Dimension 20's Escape from the Bloodkeep is a pitch-perfect LOTR parody.
Dimension 20's parody of The Lord of the Rings is the ideal comical appetizer for Tolkien fans as they await the second season premiere of The Rings of Power. The TTRPG series alternates between different settings and stories from season to season. This includes some fantastic fantasy parodies, like "Escape From The Bloodkeep." The six-episode "Side Quest" follows the lieutenants of Zaul'nazh, a Sauron-style villain seeking to rule Elna. When the Lord of Shadows is suddenly destroyed by the Forces of Light, the Generals rush to restore him and save their dark kingdom.
Dimension 20 fused The Rings of Power's Celebrimbor with LOTR's Gollum.
Avanash is one of the most pointed parodies in "Escape From The Bloodkeep" and feels especially relevant in light of Rings of Power. In the comedy series' lore, Avanash was a legendary Elven blacksmith capable of crafting Soul Crowns. After refusing to help the Lord of Shadows and being imprisoned for centuries, he is rescued by the Generals and used to create a new Soul Crown for Zaul'nazh. Avanash is a direct parallel to Celebrimbor, who assisted Sauron in forging some of the Rings of Power in the Prime Video series' first season. However, his isolation and subsequent mental breakdown have left him emaciated and comically paranoid of further punishments. His physical appearance and mental state make him similar to the show's version of Gollum. It's a tragic reimagining of what could have happened to Celebrimbor if he'd refused to collaborate with Sauron. It's a brutal parody that still manages to be entertaining, thanks to his personality creeping out the openly villainous Generals. Combining the two character concepts, Mulligan's improvised NPC became one of the season's most interesting Lord of the Rings reflections.
Dimension 20 gave the Forces of Darkness their own version of LOTR's Fellowship.
"Escape from the Bloodkeep" emphasizes the natural camaraderie that can develop in Ttrpg shows such as Dimension 20, and it also reflects a major theme of Lord of the Rings. The themes of heroes overcoming their flaws and prejudices to become friends and heroes are central to Tolkien's works. Gimili and Legolas go from reluctant allies to close friends, and Frodo and Sam's bond proves to be the key to Middle-Earth's survival. In a similar vein, "Escape from the Bloodkeep" depicts the six Generals gradually overcoming their mistrust and hold-ups to form an unexpected family.
This had an impact on the story's direction because Mulligan's original plan was to pit the six against each other in a final battle for Zaul'nazh's throne. However, the connections formed between the unlikely allies resulted in a more fulfilling and surprisingly earnest story about how unexpected bonds can lift people to their full potential and purpose. Despite the massive monsters, deadly fights, and expansive lore, "Escape from the Bloodkeep" ends up reflecting key themes from Lord of the Rings. It demonstrates how Dimension 20 parodies go beyond surface-level riffs to incorporate genuine riffs from the source material.
