Critical Lit
Amelia Som, Dan Dillon, Sal Tamarkin, I-Hsien Sherwood
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
Mentioned books
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 47min
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.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
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 33min
Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 03 - Lacrimo Ergo Sum
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.
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 50min
Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 02 - You Got Fogged
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.
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 37min
Critical Lit: Curse of Strahd 01
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!
Jul 13, 2025 • 3h 4min
Critical Lit: Tomb of Horrors
Dive into the harrowing world of Tomb of Horrors, where traps and puzzles reign supreme! The hosts dissect this iconic D&D adventure, reflecting on its historical impact and modern relevance. Discover the strategic dance between players and Dungeon Masters, explore whimsical dungeon designs, and laugh at absurd challenges players face. They also tackle themes of gender dynamics in gaming and the evolution of RPG mechanics. Expect humor, insightful critiques, and a nostalgic journey filled with unexpected twists!
