All the Byler Crumbs in Dungeons & Dragons Tales from the Table: A Campaign Archive
1. Drawings & Writing
The entire first quarter of this book is primarily Mike and Will collaborating on their campaign. We see Mike being the writer, filling in all the stats and information, answering questions filled in margins by Dustin and Lucas. Meanwhile, Will draws all over and provides illustrations, both big and small.
I love the mix of Will’s own drawings directly on the paper, and then torn out and pasted in drawings put in there by the rest of the party (presumably Mike).
These two provide the majority of the new ideas and insight, with Dustin providing stats and commentary now and then.
Their campaign was interrupted half way through due to Will’s disappearance.
2. Mike’s Letter(s)
This first one is written from Mike when he leaves to go help find Will. We’ve seen this one. We know it. We love it.
There is another secret letter between Lucas and Mike, though, purposefully hidden in the background.
"Lucas,
Those are some good ideas. If I use any of them later you’ll get credit for it.
Honestly though, I can’t think about the game stuff right now. I probably won’t be able to til Will is back.
Sorry.
Mike"
3. Mike’s Family Calendar
"Will out of hospital today!!!" - Written by Mike
4. Cool 😎
Real slick, Michael.
5. Will’s Letter to Mike
I miss clouds. I miss you.
"Say hi to Lucas and Dustin for me. I can't wait to see you again.
-Will"
6. Mike's Hellfire Club Character
"His idealistic outlook has been replaced by a simple truth: evil will never die and his war will never end."
"He's thought about giving up but he can't. His holy mission carries on because he can't turn his back on his paladin vow or the promise he made to the Eldertree so long ago. His sword is still sharp, and he fights on until he has no more life to live."
I think this is all a projection of Mike's relationship with El. He made this vow to her, and now he feels responsible for it and must keep fighting "until he has no more life to live." Oh, Michael Wheeler.
7. Corroded Coffin Page
This one is a bit of a stretch, but says a lot.
"We are a screaming middle finger in the face of conformity, laughing at the naive lies that being normal and obedient could ever make us happy."
Mike just is trying to be normal this year, though, right?
8. Mike's Final Message
Truly being the heart here.
"There were times I thought we'd never play Dungeons & Dragons again..... Like Will passing along his game books, we pass this scrapbook over to you."
And don't forget to never split the party! Thank you, Dustin.
EDIT:
Uhm I totally forgot that this entire book was literally Mike’s idea as a gift to Will. Check out @sunhufflepuff ‘s post about their matching love letters to one another. I’m sick. Byler is so endgame. We are winning.
