Unleashing the Magic: Brennan Lee Mulligan's Insights on Character Creation in Dimension 20: Dungeons and Drag Queens

The new season of Dungeons and Drag Queens, called Dimension 20, introduces the Questing Queens, a group of adventurers embarking on a fresh and thrilling journey. Princess, Troyánn, Gertrude, and Twyla come together to venture into the underworld, each driven by their own unique motives - seeking answers, retribution, aid for their people, or simply inner peace. However, the plot thickens as remnants from their pasts become entangled in a grand conspiracy.

Dimension 20's seventeenth season, Dungeons and Drag Queens, is a four-episode series. The stellar cast includes Alaska Thunderfuck, Monét X Change, Bob The Drag Queen, and Jujubee from RuPaul's Drag Race, portraying the characters of Princess, Troyánn, Gertrude, and Twyla respectively. Overseeing the adventure as Dungeon Master is Brennan Lee Mulligan.

Brennan Lee Mulligan on Dimension 20: Dungeon and Drag Queens

Screen Rant: Oh my god, I love this season! I have watched the first episode three times.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Oh my god! That makes me so happy! Caitlin, that came out two days ago. Oh my goodness.

It's so fun.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Oh, thank you! That makes me so, so happy to hear!

And you look fantastic in it! Did Izzy help you with your look?

The look was expertly managed by two exceptional professionals: Denise Valentine, our head of hair and makeup, and Jenny Newman, our talented costume designer. Denise has been with us since day one as an original member of Dropout, and her skills are simply outstanding. Jenny's work in the TTRPG space is widely recognized and she never fails to impress. Together, they flawlessly crafted the costume, makeup, and overall look, creating a truly enjoyable experience. I absolutely adored it! It was such a delightful transition from The Ravening War.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Yes. Incredibly serious Eldritch Horror combat war, and now here we are with Alaska, Monet, Jujubee, and Bob. How about it?

What did you learn from playing in a world you created that influenced your approach to world-building?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: In this particular season, we finalized the cast before deciding on the world. We gave them the freedom to choose the kind of world they wanted to play in. Drawing from my experience running games for various individuals, I had a strong feeling that most of them would opt for a traditional D&D setting, despite offering them options like a fantastical drag setting with magic. And my intuition was correct.

We approached them and engaged in a conversation, discovering that their passion for drag is their entire existence. They are undoubtedly the finest drag performers globally, but it is also their profession. It's akin to any individual excelling in their artistic domain. Surprisingly, their desire was to indulge in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). They expressed their wish to become elves, sorcerers, and barbarians, embodying these iconic characters and immersing themselves in the experience. We discussed the concept and visual aesthetic with Rick Perry, our talented creative producer and production designer. As we delved into the setting and its look, something struck me. People often perceive Dungeons & Dragons and drag performance as entirely distinct, but there are shared elements and identities between these two artistic cultures. One such aspect is camp.

Camp holds immense significance in both realms, and the most campy D&D content is reminiscent of the past. Therefore, when the world's finest drag queens requested a classic D&D experience, it aligned perfectly. Envisioning the classic D&D ambiance, one cannot forget the iconic cover of the old D&D Player's Handbook, featuring a heavily-oiled barbarian with well-defined lats and obliques. Questions arise: Why apply baby oil before entering a dungeon? Why forgo protective armor? A horned helmet adorns their head, reminiscent of Fabio's iconic look.

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It resembles a fantasy world reminiscent of the 1970s, like something you would find spray painted on the side of a van. Picture a group of laid-back individuals riding around with a powerful wizard on a Pegasus, surrounded by dazzling golden lightning. This is what we define as "camp." Therefore, we created a classical, Conan the Barbarian-esque swords and sorcery fantasy world, specifically tailored to provide the queens with the classic D&D experience they desired. Additionally, we aimed to create a visually and tonally extravagant setting which they could find comfort and familiarity in due to its over-the-top and campy nature.

Personally, I find it incredibly enjoyable. I adore all the characters. I'm intrigued, did you incorporate any elements from Matt's style into your own DM style after playing with him?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: For years, Matt's DM style has had a profound impact on the DMing styles of people worldwide. His influence on the game cannot be denied; it is incredibly significant. On a different note, unrelated to DMing, Matt is a huge fan of Drag Race. It was very kind of Marisha to send me messages expressing their excitement about the season.

When it comes to the style of this game, it is heavily influenced by my experiences running games for new players in my younger years. I drew most of my inspiration from my time as a camp counselor, introducing people to the game for the first time. Additionally, this game has a strong comedic aspect, and it involves some of the best comedy queens in the world. Therefore, I also drew from my experiences running games for improvisers at UCB.

I enjoy your ability to go along with their choices and jokes, particularly the running joke about Twyla thinking she can go invisible when she actually can't. It's one of my favorite things.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It's a fun experience. We have to maintain the momentum while also introducing the rules to the audience. Being able to adapt and flow with the new information being discovered is crucial.

Yeah, I really appreciate how you introduce players to the game. It's a refreshing and unique approach. Did playing with them teach you anything that you'd like to incorporate into your future games?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The Queens are incredibly skilled, hilarious, and captivating. They had a huge impact on me because I've been playing with amazing players who are already familiar with the game for a long time. It's always a delight to witness people experiencing the game and becoming enamored with it for the first time. Seeing that happen at the table during this short season of just four episodes, and watching such talented performers embrace and learn the game for the first time, has been one of my favorite experiences.

So I believe that their impact on me is that we now have this season of the show that showcases drag queens in incredible costumes. It presents a wild fantasy adventure. However, what makes it even more special is that it can serve as a great introduction to those who have no knowledge of D&D. They can watch this season and witness these individuals learning the rules in real time. It reminded me of Fantasy High: Freshman Year in many wonderful ways. Ally was also a beginner in the game, and witnessing her experience unfold was truly beautiful.

I was completely engrossed in that while watching it. It was such a delight, especially when you could witness their seamless immersion in the game, like when Princess landed a punch on the goblin or when Wallace effortlessly spun around.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Absolutely amazing! Absolutely outstanding. Pow.

It is extremely forceful and rapid.

Brennan Lee Mulligan finds it incredibly amusing. Oh my god, it is hilarious. I absolutely adore it. Furthermore, it aligns perfectly with what Alaska should have done. It encapsulates the essence of Dungeons & Dragons beautifully. I am going to visualize myself visiting a tavern, encountering an irritating character, and then effortlessly throwing them out of a window. Fantastic! Let's begin the game, my friends. Let's make it happen.

Can you provide a sneak peek of what we can expect from the larger conspiracy unfolding, given that it appears that many of their adversaries are interconnected?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Well, we'll witness much of that unfolding. In the previous episode, they ventured into the underworld. Now, with all of them united, it's going to be quite thrilling. Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the Queens readily adopt the idea that "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," which adds an exciting twist as they realize that all their separate enemies are converging. This realization brings them closer together, creating an enjoyable theme that will be present in future episodes.

And I absolutely adored the way Gertrude's storyline unfolded, especially since her reasoning for wanting to venture into the underworld differed greatly from the others. Creating her character arc was a unique experience compared to the ones focused on missions or revenge.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It was truly a beautiful process, all thanks to Bob. Bob had this incredible quest and concept right from the beginning. He is immensely talented and amazing. By the way, Bob also suggested the appearance I ended up with for this season. We had an early discussion with the Queens about it, and it was truly wonderful. I asked them how I could support them best, what kind of looks they had in mind. Do they want me to be in drag? Or just a normal button-up outfit? What will make them feel their best at the table?

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Bob delivered a powerful statement, asking, "What is your drag?" Our drag may encompass extravagant elements like big hair, but it doesn't have to be limited to that. Drag can manifest in various forms. Bob then elaborated on the concept of portraying a half elven adventurer character, which was truly captivating. Bob is an exceptional performer and a tremendously talented storyteller. I am eagerly anticipating seeing Bob's journey unfold this season.

In comparison to previous seasons, what aspect of this season caught you off guard the most?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The outcome wasn't unexpected, but it completely amazed me. I anticipated their exceptional talent, yet they astounded me with their fearlessness in embracing this entirely new experience and excelling beyond expectation. It was truly remarkable.

Furthermore, I was delighted that this was released at the conclusion of Pride Month. This brought me immense joy because one of the aspects I appreciate about D&D is that many LGBTQ youth who play it often discover and explore their own identities through the game. I found it particularly cool, especially when the Queens discuss it on Adventuring Party and are able to tap into memories of their childhood. What aspect of bringing them into this realm was the most enjoyable for you?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The game holds a power that resonates with people on a personal level. I've heard many friends and loved ones express how their characters in the game were more open-minded about relationships or gender identities before they themselves were. This aspect is a significant part of the tabletop and role-playing experiences for many individuals.

At Dropout, we proudly display our core values, beliefs, and ideals for all to see and engage with. Not only do we demonstrate our admiration for the talent and beauty of drag as a form of performance art, but we also stand in solidarity with and support the LGBTQ community. We have numerous LGBTQ individuals both in front of and behind the camera, and our community is committed to always being there for them.

Revisiting the original Dungeons & Dragons, it's fantastic how Dropout seamlessly combines various genres. And now, it's even more fascinating as it combines the art of drag with the classic Dungeons & Dragons. What was the most enjoyable aspect for you in revisiting this style of D&D compared to the others?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Ah, the realm of ease! E-A-S-E, ease! That's where I belong, where I was born and raised. I can't express how effortless it is to create within this realm. I have a program embedded in my mind. With a simple click, it activates and generates all sorts of high fantasy narratives and ideas. It's absolutely marvelous. So, my absolute joy is when people request a traditional, straightforward high fantasy experience. I simply say, "Ah, splendid! Just give me 20 minutes, and I'll return with exactly what you desire. No worries at all." It's truly delightful to stay true to my expertise and offer these esteemed individuals a classic experience. It's the world I grew up in, after all. Therefore, it's incredibly satisfying to swiftly fulfill their wishes.

Now, I must divert for a moment because I'm an ardent fan of Critical Role as well. I'm curious, did you give Matt a heads-up about Emily Axford, or did you leave him to discover her blindly?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Just a heads up, she is one of the most exceptional D&D players to ever exist. Her reputation as a skilled player and storyteller in the biggest D&D shows speaks for itself. She brings an undeniable talent and gift for storytelling to every game she plays. Having her at the table is truly a blessing, so I'm thrilled that Matt had the chance to play with one of the all-time greatest performers in live D&D.

I was ecstatic when she joined. I thought, "Oh, we're getting Hilda Hilda in Critical Role. Let's do this!"

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Let's go! We're ready. It's incredibly enjoyable. I just finished recording with Emily, and she discussed the differences between attending Critical Role and experiencing it firsthand. The actual play space offers a plethora of exciting tables and opportunities. I am thrilled that Critical Role fans will have the chance to witness Emily Axford's incredible talents. It's truly amazing.

Oh, I was absolutely astonished when she appeared. It was fantastic. Now, I understand your desire to delve into the original Dungeons & Dragons and high fantasy, but what specifically attracted you to the underworld aspect of it?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Truly, Caitlin, let me tell you something really silly. It all started with a pun: death drop. That's it. That was literally the inspiration. You see, in high fantasy, there are countless locations to explore. But what really sparked my imagination was a game I used to play called Hero Quest. It was set in a world similar to what we are experiencing now.

Picture dungeons and the underworld, descending into the depths. It's a classic fantasy theme. That's when it hit me: the underworld could be this large purple rocky dungeon. And then I thought about the idea of dropping into it, which led to the concept of dropping into death. I found it amusing and decided to run with it. And the rest, as they say, is history. It started as a simple joke that made me chuckle once, but it evolved into a major production for Dimension 20.

That's the best thing I’ve ever heard. A pun got you there. That’s perfect!

What were some of your favorite dynamics to play? In the first episode, there were so many enjoyable ones, like Twyla and Alvin, and Troyánn and her mother.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: The dynamics at the table had to take a backseat to the amazing chemistry between these Queens. It was incredibly entertaining to watch Bob and Monet antagonize each other and see them take shots and do bits. They are all incredibly talented comedians, but the relationship between the NPCs was especially fun. I loved Bump Williams and Princess, as well as Alvin and Twyla. It was all very gratifying, even during the narrations. It was funny to improvise the description of a spell and see Jujubee's amazement. I would think, "I've seen you do things that seem impossible." It was a fun experience. The Queens were all very kind, especially considering their mind-boggling performances.

I have two things to say. Firstly, I really enjoy Jujubee's reactions during this season. And secondly, it's frustrating how you describe creating a world as simply putting sentences together. It's like you're suggesting that anyone can do it, but that's not the case. Thanks for that, Caitlin.

I found it quite amusing when you said "Eh." I was taken aback and responded by saying "Excuse me!" While I enjoy watching a lot of professional D&D, the same cannot be said for DMs and players. Let's be real here.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It is important to remain humble, and I genuinely appreciate it. It is a great honor to work with all of them, and it holds a significant meaning for me. I encourage the Dimension 20 fans to explore the incredible work of these talented Queens. Attend their live performances and tours. Watch Drag Race. They are truly remarkable! Additionally, I hope that those who are discovering Dimension 20 for the first time and are fans of these queens feel warmly welcomed in this space and have the opportunity to fall in love with this extraordinary form of storytelling.

I'm having so much fun because I've actually been able to introduce some of my friends to Dimension 20 using this. One of my closest friends hosted a spontaneous drag brunch during their D&D campaign.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Wow, that's amazing!

I quickly sent him the trailer. I exclaimed, "Share this with all your players. You will absolutely adore it!"

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Wow, that's fantastic. It truly warms my heart to know that people feel welcome. And they should! It's our intention.

What was maybe a moment that was improvised by them that really shifted the game for you where you had to almost change the direction you were expecting to go?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: I didn't expect Mark Ronson, the renowned American music producer, to die in the show. Nor did I expect the existence of Earth to be revealed. It was all completely new information to me, and it was fantastic. When you've played alongside Ally Beardsley as much as I have, you learn to be prepared for unexpected references to obscure aspects of modern Americana pop culture seeping into your fantasy world. So, when Mark appeared, and Paul Abdul followed suit not long after, I was ready. This unexpected turn of events was surprising to say the least. However, it turned out to be the perfect and delightful addition to our story, and we embraced it wholeheartedly.

I must also mention the moment that I particularly adored when Twyla declared, "I'm here to avenge my people," and Princess responded with, "Yeah, me too."

Brennan Lee Mulligan: It's bound to occur occasionally. It's just the way it goes.

It really resonated with the essence of D&D for me. Many individuals are driven by the desire for vengeance, but being adventurers, they lack the grand means to convey it.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Well, it's fascinating. As you continue watching the episodes, you'll notice that both characters have experienced loss and grief, but their journeys are distinct. Twyla carries the potential to save her people as she possesses the seed of the Allblossom, giving her a glimmer of hope.

On the other hand, Princess has a more vengeful storyline. It's a classic tale of seeking revenge. So, let's wait and see, but I find it incredibly gripping. Oh, and there was a flashback to my time at LARP camp when I used to lead a team of loners. We would question how loners could possibly work together as a team. It was like a group of 11-year-olds raised by wolves.

Content: One of the most captivating stories you've ever shared is about a child seeking revenge for the loss of their wolf parents, rather than their human parents.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Absolutely, the focus of the avenging is solely on the wolf parents. In a LARP game with an eleven-person team, around four of them have chosen to have wolf parents. These backstories and character classes are highly desired among the players, making them our top-selling choices.

In Adventuring Party, you briefly touched upon the characters' backgrounds. However, were there any untold backstories that you were unable to include for these characters, but you were truly eager to share?

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Fortunately, the four individuals at the table didn't have any issues. Moreover, my experience in producing multiple seasons of the show has given me a good sense of what is feasible to incorporate. I believe the reason I was able to include everything is because I prioritized the characters' backstories. Essentially, the conspiracy in this case is comprised of these characters' backstories, ensuring that we are able to include them.

For any DMs seeking advice, if you're running a one-shot or a four-episode miniseries, and your characters desire backstories, villains, and nemeses, make that your main focus. Don't even bother creating your own plot. Don't say things like, "Yes, each of you have a nemesis, but there's also this guy who I think you should fight." Honestly, when they presented their backstories, a large part of me thought, "Perfect, that's the story. Thank you. We have it." Once again, simplicity is key.

The upcoming episodes are highly anticipated. I am a huge fan of Dimension 20, as it serves as my go-to D&D show for relaxation. However, Crown of Candy and Ravening War left quite an impact on me, and I appreciate that experience.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: You're welcome.

Garbage disposal, not okay.

Brennan Lee Mulligan: Matt, what are you doing to me?!? Yeah. Deus-Pa’Zhul. Well, dang, thank you so much for the kind words, Caitlin. I really appreciate it.

About Dimension 20: Dungeon And Drag Queens

Alaska Thunderfuck, Monét X Change, Bob The Drag Queen, and Jujubee from RuPaul's Drag Race are set to embark on an exciting fantasy adventure, guided by Dungeons Mast Brennan Lee Mulligan. Known as the Questing Queens, their mission takes them deep into the underworld, each Queen driven by their own unique goals such as seeking vengeance, aiding their people, and finding peace. However, lurking in the shadows is a sinister conspiracy involving individuals from their pasts, threatening to undermine their quests. Catch the next thrilling episode of Dimension 20: Dungeons and Drag Queens on July 5, airing exclusively on Dropout.

Source: Screen Rant Plus