Learning to play Dungeons & Dragons can be challenging, even though each edition aims to simplify the rules. It’s even harder without a friend to guide you through the origins, abilities, and various feats. Imagine having someone like Deborah Ann Woll to show you the ropes. In a highlight video from the Real Ones With Jon Bernthal podcast, Woll walks Bernthal through the process of creating a character and experiencing a campaign.
Woll, an experienced Dungeon Master, effortlessly sets up a scene: Bernthal is traveling through the woods, bow on his back, knife at his belt, and only the faint moonlight to guide him. As a complete beginner, Bernthal’s first question is, “How far away?” Instantly engaged, he learns about owlbears, history checks, and the distinctions between wizards and fighters.
A common mistake is to overwhelm a newcomer by going through a character sheet line by line, which can be intimidating. But Woll approaches the challenge of learning to inhabit a world, build a compelling yet flawed character, and overcome stage fright in a simple, clear, and engaging way.
Woll and Bernthal are no strangers to nerd culture, having both worked on Marvel’s Daredevil series, with Bernthal also playing a villain in Ghost Recon Breakpoint. Despite this, Bernthal admits to feeling a bit of imposter syndrome as a former jock, but he recognizes the appeal of a tabletop game. The video highlights how universal D&D is as a hobby, bringing together humble gamers and Hollywood stars alike around the table. It would be great to see the two of them join a full campaign with friends, especially with Woll as the DM.
