https://simplecast.com Critical Lit Critical Lit is a podcast where we revisit and retool (and lambast and lampoon) classic tabletop RPG adventures. Part book review, part heckling commentary, all in good fun. Hosted by industry veterans Dan Dillon (Legends of Avantris, formerly WotC), I-Hsien Sherwood (Total Party Thrill), Amelia Som (Unprepared Casters), and Sal Tamarkin (Cloud Curio). 2025 Critical Lit en Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:43:41 +0000 Wed, 8 Apr 2026 11:25:04 +0000 https://critical-lit.simplecast.com Critical Lit https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/e3f35a54-9ecf-4eec-8f75-5cef7bd80132/49dd0013-3f7a-4e96-9e0f-5858e3d0d353/3000x3000/critical-lit-logo-design-final-cropped.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://critical-lit.simplecast.com episodic Critical Lit is a podcast where we revisit and retool (and lambast and lampoon) classic tabletop RPG adventures. Part book review, part heckling commentary, all in good fun. Hosted by industry veterans Dan Dillon (Legends of Avantris, formerly WotC), I-Hsien Sherwood (Total Party Thrill), Amelia Som (Unprepared Casters), and Sal Tamarkin (Cloud Curio). Amelia Som, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood true https://feeds.simplecast.com/ghb7GLbv dnd, dungeons and dragons, gaming, rpg, tabletop, ttrpg Critical Lit hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com d6c94471-f9f2-4f10-86a5-96285bae3b01 Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 18: This Little Blight of Mine Everything's vine down at the Wizard of Wines! Chapter 12 is the nexus of nearly every plot hook in this book, but the wine won't flow until this gemless, ravenless, farm-to-table homestead is restored to its former glory. Too bad it's knee-deep in stick monsters and crazed, teetotaling druids. Remember, they're not dirty because they're evil; they're evil because they're dirty. In this episode: Chapter 12 (The Wizard of Wines, stolen gems, Approaching the Vineyard, The Martikov Family, bad blood, Approaching the Winery, Areas of the Winery W1-W20, blights blights blights blights druid, Special Events, Wine Delivery, Wintersplinter Attacks).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 8 Apr 2026 09:43:41 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-18-this-little-blight-of-mine-7iD44G7d Everything's vine down at the Wizard of Wines! Chapter 12 is the nexus of nearly every plot hook in this book, but the wine won't flow until this gemless, ravenless, farm-to-table homestead is restored to its former glory. Too bad it's knee-deep in stick monsters and crazed, teetotaling druids. Remember, they're not dirty because they're evil; they're evil because they're dirty. In this episode: Chapter 12 (The Wizard of Wines, stolen gems, Approaching the Vineyard, The Martikov Family, bad blood, Approaching the Winery, Areas of the Winery W1-W20, blights blights blights blights druid, Special Events, Wine Delivery, Wintersplinter Attacks).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 18: This Little Blight of Mine Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin 01:41:31 Everything's vine down at the Wizard of Wines! Chapter 12 is the nexus of nearly every plot hook in this book, but the wine won't flow until this gemless, ravenless, farm-to-table homestead is restored to its former glory. Too bad it's knee-deep in stick monsters and crazed, teetotaling druids. Remember, they're not dirty because they're evil; they're evil because they're dirty. In this episode: Chapter 12 (The Wizard of Wines, stolen gems, Approaching the Vineyard, The Martikov Family, bad blood, Approaching the Winery, Areas of the Winery W1-W20, blights blights blights blights druid, Special Events, Wine Delivery, Wintersplinter Attacks). Everything's vine down at the Wizard of Wines! Chapter 12 is the nexus of nearly every plot hook in this book, but the wine won't flow until this gemless, ravenless, farm-to-table homestead is restored to its former glory. Too bad it's knee-deep in stick monsters and crazed, teetotaling druids. Remember, they're not dirty because they're evil; they're evil because they're dirty. In this episode: Chapter 12 (The Wizard of Wines, stolen gems, Approaching the Vineyard, The Martikov Family, bad blood, Approaching the Winery, Areas of the Winery W1-W20, blights blights blights blights druid, Special Events, Wine Delivery, Wintersplinter Attacks). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 21 4573ba85-e576-4a91-bc06-88e9c36b2b72 Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 17: Knockin' on Khazan's Door It's a Dance Dance Execution at the door of this wizard tower. The wagon nearby is as volatile as a meth lab, and werewolves wait to finish off any survivors. Plus, we take another look at Strahd's potential enemies. In this episode: Chapter 11 (Van Richten's Tower, Khazan's backstory and tomb, Approaching the Tower, Khazan’s Spell Drain, Area's of the Tower V1-V7, Ezmeralda's Wagon, booby trap, dance seal, tower floors, Special Events, Pack Attack, Ez's Retreat) and we revisit the Strahd's Enemy list from Chapter 1's Fortune's of Ravenloft.

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:34:14 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-17-knockin-on-khazans-door-SVnjgECF It's a Dance Dance Execution at the door of this wizard tower. The wagon nearby is as volatile as a meth lab, and werewolves wait to finish off any survivors. Plus, we take another look at Strahd's potential enemies. In this episode: Chapter 11 (Van Richten's Tower, Khazan's backstory and tomb, Approaching the Tower, Khazan’s Spell Drain, Area's of the Tower V1-V7, Ezmeralda's Wagon, booby trap, dance seal, tower floors, Special Events, Pack Attack, Ez's Retreat) and we revisit the Strahd's Enemy list from Chapter 1's Fortune's of Ravenloft.

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 17: Knockin' on Khazan's Door Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin 01:37:54 It's a Dance Dance Execution at the door of this wizard tower. The wagon nearby is as volatile as a meth lab, and werewolves wait to finish off any survivors. Plus, we take another look at Strahd's potential enemies. In this episode: Chapter 11 (Van Richten's Tower, Khazan's backstory and tomb, Approaching the Tower, Khazan’s Spell Drain, Area's of the Tower V1-V7, Ezmeralda's Wagon, booby trap, dance seal, tower floors, Special Events, Pack Attack, Ez's Retreat) and we revisit the Strahd's Enemy list from Chapter 1's Fortune's of Ravenloft. It's a Dance Dance Execution at the door of this wizard tower. The wagon nearby is as volatile as a meth lab, and werewolves wait to finish off any survivors. Plus, we take another look at Strahd's potential enemies. In this episode: Chapter 11 (Van Richten's Tower, Khazan's backstory and tomb, Approaching the Tower, Khazan’s Spell Drain, Area's of the Tower V1-V7, Ezmeralda's Wagon, booby trap, dance seal, tower floors, Special Events, Pack Attack, Ez's Retreat) and we revisit the Strahd's Enemy list from Chapter 1's Fortune's of Ravenloft. dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 20 3db933e3-cbce-496d-850a-5d0b05c69cdd Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 16: The Other Mother Sure, Strahd had one mother, but what about second mother? In Chapter 10, Baba Lysaga is a boy-mom wannabe, with a parasocial fixation on our titular vamp. To impress him, she wages a never-ending blood feud against Barovia's goat and raven populations. Adventurers are another matter. In this episode: Chapter 10 (The Ruins of Berez, the sad tale of Marina, Baba Lysaga backstory, Approaching the Ruins, Area of Berez U1-U6, Baba Lysaga's Hut, the gemstone, Baba Lysaga's ritual, Goat Pen, Standing Stones, Special Events, flying contraptions).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:01:58 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-16-the-other-mother-Lq0EnGY6 Sure, Strahd had one mother, but what about second mother? In Chapter 10, Baba Lysaga is a boy-mom wannabe, with a parasocial fixation on our titular vamp. To impress him, she wages a never-ending blood feud against Barovia's goat and raven populations. Adventurers are another matter. In this episode: Chapter 10 (The Ruins of Berez, the sad tale of Marina, Baba Lysaga backstory, Approaching the Ruins, Area of Berez U1-U6, Baba Lysaga's Hut, the gemstone, Baba Lysaga's ritual, Goat Pen, Standing Stones, Special Events, flying contraptions).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 16: The Other Mother Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin 01:31:47 Sure, Strahd had one mother, but what about second mother? In Chapter 10, Baba Lysaga is a boy-mom wannabe, with a parasocial fixation on our titular vamp. To impress him, she wages a never-ending blood feud against Barovia's goat and raven populations. Adventurers are another matter. In this episode: Chapter 10 (The Ruins of Berez, the sad tale of Marina, Baba Lysaga backstory, Approaching the Ruins, Area of Berez U1-U6, Baba Lysaga's Hut, the gemstone, Baba Lysaga's ritual, Goat Pen, Standing Stones, Special Events, flying contraptions). Sure, Strahd had one mother, but what about second mother? In Chapter 10, Baba Lysaga is a boy-mom wannabe, with a parasocial fixation on our titular vamp. To impress him, she wages a never-ending blood feud against Barovia's goat and raven populations. Adventurers are another matter. In this episode: Chapter 10 (The Ruins of Berez, the sad tale of Marina, Baba Lysaga backstory, Approaching the Ruins, Area of Berez U1-U6, Baba Lysaga's Hut, the gemstone, Baba Lysaga's ritual, Goat Pen, Standing Stones, Special Events, flying contraptions). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 19 d762345d-ad2e-4c1e-a696-3a34cd85b1aa Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 15: Fowl Play For want of a dress, Krezk was lost. The Abbot gets serious about playing dress-up, Ireena takes a dive, fine feathered fiends guard the pass, and the roc just has the munchies. But the true villain, of course, is Sangzor, the gruffest goat on the mountain. In this episode: the second half of Chapter 8 and all of Chapter 9 (Areas of the Abbey S20-S24, Special Events, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Barovian souls, hunting for a dress, a happy ending for Sergei and Tatyana, Areas of Tsolenka Pass T1-T9, petrified vrocks, snow maidens, Roc of Mount Ghakis, Sangzor shenanigans).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:53:24 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-15-fowl-play-NK_FYi4q For want of a dress, Krezk was lost. The Abbot gets serious about playing dress-up, Ireena takes a dive, fine feathered fiends guard the pass, and the roc just has the munchies. But the true villain, of course, is Sangzor, the gruffest goat on the mountain. In this episode: the second half of Chapter 8 and all of Chapter 9 (Areas of the Abbey S20-S24, Special Events, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Barovian souls, hunting for a dress, a happy ending for Sergei and Tatyana, Areas of Tsolenka Pass T1-T9, petrified vrocks, snow maidens, Roc of Mount Ghakis, Sangzor shenanigans).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 15: Fowl Play Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin 01:24:46 For want of a dress, Krezk was lost. The Abbot gets serious about playing dress-up, Ireena takes a dive, fine feathered fiends guard the pass, and the roc just has the munchies. But the true villain, of course, is Sangzor, the gruffest goat on the mountain. In this episode: the second half of Chapter 8 and all of Chapter 9 (Areas of the Abbey S20-S24, Special Events, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Barovian souls, hunting for a dress, a happy ending for Sergei and Tatyana, Areas of Tsolenka Pass T1-T9, petrified vrocks, snow maidens, Roc of Mount Ghakis, Sangzor shenanigans). For want of a dress, Krezk was lost. The Abbot gets serious about playing dress-up, Ireena takes a dive, fine feathered fiends guard the pass, and the roc just has the munchies. But the true villain, of course, is Sangzor, the gruffest goat on the mountain. In this episode: the second half of Chapter 8 and all of Chapter 9 (Areas of the Abbey S20-S24, Special Events, Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Barovian souls, hunting for a dress, a happy ending for Sergei and Tatyana, Areas of Tsolenka Pass T1-T9, petrified vrocks, snow maidens, Roc of Mount Ghakis, Sangzor shenanigans). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 18 fb62080f-7df8-4e22-8751-77984ead5cc1 Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 14: Build-a-Bride Workshop Mutual aid! In my D&D? The Krezkites share everything: food, labor, and a growing horror at the screams emanating from the Abbey above. The empty graves strewn about town are almost as problematic as the portrayal of the people labeled "mongrelfolk" in this book. In this episode: the first half of Chapter 8 (The Village of Krezk, approaching Krezk first, Areas of Krezk S1-S5, Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov, Krezk Lore, Shrine of the White Sun, Areas of the Abbey S6-S19, mongrelfolk publication history, portrayal of mongrelfolk, The Abbot, Vasilka, Vasilka as Fated Ally, The Madhouse, Clovin Belview).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:06:49 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-14-build-a-bride-workshop-pFMRZwVT Mutual aid! In my D&D? The Krezkites share everything: food, labor, and a growing horror at the screams emanating from the Abbey above. The empty graves strewn about town are almost as problematic as the portrayal of the people labeled "mongrelfolk" in this book. In this episode: the first half of Chapter 8 (The Village of Krezk, approaching Krezk first, Areas of Krezk S1-S5, Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov, Krezk Lore, Shrine of the White Sun, Areas of the Abbey S6-S19, mongrelfolk publication history, portrayal of mongrelfolk, The Abbot, Vasilka, Vasilka as Fated Ally, The Madhouse, Clovin Belview).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 14: Build-a-Bride Workshop I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon 01:45:00 Mutual aid! In my D&D? The Krezkites share everything: food, labor, and a growing horror at the screams emanating from the Abbey above. The empty graves strewn about town are almost as problematic as the portrayal of the people this book calls "mongrelfolk." In this episode: the first half of Chapter 8 (The Village of Krezk, approaching Krezk first, Areas of Krezk S1-S5, Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov, Krezk Lore, Shrine of the White Sun, Areas of the Abbey S6-S19, mongrelfolk publication history, portrayal of mongrelfolk, The Abbot, Vasilka, Vasilka as Fated Ally, The Madhouse, Clovin Belview). Mutual aid! In my D&D? The Krezkites share everything: food, labor, and a growing horror at the screams emanating from the Abbey above. The empty graves strewn about town are almost as problematic as the portrayal of the people this book calls "mongrelfolk." In this episode: the first half of Chapter 8 (The Village of Krezk, approaching Krezk first, Areas of Krezk S1-S5, Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov, Krezk Lore, Shrine of the White Sun, Areas of the Abbey S6-S19, mongrelfolk publication history, portrayal of mongrelfolk, The Abbot, Vasilka, Vasilka as Fated Ally, The Madhouse, Clovin Belview). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, curse of strahd, barovia true full 17 f4d6b531-436f-4ede-832a-904687ffe793 Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 13: Eight Crazy Knights Strahd may have tried to bury these gays, but they refused to stay down. In Chapter 7 we meet a goodly order of knights and their defeated dragon lord. What starts off as a side quest to lay unquiet dead to rest soon becomes a tragic love story that reaches across the centuries and literally brings light to this forsaken land. In this episode: Chapter 7 (Argynvostholt, The Order of the Silver Dragon, Revenants of Barovia, Areas Q1 - Q53, Vladimir Horngaard, Sir Godfrey Gwilym, Lighting the Beacon, Special Events).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:08:24 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Amelia Som, I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-13-eight-crazy-knights-Q9PtZOMG Strahd may have tried to bury these gays, but they refused to stay down. In Chapter 7 we meet a goodly order of knights and their defeated dragon lord. What starts off as a side quest to lay unquiet dead to rest soon becomes a tragic love story that reaches across the centuries and literally brings light to this forsaken land. In this episode: Chapter 7 (Argynvostholt, The Order of the Silver Dragon, Revenants of Barovia, Areas Q1 - Q53, Vladimir Horngaard, Sir Godfrey Gwilym, Lighting the Beacon, Special Events).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 13: Eight Crazy Knights Amelia Som, I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon 01:39:31 Strahd may have tried to bury these gays, but they refused to stay down. In Chapter 7 we meet a goodly order of knights and their defeated dragon lord. What starts off as a side quest to lay unquiet dead to rest soon becomes a tragic love story that reaches across the centuries and literally brings light to this forsaken land. In this episode: Chapter 7 (Argynvostholt, The Order of the Silver Dragon, Revenants of Barovia, Areas Q1 - Q53, Vladimir Horngaard, Sir Godfrey Gwilym, Lighting the Beacon, Special Events). Strahd may have tried to bury these gays, but they refused to stay down. In Chapter 7 we meet a goodly order of knights and their defeated dragon lord. What starts off as a side quest to lay unquiet dead to rest soon becomes a tragic love story that reaches across the centuries and literally brings light to this forsaken land. In this episode: Chapter 7 (Argynvostholt, The Order of the Silver Dragon, Revenants of Barovia, Areas Q1 - Q53, Vladimir Horngaard, Sir Godfrey Gwilym, Lighting the Beacon, Special Events). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, curse of strahd, barovia true full 16 0496e5aa-949a-45e7-ae66-c789e90016b2 Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 12: Baker's Coven Dream Pastries™ are Pediatrically Delicious! Uhh, Tragically Suspicious? Chapter 6 of Curse of Strahd is a bigger deal than its page count lets on. Looks can be deceiving, but the hags don't bother with all that. What you see is what you get, and that's a whole lot of trouble. In this episode: Chapter 6 (Old Bonegrinder, night hags, hag covens, Areas O1 - O4, The Megaliths).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:35:03 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-12-bakers-coven-e_ooEZs6 Dream Pastries™ are Pediatrically Delicious! Uhh, Tragically Suspicious? Chapter 6 of Curse of Strahd is a bigger deal than its page count lets on. Looks can be deceiving, but the hags don't bother with all that. What you see is what you get, and that's a whole lot of trouble. In this episode: Chapter 6 (Old Bonegrinder, night hags, hag covens, Areas O1 - O4, The Megaliths).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 12: Baker's Coven I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som 01:22:25 Dream Pastries™ are Pediatrically Delicious! Uhh, Tragically Suspicious? Chapter 6 of Curse of Strahd is a bigger deal than its page count lets on. Looks can be deceiving, but the hags don't bother with all that. What you see is what you get, and that's a whole lot of trouble. In this episode: Chapter 6 (Old Bonegrinder, night hags, hag covens, Areas O1 - O4, The Megaliths). Dream Pastries™ are Pediatrically Delicious! Uhh, Tragically Suspicious? Chapter 6 of Curse of Strahd is a bigger deal than its page count lets on. Looks can be deceiving, but the hags don't bother with all that. What you see is what you get, and that's a whole lot of trouble. In this episode: Chapter 6 (Old Bonegrinder, night hags, hag covens, Areas O1 - O4, The Megaliths). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, curse of strahd, barovia true full 15 8b8b2327-f52c-4092-804b-8b8d55311da6 White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 02 - Weapon of Choice Consider us Schick-pilled. We wrap up both our holiday hiatus and the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain in surprisingly high spirits: arms adorned with shiny new weapons, blood infected with instant super-tetanus, and bellies full of crab forearms. In this episode: Rooms 5-27, origin of I6 Ravenloft, Wave, Whelm, Blackrazor, just about the biggest giant crab anyone's ever seen, End Note, back cover.

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:23:00 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/white-plume-mountain-deep-dive-02-weapon-of-choice-E28z3FpK Consider us Schick-pilled. We wrap up both our holiday hiatus and the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain in surprisingly high spirits: arms adorned with shiny new weapons, blood infected with instant super-tetanus, and bellies full of crab forearms. In this episode: Rooms 5-27, origin of I6 Ravenloft, Wave, Whelm, Blackrazor, just about the biggest giant crab anyone's ever seen, End Note, back cover.

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]]> White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 02 - Weapon of Choice I-Hsien Sherwood, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som 01:49:46 Consider us Schick-pilled. We wrap up both our holiday hiatus and the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain in surprisingly high spirits: arms adorned with shiny new weapons, blood infected with instant super-tetanus, and bellies full of crab forearms. In this episode: Rooms 5-27, origin of I6 Ravenloft, Wave, Whelm, Blackrazor, just about the biggest giant crab anyone's ever seen, End Note, back cover. Consider us Schick-pilled. We wrap up both our holiday hiatus and the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain in surprisingly high spirits: arms adorned with shiny new weapons, blood infected with instant super-tetanus, and bellies full of crab forearms. In this episode: Rooms 5-27, origin of I6 Ravenloft, Wave, Whelm, Blackrazor, just about the biggest giant crab anyone's ever seen, End Note, back cover. dnd, tsr, lawrence schick, 1e, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, ad&d, white plume mountain true full 14 615eff98-965e-40f8-825b-2c117e283601 White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 01 - Deranged and Fanatical Evil Gnomes It's an old school holiday hiatus! We're tackling the first half of S2, the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain, written exactly one time (to his eternal chagrin) by Lawrence Schick. In this episode: publication history, front cover, map, Introduction, Dungeon Features, Wandering Monsters, Rooms 1-4.

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2025 16:05:47 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/white-plume-mountain-deep-dive-01-deranged-and-fanatical-evil-gnomes-Qqkj4BTT It's an old school holiday hiatus! We're tackling the first half of S2, the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain, written exactly one time (to his eternal chagrin) by Lawrence Schick. In this episode: publication history, front cover, map, Introduction, Dungeon Features, Wandering Monsters, Rooms 1-4.

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 01 - Deranged and Fanatical Evil Gnomes I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, Amelia Som 01:39:01 It's an old school holiday hiatus! We're tackling the first half of S2, the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain, written exactly one time (to his eternal chagrin) by Lawrence Schick. In this episode: publication history, front cover, map, Introduction, Dungeon Features, Wandering Monsters, Rooms 1-4. It's an old school holiday hiatus! We're tackling the first half of S2, the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain, written exactly one time (to his eternal chagrin) by Lawrence Schick. In this episode: publication history, front cover, map, Introduction, Dungeon Features, Wandering Monsters, Rooms 1-4. tsr, lawrence schick, 1e, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, ad&d, white plume mountain true full 13 da315a83-9b9a-4e7c-af33-343b7eda225f Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 11 - Til Decay Do Us Part As we wrap up Chapter 5, all is not well in Vallaki! Never mind the devil cult hobbyists or the rampaging tiger. The coffin maker has six secrets buried in the attic, and they're waiting for a chance to feast. In this episode: The second half of Chapter 5 (Wachterhaus, Arasek Stockyard, Rictavio, Coffin Maker's Shop, Blinsky Toys, Town Square, Vistani Camp, Kasimir Velikov, Festival of the Blazing Sun, Tyger hunt, Wachter coup, St. Andral's Feast).

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]]> Wed, 3 Dec 2025 12:10:06 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/curse-of-strahd-deep-dive-11-til-decay-do-us-part-CNnKrgaK As we wrap up Chapter 5, all is not well in Vallaki! Never mind the devil cult hobbyists or the rampaging tiger. The coffin maker has six secrets buried in the attic, and they're waiting for a chance to feast. In this episode: The second half of Chapter 5 (Wachterhaus, Arasek Stockyard, Rictavio, Coffin Maker's Shop, Blinsky Toys, Town Square, Vistani Camp, Kasimir Velikov, Festival of the Blazing Sun, Tyger hunt, Wachter coup, St. Andral's Feast).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 11 - Til Decay Do Us Part I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin 01:47:34 As we wrap up Chapter 5, all is not well in Vallaki! Never mind the devil cult hobbyists or the rampaging tiger. The coffin maker has six secrets buried in the attic, and they're waiting for a chance to feast. As we wrap up Chapter 5, all is not well in Vallaki! Never mind the devil cult hobbyists or the rampaging tiger. The coffin maker has six secrets buried in the attic, and they're waiting for a chance to feast. dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 12 cf568cdd-d1b9-4240-8e6f-67f8e1017e42 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 10 - That's So Wereraven All will be well! Provided you avoid the murderous man with the barbed devil arm and his eerie collection of identical dolls. Or the incel wizard. The bone thief and his shovel. The priest with a secret. Gaze into the mirror and name your victim. Keep smiling, because you must. All will be well. In this episode: Chapter 5: The Town of Vallaki (pronunciation, maps, Vallaki Lore, St. Andral’s Church, Blue Water Inn, Keepers of the Feather, Rictavio, art style, Burgomaster’s Mansion, Izek Strazni, Magic Mirror, Victor Vallakovich).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:10:34 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Amelia Som, I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-10-thats-so-wereraven-CqaNMfjn All will be well! Provided you avoid the murderous man with the barbed devil arm and his eerie collection of identical dolls. Or the incel wizard. The bone thief and his shovel. The priest with a secret. Gaze into the mirror and name your victim. Keep smiling, because you must. All will be well. In this episode: Chapter 5: The Town of Vallaki (pronunciation, maps, Vallaki Lore, St. Andral’s Church, Blue Water Inn, Keepers of the Feather, Rictavio, art style, Burgomaster’s Mansion, Izek Strazni, Magic Mirror, Victor Vallakovich).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 10 - That's So Wereraven Amelia Som, I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin 01:22:53 All will be well! Provided you avoid the murderous man with the barbed devil arm and his eerie collection of identical dolls. Or the incel wizard. The bone thief and his shovel. The priest with a secret. Gaze into the mirror and name your victim. Keep smiling, because you must. All will be well. All will be well! Provided you avoid the murderous man with the barbed devil arm and his eerie collection of identical dolls. Or the incel wizard. The bone thief and his shovel. The priest with a secret. Gaze into the mirror and name your victim. Keep smiling, because you must. All will be well. ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 11 cf3da5e6-5f8d-4c71-a384-7dc194b88344 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 09 - Crypt Walk Castle Ravenloft Final Level: Exit here for Entombed Enemies, Plot Devices, Bat Guano, and Bridal Returns. Trust me, you don't want to talk to customer service. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Dungeons and Catacombs, Brazier Room, Crypts 1-40, Sergei's Tomb, Strahd's Tomb, Barov and Ravenovia's Tomb).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 5 Nov 2025 14:23:41 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-09-crypt-walk-OWNpQEUb Castle Ravenloft Final Level: Exit here for Entombed Enemies, Plot Devices, Bat Guano, and Bridal Returns. Trust me, you don't want to talk to customer service. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Dungeons and Catacombs, Brazier Room, Crypts 1-40, Sergei's Tomb, Strahd's Tomb, Barov and Ravenovia's Tomb).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 09 - Crypt Walk I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, Amelia Som 01:57:21 dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 10 845a23f5-d64d-4730-a0c4-a6e07e909108 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 08 - Innocents and Insensibility A cape a day keeps the Dark Powers at bay! Never mind the young woman of indeterminate age in the King's Bedchamber. Just don't use the bathroom if you value your privacy—or sanity. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Treasury, Gertruda, capes, Spires of Ravenloft, Escher, Tower Peaks, Larders of Ill Omen, Kitchen, Cyrus Belview, Chamberlain's Office).

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:28:40 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-08-innocents-and-insensibility-KRRoqGek A cape a day keeps the Dark Powers at bay! Never mind the young woman of indeterminate age in the King's Bedchamber. Just don't use the bathroom if you value your privacy—or sanity. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Treasury, Gertruda, capes, Spires of Ravenloft, Escher, Tower Peaks, Larders of Ill Omen, Kitchen, Cyrus Belview, Chamberlain's Office).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 08 - Innocents and Insensibility Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som 01:38:22 A cape a day keeps the Dark Powers at bay! Never mind the young woman of indeterminate age in the King's Bedchamber. Just don't use the bathroom if you value your privacy—or sanity. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Treasury, Gertruda, capes, Spires of Ravenloft, Escher, Tower Peaks, Larders of Ill Omen, Kitchen, Cyrus Belview, Chamberlain's Office). A cape a day keeps the Dark Powers at bay! Never mind the young woman of indeterminate age in the King's Bedchamber. Just don't use the bathroom if you value your privacy—or sanity. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Treasury, Gertruda, capes, Spires of Ravenloft, Escher, Tower Peaks, Larders of Ill Omen, Kitchen, Cyrus Belview, Chamberlain's Office). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 9 6939cc57-3733-48cf-9c61-2cb5c980f676 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 07 - Working Stiffs Now hiring at Castle Ravenloft! Feeling chained to your desk? Make it more than just a feeling, with a career that will last the rest of your life. Maybe even longer! In this episode: Chapter 4 (Main Floor, Chapel, Icon of Ravenloft, Heart of Sorrow, Lief Lipsiege, Wedding Cake, Study).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 16:59:00 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-07-working-stiffs-BymelIgb Now hiring at Castle Ravenloft! Feeling chained to your desk? Make it more than just a feeling, with a career that will last the rest of your life. Maybe even longer! In this episode: Chapter 4 (Main Floor, Chapel, Icon of Ravenloft, Heart of Sorrow, Lief Lipsiege, Wedding Cake, Study).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 07 - Working Stiffs Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood 01:36:33 Now hiring at Castle Ravenloft! Feeling chained to your desk? Make it more than just a feeling, with a career that will last the rest of your life. Maybe even longer! In this episode: Chapter 4 (Main Floor, Chapel, Icon of Ravenloft, Heart of Sorrow, Lief Lipsiege, Wedding Cake, Study). Now hiring at Castle Ravenloft! Feeling chained to your desk? Make it more than just a feeling, with a career that will last the rest of your life. Maybe even longer! In this episode: Chapter 4 (Main Floor, Chapel, Icon of Ravenloft, Heart of Sorrow, Lief Lipsiege, Wedding Cake, Study). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 8 e8a1a3a5-d0c0-49a0-b18d-48ab3f2f0526 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 06 - Velcome to ze Dollhouse It turns out life (and unlife) at Castle Ravenloft is as zany as the town of Barovia is dour. Trade the gloomy mists for the crack of lightning, chanting witches, the clacking fingernails of crawling claws, and a bevy of rats, bats, cats and other killers. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Random Encounters, Blinsky toys, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, Rahadin, Poster Map, Walls of Ravenloft).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:41:26 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-06-velcome-to-ze-dollhouse-RmTHP8bQ It turns out life (and unlife) at Castle Ravenloft is as zany as the town of Barovia is dour. Trade the gloomy mists for the crack of lightning, chanting witches, the clacking fingernails of crawling claws, and a bevy of rats, bats, cats and other killers. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Random Encounters, Blinsky toys, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, Rahadin, Poster Map, Walls of Ravenloft).

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 06 - Velcome to ze Dollhouse Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood 01:41:11 It turns out life (and unlife) at Castle Ravenloft is as zany as the town of Barovia is dour. Trade the gloomy mists for the crack of lightning, chanting witches, the clacking fingernails of crawling claws, and a bevy of rats, bats, cats and other killers. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Random Encounters, Blinsky toys, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, Rahadin, Poster Map, Walls of Ravenloft). It turns out life (and unlife) at Castle Ravenloft is as zany as the town of Barovia is dour. Trade the gloomy mists for the crack of lightning, chanting witches, the clacking fingernails of crawling claws, and a bevy of rats, bats, cats and other killers. In this episode: Chapter 4 (Random Encounters, Blinsky toys, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, Rahadin, Poster Map, Walls of Ravenloft). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 7 eebe3c3d-bc24-4e7b-bd00-b98b11c5a49e Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 05 - Kids These Days It's 10pm in Barovia. Do you know where you children are? Strahd does, and he has plans for them. Or maybe the hags will get to them first. If only you could tear yourself away from these delicious meat pies. In this episode: all of Chapter 3 (The Village of Barovia, Blood of the Vine, Mad Mary, Ireena, Donavich & Doru).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:18:54 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-05-kids-these-days-gyz6gswm It's 10pm in Barovia. Do you know where you children are? Strahd does, and he has plans for them. Or maybe the hags will get to them first. If only you could tear yourself away from these delicious meat pies. In this episode: all of Chapter 3 (The Village of Barovia, Blood of the Vine, Mad Mary, Ireena, Donavich & Doru).

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 05 - Kids These Days I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin 01:41:39 It's 10pm in Barovia. Do you know where you children are? Strahd does, and he has plans for them. Or maybe the hags will get to them first. If only you could tear yourself away from these delicious meat pies. In this episode: all of Chapter 3 (The Village of Barovia, Blood of the Vine, Mad Mary, Ireena, Donavich & Doru). It's 10pm in Barovia. Do you know where you children are? Strahd does, and he has plans for them. Or maybe the hags will get to them first. If only you could tear yourself away from these delicious meat pies. In this episode: all of Chapter 3 (The Village of Barovia, Blood of the Vine, Mad Mary, Ireena, Donavich & Doru). dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 6 4dd518a9-cfe9-4a9b-80f6-d8097dc6abbe Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 04 - Gnostic Nosferatu Only some listeners will be able to comprehend the mysteries laid bare in this episode. And only some of those will be compelled to pursue the eternal truth. The rest are condemned to a base existence, sated by the wit, humor, and dulcet tones of your hosts, never to glimpse the esoteric reality of the conversation. Do not pity them—ignorance is a reward of a kind. In this episode: Strahd as Gnostic Demiurge, map of Barovia, Areas of Barovia A-Z, Madam Eva, Mad Mage.

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Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:10:28 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-04-gnostic-nosferatu-yxhrwwQ_ Only some listeners will be able to comprehend the mysteries laid bare in this episode. And only some of those will be compelled to pursue the eternal truth. The rest are condemned to a base existence, sated by the wit, humor, and dulcet tones of your hosts, never to glimpse the esoteric reality of the conversation. Do not pity them—ignorance is a reward of a kind. In this episode: Strahd as Gnostic Demiurge, map of Barovia, Areas of Barovia A-Z, Madam Eva, Mad Mage.

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Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 04 - Gnostic Nosferatu Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood, Dan Dillon, Amelia Som 01:47:21 Only some listeners will be able to comprehend the mysteries laid bare in this episode. And only some of those will be compelled to pursue the eternal truth. The rest are condemned to a base existence, sated by the wit, humor, and dulcet tones of your hosts, never to glimpse the esoteric reality of the conversation. Do not pity them—ignorance is a reward of a kind. In this episode: Strahd as Gnostic Demiurge, map of Barovia, Areas of Barovia A-Z, Madam Eva, Mad Mage. Only some listeners will be able to comprehend the mysteries laid bare in this episode. And only some of those will be compelled to pursue the eternal truth. The rest are condemned to a base existence, sated by the wit, humor, and dulcet tones of your hosts, never to glimpse the esoteric reality of the conversation. Do not pity them—ignorance is a reward of a kind. In this episode: Strahd as Gnostic Demiurge, map of Barovia, Areas of Barovia A-Z, Madam Eva, Mad Mage. dnd, gnosticism, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 5 a579b95e-edd9-4294-89ad-5f7bac892c06 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 03 - Lacrimo Ergo Sum There once was a peasant named Vlad / Who felt neither happy nor sad / With no soul inside / T'wasn't grim when they died / Though the dirt nap did drive them quite mad. In this episode: Lay of the Land, Alterations to Magic, Resurrection Madness, the ramifications of soulless Barovians, Vistani lore, Random Encounters. Favorite Barovians: https://imgur.com/a/KPSYsTI

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Bluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.social

Dan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.social

I-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.social

Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:17:46 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-03-lacrimo-ergo-sum-q1Afm20r There once was a peasant named Vlad / Who felt neither happy nor sad / With no soul inside / T'wasn't grim when they died / Though the dirt nap did drive them quite mad. In this episode: Lay of the Land, Alterations to Magic, Resurrection Madness, the ramifications of soulless Barovians, Vistani lore, Random Encounters. Favorite Barovians: https://imgur.com/a/KPSYsTI

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 03 - Lacrimo Ergo Sum Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som 01:33:01 There once was a peasant named Vlad / Who felt neither happy nor sad / With no soul inside / T'wasn't grim when they died / Though the dirt nap did drive them quite mad. In this episode: Lay of the Land, Alterations to Magic, Resurrection Madness, the ramifications of soulless Barovians, Vistani lore, Random Encounters. There once was a peasant named Vlad / Who felt neither happy nor sad / With no soul inside / T'wasn't grim when they died / Though the dirt nap did drive them quite mad. In this episode: Lay of the Land, Alterations to Magic, Resurrection Madness, the ramifications of soulless Barovians, Vistani lore, Random Encounters. dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, barovia true full 4 05aa22a4-cc54-4cc9-a9c9-4e31201e0296 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 02 - You Got Fogged Curiosity gets the best of us, and any one of Strahd’s ploys would be enough to drag us into the prison plane of Ravenloft. But three out of five adventure hooks prefer Creeping Fog. Ask your GM if Creeping Fog is right for you. Side effects may include asphyxiation, exhaustion, and resurrection madness. In this episode: using the Tarokka deck, the portrayal of the Vistani, Adventure Hooks, Death House.

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I-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.social

Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art: Aram Vartian

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:12:55 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Dan Dillon, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-02-you-got-fogged-Zz_qco85 Curiosity gets the best of us, and any one of Strahd’s ploys would be enough to drag us into the prison plane of Ravenloft. But three out of five adventure hooks prefer Creeping Fog. Ask your GM if Creeping Fog is right for you. Side effects may include asphyxiation, exhaustion, and resurrection madness. In this episode: using the Tarokka deck, the portrayal of the Vistani, Adventure Hooks, Death House.

Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLit

Contact us:

Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com

Bluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.social

Dan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.social

I-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.social

Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

Cover art: Aram Vartian

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 02 - You Got Fogged Dan Dillon, Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood 01:50:01 Curiosity gets the best of us, and any one of Strahd’s ploys would be enough to drag us into the prison plane of Ravenloft. But three out of five adventure hooks prefer Creeping Fog. Ask your GM if Creeping Fog is right for you. Side effects may include asphyxiation, exhaustion, and resurrection madness. In this episode: using the Tarokka deck, the portrayal of the Vistani, Adventure Hooks, Death House. Curiosity gets the best of us, and any one of Strahd’s ploys would be enough to drag us into the prison plane of Ravenloft. But three out of five adventure hooks prefer Creeping Fog. Ask your GM if Creeping Fog is right for you. Side effects may include asphyxiation, exhaustion, and resurrection madness. In this episode: using the Tarokka deck, the portrayal of the Vistani, Adventure Hooks, Death House. gaming, dnd, vistani, vampire, ravenloft, ttrpg, gothic horror, dungeons and dragons, rpg, barovia true full 3 4b8322c7-4007-4ec6-bd39-f8296caf0841 Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 01 Ravenloft history, Tracy Hickman's Foreword, Introduction, Chapter 1. The mists spirit us away to Barovia, a pastiche of gothic horror tropes and modern vampire mythos. We tackle the important questions, like how to run a spooky game, and is Strahd hot or not? One thing's for certain: he sucks. As a person. But he's a compelling villain, a classic presentation of an abusive narcissist who's been serving since 1983.

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Contact us:

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

]]> Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:19:06 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-curse-of-strahd-01-iRN_ObJF Ravenloft history, Tracy Hickman's Foreword, Introduction, Chapter 1. The mists spirit us away to Barovia, a pastiche of gothic horror tropes and modern vampire mythos. We tackle the important questions, like how to run a spooky game, and is Strahd hot or not? One thing's for certain: he sucks. As a person. But he's a compelling villain, a classic presentation of an abusive narcissist who's been serving since 1983.

Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLit

Contact us:

Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com

Bluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.social

Dan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.social

I-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.social

Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

]]> Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 01 Amelia Som, Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood 01:36:35 Ravenloft history, Tracy Hickman's Foreword, Introduction, Chapter 1. The mists spirit us away to Barovia, a pastiche of gothic horror tropes and modern vampire mythos. We tackle the important questions, like how to run a spooky game, and is Strahd hot or not? One thing's for certain: he sucks. As a person. But he's a compelling villain, a classic presentation of an abusive narcissist who's been serving since 1983. Ravenloft history, Tracy Hickman's Foreword, Introduction, Chapter 1. The mists spirit us away to Barovia, a pastiche of gothic horror tropes and modern vampire mythos. We tackle the important questions, like how to run a spooky game, and is Strahd hot or not? One thing's for certain: he sucks. As a person. But he's a compelling villain, a classic presentation of an abusive narcissist who's been serving since 1983. campaign setting, dnd, ravenloft, ttrpg, gothic horror, dungeons and dragons, rpg, curse of strahd, tabletop true full 2 b05e1711-f8b0-47c8-9f87-3a2ad69a021f Critical Lit: Tomb of Horrors We begin at the beginning, with two false entrances and a green devil face. Grab a 10-foot pole and a spare character sheet and join us as we plumb the depths of Tomb of Horrors, TSR's 1978 1st edition D&D adventure, written by Gary Gygax himself. How does it hold up? What does it tell us about the tabletop community of the day? And how did this handful of black-and-white pages, barely a pamphlet, echo down the long years to inspire and traumatize generations of game designers and players? Not with fair play, that's for sure.

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Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2025 01:37:15 +0000 hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com (Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som) https://critical-lit.simplecast.com/episodes/critical-lit-tomb-of-horrors-4zEzwjrc We begin at the beginning, with two false entrances and a green devil face. Grab a 10-foot pole and a spare character sheet and join us as we plumb the depths of Tomb of Horrors, TSR's 1978 1st edition D&D adventure, written by Gary Gygax himself. How does it hold up? What does it tell us about the tabletop community of the day? And how did this handful of black-and-white pages, barely a pamphlet, echo down the long years to inspire and traumatize generations of game designers and players? Not with fair play, that's for sure.

Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLit

Contact us:

Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.com

Bluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.social

Dan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.social

I-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.social

Amelia Som: @ameliasom.com

Sal Tamarkin: @sal.gay

]]> Critical Lit: Tomb of Horrors Sal Tamarkin, Dan Dillon, I-Hsien Sherwood, Amelia Som 03:04:19 We begin at the beginning, with two false entrances and a green devil face. Grab a 10-foot pole and a spare character sheet and join us as we plumb the depths of Tomb of Horrors, TSR's 1978 1st edition Dungeons & Dragons adventure, written by Gary Gygax himself. How does it hold up? What does it tell us about the tabletop community of the day? And how did this handful of black-and-white pages, barely a pamphlet, echo down the long years to inspire and traumatize generations of game designers and players? Not with fair play, that's for sure. We begin at the beginning, with two false entrances and a green devil face. Grab a 10-foot pole and a spare character sheet and join us as we plumb the depths of Tomb of Horrors, TSR's 1978 1st edition Dungeons & Dragons adventure, written by Gary Gygax himself. How does it hold up? What does it tell us about the tabletop community of the day? And how did this handful of black-and-white pages, barely a pamphlet, echo down the long years to inspire and traumatize generations of game designers and players? Not with fair play, that's for sure. dnd, tsr, ttrpg, gygax, dungeons and dragons, rpg, tabletop true full 1