If Stranger Things wasn’t a real enough warning about the dangers of playing a passionate game of Dungeons & Dragons, then the music video for BADBADNOTGOOD’s “Lavender” should turn you off of the turn-based board game for a looooong while.
For those unfamiliar, BADBADNOTGOOD are a great, out-there jazz band who make experimental but catchy jams, sometimes with an infusion of jazz. They are also, if this music is to be beleived, nerds just like us. In the video above the band members hire a Dungeon Master/ serial murderer to officiate a campaign. He looks extremely predatory, so this one is on them for not screening the guy and shopping around for other options.
Over a bulbous beat (provided by Kaytranada) and wiry synth line, things get extremely hairy for our protagonists as the Dungeon Master loses his mind and forces them to play an in-game round of Russian roulette. It is a left turn that comes pretty suddenly so BADBADNOTGOOD’s only choice is to poison the creepy ass Dungeon Master with, you know, some spare poison lying around on the table. And in a scene that reminds of the face melting part of Indiana Jones, the master bleeds profusely and the band are fre to finish their campaign as they please.
The best part of this music video, however, comes at the very end by way of a seemingly real advertisement for a Greater Toronto Area Dungeon Master who seems like he might do a pretty good job if all the dancehall horns are to be believed. This whole thing is definitely a weird one, but super on brand for BADBADNOTGOOD.
Let us know what you think in the comments below and if you are planning on taking a break from D&D.
Image: Innovative Leisure
Matt Grosinger is the music editor of Nerdist and is still afraid of the demogorgon.