The Eldritch Lorecast (Ghostfire Gaming)

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	Pub. Date	Title	Duration
	26 Apr 2023	#82. Is Critical Role Finished With D&D?	01:10:08
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	20 Apr 2022	#29. Run Party Followers Your Players Won't Hate	01:03:22
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	10 Jan 2024	#119. The Inevitable Rise of AI Art in TTRPG's	00:57:52
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	24 Jul 2024	#147. How To Get the D&D 2024 PHB Early!	00:53:55
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	10 Aug 2022	#45. 'Wizards Presents' Predictions with Matt Colville	01:03:17
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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!!)
	07 Jun 2023	#88. Pathfinder Refresh Moves out from D&D's Shadow	01:04:07
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	06 Nov 2024	#162. MASSIVE D&D Monster Changes Hinted on D&D Beyond!	00:56:10
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	09 Aug 2023	#97. AI Art 'Lends a Hand' to D&D's Giants Book	01:03:42
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	28 Jun 2023	#91. Valiant Tales About TTRPG Publishing	01:04:02
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	30 Aug 2023	#100. The #1 TTRPG Podcast in All The Realms!	01:00:55
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	08 Jun 2022	#36. Nine Eyes of Lucien and One Eye of Vecna	01:00:42
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	20 Oct 2021	#03. Talk Netherdeep To Me	01:01:24
Episode #03 takes a Netherdeep Dive into the new Critical Role book, "Call of the Netherdeep", with James spilling some secrets from the depths. We uncover the evolving magic item's from Fizban's Treasury and evolve it into a conversation about arcane artefacts in general. Then we get spooky, brainstorming experiences for Halloween and horror themed RPG's. Are vampires the most philosophical monsters, or was man the real monster all along? Topics: 00:00:20 - Scariest D&D Monsters 00:03:20 - Talking CALL OF THE NETHERDEEP 00:16:08 - Shawn's doing an Extra Life live-play 00:25:25 - Awarding Magic Items 00:38:23 - Halloween themed games
	02 Mar 2022	#22. Are D&D Liveplays Evolving Beyond Critical Role?	01:03:29
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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?
	21 Jun 2023	#90. Favorite 5e Monsters to Make Formidable!	01:06:00
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	25 Jun 2024	#143. D&D 2024 is Looking Pretty Good... well, Except That!	01:03:12
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	31 Jul 2024	#148. We Spent an Hour Fixing D&D Exploration and Crafting	01:04:55
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	07 Feb 2024	#123. The Rage Bait Meta is Taking Over D&D YouTube!	01:03:00
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	05 Jul 2023	#92. Is New D&D 5e too Focused on Player Success?	00:57:53
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	16 Oct 2024	#159. How YouTube Destroys the Mental Health of Creators	01:02:26
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @GhostfireGaming Trent: @Miscast Luna: @Luboffin Dave: @TabletopTime Dael: @MonarchsFactory __ Editor: @ZsDante
	16 Nov 2022	#59. Will One D&D be the End of 5e Publishers?	00:59:25
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	05 Jan 2022	#14. The Future of Tabletop Roleplaying Games	00:59:26
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
	08 Jan 2025	#171. How D&D 2024 Reforges or Ruins the Artificer?	00:59:30
D&D Beyond releases an Unearthed Arcana for the Artificer while Pathfinder commences the Impossible Playtest on two new classes. Meanwhile, why is that one relative asking you about Dungeons & Dragons all of a sudden? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:21 - Secret Level (spoilers) 06:05 - Artificer UA review 18:44 - Pathfinder's 'Impossible playtest' 22:48 - D&D licensing corner 30:46 - Wyrmwood layoffs 31:42 - D&D in the New York Times 43:26 - Using real myths in D&D
	06 Apr 2022	#27. Pathfinder is Getting a 5e Adventure Module!	00:57:00
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	28 Sep 2022	#52. You Can't Make a Mega Dungeon That Big!	01:04:59
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	08 Nov 2023	#110. Why is EVERYONE Talking About This D&D Adventure?	01:04:03
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	04 Sep 2024	#153. Is Project Sigil a D&D Game Changer or a Gimmick?	01:07:23
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	31 May 2023	#87. Is Candela Obscura a TTRPG Clone?	01:00:44
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	19 Mar 2025	#181. Is the MCDM VTT Going to DESTROY Project Sigil?	00:54:55
The D&D 3D VTT is off to a bumpy launch. MCDM quietly tinkers with it's own Draw Steel VTT. We ponder whether the Hero Forge dice are balanced while Ben and Dael argue what a Critical Role video game might (not) look like. Start your Companion Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGLC_GGCQ_2025_2_003 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Dice collections 08:45 - Hero Forge dice 16:06 - Critical Role video game 28:29 - Sigil’s bumpy release 34:58 - The MCDM VTT 38:21 - Companion Quest 40:13 - Low level Legendary Monsters
	07 Sep 2022	#49. Exploration Mechanics In One D&D?	00:59:38
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	25 Sep 2024	#156. Reinventing Strahd for the Modern World!	01:05:50
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	20 Nov 2024	#164. Bastions Are Good, Actually? Here's Why!	01:05:41
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	03 Jan 2024	#118. How to Choose a 5e Adventure for the New Year?	01:12:05
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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?
	23 Apr 2025	#186. Are WotC Finally Fulfilling Their Promises?	00:52:11
Does releasing the SRD 5.2 for D&D 2024 fulfill the last of the WotC promises? Can 3rd party 5e publishers finally rejoice? We ponder these questions while the Tabletop Games industry collapses around us due to tariffs. D&D Beyond changelog: https://www.dndbeyond.com/changelog#2024CoreRulesErrata TTRPG industry survey: https://cardboardedison.com/tariffs Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @DailyDael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 05:54 - SRD 5.2 15:24 - Baldur's Gate 3 final patch 24:07 - Xanathar's puppet 25:50 - Dungeons and Cabins 28:40 - Meredith Placko resigns 30:18 - Tariffs toll on the industry 39:54 - GM Presentation
	28 Nov 2024	#165. Dimension 20's EXPLOSIVE New TTRPG has Problems...	01:00:37
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	26 Mar 2025	#182. Has the Roleplaying Satanic Panic Returned?	00:52:30
Wizards of the Coast call it quits on Project Sigil, leaving the 3D VTT to mothball on D&D Beyond. Meanwhile the world gets strange as Texas lawmakers try to outlaw roleplaying in schools for entirely imaginary reasons. Start your Companion Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGLC_GGCQ_2025_2_003 Rascal article about Texas roleplay bill: https://www.rascal.news/texas-furries-act-tabletop-roleplaying-games-in-schools/ Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Giving your players news 04:26 - Sigil's sad fate 24:00 - Texas to outlaw roleplaying 32:31 - Avenues for self publishing 44:24 - How to finish a project
	28 Dec 2022	#65. The Elly TTRPG Awards for 2022!	01:01:18
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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)
	24 Aug 2022	#47. Is One D&D the Last Edition of Dungeons & Dragons?	01:15:50
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	22 May 2024	#138. Details in WotC's New Art shows D&D's Future!	01:00:24
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	22 Dec 2021	#12. A Very Grim Hollow Christmas: Part 1	01:07:41
On this very special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast, we're taking some time off from game design to play FATE: Accelerated, from Evil Hat Productions. 'Tis all winter solstice and silent in the city of Landhaus... until our heroes incite a riot and start breaking into homes in search of a mysterious gift giving monster! The Tale: 00:00 - Intro 01:57 - FATE: Accelerated rules 04:05 - Our story begins... 06:20 - Character introductions 12:49 - The angry villagers 33:03 - Following a lead 50:12 - Breaking and entering 58:37 - Finally inside the house
	11 Dec 2024	#167. An Honest Discussion about D&D Safety Tools	00:58:50
Are safety tools important for your D&D game? We discuss the pros and cons of deploying the X-card during a TTRPG, and reflect on the multimedia success of Critical Role, Daggerheart, and what they're planning next! This Effin GM's video about Safety Tools: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07dLCOgEjqE Critical Role article from Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/critical-role-dungeons-and-dragons-interview-1235188141/ Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:39 - Game randomizers 09:58 - Critical Role Christmas Album 12:18 - Daggerheart 24:36 - A CR videogame? 31:25 - US tariffs impacting TTRPGs 34:34 - Safety tools at the table 53:52 - Teaching TTRPG designers
	21 Feb 2023	#73. All Your Tabletop News in One Place!	00:58:08
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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'
	19 Jun 2024	#142. Fans Notice D&D Beyond Differences in Vecna: Eve of Ruin!	00:55:51
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	19 Oct 2022	#55. Are Video Games the Future of D&D?	01:03:58
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	25 Dec 2024	#169. Why 2024 Was a Better Year for TTRPG's	00:56:49
The Eldritch Lorecast celebrates another year of D&D and the TTRPG industry with the Elly Awards! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Personal yearly highlights 07:03 - Biggest news of 2024 20:42 - Best TTRPG release 30:36 - Best TTRPG related release 33:44 - Best Con of 2023 38:33 - Guests of the year 42:46 - Best Lorecast moments 48:50 - New Years resolutions
	03 Nov 2021	#05. Why YOU should play TTRPGs	00:58:43
In Episode #05 we take a break from the news cycle to ask each other what we love most about playing tabletop roleplaying games like D&D 5e? How do you get started if you've never played before? Do complex game mechanics tell a better story than simple ones? Ben has strong feelings about whether you should turn your passion for TTRPGs into your job while Dael sees into the future and talks briefly about candy. Topics: 02:37 - Why Play TTRPGs? 23:24 - Evolution of D&D through the Editions 36:35 - Crunchy game mechanics vs simple mechanics? 40:43 - Is 5th Edition the ultimate malleable RPG? 45:49 - How to get started playing TTRPGs?
	14 Dec 2022	#63. Wizards Plan to "Monetize" Dungeons & Dragons!	01:04:10
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	17 Aug 2022	#46. Support For Theatre of the Mind In D&D 5.5e	00:57:39
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	19 Apr 2023	#81. Marisha Ray And Never Giving Up!	01:08:02
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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?
	27 Apr 2022	#30. D&D Beyond is Bought and Spelljammer Confirmed	01:00:22
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	10 Nov 2021	#06. Aesop's Fables Got Nothing on Grim Hollow	01:04:56
James reveals all about Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun! This first ever Grim Hollow adventure module releases in instalments, starting in January 2022. The crew also discuss how digital tools such as Pathfinder Nexus and D&D Beyond have evolved alongside TTRPGs, and where they might be going. What is the scent of delusion? Are hit points meat? Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:48 - Fables - What? When? How? 16:52 - Fables - Character Levels 25:28 - Citadel of the Unseen Sun - Adventure design 31:56 - Digital tools used in TTRPGs 50:16 - Games Workshop scented candles 55:14 - Conceptualizing hit points and damage Fables: Citadel of the Unseen Sun https://ghostfiregaming.com/fables/ Sign up now to get each instalment at $9.99 as they release.
	30 Mar 2022	#26. Critical Role vs Legacy Media	01:02:50
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	28 Feb 2024	#126. How Many D&D Characters Can You Name?	01:06:56
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	23 Jun 2022	#38. This One Spell That All D&D GM's Hate!	01:01:32
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	06 Mar 2024	#127. How to Playtest Daggerheart for Darrington Press!	00:57:15
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	15 Feb 2023	#72. Will Black Flag be Better than D&D 5e?	01:08:37
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	27 Mar 2024	#130. Baldur's Gate 4 is Cancelled. Here's Why!	00:57:01
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	19 Feb 2025	#177. Do Romance Rules Belong in a TTRPG?	01:02:33
Pathfinder introduces NPC romance and relationship rules, D&D signs a deal with Netflix for a Forgotten Realms tv series, and evil Drow could be returning to 5e 2024! Explore Jarren's Outpost here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dndnerds/jarrens-outpost Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Adam: @RetroArchetype Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:13 - Favorite D&D species 11:54 - Evil Drow returning! 14:15 - D&D Netflix Series 21:59 - Jarren's Outpost 27:39 - Pathfinder romance rules 39:08 - Kickstarter Pledge Over Time 44:31 - Steve Jackson Games & Possum Creek 49:05 - Fantasy travel between settlements
	14 Sep 2022	#50. Sebastian Crowe needs you!	01:02:04
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	07 Dec 2022	#62. Is 'Species' the Right Change for One D&D?	01:13:45
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	13 Mar 2024	#128. 5e Adventurer's League Absorbed by D&D Beyond!	01:04:54
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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?
	22 Nov 2023	#112. STOP Making Boring D&D Shopping Sessions!	01:05:51
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	01 Dec 2021	#09. Dungeon Dudes Delving into Drakkenheim	00:51:08
The Dungeon Dude's drop by to take us on a tour of their dark fantasy adventure module, the Dungeons of Drakkenheim! Monty contaminates the world of Drakkenheim with new spells and magic items, Kelly has regrets about the monsters he's created, Ben mutates into Colbert momentarily, and Dael wants us to follow the rabbit of happiness! Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:17 - What fictitious world would you escape into? 04:47 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim 13:53 - Contamination and Mutation mechanics 26:14 - Factions of Drakkenheim 37:29 - How to start World Building
	18 May 2022	#33. The Age of Desolation is Upon Us	01:00:02
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	24 May 2023	#86. You'll Like Feats if We TELL YOU to Like Feats	01:10:24
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	09 Mar 2022	#23. Are These the Best D&D Campaign Settings?	01:05:40
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	02 Oct 2024	#157. Is Less Detail Better for Building TTRPG Settings?	01:00:54
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	12 Jun 2024	#141. The Influencer-fication of the TTRPG Industry	00:56:42
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	02 Aug 2023	#96. Is Kickstarter Killing the TTRPG Industry?	01:04:43
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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?
	25 Oct 2023	#108. Planescape's Surprise Update & Pathfinder's Dilemma!	00:54:10
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	29 May 2024	#139. Are these D&D Settings too Problematic to Return?	01:01:57
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	23 Nov 2022	#60. Previewing Dragonlance with D&D Beyond's Amy Dallen	01:04:01
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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.
	06 Oct 2021	#01. "Pools and Streams" Adventure Design	01:02:03
Welcome to Episode #01 of The Eldritch Lorecast, where we dissect the news in the tabletop RPG industry and discussing our findings! This week it's the arrival of Grim Hollow: The Player's Guide to Kickstarter backers, the Quest-o-Nomicon and designing adaptable adventures, changes coming in Mordenkainen's Monsters of the Multiverse, and our hopes and dreams for Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e. Topics: 00:02:24 - Grim Hollow: The Player's Guide 00:16:35 - The Quest-o-Nomicon and adaptable adventures 00:34:20 - D&D Celebration 2021 and Mordenkainen's Monsters of the Multiverse 00:51:27 - Dungeons & Dragons 5.5e
	04 Mar 2025	#179. Why has Project Sigil Launched in Secret on D&D Beyond?	00:53:22
WAIT! Project Sigil has launched on D&D Beyond? The Artificer is getting a new subclass? D&D 2024 is getting a new Starter Set? All that TTRPG news, and more! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com James: @jamesjhaeck Dael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:13 - THE BEST D&D miniature 04:17 - Winter Fantasy recap 09:39 - Project Sigil launches! 20:16 - New D&D starter set 28:10 - Artificer Unearthed Arcana 33:57 - Ernie Gygax passes 35:01 - Mega dungeon design 45:04 - Monster Manual art
	20 Jul 2022	#42. Unearthed Wonders of the Multiverse	00:53:30
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	01 Mar 2023	#74. Ardling Any Point to One D&D Right Now?	00:59:07
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	12 Jan 2022	#15. Sailing Towards a New 5e Adventure	01:12:00
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
	29 Dec 2021	#13. A Very Grim Hollow Christmas: Part 2	01:02:04
The crew continue our Christmas themed adventure, playing FATE: Accelerated by Evil Hat Productions. Gripped by terror one year more, is the entirety of Landhaus who have all locked their doors... which is likely wise with Kallos, Brillo and Eleanor running amok! The Tale Continued: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - When we last left our heroes... 06:15 - Eleanor making enemies 21:19 - Confronting The Giver 38:35 - Combat commences (sort of) 43:31 - Eleanor making friends 55:22 - The FATE of Mr. Muscle Good Sir
	26 Oct 2022	#56. Could Your DM be Replaced by a Computer in One D&D?	01:05:46
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	24 Apr 2024	#134. Are New TTRPG's Crowding Out Smaller Indie's?	00:59:47
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	19 Jul 2023	#94. Bigby Presents- Hold on, is Gandalf a Paladin?	01:05:43
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	03 Apr 2024	#131. D&D Sales Have Dropped in 2023! What Now?	01:02:04
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	11 Jan 2023	#67. It's Not Too Late to Start Your Dungeon23!	01:08:54
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	15 May 2024	#137. Is Critical Role Repeating Geek & Sundry's Mistakes?	01:03:23
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	18 Dec 2024	#168. How to Find Compatible Players for Your D&D Table?	01:08:26
Let's talk strategies for finding compatible players for your D&D table, how to design adventures that don't cater only for certain 5e classes, and how magic shops can add to the worldbuilding of your campaign. Late Pledge to Enchanting Emporiums: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eldermancy/the-seekers-guide-to-enchanting-emporiums?ref=83s14q Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Brooks: @brookstho Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:40 - Creative strengths 14:12 - Enchanting Emporiums 22:02 - Finding compatible players 38:49 - Adventure design and player classes
	24 Nov 2021	#08. What's the Best Way to Handle a Critical Hit?	01:00:19
Ben and Dael get recklessly empathetic for their new D&D characters while Shawn onboards new players by limiting their options. James get critical about the result of rolling a natural 20... or a natural 1. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:31 - Character creation 23:38 - Using pre-generated characters 29:24 - Onboarding new players & Session 0's 37:00 - Having 'Reckless Empathy' for your character 40:59 - Scoring a Natural 20 and a Natural 1 46:40 - Designing rules for rolling criticals
	04 May 2022	#31. Travelers of the D&D Metaverse?	01:09:23
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	17 Jan 2024	#120. Avoid the Pitfalls when Introducing New D&D Players	01:00:39
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	18 Jan 2023	#68. Everything's Fine, Why Do You OGL... I mean ask?	01:00:36
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	12 Jul 2023	#93. How Much D&D Romance is Too Much?	01:01:40
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	10 Jul 2024	#145. D&D's 3D VTT is Closer Than You Think!	01:02:21
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	16 Apr 2025	#185. Daggerheart Releases EARLY Down Under!	00:58:40
Jeremy Crawford leaves D&D and Wizards of the Coast, Daggerheart gets an early release Down Under, and how will Dragon Delves make dragons in 5e fun? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Diana: @dianaoftherose Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - Your First GM 06:00 - Daggerheart Early Release 09:48 - Dragon Delves 22:32 - D&D Beyond MAPS 32:04 - Jeremy Crawford Leaves WotC 41:20 - Tariffs check-in 42:15 - Visualizing a dungeon
	15 Jan 2025	#172. The D&D 2024 Monster Manual is a Horror Show!	00:54:10
A MASSIVE preview of the D&D 2024 Monster Manual sparks discussions about variant stat blocks, Legendary Actions, monster type changes, and whether a monster's gender is important to your campaign? Late pledge to Grim Hollow here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=9y5qai Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:27 - Monsters from myth 08:00 - New Grim Hollow playtest 13:55 - Monster Manual 2024 22:00 - Legendary Actions return! 26:26 - How to index your monsters 33:13 - Monster type changes 36:08 - Challenge Rating fixed? 42:16 - Monster gender changes 48:72 - New monster artwork
	29 Jan 2025	#174. Protesting AI Dungeon Masters!	00:54:06
Dael refuses to talk about AI Dungeon Masters and whether they give better D&D immersion. Then we debate how much descriptive text DM's should give players during a TTRPG? Leon Barillaro's article: https://barilleon.com/blog/the-liches-method-of-boxed-text-descriptions/ Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - DM descriptions 05:54 - How much description to players 15:11 - AI Dungeon Masters 19:51 - New D&D boardgame 22:18 - Artefacts & Alignment 32:15 - Why not play as a werewolf? 44:45 - Forgotten D&D antagonists
	08 Dec 2021	#10. Arcane Anomalies and Studying at Strixhaven	01:04:34
This episode is all about the arcane, eldritch, and magical as we anticipate the release of Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos. Dael makes controversial claims about Counterspell, Ben is mad at Suggestion, Shawn warns against the dangers of not cleaning up after a ritual, and James enjoys the mutual destruction of fireball. An email sparks a debate about whether bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage is magical if caused by a spell. Topics: 00:00 - Intro 06:13 - Strixhaven Release! 15:18 - The Cat saga 15:36 - Monsters in Strixhaven 18:02 - Rating spells for WotC's survey 30:59 - Magic & Spellcasting 46:17 - Describing spells & magic 54:01 - Is piercing damage from a spell magical damage?
	26 Jul 2023	#95. Will MCDM's New TTRPG Change the Industry?	01:07:55
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	03 Jul 2024	#144. The D&D 2024 Ranger is... Well... It's a Thing!	00:56:16
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	01 Nov 2023	#109. D&D's Beautiful Catastrophe!	00:59:01
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	26 Feb 2025	#178. Is D&D Beyond Leaving Book Owners Behind?	01:00:17
Big D&D news as WotC announces a Lorwyn Shadowmoor 5e setting book, another 3rd party release hits D&D Beyond, and the Monster Manual 2025 gets a second patch, and we all geek out about video games! Check out the new D&D Beyond Drakkenheim adventure: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_NILE_2025_2_178 Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne James: @jamesjhaeck Monty: @montycmartin Kelly: @kaiinreallife Dungeon Dudes: @DungeonDudes Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:18 - Video game influences 11:08 - A new D&D video game? 15:00 - In Search of Smugglers' Secrets 25:47 - Lorwyn book announced 32:50 - Dragon Delves cover art 36:02 - Kobold Press' cosy RPG 43:28 - D&D Beyond monster errata 49:51 - Escape Room game design
	13 Sep 2023	#102. Barbarians Are D&D's Best Spellcasters, After All!	00:58:03
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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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
	08 Mar 2023	#75. Did WotC just Spoil Honor Among Thieves?	00:57:50
'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 podcast@ghostfiregaming.com 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

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