13 Reasons you should watch the Black Dice Society (in our opinion*)

Introducing this list, we are aware that you’re probably going to skip it. Which is fine. But on the off-chance you haven’t, thank you. The Black Dice Society, in case you don’t know, is a Dungeons & Dragons live-show that is currently streamed on Twitch and YouTube, centering on the new version of the iconic setting of RAVENLOFT. Unlike other streams, it focuses on the horror of the setting – as much as the fantasy elements. There are a number of reasons to tune in, but we have consolidated a few here with the hope that you will check it out yourself.

1. D&D horror: If you seek arguments about being able to speak to the furniture, look elsewhere. The horror and high fantasy are on full display as the magical nature of the world is simply another reason to fear it. For many DMs this may point them to a way of play that has till now been largely ignored. For others it is a relief to see their flavour of D&D represented on the official channel.
2. RAVENLOFT: The cast’s varied knowledge of the historical setting (looking at you Brother Uriah) and the current 5e version leads to a mix of discovering the variety and horror of the domains of dread, while still managing to hint at the fact that these places are where people scratch out a living. Making it ideal for veteran fans and newcomers.
3. Low level play: Shining as a great example of rewarding player ingenuity, decisions and granting them the means to overcome extreme threats, allow for what could have been rather dull combats to take on a more sinister undertone as the questions start to fly such as: “Why did the cleric just refer to himself in third person!?”
4. The characters: In keeping with the tone of the campaign, the characters have moments of levity when the darkness lifts before plunging back into it. The characters each are given time to breathe and reveal themselves through action, as much as through dialogue, leading to stand-out moments of development each session.
5. 3 hour run time: Similar to LA By Night, the uniformity of Black Dice Society’s run time, allows for it to be consumed and binged rather easily. Which leads us neatly to our next reason…
6. Not a moment wasted: From the prologue hot starts there is rarely a moment spent in vain. Though there are the genuine moments of someone having to double check an ability, there is a clear respect for each other and the audience’s time. This leads to there not really being many moments where you can skip ahead or tune out because it’s all game, all the time. 
7. Dark lord chats: Strahd and Azalin Rex, the finest of frenemies on full display, with Jason Carl and Mark Meer hinting at the wider mystery that has caused the shift in the wider setting. What more could we ask for? The two of them to throw down and the party see the smoke is the distance? I mean…what’s the worst that can happen?
8. Mr B. Dave Walters: Mr Walters does, as always, an outstanding job of showcasing there are a variety of methods and types of GMs out there, and they can all be good and different. As he says himself: “you can’t do what I do, and I can’t do what you do,” encouraging each GM to find their own way. The swagger that he brings to his PCs translates over to his GMing, as players brace for what the mists hold for them next. #LongLiveTheBaron
9. Theatre of the mind: Though the call of VTT and maps is always present, the decision to keep it for now at least, in the theatre of the mind, keeps much of the mystery and claustrophobia palpable. The focus remains on the description and the moment, and less on the mystery of the creatures, miniature or the battlefield. After all, there is nothing more terrifying than something you cannot see.
10. Decisions: Like with most good horror, the PCs’ agency is both their greatest strength and weakness. As decisions are allowed to breathe and bite them, as the horror of the domain is revealed.
11. The example: Covering horror themes in a D&D stream has its own challenges, however Black Dice Society continues to uphold a high standard of best practice of how safety tools can be implemented in a game. In addition, the cast continue to provide each other opportunities to shine and never out-shine one another. The make up and costumes certainly don’t hurt either.
12. Representation: The variety of characters provides some intriguing dynamics, as each challenge the archetype that might be assigned to them. The cleric born in a dread domain is outwardly concerned, empathetic to the extreme and proof that a healthy dose of fear never hurts. The honourable barbarian, with a soft side and an enthusiasm that is occasionally infectious. Dampire and a lycanthrope, the list goes on. We won’t spoil the rest but we could talk about them each for far too long. Also yes, there is a majority of bad ass ladies in the cast, and a solid core of minority** voices. Which rocks.
13. Their Patreon material: The Society round tables are a delight to see, as are the check ins and theory-crafting by the cast of what horror will be unleashed upon the next. There is a fine balance drawn between keeping secrets and revealing meta knowledge, that allows for intriguing discussions. The bonus episodes fill in the gaps between episodes, while allowing characters to have extended moments of exploration – without being core content that, if you missed, you’d be left missing something in the core run.

Bonus reason: they are doing it via a virtual meeting space and they to have to overcome people nearly interrupting each other, audio dropouts and forgetting to unmute themselves.

* Obviously, but – you know – angry people on the internet.

**We dislike the term but it’s the closest one we have for POC and non-white voices. If there is a preferred term, feel free to read it as that.

By Alex Delaney (@libertyotter)