You have learned not to dare say negative things about Critical Role. There are a lot of people who practically worship that show, and if you say it is anything other than perfect, you will get the reaction you saw.
I watch it. I like it well enough to watch an episode every so often spread across several watchings. I don't love it. But I've learned not to say why I don't love it to certain people, because those certain people will get mad. Even though they are long-time friends of mine and CR is something they have only watched and loved for a couple years. You'd think friendship > internet TV show, but you'd be wrong. (Well... I don't think it'd end the friendship but when I dared say a couple of negative things about the show it certainly led to some heated discussion and friction.)
I hope you don't let the experience sour you on D&D. Either find a group that doesn't watch CR, or just learn your lesson and, like me, keep any feelings you have about the show that are not "CR IS THE BEST!" to yourself.
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
There’s been talk of something called the Matt Mercer effect (Matt Mercer is the DM of Critical Role and known to be one of the best DMs in the game, even creating his own content which gets used in the game IE: Blood Hunter class).
Essentially many D&D players look at how Critical Role plays the game and expect THATS how the game should be played. Those players want you to conform your play style to match what’s represented in their gameplay and you don’t want that.
Don’t feel too bad about it, it’s simply a matter of moving on and finding a campaign and group that works for you (just don’t be that person that campaign hops all the time and forces groups to find replacements to take your spot).
Critical Role is not the gods answer to DnD. Their fanboys and girls are a little to into it...like creepy anime fans.
I'd find another group...might take awhile. Hardest part of DnD is finding a group and DM you mesh well with. Some people it has taken them years to find the right group. Its like dating.
If you want to learn DnD try "Dungeon Dudes" I'll word them as 'super dry' but informative, and as well as "Don't Stop Thinking". Both on youtube.
...and I'll say this loud and proud. I'd take Jeff mother ****ing Cannata over Matt Mercer anyday of the week!
If you want to watch some good D&D stuff try Matt Colville's. He has an awesome narrative voice, and his weekly updates about the campaign he ran at Turtle Rock Studios are amazing (it's just slightly sucky that he tried to stream the ending instead of narrating and that part did not work...but there are tons of episodes where he just describes what happened and those are awesome).
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
For what it's worth OP, CR doesn't impress me much either. I'm happy that they found a cool gig, and that they're doing good things and drawing attention to the game. That said, watching other people playing D&D doesn't much impress me. Secondly, their style is not mine. Nothing wrong with what they do, but it's not what I am looking for. I'm sorry you ran into one of those groups that think if it isn't like CR, it's not D&D
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Alright, time to throw in my opinion as someone who loves the show. Now, to address some of the things other people have said, not all of CRs fanbase is rabid like that. Sure, people like that exist in the fandom, but that's the same for every fandom. Most of the fandom is very kind and caring (P.S. if you decide to watch more, and you watch Campaign 1, then don't look in the comments, they can get toxic, but that's died down in Campaign 2) and doesn't judge you for not liking the show. Also, don't let the reactions of the rabid fans sour your opinion of the cast. Everyone in the group are welcoming, kind, funny, quirky, and generally swell human beings. As for the "spending fifteen minutes doing things unrelated to the game" that's mostly a first episode thing. It was the first episode of the new campaign, and they wanted to show off their new stuff. In the future, they cut the beginning segments down to about five minutes. Mostly just sponsor ads for D&D Beyond/Other sponsors, updates for their merchandise, and things like that. The amazing thing is from a certain episode forward, in the comment section, there will always be someone who posts timestamps. When the episode actually starts, where to skip the break, stuff like that. That way you can skip the opening segment if you want (I usually skip the merch updates and stuff, but if you decide to watch more, do not skip the sponsorship ads, they are pure comedy gold). I don't know exactly what episode they start, but if you skip forward about five or so minutes, or until you see the intro, it'll usually be around the same time for each episode after the first. As for Matt's (the DMs) voice, yeah, that's purely opinionated. Matt himself has said that he knows their type of game doesn't work for everyone, and that it's okay. If you can't get into the show that's fine, but I suggest giving it a second shot. As for the group itself, that was just a toxic group. Both the group I play in, and the one I DM for have amazing people. Don't let that one bad experience sour you to an amazing hobby
Since fairly early on in Season 2 of CR, I learned to skip to the opening sequence (when they put the names up), and go from there. I am not at all interested in the sponsor ad nonsense. It's just a LOT longer in episode 1 for obvious reasons, and in Episode 1 a normal first-time viewer would not have known what to skip.
But pretty much, if they're not actually playing D&D, I fast forward until they are. And if I miss a couple of minutes of the actual play, I don't care enough to worry about it.
I mostly only watch CR when I literally have nothing else I want to do.
But definitely, find a group that you can play with, OP. You won't be able to find a group that has no CR fans in it at this stage, so my advice is, just keep your dislike of the show to yourself. You never know if you have a rabid fanboy/girl on your hands and if you do, as you have seen, it will get ugly.
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
I honestly do suggest watching Sam’s sponsorship ads. They are comedy gold, as I said before, and worth a watch. If you don’t want to go back through the videos and watch it, there’s a YouTube playlist that has all of his ads compiled floating around somewhere. Definitely worth a watch.
As a critter myself, I first have to say that what they did was unacceptable and not what the community is about. I would recommend giving it more of a chance than 15 mins, but if you weren't feeling it then who are they to say no. The players of CR are very much RP-centric voice actors, as well as real life friends, so it can get very dramatic at times. Mercer really tries to put on a show, and that's not everyone's thing. A large problem I have with that community is that they can get fanatical about how great the show is, which I think the players would be against.
People have suggested Matt Colville, and as an authority on what makes D&D great mechanically and from a social aspect, he is probably one of the best, so you should definitely look into him. He and Matt Mercer are actually also good friends, and while I don't know the depth of said friendship, I would assume that Mercer has pick up many practices from Colville. His podcast is an equally good place to start learning and loving D&D. Also High Rollers with Mark Hulmes is pretty good.
As a critter myself, I first have to say that what they did was unacceptable and not what the community is about. I would recommend giving it more of a chance than 15 mins, but if you weren't feeling it then who are they to say no. The players of CR are very much RP-centric voice actors, as well as real life friends, so it can get very dramatic at times. Mercer really tries to put on a show, and that's not everyone's thing. A large problem I have with that community is that they can get fanatical about how great the show is, which I think the players would be against.
I mean I made my comments at about 21 minutes and made it to about 40 minutes by which time I decided I wasn't paying attention or enjoying listening. I'm willing to give it one more shot (I'll probably just pick a random episode and click into the middle of it, see if that helps) but I wasn't really enthused by what I saw. First impressions and all that.
But definitely, find a group that you can play with, OP. You won't be able to find a group that has no CR fans in it at this stage, so my advice is, just keep your dislike of the show to yourself. You never know if you have a rabid fanboy/girl on your hands and if you do, as you have seen, it will get ugly.
Eh, I'm a firm believer in speaking my mind. If someone has a problem with my opinion, it is THEIR problem and not mine. I don't fault people for liking it but if people have a problem with me for not liking it...well, It's funny in a sad way. It might be a decent way to suss out whether I'm right for a group or not, really.
First of all, it sucks that you got bashed for voicing your opinions. Every fanbase have their share of people that take things too serious, I guess.
That said, what you must remember is that Critical Role is first and foremost an entertainment show for the audience, because that what pays the bills. The reason why Mercer went on about the table is because it was sponsored and needed to be highlighted. Also, some players like that sort of thing where they want really special dice tray or dice towers and all other kinds of extra stuff. It's like car people but with gaming accessories instead. Sam's sponsor adds are pure gold, though. If you like that sort of humor.
Except for that, not much to be said, really. I hop eyou find a game and that you can try out and see if D&D is for you. Matt Colville has already been mentioned, he's good for figuring out how D&D works (even though there are quite a few things I disagree with him on). Shut up and Sit down did a few funny one shots if you want to check out a goofier, more relaxed kind of play. Good luck, have fun and remember, don't be a dick on the internet. :)
I mean I made my comments at about 21 minutes and made it to about 40 minutes by which time I decided I wasn't paying attention or enjoying listening. I'm willing to give it one more shot (I'll probably just pick a random episode and click into the middle of it, see if that helps) but I wasn't really enthused by what I saw. First impressions and all that.
The first episode was structurally unique, because they had to introduce their characters to the group. Also as Lostwhilefishing said, it is a show, first and foremost, not just a hidden-camera recording of a D&D group playing the game. The players are both playing and performing. So not only did they have to introduce their characters to each other for the first time, but they were introducing their characters to a couple hundred thousand (or more -- I have no idea how big the audience was at the start of season 2) fans who had been waiting several months to see more CR episodes. I was not watching it back then (had not heard of it, was not playing D&D at the time, etc.), but I assume fans had been speculating and taking bets for months on what characters Sam, Laura, Travis, et al. were going to make. So there was more to it than a normal D&D group would do for their characters meeting up because there kind of had to be.
My impression of that first show was that it was all very much a show, and rather self-consciously at that, and I did not really want to watch any further. I said this to a friend of mine, and he urged me to keep going. I didn't. No interest. Then I stayed at my sister's for a week over Thanksgiving and they all go to bed really early, and I didn't want to bother them, so I sat on my bed with my iPad and headphones and watched CR episodes. Mostly because I had nothing else to do at that point, and I was getting ready to play D&D, but couldn't do anything about it from there, so CR scratched the itch. After that I had seen enough of it that I kept going, because most of it is not as "show-like" as the first episode (though there is always some of that). The fist episode, and the live performances they do on stage, are just the "show" aspects amped up to 11. I dislike watching the live shows for the same reason, and only do it because if I didn't, I'd be lost on what is going on.
I'm a firm believer in speaking my mind and choose to do so at my own risk. If someone has a problem with my opinion, it is THEIR problem and not mine. I don't fault people for liking it but if people have a problem with me for not liking it...well, It's funny in a sad way. It might be a decent way to suss out whether I'm right for a group or not, really.
I applaud your stance and on the one hand I agree with it. However, long and painful experience has taught me that some people seem to consider their entertainment as practically sacred, and if you dare say a thing against it, you are going to have trouble. Not just for CR, but for movies, TV shows, video games.
I was in a guild in Star Wars the Old Republic (MMORPG). This was a guild of long-time friends. We had known each other since 8 years earlier when we were in a guild for a couple of years together in Star Wars Galaxies. After that we had played City of Heroes, Vanguard, and a couple of other games together (not all as a guild, but smatterings of us in each game). We had stayed in touch on various forums in between times. When SWTOR came out, we all started a guild before beta. We played it for 3 or 4 months. Then the husband-wife team that were co-leaders with me quit SWTOR saying it was too "gamey" and not RP-ish enough, and switched to the Secret World, which they said was "what they were looking for." After I started getting tired of SWTOR myself, I went over to TSW and tried it. I hated it. It was no less "gamey" than SWTOR, and worse in nearly every other way (animations, UI, etc.) - in my opinion. I dared make that post on our SWTOR guild forum, and practically lost those two 8-year friends just for daring to make a page-long critical, but not rude, post of a game they liked. A GAME.
It was not the first time that ever happened to me, but it was the last. I've learned to post only mild criticisms at most, and if I see that kind of reaction getting ready to start, I back off and keep my opinions to myself. When I said some negative things (not very strongly negative either) about CR in text to my best friend who got me started on it, and started seeing his rather extreme reactions to my mild comments, I stopped. I don't say anything negative anymore. Just ask him how he is enjoying season 1. Which he just finished last night, I think. Or if something particularly funny happened in season 2, I might obliquely mention it (to avoid spoilers, since I'm now ahead of him, what with him going back to Season 1 and all).
You don't have to tell them why you dislike it or say anything negative about the DM's voice or what have you. You can just say you tried it, but it wasn't really your thing and the episodes are too long or something, and leave it at that. Odds are no one will ask you if you like the show unless you volunteer that information. There is no reason to even talk about it -- just say you'd rather play D&D than watch it or something.
I honestly do suggest watching Sam’s sponsorship ads. They are comedy gold, as I said before, and worth a watch.
I don't like them. I've seen enough of them that I can say that definitively. I won't say anymore because, again, I know how the fans can get, and if I say what I really think about certain things I'll get this thread flooded with CR fanboys jumping to their defense. I wasn't even going to respond to this but it's the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen the suggestion on this thread and if someone like the OP is frustrated by the "show" aspect and just wants to watch people playing D&D, I strongly recommend skipping to after the credits roll.
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
On top of that, I feel like there's always a "moving the goalposts" aspect to it. I say I wasn't into it 20 minutes in? "You didn't watch enough of it." Watch a full episode? "You didn't see enough to really get it." "It doesn't get good until episode x". And so on. I've heard it all before. If I watch every episode, special, etc and still don't like it, what then? I've learned life is too short to waste experiencing media you don't like for the sake of other people telling you it's great, when you're not having a good time.
Yes, I have seen the goalpost-moving before. I am not a fan of Grant Morrison's writing in comics. Worst thing I ever heard was that you had to read the entire series he had written (it was 19 issues at $4 a pop) to "know if you'd like it." (Told by a salesman at the comic shop of course.) This when I dropped it after 6 issues. Um no... the guy has had 6 months and 120+ pages of comic to convince me his stuff is good. If he can't do it by then, I'm out. But I had lots of people tell me that was "not giving it a chance."
I don't like the Game of Thrones novels (never watched the show because I don't like the novels, plus I don't have HBO anyway). I read three and half of them. That's probably nearly 4,000 pages. I still had a friend tell me I "didn't give it enough of a chance." Same thing -- wasn't liking the first book, "you have to give it at least 2 books," still not liking it, "you have to read at least 3 to really get into it," and so on. Meanwhile a book I actually like will usually have me in 50 pages. Man I wish I could have all those hours back from reading the GOT novels.
I'm willing to say it to someone's face.
My point is, you don't have to. I know several people who love GOT (some the novels, some the show, some both). I just don't comment on it. I do not volunteer my negative opinion to them of something I know they love. They love it... that's fine.
Now, if they try to push me on it... read it... read it... why won't you read it??? Then I might crack and offer a blistering rebuke of a series that I personally feel is the worst fantasy I have ever read, and exactly why in great detail. But it would take a heck of a provocation to get me to rip it to shreds to a person I know is a fan. And honestly I have not ever done that.. I've never been provoked like that.
All you have to do with your next group is play D&D. If they love CR, when they talk about it, just hold your peace. There is no reason to volunteer your opinion on it unless asked.
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WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Losing a group sucks, but at least it wasn't a group of people you were close to or were friends with.
I am a firm believer in speaking your mind and giving your opinion. Heck, I think people should be more forthcoming honestly. In fact, nations have been built on the founding principle of freedom of speech. But one thing to remember is freedom of speech does not equal freedom from speech. You can say anything you want. But, if you don't know the people you are talking to and you began bashing (in their mind) something they hold dear... it is fair to expect them to be cold and distance with you from that point forward.
I'm not saying they should have responded that way. Heck, I also think people need to be better at accepting criticism and understand that being different is what makes people special. Anyway, I guess what I am saying is: If the group you were in got so upset over your opinion, you are better off without them. However, just like in a job interview, holding off on criticising them or their passions until you know them better is a good idea.
Good luck finding a new group though!
P.S. - I'm not a fan of Critical Role, though I do appreciate Mercer and what CR has done to contribute to DnD and RPing as a whole.
Echolon: I mean I made my comments at about 21 minutes and made it to about 40 minutes by which time I decided I wasn't paying attention or enjoying listening. I'm willing to give it one more shot (I'll probably just pick a random episode and click into the middle of it, see if that helps) but I wasn't really enthused by what I saw. First impressions and all that.
I wasn't able to get into CR starting at the beginning, it was too confusing because they had already been playing for 2 years. But in order to get a good example of 5e combat I watched this episode:
You have learned not to dare say negative things about Critical Role. There are a lot of people who practically worship that show, and if you say it is anything other than perfect, you will get the reaction you saw.
I watch it. I like it well enough to watch an episode every so often spread across several watchings. I don't love it. But I've learned not to say why I don't love it to certain people, because those certain people will get mad. Even though they are long-time friends of mine and CR is something they have only watched and loved for a couple years. You'd think friendship > internet TV show, but you'd be wrong. (Well... I don't think it'd end the friendship but when I dared say a couple of negative things about the show it certainly led to some heated discussion and friction.)
I hope you don't let the experience sour you on D&D. Either find a group that doesn't watch CR, or just learn your lesson and, like me, keep any feelings you have about the show that are not "CR IS THE BEST!" to yourself.
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
There’s been talk of something called the Matt Mercer effect (Matt Mercer is the DM of Critical Role and known to be one of the best DMs in the game, even creating his own content which gets used in the game IE: Blood Hunter class).
Essentially many D&D players look at how Critical Role plays the game and expect THATS how the game should be played. Those players want you to conform your play style to match what’s represented in their gameplay and you don’t want that.
Don’t feel too bad about it, it’s simply a matter of moving on and finding a campaign and group that works for you (just don’t be that person that campaign hops all the time and forces groups to find replacements to take your spot).
Critical Role is not the gods answer to DnD. Their fanboys and girls are a little to into it...like creepy anime fans.
I'd find another group...might take awhile. Hardest part of DnD is finding a group and DM you mesh well with. Some people it has taken them years to find the right group. Its like dating.
If you want to learn DnD try "Dungeon Dudes" I'll word them as 'super dry' but informative, and as well as "Don't Stop Thinking". Both on youtube.
...and I'll say this loud and proud. I'd take Jeff mother ****ing Cannata over Matt Mercer anyday of the week!
If you want to watch some good D&D stuff try Matt Colville's. He has an awesome narrative voice, and his weekly updates about the campaign he ran at Turtle Rock Studios are amazing (it's just slightly sucky that he tried to stream the ending instead of narrating and that part did not work...but there are tons of episodes where he just describes what happened and those are awesome).
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
For what it's worth OP, CR doesn't impress me much either. I'm happy that they found a cool gig, and that they're doing good things and drawing attention to the game. That said, watching other people playing D&D doesn't much impress me. Secondly, their style is not mine. Nothing wrong with what they do, but it's not what I am looking for. I'm sorry you ran into one of those groups that think if it isn't like CR, it's not D&D
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
Alright, time to throw in my opinion as someone who loves the show. Now, to address some of the things other people have said, not all of CRs fanbase is rabid like that. Sure, people like that exist in the fandom, but that's the same for every fandom. Most of the fandom is very kind and caring (P.S. if you decide to watch more, and you watch Campaign 1, then don't look in the comments, they can get toxic, but that's died down in Campaign 2) and doesn't judge you for not liking the show. Also, don't let the reactions of the rabid fans sour your opinion of the cast. Everyone in the group are welcoming, kind, funny, quirky, and generally swell human beings. As for the "spending fifteen minutes doing things unrelated to the game" that's mostly a first episode thing. It was the first episode of the new campaign, and they wanted to show off their new stuff. In the future, they cut the beginning segments down to about five minutes. Mostly just sponsor ads for D&D Beyond/Other sponsors, updates for their merchandise, and things like that. The amazing thing is from a certain episode forward, in the comment section, there will always be someone who posts timestamps. When the episode actually starts, where to skip the break, stuff like that. That way you can skip the opening segment if you want (I usually skip the merch updates and stuff, but if you decide to watch more, do not skip the sponsorship ads, they are pure comedy gold). I don't know exactly what episode they start, but if you skip forward about five or so minutes, or until you see the intro, it'll usually be around the same time for each episode after the first. As for Matt's (the DMs) voice, yeah, that's purely opinionated. Matt himself has said that he knows their type of game doesn't work for everyone, and that it's okay. If you can't get into the show that's fine, but I suggest giving it a second shot. As for the group itself, that was just a toxic group. Both the group I play in, and the one I DM for have amazing people. Don't let that one bad experience sour you to an amazing hobby
Dominick Finch
Since fairly early on in Season 2 of CR, I learned to skip to the opening sequence (when they put the names up), and go from there. I am not at all interested in the sponsor ad nonsense. It's just a LOT longer in episode 1 for obvious reasons, and in Episode 1 a normal first-time viewer would not have known what to skip.
But pretty much, if they're not actually playing D&D, I fast forward until they are. And if I miss a couple of minutes of the actual play, I don't care enough to worry about it.
I mostly only watch CR when I literally have nothing else I want to do.
But definitely, find a group that you can play with, OP. You won't be able to find a group that has no CR fans in it at this stage, so my advice is, just keep your dislike of the show to yourself. You never know if you have a rabid fanboy/girl on your hands and if you do, as you have seen, it will get ugly.
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
I honestly do suggest watching Sam’s sponsorship ads. They are comedy gold, as I said before, and worth a watch. If you don’t want to go back through the videos and watch it, there’s a YouTube playlist that has all of his ads compiled floating around somewhere. Definitely worth a watch.
Dominick Finch
As a critter myself, I first have to say that what they did was unacceptable and not what the community is about. I would recommend giving it more of a chance than 15 mins, but if you weren't feeling it then who are they to say no. The players of CR are very much RP-centric voice actors, as well as real life friends, so it can get very dramatic at times. Mercer really tries to put on a show, and that's not everyone's thing. A large problem I have with that community is that they can get fanatical about how great the show is, which I think the players would be against.
People have suggested Matt Colville, and as an authority on what makes D&D great mechanically and from a social aspect, he is probably one of the best, so you should definitely look into him. He and Matt Mercer are actually also good friends, and while I don't know the depth of said friendship, I would assume that Mercer has pick up many practices from Colville. His podcast is an equally good place to start learning and loving D&D. Also High Rollers with Mark Hulmes is pretty good.
First of all, it sucks that you got bashed for voicing your opinions. Every fanbase have their share of people that take things too serious, I guess.
That said, what you must remember is that Critical Role is first and foremost an entertainment show for the audience, because that what pays the bills. The reason why Mercer went on about the table is because it was sponsored and needed to be highlighted. Also, some players like that sort of thing where they want really special dice tray or dice towers and all other kinds of extra stuff. It's like car people but with gaming accessories instead. Sam's sponsor adds are pure gold, though. If you like that sort of humor.
Except for that, not much to be said, really. I hop eyou find a game and that you can try out and see if D&D is for you. Matt Colville has already been mentioned, he's good for figuring out how D&D works (even though there are quite a few things I disagree with him on). Shut up and Sit down did a few funny one shots if you want to check out a goofier, more relaxed kind of play. Good luck, have fun and remember, don't be a dick on the internet. :)
Cheers!
The first episode was structurally unique, because they had to introduce their characters to the group. Also as Lostwhilefishing said, it is a show, first and foremost, not just a hidden-camera recording of a D&D group playing the game. The players are both playing and performing. So not only did they have to introduce their characters to each other for the first time, but they were introducing their characters to a couple hundred thousand (or more -- I have no idea how big the audience was at the start of season 2) fans who had been waiting several months to see more CR episodes. I was not watching it back then (had not heard of it, was not playing D&D at the time, etc.), but I assume fans had been speculating and taking bets for months on what characters Sam, Laura, Travis, et al. were going to make. So there was more to it than a normal D&D group would do for their characters meeting up because there kind of had to be.
My impression of that first show was that it was all very much a show, and rather self-consciously at that, and I did not really want to watch any further. I said this to a friend of mine, and he urged me to keep going. I didn't. No interest. Then I stayed at my sister's for a week over Thanksgiving and they all go to bed really early, and I didn't want to bother them, so I sat on my bed with my iPad and headphones and watched CR episodes. Mostly because I had nothing else to do at that point, and I was getting ready to play D&D, but couldn't do anything about it from there, so CR scratched the itch. After that I had seen enough of it that I kept going, because most of it is not as "show-like" as the first episode (though there is always some of that). The fist episode, and the live performances they do on stage, are just the "show" aspects amped up to 11. I dislike watching the live shows for the same reason, and only do it because if I didn't, I'd be lost on what is going on.
I applaud your stance and on the one hand I agree with it. However, long and painful experience has taught me that some people seem to consider their entertainment as practically sacred, and if you dare say a thing against it, you are going to have trouble. Not just for CR, but for movies, TV shows, video games.
I was in a guild in Star Wars the Old Republic (MMORPG). This was a guild of long-time friends. We had known each other since 8 years earlier when we were in a guild for a couple of years together in Star Wars Galaxies. After that we had played City of Heroes, Vanguard, and a couple of other games together (not all as a guild, but smatterings of us in each game). We had stayed in touch on various forums in between times. When SWTOR came out, we all started a guild before beta. We played it for 3 or 4 months. Then the husband-wife team that were co-leaders with me quit SWTOR saying it was too "gamey" and not RP-ish enough, and switched to the Secret World, which they said was "what they were looking for." After I started getting tired of SWTOR myself, I went over to TSW and tried it. I hated it. It was no less "gamey" than SWTOR, and worse in nearly every other way (animations, UI, etc.) - in my opinion. I dared make that post on our SWTOR guild forum, and practically lost those two 8-year friends just for daring to make a page-long critical, but not rude, post of a game they liked. A GAME.
It was not the first time that ever happened to me, but it was the last. I've learned to post only mild criticisms at most, and if I see that kind of reaction getting ready to start, I back off and keep my opinions to myself. When I said some negative things (not very strongly negative either) about CR in text to my best friend who got me started on it, and started seeing his rather extreme reactions to my mild comments, I stopped. I don't say anything negative anymore. Just ask him how he is enjoying season 1. Which he just finished last night, I think. Or if something particularly funny happened in season 2, I might obliquely mention it (to avoid spoilers, since I'm now ahead of him, what with him going back to Season 1 and all).
You don't have to tell them why you dislike it or say anything negative about the DM's voice or what have you. You can just say you tried it, but it wasn't really your thing and the episodes are too long or something, and leave it at that. Odds are no one will ask you if you like the show unless you volunteer that information. There is no reason to even talk about it -- just say you'd rather play D&D than watch it or something.
I don't like them. I've seen enough of them that I can say that definitively. I won't say anymore because, again, I know how the fans can get, and if I say what I really think about certain things I'll get this thread flooded with CR fanboys jumping to their defense. I wasn't even going to respond to this but it's the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen the suggestion on this thread and if someone like the OP is frustrated by the "show" aspect and just wants to watch people playing D&D, I strongly recommend skipping to after the credits roll.
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Eh, fair enough. Different strokes for different folks. You sir/ma’am/other have a good day/night/whatever it is for you.
Dominick Finch
Yes, I have seen the goalpost-moving before. I am not a fan of Grant Morrison's writing in comics. Worst thing I ever heard was that you had to read the entire series he had written (it was 19 issues at $4 a pop) to "know if you'd like it." (Told by a salesman at the comic shop of course.) This when I dropped it after 6 issues. Um no... the guy has had 6 months and 120+ pages of comic to convince me his stuff is good. If he can't do it by then, I'm out. But I had lots of people tell me that was "not giving it a chance."
I don't like the Game of Thrones novels (never watched the show because I don't like the novels, plus I don't have HBO anyway). I read three and half of them. That's probably nearly 4,000 pages. I still had a friend tell me I "didn't give it enough of a chance." Same thing -- wasn't liking the first book, "you have to give it at least 2 books," still not liking it, "you have to read at least 3 to really get into it," and so on. Meanwhile a book I actually like will usually have me in 50 pages. Man I wish I could have all those hours back from reading the GOT novels.
My point is, you don't have to. I know several people who love GOT (some the novels, some the show, some both). I just don't comment on it. I do not volunteer my negative opinion to them of something I know they love. They love it... that's fine.
Now, if they try to push me on it... read it... read it... why won't you read it??? Then I might crack and offer a blistering rebuke of a series that I personally feel is the worst fantasy I have ever read, and exactly why in great detail. But it would take a heck of a provocation to get me to rip it to shreds to a person I know is a fan. And honestly I have not ever done that.. I've never been provoked like that.
All you have to do with your next group is play D&D. If they love CR, when they talk about it, just hold your peace. There is no reason to volunteer your opinion on it unless asked.
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Losing a group sucks, but at least it wasn't a group of people you were close to or were friends with.
I am a firm believer in speaking your mind and giving your opinion. Heck, I think people should be more forthcoming honestly. In fact, nations have been built on the founding principle of freedom of speech. But one thing to remember is freedom of speech does not equal freedom from speech. You can say anything you want. But, if you don't know the people you are talking to and you began bashing (in their mind) something they hold dear... it is fair to expect them to be cold and distance with you from that point forward.
I'm not saying they should have responded that way. Heck, I also think people need to be better at accepting criticism and understand that being different is what makes people special. Anyway, I guess what I am saying is: If the group you were in got so upset over your opinion, you are better off without them. However, just like in a job interview, holding off on criticising them or their passions until you know them better is a good idea.
Good luck finding a new group though!
P.S. - I'm not a fan of Critical Role, though I do appreciate Mercer and what CR has done to contribute to DnD and RPing as a whole.
Echolon: I mean I made my comments at about 21 minutes and made it to about 40 minutes by which time I decided I wasn't paying attention or enjoying listening. I'm willing to give it one more shot (I'll probably just pick a random episode and click into the middle of it, see if that helps) but I wasn't really enthused by what I saw. First impressions and all that.
I wasn't able to get into CR starting at the beginning, it was too confusing because they had already been playing for 2 years. But in order to get a good example of 5e combat I watched this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THyXWq5iS0k
And there I can see that everyone was truly afraid for their characters, which for me is 1/2 the fun as a DM.
I still don't have time to watch CR full time lol.