Let's Get Critical

JAMBS Studios

Let’s Get Critical is an actual play podcast where five friends bring original characters and a custom world to life through immersive roleplay, collaborative storytelling, and the unpredictable magic of Dungeons & Dragons 5E. With a strong focus on narrative, character development, and in-the-moment improv, each episode blends epic fantasy, emotional depth, and a fair amount of chaotic energy. Whether you're a longtime TTRPG fan or new to the genre, there's a seat at our table—and the dice are already rolling. Let’s get critical!

Episodes

  1. Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 6 | Karma Comes Around

    6d ago

    Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 6 | Karma Comes Around

    The trail leads downward… into the darkness beneath the city. With new clues pointing toward the mysterious Shattered Blade, the party descends into Zolara's sprawling sewer system in search of answers. What begins as a straightforward investigation quickly becomes something far stranger as whispers of goblins spread through the tunnels and unlikely allies emerge from the shadows. Swoop, the bold Aarakocra sorcerer; Poppy, the witty Elf bard; Nico, the disciplined Dragonborn fighter; and Brin, the clever halfling ranger/monk venture deeper beneath the floating city, where they encounter Karma, a wandering tortle, a curious druid with more questions than answers, and signs that someone—or something—has been moving through the undercity. As the hunt for the Shattered Blade continues, every turn seems to uncover a new mystery. Because in the Empire, the truth is rarely found in the light. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, sharp character moments, and high-stakes storytelling in a dark fantasy world where every choice matters. Trigger Warning: This episode contains mature themes, strong language, fantasy violence, and claustrophobic environments. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Empire Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist in the Empire, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the dark, dangerous, and unforgettable world of Yavon.

    1h 21m
  2. Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 5 | Nope Rope

    May 24

    Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 5 | Nope Rope

    A strange island offers shelter… but not safety. After surviving the chaos of the storm, the crew makes landfall on an unfamiliar island deep within the uncharted waters of Valanemir. What first appears to be a quiet stretch of jungle quickly reveals itself to be something far more dangerous. Strange sounds echo beneath the canopy, the wilderness feels unnaturally alive, and the deeper the crew explores, the more they realize they may not be alone. Thal, the charismatic Sea Elf bard; Faelin, the inventive Owlin artificer; William, the quiet Wood Elf rogue; and Morwenna, the unpredictable Goblin warlock must navigate the island’s hazards, uncover its secrets, and survive whatever lurks beyond the tree line. In Valanemir, even paradise can hide fangs. Set in the shared world of Tales of Yavon, the Pirate Table continues a second unfolding story alongside the events of the Empire Table. As mysteries deepen and danger closes in, the open sea becomes the stage for adventure, survival, and discovery. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure in a living world where multiple stories unfold at once. Trigger Warning: This podcast contains mature themes, strong language, fantasy violence, and intense creature encounters. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Pirate Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist across the world of Yavon, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the adventure.

    1h 59m
  3. Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 5 | Bird is the (Four Letter) Word

    May 17

    Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 5 | Bird is the (Four Letter) Word

    What begins as survival… quickly turns into suspicion and scrutiny. In the aftermath of the attack on the Golden Empress, the floating city of Zolara is tense, fearful, and desperate for answers. With the Empire launching investigations into everyone connected to the attack, the party suddenly finds themselves under watch while trying to secure work, coin, and a place to stay in a city growing more paranoid by the day. Swoop, the bold Aarakocra sorcerer; Poppy, the witty Elf bard; Nico, the disciplined Dragonborn fighter; and Brin, the clever halfling ranger/monk must navigate suspicious guards, political fallout, and growing pressure from the Empire itself. As questions mount and tempers flare, the group quickly learns that standing out in Zolara can be just as dangerous as drawing a weapon. Because in the Empire, being in the wrong place at the wrong time can make you look guilty. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, sharp character moments, and high-stakes storytelling in a dark fantasy world where every choice matters. Trigger Warning: This episode contains mature themes, strong language, fantasy violence, and themes of political paranoia. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Empire Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist in the Empire, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the dark, dangerous, and unforgettable world of Yavon.

    2h 8m
  4. Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 4 | Into the Thick of It

    May 10

    Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 4 | Into the Thick of It

    Into the storm they sail… with no guarantee they’ll survive the other side. As the magical tempest of Valanemir closes around them, Captain Bubblebeard pushes the crew deeper into the chaos in a desperate attempt to lose the ships pursuing them. But these are no ordinary waters. Strange magic churns beneath the waves, lightning tears across the sky, and the storm itself seems almost alive. What begins as an escape quickly becomes a fight to keep the ship together at all. Thal, the charismatic Sea Elf bard; Faelin, the inventive Owlin artificer; William, the quiet Wood Elf rogue; and Morwenna, the unpredictable Goblin warlock must weather impossible seas, trust a captain they barely know, and survive the dangers lurking within the storm itself. Set in the shared world of Tales of Yavon, the Pirate Table continues a second unfolding story alongside the events of the Empire Table. As mysteries deepen and danger closes in, the open sea becomes the stage for adventure, survival, and discovery. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure in a living world where multiple stories unfold at once. Trigger Warning: This podcast contains mature themes, strong language, and intense fantasy content. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Pirate Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist across the world of Yavon, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the adventure.

    1h 24m
  5. Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 3 | Stormbreak Escape

    Apr 26

    Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 3 | Stormbreak Escape

    The open sea offers only one choice: run… or be caught. No sooner has the crew left port than three ships begin pursuit, forcing Captain Bubblebeard to make a dangerous call. With nowhere else to turn, he steers the newly acquired vessel straight toward a roiling magical storm in the uncharted waters of Valanemir. What follows is a desperate flight through thunder, surging waves, and unpredictable arcane chaos, where one wrong move could send the ship — and everyone aboard — to the depths. Thal, the charismatic Sea Elf bard; Faelin, the inventive Owlin artificer; William, the cunning Wood Elf rogue; and Morwenna, the quiet Goblin warlock must work together to survive the storm, outrun their pursuers, and decide whether trusting their new captain was a brilliant gamble… or a fatal mistake. Set in the shared world of Tales of Yavon, the Pirate Table continues a second unfolding story alongside the events of the Empire Table. As mysteries deepen and danger closes in, the open sea becomes the stage for adventure, survival, and discovery. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure in a living world where multiple stories unfold at once. Trigger Warning: This podcast contains mature themes, strong language, and intense fantasy content. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Pirate Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist across the world of Yavon, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the adventure.

    1h 31m
  6. Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 3 | Clash of Dragons

    Apr 19

    Tales of Yavon | Empire | Ep. 3 | Clash of Dragons

    What begins as a grand spectacle… quickly descends into chaos and bloodshed. In the floating city of Zolara, the party gathers among nobles to witness the legendary Dance of the Dragons—a ceremonial aerial performance between the Golden Empress and her bronze brother Bayrosh. But as the dragons take flight above the city, something goes horribly wrong. What should have been a celebration becomes an unfolding catastrophe as betrayal erupts mid-air and violence spills down into the balcony below. Swoop, the Aarakocra divine soul sorcerer; Poppy, the Elf spirit bard; Nico, the Dragonborn eldritch knight fighter; and Brin, the halfling ranger/monk find themselves caught in the heart of the storm as allies turn into enemies and the line between performance and war shatters in an instant. Because in the Empire, even a dance between gods can end in war. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, sharp character moments, and high-stakes storytelling in a dark fantasy world where every choice matters. Trigger Warning: This episode contains mature themes, strong language, and intense fantasy violence. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Empire Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist in the Empire, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the dark, dangerous, and unforgettable world of Yavon.

    1h 49m
  7. Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 2 | Golden Compass

    Apr 12

    Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 2 | Golden Compass

    The tides begin to shift as opportunity finally arrives. After gathering on the pirate haven of Kura Kura, the crew finds passage aboard a new vessel led by the eccentric Captain Bubblebeards. What begins as a simple voyage quickly turns into something far more mysterious, as secrets aboard the ship begin to surface and the journey heads into uncertain waters. Thal, the charismatic Sea Elf bard; Faelin, the inventive Owlin artificer; William, the quiet Wood Elf rogue; and Morwenna, the unpredictable Goblin warlock must decide who to trust as they leave the safety of Kura Kura behind. With hidden motives, strange clues, and a course set for the unknown, the crew may have signed on for more than they bargained for. Set in the shared world of Tales of Yavon, the Pirate Table continues a second unfolding story alongside the events of the Empire Table. As mysteries deepen and alliances form, the open sea becomes the stage for adventure, danger, and discovery. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure in a living world where multiple stories unfold at once. Trigger Warning: This podcast contains mature themes, strong language, and intense fantasy content. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Pirate Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist across the world of Yavon, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the adventure.

    1h 1m
  8. Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 1 | Free Ships

    Apr 12

    Tales of Yavon | Pirate | Ep. 1 | Free Ships

    Far south of the continent of Yavon lies Kura Kura, a notorious pirate haven where fortunes are made, alliances are broken, and the call of the sea promises danger and opportunity in equal measure. When a major announcement regarding new ships draws attention across the isle, four strangers find themselves brought together in the middle of brewing ambition and shifting tides. Thal, the charismatic Sea Elf bard; Faelin, the inventive Owlin artificer; William, the haunting Wood Elf rogue; and Morwenna, the unpredictable Goblin warlock must decide whether this chance encounter is coincidence… or the beginning of something far greater. Set in the same world as the Empire Table, the Pirate Table tells a second story in the shared world of Tales of Yavon. New characters, new conflicts, and new mysteries unfold on the open sea while events across the empire continue to shape the fate of the world. This Dungeons & Dragons actual play podcast blends immersive roleplay, character-driven storytelling, and high-stakes adventure in a living, shared setting where multiple stories unfold at once. Trigger Warning: This podcast contains mature themes, strong language, and intense fantasy content. Listener discretion is advised. Intro music composed by player Sara Tanner. All rights reserved. Featuring Tales of Yavon: Pirate Theme. Follow Let’s Get Critical to keep up with every twist across the world of Yavon, and leave a review to help more listeners discover the adventure.

    1h 24m
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Let’s Get Critical is an actual play podcast where five friends bring original characters and a custom world to life through immersive roleplay, collaborative storytelling, and the unpredictable magic of Dungeons & Dragons 5E. With a strong focus on narrative, character development, and in-the-moment improv, each episode blends epic fantasy, emotional depth, and a fair amount of chaotic energy. Whether you're a longtime TTRPG fan or new to the genre, there's a seat at our table—and the dice are already rolling. Let’s get critical!