Deborah Ann Woll Transforms Historic Village into D&D Experience

Renowned Dungeon Master Deborah Ann Woll has elevated the Dungeons & Dragons experience by transforming an entire historic village into a captivating escape room for her latest series, Tales From Woodcreek. The inaugural episode premiered on October 31, 2023, on the Dungeon Dudes YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled for release every Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern Time. This innovative approach follows Woll’s earlier work on the 2019 series Relics & Rarities, which was notable for its immersive set designs and interactive gameplay.

Situated at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Canada, this project showcases a real historical site renowned for its paranormal investigations and educational programming. The village’s rich atmosphere significantly enhances the storytelling, providing a unique backdrop for the adventures of its players. The narrative centers around a witch’s curse placed upon the village and its founding families, with descendants returning to confront this dark legacy alongside celebrity guests.

Woll co-created the series with Ed Gass-Donnelly, a fellow Dungeon Master, blending the realms of unscripted television and Dungeons & Dragons. Gass-Donnelly emphasized the importance of creating an immersive experience, stating, “We really wanted to mix up the idea of how you play D&D.” He pointed out that the use of custom, handmade props aligns perfectly with the village’s historical context. “A battle map can be a chalkboard. Your table can be school desks,” he added, showcasing their inventive approach to the game.

The duo’s brainstorming led them to explore Black Creek Pioneer Village, where inspiration struck. Gass-Donnelly recalled discovering a particularly eerie staircase that became integral to the storyline. He noted that the aim was to encourage players to engage physically with their surroundings. Gass-Donnelly brings his theatrical background into the mix, combining elements of magic and theatricality to enhance the viewer’s experience.

The production was accomplished in a remarkably short timeframe, with the entire first season filmed over just four days following three days of preparation. Each episode was crafted under tight deadlines, requiring late-night creativity and collaboration. Woll remarked, “We were up till 2 to 4 a.m. every night doing calligraphy and building things because something had shifted.” The team remained focused on delivering a unique experience for their players, stating, “We’re doing this to delight four of our friends tomorrow.”

The cast features three main players: Monty Martin as paladin Victor Gravesong, Kelly McLaughlin as bard Valentine Gravesong, and Anjali Bhimani as shapeshifting warlock Victoria “Vix” Stong. Each of these characters descends from the village’s founding families. Martin and McLaughlin, seasoned D&D enthusiasts, are also the hosts of the Dungeon Dudes channel, which further integrates the series into their established platform.

Each two-episode arc introduces a celebrity guest, including Iman Vellani of *Ms. Marvel* fame in the first two episodes, followed by Jessica Henwick from *Glass Onion*, and later appearances by Shaun Majumder and Wil Wheaton. Bhimani praised the vibrant atmosphere on set, stating, “It was so amazing being on set, knowing that you guys were working through the night until the crack of dawn because the vibe on the set was so exciting and positive.”

The series intricately balances elements of lore, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Woll is committed to storytelling that prioritizes player immersion. “Deb has this glimmer in her eyes that lets you know, yes, there’s a scary ghost teacher floating in the air — but it’s still her,” Bhimani remarked, highlighting the safe yet thrilling environment created by the team.

The premiere arc introduces a variety of challenges, including locked-room puzzles and an animatronic spellbook, all grounded in the tangible reality of the village. Players can expect to encounter flickering lanterns, groaning staircases, and surprising twists that keep them on their toes. Gass-Donnelly summed up the overarching goal: “It’s about surprising the players. The minute they think they know what’s happening, we change the rules.”

This unique fusion of Dungeons & Dragons with immersive environment storytelling exemplifies Woll’s innovative vision, setting a new standard for future actual play series. As the episodes unfold, audiences can anticipate not only a thrilling adventure but also a fresh perspective on how traditional tabletop games can evolve in engaging and unexpected ways.