Dragons, fairies, and conversing rats dominated the scene at Madison Square Garden on January 24 during *Dimension 20*’s sold-out live spectacle, *Gauntlet at the Garden* — and it was absolutely phenomenal.
Led by Game Master [Brennan Lee Mulligan](https://mashable.com/article/dimension-20-dungeons-and-drag-queens-brennan-lee-mulligan-interview), the production showcased the cherished ensemble of “brave adventurers” Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson. The event whisked thousands of fans back to *Dimension 20*’s *Unsleeping City* saga, set in an enchanting rendition of New York City. The fact that the cast faced foes just a subway journey away from MSG infused the experience with added thrill, yet the wonder of *Gauntlet at the Garden* reached far beyond its setting.
### *Dimension 20* Delivers the Multiverse at Madison Square Garden
The show kicked off with the triumphant comeback of *The Unsleeping City*’s original personas: Sofia Bicicleta (Axford), Pete Conlan (Beardsley), Kugrash (Murphy), Ricky Matsui (Oyama), Misty Moore (Thompson), and Kingston Brown (Wilson). However, their reunion was swiftly disrupted by multiversal turmoil. Three antagonists from different *Dimension 20* adventures had invaded New York City: the Sugar Plum Fairy from *A Crown of Candy* was fabricating a twisted candy realm near Lincoln Center, Junkmother from *A Starstruck Odyssey* was causing chaos in Staten Island’s Freshkills Park, and Kalvaxus from *Fantasy High* was wreaking havoc on Wall Street in pursuit of treasure. (While the Wall Street backdrop was fitting, a climactic showdown at MSG itself would have been an enjoyable nod to the venue’s importance.)
Fortunately, the heroes were not alone in their struggle. In one of the evening’s most interactive segments, the audience was urged to roll virtual dice on their phones to decide which allies from other *Dimension 20* campaigns would join the battle.
### An Exuberant Production
The interactive dice rolls represented just one way *Gauntlet at the Garden* elevated the standard *Dimension 20* experience to match the magnificence of Madison Square Garden. The circular stage positioned at the arena’s center replicated the atmosphere of the show’s usual tabletop setup, featuring triangular panels that illuminated in harmony with the *Dimension 20* aesthetic. These panels shifted colors during combat or significant rolls, and the entire venue synchronously followed, engulfing the audience in dramatic red lighting during intense moments.
Above the stage, screens showcased close-ups of the players, animations of characters and adversaries, and even pyrotechnic displays. A gigantic 20-sided die contributed to the pageantry, transforming the event into a delightful blend of *Dungeons & Dragons* gameplay with the flamboyance of professional wrestling. A surprise wrestling contest between Murphy and Wilson capped off the evening, leaving the audience in fits of laughter and enthusiasm.
### Honoring Fans and Fandom
Although the show’s grand battles and multiversal shenanigans were exhilarating, what truly made *Gauntlet at the Garden* remarkable was the fans. From the instant the doors swung open, cosplayers crowded MSG, attired as a spectrum of figures from player characters to Kugrash’s Juicy Cockroach and Spicy Pigeon Spirit Totems. In the chilly queue outside, fans admired each other’s costumes, fostering a sense of camaraderie even before the festivity commenced.
Within the arena, the mobile dice rolling feature enhanced connectivity. Fans exchanged their rolls with their neighbors, celebrating Nat 20s with high-fives and cheers. When Mulligan declared that the entire MSG crowd had collectively rolled a Nat 20, the joyous explosion rivaled the thrill of a grand slam or a last-second three-pointer.
### A Landmark for Actual Play
*Gauntlet at the Garden* transcended feeling like a tribute to *Dimension 20* — it emerged as a landmark for the whole actual play genre. As *Dungeons & Dragons* continues its ascent in popularity, not merely as a game but as a live performance art, this event highlighted the extraordinary scale and spectacle that actual play shows can manifest. It marked a pivotal moment, demonstrating that tabletop role-playing can fill arenas and captivate massive audiences.
For fans, *Gauntlet at the Garden* provided a delightful experience brimming with inside jokes, cherished characters, and unforgettable moments. Whether chanting “Hoot! Growl!” for Ayda Agueforth, booing the dastardly Lord Calroy Cruller, or chuckling at Mulligan’s exuberant portrayal of “all the bad guys,” the