The Yard Podcast Launches New D&D Actual Play Series
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Popular comedy podcast The Yard is dipping their toes into the world of Dungeons & Dragons with a new actual play series that’s already racked up almost half a million views in just a few days. The new series features the complete cast of the Yard along with veteran Dungeon Master B. Dave Walters, who has run a number of other successful D&D actual plays and collaborated with Wizards of the Coast in the past.
This is the first time the Yard has ever produced any D&D content, but the series is already showcasing some high-end production value, with original artwork, intro animation, and even a complete new set design.
So just what else can fans expect from the Yard’s new D&D actual play series? Below, We take a closer look at all the details.
What is the Yard Podcast?
The Yard is a comedy podcast and video show hosted by popular YouTubers and Twitch streamers Aiden McCaig, Ludwig Ahgren, Anthony “Slime” Bruno ad Nick Vercillo. Launched in 2021, the show features the four friends discussing internet drama, gaming culture, personal stories and whatever topics come to mind. Released in both video and podcast format, the show is known for its chaotic humor, pop culture references and occasional heart-felt moments between the stars.
Over the past years, the Yard has generated a significant fan following, with over 400K subscribers on YouTube, a dedicated Subreddit and millions of listens and downloads on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
What is the new Yard D&D actual play series about?
The campaign for the Yard D&D actual play is entitled “The Vampire Queen” and takes place in a fantasy kingdom where a group of heroes known as “The Pterodin” are responsible for maintaining order. The cast of characters are as follows:
- Aiden McCaig as “Leonas Azul,” a bow-wielding Sea Elf Ranger who has a fairy companion
- Nick Vercillo as “Rone Callidus,” a chain-smoking Changeling Fighter who wields two blades
- Slime as “Georg,” a. Tortle Paladin who is accompanied by a baby pseuddragon
- Ludwig Ahgren as “Stonebeard,” an Githyanki Barbarian who has a homunculus familiar named Coots
Notably, in the show the cast of the Yard have much experience playing Dungeons & Dragons. They do, however, also note that the series was originally planed for 2023, but has been delayed for several years due to other projects.
They also point out that the campaign will feature a variety of exclusive merchandise, which is available via the Yard’s Patreon and includes art prints, behind the scenes footage and even miniatures of the four D&D characters.
Final Thoughts
While there are a ton of D&D actual play series out there (including blockbuster hits like Critical Role and Dimension 20), it’s great to see a new one emerging from a major podcast that hasn’t previously been known for its TTRPG content. It remains to be seen, however, just how the campaign shakes out.
You can watch the first episode of the new Yard D&D actual play series below or download the episodes on most major podcast platforms.
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Jason Volk is the Publisher of Dungeons & Dragons Fanatics and lives in the wilds of Western Canada. He has been playing D&D for over 25 years and is a huge fan of Dragonlance and the Forgotten Realms. His favorite character of all time was a Necromancer named Neek who spent most of his adventuring career resurrecting the corpses of slain monsters. When he’s not playing TTRPGs, Jason enjoys video games, Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer 40K, watching football and spending time with his wife and adorably nerdy children.
