Wizards of the Coast has announced the all-new Dungeons & Dragons actual play, “Dungeons Masters.” The series stars Jasmine Bhullar (“DesiQuest,” “Dimension 20“) as Dungeon Master, with the cast including Devora Wilde (“Baldur’s Gate III”), Neil Newbon (“Baldur’s Gate III“), Christian Navarro (“13 Reasons Why,” “Critical Role“), and Mayanna Berrin (“Dispatch,” “The Dungeon Run”). The first campaign will also incorporate mystery guest stars, although who this will include remains to be seen.
The series will feature official Dungeons & Dragons stories, characters, encounters, and more from upcoming material. The first campaign is set in Ravenloft, which ties into “Ravenloft: The Horrors Within,” which will be released on June 16. “Dungeon Masters” is perfect for fans of every caliber, from long-time veterans to newcomers who are curious about the game. The players themselves have different levels of experience. “Dungeon Masters” also features pop-up tips, explanations, and graphics.
In an exclusive interview with Temple of Geek, Neil Newbon and Devora Wilde discussed “Dungeon Masters.” They shared what inspired the characters and their dynamic. The pair also discussed the difference between playing their “Baldur’s Gate III” characters and crafting their own.
“Baldur’s Gate III” Stars Tease “Dungeon Masters” Character Inspirations
Neil Newbon
“So we both talked a little bit, a lot, about the idea that we had, because we have a work husband-wife relationship. Everybody keeps saying we have the mommy-daddy energy when we do panels and stuff like that.”
Devora Wilde
“Not in this group, though.”
Neil Newbon
“Not in this group… So because we’re good friends, we thought it’d be fun to do husband-wife duo that aren’t necessarily getting on that well. Which is kind of fun.”
Devora Wilde
“But to your actual question, I will answer your actual question. Thank you, Neil. It was really fun. I think for us it’s amazing; well, I won’t speak for you, but I think you feel the same way. For us, it’s so fun to revisit our Baldur’s Gate characters in the live plays because it almost feels like a DLC. And it’s just really exciting to see them in a different adventure with different characters.
But getting to create our own characters is also amazing and different because it’s like the sky’s the limit. And then you get put in the Ravenloft setting so you have all the new things there as well. So I was just really excited by the possibilities and the opportunity to just play a character that was quite different to Lae’zel.”
Neil Newbon
“Yeah, I think that was the thing. It was like we got to still stay in the same space. We’re still playing the characters in those live shows and stuff like that. But again, as Dev said, it was like, now we get to create something else that is of interest that could be diametrically opposed for instance to the Astarion, which is Crem de la Crem, I think we can all agree on that.”
Devora Wilde
“We can play lots of different things. We’re very, we’re actors.”
Mayanna Berrin
“The range!”
Devora Wilde
“We have range. Yeah, we have range.”
While Newbon and Wilde may not be the most experienced D&D players at the table, they have become an integral part of the Dungeons & Dragons world. “Baldur’s Gate III” has left a major impression on the landscape of Dungeons & Dragons. Newbon and Wilde played Astarion and Lae’zel, respectively, in the cornerstone video game.
The pair have also played these characters in live Dungeons & Dragons one-shots at conventions. However, in “Dungeon Masters” they are playing all-new characters that they have created. The chemistry between Wilde and Newbon is palpable not just in the interview but in the countless convention panels they have appeared on as well. This chemistry is also front and center in the one-shots but tailored to their “Baldur’s Gate III” characters.
This is an opportunity to play with their chemistry and close bond through a new dynamic within these characters. Playing off their natural chemistry and real-life friendship is a key component of the characters, especially with the tension that is likely to come into play. This potential comedic aspect could bring levity to this more dramatic horror-based campaign, while also opening the door to intriguing secrets as well.
About “Dungeon Masters”
The online premiere for “Dungeon Masters” will take place at 6:30PM PT on Wednesday, April 22—with episodes 1 and 2 streaming live on YouTube, where you’ll be able to chat with other viewers. Future episodes will premiere every Wednesday on YouTube at 6:30PM PT.
