Deborah Ann Woll Transforms Historic Village into D&D Adventure

Renowned Dungeon Master Deborah Ann Woll has taken the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to an unprecedented level by transforming an entire historic village into an immersive escape room experience. Her latest series, Tales From Woodcreek, debuted on October 31, 2023, on the Dungeon Dudes YouTube channel. New episodes are scheduled to release every Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Set in the historic village of Woodcreek, which has a haunting backstory involving a witch’s curse on its four founding families, the series invites players to explore their ancestral home and attempt to lift the curse. Co-created with Ed Gass-Donnelly, a fellow Dungeon Master, this project marries the unscripted television format with live D&D gameplay, all filmed on location at Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Canada. This authentic historical site is known for its paranormal investigations and educational programs, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to the series.

Woll and Gass-Donnelly discussed the unique production experience during a phone interview with Polygon. They emphasized their aim to redefine how D&D is played, incorporating handmade props and immersive environments that resonate with the historical context. “A battle map can be a chalkboard. Your table can be school desks,” Woll noted, highlighting the creative flexibility they embraced.

The inspiration for Tales From Woodcreek evolved after Gass-Donnelly suggested a tour of Black Creek. Woll had already envisioned the project as a series of “fairytales for adults,” often tinged with darker elements. The duo was immediately inspired by the village’s eerie aesthetic, including a particularly unsettling staircase that found its way into the storyline.

Gass-Donnelly, who has a background in theater, expressed his excitement about the blend of D&D with elements of magic and theatricality. The first season was filmed over four days following three days of preparation, with each day packed with adventure segments. “We were up till 2 to 4 a.m. every night doing calligraphy and building things because something had shifted,” Woll recounted. Despite the exhaustion, the enthusiasm for the project kept them motivated, driven by the desire to create a captivating experience for their friends and viewers.

The cast features three main characters: Monty Martin as paladin Victor Gravesong, Kelly McLaughlin as bard Valentine Gravesong, and Anjali Bhimani as shapeshifting warlock Victoria “Vix” Stong. Each character is a descendant of one of Woodcreek’s cursed families. Martin and McLaughlin, both seasoned D&D players, are also the hosts of the Dungeon Dudes channel.

Each two-episode arc brings in a celebrity guest, with Iman Vellani from *Ms. Marvel* featured in the first two episodes, followed by Jessica Henwick from *Glass Onion*. Future episodes will also include appearances from Shaun Majumder and Wil Wheaton.

Bhimani shared her experience on set, noting that the energy remained high despite the long hours. “It was so amazing being on set, knowing that you guys were working through the night until the crack of dawn because the vibe on the set was so exciting and positive,” she told Polygon.

Each episode balances storytelling with exploration, puzzles, and combat, creating a rich narrative experience. Woll leads the storytelling with a focus on immersion and player agency, creating a safe yet thrilling atmosphere for participants. Bhimani remarked, “Deb has this glimmer in her eyes that lets you know, yes, there’s a scary ghost teacher floating in the air — but it’s still her. You’re safe, even while you’re terrified.”

The inaugural arc includes locked-room puzzles, an animatronic spellbook, and a cursed library, all designed to engage players in a tangible way. The real physical space of Black Creek enhances the adventure, with creaking doors, flickering lanterns, and groaning staircases contributing to the suspenseful ambiance.

Gass-Donnelly emphasized the importance of surprise in their storytelling approach, stating, “The minute they think they know what’s happening, we change the rules.” This dynamic makes Tales From Woodcreek not just a series, but a captivating journey that reimagines the way D&D can be played, blending tradition with innovative storytelling and immersive environments.