Critical Lit
Books & Literature
About
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).
Episodes
- Keep on the Borderlands Deep Dive 02: An Officer and a Normalman
This Critical Lit episode discusses Areas of the Keep 1-27 from Gygax, economics, and outhouses. It also covers the rumor table and switching sides.
- Keep on the Borderlands Deep Dive 01: Miserly Business
This episode of Critical Lit explores Gary Gygax's 1979 D&D module, The Keep on the Borderlands. The discussion covers various aspects of the module, including Dungeon Master advice, combat mechanics, and preparation for module use.
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 18: This Little Blight of Mine
Critical Lit discusses Chapter 12 of Curse of Strahd, "The Wizard of Wines." Topics include the Martikov Family, stolen gems, and encounters with blights and druids.
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 17: Knockin' on Khazan's Door
This episode of Critical Lit provides a deep dive into Curse of Strahd, continuing with Van Richten's Tower and Khazan's backstory. It revisits Strahd's potential enemies and covers areas of the tower, Ezmeralda's Wagon, and a pack attack.
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 16: The Other Mother
This episode of Critical Lit explores Chapter 10 of Curse of Strahd, titled 'The Other Mother.' The discussion centers on Baba Lysaga, her backstory, and her actions in the Ruins of Berez, including her feud with local animal populations a…
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 15: Fowl Play
This Critical Lit episode covers the latter half of Chapter 8 and all of Chapter 9 of Curse of Strahd, detailing events in Krezk and Tsolenka Pass, including the Roc of Mount Ghakis and Sangzor's actions. It touches on the Abbot's activiti…
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 14: Build-a-Bride Workshop
This episode covers the first half of Chapter 8 of Curse of Strahd, focusing on the Village of Krezk, the Abbey, the Abbot, and his creation Vasilka. It also discusses the portrayal and publication history of 'mongrelfolk'.
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 13: Eight Crazy Knights
In this Critical Lit episode, the hosts delve into Chapter 7 of Curse of Strahd, focusing on Argynvostholt and the Order of the Silver Dragon. The discussion covers characters like Vladimir Horngaard and Sir Godfrey Gwilym, the tragic love…
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 12: Baker's Coven
This Critical Lit episode delves into Chapter 6 of Curse of Strahd, covering the Old Bonegrinder, night hags, hag covens, and areas O1-O4. It discusses the deceptive nature of appearances and the trouble associated with the hags.
- White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 02 - Weapon of Choice
Critical Lit discusses rooms 5-27 of the 1979 TSR adventure White Plume Mountain, covering its connection to I6 Ravenloft, and iconic items such as Wave, Whelm, and Blackrazor, alongside a giant crab encounter.
- White Plume Mountain Deep Dive 01 - Deranged and Fanatical Evil Gnomes
Critical Lit dives into the first half of White Plume Mountain, covering its publication history, cover, map, introduction, dungeon features, wandering monsters, and rooms 1 through 4. The 1979 TSR adventure was written by Lawrence Schick.
- Curse of Strahd Deep Dive 11 - Til Decay Do Us Part
This Critical Lit episode concludes Chapter 5 of Curse of Strahd, detailing events in Vallaki including the Coffin Maker's secrets, the Festival of the Blazing Sun, and the aftermath of the Wachter coup.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 10 - That's So Wereraven
This episode of Critical Lit covers Chapter 5 of Curse of Strahd, focusing on the Town of Vallaki. It details the lore, maps, and key locations like St. Andral's Church and the Blue Water Inn, as well as characters including Izek Strazni a…
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 09 - Crypt Walk
This episode of Critical Lit's 'Curse of Strahd 09 - Crypt Walk' delves into the final level of Castle Ravenloft, detailing Chapter 4 which includes the Dungeons and Catacombs, Brazier Room, Crypts 1-40, and various tombs like Sergei's, St…
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 08 - Innocents and Insensibility
Critical Lit's Curse of Strahd 08,
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 07 - Working Stiffs
Critical Lit's 'Curse of Strahd 07 - Working Stiffs' episode discusses Chapter 4, including locations like Castle Ravenloft's main floor, chapel, study, and specific items.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 06 - Velcome to ze Dollhouse
This episode of Critical Lit covers chapter 4 of Curse of Strahd, detailing random encounters within Castle Ravenloft, Blinsky toys, Ezmerelda d’Avenir, Rahadin, the poster map, and the Walls of Ravenloft.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 05 - Kids These Days
This Critical Lit episode focuses on Chapter 3 of Curse of Strahd, covering the Village of Barovia, Blood of the Vine, Mad Mary, Ireena, Donavich, and Doru.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 04 - Gnostic Nosferatu
This episode of Critical Lit's Curse of Strahd series discusses Strahd as a Gnostic Demiurge, the map of Barovia, various areas, Madam Eva, and Mad Mage.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 03 - Lacrimo Ergo Sum
This episode of Critical Lit, titled 'Curse of Strahd 03 - Lacrimo Ergo Sum,' delves into topics including the nature of soulless Barovians, alterations to magic, and the consequences of resurrection.
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 02 - You Got Fogged
This episode of Critical Lit covers the Dungeons & Dragons campaign Curse of Strahd, specifically the 'Creeping Fog' adventure hook. The discussion includes the Tarokka deck, the Vistani, adventure hooks, and Death House, warning of potent…
- Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 01
This episode of Critical Lit delves into the history of Ravenloft, covering Tracy Hickman's Foreword, the Introduction, and Chapter 1 of Curse of Strahd. The hosts discuss gothic horror tropes, modern vampire myths, and the character of St…
- Critical Lit: Tomb of Horrors
Critical Lit reviews Gary Gygax's 1978 Tomb of Horrors D&D adventure, examining its design, historical context, and lasting influence on game designers and players.