Crit and Grit Media: Echoes in the Dark https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com Welcome to Crit and Grit Media! We’re a group of storytellers, role-players, and dice-goblins dedicated to bringing narrative-focused tabletop adventures to life. While our first journey begins with Pathfinder Second Edition’s Malevolence, our mission stretches far beyond a single system or setting—we aim to explore countless worlds across Pathfinder, Starfinder, and Homebrew. At Crit and Grit, character stories sit at the heart of everything we do: the grit, the growth, and the unforgettable moments that bind adventurers together.

Crit and Grit Media is an independent, fan-created project and is not an official partner, affiliate, or representative of Paizo Inc. Malevolence, Pathfinder, Starfinder, and all associated settings, rules, and written materials are the property of Paizo Inc.

We’re thrilled to have you here at the very start of our journey—pull up a chair, get comfy, and enjoy the story with us.

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 01:31:27 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Leisure:Games 1440 episodic CritandGritMedia CritandGritMedia No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21367013/battle-scarred-d20.png Crit and Grit Media: Echoes in the Dark https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 12 | Malevolence: "I love your thoughts!" Episode 12 | Malevolence: "I love your thoughts!" https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-12-malevolence-i-love-your-thoughts/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-12-malevolence-i-love-your-thoughts/#comments Tue, 19 May 2026 01:31:27 -0300 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/38fbf4c1-e8cf-35e3-a074-f59749fb0fe2 Our heroes continue to battle the mysteries of the mansion as they get separated from each-other. will they find their comrades fallen or will they meet again?

]]> Our heroes continue to battle the mysteries of the mansion as they get separated from each-other. will they find their comrades fallen or will they meet again?

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 2871 14 full Episode 11 | Malevolence: Mother? Episode 11 | Malevolence: Mother? https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-11-malevolence-mother/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-11-malevolence-mother/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:06:19 -0300 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/41fd355d-b6fe-3cf1-9b72-e0cf17d689a3 In this episode of Malevolence, the characters navigate a horror-themed adventure filled with suspense and emotional depth. The story unfolds as they explore a haunted manor, encountering familiar faces and eerie phenomena. Byron's emotional connection to his mother leads to a pivotal moment, while the group's investigation reveals dark secrets hidden within the grandfather clock. Tension builds as they face the unknown, culminating in a gripping narrative that intertwines character development with thrilling gameplay. In this thrilling session of a tabletop RPG, the players navigate a series of intense encounters, including a confrontation with an undead mother and a living brain. The narrative unfolds with dramatic twists, showcasing the characters' struggles and triumphs as they engage in combat and unravel the mysteries surrounding them. The session highlights the importance of character development and the emotional stakes involved in their adventures.

]]> In this episode of Malevolence, the characters navigate a horror-themed adventure filled with suspense and emotional depth. The story unfolds as they explore a haunted manor, encountering familiar faces and eerie phenomena. Byron's emotional connection to his mother leads to a pivotal moment, while the group's investigation reveals dark secrets hidden within the grandfather clock. Tension builds as they face the unknown, culminating in a gripping narrative that intertwines character development with thrilling gameplay. In this thrilling session of a tabletop RPG, the players navigate a series of intense encounters, including a confrontation with an undead mother and a living brain. The narrative unfolds with dramatic twists, showcasing the characters' struggles and triumphs as they engage in combat and unravel the mysteries surrounding them. The session highlights the importance of character development and the emotional stakes involved in their adventures.

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 2226 13 full Episode 10 | Malevolence: Bye Bye Bairon Episode 10 | Malevolence: Bye Bye Bairon https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-10-malevolence-bye-bye-bairon/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-10-malevolence-bye-bye-bairon/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2026 22:25:58 -0300 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/b1bb3698-5eff-3aad-a9e4-b9441824a44f In this Episode the party faces the recent party conflict and continues to investigate their missing companion Ulberd. Continuing their search more haunts and creatures attempt to toy with the adventurers minds. The party will find clues that will either lead them to Ulberd or to Peril! Crit and Grit Media is not sponsored or affiliated with Paizo aside from our love for their game and creativity!

]]> In this Episode the party faces the recent party conflict and continues to investigate their missing companion Ulberd. Continuing their search more haunts and creatures attempt to toy with the adventurers minds. The party will find clues that will either lead them to Ulberd or to Peril!

Crit and Grit Media is not sponsored or affiliated with Paizo aside from our love for their game and creativity!

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 3406 12 full Episode 9 | Malevolence: Inner Turmoil Episode 9 | Malevolence: Inner Turmoil https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-9-malevolence-inner-turmoil/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-9-malevolence-inner-turmoil/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:29:38 -0300 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/88f58332-d48f-3d16-8dd7-b72c6a57757b The adventurers face their biggest threat yet, and it's not what anyone expected. With Ulberd missing the party faces the mansions worst mental intrusions trying to push them away from the mansion... and each other.

]]> The adventurers face their biggest threat yet, and it's not what anyone expected. With Ulberd missing the party faces the mansions worst mental intrusions trying to push them away from the mansion... and each other.

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 2959 11 full Episode 8 | Malevolence: "Varric, do you object?" Episode 8 | Malevolence: "Varric, do you object?" https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-8-malevolence-varric-do-you-object/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-8-malevolence-varric-do-you-object/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:30:17 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e1480e08-878d-3e3c-bf99-b92de478fef2 Ulberd goes missing, Varric falls unconscious and weird stuff keeps happening. Who is the man without a hand? why does his wife hate him? and where did he take Ulberd? These questions run through our adventurers heads as they try to stay safe and still find their friend with urgence. 

]]> Ulberd goes missing, Varric falls unconscious and weird stuff keeps happening. Who is the man without a hand? why does his wife hate him? and where did he take Ulberd? These questions run through our adventurers heads as they try to stay safe and still find their friend with urgence. 

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 3679 10 full Part 2/2 | Bonus Content: Wardens of the Spore Den Part 2/2 | Bonus Content: Wardens of the Spore Den https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/part-22-bonus-content-wardens-of-the-spore-den/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/part-22-bonus-content-wardens-of-the-spore-den/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:39:19 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/461a7826-482d-3fae-9416-859448fecef7 The investigation reaches its turning point as the crew presses deeper into the unknown, uncovering unsettling signs that the disappearance of the Xeno Wardens was no simple accident. Strange growths, hidden truths, and an expanding sense of control reshape the mission, forcing the team to confront a threat far more pervasive than they expected. As secrecy gives way to revelation, the line between rescue and survival begins to blur. The Spore Den reveals its true influence, and the consequences of what lies within cannot be ignored.

]]> The investigation reaches its turning point as the crew presses deeper into the unknown, uncovering unsettling signs that the disappearance of the Xeno Wardens was no simple accident. Strange growths, hidden truths, and an expanding sense of control reshape the mission, forcing the team to confront a threat far more pervasive than they expected. As secrecy gives way to revelation, the line between rescue and survival begins to blur. The Spore Den reveals its true influence, and the consequences of what lies within cannot be ignored.

]]> CritandGritMedia false No 7119 9 full Episode 7 | Malevolence: "And So I Started Runnin'" Episode 7 | Malevolence: "And So I Started Runnin'" https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-7-malevolence-and-so-i-started-runnin/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-7-malevolence-and-so-i-started-runnin/#comments Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:45:29 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/8d36d478-7b9a-39ad-8845-cf31316913c7 A rare stillness settles over the manor as the investigators finally catch their breath, piecing together fragments of forbidden knowledge uncovered among dust-choked shelves and half-forgotten warnings. But quiet never lasts long in this place. As memories surface and old emotions stir, the party is forced to choose their next path—upward into the unknown or deeper toward secrets best left buried. Faith is tested, the past bleeds into the present, and something restless answers their intrusion with fury. In Episode 7 of Echoes in the Dark, moments of reflection give way to sudden terror, proving once again that in this house, even victories carry a price.

]]> A rare stillness settles over the manor as the investigators finally catch their breath, piecing together fragments of forbidden knowledge uncovered among dust-choked shelves and half-forgotten warnings. But quiet never lasts long in this place. As memories surface and old emotions stir, the party is forced to choose their next path—upward into the unknown or deeper toward secrets best left buried. Faith is tested, the past bleeds into the present, and something restless answers their intrusion with fury. In Episode 7 of Echoes in the Dark, moments of reflection give way to sudden terror, proving once again that in this house, even victories carry a price.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 2610 8 full Episode 6 | Malevolence: Bloody Books Episode 6 | Malevolence: Bloody Books https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-6-malevolence-bloody-books/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-6-malevolence-bloody-books/#comments Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:35:34 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/0ba311b4-cbd5-3ad4-86f4-e78d16667fe9 The investigators find little comfort as they delve deeper into Xarwinn Manor’s library, a place heavy with dust, silence, and secrets never meant to be disturbed. The air itself turns hostile, testing their resolve as unseen guardians stir to defend what has long been forgotten. Light fades, breath shortens, and every movement feels watched as the group learns that not all threats announce themselves with claws or steel. In a house built to preserve knowledge, survival may be the rarest thing left to protect.

]]> The investigators find little comfort as they delve deeper into Xarwinn Manor’s library, a place heavy with dust, silence, and secrets never meant to be disturbed. The air itself turns hostile, testing their resolve as unseen guardians stir to defend what has long been forgotten. Light fades, breath shortens, and every movement feels watched as the group learns that not all threats announce themselves with claws or steel. In a house built to preserve knowledge, survival may be the rarest thing left to protect.

]]> Crit and Grit Media false No 2860 7 full Episode 5 | Malevolence: Ha! You Mist! Episode 5 | Malevolence: Ha! You Mist! https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-5-malevolence-ha-you-mist/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-5-malevolence-ha-you-mist/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:29:14 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/eb9120f9-d9bf-3a60-9a68-cd0c69e6b108 Fresh from a brutal confrontation, the party takes a moment to breathe—if the manor will allow it. Old wounds linger, nerves fray, and the silence presses in as they push deeper into Zarwin Manor. Memories surface, unseen forces stir, and every closed door feels heavier than the last. In a place where survival is never guaranteed, the house begins to make its presence felt in unsettling ways.

]]> Fresh from a brutal confrontation, the party takes a moment to breathe—if the manor will allow it. Old wounds linger, nerves fray, and the silence presses in as they push deeper into Zarwin Manor. Memories surface, unseen forces stir, and every closed door feels heavier than the last. In a place where survival is never guaranteed, the house begins to make its presence felt in unsettling ways.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 3179 6 full Episode 4 | Malevolence: Leave My Home Episode 4 | Malevolence: Leave My Home https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-4-malevolence-leave-my-home/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-4-malevolence-leave-my-home/#comments Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:20:50 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/be30fd8b-bf6b-38ab-8ba9-593fc5945ab5 The investigators finally cross the threshold of Xarwinn Manor, only to discover that the house is anything but empty. Strange sounds and unsettling memories blur the line between the past and the present as danger reveals itself in unexpected ways. With escape no longer guaranteed, the group must rely on quick thinking and trust in one another to survive their first true test inside the manor. Whatever this place is, it has made one thing clear: it does not want them here.

]]> The investigators finally cross the threshold of Xarwinn Manor, only to discover that the house is anything but empty. Strange sounds and unsettling memories blur the line between the past and the present as danger reveals itself in unexpected ways. With escape no longer guaranteed, the group must rely on quick thinking and trust in one another to survive their first true test inside the manor. Whatever this place is, it has made one thing clear: it does not want them here.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 2925 5 full Part 1/2 | Bonus Content: Wardens of the Spore Den Part 1/2 | Bonus Content: Wardens of the Spore Den https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/part-12-bonus-content-wardens-of-the-spore-den/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/part-12-bonus-content-wardens-of-the-spore-den/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:31:43 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e7a5d0be-f923-39f3-89d1-7d5aaad4c04e A new team of unlikely adventurers gathers on Absalom Station as they’re recruited for a high-stakes mission issued by the Xeno Wardens. After meeting aboard a living ark-ship, the crew is briefed on a missing research team deep within Castrovel’s dense and dangerous wilds. With limited time and two possible routes ahead, the group must choose how best to approach their rescue operation. Their journey begins with cooperation, questions, and the first steps into a mission that promises far more than they expect — all played using the Starfinder Second Edition system.

Disclaimer: Crit & Grit Media is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Starfinder Second Edition and all related terms are trademarks of Paizo Inc.

]]> A new team of unlikely adventurers gathers on Absalom Station as they’re recruited for a high-stakes mission issued by the Xeno Wardens. After meeting aboard a living ark-ship, the crew is briefed on a missing research team deep within Castrovel’s dense and dangerous wilds. With limited time and two possible routes ahead, the group must choose how best to approach their rescue operation. Their journey begins with cooperation, questions, and the first steps into a mission that promises far more than they expect — all played using the Starfinder Second Edition system.

Disclaimer: Crit & Grit Media is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Starfinder Second Edition and all related terms are trademarks of Paizo Inc.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 6593 4 full Episode 3 | Malevolence: Grandfather Clock Episode 3 | Malevolence: Grandfather Clock https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-2-malevolence-grandfather-clock/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-2-malevolence-grandfather-clock/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2025 03:13:28 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/d3dfe76f-9f8a-39b8-820a-a1802225b722 The storm hasn’t let up, and neither have the horrors lurking around Xarwinn Manor. As the investigators fight to regain their footing quite literally, they find themselves swarmed by skittering nightmares that test their resolve, their teamwork, and their luck. Flames flash, steel rings, prayers are whispered into the downpour, and the party pushes through the chaos with grit (and a little singed hair).

But the courtyard is only the beginning.

With danger at their heels and an ominous flock circling overhead, the group finally reaches the manor’s looming doors though the welcome they receive is far from warm. Something watches. Something stirs. And the threshold ahead promises more questions than answers.

Step back into the fog-drenched dread of Malevolence: Echoes in the Dark where every door creaks with possibility.

]]> The storm hasn’t let up, and neither have the horrors lurking around Xarwinn Manor. As the investigators fight to regain their footing quite literally, they find themselves swarmed by skittering nightmares that test their resolve, their teamwork, and their luck. Flames flash, steel rings, prayers are whispered into the downpour, and the party pushes through the chaos with grit (and a little singed hair).

But the courtyard is only the beginning.

With danger at their heels and an ominous flock circling overhead, the group finally reaches the manor’s looming doors though the welcome they receive is far from warm. Something watches. Something stirs. And the threshold ahead promises more questions than answers.

Step back into the fog-drenched dread of Malevolence: Echoes in the Dark where every door creaks with possibility.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 2400 3 full Episode 2 | Malevolence: Figure in the Rain Episode 2 | Malevolence: Figure in the Rain https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-2/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-2/#comments Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:57:29 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/3c039ed4-ed45-3c62-87b6-5ac26eda7967 Episode 2 follows the party as they travel through relentless storm and unsettling silence toward the abandoned settlement of Crooked Cove. Along the way, strange sights and unease settle over the group, hinting that the region holds more than simple superstition. The investigators navigate the ruined town and face the growing sense that they are being watched by forces unseen. As tensions rise, each character relies on their skills, instincts, and faith to steady themselves against the encroaching dread. By the time they reach the gates of the Xarwinn Manor, the group realizes their journey has only just begun, and the house ahead is anything but ordinary.

Content Warnings This adventure path contains horror-themed elements, including scenes that may involve body horror, self-harm, or suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Affiliation Disclaimer Crit and Grit Media is not officially partnered with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Pathfinder, Starfinder, and their respective logos are trademarks of Paizo.

Special Thanks A huge shoutout to Monument Studios for providing the incredible background music that enhances every moment of our storytelling.

]]> Episode 2 follows the party as they travel through relentless storm and unsettling silence toward the abandoned settlement of Crooked Cove. Along the way, strange sights and unease settle over the group, hinting that the region holds more than simple superstition. The investigators navigate the ruined town and face the growing sense that they are being watched by forces unseen. As tensions rise, each character relies on their skills, instincts, and faith to steady themselves against the encroaching dread. By the time they reach the gates of the Xarwinn Manor, the group realizes their journey has only just begun, and the house ahead is anything but ordinary.

Content Warnings
This adventure path contains horror-themed elements, including scenes that may involve body horror, self-harm, or suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Affiliation Disclaimer
Crit and Grit Media is not officially partnered with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Pathfinder, Starfinder, and their respective logos are trademarks of Paizo.

Special Thanks
A huge shoutout to Monument Studios for providing the incredible background music that enhances every moment of our storytelling.

]]> Crit and Grit false No 3780 2 full Episode 1 | Malevolence: Pilot Episode 1 | Malevolence: Pilot https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-1-malevolence-pilot/ https://critandgritmedia.podbean.com/e/episode-1-malevolence-pilot/#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2025 01:17:10 -0400 critandgritmedia.podbean.com/b811d5ab-eada-329d-b158-98b796893d03 Episode Introduction Welcome to the first episode of Crit and Grit Media’s playthrough of Malevolence, a chilling and atmospheric horror adventure for Pathfinder Second Edition. This series invites you into a tale steeped in mystery, haunted history, and psychological tension, where our characters must confront forces far darker than they ever expected. While we always strive to highlight character-driven storytelling and roleplay, this particular adventure leans deeply into eerie ambience, creeping dread, and the unsettling consequences of tampering with the unknown. Settle in as we begin our descent into a story where curiosity is dangerous.

Content Warnings This adventure path contains horror-themed elements, including scenes that may involve body horror, self-harm, or suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Affiliation Disclaimer Crit and Grit Media is not officially partnered with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Pathfinder, Starfinder, and their respective logos are trademarks of Paizo.

Special Thanks A huge shoutout to Monument Studios for providing the incredible background music that enhances every moment of our storytelling.

]]> Episode Introduction
Welcome to the first episode of Crit and Grit Media’s playthrough of Malevolence, a chilling and atmospheric horror adventure for Pathfinder Second Edition. This series invites you into a tale steeped in mystery, haunted history, and psychological tension, where our characters must confront forces far darker than they ever expected. While we always strive to highlight character-driven storytelling and roleplay, this particular adventure leans deeply into eerie ambience, creeping dread, and the unsettling consequences of tampering with the unknown. Settle in as we begin our descent into a story where curiosity is dangerous.

Content Warnings
This adventure path contains horror-themed elements, including scenes that may involve body horror, self-harm, or suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Affiliation Disclaimer
Crit and Grit Media is not officially partnered with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Paizo Inc. Pathfinder, Starfinder, and their respective logos are trademarks of Paizo.

Special Thanks
A huge shoutout to Monument Studios for providing the incredible background music that enhances every moment of our storytelling.

]]> Crit and Grit true No 6262 1 full