The Eldritch Lorecast

Chris Perkins reveals how Vecna: Eve of Ruin COULD have been a perfect finale for 5e 2014, D&D continues the march towards its digital future, and is the fall of Discord going to harm tabletop roleplaying games?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro09:20 - Vecna's missing obelisks19:57 - Hasbro pushes digital26:46 - Discord hurting TTRPGs35:42 - Villain foreshadowing49:39 - Volcano adventures

D&D gets a television series as a sequel to Baldur's Gate 3 while Apple TV greenlights multiple Cosmere projects. Then remembering we're a TTRPG podcast, we debate whether Wild Shape is magical and why Encumbrance is a GREAT RULE, ACTUALLY TODD!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:16 - Is Wild Shape magic?08:46 - HBO Baldur's Gate 3 series17:59 - Apple TV Cosmere series24:39 - Beadle & Grimms D&D leaks27:41 - GM books vs player books37:14 - When to help players with rules51:51 - Enforcing encumbrance

Does Demiplane's NEW Campaign feature give it an edge over D&D Beyond? Meanwhile, WotC continues hiring game designers, and how can YOU design the best dungeons?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:59 - WotC hires MORE designers05:49 - New Hasbro board members08:07 - Why AI can't play D&D15:19 - New Demiplane features21:16 - Designing GREAT dungeons35:56 - Setting Ability Check DC's

D&D introduces itself to Fortnite players, WotC hires ANOTHER fantastic game designer, and we decide upon the TOP 3 D&D 5e Adventure Modules!Follow Neopia Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GGNQ_2026_1_226Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - TOP 3 D&D Adventure Modules12:18 - WotC Hires Shawn13:30 - D&D Fortnite collab18:01 - D&D Beyond 3rd party updates25:42 - Neopia Quest29:45 - DriveThru RPG price rise30:50 - Farewell Jean Rabe32:08 - Making solo scenes work43:45 - Homebrew magic itemsFortnite island codes:D&D Boxfights – 1190-4691-0255D&D Treasure RNG – 4958-2624-5634D&D Dungeon Deathrun – 5806-6430-0158D&D Bossfight – 2218-1049-5866D&D Zombie Dragon Adventure (early access) – 2525-9596-3235

Is the D&D Shrinkflation getting more noticeable with Eberron: Forge of the Artificer? Are bigger or smaller TTRPG books better? Does Critical Role or Stranger Things sell more D&D? All that, and more!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - D&D book shrinkflation08:34 - Ed Greenwood on RPG book quality18:58 - Non-WotC Forgotten Realms book?25:45 - WotC staff shuffle32:42 - The Stranger Things effect40:31 - Unearthed Arcana: Mystic Subclass47:49 - Games Workshop says "No AI"53:11 - Are miniatures needed?

Why ARE D&D, Daggerheart, and Draw Steel the ONLY roleplaying games folks talk about? What is Crows and when can you playtest it? How do you tackle GM mental overload?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  @ToddKenreck  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor: ⁨@DannyCalamari⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:29 - Non-D&D games we play03:55 - Why we DON'T talk non-D&D games17:05 - What is Crows?25:47 - Handling GM mental overload39:11 - Hex grid vs square grid48:38 - Alternate combat win conditions

The biggest D&D news podcast welcomes their newest Co-Host! Critical Role plans for their future while WotC is yet to reveal any D&D books for 2026.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Todd:  ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩  Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:34 - Todd Kenreck's new job!05:45 - D&D's plans in 202613:03 - Stranger Things S5 (spoilers)17:46 - Future of Critical Role32:45 - Adhoc and Crit Role video game36:00 - Industry passings37:09 - Stat Block integrity

The Eldritch Lorecast says another sad farewell! We try deciphering our own Spotify wrapped while pondering whether systems of magic inherently make it impossible to balance a TTRPG, and is that a bad thing?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨Danny CamilleriTopics:00:00 - Intro04:23 - Lorecast's terrible analytics20:51- Another sad farewell24:03 - Systems of magic34:25 - Balancing spellcasters46:06 - Is balancing the party important?56:16 - Favorite poems

What was the BEST game released in 2025? What stories reshaped the TTRPG industry? The Eldritch Lorecast celebrates another year of D&D and tabletop gaming with the Elly Awards!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  ⁨@jberrt⁩  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:23 - Biggest news of 202512:01- Best TTRPG release16:56 - Best TTRPG related release22:59 - Best Con of 202527:46 - Guests of the year30:01 - A sad farewell35:04 - New Years resolutions45:29 - Best Lorecast moments 2025

Paying your DM can change the dynamic at your D&D table, but do paid dungeon masters ruin the TTRPG hobby for everyone? Meanwhile, WotC makes a pact for the next D&D video game: Warlock!LAST CHANCE to Late Pledge to Grim Hollow: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qvEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @jberrt  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:05 - Divinity trailer04:24 - Warlock D&D game19:43 - Jason Carl departs White Wolf24:30 - New head of D&D!26:59 - Holiday stream schedule28:55 - Finding regular players40:54 - Paid GMing

The Cosmere RPG set the record for TTRPG crowdfunding and then vanished? So where did it go? Meanwhile D&D Beyond plans for the future and why is Jubensha the best roleplaying game you've never heard of?Enter the Enchanting Emporiums with 30% off (use EE30): https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2025_12_219 People Make Games⁩ Jubensha documentary: https://youtu.be/6_dlxbGUNNQ?siEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinBrooks: @brooksthoEditor: Jess Berthelsen-MurrayTopics:00:00 - Intro02:50 - Is Cosmere over already?14:46 - Jubensha (scripted murder)28:43 - An Italian 5e adventure31:40 - Future for D&D Beyond39:38 - Enchanting Emporiums43:09 - Evil Hat Production pitches45:05 - Make 5e combat challenging

D&D sales figures expose the REAL popularity of 5e 2024, we're give our gift giving guide for the TTRPG fan in your life, and discuss how to bring adventure campaigns to that satisfying conclusion!Transform your wardrobe at the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:13 - TTRPG gift guide05:09 - D&D sales lies!19:02 - Restarting a Campaign after hiatus30:28 - Satisfying campaign endings

Has Daggerheart conquered Pathfinder as the #2 most popular TTRPG? Is D&D 5e next on the chopping block? Or is the success of Darrington Press all smoke & mirrors?FINAL WEEK of Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinAdam: @RetroArchetypeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:45 - 2nd most popular TTRPG?09:03 - Is Daggerheart new #2?18:09 - Daggerheart: Hope & Fear22:21 - Daggerheart adventure module25:21 - Ed Greenwood rewrites Forgotten Realms28:44 - TTRPG player skill types42:24 - Skill challenges (that actually work!)

The Mighty Nein animated show gets pulled from YouTube ahead of it's Amazon release! The D&D Netflix series could be in trouble, and is there a difference between game crunch and 'control', and which camp do 5e, Daggerheart or Draw Steel fall into?Transform your wardrobe at the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:08 - Too many stat blocks?08:17 - Mighty Nein animated series12:11 - D&D Netflix22:01 - Forgotten Realms books delay23:10 - D&D Nexus rebrand29:30 - Kickstarter strike ends31:08 - Ghostfire Gaming merch33:30 - rules crunch & control49:18 - System agnostic adventures

Hero Forge divides fans with a licensing agreement, the Fantasy Grounds VTT goes Free-to-Play, and should D&D bring Prestige Classes back to 5e 2024?Check out the Ghostfire merch store: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_Store_2025_11_204Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Evil player-characters08:40 - Dark Sun?11:03 - Moonbeam wanes19:43 - Hero Forge controversy!37:48 - Fantasy Grounds goes FTP42:36 - Prestige classes in 5e 2024

Daggerheart launches its first adventure module Kickstarter set in the eldritch city of Drakkenheim! The Blood Hunter also finds its way into Daggerheart while D&D revives Xanathar's subclasses through Unearthed Arcana.Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:08 - Min/Maxing combos06:32 - Daggerheart's first adventure16:43 - Blood Hunter in Daggerheart21:38 - Unearth Arcana: Subclasses38:17 - D&D's new T&C's45:32 - Tariff relief?46:42 - Making Con adventures fun

Sigil has failed its final death save! Is D&D Beyond Maps a good enough replacement? Dragonlance gets resurrected, 5e 2024 could be the most successful edition yet, and what level should you start your campaign?Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:20 - Games of paranoia05:27 - Critical Role goes mainstreamer09:03 - Daylight savings09:47 - Sigil laid to rest15:09 - Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart17:32 - Dragonlance returns?26:34 - 5e 2024 is D&D's fastest seller30:56 - Best D&D starting level?48:39 - Narrative leveling

D&D 5e makes magic a group activity with new Circle Casting, Critical Role pushes actual play further as a performance art, and we debate whether a TTRPG is a Shared Story or an Interactive Narrative.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:17 - D&D's new circle casting14:10 - Critical Role pushes the industry23:48 - Passing of Rob Wieland24:33 - Tariff warning25:49 - Shared storytelling vs Interactive narrative

How is a D&D Liveplay different from your home game? Diana Fay and Adam Carnevale help explain what makes a TTRPG Liveplay good! Also, should you tinker with 5e monster rules? How do you play test your own homebrew? Do we need to evacuate?Check out 'Elder Gods And Dragons' & Scryglass Studio: https://www.egnd.com.au/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelAdam: @RetroArchetypeDiana:  ⁨@DianaOfTheRose⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:05 - DON'T start a liveplay10:34 - Scryglass Studio11:15 - PAX Aus recap17:03 - Critical Role cartoon updates22:00 - Players surprising GM's29:31 - Should you homebrew monsters?38:01 - Evacuation!42:44 - How to playtest homebrew58:51 - Changing D&D's cosmology

Darrington Press attracts HUGE 3rd party talent like the Dungeon Dudes, who announce Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart. The Mighty Nein on Amazon gets a launch date, WotC want MOAR D&D video games, and a new 5e 2024 Psion drops in Unearthed Arcana.Delve into the Dungeons of Drakkenheim: Daggerheart - https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DKDH_2025_10_210Sign up to play at PAX Aus: https://ghostfiregaming.odoo.com/eventsEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckMonty: @montycmartinKelly: @kaiinreallifeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:18 - Writing TTRPG worlds10:56 - Daggerheart in Drakkenheim!27:00 - Mighty Nein launch date38:57 - PAX Aus & Gamehole Con41:12 - MORE D&D video games43:00 - Kickstarter United strike44:32 - Unearthed Arcana: Psion

Do the Fey of Lorwyn fit into the Forgotten Realms? Is there a better MtG crossover for 5e 2024? The Grim Hollow Campaign Guide erupts onto D&D Beyond, Stranger Things gets a new box set, and we ponder what power is in a True Name?Get the Grim Hollow Campaign Guide on D&D Beyond! https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2025_2_204Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinLaTia: @latiajacquiseAdam: @retroarchetypeEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:04 - Dream MtG crossovers09:29 - Lorwyn First Light24:52 - Grim Hollow Campaign Guide32:42 - D&D Beyond updates38:19 - D&D Starter Set42:44 - Stranger Things Box Set46:26 - True Names of the fey

Is Unearthed Arcana becoming a problem for WotC? Has 5e 2024 finally gotten the Arcane Archer right? Which D&D edition is the most expensive? What are your thoughts on homebrew?RACE to get Torque Borg by clicking THIS LINK! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977140613/torque-borg-a-wasteland-rpg?ref=1fwvx3Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Reasons to play TTRPG's06:29 - Unearthed Arcana (again!)18:19 - Torque Borg22:48 - Most expensive D&D edition?33:04 - TTRPG in the EU retail market39:57 - Thoughts on homebrew?

What are the best adventures for introducing new players to D&D 5e? Does the new Starter Set, Heroes of the Borderlands, truly have it all?UNLOCK the Dark Fantasy Construction Kit from Arkenforge: https://bit.ly/DarkenforgeEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:34 - D&D's new Starter Set17:45 - Dark fantasy construction kit21:32 - Witcher Watch23:26 - Do evil gods matter?40:58 - Should GMs help players?48:28 - Breaking in as a freelancer

Wizards of the Coast chart their future D&D plans as a franchise, we explore whether a TTRPG should be balanced or fun, and there's IMPORTANT late-breaking Critical Role news!LAST CHANCE to Set Sail on the Aetherial Expanse: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro03:53 - Aetherial Expanse ENDING soon!07:54 - Critical Role play with puppies08:44 - WotC plans for the future23:29 - Is AI actually the future?33:37 - Adventures with TOO MANY choices43:25 - Does game balance matter?

Do players EVER actually have choices in prewritten adventures? Is the sandbox purely an illusion? How do TTRPG game designers ensure characters have agency choosing their path forward? An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckErin: @nireleEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:58 - The Faithless Wench of TTRPG's04:55 - Dreams of the Drowned God21:00 - ANOTHER another D&D video game26:51 - 5e returns to Brazil27:45 - Are ALL adventures linear?

Why NOBODY predicted Critical Role would choose D&D over Daggerheart! And what does a West Marches style campaign mean for Campaign 4? We also invoke the dreaded name of Dark Sun!Get the Grim Hollow Player's Guide on D&D Beyond! https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2025_2_204Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinJames: @jamesjhaeckEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:16 - A Lorecast actual play?05:16 - Critical Role choose D&D!18:20 - Critical Role and West Marches32:06 - Grim Hollow launches on D&D Beyond!35:52 - Unearthed Arcana hints at Dark Sun

In the OGL aftermath and the full release of D&D 2024, is the game better or worse than it's ever been? Is 5e 2024 actually better than 5e 2014? An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinMike:  ⁨@SlyFlourish⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - The Aftermath of the OGL17:51 - Is D&D 2024 better than 2014?36:15 - Baldur's Gate 4?40:07 - New 5e Adventure module!45:03 - How to plan campaign narratives

Todd Kenreck helps us to ponder which community members should WotC choose for the D&D Advisory Panel? Gen Con hits record attendance! Then we settle in to build cozy homes and grimdark worlds for your TTRPG adventures.An Aetherial Expanse adventure is coming to Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinTodd:  ⁨@ToddKenreck⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:34 - The future for Todd Kenreck17:53 - D&D advisory panel24:22 - Gen Con record attendance29:15 - Cozy bastions46:05 - Dark fantasy adventure building

Brennan Lee Mulligan takes over Critical Role, Ghostfire Gaming launches an Organized Play campaign, MCDM releases Draw Steel, and Paizo puts a 5e adventure on D&D Beyond! It's been a long Gen Con...Learn more about the Grim Hunt: https://ghostfiregaming.com/resources/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelShawn: @shawnmerwinHannah: @AmazingSpidrHanEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:59 - Gen Con 202510:35 - Draw Steel goes live13:43 - Brennan to DM Critical Role19:47 - Paizo now on D&D Beyond!24:42 - D&D's new direction33:45 - Faerun sneak peaks47:09 - Tariffs impacting overseas games50:32 - Listener appreciation

D&D Beyond teases digital DLC for the Forgotten Realms setting books, while Nott the Brave teases town guards in the new Critical Role animated series. We also celebrate 200 episodes of this here podcast!A new Aetherial Expans adventure is coming to Kickstarter:https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AEDG_2025_7_933Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:52 - Forgotten Realms book reveals10:40 - D&D Beyond DLC18:01 - Stranger Things starter set24:25 - Aetherial Expanse adventure27:04 - New Critical Role animated seasons32:31 - 200th Episode quiz

Critical Role announces their first video game, WotC boasts the BIGGEST D&D starter set ever, Eberron is delayed, and is "D&D in a Castle" offering a new career path?Unlock the Grim Hollow Player's Guide, today! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=3hjfbfEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:12 - TTRPG from video games06:41 - Starfinder video game10:28 - Critical Role's video game17:08 - Grim Hollow: The Player's Guide releases19:35 - D&D's BIGGEST ever starter set27:42 - New Stranger Things D&D box set33:54 - Eberron book delayed35:54 - Green Ronin vs Diamond40:05 - Draughts worker strike41:16 - D&D DM University

Big changes for D&D as Wizards of the Coast step towards a franchise model, while Darrington Press take their next big steps as a TTRPG publisher! Also, what exactly IS a Warlock or a Rogue?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinLogan:  ⁨@Runesmith⁩  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro07:01 - D&D becoming a "franchise"21:19 - Darrington Press levels up!27:31 - Gen Con update32:32 - D&D Classes core fantasy52:37 - Obsolete design ideas

How impactful SHOULD character death be in a TTRPG like Daggerheart or D&D? We ponder this while Paizo experiences book delays, the ENNIE awards are announced, and we decide what monster manuals to make!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:46 - Shopping at FLGS07:26 - Diamond bankruptcy13:43 - Board game cafe strike19:31 - ENNIE nominations21:42 - Handling character death34:42 - GM social leaders48:36 - Monster themed books

Daggerheart releases two new classes into playtesting, triggering a heated rules debate over moons! Meanwhile, another Unearthed Arcana brings the Necromancer Wizard and Hexblade Warlock back to D&D 2024.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:14 - What is an Undead?06:04 - Unearthed Arcana subclasses23:11 - The missing Todd in the room24:50 - New Daggerheart playtest46:09 - Tabletop Workers United47:23 - Taking GM notes

More industry shuffles as Hasbro lays off more staff, Ivan Van Norman leaves Darrington Press, and we get a sneak peak at a cancelled D&D video game!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:06 - Siege weapons in D&D05:02 - Hasbro layoffs07:47 - WotC cancelled video game18:45 - Ivan Van Norman departs Darrington Press26:10 - Character combat parity42:55 - Player input on adventures

What will Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford joining Darrington Press mean for D&D 5e? Todd Kenreck is laid off from WotC, D&D's Vice President resigns, and other industry shaking events unfold!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:52 - Todd Kenreck laid off from WotC13:29 - Chris Perkins and Jeremy Crawford join Darrington Press28:50 - Jess Lanzillo leaves WotC30:59 - Darrington Press' own OGL

Wizard's of the Coast is hiring new D&D designers, but can they fill Chris Perkins or Jeremy Crawford's shoes? A new D&D video game is announced, and World of Darkness publisher White Wolf rises from the grave!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Best question for Session 0?13:40 - WotC hiring game designers22:23 - White Wolf returns28:38 - A new D&D video game!33:53 - UK Games Expo36:05 - Balancing a TTRPG45:23 - Monstrous BBEG

A surprised Unearthed Arcana launches the Psion back into D&D! Wizards of the Coast inks an new video game publishing deal, while Baldur's Gate 3 goes Pathfinder 2e. Should TTRPG players git gud?Hunt for Monsters of Drakkenheim on D&D Beyond: https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/category/DB4KDB0Q1Wizards of the Coast signs deal with Giant Skull: https://newsroom.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/wizards-coast-announces-exclusive-publishing-agreement-giantEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:15 - Best TTRPG settings06:53 - The Psion Unearthed Arcana22:36 - Monsters of Drakkenheim24:56 - New WotC video game?32:17 - BG3's Pathfinder mod34:05 - Does player skill matter in a TTRPG?

We celebrate the launch of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, whilst comparing encounter design between Draw Steel, D&D, and Critical Role's new TTRPG.Click to enter the Grim Hollow Player Pack D&D Beyond giveaway: https://forms.gle/RxFKrvYyJFFKHeTa7Sign up to GM at Gen Con 2025: https://www.baldmangames.com/gencon-2025-dm-signup/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro08:50 - Weirdest place to play TTRPGs10:16 - Daggerheart releases27:10 - GM at Gen Con 202530:16 - Building Draw Steel encounters48:59 - Improvising fun NPCs

How do 1-on-1 D&D sessions differ from a typical big party campaign? The fate of Gen Con's most infamous rogues is revealed! How can you create a gripping atmosphere at your gaming table or online?Click to enter the Lairs of Etharis D&D Beyond giveaway: https://forms.gle/kyNDnZBxGjBJA65r7Tariff Pause the Bare Minimum: https://www.wargamer.com/board-games/gloomhaven-tariff-pauseGame Publishers Brace for Shipping Price Hike: https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/05/13/board-game-publishers-brace-for-shipping-price-hike-delays-as-us-drops-tariffs-on-china-to-30-in-90-day-truce/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:46 - 1 on 1 D&D14:52 - Gen Con heist news23:22 - Diana Jones Emerging Designers27:24 - TTRPG tariff update38:00 - Daggerheart actual play39:47 - Creating game atmosphere

D&D 2024 unleashes new Horror Subclasses like the Artificer Reanimator in the latest Unearthed Arcana. But how frightening can 5e be? Plus there's a sneak peak at the new Eberron book and why TTRPG publishers might be pulling out of Gen Con?Click to enter the Lairs of Etharis D&D Beyond giveaway: https://forms.gle/kyNDnZBxGjBJA65r7Check out Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond, here: https://marketplace.dndbeyond.com/settings/SRC-00130Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro00:48 - Favorite type of horror07:54 - Horror subclasses UA26:43 - Eberron: Forge of the Artificer42:56 - TTRPG publisher pulls out of Gen Con49:03 - What's a bandit lord?54:46 - Humanoid villains

Is Sage Advice the same without Jeremy Crawford? WotC publish the latest 2024 rules update on D&D Beyond, Roll20 and Demiplane launch a cross compatibility beta, and a titan of the TTRPG industry comes to an abrupt end.Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:21 - New Spell: Mike's Hard Lemonade03:54 - Sage Advice for D&D 202431:36 - Roll20 & Demiplane beta38:09 - Polygon layoffs44:53 - Alarums and Excursions48:05 - Profanity in D&D books

Stop your TTRPG players from sleeping through your early campaign lore dumps! We're also dissecting dragons and the SRD 5.2. Will WotC dodge tariff chaos with D&D and MtG?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Best dragon harvest05:20 - WotC vs tariffs11:39 - Tariff lightning round14:50 - SRD 5.2 deep dive29:35 - Westmarch style systems40:55 - How much lore, too much?

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#2024CoreRulesErrataTTRPG industry survey: https://cardboardedison.com/tariffsEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @DailyDaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro05:54 - SRD 5.215:24 - Baldur's Gate 3 final patch24:07 - Xanathar's puppet25:50 - Dungeons and Cabins28:40 - Meredith Placko resigns30:18 - Tariffs toll on the industry39:54 - GM Presentation

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.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinDiana:  @dianaoftherose Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Your First GM06:00 - Daggerheart Early Release09:48 - Dragon Delves22:32 - D&D Beyond MAPS32:04 - Jeremy Crawford Leaves WotC41:20 - Tariffs check-in42:15 - Visualizing a dungeon

Will Tariffs destroy the TTRPG industry? This week we roleplay economists to explore the global issue from the side of game publishers, hobby shop owners, and fans whose books are about to get a LOT more expensive!Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinTeos:  ⁨@AlphastreamEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:23 - Arby's dice05:00 - Chris Perkins retires17:47 - Free Sigil minis23:15 - Tariffs vs TTRPG's43:07 - Creating new monsters

Less D&D news this week (except for WotC threatening legal action for a Baldur's Gate 3 mod) leads into listener emails about incentivizing selfish players, why GM's shouldn't be scared of math, and whether the GM or player should control the wizard's familiar?Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro06:23 - WotC threaten legal action08:56 - Paul Sawyer passing10:17 - Playing selfish players25:05 - Scared of math? GM Anyway!32:47 - GM or player run familiars?

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_003Rascal article about Texas roleplay bill: https://www.rascal.news/texas-furries-act-tabletop-roleplaying-games-in-schools/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:00 - Giving your players news04:26 - Sigil's sad fate24:00 - Texas to outlaw roleplaying32:31 - Avenues for self publishing44:24 - How to finish a project

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_003Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:04 - Dice collections08:45 - Hero Forge dice16:06 - Critical Role video game28:29 - Sigil's bumpy release34:58 - The MCDM VTT38:21 - Companion Quest40:13 - Low level Legendary Monsters

Are tariffs about me to make buying D&D and TTRPG products A LOT more expensive for US gamers? And right when a new 5e 2024 starter set could make learning the game easier than ever! What makes a good Warlock patron?Start your Companion Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGLC_GGCQ_2025_2_003BoardGameWire article: https://boardgamewire.com/index.php/2025/03/06/fewer-releases-spending-freezes-and-rising-prices-board-game-publishers-face-volatile-financial-future-as-us-hikes-china-tariff-to-20-brings-in-25-canada-mexico-tariffs/Rascal News article: https://www.rascal.news/tabletop-companies-are-waiting-for-the-ship-to-come-in-on-tariffs/Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelJames: @jamesjhaeckShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:27 - New D&D starter set14:29 - Companion Quest17:40 - Chris Cocks interviews27:35 - Tariffs vs tabletop games34:56 - DriveThruRPG prices rise39:21 - Warlock patrons48:12 - Greyhawk introduction

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.comJames: @jamesjhaeckDael: @dailydaelShawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:13 - THE BEST D&D miniature04:17 - Winter Fantasy recap09:39 - Project Sigil launches!20:16 - New D&D starter set28:10 - Artificer Unearthed Arcana33:57 - Ernie Gygax passes35:01 - Mega dungeon design45:04 - Monster Manual art