David Bridges
Dragons, fairies, and talking rats came alive at Madison Square Garden on January 24 during the sold-out event of Dimension 20′s Gauntlet at the Garden. The spectacle was a thrilling and immersive experience that captivated the audience from start to finish. Fans of all ages gathered to witness an unforgettable blend of live role-playing, imaginative storytelling, and interactive gaming that showcased the vibrant world of Dungeons & Dragons. The electric atmosphere and palpable excitement made it clear that this was not just another show; it was a celebration of creativity and community.
Under the masterful guidance of Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, the event featured a dynamic cast of “intrepid heroes,” including Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson. This incredible lineup transported thousands of attendees back to the Unsleeping City campaign, set in the heart of New York City. The fact that the cast was facing off against formidable foes in close proximity to MSG added an exhilarating layer of intensity to the actual play show. However, the real magic of Gauntlet at the Garden extended far beyond the location, creating an immersive experience that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
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Dimension 20′s Gauntlet at the Garden: A Multiverse Adventure at Madison Square Garden
Credit: Kristy Puchko
The epic journey of Gauntlet at the Garden commenced with the return of beloved characters from The Unsleeping City: Sofia Bicicleta (Axford), Pete Conlan (Beardsley), Kugrash (Murphy), Ricky Matsui (Oyama), Misty Moore (Thompson), and Kingston Brown (Wilson). The party faces an array of villains from different D20 campaigns who are causing chaos throughout New York City due to some multiversal mischief. The Sugar Plum Fairy from A Crown of Candy has transformed Lincoln Center into a nightmarish candy land, while the Junkmother from A Starstruck Odyssey sends shockwaves of fear through Staten Island’s Freshkills Park. Meanwhile, Kalvaxus from Fantasy High wreaks havoc on Wall Street, searching for treasure. Given the show’s New York setting, one could imagine a climactic battle at MSG itself, reminiscent of the New York Stock Exchange being a battleground in the first season of The Unsleeping City.
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Fortunately, our brave heroes were not alone in their quest. One of the most exciting moments of Gauntlet at the Garden was the audience’s interactive participation, where fans rolled virtual dice on their phones to determine which allies from other D20 campaigns would join the fray. This level of engagement not only highlighted the show’s community aspect but also allowed fans to feel like they were part of the action, adding to the overall excitement and thrill of the performance.
Credit: Screenshot: Dimension 20
The innovative rolling mechanic was just one of the many ways Gauntlet at the Garden elevated the scale of a traditional D20 episode to match the grandeur of its venue. The circular stage setup at the heart of MSG recreated the familiar ambiance of D20‘s typical campaigns, adorned with illuminated triangular panels that echoed the aesthetic of D20‘s set. These panels shifted colors during thrilling combat moments or significant Box of Doom rolls, while the entire arena transformed into a vibrant spectacle, enveloping the audience in a captivating red light, immersing them in the D20 experience. Screens positioned above the stage displayed close-up views of the players, crucial for those seated further away, along with dynamic animations introducing player characters, enemies, and allies. The thrilling addition of pyrotechnics and an oversized 20-sided die further amplified the larger-than-life production, blending the essence of Dungeons & Dragons actual play with the dramatic flair of professional wrestling. A spontaneous wrestling match between Murphy and Wilson added to the fun, solidifying the event’s unique charm.
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Experience the Joy and Excitement of Gauntlet at the Garden
Credit: Kristy Puchko
Beyond the thrilling battles and the nostalgia of reuniting with cherished characters, Gauntlet at the Garden was a remarkable celebration of fan engagement. The multiverse theme ignited excitement among fans, who erupted in cheers at the appearances of beloved allies like Gilear Faeth and Ayda Agueforth, complete with enthusiastic “Hoot! Growl!” chants, while they booed the menacing Lord Calroy Cruller. Mulligan expertly embraced the role of the antagonist, humorously declaring, “I’m all the bad guys.” The event was filled with inside jokes that resonated with the audience, including nods to Chronomancy, a favorite magical concept among fans.
However, the true magic of Gauntlet at the Garden lay in the vibrant community of fans that brought the event to life. Cosplayers filled MSG, showcasing an array of characters from the series, including everything from PCs to Kugrash’s Juicy Cockroach and Spicy Pigeon Spirit Totems. As fans waited in line to enter the arena, it was heartwarming to hear compliments exchanged over their elaborate costumes, often featuring the same character. This sense of camaraderie and shared excitement set a joyful tone for the entire event.
During the show, the phone dice rolling feature created opportunities for further connection among fans. My neighbors and I cheered each other on as we compared our rolls, high-fiving when someone scored a Nat 20, and losing our minds when Mulligan revealed that MSG collectively rolled a Nat 20. Having experienced the exhilaration of live sports, the atmosphere at MSG during these pivotal moments mirrored the euphoria of a grand slam in MLB or a buzzer-beater in the WNBA, capturing the essence of victory in a truly unique way.
Ultimately, Gauntlet at the Garden felt monumental. As Dungeons and Dragons continues to soar in popularity, not just as a tabletop game but as a captivating form of live performance, this event stands as a hallmark of how grand and spectacular actual play can truly be. It showcased the creative potential of this dynamic medium, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.
Dimension 20 is currently streaming on Dropout, with Gauntlet at the Garden set to stream on the platform at a later date.
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