Tom And Rachel Kolar - Podcast Details

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The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Gravity Falls (Abridged Episode 36)In which D encounters a familiar face, Grunkle Stan runs a scam, and no one can get a good night's sleep. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Memory modification (major), gaslighting (major)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 1...2025-07-1320 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 36: Gravity FallsWelcome to the second installment of Wonderful World of Darklords' Small Screen Summer! In this episode, we're looking at the darklord who introduced a whole generation of fresh-faced little Disney XD viewers to cosmic horror. Bill Cipher is Baby's First Elder God and Gravity Falls is a phenomenal setting for occult investigation, but can a character as alien and amoral as Bill ever meet our four elements of darklord? (Spoilers: yes, but only with some help from Book of Bill. No, you don't have to read Book of Bill in order to understand the episode; we'll summarize it for...2025-07-132h 08

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Gargoyles (Episode 35)In which it is too early in the evening for Demona to deal with D's nonsense. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Heights (major), blood (moderate), death (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed...2025-06-1315 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 35: GargoylesWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords' Small Screen Summer! We're kicking off our summer of Disney shows with the villain that made little twelve-year-old Rachel look from her TV screen to her copy of the 1994 Ravenloft supplement Domains and Denizens and say, "I think she belongs in here": Demona. She's a Byronic garbage fire who will stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror, but she's also less involved in the day-to-day operations of the domain than Xanatos, which poses some unique challenges. Topics discussed include:How to compress the series' thousand-year timeline and globe-spanning adventures...2025-06-132h 18

The Wonderful World of DarklordsAnnouncement: June episode watchlist and D's JournalHello, dear listeners! If you haven't finished our previous episode and don't want to be spoiled on where D is going next, hold off on this one. Turn back now! Last chance!If you haven't seen Gargoyles and want a minimum watchlist, or if you haven't seen it since the mid-90s, here's a watchlist in order of importance:AwakeningCity of StoneThe MirrorLong Way Till MorningTemptationHunter's Moon (probably more important than Temptation but also a lot more confusing without context...2025-05-1906 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Thanos (Abridged Episode 34)In which D has a horrible, terrible, no-good, very bad day. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Torture (major), forced mind-reading (major), imprisonment (major), genocide (moderate), slavery (moderate), blood (moderate), body horror (minor), kidnapping (minor), child abuse (minor), forced experimentation (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), pe...2025-05-1427 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 34: ThanosWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords: Marvel May! As soon as we announced this theme last May, you knew this one was coming. Thanos is such a compelling Big Bad for the entire MCU that they've been flailing to replace him ever since Infinity War, and he could make a fantastic Big Bad for your campaign as well . . . but can any villain, no matter how grandiose and self-deluded, be a darklord if they don't have a domain in the source material? Topics discussed include:The D&D setting that fits perfectly with Thanos's backstory and motivation, and also...2025-05-132h 25

The Wonderful World of DarklordsAnnouncements: Dragon Week and Listener's Choice Round TwoA couple of quick announcements about revisiting an old darklord and about the next round of Listener's Choice voting!The Maleficent episode is here: https://youtu.be/A53ZxWvrwMs?si=mkVPgRcb9zOGsJUaWe'll link them in those show notes AND these show notes! Visage of Eyes' Tumblr is here: https://www.tumblr.com/ravenloftbythelamplight There's so much great Ravenloft art here, y'all. Do yourself a favor and check it out.Thank you for listening, and happy gaming!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-wonderful-world-of-darklords/donations 2025-04-2203 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Labyrinth (Abridged Episode 33)In which D somehow turns Jareth down. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C sharp minor (Dread Poss...2025-04-1415 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Labyrinth (with commentary)While D's Journal is normally a patrons-only perk, we felt bad that we couldn't give more concrete examples of how to personalize the Labyrinth to your own PCs because the episode was already so. dang. long. That's why we've decided to open up this behind-the-scenes explanation of the imagery and encounters that D experienced to everyone. Patrons, don't worry--you'll still be getting some exclusive D content, it just isn't done yet.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main them...2025-04-1357 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 33: LabyrinthWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this extremely long episode, Tom and an increasingly thirsty Rachel are talking about a villain who looms large in the imaginations of Xennials everywhere: Jareth, the Goblin King. He's a magnetic and malevolent presence whose domain is a perfect reflection of his disaster bi energy, but he has no canon backstory and may just be a figment of Sarah's imagination, so adapting him posed some challenges. But if Sarah can escape the oubliette, cross the Bog of Eternal Stench, and say no to Jareth looking at her like that in the masquerade...2025-04-132h 45

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 104: Phineas and FerbAh, Leslie the Listener! How unexpected...and by unexpected, we mean COMPLETELY EXPECTED! Behold, our April UNFools-inator! You see, back in Gimmelshtump, we always wanted to run a Phineas and Ferb-themed session of Ravenloft, but we didn't know how to do it, and even if we had, no one would have come to our game because they would have been playing Roger's game instead. So with the April UNFools-inator, we're going to turn what would normally be a wacky April Fools Day episode into an actual guide to running a Phineas and Ferb session in your Ravenloft game. Topics...2025-04-0149 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Up (Abridged Episode 32)In which D gets kidnapped by dogs and makes a rash statement. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C...2025-03-1410 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 32: UpWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! We're continuing last month's theme of "traveling to amazing and faraway places" with a very different elderly darklord who mistrusts outsiders. Up is one of the greatest animated movies ever made, but can it be a great D&D setting as well? Topics discussed include:How to make Kevin feel like a singularly beautiful and unique creature in a world with literal unicorns;Why Up is especially suited to low-level play (although it can also be adapted to higher-level parties);The D&D version of "intelligent talking dogs in airplanes that shoot...2025-03-131h 41

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Atlantis: The Lost Empire (Abridged Episode 31)In which D totally, absolutely has no idea where the Heart of Atlantis is, nope, not at all. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Corpses (major), racism (moderate), colonialism (minor), slavery (minor), genocide (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude...2025-02-1414 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 31: Atlantis: The Lost EmpireWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! Many, MANY of you have asked for a domain based on the Disney movie about a team of heavily armed transients who dive through subterranean tunnels in search of either treasure or a sad, unresolved Bond. Atlantis is, without question, the most D&D movie that Disney has ever done, and while it's more Eberron or Spelljammer than Ravenloft, we're here for the challenge. Because, hey, that's what this is all about, right? I mean, imagination, teamwork, intellectual puzzles. Unless, maybe...we're just in it for the cool submarine. Topics discussed include:...2025-02-132h 06

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Abridged Episode 30)In which D gets the full Toontown experience and a months-long mystery is solved. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Racism against a group analogous to immigrants (major), death (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Min...2025-01-1414 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 30: Who Framed Roger RabbitCONTENT ADVISORY: Because this episode is based on Who Framed Roger Rabbit, it takes place in Langeles, a fantasy version of Los Angeles. I don't think we even mention fire, but if the Los Angeles wildfires hit at all close to home for you, we're putting a detailed content advisory that includes all the neighborhoods and landmarks mentioned at the end of the show notes, with separate entries for the episode proper and the D fiction (so you can skip one or both if you're less worried about content and want to avoid spoilers).Welcome to Wonderful...2025-01-132h 16

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Peddler's Tales: Shan Yu (Abridged Episode)In which D, being chaotic good, has a crisis of conscience regarding Shan Yu and her lawful evil patron. Now, if only we could give those two crazy kids a meet-cute while we're at it... The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Arabian Dance, from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, via the European ArchiveThe Wonderful World of Darklords logo was designed by Halite Jones, whom you can find on Tumblr and Inst...2025-01-0109 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsThe Peddler's Tales, Episode 3: Shan YuHappy Holidays, and welcome to the Peddler's Tales! In a Yuletide miracle, we are finally joined by the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Kris Newton as we discuss one of our favorite non-darklord Disney villains: Shan Yu. Topics discussed include:Why Shan Yu not only doesn't work as a darklord, but would be seriously diminished as a villain if you made him one;The existential threat Shan Yu poses to the PCs, the innocent bystanders of Ravenloft, and even the darklords themselves;Rachel's unquenchable Shan Yu thirst, and how you can use it to make Shan Yu a...2024-12-301h 05

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: A Christmas Carol (Abridged Episode 29)In which D learns about the power of friendship and acknowledges some unpleasant truths. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Gaslighting (major), death (major)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward...2024-12-1415 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 29: A Christmas CarolWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we're looking at a property that Disney has adapted for both Mickey Mouse and the Muppets: A Christmas Carol. At its heart, A Christmas Carol is a story of redemption--so how do we square that with darklords, who are fundamentally irredeemable? By sending your PCs into a trippy journey through the past, present, and future of a character who isn't the darklord, that's how. Topics discussed include:Why we didn't choose Scrooge as our darklord, instead opting for another miser whose prison comes with hate;Concrete examples of past...2024-12-131h 56

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Spirited Away (Abridged Episode 28)In which D gives her name to a witch and is predictably thrilled about it. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Memory manipulation (moderate), body horror (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord t...2024-11-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 28: Spirited Away (Listeners' Choice)Welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In the spirit of Thanksgiving and of thankfulness for you, our listeners, we're presenting the domain you chose in our Listeners' Choice poll: Spirited Away. Yubaba is an excellent villain, Chihiro's parents and No-Face give us some phenomenal horror moments, and we actually see the bathhouse's borders close in the first twenty minutes of the movie...but the bathhouse feels more like a Domain of Delight than of Dread, and Yubaba doesn't have much of a backstory even in ancillary materials, so we had our work cut out for us. Topics discussed include:2024-11-132h 06

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 6: Night on Bald MountainHappy Halloween from Wonderful World of Darklords! Night on Bald Mountain is such an important part of Disney's spooky legacy that we had no choice but to make an episode about it . . . but how the heck do you make Chernobog a darklord? If you can answer that question, we salute you. We opted to make him something akin to a Mist Traveler, but without the "traveling" part since he has a mountain for legs. Topics discussed include:why this isn't a Peddler's Tale, even though it probably should be;how Chernobog came to be fused with a mountain...2024-10-3144 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Haunted Mansion (Abridged Episode 27)In which D gets trapped with some Kartakan divas. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Gaslighting (major), death (major), blood (major), corpses (major), suicide (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed...2024-10-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 27: The Haunted MansionCONTENT ADVISORY: because the 2023 film version of The Haunted Mansion involves convincing a living soul to die and join the happy haunts, this episode discusses suicide.Welcome, foolish mortals, to Wonderful World of Darklords! We are your hosts--your podcast hosts. Kindly load the full episode, and make room (on your hard drive) for every byte. There's no turning back now. Unless you stop listening five minutes in, I suppose. There's always that way out...This episode is primarily drawing on the 2023 Haunted Mansion movie since it has a darklord and a plot, but if you...2024-10-131h 55

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Wish (Abridged Episode 26)In which D doesn't have a physical altercation with the darklord! The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin No...2024-09-1411 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 26: WishThis is what you give me to work with?Well honey, I've seen worse!We're going to turn this sow's earInto a silk purseWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we're taking a look at a deeply flawed Disney movie whose numerous defects include an underdeveloped villain, an underdeveloped setting, and underdeveloped potential for some light existential horror. Luckily, our raison d'etre is developing villains, settings, and heavy existential horror, so we're here to extract the most wondrous, beautiful parts of this movie and...2024-09-131h 54

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Tron (Abridged Episode 25)In which CLU botches an Intimidate check. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Death (moderate), mind control (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne i...2024-08-1412 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 25: TronGreetings, programs, and welcome to the third and final installment of Wonderful World of Darklords' Summer Blockbuster series! "Blockbuster" is a strong word for both Tron and Tron: Legacy, but they're cult classics that busted blocks in the hearts of many (including Tom). That said, while CLU is one of those Disney villains who needs very little work to become a darklord, the Grid needs a whole lot of work to become a domain in a computer-free fantasy setting. Topics discussed include:wait, Tron? Really? How does that work?whether and how to include the ISOs, who add...2024-08-132h 08

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Pirates of the Caribbean (Abridged Episode 24)In which D encounters nautical NPCs the players have heard of, searches for a magical MacGuffin, double crosses someone, and messes up a love story. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Death (moderate), slavery (moderate), body horror (moderate), mind control (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), perfor...2024-07-1412 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 24: Pirates of the CaribbeanWelcome to the second installment of the Wonderful World of Darklords Summer Blockbuster series! In this episode, we're going to look at the only movies in our series that actually busted blocks: the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. (Mostly the original trilogy, but we'll touch on 4 and 5). Topics discussed include:Which of the MANY candidates for darklord we settled on, plus AU discussions about the other possibilities (including potential torments, how to make the domain reflect them, and the type of adventure you can run with them, if you're wondering why this episode passed our usual 2:10 ceiling);The...2024-07-132h 13

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Holes (Abridged Episode 23)In which D gets to take a page from Stanley Yelnats's great-grandfather. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Incarceration (major), death (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward Neeman...2024-06-1312 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 23: HolesWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords' Summer Blockbuster series! We're kicking off the summer with a cult favorite that did quite well for itself at the box office despite not busting any blocks: Holes. The warden is a phenomenal darklord, and the source material is already chockablock with curses and dark vengeance from beyond the grave despite being 90% realistic fiction, but how do you get a satisfying Holes adventure if none of your PCs have a no-good pig-stealing great-great-grandfather? Along with that question, topics discussed include:The undeniable advantage that D&D has in allowing the PCs to...2024-06-131h 57

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: WandaVision (Abridged Episode 22)In which D finds a brand-new witch to hate! The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (major), bereavement (major), corpses (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward Neeman...2024-05-1314 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 22: WandaVisionWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords: Marvel May! It's the inaugural episode of something we're hoping to make an annual tradition, but honestly, we kind of invented the whole thing just so we could talk about what might be the most obvious Ravenloft domain Disney has ever done. (If you wanted to describe Ravenloft domains to someone who wasn't familiar with the concept, you could do worse than "It's like WandaVision.") Topics discussed include:The D&D equivalent of a warm, safe sitcom set in a slice of idyllic suburban Americana;How to bring your PCs into a...2024-05-132h 05

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Princess Mononoke (Abridged Episode)In which D tries to find the pool of the Forest Spirit on her own. Good luck with that, D! The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Death (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” ...2024-04-1312 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 21: Princess MononokeWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In the spirit of April Fool's Day, we're once again taking a break from Disney movies for this month's episode (yes, we know Disney distributed the Ghiblis for a while, but we operate under strict Calvinball rules in which Home Alone can be a regular episode but Princess Mononoke can't). There's so much nightmare fuel in Princess Mononoke that it's almost redundant to turn it into a horror setting, but turning it into a Ravenloft domain is another matter entirely. Topics discussed include:How to give Irontown and the forest an unforgivable...2024-04-132h 07

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 207012: The Many Adventures of Winnie the PoohWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we tackle Disney's most terrifying setting to date, as explored in a horror movie that was absolutely not a soulless cash grab: the Hundred Acre Wood. Topics discussed include:The surprising connections between Winnie the Pooh, a darklord ruled by his basest appetites, and another darklord from a recent episode;The rich narrative possibility of an uneasy alliance with Heffalumps and Woozles, and the pitfalls of teaming up with such untrustworthy creatures even when they're the only things the darklord fears;The horror potential of the source material, from...2024-04-0128 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Big Hero 6 (Abridged Episode 20)In which we learn one of the non-Warlock cantrips D picked up with Pact of the Tome and what it looks like when it crits. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Body horror (major), vomit (moderate), blood (moderate), death (minor), bereavement (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme...2024-03-1312 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 20: Big Hero 6Welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! While superheroes and D&D are staples of geek culture, they don't necessarily go together; the occasional Sorcerer Supreme notwithstanding, superheroes are more associated with sci-fi than high fantasy. Luckily, not only is there a D&D setting that lets us embrace the technowizardry of Big Hero 6 without throwing all the fantasy tropes out the window, but it's a setting that doesn't have a full domain to its name yet. Topics discussed include:How to get an ongoing story engine out of Callaghan/Yokai when his only goal in the movie is "...2024-03-132h 13

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Hadestown (Abridged Episode)In which D becomes apocalyptically cross. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (major)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op...2024-03-0111 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 5: HadestownOn a Disney podcast, dear,Why is there live theater here?Why this Broadway musical?It ain't right, and it ain't natural.Listener, it's Hadestown. Regardless of how long anyone was gone and how lonesome we were or weren't, we couldn't resist such a perfect darklord and domain--especially since we're just coming off another domain with Hades as a darklord. Topics discussed include:A bit of reiterating who we are and what we do here at Wonderful World of Darklords, since we recognize that we might have...2024-02-292h 28

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Hercules (Abridged Episode 19)In which D has strong opinions about Hades. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Fire (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, O...2024-02-1412 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 19: HerculesWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we're going from talking tigers to literal freaking gods with what might be our most powerful darklord to date: Hades. (We don't know whether we'd back Hades, Elsa, or Maleficent in a fight, and we don't want to be anywhere in a hundred-mile radius if that ever happens.) Making the god of the underworld a darklord was a tricky proposition; after all, the Dark Powers weren't able to hang onto Vecna. We figured out a solution that lets us bring everyone's favorite evil motor-mouth in without having to shatter the...2024-02-132h 09

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Jungle Book (Abridged Episode 18)In which D wishes she had the secret of man's red fire. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Corpses (major), death (major), mind control (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed...2024-01-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 18: The Jungle BookWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! Second edition already did a Jungle Book-inspired domain with the Wildlands, but it didn't make the jump into 5e and it had some key differences from its source material, which means that this movie is as ripe for picking as a pawpaw or a prickly pear (as opposed to classic Disney movies that are already covered in 5e by certain Dementlieus we can name). As a heads up, we love both the classic animated Jungle Book and the 2016 live-action version, so we're going to be bringing in elements from both. Topics discussed include:2024-01-132h 06

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBook Club of Dread: Tower of Doom is LIVE!Welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! Well, a sign pointing you toward Wonderful World of Darklords, anyway. As mentioned in our Home Alone episode, the Tower of Doom episode of Book Club of Dread was so ear-scorchingly filthy that we can't stand to have it appear on our main feed where some new listener might find it and think that's what we're all about, so we're making the standard cut available for free on our Patreon instead (as well as two director's cuts for patrons): https://www.patreon.com/posts/book-club-of-of-95322339?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm...2023-12-2702 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Home Alone (Abridged Episode 17)In which D yearns to snap off Kevin's cojones and boil them in motor oil. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), pe...2023-12-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 17: Home AloneWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords, ya filthy animal! While it's not animated, Home Alone is technically Disney now that they've bought 20th Century Fox (and let's face it, we're eventually doing Hocus Pocus and Haunted Mansion, so "not animated" isn't a dealbreaker). What's more, in a world where a magical wish really can make your family disappear, Kevin is a perfect darklord trapped in a hell of his own creation--and ready to put your PCs in that hell, too. Topics discussed include:How to get your PCs to go into Kevin's little funhouse so they get all...2023-12-131h 54

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Great Mouse Detective (Abridged Episode 16)In which D gets snarkier than she's been all year The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Child endangerment (moderate), corpses (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopi...2023-11-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 16: The Great Mouse DetectiveCONTENT ADVISORY: The in-character fiction for this episode involves children being held hostage and threatened with harm. They escape completely unharmed, but please proceed with caution if images from current events are fresh in your mind. (We're so sorry! We wanted something that connected to D's back story and didn't make the connection.)Welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we're looking at a setting and a darklord so tailor-made for Ravenloft that we barely needed to do any work: Professor Ratigan. Combining Moriarty's criminal genius, Jekyll and Hyde's duality, and Vincent Price's golden pipes...2023-11-132h 05

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Peddler's Tales: Alameda Slim (Abridged Episode)D tries to send Yensid the most expensive and least useful gift she can buy. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Arabian Dance, from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, via the European ArchiveDialog for Yensid was written by Azalin Rex himself: http://www.tumblr.com/darklordazalinThe Wonderful World of Darklords logo was designed by Halite Jones, whom you can find on Tumblr and Instagram: https://www.tumblr.com/hal...2023-11-0107 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsThe Peddler's Tales, Ep. 2: Alameda SlimHappy Halloween, and welcome to the Peddler's Tales! Today, in honor of the holiday, we present the greatest horror we have ever faced for this podcast: Home on the Range. Don't worry, you don't have to watch the movie to listen to the episode. In fact, we beg you not to. Kris Newton joins us to explain his bizarre fixation with Alameda Slim (the only good part of this godawful movie) and to bring him to life as yodeling, cattle-rustling Mist Traveler with a yearning for revenge. Topics discussed include:Various potential back stories and motivations for Slim...2023-10-311h 01

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Coco (Abridged Episode 15)In which D either gets a mystical vision or goes on a wild goose chase. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Familial abuse (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward...2023-10-1415 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 15: CocoWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! Since we release on the 13th of each month, our Coco episode was either going to be early or fashionably late for Day of the Dead, and we decided on early. Ernesto de la Cruz is a phenomenal darklord, and you can't go wrong with skeletons for a domain aesthetic, but getting the PCs to the Land of the Dead without an elaborate setup involving the theft of a guitar from a mausoleum was tricky. We cracked it, though, and we'll be discussing that along with:How to give de la Cruz...2023-10-132h 00

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Toy Story (Abridged Episode 14)In which D...IS...A...TOY! The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (major), body horror (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne i...2023-09-1410 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 14: Toy StoryWelcome back to Wonderful World of Darklords! Our summer hiatus has ended, and we're coming back with a franchise that was our white whale for months: the Toy Story trilogy. (Yes, trilogy. We're so glad they didn't make any more movies after Toy Story 3, the perfect ending to the series, la la la we can't hear you.) Lotso is a perfect darklord in so many ways, but how can the PCs interact with a domain in which every important character is a toy that pretends to be inanimate whenever humans are around? Cracking that puzzle was harder than evading...2023-09-131h 37

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Peddler's Tales: Cruella De Vil (abridged episode)The first of our Peddler's Tales side series, in which D learns about Mist Wanderers who can't support an entire domain (because Cruella is living her best life). The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Arabian Dance, from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, via the European ArchiveDialog for Yensid was written by Azalin Rex himself: http://www.tumblr.com/darklordazalinThe Wonderful World of Darklords logo was designed by Ha...2023-08-1308 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsThe Peddler's Tales, Episode 1: Cruella De VilWelcome to Part Two of the Wonderful World of Darklords' Dog Days of Summer! Tom and Rachel have finally finished their summer travel and will be returning to regular episodes next month, but for now, we're experimenting with a bonus episode format proposed by the incomparable Kris Newton: The Peddler's Tales, in which D learns about various Mist Travelers who are beloved characters but don't have darklord potential. For that, we hard to start with iconic Disney villain who doesn't have a single one of our four darklord qualities: Cruella De Vil. (Look, if you find it tragic and...2023-08-131h 11

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBook Club of Dread: Hocus Pocus and the All-New SequelWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords' Dog Days of Summer! Tom and Rachel have just finished driving thirty hours in the span of two weeks and their summer travel isn't done yet, so in lieu of regular episodes, we're going to be airing bonus episodes in July and August. Luckily, that gives us the chance to premier the long-awaited Book Club of Dread!If you thought that Hocus Pocus 2 we got was too derivative of the original, you ain't seen nothing yet. According to industry gossip, Disney wanted to make a 25th anniversary sequel in 2018. When it...2023-07-132h 46

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Robin Hood (Abridged Episode 13)In which D meets the phony king of England. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mob violence (major), death (major), butchered corpses (major)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward Nee...2023-06-1409 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 13: Robin HoodOo-de-lally! Oo-de-lally! Welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! One year ago today, we aired our pilot: a domain ruled by a petty, vindictive lion who usurped his elder brother's throne. To celebrate our podcast anniversary, we're returning to that well with another petty, vindictive lion who usurped his elder brother's throne: Prince John. Topics discussed include:The challenges of Ravenloft-izing a movie in which the hero is far more dynamic, interesting, and competent than the villain (not a common issue in Disney movies);The darklord powers that a villain as pathetic as Prince John can bring to the...2023-06-132h 03

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Abridged Episode 12)In which D finally gets to eldritch blast a witch. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C sharp m...2023-05-1411 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 12: Snow White and the Seven DwarfsWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! It's been almost a year, and we're celebrating by going back to where it all began: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It's gorgeous, it's groundbreaking, it's a classic fairy tale, it has that nightmare fuel transformation scene . . . but in the film as presented, there's even less of a world than Sleeping Beauty, so how can we turn it into a darkly delicious domain? With folklore, that's how.Topics discussed include:The mythology-rich real-world location that inspired the setting for the movie, which will immediately provide you with every plot...2023-05-132h 05

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Last Unicorn (Abridged Episode 11)In which D gets a dose of cosmic horror. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Fire (major), police violence (major), racism against a group analogous to Roma (moderate), general Frollo sexual ick (moderate), torture (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopi...2023-04-1411 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 11: The Last UnicornWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In the spirit of April Fools, we're taking a break from Disney to look at another beloved animated film (and an even more beloved book). We like to watch it. It fills us with joy. The first time we saw it, we thought we were going to die. We said to each other, we must podcast about it, all of it, all there is! For nothing makes us happy but its shining and its grace.Topics discussed include:The thread that unites almost every character's interactions with the unicorn in...2023-04-132h 07

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode Eleventeen: CarsWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we discuss possibly the most iconic villain remaining to us: Tow Mater. Subjects discussed include:The nightmarish vision of Cars 2, Pixar's horror masterpiece, in which everyone is forced to cater to the whims of a madman no matter how outrageous and unfunny he becomes;The cosmic horror implications of a setting populated entirely by sentient cars, where all humanoids are presumably extinct;Some thoughts of Mater's son, Tom Mater, being Carlos De Vil's car in the Descendants series, and how to incorporate that foreshadowed dark romance with Cruella's car...2023-04-0129 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Abridged Episode 10)In which D's chaotic alignment poses a problem. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Fire (major), police violence (major), racism against a group analogous to Roma (moderate), general Frollo sexual ick (moderate), torture (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude...2023-03-1412 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 10, Part 2: The Hunchback of Notre DameWelcome to the second part of our Double Stuf Wonderful World of Darklords! (Frollo disapproves of this gluttonous Double Stuff debauchery, but that just encourages us.) In this episode, Tom, Rachel, and guest host Kris Newton dive into the dread possibilities and parting thoughts for this hair-sniffing hellfire hypocrite. Topics discussed include:The nigh-impossible challenge of aging this movie down, the cakewalk of aging it up, and the chainsaw-juggling of aging it up without losing friends;The unique opportunity that Notre Dame offers for a slow-burn recurring setting as Frollo tightens his grip on the city;Genres of...2023-03-131h 41

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 10, Part 1: The Hunchback of Notre DameWelcome to a special two-part episode of Wonderful World of Darklords! We found ourselves completely unable to contain the discussion of Disney's most adult, complex villain in a single episode. It's not our fault (nostra culpa); we're not to blame (nostra culpa); it was the Disney film that called for our acclaim (nostra maxima culpa). Join Tom, Rachel, and semi-professional Frollo antagonist Kris Newton as we delve into the Cite de Notre Dame and its lord. Topics discussed include:An act of ultimate darkness that draws on another work of gothic literature, which lets us give Frollo some...2023-03-132h 02

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 4: D is for DisneyWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! If you haven't listened to the Princess and the Frog episode yet, please give it a listen before checking out this bonus episode, because believe it or not, there are SPOILERS!This is something of a behind-the-scenes featurette for our longtime listeners rather than a setting, adventure, or deleted scene like our previous bonus episodes. We're discussing what the D stands for (and has stood for from the beginning), as well as our intrepid narrator's backstory, roleplaying traits, and other behind-the-curtain goodies. A bit self-indulgent, maybe, but according to the date...2023-02-2733 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Princess and the Frog (Abridged Episode 9)In which we get D's backstory! The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C sharp minor (Dread Possibilit...2023-02-1413 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 9: The Princess and the FrogWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we discuss Tom's favorite Disney movie of the neo-Renaissance, and possibly his favorite Disney movie of the entire 21st century. You're in his world now, not your world . . . but if the friends on the other side give you what you want and take what you have, rest assured that they're doing the same to Dr. Facilier, and with great gusto. Topics discussed include:The horror of a domain that's essentially an MLM, complete with a darklord who projects success but has to hustle, hustle, hustle just to keep his...2023-02-132h 08

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Beauty and the Beast (Abridged Episode 8)In which D and Yensid discover that no matter how much they dislike each other, they dislike Gaston more. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Misogyny (major), sexual harassment (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord th...2023-01-1411 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 8: Beauty and the BeastMes chers mademonsieurs, it is with greatest pride and deepest pleasure that we welcome you to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we discuss one of the most gothic and atmospheric movies in the Disney canon, which asks us what makes a monster and what makes a man. No, no, not Hunchback, the tonally consistent one. (We promise Hunchback's coming, though!) Subjects discussed include:Why we decided on Gaston as the darklord even though you can make an excellent case for pre-redemption Beast, and how to use Beast as your darklord if you prefer;How to make...2023-01-132h 07

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 3: The Raven NebulaWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords . . . IIIIIIIIIIIIN SPAAAAAAAAAAACE! We were stymied by how to actually make Treasure Planet as, y'know, Treasure Planet--until we realized that the solution was to take the entire Demiplane of Dread and plunk it into wildspace. Learn why spacers speak in hushed tones of the dreaded Raven Nebula, which pulls in spelljammers like a black hole, never to release them again...Much like with our Sleepy Hollow writeup, we have a caveat: while our DM's Guild writeups for domains are free and always will be, this was a LOT more...2022-12-2032 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Treasure Planet (Abridged Episode 7)In which D goes on a treasure hunt, by t'under. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C sharp mi...2022-12-1310 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 7: Treasure PlanetAhoy, me hearties, and welcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we be discussin' the 2002 cult classic Treasure Planet, a movie perhaps more suited to Spelljammer than Ravenloft--but we vowed to bring ye domains of dread, by t'under, and we be folk of our word. Subjects discussed include:How to put Treasure Planet back in the ocean while still makin' it feel like Treasure Planet, not Treasure Island (because I promise ye, mateys, once yer players go to space there's no comin' back);How to use a darklord whose torment is "he'll never find the McGuffin"...2022-12-131h 41

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Frozen (Abridged Episode 6)In which Yensid is just plain mean. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Bereavement (major), forced experimentation (major), body horror (moderate), cannibalism (moderate), animal death (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), per...2022-11-1310 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 6: FrozenWelcome to the Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we explore the horror of frozen lands, frozen hearts, frozen bodies, and pretty much anything else we can think to freeze (except the trolls, because they have steam vents). As a fair warning, we went with Elsa rather than Hans as our darklord because she's a much more psychologically interesting character and because icebound Arendelle is much more a reflection of her than of him, so if Elsa is special to you, you might want to skip this one. Subjects discussed include:--How to...2022-11-131h 55

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 2: The Legend of Sleepy HollowHAPPY HALLOWEEN! We couldn't let the most Ravenloft-y of holidays go by without a new episode, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to touch on a classic Disney property that works beautifully as a story but has always struggled to find its place as a domain. The Horseman's Bridge has been around ever since 2e, but there's not much "there" there beyond "get to the bridge before you're decapitated." We've brought Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Katrina Van Tassel, and the whole village of Sleepy Hollow along with the Horseman and his bridge for an adventure that we hope...2022-10-3140 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Abridged Episode 5)In which D moonlights as a carnie. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Death (major), cannibalism (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor...2022-10-1309 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 5: The Nightmare Before ChristmasWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, a particularly manic Rachel and a particularly indulgent Tom discuss a movie that, on the surface, seems like a perfect match for a horror game--except that they're not mean in their town of Halloween, so how can it make your PCs truly feel that it's hopeless, they're finished, and they haven't got a prayer? Subjects discussed include:-Giving Halloween Town a dash of thematic darkness to match its creepy aesthetic, while (we hope) still keeping it recognizable as the Halloween Town we know and love;2022-10-131h 59

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Sleeping Beauty (Abridged Episode 4)In which D meets the darklord we've all been waiting for. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Imprisonment (major), forced mind reading (major)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin No...2022-09-1309 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 4: Sleeping BeautyWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this episode, we discuss how to convert Disney's most iconic villain into a darklord. (Don't get us wrong, the wicked queen from Snow White has a case for herself, but who's on the cover of Disney Villainous and who wasn't even included until the first expansion?) While Maleficent is amazing, the setting is...less so, and we're here to do our best to elevate it to her glorious level. Subjects discussed include:--A potential backstory for Maleficent that gives her a more human motivation than "not invited...2022-09-132h 03

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Peter Pan (Abridged Episode 3)In which listening to a dude monologuing about his past exploits is actually helpful. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Child death (moderate), mind control (moderate)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), per...2022-08-1308 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsBonus Episode 1: More Options for the Natives of NeverlandPeter Pan has a, um, checkered history with its use of Native American characters, but their role as a third faction of Neverland has the potential to be incredibly fruitful for gaming. In Episode 3, we have six or seven minutes devoted to possible ways to run Tiger Lily without wanting to punch yourself in the face, but we cut almost twenty minutes of other potential options (and a lot more discussion of the options we did include). Tom's favorite option made it into the main episode, but Rachel's was much too weird to be anywhere but here. Come join...2022-08-1325 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 3: Peter PanWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this particularly liberal-arts-major episode (which, contrary to our expectations in Episode Zero, is only one episode), we discuss Peter Pan, and occasionally even touch on the Disney movie. A land of perpetual childhood is a bit like Narnia's Dark Island where dreams come true: it sounds lovely until you think about it for five minutes, and then the horror potential is everywhere. Subjects discussed include:--Which of Neverland's two excellent darklord candidates we chose and why;--Why Neverland is aesthetically the least...2022-08-132h 26

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Encanto (Abridged Episode 2)In which D goes to a domain where everyone is happy and adores their loving matriarch! What could go wrong? The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.Content Advisory for D's Journal (details on content advisories can be found on Facebook, Tumblr, and Patreon)Mind control (major), cults (major), emotional abuse (minor)All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude...2022-07-1310 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 2: EncantoCONTENT ADVISORY: In this episode, we're talking about how to make Encanto--a movie about emotional abuse, intergenerational trauma, emotional abuse, gaslighting, and emotional abuse--even darker, which involves getting pretty heavily into those themes and making some of the implicit horror of Encanto a lot more explicit. This episode, like this setting, isn't for everyone. For those of us who don't like nice things, subjects discussed include:--How to turn a heartbreakingly beautiful moment into Abuela's Act of Ultimate Darkness, and why in the world we would do that (it isn't just to be edgelords, we promise!)2022-07-131h 53

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: The Lion King (Abridged Episode 1)In which D and Yensid's working relationship begins. The in-character fiction from the episode without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaChopin Etude Op. 25, No. 12 in C Minor: “Ocean” (darklord theme), performed by Edward NeemanChopin Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55 No. 1 (land theme), performed by Luke FaulknerRachmaninoff Morceaux de Fantaisie, Op. 3 - 2. Prélude in C sharp minor (Dr...2022-06-1307 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 1: The Lion KingWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In our pilot episode, we discuss The Lion King, why Scar is basically already a darklord, and how to bring him into your own campaign if saving a horror-movie version of the Pride Lands sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday night. Subjects discussed include:–Our own histories with Ravenloft, including Rachel flexing extremely hard because she doesn’t want to get atted;–A detailed breakdown of how we’ll be evaluating the darklord potential of Disney villains throughout the series, and why Scar is basically Strahd with a m...2022-06-131h 49

The Wonderful World of DarklordsD's Journal: Prologue (Abridged Episode 0)In which we meet our narrator! The in-character fiction from the prologue without the in-depth out-of-character discussion of the domain.All music recordings are in the public domain (mark 1.0) and are licensed through https://musopen.org:Chopin Nocturne in B-Flat Minor, Op. 9 No.1 (main theme), performed by Eduardo VinuelaThe Wonderful World of Darklords logo was designed by Halite Jones, whom you can find on Tumblr and Instagram: https://www.tumblr.com/halite-jones and http://www.instagram.com/insta_haliteContact us on:Gmail: wonderfulworldofdarklords@gmail.com 2022-06-0101 min

The Wonderful World of DarklordsEpisode 0: PrologueWelcome to Wonderful World of Darklords! In this, our "session zero" episode, we get into who we are and what we plan to do. Subjects discussed include:--Why we hope a subject as specific as "turning Disney movies into Ravenloft domains of dread" will be helpful for more than just Disney fans and Ravenloft GMs;--What we mean when we say we're a "PG-rated, family-friendly" podcast, and how that works in the context of a horror game;--What the formatting of Wonderful World of Darklords will have in common with World of Darkness...2022-06-0131 min