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The Critshow

Critshow Studiosthecritshowpodcast.com
A group of friends have their lives turned upside down when they find themselves placed as the last line of defense between the everyday world and the things that go bump in the night. This actual play podcast uses Monster of the Week and other Powered by the Apocalypse games, all within the same dimension hopping narrative, to follow the Indiana Paranormal Task-force (IPT) as they are thrust into the front lines of a battle they didn't know existed.
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Episodes

The Bat Trap (S1, E55)

When the bat-like monster reveals itself to be an old friend, our heroes must make a hard decision about how to proceed. Jake attempts to appeal to its innocent side with some video game therapy. Tass begins planning ahead for a game-changing mission. TJ thinks he has the solution that can subdue the monster for good. With an old promise coming back into focus, the boys must carefully juggle the lives of friends, old and new. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more we...

May 15, 201959 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Night Hunt (S1, E54)

As the launch site comes under sudden attack, our heroes scramble to discover the creature responsible. Tass goes back to his medic roots. Jake makes use of this new magical knowledge. TJ uses himself as bait for the monster. If the boys can’t put a stop to the creature’s rampage, the chance to get IPT back online might be lost forever... ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow Th...

May 08, 201945 minSeason 1Ep. 54

Welcome to the Jungle (S1, E53)

After the incident with the Monarchs of the Moon, the boys are back on track to restore IPT’s systems. Jake studies a new way to protect his friends. TJ tests the limits of his new body. Tass spots something sinister in the darkness. Our heroes are shaken from their recent defeat, but must find a way to come together and relearn how to be a team. More than their own lives depend on it. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to...

May 01, 201948 minSeason 1Ep. 53

IPT: Founders in Thrall (S1, E52)

The battle comes to a head as the Founders scramble to adjust to the chaos. Siobhan attempts to take control of the thrall. Wallace settles up with Pardum. Patrick and Kristene send a clear message to the gang. The old team has no time to spare. Will they be able to act quickly enough to save the boys, or will the younger team be lost to the werewolf’s thrall forever? ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord commu...

Apr 24, 201946 minSeason 1Ep. 52

IPT: Founders Under Fire (S1, E51)

The Founders' well-laid plans begin to unravel as the circumstances at the werewolf gang’s complex become clear. Wallace mounts a rescue in the middle of a melee. Siobhan makes use of her temptation for carnage. Patrick attempts to calm the Alpha with a promise of information. Even with a rough entrance, this old team doesn’t get flustered. They get to work. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and ...

Apr 17, 201952 minSeason 1Ep. 51

IPT: Founders Reunited (S1, E50)

The boys have found themselves unwittingly pulled under the thrall of the werewolf gang. IPT’s original founders have been summoned from the corners of the world to reunite after more than thirty years. Will they find that old wounds fester too deeply to make the team effective? Will their time off duty show rust and doubt, or refinement and wisdom? What happens when the saviors are the ones that need saving? ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual...

Apr 10, 201951 minSeason 1Ep. 50

Episode 50 Celebration Questions (S1 E50-Q/A)

As a thanks to all of our listeners, and to celebrate our 50th episode, we are answering your burning questions about the story so far, our process, and other things about our lives! ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join our subreddit, and follow us on Instagram. Get a free MotW mystery and some Keeper tips from Rev by signing up on our website! And...

Apr 10, 20191 hr 5 min

IPT Dossiers: Hair of the Dog (S1, E49)

The boys enact their plan to deal with an alleged werewolf biker club. TJ gets to drive a big rig. Tass struggles to keep up with the convoy. Jake has his first real battle without his divinity. As the boys get swarmed at high speed, they find themselves battling physics as much as the nefarious highway robbers. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join...

Apr 03, 201959 minSeason 1Ep. 49

IPT Dossiers: Grave Consequences (S1, E48)

The boys attempt to discover the mystery behind mysterious grave robberies and a vision of a banshee. Jake makes a new frenemy. Tass buys a new ride. TJ finds something interesting in the back of a semi. The repercussions of their actions weighs heavily on them all while Jake adjusts to the loss of his power. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join ou...

Mar 27, 20191 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 48

IPT Dossiers: Bridges and Break-ins (S1, E47)

The boys face a new set of challenges while working through the dossiers. TJ uses brute strength to save the day. Tass proves to be the worst burglar ever. Jake gets an offer for a side-kick. They struggle to discover the secret of a deadly bridge, and face the most impenetrable fortress to date... TJ’s parents’ house. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitte...

Mar 20, 201950 minSeason 1Ep. 47

IPT Dossiers: Guys and Dolls (S1, E46)

The boys continue working through their dossiers, visiting the toy store that is believed to be infested with killer toys. Tass discovers that they may have bitten off more than they can chew. Jake makes friends with the authorities. TJ must focus all of his potential on the problem at hand as his team gets overwhelmed, one by one. It is every kid’s dream to have their toys play back, but can our heroes keep their heads when play gets rough? ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreo...

Mar 13, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 46

IPT Dossiers: Appalachian Blues (S1, E45)

The boys embark on their journey to pick up the broken pieces of IPT, to assist wherever they can. In the mountains of Tennessee, they meet an old and unexpected foe. TJ exhibits some symptoms of addiction. Tass has a revelation about his potential. Jake tries to keep his friends alive while under constant attack. The clock is ticking on the lives of an elementary school class as our heroes rush to snuff out a disturbing brand of evil. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to g...

Mar 06, 201947 minSeason 1Ep. 45

The Road to Hell (S1, E44)

The boys end their mission in Russia by facing off against the protector of the spear, Baba Yaga. Jake discovers an unexpected visitor. Tass offers a hard truth about what they must do. TJ reveals a secret. As they struggle to understand their role in the fight ahead, they must reconcile the path behind that they have paved with good intentions. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Fo...

Feb 27, 20191 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 44

Red Sun and the Witch’s Rose (S1, E43)

The boys face their final test to complete Baba Yaga’s request. Jake gives Tass a crash course on archery. Tass reunites with an old friend. TJ starts a fight. With IPT in danger, the pressure is on to reach their goal before things get worse for their friends and allies. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join our subreddit, and follow us on Instagra...

Feb 20, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 43

Black Night and the Deathless Man (S1, E42)

The boys realize that there is more to their errand than they anticipated. TJ gives Tass some excellent advice. Tass gets to live one of his favorite movies. Jake discovers an important development at IPT. As they face an opponent that can’t be killed, and more trials to solve, they must literally walk the line between a hard choice, worse outcome, or a price to pay. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord commun...

Feb 13, 201946 minSeason 1Ep. 42

Bright Day and the Dark Maze (S1, E41)

The boys face an unrelenting knight as they puzzle out how to gain the information they need. Tass struggles to understand exactly what he must do to complete his test. TJ makes liberal use of werewolf serum. Jake literally throws a tree. As they traverse the trial, the forest, and a dark labyrinth, they cannot seem to stay ahead of the dangers that lurk around every bend. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord ...

Feb 06, 201951 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Finding the Day (S1, E40)

Baba Yaga sends the boys back out into the forest with a task. TJ leads the crew through the pitch black woods. Jake offers himself as a snack to save TJ. Tass loses something precious. As they face mysterious swordsmen, they must make hard decisions about when to fight and when to flee, while traversing the disorienting home of the witch. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow T...

Jan 30, 201947 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Cabin in the Woods (S1, E39)

The boys travel to Shorsky National Park in search of the Spear of the Chosen. Jake discovers some disturbingly large tracks. Tass has a horrifying vision of a friend. TJ takes a ride on an unusual transport. Problem solving becomes dangerous as the prey they hunt becomes the predator. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join our subreddit, and follow ...

Jan 23, 201951 minSeason 1Ep. 39

Face to Face (S1, E38)

The boys finally meet their most formidable enemy in the flesh. Tass discovers an important detail about the magic circles in Indianapolis. TJ uncovers the true purpose of the North Pole facility. Jake receives an urgent message from The Defender. After getting a hard dose of reality in their encounter with Nash, they must decide how best to move forward if they ever hope to survive. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to o...

Jan 16, 201956 minSeason 1Ep. 38

Questions, Deals, and Frozen Fields (S1, E37)

The boys appear somewhere unexpected and must make a deal to keep TJ from dying. Jake sends a coded message. Tass warns Rev of some imminent danger. TJ makes a purchase. As they venture back across the frozen fields of the North Pole, they must hunt down a vampire in order to discover the truth of the attacks. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join o...

Jan 09, 201943 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Slay Ride (S1, E36)

The boys venture into the frozen north to discover the source of the magical blizzard. TJ builds a holiday-themed means of conveyance. Tass discovers the nature of their attackers. Jake takes them to see an old... friend... As they battle for their lives yet again, they must figure out how the current developments fit into the greater puzzle. And, special this week, stay tuned after the episode to hear a teaser for The Hero Salad, featured on The Critshow’s Patreon, which launches today! ------ ...

Jan 02, 201958 minSeason 1Ep. 36

Winter Winds of Change (S1, E35)

The North Pole is under siege, and the boys come face-to-face with Santa himself. Tass struggles with his lack of abilities. Jake does battle with a living blizzard. TJ gets kidnapped. As mysterious forces attempt to destroy Christmas Town, the boys must figure out a way to fix its defenses. If they fail, more than their lives could be at stake... ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! ...

Dec 26, 201844 minSeason 1Ep. 35

The Reunion (S1, E34)

In the aftermath of the confrontation with Strohm, the boys get the chance to learn a great deal about their greater enemy. Jake apologizes to Damien. TJ realizes the key to Tass’s fate. Tass must make a decision about how he will come back. As the weight of their choices presses down on them, they must attempt to bring their friend back to life without falling into a trap at the same time. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, acce...

Dec 19, 201852 minSeason 1Ep. 34

The Critshow: Patreon Preview

With the Critshow Patreon launching in just a few weeks (January 2nd), join us as we walk you through the tiers and rewards available at launch. Tass shares a little about Worlds in Peril and where Hero Salad originated. Jake, Rev, and Teej share their super-hero backstories. And Rev shares clips from 'Roll: Investigate the History' and leaves you with a cutting from Hero Salad as just a small sample of the bonus content in store for our supporters. ------ You can support The Critshow through ou...

Dec 14, 201843 min

The Penthouse Blitz (S1, E33)

As the boys fight their way through the penthouse, things start to get rough. Tass sees a familiar face in his brain space. TJ gets to wear a new set of armor. Jake gets covered in a ridiculous amount of beetles. As Strohm retaliates, they must fight for their lives as well as their friend’s soul, or become the new skin suit for a mummy... ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow T...

Dec 12, 201851 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Betrayal on the 33rd Floor (S1, E32)

The boys accept a new deal and put their plan in motion. Jake tests a theory about trapping souls. TJ discovers a weakness to their new threat. In the ether, Tass is given a major clue about his future. As new information hits them from all sides, they must decide which course can bring them all together again. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join ...

Dec 05, 201845 minSeason 1Ep. 32

The Art of the Deal (S1, E31)

Join us on our 6th Month Anniversary as we discuss our process up til now, our favorite moments, and highlights from our gaming history. As for the story... The boys make a deal, hoping to start on the path to retrieve their friend’s soul. As they plan a heist and meet their adversary face to face, they must make a hard decision about how to proceed. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much mor...

Nov 28, 20181 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 31

Soul Catcher (S1, E30)

The party is split after the boys’ most devastating encounter yet. Tass meets up with an old friend. Jake demands an audience with The Defender. TJ comes into some money. Armed with weapons and knowledge, they set out on the path to reunion. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and much more! Follow The Critshow on twitter, join our subreddit, and follow us on Instagram. Get a free MotW mystery and ...

Nov 21, 201838 minSeason 1Ep. 30

The Stakeout (S1, E29)

The boys get a major lead about the possible identity of the vrykolakas. TJ discovers and diffuses a new assassination attempt. Jake stalks the depths of a tomb in the hopes of trapping their prey. Tass has an epiphany, perhaps too late. Time is not on their side as the pieces of this deadly puzzle come into view. Can they see the whole picture in time, or will their trio become a duo? ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to...

Nov 14, 201852 minSeason 1Ep. 29

Took ill on Thursday, Worse on Friday (S1, E28)

The boys scramble to find a way to save Tass from the magic that infests him. TJ sets up a global tracking network for the poison he collected. Jake discovers a disturbing tidbit about the vrykolakas’s magic. Tass gives his Elnorian necklace to Rev, which sparks a possibility to stave off the inevitable. The clock is ticking and Tass is counting every minute. ------ You can support The Critshow through our Patreon to get more weekly TTRPG Actual Play content, access to our discord community, and...

Nov 07, 201858 minSeason 1Ep. 28
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