When Crit Happens

The Thornberry Dragon (Episode 29)

The Ride or Dies take in the view of the burned out valley before setting off with Golmeev in pursuit of a thornberry root, prepared for a dragon to appear at any moment. They find a doomstone, a bush, and you guessed it, a large, flying, angry spirit. In the ensuing encounter, Jo gets into the thicket of it, Jasoo explores a newfound aerial prowess, and Titan tries to threaten a dragon. Poisonous wine-vomit floweth, but the party seems as though they’re going to pull through—until the dragon has one last emotional outburst, that is, and everyone has to ask: is this really happening AGAIN?
Then on Dirty Crit, we get into some nuances of D&D boss fights and how we like to infuse them with narrative.
If you want more of our thoughts on Narrative Forward D&D, check out the recent Patreon Exclusive we did on the topic! Check it out now:
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Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
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Dragonsbane and Dragonfly (Episode 28)

The Ride or Dies are dead tired, and lay down to get some sleep–all except one, that is. After a much needed night of rest, whether sleeping or not, everyone is grateful that Thulla can get them proper breakfast over which to talk through their next moves. Thulla introduces them to a new friend, and passes on a gift from Mortha. Then the party sets out in pursuit of root from the thornberry bush. In the process, Titan finds they are finally able to let their guard down, Jasoo finds trust in a new friend, and Jo finds love in an unexpected place. But when the party gets to the top of the ridge, all their careful preparations can't stop their shock at what lies beyond. 
Then, on Dirty Crit, analysis of relationships between our in-game characters and their growth. We discuss real world frameworks for healthy relationships, and how they collide with our fantasy story. Some really interesting stuff. 
And there’s plenty more for our members, so join today:
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Content Warnings: forest fires, mushrooms, 4.0 GPAs, swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
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The Path to Evertree (Episode 27)

Still reeling from the horrors inside Hitherheim, the Ride or Dies make their way to Evertree Sanctuary. On the way, Titan checks in with Prim, Jo hears from her father, and Jasoo tells the Bridge Fungus something less than true. The Sanctuary offers much needed rest and information about the state of the Prophet and the Dragon. But when the party learns there are some in the commune who aren't thrilled to see them, someone goes down for the count.
 
Then, on Dirty Crit, Monty Python, bringing your irl state of mind to your role play, and some subtleties of affinity groups. 
 
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Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
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Dwellers in the Deep (Episode 26)

As the Ride or Dies journey through the tunnels of Terra, they discover things may have changed since Thulla was last there. The party gets a bit of rest, but decides they need to move quickly–because they are not alone. Jo’s flashlight is indispensable, Jasoo makes use of both gauntlets, and Titan’s weave is clutch for those clutching it. They are within grasp of the Gates of Hitherheim, but can they get out before the swarm reaches them?
 
Then, on Dirty Crit, discussion of what it’s like to accidentally find ourselves in a horror encounter, to have people tell you what help you need, and some fun realizations about what this episode might imply for the larger Rokhatima storyline!
 
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Content Warnings: HORROR, swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
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The Door to Hitherheim (Episode 25)

The journey north continues, but the path has twists and dark corners. Jasoo helps Yama pull something shiny from an icky place, Jo bids farewell to her friends from home, and Titan helps everyone get over their responsibility complexes. The party decides to take a new path toward the Evertree Sanctuary, which comes with a new set of challenges. But what happens when the lights go out?
Then, on Dirty Crit, we play the game of guess where the GM wants you to go (or not), discuss various levels of responsibility one can take for others, and we make an attempt to answer the unexpectedly poignant question: When does the beat drop?
 
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Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol, mention of suicide.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
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In the Mire with a Rock Monster (Episode 24)

The Ride or Dies have a rock monster to fight, so get out of the way, Duke’s Guard and D'Largos. Jasoo goes full agro, Jo nearly swims in a mire, and Titan acquires a new piece of jewelry. But when Jasoo disappears, things start to get tense. 
 
Then, on Dirty Crit, a conversation about representation of disabilities in DnD and fantasy at large, including the rules of the game. 
 
This is the last Main Feed episode of the year. But you can find more over on our Patreon! Join for free today:
 
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Content Warnings: mud, darkness, swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
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Northbound on the Suddenflow Road (Episode 23)

The Ride or Dies make their way to the river road north of Stormhaven and join up with the large caravan that has already formed. Jo sees lots of old friends, Titan keeps an eye on the D’Largos, and Jasoo keeps her nose to the grindstone. But when a carriage full of precious cargo breaks down, tension begins to rise.
Then, on Dirty Crit, discussion flows, including an examination of the language we use when talking to people about the things they do–especially if we’re in a position of power.
 
Remember, you can get lots of other content over on our Patreon, which is free with a seven day trial!
Patreon.com/WhenCritHappens
 
Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
Or get in touch on the socials:
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A City Full of Soldiers (Episode 22)

The Ride or Dies finally get some downtime to talk and sleep. Jasoo explores the Path of the Sun, Jo gets to talk to her dad, and Titan goes full Marie Condo. In the morning, a rainy dawn reveals a city full of yellow-clad soldiers. The route out of town proves provocative, and the tension just keeps climbing. In the end, La Revolución does their best to breathe through it and move on–literally.
Then, in Dirty Crit, conversation about what it means to start a fight in D&D, and at what level of violence; naturalism and grit; and selective memories of characters’ experiences.
 
Support what we do by telling your friends, and at:
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Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
Or get in touch on the socials:
Instagram  @whencrithappens 
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Talking Crit with Nur-D

Content Warnings: police violence, racism, swearing, death of animals.
Get stoked, because this is an extra special Main Feed release of the hottest interview of the year. 
Nur-D is an extraordinary musician and game lover based out of Minnesota, and we are mega fans (Torsten is legit starstruck for most of this episode). If you don’t know his music, do yourself a favor and go listen to some now. Like, before you even hit play on this episode, go stream “20 Cha” or “TPK” or “Glorious” or really any of his songs!
Nur-D is also a phenomenal person, full of insights about dnd and humanity. We hope you have as much fun with this conversation as we did. 
Enjoy!
 
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
Or get in touch on the socials:
Instagram  @whencrithappens
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Sharing Space with an Air Dragon (Episode 21)

There's lightning in the sky as the Ride or Dies confront Ginny, but the mood doesn't stay bleak as an old friend returns. Back inside Prim’s Proper House, La Revolución takes the time to go through the info they just gathered at the Palace, and start to open up with each other in the process. By the end, the Friend Group has a sense of where they’re headed next, Jasoo has a lead on someone from her homeland, Titan has gotten a proposition from Prim, and Jo has discovered the contents of Erika's brooch.
Then, in Dirty Crit, we reflect on the choices our characters are making, or almost making, and what separates them from murder hobos.
 
Plus, there’s a whole preshow over on the Patreon! Check it out now!
Patreon.com/WhenCritHappens
 
Content Warnings: swearing, threats to children, death of animals, heights, gore, body horror, death, misgendering, alcohol.
Theme Music: Cullen Fitzpatrick
Original Musical Underscoring: Wormwood, Baylen Wagner and Benjamin Burgdorf
Logo Design: Casey Hoekstra
 
Email us WhenCritHappens@gmail.com
Or get in touch on the socials:
Instagram  @whencrithappens 
Facebook @whencrithappens 
Twitter @whencrithappens