Kendra Carlson and Matías Valero, along with other regulars and guests, have been adventuring with the help of dice and imagination since 2018.
Twin Portals is a Duluth-based, actual-play Dungeons and Dragons podcast and live-show experience that follows the escapades of a quartet of heroes calling themselves "Silver Waves of Justice." Hearing Carlson and Valero talk about it, D&D is much more than a game; it's a story told by a community.
"It's like improv," says Valero, the dungeon master tasked with guiding the adventure. "You can't really plan ahead too much." Working within a general story arc, Valero ultimately let's the players make their own unique decisions.
"There are things that have come about because of the storyline," says Carlson, who plays as a halfling-druid named Xae. "He (Valero) really allows... opportunities for us to take advantage of the paths we've chosen for our characters. He allows for us to go and play."
Through it all, the game is viewed as a platform for connection. The group shares their love of Dungeons and Dragons with the greater community. Carlson recalls hosting groups of new players. "By the end of it they were saving the day, up on their feet, cheering with friends over die rolls."
The next Twin Portals live event is Saturday, September 10th at Teatro Zuccone. Admission is free and no knowledge of Dungeons and Dragons is required.