Andrew McAfee

So I caught up and finished last night's episode of #CriticalRole. ... Really folks? *That's* what some Critters are up in arms about? Check yourselves. I mean that in a kind way. Here's some truth:

We often say "it's just a game", but I think we glaze over one important distinction: It's THEIR game. It's not tailored or massaged to meet whatever narrative expectations we have. There'll be moments that are frustrating, (2)

- empowering, silly, deep, and everything in between. And yes, the best laid plans of mice and PCs oft go awry. Because it's a game, THEIR game, things happen that fuel stress and face-palming. (3)

As with Mollymauk, one roll going positive or negative can alter the entire playing field in an instant. That's part of, and should remain a part of, the appeal. The fact that folks are up in arms about this core principle- (4)

-and worse getting ugly about it is just rank privilege, pure and simple. We are watching THEIR game, as it unfolds, without interference. It's a show sans directors beyond the choices of the DM and players. That's why it works. (5)

A subscription or pledge to a Kickstarter does not give you any ownership over the minutiae of the thing, let alone the macro aspects of Critical Role. It will not always please you. That should be okay. If it's not, then that's on the viewer, not the players. (6)

We've a vibrant, wonderful community. But that only lasts insofar as we remember to check ourselves out of the brand of greed that ruins so many other fandoms. "Don't forget to love each other" is as close to a perfect request as we geeks are ever going to see. (7)

So, that being said, let's employ it. Let's be frustrated. Let's be disappointed that the heroes fail. Then, let's check our rage, and look forward to how they will bounce back. It's really that simple, folks.