The Eldritch Lorecast

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

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_178Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneJames: @jamesjhaeckMonty: @montycmartinKelly: @kaiinreallifeDungeon Dudes:  @DungeonDudes  Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro01:18 - Video game influences11:08 - A new D&D video game?15:00 - In Search of Smugglers' Secrets25:47 - Lorwyn book announced32:50 - Dragon Delves cover art36:02 - Kobold Press' cosy RPG43:28 - D&D Beyond monster errata49:51 - Escape Room game design

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-outpostEmail your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydael Shawn: @shawnmerwinAdam:  @RetroArchetype Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics:00:00 - Intro02:13 - Favorite D&D species11:54 - Evil Drow returning!14:15 - D&D Netflix Series21:59 - Jarren's Outpost27:39 - Pathfinder romance rules39:08 - Kickstarter Pledge Over Time44:31 - Steve Jackson Games & Possum Creek49:05 - Fantasy travel between settlements

The 2025 Monster Manual receives a day 1 patch, we finally address the D&D Orc controversy, Daggerheart gets a release date to revolutionize the TTRPG industry, and Ghostfire is making a boardgame!Start your Companion Quest here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGLC_GGCQ_2025_2_003Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.comBen: @TheBenByrneDael: @dailydaelLogan:  @Runesmith Shawn: @shawnmerwinEditor:  @ZsDante Topics:00:00 - Intro00:49 - No orcs07:01 - Monster Manual day 1 patch11:28 - Monster initiative18:20 - Companion Quest24:23 - Magic the Gathering cinematic universe36:43 - Daggerheart release date38:07 - Diamond debt reclamation40:57 - Spells in monster stats49:56 - How to recap a campaign

Amidst the Monster Manual news, Wizards of the Coast announce as new Unearthed Arcana, a new Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands, new setting guides, and a free D&D 5e adventure! Can we convince James to like Dinosaurs? Check out A Time Traveler's Guide to Dinosaur Hunting: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/splatteredink/a-time-travelers-guide-to-dinosaur-hunting?ref=6p3q3u Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Monster Manual 2025 06:32 - A free 5e adventure 12:19 - D&D movie sequel? 13:57 - Our favorite dinosaurs 22:31 - End of Critical Role Era? 32:36 - All D&D 2025 releases 34:26 - Eberron: Forge of the Artificer 40:00 - Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands 45:10 - Return to the Forgotten Realms 48:18 - Greyhawk Organized play 52:11 - Unearthed Arcana: Subclasses

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

We review more D&D 2025 Monster Manual news before musing whether a TTRPG is a game or a philosophical exercise? And should a GM force permanent changes on a player character? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:41 - Male medusa 05:20 - Monster Manual 2025 09:22 - Player character creature types 17:07 - Does alignment ruin campaigns? 27:24 - Bankruptcy in the games industry 33:02 - Reducing D&D group size 43:00 - Character altering consequences

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

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

We start the year with a mailbag of listener questions, including whether you can play an entire D&D campaign as a familiar? How do you use 5e character abilities outside combat? How to make your gaming sessions last longer? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Diana:  @DianaOfTheRose  Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:56 - Best social media platform? 05:42 - Play as a familiar? 14:43 - Class features outside combat 26:34 - Rule of Cool 29:58 - Longer session playtime 40:12 - Showing the GM's hand

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

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

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

The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying arrives on D&D Beyond, possibly opening the door for other "Valiant" non-D&D games? We try to solve the mystery of the Exodus tabletop game, Elon Musk hints at purchasing Hasbro, and how much should you prep your campaign before session 1? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael Teos:  @AlphastreamRPG  Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:37 - Thanksgiving 04:06 - LotR on D&D Beyond 23:47 - What is the Exodus RPG? 33:02 - Tabletop to video game pipeline 37:00 - Elon Musk buying Hasbro? 43:05 - How to prep before Session 1

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

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

Where should you focus your DM prep when planning a D&D campaign? Will Bastions be included in future 5e adventure modules? Is AI art infiltrating boardgames? All that and more, right now! BoardGameWire article: https://tinyurl.com/BoardGameWireArticle Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro01:51 - Infinite GM prep time? 09:02 - How much is too much prep? 18:22 - AI art in the boardgames 34:45 - Tabletop games jobs fair 37:44 - Steamforged Games partnerships 39:49 - Well wishes Darryl Mott 40:31 - Bastions in adventure modules? 50:21 - Is the DMG Essential?

A torrent of TTRPG news hits, including 5e 2024 monsters previewed on D&D Beyond, Critical Role touring the globe, DriveThruRPG increasing AI browsing features, and a new Ravenloft novel! Late Pledge Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to 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

Hasbro changes its corporate structure which leads to layoffs, new jobs, and a new future for D&D 5e. We also discuss which TTRPG will make you a better GM, and celebrate our Lorecast Halloween tradition! FINAL DAYS to back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Halloween costumes! 02:26 - Grim Hollow KS ending 06:40 - New DM Screen 16:49 - Hasbro corporate restructure 31:13 - Chris Perkins new job 37:02 - October recap 44:47 - Games that teach GMing

LIVE from Gamehole Con, the Eldritch Lorecast peaks inside the D&D 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide with LaTia Jacquise. It's a whole Dungeon Master toolbox filled with chase rules, the entire Greyhawk setting, and... doors? Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Joe: @_Joe_Raso LaTia: @latiajacquise Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:03 - Gamehole Con 08:12 - 2024 DMG 16:04 - Greyhawk setting 21:38 - D&D movie sequel? 27:14 - Losing animal companions 35:44 - Hobby vs profession 46:37 - Player red flags

Live from PAX Aus, the Eldritch Lorecast hosts a discussion about the toll YouTube takes on the mental health of D&D and Tabletop creators. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben:  @GhostfireGaming  Trent:  @Miscast  Luna:  @Luboffin  Dave:  @TabletopTime  Dael:  @MonarchsFactory  __ Editor:  @ZsDante 

After a quick convo about community etiquette and making the internet safer, we dive into the D&D 2024 DMG update and which Bastion system is right for you? Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @jamesjhaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Staying current with editions 06:53 - Convention news 12:46 - MTG Commander community 23:23 - DMG 2024 preview 41:07 - Low magic in 5e

We explore our favorite TTRPG settings and what makes a good campaign setting, whether the 80's D&D cartoon will ever get a revival, and can 5e be played in low magic worlds? Back the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to 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

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

Comments from Hasbro CEO ignites another discussion on AI tools in D&D, MCDM releases their creator license for Draw Steel, and we debate whether being a YouTuber helps or hinders success for TTRPG creators? Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James:  @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro01:11 - Scheduling regular games 06:30 - Chris Cocks talks AI 15:30 - D&D preorders cancelled 16:26 - Draw Steel! creator license 23:27 - YouTube & TTRPG publishers 40:31 - DriveThru game jam 49:32 - Grim Hollow Transformed! 54:46 - In-game laws of magic

This week the Lorecast discusses the ethics of designing wargames for the military, discusses whether bounded accuracy supports a "heroic fantasy" ludonarrative, and revises the Grim Hollow transformation rules! Follow the Grim Hollow Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ghostfiregaming/grim-hollow?ref=5z40qv Check out People Make Games' excellent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYaDXZ2MI-k Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: @JamesJHaeck  Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 04:58 - Structuring adventures 13:48 - Grim Hollow transformations 26:09 - Designing games for the military 43:12 - Bounded accuracy

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

James Introcaso from MCDM joins us to talk Draw Steel and whether developing games publicly make for better TTRPG's? D&D Beyond and Paizo both walk back unpopular policies, and can RPG's have purely storytelling rules without dice? Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne James: @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Big Jimbo: @JamesIntrocaso Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:50 - Developing Draw Steel 18:18 - D&D Beyond updates 29:52 - Paizo licensing 32:17 - Cosmere breaking records 40:03 - Mighty Nein series 48:07 - Purely narrative mechanics

Good news and bad news in the TTRPG industry this week as D&D books are delayed, Geek & Sundry return, Paizo changes their 3rd party licensing, and Deborah Ann Woll teaches us all about roleplaying games! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James: ‪@JamesJHaeck‬ Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor: ‪@ZsDante‬ Topics: 00:00 - Intro 02:05 - Deborah Ann Woll teaches D&D 11:23 - D&D 2024 delays 12:28 - Geek & Sundry return 15:12 - Patreon problems 24:20 - Critical Role are Among Us 27:11 - Paizo licensing changes 31:19 - Roll20 preorder incentives 34:35 - Writing your first adventure

In the aftermath of Gen Con, a miscommunication from WotC leads to big trouble for D&D YouTubers. Meanwhile, a new record in TTRPG crowdfunding is being broken. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Shawn: @shawnmerwin Dael: @dailydael James:  @JamesJHaeck Editor:  @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Con drop 07:52 - Gen Con news recap 22:47 - WotC vs YouTube 42:07 - D&D's digital future? 53:15 - Cosmere Kickstarter

LIVE from Gen Con we explore the D&D 2024 Player's Handbook with WotC designers Makenzie De Armas and Justice Ramin Arman. We also get a sneak peak at Project Sigil, the D&D 3D VTT, and prepare ourselves to Draw Steel! Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Shawn: @shawnmerwin Makenzie: @MakenzieLaneDA Justice: @justicearman Editor: @ZsDante Topics: 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Gen Con 06:29 - Puncheons & Flagons 09:12 - 2024 PHB 24:54 - The "Math" 32:43 - Designing for humans 36:04 - Monster Manual 41:25 - Designing from art 48:07 - Project Sigil 53:27 - Draw Steel!

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

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

The new D&D Monk splits the Lorecast crew, Wizards of the Coast reshuffle their staff with a notable absence, and a new streaming service strives to compete with Twitch. Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com Ben: @TheBenByrne Dael: @dailydael James:  @JamesJHaeck Shawn: @shawnmerwin Editor:  @ZsDante  Topics: 00:00 - Intro 06:14 - Monk 2024 27:13 - Bard 2024 30:51 - Sorcerer 2024 32:37 - Cleric 2024 35:23 - Kyle Brink leaves WOTC 38:50 - D&D stamps 41:58 - Moonbeam 52:40 - Sci fi TTRPG's

A pre-order bonus for the D&D 3D VTT has us wondering how close it is and how WotC plan to monetize it? Are the new dragons an upgrade from the old? Wouldn't you like to custom make your character's species? Playtest Grim Hollow's heritage system: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHPG_2024_7_145 Email your questions to 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

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

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