The Eldritch Lorecast
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© Ghostfire Gaming
Description
Ben Byrne, Dael Kingsmill, Shawn Merwin, and James Haeck bring you the latest tabletop hobby news, discussions on roleplaying game design, ideas for players and GMs, and share their passion for tabletop roleplaying games and the community!
For More info be sure to check out ghostfiregaming.com.
For More info be sure to check out ghostfiregaming.com.
164 Episodes
Reverse
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
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Great episode, as always, love the Curse of Strahd workshopping at the end, more of that type of stuff please. Nothing better than seeing people doing what they do best. Plus Ben's description of a vampire was magnificent.
a lot of prophecy that has come true in this episode