Three years ago, Critical Role’s Bells Hells faced suspected enemies in a basement and chose an outrageous alternative to fighting or fleeing: they stripped off and pretended to be filming pornography. The scene tested Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer’s ability to improvise, but became a memorable example of the cast’s humour, creativity and willingness to pursue an absurd idea.

The episode, “Bawdy Basement Belligerence”, took place during the campaign’s more serious storyline involving Ruidus and Predathos. Players used high rolls, disguises and improvised roles—including a werewolf “repairman”—to convince an air elemental and its companions of their story, though the deception was eventually uncovered. Mercer later said the escalating plan represented the joy of Dungeons & Dragons, showing how player agency can reshape prepared scenarios while contributing unexpected world-building.