Sly Flourish's Lazy DM Prep

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:39 Sly Flourish News: Lazy Map Annotations, Are Published Adventures Easier?, the Beautiful Mess of 5e 05:35 Sly Flourish News: Attention Retailers 07:08 D&D & RPG News: Starter Set Spotlights 09:13 Product Spotlight: Dragonbane Core Boxed Set 40:18 DM Tip: The Value of Solo Play 46:12 Patreon Question: Preparing Dungeons 51:28 Patreon Question: Colonialism and Looting Treasure 01:00:49 Patreon Question: Running 90 Minute Games Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Lazy Map Annotation Are Published Adventures Easier to Run? Gamehole Con Alphastream Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set - Components and Characters Review Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set - What Adventures are Like Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Borderlands - First Impressions Dragonbane Boxed Set Ironsworn RPG Solodark for Shadowdark Thousand Year Old Vampire

Mike dives into the three core books of four different 5e systems and offers his opinions on the best of the bunch! 00:00 - I love 5e 01:48 - What is 5e? 06:51 - Focusing on Four Versions -- D&D 2014, D&D 2024, Level Up Advanced 5e, and Tales of the Valiant 08:51 - Focusing on the Core Books 09:26 - What is the Best 5e? 11:36 - Best Player's Handbook 24:27 - Best Game Master Guide 36:57 - Best Monster Book 46:06 - Recapping the Ranking 47:02 - Mix and Match Links Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Black Flag System Reference Document D&D 2014 5.1 System Reference Document D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document Level Up Advanced 5e System Reference Document

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:36 Sly Flourish News: Secret of the Eight Steps and Lazy Map Annotations 01:43 Sly Flourish News: New Hat, Coffee Cup, and Calendar on the Store 04:29 Sly Flourish News: Key of Worlds 15 Releasing This week! 07:32 Sly Flourish News: Upcoming Conventions 09:16 Sly Flourish News: 5e, OSR, and Shadowdark on Dungeon Master Diaries 09:54 Kickstarter Spotlight: Scorched Basin by Homie and the Dude 12:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Northlands by Kobold Press 30:15 Commentary: Daggerheart Initiative Feedback 37:36 Commentary: Lots Of You Play Lots of Different RPGs 44:59 DM Tip: Lazy 5e Crafting Guidelines 59:06 Patreon Question: Create a New or Use an Existing Location for Homebrew Adventures in Published Campaign Worlds 01:03:47 Patreon Question: Where to Spend time on Campaign Building 01:09:29 Patreon Question: Prepping Dungeons When you Don't Know Their Path Links The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy Game Prep Lazy Map Annotation Gamehole Con PAGE 3 Con Mike on Dungeon Master Diaries Talking about 5e and OSR and Shadowdark Homie and the Dude Scorched Basin  Northlands Kickstarter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books:

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:44 Sly Flourish News: Track Turns the Shadowdark Way, The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy GM Prep 02:16 Sly Flourish News: 300 Room Descriptions 09:06 D&D & RPG News: DMs Guild Humble Bundle 12:26 D&D & RPG News: Dungeon Master Diaries on Playing Games Online 14:07 Commentary: Daggerheart Initial Thoughts 50:17 DM Tip: Roll for Monster Targets 56:57 Patreon Question: Dealing with the Mid-Campaign Blues 01:02:12 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Spend Treasure Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Track Turns the Shadowdark Way The Secret of the Eight Steps of Lazy Game Prep Room descriptions in the Lazy GM Resource Doc DMs Guild Humble Bundle Dungeon Master Diaries – Playing Online Daggerheart

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:11 Sly Flourish News: Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices, Track Turns the Shadowdark Way, 14th Key of Worlds Scenario 05:48 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Treasure Generators 10:11 D&D & RPG News: Ironsworn Bundle of Holding 12:39 Kickstarter Spotlight: Aethereal Expanse Dreams of the Drowned God by Ghostfire Gaming 15:09 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Season 4 Uses D&D 2024 33:40 D&D & RPG News: Dark Sun Subclasses in Playtesting 37:26 D&D & RPG News: Cypher System 2e Preview from Monte Cook Games 41:01 Product Spotlight: Nimble Boxed Set 51:39 DM Tip: Fixing Counterspell and Spell-Like Attacks 01:02:03 Patreon Question: How to Reveal Character Secrets Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Ironsworn Bundle of Holding Aethereal Expanse Dreams of the Drowned God Kickstarter Critical Role Season 4 Uses D&D 2024 Dark Sun Subclass Playtest Cypher System Preview Nimble Boxed Set Nimble Quickstart Rules

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:12 Sly Flourish News: NPC Betrayal, 5e Magic Item Prices 03:03 Sly Flourish News: 20% Sly Flourish Books and Free US Shipping 04:04 Patreon Spotlight: Readings and Reflections 05:34 Patreon Spotlight: 5eADB Dice Roller and Point Buy Calculator 09:56 Product Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Starter Set 21:52 Commentary: D&D Versus Magic the Gathering 49:23 DM Tip: Lazy Map Annotation 54:47 Patreon Question: Best Tools for Digital D&D? 59:18 Patreon Question: Shadowdark Feeling with 5e Links Sly Flourish Sale – 20% off and Free US Shipping until 20 August Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Avoid NPC Betrayal Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices Tales of the Valiant Starter Set Hasbro Earnings Call Transcript Ben Rigg's Gencon Panel: Solving the Mysteries of the D&D Business

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:29 Sly Flourish News: Lazy World Building, Avoid NPC Betrayal 02:31 Sly Flourish News: Summer Sale - 20% off books and free US shipping > $60 03:49 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches on Shard 04:57 Sly Flourish News: DM's Guid to Tyranny of Dragons by Beadle and Grimm 06:59 Sly Flourish News: Mike Joins Luke Hart on DM's Lair 09:19 Sly Flourish News: Sly Flourish Partnering with Let's Quest for After-School RPGs 12:34 Sly Flourish News: 5e ADB Monster Database 19:32 D&D & RPG News: D&D Starter Set Details 23:57 DM Tip: Choose Your Next RPG 36:11 DM Tip: Lose Yourself in Fiction 48:38 Patreon Question: Overwhelming Players with Villain Quest Progression 53:10 Patreon Question: Running Games with One Online Player 57:28 Patreon Question: D&D 2024 Slowing Down Combat? Links Twenty Percent Off Sly Flourish Books and free US shipping! Let's Quest – Empowering Schools & Libraries Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Lazy World Building Avoid NPC Betrayal City of Arches on Shard Tabletop Beadle and Grimm Tyranny of Dragons Legendary Edition Mike on DM's Lair with Luke Hart D&D Starter Set – Heroes of the Borderlands Details

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Ten Heist Encounters, Lazy World Building 02:28 Sly Flourish News: Map Annotator in 5eADB 06:06 D&D & RPG News: ENNIE Winners 07:46 D&D & RPG News: Cypher System Revised by Monte Cook Games 14:59 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Class Decks, New Adventures, New Worlds with Keith Baker 20:06 D&D & RPG News: Critical Role Season 4 with Brennan Lee Mulligan 23:28 D&D & RPG News: Pathfinder Abomination Vaults on D&D Beyond 25:20 Commentary: D&D Beyond Isn't a Fair Business Platform 32:57 D&D & RPG News: Exclusive Forgotten Realms Products on D&D Beyond 39:26 Commentary: "Welcome Back" post by Dan Ayoub 01:00:24 DM Tip: Five Scenes 01:07:30 Patreon Question: 3-2-1 Quest Model Without a Job Board Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: ENNIE Winners Cypher Evolved by Monte Cook Games Daggerheart Gencon 2025 Announcements Brennan Lee Mulligan GMs Critical Role Season 4 Pathfinder Abomination Vaults PDF Forgotten Realms Digital Exclusives for D&D Beyond Welcome Back to the Table: D&D's New Direction D&D Beyond Terms and Conditions Jess Lanzillo interview with Christian Hoffer 3-2-1 Quest Model

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:01:08 Sly Flourish News: Three Quests, Ten Heist Encounters, Endless Warrens Adventure Scenario 00:05:58 Sly Flourish News: Token Maker in 5e Artisanal Database 00:09:06 D&D & RPG News: Signed Sly Flourish Books and Hexploration Kits at Gencon Inkwell Ideas Booth 150 00:13:06 D&D & RPG News: Eddie Munson Stranger Things D&D Starter Set 00:24:09 D&D & RPG News: Cthulhu by Torchlight on D&D Beyond 00:34:39 DM Tip: Experiences Running the D&D 2024 Lich 00:55:03 Patreon Question: Fitting RPGs into a Busy Life 01:02:05 Patreon Question: Converting City of Arches and Grendleroot to Daggerheart Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Prep Three Quests Ten Easy Heist Encounters Eddie Munson Stranger Things D&D Starter Set Cthulhu by Torchlight

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:38 Sly Flourish News: Take it Easy, Prep Three Quests, Shadowdark Adventure, Creative Spark Appearance, 03:12 Sly Flourish News:  Lazy 5e Treasure Generator 06:00 D&D & RPG News: Black Flag Released in Creative Commons 11:45 Commentary: Eberron Forge of the Artificer is a Weird Product 24:16 Commentary: 2025 D&D Starter Set 33:20 DM Tip: Experiences Running the D&D 2024 Death Knight 42:29 DM Tip: Lazy 5e Magic Item Prices 52:20 Patreon Question: Where Do Your RPG Tips Come From? 57:15 Patreon Question: Converting D&D 2024 Material Back to 2014 Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Take It easy Prep Three Quests Guest on Creative Spark talking about being an RPG YouTuber Black Flag released in the CC Eberron Forge of the Artificer delayed D&D Starter Set Info RPG Tips in the Creative Commons

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:54 Sly Flourish News: Treasure Parcels, Take it Easy, Shadowdark Adventure 05:06 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Encounter calculator 09:13 D&D & RPG News: New VP of D&D and a D&D Franchise Model 22:37 Product Spotlight: City of Arches Spotlight 40:09 DM Tip: What Do You Need To Run Your Next Session? 52:58 Patreon Question: Are We Leaving Fun at the Table? 58:59 Patreon Question: Revealing Character Secrets Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Dungeons & Dragons Shifts to Franchise Model, Dan Ayoub Named as Head City of Arches (with link to free preview)

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:01:06 Sly Flourish News: Chessex Mat Review, Treasure Parcels, Shadowdark Adventure 00:03:06 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Advanced Search Features 00:09:43 D&D & RPG News: RPG Mega Bundle on Humble Bundle 00:14:31 D&D & RPG News: Free Leage Summer Sales 00:16:42 D&D & RPG News: 2025 ENNIE Nominations 00:17:36 Commentary: Dungeon Delves Core Book Compatibility and Betrayal Adventures 00:34:51 Product Spotlight: Labyrinth by Kobold Press 00:53:01 DM Tip: The Two Opposing Truths of RPGs 01:00:15 Patreon Question: Maps and Theater of the Mind Breaking Immersion Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Chessex Battle Mat Review Lazy 5e Treasure Parcels Go Big RPG Humble Bundle Free League sale ENNIE 2025 nominations Labyrinth Worldbook Running Theater of the Mind Combat Abstract Battle Maps Zone-based Combat

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:00:45 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Weapons of Power, Combat Tracker 00:01:53 Sly Flourish News: Weapons of Power Supplement 00:09:25 Sly Flourish News: Dread Necropolis Adventure Toolkit 00:12:53 Sly Flourish News: Combat Tracker in 5e Artisanal Database 00:18:17 D&D & RPG News: Numenera Humble Bundle 00:21:59 Product Spotlight: Dragon Delves for D&D 00:40:26 DM Tip: Building a Lazy Pantheon 00:54:43 Patreon Question: Adventure-Breaking Character Abilities 01:01:36 Patreon Question: Climactic Negotiations Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Avoid Removing Player Agency Chessex Battle Mat Review Numenera Humble Bundle

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com 00:00 Show Start 00:59 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Scions of Light, 5eADB Updates 09:19 Kickstarter Spotlight: Treasures in the Dark by Jeff Stevens 10:43 D&D & RPG News: Perkins and Crawford Join Darrington Press, Ivan van Norman Leaves DP, Todd Kendrick Laid Off, Jess Lanzillo Leaves WOTC 16:57 Commentary: The RPG Business Punditry Hobby 22:14 Commentary: What Makes an RPG Successful? 37:30 DM Tip: Running 200 Ghouls in One Battle 49:53 Patreon Question: Campaign Plans and Player Agency 55:30 Patreon Question: Best Resources for New GMs 58:43 Patreon Question: Managing Large Groups of Monsters Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs Organizing Your RPG Prep Notes Avoid Removing Player Agency Treasures in the Dark Kickstarter Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford Join Darrington Press Ivan van Norman Leaves Darrington Press Todd Kendrick Laid Off Jess Lanzillo Departs Wizards of the Coast Mastering Dungeons Episode What Makes RPGs Successful Running Hordes

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:48 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Database Updates, Key of Worlds Scenario 11 08:25 Kickstarter Spotlight: Dragonbane Arkand & Book of Magic 11:19 D&D & RPG News: LGBTQ+ TTRPG Bundle on Bundle of Holding 11:54 Product Spotlight: Daggerheart 36:08 DM Tip: Track Monster Damage with Xs and Slashes 47:16 Patreon Question: Telling Players About Quests 51:13 Patreon Question: Keeping a Campaign's Tone Consistent 54:33 Patreon Question: Tying Character Backgrounds to Published Adventures Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Hang On Loosely How to Get Your Group to Play Other RPGs Dragonbane Kickstarter Pride Games Bundle of Holding Daggerheart Tallying Damage – Patchwork Paladin

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:01:02 D&D & RPG News: Happy Pride Month 00:01:31 Sly Flourish News: Leave Blanks, Hang On Loosely, COA Available Worldwide, Markdown and EPUB Lazy DM's Companion 00:08:03 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart in Markdown 00:09:50 D&D & RPG News: Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding 00:13:48 D&D & RPG News: RPG Game Master Book Series Humble Bundle 00:15:01 Kickstarter Spotlight: Tales of the Valiant Player's Guide 2 00:18:40 Product Spotlight: Horizon Issue 3 by Wildmage Press 00:21:46 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide 00:25:51 D&D & RPG News: Ten Cultist Powers by Evan Rash 00:26:53 D&D & RPG News: Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander 00:29:58 Sly Flourish News: The 5e Artisanal Database 00:39:04 DM Tip: The Power of Text Files 00:50:41 Patreon Question: Running the Keep Scenario from Lazy DM's Companion 00:55:16 Patreon Question: Sly Flourish Tools for Shadowdark 01:03:04 Patreon Question: Stocking Dungeons Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Leave Blanks Hang On Loosely City of Arches Shipping Worldwide Daggerheart SRD in Markdown Grim Hollow Bundle of Holding Deadlands Humble Bundle The Game Master's Book Of Humble Bundle Tales of the Valiant Player's Handbook 2 Kickstarter Horizons Issue 3 New D&D 2014 to D&D 2024 Conversion Guide Ten Cult Powers by Evan Rash Corridor Themes by Justin Alexander

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:33 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Updated Obsidian Notes, COA Shipping in Europe, Lazy DM's Companion in EPUB and Markdown 08:04 D&D & RPG News: Old School Essentials Bundle of Holding 11:14 Kickstarter Spotlight: Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts 13:52 D&D & RPG News: Daggerheart Released 27:42 DM Tip: Mashing Up the Eight Steps 48:04 Commentary: Too Much Linking In Markdown Notes 49:57 Patreon Question: Rolling 3d6 For Ability Scores 53:34 Patreon Question: Low Level Characters with Powerful Legacy Magic Items 57:11 Patreon Question: Building Rich Tactical Battles in Old School Adventures Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Your Criteria for Selecting Great Published Adventures Leave Blanks Old School Essentials Bundle of Holding Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts Backerkit Campaign Dice Exploder Interview with Jonathan Harper on Blades in the Dark Deep Cuts Daggerheart on Critical Role Store Daggerheart SRD Daggerheart Community License Daggerheart Quickstart PDF Evaluating an adventure — Patchwork Paladin

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:08 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, Key of Worlds Scenario 10, COA Shipping News 06:25 D&D & RPG News: Raging Swan Bundle of Holding 09:14 Kickstarter Spotlight: Neon City Outlaws by Rodney Thompson 12:17 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 SRD Available in Markdown 16:51 D&D & RPG News: Patchwork Paladin on Lord of the Rings 5e Dissecting and Piecing Together 5e 21:11 Commentary: Gary Gygax's 25 Year D&D Predictions from 1999 35:41 Commentary: 25 Years of WOTC Making Fun of It's Own Products 39:46 Commentary: AI GMing Taken to the Logical Conclusion - Just Run the Whole Game For Us 42:22 DM Tip: Lightning Rods for Each 5e Class Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Raging Swan Bundle of Holding Neon City Outlaws D&D 2024 5.2 SRD in Markdown Pulling Apart D&D 5e – Patchwork Paladin Lightning Rods – Showcase Powerful Character Abilities

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:55 Sly Flourish News: New Articles, COA Fulfillment, Artisanal Monster Database Updates 11:06 Commentary: Experiences Running Three 5e Systems in the Same Game 28:26 Commentary: Managing Character Options At Our Table 45:34 DM Tip: How to Run Stealth and Hiding in 5e 59:16 Patreon Question: The Intimacy and Focus of One-on-One Games Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Two-Word Cure All to Overpowered Characters Break and Prevent the Boredom Spiral Running One-on-One Games A Framework for One-on-One D&D Games: Sherlock Holmes and Watson

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:39 Sly Flourish News: Grendleroot for $5 02:56 Sly Flourish News: TOV Article, Patreon Benefits, New GM Card, COA Updates, Shadowdark Scenario 10:50 Kickstarter Spotlight: Fury of the Forsaken by Lazy Wolf Studios 12:27 D&D & RPG News: Huge Pathfinder 2 Humble Bundle 15:49 D&D & RPG News: Sage Advice Column on D&D Beyond 19:58 Commentary: Paizo Flip Mat Basic Versus Chessex Battle Map 38:46 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark and Waves of Combatants 44:55 Patreon Question: Leveling Up Villains with Forge of Foes 47:34 Patreon Question: Managing Real-World Time In-Game 52:00 Patreon Question: Character Motivation in Shadowdark with high PC Turnover 58:06 Patreon Question: Managing Monster Difficulty in D20 / 5e Games Links Grendleroot On Sale for $5! Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Gems of the Tales of the Valiant Game Master's Guide Fury of the Forsaken Kickstarter Pathfinder 2 Asian Fantasy Humble Bundle D&D 2024 Sage Advice Staedtler 315-9 Medium Point Wet Erase Markers Chessex Battle Mat Chessex Battle Megamat Pathfinder Flip Mat Basic Lazy Encounter Benchmark Dials of Monster Difficulty

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:04 Sly Flourish News: Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale 04:42 Sly Flourish News: 5e Artisanal Monster Database Updated with D&D 2025 MM Monsters 07:42 Sly Flourish News: New Articles and Podcasts 10:04 Kickstarter Spotlight: Knock Issue 5 from Merry Mushman 13:17 D&D & RPG News: 5.2 SRD Released into the Creative Commons 22:07 Commentary: What can GM's Do with the 5.2 SRD? 27:40 Commentary: A Look at Mike's Little Candles -- Is WOTC Being a Good Steward of the Hobby? 45:36 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 Errata 49:34 DM Tip: Using Physical Book At the Table Links Ruins of the Grendleroot On Sale for $5 Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Knock Kickstarter 5.2 SRD Page 5.2 SRD PDF D&D 2024 PHB Errata D&D 2024 DMG Errata D&D 2024 MM Errata

Mike builds an adventure from one of the adventure prompts in the City of Arches! Buy the City of Aches

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:01 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches, Latest SF articles and podcasts, new CC material 12:15 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document on Tuesday 15:09 Commentary: Why the 5.2 SRD Matters to GMs 20:25 Commentary: Do we Need a 5.2 SRD in the OGL? No! 24:52 Commentary: How to Play D&D 6E Today! 31:49 DM Tip: Get Your Players to Play Other Systems 39:47 Patreon Question: Getting Players to Search More 44:56 Patreon Question: Grim Portents and Focusing On Your Next Game 49:04 Patreon Question: Revealing Secrets Through Sages 51:22 Patreon Question: What Sections Are Missing From Most GM Books? Monuments Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: City of Arches D&D 2024 5.2 SRD Coming Tuesday 13th Age Shadow of the Weird Wizard Numenera Dusk City Outlaws Lazy GM's Resource Document

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:01:25 D&D & RPG News: Jeremy Crawford Leaves Wizards of the Coast 00:07:31 D&D & RPG News: State of the OSR Podcast 00:09:42 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Available in Hardcover in US and Canada 00:11:35 Sly Flourish News: SF Books for Friendly Local Game Shops through ACD 00:12:42 DM Tip: Running the D&D 2025 Monster Manual Beholder 00:24:25 Commentary: How do RPGs Die? 00:46:02 D&D & RPG News: One-on-One Adventures in Dragon Delves 00:49:42 DM Tip: Running One-on-One Games 00:54:52 Patreon Question: The Lazy GM Eight Steps on Index Cards 00:58:19 Patreon Question: Encounter Building for Three Characters 01:01:58 Patreon Question: Are 5e Systems Compatible and Which Would I Choose if I Had to Pick One? Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Jeremy Crawford Leaves WOTC State of the OSR Gencon Panel Podcast City of Arches Hardcover available in US and CA Sly Flourish ACD Distribution for Local Game Shops One-on-One Adventures in Dragon Delves Tips for One-on-One play

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 00:01:26 Kickstarter Spotlight: Scepter of the Lightbringer 00:04:57 D&D & RPG News: Chris Perkins Leaves Wizards of the Coast 00:09:26 D&D & RPG News: Tariffs and TTRPGs 00:15:15 Commentary: BG3, Stardew Valley, and Thoughts About Copyright 00:30:18 D&D & RPG News: Level Up Gateway for Level Up Advanced 5e and the Current State of 5e Character Builders 00:36:24 DM Tip: Build a D&D 2024 Character On Paper in Ten Minutes 00:44:56 Patreon Question: Managing Perception and Passive Perception 00:50:08 Patreon Question: Describing Terrain Mechanics in Combat Encounters 00:54:14 Patreon Question: Managing Boring but Effective Character Strateies 00:58:43 Patreon Question: Introducing Old Monsters as New Monsters 01:01:46 Patreon Question: How Long to Get a Feel for a New RPG? Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Scepter of the Lightbringer Kickstarter Chris Perkins Leaves Wizards of the Coast EN World Discussion Tariffs and TTRPGs EN World Discussion Stardew Valley, BG3, and WOTC DMCA Takedown Discussion on EN World Level Up Gateway for Level Up Advanced 5e Dungeon Master Diaries Your Ability Check Toolkit What Does Passive Perception Show You?

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:17 Kickstarter Spotlight: Free5e 07:24 Kickstarter Spotlight: Alien RPG Evolved Edition 09:23 D&D & RPG News: New Miniatures for Sigil? Where's my Gold Dragon Docker?? 14:01 D&D & RPG News: D&D 2024 5.2 System Reference Document Coming "Soon" 19:14 Commentary: Memoirs of a Dracolich 28:35 DM Tip: Slow, Medium, and Fast Initiative 32:03 Patreon Question: Promote Better Behavior for Online Play 35:56 Patreon Question: Choose Your Gamemaster's Guide 39:29 Patreon Question: Incentivizing Movement for Ranged Attackers 43:49 Patreon Question: Stealth and Hiding in D&D 2024 50:46 Patreon Question: Forge of Foes for Shadowdark? 52:18 Patreon Question: Lazy Encounter Benchmark for Tales of the Valiant Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Free5e Kickstarter Alien RPG Evolved Kickstarter D&D Mimic Miniature for Sigil 5.2 SRD "Soon" Discussion on D&D Beyond Ginny Di on Better Online Behavior Merric Blackman on Hiding Justin Alexander on Better Stealth Rules Shadowdark Monster Stats Creating and Adapting Monsters for use in Shadowdark RPG The Lazy Encounter Benchmark Comparing D&D 2024 to the Lazy Encounter Benchmark

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00:00 Show Start 00:01:09 D&D & RPG News: Delta Green, Dragonlance, and Kobold Press Humble Bundles 00:05:22 Kickstarter Spotlight: Zaminora Ballad of the Witch 00:06:48 D&D & RPG News: Sigil's Demise 00:13:46 Commentary: Where's the 5.2 SRD? 00:16:40 Commentary: Shadow of the Weird Wizard Initial Thoughts 00:36:04 DM Tip: Defending Yourself Out of the Fun 00:57:03 Patreon Question: Catching Characters Up to Higher Level Adventures 00:59:23 Patreon Question: Running Heroic Adventures with Shadowdark 01:01:33 Patreon Question: Which Monster Book Do You Reach For? 01:05:19 Patreon Question: Experiences with Level Up Advanced 5e Links Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Delta Green Humble Bundle Dragonlance Novel Humble Bundle Kobold Press 5e Player Option Humble Bundle Zamanora Ballad of the Witch Kickstarter Has Wizards of the Coast Given Up on Sigil? Gizmodo – Hasbro Is Scrapping Dungeons & Dragons‘s Ambitious Virtual Tabletop Shadow of the Weird Wizard Soren Johnson – Players Optimize Out of the Fun Dungeon Master Diaries with Kelsey Dionne

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs

D&D and RPG news and commentary by Mike Shea of https://slyflourish.com Contents 00:00 Show Start 01:06 Kickstarter Spotlight: Beyond the Woods 03:53 Kickstarter Spotlight: Shadowdark Western Reaches 15:25 Commentary: Shadowdark Price Ranges and FOMO 22:53 Commentary: Where Shadowdark Sits Among 5e Games 32:18 DM Tip: House Rules for Shadowdark 38:45 Sly Flourish News: City of Arches Hardcovers and the Key of Worlds Scenario Path 44:54 Sly Flourish News: Additions to the Lazy GM's Reference Document 49:49 Sly Flourish News: Forge of Foes on Audible 50:58 Patreon Question: Alternatives to Cultists 55:04 Patreon Question: Suggestions for Short Adventures and One-Shot Rewards Links Forge of Foes on Audible Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books: Beyond the Woods Kickstarter Shadowdark Western Reaches Kickstarter Shadowdark Quick Start Free PDF Shadowdark Quick Start Softcover City of Arches Lazy GM's Reference Document

Mike prepares the next session of his Tales of the Valiant Dragon Empire campaign. Visit the Sly Flourish Blog Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Newsletter Subscribe to the Sly Flourish Podcast Support Sly Flourish on Patreon Buy Sly Flourish Books Midgard Worldbook Tales of the Valiant Obsidian for TTRPGs