Critical Lit

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.Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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.Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

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).Support us on Patreon to hear monthly bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/CriticalLitContact us:Email: hugepitfilledwith200spikes@gmail.comBluesky: @CriticalLit.bsky.socialDan Dillon: @dandillon.bsky.socialI-Hsien Sherwood: @ihsien.bsky.socialAmelia Som: @ameliasom.comSal Tamarkin: @sal.gayCover art by Aram Vartian: @aramvartian.com

As night falls in Barovia, the chilling grip of Strahd and terrifying hags looms over the village's children. The hosts dive into the eerie atmosphere, contrasting the isolation of Barovia with the humor of meat pies. Characters like Mad Mary and her sorrowful search for her daughter highlight deep emotional struggles, while discussions on unique character dynamics reveal the darkness intertwined with loyalty and courage. The narrative intertwines humor and horror, all while hinting at the sinister dreams tied to a mysterious pastry seller.

Dive into the haunting realm of Barovia, where Strahd emerges as a Gnostic Demiurge, riddled with existential themes. Discover the eerie intricacies of random encounters and atmospheric storytelling that enhance gameplay. The complexities of Madame Eva's role and the moral dilemmas faced by players add depth to the narrative. Explore metaphysical elements, including a chilling gallows scene, and navigate the strategic dynamics of player interactions. From buried corpses to magical discoveries and immersive gothic adventures, prepare for a gripping journey into dark fantasy!