has a laser tag lighting mode.
😂
For anyone on the fence about a dropout subscription.... It's so worth it.
Ditto
And for anyone who can’t afford it: ask if any of your friends have one, because they endorse and encourage account sharing.
@@JordanLeightheir policy is so beautiful. It came out with the Netflix crack down "Dropout's new password-sharing rule: you should share your password with a friend who can't afford Dropout, because it would be nice of you"
fr I dropped my other streaming services because I just don't use them. Dimension 20 alone is worth it but there's so many other good shows that rank among the most fun I've watched in a long time. And if you're like me and look at the selection and go like "Oh, I don't like game shows or like pseudo-reality concept TV shows" it's so much better than that.
Agreed! They also have a free trial for a week.
The fact you spent your hotel time fixated on how best to play The Fix is just an example of being a true method professional hahaha
I was just gonna say, sounds like he really embodied the character!
I don't think it's method acting if that is your actual personality.
On a 5 inch phone, this comment cuts off, “an example of being a true meth…”
😢🎉
A fun fact: I do not know if Hank is a SAG member, but even if he was this promotion is allowed as Dropout has been confirmed as a non-struck production!
I believe just ny virtue of being on d20 he would have become a SAG member if he wasn't one before cause they don't really let people do long things like the show otherwise. He had actually like, before the season was out about how he wouldn't be able to talk about things. But! Now that it is confirmed they are non struck! We get this video!
Yep! And it's also why he's only just started talking about this season. He's a SAG member, and he mentioned not being able to "react to a cool thing he was a part of" on twitter, when the strike started.
He tweeted a few days before they announced the season that he was super excited about something he was apart of, but he wasnt going to promote it to adhere. It was super cool of him to do, about two-three weeks later is when dropout got the official OK to continue shooting!
Thank you for confirming that for folk. Some of us may have seen the various announcements either from Hank or from Sam Reich (the CEO of Dropout) talking about how they are allowed to promote their stuff again, due to an agreement w/ the AMPTP, having agreed to *all* of the WGA/SAG-AFTRA demands. It's entirely plausible and reasonable that others may not have, so it's great to get that validation in here.
That opening scene between Siobhan and Trapp was just such a masterclass in improv. It was like watching a couple of experienced trapeze artists just handling it back and forth between each other.
“Stacy Fakename!”
“Are you related to Joanna Fakename? 😂”
@@emilysmith2965 "So what if it is!"
send her in. send him in?
Trappeze artists
@@Nighthunter006"I'll tell you so what if it is, there ain't NO ONE named joanna fakename!"
I can't imagine you and Brennan Lee Mulligan not having the best time together. Can't wait to watch!!
The fact that he did a deep dive on neuroscience for his craft is something you probably really vibe with 😂!
*Brennan
@@seanfields2576frigging autocorrect xd
brennan + hank crossover
@@DeltaNovum Bird Facts Hyper-fixation being put to good use.
Hank, Brennan, Trapp, and Siobhan could literally just slowly paint a wall together and I would watch it, because it would be magic. Looking forward to the ride!
And a time traveling magician might show up.
“WE ARE NOT ANIMALS”
(If you don’t get it, you need to watch more dropout)
I couldn't believe how good the whole cast was on this one. Everyone is rocking it and clicked so quickly
I would watch them watch paint peel.
Add Lou and I'm in!
@@junoantaresofficialI feel that if you add Lou to that mix there's a good chance he starts throwing paint on the walls "COME ON LET'S DO THIS AND GO HOME."
Let me put it this way - I cancelled most of my subscriptions except for Dropout - its absolutely worth it to support this independent creative house.
I wish it had a playstation app. That's the only reason I don't have it
literally. they are awesome
So true, the only streaming subscription that I have which never disappoints. I love Dropout so much.
Absolutely! It's the only streaming service I still pay for & share with a couple friends.
When I first subscribed to Dropout, I figured I’d cancel after I finished watching the show I was interested. Well it’s been over a year and I’m still subbed, and it has been worth every penny. And what’s also nice is that I don’t feel like my money is going to a major multinational corporation that’s just going to sell my data for profit.
No joke, my DnD / actual play pipeline was Nerdfighteria -> watching Titansgrave because Hank was in it-> Critical Role -> playing DnD with my friends -> Dimension 20. So this is the most wonderful, full circle moment for me as a fan of all of these things.
Titansgrave was what gave me the excitement/confidence to finally try D&D so I had a similar pipeline experience
Five gold and a party!
(Also have to note that I do have the Titansgrave book and my first game was set in Valkana, but using that setting + D&D rules was the compromise I had to make with my group 😂)
This is exactly the same for me!
Same! I owe my DnD love to Hank. I have to hold myself back from referencing 5 gold and a party all the time because I don't know anyone else who would get it!
Same!! And Stranger things between Titansgrave and Crit Role definitely helped. Five gold and a party!
Such a similar pipeline! And Titansgrave was such an incredible production!
Hey there Hank! I'm Dropout's Mod Captain and wanted to just let you know that we do do a live chat together within the discord, although there isn't a live stream. We all sync up with a timer and hit play together and watch it from there! :) Loved the first episode of Mentopolis and can't wait to see what happens next!
JAAACK MY BELOVED
MORGAN E LAVANDOWSKA? you’re a celebrity bro
Yes!! Come join us! It's great to see everyone's reactions in the moment, and oftentimes cast & crew will stop by to chat too.
the GOAT responsible for the oft-neglected rails of the adventuring party zoom episodes
Bump!
What you're talking about was what Brennan and other actual play groups call an "Episode 0". They're a great warm up into what's going on and benefits everyone from newcomers to professionals.
I've seen episode 0 and session 0 thrown around and they seem to mean the same thing so yeah! This is a completely normal thing that happens at a lot of tables. Sometimes more formal. Sometimes less formal. It encompasses a lot.
I think they usually call it "Session 0" instead of "Episode 0" because some GMs like to use it for normal campaigns as well, not just streamed one. Brennan was on a GMs roundtable over on Critical Role with Matt Mercer and Aabria Iyengar a while back and they talked about this at length. It's meant to establish pre-existing relationships and get players comfortable with their characters before you start the actual campaign.
@@Elijah-eg1xtYup! I know with Critical Role's current campaign, Matt Mercer ran them in different groups so even the players had no idea what was going on in another group.
Both names do get thrown around a lot because different DMs use them differently.
While some use the early playtest model others are content with a meeting to discuss concepts and expectations.
@@Elijah-eg1xt At least in my experience, a "session 0" doesn't actually include much or any gameplay, like an "episode 0" does. With groups I've played with most of the players showed up with less than a character concept and it was more of a time to go through the mechanical aspect of character creation with the dm present so the could approve/disapprove things and give help and ideas.
Hank you did SUCH AN AMAZING JOB in episode 1. You absolutely broke Brennan during your first intimidation interaction. As an avid D20 viewer I am beyond excited to see you this season. Fingers crossed you'll consider more Actual Plays in the future!!!
That first intimidation interaction would have made the value of a dropout sub all by itself. So. Good.
That was SO good. There were a few times during this episode where I just completely forgot how late it was and laughed louder than I should have.
That was amazing
It was amazing, I mean truly special
I've seen him play starfinder before
Even with Yuri Lowenthal
Hank, I just watched episode one. I never would have guessed you were nervous. Your introduction was incredible. You came out so strong and nearly left Brennan speechless. I'm so excited to see where this goes.
This was so good. Leaving Brennan speechless is a thing for pros hehe, and Hank delivered fantastically
it's so wonderful to have hank talk about his experience playing The Fix by making a 20 minute adhd ramble about it ❤
Right! I was thinking the same thing.
I feel like I turned to this aspect of DND at the right time, bc while DND is not new to me, Brennen and Hank being a part of it is, and I'm thrilled he is on the road of recovery, and all of them are so darn funny. And with my life right now I need a distraction
I really felt complicated feelings when - struggled with adhd, gaslit by recent media into thinking I didn’t, and then relearning from hank through this incredible description. You are doing amazing work my god.
I had gotten dropout for dungeons and drag queens, and it really is so worthwhile. My jaw dropped when I saw the cast for this one, I am so excited.
Same! 🥰
I cannot recommend D20 more!! I loved Fantasy High (80s movies), Misfits and Magic (Harry Potter), A Crown of Candy (Game of Thrones), Neverafter (Fables, Folklore, and Fairytale), A Court of Fey and Flowers (Bridgerton… so similar in vibe to drag queens) and Starstruck (Star wars/trek)!! All of the season are good but those are the standouts
@@averyrex9907 Not to mention all of the originals and all five seasons of game changer! Total forgiveness is so, so good. Highly recommend that one, if no other original. The highs and lows and the sheer drama, and then emotional catharsis on the final episode? Good stuff.
You may have been nervous about your performance on D20 but your menacing snake bit and Brennan's shocked face afterwards was the best part of the episode.
One of my favorite things about your character (and I'm not caught up, so forgive me if this gets discussed explicitly at some point) isn't just the random "fun facts" you share threateningly, but the implications of those fun facts in this setting. The context you give when sharing your first fun fact is that, "that's the sort of information I run across in my job". Which on its surface seems benign, until you remember that information is a kind of thought, and thoughts are people in Mentopolis. The Fix isn't just telling you something he learned one time, he's viscerally yet casually describing *some other guy he killed* just because they were being a little too distracting.
I never thought of it that way!! Great perception!
amazing. and when it's a fact like "you can break half the bones in a body just by breaking the bones of the hands and feet" it's 10x more menacing lol
Happy that everyone can comfortably promote this, because my mind was absolutely blown by the trailer, and I have to imagine that this concept was a blast to dive into.
For anyone who's new to the whole tabletop RPG (TTRPG) world - I promise that Brennan Lee Mulligan is such a talented, visceral, emotive storyteller, and you will be drawn into the whole series after only a couple minutes. Just pretend you're listening in on a group of friends telling a wild adventure they just came back from!
What games do they play?
@@LightPink The large majority of Dimension 20 (D20) seasons uses the classic D&D 5e rules, though Brennan has always been a fan of house rules to fit the themes/genres they played in.
In the ninth season of D20, Aabria Iyengar was a guest GM, and introduced the Kids on Brooms system. In Season 11, Gabe Hicks was the guest DM and used his own created system called The Mythic system. Season 12 was sci-fi themed, so Brennan opted for the Star Wars 5e system. Aabria's return as a guest DM for Season 14 brought a blend of D&D 5e and Good Society. Mentopolis, as Season 19, is using a sister system to Kids on Brooms called Kids on Bikes.
Not all seasons are the same length, as they can have anywhere between 4-20 episodes depending on the types of stories being told (longer campaign stories vs. one-shot-esque scenarios)
@@BandGeekSquadronACOFAF was such an incredible season. I just have to say it everywhere!
@@VereskVeil Oh god, I loved it so much. It was so brilliantly high stakes and emotionally charged without any formal "combat", and the epistolary phase was such a brilliant addition to storytelling, I was hooked every moment!
@@BandGeekSquadronright? I couldn't imagine it being better than the trailer, and my imagination was found wanting.
It’s honestly really refreshing to hear you talk about being afraid to perform at the playing table because that’s super relatable.
Honestly, I've watched the first EP and Hank freakin nailed it. He's so good!
Can't believe no one is talking about the dice swap you all did. What a touching souvenir! I know how important people's dice can become to them.
makes you understand what they meant by the "heart of the cards" in yu-gi-oh lmao
it's so lovely!!!
The mashing of genres and concepts in d20 is something that, every season, I'm awestruck by. Crown of Candy/Ravening War is set in "Game of Thrones meets Candyland," Adventure High is set in "high fantasy 1980s." And now Mentopolis is "Inside Out meets Osmosis Jones" with just as much grit and humor as you could want. Brennan Lee Mulligan is a master worldbuilder
Hank surprises me that he feels so out of place given that he was on the very first Actual Play show i ever watched, Titansgrave. He was amazing and that show is the reason i got hooked on tabletop. I can't wait to watch Mentopolis tonight and re live that joy again
exactly!! same here. i only started playing D&D in 2022 and when my friend was describing what i'd later find out was Fantasy High (!!!), i was like, ohh i've watched hank green on one of those. not really knowing that there were different systems etc.
5 GOLD AND A PARTY!!!
Titansgrave was also what got me hooked on this game
That's also how I got into D&D. Great little series.
Titansgrave!!! Omg i wish they made more of that! It was so incredible! I wanted more of it and critical role at the time was so low production i couldn’t get into it vs titansgrave. By the time it had the production I value i was so lost with the story i didn’t bother with it plus it’s sooo much content. I’m glad they made a series on it though (which is amazing!). That being said dimension 20 is 1000% exactly what i want from watching someone play DnD. Fantasy high had me freaking hooked! I gotta watch some more of the series and I’ll definitely watch this mini series at some point soon too.
The penny arcade D&D show is called acquisitions incorporated, Patrick rothfus was on it a bunch alongside Will Wheaton and the DM was Chris Perkins who absolutely deserves to be in the greatest ever GMs conversation
Problem is that the Penny Arcade people are pretty transphobic IIRC
@@jazzymothThat’s not quite accurate (thankfully).
Mike (a/k/a Gabe) did make a lot of transphobic *statements* out of ignorance over a decade ago. No question about that. But then he apologized and acknowledged the ignorance of those statements after he worked through the initial defensiveness he felt in response to the reactions he received.
Penny Arcade and PAX certainly aren’t perfect. (Nobody is.) But unlike transphobic folks who are bigoted from a place of hatred and actually embrace that hatred, Mike recognized he was speaking from a place of ignorance and was willing to learn and address that ignorance.
Of course, I know that doesn’t change the fact of those initial statements being hurtful in and of themselves. I certainly understand why those who *were* hurt by those statements would not be inclined to give them another chance, because that hurt is very real and that hurt matters.
I also see a very real difference between those who say hurtful things without knowing they’re hurtful (out of ignorance) and those who say hurtful things *because* they’re hurtful (out of hatred). And I believe that difference is especially important when those in the first group speaking out of ignorance are willing to learn so they can avoid doing so in the future. Because those who spoke out of ignorance but were then willing to learn will (hopefully) also join us in standing against the people who deliberately say hateful things out of hatred.
I want to change hearts and minds-those capable of being changed, at least-so I prefer to embrace those who learn from their mistakes and grow beyond their initial ignorance once they recognize it. I’d rather do that then ostracize them to the point that they’re actually given a reason to join the hateful people who *will* embrace them for their ignorance and try to *keep* them ignorant. But I say that knowing I’m coming from a place of privilege, as an ally who hasn’t had those hurtful statements actually directed at me or my own identity, and who believes this is one way (among many) I can use my privilege to be a better ally. And I certainly understand why those who *were* on the receiving end of those statements would have zero interest in giving them a second chance (let alone spending the time and effort to educate someone out of their ignorance).
@@TeletheusMy goodness, that's very well said
Dropout TV is the best subscription I have ever subbed to. I literally can’t wait to watch this series unfold, and folks, Dropout is WORTH IT.
Watching you absolutely stump/baffle Brennan with some of your character moments in this first episode was a true joy!! You did a wonderful job! Can't wait to watch the rest!
I think you just convinced me to get dropout
I'm beyond excited to see Mentopolis tonight! ESPECIALLY with the confirmation of it being noir!
I’ve always loved Brennan Lee Mulligan, he is hilarious but in a very positive-vibes kinda way that reminds me of you and John a lot. It’s great to see you collab!
Yes! Good vibes, and hyper intelligent people with a seemingly limitless supply of humor and ideas.
If you've seen any other Dimension 20 seasons Brennan's super leftist views seep through all the time. See; The Cubbys from Fantasy High.
He was also on the podcast! It's one of my favorite episodes😊
@@haleyphelan6987 oh sweet! Where can I check that out?
Hank thinking the Session 0 was just for him is honestly the sweetest thing. You're a remarkable man but that one wasn't just for you, it's for tone setting, relationships, setup and more, for the GM as much as the players. You might have needed it for different reasons, but I promise everyone else at that table was just as grateful for it.
i understood it as how the session experience was for him personally not that it was just for him. he said he felt that it was a normal thing for the crew. i see how it could be understood either way though
@@angeldelacruz5278I understood it as "wow, so many talented folks here who could probably jump right in and be decently successful at learning, reacting, improvising all at once. Meanwhile I definitely get a lot out of this session 0 thing!" I think a session 0 is so, so critical to having a good campaign. Some familiarity & connection expands creative possibilities vastly.
The real problem I have myself is interrupting people with jokes when I’m non even there in character, he did intimidating facts when scene was designed for him.
what hank describes is not what the rpg community considers a session zero.
what he describes is only possible with regards to a live play/actual play
Yea it definitely sounded more like a warm-up session. You can do those in a normal campaign too, but usually it just happens naturally over the first session or two.
As a nervous dnd player who's first group was full of experienced players who Know What's Up, I 100% understand the nervousness that comes with waiting for your big turn in the beginning with a group like that. And I definitely noticed that aprehension watching the first episode. But dude. Dude! When your time came I was absolutely Blown Away. I'm not kidding when I say I think that was one of the strongest character/guest introductions in a d20 season I've ever seen. Thank you thank you Thank You for doing this season, I Cannot Wait for the next episode.
yeah even really experienced players do a session 0 just to work out the relationships between characters and see what kinda fun chemistry and new things they can add before actually starting the proper first session
I found the Critical Role community via you playing Titangrave all those years ago. Can draw a direct line from Vlogbrothers to the CR community and how TTRPG is now a part of my life with my kids and my students. I love that you got to RP again and I look forward to see you enjoy it.
Thank you for being you.
Same! Almost the exact same.
I just commented almost this exact thing. I watched Titansgrave for Hank, then fell down the deep, dark RPG rabbit hole, and now it’s like a whole fifth of my interests.
Haha, same here. Subbed to G&S/PlayAlpha waiting for season 2 of Titansgrave, and got Critical Role instead! Been hoping for a Hank Green guest appearance pretty much ever since. Is it Thursday yet?
Same! DnD is SUCH a big part of my life now, as a badass hobby, a creative outlet and most importantly meeting some of my best friends. But it all started with watching Titansgrave because Hank participated and then finding Critical Role through thinking Laura Bailey was /so cool/. Hank you're our OG TTRPG influencer!
I think it's awesome that so many of us found Critical Role and TTRPGs through Hank and Titansgrave. It's crazy to think how our lives would be so different if that one thing had never happened!
15:03 thinking about the characters and the world is a mark of a really good player. Brian Murphy shared this great story once about his wife, Emily Axford, on their drive she was just talking about how she wanted to help this character, Gilear, which that thought she put into it, spawned one of the most beloved characters in Dimension 20. The more excited you are about the world and the more invested you are in it, the better the the results.
I knew Critical Role role played a session zero but I didn’t know D20 did. I have often wished to get to watch those, but you describing the psychology of the freedom of not having cameras on gave me a much better understanding of why it’s better this way. It gives you the chance to get the nerves out. It gives you the freedom to try things with a character and find out what works and what doesn’t.
When I watched the announcement trailer, I was thoroughly shocked (and excited) to see an unexpected Hank Green in the wild. I can’t think of a better D20 season for you than one that is LITERALLY cerebral. Can’t wait to watch!
You cannot imagine how much I - a grown woman who regularly listens to the Dear Hank and Brennan episode on repeat just to feel something - am YEARNING for this season to drop immediately. Like, it’s kind of making me believe manifesting might be real? (It’s not.) (but maybe?) (It’s not, because nowhere in my wildest dreams did I think I would be getting THIS.)
So excited Hank!!! And even more so because you’re doing such a good job of pissing out cancer!
If you love a good Brennan conversational podcast, I highly recommend his episode of “99 questions” - 4 hours and 20 minutes of absolute gems!
Which episode is dear Hank and Brennan??? I need to listen to it immediately!
I just googled it it's episode 339 of dear Hank and John
Wait. There was a Hank and Breneen podcast???? Downloading immediately
This is honestly such a surreal experience for me. I started watching Vlogbrothers in 2007 and Hank and John were incredibly influential in my formative nerd years.
I found D20 in 2018 with Fantasy High and have since consumed every little bit of content the D20 crew has put out. I've called it my favorite media content on multiple occasions. And now 16 years later, two of the most influential aspects of my nerd life are working together. It may sound silly, but it actually makes me a little emotional lol. It's somehow very meaningful for my younger self to see this collaboration. Thank you. ❤
could not agree more!
Titansgrave remains, in my opinion, one of the absolute best actual plays online. I re-watch it at least once every year.
as someone who has been playing RPGs for nearly 20 years, the more modern push to have session 0s to get players used to one another and their characters is super important no matter how long you've been playing the game. I still get jitters anytime I'm running/playing in a group of players where I've never played with them before, because everyone is there to give everyone else a good time and I don't yet know how to do that, but a nice low stakes session where we're getting used to our characters and each other is always the perfect remedy.
i know hank was looking for games to make him happy, i’m glad to see him smiling! ❤
I feel like this is something Hank will be really good at at having fun with 😊.
I genuinely can't over state just how hype I got to see that you were going to be on Dimension 20. Hank Green and Brennan Lee Mulligan in the same room alone is worth the Dropout subscription price.
I discovered Brennan Lee Mulligan and then Dropout BECAUSE of Hank and John. Brennan was a host during Project for Awesome livestream and he was so singularly funny and GENEROUS to his co-host (Improv!) that I had to look him up and figure out what his deal was.
Spoiler for Episode 1
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It's funny that you mention how nervous you were, because you definitely were the scariest character at the table. Which is a great thing! "Are you going to turn around, or am I going to see if I can stop myself from punching you too hard?" is such a raw line, and that whole scene was just EXQUISITE. So excited to see more of you and this whole season!
Just watched the first episode and your intro was easily the highlight of the episode, the delivery was excellent and Brennan VISIBLY just barely containing himself was fantastic.
For those interested: the premiere episode won't be free on youtube until aug 16th according to the mentopolis FAQ
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Thank you so much I was looking everywhere for it
I already had so much love for Brennan and Siobhan in the dome, but Hank and Trapp are bringing the biggest smiles and laughs to my face! Much love to the other players I'm not as familiar with yet, I look forward to looking into your other work before next episode!! ❤
Trapp leaning back in his chair proudly after an inane interaction is so funny to me
Very nice! As you mentioned later in the video, it sounds like that 'unreleasable' episode that you guys did was what's often known as a "Session Zero," which many groups do nowadays when a new campaign is starting, You get to sit around with the other players, figure out what relationships the characters have between each other, etc. It avoids the trope of "You guys all meet at a tavern," sort of intro, and allows for additional and unexpected roleplaying hooks to be put out into the world. I hadn't thought about it, but yeah, I can certainly see how it could also help newer players get acclimated to the game as well!
Also, no miniatures this season? Playing theatre of the mind, for a change! Oh, wait! Theatre of the mind! I get it! Clever, Dimension 20. Well played.
The different game system without rigid rules based turn based combat doesn’t lend itself to Rick Perry minis like d&d does. Misfits and magic didn’t have minis either (it was run on essentially the same system as mentopolis)
You talked about how Brennan talked to a bunch of neuroscientists for this world and it reminded me of why I love building worlds and stuff so much. When making a setting, I get to do a lot of research. I've learned so much about weapons, animals, mythologies, and even a little bit about the mind itself when making worlds and characters. It's a very fun experience and I love the way curiosity and creativity can come together like this.
I get a similar but different thing, where I absolutely do not picture the physical features of characters in books because I'm so focused on the actions going on that I just never consider it
Sometimes I read a story and the characters are just voices in a void until the author starts adding to their characteristics and features. And sometimes I see books as a literal movie in my head with so much detail.
🎶 Yoouuu are nooot aloooonne... IIII am heeere with yooouuuu 🎶
@@HelloDollies yeah, sometimes the only thing I picture is... The letters on the page that spell their name 😅😅😅
@@WidowOfSirius yes!!!
@@HelloDolliesUnfortunately I tend to develop a picture before the character is described if the author waits on said description.
It can be difficult to reconcile the two. And once I've seen a filmed version that can also end up competing with my unadulterated imagination.
Hank, you can NOT imagine how I felt when seeing two of my favourite internet people working together, and that was *BEFORE* I saw that copper and wire table. I signed up for Dropout a few months ago, and I can't think of where my entertainment money is being put to better use.
The pause between 18:34 and 18:39....
My heart goes out to you, Hank. I am so damn proud of you for getting back to exercising!! Especially after something that taxes your body so much it's got to be difficult to gather the will and motivation to do what's best for yourself.
So excited to enjoy Mentopolis, so proud of everything you push through to succeed, and so inspired by you 💖
My shift started precisely at 4pm, so Mentopolis was absolutely perfect to listen to. The Fix is a wonderful character, one of my favorites. I love that he seems much more than just being the “tough” Everyone is really playing into their role, to an almost parody type effect, but the Fix has got all these moving parts around him that makes me wonder “what’s his deal?”
I am so ready for the shredded era of Hank. It makes me happy you feel good enough to workout, and I am in fact proud of you.
So proud and grateful for this video. also Will absolutely support a hank the tank gymbro vlog.
@@arielanonymous7270 oh my god yes! Hank the tank!
I have been subscribed to dropout for a while and was so excited when I saw hank was in the next show. Can't wait to watch.
I hope you are extremely proud of your performance, Hank, because it was brilliant. Not only the incredible in-character stuff, but also just how it felt like you were having so much fun just being at the table. I loved every minute of the episode and can't wait for the Adventuring Parties with this cast!
Brennan is just so good at his craft. He knows to invest just the right amount of time, and insists on stuff like Session 0s (for the regular cast as well, I'm pretty sure) to make the players comfortable.
For anyone who doesn’t know, dropout makes D20 and game changer, which you might’ve seen shorts of on CZcams!
I only discovered both and the ridiculous awesome human being called Brennan Lee Mulligan and I fell in love with all three of them ❤.
7:00 That's so funny!! I literally said out loud to myself when I saw the trailer "why do Hank's shoulder's look so broad?" I thought they used a weird camera lens or something. Fun detail!
Unedited feels more cozy, more of a chit-chat, thank you for this 😊
I love to see how deeply and genuinely joyous you are about this whole experience! Absolutely a collection of some of my favorite people and things, I can't wait to watch!
I’ve been a Dropout Subscriber for a few years now, it’s money well spent.
I agree. Even if I don't manage to watch most content, I want to support them so I stay subscribed
Worth it for Game Changer _alone._ (Though Make Some Noise has been _on fire_ this season.)
@@jyrinx My only gripe with game changer is there's not enough of it. The survivor episodes are so unbelievably funny.
I'm so glad you shared this, Hank! I was/am still a huge fan of what y'all did on Titansgrave and I can't wait to watch Mentopolis tonight!
5 GOLD ANNNDDD A PARTY??
Loved Tiransgrave warts and all (there were certainly issues with it). Wil Wheaton's dice curse definitely hampered the tension.
Sometimes I wonder how he manages considering that he loves TTRPGs and Tabletop gaming in general.
Not to mention getting screwed over which tickled down to fans. I really would love to have seen the game continue at the very least in the gaming space.
I don't know of very many science fantasy TTRPGs.
The Fix's menacing use of interesting facts is one of the best, and most unique, roleplay elements I've ever seen, and I LOVE all of the dimension 20 regulars. And it only worked because your execution was so flawless. There's a reason Brennan straight up murdered NPCs in response to some of your lines, they were exceptionally delivered even by the high standards of d20.
I just watched episode one and it was incredible! Your role playing was captivating and I can’t wait to watch more. Thank you for all of the amazing content you create. It’s so fun and heartwarming to see a combo of my favorite content creations!
If you watched them play DND at pax 10 years ago with will Wheaton, I think there's a good chance the DM was Chris Perkins, the head story designer for DND at wotc.
Chris Perkins designer for D&D and semi-professional DM, Jerry Holkins (aka Jerriford K. Horkrims) of Penny Arcade as Omin Dran, Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade as James Tiberius Darkmagic, Wil Wheaton of many things but off the top of my head Tabletop for Geek & Sundry, and the fourth would be either author Pat Rotfhuss as Viari the thief (is there a chandelier in this comment?) or Morgan Webb as Elf ranger Môrgaen or possibly both because they did a couple five player games as well. There was also at least one live event where some of the players each DM'ed a short game for part of the session with Chris playing in all of them, which was a good time.
@@TehFrenchy29If it was Acquistions Inc. well Viari and Aeoffel only met when Perkins brought Wil's character back as an NPC.
Would have had to have been Scott "Binwin Brobzebottom" Kurtz. Morgaen was his first replacement so Aeoffel didn't play with her either.
@@MorinehtarTheBlue Yes, you're right, that's a good shout. I forgot he was the fourth and Wheaton left fairly early on. How could I forget Binwin, the Dwarf who's father was at one time so traumatized he quit drinking.
You know your game is good when one of your players is almost late to radiation therapy because they got caught up telling their friends about it.
Dropout is one of the best subscriptions I'm signed up for! So much good content, really well written DnD campaigns if you're into that, also great improv and sketch comedy stuff. Actually amazing
I remember when dropout was first announced, either a vocal minority or the vast majority initially thought it was just a shitty cash grab, but now I am hearing people should its one of the best. And I am inclined to agree
@@HallowedKeeper_ Yeah man, they seem to really care and put a lot of work into the content. I have no regurts
As someone who’s been consuming D&D and Dimension 20/Dropout content for years now, you have already become one of my favorite players/characters to enter the dome! Your bright energy and quick rapport with the other players and Brennan is absolutely magnetic to watch, and that’s just from episode one! Can’t wait for the rest of the season!
that was the cutest description of a Dimension 20 group! I hope you're recovering and I'm happy that you had a good time with the College Humor/Dropout/ and others groups. Really happy to see you doing your thing and hoping you beat this cancer. Been routing for you and a coworker through chemo treatment! I hope you're well soon!
So so keen for this!! The whole cast looks so great I feel like I am going to learn so many fun little facts
I finished my ADHD assessment a couple weeks ago, and am waiting on a result. It was really cool seeing the manifestation of the prefrontal cortex going around doing their thing, especially since I could relate my recently acquired limited knowledge of neuroscience. I think me, perhaps you and other people might have a Mr. The Fix that flipflops between working hard and hardly working. Definitely my favourite character!
The series is SO GOOD. The Fix is such a great character. What an arc too! Thanks for doing this project with them-and for making this video.❤
Glad you mentioned Titansgrave! That and Tabletop were the things that got me into TTRPGs in the first place. It was such a good show, and there was no other TTRPG content that filled the same hole (edited and produced, narrative focused content) until D20, so it’s come full circle to see you doing a similar thing again!
Already signed up for dropout, didn't know about this campaign but now I am hyped
I’m so excited to see you back at a TTRPG table in a longer form series like this again. I watched Titansgrave because I knew you were in it, you mentioned it in a video, and it was the beginning of my love for DnD and RPGs, which is now a MASSIVE slice of my personality.
wow, this is such an amazing collab! I love their stuff and Brennan is my favorite of them. Looking forward to see it!
I've been waiting for this moment since the "where should I start dimension 20" tweet. So excited for this!
Getting a Dropout subscription was probably the best thing I've done in the last couple of months. I love so much of the content on it, and have actively ended several of my other streaming services because I've been paying for them for YEARS but hardly used them, whereas with Dropout I've watched almost every day for at least a couple of hours. I'm behind on my CZcams subscriptions because I've loved so much of the stuff they've got. Dropout has so much awesome content; literally anything from Dimension 20 (esp A Crown of Candy, The Ravening War, and the recent Dungeons and Drag Queens), Um Actually, Make Some Noise, and Game Changer are worth the sub price ALONE. Seeing Hank being on for Mentopolis was my worlds colliding in the best ways and I'm SO excited for this series
I’m so excited to watch this as someone with a dissociative disorder. I always love when people personify parts of the mind, it makes me happy
dropout and vlog brothers have been my two favorite things on the internet for a while now. i am so excited to see you on the show tonight
Talk about worlds colliding. This is amazing.
The session zero your described is a common practice by experienced DMs just to make sure that all the kinks get worked out and everybody is comfortable with what is going on.
This is really lovely and vulnerable. Thanks for your candor.
Oh I wish I could afford to join dropout!!! This is the perfect mix of two of my favorite universes! The kiddos and I love watching you AND Dimension 20 here on CZcams, I hope this is a campaign they end up bringing on here so we can see it at some point! Seriously this makes my heart sing! ❤❤❤
I was already super excited for this because of your involvement but to hear about the premise is just so cool for me. It's really funny as my 2 absolute favourite topics in the world is drag and psychology and dimension 20 have run 2 campaigns back to back that heavily involve those topics. I'm really looking forward to watching this!
Also, parts of the brain can be a real asshole when it comes to it "protecting" itself (like post trauma amnesia, how DID develops, or how it changes when faced with an abusive person) which could also make for a very interesting character in this scenario.
And now I have a new favorite Hank video of all time. Always wanted to know some behind the scenes Dimension 20 stuff and Hank delivered. Thanks, man! And congrats on getting back on the exercise horse.
Watched the first episode last night and you are a phenomenal contribution to the table! When you stare with that undivided attention at the other characters or Brennan when speaking as the fix omg, so great, pulls us in I can't even imagine how fun the rest is going to be!
I just watched the first episode and it was INCREDIBLE.
I normally can't sit through even the best actual-play series. (And dimension 20 definitely qualifies) but I was transfixed for this entire episode.
Also, Hank, your first big moment with the intrusive thought was outright incredible.
We stopped and went back to watch it again. It was SO GOOD
I genuinely got the biggest smile on my face when I saw you were going to be a part of the next season and it's an inside-out style brain season. This is going to be so freaking good
I'm so excited to see you on dimension 20 watching you play in titansgrave is what got me into actual plays!
You were such a treat in the first episode, can't wait for more. Honestly you looked like a natural I was so impressed with your quick pick ups and your use of your own knowledge & your character's personality to bring it forward. This really impressive line of Threatening but not any more threatening than necessary which I won't forget anytime soon.
I'm watching right now and OH MY GOD your first speech in episode 1 is INCREDIBLE!!! I love your character and you've clearly done just as well as everyone else in this cast. You should be really proud of yourself man, you absolutely nailed this 💯💯💯
Hank and Breneen working together could take over the world. Both their minds are incredible.
I was so excited when I saw Hank in the trailer for this season of Dimension 20! Aankia was my favorite character in Titansgrave, and her sincerity influenced so much about how I build RPG characters and connect with the other people at my table. Happy to see Hank in a similar setting again!
I don’t have dropout (although I plan on getting it soon) so I’ve only seen the first episode, but watching your character intimidate someone with hilarious snake facts and comforting someone with eagle facts have been my favorite moments. It’s great and I’m excited to see the rest.
I really appreciate you talking about the fear/pressure you felt in this situation - I've been dealing with a lot of that lately. Can't wait to meet The Fix!
Titansgrave was the reason I got into TTRPGS at All. It started me down the critical role rabbit hole, and playing my own DND games. And I don't know if I would have watched it if you weren't in it Hank. Thanks for spreading the TTRPG love 💕💕💕
I've been subscribed to D20 for several years now. I often don't have time to watch much for months on end, but I'm NEVER cancelling the subscription as long as I can afford it. The shows are spectacular, it's one of the most imaginative and original things on the internet, and I want them to keep making this bizarre wonderful stuff for us forever. ❤
I loved the first episode, you guys all being such great energy to the game
I love this little insider's view into the making of a show like this. Thank you very much for sharing, Hank!
Very glad Hank brought up that subscribing through the internet gives a higher cut to Dropout, I had no idea and had been subscribing through apple services - definitely rectifying that now!
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I hadn't known about that either until he said it