The Eldritch Lorecast

Bob World Builder joins once more to dissect Dimension 20's explosively free TTRPG, the MCDM Illrigger class makes it to D&D Beyond, WotC continue to talk video games, and Elon Musk tells Hasbro to "burn in hell".

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

Bob:  @BobWorldBuilder 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:31 - One shot TTRPG's

08:32 - Dimension 20's free RPG

22:50 - Illrigger on D&D Beyond

30:07 - Hasbro's done with movies?

40:44 - Elon Musk vs WotC

47:48 - TTRPG creators on Bluesky

51:06 - False rumors in your game

Bob World Builder joins the crew to briefly review the D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide, Ben gushes about the Bastion system, Shawn still wants less world building, and Dael idolizes Indiana Jones!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

Bob:  @BobWorldBuilder 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:30 - D&D's mascot

05:39 - #3 podcast in the realms

07:16 - D&D DMG 2024

15:36 - Bastions are cool?

33:08 - Lorecast in December

35:46 - Creating living worlds

49:00 - Avoiding no-fun consequences

1:00:00 - TTRPG YouTube back to basics

Where should you focus your DM prep when planning a D&D campaign? Will Bastions be included in future 5e adventure modules? Is AI art infiltrating boardgames? All that and more, right now!

BoardGameWire article: https://tinyurl.com/BoardGameWireArticle

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro01:51 - Infinite GM prep time?

09:02 - How much is too much prep?

18:22 - AI art in the boardgames

34:45 - Tabletop games jobs fair

37:44 - Steamforged Games partnerships

39:49 - Well wishes Darryl Mott

40:31 - Bastions in adventure modules?

50:21 - Is the DMG Essential?

A torrent of TTRPG news hits, including 5e 2024 monsters previewed on D&D Beyond, Critical Role touring the globe, DriveThruRPG increasing AI browsing features, and a new Ravenloft novel!

Late Pledge Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Videogames into TTRPGs

07:55 - D&D Funko pop

09:32 - D&D Beyond oopsie

12:51 - DriveThruRPG filters AI

18:40 - Critical Role global tour

31:51 - New Ravenloft novel

37:30 - 5e '24 monster changes

43:42 - Character red flags

Hasbro changes its corporate structure which leads to layoffs, new jobs, and a new future for D&D 5e. We also discuss which TTRPG will make you a better GM, and celebrate our Lorecast Halloween tradition!

FINAL DAYS to back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Halloween costumes!

02:26 - Grim Hollow KS ending

06:40 - New DM Screen

16:49 - Hasbro corporate restructure

31:13 - Chris Perkins new job

37:02 - October recap

44:47 - Games that teach GMing

LIVE from Gamehole Con, the Eldritch Lorecast peaks inside the D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide with LaTia Jacquise. It's a whole Dungeon Master toolbox filled with chase rules, the entire Greyhawk setting, and... doors?

Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Joe: @_Joe_Raso

LaTia: @latiajacquise

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:03 - Gamehole Con

08:12 - 2024 DMG

16:04 - Greyhawk setting

21:38 - D&D movie sequel?

27:14 - Losing animal companions

35:44 - Hobby vs profession

46:37 - Player red flags

Live from PAX Aus, the Eldritch Lorecast hosts a discussion about the toll YouTube takes on the mental health of D&D and Tabletop creators.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben:  @GhostfireGaming 

Trent:  @Miscast 

Luna:  @Luboffin 

Dave:  @TabletopTime 

Dael:  @MonarchsFactory 

__

Editor:  @ZsDante 

After a quick convo about community etiquette and making the internet safer, we dive into the D&D 2024 DMG update and which Bastion system is right for you?

Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:01 - Staying current with editions

06:53 - Convention news

12:46 - MTG Commander community

23:23 - DMG 2024 preview

41:07 - Low magic in 5e

We explore our favorite TTRPG settings and what makes a good campaign setting, whether the 80's D&D cartoon will ever get a revival, and can 5e be played in low magic worlds?

Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:44 - Best TTRPG settings

09:57 - Deep lore vs flexible lore

26:19 - Critical Role cartoon is free

28:45 - Free D&D Beyond one shot

30:41 - 80's cartoon revival?

35:52 - D&D 2024 sales

41:13 - Is low magic better?

55:55 - Polymorph clarification

Kobold Press takes a strong stance on AI in the TTRPG industry, Adventurer's League integrates D&D 2024 into its organized play, and we redesign Strahd for the modern age!

Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck 

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:46 - Favorite CRPG

09:53 - Adventurer's League 2024

25:19 - Ravenloft novel

35:31 - Kobold Press and AI

50:32 - Making Strahd better

Comments from Hasbro CEO ignites another discussion on AI tools in D&D, MCDM releases their creator license for Draw Steel, and we debate whether being a YouTuber helps or hinders success for TTRPG creators?

Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro01:11 - Scheduling regular games

06:30 - Chris Cocks talks AI

15:30 - D&D preorders cancelled

16:26 - Draw Steel! creator license

23:27 - YouTube & TTRPG publishers

40:31 - DriveThru game jam

49:32 - Grim Hollow Transformed!

54:46 - In-game laws of magic

This week the Lorecast discusses the ethics of designing wargames for the military, discusses whether bounded accuracy supports a "heroic fantasy" ludonarrative, and revises the Grim Hollow transformation rules!

Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv

Check out People Make Games' excellent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYaDXZ2MI-k

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @JamesJHaeck 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:58 - Structuring adventures

13:48 - Grim Hollow transformations

26:09 - Designing games for the military

43:12 - Bounded accuracy

Matt Colville joins the Lorecast to explore whether digital tools like D&D Beyond or Project Sigil actually improve tabletop gaming? Also, which action economy is right for you?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Matt:  @mcolville 

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:01 - Digital tools in TTRPGs

17:25 - Project Sigil

34:57 - D&D 2025 releases

50:26 - Greg Tito leaves WotC

51:52 - Prescribed actions vs free actions

01:00:00 - Changing action economy

James Introcaso from MCDM joins us to talk Draw Steel and whether developing games publicly make for better TTRPG's? D&D Beyond and Paizo both walk back unpopular policies, and can RPG's have purely storytelling rules without dice?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Big Jimbo: @JamesIntrocaso

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:50 - Developing Draw Steel

18:18 - D&D Beyond updates

29:52 - Paizo licensing

32:17 - Cosmere breaking records

40:03 - Mighty Nein series

48:07 - Purely narrative mechanics

Good news and bad news in the TTRPG industry this week as D&D books are delayed, Geek & Sundry return, Paizo changes their 3rd party licensing, and Deborah Ann Woll teaches us all about roleplaying games!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: ‪@JamesJHaeck‬

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ‪@ZsDante‬

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:05 - Deborah Ann Woll teaches D&D

11:23 - D&D 2024 delays

12:28 - Geek & Sundry return

15:12 - Patreon problems

24:20 - Critical Role are Among Us

27:11 - Paizo licensing changes

31:19 - Roll20 preorder incentives

34:35 - Writing your first adventure

In the aftermath of Gen Con, a miscommunication from WotC leads to big trouble for D&D YouTubers. Meanwhile, a new record in TTRPG crowdfunding is being broken.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Con drop

07:52 - Gen Con news recap

22:47 - WotC vs YouTube

42:07 - D&D's digital future?

53:15 - Cosmere Kickstarter

LIVE from Gen Con we explore the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook with WotC designers Makenzie De Armas and Justice Ramin Arman. We also get a sneak peak at Project Sigil, the D&D 3D VTT, and prepare ourselves to Draw Steel!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Makenzie: @MakenzieLaneDA

Justice: @justicearman

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:11 - Gen Con

06:29 - Puncheons & Flagons

09:12 - 2024 PHB

24:54 - The "Math"

32:43 - Designing for humans

36:04 - Monster Manual

41:25 - Designing from art

48:07 - Project Sigil

53:27 - Draw Steel!

We dismantle the D&D 2024 crafting rules to discover why players like to craft, before diving in to fix the 5e exploration pillar and ask whether it's simply misunderstood?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - New dragon types

06:34 - D&D 2024 Crafting rules

11:34 - In game economies

15:17 - Why do players craft?

18:36 - Is crafting player facing?

27:36 - Gen Con 2024

30:48 - Non-combat pillars of play

42:15 - Exploration pillar deep dive

The Eldritch Lorecast gets hype for Gen Con, where you can buy the first copies of the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook! What does the new president of WotC spell for the game's future?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:45 - 2024 PHB selling at Gen Con

09:40 - USPS D&D Stamps

11:37 - Ghostfire at Gen Con

13:26 - WotC's new president

20:55 - Role Gate buys Tabletop Mirror

27:40 - San Diego Comic Con

29:43 - Favorite character flaws

The new D&D Monk splits the Lorecast crew, Wizards of the Coast reshuffle their staff with a notable absence, and a new streaming service strives to compete with Twitch.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:14 - Monk 2024

27:13 - Bard 2024

30:51 - Sorcerer 2024

32:37 - Cleric 2024

35:23 - Kyle Brink leaves WOTC

38:50 - D&D stamps

41:58 - Moonbeam

52:40 - Sci fi TTRPG's

A pre-order bonus for the D&D 3D VTT has us wondering how close it is and how WotC plan to monetize it? Are the new dragons an upgrade from the old? Wouldn't you like to custom make your character's species?

Playtest Grim Hollow's heritage system: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_7_145

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:29 - Sam Riegel

07:24 - D&D 3D VTT update

20:31 - D&D Preorder bonuses

34:50 - Roll20 data leak

38:11 - 2024 Ennie nominations

41:15 - New heritage system

49:12 - Ranger core fantasy

There's a lot to say about the new 5e 2024 Ranger, and... well... it's a thing! We also review the new D&D 2024 spells and try to get more players into the GM chair.

Sign up for Grim Hollow Kickstarter updates: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbf

Email your questions to [email protected]

James: @JamesJHaeck

Dael: @dailydael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:22 - New 5e Ranger

19:38 - New 5e Spells

27:51 - 5e Ranger redux

35:30 - Make new Game Masters

45:40 - Core systems that work

The Eldritch Lorecast deep dives into the D&D 2024 previews to explore backgrounds, weapon mastery, heroic advantage, subclasses, and that one missed opportunity!

Experience Grim Hollow on D&D Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_6_143

Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbf

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Robert:  @RobertHartleyGM

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:20 - Grim Hollow on D&D Beyond

10:31 - Grim Hollow Tranformed

16:46 - D&D '24 PHB preview

19:29 - Backgrounds and origins

34:50 - Major rules changes52:50 - New subclasses

Fans notice differences in the D&D Beyond Vecna: Eve of Ruin, Chris Cocks submits to an amazingly awkward interview, and we ponder who the average TTRPG player is?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:52 - Player's Handbook predictions

17:17 - Eve of Ruin print vs digital

23:17 - Chris Cocks interview

34:08 - Who is the average player?

41:06 - TTRPG chase scenes

Do you need to be an Influencer to be a successful TTRPG designer? Is Roll20 buying Demiplane good for the RPG industry? Why has Dicebreaker stopped reporting on D&D? All that and more, right now...

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - Monster Manual covers

04:23 - Roll20 buys Demiplane

11:40 - Dael’s Dragon Age corner

14:12 - Dicebreaker conspiracy

19:16 - Legend of Vox Machina S3

20:45 - Diana Jones Award nominees

32:24 - YouTubification of TTRPG's

Wizards of the Coast publish a job listing for an AI Engineer, the new D&D Dungeon Master's Guide has its cover revealed, and we might have found an official name for the MCDM RPG.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:44 - 5e DMG Covers

09:44 - WotC hiring AI Engineers

19:35 - Adam Bradford joins Fantasy Grounds

31:56 - D&D Show leaves Paramount+

34:07 - D&D's controversial history

38:01 - AC or damage threshold?

We dive into D&D adventure settings from Greyhawk to Kara Tur, from Forgotten Realms to Dark Sun, and ponder which deserve to return to 5e?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Teos: @Alphastream

Omar: @OmarNajam

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:36 - Greyhawk

10:59 - Campaign settings & GMs

17:59 - D&D: Worlds and Realms

25:11 - Kara Tur

33:39 - D&D translations and accessibility

36:01 - "Blue Shell" rubber band mechanics

52:22 - Food in TTRPGs

New D&D art drops, showcasing the cover of the next 5e PHB. MCDM rockets onto D&D Beyond with two 3rd party titles. Vecna is revealed as the next Dead by Daylight villain.

Get 30% off at Into the AM until May 29: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Zac:  @ZacSpeaksGiant

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:05 - How important is art?

07:54 - New D&D Covers

24:12 - Cover & Interior Art

29:39 - New D&D rules details

40:39 - MCDM on D&D Beyond

45:01 - Vecna joins Dead by Daylight

46:44 - Ability checks you want to fail

Critical Role starts its own subscription service, but is this repeating Geek & Sundry's mistakes? D&D announces another video game licensing deal and makes a controversial reveal!

Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:37 - Critical Role & Beacon

22:03 - Monster Hunter design stream

23:33 - Black Flag SRD

36:51 - D&D and Dead By Daylight

40:43 - D&D's greatest nontroversy

45:05 - Social rules in TTRPG's

Wizards of the Coast drops microtransactions from D&D Beyond, promises to update the 5e SRD, and releases an AI art FAQ. Should every TTRPG have a TV show like Fallout?

Crowdfund Campaign Cabinets here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/loudounlaserworks/campaign-cabinets?ref=cq6nex

Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James: @JamesJHaeck 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:09 - D&D SRD update

10:26 - D&D Beyond microtransactions

19:29 - WotC AI art FAQ

25:28 - Campaign cabinets

29:12 - Fallout TTRPG sales

43:18 - AI art and small creators

51:40 - AI art and GM use

We discuss designing a new 5e class, the difference between psionics and magic in D&D, Hasbro's investor call, and GM'ing for strangers!

Discover the Wandering Tavern here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/homieandthedude/the-wandering-tavern?ref=e9y7dz

Sign for the Monster Hunter playtest: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_4_134

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:39 - Monster Hunter class

21:18 - Psionics in D&D 5.5e

32:20 - Nurturing new players

36:12 - The Wandering Tavern

40:21 - Roll20 and Discord partnership

43:46 - Hasbro earnings call

48:23 - Running games for strangers

Cynthia Williams resigns from Wizards of the Coast and leaves behind her D&D legacy, Critical Role showcase Daggerheart rules on stream, and Pathfinder has new classes for you to playtest.

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @dailydael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:30 - Cynthia Williams resigns

14:42 - Steve Jackson Games

25:04 - CR advertises Daggerheart

25:46 - Campaign SPOILERS

29:00 - Spoilers end

30:18 - Monsters of Drakkenheim

31:35 - Pathfinder news

42:41 - Baldur's Gate 4

47:59 - Crowded TTRPG industry

We review the changes to Daggerheart and whether it's better or worse with initiative rules, boggle at the price of Dimension 20 live tickets, and consider whether Hasbro's CEO is right about the future of gaming.

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131

Chris Cocks WBUR-fm interview: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/04/03/dungeons-and-dragons-hasbro

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Monty: @montycmartin

Kelly: @KaiInRealLife

Dungeon Dudes:  @DungeonDudes

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:33 - Dimension 20 ticket prices

19:11 - Daggerheart playtest update

40:55 - Monsters of Drakkenheim

49:22 - Metamorphosis Alpha

50:15 - Chris Cocks interview

This week Lexi McQueen joins the Lorecast to look through the D&D LEGO adventure, speculate at the D&D video game news, and then we all try not to panic while our party learns to teleport!

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Lexi:  @blackgirlmage

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:30 - Making Liveplays

11:53 - Writing adventures

14:18 - LEGO D&D Adventure

20:43 - D&D Videogame news

28:43 - Karlach takes up wrestling!

30:37 - Women Innovators of Play 2024

32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim

32:58 - TTRPG rules vs setting

53:42 - Handling the teleport spell

D&D Beyond joins Kickstarter to support Monsters of Drakkenheim, a free 5e adventure is released for Tsojcanth, and are dropping D&D sales in 2023 a problem?

Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:49 - Digital vs physical rules

06:14 - Point buy vs roll stats

14:18 - D&D Beyond on Kickstarter

21:49 - Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth

32:33 - D&D sales fall 30%

48:30 - TTRPG dream sequences

A deluge of gaming news breaks with a sneak peak at the new 5e DMG, Tome of Beast hits D&D Beyond, Wizard's secures more licensing deals, and Larian cancels Baldur's Gate 4!

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Gaming snacks

06:51 - Conquest Melbourne

07:37 - Gary Con news

08:20 - Shadowdark

11:56 - Matt Mercer in the new DMG

15:05 - More Gary Con news

29:33 - Tome Of Beasts on D&D Beyond

32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim

36:15 - D&D LEGO release

41:03 - D&D Converse

42:10 - Baldur's Gate cancelled

48:11 - Remembering James M. Ward

50:09 - D&D is for Nerds podcast

The Dungeon Dudes drop in to talk the Daggerheart open Beta, their next 5e Kickstarter "Monsters of Drakkenheim", and whether AI creation tools can be used responsibly?

Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @JamesJHaeck

Monty: @montycmartin

Kelly: @KaiInRealLife

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:28 - Best 5e monster type

13:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim

31:56 - Hasbro using AI

43:38 - Daggerheart playtest

5e Adventurer's League consolidates onto D&D Beyond, Chaosium offers money if you develop for the Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine, and Kobold Press announces a new Tales of the Valiant starter set!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck 

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:49 - Chaosium game design competition

20:08 - Adventurers League on D&D Beyond

25:44 - Premier AL organizers

37:59 - Tales of the Valiant starter set

42:09 - Do adventure modules railroad?

Darrington Press announces a Daggerheart open playtest, D&D Beyond updates Maps and offers an exclusive Vecna adventure, and a surprise new TTRPG adventure wants you to play for science!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:23 - Daggerheart playtest

22:28 - D&D Beyond Maps

29:43 - Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye

39:43 - Realms of Kymoria lawsuit

44:31 - Learning from adventure modules

53:05 - Surprise NASA TTRPG

Does D&D lore need a refresh with more recognizable characters? Why did WotC cut Portuguese translations from their books? Where's the best place to get TTRPG news? All that and more on the Eldritch Lorecast!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Luna:  @Luboffin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:13 - Rascal TTRPG news

12:54 - D&D in Portuguese cut

16:45 - Candela Obscura season 4

31:46 - Tom Cardy & Dragon Friends

35:39 - Faction design

45:15 - Updating D&D lore

This week's Eldritch Lorecast reignites the Legendary Resistance debate, welcomes more 3rd party publishers to D&D Beyond, gets hyped for LEGO rumors, and charts the rise and fall of Evil Genius Games.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

James: @JamesJHaeck 

Editor: @ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:10 - Legendary resistances

15:46 - Hasbro investor call

25:06 - Humblewood on D&D Beyond

26:51 - D&D LEGO partnership

33:06 - Rise and fall of Evil Genius Games

40:15 - No-win player choices

The D&D 2024 release schedule arrives just in time for this week's Eldritch Lorecast! We also talk Dragonlance heartbreak and how to use player-character backgrounds effectively?

Discover Surviving Strangehollow: http://get.accidentalcyclops.com/4

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:22 - TTRPG romance

05:47 - Dragonlance heartbreak

15:58 - D&D 2024 release schedule

22:02 - Player's Handbook 2024

25:57 - D&D Converse, LEGO, and Pop-tarts

30:28 - Surviving Strangehollow

38:05 - Foundry VTT partnership

46:03 - Using character backstories

This week's Eldritch Lorecast Unearths the last of the D&D Arcana and gets rage baited by the latest TTRPG controversies.

Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Teos: @Alphastream

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:36 - Exciting 5.5e rules

10:00 - Playtest Packet 8 review

22:27 - 5.5e launch dates

28:33 - Into the AM

30:41 - Tencent & rage bait

45:35 - Between session storytelling

We announce all the 5e news from Ghostfire Gaming, review the Deck of Many Things continued production issues, and when we can expect D&D in VR?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

James: @JamesJHaeck

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:48 - 2024 gaming conventions

07:58 - Ghostfire Gaming news!

15:37 - Deck of Many Things manufacturing

21:39 - D&D VR game

31:58 - Netflix TTRPG lawsuit

33:48 - Retreating in D&D 5e?

52:39 - Cutting rules from 5.5e

57:29 - 3D printing minis

Is Nightshade the end of AI art in the TTRPG industry? How do you effectively playtest new rules you've written? What's the worst DM behavior you've put up with in your D&D game? All that, and more!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Dael: @DailyDael

Logan: @the_runesmith

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:36 - TTRPG creator advice

09:53 - Nightshade poisons AI art

16:55 - Random House cocktails

25:33 - Bad DM behavior

40:08 - Playtesting subclasses

51:07 - Too many NPCs

This week's Eldritch Lorecast celebrates the D&D Movie winning an award, commemorates the passing of Jennell Jaquays, explores Aussie game design, and how NOT to introduce new players to 5e or TTRPG's.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:26 - Critical fumbles

07:03 - D&D Movie wins!

08:48 - Remembering Jennell Jaquays

12:35 - Ruining D&D for new players

33:21 - Aussie game design

Hot takes burn up this week's Eldritch Lorecast as the crew tackle WotC getting caught using AI Art once again, and whether the Golden Age of TTRPG's is dead as Ben Riggs predicts?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:50 - Gaming over the Break

13:21 - Congratulations MCDM

14:14 - Golden Age of TTRPGs

27:24 - WotC and AI Art... again

45:42 - Bryan Ansell Tribute

46:39 - The Clone Spell

This week we discuss integrity in the TTRPG YouTube space, choose new 5e adventures for 2024, and discuss whether the stun condition should be removed from D&D entirely?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

05:05 - AI Art False Accusation

09:52 - Integrity in TTRPG YouTube

14:32 - Choosing an adventure

29:55 - Max level cap

47:20 - High level campaigns

51:40 - Remove the stun condition?

Learn the entire process of publishing a TTRPG product in the industry, from game design, writing, editing, art, graphic design, project managing, and marketing your book. A special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast recorded LIVE at PAX Aus 2023.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @jamesjhaeck

Phil: @PhilBeckwithDnD

Vee: @Rocketeer_Vee

Hayley: @storybrewers

Editor: @ZsDante 

We celebrate a massive year for D&D the Tabletop Roleplaying Game industry as a whole! The ups, the downs, and everything in between.

Final hours to back Enchanting Emporiums on Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

08:12 - Biggest news of 2023

18:32 - Best TTRPG release

30:01 - Best TTRPG related release

40:04 - Best Con of 2023

47:43 - Guests of the year

52:16 - Best ELC moments

After being blown away by The MCDM RPG day 1 success, the team review the 50 Years of D&D panel and all the 5e books set for release in 2024.

Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:27 - Most spent on crowdfunding

08:29 - The MCDM RPG

25:21 - 50 Years Of D&D panel

27:55 - Gaming at Conventions

37:43 - Quests from the Infinite Staircase

39:11 - Vecna - Eve of Ruin

41:23 - 2024 PHB & Monster Manual

48:56 - The Game Awards

55:24 - Hasbro Layoffs

Ghostfire Gaming arrives on D&D Beyond with Lairs of Etharis and Dungeons of Drakkenheim, the first 3rd party 5e content after Critical Role. We also take time to answer listener emails.

Get Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHMG_2023_12_114

Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James:  @JamesJHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:25 - Creating monster lairs

07:58 - Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond

18:00 - Describing fantasy worlds

30:20 - Keeping campaigns going

37:45 - Dragons in Grim Hollow?

Reviewing the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet 8 leads to pondering whether 5e still needs resource management and if it's better for a monk's foe to succeed against Stunning Strike?

Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James:  @jamesjHaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:33 - Thanksgiving

04:29 - Ghostfire at PAX Unplugged

11:00 - WotC PAX Panel

13:27 - Unearthed Arcana

36:46 - D&D Movie Sequel?

40:26 - Peril in Pinebrook

47:09 - Pathfinder Core changes

56:25 - Enchanting Emporiums

This week we deep dive into 'The Seeker's Guide to Enchanting Emporiums', and why the latest 5e release 'Peril in Pinebrook' isn't for D&D players! We also discuss the application of crafting in your TTRPG campaign.

Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Logan: @the_Runesmith

Editor: @ZsDante

<
/p>

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:55 - Favorite magic items

08:14 - Enchanting Emporiums

33:43 - Peril in Pinebrook

40:27 - Deck of Many Things update

42:19 - The TTRPG acronym

47:31 - Magic item crafting

Dael and Ben argue whether the D&D Brawler should be a Fighter or a Monk subclass. We review the updates to D&D Beyond Maps, celebrate the release of Candela Obscura, and ponder how to fight god.

Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:40 - D&D Playtest packet 7

21:24 - D&D Beyond Maps

23:49 - Maps vs the 3D VTT

29:52 - AI DMing

36:10 - Candela Obscura Nexus

38:37 - Sourcebook vs adventure module

55:35 - How to fight god

This week we're talking Magic Item Shops, new Black Flag adventures from Ghostfire Gaming, why in the Nine Hells EVERYONE is talking about Chains of Asmodeus, and clues about D&D 2024's core 5e rulebooks and release slate!

Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109

Arora: We All Fall Down (Black Flag adventure): https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/458423/arora-we-all-fall-down

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Magic item shops

10:19 - The Seeker’s Guide to Enchanting Emporiums

16:17 - Ghostfire’s Black Flag adventures

25:08 - The realms of Arora

28:23 - New D&D streaming service

39:37 - Chains of Asmodeus

48:57 - D&D 2024 hints

Wizards of the Coast delays the D&D Deck of Many Things, MCDM announces their RPG Backerkit launch, and Kobold Press releases the Black Flag SRD. Meanwhile, nobody is impressed by Critical Role!?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:50 - Deck of Many Things delayed

15:30 - WotC increased revenue

20:32 - D&D arriving to schools

23:58 - MCDM RPG launch date

25:25 - Black Flag SRD

39:41 - Critical Role news roundup

45:22 - Why PC's never die anymore

Shawn reports back from Gamehole Con on the MCDM RPG, D&D Beyond launches Day 1 DLC for Planescape, the Candela Obscura draws near, and Paizo hikes its Pathfinder prices! All that Tabletop News, and more to come!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:32 - Gamehole Con

07:59 - MCDM RPG round 2

19:21 - Tabletop News launches

26:46 - Candela Obscura and horror RPGs

37:27 - Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary

49:45 - Paizo price hike

This week D&D returns to magazine shelves with Dungeons & Dragons Adventurer, new iconic D&D characters are possibly teased, and we return to our discussion social encounter game mechanics to decide how much crunch is the right amount.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Editor: ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:49 - New D&D Iconic Characters

12:20 - DriveThruRPG Update

18:45 - D&D Adventurer magazine

28:16 - Aberration last 48hrs

30:06 - Social encounter crunch?

42:57 - Casting spells in front of NPC’s

54:50 - New D&D celebrity liveplay

After playtesting the MCDM TTRPG at PAX Aus, Ben, Dael and James have thoughts... we also look at the Bastion system in the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet. Shawn doesn't think the sky is falling for bookstores.

Check out Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_106

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:42 - MCDM RPG Playtest

12:56 - Tactical Heroic Cinematic Fantasy

19:05 - MCDM dice mechanics

26:02 - Its place in the industry?

34:54 - Negotiation system

44:02 - D&D Beard oil

47:17 - UA: Bastion system

01:03:39 - WotC ends distribution contract

01:08:12 - UA: cantrips

This week the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4 unleashes on D&D Beyond, Netflix rolls for initiative against a TTRPG publisher, and the Australians' lose their minds.

Discover Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_105

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - Favorite gaming convention?

06:03 - Find us at PAX Aus

12:50 - Evil Genius vs Netflix

27:14 - Planescape

35:14 - New fey monsters for 5e

44:42 - Aberration

46:34 - Baldur’s Gate supplement?

58:07 - Digital purchases bad for games?

Game designer Peter Lee joins the Lorecast to discuss board game development, how to use playtest feedback, and the history of his career. We also take a look the new D&D Beyond Maps and dissect some D&D sales data!

Back Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_9_104

Find Teos' blog: https://alphastream.org/index.php/2023/09/25/how-dd-sells-and-what-it-means-for-the-hobby/

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Peter: @minipete

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:24 - Favorite board games

05:59 - Peter Lee's game design career

15:28 - Aberration from concept to Gamefound

20:43 - The Great Beast of Grim Hollow

29:55 - Aberration expansions

32:54 - D&D Beyond: Maps

41:51 - Planescape

43:27 - Dissecting D&D sales data

50:56 - How to use playtest feedback

This week is look at how Baldur's Gate 3 uses initiative, celebrate Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire arriving on 5e Nexus, and explore implicit storytelling in TTRPG adventures.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:07 - Best way to use initiative

15:24 - D&D Beyond VTT alpha

18:35 - Roll20 buys Dungeon Scrawl

24:49 - 3rd parties on 5E Nexus

30:42 - Email about emails

31:46 - Implicit storytelling in RPGs

40:05 - Restricting monster options

59:59 - The truth about thieves guilds

Another full episode of pouring over a playtest packet for D&D 5e (2e), which raises game design questions about opportunity attacks, whether failure is good, and is D&D too "magical"?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:05 - D&D Playtest 7

03:41 - Counterspell

07:24 - Wildheart barbarian

12:59 - Battle Master fighter

19:27 - Opportunity attacks

22:13 - 5e 2024 design goals?

31:58 - Wild Magic sorcerer

41:14 - Mild BG3 spoiler begins

41:57 - BG3 spoiler ends

41:58 - Barbarians are magic now

47:58 - Warlock changes

We're delving below Phandelver to preview the latest D&D 5e adventure, discussing new Pathfinder classes up for playtest, and then relax with a fine drink at the Quest's End.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Omar: @OmarNajam

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: @ZsDante

00:00 - Intro

04:38 - Phandelver & Below

11:23 - Baldur's Gate Gazetteer

14:22 - New Pathfinder classes

27:43 - Quest's End D&D whiskey

38:26 - Does 5e have too many classes?

50:40 - D&D Beyond: Before the Storm

57:05 - Time travelling campaigns?

This week we take a break from the D&D news to answer YOUR questions about TTRPGs, 3rd party publishing, game mechanics and power rangers!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:00 - Our named wizards spells

04:37 - Our power ranger colors!

06:11 - Hopes for the next 100 episodes

07:32 - Balancing companion NPCs

13:38 - Art inspiration for RPGs

21:28 - Future of 3rd party publishing

26:05 - Best idea you've never run

32:12 - Indie mechanics for D&D

37:14 - What's your favorite color?

39:50 - TTRPG industry networking

43:45 - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood?

45:48 - What are witches hats?

46:37 - A house rule you can't live without

49:54 - When does 5e become a new game?

53:00 - Names the Lorecast almost had

D&D Beyond publishes it's first 3rd party supplement, Tal'Dorei Reborn from Darrington Press. We also review Glory of the Giants, and decide when it's okay to give players meta knowledge to make in game choices.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:59 - D&D Beyond publishing 3rd parties

22:32 - Dael's giant sized adventure

25:02 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

36:00 - Giving players meta knowledge

49:42 - Class design discussion

57:11 - Oath breakers in 5e

We're diving into the design of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, and just how different it is from D&D 5e. We also announce a new board game, discuss the Playtest 5 survey results, and discover why not everyone's happy with Baldur's Gate 3's success.

Discover more about Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ABB_2023_7_098

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:18 - Baldur's Gate 3

16:13 - Aberration: The Board Game

19:06 - D&D playtest 5 survey results

26:26 - Daggerheart preview

49:19 - Dropout back in production

50:45 - How to network at conventions

Live from Gen Con 2023 we discuss AI art infiltrating the TTRPG industry, events from the convention show floor, US pub culture vs Australian, and celebrate industry award winners.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Anthony: @AJoyce_Rivera

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:44 - Gen Con 2023

17:14 - USA vs Australia

24:33 - Diana Jones award

26:12 - AI art in Bigby's giants book

39:49 - The Ennies

46:31 - Dnd rules update... update

51:21 - Meta currencies in games

This week we dive into the mailbag to answer your D&D and TTRPG questions, including whether the Kickstarter hype cycle is killing the TTRPG industry, and whether there's a solution to challenge ratings!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:38 - American vs Aussie slang

18:41 - Gen Con 2023

20:12 - Creating a TTRPG moment with music

28:09 - A solution to Challenge Ratings

36:23 - Is Eberron dark fantasy?

44:30 - Is Kickstarter good for the TTRPG industry?

Lots of sneak peaks this week: Matt Colville reveals design goals for the MCDM roleplaying game, Wizards of the Coast preview Planescape, and Candela Obscura announces Chapter 2!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:54 - Best incorporeal undead?

09:52 - Planescape sneak peak

22:23 - MCDM’s new game

39:45 - SAG-AFTRA & live plays

51:59 - Candela Obscura Chapter 2

54:41 - Why spell points suck

This week's Eldritch Lorecast asks the big question! Which giant is best giant? Why are psionics largely absent from D&D 5e? Is Gandalf a paladin!?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:46 - Which Giant is best?

06:39 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

17:01 - Mirrorscape's augmented reality

24:06 - Best one shot modules

35:44 - Class narrative archetypes

51:39 - Is Gandalf a paladin?

54:49 - Psyonics in 5e

This episode includes Baldur's Gate 3, D&D romances, and a bear! We also congratulate the Ennie Award nominees, and Smosh (finally) starts their live play game.

Check out the Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

03:22 - Aetherial Expanse leaving Kickstarter

05:51 - Ennie Award Nominations

13:04 - Romancing a Bear

16:53 - Baldur's Gate 3 Updates

21:24 - Smosh D&D Stream

33:18 - Breaking class stereotypes

The latest Unearthed Arcana drops another 5e playtest packet, prompting more conversation about D&D's goals as a game. We also give a few opinions on the latest changes.

Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation' with new 5e exploration mechanics: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2023_7_092

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:28 - The ORC License

04:51 - D&D Playtest Packet 6

15:35 - Too much player success?

29:15 - Exhaustion & storytelling currency

39:56 - Capstones & Bards

42:00 - Druids & Monks

48:36 - Valiant playtest packet

49:25 - Changes to spell learning

Shawn Merwin, Dael Kingsmill and James Haeck hosts this episode discussing the Tales of the Valiant, how to get noticed if you plan to publish your own adventure/TTRPGs and other listener emails with our honoured guest Scott Fitzgeralt Gray!

Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089

Email your questions to [email protected]

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Scott: @scottfgray

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:58 - Things people dont know about you

05:56 - Tales of the Valiant smashed it!

10:29 - A perfectly delivered advert

11:58 - Importance of symmetry in game design

27:21 - How will the next 10 years look like?

37:23 - Multiclassing still relevant!?

47:57 - The best way to get your work noticed

D&D Community managers Sarah Chaffee and LaTia Jacquise join the Eldritch Lorecast to chat about the spookiest monsters, playing games in public spaces, and being part of this wonderful community!

Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @jamesjhaeck

Sarah: @sarahiscoffee

LaTia: @LaTiaJacquise

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:53 - Memorable game moments

09:27 - D&D Beyond Twitch

12:00 - Adventurer's League still strong

20:55 - Being part of the D&D community

25:43 - Running spooky D&D monsters

43:26 - Aetherial Expanse hype

44:58 - Mass combat advice

54:36 - Playing in public spaces

The Aetherial Expanse Kickstarter launches, the city of Baldur's Gate is finally revealed, and Jeremy Crawford predicts another 10 years of D&D 5e.

Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

James: @jamesjhaeck

Luna: @luboffin

Editor: @ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:41 - Urban vs Wilderness campaign

08:42 - Baldur's Gate revealed

14:26 - Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide

28:17 - Ten more years of 5e?

47:20 - Are rogues a selfish class choice?

52:34 - Randomly generated dungeons

Pathfinder tries to separate itself further from D&D with a rules refresh! Teos and Adam rejoin the Lorecast to review the Pathfinder changes and answer some pressing listener emails.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Adam: @RetroArchetype

Teos: @Alphastream

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

06:05 - Problem with Pathfinder

09:36 - Pathfinder rules refresh

15:42 - Pathfinder removing alignment

23:46 - Changes to lineage

25:45 - New GM Core

41:41 - GM breaking the game?

51:08 - Session 0 advice

The Eldritch Lorecast dives into the Candela Obscura quickplay rules, and answers if there's been a copyright breach? Is the D&D Movie likely to get a sequel? Should we be worried about a TTRPG price rise?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:33 - Candela Obscura

19:07 - Games copyright

33:35 - D&D Movie sequel?

37:01 - 2023 D&D releases

48:35 - D&D books price rise

57:09 - Tales of the Valiant check in

59:13 - Pathfinder Nexus open beta

Blasting through the small amount of D&D and TTRPG news, we then discuss game design through the lens of writing style, flavor text vs rules text, and how to name things.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

04:27 - Ghostfire's going to Gen Con 2023

12:02 - Dael’s strange experience

14:31 - Latest D&D playtest video

19:19 - Other TTRPG news

20:55 - Importance of writing style

39:16 - flavor text vs rules text

51:49 - Naming characters, monsters, places

We dive into the Aetherial Expanse to explore Ghostfire Gaming's new 5e campaign setting, get hyped for Critical Role's "Candela Obscura", and a fantastic listener email plunges us into a discussion of game design theory.

Get notified when The Aetherial Expanse sets sail: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977277590/the-aetherial-expanse-setting-guide

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

02:54 - Druid & Paladin playtest results

04:05 - Fables is retiring

06:27 - Aetherial Expanse: Campaign Guide

26:47 - Critical Role's Candela Obscura

31:20 - 24/7 D&D streaming channel

39:17 - Faster, Purple Worm! Kill! Kill!

43:21 - Types of play: Gamist, Narrativist, Simulationist

We celebrate the release of Misplaced Monsters for a great cause, discuss what a 3rd Party D&D Beyond marketplace would look like, and explore the multiverse!

Find your Misplaced Monsters: https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/sourcebooks/misplaced-monsters-volume-one

Get updates on the Aetherial Expanse: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977277590/the-aetherial-expanse-setting-guide

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

01:02 - Removing an Ability Score?

09:06 - Aetherial Expanse Tease

09:53 - D&D Community Update

16:43 - D&D Beyond 3rd party marketplace

31:01 - The next creator summit

33:00 - Misplaced Monsters for Extra Life

36:48 - Jasper's Game Week (Aus Edition)

38:25 - Eberron publisher closing down

40:48 - Adventuring in a Multiverse

54:44 - GMs role in character creation

While breaking down the latest D&D 5e playtest packet, we ponder whether classes are indeed system or content?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante 

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Spell school quiz

06:53 - Are player classes system or content?

36:05 - Reviewing the D&D playtest packet 5

55:23 - Tales of the Valiant playtest packet

01:01:07 - Pathfinder 2e refresh

We decide what should be in the new 5e DMG, before gauging our hype levels for Daggerheart and Illuminated Worlds from Darrington Press! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Mike: SupergeekMike  Editor: ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro04:24 - When to call in the Pinkertons13:54 - 2024 Dungeon Masters Guide sneak peak40:49 - Word's largest D&D game44:30 - Matt Mercer's Dimension 20 campaign49:01 - Critical Role announces their own TTRPG

This week Adam Carnevale ("D&D is for Nerds") gives us his best D&D puzzle ideas, we ponder the roll out of 5.5e on D&D Beyond, and celebrate Marisha Ray's amazing throw down at Creator Clash 2. Email your questions to [email protected] Discover "D&D is for Nerds": https://www.sanspantsradio.com/podcasts/dd-is-for-nerds/ Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Adam: @RetroArchetype Editor: @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Naming the D&D 5e rules refresh 06:11 - Rollout of the 5e rules refresh 14:47 - Future of D&D live plays post 5.5e 20:58 - Should the GM roll every dice? 29:16 - Marisha Ray at Creator Clash 2 37:57 - TTRPGs that influence our game design 50:10 - Do puzzles suck in TTRPGs?

Teos Abadia reports from the field at the D&D Creator Summit, where tensions got a little heated as the future of 5e was revealed! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Teos: @Alphastream Editor: ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro

04:56 - D&D Creator Summit recap

06:43 - Mismatched expectations

15:40 - D&D VTT hands on

41:31 - Tales of the Valiant

43:43 - Reviewing the ORC first draft

59:30 - D&D 5e rules revision for 2024

All the news from the D&D Direct is dissected while a Ghostfire spy feeds us information from the Digital D&D Creator Summit! Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:07 - Honor Among Thieves review (No Spoilers!) 06:41 - D&D Direct 07:42 - Minecraft x D&D DLC 13:06 - Hasbro toy showcase 14:09 - MTG movie secret lair 16:00 - Neverwinter: Menzoberranzan 17:49 - Wizkid's mimic and baby owlbear 25:09 - D&D VTT discussion 47:54 - Upcoming WotC book releases

Timely as always, this week's episode predicts the D&D Direct event only hours before it goes live! We ponder what the core books of One D&D might look like, and the give advice to folks starting out as game designers. Email the podcast: [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:56 - Pre D&D Direct predictions 14:15 - What will One D&D core books look like? 35:20 - D&D Coffee Club 41:57 - Getting started as a game designer

We scrutinize the second Project: Black Flag playtest packet from Kobold Press, finally get some insight from the One D&D survey results, and ponder how a GM can 'humble' troublesome players. Email your questions to [email protected] Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:25 - Black Flag playtest packet 2 30:14 - One D&D survey results 40:18 - Chaosium announce Basic Roleplaying Universal Game Engine 42:05 - Till the Last Gasp and competitive roleplaying 46:45 - "Humbling" players and campaign setbacks

Some thoughts on the D&D Content Creator Summit, Wizard of the Coast's apparent strategy for the community moving forward, and how to DM climactic boss encounters! Meanwhile Ben and Dael got to see Honor Among Thieves a little early.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:00 - Honor Among Thieves first reactions (spoiler free)
09:06 - WotC's community update
26:50 - D&D Content Creator Summit
41:37 - Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel nominated for a Nebula Award
43:06 - Valikan Clans final days on Kickstarter
46:50 - How to DM climactic boss battles in D&D

'Tabletop News' producer Adam Rady joins the Lorecast to discuss the state of news and entertainment in the TTRPG industry! Also, did the characters' stats from Honor Among Thieves spoil the D&D movie?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Follow Tabletop News: https://twitter.com/watchtabletop

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @HatlessWizard

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - 1 Must Die: TTRPG's, card games, board games, war games?
06:00 - The new home of Tabletop News
29:00 - Titancraft miniature maker
37:00 - D&D Movie character sheets and fan theorizing
43:30 - Black Flag playtest packet 2 sneak peak
53:00 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans raiding

The ardling exits stage right while the Druid and Paladin receive the One D&D playtest treatment! We dash through the Dimension 20 and Baldur's Gate news before diving deep into the Unearthed Arcana.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Join the Valikan Clans Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Physical vs digital dice
09:53 - Matt Mercer will DM Dimension 20
10:11 - Baldur's Gate 3 release date
16:11 - Wizkids' life size mimic
19:49 - Valikan Clans kickstarter continues
20:57 - One D&D playtest review: Druid and Paladin
50:18 - Teaching new TTRPGs to your group

We look over the TTRPG news of the week before answering a host of listener questions! How easy is it to convert 5e adventures to other systems, like Pathfinder? How can you surprise a player who's read the adventure module your running? What else can we share from Australian culture?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Discover Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:58 - D&D Movie sneak peak
08:57 - 5e Nexus and Sly Flourish 's take on D&D Beyond
18:44 - Keys from the Golden Vault launches... sorta?
20:27 - A new Tabletop News program announced!
26:24 - Legends of Vox Machina Season 2 wrap up (spoilers!!)
29:24 - Porting 5e adventures to other systems
49:50 - Surprising players who know the adventure module
56:10 - James and Shawn mispronounce 'Pass the Parcel'

This week we start by launching Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans, the latest 5e Kickstarter from Ghostfire Gaming! Then we're reviewing Kobold Presses first playtest packet for Black Flag.

Raid and sail in Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Scott: @scottfgray
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:26 - A mechanic you'd add to 5e
12:11 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans
13:46 - Saga of the Seasons adventure module
20:22 - The Raiders Guide to Valika & freeform character building
32:59 - The lore of the clans
37:31 - Introducing raiding mechanics to 5e
43:07 - Black Flag playtest feedback

This week we review the Kyle Brink interview over on 3 Black Halflings, discuss the fracturing of D&D 5e into multiple successor games, glimpse the reality of a digital future, and catch up once more on The Legend of Vox Machina!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Become an Agent of the Empire: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2023_2_071

Discover Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - 'Worst NPC name' stories
06:28 - Fables: Agents of the Empire - Episode 2
11:38 - Kyle Brink interviewed by  3 Black Halflings
24:32 - D&D Beyond service interruptions
30:01 - Is Project: Black Flag closer to 5.5e than a new system?
46:13 - The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 check in
49:13 - Vox Machina Spoiler warning
57:35 - Vox Machina Spoilers end

The OGL wars are over, with Wizards of the Coast reverting to 1.0a and releasing the entire SRD 5.1 to Creative Commons. What does this mean for the future of Black Flag and One D&D? We also fire through the copious Critical Role news this week in order of importance!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Get updates on Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Luna: @luboffin
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Meaningful TTRPG character moments
07:30 - SRD 5.1 is now under Creative Commons
23:40 - Hasbro layoffs
26:52 - 'Keys from the Golden Vault' cover revealed
31:52 - Marisha Ray joins Creator Clash 2
38:09 - Mighty Nein animated series announced!
48:15 - The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 check in
51:04 - Vox Machina Spoiler warning
01:02:14 - Vox Machina Spoilers end

This week is a deep dive into the D&D OGL 1.2, as we consider our responses to the survey. The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 also kicks off and we find out WTF is up with Fishblade?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Get updates on Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHVC_2023_1_069

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor:  ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Worst NPC names
07:22 - OGL 1.2 in depth breakdown
37:34 - 'The Legend of Vox Machina' Season 2
47:38 - The Legend of Vox Machina spoilers start!
52:15 - Spoilers end
52:29 - Grim Hollow: Valikan Clans update
53:42 - WTF is Fishblade?

This week we reflect on the OGL leaks and all of the fallout since. We also celebrate our 3rd Party Publisher friends and discuss Ghostfire's future plans with 5e. Are you looking forward to the D&D TV show?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ghostfire Gaming's statement: https://ghostfiregaming.com/blog/forging-our-future/

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Favorite 3rd Party 5e supplement?
08:01 - Reflecting on all the OGL news
20:21 - 3rd Party Publishers announce future plans
32:21 - D&D TV show being produced for Paramount+
45:29 - Using riddles well in a TTRPG campaign?
58:06 - Dael's riddle

This week we start by addressing the OGL elephant in the room before diving into the fun of #dungeon23. We also experiment with Chat GPT applications in game design and learn more than intended about the Realm of Shadow!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Didn't back Quest-O-Nomicon? No problem, check it out here - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_XPQN_2023_1_067

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:29 - Ghostfire's response to the OGL news
07:47 - Quest-O-Nomicon fulfilment
08:52 - #Dungeon23
27:57 - Lego Ideas D&D winner
30:33 - What is the Realm of Shadow?
40:54 - Chat GPT and AI adventure writing
57:00 - Hiding your inspiration in your adventures

We spill what Ghostfire Gaming has planned for 2023, ponder about D&D 5th and 6th Editions in the coming year, and set our New Year's resolutions!

Accept your first mission in Fables: Agents of the Empire here - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2023_1_066

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:05 - New year's resolutions
05:48 - Fables 3: Agents of the Empire
17:56 - Grim Hollow: Raiders Guide to Valika
35:40 - Ghostfire Gaming 2023 further sneak peak
38:16 - D&D releases and Wizards of the Coast in 2023

We look back on the highlights of 2022 in the D&D and TTRPG industry, and reflect on the first full year of the Eldritch Lorecast! Help us celebrate with the most prestigious of award ceremonies, the Elly TTRPG Awards!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - The naming of the awards!
04:20 - "Let Me Tell You About My Character" Award (TTRPG highlights)
09:39 - "Tavern Rumors" Award (Biggest news of the year)
16:07 - "Oh no, a Trap!" Award (Worst news of the year)
29:25 - "Recovered Treasure" Award (Best TTRPG product of the year)
41:14 - "Imagination Manifest" Award (Best artwork)
45:35 - "Vivid World Descriptions" Award (Best cinematic trailer)
47:45 - "Can I Play, too?" Award (Thanks to all our guests for the year!)
50:43 - "Thanks for the Memories" Award (Eldritch Lorecast 2022 highlights)

This week we dig into The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 trailer, including the episode list and season predictions! The rest of the podcast is devoted to answering listener emails about Ardlings in D&D 6e, and whether power creep is ruining 5e?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:49 - The Lorecast's evil minions!
05:23 - Breaking Down 'The Legend of Vox Machina' S2 trailer
16:25 - Henry Cavill's future in the 41st Millennium
18:34 - Will the Goliath or Ardling be in a 6e PHB?
31:11 - How D&D reinvents monsters from mythology!
46:48 - Is player-character power creep ruining 5e?

Wizards of the Coast have a plan to better "monetize" the D&D brand, which we discuss with only a pinch of cynicism. The Lorecast also celebrates a release window for Baldur's Gate 3, and gives a sneak peak into Ghostfire Gaming's next Fable, Agents of the Empire!

Learn more about 'Fables: Agents of the Empire': https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB03_2022_12_063

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Joe Raso: @_Joe_Raso

Editor:  @ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:42 - Sneak Peak - Fables: Agents of the Empire
20:36 - Baldur's Gate 3 release window announced
26:06 - Wizard's plan to "monetize" D&D
44:15 - One D&D playtest survey results
58:31 - Introducing PCs narratively into your campaign

The latest One D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet is here! It arrives with changes to the Cleric class, revisions to Ardlings, Goliaths, and Dragonborn, and Wizards of the Coast changing 'race' to 'species' in the future of D&D. All that and more, right now!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Luna: @Luboffin

Editor: ZsDante

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - What cleric is best cleric
04:42 - Honor Among Thieves update
07:49 - New Dragonlance themed monstrous compendium
15:38 - The One D&D Cleric
16:54 - Rules standardization
22:36 - Suggested player choices
29:31 - What is a 'Magic Action'!?
37:55 - Ardling improvements
49:50 - Is "Species" better terminology than "Race"?
01:05:25 - One D&D review lightning round

This week's onslaught of 5e news includes 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun' getting a physical release, a popular D&D adventure re-re-releasing, and a debate about who owns a D&D campaign world off the back of Keith Baker releasing his own 'Chronicles of Eberron' book!

Discover the 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun': https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB01_2022_11_061

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:30 - 'Citadel of the Unseen Sun' physical release
20:11 - Drawing inspiration from published adventures
27:57 - LEGO ideas D&D finalists announced
34:02 - Tyranny of Dragons re-re-release
39:56 - Chronicles of Eberron & Who owns a fantasy setting!?

Amy Dallen from D&D Beyond and Phil Beckwith from Ghostfire Gaming jump aboard this week's episode for a final Dragonlance preview! Dael's jacket doesn't have pockets and Ben's positively buzzing.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Amy: @enthusiamy
Phil: @PhilBeckwithDnD

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Dael's pockets
01:28 - Which monster is most underused?
06:08 - Which dragon is best dragon?
09:31 - Dragonlance final preview!
23:09 - Wizard's responds to the OGL and SRD rumors
24:09 - Introducing D&D to your family
36:34 - Honor Among Thieves minis & plushies
40:33 - Favorite non-D&D supplements?
48:29 - Pacing your TTRPG campaign.

Will One D&D spell the end of 5e publishers like Ghostfire Gaming or MCDM? This week we clarify some misinformation about how the Open Game License works for 3rd party publishers, with the help of special guest Gabe Hicks!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Gabe: @GabeJamesGames

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Favourite 3rd Party 5e Supplements?
07:00 - Ben's books were slanted...
07:23 - The Session Zero System
17:10 - Is One D&D the end of 3rd party publishing?
46:17 - Dragonlance & Warriors of Krynn Preview

With Twitter catching fire under new management, the crew discuss what this means for D&D and the TTRPG industry. We then learn the true tale of a real life D&D artifact, and how to approach publishers as an independent creator!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:

00:00 - Favorite social media platform for TTRPGs
08:37 - Performative vs productive social media habits
21:28 - The future of Twitter and the TTRPG industry
42:00 - "Honor Among Thieves" delayed
44:13 - The legend of the 'Martin Map'
50:03 - Approach TTRPG publishers as an independent creator.

The crew all get dressed up for Halloween this week to explore some of our spookiest D&D adventure ideas to send shivers down your spine! We also touch on the news of the week with the Dragonlance preview, the latest D&D toys; Dicelings, and Henry Cavill leaving The Witcher.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Halloween costumes!
02:18 - Dragonlance preview
06:18 - Lunar magic and the moons of Exandria
11:47 - Dicelings
16:15 - Henry Cavill leaves The Witcher :'-(
20:55 - Halloween adventure ideas
43:56 - Enhancing the atmosphere of your TTRPG session
59:51 - House rules we always use for 5e

With fans anxious about the digital future of D&D, a surprise departure from Wizard's of the Coast could provide hints about where things are headed. The team also talk objective-based combat encounters and organising GM prep notes.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:01 - Favorite beholder eye ray?
04:54 - James' appearing at Big Bad Con
08:24 - The Lorecast attending conventions
12:44 - Ray Winninger departs Wizards of the Coast
22:38 - Is One D&D replacing DMs with computers?
39:09 - Crafting combat win conditions
54:28 - Organizing your DM preparation and adventure notes

Are video games the future of D&D's financial success? Would you watch a documentary featuring celebrities gushing about D&D's history? Do complex rules make it harder to tell good stories? All that and more, now!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:42 - James Haeck has not seen a wombat
02:29 - Your favorite D&D outer plane?
07:44 - D&D's video game news
20:14 - What do you want to see in a D&D videogame?
25:25 - Joe Manganiello's D&D documentary
35:24 - Does rules crunch hinder storytelling?
50:25 - Shawn's going to Gamehole Con
53:50 - Magic items in One D&D

The Legend of Vox Machina previews Season 2, D&D teams up with LEGO, prequal novels to 'Honor Among Thieves' are announced, and Ghostfire Gaming teases the future of Grim Hollow! All that and more, right now.

The Monster Hunter class: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_10_919
Playtest survey: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_10_920

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:04 - What is your GM setup like?
07:25 - Citadel of the Unseen Sun physical edition
15:03 - The future of Grim Hollow is cold
22:15 - The monster hunter class playtest
31:22 - Dungeons & Dragons LEGO crossover
39:27 - 'Honor Among Thieves' prequal novels
49:15 - 'The Legend of Vox Machina' season 2 preview
58:01 - Wizards of the Coast's new hire points further at a digital future

We're breaking down the latest One D&D release including Expert Classes, Feats &  Spell lists. Sly Flourish joins us to speculate on the difficult position Wizards of the Coast may be finding themselves in, and is Dungeons & Dragons' future digital?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Sly Flourish and all the Lazy Dungeon Master's content can be found over on SlyFlourish.com

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Advantages of playing TTRPGs online?
07:42 - Latest One D&D Unearthed Arcana
10:51 - Have feats become fundamental?
18:46 - Class suggested spells
22:47 - Arcane, Divine, and Primal spell lists
26:55 - Dissecting the expert classes
32:05 - Is Wizards of the Coast in trouble?
39:57 - Will One D&D rely more on apps and technology?
56:35 - Are upcoming 5e books still relevant?
01:02:23 - Effectiveness of public playtesting
01:07:38 - The VTT in the room...

Design your own campaign spanning mega dungeon with these handy tips! Wizards of the Coast introduce an after school program, the crew lament directional dungeon doors, and we ponder whether to subscribe to a TTRPG streaming service.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Take a gander at https://www.dragont4c.com/ streaming service.

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:00 - A TTRPG streaming service
18:22 - Wizards of the Coast offer after school programs
31:10 - Building Mega Dungeons!!
47:45 - Dungeon doors and when to say 'no' to players
54:13 - Varied currencies in a TTRPG

Recent events on Critical Role has everyone discussing when and how a Total Party Kill (TPK) happens, and how to handle it as a player and a GM.

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Being part of a TPK
05:33 - How to handle TPKs
10:37 - Potential spoilers for Critical Role starts
11:37 - Spoilers over
17:55 - GM intervention to avoid player-character death
29:44 - The rings of power we have at home
36:02 - Physical props in TTRGs
43:12 - What is your favorite part creating games?
58:17 - Is "Common" a boring language?

The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast once again as "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter is finishing soon! We touch on a bit of Monty Python, talk about the Dungeons of Drakkenheim show and its sequel, and workshop some minigames to learn a language in-game!

Follow "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_7_043

Email questions to [email protected]

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

James: @jameshaeck
Dael: @DailyDael  
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife  

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - James hosting
01:54 - Monty Python RPG - What would you put in it?
06:06 - What is Drakkenheim? - Discussion with the Dungeon Dudes
18:23 - Favourite parts of Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim
33:14 - Minigames to learn an in-game language
43:50 - Telling the players the DC of checks or AC of monsters

We're dissecting One D&D further in response to the playtest survey on D&D Beyond, which launches into a massive chat about how the game could better support the exploration and social pillars of play, for 5e and in future!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:39 - How to start a D&D Campaign
09:08 - We're going to PAX Aus!!
13:13 - Responding to One D&D's playtest survey
26:05 - Feats for exploration and social encounters
37:14 - Bringing back the exploration pillar

We discuss our expectations of Dungeons & Dragons' 2023 release schedule, prompting discussions about heist adventures, the deck of many things, and rediscovering Planescape!

Email your questions to [email protected]

Check out Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_8_046

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - The module that defined 5th Edition
08:58 - Keys From the Golden Vault & heist adventures
24:27 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
36:25 - The Phandelver Campaign
39:19 - The Book of Many Things
46:40 - Planescape
57:04 - Using sound effects during game sessions

This week we're taking a deep dive into the One D&D Unearthed Arcana, closely examining the D&D Beyond VTT announcement, and asking what all this news means for the TTRPG industry?

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:09 - Spelljammer impressions
08:39 - Beings From Beyond the Horizon
11:45 - Start of One D&D discussion
17:31 - Wizards of the Coast's VTT
32:36 - Is One D&D a "new" edition?
47:58 - Community feedback into rules design
01:04:25 - New critical hit rules
01:06:11 - Will there ever be an official D&D Beyond integration?
01:08:17 - New grappling rules
01:10:47 - New categories of spells

We pontificate further about what we'd like to see in D&D 5.5e, "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" gets funded in 3 minutes, and our expert panelists break down the art of running one shots!

Check out Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_8_046

Email your questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Your "Go To" one-shot adventure
07:41 - Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim is LIVE!
15:49 - Sly Flourish predictions for the next edition of D&D
40:17 -  Spells and movement on the grid vs theatre of the mind
47:43 - The art of running one-shot adventures

We're joined by Matt Colville to reflect on the past and present of D&D to predict the future of the world's most popular roleplaying game! The Lorecast graduates to it's own YouTube channel and we congratulate James Haeck alongside his fellow ENNIE award winners.

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Matt: @mattcolville

00:00 - "Fixing" rules from D&D 5e
15:42 - The Eldritch Lorecast graduates to its own YouTube channel
17:43 - 'Wizard Presents' predictions
22:26 - The legacy of 4e and discussing the OGL
34:54 - Is 5e starting to bloat?
53:58 - ENNIE award winners! (Congratulations James!!)

James and Shawn return in time to pick apart the D&D movie trailer and give their opinion on Owlbear-gate. Speaking of monsters, we answer a YouTube listener question about running 'monster of the week' style campaigns.

Email questions to [email protected]

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:58 - Older D&D movies
08:01 - Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse episode 2
11:45 - New 5e starter kit: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
19:04 - R Talsorian Games supporting The Witcher TTRPG
20:55 - 'Honor Among Thieves' hype and expectations
41:33 - How to run 'monster of the week' style campaigns

The Dungeon Dudes return to the Eldritch Lorecast with "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim", their second Kickstarter! We weigh in on the Owlbear vs wild shape debate while geeking out over the 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' trailer!

Follow "Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim" Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_SCGD_2022_7_043

Email questions to [email protected]

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife

Topics:
00:00 - Wild shaping into an Owlbear?
05:51 - Remember Animorphs?
09:12 - Sebastian Crowe's Guide to Drakkenheim
22:04 - The Apothecary miniature
30:28 - New tool based feats
40:48 - The Dungeon Dudes second Kickstarter
54:08 - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

A new Unearthed Arcana arrives halfway through recording and we marvel at the Wonders of the Multiverse! There's speculation over the Roll20 and OneBookShelf merger, anticipation for the "next versions" of the D&D core books, and time for a snack!

Email questions to [email protected]

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:19 - Roll20 and OneBookShelf (DMs Guild) merging togehter!
16:58 - Unearthed Arcana: Wonders of the Multiverse
21:37 - Are feats balanced well in 5e?
32:29 - Dael derails the podcast
33:51 - D&D's next edition is on the way!
35:39 - Games Workshop's fashionable accessories
38:04 - How a GM should reflect on mistakes and lessons learned

We break news with Spelljammer Academy releasing free on D&D Beyond, celebrate the announcement of the ENNIE award nominations with nominee James Haeck, and think up questions to ask players during character creation!

Email questions to [email protected]

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - How to use exposition without boring your players!
19:18 - Spelljammer Academy is a free on D&D Beyond
26:41 - ENNIE awards nominations announce
35:56 - God of War 5 includes TTRPG dice in its collectors edition
42:02 - D&D breakfast bowl discussion pt. 2
42:58 - Favourite questions for character creation

We celebrate the launch of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, dissect the news about DM's Guild partnering with Roll20, and congratulate celebrated RPG 'Alice is Missing' receiving a movie deal!

Email questions to [email protected]

Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_7_040

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse
04:10 - New player races from the Aetherial Expanse
21:00 - DM's Guild and Roll20 partnership
31:48 - 'Vampire: The Masquerade Nexus' early access
36:10 - Roleplaying on virtual tabletops
45:19 - 'Alice is Missing' RPG gets a Paramount movie deal
54:26 - 'D&D Onslaught' delayed

We consider TTRPG's digital future with D&D Beyond releasing of the first chapter from Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel free. Ben geek's out over a D&D themed breakfast, James listens to the official Critical Role album, Shawn talks marketing strategies, and Dael judges the transitions.

Email questions to [email protected]

Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:18 - Transformations and monstrous player-characters
14:15 - Radiant Citadel's first chapter free on D&D Beyond
22:09 - The future of digital only TTRPG material
37:33 - Eat breakfast right with the official D&D crockery set!
42:37 - Scanlan Shorthalt music
47:45 - How to manage time travel in your adventures

How high have you levelled up playing D&D 5e? Is it better to be a creative story writer or game mechanic engineer when writing for TTRPG's? Why is goodberry just the worst!? The answers to all these questions and more awaits!

Email YOUR questions to [email protected]

Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Ben's "sick" intros
00:28 - What Level 20 character would you bring against Vecna?
15:00 - High level characters and campaigns
19:00 - The Eldritch Lorecast is now on Twitch
20:00 - The Arora Kickstarter is over!
22:00 - Game developer advice and resources
32:00 - Fixing goodberry and other game breaking spells
42:00 - Exploring morality in TTRPG's

UPDATE: We forgot to mention the day we're streaming the Lorecast! Monday 7pm EDT / Monday 4pm PDT / Tuesday 9am AEDT

We deep dive into the Vecna dossier and recap the history of D&D's most infamous lich! We also explore the contribution Stranger Things has had on D&D's popularity and it's representation of the satanic panic. And of course a listener email!

Email questions to [email protected]

Last chance to back Arora: Age of Desolation on Kickstarted here:
https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_6_037

Follow us on Twitch for live episode recordings (Monday, 7pm EDT):
https://www.twitch.tv/ghostfire_official

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Early GMing mistakes we learned from
05:55 - The Eldritch Lorecast coming to Twitch
08:05 - The Arora Kickstarter is almost over!
10:35 - Vecna dossier
27:22 - Stranger Things impact on D&D
33:08 - Stranger Things and the Satanic Panic
35:18 - The Matt Mercer Effect and theatrical GMing
39:53 - The GM's fun matters
45:28 - Better session starts and session recaps

The Critical Role extended universe is expanded by the impending release of "The Nine Eyes of Lucien", we speculate about monster themed supplements, and ponder the influence of Stranger Things on D&D.

Email questions to [email protected]

Check out Shawn's campaign setting Arora: Age of Desolation, being Kickstarted here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_6_036

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - What's so great about dragons?
03:57 - "The Nine Eyes of Lucien" and the Critical Role extended universe
19:35 - Monster themed supplements (Giants and Undead)
22:20 - More alternatives to rolling for initiative
34:42 - Stranger Things influence and Vecna
44:39 - Playing D&D with children and mixed age groups

We're dissecting the giant feats and subclasses offered in Unearthed Arcana, revisiting Monsters of the Multiverse to discuss the changes to player races, and special guest Joe Raso joins us to chat more Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse!

Email questions to [email protected]

Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_6_035

Join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/7CJU7b5GYB

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Joe: @_Joe_Raso

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse TRAILER
08:43 - Unearthed Arcana: Giants
17:14 - Player races in Monsters of the Multiverse
35:11 - Should D&D campaigns limit source books for player-characters?
44:34 - Communication between players is key
49:32 - What homebrew worlds lack for players

This week we review the changes in Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, provide a sneak preview of Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse, briefly touch on the issues around Dark Souls TTRPG, and answer a  bunch of listener emails!

Email questions to [email protected]

Find out more about 'Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB02_2022_5_034

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:42 - Fables 2: Pirates of the Aetherial Expanse
08:27 - Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
19:53 - Adventurers League adopting Mordenkainen's changes
22:20 - More alternatives to rolling for initiative
34:42 - The Dark Souls TTRPG
44:42 - Critical Role's Flexible Positional Superiority
50:00 - What makes your homebrew settings worth publishing?

Arora: Age of Desolation has arrived, and Shawn is here to unleash all the details about his beloved project! Unfortunately shardscale has started infecting Ben's microphone this week, resulting in a very slight audio quality dip.

Email questions to [email protected]

Pledge to survive 'Arora: Age of Desolation' here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_5_033

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:23 - Shawn details all in 'Arora: Age of Desolation'
33:18 - D&D Beyond pulls Volo's and Mordenkainen's from sale
56:44 - Acquisitions Inc. and Lost Mines of Phandelver Free on D&D Beyond

This week a geyser of new D&D miniatures from Wizkids rains down upon us and sparks a conversation about battle maps vs theatre of the mind. Shawn teases Arora: Age of Desolation, and Ben invents his best segues yet.

Email questions to [email protected]

Discover more about Arora: Age of Desolation here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2022_5_032

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:42 - 'Arora: Age of Desolation' teaser
07:25 - New Wizkids miniatures for Spelljammers and Bells Hells
11:35 - Theatre of the mind vs miniatures and battle maps
19:56 - Do you plan sessions entirely around minis?
31:28 - Should GMs delegate tasks to players?
49:04 - Capturing a specific genre or tone to your campaign

This week we try to break some news, pondering whether a 'Metaverse' is coming for 5e which could include third party campaign settings? James is as excited as ever for Episode 5 of Fables, and Dael teaches us the word skeumorphism.

Email questions to [email protected]

Check out the latest episode of Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun here:
https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_FB01_2022_5_031

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:14 - Fables, Episode 5: City of Decadence
04:58 - Urban D&D Adventures
12:48 - Is a D&D 5e 'Metaverse' coming?
22:41 - Colbert's new adventure, legacy media, and Skeumorphism
28:26 - Does party composition matter?
43:15 - Running sophisticated social encounters in 5e

We dive deep into the Dungeons & Dragons news from D&D Direct, including Spelljammer, Dragonlance, Baldur's Gate, campaign cases and more! Plus we dissect the implications (good and bad) of Wizards of the Coast purchasing D&D Beyond!

Email questions to [email protected]

Check out Ghostfire Gaming's website here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_4_030

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:35 - D&D Beyond acquired by Wizards of the Coast
20:34 - Goon balloon
22:02 - D&D Beyond data in WotC hands
26:40 - Will D&D become more complex with digital tools?
28:29 - Videogamification of D&D
37:51 - D&D Direct (Spelljammer)
54:51 - Rapid fire D&D Direct roundup

This week's episode of The Eldritch Lorecast is a deep dive into our mail bag, answering questions about party followers, sidekicks and familiars, D&D as an educational tool, and could you run Bridgerton as a 5e adventure?

Email questions to [email protected]

Check out Ghostfire Gaming's website here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ALL1_2022_4_029

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:29 - Are party followers ever a good idea?
13:44 - Run party followers your players won't hate
37:00 - D&D and TTRPGs as educational tools?
47:45 - Bridgerton style D&D adventures

This week's news is Hasbro's stealth announcement of a new D&D starter adventure, 'Dragons of Shipwreck Cove', and the next chapter of Fables is revealed to be more open world! James is inspired by The Legend of Zelda, Dael rolls for initiative against a giant spider, Shawn recounts more of 5e's beginnings, and Ben doesn't like Skyrim.

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:17 - Dael's battle with Australian fauna
01:18 - Our first D&D 5e Adventures
07:28 - New D&D 5e starter box: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
22:49 - Fables Episode 4: Land of Despair
35:20 - Zelda dungeons are fantastic for TTRPG design!
43:57 - Designing adventures: is everything a dungeon?
52:34 - Game design ideas and resources

It's no April Fool's joke, Paizo are publishing a Pathfinder module as a 5th Edition adventure! Meanwhile WizKids are making a skirmish wargame with D&D: Onslaught. Dael brings her Golarion expertise, Shawn fears the reality-slayer-sword, James is gaga-googly eyes, and Ben lets his wargamer flag fly!

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:40 - Paizo releasing a Pathfinder module for D&D 5e!
20:15 - Should other TTRPG publishers release 5e supplements?
27:03 - 'Dungeons & Dragons: Onslaught' is announced!
33:11 - Wargames vs roleplaying games
44:09 - Encouraging player-characters to explore your campaign world

This week we're hyped for 'Arora: Age of Desolation', 'Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel', and Stephen Colbert teaming up with Critical Role again in April! Dael and James reminisce over their favorite Crit Role guest stars, Shawn gives sneaky clues about his new campaign world, and Ben turns EVERY game into an rpg.

Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation': https://ghostfiregaming.com/arora/

Help Choose Stephen's Adventure (Again): https://tiltify.com/@criticalrole/choose-stephen-colberts-adventure-again

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:37 - Arora: Age of Desolation
14:07 - Journeys Through the Radiant Citadel
20:34 - Stephen Colbert teaming up with Critical Role
30:48 - Critical Role vs Legacy Media
36:27 - Introducing "Normies" to TTRPGs
43:29 - The Legacy of Dungeons & Dragons
52:51 - Incorporating other hobbies into your D&D game

This week we get hyped for the Dungeons & Dragons movie with Chris Pine and Hugh Grant, and debate whether it feels good to level up in 5e. Ben just keeps his players at level 1, Dael is kinder to leveling than she's been in the past, James is on Witcher Watch this week, and Shawn is glad it's not like earlier editions.

Email questions to [email protected] 

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:00 - The upcoming D&D movie!
15:10 - Is Hugh Grant villainous enough?
20:47 - What kind of adventure will the D&D movie be?
22:25 - Leveling up in D&D 5e
29:39 - Milestone vs XP - which is better?
45:13 - Leveling system in Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun
50:34 - Defining what spells are "legal" in your campaign

This week we dive deep into Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep, discussing Critical Role Easter eggs, rival parties, and what we're most excited for! James and Shawn give insight into working in the TTRPG industry, and Dael doesn't think that's how lunar magic works while Ben crosses his arms in thoughtful disagreement.

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:34 - Working on D&D adventure books and other industry insights
17:08 - What comes first? The stat block or the artwork?
22:19 - Diving into Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep!
31:54 - Tearing apart Unearthed Arcana: Heroes of Krynn
46:36 - Dael is unsatisfied by lunar magic
01:01:49 - Thank you and farewell to Rob, our editor!

We spend this week's podcast exploring our favorite D&D campaign settings and answering listener questions! We chat about player races, NPCs, and whether Saving Throws are redundant?

Email questions to [email protected]

Ghostfire Gaming Discord: https://discord.gg/QamRfm8d2A

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Logan: @the_runesmith
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Favorite D&D campaign settings
14:17 - World building with the Microscope RPG
21:09 - Should the DM disallow specific player races?
30:53 - Adding stats to your NPCS
49:14 - Are Saving Throws redundant?
01:00:12 - More Australian cuisine

This week we finally deep dive into The Legend of Vox Machina!! We also discuss how Liveplays are changing and what makes one worth watching?

Email questions to [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:00 - Re-capping The Legend of Vox Machina
15:30 - Is Legend of Vox Machina good at translating D&D?
24:02 - Swearing in Vox Machina
34:26 - Deborah Ann Woll and Children of Éarte
37:48 - What makes a good liveplay?
51:51 - Dael dismantles the concept of "cringe"
57:04 - The most effort you've gone to as a GM?

This week Jim Davis from  @Web DM  joins the Eldritch Lorecast to help us learn from past editions of Dungeons & Dragons and brew house rules together from what we discover!

Email: [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Jim: @therealjimdavis

Check out Weird Wastelands: https://weird-wastelands.backerkit.com/

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
07:33 - Web DM & Weird Wastelands
18:10 - Learning from past editions of D&D
30:31 - Alternative ideas for rolling initiative
51:57 - Does a fireball destroy character equipment?

We dirty our souls discussing exactly why NFTs are terrible for the TTRPG industry, and then dive into listener email questions about DnD homebrew mechanics and house rules.

Email: [email protected]

Ben: @Melb_DM

Dael: @DailyDael

James: @jamesjhaeck

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:

00:00 - Favorite House Rules

11:24 - Why NFTs Are TERRIBLE for the TTRPG Industry!

27:01 - Alternative Exhaustion Mechanics

43:00 - Balancing House Rules & Homebrew

Runesmith returns once more to dive even deeper into the Sunken Isles, their new 5e adventure module. We explore the monster statblocks, including the mighty Shrimp Lord! Dael still hasn't seen The Legend of Vox Machina, James explores 5e condition mechanics, and Ben gushes about violent dragon attacks!

Back the Sunken Isles Kickstarter now!

Discover more about Purple Mai'a here.

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Logan: @the_runesmith

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
08:43 - Runesmith on the Sunken Isles
12:21 - Monster Stat Blocks
18:57 - Sunken Isles Inspiration
24:30 - Stretch Goals
32:40 - Legends of Vox Machina Weekly Check-in
35:42 - Drawing Inspiration from Fantasy Television
46:55 - Email Question: Expanding on 5e Conditions

This week James returns to help us celebrate a dice bag's worth of TTRPG news! Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun's second episode arrives, Tal'Dorei is Reborn, and we discuss Scanlan's [censored] on The Legend of Vox Machina.

Check out the Daemon Oak from @Woodart Vietnam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksxNvJXVh_U

Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun: https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:16 - Fables: Episode 2 release
10:07 - Daemon Oak Wood Sculpture
15:08 - Behind the scenes of Tal'Dorei Reborn
22:21 - New Tal'Dorei Statblocks
32:16 - The Legends of Vox Machina review
42:14 - Our Favorite

Railroading isn't such a bad thing, and this week we mount the argument why when discussing running campaigns for uncreative dungeon masters. We also answer email questions about satisfying endings and how to make it fun to outlaw magic.

Ben: @Melb_DM

Dael: @DailyDael

Shawn: @shawnmerwin

Logan: @the_runesmith

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

10:08 - DMing adventures when you're not creative

18:32 - How do you generally prep and run modules?

25:14 - It's Good to Railroad

31:45 - Ending a long campaign

42:15 - World Building: Magic is Illegal

Shawn unveils Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire to the public and we discuss building encounters around our favorite monsters. Ben and Dael debate Fire Elementals vs a bucket of water, and just how magical is that magical weapon?

Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire: https://ghostfiregaming.com/product/grim-hollow-the-monster-grimoire-pdf/

Ben: @Melb_DM
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Logan: @the_runesmith

Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:29 - Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire
10:43 - Choosing monsters for encounter building
17:39 - Stibble's Codex of Companions
21:22 - Modifying monster stat blocks
27:05 - Damage resistances, immunities and vulnerabilities
37:06 - Magic weapon damage and nonmagical damage
53:31 - American vs Australian bakeries

Runesmith himself, Logan Reese, returns to The Eldritch Lorecast to introduce his first 5th Edition adventure module; Sunken Isles. We're also delving into player-character backgrounds and how crafting your perfect backstory, and answering the big questions about sausage rolls!

Sign up for news from the Sunken Isles Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/the-sunken-isles/

Topics:
00:00 - intro
00:14 - What are sausage rolls?
06:12 - Introducing Sunken Isles
16:26 - New Sunken Isles player races
27:50 - New naval and sailing rules
35:29 - Player-character backgrounds
00:56 - The best virtual tabletops

The Eldritch Lorecast is back in 2022 and we're looking forward to a bright future in the TTRPG space. James discusses the release of his Fables baby, Shawn exhibits signs of Dragon Rage, Dael aims for some achievable goals including "2 small tricks", and Ben reminds himself to get back in touch with D&D as a hobby.

Topics:

00:00 - Intro

00:39 - Reflecting on 2021

03:59 - Release of Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun

09:57 - Exploring the Monster Grimoire

17:51 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim

22:13 - Fables 2 rumors

27:49 - Project "Dragon Rage"

31:14 - Sunken Isles

31:55 - Fight the Blight announcement

35:10 - Setting your hobby goals for 2022