My First Foray into Live Play
This year, I had the absolute privilege of celebrating BIPOC Vampire Day in the most exhilarating way possible—with a group that uplifts and amplifies BIPOC voices in the TTRPG space. It was my first real dive into the world of Live Play/Actual Play, and while I was absolutely ecstatic, I was also dealing with a healthy dose of nerves. But more on that later. For now, let me share how this day unfolded and what made it so special.
BIPOC Vampire Day is more than just a day to play games; it's a celebration of diversity, representation, and the powerful stories that can be told by people of color in the TTRPG community. As someone passionate about expanding BIPOC representation in this space, being part of a community that actively encourages and supports our voices is inspiring. It’s a reminder that we belong in these spaces—not only as players but also as creators, storytellers, and dreamers.
Playing "Eat the Reich"
This year, I was lucky enough to play "Eat the Reich," an intense and action-packed tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) where a team of vampires takes on Nazis during WWII. Talk about a power fantasy, right? The game’s concept immediately grabbed my attention. There’s something deeply cathartic about taking on a character that literally fights back against some of the darkest forces in history, and in this case, with fangs bared and supernatural strength.
The cherry on top? My character, Happy Lee Freeman, was heavily inspired by legendary Black cowboys of the West, such as Nat Love, Bass Reeves, and Stagecoach Mary—figures who carved their own space in history despite overwhelming odds. In many ways, playing Happy Lee Freeman felt like paying homage to these incredible trailblazers while also embracing the fantasy world where I could let loose my imagination.
I had mentioned these historical figures in a previous blog post, and bringing their essence to life through Happy was an absolute joy. He’s a sharp-shooting, take-no-nonsense cowboy-turned-vampire, and getting into his mindset was a fascinating mix of grit and excitement. It felt like I was blending real history with supernatural fiction, creating a powerful character who was not only formidable but deeply rooted in a rich legacy of Black cowboys.
First Time in Live Play
As thrilled as I was to take part in this campaign, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. This was my first time diving into a Live Play/Actual Play—a format where your role-playing session is recorded or streamed for an audience to watch and enjoy. It’s a bit daunting to go from playing TTRPGs in a casual setting with friends to being in the spotlight. I was constantly asking myself:
What if I freeze up?
What if I can’t stay in character?
What if I make a mistake or forget an important rule?
But at the same time, these nerves were also a sign of how much I cared. This was a new chapter for me, and I wanted to embrace it with open arms. The excitement of telling this story, playing this incredible character, and being part of this BIPOC-driven TTRPG experience far outweighed the jitters. Once we started rolling, it was like stepping into another world, and the nerves gave way to pure fun. I was in it—Happy was alive (or, well, undead!), and I got to watch him take on Nazis with swagger and style.
A YouTube Journey Begins
This is just the beginning. As part of my journey into the world of Actual Play, I’m excited to share that a YouTube series is coming soon! I’ll be diving deeper into this campaign, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and exploring what it’s like to embody these characters while balancing the thrills and challenges of live storytelling.
Being part of BIPOC Vampire Day and playing "Eat the Reich" was a thrilling, empowering experience. I got to be part of a story where BIPOC characters aren’t just sidekicks or background extras but the stars of the show. Taking on my first Live Play/Actual Play was nerve-wracking, sure, but it’s an experience I’m incredibly proud of. The support from the BIPOC TTRPG community and the excitement of embodying a character inspired by real-life Black heroes made this journey unforgettable.
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye out for YouTube drops—it’s going to be a wild ride, and trust me, this is just the beginning.
