#ode to gms

[gearsparks]

The Linchpin of Actual Plays

Sam on Game Changer can be kind of a jerk but only out of context. While I haven't seen whole episodes of the show, I have seen enough clips to know it's all in good fun and he takes more hits than he gives. (fkn love Lisa, IFYKYK.)

I remember this one clip of a live showing/taping of Game Changer where Aabria was at a podium and Sam started a question by naming a few of the dozen Ttrpg shows she has been on; Desi quest, Worlds beyond Number, NY by Night, The Adventure Zone, Critical Role. Then proceeded to question if she knew what loyalty was, of which even she had a good laugh at, however beyond these implications this is indicative of something more important.

YOu know, It's in the Title...

Aabria Iyangar is the linchpin of modern Ttrpgs. She is the new "All roads lead to Rome", the new "6 degrees to Bacon", cause it's becoming "6 degrees to Iyangar". Walking this out abit; her immediate circle of 1st degree contains Critical Role and Dropout; that alone covers Voice actors, live actors, comedians, artists, stage performers as well as all the behind the scenes players like producers, directors, writers, etc. But that's just professionally produced; cause she's done a number of Twitch channels working in smaller communities, and we haven't even gotten to Ashley Johnson's charitable branches or her live DM for the cast of the majorly popular game Baulder's Gate 3!!

Aabria is no short of being 'everywhere', and we Love that!!

I WANT to see more of Aabria; I love her style, her flare and how she can both turn the table on the players as well as give them the keys to 'flip the script' on her if they so choose. A DM isn't good if they're not vulnerable, and she's willing to embrace it. Her laugh is infectious and she is THE MOST QUOTABLE PLAYER I have ever seen. Like Talisien may have the trophy on the most unforgettable wisdom, but Aabria has a knack for saying things that are chefs kiss humor even OUT of context.

(Someone be normal at me!!)

If I could make a tribute to her that would match the entirety that is this Goddess of wit, fun, cleverness and drama I would, until then this little essay may as well have to do.

Love, Me

[ also sorry, not sorry about the subversive switch Sam. ;) ]

[gearsparks]

When Kindness becomes Genius

Brennan Lee Mulligan has the heart of a goliath when it comes to his friends; especially Matt Mercer.

(don't you start crying now, I haven't even started)

Before even learning of his setup and preparations for Divergence; while listening to the stream on audio, I was already putting together that this mini-series was something special. I can't remember now as it's been MONTHS later, but I can recall the emotions and the revelations that went through my head as the pieces were coming together. Like the game Connect, each clue just slid into place. Coming across the keystone spell and it's poetic stanza thunk. The clues within the poem thunk Having mentions of only 2 gods left to cross the barrier thunk LIEM OBRIAN'S ARTFUL DEATH thunk There was only one question in my mind….was Matthew in on it?

Ofcourse as we learn later he was not! As I had stated earlier I was only listening to the story play out so the facial expressions were a little lost on me... until I heard Matt's tearful waiver. I already was in tears at the beautiful poetry that was this 'Ode to Exandria' but to hear Matt well-up just pushed me overboard. I did end up going back to watch the last 30 min of that episode at a later date. (note to self…rewatch divergence..again)

After I had gotten a free trial for Beacon I was able to binge the behind the scenes and extras that only Beason has to offer (except for the shorts on tiktok, tumblr, youtube, insta….etc.). And found out the nuance that was the detailed plan for setting this elaborate 'love letter' for public viewing. Marisha and Liem's knowledge and involvement, the prescreening/proposal, the lovable 'you have to do it now' post proposal; makes me love this group even more. And that includes the people behind the scenes who helped like Danni Carr. (you know those people who show up for their live parties whose faces you don't have a name to.)

I would elaborate more on this Masterwork of art, this Celebratory creation that is an Ode to the Greatest DM that is Matt Mercer; but like I said it's been a while since I've visited that point in history and I think my astonished bewilderment of realization and being abashed with emotions kinda fades the details a bit.

I just wish we all had a friend like BLeeM or Matthew Mercer, or Marisha Ray, or Liem O'Brian…..or………..