Renowned Dungeon Master Deborah Ann Woll has elevated the world of Dungeons & Dragons with her latest initiative, transforming a historic village into a fully immersive escape room experience. The first episode of her new series, Tales From Woodcreek, premiered on October 31, 2023, on the Dungeon Dudes YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled for release every Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Set in the village of Woodcreek, which has a rich history intertwined with a witch’s curse affecting its four founding families, the series invites players—descendants of these families—to confront the curse and reclaim the village’s lost glory. This innovative project was co-created with Ed Gass-Donnelly, also an experienced Dungeon Master, and is filmed on location at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Canada. The site is known for hosting paranormal investigations and educational programs, adding an authentic atmosphere to the production.
Woll’s approach to Dungeons & Dragons has always focused on enhancing player experience through immersive environments. In a recent discussion with Polygon, she emphasized the importance of integrating custom, handmade props into the gameplay, stating, “A battle map can be a chalkboard. Your table can be school desks.” This blending of traditional gameplay with real-world settings aims to redefine how players engage with the game.
The concept for Tales From Woodcreek evolved from brainstorming sessions between Woll and Gass-Donnelly, who sought to create a spiritual successor to Woll’s previous series, Relics & Rarities. Gass-Donnelly noted that exploring Black Creek Village inspired them, particularly when they encountered a staircase that ultimately influenced the storyline. The series is designed to encourage active participation, making players feel as though they are part of a living narrative.
Filming took place over a concentrated four-day period, following three days of preparation. The rapid production schedule, which involved shooting two episodes a day, pushed the team to innovate and adapt quickly. “We were up till 2 to 4 a.m. every night doing calligraphy and building things because something had shifted,” Woll recalled, reflecting on the late-night efforts that fueled their creativity.
The cast includes Monty Martin as paladin Victor Gravesong, Kelly McLaughlin as bard Valentine Gravesong, and Anjali Bhimani as shapeshifting warlock Victoria “Vix” Stong, all of whom are linked to the cursed families. Each two-episode arc introduces celebrity guests, starting with Iman Vellani, known for her role in Ms. Marvel, followed by Jessica Henwick from Glass Onion, and later appearances by Shaun Majumder and Wil Wheaton.
Bhimani described the excitement of being on set, noting how the positive atmosphere remained high despite the demanding schedule. “The vibe on the set was so exciting and positive and full of energy,” she stated in her conversation with Polygon.
The storytelling in Tales From Woodcreek balances lore, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Woll prioritizes immersion and player agency, creating an environment where players can engage deeply with the narrative. Bhimani praised Woll’s ability to blend horror with a sense of safety: “There’s a scary ghost teacher floating in the air — but it’s still her. You’re safe, even while you’re terrified.”
Each episode features a range of interactive elements, from locked-room puzzles to an animatronic spellbook, enhancing the experience for viewers and participants alike. The physicality of the space adds to the tension, with creaking floorboards and flickering lanterns contributing to the atmosphere. Gass-Donnelly highlighted the aim of surprising players, stating, “The minute they think they know what’s happening, we change the rules.”
Through her innovative approach to Dungeons & Dragons, Deborah Ann Woll continues to push the boundaries of the game, offering audiences a fresh and engaging way to experience storytelling and adventure. As Tales From Woodcreek unfolds, it promises to captivate fans with its unique blend of history, horror, and collaborative storytelling.
