Critical Lit

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!

Join a captivating journey through Barovia's eerie landscapes, where haunted backstories and the peculiarities of the soulless Barovians spark intriguing discussions. Discover the chilling relationships between Strahd and the Vistani, and laugh along as the hosts blend dark fantasy with humor. Explore the psychological impacts of resurrection, the intricacies of spells, and navigate the moral dilemmas of a grim setting. With quirky encounters and unexpected transformations, this adventure promises a mix of spine-tingling lore and playful storytelling.

Delve into the eerie atmosphere of Ravenloft, where adventure hooks like Creeping Fog lead players into dark and twisted narratives. Discover the unique mechanics of the Taroka deck and its impact on gameplay. Explore the complex portrayal of the Vistani and their cultural implications in storytelling. The discussion also tackles the haunting Death House, filled with unsettling encounters and psychological depth. Lastly, hear about the ethical challenges of navigating sensitive topics within the gameplay, enriching the player experience.

Dive into the eerie world of Barovia, where gothic horror collides with tabletop gaming! The hosts discuss the complex character of Strahd, exploring his dark motivations and the themes of immortality and societal fears. They also unpack gameplay mechanics, from level drains to the unique Taroka deck. Engaging in lighthearted banter, they tackle crucial topics like the portrayal of vampires and representation in gaming. Plus, expect a fun lightning round of favorite fictional vampires! Intrigue and humor abound!