Big Crit Energy

By Dalestair Kidd (they/Them)

I’m queer and I’m a nerd, so when I saw an event entitled ‘Big Crit Energy: A Chaotically Queer Live D&D Show’, it’s needless to say my interest was piqued. Hosted by Dungeons & Dragons internet sensation Luboffin (she/her), ‘Big Crit Energy’ is a monthly adventure held at My Lover Cindi on Flinders Street. The show features one charming Dungeon Master (DM) and 4 delightfully queer adventurers in a panel-esque setup on the My Lover Cindi stage, where the story comes to life before the audience through clever wordplay, sound design, cosplay, and a whole lot of improv.

The cast of ‘Big Crit Energy’ deserves high praise for their exceptional performances. The chemistry between the players was evident, and their dedication to bringing their characters to life was commendable. Ellen Graham as Periwinkle Lightfoot, an elven druid with a fondness for ‘botanicals’, never failed to make the audience laugh, while Saskia De Muir’s half-orc bard, Gnorgdumph, won hearts with their beautiful naivety and ‘singing’. Rounding out the cast is Coogs McNally, who pivots from spoken word poet to barbarian dwarf, Gorsha Axevound, with a love of breasts and axes, and Diana D’Vine as warlock Reggie Price, who is set on forwarding their patron’s pyramid scheme.

One aspect that particularly impressed me was the inclusivity and support fostered throughout. ‘Big Crit Energy’ created a safe space where everyone felt welcome and respected. The show’s emphasis on consent and open communication through ‘X-cards’, a device that players can use should the narrative enter triggering territory, was fantastic to see, ensuring that all players and audience members felt comfortable and valued.

If you’re looking for a remarkable adventure that combines the thrill of role-playing with a celebration of queerness, ‘Big Crit Energy’ is an absolute must-see. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where imagination knows no bounds, inclusivity reigns supreme, and where the Dungeon Master (DM) has to pretend to be a fish within the first 5 minutes of the game.

Dalestair: Hi Luboffin! Thanks for taking the time to chat with On Dit. First, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Luboffin: Thanks for having me! My name is Luna and I am a bisexual content creator based here in Adelaide. I make content all about Dungeons & Dragons, especially the show ‘Critical Role’. Before I was doing content creation, I was a full-time jazz and burlesque performer and producer! I’ve had a pretty mixed-bag career so far.

Dalestair: So Dungeons & Dragons and performing are clearly things you are passionate about. Is that what inspired you to start a ‘Chaotically Queer’ D&D show?

Luboffin: I retired from stage performing and producing around 5 years ago, but I have always missed being on stage. When the applications for Feast 2022 opened, a friend encouraged me to combine my love of D&D, my love of the stage, and my queerness into a show, which became ‘Big Crit Energy’. I, along with some incredibly talented performers and role-players, now get to roll the dice every month at My Lover Cindi.

Dalestair: I love that you’ve been able to bring D&D to local queer audiences. In the media, D&D is typically portrayed as a ‘boys club’ activity (e.g. the Hellfire Club in ‘Stranger Things’). Do you think this is accurate to real life? How do you navigate this sphere as a queer woman?

Luboffin: I think there is certainly some accuracy to this portrayal, in that often marginalised groups will feel unsafe or unwelcome in nerd spaces. However, I think as time goes on and progress is made towards diversifying D&D spaces (slow progress a lot of the time, but progress) there has been more room [made] at the table. It is an ongoing struggle for many though. Whilst I have experienced harassment in the D&D space before, my whiteness and the fact that I am ‘straight passing’, since I am married to a man, means I have not experienced the same level of harassment and discrimination as many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disabled folks. I try and use my privilege to make space at the table as much as possible.

Dalestair: On the topic of diversity and Dungeons & Dragons, has D&D helped you or players you’ve Dungeon Mastered explore queerness? Does D&D assist with creating dialogues or navigating self-exploration?

Luboffin: I only came out publicly a couple of years ago and it was through playing D&D and other role-playing games that I started to feel more comfortable acknowledging my own sexuality, after playing characters who are not straight. I have heard many stories from people who have had realisations about their sexuality, after exploring different facets of themselves through role-playing. Allowing ourselves to explore and express different ideas and feelings in games can, with the right group of people, be a wonderfully safe and freeing way to explore those aspects of yourself.

Dalestair: Thanks for sharing your stories and experiences with us. I’d love to know what advice you’d give someone looking to get involved with D&D for the first time?

Luboffin: My biggest advice is don’t wait, start now! I mean it, right now! My biggest regret is not starting to play sooner. There are lots of great resources out there for new players and lots of places to find games. Don’t be afraid to step up as the Dungeon Master and get a group together with some friends. I barely knew anything about the game when I started DMing but I learnt as I went. It’s not as scary as you think! The hardest part is starting.

Dalestair: Where can our readers find you if they’d like to know more about D&D or to come and see your show?

Luboffin: If you’d like to see some queer and chaotic D&D in action you can catch my live show ‘Big Crit Energy’ on the second Wednesday of every month at My Lover Cindi, and you can also find me streaming several times a week on Twitch and releasing videos on YouTube under the handle @luboffin.