Door Holds For Now - A Review for 'Pacifist Barbarian' by Deerstalker Productions

Dungeons and Dragons is an inspiration for all kinds of media. We've seen talk shows, streamed games, fiction, and nonfiction. We here at Apotheosis Studios have written and illustrated wonders about our favourite table top roleplaying game.

In a past article, the critically acclaimed and hilarious All For 1 comedy series by Deerstalker Productions is one of my favourite DnD side pieces of media. I think I'm going to continue reviewing the current series as it releases on YouTube. Watch this new episode right here.

Pacifist Barbarian

This episode brings us back to the familiar format we'd come to expect from Deerstalker. Our merry band of heroes in one spot, dealing with an all-too-familiar situation in a player's experience. Mogdar the Barbarian would much rather draw a picture of a pretty flower than fight the Orc at the gate.

Pacifist Barbarian Drawing Break - Image by Deerstalker Productions

I've played as a PC and DM at many tables in my hundreds of years of existence. I can really feel the awkwardness when a character plays incredibly against type like this. There's no greater frustration than when a Cleric is standing next to a character on Death Saves but attacks instead of doing anything that resembles healing.

At the same time, this is all done as according to “what the character would do”. There's a big difference between sitting out the fight to draw a flower because the monster hasn't crossed you (which I think is fine), compared to actively ignoring the fight because you're True Neutral (this is not fine). The characters should always do what's best to push the story forward and be a team player. I'm gonna climb down from my high horse and talk about the show again.

The grant from Screen Australia has been a major boost for this production, and you can really feel it in this episode, particularly in the costuming we get from our guests. The quality of their props and costumes are always what gives us the immersion that we're truly watching DnD come to to life. I appreciate the realism they put into Orcs from this costuming. The Half-Orc guest character is greened up to the nines, but has a relatively human appearance in his face compared to the extra prosthetics on the Orc at the gate. I'd never expect fantasy realism in my DnD sketch comedy; what a great time to be alive!

Relentless Endurance

Deerstalker Productions have been bringing us high quality media for a very long time. Their latest offering, with their backing has been the best of the best – and one of the strongest DnD related media I've seen. I eagerly await the remaining four episodes in this current season.

When the players match their characters - Image by Deerstalker Productions

Now we want to hear from you. How have you been enjoying this season? Is there any good DnD visual media like this you think deserves love? Let us know in our discord server or in the comments below.

Adam Ray contributes much for adventurers here on Apotheosis Studios. As co-founder of fantasticuniverses.com, he writes about card gaming and PC gaming to a corner of the internet he carved out himself. On Youtube, he can be found game mastering for No Ordinary Heroes, or editing the antics on The Hostile Atmosphere. Follow his Twitter @IzzetTinkerer.