The Eldritch Lorecast
By Ghostfire Gaming
The Eldritch LorecastApr 24, 2024
#134. Are New TTRPG's Crowding Out Smaller Indie's?
Cynthia Williams resigns from Wizards of the Coast and leaves behind her D&D legacy, Critical Role showcase Daggerheart rules on stream, and Pathfinder has new classes for you to playtest.
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @dailydael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:30 - Cynthia Williams resigns
14:42 - Steve Jackson Games
25:04 - CR advertises Daggerheart
25:46 - Campaign SPOILERS
29:00 - Spoilers end
30:18 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
31:35 - Pathfinder news
42:41 - Baldur's Gate 4
47:59 - Crowded TTRPG industry
#133. Does Initiative Make Daggerheart Better or Worse?
We review the changes to Daggerheart and whether it's better or worse with initiative rules, boggle at the price of Dimension 20 live tickets, and consider whether Hasbro's CEO is right about the future of gaming.
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Chris Cocks WBUR-fm interview: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/04/03/dungeons-and-dragons-hasbro
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Dungeon Dudes: @DungeonDudes
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:33 - Dimension 20 ticket prices
19:11 - Daggerheart playtest update
40:55 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
49:22 - Metamorphosis Alpha
50:15 - Chris Cocks interview
#132. What Loot Is Hiding in the D&D LEGO Dungeon?
This week Lexi McQueen joins the Lorecast to look through the D&D LEGO adventure, speculate at the D&D video game news, and then we all try not to panic while our party learns to teleport!
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_DDMD_2024_4_131
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Lexi: @blackgirlmage
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:30 - Making Liveplays
11:53 - Writing adventures
14:18 - LEGO D&D Adventure
20:43 - D&D Videogame news
28:43 - Karlach takes up wrestling!
30:37 - Women Innovators of Play 2024
32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
32:58 - TTRPG rules vs setting
53:42 - Handling the teleport spell
#131. D&D Sales Have Dropped in 2023! What Now?
D&D Beyond joins Kickstarter to support Monsters of Drakkenheim, a free 5e adventure is released for Tsojcanth, and are dropping D&D sales in 2023 a problem?
Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:49 - Digital vs physical rules
06:14 - Point buy vs roll stats
14:18 - D&D Beyond on Kickstarter
21:49 - Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth
32:33 - D&D sales fall 30%
48:30 - TTRPG dream sequences
#130. Baldur's Gate 4 is Cancelled. Here's Why!
A deluge of gaming news breaks with a sneak peak at the new 5e DMG, Tome of Beast hits D&D Beyond, Wizard's secures more licensing deals, and Larian cancels Baldur's Gate 4!
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Gaming snacks
06:51 - Conquest Melbourne
07:37 - Gary Con news
08:20 - Shadowdark
11:56 - Matt Mercer in the new DMG
15:05 - More Gary Con news
29:33 - Tome Of Beasts on D&D Beyond
32:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
36:15 - D&D LEGO release
41:03 - D&D Converse
42:10 - Baldur's Gate cancelled
48:11 - Remembering James M. Ward
50:09 - D&D is for Nerds podcast
#129. Daggerheart Doesn't Want You to Roll for Initiative
The Dungeon Dudes drop in to talk the Daggerheart open Beta, their next 5e Kickstarter "Monsters of Drakkenheim", and whether AI creation tools can be used responsibly?
Get Monsters of Drakkenheim: https://get.monstersofdrakkenheim.com/14
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @JamesJHaeck
Monty: @montycmartin
Kelly: @KaiInRealLife
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Best 5e monster type
13:20 - Monsters of Drakkenheim
31:56 - Hasbro using AI
43:38 - Daggerheart playtest
#128. 5e Adventurer's League Absorbed by D&D Beyond!
5e Adventurer's League consolidates onto D&D Beyond, Chaosium offers money if you develop for the Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine, and Kobold Press announces a new Tales of the Valiant starter set!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:49 - Chaosium game design competition
20:08 - Adventurers League on D&D Beyond
25:44 - Premier AL organizers
37:59 - Tales of the Valiant starter set
42:09 - Do adventure modules railroad?
#127. How to Playtest Daggerheart for Darrington Press!
Darrington Press announces a Daggerheart open playtest, D&D Beyond updates Maps and offers an exclusive Vecna adventure, and a surprise new TTRPG adventure wants you to play for science!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:23 - Daggerheart playtest
22:28 - D&D Beyond Maps
29:43 - Vecna: Nest of the Eldritch Eye
39:43 - Realms of Kymoria lawsuit
44:31 - Learning from adventure modules
53:05 - Surprise NASA TTRPG
#126. How Many D&D Characters Can You Name?
Does D&D lore need a refresh with more recognizable characters? Why did WotC cut Portuguese translations from their books? Where's the best place to get TTRPG news? All that and more on the Eldritch Lorecast!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Luna: @Luboffin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:13 - Rascal TTRPG news
12:54 - D&D in Portuguese cut
16:45 - Candela Obscura season 4
31:46 - Tom Cardy & Dragon Friends
35:39 - Faction design
45:15 - Updating D&D lore
#125. Has D&D Cross Marketing Gone Too Far!?
This week's Eldritch Lorecast reignites the Legendary Resistance debate, welcomes more 3rd party publishers to D&D Beyond, gets hyped for LEGO rumors, and charts the rise and fall of Evil Genius Games.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Legendary resistances
15:46 - Hasbro investor call
25:06 - Humblewood on D&D Beyond
26:51 - D&D LEGO partnership
33:06 - Rise and fall of Evil Genius Games
40:15 - No-win player choices
#124. Will Release Dates Build Excitement for D&D 2024?
The D&D 2024 release schedule arrives just in time for this week's Eldritch Lorecast! We also talk Dragonlance heartbreak and how to use player-character backgrounds effectively?
Discover Surviving Strangehollow: http://get.accidentalcyclops.com/4
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:22 - TTRPG romance
05:47 - Dragonlance heartbreak
15:58 - D&D 2024 release schedule
22:02 - Player's Handbook 2024
25:57 - D&D Converse, LEGO, and Pop-tarts
30:28 - Surviving Strangehollow
38:05 - Foundry VTT partnership
46:03 - Using character backstories
#123. The Rage Bait Meta is Taking Over D&D YouTube!
This week's Eldritch Lorecast Unearths the last of the D&D Arcana and gets rage baited by the latest TTRPG controversies.
Express your style with 10% off at INTO THE AM: https://intotheam.com/GhostfireGaming
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Teos: @Alphastream
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Exciting 5.5e rules
10:00 - Playtest Packet 8 review
22:27 - 5.5e launch dates
28:33 - Into the AM
30:41 - Tencent & rage bait
45:35 - Between session storytelling
#122. The First D&D VR Game! Would You Join the Adventure?
We announce all the 5e news from Ghostfire Gaming, review the Deck of Many Things continued production issues, and when we can expect D&D in VR?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
James: @JamesJHaeck
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:48 - 2024 gaming conventions
07:58 - Ghostfire Gaming news!
15:37 - Deck of Many Things manufacturing
21:39 - D&D VR game
31:58 - Netflix TTRPG lawsuit
33:48 - Retreating in D&D 5e?
52:39 - Cutting rules from 5.5e
57:29 - 3D printing minis
#121. How Nightshade Inflicts Poison Damage on AI Art
Is Nightshade the end of AI art in the TTRPG industry? How do you effectively playtest new rules you've written? What's the worst DM behavior you've put up with in your D&D game? All that, and more!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Dael: @DailyDael
Logan: @the_runesmith
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - TTRPG creator advice
09:53 - Nightshade poisons AI art
16:55 - Random House cocktails
25:33 - Bad DM behavior
40:08 - Playtesting subclasses
51:07 - Too many NPCs
#120. Avoid the Pitfalls when Introducing New D&D Players
This week's Eldritch Lorecast celebrates the D&D Movie winning an award, commemorates the passing of Jennell Jaquays, explores Aussie game design, and how NOT to introduce new players to 5e or TTRPG's.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:26 - Critical fumbles
07:03 - D&D Movie wins!
08:48 - Remembering Jennell Jaquays
12:35 - Ruining D&D for new players
33:21 - Aussie game design
#119. The Inevitable Rise of AI Art in TTRPG's
Hot takes burn up this week's Eldritch Lorecast as the crew tackle WotC getting caught using AI Art once again, and whether the Golden Age of TTRPG's is dead as Ben Riggs predicts?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:50 - Gaming over the Break
13:21 - Congratulations MCDM
14:14 - Golden Age of TTRPGs
27:24 - WotC and AI Art... again
45:42 - Bryan Ansell Tribute
46:39 - The Clone Spell
#118. How to Choose a 5e Adventure for the New Year?
This week we discuss integrity in the TTRPG YouTube space, choose new 5e adventures for 2024, and discuss whether the stun condition should be removed from D&D entirely?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
05:05 - AI Art False Accusation
09:52 - Integrity in TTRPG YouTube
14:32 - Choosing an adventure
29:55 - Max level cap
47:20 - High level campaigns
51:40 - Remove the stun condition?
#117. How to Publish a TTRPG from Homebrew to Hardcover
Learn the entire process of publishing a TTRPG product in the industry, from game design, writing, editing, art, graphic design, project managing, and marketing your book. A special episode of The Eldritch Lorecast recorded LIVE at PAX Aus 2023.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Phil: @PhilBeckwithDnD
Vee: @Rocketeer_Vee
Hayley: @storybrewers
Editor: @ZsDante
#116. Was 2023 the Best or Worst Year for TTRPG's?
We celebrate a massive year for D&D the Tabletop Roleplaying Game industry as a whole! The ups, the downs, and everything in between.
Final hours to back Enchanting Emporiums on Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
08:12 - Biggest news of 2023
18:32 - Best TTRPG release
30:01 - Best TTRPG related release
40:04 - Best Con of 2023
47:43 - Guests of the year
52:16 - Best ELC moments
#115. Could The MCDM RPG Launch be Any More Wild?
After being blown away by The MCDM RPG day 1 success, the team review the 50 Years of D&D panel and all the 5e books set for release in 2024.
Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:27 - Most spent on crowdfunding
08:29 - The MCDM RPG
25:21 - 50 Years Of D&D panel
27:55 - Gaming at Conventions
37:43 - Quests from the Infinite Staircase
39:11 - Vecna - Eve of Ruin
41:23 - 2024 PHB & Monster Manual
48:56 - The Game Awards
55:24 - Hasbro Layoffs
#114. D&D Beyond Unleashes Surprise 3rd Party 5e Content!
Ghostfire Gaming arrives on D&D Beyond with Lairs of Etharis and Dungeons of Drakkenheim, the first 3rd party 5e content after Critical Role. We also take time to answer listener emails.
Get Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHMG_2023_12_114
Support the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @JamesJHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Creating monster lairs
07:58 - Lairs of Etharis on D&D Beyond
18:00 - Describing fantasy worlds
30:20 - Keeping campaigns going
37:45 - Dragons in Grim Hollow?
#113. Mo' Monk, Mo' Problems - Stunning Strike is Broken!
Reviewing the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet 8 leads to pondering whether 5e still needs resource management and if it's better for a monk's foe to succeed against Stunning Strike?
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjHaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Thanksgiving
04:29 - Ghostfire at PAX Unplugged
11:00 - WotC PAX Panel
13:27 - Unearthed Arcana
36:46 - D&D Movie Sequel?
40:26 - Peril in Pinebrook
47:09 - Pathfinder Core changes
56:25 - Enchanting Emporiums
#112. STOP Making Boring D&D Shopping Sessions!
This week we deep dive into 'The Seeker's Guide to Enchanting Emporiums', and why the latest 5e release 'Peril in Pinebrook' isn't for D&D players! We also discuss the application of crafting in your TTRPG campaign.
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Logan: @the_Runesmith
Editor: @ZsDante
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Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:55 - Favorite magic items
08:14 - Enchanting Emporiums
33:43 - Peril in Pinebrook
40:27 - Deck of Many Things update
42:19 - The TTRPG acronym
47:31 - Magic item crafting
#111. Why the Brawler Got KO'd from the D&D Playtest!
Dael and Ben argue whether the D&D Brawler should be a Fighter or a Monk subclass. We review the updates to D&D Beyond Maps, celebrate the release of Candela Obscura, and ponder how to fight god.
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:40 - D&D Playtest packet 7
21:24 - D&D Beyond Maps
23:49 - Maps vs the 3D VTT
29:52 - AI DMing
36:10 - Candela Obscura Nexus
38:37 - Sourcebook vs adventure module
55:35 - How to fight god
#110. Why is EVERYONE Talking About This D&D Adventure?
This week we're talking Magic Item Shops, new Black Flag adventures from Ghostfire Gaming, why in the Nine Hells EVERYONE is talking about Chains of Asmodeus, and clues about D&D 2024's core 5e rulebooks and release slate!
Follow the Enchanting Emporium's Kickstarter: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ELEE_2023_11_109
Arora: We All Fall Down (Black Flag adventure): https://preview.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/458423/arora-we-all-fall-down
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Magic item shops
10:19 - The Seeker’s Guide to Enchanting Emporiums
16:17 - Ghostfire’s Black Flag adventures
25:08 - The realms of Arora
28:23 - New D&D streaming service
39:37 - Chains of Asmodeus
48:57 - D&D 2024 hints
#109. D&D's Beautiful Catastrophe!
Wizards of the Coast delays the D&D Deck of Many Things, MCDM announces their RPG Backerkit launch, and Kobold Press releases the Black Flag SRD. Meanwhile, nobody is impressed by Critical Role!?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Deck of Many Things delayed
15:30 - WotC increased revenue
20:32 - D&D arriving to schools
23:58 - MCDM RPG launch date
25:25 - Black Flag SRD
39:41 - Critical Role news roundup
45:22 - Why PC's never die anymore
#108. Planescape's Surprise Update & Pathfinder's Dilemma!
Shawn reports back from Gamehole Con on the MCDM RPG, D&D Beyond launches Day 1 DLC for Planescape, the Candela Obscura draws near, and Paizo hikes its Pathfinder prices! All that Tabletop News, and more to come!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:32 - Gamehole Con
07:59 - MCDM RPG round 2
19:21 - Tabletop News launches
26:46 - Candela Obscura and horror RPGs
37:27 - Adventure Atlas: The Mortuary
49:45 - Paizo price hike
#107. Why is D&D Returning to Magazines and Print Media?
This week D&D returns to magazine shelves with Dungeons & Dragons Adventurer, new iconic D&D characters are possibly teased, and we return to our discussion social encounter game mechanics to decide how much crunch is the right amount.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:49 - New D&D Iconic Characters
12:20 - DriveThruRPG Update
18:45 - D&D Adventurer magazine
28:16 - Aberration last 48hrs
30:06 - Social encounter crunch?
42:57 - Casting spells in front of NPC’s
54:50 - New D&D celebrity liveplay
#106. We Play Tested the MCDM TTRPG! We Have Thoughts...
After playtesting the MCDM TTRPG at PAX Aus, Ben, Dael and James have thoughts... we also look at the Bastion system in the new D&D Unearthed Arcana playtest packet. Shawn doesn't think the sky is falling for bookstores.
Check out Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_106
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:42 - MCDM RPG Playtest
12:56 - Tactical Heroic Cinematic Fantasy
19:05 - MCDM dice mechanics
26:02 - Its place in the industry?
34:54 - Negotiation system
44:02 - D&D Beard oil
47:17 - UA: Bastion system
01:03:39 - WotC ends distribution contract
01:08:12 - UA: cantrips
#105. Powerful New Fey Stat Blocks Hit D&D Beyond
This week the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4 unleashes on D&D Beyond, Netflix rolls for initiative against a TTRPG publisher, and the Australians' lose their minds.
Discover Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_10_105
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Favorite gaming convention?
06:03 - Find us at PAX Aus
12:50 - Evil Genius vs Netflix
27:14 - Planescape
35:14 - New fey monsters for 5e
44:42 - Aberration
46:34 - Baldur’s Gate supplement?
58:07 - Digital purchases bad for games?
#104. D&D Beyond Surprise Launches New VTT!
Game designer Peter Lee joins the Lorecast to discuss board game development, how to use playtest feedback, and the history of his career. We also take a look the new D&D Beyond Maps and dissect some D&D sales data!
Back Aberration here: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_GHAB_2023_9_104
Find Teos' blog: https://alphastream.org/index.php/2023/09/25/how-dd-sells-and-what-it-means-for-the-hobby/
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Peter: @minipete
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Favorite board games
05:59 - Peter Lee's game design career
15:28 - Aberration from concept to Gamefound
20:43 - The Great Beast of Grim Hollow
29:55 - Aberration expansions
32:54 - D&D Beyond: Maps
41:51 - Planescape
43:27 - Dissecting D&D sales data
50:56 - How to use playtest feedback
#103. 3rd Party Publishers Arrive on 5e Nexus!
This week is look at how Baldur's Gate 3 uses initiative, celebrate Grim Hollow: The Monster Grimoire arriving on 5e Nexus, and explore implicit storytelling in TTRPG adventures.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:07 - Best way to use initiative
15:24 - D&D Beyond VTT alpha
18:35 - Roll20 buys Dungeon Scrawl
24:49 - 3rd parties on 5E Nexus
30:42 - Email about emails
31:46 - Implicit storytelling in RPGs
40:05 - Restricting monster options
59:59 - The truth about thieves guilds
#102. Barbarians Are D&D's Best Spellcasters, After All!
Another full episode of pouring over a playtest packet for D&D 5e (2e), which raises game design questions about opportunity attacks, whether failure is good, and is D&D too "magical"?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:05 - D&D Playtest 7
03:41 - Counterspell
07:24 - Wildheart barbarian
12:59 - Battle Master fighter
19:27 - Opportunity attacks
22:13 - 5e 2024 design goals?
31:58 - Wild Magic sorcerer
41:14 - Mild BG3 spoiler begins
41:57 - BG3 spoiler ends
41:58 - Barbarians are magic now
47:58 - Warlock changes
#101. Phandelver and Below is NOT Child Friendly!
We're delving below Phandelver to preview the latest D&D 5e adventure, discussing new Pathfinder classes up for playtest, and then relax with a fine drink at the Quest's End.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Omar: @OmarNajam
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: @ZsDante
00:00 - Intro
04:38 - Phandelver & Below
11:23 - Baldur's Gate Gazetteer
14:22 - New Pathfinder classes
27:43 - Quest's End D&D whiskey
38:26 - Does 5e have too many classes?
50:40 - D&D Beyond: Before the Storm
57:05 - Time travelling campaigns?
#100. The #1 TTRPG Podcast in All The Realms!
This week we take a break from the D&D news to answer YOUR questions about TTRPGs, 3rd party publishing, game mechanics and power rangers!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Our named wizards spells
04:37 - Our power ranger colors!
06:11 - Hopes for the next 100 episodes
07:32 - Balancing companion NPCs
13:38 - Art inspiration for RPGs
21:28 - Future of 3rd party publishing
26:05 - Best idea you've never run
32:12 - Indie mechanics for D&D
37:14 - What's your favorite color?
39:50 - TTRPG industry networking
43:45 - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
45:48 - What are witches hats?
46:37 - A house rule you can't live without
49:54 - When does 5e become a new game?
53:00 - Names the Lorecast almost had
#99. D&D Beyond Publishes 3rd Party Content
D&D Beyond publishes it's first 3rd party supplement, Tal'Dorei Reborn from Darrington Press. We also review Glory of the Giants, and decide when it's okay to give players meta knowledge to make in game choices.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:59 - D&D Beyond publishing 3rd parties
22:32 - Dael's giant sized adventure
25:02 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
36:00 - Giving players meta knowledge
49:42 - Class design discussion
57:11 - Oath breakers in 5e
#98. Daggerheart's Radical Divergence from D&D 5e!
We're diving into the design of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, and just how different it is from D&D 5e. We also announce a new board game, discuss the Playtest 5 survey results, and discover why not everyone's happy with Baldur's Gate 3's success.
Discover more about Aberration: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_ABB_2023_7_098
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:18 - Baldur's Gate 3
16:13 - Aberration: The Board Game
19:06 - D&D playtest 5 survey results
26:26 - Daggerheart preview
49:19 - Dropout back in production
50:45 - How to network at conventions
#97. AI Art 'Lends a Hand' to D&D's Giants Book
Live from Gen Con 2023 we discuss AI art infiltrating the TTRPG industry, events from the convention show floor, US pub culture vs Australian, and celebrate industry award winners.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Anthony: @AJoyce_Rivera
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Gen Con 2023
17:14 - USA vs Australia
24:33 - Diana Jones award
26:12 - AI art in Bigby's giants book
39:49 - The Ennies
46:31 - Dnd rules update... update
51:21 - Meta currencies in games
#96. Is Kickstarter Killing the TTRPG Industry?
This week we dive into the mailbag to answer your D&D and TTRPG questions, including whether the Kickstarter hype cycle is killing the TTRPG industry, and whether there's a solution to challenge ratings!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - American vs Aussie slang
18:41 - Gen Con 2023
20:12 - Creating a TTRPG moment with music
28:09 - A solution to Challenge Ratings
36:23 - Is Eberron dark fantasy?
44:30 - Is Kickstarter good for the TTRPG industry?
#95. Will MCDM's New TTRPG Change the Industry?
Lots of sneak peaks this week: Matt Colville reveals design goals for the MCDM roleplaying game, Wizards of the Coast preview Planescape, and Candela Obscura announces Chapter 2!
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Best incorporeal undead?
09:52 - Planescape sneak peak
22:23 - MCDM’s new game
39:45 - SAG-AFTRA & live plays
51:59 - Candela Obscura Chapter 2
54:41 - Why spell points suck
#94. Bigby Presents- Hold on, is Gandalf a Paladin?
This week's Eldritch Lorecast asks the big question! Which giant is best giant? Why are psionics largely absent from D&D 5e? Is Gandalf a paladin!?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:46 - Which Giant is best?
06:39 - Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
17:01 - Mirrorscape's augmented reality
24:06 - Best one shot modules
35:44 - Class narrative archetypes
51:39 - Is Gandalf a paladin?
54:49 - Psyonics in 5e
#93. How Much D&D Romance is Too Much?
This episode includes Baldur's Gate 3, D&D romances, and a bear! We also congratulate the Ennie Award nominees, and Smosh (finally) starts their live play game.
Check out the Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
03:22 - Aetherial Expanse leaving Kickstarter
05:51 - Ennie Award Nominations
13:04 - Romancing a Bear
16:53 - Baldur's Gate 3 Updates
21:24 - Smosh D&D Stream
33:18 - Breaking class stereotypes
#92. Is New D&D 5e too Focused on Player Success?
The latest Unearthed Arcana drops another 5e playtest packet, prompting more conversation about D&D's goals as a game. We also give a few opinions on the latest changes.
Discover 'Arora: Age of Desolation' with new 5e exploration mechanics: https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AR01_2023_7_092
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:28 - The ORC License
04:51 - D&D Playtest Packet 6
15:35 - Too much player success?
29:15 - Exhaustion & storytelling currency
39:56 - Capstones & Bards
42:00 - Druids & Monks
48:36 - Valiant playtest packet
49:25 - Changes to spell learning
#91. Valiant Tales About TTRPG Publishing
Shawn Merwin, Dael Kingsmill and James Haeck hosts this episode discussing the Tales of the Valiant, how to get noticed if you plan to publish your own adventure/TTRPGs and other listener emails with our honoured guest Scott Fitzgeralt Gray!
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Scott: @scottfgray
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:58 - Things people dont know about you
05:56 - Tales of the Valiant smashed it!
10:29 - A perfectly delivered advert
11:58 - Importance of symmetry in game design
27:21 - How will the next 10 years look like?
37:23 - Multiclassing still relevant!?
47:57 - The best way to get your work noticed
#90. Favorite 5e Monsters to Make Formidable!
D&D Community managers Sarah Chaffee and LaTia Jacquise join the Eldritch Lorecast to chat about the spookiest monsters, playing games in public spaces, and being part of this wonderful community!
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Sarah: @sarahiscoffee
LaTia: @LaTiaJacquise
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Memorable game moments
09:27 - D&D Beyond Twitch
12:00 - Adventurer's League still strong
20:55 - Being part of the D&D community
25:43 - Running spooky D&D monsters
43:26 - Aetherial Expanse hype
44:58 - Mass combat advice
54:36 - Playing in public spaces
#89. The REAL Reason D&D isn't Changing Editions!
The Aetherial Expanse Kickstarter launches, the city of Baldur's Gate is finally revealed, and Jeremy Crawford predicts another 10 years of D&D 5e.
Check out Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide https://ghostfiregaming.com/GGYT_AESG_2023_6_089
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
James: @jamesjhaeck
Luna: @luboffin
Editor: @ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Urban vs Wilderness campaign
08:42 - Baldur's Gate revealed
14:26 - Aetherial Expanse: Setting Guide
28:17 - Ten more years of 5e?
47:20 - Are rogues a selfish class choice?
52:34 - Randomly generated dungeons
#88. Pathfinder Refresh Moves out from D&D's Shadow
Pathfinder tries to separate itself further from D&D with a rules refresh! Teos and Adam rejoin the Lorecast to review the Pathfinder changes and answer some pressing listener emails.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Adam: @RetroArchetype
Teos: @Alphastream
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
06:05 - Problem with Pathfinder
09:36 - Pathfinder rules refresh
15:42 - Pathfinder removing alignment
23:46 - Changes to lineage
25:45 - New GM Core
41:41 - GM breaking the game?
51:08 - Session 0 advice
#87. Is Candela Obscura a TTRPG Clone?
The Eldritch Lorecast dives into the Candela Obscura quickplay rules, and answers if there's been a copyright breach? Is the D&D Movie likely to get a sequel? Should we be worried about a TTRPG price rise?
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:33 - Candela Obscura
19:07 - Games copyright
33:35 - D&D Movie sequel?
37:01 - 2023 D&D releases
48:35 - D&D books price rise
57:09 - Tales of the Valiant check in
59:13 - Pathfinder Nexus open beta
#86. You'll Like Feats if We TELL YOU to Like Feats
Blasting through the small amount of D&D and TTRPG news, we then discuss game design through the lens of writing style, flavor text vs rules text, and how to name things.
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
04:27 - Ghostfire's going to Gen Con 2023
12:02 - Dael’s strange experience
14:31 - Latest D&D playtest video
19:19 - Other TTRPG news
20:55 - Importance of writing style
39:16 - flavor text vs rules text
51:49 - Naming characters, monsters, places
#85. A New 5e Setting on a Sea of Starlight!
We dive into the Aetherial Expanse to explore Ghostfire Gaming's new 5e campaign setting, get hyped for Critical Role's "Candela Obscura", and a fantastic listener email plunges us into a discussion of game design theory.
Get notified when The Aetherial Expanse sets sail: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/977277590/the-aetherial-expanse-setting-guide
Email your questions to podcast@ghostfiregaming.com
Ben: @TheBenByrne
Dael: @DailyDael
James: @jamesjhaeck
Shawn: @shawnmerwin
Editor: ZsDante
Topics:
00:00 - Intro
02:54 - Druid & Paladin playtest results
04:05 - Fables is retiring
06:27 - Aetherial Expanse: Campaign Guide
26:47 - Critical Role's Candela Obscura
31:20 - 24/7 D&D streaming channel
39:17 - Faster, Purple Worm! Kill! Kill!
43:21 - Types of play: Gamist, Narrativist, Simulationist