Renowned Dungeon Master Deborah Ann Woll has taken Dungeons & Dragons to new heights with her latest series, Tales From Woodcreek. This innovative project transforms the historic Black Creek Pioneer Village in Toronto, Canada, into an immersive D&D escape room. The first episode premiered on October 31, 2023, on the Dungeon Dudes YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled to air every Friday at 18:00 Eastern Time.
Set in a village cursed by a witch generations ago, the narrative follows the descendants of Woodcreek’s founding families as they strive to lift the curse. Co-created with fellow Dungeon Master Ed Gass-Donnelly, the series blends unscripted television with D&D gameplay, utilizing Black Creek’s authentic historical atmosphere to enhance storytelling.
The production harnesses the village’s unique charm, featuring creaking floorboards and dirt paths that evoke a sense of immersion. Woll and Gass-Donnelly aimed to redefine the D&D experience by incorporating handmade props and customizing traditional game elements. “A battle map can be a chalkboard. Your table can be school desks,” Woll noted, emphasizing creative adaptations to the game’s playstyle.
The idea for Tales From Woodcreek emerged during discussions about a spiritual successor to Woll’s previous series, Relics & Rarities. Gass-Donnelly suggested a tour of Black Creek, where they quickly became inspired by its eerie ambiance. They envisioned a series of “fairytales for adults,” integrating elements of horror and interactivity. Gass-Donnelly described a particularly unsettling staircase they encountered, which became a significant part of the storyline.
The series was filmed over just four days, following three days of extensive preparation. Gass-Donnelly and Woll worked late into the night, perfecting details to create a captivating experience. “We were up till 2 to 4 a.m. every night doing calligraphy and building things because something had shifted,” Woll recalled, highlighting their commitment to delivering an engaging show for viewers.
Tales From Woodcreek features a core cast of three: Monty Martin as paladin Victor Gravesong, Kelly McLaughlin as bard Valentine Gravesong, and Anjali Bhimani as shapeshifting warlock Victoria “Vix” Stong. Each two-episode arc introduces a celebrity guest, with notable appearances from Iman Vellani of *Ms. Marvel* in the first two episodes and Jessica Henwick of *Glass Onion* in episodes three and four.
Bhimani expressed her enthusiasm about the vibrant atmosphere on set, noting the positive energy that fueled the team despite their long hours. Each episode balances lore, exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with Woll leading the narrative as a storyteller who prioritizes player immersion and agency. 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.”
The premiere arc features intricate puzzles, an animatronic spellbook, and a cursed library, all designed to surprise and engage players. “It’s about surprising the players,” Gass-Donnelly stated. The physical space of Black Creek enhances the experience, with real doors opening and lanterns flickering, creating an authentic, thrilling atmosphere.
With Tales From Woodcreek, Woll continues to break new ground in the world of Dungeons & Dragons, merging creativity with a captivating narrative, bringing players into a world where fantasy meets reality. This ambitious project is a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to enhancing the D&D experience for both players and viewers alike.
