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OboeLauren🔜PAXUnplugged

@lauren-urban.com

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Professional bard/cleric doing oboe/TTRPG stuff. Thoughts are all mine, especially about snacks. WizKids Community & Social Media Manager. Orkira's handler. Contact info & current projects at https://lauren-urban.com & linktr.ee/LaurenUrban she/her

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@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM

So in the end I guess my answer is that no actual play is cinematic to me. And the best actual plays focus on the tools that genre offers and amplifying them.

@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM

Because that's the definition I landed on, I think an actual play trying to be cinematic is a bad idea. Because so many of the tools that movie makers use to craft a film would be clumsy or impractical on a TTRPG. Example: the first long section without any dialogue would be very uncomfortable!

@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM

Critical Role made its actual play into a successful cinematic experience, because it created an animated feature using the show as source material. The Legend of Vox Machina is no longer an actual play. But it IS cinematic!

@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM

I finally settled on a definition of cinematic that closely resembles what Patrick Willems lands on in his video: youtu.be/ZbByKUDJlbI?...

Actual play is not cinematic for many of the same reasons TV shows are not cinematic. The medium may look very similar, but the format and tools are different.

A screenshot from the video showing text reading "cinematic / possessing the quality that comes from effectively using the tools of cinema to tell a story or express an idea in a way that would not be possible in another medium."
@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:49 AM

I saw your question yesterday and went on a journey to figure out what 'cinematic' means to me before I could answer it. I had a gut reaction but needed to find the reasoning behind my feelings. I don't think actual play can be cinematic. Trying gets in the way of what makes actual play special.

@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 6:00 AM

Thank you for giving him a life filled with safety and love.

@lauren-urban.comOct 15, 2026, 2:04 AM

Today's weather prompted hot tea, flannel, and a fresh pomegranate. I love the the Fall.

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 2:54 PM

I think most fans are just enjoying the book and are having a lovely, normal time! But the vitriol of these few others is disappointing.

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 2:51 PM

We have minis in the content creator boxes so we collaborated on a few posts. The absolute ridiculousness I have to see is astounding.

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 2:37 PM

Sadly no. But I'd certainly give writing a 13 Omens adventure a try! The three act structure really helps keep things well planned out.

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 6:55 AM

STEAK MILK 😱

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 6:53 AM

I just ran a game of 13 Omens a week ago and it was a lot of fun! I'm excited to play more!

@lauren-urban.comOct 14, 2026, 12:42 AM

I HAVE BEEN SUMMONED!! ....ok yes I'm gonna try it but as someone who grew up in Buffalo NY I will be angry about it.

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 3:58 PM

Finally a reminder to try and take care of yourself, and forgive yourself when you feel guilty about not being able to do more. Drink some water, have a snack, take a deep breath, and be as nice to yourself as you are to everyone else. <3

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 3:58 PM

There are ways beyond money to help support charity events. One of the best is helping spread the word about the ones you are passionate about! Those taking the time to help find folks who do have the money to donate are a HUGE help! No account is "too small" to help, every person is appreciated!

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 3:58 PM

Many folks have the resources to donate, even offer very large donations, which is fantastic! But many more don't have money to offer. Don't feel bad if you can't donate to a charity event. We've all been in the situation where we don't have a dollar to spare. Don't hurt yourself helping others.

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 3:58 PM

You cannot participate in every charity event. We will all understand when you can't play/produce/mod/be in chat. Because no one can support/repost/promote them all! Do what you can when you can. Cheer on and support others whenever possible. But try not to feel bad when you cannot help.

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 3:58 PM

Now until the end of the year there are going to be LOTS of charity events raising money for excellent causes! While we all want to help as much as possible, especially considering the state of the world, during the holidays it can get extra stressful & feel overwhelming. A few things to remember...

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 2:31 PM

That's so much. I hope you and your family get relief and rest soon. <3

@lauren-urban.comOct 13, 2026, 2:25 PM

And Sylvester is ALWAYS a good time!

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