Putting The ‘Fabulous’ In Fantasy Role-Playing: Reviewing ‘Dungeons And Drag Queens’ Episode 1

Welcome to the table,

The library of ‘actual play’ shows across various platforms has grown exponentially over the years. Some days it feels like every other post on social is about a new show a friend is going to be in, or a new podcast that talented people I follow are going to be putting out. Parties form, adventures are had, and at some point, there are so many of these shows going on that I lose track of what vampire lives in what city, and who holds the blades in the dark as the old gods of Appalachia find paths through dungeons full of dragons.

That is not to say that any of these shows are bad. In fact, a ton of them are doing really cool things in the gaming space and are worthy of praise and attention. There are just so many of them that sometimes they become a kind of overwhelming media static that makes it hard to pick what to watch and this anxiety-inducing flood makes it so nothing rises above the rest and draws me in.

However…

Every once and a while something comes along that meteorically streaks through the sky above the landscape of streaming services and podcast shows igniting the metaphorical sky and capturing my full attention.

Enter, like a dazzling sky stone of glitter and grit, Dropout‘s newest offering, Dimension 20: Dungeons and Drag Queens. From the moment this production was announced I was counting the days until the premier so I could report that the inaugural episode of this XPtravaganza does not disappoint.

The table is stacked with some talented queens alongside the story smith extraordinaire Brennan Lee Mulligan (He/Him) who serves as the Dungeon Master and host. Brennan is a multi-talented writer and performer who has lent his talents to all manner of projects over the years and is the creator of Dimension 20. His quick wit and infectious humor are in peak form in this introductory episode, as he sets the stage for an adventure of heroes, adventures, and the underworld set in the realm of Kelvorda.

The party is a collection of truly talented queens, each with really delightful backstories that have them coming together to travel the gallows roads in search of the Temple of Wraith and possibly a long-forgotten goddess of the dead.

Monet X Change (He/Him/She/Her) takes on the role of Troyánn (She/Her) a 240-year-old Everdeep Assassin. Troyánn is the half merfolk half-human daughter of Queen Indra (She/Her) Ruler of Everdeep, and has been burdened with the task of finding friends who would be brave enough to face the destroy a mystical amulet given to her mother by a Sea Witch.

Alaska Thunderfuck (She/Her) is playing a large orc barbarian clad in armor and a pink tutu named Princess (She/Her). She wields a double-bladed war axe, and while her character is a bit rough around the edges, she adds a really fun chaotic energy to the table.

Bob the Drag Queen (He/Him/She/Her) is playing Gertrude (She/Her), a Witch of the Frostmoon who walks in “Curse First.” From the moment she is introduced, Bob’s presence at the table is scene-stealing, to say the least. Leaning into vivid descriptions of spellcraft and playing off Brennan’s energy there is such a good back-and-forth that makes for some really memorable moments.

Jujubee (She/Her) rounds out the party playing Twyla, a Fae soldier who, while diminutive in Size, is a winged sharp shot with her longbow and has some summoning skills when the time for combat comes. Jujubee seems to be new to the gaming table but does a great job of asking questions and

The party meshes nicely and Brennan delivers some truly memorable NPC moments including a battle-hardened chipmunk named Alvin who parties like it’s his last night among the living.

The setup is delightful, the cliffhanger leading into Episode 2 is paced so well, and the Queens really lean into the game as they take on the role of these characters. I have watched the episode three times now and each time I am still amused by the wit and spellbound by the world-building that seeds just enough lore that you want to know what is beyond the ancient woodlands and hiding in the indigo mists that wrap through the Kelvorda mountains.

This may actually be the perfect show for those who do not play D&D or other fantasy tabletop games to start watching to get familiar with how things go at the table.

As a game designer, storyteller, and someone who has played TTRPGs all of my life there is something really brilliant happening at this table that seems to be blending worlds in a way that could open doors to those a little intimidated about where to start or what a TTRPG game looks like. I highly recommend this show to those who may be interested but have not picked up the dice and committed just yet as it sets a great tone and feels like a great place to start.

Until next time, slay!