In this episode of Directors Dungeon, Chris Moreland sits down with David Andrew Laws, a passionate creator and co-founder of the popular 20-Sided Tavern. David takes us through his journey of blending storytelling and gameplay, creating immersive experiences for Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) fans around the world.

David's love for D&D began in his childhood, where his stepdad, a devoted D&D player, introduced him to the world of sourcebooks and miniatures. Early on, David was captivated by the infinite possibilities that D&D offered, not just as a game but as a way to explore creativity and identity. This fascination with D&D would evolve into a deeper connection with role-playing games as a means of self-exploration, something he shares in this episode.

A major highlight of David's career has been the creation of 20-Sided Tavern, a groundbreaking live D&D show. He explains how the idea grew from an experiment in his basement to a full-scale international show. With co-creator Sarah Davis Reynolds, David reimagined how D&D could be experienced, turning the audience into active participants. The 20-Sided Tavern has allowed fans to not only watch but also engage in the storytelling, making every session unique and unpredictable. David explains how the blend of agency, curiosity, and joy has become the foundation of their work, and how this philosophy continues to shape everything they create.

Throughout the episode, David reflects on the importance of agency in TTRPGs, emphasizing how critical it is for players to feel that their decisions have real consequences. For David, the game is not just about dice rolls but about authentic choices made by characters in a world full of infinite possibilities. This mindset is something he has carried into his work at 20-Sided Tavern, ensuring that each game is crafted with care, making every player's actions impactful and every outcome rewarding.

David also shares his love for the performative aspects of D&D. As an actor and storyteller, he found a natural connection to role-playing, where he could immerse himself in imaginary circumstances and create dynamic characters. His personal character, Tamberlain the Greatest, has become a throughline in his gaming life, appearing not only in 20-Sided Tavern sessions but also in video games like Fallout New Vegas and Skyrim, showcasing the deeper connection between player and character.

• Instagram: @davidandrewlaws
• X (formerly Twitter): @DavidAndrewLaws
• TikTok: @davidandrewlaws
• Official Website: davidandrewlaws.com
• Instagram: @thetwentysidedtavern
• TikTok: @thetwentysidedtavern
• Official Website: thetwentysidedtavern.com

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