Actress Deborah Ann Woll heads D&D series
With a long legacy, Dungeons and Dragons has become one of the most influential games of the past several decades.
February 8, 2019
As of Monday, a new show called “Relics and Rarities” can be added to the growing list of streams of Dungeons and Dragons, the decades-old fantasy tabletop game which has been reborn in recent years partially as a result of series like “Critical Role.”
Episode 1 of “Relics and Rarities” was streamed through gamer website Project Alpha and is hosted by actress Deborah Ann Woll, who is well known for her work in the 2008 show “True Blood” and Marvel’s Netflix series “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.”
Woll acts as Dungeon Master for a party comprised of actors Tommy Walker, Jasmine Bhullar, Julia Dennis and Xander Jeanneret. The group is joined by guest star Matthew Lillard, who is known for his role as Shaggy in both live-action “Scooby Doo” films from 2002 and 2004. Lillard’s appearance will be limited to the first episode, and each episode following will include different celebrity guests.
Woll’s performance as Dungeon Master is excellent, and she provides an intense and exciting atmosphere for the audience with her charisma and acting. The preparation for the show was well thought out, and the use of a detailed stage and props, such as a magical stopwatch that slows time or spectacles that can help one see in the dark, create an artistic setting for the players.
The two-hour episode “The Haunting of Benthem Manor” is exhilarating, guiding the players and audience through a thrilling adventure with the objective to solve a mysterious haunting in an expansive mansion with secret passages. Woll embodies many roles through the session and uses her talent to create a chilling ambiance for everyone.
The show was pre-recorded to add sound and visual effects for the audience but streamed live for Woll to interact with fans through the chat room.
Although “Critical Role” is one of the most popular streams in the D&D community, “Relics and Rarities” sets itself apart with the use of an intricate stage representing the setting of the adventure and props used by players throughout the campaign. The restricted two-hour session forces the plot to move along faster than episodes of “Critical Role,” which can reach three to four hours in length.
Episodes of “Relics and Rarities” air 8 p.m. Mondays on projectalpha.com and can be watched with a subscription of $5 per month.