Amazon Prime’s Secret Level is an anthology series centered around stories told within the worlds of video games (to say nothing of arcade games and tabletop games). While each episode is, in essence, an advertisement, the creators have committed to presenting a beautifully animated, well-written work of art. It’s not unlike the curious alchemy of the right people in the right place at the right time that elevated Batman: The Animated Series from the studio’s requested shlocky Batman Return tie-in to an apex of international animation.

The first episode is centered on Dungeons & Dragons. It eschews everything that most recent portrayals of the game present. Free from irony poisoning, unshackled from the need to make everything funny, “The Queen’s Cradle” is simply earnest.

The characters are presented with real dignity, and the narrative presents concerns seriously. The golden dragon is imposing, powerful, calculating…and motivated by genuine kindness. The Paladin, Mora, is not played for comedy, nor is she motivated by a self-interested oath; instead, she dedicated herself to this path out of remorse and the ember of goodness that was always in her heart. The cursed Solon is someone struggling through unimaginable pain, and will not let it define him as he finds new meaning. Even the wilder player options are used to inform the audience about characters quickly, and played seriously. A dwarven monk is not risible, but an earnest presentation of a dwarf at peace with himself and others.

“The Queen’s Cradle” is a serious fantasy film in miniature.

Beyond its value simply as good art, the episode is the ideal introduction to the tabletop RPG and the expectations of how to operate in-game. For the sake of this argument, we will assume the party members in “The Queen’s Cradle” are player characters.

All of the party members immediately buy into the premise of the story, and engage with every character’s background and arcs. Their arguments do not center on narrative-stopping concerns (e.g. “I want to go home, this is scary”), but on character- and story-relevant beats that can play out in a variety of ways. Solon’s decision to stab Taimat, despite the fact a player may know what the target really is. Tally’s distrust, and doubt, in his story. Mora sharing her background at a moment it is truly relevant, and can make all the difference for another character’s progression.

None of the party play solitaire with their pet narrative element or background, ignoring the rest of the party or overall adventure. Instead, every party member is engaged with everyone else.

There is no humor that defuses a serious situation in play. None of the party crack inappropriate jokes. The adventure is pursued earnestly, and the world and characters are treated with dignity.

In combat, the players discuss their options, respond to the threats other party members are suffering, and pool their resources. They fight as a dynamic party, and not a number of solo characters.

This episode is a wonderful tool to teach new players the expectations of the game, or any tabletop RPG.

“The Queen’s Cradle” was directed by Maxime Luère, Léon Bérelle, Dominique Boidin, and Rémi Kozyra. It was written by K. D. Davila and Levin Menekse, from a short story by Brooke Bolander.

Featured Image: Amazon Prime

Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games

The Boss Rush Podcast – A Podcast about Video Games – is the flagship show of the Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, hosts⁠ Corey Dirrig and LeRon Dawkins⁠ are joined by friends, fellow creators, indie developers, and industry veterans to discuss the latest in the world of video games, including news, rumors, new releases, and what they’ve been playing. They also answer listener questions, debate important industry topics and Boss Rush Banter discussion points, and feature a rotating weekly segment. New episodes post every Monday.

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