Dear Critical Role

Okay, so this is difficult. I have started this message a thousand times and stopped because there is nothing I can say that everyone hasn’t already told you. You don’t know me, and I don’t really know you. But I feel like I do. Every time I listen to your podcasts, or watch your videos on YouTube, it feels like coming back to an old friend. That means more to me than I can possibly describe.

You all introduced me to D&D, and through that I have found a way to accept who I am. Since I was young, I’ve been writing and trying to escape to another world. A place where I don’t have to be myself. Where I can be someone with control over something. Anything. But now, I can see that there are ways to get that control right here, by empowering myself. And I’ve found the ways to do that watching you all.

I’m still working on liking myself, and on building my confidence. But the strides I have made were started by you. I won’t take the credit away from myself completely, as I know that I am the one taking the steps along the way. But I could never have come this far without you.

I was too nervous to go to MCM London to meet you guys. I regret that. You’re all so wonderful and you seem really approachable, but I just don’t want to bother you with my tiny awkward dreams. I’m working on that, and I really hope that I’ll have worked enough on it to finally meet you the next time you’re around this way. Finally sending this message is another step towards that.

I would never have had the courage to be a DM without the inspiration you all bring me every week. Two years ago, I struggled to even explore what I could do as a character around a table with my friends. Since then, every week I have been pushing my limits and finding out what is really possible, and what I am capable of. After a while, I started creating a full world, with its own kingdoms, gods, and races to fit it. More than anything, I wish I had an opportunity to show you the world I’ve built to run my own campaign. It’s rough, and limited, but I’m proud of it and I want to share that with you guys.

I am so proud to be part of the CritRole community. I have never been a part of anything before, and I am more of a lurker than an active participant. But every time I see the numbers go up on the kickstarter, my heart swells and I cannot believe that I can be part of something so vast. Every single one of you have had a major impact on me, and on so many others. You inspire people, far more than I think you could ever really comprehend.

Thank you all. With all my heart. Thank you.

Deanna

We are legion.