Crit Hit The Giant | Adventures In D&D & TTRPGs

Dungeon Dare & Organized Play | A GaryCon Special

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

I sat down with Chris Tulach, Global Play Manager for Dungeons & Dragons, and we talked about the Dungeon Dare experience and the future of D&D Organized Play.

LINKS

Watch "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee
Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

HASHTAGS & MENTIONS

#DnD #DungeonsAndDragons #Barbarians #BarbarianClass #IWouldLikeToRage #GaryCon #GaryCon2026 #Greyhawk #Dungeons

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GaryCon 2026: D&D Announcements and Convention Experience

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

I attended GaryCon for the first time this year and go to go as press. Here were the big D&D announcements that was dropped at the convention, what I enjoyed the most about it, and a highlights reel of my time there.

GaryCon has easily tied with GenCon as my favorite convention to attend!

3 DM Tools To Level Up Your D&D Campaign

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:10:24 GMT

After being a Dungeon Master for 3 years, here are a few tools I use or plan to use in my future D&D campaigns that you should check out.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Uncharted Journeys from Cubicle 7

06:04 - Group Maneuvers from MCDM

09:23 - The Dungeoneering Rules from Mystic Arts

13:02 - What Tools Would You Suggest?

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Barbarian Path of the Runescarred

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

One of the most interesting subclasses of Barbarians I've found is from a third party resource "Forgotten Realms Rashemen: Unapproachable East Campaign Guide", called "Path of the Runescarred". It has a really neat history tied to magic and you can cast spells while Raging!

LINKS

"Forgotten Realms Rashemen: Unapproachable East Campaign Guide" on DMs Guild | https://www.dmsguild.com/en/product/370425/rashemen-campaign-guide

Blog Post Version | https://crithitthegiant.com/2026/02/27/barbarian-spotlight-path-of-the-runescarred/

Watch "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Rashemen: Unapproachable East Campaign Guide

02:47 - Barbarians In Rashemen

05:50 - Path Of The Runescarred Description

07:05 - Level 3: Runescars

11:46 - Level 6: Runic Power

12:30 - Level 10: Witch Strength

13:21 - Level 14: Reckless Wards

17:13 - Final Thoughts

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Best Origin Feats For Barbarians

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

What are some of the best Origin Feats for a 2024 Barbarian? Here are my recommendations with some honorable mentions!

Also - I will be making more videos regarding the Barbarian class so if there's anything you'd like to see or know more about, let me know!

LINKS

BLOG POST VERSION: https://crithitthegiant.com/2026/02/20/best-origin-feats-for-barbarians/

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS

00:00 - What Do You Want To Know About Barbarians?

01:12 - Origin Feats

04:19 - Tough

05:45 - Savage Attacker

07:09 - Alert

08:55 - Skilled

10:46 - Honorable Mentions

13:02 - Origin Feat Vs. General Feats

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4 D&D Rules You May Have Skipped

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Here are 4 rules in D&D (2024) that I recently "rediscovered" that I wanted to share with you.

LINKS

ARTICLE: https://crithitthegiant.com/2026/02/06/4-dd-rules-you-may-have-skipped/

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

01:33 - The Help Action And Ability Checks

02:21 - Targets Get Half-Cover If Someone Is In The Way

04:12 - The Study Action And Monsters

06:33 - Influence Actions Against Hostile Creatures

09:04 - What's Your Rediscovered Rules?

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Use These Critical Fumbles Rules

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A popular home-brew rule at D&D tables is using Critical Fumbles when a Natural 1 is rolled. Some people love it; others hate it. But using this set of rules not only give players more agency with Critical Fumbles, but it even encourages them to use it!

LINKS:

ARTICLE | https://crithitthegiant.com/2026/01/30/use-these-critical-fumbles-rules/

WATCH | "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS!!!

00:00 - What Is A Critical Fumble?

02:34 - Adding A Consequence To The Natural 1 Roll

07:14 - Pool Of Heroic Inspiration

09:32 - Don't Just Implement - Get Player Buy-In

10:39 - Recap and Wrap Up

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What I Loved About Playing The One Ring TTRPG

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 17:00:00 GMT

One of the best ways to play a game set in the world of "The Lord Of The Rings" is to play the popular TTRPG "The One Ring" from Free League Publishing. I was able to try out a one shot of the newest Starter Set for the game, and here are my favorite things about this game that I am now obsessed over.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

02:40 - Disclaimer & Shoutout

04:00 - The Dice Mechanics

08:49 - The Character Sheet

20:01 - Journeying

26:17 - Combat

35:00 - Council

39:30 - Closing

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My D&D Beyond Wish List

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Recently, the new head of D&D Beyond, Bryan Perry, provided an update on the future of D&D Beyond and hosted an AMA Reddit post to answer people's questions about the digital tool. As someone who uses this tool regularly (almost every day!), I thought I would share what's currently on my wish list for the D&D digital tool set.

LINKS

ARTICLE: https://crithitthegiant.com/2025/12/19/my-dd-beyond-wish-list/

D&D Beyond 2025 Wrap Up | https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/2116-d-d-beyond-2025-wrap-up

Reddit AMA With Bryan Perry and D&D Beyond | https://www.reddit.com/r/dndnext/comments/1phmm0i/ama_w_dd_beyond_executive_producer_on_december_9/

The Future Of D&D Beyond Maps | https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/2120-the-road-ahead-join-our-journey-to-improve-the

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS

00:00 - D&D Beyond's Request For Feedback

03:32 - Encounters Tool

07:18 - PDF Copies Of The Books

10:13 - Unifying the Website and App Experience

11:42 - Updating the User Interface

13:57 - What's on YOUR D&D Beyond Wish List?

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Board Games To Give You That D&D Experience

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

There are times when playing a session of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) won't be possible for whatever reason. Maybe you are short on time or the motivation isn't there, or you're with your family and friends and they don't have an interest in playing. The good news is that there are tons of board games that can scratch the D&D itch for you. In this episode, here are some games I would recommend trying out or playing if you're wanting that D&D experience. And don't forget to support your local game stores!

Chapters

00:00 - Intro

01:06 - 5-Minute Dungeon (Wiggles 3D)

02:23 - Betrayal At Baldur's Gate (Avalon Hill/Hasbro)

03:25 - Castle Panic (Fireside Games)

04:29 - Dice Throne (Dice Throne)

05:45 - For The Queen (Darrington Press)

08:25 - Heroes Of Barcadia (Rollacrit)

10:13 - Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons (Ravensburger)

12:03 - Wandering Towers (Capstone Games)

13:52 - Outro

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Are The Forgotten Realms Digital Expansions Worth It?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 23:00:00 GMT

On November 11th of this year, Wizards of the Coast released two books based on its most popular setting: The Forgotten Realms: Heroes Of Faerun (an expansion for players) and Adventures In Faerun (an expansion for Dungeon Masters). In addition, they also released an exclusive, D&D Beyond Digital expansions that are connected to the Forgotten Realms: Astarion's Book Of Hunger (based on the popular Baldur's Gate 3 character), Netheril's Fall (a time-traveling adventure expansion), and Lorwyn: First Light (a Magic: The Gathering inspired land that lives in the Feywild's Domain Of Light). Each of these expansions are $14.99 each and offer new content and material that integrates with character options and D&D Beyond.

But are these worth buying at that price point?

I do a breakdown of what's in each expansion, what they come down to in terms of words per dollar, and my conclusion on if these are worth purchasing for the sticker price.

LINKS:

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Overview Of The Forgotten Realms Bundle

02:27 - Astarion's Book Of Hunger

09:21 - Netheril's Fall

13:22 - Lorwyn: First Light

15:29 - Price Breakdown & Is It Worth It?

21:59 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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Dragonbane Trudvang & Hands Of The White Wizard: A Chat With Tomas Harenstom

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Free League Publishing, the company behind popular tabletop roleplaying games such as Dragonbane, The One Ring, Vaesen, and Alien RPG, revealed a new and upcoming Kickstarter to publish 4 books of a classic Dragonbane setting. They also released for pre-order a new Lord Of The Rings book: The Hands Of The White Wizard (for "The One Ring") and Trials of Saruman (for D&D 5E).

I had a chance to speak with Tomas Harenstom, the CEO of Free League Publishing, to talk about his TTRPG origin story, the company's new projects and announcements, as well as the future of the Lord Of The Rings TTRPGs with the recent news of Asmodee becoming the manager of the LotR TTRPG license.

LINKS

Dragonbane Trudvang Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192053011/dragonbane-trudvang-the-legend-returns

Pre-order The Hands Of The White Wizard (The One Ring) and Trials Of Saruman (D&D 5E): https://us3.campaign-archive.com/?u=2dcfb24fb7c8d0fb9c2f52040&id=d687b21b22

ARTICLE: Free League, Trudvang, and Hands Of The White Wizard: An Interview With Tomas Harenstom | https://crithitthegiant.com/2025/11/14/free-league-trudvang-and-hands-of-the-white-wizard-an-interview-with-tomas-harenstom/

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Guest Introduction

01:02 - Tomas' TTRPG Origin Story

07:17 - Dragonbane's Next Kickstarter: Trudvang

10:29 - What's To Come In Trudvang

13:23 - Who Is Jorgi of Jorgi's Bestiary?

14:36 - Who Are The Vitners and Dimwalkers?

17:16 - Exciting New Trudvang Creatures

19:53 - New Kins & Mechanics Coming To Trudvang?

22:29 - What IS The Black Sun Setting?

23:52 - Will We See More Classic Dragonbane Settings Published?

28:36 - Trials Of Saruman / Hands Of The White Wizard Books

31:14 - Why Two Different Titles For The Same LOTR Book

32:29 - YOU Can Change The Fate Of Saruman (And Middle-Earth)!

34:34 - Are We Getting Alternate Universes In Middle-Earth?

36:52 - How Asmodee's Recent Development Will Affect Free League's LOTR Games

39:26 - What Conventions Will Free League Attend?

41:15 - Outro

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What's Changing With Barbarian's Path Of The Ancestral Guardian and Path of the Storm Herald?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:00:00 GMT

In the latest Unearthed Arcana update released on October 30th of this year, Wizards Of The Coast dropped 5 updated subclasses for community review and feedback. Two of these subclasses are for the Barbarian: Path Of The Ancestral Guardian (which will be renamed Path of the Spiritual Guardian) and Path Of The Storm Herald.

Here's an overview of what I saw in the updates:

They are making damage scale increases tied to the Barbarian Rage Damage bonus (e.g. "a number of d6s per Rage Damage Bonus). This makes it consistently across all of the subclasses and easier to remember instead of having it arbitrarily assigned.
The update to the name "Path of the Spiritual Guardian" is a great change to broaden the flavor and narrative approach for player's characters. Spirit guardians can be in the form of ancestors, bestial spirits, or elemental spirits.
They're wanting to make the Spirit Guardian be less of a shield, which I think goes away from the flavor and intended theme of the subclass (e.g. splitting up Spiritual Protectors and changing Vengeful Spirits to an extra attack instead of adding damage to the Spirit Shield reaction).
Path Of The Storm Herald no longer requires you to pick a permanent environment when you select it. Now, you select which environment aura you're activating every time you Rage (consistent with other subclasses, such as Path of the Wild Heart).
They gave some love to the upgrades in Path of the Storm Herald, but Tundra still remains unimpressive (or at least not as impressive as Desert or Sea).

What are your thoughts? Let me know.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro

01:03 - Path of the SPIRIT Guardian Review

10:35 - Path Of The Storm Herald Review

21:11 - Final Thoughts

The Best Barbarian Options From "Heroes Of Faerun"

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:00:10 GMT

We just received the latest Forgotten Realms books for Dungeons & Dragons, and the Player Expansion book, "Heroes Of Faerun" have a lot of great, new character options. But which ones are the best for your Barbarian character? I'm here to tell you my thoughts on which ones are my favorite and what it can do to make your Barbarian even more epic!

LINKS!!!

ARTICLE: The Best Barbarian Options From "Heroes Of Faerun" | https://crithitthegiant.com/2025/11/07/the-best-barbarian-options-from-heroes-of-faerun/

WATCH: "Broken Chains", a D&D Actual Play | https://www.twitch.tv/dndwithdee

Where You Can Find & Support Me Online | https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

CHAPTERS!!!

00:00 - Intro

01:28 - No Barbarian Subclass Option!

03:29 - Backgrounds

08:45 - Feats

14:22 - The Future Of Barbarians In Faerun

HASHTAGS & MENTIONS!!!

#DnD #DungeonsAndDragons #Barbarians #BarbarianClass #IWouldLikeToRage #forgottenRealms #Karlach #KarlachCliffgate #BaldursGate #baldursgate3 #HeroesOfFaerun #WotC #wizardsofthecoast

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D&D's Solo Adventure Feature Isn't Enough

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:41:35 GMT

Dragon Delves is the first adventure anthology that Wizards Of The Coast released since the 2024 core rulebooks were published. It features an option to run a few of these adventures with a solo player character.

I ran one of these adventures and I found that it was a great start, but it still requires more.

Find out what the feature "Blessing Of The Lone Champion" entails for solo adventures, and what else you should take into consideration if you are running a solo adventure.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro
01:23 - What Is Blessing Of The Lone Champion?
04:12 - The Challenges With D&D's Solo Adventure
10:01 - What To Plan For When Running D&D Solo Adventure
15:29 - Conclusion

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Welcome To The Adventures Of Crit Hit The Giant!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:02:40 GMT

Welcome to the podcast for Crit Hit The Giant! This is what you can expect from listening to the show, which is me bringing my love and adventures in the world of Dungeons & Dragons and Tabletop Roleplaying Games!

Find out where else you can connect with me here: https://linktr.ee/crithitthegiant

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Crit Hit The Giant | Adventures In D&D & TTRPGs

Dungeon Dare & Organized Play | A GaryCon Special

GaryCon 2026: D&D Announcements and Convention Experience

LINKS

3 DM Tools To Level Up Your D&D Campaign

LINKS

CHAPTERS

Barbarian Path of the Runescarred

LINKS

CHAPTERS

Best Origin Feats For Barbarians

LINKS

CHAPTERS

4 D&D Rules You May Have Skipped

LINKS

CHAPTERS

Use These Critical Fumbles Rules

What I Loved About Playing The One Ring TTRPG

LINKS

CHAPTERS

My D&D Beyond Wish List

LINKS

CHAPTERS

Board Games To Give You That D&D Experience

Links

Chapters

Are The Forgotten Realms Digital Expansions Worth It?

Dragonbane Trudvang & Hands Of The White Wizard: A Chat With Tomas Harenstom

LINKS

CHAPTERS

What's Changing With Barbarian's Path Of The Ancestral Guardian and Path of the Storm Herald?

CHAPTERS

LINKS

The Best Barbarian Options From "Heroes Of Faerun"

D&D's Solo Adventure Feature Isn't Enough

LINKS

CHAPTERS

Welcome To The Adventures Of Crit Hit The Giant!