Brennan Lee Mulligan Unveils Exciting Details of Dimension 20's Burrow's End & Fantasy High: Junior Year

Summary

Burrow's End is the twentieth season of Dimension 20, featuring Aabria Iyengar as Game Master and follows a family of stoats surviving in the Blue Forest.

The Stupendous Stoats consist of Brennan Lee Mulligan, Erika Ishii, Siobhan Thompson, and Isabella Roland, alongside newcomers Jasper William Cartwright and Rashawn Nadine Scott.

Tula, played by Mulligan, portrays a mother of two young children and an adult daughter, which offers intriguing dynamics within the family. The show delves into Tula's relationships with both her mother and her role as a parent.

Burrow's End, the newest installment of Dimension 20, marks the twentieth season of this thrilling adventure. Led by the talented Game Master Aabria Iyengar, this side quest follows the journey of a courageous family of stoats as they navigate the enigmatic Blue Forest in a desperate attempt to survive. Bereft of their burrowmates, they are compelled to leave their familiar surroundings and seek refuge elsewhere. However, as they venture deeper into the forest, they encounter unforeseen perils that will put their resolve to the ultimate test.

Joining the ranks of The Stupendous Stoats are beloved Dimension 20 regulars Brennan Lee Mulligan, Erika Ishii, Siobhan Thompson, and Isabella Roland. Additionally, for the first time within the uncharted realm, Iyengar has enlisted the talents of Jasper William Cartwright and Rashawn Nadine Scott. While Iyengar is a well-known presence in Dimension 20, having assumed various roles as both a player and a GM throughout numerous seasons, she also marks a significant milestone as the first to step into Mulligan's customary role as Game Master within the dome.

Brennan Lee Mulligan On Dimension 20: Burrow's End

Our website: This last episode was insane, which is saying something because the episode before that had bear battle map!

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Honestly, it's incredible. I can hardly wrap my head around it. Yay! Can we discuss your process of developing Tula? Particularly, what motivated you to portray a mother with two young children and an adult daughter, as it adds numerous captivating dynamics.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It's fascinating, right? When I first came into this project, I was aware of the source material and the genre. I've mentioned before that I approach it with a teacher's pet mentality, trying to align my character with the DM's chosen genre. My main concern is ensuring that my character fits the tone, mood, and genre desired by the DM. The material this campaign is based on is Watership Down, and Secret of Nimh. Abria and I had many discussions about Secret of Nimh. As part of the cast, I was involved in the pre-production, talking to Aabria about her vision for the season.

Early on, knowing the source material, we focused heavily on Secret of Nimh. Mrs. Brisby is one of my all-time favorite characters. Tula, my character, draws a lot of inspiration from Mrs. Brisby. Specifically, the idea of a heroic, soft-spoken, tender, and comforting character. That's a big part of who Tula is. However, when the other characters were being created, I didn't know who they would be. I didn't even know if we would be a family. There was a possibility that we could have been a group of disconnected stoats, with me adventuring for my NPC kids.

Siobhan immediately expressed her desire to be a young boy, while Erika expressed her aspiration to portray an elderly grandmother. As an adult daughter within this family dynamic, I couldn't help but draw parallel to the absence of a mother figure in the character Mrs. Brisby from Secret of Nimh. This realization intrigued Tula greatly. Rashawn, being my sister, simply followed suit, and we all naturally fell into our respective roles. Since the children needed maternal figures, it made sense for there to be two types of adult women who were sisters, alongside an older matriarch figure. Given our familial bond as sisters, it only seemed fitting that Erika would assume the role of our mother.

It was an incredibly enjoyable experience. During one particular episode, you delivered a powerful statement, saying, "I cannot invest any more effort into fulfilling the role of a daughter." Could you elaborate on that moment and shed light on the challenges faced in building your relationship with Erika?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: I believe that as we grow older, there comes a point where we reflect on our childhood experiences and the emotions associated with them. We either come to terms with those feelings or we don't. Our relationship with our parents may be positive, negative, or something in between. However, in adulthood, especially when entering parenthood, there comes a realization that our own life is our priority. It requires all of our focus and energy just to maintain our own household.

Whether we have present parents like those in Burrow's End, or if our parents are absent, there comes a moment when we are faced with the challenge of honoring and respecting our older generation while also fulfilling the demands of our own children. If we feel overwhelmed and drained, unable to meet everyone's expectations, we must find a way to establish boundaries. In Tula's case, at least, her decision is to prioritize her children.

My relationship with my mother will unfold naturally. I intend to treat her with respect and avoid any negative behavior. Tula's struggle stems from not having the opportunity to assert herself against her own mother. It's not that she dismisses her, but rather that she lacks the capacity to engage in conflicts. Instead, she focuses on dedicating her energy to being present for her children.

In fact, Tula's upbringing has greatly influenced her parenting style. She consistently apologizes to her kids and expresses encouragement and praise, even in the midst of chaotic situations.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Yeah, here's something fans of the show may not know, but Rashawn and I discussed it - Tula used to be quite rebellious and strong-willed. During her teenage years, she was a bit of a troublemaker, always asserting herself with her abundance of energy. We can see some of this in the fact that her mother didn't approve of Geoffrey, but she went ahead and married him anyway. The Tula we see nowadays isn't her constant persona; it's who she has become.

Her softness, tenderness, and fatigue are partly a response to tragedy, and we can catch glimpses of this throughout. In a way, it's as if she has set aside her sword and shield like a retired soldier. I mean, I used to have this assertive side to my personality, but it's no longer necessary. So yes, she has made a conscious effort to establish herself as a different kind of parent, contrasting her own mother's approach. I believe many people can relate to that.

There's a need to find a way to differentiate or shake things up a bit in terms of how she interacts with Jaysohn and Lila. It's about being supportive and encouraging, but also not allowing certain things. It's about setting boundaries while still expressing a lot of love. It's an interesting and cool dynamic. The information provided by Erika, Siobhan, and Izzy, and trying to be in the midst of it all, is deeply satisfying.

In this episode, we finally get some in-depth knowledge about Geoffrey. I loved how Tula defended him when her kids were angry at him for being absent. It was fascinating to discover that he has the ability to interpret scratches like Lila. Can you discuss those moments and why it was crucial to showcase this different side of Tula? Because it's one of the few instances where we see her truly get angry.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Yeah, it's fascinating. Tula holds a special place in my heart. I didn't have to stretch much to play her; she feels so familiar to me. One thing I can relate to with Tula is the importance of being careful when discussing someone who's no longer here to defend themselves. It's not about romanticizing or smoothing out the rough edges. People are complex. It's simply about setting the record straight for Tula.

I think Tula understands that anger can act as a temporary cover for grief. By directing anger towards her deceased father, she can avoid facing the painful emotions associated with his absence. Sometimes, people will go to great lengths to experience negative emotions if it gives them a sense of control over the world. Blaming her father for his death becomes a way to rationalize it, as if it happened for a purpose. However, Tula's perspective is different. She believes that it didn't happen for any reason; it simply happened. Now, let's delve a bit into Tula's character analysis. I believe that if she had fully processed her anger towards Geoffrey's departure, she wouldn't be experiencing bursts of anger anymore.

In other words, Tula is likely identifying familiar traits of anger in her children, traits that she sees within herself. It is possible that she harbors her own anger towards Jeffrey's risk-taking and his engagement in other activities. Consequently, when her children mirror this behavior, she may feel a sense of guilt, wondering if they are absorbing her own resentment and anger. Therefore, when she passionately exclaims, "Don't talk about your dad that way," it is not only a rebuke towards her kids, but also an admonishment directed at herself, as she recognizes her own thoughts and emotions.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It's absolutely fantastic! As performers and actors, it's the most enjoyable thing ever. I truly hope that throughout numerous incredible seasons of the show, we will have the opportunity to play various roles - enemies, friends, rivals, and even different family members like mother, daughter, father, brother, cousin, and more. It's exhilarating to wear different masks and diving into those diverse relationships is truly magnificent.

I have played with Siobhan countless times and have taken on the roles of her sister, mother, and father. Before, I portrayed Siobhan's mother as Arianwen Abernant and also as Caramelinda Rocks. While I have enjoyed being Siobhan's mom in the past, now we are delving into a longer form where I cannot assume any other personas simultaneously.

I absolutely adore it! It brings so much enjoyment as they are incredibly chaotic and insane. It's amusing when you attempt to reign them in and bring order to the situation.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The enjoyable part for me is trying to incorporate my camp counseling and child education skills into playing Tula. With her, I make a conscious effort to be the opposite of a strict parent. When she sets boundaries, she does so selectively and only when necessary. Additionally, Tula approaches situations with the right level of intensity. For instance, if one of her children is being rude, she doesn't always react with maximum severity.

It's important to respond accordingly to the gravity of a situation. If a minor offense occurs, the response should be proportionate to it. Otherwise, credibility is lost. Just like how people start ignoring emails that always have urgent subject lines, Tula understands that constantly treating everything as an emergency leads to a lack of impact. Tula embraces her children's quirks and uniqueness. Jaysohn, for example, is always full of energy and loves to jump around. Some mothers might scold him for his behavior, but Tula sees it as a positive trait. She recognizes that Jaysohn is a child and part of his journey is learning to focus and channel his energy properly.

When they flee, she turns to Jaysohn and asks, "Can you guide us out of here?" I find inspiration in Tula's ability to embrace her children's unique quirks as strengths and gifts. How can we provide them with the right structure and opportunities to nurture their individuality? How can we ensure that Lila engages in constructive and helpful problem-solving, while channeling Jaysohn's energy towards growth and learning? It's enjoyable, I appreciate it. I adore Tula and her greatness. What is it like being part of the 20th season of Dimension 20, and what valuable lessons have you gained during these five years?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Ah, what a question. These past five years have felt like a lifetime. I can't help but feel like a completely transformed individual. As for what I've learned during this time, well, I can confidently say that I've evolved into an entirely different person. A significant portion of this growth is directly tied to Tula, which makes her role as the character of our 20th season all the more appropriate. As Dimension 20 has expanded and prospered throughout the years, so too have I.

The majority of my newfound knowledge extends beyond just being a Game Master; it pertains to being one of the creators of this show. I've discovered the importance of tending to the needs of both the cast and crew. Creating an environment where everyone feels secure enough to express their skills, artistry, and full creative potential has become paramount. I aim to foster a collaborative, enjoyable, and safe atmosphere that exudes professionalism, congeniality, warmth, and security.

Yeah. Then I'm very excited for Fantasy High: Junior Year.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Let's go. Let's go!

Fans have eagerly anticipated and desired the return of the Bad Kids for years. What led you to believe that you had discovered the perfect storyline to bring them back?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: I couldn't shake off the persistent dreams and thoughts about how it all begins. I had a distinct moment when I knew it should mark the return. Furthermore, I had a clear vision of the central theme that should drive the entire season. It was an incredibly enjoyable process. I truly loved it. Without revealing any spoilers for Junior Year, I believe we have managed to reconnect with the world in a way that fully satisfies our deep affection for the characters, while also reminding everyone that this adventure originated as whimsical and will continue to be so. It was truly wonderful to return in that manner.

I absolutely loved hearing that because I have a strong passion for the exhilarating world of Fantasy High. The memory of watching that unforgettable moment, when everything took a drastic turn because of Aguefort's unexpected gun reveal, still blows my mind.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Episode 2. I absolutely adore it. Arthur Aguefort is such a delightful character. It's fantastic.

It seems like Aabria has set the bar pretty high. First, she amazed us with the animated puppet show, and then she blew us away with the battle map inside a bear. How do you plan to top that? How will you raise the stakes?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: I'm speechless! Aabria is absolutely incredible. I don't know how to put it into words. Aabria has played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of the show's language, introducing groundbreaking concepts like kids riding brooms for the first time and being the first non-GM in the dome. The projections on the wall for the Misfits and Magic Holiday Special were all thanks to Aabria's talent. Aabria's creativity really shines throughout, especially in A Court of Fey and Flower.

She has an exceptional ability to seamlessly bring together all aspects of production, game design, and gameplay. Aabria is truly a game changer. If Aabria challenged me to a duel, I would surrender without hesitation. What's the point of fighting when you know you can't win? I would gladly give her the satisfaction she seeks.

Oh, like, I surrender basically?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Yeah, I would surrender. I would surrender in a dual with Aabria. 100%

I have a few more questions about Fantasy High, but they won't spoil anything. Are there any NPCs in particular that you're excited to revisit from that world?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Actually, what's really exciting about Junior Year is the introduction of new NPCs. There are definitely some NPCs that I'm looking forward to embodying again. However, my main goal for Junior Year was to make it feel fresh and not rely solely on the nostalgia of familiar faces. I wanted it to be a meaningful addition to the ongoing Fantasy High story, just like Sophomore Year was. So, while I'm definitely excited to bring back some cherished NPCs, I'm equally excited to introduce all the new ones we'll see this season.

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What is it about certain seasons like Fantasy High in Dimension 20 that compels us to revisit the characters and delve into their further storylines, as opposed to narratives that are contained within a single season?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The reasons vary for each season. Fantasy High remains prominent in our minds because it continues to captivate our viewers. On any given day, you can find incredible fan art of the current season of Dimension 20, as well as new artwork inspired by Fantasy High, despite it concluding almost four years ago. It's a remarkable testament to how deeply fans have connected with it. However, simply the fan response alone is not enough reason for us to revisit it. For us, authenticity and emotional resonance are crucial when playing at the table. The primary factor that prompts us to return to Fantasy High is when we have something meaningful to contribute to its world and narrative.

We chose to continue with Sophomore Year because we found it incredibly enjoyable and wanted to witness the Bad Kids' new adventure. Returning to the Unsleeping City felt like the natural progression of a story that had only just begun. Season one took place, and season two presented another exciting opportunity to revisit a captivating location. We have also revisited other worlds, such as Misfits and Magic holidays and The Ravening War, when there were specific storylines that excited us. However, there are certain settings that feel conclusively ended, requiring no further exploration.

Personally, I am completely satisfied with how we concluded the second chapter of the Unsleeping City. Spoiler alert: the big barbecue and everything else wrapped up wonderfully. On the other hand, Fantasy High ended on a suspenseful note, with the Night Yorb bursting out of Riz's chest, albeit in a comical manner. This leaves room for the continued growth and experiences of the teenage heroes as they navigate high school. Each story demands a unique approach, and sometimes it becomes evident that it is far from being finished.

Wow, that is amazing! Personally, I'm really crossing my fingers that The Seven's story isn't finished because I have such a strong love for The Seven. And when I spoke to Aabria, she seemed interested, so I really hope you guys make that happen.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Oh my goodness! Aabria Antiope Jones, you are fantastic. You are always punctual, never late. I absolutely adore that. Yes, there is so much happening, not only in the world of Spyre but also in Pirates of Leviathan, multiple live shows, and Fancy High. Spyre already offers so much adventure, and it's incredibly thrilling and cool.

Are there any other seasons or settings that you'd like to revisit, like Starstruck Odyssey, A Court of Fey and Flowers, or Neverafter?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: I absolutely adore all of those settings. When I contemplate settings, especially ones I have previously Game Mastered, Starstruck stands out as a remarkably expansive realm with ample storytelling potential. Interestingly, Dungeons and Drag Queens provided a delightfully entertaining side quest that I thoroughly enjoyed. I would eagerly participate in any future endeavors within these settings. It's truly thrilling and immensely enjoyable.

By the way, the five-year anniversary included the exciting announcement of Dungeons and Drag Queens season 2.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Absolutely, I'm definitely excited to revisit those worlds. It's hard to choose which ones I'm most eager to return to, as they all hold a special place for me. However, Unsleeping City Chapter Two had an incredibly satisfying conclusion. Although, when I consider the possibilities, I can't help but imagine what I would do if I were to revisit them.

One aspect that particularly fascinates me about this season is how it fits into the realm of Crown of Candy and Ravening War. It's not solely comedic; there are elements of tragedy, trauma, and darkness that we get to delve into. How was it like exploring these aspects in a new world? In Ravening War, you had the advantage of creating the world, but here it's a different experience.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: As someone immersed in the tragic world of Burrow's End, I have a deep appreciation for tragedy. One of the reasons I chose Tula is because Aabria wanted to delve into a dark narrative. And when Matt expresses his desire for sneaky, undercover espionage, I create a character who excels at deception, consistently rolling high numbers. I envision a cunning and elusive figure, like a secretive little radish man.

Furthermore, if Aabria informs me that the story revolves around heartbreak, I design a character who can experience the most intense heartbreak. Essentially, I strive to fulfill Aabria's vision for the season by creating a character who possesses a unique vulnerability. I aim to craft someone with something valuable to lose and the potential to be deeply wounded.

Okay, wow. I hadn't thought about that, but you're totally right. She is connected to everyone.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: No, I love it. I'm glad. I'm glad.

Could you share your thoughts on Aabria's abilities as a GM and your experiences collaborating with her? Considering your long-term participation in both the dome and Worlds Beyond Number, what aspects have particularly impressed you about her as a GM and your dynamics as collaborators?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Aabria Iyengar is truly remarkable in numerous ways. First and foremost, being in the presence of Aabria is an absolute delight. She possesses a captivating stage presence and demonstrates immense talent in voice acting and storytelling. Notably, her ability to command the atmosphere as a GM is unparalleled. Whether she intends to evoke fear or laughter, she effortlessly projects an aura that permeates the room.

Furthermore, Aabria possesses incredible skills as a GM. She understands the essential task of creating a cohesive structure and seamlessly maneuvering the world in response to the actions of the player characters. It's as if she effortlessly navigates an 18-wheeler through a crowded parking lot, ensuring that the players can focus on their game without any worries. No matter the unexpected twists or changes in the story, she adapts and responds with remarkable agility.

Aabria effortlessly manages multiple roles, including overseeing the creative aspects of the art department and collaborating with Rick Perry on the creation of battle sets. In addition to her artistic talents, she excels as a producer and deserves recognition, symbolized by the reference to A Court of Fey and Flowers. Words alone cannot fully express her exceptional qualities and partnering with such a talented storyteller like her is truly remarkable. We are fortunate to exist in the same era as Aabria Iyengar.

Tula expresses her lack of enthusiasm towards the plan of approaching the eerie blue light. Could you provide any hints about the upcoming episode? The short glimpse at the end left us amazed.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Tula embodies the concept of refusing the call in a vivid and tangible way. She serves as a larger representation of this idea. Drawing inspiration from various genres like Watership Down, Secret of Nimh, Animal Farm, and more, Tula contrasts the conventional image of brave knights, honorable heroes, and thrilling adventures that I hold dear. This particular story required a character who questioned the notion of putting ourselves in danger and instead advocated for a life of safety as zero-level commoners. Embracing this role, even knowing that I would ultimately lose and be overruled, was a humbling and esteemed experience.

I absolutely love it. I'm incredibly thrilled and eagerly anticipate more content, including Burrow's End, Fantasy High: Junior Year, and Dungeons and Drag Queens season two. Anything you come up with, Brennan, I'll be eagerly awaiting.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: That's so sweet of you to say thank you, Caitlin. I appreciate it.

About Dimension 20: Burrow's End

In the enchanted Blue Forest of Burrow's End, dwells a stoat family known as the matriarch Ava, her adult sisters Tula and Viola, Viola's husband Thorn Vale, and Tula's offspring Jaysohn and Lila. Together, they confront a myriad of challenges that jeopardize their previously serene existence, emanating from both the natural world and mysterious forces beyond comprehension.

Check out our other Dimension 20 Burrow's End interviews:

Aabria Iyengar

Siobhan Thompson

New episodes of Dimension 20's Burrow's End debut on Dropout every Wednesday.

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